Class Notice SP12

Hey Guys! - I wanted to send notice out that DF182 Documentary Filmmaking is now available for SP12 quarter! The class is being taught on Wednesday Evenings from 6-10pm. If you would like to sign up for the class or change your schedule, let me or an adviser know. Make sure you've taken DF124 Pre-Production before you sign up for the class. - Eve.

Oscars: Does the Academy represent the best?

So, this year I neglected to cover the Oscars in my typical fashion for several reasons. Most of which being that I am unusually overwhelmed (as you can tell with my door being closed, often:) And because most of the films and performances that I have been following for 2011 were not recognized with nominations. Being a spoiled sport does not fit within my personality, but I will admit that I felt curious as to why some of the best work out there was being ignored by the Academy.

The critical community keeps tabs on accolades by tracking awards given at film festivals; most importantly Cannes, Venice, and Sundance. Awards given at these festivals did not reflect in the nominations nor the winners on Sunday night's event. Even industry sub committee (VES for Visual Effects; SAG for Actors) awards did not accurately reflect the films that won. This got me thinking, "Who makes these decisions? Why were these people given the authority to decide the absolute best in filmmaking?"

The LA Times answered this for me. They have a great series of articles and videos exploring Academy voting statistics. Please click on the links below to learn more about the Academy and the voting process -
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/academy/
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/academy/la-et-unmasking-oscar-academy-project-html,0,7473284.htmlstory

In my opinion, I think the process to be an academy voter is antiquated at best. The pillars of our industry are not even voting members, as revealed in this report. So why do we give the Academy Awards such notoriety when their membership does not accurately reflect excellence in the industry or the critical community? I'm asking this as a person who regards the Oscars ceremony as the "Super Bowl of Film Nerds." My video attendance for the yearly spectacle has been consistent since 1990. I love the race, speculation, anticipation, and yes, the outfits. But, this year, I felt that the nominations did not reflect perfection in filmmaking, overall.

I'll end this post with a video from JoBlo that highlights the films that should have been nominated this year. Let me know what you think. Cheers, Eve.

Alpha Channel Deadlines!

Alpha Channel Deadline for WI12 is March 5th by 9pm! (One Week from Today!)
- Drop off your project as an .mov file in the Facutly Drop Box under ALPHA CHANNEL.
- Fill out an entry form with every submission. We WILL NOT consider your entry without a form.
- Make sure your file plays in Quick Time. Your file's codec cannot only play in FCP.
- The winners will be posted Monday March 12th on the blog. Every winner has a ticket and a plus one.

Any questions, e-mail gokupniak@aii.edu

Thanks and good luck!

CANCELED: Panasonic HERE on Monday

PRESENTATION CANCELED TODAY. PLEASE KEEP CHECKING FOR UPDATES. WE WILL RESCHEDULE. 

B&H will be sponsoring a demonstration in the TV Studio this Monday Feb 27th from 12:15 - 2:15.

FREE PIZZA for the start of the presentation!

Every student interested in Cinematography should come! We'll be reviewing the DVX, HVX, and AGAF100 cameras! All DFM students are welcome!

Project DFM - Short Screening Every Friday in TV Studio

Missed the Oscar Shorts? We're gonna screen them in the TV studio on Fridays from now until the end of the quarter. Films screened will be posted up here the day before the screening. Tomorrow's selections are Time Freak and the 2010 winner The New Tenents. See you there!

2012 Oscar Nominated Shorts

http://www.ifccenter.com/series/2012-academy-award-nominated-short-films/

2012 Academy Nominated Shorts - Documentry, Live Action, Animation - are available at IFC Center until Feb 16th ONLY! Take this weekend and check out the shorts! I'll let you guys know if we can set up a date to see them, as a department, this week. I'll post that date HERE!!!! - Eve.

Jay Rabinowitz at MEWShop

Jay Rabinowitz on Editing "Requiem for a Dream" - Part I from Manhattan Edit Workshop on Vimeo.
Anyone in the editing track should watch this series. Click HERE for more videos from Manhattan Edit Workshop!

Oscar Nominated Sound Editor for Drive

Yes, film is an AUDIO and visual medium. When planning for your thesis, spend as much time on the sound as you do the camera. It's the difference between a student film and a professional short. Thanks, Eric, for this. - Eve.

Review: Where Socks Go

Alumni Jesse Dillion was reviewed by Film Threat for his thesis film Where Socks Go. Check it out!
http://www.filmthreat.com/reviews/46378/
Here is the trailer for those who haven't seen Jesse's film. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMGh8p9092o&feature=plcp&context=C363fa26UDOEgsToPDskKbL0vwP7Pwr5IBT4LmQiCo

SHORTS! Hilarious and SciFi!

Guys, once again, making shorts gets you work!!!! The filmmaker, Geoff LaTuilippe, was offered a writing and directing deal with Paramount because of this film and the attention it got from the Hollywood Reporter. Here is the link that explains the deal - http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/going-distance-geoff-latulippe-directing-wme-paramount-287697

This science fiction short by Aaron Sims has been getting lots of buzz on the internet. The filmmaker made this film with favors and friends. He hopes to get enough recognition for someone to fund the feature.

Take the bull by the horns and make amazing work while your here! It will lead to bigger and better things.
Cheers, Eve.

Photographers and Filmmakers WANTED

The International Barkclay Hotel is looking for photos and films to install in their restaurants and bar area. They are looking for urban nature photos.Think green!

Here is a link to the hotel and photos of the space: http://www.intercontinental.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/hotel-features/dining/restaurants/newyork-thebarclay

Contact Eve Okupniak at gokupniak@aii.edu if you are interested in displaying your work at Barkclay!

Registration for SP12 Begins on MONDAY!

1. Log onto MyAICampus.com
2. Print out DF class grid. Cross off what you have taken. Circle what you need to take.Click HERE - DF Class Grid
3. Once you have decided on your classes, check the SP12 schedule to see when the classes are being offered. Click HERE - SP12 Schedule
4. Choose your classes. Don't forget your general education courses!
5. Check in with your Department Chair, Eve Okupniak, on the second floor to make sure your schedule is accurate. This will only take a few seconds.

* If you are a first quarter student, or you are not familiar with MyAICampus, please see an advisor for help. Megan Coxen is located next to the cage, Paul Henkel and Gene Tolan are located on the 6th floor by the back elevators. 

B and H Discounts TODAY!

B and H will be signing up people for the student and educator discounts today in the TV studio!

Please come down and  sign up!

TV STUDIO 12:15 - 1:15.