Or some other amalgam of topics.
I recently saw The Social Network, a film that not only fulfilled, but surpassed my expectations. It also brought to light a pattern that Barb and I are only seeing good films together - in the last 2 years we've seen: Moon, Sherlock Holmes, Inception and now TSN. (I'm sure it also helps that we live 5 hours apart so moovie watching doesn't happen all that often) Anywhoo, not only is TSN a great film, but it has a great trailer that does everything a trailer should
It teases the film, gives the viewer a basic idea of what the film is about, without sharing the meat, and leaves us somewhat curious. I also think all good trailers have to be films unto themselves. They can't rely on the viewer knowing anything about the subject matter. They have to press the ART button repeatedly.
I really think my high expectations for the film were entirely based on the fact that Aaron Sorkin was writing it. In fact, the first time I heard there was going to be a Facebook film I rolled my eyes. I mean, how exciting can the origin story of a social website be? Forgetting, of course, that's it's all about the execution...I mean how exciting could a film based on a pirate ride be? However, once Sorkin was attached I knew it was going to be a fun ride. He can make dialog sing and dance on the page and his scripts are almost as fun to read as they are to watch: The American President A Few Good Men West Wing Sports Night. If were to name my overall top 5 screenwriters Sorkin and Whedon would be thumb wrestling for the top spot.
Strong expectations can be the death knell for any film. To tell a good story you have to establish certain expectations in the first act. You have to set things in motion, introduce characters, establish tone and a visual style, introduce motivations and storyline. Then you have to write an ending that resolves the major issues without the audience seeing it coming a mile off which means you have to confound some expectations and fulfill others. And if all of that is framed within the viewer's prior expectations of suck or godhood, then it makes it that much more difficult to reach that viewer. I think for a film to be successful, the expectations of the viewer have to be in sync with the expectations the film is setting up.
Here are two short films that play with expectations and because of that I won't say much about either of them in this post.
The first is The Winter Stalker written and directed by Stephen Reedy:
"The Winter Stalker" By Stephen Reedy & Alex Pardee from ZerofriendsFilms on Vimeo.
The second is a short film from French Animation Students. I don't know if I keep running across cool shorts from French schools, or if the French summarily execute any student film that doesn't pass french muster.
It's called Blind Spot:
Regarding my own personal expectations - one of the shorts met them- I felt I knew where the story was going from the beginning... the other took me by surprise which I feel makes it the stronger and more interesting film....but in a Keanu Reeves "whoh" way.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Teen Angst
I think I'm reaching the teen angst portion of tonight's show. I have this theory about film production...or video production, or really any artistic creation. It's nothing new and not even terribly original, but hey, there we are.
Making a video is very much like raising a child. Preproduction is all about youth and adolescence. Sure there are growing pains, but there's such hope and energy, passion and excitement that sometimes it's all you can do to not smother the thing in love. This is where you plan out it's life. You want so much for the little guy, so you try and give it everything it needs. This means writing as much as possible, planning out shoots, finding a consistent visual style, a structure, scouting and maybe pre-interviews to figure out what your subjects are going to say and then how everything will fit together.
Then you reach production which is somewhere around puberty, suddenly this baby is ready to walk on it's own and you can only hope you've prepared it enough to propel itself under it's own energy. Sure you're there to guide it, to feed it, to drive it to the mall and pay for craft services, but it has to have it's own motivation and desire. If you've been negligent in your love, you're certainly going to find out now. Most of the time things start off strong. The first day of shooting is always exciting, it's like the first day of school, everyone looks their best. They're running out to location with their beanies on, excited to play. But that never lasts - it can't really. Because this being has to find it's own feet, it has to be it's own person...and that's when you hit the Teen Angst years.
The Teen Angst generally happens around the middle of production or somewhere early on in post, mostly it just depends when you're actually looking at the footage and starting to put it together. For me, it's now (after only 3 days of shooting) this is because I'm staying late to look at clips Jeanne has put together or am working with Katrina to see the graphics she's created. And I"m starting to doubt my vision. Teen Angst is striking. This happens because all your dreams and visions are for an organic life form that has it's own desires and wishes. You wanted a lawyer and you're getting an artist... or vice-versa. The trick is, to be okay with what it's becoming, but still be able to influence it's decisions. You're not giving up control-you can't and this teen doesn't want you to. But you have to be okay with your vision changing somewhat. You have to allow it to become what it's going to become and be okay with the fact that you can't exert as much influence as you did before.
I had certain thoughts about how the middle sections should go. After shooting 2 interviews and seeing Jeanne try to put them together, I'm worried that we can't get across the whole concept in the 15 seconds I've given to each person. But if we can't then we have to pull from the early 10 second montage 'cause I've only alotted 40 seconds for each of the 5 sections....and this can't go over 5 minutes. At times, production is all about numbers: how many setups have we shot; how long is the crew on the clock; how many bagels are left on the table.
So the trick is to be aware of the teen angst and to not be reactive. I'm going to adjust my interview style a little bit and perhaps put the questions that really matter all together. The individual sections are changing somewhat as well. The 15seconds were people explaining what they're working on and why it's awesome. But I think it has to be what the problem is and why it's important, with the implication of "that's why I'm working on it" Or something. I don't know, I'm going to have to think on that.
The video is being played in St. Louis 3 weeks from today. We got the job 2 weeks ago, so I think we've come quite a ways in a couple weeks. I'm just trying to ignore the pressure from on high and trusting that I've given this thing enough love that it can stand on it's own knowing that I and the rest of our video family is going to be pushing it the rest of the way.
We'll see what I think tomorrow.
And then, at the end of the day when I was in the midst of my teen-angstyness, I found this cool little short:
PYRATS from zloe_zlo on Vimeo.
It was made back in 2006 by animation students at a school I can't pronounce. Here's the website for the film. Overall, it's a whole lot of fun. It well paced, exciting, visually dynamic, tells a story and even worked in a Wilhelm Scream. What's not to love?
Making a video is very much like raising a child. Preproduction is all about youth and adolescence. Sure there are growing pains, but there's such hope and energy, passion and excitement that sometimes it's all you can do to not smother the thing in love. This is where you plan out it's life. You want so much for the little guy, so you try and give it everything it needs. This means writing as much as possible, planning out shoots, finding a consistent visual style, a structure, scouting and maybe pre-interviews to figure out what your subjects are going to say and then how everything will fit together.
Then you reach production which is somewhere around puberty, suddenly this baby is ready to walk on it's own and you can only hope you've prepared it enough to propel itself under it's own energy. Sure you're there to guide it, to feed it, to drive it to the mall and pay for craft services, but it has to have it's own motivation and desire. If you've been negligent in your love, you're certainly going to find out now. Most of the time things start off strong. The first day of shooting is always exciting, it's like the first day of school, everyone looks their best. They're running out to location with their beanies on, excited to play. But that never lasts - it can't really. Because this being has to find it's own feet, it has to be it's own person...and that's when you hit the Teen Angst years.
The Teen Angst generally happens around the middle of production or somewhere early on in post, mostly it just depends when you're actually looking at the footage and starting to put it together. For me, it's now (after only 3 days of shooting) this is because I'm staying late to look at clips Jeanne has put together or am working with Katrina to see the graphics she's created. And I"m starting to doubt my vision. Teen Angst is striking. This happens because all your dreams and visions are for an organic life form that has it's own desires and wishes. You wanted a lawyer and you're getting an artist... or vice-versa. The trick is, to be okay with what it's becoming, but still be able to influence it's decisions. You're not giving up control-you can't and this teen doesn't want you to. But you have to be okay with your vision changing somewhat. You have to allow it to become what it's going to become and be okay with the fact that you can't exert as much influence as you did before.
I had certain thoughts about how the middle sections should go. After shooting 2 interviews and seeing Jeanne try to put them together, I'm worried that we can't get across the whole concept in the 15 seconds I've given to each person. But if we can't then we have to pull from the early 10 second montage 'cause I've only alotted 40 seconds for each of the 5 sections....and this can't go over 5 minutes. At times, production is all about numbers: how many setups have we shot; how long is the crew on the clock; how many bagels are left on the table.
So the trick is to be aware of the teen angst and to not be reactive. I'm going to adjust my interview style a little bit and perhaps put the questions that really matter all together. The individual sections are changing somewhat as well. The 15seconds were people explaining what they're working on and why it's awesome. But I think it has to be what the problem is and why it's important, with the implication of "that's why I'm working on it" Or something. I don't know, I'm going to have to think on that.
The video is being played in St. Louis 3 weeks from today. We got the job 2 weeks ago, so I think we've come quite a ways in a couple weeks. I'm just trying to ignore the pressure from on high and trusting that I've given this thing enough love that it can stand on it's own knowing that I and the rest of our video family is going to be pushing it the rest of the way.
We'll see what I think tomorrow.
And then, at the end of the day when I was in the midst of my teen-angstyness, I found this cool little short:
PYRATS from zloe_zlo on Vimeo.
It was made back in 2006 by animation students at a school I can't pronounce. Here's the website for the film. Overall, it's a whole lot of fun. It well paced, exciting, visually dynamic, tells a story and even worked in a Wilhelm Scream. What's not to love?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sweet Cheeses!
I read an article recently saying that the price of happiness is $75K a year. According to some recent studies, after that amount, your happiness doesn't increase in proportion to your paycheck. A few years ago, I read a similar report saying it was around $40K. I don't know if either report is correct or not, but I do know both those figures are more than I make. Which is okay, I make enough to live on comfortably. We own a house (well, part of it), I just bought a computer (that I'm typing on right now) and tonight I could afford to buy a frozen pizza from Shakes for dinner (although I didn't end up cooking it when I got home). From a financial standpoint, more would be great but we're certainly not hurting.
People define happiness in various ways. Monetary and material things are the first and foremost in most peoples minds. I define my happiness with cheese. And cheese...I mean good cheese, gets expensive for people in my tax bracket. I think at $75K I could buy cheese without feeling guilty. What a concept - Guilt Free cheese. I mean look at this cheese!
Tonight I set sail for Schmucks and discovered their mythical cheese island (I have read about it in stories). It's amazing, you just keep circling and circling and around every bend there's new and interesting cheese (at new and interesting prices). Because of this photo I was labeled a cheese-tease, but I just have so much love of the lactose, I feel I must share. I remember a trip to Colorado where we went and got lost in the mountains around boulder. All we had to survive on was brie and crackers and we made it out alive. Good view, good cheese, good company. And there's my definition of happiness...for this evening.
So the moral of this story is maybe I need to start treating myself to more cheese. Dreams only die by choice. And tonight, I'm dreaming of cheese...Stilton to be precise.
I had to pause and think of what kind of video would involve cheese...and Monty Python wins hands down...not only because they amuse me to no end..but because a friend and I did this skit for our 6th grade talent show. I was the storekeep in my first stage role and Bryan took the best part for himself...and then didn't show up the day we had to perform. I think Chris Leach was the understudy. I'm not sure our 6th grade classmates were ready for our attempt at british humor (what's the cliche about hearing a needle drop in a haystack?) but we thought it was hi-larious.
People define happiness in various ways. Monetary and material things are the first and foremost in most peoples minds. I define my happiness with cheese. And cheese...I mean good cheese, gets expensive for people in my tax bracket. I think at $75K I could buy cheese without feeling guilty. What a concept - Guilt Free cheese. I mean look at this cheese!
Tonight I set sail for Schmucks and discovered their mythical cheese island (I have read about it in stories). It's amazing, you just keep circling and circling and around every bend there's new and interesting cheese (at new and interesting prices). Because of this photo I was labeled a cheese-tease, but I just have so much love of the lactose, I feel I must share. I remember a trip to Colorado where we went and got lost in the mountains around boulder. All we had to survive on was brie and crackers and we made it out alive. Good view, good cheese, good company. And there's my definition of happiness...for this evening.
So the moral of this story is maybe I need to start treating myself to more cheese. Dreams only die by choice. And tonight, I'm dreaming of cheese...Stilton to be precise.
I had to pause and think of what kind of video would involve cheese...and Monty Python wins hands down...not only because they amuse me to no end..but because a friend and I did this skit for our 6th grade talent show. I was the storekeep in my first stage role and Bryan took the best part for himself...and then didn't show up the day we had to perform. I think Chris Leach was the understudy. I'm not sure our 6th grade classmates were ready for our attempt at british humor (what's the cliche about hearing a needle drop in a haystack?) but we thought it was hi-larious.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Compelations
Tonight I found a cool music video. It's what happens in college when Music class and Art History get drunk one night.
In a similar vein is one of my favorites "where the hell is Matt"
It starts off as a gimmick, but quickly becomes something powerful and inspiring
And this completes my month of blogging. I wish I had a more auspicious ending. I feel that it's been a success in that I've been writing at least a little bit each day. These last few feel like I'm phoning it in though. I do think I'll keep up with the writing each day, but blogging each day is a little overwhelming. I do have a good list of videos I want to post, I've even started a file on google docs of videos I want to post, so at least I have material.
This weekend is the first game of the season. We're using the NFL equipment with their person running it. I'm just the down and distance guy - which means I do stats for each play of the game. I've done this a few times when we started off and it basically means I'll be writing the whole game. Oh well, at least what I make on this game will cancel out what I'm losing by not working on Lisa's wedding.
Hugs for everyone!
In a similar vein is one of my favorites "where the hell is Matt"
It starts off as a gimmick, but quickly becomes something powerful and inspiring
And this completes my month of blogging. I wish I had a more auspicious ending. I feel that it's been a success in that I've been writing at least a little bit each day. These last few feel like I'm phoning it in though. I do think I'll keep up with the writing each day, but blogging each day is a little overwhelming. I do have a good list of videos I want to post, I've even started a file on google docs of videos I want to post, so at least I have material.
This weekend is the first game of the season. We're using the NFL equipment with their person running it. I'm just the down and distance guy - which means I do stats for each play of the game. I've done this a few times when we started off and it basically means I'll be writing the whole game. Oh well, at least what I make on this game will cancel out what I'm losing by not working on Lisa's wedding.
Hugs for everyone!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Animania
A staple of my college days....or were they high school? I don't remember when it first came out, but I was certainly watching it my dorm room.
It's fun *and* educational
But mostly just fun
And any tongue twister automatically make me think of The Court Jester
It's fun *and* educational
But mostly just fun
And any tongue twister automatically make me think of The Court Jester
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Big Tongue Lamps, film at eleven
I seem to have a real problem finding blow off videos. By that I mean, I want to stick to my one post per night schedule, but I just got home and am tired and want to go to bed, so I'll just post something cool I remember from ago and be done with it.
However, I find I want to comment on them or they lead me into other thoughts...and this is why I'm tired. I end up in a staring contest with the ceiling thinking about things I really wish I wasn't. And they're not even particularly interesting thoughts, sometimes it about what my tongue tastes like (conclusion: chicken. That's why so many things taste like chicken, my tongue just gets confused)
Anywhoo, here are two different commercials that I enjoy for wildly different reasons. They're from long ago sos nothing new here, move along, move along.
It's a big ad
Ikea lamp
However, I find I want to comment on them or they lead me into other thoughts...and this is why I'm tired. I end up in a staring contest with the ceiling thinking about things I really wish I wasn't. And they're not even particularly interesting thoughts, sometimes it about what my tongue tastes like (conclusion: chicken. That's why so many things taste like chicken, my tongue just gets confused)
Anywhoo, here are two different commercials that I enjoy for wildly different reasons. They're from long ago sos nothing new here, move along, move along.
It's a big ad
Ikea lamp
Monday, August 30, 2010
Eric the Yodeling ChocolateChipCookie....wait, what?
Tonight I made the rest of this weeks new recipe. It's a variation on chocolate chip cookies involving icecream. I discovered it on a great site called The Picky Palate...I plan on trying out a few of her other designs as well. My standard rule when trying new recipes is to first follow the instructions to the letter, then experiment with the next batch. For this version I experimented the first time around. The recipe called for vanilla ice cream and I went with Burgundy Cherry which uses an amaretto flavored ice cream. And it just now struck me that instead of vanilla extract I should've used almond extract. Oh well, I only made half a batch in case I didn't like it. Turns out I like it very much, the cookie and the smell of fresh cookie. Next go around, I'll use the almond, I still have it from the Amaretto Cake. And now I'm in the mood for Amaretto Sours.
I tried to think of what video would be appropriate to use with the cookies. And really, there's only one that comes to mind. I haven't found a non-embeddy version, so you'll just have to follow the link ....or not.
And just because Gene Wilder makes me think of this film I have to post it:
I laugh outloud every time I see or think of this scene....and then I get a little sad thinking of Peter Boyle & Madeline Kahn. They both made me laugh so much in my childhood. Here's a link to the Muppet Show she hosted.
Eric the Yodeling clam? Awesome.
I tried to think of what video would be appropriate to use with the cookies. And really, there's only one that comes to mind. I haven't found a non-embeddy version, so you'll just have to follow the link ....or not.
And just because Gene Wilder makes me think of this film I have to post it:
I laugh outloud every time I see or think of this scene....and then I get a little sad thinking of Peter Boyle & Madeline Kahn. They both made me laugh so much in my childhood. Here's a link to the Muppet Show she hosted.
Eric the Yodeling clam? Awesome.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Virtual Choir
Tonight I found a video that was moving and impressive. Both from a musical and technological standpoint.
At first I was really impressed with the concept...but it didn't take long for that to fade away and the music to take hold. The video was edited by Scott Rawlins and I'm a little overwhelmed at how long that probably took him. Having seen what Kat goes through compositing effects, I'm assuming that each video screen is a layer of it's own. The music was composed and organized by Eric Whitacre and he writes about how it came about on his blog.
I always respond well to vocals. I think that's why I always enjoy James Horner's scores. Glory was my first introduction to him and it's still one of my favorites:
At first I was really impressed with the concept...but it didn't take long for that to fade away and the music to take hold. The video was edited by Scott Rawlins and I'm a little overwhelmed at how long that probably took him. Having seen what Kat goes through compositing effects, I'm assuming that each video screen is a layer of it's own. The music was composed and organized by Eric Whitacre and he writes about how it came about on his blog.
I always respond well to vocals. I think that's why I always enjoy James Horner's scores. Glory was my first introduction to him and it's still one of my favorites:
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Swarmin' my childhood
Today I found a video from MIT about an automated oil collection "Swarm" made up of individual robots. It's a pretty cool concept, if functional...at least until they become self-aware and plan the overall downfall of humanity. (like ya do) Nothing was said about what happened to the oil once it was collected, but these things are automated, so surely there's some "find/replace & return to sender" command that could be worked out. Here's the video:
However, the term Swarm always triggers things from my childhood, the first is of course, that staple of Saturday Morning 80s Cartoons: Spiderman and His Amazing Friends. Every saturday morning I was glued to the television for Spiderman, Superfriends, Dungeons & Dragons, Thundarr...all the great cartoons that formed my childhood and got me hooked on fantasy and sci-fi. (i'm not sure what Muppet Babies, Gummie Bears or Smurfs got me hooked on, but I watched them too.) Anywhoo, here's one of the Spiderman episodes called SWARM that kinda wigged me out. Maybe it was just the baddy....
Or maybe it was the fact that I saw a film named The Swarm at waaaay too young an age. Here's the trailer (is that Michael Caine? You bet it is):
It came out in 78, and I saw it sometime in the early 80s. My parents would sometimes have people over on Fridays and my brother and I would always find Something Awesome to watch in my parents bedroom. It was a different age then, lock-key kids and whatnot, they were having their fun, we were having ours. I can't image parents today not knowing what their kids are watching, but hey, we were young and free... and then had nightmares about it: The Swarm, Piranha, The Andromeda Strain, Logan's Run....these are some of the films I remember from my early youth, edited for TV sure, but still pretty intense for a 6-10 year old. Then in '85 I met Caspall and he introduced me to all the horror films I had been missing. I think I was probably 12 or 13 when I saw Night of the Living Dead and the original Godzilla...about the same age with Nightmare on Elm Street, Critters and probably around 15-16 when we saw The Serpent and The Rainbow. Sometimes I forget how much films shaped my childhood....or warped it. I'm not quite sure, but I still really love the magic of the cinema and I'm quite sure that will never change.
However, the term Swarm always triggers things from my childhood, the first is of course, that staple of Saturday Morning 80s Cartoons: Spiderman and His Amazing Friends. Every saturday morning I was glued to the television for Spiderman, Superfriends, Dungeons & Dragons, Thundarr...all the great cartoons that formed my childhood and got me hooked on fantasy and sci-fi. (i'm not sure what Muppet Babies, Gummie Bears or Smurfs got me hooked on, but I watched them too.) Anywhoo, here's one of the Spiderman episodes called SWARM that kinda wigged me out. Maybe it was just the baddy....
Or maybe it was the fact that I saw a film named The Swarm at waaaay too young an age. Here's the trailer (is that Michael Caine? You bet it is):
It came out in 78, and I saw it sometime in the early 80s. My parents would sometimes have people over on Fridays and my brother and I would always find Something Awesome to watch in my parents bedroom. It was a different age then, lock-key kids and whatnot, they were having their fun, we were having ours. I can't image parents today not knowing what their kids are watching, but hey, we were young and free... and then had nightmares about it: The Swarm, Piranha, The Andromeda Strain, Logan's Run....these are some of the films I remember from my early youth, edited for TV sure, but still pretty intense for a 6-10 year old. Then in '85 I met Caspall and he introduced me to all the horror films I had been missing. I think I was probably 12 or 13 when I saw Night of the Living Dead and the original Godzilla...about the same age with Nightmare on Elm Street, Critters and probably around 15-16 when we saw The Serpent and The Rainbow. Sometimes I forget how much films shaped my childhood....or warped it. I'm not quite sure, but I still really love the magic of the cinema and I'm quite sure that will never change.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Coke Babies
And again, it's the end of the day, I'm beat and need to post something. I was going to post a fanfilm The Purchase Brothers made for Half-life. It came out last year and at that point I hadn't played the game, so while it was well made, I really didn't connect with it on a gamefilm level...really it was more of a "oh look, a groovy sci-fi film" level. So this evening I went and watched it and enjoyed the sound effects and the CGI realization of...the... CGI game vehicles. Yeah. Anywhoo, the original was part 1 and people are clammering for part 2 and being rather presumptuous. At which point I always think about a post Neil Gaimen made regarding similar feelings towards GeorgeRR Martin.
Alongside the Half-life film, they also have a Coke film which I have posted below. This may be an actual commercial or may be a submission for films that Coke sponsors. I'm not sure, we don't have cable so we haven't seen this commercial and my lazy google search brought up nothing except a quote from the Blues Brothers about 4 Fried Chickens and a Coke. So that was only helpful in the nostalgia department....and I also learned there's a band by the same name.
So here's the Coke film...Great title for starters. I love the parady of all the aliens come to earth "found-footage" films - district 9 primarily but also the new V and others. Overall I think it's a clever and well-made piece....for selling soda. All films have a message whether it's "love thy neighbor" or "don't put that in your mouth" (and District 9 has both!) but I think it's a strange train of thought that diminishes the quality of a piece simply because it's selling something I don't want. Which obviously isn't coke, I tend to want that too much. But it leads to the whole "selling out"or "propaganda" conversations which have been done to death. If you have a clever films about switching your bulbs to CFLs and you present it once on it's own and once sponsored by Wal-Mart (as they made this big push to go green in their stores) will it influence the way people see the video? Should it? I don't know. But, I'm really tired. So I'm just going to hit "publish" and go to bed.
Alongside the Half-life film, they also have a Coke film which I have posted below. This may be an actual commercial or may be a submission for films that Coke sponsors. I'm not sure, we don't have cable so we haven't seen this commercial and my lazy google search brought up nothing except a quote from the Blues Brothers about 4 Fried Chickens and a Coke. So that was only helpful in the nostalgia department....and I also learned there's a band by the same name.
So here's the Coke film...Great title for starters. I love the parady of all the aliens come to earth "found-footage" films - district 9 primarily but also the new V and others. Overall I think it's a clever and well-made piece....for selling soda. All films have a message whether it's "love thy neighbor" or "don't put that in your mouth" (and District 9 has both!) but I think it's a strange train of thought that diminishes the quality of a piece simply because it's selling something I don't want. Which obviously isn't coke, I tend to want that too much. But it leads to the whole "selling out"or "propaganda" conversations which have been done to death. If you have a clever films about switching your bulbs to CFLs and you present it once on it's own and once sponsored by Wal-Mart (as they made this big push to go green in their stores) will it influence the way people see the video? Should it? I don't know. But, I'm really tired. So I'm just going to hit "publish" and go to bed.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Shrîimpéé dëë pöpcørn
Again wiped out and looking forward to dë wëëkënd. Shot outside for several hours again without any sunscreen or my hat so I'm a little toasted. Once I get through this first month of posting every night, I'm hoping I can get into a good schedule of posting something of substance every few nights. Until then, it seems to be mostly just videos I find amusing...or inspiring...or just cool. I fully believe that "because it's cool" is a perfectly respectable reason for doing something. Sure you might be making a tradeoff...many times there's a certain depth you can't achieve because you have to sacrifice something for the awesome. But isn't the awesome there to be sacrificed for?
I didn't find the flash or the awesome for our video yet. Didn't feel like I had a ton of time to though. Shot all morning, logged most of the afternoon inbetween finalizing music for the show and...emailing? I have no idear what took so long but I didn't get done with everything I wanted to do. Maybe I can take a day off next week. And then football starts which means more $$ but less time. Sigh.
Anywhoo, I went to find something amusing I could post and came across one of The Muppett Studio's new vids on the Swedish Chef...sure he's funny and he makes me smile at first, but generally he's a one-trick Swede. And I was just about done with his one trick when he went onto a new one that kept me smiling to the end. So here it is (although I still have that fight montage music in my head)
I didn't find the flash or the awesome for our video yet. Didn't feel like I had a ton of time to though. Shot all morning, logged most of the afternoon inbetween finalizing music for the show and...emailing? I have no idear what took so long but I didn't get done with everything I wanted to do. Maybe I can take a day off next week. And then football starts which means more $$ but less time. Sigh.
Anywhoo, I went to find something amusing I could post and came across one of The Muppett Studio's new vids on the Swedish Chef...sure he's funny and he makes me smile at first, but generally he's a one-trick Swede. And I was just about done with his one trick when he went onto a new one that kept me smiling to the end. So here it is (although I still have that fight montage music in my head)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Is that a sword in your pocket....
Long day full of shooting and logging and mowing oh my. Ben and I started work on a new experimental video today. I think we have the content right, now we need the flash...the delivery mechanism....and I'm not quite sure what to do. We can't just put a series of short interviews back to back, it worked for Conversation, but this new project is much quicker. We're aiming at the 60-90 second mark. It needs to move fast so it needs the right music. I'm going to talk to Jeanne tomorrow about that, she's fantastic at finding just the right music. I wonder if we have any hard rock tunes in our music library...I'm thinking that's the direction to go. Fast paced, quick cuts, students talking and being honest. I'm going to go shooting tomorrow afternoon and see if I can get some funky shots around campus. At the beginning of this week, I had thought we might be able to complete a version for Sue's meeting next week, but unless inspiration strikes tomorrow, I don't want to rush this.
I know what we need to make it exciting....sword fights!
Swordfights: En garde! from brutzelpretzel on Vimeo.
But seriously, how cool was that? There was only one clip in there I didn't recognize...the one with the dude in yellow armor. Unless, that was from Hero, in which case I've seen all those films.
I know what we need to make it exciting....sword fights!
Swordfights: En garde! from brutzelpretzel on Vimeo.
But seriously, how cool was that? There was only one clip in there I didn't recognize...the one with the dude in yellow armor. Unless, that was from Hero, in which case I've seen all those films.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Free Dives and Magic Men
Tonight at dinner, Tony brought up how David Blaine held his breath for 17 minutes, at which point the whole table called shenanigans. However, Tony would not be phased and claimed it for truth...along with his beans. There certainly was no denying the Beans of Truth, so the Blaine thing must be true, right? Then the discussion moved onto free diving for a bit and suddenly I knew what video I was going to post tonight.
This short filmed called Free Fall was made earlier this year and I loved it the first time I saw it. When shot correctly, the underwater world can seem magical and ethereal and I think this film captures that wonderfully. The music is a perfect fit as well, having two musical styles juxtaposed together to mimic the beauty and danger inherent in free diving.
The free diver is Guillaume Nery, and it was shot by Julie Gautier who is also a free diver and camerawoman. Sure he holds a world record, but I'm actually more impressed by her in that she had to get all the fantastic shots and angles while holding her breath. And I just read that they're a couple as well, isn't that sweet? The music is You Make Me Feel by Archive, a London-based band.
Anywhoo, Tony had seen David Blaine on a TED talk, and Amy hadn't heard of TED, so I'm posting the talk and the link here.
So Blaine is either impressive...or a little nutty. I'm not sure which, but anyone who would shove a hose down his throat just to see if it'll help him breath under water deserves some modicum of respect. And a little distance...cause whoh.
Although frankly Mitch Silpa does Blaine better than Blaine (some of the dialog NSFW)
This short filmed called Free Fall was made earlier this year and I loved it the first time I saw it. When shot correctly, the underwater world can seem magical and ethereal and I think this film captures that wonderfully. The music is a perfect fit as well, having two musical styles juxtaposed together to mimic the beauty and danger inherent in free diving.
The free diver is Guillaume Nery, and it was shot by Julie Gautier who is also a free diver and camerawoman. Sure he holds a world record, but I'm actually more impressed by her in that she had to get all the fantastic shots and angles while holding her breath. And I just read that they're a couple as well, isn't that sweet? The music is You Make Me Feel by Archive, a London-based band.
Anywhoo, Tony had seen David Blaine on a TED talk, and Amy hadn't heard of TED, so I'm posting the talk and the link here.
So Blaine is either impressive...or a little nutty. I'm not sure which, but anyone who would shove a hose down his throat just to see if it'll help him breath under water deserves some modicum of respect. And a little distance...cause whoh.
Although frankly Mitch Silpa does Blaine better than Blaine (some of the dialog NSFW)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Marcel the Shell with shoes on
I am totally captivated by this short. And now that I start looking around the web, it seems to be in many places. But it's new to me. Last night we had youtube around the table where we passed around the computer and showed everyone a different short. It was terribly geeky, but that's what you do at dinner parties, right? Well, that's what we did anywhoo. This was Laura's submission
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.
Made by Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate
I don't know what it is about this little shell story that I love so much. Part of it, certainly, is Marcel herself. She's quite lovely. Part of it is the absurdity...part of it is the interviewer's voice - he's really the perfect straight man. Mostly, it's just adorable. And sometimes, that's enough.
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.
Made by Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate
I don't know what it is about this little shell story that I love so much. Part of it, certainly, is Marcel herself. She's quite lovely. Part of it is the absurdity...part of it is the interviewer's voice - he's really the perfect straight man. Mostly, it's just adorable. And sometimes, that's enough.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Oktapodi
So I figured it was about time to bring in the cephalopod angle. (which blogger thinks I'm misspelling) And what better way to do so than with a film *about* a cephalopod....in love!
Back in 2007 some students at a French animation school came up with a cool little short for their graduation film. It's a lot of fun and is called Oktapodi.
It was then nominated for a 2009 Academy Award, and won many others. They're listed out on their press page here!
In other news Laura and DC came over for dinner and a grand time was had by all. They brought a *fantastic* organic apple pie and I officially started the new recipe show. I tried an authentic cashew chicken recipe and I suppose it turned out okay, it wasn't what I'd call bad. I'd give it a passable rating. I think for all these recipes I'm going to do them twice a week because there are many things I'd do differently, both in terms of flavor and prep. I need more flavor which I think can come from more sauce, fewer veggies or larger cut veggies. I think we just ended up with too much surface area so the flavor was diluted. Soooo, I'm going to try this again sometime this week and see if I can coax some more flavor out of it.
Back in 2007 some students at a French animation school came up with a cool little short for their graduation film. It's a lot of fun and is called Oktapodi.
It was then nominated for a 2009 Academy Award, and won many others. They're listed out on their press page here!
In other news Laura and DC came over for dinner and a grand time was had by all. They brought a *fantastic* organic apple pie and I officially started the new recipe show. I tried an authentic cashew chicken recipe and I suppose it turned out okay, it wasn't what I'd call bad. I'd give it a passable rating. I think for all these recipes I'm going to do them twice a week because there are many things I'd do differently, both in terms of flavor and prep. I need more flavor which I think can come from more sauce, fewer veggies or larger cut veggies. I think we just ended up with too much surface area so the flavor was diluted. Soooo, I'm going to try this again sometime this week and see if I can coax some more flavor out of it.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
A Good Year For Robots
So back in 2007 a band named Coparck made a music video called A Good Year for the Robots
which I think is quite wonderful.
And it's late and that's my post for the day.
which I think is quite wonderful.
And it's late and that's my post for the day.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Balls!
The Daily What posted a video of this dude with the crazy ball...well more like the crazyhands. And it gets crazycool around the 90 second mark
And I'm really not sure if any child of the 80s can see that and not immediately think of this:
And this? This is just for fun:
And I'm really not sure if any child of the 80s can see that and not immediately think of this:
And this? This is just for fun:
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Cat with Hands
I've posted this on my other blog, but it's been a while. I think it was Seth who sent this many moons ago. Regardless, once seen it cannot be unseen. I come back to it every so often as it's a great short.
Robert Morgan - The Cat With Hands from James Burke on Vimeo.
It's masterful in so many ways. The sound plays an integral part in the pacing, first noticed when the old man takes the pails from the kid. The composition and creepy special effects which are probably really simple add all the more to the creep factor. It's under 4 minutes and it tells a great story, cheaply and quickly. I think part of it's appeal is that it doesn't feel the need to explain everything. The mystery is key to the story and the reveal.
And of course, now, whenever there's a mystery in any script or film, I always think of JJAbrams' mystery box. If you haven't seen his talk on TED you should really check it out. It's one of my favorites...and that's not why you should check it out.
Robert Morgan - The Cat With Hands from James Burke on Vimeo.
It's masterful in so many ways. The sound plays an integral part in the pacing, first noticed when the old man takes the pails from the kid. The composition and creepy special effects which are probably really simple add all the more to the creep factor. It's under 4 minutes and it tells a great story, cheaply and quickly. I think part of it's appeal is that it doesn't feel the need to explain everything. The mystery is key to the story and the reveal.
And of course, now, whenever there's a mystery in any script or film, I always think of JJAbrams' mystery box. If you haven't seen his talk on TED you should really check it out. It's one of my favorites...and that's not why you should check it out.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
More Conversations...
So the conversations video was shown at weekly faculty meeting and met with a wonderful reaction. Everybody was excited about it...tears were reported. Holy crap... Tears? I mean, the "kiss me goodnight" story gets me choked up everytime, so it's nice to know that others are affected as well. That's crazy awesome. And then apparently everyone in the room started throwing out suggestions about where this video could go. And they talked and they talked...and then they ordered 500 copies that they're going to ship to Geriatric deparments and programs across the country....and that's not hyperbole.
And I...am stunned. Tonight I was going to talk about the progress of the show and how many different versions I considered because I think it's a good example of the organic nature of these things. I think this is probably the best version that could've come out at this time because I'd been working on it for a long time (along side other shows and events and recording speakers and etc etc.) And then this happened and other things which I'm not going to get into, so I"ll go into that later.
But for now, I'm in Holy Crap mode. If they're making 500 copies, we need to get the credits in order. The video I posted was going to be the one they gave the Reynolds Foundation to show what they've been doing. If this is going to 500 places, we need to tighten things up. For most ASC projects, we've never done full credits. A lot of the time our names aren't even on the shows. We videotaped someone this morning and he was asking us what kinds of shows we work on. I had to remind him that a year ago we did a video for him...like he was the client. His response: "oh yeah, people love that video, we send it everywhere!" So it's going everywhere without our names on it.
There aren't many of us, so I want to actually put in our credits and titles. Jeanne certainly deserves credit as an editor. She edits almost all of our shows and no one knows it's her. For just about everyone else, I know their title. The person I don't know what to do with is Sue. I think she'll just be a producer....but then she's the manager as well....soooo I don't know.
Oh and I need to post a fun/cool video:
Here's one by Bruce Branit, who also was a co-creator/director/etc of 405, which is really quite a bit of fun.
And I...am stunned. Tonight I was going to talk about the progress of the show and how many different versions I considered because I think it's a good example of the organic nature of these things. I think this is probably the best version that could've come out at this time because I'd been working on it for a long time (along side other shows and events and recording speakers and etc etc.) And then this happened and other things which I'm not going to get into, so I"ll go into that later.
But for now, I'm in Holy Crap mode. If they're making 500 copies, we need to get the credits in order. The video I posted was going to be the one they gave the Reynolds Foundation to show what they've been doing. If this is going to 500 places, we need to tighten things up. For most ASC projects, we've never done full credits. A lot of the time our names aren't even on the shows. We videotaped someone this morning and he was asking us what kinds of shows we work on. I had to remind him that a year ago we did a video for him...like he was the client. His response: "oh yeah, people love that video, we send it everywhere!" So it's going everywhere without our names on it.
There aren't many of us, so I want to actually put in our credits and titles. Jeanne certainly deserves credit as an editor. She edits almost all of our shows and no one knows it's her. For just about everyone else, I know their title. The person I don't know what to do with is Sue. I think she'll just be a producer....but then she's the manager as well....soooo I don't know.
Oh and I need to post a fun/cool video:
Here's one by Bruce Branit, who also was a co-creator/director/etc of 405, which is really quite a bit of fun.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Conversations....
Well, that's the working title anywhoo, it's actually supposed to be the subtitle. Here's a 22 minute video I've been working on for quite a while. We're hoping, and there's certainly interest in making it into a full length feature film. We certainly have the footage and while this type of storytelling works for a short, we'll need a much larger and stronger storyline for the feature.
One of the most interesting parts about this whole process is the decision on whether or not to use b-roll. We were trying to capture footage along the way of these docs in action, but we kept being hamstrung by HIPAA rules and the possibility that we might shoot something we wouldn't use. One of the comments was "well, I can get you in there, but I'm going to have to call in favors you might need to get you in somewhere else" Most of the docs were great at what they did and very passionate, but, this being the midwest, pretty modest and not wanting to be on camera. I decided to shoot the interviews and get the storyline I wanted and then go back and shoot footage of the doctors that would fit that. I had some issues with this method, but the footage we were getting just wasn't enough. And then an interesting thing happened. Sue suggested that the footage was strong enough to stand on it's own. Just have the interviews and that's it. I was shocked she suggested it because that's not the way we generally do things, but she was absolutely correct.
This was also the best working relationship I've had with our editor, Jeanne. Ben and I shot most of the footage, Claudia shot a bit, I came up with the storyline in tried and true notecard fashion:
and then Jeanne put it all together with Katrina's help on graphics. We worked together in terms of pulling out the footage the fit a particular segment (death and dying for example) but then she took it and wrapped it around and cut it up and made it flow. It's really how I feel working with an editor should be. I've always thought our workflow here could be improved and now I know that's the case.
It's also possible that this was a specific case due to a specific show because this isn't really like the regular videos we produce. I don't know, but I think one of the reasons this process worked better than some of the other shows I've produced is because each of us were allowed to bring our strengths to the table.
So overall, a good experience and I'm happy with this 22 minute product. I'm also really hoping that we're able to do the feature. First I need to come up with the greater storyline.....
thinking.....thinking.....
One of the most interesting parts about this whole process is the decision on whether or not to use b-roll. We were trying to capture footage along the way of these docs in action, but we kept being hamstrung by HIPAA rules and the possibility that we might shoot something we wouldn't use. One of the comments was "well, I can get you in there, but I'm going to have to call in favors you might need to get you in somewhere else" Most of the docs were great at what they did and very passionate, but, this being the midwest, pretty modest and not wanting to be on camera. I decided to shoot the interviews and get the storyline I wanted and then go back and shoot footage of the doctors that would fit that. I had some issues with this method, but the footage we were getting just wasn't enough. And then an interesting thing happened. Sue suggested that the footage was strong enough to stand on it's own. Just have the interviews and that's it. I was shocked she suggested it because that's not the way we generally do things, but she was absolutely correct.
This was also the best working relationship I've had with our editor, Jeanne. Ben and I shot most of the footage, Claudia shot a bit, I came up with the storyline in tried and true notecard fashion:
and then Jeanne put it all together with Katrina's help on graphics. We worked together in terms of pulling out the footage the fit a particular segment (death and dying for example) but then she took it and wrapped it around and cut it up and made it flow. It's really how I feel working with an editor should be. I've always thought our workflow here could be improved and now I know that's the case.
It's also possible that this was a specific case due to a specific show because this isn't really like the regular videos we produce. I don't know, but I think one of the reasons this process worked better than some of the other shows I've produced is because each of us were allowed to bring our strengths to the table.
So overall, a good experience and I'm happy with this 22 minute product. I'm also really hoping that we're able to do the feature. First I need to come up with the greater storyline.....
thinking.....thinking.....
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Brother's Grinfoafric
I'm pretty sure that joke didn't work. It's klunky. Also, I was curious, so I went out and discovered the word Spoonerism was named for William Archibald Spooner. The more you know *ting*
This is dedicated to Laura and her blog, Space to Bleed. By way of which I started paying more attention to infographics. And really, this should go on her blog, but I got here first, so thpbt! *ting*
Ahem, anywhoo here's Little Red Riding Hood told through infographics. It's keen!
Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored by destiny from Tomas Nilsson on Vimeo.
And then through the comments on Tomas Nilsson's vimeo page, someone posted a link to a music video made of infographics, which is much more complex. But then, I don't think it was a school project.
Remind Me from Röyksopp on Vimeo.
This is dedicated to Laura and her blog, Space to Bleed. By way of which I started paying more attention to infographics. And really, this should go on her blog, but I got here first, so thpbt! *ting*
Ahem, anywhoo here's Little Red Riding Hood told through infographics. It's keen!
Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored by destiny from Tomas Nilsson on Vimeo.
And then through the comments on Tomas Nilsson's vimeo page, someone posted a link to a music video made of infographics, which is much more complex. But then, I don't think it was a school project.
Remind Me from Röyksopp on Vimeo.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Good Eats and Greets
A few years back I was doing this thing where I was trying out one new recipe each week. It was either an entree or a dessert or a side thing. There wasn't much order to it past the "something new each week" deal. I've decided I need to get back into that. We've gotten into a cycle at home where we keep having the same things over and over. We get home, we're tired, someone says "what do you want for dinner" and we have the same old same old. So I need to expand my repertoire. And after searching through cookbooks tonight, I've decided I need a better plan than "one new things per week". That's just way to vague. My plan for all of this is to aim for the weekends which means either dinner parties...or left overs. Either way, we win. So....my plan...until it changes....is a 3 parter.
I'll try out something each month using tofu or tempeh. It's healthy, it's good for you (which might even be the same thing) it's non-meat and since it's flexible with the flavors, hopefully we'll be able to do interesting things with it. At lunch today, Barb mentioned that Alton Brown had an episode involving tofu, so I'll have to check that out because, as everyone knows (or should know) Alton is the man. Also, he used to be a videographer/producer in a former life so that's cool too. And outside of his show that everyone should watch, Good Eats he also had this show Feasting on Aspalt, which was kind of a roadtrip foodtrip documentary...thing. It was fun, and you should watch it. Right now!
I think I'll also aim for making a meal each month using only local and nearby foods. This will take some research as I generally don't know what's in season when. It's not something I really pay attention to but I should. Eating locally is generally better in most regards, except when you want fish in the midwest, which luckily, I do not. Ever.
PBS has this series called E squared (except it's E with the superscript 2 which I can't seem to make here. All I can make is E2, which makes me think of Caesar). Anywhoo, it's all about "The Economics of Being Environmentally Conscious" (tm) and here's an episode that is somewhat connected to what I just said.
And finally, I think I'll try something traditionally foreign...this might end up being an every other month deally. We'll see. But I'll aim for a traditional Japanese dish, or Indian or Italian, whatever tweaks my fancy that month. It'll also be interesting to see what passes for "traditionally X". I guess I'll have to define that at some point.
So...I will consider this week's quota fulfilled as I made some cookies from a recipe I hadn't tried before. They were from the New York Times (passed down by The Webb) and really quite good. I don't feel the need to explore more chocolate chip recipes as Barb has already done that. Okay, I am going to try Alton's recipe because he's on TV and I always listen to people on TV.
I feel I should have a better conclusion...right now it's pretty "meh"
oh well.
I'll try out something each month using tofu or tempeh. It's healthy, it's good for you (which might even be the same thing) it's non-meat and since it's flexible with the flavors, hopefully we'll be able to do interesting things with it. At lunch today, Barb mentioned that Alton Brown had an episode involving tofu, so I'll have to check that out because, as everyone knows (or should know) Alton is the man. Also, he used to be a videographer/producer in a former life so that's cool too. And outside of his show that everyone should watch, Good Eats he also had this show Feasting on Aspalt, which was kind of a roadtrip foodtrip documentary...thing. It was fun, and you should watch it. Right now!
I think I'll also aim for making a meal each month using only local and nearby foods. This will take some research as I generally don't know what's in season when. It's not something I really pay attention to but I should. Eating locally is generally better in most regards, except when you want fish in the midwest, which luckily, I do not. Ever.
PBS has this series called E squared (except it's E with the superscript 2 which I can't seem to make here. All I can make is E2, which makes me think of Caesar). Anywhoo, it's all about "The Economics of Being Environmentally Conscious" (tm) and here's an episode that is somewhat connected to what I just said.
Watch the full episode. See more e2.
And finally, I think I'll try something traditionally foreign...this might end up being an every other month deally. We'll see. But I'll aim for a traditional Japanese dish, or Indian or Italian, whatever tweaks my fancy that month. It'll also be interesting to see what passes for "traditionally X". I guess I'll have to define that at some point.
So...I will consider this week's quota fulfilled as I made some cookies from a recipe I hadn't tried before. They were from the New York Times (passed down by The Webb) and really quite good. I don't feel the need to explore more chocolate chip recipes as Barb has already done that. Okay, I am going to try Alton's recipe because he's on TV and I always listen to people on TV.
I feel I should have a better conclusion...right now it's pretty "meh"
oh well.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Day off!
So I took the day off....had fun, rested, watched some films, read some books, listened to some music. It was a good restful day. So I'll just post two vids about music which are quite cool and leave it at that.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Magic and Moovies
Long shoot today and brain totally blitzed. But still for to post.
Great films make me want to make great films...to write great films...to experience great films. Sometimes it's the surprise factor - you expect an okay movie and it knocks your socks off. Sometimes it's great writing. Sometimes it's an epic story. I have my own personal tweaks that a film can nail to get me interested. Mostly what I've discovered is magic...I respond well to magic...and filmmaking is magic of the most wonderful kind. So here are a few that blew me away and kept me thinking about magic and moovies for long after viewing them.
Great films make me want to make great films...to write great films...to experience great films. Sometimes it's the surprise factor - you expect an okay movie and it knocks your socks off. Sometimes it's great writing. Sometimes it's an epic story. I have my own personal tweaks that a film can nail to get me interested. Mostly what I've discovered is magic...I respond well to magic...and filmmaking is magic of the most wonderful kind. So here are a few that blew me away and kept me thinking about magic and moovies for long after viewing them.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
In the Navy
Today's shoot was a great example of communication gone awry. As expected the plans we had at the beginning lasted for about 30 minutes. We were supposed to be shooting standups in "limbo" which is just a person against a black background. That was supposed to go on for a few hours and it went on for the whole day. I still have difficulty seeing how what we were shooting was going to fit into the whole, but for a food show, I feel it's appropriate to use the "too many chefs" analogy. I honestly couldn't tell you who was in charge, I could tell you who thinks they're in charge...and sometimes they actually are. As with many production issues, everything comes down to the script. Pretty much all the issues both camera teams faced came from difficulties with the script and lack of a clear direction.
It very much feels like it was written by several people and that's because I'm pretty sure it was....then it was translated by several more, and those people don't seem to have been native Mexican-Spanish speakers. So that makes things a bit more exciting when one of the primary audiences is Mexicans. So we'll see what happens tomorrow. I think a lot of the issues were ironed out, but I was slightly horrified to hear that everything we shot today in Limbo might have to get thrown out because, and these were the actual words that were used "they're going in a different direction". I thought you only heard those words in Hollywood?
However, even though it was occasionally frustrating, everyone stayed upbeat. And really for any sort of shoot that's the most important thing. If you stay in a good mood and are just nice to people, it makes it so much easier to fix the issues as they arise. That's one of the most important parts of T/F. It's a crazy whirlwind and most days we're staying one step ahead of the chaos...but everyone keeps smiling and that keeps everyone looking forward to solve the next problem.
Anywhoo, we'll see what tomorrow brings. Tonight I made cookie dough and it needs to refrigerate for 24 hours, so tomorrow, Set Striking Celebration Cookies! My place! Bring milk or a monkey. It's BYOM.
Oh and other film stuff. Chud posted a very interesting essay about Inception as Film-making It's worth a read if you've seen the film. And if you haven't, good lord, why not?
Oh yes, I was going to post video of something cool:
It very much feels like it was written by several people and that's because I'm pretty sure it was....then it was translated by several more, and those people don't seem to have been native Mexican-Spanish speakers. So that makes things a bit more exciting when one of the primary audiences is Mexicans. So we'll see what happens tomorrow. I think a lot of the issues were ironed out, but I was slightly horrified to hear that everything we shot today in Limbo might have to get thrown out because, and these were the actual words that were used "they're going in a different direction". I thought you only heard those words in Hollywood?
However, even though it was occasionally frustrating, everyone stayed upbeat. And really for any sort of shoot that's the most important thing. If you stay in a good mood and are just nice to people, it makes it so much easier to fix the issues as they arise. That's one of the most important parts of T/F. It's a crazy whirlwind and most days we're staying one step ahead of the chaos...but everyone keeps smiling and that keeps everyone looking forward to solve the next problem.
Anywhoo, we'll see what tomorrow brings. Tonight I made cookie dough and it needs to refrigerate for 24 hours, so tomorrow, Set Striking Celebration Cookies! My place! Bring milk or a monkey. It's BYOM.
Oh and other film stuff. Chud posted a very interesting essay about Inception as Film-making It's worth a read if you've seen the film. And if you haven't, good lord, why not?
Oh yes, I was going to post video of something cool:
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
A food revolution
Some nights this whole "post every night" thing is really tiresome. Especially, nights like tonight when I'm just beat. The exhaustion all comes down to preproduction. The next 2 days are all day shoots, so you'd think those would be the days that tire me out. But no, it's all the preprod, and I have very little responsibility at all. I'm just running camera and am in charge of the "second unit" which is really kind of funny. Mainly because the plan keeps changing, like every 30 minutes changing. So I really have no idea what's going to go on tomorrow. I know what we're planning, but all that might change tomorrow morning. There's a difference between flexiblity and chaos and we're straddling that fence but good.
Changing fences...A few weeks back I read a book called Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. It's all about the decisions we make extremely quickly. It was quite amazing and I'd recommend it, really to anyone. I'd post more about how mind blowing it was, but my brain is really just mush.
So I'll post a lecture he gave at TED right before the book came out. It's really quite interesting.
Changing fences...A few weeks back I read a book called Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. It's all about the decisions we make extremely quickly. It was quite amazing and I'd recommend it, really to anyone. I'd post more about how mind blowing it was, but my brain is really just mush.
So I'll post a lecture he gave at TED right before the book came out. It's really quite interesting.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Word!
Well, Words actually.
The simplest things sometimes give us the greatest joy....Many moons ago my friends and I used to sit around in the middle of the night in the middle of the street and free associate for hours on end. We were a late bunch and for whatever reason, we always seemed to end up in the street in front of my parents house in the early AM. I'm not sure if it was only Barb and Sonnichesen that would do this with me or if I just have the strongest memories with them. Either way is possible I guess. What's important is that now when I think free association, I think Barb and Dave. (and I'm going to feel really bad if I'm not remembering Hth in this because I think she played along)
Anywhoo, it's with a strong sense of nostalgia that I post a video from Radiolab called Words. It's basically a visual word association and is really quite cool. Another site called it a visual poem, which I could also get behind.
There are times I really miss my childhood and the people that inhabited it. At least Barb is still kicking.
The simplest things sometimes give us the greatest joy....Many moons ago my friends and I used to sit around in the middle of the night in the middle of the street and free associate for hours on end. We were a late bunch and for whatever reason, we always seemed to end up in the street in front of my parents house in the early AM. I'm not sure if it was only Barb and Sonnichesen that would do this with me or if I just have the strongest memories with them. Either way is possible I guess. What's important is that now when I think free association, I think Barb and Dave. (and I'm going to feel really bad if I'm not remembering Hth in this because I think she played along)
Anywhoo, it's with a strong sense of nostalgia that I post a video from Radiolab called Words. It's basically a visual word association and is really quite cool. Another site called it a visual poem, which I could also get behind.
There are times I really miss my childhood and the people that inhabited it. At least Barb is still kicking.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Open Roads...
I have a theory ...
okay, and really will anybody be able to speak those words again without someone humming
I think not. And I'm okay with that, because I'm pretty much down with all things musical and Joss. It could even be non-musical Joss (but it's much more fun if MJ shows up) So I have a theory, that a movie can be saved from loads of negative juju by putting a good song set to an open road somewhere near the end. Because suddenly it goes from crap to gooey and existential. Before you were thinking "sweet jesus, when is this turkey going to fry?" and suddenly you're more like "my god, I've never been happy, I'm going to rearrange my kitchen and join a convent". Or something like that.
This thought struck me while watching a short on Joseph Gorden-Levitt's communal/collaborative art creation site hitRECord . I don't really know how to describe it other than that so just go check it out. He was funny on 3rd Rock and 10 things I hate about you, but I really started following the man after Brick. Anywhoo, the short is called and a new earth :
It's not oh-my-god awesomeness, but I find it kind of sucks me in. And I couldn't figure out why. Conceptually, I like the script...especially the antiseptic computerized voice telling us how to find our humanity. I'm not sure it's intended as satire, but that's kind of how it reads...at least to me. The building music bed also really helps. Music just touches us in a way that no video or words can. All three have their place in the visual arts and in this piece I feel all 3 aspects work together very well. Visually, what drew me in is the road...the travel. We're a culture of wanderers and explorers be it physically or mentally. We're all trying to look further and go farther. Time lapse footage of an open road is the perfect visual metaphor for this.
So, Mike's non-original theory of the day:
All you really need is a good song and a long highway - you can end any film
And if you want to go in a different direction, keep the camera static, add some snow and a little Carter Burwell. As with cheese, a little Carter Burwell makes everything taste better.
okay, and really will anybody be able to speak those words again without someone humming
I think not. And I'm okay with that, because I'm pretty much down with all things musical and Joss. It could even be non-musical Joss (but it's much more fun if MJ shows up) So I have a theory, that a movie can be saved from loads of negative juju by putting a good song set to an open road somewhere near the end. Because suddenly it goes from crap to gooey and existential. Before you were thinking "sweet jesus, when is this turkey going to fry?" and suddenly you're more like "my god, I've never been happy, I'm going to rearrange my kitchen and join a convent". Or something like that.
This thought struck me while watching a short on Joseph Gorden-Levitt's communal/collaborative art creation site hitRECord . I don't really know how to describe it other than that so just go check it out. He was funny on 3rd Rock and 10 things I hate about you, but I really started following the man after Brick. Anywhoo, the short is called and a new earth :
It's not oh-my-god awesomeness, but I find it kind of sucks me in. And I couldn't figure out why. Conceptually, I like the script...especially the antiseptic computerized voice telling us how to find our humanity. I'm not sure it's intended as satire, but that's kind of how it reads...at least to me. The building music bed also really helps. Music just touches us in a way that no video or words can. All three have their place in the visual arts and in this piece I feel all 3 aspects work together very well. Visually, what drew me in is the road...the travel. We're a culture of wanderers and explorers be it physically or mentally. We're all trying to look further and go farther. Time lapse footage of an open road is the perfect visual metaphor for this.
So, Mike's non-original theory of the day:
All you really need is a good song and a long highway - you can end any film
And if you want to go in a different direction, keep the camera static, add some snow and a little Carter Burwell. As with cheese, a little Carter Burwell makes everything taste better.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Wonderfalls
In liu of anything pointless and pithy, I present one of the better series that Fox canceled. It lasted, I think about 12-13 episodes (but was cancelled after the 4th). And the last 3 weren't very good since they knew they were getting canned and were trying to wrap up the loose ends on the shows that hadn't been produced yet.
le sigh.
Laura introduced us many moons ago and we fell in love immediately. Well, I assume a reciprocation of feeling. But I felt enough love for both of us, so it must've been real, right? And that Fox thing, well, every relationship has difficulties.
Tim Minear was also a writer/exec producer on the show. I wonder if Fox didn't feel they had killed Firefly correctly the first time since the writers were still trying to, y'know write good TV. All in all it was quite sad and we're all very happy there was enough of a fan base to demand a DVD set.
So, here's the first episode, even if you're having trouble getting into it immediately, give it 10 minutes.
And here's the opening credits/theme
good times...comma dammit
le sigh.
Laura introduced us many moons ago and we fell in love immediately. Well, I assume a reciprocation of feeling. But I felt enough love for both of us, so it must've been real, right? And that Fox thing, well, every relationship has difficulties.
Tim Minear was also a writer/exec producer on the show. I wonder if Fox didn't feel they had killed Firefly correctly the first time since the writers were still trying to, y'know write good TV. All in all it was quite sad and we're all very happy there was enough of a fan base to demand a DVD set.
So, here's the first episode, even if you're having trouble getting into it immediately, give it 10 minutes.
And here's the opening credits/theme
good times...comma dammit
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Law, Video and What Teacher's Make
I've been working the past few days down at the Lake shooting a Law Conference. Three 11-hour days full of video, law and heavy lifting. However, I did have a chance to speak to a few individuals about why they do what they do. It's one of the questions I have to break the ice. It was interesting the variety of answers I received. One individual went into Immigration Law to help out "his people" (he was Latino) as he described it. However, after a few years it was so soul crushing, he had to get out to preserve his sanity. I understand. I was working on a Immigration Doc for a few years and what I discovered in the research was mind-boggling. It's really no wonder we have issues with illegal immigration in this country. It makes your head spin just trying to get a partial grasp on it.
I also had some crazy allergic attack to the pillows in the hotel room. So after 3 full days of work and not much sleep I'm a little exhausted and prone to random posts. Which, I suppose is better than posting randomly. ... or not.
Cool things going on:
I'm listening to a borrowed Inception soundtrack and I'm going to have to buy my own copy. It's not quite as good as the Dark Knight soundtrack, but still pretty awesome in it's own right. Very atmospheric, which really, is what you should expect.
I also came across this video again and thought I'd post it here:
I found it many moons ago and posted it to a few places. It's still pretty inspiring, both in content and execution.
I also had some crazy allergic attack to the pillows in the hotel room. So after 3 full days of work and not much sleep I'm a little exhausted and prone to random posts. Which, I suppose is better than posting randomly. ... or not.
Cool things going on:
I'm listening to a borrowed Inception soundtrack and I'm going to have to buy my own copy. It's not quite as good as the Dark Knight soundtrack, but still pretty awesome in it's own right. Very atmospheric, which really, is what you should expect.
I also came across this video again and thought I'd post it here:
I found it many moons ago and posted it to a few places. It's still pretty inspiring, both in content and execution.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Trailer Park
Which is, by no means, a new joke. Trailers have always excited me, they're little bundles of potential. No matter how bad the film actually is, the trailer can almost always make it seem good. And obviously there are many trailers that are so much better than the actual films.
I'm going to try to post links to things that inspire me or get me excited about film, writing, or cephalopods in general. However, I'm going out of town for a few days and am still packing.
So I'll post a trailer for Inception because it does what a trailer should - it gets you excited about the film, it teases your pallet and gives you just enough information to be interested without giving too much away. Well, I might argue this gives quite a bit away, but it's all premisy stuff and if you've seen the film, you know how little of the meat of the film it gives away. Soooo I guess I won't be arguing that point. hmmm...what's this on the floor...
Finally a trailer has to be put together well: from a technical, functional standpoint. You might have zero interest in seeing the film going in, but a good trailer will keep you watching. It's an art form all of its own.
I'm going to try to post links to things that inspire me or get me excited about film, writing, or cephalopods in general. However, I'm going out of town for a few days and am still packing.
So I'll post a trailer for Inception because it does what a trailer should - it gets you excited about the film, it teases your pallet and gives you just enough information to be interested without giving too much away. Well, I might argue this gives quite a bit away, but it's all premisy stuff and if you've seen the film, you know how little of the meat of the film it gives away. Soooo I guess I won't be arguing that point. hmmm...what's this on the floor...
Finally a trailer has to be put together well: from a technical, functional standpoint. You might have zero interest in seeing the film going in, but a good trailer will keep you watching. It's an art form all of its own.
Monday, August 2, 2010
From the murky blackness, he murks....blackly
I feel like the first post of a blog should be momentous somehow. I'm not sure how, really. I mean, I have an LJ blog so how is this different? I'm not sure yet either. Mainly, I wanted to have a clearing house and storage of all the cool film-related glab that I come across - from films I like to short films I find to scripts or films I'm working on.
Also Squid...'cause they're awesome - what with the tentacles and the bio luminescence and the hey hey hey they're crushing me and dragging me down to the icy depths. I've been in love with movies since the first time I saw Darth Vader step through the smoking hatch on the Blockade Runner. I was 3 at the time and it was probably one of my first experiences in a movie theatre. I don't remember much about that film, but I remember that image...burned indelible on my adolescent retinas. With Star Wars I only have flashes of that initial showing...3 years later I remember what the theatre that was playing Empire *looked* like. And what the hell was up with that ending?! A 6 year old brain is not equipped with the facilities to understand that it has to wait 3 more years to find out what happens to Han. 3 years?! That's half my lifetime!! Unfortunately, fists waved dramatically towards the heavens seem to have just as much effect when you're 6 as 36 (probably made the 6 year old feel better though)
And Cephalopods? Well that's another story. I can't really explain from where my fascination with squids came. (FYI singular species plural is squid, multiple species plural is squids) Maybe it's from the fact I've always wanted a prehensile tail. Or the fact that as a wee pup Monstro from Pinocchio seriously freaked me out. That film was Not Okay for small children. Giant Squid...Sperm Whale...2 beasts enter....etc etc
Note to self:
Insert random transition here
I had given myself until July to figure out if I wanted to focus on shooting another film or working on a script. The beginning of this year really burnt me out working on 2 docs and then class and True/False right in the middle. I finished one of them and the other I had to give up . Both docs suffered because I over-extended myself. So I'm scaling back. I had been trying to decide what to focus on when I came across a blog post that I thought was rather genius. Give yourself 2 choices to every decision regarding what to tackle, either no, or hellyeah.
While there are certainly benefits to shooting the film and reasons why I'd like to shoot it soon (one being the age of the subject) I won't be doing myself or the film any favors by working on it without 100% effort. And frankly, I just don't have that sort of enthusiasm right now. However, writing in general is very exciting, partially because I haven't had time to do much of it this year, but also 'cause I've seen a couple good movies recently and then Inception knocked my socks off and got me primed for storytelling. So, I'll post more on the blog to get me going and also work on a script either with Dave or by myself. Dave agreed back in January before I became overwhelmed, so we'll see if he's up for it again.
I'm also going to try and link to or post things of interest in a film vein (and not just a dancing monkey vein) (although tell me that wasn't interesting) so we'll lead off with a clip Scott Meyers posted on his blog Go Into The Story
Also Squid...'cause they're awesome - what with the tentacles and the bio luminescence and the hey hey hey they're crushing me and dragging me down to the icy depths. I've been in love with movies since the first time I saw Darth Vader step through the smoking hatch on the Blockade Runner. I was 3 at the time and it was probably one of my first experiences in a movie theatre. I don't remember much about that film, but I remember that image...burned indelible on my adolescent retinas. With Star Wars I only have flashes of that initial showing...3 years later I remember what the theatre that was playing Empire *looked* like. And what the hell was up with that ending?! A 6 year old brain is not equipped with the facilities to understand that it has to wait 3 more years to find out what happens to Han. 3 years?! That's half my lifetime!! Unfortunately, fists waved dramatically towards the heavens seem to have just as much effect when you're 6 as 36 (probably made the 6 year old feel better though)
And Cephalopods? Well that's another story. I can't really explain from where my fascination with squids came. (FYI singular species plural is squid, multiple species plural is squids) Maybe it's from the fact I've always wanted a prehensile tail. Or the fact that as a wee pup Monstro from Pinocchio seriously freaked me out. That film was Not Okay for small children. Giant Squid...Sperm Whale...2 beasts enter....etc etc
Note to self:
Insert random transition here
I had given myself until July to figure out if I wanted to focus on shooting another film or working on a script. The beginning of this year really burnt me out working on 2 docs and then class and True/False right in the middle. I finished one of them and the other I had to give up . Both docs suffered because I over-extended myself. So I'm scaling back. I had been trying to decide what to focus on when I came across a blog post that I thought was rather genius. Give yourself 2 choices to every decision regarding what to tackle, either no, or hellyeah.
While there are certainly benefits to shooting the film and reasons why I'd like to shoot it soon (one being the age of the subject) I won't be doing myself or the film any favors by working on it without 100% effort. And frankly, I just don't have that sort of enthusiasm right now. However, writing in general is very exciting, partially because I haven't had time to do much of it this year, but also 'cause I've seen a couple good movies recently and then Inception knocked my socks off and got me primed for storytelling. So, I'll post more on the blog to get me going and also work on a script either with Dave or by myself. Dave agreed back in January before I became overwhelmed, so we'll see if he's up for it again.
I'm also going to try and link to or post things of interest in a film vein (and not just a dancing monkey vein) (although tell me that wasn't interesting) so we'll lead off with a clip Scott Meyers posted on his blog Go Into The Story
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