An Editor's Day Out

Hello Aspiring Editors!
I have an article and video just for you. The first is an article that was posted on Studentfilmmakers.com. The article was written by freelance editor, Jeff Turboff. He talks about the difficulty of sticking to a script while in the editing. room. It's interesting to hear his point of view, having nothing to do with writing or directing scripts. I think it's important for every AINYC DF editing student to work on at least one project where that students is not the writer or director. That experience will give the student a clear idea of what it's like to be a editor for hire. Below is the link to the article.
Studentfilmmakers.com Editing Article
Second is a short video that was produced by Intel. If you read /Film, then you might have already seen this. I posted it up here because I think it's a creative way to show off the Intel system in a way that is engaging and lasting to the audience. Remember, even in advertising, storytelling is important. Also, the editing students are encouraged to do a chase film. Here's your opportunity to get inspired. Below is the Chase Film.

Welcome Back and a word about Character . . .

Welcome Back!
This week, as you are picking up your schedules and gathering your books, please take a moment to read the article I have posted below.
http://www.ifc.com/news/2011/01/the-worldbuilding-is-not-enoug.php

The critic, Matt Singer, elaborates on a simple point, that is emphasized over and over again in our classes. "Character and Story are paramount.Without a compelling story and memorable characters, the film isn't worth making." These two areas that are judged by every film critic, instructor, audience member, and film lover. These two things are what defines any narrative story be it novel, play, film, etc. Singer emphasizes on a certain point that has been trend setting in modern American filmmaking: Worldbuilding. To become familiar with that term, read the article and let us know if agree, disagree, or have questions.

Short Films by VFX Artists

Did you know that District 9 was a short film before it became a feature? VFX Artist and commercial director Neil Blomkamp shot and created the short film, Alive in Joburg, to sell his feature length idea for District 9. After several critical raves and Academy nomination for Best Picture, I think it's safe to say that it was a success. The success of District 9 was in the story and the character arc of the film's protagonist, Wikus Van De Merwe. Alive in Joburg sold District 9 because of it's unique idea; using aliens as a metaphor for immigration, using the documentary style to ground that idea in reality, speaking with characters that speak in a common vernacular.
The most successful science fiction stories use these imaginary universes to illustrate social and political realities that would otherwise be sensational if written for the real world. The imaginary world falls apart when the story and characters fail to sell the world where they live.
VFX Artist Patrick Kalyn is trying to follow the Neil Blomkamp method by creating a short film to sell a feature idea. He has just posted his short, Solmnolence, on YouTube to generate interest. Through his professional contacts, he has access to the best equipment: shot on RED, music composer for Assassin's Creed, sound mixing at Skywalker Ranch. However, this film, in my opinion, fails to be successful.
The acting is unbelievable. The dialogue is simple and expository. The plot is difficult to follow. The characters are forgettable.
I have posted both films below for you to watch and make your own judgments. Do you think Solmolence will be picked up for a feature? Let us know what you think.

Welcome Back! Winter 2011

Hello Everyone!
Classes begin on January 10th.
A few things that will be going on / have happened:

• - I wanted to give notice that I will be out for maternity leave in the beginning of February. Department Chair for General Education John Mancuso will be taking charge of the department until my return next quarter, Spring 2011. His contact information will be posted on the blog at the end of the month. 
• - The equipment cage just got a makeover and more space! 
• - The TV studio is painted and patched up for the new quarter. 
• - The Audio studio will have some additions to the prop closet and sound insulation has been hung. 
• - Two new HVX's have been purchased. They will be ready for check out for Winter quarter. 

I'll be posting future updates as they happen. Welcome back! - Eve.

Have Special Effects Lost Their Charm?

The nature of our short program limits the types of projects students can produce in a short period of time. This also limits our conversation to the basics and foundation of film making without going into the full scope of tools at student's disposal. Since we have an emphasis of scriptwriting and storytelling, post production is a field that we spend little time mastering. With this in mind, I wanted to bring your attention to two articles addressing the director's use of CG and it's impact on audiences.
The basic thesis of these articles discuss how the overuse of "dazzling" CG effects has numbed the audience. I think it's important for students to be aware of the CG options at their disposal and consider when it is appropriate to incorporate that type of workflow. Click on the links below to read further. Cheers!

IFC: Why do Special Effects . . .
Den of Geek: Numbing Ubiquity of . . .

Thanks and Congratulations!

A special thanks to everyone who screened last night at Alpha Channel! Another thanks to all of the students who came out to support their friends and the department! And another thanks to our instructors Josh, John, Ian, Roz, Ross and GE Department Chair John Mancuso for coming out! And yet another thanks to our AI New York City President, Tad Graham-Handley for his support by attending! I had a great time last night. There was a good mix of humor, horror, suspense, drama, and experiments that kept the program lively.

I hope you all enjoyed the new venue. Until next quarter, keep on filming . . .

Alpha Channel TONIGHT!

A reminder that Alpha Channel is tonight.
Address: 92nd Street Y TriBeCa 200 Hudson Street (Literally a few blocks from school)
Screening begins at 6pm, so get there early to get a seat. There are only 72 seats available!!! After we hit capacity, we close the doors for the evening.
Sorry to say that a list of films has not been provided. If I receive such a list, I'll let you know.
- Eve.

Film Podcasts: The Golden Briefcase

Students of film usually enroll in school for the true love of the medium. Talking endlessly about character, story, and craft is an outlet to express that love. In my opinion, this is an overly sentimental way to express an "obsession", however more poetic than sounding like a serial killer.

While I am filling out paperwork, I keep my mind fresh by listening to film podcasts. One I would like to recommend is "The Golden Briefcase". The program has a nice balance of conversation and film geekery that feels like a few intelligent friends sitting in a living room enjoying a beer after a movie. Since I started listening, I have called into the program twice to address some issues that have been brought up in school; Low Budget with a Good Story (addresses HD technology in film), and Contests for Young Filmmakers (addresses the Amazon Debate). Click on the links below to hear these episodes:

TGB: Episode 36

TGB: Episode 39

If you enjoy this type of program, subscribe on iTunes and feel free to surf around the web for other podcasts. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment to this post. Thanks! 

Fourteen Actors Acting

A whole lot of posting today!

This one comes from our own Josh Hays who says, and I quote "This is what actors do when we're not around" Enjoy fourteen portraits of today's critically acclaimed talents brought to you by the New York Magazine.

NY Times Magazine Videos

NY Times Magazine Page and Behind the Scenes

DSLR Information for Digital Cinema

Before you plan on shooting with any of the new fancy DSLRs, please read all of the resources we have, right here on the blog. Jason Moore has supplied us with new articles and links to help filmmakers make the right decision for their film. This is essential material for those of you in the Pre-Production classes.

Article and Links can be found under Production Documents - with DSLR in the label. This section is at the bottom, right side of the blog.

FREE Slow Motion Footage

Student Filmmaker Magazine has a deal with Footage Firm to GIVE AWAY stock footage DVDs. All you would need to pay for is the shipping an handling (about 9 bucks).

Click HERE for Footage Firm Deal

UPDATE! - Our Librarian has gotten the whole library for our own library. They should be available next quarter for check out.

Read about Jason Moore's students and Variety Magazine!

http://ainycnews.blogspot.com/2010/12/playing-with-pros.html
From Jason Moore:

"There are about a dozen students on the crew, all the positions are paid, and so far we have completed three shoots, for the films "The Kings Speech", starring Colin Firth, "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps", starring Michael Douglas, and "Solitary Man", also starring Michael Douglas." 

UPDATE! A direct link to video posts can be found here: 2010 Variety Screening Series NYC

GUEST LECTURE and SCREENING - Calvin Marshall

Monday, December 6 (week 10) at 6pm in the Gallery Open to all Ai Students!
A free, funny movie is the perfect cure to the stress of week 10!

After the movie, the director will speak about making independent films and will take your questions!

“CALVIN MARSHAL” is a comedy that stars Steve Zahn (Out of Sight) and Alex Frost (Elephant). It is a grand-slam comic drama that's heartwarming, funny, inspirational and, above all, triumphant.

Junior college student Calvin Marshall is determined that he's going to have a huge career in major league baseball. What everyone else realizes and Calvin does not is that Calvin is one of the worst ballplayers in history. When Calvin falls hard for an attractive volleyball star with a big future, he gets some hard lessons in love and life, but must face his own strengths and limitations before he can move into the future and determine the profession he's really suited for.