Happy Holidays!

It was fantastic to see so many people at graduation yesterday!
Congratulations to all of the graduates! Last week and this week were amazing opportunities to meet alot of you and get to know your families. Thank you for introducing me to such a warm and welcoming community. I am looking forward to future graduations and celebrations.
Have a safe and happy holiday this year! See you at the quarter start on January 11th!
Cheers,
Eve.

Don't forget the DAM Festival deadline is January 10th. GRADUATES, GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT YOUR THESIS FILMS!

Security Policy UPDATE!

Hello Students and Faculty!
I have just added a link outlining building security policy regarding shooting spaces and guest entry.
The link is located under AiNYC LINKS labled Building Security Policy
All students and faculty should take a moment and read over the policy for their own reference.
Faculty: Remind your students of the policy when they intend to shoot or rehearse.
Students: Review the policy when planning your shooting and rehearsal dates.
This list of guidelines was set up to avoid confusion for scheduling and prevent broken or missing property. Enforcing these policies will reduce overbooking spaces and allow for a comfortable classroom environment. This security protocol has been in effect for the past three years, according to the facilities director. She has asked my cooperation to enforce these guidelines.
Thank you for your participation and cooperation!

Location - Location - Location

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, (http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/figure31.pdf) film and video editors have a better chance of finding employment in metropolitan areas. That means if you go to school in New York City then you have a competitive advantage of finding employment in your field compared to someone that lives outside the city. Location after graduation can be a major factor in finding employment in your field. Think twice before moving away from NYC after graduation. Either way, develop a game plan for career success with your career services advisor before you graduate.

Marc Scoleri, Director of Career Services
The Art Institute of NYC

Security Policies

Just yesterday, I had two requests from students to sign off on a list of people for visitor's passes. The passes were for actors and crew for film shoots. At the end of the day, the building manager contacted me to inform me of the current security policies. Now that I am aware of this policy, I will be enforcing it. Please read the policy below. - Eve.

Security Policy for Non Student Entry
- A list of cast and crew from outside of the school MUST be submitted to director Eve Okupniak via e-mail at least one week before shooting or casting. The request must also include the date, time, and location of the production. If the request is submitted less than one week, the request will NOT be granted.
- Once the request is granted, the requesting student will be responsible for their guests and the rooms the production is occupying. All furniture must be replaced. All guests must be escorted out of the building by the student.
- If you have any questions, please e-mail director Eve Okupniak.

* Please keep checking back for updates concerning video shooting in the Beach Street building.

Crew Call from Black Bag Pictures!

Hey Guys! I wanted to post this crew call for many reasons. The most important being that I met the producers of this film and I love their philosophies regarding film making communities. Black Bag Pictures is a production company that is seriously committed to building an inclusive artistic community of creative people. The goal of this network is to create relationships between artists that can work on collaborative projects. They will be shooting their first project this weekend and next. If you are looking for a independent, professional film experience, I recommend that you include yourself on this project. Here is their pitch:
"We are shooting a post-apocalyptic romantic dramady short in and round Brooklyn and are looking for a camera, grip and electric crew as well as PAs. This is a great opportunity to get hands on experience and work with top-rate Brooklyn-based film company.
The Dates:
December 05 - Afternoon, light day
December 06 - Running around, exteriors
December 07 - Running around, exteriors
December 12 - Interiors
December 13 - Interiors
December 14 - Pickups
If you can work any or all of these days please e-mail the DP Josh Hays at joshhays@gmail.com. Please include your contact information, your CV or film resume and a link to any work you have on the internet.

Black Bag Pictures
www.blackbagpictures.com
blackbagpictures@gmail.com"

DAM Submissions!

If you are interested in submitting, e-mail

gokupniak@aii.edu

I will be happy to send you the submission documents!
Please send whatever you can! AiNYC must be represented!

Cheers,
Eve

Alpha Channel Submissions, CLOSED

As of 9pm last night, Alpha Channel submissions are closed. If you have any questions, please contact Ross Williams regarding any Alpha Channel business.

Video Production vs. Digital Filmmaking

Hello Students!

I hope all of you had a relaxing vacation! I wanted to address an issue that has been clogging my inbox. Many students have inquired about switching to the Digital Filmmaking program that will begin in January of 2010. Here are some factual points that will help in your decision making.

1. The fundamental difference between both programs are as follows: 1 additional General Education class, 1 less TV production class, a Mid program review, and a rearrangement of pre-requisite classes. The program outcomes and mission statement are the same.

2. If you are a video production student looking to switch you will encounter the following problems:

a. Not all video production classes will transfer because of the re-sequence. While the courses are the same in content, the pre-requisites change the way the skills are taught.

b. Upper level courses will only be offered as the program rolls out, only first quarter DF courses will be available WI10. For example: If a 5th quarter student transfers to DF, that student will need some 5th quarter classes. That student will NOT be able to take those courses for another year, therefore delay graduation.

c. Students who are in the process of working on their thesis projects may have to restart the thesis approval with the new criteria.

Please review and consider this information before contacting me in regards to switching programs. Thank you! I hope this helps with any questions you are considering.

- Eve Okupniak

Film Posters that will make you smile

If you are a cinemaphile, like I am, then you will love the new exhibit on display at Gallery 1988 in LA. Mondo Tee's is a graphic design company that deals specifically in creating "retro" designs for the 21st century. I love the posters they do for repertory theater! Check out the post on Twitch! Click HERE for the post.

- Eve.

Ranting and Raving

Hello ya all!
I have just passed my one month mark, and I am still here!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the students who have visited me these past few weeks. The company is always appreciated, regardless of the circumstance. A few things to bring to your attention:
- The Panels are BACK! : Upon student request, efforts will be made to reinstate professional panel discussions for the VP department. The first panel will be broadcast and film post-production. Keep checking the blog for dates and times. Please send me any topic requests.
- I will be doing various classroom visits for the next two quarters. Please do not acknowledge my presence if I am in your class. My purpose is to observe you in your natural habitat.
- TV Studio Clean Out: Efforts will be made to clear out the TV studio toward the end of the quarter and over break. We need to work together to keep the space clean and professional. After the studio is clear, a new set of guidelines will be posted in the control room and in the studio. Pay attention to these new guidelines and follow them :)
- New links have been added to the AiNYC VP LINKS section. Check them out!
- Keep your eye out for film festival and workshop postings. If you missed something, click on the corresponding label on the right hand side of the page.
As always, your support and efforts are always appreciated. If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, please comment on this post and I will respond.
Cheers,
Super Director Eve

Cannes 2010: Opportunity

Click on the image to view the entire ad. DEADLINE MARCH 2010!

Demo Reel Examples: Editing

Definition: "Film editing is part of the post-production process of filmmaking. It involves the selection and combining of shots, connecting the resulting sequences, and ultimately creating a finished motion picture. It is an art of storytelling."

Editing establishes the mood of the film. The most skilled editors are rhythmic in their pacing and deliberate in their cutting. Successful directors have an editor on staff that they trust with their livelyhood. This means, the director gives the editor the film that they have worked on for 18 months and walk away. Filmmakers tend to loose sight of their original vision when they spend so much time with a story. A healthy practice is to give the story a new set of eyes. Francis Ford Coppola has Walter Murch. Martin Scorsese has Thelma Schoonmaker. Alfred Hitchcock had George Tomasini.

I tried to find editing reels for your visual education. After much research, I resigned to the fact that watching a well edited scene is more powerful than a rushed reel. 

Below are some links that will kick-start your research. Click on the titles for the links. 

Cinema Editing Terms: This site has a simplistic design that helps the viewer locate terms quickly. 

WNYC Radiolab Interview with Walter Murch: Great interview with W.M., explaining his philosophy on editing from a scientific point of view. 

Best Editing Sequences: A list compiled by AMC in regards to the best editing examples in the history of cinema. Another quick reference guide. I suggest you look for clips of the sequences that are discussed on You Tube. 

Everything Hitchcock: for Screenwriters

Upon my internet stumblings, I have found this site, for all things Hitchcock. Click HERE for the link. At first I was a little disappointed. It's very basic, almost like someone's class project. After surfing on it for a few moments, this director's conclusion is that the site is a great place to begin your research if you know nothing about the great director. For you script writers out there, you will be especially interested in the "Theories" section. 

Cheers, Eve.

For screenwriters - In addition: here is a link to a blog post on "Mystery Man of Film". Good information on the element of surprise in story. Check out the right hand side for links to the best posts!! Click HERE for the article mentioned.