- David Lynch
Friday, February 28, 2014
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): THE COMMITMENTS
A rousing tale of an inner-city Dublin band finding its soul...
Pull The Trigger...
Founded by Kevin Spacey, Trigger Street is a place for beginning and seasoned filmmakers; there's also Trigger Street Labs, a place where filmmakers and screenwriters can submit their scripts for feedback...
Thursday, February 27, 2014
A Must-See Short Film...
Antonio Ielo's The Heroin Diaries is poignant, beautiful, and creative as hell...this is what great filmmaking looks like...
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): JULES AND JIM
Francois Truffaut's masterpiece on friendship, love, and sexuality...French New Wave filmmaking at its best...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): THIS IS SPINAL TAP
The greatest rock 'n roll band that never was...
Monday, February 24, 2014
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): THE DEER HUNTER
Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep...amazing cast, amazing movie...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): JAWS
Steven Spielberg's pet shark runs rampant in this 1975 summer thriller...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): M.A.S.H.
Trapper John and Hawkeye (as portrayed by Elliot Gould and Donald Sutherland) are director Robert Altman's anti-heroes in this stellar anti-establishment film...
Saturday, February 22, 2014
A Filmmaker’s Motivation A – Z
http://www.raindance.org/a-filmmakers-motivation-a-z/
We are heading into the New Year where resolutions are mixed with regrets. And we want to write scripts and make movies like me, right?
Here’s the rub: Procrastination.
Procrastination is so easy and so much fun it’s amazing any of us get anything done at all. The question is – what actually prompts you into action? Why is it you actually get up and do something? Is it fear?
Curbing the temptation to procrastinate is one of the skills successful screenwriters and filmmakers have – and you don’t need any film school to learn this one! Being charged and committed to your dream is the basic common denominator of successful filmmakers. You have to learn to channel your creative energy and be productive. Those great ideas are worthless and meaningless floating around in your head. You need to get them out and onto the screen.
There’s nothing difficult about this. There is nothing that require’s ‘talent‘. It does take some discipline and commitment. and you know you can do that. right?
Rev up your new year with these A to Z tips. Watch as your creative floodgates open and see your career zoom.
Lights Camera Action – without the magic ‘action’ word, no one on a film set would know what to do or when to start. Everyone would just be hanging around twiddling their thumbs. Same for you and your career. Take the leap. Draw a line in the sand. Then leap! The energy you create by shouting ‘action’ will draw everyone into you circle.
Here’s the rub that I’ve found out the hard way. When you ‘announce’ you are going to do something unconventional or out-or-the-ordinary – everyone will try to distract you and try to get you to give up. The reason is that they are envious and even jealous that you are not only following your dream, but believing in your dream.
When I started the British Independent Film Awards I was told I was totally in over my head, that I had no business and many other cockamammy stories. Fortunately for the BIFA‘s I was able to ignore them!
How are you going to deal with this? I was lucky to get some wise advice from an elder on the farm back when I was a kid: pick a small task. Finish it without distraction. Then pick a slightly more challenging one until you build up your resistance to distraction, a bit like building up a muscle.
I have relied this advice many times and I am far from perfect. I have already checked my emails 3 times while writing this section!
It’s an essential part of the regime.
When I started Raindance I made a mind map of how I thought Raindance would grow. All these years later I often refer to this map hanging in the office. Although some of the place names have changed, it’s still really pretty much the same.
Do the same: plot out how you want to travel to your goal.
Your audience will never warm to any filmmaker who tries to be honest. You just gotta go be it.
Writers too: keep a journal of all the ideas you get as you are off duty so to speak. Isn’t it amazing how the great ideas seem to pop into your head when you are doing something boring like the laundry or hoovering? Write them down!
Here are three classic film laughs:
Learn how to network. Remember that it is really time consuming. Don’t commit these networking faux pas!
By in Filmmaking Career, Indie Tips
We are heading into the New Year where resolutions are mixed with regrets. And we want to write scripts and make movies like me, right?
Here’s the rub: Procrastination.
Procrastination is so easy and so much fun it’s amazing any of us get anything done at all. The question is – what actually prompts you into action? Why is it you actually get up and do something? Is it fear?
Curbing the temptation to procrastinate is one of the skills successful screenwriters and filmmakers have – and you don’t need any film school to learn this one! Being charged and committed to your dream is the basic common denominator of successful filmmakers. You have to learn to channel your creative energy and be productive. Those great ideas are worthless and meaningless floating around in your head. You need to get them out and onto the screen.
There’s nothing difficult about this. There is nothing that require’s ‘talent‘. It does take some discipline and commitment. and you know you can do that. right?
Rev up your new year with these A to Z tips. Watch as your creative floodgates open and see your career zoom.
A is for Annoucement
On a movie set, the director always announces when everyone is to start.Lights Camera Action – without the magic ‘action’ word, no one on a film set would know what to do or when to start. Everyone would just be hanging around twiddling their thumbs. Same for you and your career. Take the leap. Draw a line in the sand. Then leap! The energy you create by shouting ‘action’ will draw everyone into you circle.
B is for Belief
If you don’t believe in what you are doing then no one else will either. If you want to get produced, or get an agent as a screenwriter, or if you want to get investors, cast and crew you need need to be the first to believ in what you are doing.Here’s the rub that I’ve found out the hard way. When you ‘announce’ you are going to do something unconventional or out-or-the-ordinary – everyone will try to distract you and try to get you to give up. The reason is that they are envious and even jealous that you are not only following your dream, but believing in your dream.
When I started the British Independent Film Awards I was told I was totally in over my head, that I had no business and many other cockamammy stories. Fortunately for the BIFA‘s I was able to ignore them!
C is for CUT
When I worked for Henry Moore the sculptor I learned that sometimes a large scale piece was just going wrong. so we stopped and started again. So, time we simply abandoned it. It was working there that I learned the value of learning when an experiment or idea was taking the wrong direction, and being brave enough to admit that one’s time would be spent better on a new project.D is for Distractions
The lure of the social life, the attraction to chat with a friend, the longing to escape into a world of emails and websites are an easy way to while away hours and hours. It also means you aren’t going to get anything done.How are you going to deal with this? I was lucky to get some wise advice from an elder on the farm back when I was a kid: pick a small task. Finish it without distraction. Then pick a slightly more challenging one until you build up your resistance to distraction, a bit like building up a muscle.
I have relied this advice many times and I am far from perfect. I have already checked my emails 3 times while writing this section!
E is for Exercise
Late last year I finally got the gumption to work out. I found a local club I could go to and spend an half hour per day working out. I do this religiously unless I have had a really late night out. Know what? It makes me feel stronger and more energetic. And I can think sharper too.It’s an essential part of the regime.
F is for Fear
Fear of failure is one of the biggies filmmakers need to deal with. It’s so easy to let fear ruin your film and youyr career. Operating from a base of fear can lead to disaster. Your decisions won’t be sound. Coleridge said: What begins in fear usually ends in folly.G is for Goal
Making a plan of attack will almost aways work.When I started Raindance I made a mind map of how I thought Raindance would grow. All these years later I often refer to this map hanging in the office. Although some of the place names have changed, it’s still really pretty much the same.
Do the same: plot out how you want to travel to your goal.
H is for Honesty
It’s about being honest with yourself and being honest with your audience. with yourself you have to be honest when your work sucks – but be able to learn from you experience. Remember those painful days as a kid when you were growing too fast? Growth hurts.Your audience will never warm to any filmmaker who tries to be honest. You just gotta go be it.
I is for Influence
Expand your circle of influence – find out from every single friend who they might know that could help you.J is for Journal
Professional filmmakers I know always take a notebook and jot down locations and ideas as they march around their city. You never know when you will see a street corner bathed in the reflection of light from the windows across the street on a certain street. If you jot down the time and date you will know when to use that location on a future shoots.Writers too: keep a journal of all the ideas you get as you are off duty so to speak. Isn’t it amazing how the great ideas seem to pop into your head when you are doing something boring like the laundry or hoovering? Write them down!
K is for – Knowing your audience
Decide what kinds of people your movie or screenplay are going to be interested in your movie. Youncan use sophisticated survey techniques, or just follow your gut. Probably best to speak to a film sales agent.L – Lightbulb jokes
Laughter is a great medicine that can help you through the most difficult times.Here are three classic film laughs:
M is for Mastery
There’s no point in calling yourself a screenwriter ot filmmaker unless you are prepared to master your craft. That menas some heavy slogging learning the craft. Make sure you get really good at what you do. Remember the age old maxim: Practice makes perfect. And don’t forget: Quitters never win. Winners never quit. Keep at it.N is for networking
It’s not what but whom you know. You alwasys have to be on the lookout for the next new and hot thing -msomeone that you can collaborate with. Someone that you can help too. In all my years at raindance I would have to say it is most common for teams of twosies and threesies that make it easier than Lone Rangers.Learn how to network. Remember that it is really time consuming. Don’t commit these networking faux pas!
O is for organisation
Being organised is probably the simplest way to get your career on the tracks. USe your time wisely. I pretend it’s like school with the different classes. Instead of geography and maths (which I hated) I have Raindance admin, social media, meetings with our postgraduate students and teaching commitments. For each area I have a specific time of day that I work on each area. On days when I suceed at this simple organisational structure I I usually feel like a million dollars.P is for profile
In the age of social media you need to make sure your various social media accounts are properly amanged and you must put out the right message. Make sure your avatar is the same thrughout each site. You don’t need to spend ages on this. Here’s how filmmakers can become ‘experts’ and exert authority in as little as 15 minutes per day.Q is for Quality
There is loads of competition out there. Make certain that what you put out is of the highest quality you can achieve. And don’t be like me: make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. They really turn people off.R is for ready
You snooze you lose. My best ideas and achievments have come out of the blue, from situations or people I least expected inspiration to come from. Be open to new ideas. When opportunity comes a-knockin’ be ready to recognise and seize the day.S is for stress
We all have deadlines. Deadlines for the landlord and taxman. Deadlines for assignments. Deadlines for film festivals and for producers.Deadlines each morning to get out of bed and off to work. Deadlines can lead to stress. Stress can lead to procrastination. Stress causes illness and ineffectiveness. Learn how to sweat the stress and deal with it.T is for tomorrow
No matter how bleak it is today, or haw dark the storm clouds are, remember that there is always a tomorrow. The sun will rise on a new day. Take what you have learned from today, get some good rest and start tomorrow fresh.U is for understand
Understand your role. You are an innovator. An idea pioneer. we are all looking up to you to see what insight and leadership you can provide. Take a closer look into the value you’re offering and adjust accordingly to fulfill your role. While you are at it, remember that you are creating your own personal brand.V is for victory
It’s totally OK to celebrate a victory however small and personal. Pour yourself a glass or binge at the shop. Take the time to pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.W is for wisdom
When you figure something out, share the knowledge. It’s your duty to pass on to others what you have learned.X is for X Factor:
YOU are the X factor. Dig into your experiences, your unique background, and memories to charge your scripts and movies with original ideas.Y is for you
You are the key to success. Believe in you. As Norman Vaughan once said, “Dream big and dare to fail.” As a good friend once said to me: “Sleep careless and wake fearless.”Z is for ZZZ…
Have I put you to sleep yet? If not, why are you reading this when you could be sketching out an idea or be out shooting a short. Whatever you do, make sure you get enough rest. You will be a happier much more productive filmmaker.By in Filmmaking Career, Indie Tips
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): THE VERDICT
Paul Newman as an alcoholic lawyer who gets a shot at redemption (directed by Sidney Lumet and written by David Mamet)...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): HOOSIERS
One of the best sports movies ever made - Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper are phenomenal...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): BRAZIL
Terry Gilliam's brilliant masterpiece (look for Robert DeNiro in a small (but fantastic) role...
A Perfect Place To Have Your Work Seen (And Critiqued) By Others...
Francis Ford Coppola's interactive website, American Zoetrope, is a site to connect with other filmmakers...join, submit, get and give feedback...
$30 FILM SCHOOL - A Must For All Filmmakers
Michael W. Dean's Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach to filmmaking is both brilliant and informative...if you're a filmmaker, you gotta have this in your library...read, learn, and inwardly digest it...
Cybermarketing: Using The Internet To Promote Your Video
http://www.videomaker.com/article/3241-cybermarketing-using-the-internet-to-promote-your-video
Twenty years ago you needed a deal with major distributers to become an independent producer. Today, you can use the Internet - if you know where to look.
Mark Steven Bosko is vice president of marketing for a film and video production company.
Twenty years ago you needed a deal with major distributers to become an independent producer. Today, you can use the Internet - if you know where to look.
About 20 years ago, a certain independent producer wanted to get his film seen by the public. The guy had dumped all of his hard earned cash into making the movie, so it was vital that an audience pay to see it. Since those were the days before home video, the only outlet for an independent project lay in the neighborhood theater. Unfortunately the distribution companies weren't interested or they weren't willing to give him a good deal.
His only other option, in those days, was to "four-wall" his movie. The producer rented the movie theater (its four walls), advertised the play dates, hired the projectionist, ushers, ticket and refreshment-counter staff and screened the movie. And he pocketed all of the profits.
The movie was "The Legend of Boggy Creek," and its moneymaking power is legendary in the independent (indie) film business. Twenty years ago you needed a deal with the big boys or a lot of determination to become an indie success. Today, the Internet has changed the distribution deal for film and video.
Entering the Internet
Once (and often still) thought of as a conduit to chat rooms and X-rated celebrity photos, the Internet holds much more than late-night thrills. Producers, distributors, cast, crew, writers, directors and musicians are all looking at the microchip marvel as a source of exposure and employment. Even though the major studios are now using the Internet as a promotional outlet for upcoming film releases, indies are using the Net to tout their projects as well.
Once (and often still) thought of as a conduit to chat rooms and X-rated celebrity photos, the Internet holds much more than late-night thrills. Producers, distributors, cast, crew, writers, directors and musicians are all looking at the microchip marvel as a source of exposure and employment. Even though the major studios are now using the Internet as a promotional outlet for upcoming film releases, indies are using the Net to tout their projects as well.
Whether you're doing an instructional video on jogging, or a low-budget feature film, the Internet can assist in the final distribution of your project by providing the least expensive and most efficient mailing list on the market. Only people who are interested in your subject will respond to your Internet posts and all of their pertinent data will camp on your hard drive, ready for solicitation once the video is finished.
Build a Video Web
As you near the end of production on your video it's time to start thinking about the next step--your own Web site. A Web site or "page" is a location on the Internet's World Wide Web where those who want to access your specific information can use point and click commands to navigate around different sources of data. Web sites can contain many elements: text, graphics, databases, even live video. An Internet "audience" might view a trailer of a film or video, look at photos of the actors and crew and obtain ordering information. This same technique applies to the method of finding sales through a traditional distributor. It's more cost effective and much simpler to alert a distributor to a Web page than to send a videotape and promotional material through the mail. It can nearly eliminate the possibility of video projects falling into the wrong hands or not arriving at all.
As you near the end of production on your video it's time to start thinking about the next step--your own Web site. A Web site or "page" is a location on the Internet's World Wide Web where those who want to access your specific information can use point and click commands to navigate around different sources of data. Web sites can contain many elements: text, graphics, databases, even live video. An Internet "audience" might view a trailer of a film or video, look at photos of the actors and crew and obtain ordering information. This same technique applies to the method of finding sales through a traditional distributor. It's more cost effective and much simpler to alert a distributor to a Web page than to send a videotape and promotional material through the mail. It can nearly eliminate the possibility of video projects falling into the wrong hands or not arriving at all.
Designing your own Web site can be as simple or as complicated as you like. Online services like America Online, CompuServe and Prodigy offer plain page-design forms for users to fill out. They're not very fancy, offering little in graphics and video or animation, but they'll get you started. Many Internet service providers (ISPs) including AOL will provide a small amount of space on their servers for user's home pages but they probably won't help you much with the design. To learn more about building a Web page, visit educational sites such as www.webmonkey.com or http://home.netscape.com/home/how-to-create-web-services.html.
As for four-walling your work on the Net, it's already being done. Independent-film distributor First Look screened the feature-length "Party Girl" on the Internet. The premiere of this Generation X-targeted film on the Web was primarily a promotional stunt, designed more to publicize the film than to showcase the on-line facilities. Even though feasible broadcast capabilities are several years off, this first "trial" was an impressive start.
Distributors are turning to the Internet now in search of new projects. Richard Munchkin, a partner in the international distributor Century Films, has found several projects that he believes hold promise for distribution. Munchkin also uses his computer connections to develop relationships with many first-time filmmakers and videographers. He's helping guide these folks through the many pitfalls independents encounter as they try to distribute their work.
On-line Film School
In addition to finding an audience for your work and providing a much needed (and maybe more importantly, low-cost) link to potential distributors, the Internet is an abundant source of information. Independents can tap into Web sites and newsgroups focusing on everything from technical data and equipment sales to casting agents, scripts, crews, music, festivals and just plain old fashioned brainstorming with other struggling independent producers. It's not hard to hook into this amazing network of data; you just need to know which Web pages to visit. The lists in the sidebar, though hardly all-inclusive, should give you a good jumping-off point. And who knows, maybe 20 years from now, some writer will be describing how the archaic Internet thrust you into wealth and stardom!
In addition to finding an audience for your work and providing a much needed (and maybe more importantly, low-cost) link to potential distributors, the Internet is an abundant source of information. Independents can tap into Web sites and newsgroups focusing on everything from technical data and equipment sales to casting agents, scripts, crews, music, festivals and just plain old fashioned brainstorming with other struggling independent producers. It's not hard to hook into this amazing network of data; you just need to know which Web pages to visit. The lists in the sidebar, though hardly all-inclusive, should give you a good jumping-off point. And who knows, maybe 20 years from now, some writer will be describing how the archaic Internet thrust you into wealth and stardom!
Mark Steven Bosko is vice president of marketing for a film and video production company.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Lloyd Kaufman And The Meaning Of Filmmaking...
One of the best (and funniest) books on independent filmmaking that I've ever read:
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): CITIZEN KANE
A classic, and perhaps one of the best movies ever made...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): CARRIE
Brian De Palma's adaptation of Stephen King's novel...bloody good!
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): DEAD MAN
Johnny Depp, along with an eclectic cast, transforms the Western genre into something weird and wonderful...
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): DONNIE BRASCO
Al Pacino and Johnny Depp in a character study of "real" mob life during the 1970s...
The Alpha And The Omega?...
Hollywood is still the mecca for good and bad, but it isn't the beginning or the end for filmmaking...
- Robert Duvall
- Robert Duvall
How To Become A Guerrilla Filmmaker...
Intro
A Guerrilla Filmmaker is a filmmaker who may be short on money but not on passion and vision. They have an attitude of creativity and freedom. They are often stealth, mobile and innovative in their approach. They not only break the rules but work creatively within them. Guerrilla Filmmakers are the new breed of Independent Filmmakers who embody the sort of true independence that used to inspire the independent film movement in the past, but is now often lost in the shuffle of the faux independence propagated by Hollywood studios co-opting independent themes and styles.One hallmark of independence is that it comes out of yourself. It isn't trying to blatantly copy somebody else (although you might have influences, which is different). It isn't contriving to look or feel independent by wearing a certain style of clothes or emulating certain directors. Independence means you have a voice that needs to be heard - a statement to make and a passion to make it.
The economics of film have made filmmaking a very expensive proposition for artists, guerrilla or otherwise. Guerrilla filmmaking means taking advantage of new technologies - cheap technologies - like digital video cameras, editing software and Internet-based tools, and using those technologies to free yourself. Free yourself from what? Primarily fear. The fear of budgets. The fear of the executives. The fear that keeps everybody smiling on the surface but sweating on the inside. The fear that more often than not kills creativity.
Broadband networks will also change the way that films are distributed. With open access, major portals such as AOL Time Warner will provide a means for Guerrilla Filmmakers to find new audiences. The method for gaining these audiences will be through browser-like technology that helps people search for films and media. This creates a whole new dynamic for distribution, as people take more responsibility for what they view and are less dependent on programmers and producers to pre-determine what they think an audience will respond to. The content that will rule in this new world will not be the least common denominator-type programming seen up until now. What will rule may very well be Guerrilla Filmmaking.
This paper is one take on Guerrilla Filmmaking. It's not the final take. There may never be a final take. Hopefully Guerrilla Filmmaking will morph and mutate so that it constantly evolves into something fresh and new. Maybe you'll be a part of that evolution.
Attitude
A Guerrilla Filmmaker has a certain attitude. That attitude has to do with freedom, with experimentation, with courage, and with creativity. It has to do with stepping over the bounds of what's considered the status quo in filmmaking in order to create something fresh, new and unique.
The reasons a Guerrilla Filmmaker wants to make a film will vary. Sometimes it's to be a renegade. Sometimes it's to be an artist. Sometimes it's to say something that's never been said.
If you're in it strictly for the money and fame, then you're not a Guerrilla Filmmaker. You're a suit. It's not a bad thing to be a suit. You just have to admit when you're a suit and go with that. You should find a studio job and work your way up the feeding chain. Good luck... seriously.
Being a filmmaker requires willpower. It's very competitive to be heard. You have to have an resolute passion to want to have your film seen. You can use the existing system in order to do that - that's certainly a smart and good thing to do.
A Guerrilla Filmmaker may break laws, but not big laws. The little laws that are stupid may be broken, but the big laws that throw you in jail are not part of being a Guerrilla Filmmaker. The main law that the Guerrilla Filmmaker will break is the law of conventional wisdom. The laws of conventional wisdom have trapped everybody in the never-ending cycle of sameness, stupidity and cynicism. The Guerrilla Filmmaker therefore fights against the oppressive deadness of conformity and blind consumerism and seeks to revel in their own aliveness through their films - and to do so as a statement against the kind of soul death that seems to press in all around us.
A Guerrilla Filmmaker can also have a bigger budget and even shoot with expensive equipment. The key is that the attitude must be right. Without the right attitude, nothing good will ultimately come out of your efforts.
Techniques
We've talked about some techniques that can be used by filmmakers in other articles, like [New Digital Production Techniques]. Some of those techniques may or may not be appropriate for what you're trying to do. Some might. You also might invent your own techniques.
Some innovations we've talked about in other articles (and are worth repeating) include:
- Location Independence
- Real Time Cinema
- Parallel Production
- Internet Collaboration
Real Time Cinema is a cinema with few or no cuts. A lot of directors are fascists about cutting, as if a cinema without editing - particularly fast editing - is not cinema. But some directors (Mike Figgis being a recent example) shoot lengthy scenes or entire films in a single take.
Propagators of real time cinema say that fast cuts are fundamentally abrasive. They believe that quick editing really doesn't allow you to engage in entering into the scene, to embrace the narrative. Supporters of real time cinema believe that fast cuts force your attention around like somebody taking your head and moving it this way or that, without your permission.
The defenders of fast cutting say that they allow you to be more economical in your narrative, more poetic. But real time cinema filmmakers feel that fast cutting is not so much poetic as violent. Violent, overused cutting (some say) can make the viewer numb and desensitized.
Parallel Production is when you shoot using multiple cameras at the same time. This can be fun, save a lot of time, and give you many more options in editing. Parallel Production techniques can be used to shoot a single scene from multiple viewpoints, multiple scenes simultaneously, or even multiple films simultaneously!
Since DV cameras and tape are cheap, and you can rent them at little cost if you can't afford to buy, then using multiple cameras is a good option. In addition, you can even link cameras to monitors (or, in the future, a computer screen) so as a director you can see what's happening all at once, and direct the camerapeople on the fly.
Multiple camera shoots with DV will be the trend in the future. Single camera shoots will be less effective and more time consuming. It's really worth it to shoot any scene with multiple cameras to give you editing options (if you plan to edit, that is).
Internet Collaboration means using the Internet to collaborate with others on your film. For example, if you live in a small town in the Midwest, it might be hard to find an editor. But if you can link up with an editor in another city, then you can collaborate over the Internet with them without necessarily ever having to meet face to face. The same could be true of a writer.
The Internet opens up a whole new world of collaboration - of people finding each other and working with each other strictly through the Internet. In this way, the technology offers a new level of artistic community that isn't restricted by location. It's a freer, more open environment where artists who may not have worked with each other normally can now do so.
Equipment
If you want to be a Guerrilla Filmmaker you need equipment. This equipment will vary, but will normally include:
- A digital video camera or cameras
- A computer with an Internet connection
- Lighting equipment (can be optional)
- Editing software
- Sound equipment (might be optional)
- A laptop
- A gorilla suit (definitely optional).
Visibility and Mobility
A Guerrilla Filmmaker often needs to keep a low profile. The nature of small DV cameras allows this. You can put a compact camera in your shoulder bag and have it with you at all times - ready to capture a magic moment at a moments notice. This creates a certain stealthiness to Guerrilla Filmmakers. They can shoot things that couldn't be shot with conventional equipment because they can take their cameras and equipment where you would never find the cumbersome film and video equipment of the past.
Mobility therefore is key. Mobility means having equipment that is light, battery powered, and flexible. It means not being dependent on expensive and inflexible equipment and infrastructure in order to get the image you want. It means being fast and it means being able to move with the action, to follow the flow of what's happening. This allows for a new degree of cinematic freedom for the Guerrilla Filmmaker not found in conventional film or video.
Music and Actors
The Guerrilla Filmmaker can often get music and actors for free. There is a lot of music available either as free and sharable or available in the public domain. And the music is excellent. You just want to make sure to promote the artist whose music you're using - to give them ample credit and promote them and help their career. This applies to your actors, who will likely go unpaid as well. If you can't pay them, then promote them generously. Seek to allow people to use your film as a vehicle for their own self-expression and benefit.
Legalities
We said before that the Guerrilla Filmmaker will sometimes break the little laws. What kinds of little laws? One big one is the law of getting permission to shoot something. This happens all the time.
One way to get around it is to get a release or permit. You can get release forms from any production handbook and permits usually from the municipality within which you shoot. But sometimes you have to steal shots and that's the way it is, although being a G-rated website we can't say we support that.
Also, a Guerrilla Filmmaker can look for places to film that don't require releases or permits. This in fact might be the easier, hassle-free way to go. Rather than seek to buck the system, work around it. See what you can get for free legally. This will apply to visuals and, as described already, music as well.
Staying legal is a good thing in case ultimately you happen to get a distributor who will hassle you endlessly to make sure you got all the rights cleared for your film. If you don't do this, or haven't done it, a distributor is less likely to acquire your film.
Economics
You might want to think about how to finance or market your film, unless you're bootstrapping and going strictly with a credit card budget. But if you're looking to make more than one film, you'll need to devote some time to how you're going to handle the economics. If you don't you'll end up with a slash and burn track record, good for one film only.
Internet distribution is opening up new avenues for filmmakers to distribute their products. While these venues rarely pay an advance, they do pay on a per view or per video basis. So if you have a good film this could be a viable alternative.
You can also look for a big name distributor. This is where the serious money is made. But finding a big name distributor is like winning the lotto. It happens so rarely that it might as well be a non-option for most filmmakers.
Another option, yet to evolve frankly, is the possibility of sponsored films. If you have a film that can be attached to a sponsor that sponsor can pay for the film (let's say they provide the costumes and it's a method of advertising for them) and you can distribute through an Internet distributor, where you can make money on a pay per view or a pay per video basis that helps you get past a break even point. Whether sponsored Guerrilla Films are possible remains to be seen, but it may be an option worth exploring.
Film festivals are a way to get your films seen and noticed - and possibly acquired - although most of the big festivals are so exclusive it's ridiculous. Many are tied in intimately with studios and producer's representatives that lock out everybody outside of their exclusive networks. But regional and local film festivals are quickly rising that allow for you to show your film without elitism seen in larger festivals.
Getting Started
In order to get going, we suggest:
- Have a story to tell
- Buy your equipment
- Collaborate effectively via the Web
- Don't ignore legalities
- Try to look toward giving yourself longevity as a filmmaker
- Have a good attitude
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): LIFE OF BRIAN
Monty Python takes on the Christ story...does it get any better than this?
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): THE KING OF COMEDY
Martin Scorsese's film focuses on our celebrity-crazed culture, with the help of Jerry Lewis and Robert DeNiro...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): THE CANDIDATE
Robert Redford's performance as a young, idealistic senate candidate is worth the ride...(yes, I know that isn't Robert Redford pictured below)...
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
An amazing ensemble cast makes this movie great...
Top 13 Sites For Independent Filmmakers...
http://www.raindance.org/top-13-sites-for-independent-filmmakers/
In recent years, the content of the internet has transformed itself from a controlled and manufactured environment to a vast expanse of user generated content. Internet users can log on and create their own subjects, themes, and arguments to the sites they frequent. This idea gave birth to sites like Facebook, and Twitter; as well as creating tools like wikis, forums, and blogs. This new type of social media forged specific online communities where people with similar interests could share and collaborate freely on ideas.
Independent filmmakers have an ever-growing presence on social media sites such as twitter, facebook, youtube, and various blogs. This presence has resulted in a wealth of shared knowledge for filmmakers worldwide. These sites have become a hub for the independent filmmaking community, and are a vital resource many young writers, directors, and producers alike.
Here’s a list of thirteen sites that are excellent resources for independent filmmakers in no particular order.
View Filmmaker
View Film Riot
Follow Film Riot on Twitter
Check out their YouTube Channel
View Go Into The Story
Follow Scott Myers on Twitter
View Hope for Film
Follow Ted Hope on Twitter
View IndieTalk
View IndieWire
Follow IndieWire on Twitter
View johnaugust.com
Follow John August on Twitter
Besides being one of Britain’s largest independent film festivals, Raindance also offers a treasure trove of information and how-to-tips for independent filmmakers worldwide. Under the resources section of the site there are links to articles written by members of the Raindance team and industry professionals. These articles detail the tricks and traps for filmmaking on little to no budget at all. Raindance also runs a film school with am innovative postgraduate film degree in association with Staffordshire University and the Independent Film Trust. They also have 7 regional offices in six countries which gives them an unusual and valuable perspective on new trends in independent film.
View Raindance
Follow Raindance on Twitter
View Shooting People
Follow Shooting People on Twitter
View Twitch Film
Follow Twitch Film on Twitter
View philipbloom.net
View nofilmschool.com
In recent years, the content of the internet has transformed itself from a controlled and manufactured environment to a vast expanse of user generated content. Internet users can log on and create their own subjects, themes, and arguments to the sites they frequent. This idea gave birth to sites like Facebook, and Twitter; as well as creating tools like wikis, forums, and blogs. This new type of social media forged specific online communities where people with similar interests could share and collaborate freely on ideas.
Independent filmmakers have an ever-growing presence on social media sites such as twitter, facebook, youtube, and various blogs. This presence has resulted in a wealth of shared knowledge for filmmakers worldwide. These sites have become a hub for the independent filmmaking community, and are a vital resource many young writers, directors, and producers alike.
Here’s a list of thirteen sites that are excellent resources for independent filmmakers in no particular order.
Filmmaker
Filmmakers on a tight budget know perfectly well how difficult it is to stay on that budget. Filmmaker.com’s blog contains helpful articles regarding a wide array of topics from industry news, to new software updates, and to helpful tips. Members of the site can post on the forums and exchange information on filmmaking as well as their own projects. The forum is an ideal place for independent filmmakers to seek knowledge from their peers.View Filmmaker
Film Riot
Film Riot is a video tutorial site with a comedic twist. Host Ryan Connolly covers every subject from how to make a music video, to using CGI, to how to cast your film. This site is a delightful departure from the typical monotonous tutorials usually found on the net as the humorous videos take a narrative structure making them actually enjoyable to watch.View Film Riot
Follow Film Riot on Twitter
Check out their YouTube Channel
Go Into The Story
Good screenwriters know how important it is to know every trick of the trade there is (even if they do not use them all). Go Into The Story ditches all the fancy graphics and cluttering advertisements and opts for the bare essentials of screenwriting. Blogger Scott Myers, a screenwriting professor at the University of North Carolina, posts advice and how-to-guides daily to aid young writers in the creative process. The blog also sports an extensive list of other great websites and blogs that serve as great resource as well.View Go Into The Story
Follow Scott Myers on Twitter
Hope For Film
Hope for Film is the brainchild of the American independent film producer Ted Hope. His credits include 21 Grams (2003), American Splendor (2003), and Adventureland (2009) to name a few. Everyday Hope and various guest bloggers post advice and opinions concerning independent film. Like johnaugust.com this blog is a great opportunity for beginner filmmakers to seek and discuss insight of an industry professional.View Hope for Film
Follow Ted Hope on Twitter
IndieTalk
Similar to Filmmaker.com, IndieTalk is filmmaking community in which filmmakers share and exchange ideas in a forum. The forums are broken down into categories such as Cameras & Lenses, Screenwriting, Cinematography and Lighting, and Post Production. The members on the forum typically offer advice on how to get around problems in filmmaking while not doing damage to your wallet.View IndieTalk
IndieWire
Similar to Twitch Film, IndieWire is convergence point filmmakers and film lovers alike. Fans of independent cinema receive information of films and festivals, as well as reviews and blogs. Filmmakers can read articles covering topics such as production, distribution, exhibition, and festival strategy.View IndieWire
Follow IndieWire on Twitter
John August
John August is an accomplished screenwriter whose credits most notably include Tim Burton’s films Big Fish (2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), and Corpse Bride (2005). He started his blog back in 2003 as an encyclopedia of information about screenwriting. Since then it has expanded into a wealth of information ranging from career advice to the state of the film industry itself. Many of the blog posts are responses to reader-submitted questions, making it a great way for independent writers to get feedback from a working professional.View johnaugust.com
Follow John August on Twitter
Raindance
Besides being one of Britain’s largest independent film festivals, Raindance also offers a treasure trove of information and how-to-tips for independent filmmakers worldwide. Under the resources section of the site there are links to articles written by members of the Raindance team and industry professionals. These articles detail the tricks and traps for filmmaking on little to no budget at all. Raindance also runs a film school with am innovative postgraduate film degree in association with Staffordshire University and the Independent Film Trust. They also have 7 regional offices in six countries which gives them an unusual and valuable perspective on new trends in independent film.View Raindance
Follow Raindance on Twitter
Shooting People
Shooting People is a network for filmmakers based out of London. It serves as a means for independent filmmakers to connect with each other by using blogs, databases, newsletters, and podcasts. Members of the site have premiered at Sundance, been nominated at BAFTA and the Oscars, and screened at Cannes.View Shooting People
Follow Shooting People on Twitter
Twitch Film
The world of independent cinema is so widespread around the globe it can sometimes be difficult to absorb it all it. Twitch Film compiles everything there is to know and creates a central hub for the lovers of indie, international, and cult films. Followers of the site can read news, reviews, and interviews regarding a huge library of international and independent films; as well participate in forums and comment on articles.View Twitch Film
Follow Twitch Film on Twitter
Philip Bloom
Philip Bloom has travelled the world as a successful maker of short films, documentaries. adverts and much more. He is part of the new breed of digital cinematographers, using DLSRs to achieve that film look. On his website you can see his wide range of work, from his adverts with Kevin Spacey to his 5D Cinematography on the WWII Lucasfilm Red Tails.View philipbloom.net
NoFilmSchool
No Film School is a site for DIY filmmakers and independent creatives run by Brooklyn based filmmaker Ryan Koo. It offers solutions to how to get the most out of the things you create in order to sustain a long career as a filmmaker, writer, director, producer, editor, cinematographers and much more.View nofilmschool.com
Film Maker IQ
Film Maker IQ is a group of filmmakers who discuss a range of topics. With articles on things such as Make-Up Tutorials to Camera comparisons, they answer both the whys and hows of filmmaking and help us understand the new media wave, without forgetting the old.Lou Reed Transformed Rock With TRANSFORMER...
A great documentary about Lou Reed and his album, Transformer...
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Moby Wants To Help (Musically) Score Your Next Film...
I received permission to use two of Moby's songs ("Walk with Me" and "Wait for Me" for the soundtrack of Walk With Me, my short film about domestic violence...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): WAKING LIFE
It defies description, but it's pretty damn good...
Great Movies (In My Humble Opinion): NIGHT OF THE HUNTER
A critical and commercial flop when it was first released, it's now considered to be what it always was...a masterpiece...
An Inspirational Filmmaker, To Say The Least...
http://cerebralpalsy.org/inspiration/inspirational-artists/andrew-pilkington/
Independent filmmaker uses talent, persistence to make movies
Making a film may be quite a bit easier than it used to; special effects can be created solely by using a computer. Editing can be completed at a workstation as opposed to in a laboratory where reels of film are spliced together.
In some ways, the advent of technology has given filmmakers limitless opportunities for creativity. The fact remains that creating a film requires thousands of hand movements and hundreds of clicks that, if you have limited mobility, can cause problems.
But don’t tell Andrew Pilkington that those circumstances are a roadblock to making a movie. Andrew, who is 21 and a student at University of Rhode Island, is not only studying filmmaking, but he’s completing his first feature-length film and growing his film company called Ruby Andromeda Productions, PLLC.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to be a filmmaker,” said Andrew, who describes his case of cerebral palsy as moderate, with spasticity. “I always knew that I wound find a way to do this.”
Andrew does not have full use of his fingers, arms or legs. To input commands into his computer and to edit his films he uses his nose and his right foot.
It’s a long process for a busy college student, but because filmmaking is Andrew’s dream, it’s a worthwhile endeavor.
“What’s great about this simple technology is it gives people with disabilities an opportunity to compete in today’s workforce and completely assimilate into today’s society,” Andrew said. “It really breaks down that wall that used to be for people with disabilities. Now they have productive lives and they get to contribute to society to survive. I’m really thankful for that.”
“It’s a great job,” he said. “My goal is to work full-time as a filmmaker.”
Eye on entertainment
Andrew grew up in Wayland, Mass., the son of Chris and Deborah Pilkington. It was discovered that Andrew had cerebral palsy when he was an infant, and he did not develop in the same way as other children his age. He also has a younger sister, Grace, now 16.
While he was growing up, Andrew became fascinated with film and television. He especially enjoyed the television shows produced in the 21st century by Aaron Sorkin, like “The West Wing,” and movies from the end of the 20th century like “Goodfellas,” and “Jurassic Park.” Additionally, he also enjoys horseback riding, which helps him to balance.
By the time he entered Wayland High School, he was learning how to use sophisticated editing software, and exploring opportunities to make his own movies. Andrew attended high school in a mainstream environment where he took the same classes as other students did, but completed his work a little differently from his peers.
As Andrew was exploring his options, his family and his teachers were supportive of his efforts.
“Everyone thought it was a great idea,” he said.
Since he graduated from high school, Andrew has worked hard on expanding his aspirations of becoming an independent filmmaker. He has written several of his own scripts. Many of his small projects can be found on YouTube or Vimeo.
In 2010, he entered the film and media program at the Harrington School of Communication and Media at the University of Rhode Island. In 2010, not satisfied to sit back and build his skills purely through attending classes, Andrew founded his own film company, Ruby Andromeda Productions, PLLC of which he acts as its president.
So far, he has completed three short films and one feature-length film. He said he hopes the company will eventually lead him to Hollywood and beyond.
“I would like to direct and produce features,” he said. “And, I also want to continue to write.”
Andrew works as a peer advisor at the university and has a part-time position overseeing social media for the Harrington School of Communication and Media. Andrew lives independently at school with the help of an aide and is on track to graduate from the university in 2014. After, he will pursue his goals full-time.
Lights, camera
Andrew’s first feature was made in 2012 and although it does not yet have a name the film is described as a political caper.
The plot follows a young, idealistic college student who is elected to the student government at his university.
The student’s aspirations to improve his school catch the attention of its current president. He quickly takes the new senator under his wing and shows him the true nature of school government. As the year progresses, the student gains recognition by completing various tasks and giving valued insights on weighty issues.
But the plot thickens when a rift between the president and the treasurer increase tuition. After witnessing the president participate in some illegal activities, the student is forced to choose between his fondness of the president and his loyalty to the student body.
There is a tough bitter election where both sides are bickering, leaving the student to pick a side. The student chooses to help the new candidate run against his mentor. Enraged by this decision, the president secretly plans to sabotage the student’s goal of getting promoted, which leads to some intriguing conflicts and resolutions.
Currently, Andrew is looking for film festivals and other avenues to promote his movie. He is looking forward to graduating college and devoting his time entirely to film creation.
“I’m having a great time,” he said. “But I have a lot of materials that I’d like to do.”
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