MCC Film Blog

Something Exciting For Class

I have something very exciting for class this week. A cinematography piece that will be very educational (what else would you expect at school?)! Nearly everyone has picked up his/her object for the MCC 48-Hour Film Festival. Stories are developing all around us. Teams are learning what it means to work together and why film is such a collaborative and contentious art form! See you all on Thursday at 7 bells.

Just Wondering

I read in a magazine that there's going to be a film fest here next week on Thursday or Friday. And if there is, is it any good? Oh yeah, I'm not kissing up or anything but I can't wait until tomorrow to see what's in the boxes o tricks! P.S. Does anyone know where I could get my hands on software tutorial CD's or books that are cheap (besides the internet)?

Out in the Cold

Sorry Gooch, I'm still in Utah, much to my wife's chagrin. I am finishing up Der Ostwind, my last student production, Fisherman and His Wife, an adaptation of the Grimm Bro's fairytale for a children's program that will air on KBYU in a couple of months. I also wrote and will direct a 30 min piece next month that will be used for ESL curriculum (don't hold your breath for that one). I am currently putting together a spec ad in hopes of attracting an agent and I'm writing a feature with two other guys (I'm not slated to direct). And on top of all that I'm trying to do another short (why am I doing this to myself? . . . Oh yeah cause I love it). Somewhere in there we are planning on moving back to Mesa, but it's all very unclear when, probably be before the fall semester. I'll be down in AZ from May 1st to the 9th, I don't know if you guys will still be in class by then or not, but I'll come talk if you are.

Dogville & Dogme95 in NYT

Since Lars von Trier's Dogville is getting ready to open in the US, he was featured in Sunday's New York Times. There was an excellent article on the film and the movement he helped found. There was also an article on The Five Obstructions, the film we saw at Sundance. I'll bring copies on Thursday. Speaking of TFO, Lindsey will share what she's been working on this week.

The Promethean Takes Top Award at Cinequest

Great news from Kohl today! His short film, The Promethean took the Best Student Short Film Award! I am very happy; doing the "happy dance" around the living room. Wooo-hoooo!

Spring Broke

Here it is, the middle of spring break and it's hot, hot, hot in Phoenix. I'm certainly enjoying the time off. I've been working on my database of Sundance films. I recently purchased 18 years of Sundance catalogs. Yesterday, I found that 1986 featured one of Steve Buscemi's earliest films, one of Jennifer Connelly's early films and a film produced by Dodi Fayed (of Princess Diana fame). Now I'm working on how to get the searchable database on the web for curious folks like me.

No Class This Week

I've had a couple of emails asking so I'll post it for everyone ... there is NO CLASS this week. It's spring break. Next week will be the traditional Thursday night because I think I'm going out of town the following weekend. I'm planning an exciting, intense lecture for Thursday, so come and check it out.

Homage to Spalding

I didn't think anyone would even know who Spaulding Gray was! He was a terrific filmmaker and human being. Prone to depression, self-doubt and introspection, Spalding Gray was adept at turning his pain into deeper revelations of the human condition. One of the greatest epiphanies I had about filmmaking occurred while watching Swimming To Cambodia. I read that he had taken his children to see Big Fish, (a film about a son returning to see his dying father) just prior to jumping into the river. What a loss!

Reminder: Class on Saturday

Just a reminder that we are having class on Saturday at noon!