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Saturday, February 28, 2004

Lost In Translation

Finally watched Lost in Translation last night and rather enjoyed it. While it was a tad slow in spots, the overall character development and acting made it worth the wait. I found it fairly satisfying at the end. I sure wish I could understand what he said, though.

Thursday, February 26, 2004

How Did I Miss This?

A student from Scottsdale Community College had a short film in the 2004 Sundance film festival. Larry Blackhorse Lowe had Shush in the Indigenous Shorts category. The film also appears to have appeared in the AIFI (American Indian Film Institute) Festival in San Francisco, the Native Voice Film Festival in South Dakota, Canada's Image Nation Film Festival and The New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. I wonder if he used WithoutABox?

Check my blog today for music links that might be useful.

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Without A Box

I'm pretty stoked about this and wanted to spread the word. Withoutabox is now free for filmmakers. Before, it was $70 a year but they've grown so large that they can offer their on-line submission services for free. The majority of film festivals have entered into an agreement with them. They offer members discounted submission fees and extended deadlines. Check it out at Withoutabox.

Saturday, February 21, 2004

WELL, Hello Der ...

Greetings from the long-haired dude.

Calling Adam ....

Everyone made it to class and has blogged except Adam, David and Nicole ... so, how about somebody make them happen!

Thursday, February 19, 2004

So, yes, we do have class tonight.

I sent out an email to the folks on the list (sorry I missed you Mike) that we have to meet tonight because my in-laws are coming in to town this weekend. (Recall that one of my in-laws is an executive VP at Disney...) So, I had to move the class back to tonight. Can you make it?

More On Actors

In the past, we've gone to the Theater Department on campus to solicit actors. A lot of student actors have expressed an interest in acting. Most of the acting they do is for the stage which doesn't translate as well to the camera. Acting can really make (or break) your production. In LA you can throw a rock and hit 27 actors, many of them very skilled at on-camera acting. Can you shoot in LA or look there for actors? Let's discuss it further in class tonight!

Wednesday, February 18, 2004

Get Twisted

On the Office Space thing, I think a lot of really cool movies come from taking an idea and twisting it into another genre. If you can find a different story in that environment, with some other reason to watch it (besides the humor). 'Shattered Glass' was a pretty cool thriller in that same environment, 'Secretary' went a completely different way with it. Or you could make another comedy... If you keep ending up with an unfunny Office Space, maybe go on to something fresh for now and come back to it?

Is there a forum like this anywhere for finding student actors in the valley? I'm tempted to start hanging out around the theatre departments at universities around here...any other ideas anyone?

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

Shootout in the Fields

You might scout for fields in the Chandler/Gilbert area. I've seen some shorts that were shot down there.

Actors...?


Any tips on finding actors who will work cheap (read 'free') in a student film? Most of my ideas stand or fall on a performance so...?

My Favorite Screenwriting Site


This is a site I've really had fun reading. The columns are by Terry Rossio (Shrek, Pirates of the Caribbean) who has an interesting hollywood take on screenwriting.

Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Do It Legally for Free

I've found that contacting a realtor and asking them about buildings is a good route or if you find a building that you want to use, contacting the owners. If you tell them that you are making a no-budget film or better yet that you are a "student filmmaker" (sometimes it is a blessing and sometimes a curse to be labeled that) they are usually cool with letting you shoot there for free. That way with their permission you'll never be kicked out or arrested half way through the shoot, plus you'll have time to get into the moment and think of new things without trying to hurry and get out before the cops come. On the other hand sneaking into places makes for a better story.

Saturday, February 07, 2004

The Promethean Chosen for Cleveland Fest

More good news . . . maybe it is becoming too much good news. The Promethean was just invited to show at the 28th Cleveland International Film Festival (March 18th to the 24th). I'm really hoping they will fly me out . . . because if not, I'll not be attending that one. ~~Kohl

Festivals and Awards Garnered by The Promethean


14th Annual Cinequest Film Festival, March 3 – 14, 2004

3rd LDS Film Festival, January 22-24, 2004 1st Place, Shorts Competition

Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, July 17th-22nd, 2003

Northwestern University's Flicker Film Festival, May 2nd-4th, 2003 Best Overall Film

Brigham Young University's Final Cut Student Film Showcase, March 18th-22nd, 2003 Audience Choice Award, Outstanding Narrative, Outstanding Editing, Best Performance by a Lead Actor (Chris Kendrick), Best Performance by a Supporting Actress (Diane Rane)


Visit The Promethean.Net for more information on this award winning short by a former MCC student.

Friday, February 06, 2004

Dogme 95 Rules

Ryan sends the following link to the Dogme 95 Agreements. It should be noted that co-creator Lars von Trier is now moving beyond the Dogme 95 constraints. They are an excellent way to learn to adequately develop the story, cast effectively and direct with an eye on the drama.

Scripts, Scripts, and More Scripts

A great resource for scripts is Scripts and Screenplays, a website with links to most of the general and specialized script sites. I personally prefer scripts in PDF format because they're easier to read and print better than either HTML or TEXT scripts. Read at least the first ten pages of ten scripts to see how to craft the beginning of your story.

Tuesday, February 03, 2004

Another Semester Begins

Okay, the semester if full under sail ... we're in week three now ... the film class is underway. The goal this year is to get AT LEAST ONE filmmaker accepted in one or more festivals. Let's see how they do!

Monday, February 02, 2004

The Promethean Wins Best of Festival in UT

I still check this location as well. A little update for those following this, The Promethean will be screening at Cinequest in San Jose, Saturday, 3/6 at 10:00 am and Monday, 3/8 at 5:00 pm in the Student Short Film Competition. It also took 1st place at the LDS Film Festival last week and I hope to have the DVD available for sale at The Promethean.Net by March.

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