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Projector Films - new ideas for film makers
The future after the UK Film Council - a podcast
Everyone is talking about what the future will be like without the UK Film Council - which has been suspended this week.Whatever happens next, the big thing I want to see is an increase in communication, support and mentoring. To illustrate my point I will simply ask you this; when...
I was helping to run the "My One Word" Development Day over the weekend. 10 finalists, getting together to learn from each other and gain new insights into their 3-minute scripts.I've been on quite a few of these things myself over the years. They range a lot in terms of...
An animated CV - showing, not telling.
A while ago I was admiring how designer's can make some awesome CVs / resumés. The reason they can create such interesting documents is that, for them, their CV is presented as piece of design. So it impresses straight away, it shows rather than tells. An example is at the bottom...
Making $1000 from my old short films.
I was initially sceptical of mDistribute. They are a distributor for short film content. Others have done this before of course, following a business model similar to how feature film distributors work.mDistribute is different, in that it is much more of web2.0 business model. The buyers aren't the public. They are...
I heard a great quote today from a satirical poet. He said that he doesn't write anything until he really feels an idea has become like a stone in his shoe.I love that very visual, yet also tactile, analogy. If you can carry on walking, you should do. But when...
When is a writer not a writer?
Answer: When there is no dialogue!Obviously this answer isn't true. But it can seem that way.As I mentioned before, I am thinking about doing a silent film, as in no dialogue. I've done these before at the low budget end - for example the Mr Vista films. With Mr Vista...
Indie Film Chat News
What to make of the ending to Inception?
So far, my favorite film this year is Christopher Nolan’s Inception. Not only does it deliver all the action and thrills expected of a big budget summer blockbuster, but it has inspired endless... IndieFilm Chat - the Main resource for independent Film Makers, distributors. Independent Film Chat, Trailers, Film Festivals, Industry...
To quote David St. Hubbins of Spinal Tap, “There is a fine line between being clever and being stupid.” This list below includes 10 films (some of them classics) that are at least marred somewhat by... IndieFilm Chat - the Main resource for independent Film Makers, distributors. Independent Film Chat, Trailers,...
The White Ribbon is a drama starring Christian Freidl, Ulrich Turkl and Burghart Klaussner. Directed by Michael Haneke. There is something wrong here. In a seemingly quaint German village pre-WW1,... IndieFilm Chat - the Main resource for independent Film Makers, distributors. Independent Film Chat, Trailers, Film Festivals, Industry News, Inside Access. ...
Netflix is starting to ice Indies.
Over the years those of us who work in independent film distribution have had a love hate relationship with Netflix. While they used to carry at least a few units of everything, their business model... IndieFilm Chat - the Main resource for independent Film Makers, distributors. Independent Film Chat, Trailers, Film...
“THEY WERE GUNS FOR HIRE, BUT WHAT ABOUT THEIR SOULS?” What happens if the artificial intelligence that enables the wealthy and powerful to live in limitless luxury wants to share in it? Ben... IndieFilm Chat - the Main resource for independent Film Makers, distributors. Independent Film Chat, Trailers, Film Festivals, Industry News,...
Directors Notes
DN175: Skeletons – Nick Whitfield
Described as “A very British Ghostbusters”, Nick Whitfield’s debut feature Skeletons has been gathering mounting praise from critics and audiences alike and also picked up the Michael Powell Award for Best New British Feature at this year’s Edinburgh film festival. I’m pleased to have Nick on the show to discuss...
Skeletons (2010) Davis and Bennett are a mismatched pair of traveling salesmen in the business of cleaning out skeletons from closets. Together they travel across Britain, wandering in and out of their clients’ lives, performing “the procedure” whereby hidden secrets and lies are exposed. Assigned to a job by their boss, The...
DN174: Out of Nowhere – Will Lamborn
The Sisyphean structure of Will Lamborn’s trapped in the desert short Out of Nowhere had me instantly hooked. Will joins me to discuss the tricky nature of directing actors through ever repeating iterations of a scene. One of the things about film that’s so interesting to me is that it can...
Out of Nowhere (2010) On the run from a would-be killer, Peter -on foot and all alone in the desert- tries to find his way to civilization. As Peter tries to escape from the wilderness, he finds himself further and further away from where he wants to go. Related Posts DN174: Out of...
DN173: Leader of the Pack – Jason Michael Roberts
A great tagline can do wonders for piquing interest in a film whilst setting you up for what’s to come. One cash register, two robbers, and $3.50, certainly does the job for the short Leader of the Pack. Its director Jason Michael Roberts joins me to discuss delivering on that...
Leader of the Pack – Jason Michael Roberts
Leader of the Pack (2009) One cash register, two robbers, and $3.50. Related Posts DN173: Leader of the Pack – Jason Michael Roberts White Red Panic – Ayz Waraich The West Side – Ryan Bilsborrow-Koo & Zachary Lieberman The Shovel – Nick Childs The Patterns Trilogy – Jamie Travis...
Filmlinker
The 1st Annual Vimeo Festival and Awards
There are two weeks left to enter your videos into the first-ever Vimeo Festival and Awards. If your video premiered online within the past two years, you should head over to vimeoawards.com and submit it ASAP! The grand prize includes a $25,000 grant to produce your next film/video. These awards...
Film4Prizes Highlights Top Film/Video Contests That Pay
Film4Prizes is a cool site that maintains a database of several online film & video contests which include many with cash prizes. Here are a few interesting contests that they list: - “HP You On You Contest” – top prize is $40,000. - “Nobody’s Gonna Lay a Finger on My Butterfinger”...
Some call it “four-walling,” others DIY distribution. Filmmakers now have direct access to their audience like never before and are forgoing the middlemen who used to control the route to theatrical distribution. By and large, artists are now able to gauge their audience’s demand/interest for their work and...
Free Film School via the Vimeo Community
Their moniker is “Vimeo: People connecting through video.” This includes many filmmakers who are sharing their knowledge – creative & technical. Within Vimeo’s 28,000+ channels, lives several micro groups dedicated to the filmmaking process. Here are a few good ones: SHOOT FOR THE EDIT – This channel is for sharing editing and...
If you are interested in attending the NAB Show in Las Vegas this month (April 18-23), Tuvel Communications is offering Filmlinker readers FREE access to the show. Below is a special registration code that will give you a FREE exhibits-only registration. *Free Exhibits Passport Code: TP01 This pass includes access to the...
IndieClix: Affiliate Marketing for Indie Filmmakers
IndieClix is an affiliate marketing management platform that gives filmmakers a new way to sell and market their films. It utilizes other people’s websites and blogs as referral outlets that get compensated for every sale – same as Amazon.com and many other affiliate programs. The program was originally created by Magic...
Cinematical
Stallone-a-Thon: Tango & Cash (1989)
In honor of Friday's release of The Expendables, we're taking a week-long look at the action films of Sir Sylvester Stallone -- which is to say we're skipping his comedies. Out of respect. Title: Tango & Cash Setting: Present-day 1989 Our hero: Sharp-dressed L.A. cop Ray Tango (Sylvester Stallone), who's forced to team...
Free Flick of The Day: 'Youngblood'
One of the few 'girlie-girl' cliches you could accuse me of exhibiting is an aversion to organized sports ... except when it comes to the movies. I couldn't tell you who won last year's Superbowl, but I've seen just about every football movie from North Dallas Forty to Rudy, and...
Summer Scenes We Love: Enter the Dragon
In a too-brief career, martial artist/actor Bruce Lee appeared in only four complete films before his untimely death in 1973 at the age of 32, The Big Boss (released in the U.S. as Fists of Fury), Fist of Fury (released in the U.S. as The Chinese Connection), Way of the...
Stallone-a-Thon: Over the Top (1987)
In honor of Friday's release of The Expendables, we're taking a week-long look at the action films of Sir Sylvester Stallone -- which is to say we're skipping his comedies. Out of respect. Title: Over the Top Setting: Present-day 1987, all across America Our hero: Cross-country truck driver / absentee father Lincoln Hawk...
Four In The Running To Join Casey Affleck In 'The F Word'
When I first reported on Casey Affleck's casting last week, I suggested Krysten Ritter take the female lead. Well, the candidates for that role have been revealed and even though Ritter's name isn't on the list, we've still got some fantastic options here. According to Production Weekly (via The Playlist),...
Nicholas Sparks' 'Safe Haven' Finds a Home
Nicholas Sparks' newest novel, Safe Haven, hasn't been published yet -- but plans are already in motion to craft a big screen adaptation. A bidding war broke out over the book -- which was shopped around on Monday afternoon -- and after everything was said and done, Relativity emerged victorious. Some...
Webmaster's Blogs
Toronto International Film Fest covered by Filmmaker Magazine. Toronto news....
Toronto International Film Festival covered by Filmmaker Magazine...
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Sundance Film Festival as covered by Filmmaker Magazine...
Sundance Film Festival as covered by Filmmaker Magazine...
YouTube Blog
Release Notes: Playlist Bar, music listings, annotations upgrades...
What's new on YouTube since we last met? Let us count the things... "Playlist Bar" launch: Last week, we introduced the "Playlist Bar": when you view a playlist, recommended videos (from the homepage), your subscriptions or your favorites, you'll see a control bar at the bottom of the page, displaying the...
YouTube Summer School, Session 4: History
While we enjoy looking ahead and thinking big, we also take to heart the famous quote from George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." That’s why for this week’s session of YouTube Summer School, we’re taking some time to review the past, to help...
Join Arcade Fire live from Madison Square Garden
Tonight, thousands of fans will pack into Madison Square Garden in New York City to hear Arcade Fire...but they won’t be the only ones experiencing the band’s orchestral indie rock roar: the concert will be live-streamed right here at 10 p.m. (ET). The global webcast will be directed by Monty...
It’s official: YouTube is more popular than music ;)
Today our Facebook page hit an important milestone: over 10 million of you have clicked that “Like” button, making us more popular than Cristiano Ronaldo and -- whoa -- music?! Here’s a special message to anyone who’s ever clicked the thumb’s up button on our page: Now, that’s pretty awesome, but...
Upload limit increases to 15 minutes for all users
We want YouTube to be the best place to upload video. Without question, the number one requested feature by our creators is to upload videos longer than 10 minutes. We’ve heard you, and today we’re pleased to announce that we’ve increased the upload limit to 15 minutes. We encourage you to...
Destination: Beauty! YouTube’s gurus help you look your best
Get your eyeliner sharpened, your mascara pumped, your hair ready to be oh-so-carefully tussled -- today, we're launching our first-ever beauty program, "Destination Beauty," sponsored by L'Oréal Paris. The year-long initiative will feature a constantly refreshed selection of videos offering tips and tricks on looking your best from partners like...
DIY Filmmaker Sujewa
Amir Motlagh's feature WHALE now available to rent from YouTube for 7 days for 99 cents
Get all the info at YouTube & check out the trailer.- S...
Check out the intro video to the services being offered by Recorded Future:...
New indie film screening venue in Brooklyn!
Read all about ReRun at WSJ.Sounds awesome.- S...
The Angry Filmmaker's Kay Boyle project
From Angry Filmmaker site:" In 1967 at the height of the Vietnam war protests, S.I. Hiyakawa, then president of San Francisco State University, (and later United States Senator), publicly fired Kay Boyle for her active role in the student protests. Kay Boyle was 65 years old. DANGEROUS:KAY BOYLE...
Amir Motlagh interview at ArtFreak
From ArtFreak:"[ArtFreak] 2. What is the philosophical aspect of these non/anti-industrial films? Marxism, people’s art or Post-modern individual effort / potential role in a democratic state.[Motlagh] The role of these works might be the same as any other form of art, which is at first, non-commercial based. I don't believe...
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Film Directing and Film Making Tips for the Independent Filmmaker
7 Low Budget Film Making Tips to Help You Make Your First No Budget Film
This article was written by Shane M. M. Boyd. “If you are considering getting into the movie making business, it is crucial to understand that low budget film making is the best place to start. Even if you are considering Film College, consider making your own no budget film before...
The new Western? The mind is the latest movie frontier
This article was written by Jake Coyle. “For the visually savvy filmmaker, there’s a new frontier with as much cinematic appeal as the old West held for moviemakers half a century ago. With often dazzling results, filmmakers are turning to the mind itself as an uncharted landscape worth exploring. Movies...
Kutcher says Twitter will change film-making
This article was written for ABC News. “Twitter king Ashton Kutcher says there is room for both feature films and new media to co-exist in the entertainment landscape.” Read the rest of this article from ABC News....
25 New Faces of Indie Film Unveiled
This article was written by Brian Brooks. “In an anticipated annual announcement, Filmmaker Magazine unveiled its “25 New Faces of Independent Film” today. The 12th annual list spotlights, in the words of the publication, “up-and-comers poised to shape the next generation of independent film.” The complete roster appears in the...
This article was written by Rebecca Aldous. “In Paul Armstrong’s utopia, short films would be projected on the screens of main theatres. People would be jostling to see them and the majority of Vancouverites could name their three favourites. Reality is a bit different, but it’s something the short film...
This article was written by Shane Burley. “At the same time as school budgetary problems strip arts and technology from public schools, the world around us is shifting more into the inclusion of digital art forms like filmmaking into the public sphere. Educating children into the details of filmmaking is...
Cinema Advanced
Do you want your video to look like film?
I'm sure you've been poking about on the internet and come across many differnent forums. Have you noticed that everyone is talking about this mysterious thing called "film look"? I'm sure you have. The way people talk about it, it seems like making your video look like film is the holy...
Don’t let lack of experience stop you from achieving your goals
Just like everything else in life worth doing, there is a steep learning curve to becoming a great film maker. This is true whether or not you are trying to break in using the traditional route or the entrepreneurial route. The traditional route is to start out as a production ... ...
30 seconds to a successful film: How to make a compelling movie trailer
The other day I wrote about The 9 things you need to do if you really want to be a film maker. The very last item, Making a Bad Ass Trailer, may be most important item on the list. In fact, despite my continuing mantra of finish the film that...
Cinema Advanced now on Twitter
Want another easy way to keep up with all the new stuff here at Cinema Advanced? Follow me on twitter ...
Looking for an easy way to make a successful horror film franchise? Why not try a ‘mask’ movie.
Have you ever noticed the one thing that all of the biggest horror movie franchises have in common? I'm talking about the big ones: Friday the 13th, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm street, and so on. It just so happens that this weekend we shot our first episode of killerfilm tv. In...
The only film making advice you really need
Yesterday, I told you how Listening to ’so called’ experts could destroy your film career before it even starts. Today I'm going to share with you the few principles you really need to know. If you've ever dreamed about being a director, then this post is a must read for...
the truth is stranger
I love public radio. There is no better fodder for the insatiably curious and the occasional mind stretch. Recently, I again listened to The Story's Dick Gordon interview with Betty Klenck Brown in 2007, who, as a young girl, believes she heard Amelia Earhart's last transmissions over her father's shortwave...
The Truth Is Stranger Thanksgiving Recommendations
The Moth via NYTimesSo grateful to my readers, the cool folks I interact with on Twitter, the creative nonfiction community. I hope you are having a lovely Thanksgiving. Here are some recommendations:FilmRivers and Tides. If ever there was a more beautiful meditative film about an artist than watching Andy...
I'll be honest. I've always known who Patti Smith was, was vaguely aware of her relationship with, and to, Robert Mapplethorpe and of her music. But she was never hugely on my radar. Why, at the library today, I was compelled to pick up a documentary about her is a...
The Truth is Stranger Recommends
Here are our Sunday recommendations for you nonfiction creatives and fans.OnlineInvisiblePeople.tv for putting a human face on the problem of homelessness. The internet/blogging provides such a freakin' powerful outlet for everyone's voice. Terribly moved this morning. Also check out: Live From the Left Coast (wish I'd thought of that name!)...
The Truth is Stranger Recommends
For all of you nonfiction fans and creatives, we have a great list of suggestions in our new weekly series. Please follow us on Twitter for updates and additional recommendations and to tweet us YOUR ideas and favorites!Film:Garbage Warrior: as a good documentary does, this story of one man's quest...
David Lynch, the intriguingly warped director of Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet (among other things) has started an online interview project. Read about it here.Reminds me. Should I do a new category for truth-tellers on the Web? Probably!Follow us: @truthisstranger on Twitter....
Motionographer | Motion graphics, design, animation, filmmaking and visual effects
Toch Studio does Nitro Channel’s ID. Posted on MotionographerPosted on Motionographer...
DANIELS Create An Explosive Drunken Video for The Hundred in the Hands
Directing Duo : Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan aka DANIELS Create An Explosive Drunken Video for The Hundred in the Hands I posted a video that the two Daniels directed a while back. They just completed this new video, the simple story of a girl who vomits fireworks after a...
Extracts of Local Distance. sweet custom software = common vanishing point image resynthesis from architectural imagery. starts getting extra fun around 1:35 (thanks handshake!) Posted on MotionographerPosted on Motionographer...
New reel from Gareth O’Brien aka G’raffe Posted on MotionographerPosted on Motionographer...
Daniel Schmidt – designer, (art) director after 5 years at Sehsucht, now available for freelance. Posted on MotionographerPosted on Motionographer...
All new RSA website. Posted on MotionographerPosted on Motionographer...
Thomas Clifford // Humanizing Business Communications
How to Let Your Articles Breathe
You’re breathing, right? Good! Now carefully watch your breath. Did you feel that tiny pause? The pause in-between your breaths? No? Let’s try another example, then. Take your favorite CD. Notice what’s in-between the songs? Canyouimaginelisteningtoyourfavoritecdwithoutanybreaksinbetweensongs? Neither can I. That’s the power of the “pause” And your articles are no different. Articles need pauses, too. Pauses help...
How the 10-20-30 Principle Cures Chaotic Writing Schedules
Ever get a song stuck in your head? Sure you have. Ah, yes, but have you ever tried to stop it? And you can’t? What makes that song so memorable? The song’s got rhythm, my friend, rhythm! But wait a minute. Is your writing schedule as infectious as that rhythm in the song? If not,...
How the Whack-a-Mole Factor Keeps You from Writing
Ever play Whack-a-Mole when you were a kid? Whack-a-mole is a popular games at arcades and fairs. The waist-high cabinet has five holes where five plastic moles “pop up” from out of the hole at random times. What’s your task as a player? To “whack” the “mole” back down into...
Write Faster with Sporadic Writing
500 puzzle pieces are staring you in the face. What do you do? Put the puzzle together in order, top to bottom? Or put the puzzle together sporadically? If you’re lucky, you can start at the top and put the puzzle in order. But, then again, you might not be so lucky. Building your...
Thinking of Blogging? Freewriting Makes it Easy
Have you ever heard music so amazing your brain, um, stops thinking? I have. Just listen to Neil Peart’s drumming. Canadian rockers Rush have counted on Neil’s drumming to be their musical backbone for almost 40 years. But there’s one thing most people don’t’ know about Neil Neil prepares for every concert by practicing...
Why Precise Email Subject Lines are Like Diamonds
Imagine a diamond. Not any old diamond, mind you. But a diamond with irregular, jagged, pitted edges. Would you buy a diamond that wasn’t cut precisely? Exactly. Without that factor of preciseness, a diamond is practically worthless. This factor of preciseness also applies to your email subject lines A precisely written email subject line...
Indy Mogul - DIY filmmaking
Aliens Power Loader : DIY Tutorial : BFX
This week on BFX Zack is presenting an amazing "audition episode" that you may have missed. It's from ...
The Last Airbender Sequel, Tron Legacy Merchandise, Jeffrey Katzenberg
The Last Airbender movie yields unexpected but awesome results – a sequel to the animated series! The Legend of Korra debuts on Nickelodeon in 2011! Plus get the lowdown on all the cool Tron Legacy merchandise, as well as Jeffrey Katzenberg’s interesting arrangement with Dreamworks Animation. Host...
'Dinner for Schmucks' Movie Review
Do Steve Carell and Paul Pudd finally deliver a great comedy for 2010, or does the meal fall flat? Host Grace Randolph asks audiences if they enjoyed their dinner!...
'Charlie St Cloud' Movie Review
Can Zac Efron go beyond the waters of teen stardom? Host Grace Randolph finds out if audiences want to set sail with Charlie St Cloud!...
Will it be raining cats, dogs and CASH this weekend at the box office? Host Grace Randolph and the BTT Crew see if this movie gets their tails wagging!...
If you didn't see the original "Rated Awesome" episode yet check it out here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gu7jsgjUM0These are some hilarious outtakes and improve from Mark Douglas (playing Whistler) and Justin Johnson (playing Blade). Tell us which joke you thought was the funniest by leaving a comment below! ...
Totally Unauthorized
A narrow escape from the temple of impulse buying
The last time I worked, I started having problems with my walkie headset – I could hear, but not respond, which might not seem like a problem, but can annoy the hell out of the gaffer if you can’t answer a simple fucking question without climbing down out of the...
Although work’s been slow, I’ve done okay with the money this time (so far), so when I went looking for new bikes – not intending to buy one, just to look – the sales guy pulled some serious ninja moves on me. I didn’t even see him pounce, and the...
It seems that some of you got spam emails from my email address. This was caused by a hopefully brief affair with a ‘bot due to an insufficiently confusing password. It’s been corrected, and there shouldn’t be any more issues. Please enjoy some photos from today’s bike ride: I think...
Just as I knew it would happen, as soon as it got really, really hot (and humid, sadly), I got an outside job. Running cable. In the San Fernando Valley (which, if you’re not familiar with Los Angeles, is hotter than the surface of the sun). We started out early...
Hello Summer. I haven’t missed you.
Here in Los Angeles, we had a very cool and overcast spring, which ran into a very cool and overcast summer. Not that I’m complaining about that – I deal with cold a lot better than I deal with heat, and any temperature that’s much over 80 degrees makes me...
Now 97.5 percent allergen-free!
For the past week, I’ve been frantically cleaning my house. I mean really cleaning it. Scrubbing the walls, washing the windows, rubbing goop into the wood floors to make them look somewhat less beat up, picking the crap out of the crown molding. Right now I’m just as tired and...