I know this is new, I think I even know at least one filmmaker in Austin that about a year ago was putting together a DSLR kit. Don't know what happened with it but I do remember hearing about it. What do you guys think of digital still cameras being used to film movies and TV shows? Though it isn't new, I’ve seen a lot about in the last week or so. Three or four articles have come across my desk as well as a few blogs and I even saw on the afternoon news a piece on an episode of House being shot on the Canon 5D.
Under a post about this subject on Facebook there was a link to a young filmmaker in the UK, he had a link to his short film teaser trailer that was shot on the Canon 7D and it looks awesome, check out the link. http://deadlyillusions.wordpress.com/
What I'm most interested in is hearing what experiences people are having, the differences and similarities it has with shooting with a HD video camera, is there any problems within the post workflow and in general what are the problems people have encountered and other than the obvious benefits what good surprises have filmmakers found? Is this something Indie filmmakers are using or staying away from. Please leave your stories, comments, ideas in the comment area. I’d love to hear from people on this subject.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 06, 2010
Collaboration
In the filmmaking world collaboration is how the film gets made. The writer, director, producers, DP, all your key department heads, actors, editors…everyone is apart of it. But what happens when one of these people gets on a power trip and thinks they know better then the rest, you usually end up with some upset and dispassionate people that are trying to make a film they don’t care about anymore. It’s probably the biggest fear of most filmmakers, someone telling them what to do and how to do it and it all going against how they work or how they see the film. Sometimes that fear is realized and other times it isn’t. I know as I’ve been planning my films that that does begin to creep in. How could it not? I mean a lot of times you hire people because either they are your friends or they were recommended by a friend. Then you’re completely blindsided when they behave in a way that you weren’t expecting or wanting. Or you get a producer who’s all about team playing then decides that he doesn’t like things in the script because they are to much of this or too much of that. What would his mother think? So, how do you guarantee that this won’t happen on your set? Well, sorry to tell you, you can’t, but you can do your very best at cutting it off before it takes too much of a hold. Sometimes you have to fire someone, other times you have to sit down and really find out what’s going on and other times you just have to tell them to shape up or get off the project. This is the nature of the work. Everyone has an idea and they want their idea to be loved and used. When it’s not and they can’t accept it they push and try to force it upon you, especially if it’s someone in power. The best thing is to make everyone feel their ideas are wanted but that not every idea will work for this particular film and there for will not be used, they’ve been heard but that in the end it’s your decision as director or producer. Now, if you’re the director and not the producer then this needs to be established from the moment the partnership or hiring happens. Do you and producer both agree on the same vision and direction for the film? If not, problems will happen. The director needs to have the producer some what on his side, if they are totally opposing one and other then everything I said above more than likely will happen. Just remember there is no guarantee but you always have the power to sit down and try and work it out, if that doesn’t work, you might have to fire someone or you might have to walk away. The power is in your hands don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, this isn’t your only chance at making a film, remember that. Sometimes it’s just not the right combination of people, because it all comes down to the collaboration.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Learning from the Past
As a director, I think it’s important to learn as much as I can about my craft. So, usually I have at least one if not two books going on about filmmaking or directing. I find value in theory and hearing how other directors work. In the book I’m currently reading there has been a great deal of focus on several movies I’ve never seen. So, a few weeks ago I decided I’d start having movie nights just for me. The films would be movies that were classics, ones that I had missed at the theater or movies I just have never gotten around to watching.
The film that initiated my movie night was The Godfather. Now I know many of you might be surprised, but don’t be. I’ve never been interested in mob movies, haven’t ever seen Good Fellows either. But the directing book made so many references to it that I thought, hell I need to see it, to get the full understand of what this guy is talking about. It turns out I liked it. It’s not as much of a mob movie as say The Sopranos, it’s more about family, a particularly powerful Italian family. It was beautifully shot, the story is strong, and the characters are developed so well that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Probably the only thing that I didn’t like is the length of the film. I am glad that I decided to watch it and it has helped make my reading that much richer for doing so.
I followed The Godfather with Citizen Kane. Citizen Kane is a favorite of mine, I haven’t seen it in several years and again the book was referencing it quite a bit. I thought it would be a good film to follow The Godfather. I knew what to expect, I knew it wasn’t a very long movie, and I knew I loved watching Orson Wells as Kane. So, that following Friday I sat down and watched this classic. There were several scenes I had totally forgotten about and scenes I can still hear my film professors dissecting and pointing out how inventive Wells had been with his shots. When it comes to this movie, there is so much I love about it but the best part for me is observing Wells act. When he’s on screen my eyes are drawn to him, even if it’s Joe Cottons or another actor’s moment in the scene. As a filmmaker, I just think about, how young Wells was, 26 years old, how driven he was and what he accomplished, it motivates and inspires me every time I see it.
My last movie night was two weeks ago, I was visiting a friend and we decided to watch Sixteen Candles followed by Some Kind of Wonderful. Now if you don’t know me that well one thing you’ll quickly learn is I love John Hughes movies. I grew up on his films and as a filmmaker he is one of my greatest influences. One day I’ll make a film that has that John Hughes’ feel. I enjoy Sixteen Candles the most out of all of Hughes films. I think that’s because it’s he’s first directing job and you can tell. There are obvious problems throughout the film but in the end it doesn’t matter. The viewer most times accepts it and allows the film to carry you through. It’s a very simple story and the characters feel more like friends then characters in a movie. For me, watching it is like inviting an old friend over for dinner. After Sixteen Candles we moved on to one of Hughes later films and one in which he didn’t direct but produced. During this viewing of Some Kind of Wonderful I realized how disjointed this film really is. I will always enjoy it but there are some major story problems in this film that you kind of have to ignore and go with the flow. I recently picked up a book about John Hughes, the brat pack, and their movies. There’s a whole chapter all about Some Kind of Wonderful and the problems they had making it. One of the major problems was they really didn’t get the script in ship shape. It had started out in a more comedic tone, then it started to get dark, then back to comedy then a mesh of comedy and drama and finally they settled on more of a drama. The thing is this was not an original idea it was basically a retelling of Pretty in Pink, which unfortunately for Some Kind of Wonderful, wasn’t as good or as solid. The one thing I love about John Hughes and his films is the honest of the characters. No matter how simple or messed up the story gets, in a Hughes film you get real, normal, everyday characters that you can relate to and feel they are being completely honest to you the viewer.
Now, the funny thing about all these movies is that they each have something in common with the script I’m currently writing. See I’m working on a script that is a character driven piece, which usually isn’t my thing. I like to write more event driven scripts. But this idea came to me after visiting England and I really liked it but it’s outside my comfort zone. In a very weird and I guess subconscious way I’ve been seeking out help, looking for stories that are similar or have an element in them that is similar to the story I’m trying to hash out. The script is definitely in the Hughes like tone and style. There are plenty of manipulative characters and situations like in The Godfather and my main character has a very similar journey as Kane’s. I had all of these elements already down before I started my movie nights, so, it’s interesting to me how this has fallen together. Its showed me, what past filmmakers can teach us present day filmmakers, if we’re just willing to have a movie night just for ourselves.
The film that initiated my movie night was The Godfather. Now I know many of you might be surprised, but don’t be. I’ve never been interested in mob movies, haven’t ever seen Good Fellows either. But the directing book made so many references to it that I thought, hell I need to see it, to get the full understand of what this guy is talking about. It turns out I liked it. It’s not as much of a mob movie as say The Sopranos, it’s more about family, a particularly powerful Italian family. It was beautifully shot, the story is strong, and the characters are developed so well that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Probably the only thing that I didn’t like is the length of the film. I am glad that I decided to watch it and it has helped make my reading that much richer for doing so.
I followed The Godfather with Citizen Kane. Citizen Kane is a favorite of mine, I haven’t seen it in several years and again the book was referencing it quite a bit. I thought it would be a good film to follow The Godfather. I knew what to expect, I knew it wasn’t a very long movie, and I knew I loved watching Orson Wells as Kane. So, that following Friday I sat down and watched this classic. There were several scenes I had totally forgotten about and scenes I can still hear my film professors dissecting and pointing out how inventive Wells had been with his shots. When it comes to this movie, there is so much I love about it but the best part for me is observing Wells act. When he’s on screen my eyes are drawn to him, even if it’s Joe Cottons or another actor’s moment in the scene. As a filmmaker, I just think about, how young Wells was, 26 years old, how driven he was and what he accomplished, it motivates and inspires me every time I see it.
My last movie night was two weeks ago, I was visiting a friend and we decided to watch Sixteen Candles followed by Some Kind of Wonderful. Now if you don’t know me that well one thing you’ll quickly learn is I love John Hughes movies. I grew up on his films and as a filmmaker he is one of my greatest influences. One day I’ll make a film that has that John Hughes’ feel. I enjoy Sixteen Candles the most out of all of Hughes films. I think that’s because it’s he’s first directing job and you can tell. There are obvious problems throughout the film but in the end it doesn’t matter. The viewer most times accepts it and allows the film to carry you through. It’s a very simple story and the characters feel more like friends then characters in a movie. For me, watching it is like inviting an old friend over for dinner. After Sixteen Candles we moved on to one of Hughes later films and one in which he didn’t direct but produced. During this viewing of Some Kind of Wonderful I realized how disjointed this film really is. I will always enjoy it but there are some major story problems in this film that you kind of have to ignore and go with the flow. I recently picked up a book about John Hughes, the brat pack, and their movies. There’s a whole chapter all about Some Kind of Wonderful and the problems they had making it. One of the major problems was they really didn’t get the script in ship shape. It had started out in a more comedic tone, then it started to get dark, then back to comedy then a mesh of comedy and drama and finally they settled on more of a drama. The thing is this was not an original idea it was basically a retelling of Pretty in Pink, which unfortunately for Some Kind of Wonderful, wasn’t as good or as solid. The one thing I love about John Hughes and his films is the honest of the characters. No matter how simple or messed up the story gets, in a Hughes film you get real, normal, everyday characters that you can relate to and feel they are being completely honest to you the viewer.
Now, the funny thing about all these movies is that they each have something in common with the script I’m currently writing. See I’m working on a script that is a character driven piece, which usually isn’t my thing. I like to write more event driven scripts. But this idea came to me after visiting England and I really liked it but it’s outside my comfort zone. In a very weird and I guess subconscious way I’ve been seeking out help, looking for stories that are similar or have an element in them that is similar to the story I’m trying to hash out. The script is definitely in the Hughes like tone and style. There are plenty of manipulative characters and situations like in The Godfather and my main character has a very similar journey as Kane’s. I had all of these elements already down before I started my movie nights, so, it’s interesting to me how this has fallen together. Its showed me, what past filmmakers can teach us present day filmmakers, if we’re just willing to have a movie night just for ourselves.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Hunting....for rabbits?
Reading isn’t my strong point. I read slowly so it takes me a long time. In the last few weeks I’ve read over 12 scripts. I’m amazed at what talent is out there and don’t quite understand why we are getting so many bad films when there are fresh new scripts out in the world. But I forget it’s more about money sometimes then making a great film. Anyway, most of the scripts have been good, pretty commercial which is great, always want to get a script that can be sold but unfortunately most are not that original, which makes it easier for me to put it down and move on to the next. It’s hard to write something original since everything has been done one way or another. But it’s even harder to write something that feels original but really might not be…and that’s the golden script. As a filmmaker, you think I want something different, something people haven’t seen but you still want them to connect and have that feeling of familiarity, even if it’s just a passing moment. As a screenwriter, I myself love commercial films but even I tend to question my scripts, because in the end I want my story to stand out and be original. If you can find a way to take something people have seen a million times and turn it just slightly into something different, something original then you’ve accomplished that level of familiarity thus some form of originality. So, the hunt continues for at least two scripts for us to produce and for me to direct. I really am looking forward to that moment of finding just the right script. Every time I begin a new read hopes of instant connection and total immersion are present. Then on the other side of course is my excitement to move forward with making a film, getting the business plan and budget together, start thinking about casting and locations and such things. I have hopes we’ll find a script soon and be able to shoot something next summer. Fingers crossed.
My own writing is coming along well. Outlining and character development is in full swing. This is probably the most structured part of writing for me. Laying all the plans out, making sure everything has a purpose and a through line. Getting to know my characters on a deeper level and it always happens, discovering that one character that raise into a more important role than I had imagined. This is the hardest part of writing for me, picking my brain for all the details of the story and developing believable, realistic characters that are unique in their own way not a copy of someone else’s creation, it’s hard and sometimes I totally fail at it but if I get through it, it is the most rewarding. I’m happy with what’s evolving in the stories thus far and look forward to the day of sitting down and giving each character their voice. But at the moment I have to be patient and work out all those minor and major details. Question, I’ve always been interested in how other writers develop their stories. What steps do you take to build and create your stories? I’d love to hear your process.
A word on “Clombies”, we are still in the fundraising game, it’s just a matter of time. With picking up two more projects I feel the odds will to be better for “Clombies” and I am dedicated to making sure that when “Clombies” is made, we do it right and give it all the advantages we can. It’s a small horror film that done right will be great. So, no matter how long it takes to make it, it will be done and done right.
Signing off for today, have some rabbits to round up, have a great weekend and we’ll speak again soon.
My own writing is coming along well. Outlining and character development is in full swing. This is probably the most structured part of writing for me. Laying all the plans out, making sure everything has a purpose and a through line. Getting to know my characters on a deeper level and it always happens, discovering that one character that raise into a more important role than I had imagined. This is the hardest part of writing for me, picking my brain for all the details of the story and developing believable, realistic characters that are unique in their own way not a copy of someone else’s creation, it’s hard and sometimes I totally fail at it but if I get through it, it is the most rewarding. I’m happy with what’s evolving in the stories thus far and look forward to the day of sitting down and giving each character their voice. But at the moment I have to be patient and work out all those minor and major details. Question, I’ve always been interested in how other writers develop their stories. What steps do you take to build and create your stories? I’d love to hear your process.
A word on “Clombies”, we are still in the fundraising game, it’s just a matter of time. With picking up two more projects I feel the odds will to be better for “Clombies” and I am dedicated to making sure that when “Clombies” is made, we do it right and give it all the advantages we can. It’s a small horror film that done right will be great. So, no matter how long it takes to make it, it will be done and done right.
Signing off for today, have some rabbits to round up, have a great weekend and we’ll speak again soon.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Dreaming of tomorrow
Okay, so I just got back from watching the USA play against Slovenia. What a game! It's the first time for me to watch the cup with a group. A friend of mine invited me out last week to watch the game and boy have I been missing out. I have never in my life, unless working on a movie, been up so early and in a bar. Very strange but lots of fun. The crowd was excited and there was a lot of energy in that room. The boys played great the second half and I'm on a soccer high.
So, now I'm home trying to get back to work and filled with positive energy. I've been working on two script ideas in the last few days. It's been a while since I've had the writing bug. Really hadn't had any good ideas that I wanted to sit down and work on. Then out of the blue (not really the Europe trip helped to change my prepective) these two ideas came to me. Well, that's not totally the truth either. The whole truth is that someone finally said the right thing in the right way to make me realize that having more then one project going at one time is a very wise and helpful way to build momentum. (Thanks Jon) So, with these wise words, which I should say, my mother had said the same thing back in December to me. (Thanks Mom!) Which I should have listened then, I'm a little slow. Anyway, my mind has been opened, "Clombies" is still moving forward, still looking for money, still being preped, but while that continues to move forward...slowly...we're working on developing a few new projects. I've meet with one screenwriting friend and that was very exciting and I look forward to see what he bring back. I've also been on the search for scripts. Which now I have a handful to sit down and read this weekend (thanks to all my writer friends or aquaintances) With all this creative energy running around it seems my mind has relaxed - stopped constantly thinking of "Clombies" and my super cool character Doug - and let a few new characters pop up. To introduce them now would probably be to premature, but let's just say, the two leads are intriguing and have got my imagination working overtime. I can't wait to officially have their coming out. It'll be a while of course, development of the story and of character take time...so I'll be patient as I hope you will as well. I will conseed this much, both script ideas are in the youth genre, one drama and one comedy. I was raised on John Hughes, and to make a film like his, would be a dream come true. So, it makes me very excited that they both fall into this genre. Just have to make sure I let the script be what it is and not try to force it into something it isn't.
When I started the search for scripts I was telling everyone I wanted family scripts, since they are the hot new genre right now... My sister and partner pointed out that family is a very broad genre. If you look at what was made in the 80s and 90s, there were alot of different types of family films, now when you look what's out there, you wouldn't think so. They only really make one kind of family film, so no wonder families are crying out for more content, diverse content. But to make a family film just for the sake of making what's hot, isn't my style. So, I started looking around and realized I have some very talented people around me and I should be open to more then one genre. Also, I've done a lot of research on successful first time directors (that is: directors that were actually in the same boat as I am, not someone who has never directed but knows a ton of famous people because they work with them everyday. But first timers that actually started from scratch) most of their films have been small, personal, moving stories that show off the director's talent as a storyteller. So, instead of putting requirements on genre, the requirements now are: strong story, it can be made in the ultar-low budget range and finally and probably the most in important, that I connect to it. Can't make a good film, if I'm not feeling it.
So, I might regret this, but I'll go ahead and put it out there. If you got a script, you think it's good, can be made very cheatly - that means not a lot of locations, small cast, nothing blows up or car chases etc, then get in touch. I'd like to at least take a look at your synopsis or treatment. If it sounds like something I could get behind, I'll let you know. Today is the day to make things happen.
Have a great one you guys. Celebrate, our USA boys did a great job this morning. And we should be so proud of them and how they are representing us in the Cup.
So, now I'm home trying to get back to work and filled with positive energy. I've been working on two script ideas in the last few days. It's been a while since I've had the writing bug. Really hadn't had any good ideas that I wanted to sit down and work on. Then out of the blue (not really the Europe trip helped to change my prepective) these two ideas came to me. Well, that's not totally the truth either. The whole truth is that someone finally said the right thing in the right way to make me realize that having more then one project going at one time is a very wise and helpful way to build momentum. (Thanks Jon) So, with these wise words, which I should say, my mother had said the same thing back in December to me. (Thanks Mom!) Which I should have listened then, I'm a little slow. Anyway, my mind has been opened, "Clombies" is still moving forward, still looking for money, still being preped, but while that continues to move forward...slowly...we're working on developing a few new projects. I've meet with one screenwriting friend and that was very exciting and I look forward to see what he bring back. I've also been on the search for scripts. Which now I have a handful to sit down and read this weekend (thanks to all my writer friends or aquaintances) With all this creative energy running around it seems my mind has relaxed - stopped constantly thinking of "Clombies" and my super cool character Doug - and let a few new characters pop up. To introduce them now would probably be to premature, but let's just say, the two leads are intriguing and have got my imagination working overtime. I can't wait to officially have their coming out. It'll be a while of course, development of the story and of character take time...so I'll be patient as I hope you will as well. I will conseed this much, both script ideas are in the youth genre, one drama and one comedy. I was raised on John Hughes, and to make a film like his, would be a dream come true. So, it makes me very excited that they both fall into this genre. Just have to make sure I let the script be what it is and not try to force it into something it isn't.
When I started the search for scripts I was telling everyone I wanted family scripts, since they are the hot new genre right now... My sister and partner pointed out that family is a very broad genre. If you look at what was made in the 80s and 90s, there were alot of different types of family films, now when you look what's out there, you wouldn't think so. They only really make one kind of family film, so no wonder families are crying out for more content, diverse content. But to make a family film just for the sake of making what's hot, isn't my style. So, I started looking around and realized I have some very talented people around me and I should be open to more then one genre. Also, I've done a lot of research on successful first time directors (that is: directors that were actually in the same boat as I am, not someone who has never directed but knows a ton of famous people because they work with them everyday. But first timers that actually started from scratch) most of their films have been small, personal, moving stories that show off the director's talent as a storyteller. So, instead of putting requirements on genre, the requirements now are: strong story, it can be made in the ultar-low budget range and finally and probably the most in important, that I connect to it. Can't make a good film, if I'm not feeling it.
So, I might regret this, but I'll go ahead and put it out there. If you got a script, you think it's good, can be made very cheatly - that means not a lot of locations, small cast, nothing blows up or car chases etc, then get in touch. I'd like to at least take a look at your synopsis or treatment. If it sounds like something I could get behind, I'll let you know. Today is the day to make things happen.
Have a great one you guys. Celebrate, our USA boys did a great job this morning. And we should be so proud of them and how they are representing us in the Cup.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Cannes Film Market
When I had planned on going to Cannes it had been to just check things out and have a fun memory for this years birthday celebration. But what I walked away with was a renewed drive, inspiration and a sense that making movies was where I needed to be.
Now granted Cannes did not provide all that. It was actually the traveling we did before arriving in Cannes. We had many adventures in England and Normandy before taking the long train ride across France to the Riveria. We met some wonderful people and even crazier Brits then I have ever met before. Which now really fuels my love for the English. This trip, though I did get exactly what I had planned on getting while in Cannes, provided my a huge push out of my rut and back into living.
So, we're now back...working full force on fundraising for Clombies...but it's not the only project in the mill. Now, we're looking high and low for some new scripts to produce. We're in the market for family scripts - which can mean a family comedy, family adventure, teen comedy / drama, etc. I love the family genre, pretty much all of our shorts have been family films...and it's doublly awesome because family films are hot right now and probably will be for the next three years. So, if you got a family script let me know. Also we're interested in faith based script and life stories...script that you walk away from feeling good and hopefully.
Now, you might be asking how was Cannes? Was it all that it is advertised as? Well, it is definitely a place where deals are being made. And for a filmmaker who wants to get aquainted to sales agents and distributors...it's the best place for that. I would say if you are serious about making films you should go. I would recommend going more at the end of the market because the sales agents and distributors aren't as busy. It gives you a chance to walk around and talk to anyone you like. If you have a project that you're working on, bring some of your marketing material and tons of cards. This is your oppurtunity to make people aware of your project. People who can help you later down the line. And do not be intimidated by it, it's just a film festival, the only difference is, it's in France on the Riveria. But in the way things work, it's like every other festival out there.
Okay, I think that's it for now. I promise to be more timely with the next blog, don't I say this everytime, but I mean it, I will be back, soon. Keep checking in and if you're a writer let's talk, I need to know more writers.
Until next time
Now granted Cannes did not provide all that. It was actually the traveling we did before arriving in Cannes. We had many adventures in England and Normandy before taking the long train ride across France to the Riveria. We met some wonderful people and even crazier Brits then I have ever met before. Which now really fuels my love for the English. This trip, though I did get exactly what I had planned on getting while in Cannes, provided my a huge push out of my rut and back into living.
So, we're now back...working full force on fundraising for Clombies...but it's not the only project in the mill. Now, we're looking high and low for some new scripts to produce. We're in the market for family scripts - which can mean a family comedy, family adventure, teen comedy / drama, etc. I love the family genre, pretty much all of our shorts have been family films...and it's doublly awesome because family films are hot right now and probably will be for the next three years. So, if you got a family script let me know. Also we're interested in faith based script and life stories...script that you walk away from feeling good and hopefully.
Now, you might be asking how was Cannes? Was it all that it is advertised as? Well, it is definitely a place where deals are being made. And for a filmmaker who wants to get aquainted to sales agents and distributors...it's the best place for that. I would say if you are serious about making films you should go. I would recommend going more at the end of the market because the sales agents and distributors aren't as busy. It gives you a chance to walk around and talk to anyone you like. If you have a project that you're working on, bring some of your marketing material and tons of cards. This is your oppurtunity to make people aware of your project. People who can help you later down the line. And do not be intimidated by it, it's just a film festival, the only difference is, it's in France on the Riveria. But in the way things work, it's like every other festival out there.
Okay, I think that's it for now. I promise to be more timely with the next blog, don't I say this everytime, but I mean it, I will be back, soon. Keep checking in and if you're a writer let's talk, I need to know more writers.
Until next time
Saturday, March 13, 2010
SXSW Day 2
Hello all,
This post will be a short one, I promise, I'm exhausted and really want to head for bed earlier then last night. Yes, that's what I said, we made tonight an early night simply because both Elizabeth and I were very tired from our day. So, with that out of the way, here's what happened today....
Went to a few panels, networked with a few folks, and I had my first mentor session. If you're not familiar with this, they are 10 minute one on one meetings where you can sit down with...in this case a distributor...tomorrow they will have mentor sessions with producers, writers, and more distributors. Anyway, it's one of the reason I thought it would be good to attend this year. I was right, it was a good idea. The distributor I sat down with was great. We talked about the comedy horror genre in terms of how it sells in the UK (by the way, he is a UK distributor) It sounded like we've made a good choice on our genre. He was very positive about how comedy horror is received there and therefore sales there. We also talked about bankable actors for the UK, he suggested we find a seasoned brit actor or perhap one of many up and coming younger brits. He also thought that a notable European actor would help the sale for more then just the UK but for Europe. We've thought for a while that "Clombies" would do pretty well in the foreign market, and after today I feel like we are on the right track with that thinking. I have to say that this has been the best part of the festival for me thus far. It was a very positive experience and when I walked away I felt even more excited, if that's possible, about our film. I also walked away with his contact info, so if I have anymore questions I now have someone more in the know to ask. Very cool. Tomorrow I have another distributor mentor session, so we'll see how that one goes.
To round out our day, we finished up downtown and headed over to the Alamo S Lamar to catch the doc, Greenlit. It was pretty good. It's about a film that decided to be a green production. We've thought about trying to be a green production, or at least take some measures to be more green. I think some of our ideas can be pulled off just by watching what they did on their film. If you get a chance and your interested in seeing what it might take to go green, check it out. Here's their website with the trailer on it. Greenlit website.
Okay, I think it's time to wrap up, so, until later. Happy time change everyone.
This post will be a short one, I promise, I'm exhausted and really want to head for bed earlier then last night. Yes, that's what I said, we made tonight an early night simply because both Elizabeth and I were very tired from our day. So, with that out of the way, here's what happened today....
Went to a few panels, networked with a few folks, and I had my first mentor session. If you're not familiar with this, they are 10 minute one on one meetings where you can sit down with...in this case a distributor...tomorrow they will have mentor sessions with producers, writers, and more distributors. Anyway, it's one of the reason I thought it would be good to attend this year. I was right, it was a good idea. The distributor I sat down with was great. We talked about the comedy horror genre in terms of how it sells in the UK (by the way, he is a UK distributor) It sounded like we've made a good choice on our genre. He was very positive about how comedy horror is received there and therefore sales there. We also talked about bankable actors for the UK, he suggested we find a seasoned brit actor or perhap one of many up and coming younger brits. He also thought that a notable European actor would help the sale for more then just the UK but for Europe. We've thought for a while that "Clombies" would do pretty well in the foreign market, and after today I feel like we are on the right track with that thinking. I have to say that this has been the best part of the festival for me thus far. It was a very positive experience and when I walked away I felt even more excited, if that's possible, about our film. I also walked away with his contact info, so if I have anymore questions I now have someone more in the know to ask. Very cool. Tomorrow I have another distributor mentor session, so we'll see how that one goes.
To round out our day, we finished up downtown and headed over to the Alamo S Lamar to catch the doc, Greenlit. It was pretty good. It's about a film that decided to be a green production. We've thought about trying to be a green production, or at least take some measures to be more green. I think some of our ideas can be pulled off just by watching what they did on their film. If you get a chance and your interested in seeing what it might take to go green, check it out. Here's their website with the trailer on it. Greenlit website.
Okay, I think it's time to wrap up, so, until later. Happy time change everyone.
SXSW 1st day
Hey all,
Just a quick late night entry...Elizabeth and I decided to go to SXSW this year. It's funny, we've both lived here for more than 10 years and I think the last time I went to SXSW film was like 5 to 8 years ago and the last time Elizabeth went there wasn't a film festival yet, just music. So, you can imagine that we're both pretty shell shocked by how large the festival has grown.
We didn't make it down to any panels today, mostly because there really wasn't much going on. But we did have two films and a party we wanted to attend. The first film was Erasing David, awesome awesome Doc. We both had a chance to chat with David the filmmaker, who was the subject of the film. The film deals with databases of all our information. If you have ever wondered how much information was out there about you, you should definely watch this film. It's kind scary really. David told Elizabeth that the film was available for VOD on Amazon. So, I check amazon and here it is, check it out if you like. Erasing David VOD link. Also, David said that they are showing at the Boston International Film Festival, so anyone from Boston go check it out. It's worth seeing. Now, the line for this film was long, the wait wasn't to bad...and we did obviously get in because how else would I be telling you these stories. But overall the experience of going to this film was pretty good.
After the film, we headed over to the Kick Ass party...the line to get in was around the corner but it didn't take long to get in and once in we went straight upstairs, it was not as crowd as downstairs and the bar had really no one waiting, nice. We stayed, had a drink and ran into a few friends. Then we headed off to our next film Tucker and Dale VS. Evil, it was showing over at the Alamo Ritz. We were there an hour early and you would not believe the line...it went all the way down the block, around the building and down the street to the ally. We waited a while but then decided we could wait and see it later in the week.
So, overall for the first night of the fest, we had fun, met a few people, saw a really good film and stood in line. This was not really surprising, because as I said SXSW is a big festival and lines are were you meet people, at least that's my experience. I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the weekend into the week pans out.
Probably the most surprising thing was what we found at the Driskel Bar, we stopped by and man oh man was it stupid crazy in there. Tons and tons of people, you could hardly move. We didn't stay - surprise surprise, that kind of crowd makes me crazy. So, note to self, Driskel not on my list of places to go to this week.
Tomorrow we're off to our first set of the panels. Looking forward to doing that, I missed Austin Film Festival last year, so this will fill that void in me. Also one of the biggest reason for signing up was it's providing us a great opportunity to talk about our the project, "Clombies". You knew this would come up, since it's all I like to talk about these days. But it's really exciting to see what kind of questions people ask and just to get face to face feedback is awesome.
If you're at SXSW keep an eye out for us, would love to meet anyone that read this blog.
Anyway, I probably should sign off, I mean I did say this was going to be short...not so much, huh?
Just a quick late night entry...Elizabeth and I decided to go to SXSW this year. It's funny, we've both lived here for more than 10 years and I think the last time I went to SXSW film was like 5 to 8 years ago and the last time Elizabeth went there wasn't a film festival yet, just music. So, you can imagine that we're both pretty shell shocked by how large the festival has grown.
We didn't make it down to any panels today, mostly because there really wasn't much going on. But we did have two films and a party we wanted to attend. The first film was Erasing David, awesome awesome Doc. We both had a chance to chat with David the filmmaker, who was the subject of the film. The film deals with databases of all our information. If you have ever wondered how much information was out there about you, you should definely watch this film. It's kind scary really. David told Elizabeth that the film was available for VOD on Amazon. So, I check amazon and here it is, check it out if you like. Erasing David VOD link. Also, David said that they are showing at the Boston International Film Festival, so anyone from Boston go check it out. It's worth seeing. Now, the line for this film was long, the wait wasn't to bad...and we did obviously get in because how else would I be telling you these stories. But overall the experience of going to this film was pretty good.
After the film, we headed over to the Kick Ass party...the line to get in was around the corner but it didn't take long to get in and once in we went straight upstairs, it was not as crowd as downstairs and the bar had really no one waiting, nice. We stayed, had a drink and ran into a few friends. Then we headed off to our next film Tucker and Dale VS. Evil, it was showing over at the Alamo Ritz. We were there an hour early and you would not believe the line...it went all the way down the block, around the building and down the street to the ally. We waited a while but then decided we could wait and see it later in the week.
So, overall for the first night of the fest, we had fun, met a few people, saw a really good film and stood in line. This was not really surprising, because as I said SXSW is a big festival and lines are were you meet people, at least that's my experience. I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the weekend into the week pans out.
Probably the most surprising thing was what we found at the Driskel Bar, we stopped by and man oh man was it stupid crazy in there. Tons and tons of people, you could hardly move. We didn't stay - surprise surprise, that kind of crowd makes me crazy. So, note to self, Driskel not on my list of places to go to this week.
Tomorrow we're off to our first set of the panels. Looking forward to doing that, I missed Austin Film Festival last year, so this will fill that void in me. Also one of the biggest reason for signing up was it's providing us a great opportunity to talk about our the project, "Clombies". You knew this would come up, since it's all I like to talk about these days. But it's really exciting to see what kind of questions people ask and just to get face to face feedback is awesome.
If you're at SXSW keep an eye out for us, would love to meet anyone that read this blog.
Anyway, I probably should sign off, I mean I did say this was going to be short...not so much, huh?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Clombies' first poster art
Hey Gang,
Thanks so much to those of you who gave us some input on the synopsis. I think we've worked out a pretty good one and soon we'll announce the official launch of the new site then you can judge for yourselves on the brand new synopsis.
So, while you wait I thought it would be cool to show off our first of many poster art that will grace our website. That's right, first of many, you will need to keep your eyes peeled for new content as always but also for new imagines, poster art, and design elements. This will keep things interesting and as I said in the earlier post we're starting out simple but in time the site will have alot of different things to offer. So, without farther ado:
I think it's awesome. All the website design is thanks to a wonderful company in Midland, Texas called Via Media http://www.viamedia.cc/, run by Jon Lindgren. If you need someone who knows what they are doing and does a great job, check them out. He gets what we're doing because he himself is a filmmaker, you should check him out.
Would love to hear what you guys think, leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Thanks so much to those of you who gave us some input on the synopsis. I think we've worked out a pretty good one and soon we'll announce the official launch of the new site then you can judge for yourselves on the brand new synopsis.
So, while you wait I thought it would be cool to show off our first of many poster art that will grace our website. That's right, first of many, you will need to keep your eyes peeled for new content as always but also for new imagines, poster art, and design elements. This will keep things interesting and as I said in the earlier post we're starting out simple but in time the site will have alot of different things to offer. So, without farther ado:
First poster art for Clombies' website
I think it's awesome. All the website design is thanks to a wonderful company in Midland, Texas called Via Media http://www.viamedia.cc/, run by Jon Lindgren. If you need someone who knows what they are doing and does a great job, check them out. He gets what we're doing because he himself is a filmmaker, you should check him out.
Would love to hear what you guys think, leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
To give nothing away or give it all away, that is the quesiton...
Okay, the subject line might be a bit confusing...I promise I'm not giving all of my possessions away. What I'm trying to do, is to figure out just how much information to put in our synopsis. Okay, wait, maybe I should start at the beginning rather then to jump right in to the issue. Here's what's going on...
Elizabeth and I have started the ball rolling on the creation of the Clombies' website design and launch. It's going to be pretty simple and clean at first, considering the film hasn't been made yet and there isn't much to put up. Really the only thing we want up right now is a synopsis and an investor's area. The site will grow as we get farther into soft-prep and pre-pro, but until then we're going to keep it simple. The designs for the poster art have been awesome, we've seen several different directions for the art to go and they are all really good, the great thing about Clombies is it has a few different angles that you can choice to promote from. But that also creates problems because it means you have several different fanbases and you have to decide if you want to focus on one or two of the fanbases or as they say, throw the baby out with the water, and try to hit every fanbase. So, the problem is, we don't want to give away every twist right here at the beginning but we also don't want to miss any opportunity to draw as many fans to the film...so the dilemma is what is too little and what is too much?
Any of you have an opinion on this? Things that you might have noticed? Or is there maybe a standard for website synopsis'? Probably not, like most things in film you just have to figure out what's right for your project and go with that. Anyway, E and I plan on working on the synopsis today...Among other things I need to get done. What do you think if I test out the synopsis E and I come up with with you guys...are you willing to help a girl out?
Elizabeth and I have started the ball rolling on the creation of the Clombies' website design and launch. It's going to be pretty simple and clean at first, considering the film hasn't been made yet and there isn't much to put up. Really the only thing we want up right now is a synopsis and an investor's area. The site will grow as we get farther into soft-prep and pre-pro, but until then we're going to keep it simple. The designs for the poster art have been awesome, we've seen several different directions for the art to go and they are all really good, the great thing about Clombies is it has a few different angles that you can choice to promote from. But that also creates problems because it means you have several different fanbases and you have to decide if you want to focus on one or two of the fanbases or as they say, throw the baby out with the water, and try to hit every fanbase. So, the problem is, we don't want to give away every twist right here at the beginning but we also don't want to miss any opportunity to draw as many fans to the film...so the dilemma is what is too little and what is too much?
Any of you have an opinion on this? Things that you might have noticed? Or is there maybe a standard for website synopsis'? Probably not, like most things in film you just have to figure out what's right for your project and go with that. Anyway, E and I plan on working on the synopsis today...Among other things I need to get done. What do you think if I test out the synopsis E and I come up with with you guys...are you willing to help a girl out?
Friday, February 12, 2010
Inspired by my fellow filmmakers
Okay, so in the last week or so my team and I have been pretty relentlessly looking for financing for Clombies. It's frustrating when you put that much time and effort in and get nothing back. One lady said me to the other day, that the networking you do today and continue to do, you'll begin to reap it's benefits in three month. Now that's great but man, that's an incredibly long time for someone, who like myself likes things to move fast. But don't dispare I'm also not one to quit and neither is my team, so don't worry, this film will be made. It must be made, it's an awesome little story. I would tell you more about it here but I want to wait until we get the website up. It'll be much more fun I think for you guys to be able to look around and find all you can about the film for yourselves.
And on that note, I would like to talk about a film from the UK that is getting some buzz on twitter and the web. Their website is pretty busy so don't let that put you off, but if you're a zombie fan I highly recommend going over and checking out Indywood Project. I'll post at the end of this blog their website address. I just ran across them the other day on twitter and they are highly motivavte to raise funds through crowd funding. I think that's awesome. It's something that we've thought about doing and are actually in the process of brainstorming and figuring out exactly how to approach it. These guys have a nice choice of packages to donate under. The site has given me lot to think about. What do you guys think? Would you donate to them if their film was you sort of film? What would make you donate? What are the kinds of things that interest you that would keep you coming back? These are the questions I really want to get answers to...because if you are in our fan base then I want to make sure you feel apart of the process we're going through. So, please leave a comment or email me through http://www.my-productions.com/. I'd like to know what you guys think of crowd funding and about this whole internet community of film producing.
Another filmmaker that I think you might really get a kick out of is Jane Morgan. I found her and her husband's fund raising adventure over on kickstarter.com. You should check out Jane's blog. I will include her blog link as well as the kickstarter funding page. I hope her the greatest success, she's definitly got the passion, you can feel it through their video promo.
Okay, I guess that's kinda what's on my mind today. Still working, still searching, and still moving towards the start line. I hope you all have an awesome weekend and please leave you're thoughts and questions.
Indywood Projects:
http://www.indywoodproject.com/
Jane Morgan:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/morgan/november-1st-a-short-film-help-the-morgans-mak
Sweet Jane's Blog:
http://lightscameradiapers.blogspot.com/
And on that note, I would like to talk about a film from the UK that is getting some buzz on twitter and the web. Their website is pretty busy so don't let that put you off, but if you're a zombie fan I highly recommend going over and checking out Indywood Project. I'll post at the end of this blog their website address. I just ran across them the other day on twitter and they are highly motivavte to raise funds through crowd funding. I think that's awesome. It's something that we've thought about doing and are actually in the process of brainstorming and figuring out exactly how to approach it. These guys have a nice choice of packages to donate under. The site has given me lot to think about. What do you guys think? Would you donate to them if their film was you sort of film? What would make you donate? What are the kinds of things that interest you that would keep you coming back? These are the questions I really want to get answers to...because if you are in our fan base then I want to make sure you feel apart of the process we're going through. So, please leave a comment or email me through http://www.my-productions.com/. I'd like to know what you guys think of crowd funding and about this whole internet community of film producing.
Another filmmaker that I think you might really get a kick out of is Jane Morgan. I found her and her husband's fund raising adventure over on kickstarter.com. You should check out Jane's blog. I will include her blog link as well as the kickstarter funding page. I hope her the greatest success, she's definitly got the passion, you can feel it through their video promo.
Okay, I guess that's kinda what's on my mind today. Still working, still searching, and still moving towards the start line. I hope you all have an awesome weekend and please leave you're thoughts and questions.
Indywood Projects:
http://www.indywoodproject.com/
Jane Morgan:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/morgan/november-1st-a-short-film-help-the-morgans-mak
Sweet Jane's Blog:
http://lightscameradiapers.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Drum roll please....
Hello All,
I know I know I've been away, way to long. But finally I'm back. And I'm here to make an announcement and to give you guys an update on Clombies. But first, the big announcement.....are you ready???
Finally, we have our very first DVD compiliation, that includes three of our award winning short films, available for purchase online. Amazon's CreateSpace, a place where artist can get their work out, is selling it for us. Currently, it's going for the low price of $12.95...(we're still testing the price so if you notice it change...that's why.) The three shorts included on the DVD are our most current films, Blue Suede Wings -our most recent and most complished film, it had an awesome year and a half film festival run and picked up a few awards along the way. It's also the first of our work to play outside the US. It is also where we met Zach Hopkins, who has become a great asset to our company. Then there is 2 White Kids with Problems - this film was made in 48 hours for the Alamo Drafthouse 1st annual Bloodshot challenage. It won the audience choice award and then went on a short festival run. This is also the first film that I did not write. Once a Storm rounds out the DVD, this film is based on a true life experience I had back in college while I was traveling back to school after the Christmas Holidays. Of course, creative linesce was taken, but it still reminds me of that crazy night. OAS was the first film that we shot on 16mm film and it looks beautiful, we truly had an awesome team on this film. So, there you have it, we are very excited to have it out there and hope that everyone enjoys it. We would love to hear what you think about the new collection.
Now on to Clombies. In the coming weeks you will (hopefully) start to notice more of a web present for our current project. We are working with a wonderful marketing / web guy from Midland on a website for the film as well as graphics for a facebook fan page and other social media markets. I'm probably the most excited about this because this is the time when we start to find our fans, people who love this kind of film, these are my people. I can't wait to share the story and characters with them and see what they think. It's so exciting and at the same time so fun. Anyway, I'll will definitely let everyone know when that goes live.
We are still busy fundraising, it's been slow going but I think in the end that's to our advantage. Each day it seems we learn a little more and a little more. I have no doubt at the right time the money will drop and when it does we'll be ready to go.
Okay, I think that's it for now...and I promise I won't be gone for so long next. See you all soon.
The link to our DVD. https://www.createspace.com/278051
I know I know I've been away, way to long. But finally I'm back. And I'm here to make an announcement and to give you guys an update on Clombies. But first, the big announcement.....are you ready???
Finally, we have our very first DVD compiliation, that includes three of our award winning short films, available for purchase online. Amazon's CreateSpace, a place where artist can get their work out, is selling it for us. Currently, it's going for the low price of $12.95...(we're still testing the price so if you notice it change...that's why.) The three shorts included on the DVD are our most current films, Blue Suede Wings -our most recent and most complished film, it had an awesome year and a half film festival run and picked up a few awards along the way. It's also the first of our work to play outside the US. It is also where we met Zach Hopkins, who has become a great asset to our company. Then there is 2 White Kids with Problems - this film was made in 48 hours for the Alamo Drafthouse 1st annual Bloodshot challenage. It won the audience choice award and then went on a short festival run. This is also the first film that I did not write. Once a Storm rounds out the DVD, this film is based on a true life experience I had back in college while I was traveling back to school after the Christmas Holidays. Of course, creative linesce was taken, but it still reminds me of that crazy night. OAS was the first film that we shot on 16mm film and it looks beautiful, we truly had an awesome team on this film. So, there you have it, we are very excited to have it out there and hope that everyone enjoys it. We would love to hear what you think about the new collection.
Now on to Clombies. In the coming weeks you will (hopefully) start to notice more of a web present for our current project. We are working with a wonderful marketing / web guy from Midland on a website for the film as well as graphics for a facebook fan page and other social media markets. I'm probably the most excited about this because this is the time when we start to find our fans, people who love this kind of film, these are my people. I can't wait to share the story and characters with them and see what they think. It's so exciting and at the same time so fun. Anyway, I'll will definitely let everyone know when that goes live.
We are still busy fundraising, it's been slow going but I think in the end that's to our advantage. Each day it seems we learn a little more and a little more. I have no doubt at the right time the money will drop and when it does we'll be ready to go.
Okay, I think that's it for now...and I promise I won't be gone for so long next. See you all soon.
The link to our DVD. https://www.createspace.com/278051
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)