FA11 Alpha Channel Posting Soon! Trailer HERE -

Alpha Channel Winners - FA11

Acceptance - Shaul Helvey
Escapism - Derrick Clarke
Baby you gotta go - Conrad Hart
Essentia - Jeremy Ciliberto

Summer State of Mind - Joshua Rossy

Cupid Lies commercial - Harold Urena

Inconvenience - Natasha Davis

Bad TV - Daniel Arena 

Hunter of the Dark trailer - Ken Price 

R.O.A.R. - Darnell White

Everyone who does not have a ticket, there will be two reserved for you. You can pick them up at the door or during the day at Eve's office. The remaining Alpha Channel tickets will be available to students the day of the screening in Eve's office. 

Alpha Channel - December 12th 6pm 92nd St Y - TriBeCa 200 Hudson Street. (Blocks away from school). 
Don't worry if you cannot get a ticket! We'll have a lounge area set up in the TV studio playing the Alpha Channel Program. 

THR Discussion - Film Directors 2011

New Filmmakers Screenings - NYC

From their site -

The NewFilmmakers Series was begun in 1998 by NYU Film Students in order to show their work and promote themselves in New York film community. Then, and now, most festivals and screening programs in the city only screened known and established filmmakers and there were few that are open to new filmmakers.

Without sacrificing our original mission NewFilmmakers has grown into recognized international
screening series and over the past fourteen years has screened over 600 feature and 2,000 short films. In 2000 we brought the Havana Film Festival to New York and in 2002 we started the highly successful NewFilmmakers Los Angeles. Recently we started NewFilmmakers Online.

NewFilmmakers screens a wide range of films including animation, documentaries, shorts, and features.Many are films and videos overlooked by traditional film festivals. NewFilmmakers NY screens every week and sometimes more at Anthology Film Archives on the Lower East Side. NewFilmmakers also programs the Soho House Screening Series in New York & Los Angeles.

Submit your thesis films! - http://newfilmmakers.com/submit/submission-links/submit-new-york

Alpha Channel Entries - CLOSED

Alpha Channel Selections are officially closed. The work will now be reviewed by the faculty and judged to show in two weeks. The selections will be announced by next week. Keep an eye on your e-mail!

Alpha Channel Selects - DUE DATE

Due Date for Alpha Channel Submissions is NOVEMBER 30TH by 9PM on the FACULTY  Drive under the folder ALPHA CHANNEL SUBMISSIONS FA11




1. Create a folder with your NAME and TITLE OF PROJECT in the submissions folder
2. Put your full resolution quicktime (.mov file) film in the folder. Make sure your film plays outside of FCP, in the Quicktime player.
3. Fill out the submission form and save in your folder. Submission Forms Are Required for Every Entry, No Submission Form = No Entry. 
4. Any questions, please e-mail gokupniak@aii.edu.

Lytro infinite Depth of Field still camera!

Lytro cameras will be on display, and available for hands-on, in-store demos, at the WIRED Store in New York City. Located at 42nd and Broadway, the 7th annual WIRED Store promises a first look at unique gadgets and gear, events, installations and experiences that embody the “WIRED lifestyle.” The three Lytro camera models will be featured along with more than 200 other hot new products. Visit the store between noon and 7pm Wednesdays through Sundays between Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 24 (closed Thanksgiving Day) to request a Lytro camera demo with one of the WIRED Store employee “Ambassadors.”


SOURCE: LYTRO BLOG

The Room or "This guy would have failed if he showed this in thesis class"

From user review from IMDB - "Imagine a two-hour episode of "Red Shoe Diaries" written and directed by Balki from "Perfect Strangers". Trust me, this is the worst movie you will ever see ever in your entire life. Ever. But is it pathetically awful or sadistically hilarious?" I cannot believe this got money.

Great Camera Shootout 2011 - RED, Arri, Canon, etc.

Sorry that I'm a little late to the game on this one. Zacuto has a new series of camera tests that show the differences between 12 different cameras ranging from RED to ARRI to Canon. This is a great series. Above is Episode One of the three part 2011 series.
Get the rest of the Zacuto Episodes Here - Two - http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-two Three - http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-three

Summer State of Mind - Joshua Rossy

This link is from student Joshua Rossy. From Josh - "This is a music video I directed. I got an endorsement from an anti-bullying organization called We're Kickin It as well as an energy drink sponsor called Fireball. I debuted the music video at Hard Rock Cafe on the 20th of October."

Congrats on the video, Josh! This is a great example of students using their resources to gain professional experience and make contacts. Remember, if you have a link, please send it in to share with other students.

Student Jose Cabral Opens Dominican Global Film Festival

Student Jose Maria Cabral's film "Checkmate" will be opening the 5th Dominican Global Film Festival!

“Jaque Mate” (Checkmate) is the story of David, a popular host on one of most watched television talk shows in the Caribbean. In his phone-in segment with the viewers, David is surprised by a male caller who claims to have David’s wife and son kidnapped in their home. The kidnapper forces David to go along with the game, forbidding him to cut to a commercial break, to hang up and to play along with his “game” under the threat that he will kill his family." - from their site

Congrats Jose!
Here is the link to the film - http://www.jaquematelapelicula.com/
Here is the press release from the festival - http://www.drglobalfilmfestival.org/drgff2011/noticias017_en.asp

IFFM - Monday 11/14 1pm AI SHORTS!

This Monday 11/14/11 at 1pm
Quad Cinema 34 W. 13th st.
A selection of shorts from AINYC Graduates and students will be screened between 1pm and 3pm in a block that was created just for AINYC!
Students who are screening - Stefan Fernandez, Jesse Dillon, Ashley Pula, and David Bach. If you are available, please come out and support our students!

Many congratulations to our students! Special thanks to Ashley for setting this up with the festival.

How Did This Get Made? Podcast - MUST LISTEN

Alumni Phil Swift brought my attention to this podcast, How Did This Get Made? A podcast of comedians who have a Mystery Science Theater approach to talking about terrible films and ask the obvious questions. The latest podcast talks about the latest Punisher Film. While yes, I did not see it, after listening to the director and the guests speak about the film, I'm in. The director, Lexi Alexander, speaks about how she was able to get the deal to make this film, only making a short before. I was inspired and excited about this film!

Listen and enjoy! - http://www.earwolf.com/episode/punisher-war-zone/
Watch Lexi's Academy Award Nominated Short - http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi3822846233/

Student Screening - Balloon Girl

Classes Closed WI12

The classes below are already full and closed. Please register ASAP if you want to get a seat in the remaining classes. - Eve. 

DF112 Screenwriting A R 8:15-12:15PM
DF112 Screenwriting B W 6:00-10:00PM
DF113 Script Development C W 1:15- 5:15PM
DF122 Cinematography A T 8:15-12:15PM
DF122 Cinematography C T 1:15- 5:15PM
DF123 Directing the Actor A W 1:15- 5:15PM
DF123 Directing the Actor B R 1:15- 5:15PM
DF124 Pre-Producing B M 1:15- 5:15PM
DF132 Sound Design A M 8:15-12:15PM
DF132 Sound Design B W 8:15-12:15PM
DF132 Sound Design C F 8:15-12:15PM
DF132 Sound Design D T 1:15- 5:15PM
DF132 Sound Design E F 1:15- 5:15PM
DF142 Digital Filmmaking A W 8:15-12:15PM
DF142 Digital Filmmaking B M 1:15- 5:15PM
DF143 Film Pre-Visualization A F 1:15- 5:15PM

"Rise of Non-Fiction Film"

Watch live streaming video from academyawards at livestream.com

I found this on the Academy of Motion Picture of Arts and Sciences. For those of you taking or interested in documentary, check this out! - Eve.

Tariq Anwar Clip Reel

Again many thanks to the students who made it to the event last week. This was an amazing opportunity to speak and listen to a features editor. For those who missed it, here is a 3 minute clip reel of the event. - Eve.

LES Festival Submissions OPEN

Filmmakers who submit will have their films screened and selected by our panel of judges, which includes Academy Award-winning actress SUSAN SARANDON, New York City icon and performance artist JUSTIN BOND, documentary filmmaker and photographer HARVEY WANG, and more judges to be added soon! The selected films will screen in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, March 6th – 18th at a variety of unique locations. Filmmakers are invited to attend the screenings, festival parties, and the general hoopla of LES* 2012. Prizes will be given to the winners of the following categories:

Best Narrative Feature Film
Best Documentary Feature Film
Best Dramatic Short Film
Best Comedic Short Film
Best Animated Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
LES Film Festival Audience Award
The LES* Neighborhood Award
Best of Fest – The LES* Prix D’or

Click here to enter http://lesfilmfestival.com/submit Deadline December 1st!

FREE Filmmaker Panels at DocFest

All panels taking place at the IFC Center will be free to students presenting a valid Student ID at the IFC Center box office on the day of the event, space permitting.

Nov. 2: STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
State of TV – Representatives from A&E, HBO, POV and other outlets discuss the current acquisition market for documentaries, moderated by Peter Hamilton of DocumentaryTelevision.com. Wed., Nov. 2, 11:00am-12:15pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/state-of-tv/

State of Theatrical – Representatives from Magnolia Pictures (Page One: A Year Inside the New York Times), IFC Films (Cave of Forgotten Dreams), Zeitgeist Films (Bill Cunningham) and Cinema Guild (The Interrupters) discuss strategies for making docs work theatrically. Wed., Nov. 2, 12:45-2:00pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/state-of-theatrical/

State of Digital – Key players in the world of digital distribution discuss the emerging opportunities. Wed., Nov. 2, 2:30-3:45pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/state-of-digital/

Branded Content – Brand support of documentaries dates back to when the fur company Revillon Frères paid for Robert Flaherty to make Nanook of the North. This panel will explore new models in a discussion with representatives from advertising and filmmaking. Wed., Nov. 2, 4:15-5:30pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/branded-content/

Nov. 3: STATE OF THE INDIE DOC
Meet the Press – Film journalists from major outlets discuss strategies for documentaries to get exposure. Thu., Nov. 3, 11:00am-12:15pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/meet-the-press/

Turning Tough Topics Into Great Stories – Co-presented by Chicken & Egg Pictures. Filmmakers discuss how to engage audiences with human rights and other tough topics. Thu., Nov. 3, 12:45-2:00pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/turning-tough-topics-into-great-stories/

What's Fair in Fair Use – Attorneys and other Fair Use experts explore the growing potential for filmmakers to use footage or music without paying royalties. Thu., Nov. 3, 2:30-3:45pm (IFC Center)
http://www.docnyc.net/film/whats-fair-in-fair-use/

Maximizing Revenues – Attorneys and sales agents discuss strategies for filmmakers to keep track of royalties and ensure they get their fair share. Thu., Nov. 3, 4:15-5:30pm (IFC Center)
http://www.docnyc.net/film/maximizing-revenues/

Nov. 4: STATE OF THE ART
Art of Cinematography – Four esteemed documentary cinematographers share examples of how they handled challenging situations. Fri., Nov. 4, 11:00am-12:15pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/art-of-cinematography/

Art of Editing – Four accomplished documentary editors share examples of how they approached challenging scenes. Fri., Nov. 4, 12:45-2:00pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/art-of-editing/

Case Study: Taking on Controversy – Co-presented by Working Films. How does a filmmaker maintain balance when taking on a subject that brings out extremes? This case study of the film The Greater Good (playing in Viewfinders Competition) offers insights. Fri., Nov. 4, 2:30-4:00pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/case-study-taking-on-controversy/

In Conversation: Jonathan Demme – Interviewed by New York magazine critic David Edelstein, Demme reflects on his documentary career, from Stop Making Sense to The Agronomist to I’m Carolyn Parker: The Good, the Mad and the Beautiful (playing in American Perspectives). Fri., Nov. 4, 5:15-6:30pm (IFC Center) http://www.docnyc.net/film/in-conversation-jonathan-demme/

Why Does Hollywood Hate Us?

Because the East Coast is the Beast Coast. . .
I found this montage from the Vimeo Group Audiovisualcy - http://vimeo.com/groups/audiovisualcy
Below is a clip show of various films destroying NYC. :(
If you are interested in watching tid-bits of film analysis and critique, tune in. - Eve.

REMINDERS - Events this week

Where Socks Go and Deep Inside Screening are TOMORROW. Check the link on the right side of this post for details.

An Evening with Tariq Anwar is on Thursday. New venue and seats have opened up. Click HERE to get a ticket http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2321018228

RePost - AI Interview with Kevin Smith

In honor of Halloween and Red State coming out on Netflix Instant. Enjoy! - Eve.

Film Prop Auction

http://www.filmbizrecycling.org/events

If you’re interested in cool things like bar stools, tables, couches and random background decorations at super low prices, all benefiting a good cause, check out the Krrb and Film Biz Recycling event Lights, Camera, Auction on Nov. 3. Entry is $10, but once inside, the treasure trove of New York film and TV show sets is yours to ogle while eating $1 Oaxaca tacos, drinking free Brooklyn Brewery beer and jamming to live music.

All the barely used props were headed for the landfill, so you’ll be saving them from going through the traumatic second half of the film The Brave Little Toaster. Krrb and Film Biz Recycling have recruited talented Brooklyn-based designers to curate the “collections,” which they describe as “very unique,” and which will be sold by a real-life auctioneer (so the thrill of hearing someone speak that quickly is also included in the price). Film Biz also distributes a large portion of its items to local charities.

The event is on Nov. 3, at 7pm at Film Biz, 540 President St. in Gowanus. Find tickets and more information on this eco-conscious event here, where you can also preview some of the items that are up for auction. Let the bidding wars begin! - Quoted from the Brokelyn Blog

DF Students for Fashion Event This Friday

This Friday we will be hosting a HUGE fashion event for high school seniors interested in our Passion for Fashion Scholarship competition. We might have about 500 guests in attendance so this is a big deal. Our corporate PR person would like the event to be viral and is asking if maybe someone from DFM would be interested in filming the event.

Please contact: Blance Cote
Direct Line: 212.625.6019
bcote@aii.edu

NFFTY - Submissions!

NFFTY is the largest and most influential youth film festival in the world. In 2011, we screened 225 amazing films from the best filmmakers 22 and younger representing 40 states and 20 countries. NFFTY 2012 (April 26-29) will be even bigger, with over 10,000 expected in attendance. Here is a short video to get an idea of what NFFTY means to youth filmmakers: http://nffty.org/watch/festival-highlights/nffty-experience-2011

SUBMISSION ENTRY - CLICK HERE
Submission Deadlines + Entry Fees:
Early Deadline: October 31, 2011, $20
Regular Deadline: November 30, 2011, $25
Late Deadline: January, 15, 2012, $35
Final Extended Deadline: January 31, 2012, $45


Eligibility
The film’s director(s) must have been 22 years old or younger at time of filming.
All music and other copyrighted material must be original, have permission from the owner or be properly licensed. See our Resource Guide.
All films must be in English or subtitled in English.

Alpha Channel Selects on the Road!

Editors: FREE EVENT! October 27th.

This event is sold out, however I would advise that you register anyway. There is a wait list. - Eve.

Fan made Italian Star Wars Short

I thought this was AMAZING foreign films are so much better...

RIP Steve Jobs. 1955 - 2011

New Quarter! and Wall Street

Welcome Back! It's good to see everyone again.
I know the break wasn't nearly as long as was needed. However, any break should be enjoyed.
Part of the luxury of my job is to find interesting things, film related, on the web so show you and nurture your growing, intellectual curiosity. Today, I felt the need to post something not film related, but media related.
A protest has been going on Wall Street for the past few weeks. http://occupywallst.org/ This protest began as a small group of people harboring negative emotion against the banking system in America. As time past, the word spread, the internet was recruiting more bodies. Before long, hundreds turned to thousands. Today, the protests reach a new level when local union workers gather to promote their efforts.
When the protest started, there was an unusual silence in the media. I heard about it everyday from my internet literate boyfriend, but nothing from any of the major cable networks. That got me thinking, "Why?" Then this post from CNN popped up.


It made me think. What is this all about? The reporting here is more opinion and less fact. The reporter interviewed only one person. Is that an accurate representation of the whole event? My opinion: I was disappointed in this reporter's efforts to investigate and tell a story that is interesting. Even if the protests are disorganized and without merit, give evidence to support that without emotion or opinion. That's my understanding of the news, to give fact without judgement.
Below is a video created by one of the protesters. This video is available on their site. Is this video a more accurate representation of the event? Or one sided like the rest of the news coverage?
So, what's your opinion on this event, on the media coverage? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts. - Eve.


Nobody Can Predict The Moment Of Revolution from ivarad on Vimeo.
We want to share insights into the formation of a new social movement as it is still taking shape in real time. The video was shot during the 5th and 6th day of the occupation. This idea to occupy the financial district in New York City was inspired by recent uprisings in Spain, Greece, Egypt, and Tunisia which most of us were following online. Despite of the corporate media's effort to silence the protests, and Yahoo's attempt to to censor it in e-mail communication, the occupation is growing in numbers and spreading to other cities in the US and abroad.

Please forward our video to likeminded people via email, facebook, twitter - and make the voices of dissent circulate.

Find the latest news, learn how to participate and support:
https://occupywallst.org

Alpha Channel Posted!

Summer Alpha Channel has been posted. Click on the link above to see some selections. The entire program was not posted because some filmmakers have chosen not to include their films online. The full program is playing on loop outside of the cage. The tech bible and the production documents will be up soon. I'll have your instructors explain those. - Cheers, Eve.

Over Break

I hope everyone enjoys their week off.
I'll be updating quite a few things over this week. Developments with TV studio resources, a new technology bible, production documents available online,  etc.
Take it easy and keep checking! - Eve.

Alpha Channel UPDATE!

Due to concerns of overcrowding, we are having a screening in the TV studio at 6:30pm to accommodate a large crowd of people. Please note if you do not get at seat at 92nd St Y, you can still see the films at the TV studio!

* Thanks for all the comments to this post. We'll have the SU11 Alpha Channel Collection up this weekend. Keep checking!

- Eve.

Alpha Channel Winners!

1. Balloon Girl- Maniaci
2. Opportunity Knocks- Conaway
3. Deep Inside- Fernandez
4. Where Socks Go- Dillon
5. Forbidden- Cabral
6. Ships in the Night- Rouse
7. The Devil You Know- Price
8. Alien Nation-Acosta
9. Breakup Bandit - Bach
10. Canon Commercial- Bach
11. Escape Trailer-Clarke
12. Commercial for Model Agency- Rossy
13. Axe Commercial-Price
14. Brookside- Alicea  Will not screen due to technical issues
15. Kristine – K. Mercado
Blue = Thesis Film

Mark you calenders! Sept 20th 6pm at the 92nd St. Y. Remember that seating is limited. If we are over capacity, we will need to turn people away so get there early.

Film Critic: Jim Emerson

For those of you interested in film criticism and theory, I have a resource for you! Jim Emerson is a film blogger for the Chicago Sun Times (made famous by Rodger Ebert). He has a series on Vimeo titled - In the Cut. Jim takes sequences in feature films and breaks them down to explain why they are or are not successful. Below is the episode he has done for the Dark Knight. I have watched a few of these installments and enjoy his breakdowns. This is a good resource for you to watch while you are writing your screenplays and working on your storyboards. His advice could save your project.  - Eve.
Jim Emerson's blog http://blogs.suntimes.com/scanners/  and vimeo page http://vimeo.com/user2222857/videos

In the Cut, Part I: Shots in the Dark (Knight) from Jim Emerson on Vimeo.
Piecing together the action sequence:

A (very) detailed look at the first part of a famous TDK car/truck chase sequence, analyzing how it is put together and whether the filmmaking grammar makes sense.

Cine Expo: Sept 24 -25

"Cine Gear Expo offers attendees the opportunity to meet with companies producing the latest tools and services in the entertainment industry, get hands-on technical training, hear breaking industry news, network with peers and learn from industry leaders."
Sept 24 - 25th - 2011 at Metropolitan Pavillion The cost is 20$. I would recommend this if you are interested in seeing the latest gadgets and hear experienced cinematographers speak.
There are two great discussions on high frame rates and sound designers talking about the new film Drive! 

Cine Expo Events for Sept 24 - 25

Thanks and moment of Zen . . .

Thanks to all the students who attended the department meeting. I apologize for not being able to be there due to my illness. David Nash and I will be meeting to discuss topics that came up and solutions for issues that were mentioned. We appreciate the feedback. I want to leave everyone this piece of zen like advice from Seth Godin's blog -

Embracing constraints
Every project worth doing comes with constraints. Our natural inclination is to fight them.
This has to be done by Tuesday. You must produce it in-state. It must work with the current operating system. It has to be sold by local retailers. You need to be able to get all of it done and still be home for family dinner. You'll need to pay taxes on your profits and pay your employees a living wage. You shouldn't leave PCBs in the ground. It has to work for left-handed people. It must weigh less than a pound. It must come in eleven different colors...When we fight constraints and eliminate them, we often gain access to new insights, new productivity and new solutions. It also makes it easier to compete against people who don't have those constraints.
There's a useful alternative: embrace the constraints you've been given. Use them as assets, as an opportunity to be the one who solved the problem. Once you can thrive in a world filled with constraints, it's ever easier to do well when those constraints are loosened. That's one reason why the best filmmakers learn their craft making movies with no budget at all.

Alpha Channel Deadline and Meet your Department Chair!

Alpha Channel Deadline for Submission is Tuesday September 6 by 9pm. Submit to the Faculty Drive under the folder Alpha Channel.
The winners will be announced on the blog after the selection is final. * We will post all entries on the YouTube channel. If you do not want your submission posted, please check the box on the submission form.

WE ARE HAVING A DEPARTMENT MEETING!
Wednsday September 7th at 12:15pm in 737.
Pizza will be served to the first 15 students that arrive.
Hope to see you there! We're discussing future renovations to the TV studio and changes in the department.

Classes Closed due to Hurricane Irene

From The School President - Tad Graham-Handley

Due to the closure of mass transit in NYC tomorrow at noon, AiNYC will be closed all day Saturday, all day Sunday and Monday morning.
We will make a decision about Monday afternoon classes by 8:00 a.m. on Monday. That decision will be posted on our web-site.
In addition, we will send a text/voice message using our emergency text service and inform the community via e-mail.

From the CAGE:

Due to the approaching hurricane please be advised!
If you rented or plan to rent equipment for this weekend, understand that you will be held responsible for any damages acquired during this storm.
• Please consider your location and transportation. If you are not confident that the equipment will be protected during the storm, return the equipment or adjust your reservation.
• If you have to shoot this week end DO NOT SHOOT OUTSIDE. No excuses will be tolerated if equipment comes back soaked or damaged.
• Please note the cage will be closed: Saturday at 12pm through Monday until 12pm. Return checked out equipment at 12:30pm.
• Keep an eye on your e-mail! If the school is closed on Monday, so are we.
Be Responsible
Because you will be HELD Responsible. Thank you for your attention.

Reprise: The Great Camera Shootout!

For those of you interested in Cinematography, this is a MUST SEE. I reported on this web series in April of 2010. This series was just recognized by the AMPAS (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) by receiving an Emmy for the series. Please click on the link below for the original post and content.

Great Camera Shootout! Zacuto

Student Highlights: Anthony Leslie

Student and Tutor Anthony Leslie has sent me a copy of his reel. Anthony has focused on cinematography. Notice the shots that he's chosen and the order they are in. This demo reel is successful because it give the audience an idea of Anthony as an artist and filmmaker.
Please review other works by Anthony at his Vimeo channel: Anthony Leslie Work Log on, leave a comment! Begin to exchange ideas regarding other student's work.
If you are interested in sharing your work, please e-mail me, the department chair. My e-mail is on the right side of the blog. Cheers! - Eve.

Short Films: The Internet Wave of Advertising

I have written posts in the past that review a new form of advertising: Short Films. Intel and Toshiba are the latest in the short film game. They are screening a series on Youtube titled INSIDE. I've seen the first episode and I am intrigued. The series centers around a young girl who wakes up in a dilapidated bedroom. She doesn't know how she got there. All she has is her Toshiba Laptop, which she uses to communicate with the outside world.
Regardless of our opinions, advertising runs the film and broadcast industry. Lately, feature films have relied less on advertising with the success of box office sales, VOD, home video sales, and cable television. This latest trend is now going in reverse using films as the advertising, rather than advertising in a film (similar method used in the 1940's radio and 1950's TV).With a million hits and counting, I think it's working.
Below is the introduction to the Intel/Toshiba collaboration, INSIDE. Below the video are links to previous posts on the subject. Check it out! Let us know what you think. Is this a new form of filmmaking? I'll go into internet webisodes in a later post. Stay tuned! - Eve.



http://www.theinsideexperience.com/
Parallel Lines: A new way to advertise
USA Character Short Films

John Woods and the AINYC Students

Milagres: Here To Stay from Johnny Woods on Vimeo.

Many congratulations to Johnny and the students who participated in creating this video for the Brooklyn based band, Milagres. Below is a list of credits and a link to FILTER magazine that featured the band and the video. Check it out!

Directed and Produced by Johnny Woods; Cinematography by Gabriel Garcia Rosa
Edited by Lauren Elizabeth Kelly and Johnny Woods; Executive Producer: Esy Casey
Miniatures:
Puppets: Leslie Rogers; Art Dept: Amanda LaMarco, Kate Fabrizio, Phil Maniaci, Esther Ahn, and Johnny Woods; Puppeteers: Esy Casey and Johnny Woods
Live action:
Hair and Makeup: Esther Ahn; Line Producer: Magdalena Grynasz; 1st AD: Adam Spieler; 1st AC: Vernal Daniels; Gaffer: Manny Oliveira; Grip/Electric: Greg Digiacomo

Click here to see FILTER article on the Band and the Video

Registration Update FA11

Good News, Bad News.

Good: Due to popular demand, I have opened DF182 Documentary Filmmaking!
Bad: It's on Saturday Morning.

Please log onto your MyAICampus account to register for the class or see David Nash for registration.

Registration FA11

Step One: Pick up your packet from the third floor window.
Step Two: Log onto MyAICampus and schedule your classes. *
Step Three: Check in with David Nash or Eve Okupniak to make sure your class selection is correct.

* ALL VP Students have to be advised by David Nash or Eve Okupniak.
Below are the checklists for both majors. Click on the link for the PDF.

Digital Filmmaking AAS Checklist FA11
Video Production AAS Checklist FA11

* SPECIAL NOTES
- VP203 Advanced Lighting is being offered to DF students as an elective. Cinematographers should apply.
- DF students should take RS211 for their Portfolio Class, INT201 for their internship class
- Students who want to take Documentary Film as an elective, please check in with Eve Okupniak. We're starting a wait list.

Generational Film Culture

I am forwarding an article to you, that I believe most of you can feel some sort of relation. Like most of you, I study film and make films because I love films. People in the generation below me have embraced internet culture in order to relate to like minded people through social media. Some of those people blossomed and made careers with their love of film by creating film blogs. This article comes from a film blogger who briefly discusses the generational gap and how his generation appreciates film.

Film Culture in the Time of Recession

Spielberg Curriculum: Must See Films

Read a great post today on FirstShowing.net regarding a list of films titled: The Spielberg Curriculum. The list was pretty damn good and in tune with what most films schools have in their curriculum as required viewing. Below is the list as a google .doc. I love this list because it has, highlighted, the films that are available on Netflix streaming. Enjoy!
List of films claimed to be recommended by Spielberg

Graduates: Summer 2011

If you think you are graduating, please check this list. If you are NOT on this list and you think you should be, please visit with David Nash or Eve Okupniak, immediately!

Bach, David A. AS VP
Behncke, Nicholas S. AS VP
Cabral, Monica M. AS VP
Cooper, Rosetta AS VP
Dillon, Jesse D. AS VP
Giameo, Ronald J. AS VP
Harris, Cashawnna R. AS VP
Pena, Mirely M. AS VP
Rouse, Terrie N. AS VP
Schuman, David J. AS VP
Welsek, Tyler AS VP
White, Elijah J.N. AS VP
Witherspoon, Darren AS VP

Conaway, Christopher W. AS DFM

Film Psychology : Set Design of the Shining

For those of you in Studio Production, pay attention to this video! Two different friends had recommended this video to me this week. I was only able to watch it last night. Wow!
Collative Learning is a site run by film enthusiast Rob Ager. He has a list of films that he dissects, academically, to reveal the messages and plot devises in famous films of the past century. If you are interested in film critism and theory, I highly recommend his videos. While the site is rudimentary, his writing and critique is fascinating. - Eve.

Student Worker: Wanted!

The position has been filled! Thanks to everyone who applied!
 - Eve.

Scouting NY

Props to Josh Hays for this post.
Your time spent here, as students, should be about self discovery. Self discovery means that you should answer the question, "What do I want to do in the filmmaking industry?" Take the time to watch the end credits of everything you watch on TV and/or film. Notice the length of the credit sequence. Hundreds of people work in the film industry, specializing in a particular task. Each job is vital to the success of the film or show. So, what do you like to do.
This leads me to discuss a blog : Scouting NY
This blog is written by NY location scout, Nick Carr. He talks about his job and some great things he's discovered while scouting in NY. If you are interested in production, this is recommended reading. It's entertaining and a great resource when you are going on your own scouts.

Availability This Week

Hey Everyone! I am swamped with paperwork, so I am only seeing students by appointment this week. If you have an issue, please discuss it with student advisor David Nash. If you need further assistance after meeting with David, please contact me via e-mail to set up an appointment. My e-mail is to the right side of the blog. Thanks!!!! I hope you are all doing well. Cheers, Eve.

Welcome Back! Check out the Fashion / Video Collaboration!

Hey Students!
Welcome Back to school for the Summer Quarter!
Jason Moore has sent me a link to the video portfolio for the Raymond Chow collection. This video is a collaboration between the Fashion Department and the Video Department, supervised by Fan Wu and Jason Moore. The idea was for a fashion student to collaborate with filmmakers to create a video portfolio for the collection. Three fashion students had their collections shot by video students as an experimental approach to documenting and displaying a line of clothing. All students collaborated on the content, shooting, and design of the project. The link provided is for Raymond Chow's collection. Check out the video at the link below.
Raymond Chow Collection

Let us know what you think! Is this a successful attempt? Should we do this again? Leave a comment.

Short Films! Short of the Day

A companion piece with the previous post.
Film School Rejects (film blog) has a section on their site where they post a short film a day. This is a great spot to get more exposure to the short film market. Check out the listing below. Enjoy! - Eve.

Short Film a Day - FSR

Short Films! Blue Tongue Productions

The instructors and I are working on bringing your awareness to some fantastic short film work that is currently being produced. Readers of this blog know that I follow a film podcast called The Golden Briefcase. They had a great episode recently discussing short films. Among their recommendations was the short, Spider (posted below). This film is one of many from the Australian production company, Blue Tongue Films. I have posted their channel below for your reference. After reviewing their archive, I was amazed at how many of these films I have seen and recommended in the past. Blue Tongue is a great example of what a collective of filmmakers can do together. While you are in school, begin to create relationships that will last you through out your career. Filmmaking is all about team work.

Enjoy the films! - Eve.

Blue Tongue Films Channel
Films to watch: I Love Sarah Jane (Recently posted, Spenser Susser), Miracle Fish (Academy Award Nominee), Monkey (Tropfest Finalist)

Vimeo School: Editing with DSLR

http://www.vimeo.com/videoschool/lesson/99/dslr-video-importing-and-conversion
I found an article today on DSLR footage at the Vimeo Video School Blog. DSLR expert, Philip Bloom has created a new video demonstrating how to prepare your editing workflow with free software. This method is an alternative to using complicated methods within FCP. I've posted the video below. The link to their blog has a breakdown of the steps that Philip uses.

Canon 5dmkII workflow Part 1: Importing for edit from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.
How to convert the H264 files into an editable format.



This tutorial is for Final Cut Studio 2 users. If you are using a MAC and do not have Final Cut Pro installed the codecs will not be available to you. Use something equivalent like DVCPROHd.



Made for www.fstopacademy.com

FCP X - Our Thoughts

Hello Students! As of now, we are NOT upgrading to FCP X. We are waiting for instructors to test the new software to get an official opinion. Since there has been such negative feedback, we are reluctant to switch at this time. Please understand that if you work on a project in FCP X, that project is not transferable to FCP 7. Do not work with FCP X for school projects. Stick to FCP 7 until further notice.

With that in mind, please enjoy the video below. Cheers! - Eve.

Short of the Week - Must SEE

Your thesis projects are geared toward creating short films. Check this site out for the best on the web - http://www.shortoftheweek.com/
Here is the description on their site - "Truth be told, there are really a great number of amazing short films available for free viewing online. The biggest obstacle facing viewers is finding those few gems amongst the enormous heap of garbage they're buried in. Short of the Week sifts through all that garbage and pulls out only those that are worth a viewer's precious time. The goal of this site is to bring festival-quality short films to a broader, non-festival-going audience."

When you complete your thesis, look to submit your film to the site! Here are the details - http://www.shortoftheweek.com/submit/

YANY Class Project

Jason Moore's Professional Production Team class had the opportunity to create a project for Young Audiences New York this quarter. Young Audiences is an after school program for New York high school students. This program give the kids an opportunity to create art above and beyond their classroom.

Special Thanks to Chris Conaway and Phil Maniaci for the project! (spelled right this time!)

Fashion Show SP2011

Student Eddie Pages has finished his video for this quarter's fashion show. Check it out below!
Special thanks to Eddie for sending it in! - Eve.

Between the Lines from Eddie Pages on Vimeo.

Official Selection for SP11 Alpha Channel

SP11 Alpha Channel is ONLINE!
http://www.youtube.com/user/AINYCFilm

Doritos and Where the Socks Go: Jessie Dillon
Lost In Staten Island: Chris Caputo
Turn It Up: Natasha Davis
Candy and Orbitz: Russel Chambliss
Barnum and Breakfast: Phil Maniaci
Seperate: Karma Galeg
Hole: Chris Conaway
Buskers: Darren Witherspoon

Short Film from Rooftop Films

I encourage you guys to see this film "Once It Started It Could Not Have Ended Otherwise".
http://vimeo.com/24226407
This film was partially funded by Rooftop Films. It's a simple story that is composed of high school photographs that were manipulated and animated. Text tells the story of an event that happened at a high school in the 1970's that influences the senior class to commit insane acts at the school. Rooftop is hosting the film on their Vimeo site for a limited time. Try to jump on and see. Get inspired to get creative with Photoshop and After Effects!

Tis the season! - Rooftop Films are in full swing with the warm weather upon us. Check out the Calendar for film screenings around Brooklyn and Manhattan! http://rooftopfilms.com/2011/schedule/

Web Recommendation: Marble Hornets

If you are a fan of suspense and horror, then you should check out Marble Hornets Channel on YouTube. Watch the video below:

Support Instructors! - Vote for Magritte Moment

"A rather wonderful short film by Ian Fischer, Magritte Moment." - Roger Ebert 
Hey Students!
I am reaching out to you today to support one of our own instructors. Ian Fischer has a film out in the world that is gaining recognition. Help him keep the momentum going by voting on his latest short, "Magritte Moment".
Click on the link : http://www.ovationtv.com/events/filmcontest/ then click on VOTE. Pick the Drama catagory. "Magritte Moment" is the first film on the voting block. Vote before Friday, June 3rd! 
Thank you for your support! - Eve.

Michael Bay and James Cameron Talk 3D: The Full Discussion

Check out this 15 min conversation between Michael Bay ad James Cameron about 3D animation and the financial logistics behind it. Video below...

Criterion wants to help you Kickstart your Film!

Kickstarter has started a film funding revolution. Criterion wants to use their reputation to give those pledge drives a little boost! Today's post on the Criterion Cast is asking for the public's suggestions to post great films on their site in order to help them secure funding. Is your film good enough to suggest to Criterion? Read their post and consider your options
Kick Start Your Film with Criterion!

Autodesk releases 123D, a free 3D modeling application

For any one out there whose looking to get there hands dirty in some 3D animation here goes a pretty cool program to help get you started! To bad it isn't available for Mac but its a start, you could probably get away with some neat motion graphics for titles and stuff.

SOURCE: 123D

Alpha Channel and Permissions

Alpha Channel is Thursday June 9th at 6pm in the Beach Street Gallery

Submission for Alpha Channel is due Monday May 30th by 9pm. Submit your data file on the faculty drive under ALPHA CHANNEL SUBMISSIONS folder.

Also, fill out this paperwork AINYC Film Permission if you want your film to be distributed on the Alpha Channel Vimeo Page. Drop off the permission form with Ross William or Eve Okupniak (Office on the 2nd floor)

Cheers! - Eve.

Cannes 2011: Best Director

The directing prize went to Winding Refn, for “Drive,” starring Ryan Gosling as a stunt wheelman for the movies who also works as a getaway driver. I've decided to let you know about this today because of the clip for "Drive", I found on YouTube. Take note to how the director works with the actor (Ryan Gosling as the driver), sound design, and editing to create a riveting chase sequence. Word to the wise: Do not just rely on the images to tell your story. Sound can sometimes work even better :) - Eve.

Registration Update

Closed Classes: DF113 Sec C, DF122 Sec C, DF182 Sec A, DF226 Sec C, VP212 Sec B, DF227 Sec C
Opened Class: VP213

USA Character Short Films

Every chance I get, I love to forward you examples of short films so you can get a sense of how your film can be circulated in the real world. I encourage you to check out this site by the cable network USA. They have an ad campaign that focuses on the network's character driven content. USA has just recently posted a series of eight short films to illustrate how "character" plays a role in their network. Here is the link to their site.
http://characterproject.usanetwork.com/#!/
Check them out to see what commercial short films are out there! Cheers, Eve.

Vimeo Blogs: Good Advice

Like many of you, I have a Vimeo account. This site has a wealth of great information that caters to the professional video community. One of the perks to having a Vimeo account is having access to their staff blog. A segment on their blog is the Vimeo Video School. Below are two recent posts that I have found helpful in creating projects: How to Assemble a Crew Funding Your Project on Kickstarter
This isn't like you haven't heard this stuff before, it's just nice to be reminded once in a while, maybe get inspired.

Now that Mid Terms are over . . .

Enjoy this video, made by one of my former students. While the industry is different, the message is the same for filmmakers. Have a great weekend!

Visual Effects Guide To Success from Mark Lieberman on Vimeo.

Importance of Safety on Film Sets

A few weeks ago, Emerson College, Boston, reported that a student died accidentally on a student film set. A simple mistake that could have easily been avoided if all members of the crew focused on basic safety precautions. Link to the article and news story is here: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/27576107/detail.html#ixzz1LzX5eLea
Last year an NYU student was electrocuted on a student shoot. In light of these incidence, I must reiterate the importance of practicing safety on set. Safety should be paramount to all of your other concerns. No one should die to get a shot. For the rest of your career, be safe, keep your crew and cast safe.
To get any advice regarding set safety, please inquire at the cage, inquire with the faculty, inquire with the department chair.
Cheers, Eve.

Lost in the Crowd: Screening this Weekend

About the films:
LOST IN THE CROWD
Dir. Susi Graf, USA, 2009, 61 min.
In the underbelly of New York City, an unfamiliar reality exists right next to daily routines—a disturbing and dangerous sphere where colorful strangers with exotic stories share their adventures. In this parallel world, nothing can be taken for granted, daily survival is a challenge, and life becomes a brutal boot camp. Here, young, (mostly) transgender, homeless runaways continuously chase a big break that is supposedly waiting around the corner.


7th Anniversary Screening Celebration
Sunday, May 15th, 3 - 6 PM

Hosted at the Queens Museum of Art, Flushing Meadows Corona Park www.cinemarosa.org

How to Get Your Short Film In Front of 37 Million People

Here is yet another avenue to get your short film out to the world and bring yourself exposure! Now DirectTV has a channel where they play short films 40 minutes or less!
Thanks to Nick @ the Cage for bringing this to my attention.

Shorts TV - LINK

SOURCE: indiewire.com

the REEL Meeting : Tomorrow May 10th

Meeting Tomorrow May 10th and Thursday May 12th - Details on the Reel Blog. Click HERE for their Blog.

Happy Mother's Day! from Dave Maxime

You’re watching Landline - Mother’s Day. See the Web's top videos on AOL Video

Enjoy!!!

Registration UPDATE!

Keep checking on the blog this week for open and closed classes!
DF132 Sound Design for Digital Film Sections A (Wed 8:15) and Section D (Thurs 1:15) are closed.
Stay tuned for more updates! - Eve.

Art Institute of New York City TFF Crew mentioned on MSNBC!

Click HERE to read the article. Congratulations to everyone who participated this year! Great Job! - Eve.

AI New York and the TFF

As you guys know, Digital Filmmaking/Video Production students collaborate with the Tribeca Kids Access to create short videos that promote the festival. The video above is the red carpet footage from the film The Bang Bang Club. Click HERE to see all of the videos created by our DF and VP students. Thanks to Alumni Len Carter for coordinating the event and sending the link. Enjoy! - Eve.

Moving Around!

So it's official. On Wednesday May 3rd, Department Chair Eve Okupniak will be moving to the second floor. Her office will be located next to the elevators and across from the cage. This convenient new location will be better for students and staff to communicate directly with the chair!

Today Now! Interviews Screenwriter for Fast 5

Today Now! Interviews The 5-Year-Old Screenwriter Of "Fast Five"

Source: The Onion - Cheers! Eve.

2011 Summer VFX Preview

With the anticipation of all the new blockbuster films coming out this summer, here is a list of Ten Flix who's VFX are expected to raise the bar for the future of movie special FX. The list was compiled by Animated world Network.

SOURCE: AWN

the Reel: Blog!

The Reel - Student Club - has a blog, and it's on our blog! Look under the Film/Commercial Blogs on the right of this page for posts from our student club! - Eve.

Perfect Companion for the TriBeCa Film Festival this week!

Click on the picture for the APPLE STORE EVENTS PAGE
The Apple Store, SoHo, and the Apple Store, West 14th Street, are proud to take part in the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. Come celebrate the spirit of independent filmmaking with free workshops and events—including the exclusive Meet the Filmmakers series. Presented by Apple and indieWIRE, this series will feature some of the film industry's leading writers, directors, producers, and actors.

All Meet the Filmmaker events will be available as free podcasts on iTunes.

A list of filmmakers at the Meet the Filmmakers event:
Will Ferrell Ed Burns Zach Braff
Alex Gregory Jason Sudeikis Massy Tadjedin Eva Mendes
Steven Silver Taylor Kitsch James Westby Gaukur Úlfarsson 
Jon Gnarr David Dusa Philip Gelatt Dan Rush

Art Institute of New York City Interviews Kevin Smith

AVID Sponsored a 30 minute interview with Kevin Smith for Art Institute of New York City and NYU to do an extended interview regarding the filmmaker's process. Below is the interview shot by Eric Acosta, edit and sound by Dave Maxime.

Evening with Kevin Smith from Genevieve Okupniak on Vimeo.

Behind the scenes of "The Hobbit"

Check out Peter Jackson video blog going behind the scenes of The Hobbit. There are some great insider special effects images, as well as valuable tips and tricks if you listen and watch carefully...