http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: Independent - Recent Posts en Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:28:06 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/next-ics-fest#post-70887 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:41:05 +0000 doublehamm 70887@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Maybe check your posts after you post them?  The HTML is not carrying over and these posts are very difficult to read. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/next-ics-fest#post-70886 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:32:54 +0000 truevision 70886@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>FILM FESTIVAL FOLLOWS UP THEIR INAUGRUAL EVENT WITH MORE MEDIA INVOLVEMENT</p> <p>ICS founders gear up for their 2nd event amid glowing reviews Los Angeles, CA -August 2nd, 2011- "I was thoroughly entertained and blown away at the caliber of talent showcased at the Short Film Festival. The filmmakers have a bright future ahead of them." David T. Wagner (co-writer of "Van Wilder" and "The Girl Next Door") Panelist, March 2011 ICS Indie Cinema Series kicked off the first event of its kind in March in front over 100 attendees that included directors, actors, producers and movie lovers. The night included a red carpet entry, appetizers, drinks and the opportunity to network with up and coming filmmakers. Chosen films were screened and given notes from invited industry panelists. To follow up their last event, ICS plans to include more media presence, additional sponsors and a new category, "Best Student Film," for invited student filmmakers. The Best Student Film winner will also walk away with a mentorship with one of the three production companies heading ICS Invited industry panelists at ICS on September 25th include, independent producer and studio executive, Andreas Olavarria; distribution consultant and producer, Sheldon Brigman; and Kevin Tancharoen, director of the 2009 remake of Fame.</p> <p>Filmmakers can register by calling <a href="424.835.0144">424.835.0144</a> Registration is $40. Accepted films will be notified. Entry into the evening is free and includes appetizers, red carpet and media. Make sure to like ICS on CHECK the ICS web site for the announcement of the of Celebrity Panelists for March 25, 2012 premier!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dystopian-sci-fi-short-for-critique#post-70389 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:46:35 +0000 chamberlane altatis 70389@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I can say that it is really great! The shots, the look, the editing and everything looks cool to me. Personally, the ending was just too abrupt. But that's just me. I can say that you're really professional.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dystopian-sci-fi-short-for-critique#post-70386 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:47:06 +0000 KenzoFKC 70386@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Howdy! It's been a long time since I've been active on videomaker, but I want to get back in.  I'd love it if anyone would take the time to watch and/or critique this short film my team and I recently finished. I was the Director of Photography, among other things. It is a science fiction short set in a dystopian alternate future - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMdnKqHrgdo</p> <p>We used 2 cameras, a Panasonic HMC-150, and a Canon T2i was used for the close up shots during the main sequence. </p> <p>Any feedback you can offer is appreciated!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/bells-of-another-land-my-new-movie#post-65397 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:40:12 +0000 vid-e-o-man 65397@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I, too, found the video without a story line or point of view. After I gave up on looking for that, I watched again for the visual images and found that I enjoyed just watching. Lots of good footage but some effects were distracting. Looking forward to some more of your work.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/bells-of-another-land-my-new-movie#post-65387 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:01:40 +0000 birdcat 65387@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Is it me?  I don't get it.</p> <p>What was the point you are trying to make with this? </p> <p>I must admit initially I gave up after about three minutes and had to force myself to go back and watch the whole thing.</p> <p>To me it was a bunch of unrelated and surreal clips put together with choppy editing with some gratuitous effects thrown in where they made no sense.</p> <p>As I said, it could be me but if there was a story there, I couldn't find it.</p> <p>Sorry.</p> <p>On a positive note, I did find some of the videography very well done (angles, lighting, framing, composition, technical stuff, etc,,,).</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/bells-of-another-land-my-new-movie#post-65376 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:14:59 +0000 Owlcrew 65376@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>My new movie:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWe9IqOCKlw" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWe9IqOCKlw</a></p> <p> </p> <p>All regards</p> <p>Milos</p> <p><a href="http://www.owlcrew.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.owlcrew.com</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48217 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:03:51 +0000 composite1 48217@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The toughest thing I've found about making documentaries hasn't had anything to do with the production aspects. It's always been with festival boards. I've made enough doc's to make them interesting enough to watch. Whenever I'm able to get any of them in front of an audience so far it has always been the subject matter that has sparked debate not any technical foibles which is as it should be. The difficulty is getting stuff past those (when you can't say anything nice...) festival boards. Man, if your film isn't the 'flavor of the month' or reach the board participants specific tastes, fuggeddaboutit! If I see one more doc about starving kids in africa with AIDS and so on.... Not that it isn't an important subject, but it isn't the only subject out there.</p> <p>The whole purpose of documentary filmmaking is to 'document' a subject and present it in the visual medium. Those subjects can involve anything, but since the primary place for screening docs is film festivals if you have to start making your film's to what you think a review board will accept, that defeats the whole purpose of making a doc. That's one of the reasons you keep seeing the same thing over and over. Doc's may be information inspired works, but they ultimately have to be 'marketable' in order to reach an audience. You're piece can be a flawless work of filmmaking that touches the heart and enlightens the mind. But, if some festival board or distributor doesn't think it will sell, no one will see it.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48179 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:20:36 +0000 jimcvideo 48179@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>In my spare time, I moonlight as a standup comedian and a member of a comedy improv troupe, and I'd rather work on 10 documentaries (or any other genre films) than 1 comedy, although I do plan on shooting a full-length comedy one day. The problem with comedy is that there's just so much potential for failure. Heck, half the time when I watch my own jokes after the fact I don't even find them all that funny. (It's a good thing most comedy clubs serve alcohol).</p> <p>As far as documentaries go, I'm working on one right now, and it should be pretty impressive when it's finished. I'm still in the preproduction stage, but I'm taking pointers from folks who've been around the block a time or two. I'm not saying it'll be a Ken Burns masterpiece, but it should be pretty good.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48178 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:52:11 +0000 zoobie 48178@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Composite, </p> <p>I saw your other thread but don't have time for the movie. I actually enjoy well put-together docs like on the history/learning channel. I just don't like <em>making</em> them because there's no challenge in filming an interview, having the subject do most of the performing, etc. I'm currently with the buskers and every video I've seen is a doc. I've been burnt in half from all these same docs. Homemade amateur docs are the worst. That's half the reason why I'm making a comedy movie.</p> <p>I don't know why but I thought comedy would be the <em>easiest</em>. But when I think of the risks Mel Brooks took, you're probably right. Some of it worked and some bombed. Most of the comedy I've written so far is slap stick/visual and shown in fast motion just like the old silent cinema. I need to practice writing more comedy with dialogue. Now, that's a challenge...</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48170 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:44:30 +0000 composite1 48170@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Zoobie,</p> <p>You have my absolute respect as a comedy writer. Of all the genres comedy is the hardest. My sense of humor is mad dark and rarely does that translate well to movie audiences. My latest film is a horror spoof of Reality TV's inevitable solution to ratings. There's stuff in there that will make you laugh, but I only put it in there to offset all of the 'other stuff'. To purposefully humorous through an entire film... Uhy! </p> <p>Though I've been working on narrative projects more, I haven't given up on docs. In fact, I'm gearing up for post on two big doc projects. You'll be happy to know that one is more of a 'news style' expose' on different topics and the other is a subject I've never worked on before. Now, it's in a genre I've seen good and horrible renditions of the topic, which is why I'm taking a little time to really look at the footage and see where it wants to go.</p> <p>I'm on the fence about which is 'easier' between docs and narrative. Both have their challenges and depending on how big the project is, you'll still have to deal with other people's foolishness while trying to get job done.</p> <p>If you get some spare time, take a look at the 'Writing on Spec' Thread. The video attached is probably something you can identify with.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48167 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:27:59 +0000 zoobie 48167@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ha ha...Yes, I drew the line at one. I find them boring, awful, and trite with lots of sleepy interviews. My interests are simply different. I don't find talking heads interesting. I chuckle when I see someone doing another doc on an already worn-out subject. Then, they've the nerve to make another on the very same subject! That's why the article needs to be reprinted monthly in every video magazine and website.</p> <p>Fortunately, the only way I got thru my easy doc was making it a docu-comedy. I'm into comedy writing now and it's fantastic. I've a performing, teaching, and writing background which helps a lot. I run some of my ideas past friends and, the last I looked, they were laughing their heads off. Then they get into the spirit and help me out, too.</p> <p>(I've just written something for someone else a few hours ago that I know he's going to use.)</p> <p>Everytime someone new is around, they get inspired to get a camera and start doing their own stuff. I don't know how many people I've influenced to get a camera. That's what teachers do...inspire others to grow, expand, and learn.</p> <p>However, writing and actualizing are 2 different things. I have to hire actors to perform the way I need them. Shooting is more challenging than the actual script writing. I make all the music, too. I'll never do another doc...just too much fun creating other stories that have yet to be told. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48164 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:35:17 +0000 composite1 48164@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Zoobie,</p> <p>Hoss you sound like you've still got your 'smolder on' after getting burnt being involved with a doc. The 'delusion of groundbreaking' you mentioned can plague (and often does) narrative filmmakers, musicians and other artists as well. I've made or been involved with the making of a lot of docs and have been fortunate to learn the craft from some really good people. When I read the article, I shook my head through it saying, 'How could you not know this stuff? It's basic filmmaking?' I then remembered that I've been at this a while, have had some really good training and had the opportunity to work professionally making product. Many people who get involved with filmmaking lack one or more of those critical bits when they start making their films. </p> <p>As anyone who's done this more than once should know, it is all too easy to 'fall in love with making a movie' during the production process. I've seen it happen to musicians when they go into the studio and I've certainly seen it (and done it unfortunately) during production. When a filmmaker gets too involved with the 'cool points' of making a movie, they've fallen in love with it and just like when one is in love, they'll miss all the important little details about the relationship that pops up. Not that filmmaking shouldn't be enjoyed, but you kind of have to treat it like your 'pet chicken'. Yeah you love old 'Clucky', but when you have to you'll eat him.</p> <p>Doc's are 'easy to make' as they take far less money and resources to get made, but are so much harder because a good doc maker will allow the story to 'tell itself'. Every doc I ever saw that 'sucked on ice' was obviously not allowed to do that. Documentary filmmaking is like the 'found art' Picasso and other artists since made with bicycle seats and other junk that was laying around. Before they manipulated it to be something specific, it was just a bunch of unrelated stuff. Doc's are like that, a bunch of stuff you shot to tell a story you concieved that ends up being something you didn't. Usually, what you end up with is so much better than you thought of originally.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48163 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:10:44 +0000 zoobie 48163@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The article needs to be reprinted over and over again month after month because docs are the most popular and easiest to make. Any idiot can make one because the subjects do all the work. The result is yet another mistake heaped upon mountains of mistakes. The tired format of making a doc about making a doc rests at the summit. I'll bet festivals are fed up with the same doc subjects year after year after year...even refusing some because they've already got one for that year. </p> <p>Bands are performers. Performers are more interesting because they actually do something...anything. They're also screwups which are fun to watch. Don't ask me how I know...</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48161 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:41:29 +0000 composite1 48161@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey all,</p> <p>Making docs are more often a labor of love. Despite the difficulties Doc makers can face, real gems get made. Here's a couple I've found that combine 'compelling subjects' and 'interesting locations'. Both are about how two types of American music and culture have had their influence on people in places most could not imagine. Without being a 'spoiler' I present 'Wu Tang Gran' and 'Heavy Metal in Bagdad'. The first is an 8min + short and the second is a feature 1hr 24min. If you can't sit in front of your 'puter for an hour plus, I do understand. However, both are very good and surprising.</p> <p><a href="http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/wu_tang_gran/">http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/wu_tang_gran/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/heavy_metal_in_baghdad/">http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/heavy_metal_in_baghdad/</a></p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47905 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:03 +0000 composite1 47905@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Earl,</p> <p>Glad you enjoyed it. I initially thought that it might be too high-end for many of the novices who read Videomaker, but I do believe the earlier they get this stuff the better.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47888 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:08:16 +0000 EarlC 47888@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Good read. Interesting approach. Eye-opening use/application for Twitter. Good points, and should be well-taken by all but the most thin-skinned of individuals (usually those who cannot handle the truth, thus over-react). Thanks for the find and posting, enjoyed and appreciated the read.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47880 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:17:06 +0000 composite1 47880@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>For all of you who aspire to create documentary films, here is an article by Basil Tsiokos a veteran film festival programmer on what not to do when producing documentary films. Apparently some feel his criticisms are too harsh, but as a filmmaker who cut his teeth in the biz making documentary films I found his points were well made. Also, Mr. Tsiokos being an 'insider' for the selection of film festival (Sundance) and public television (POV) programming I think he's definitely worth checking out. I also think that 'old hands' at doc making would do well to turn an eye to the article for it reaffirmed the lessons I've learned over the years.</p> <p>Let me know what you think.</p> <p><a href="http://www.indiewire.com/article/good_advice_documentary_dos_and_donts_from_a_vet_programmer/">http://www.indiewire.com/article/good_advice_documentary_dos_and_donts_from_a_vet_programmer/</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43893 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:55:37 +0000 composite1 43893@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> <em>"today the technology is relatively affordable, though it might be getting MORE expensive again. Expensive compared to WHAT?"</em></p> <p>As always it's nice to read your comments Earl,</p> <p>You are correct in that prices for gear are relatively affordable. However, I've noticed with the change from tape based cameras to solid state not only are the camera prices rising, the blank media prices have risen exponentially. At least when Panasonic came out with the P2 card cameras, they left you the option of using inexpensive tape ($4.50 - $9 MiniDV or HDV) vice the $2k you would spend for the initial 8GB card. Though solid state cameras are using far less expensive flash memory cards, but most of those cards start at $150 for 8GB! Yes, that's much less than the current price of a 16GB P2 card, but that adds up when you figure how many you'll need on a shoot. You're also correct in that people make breakthroughs and 'deliver on their dreams'. I myself faced a similar and daunting problem when I ventured out on my own into this business (tons of experience, no connections, very little money and no resources.) Still though, I slogged it out and put together enough work on my own to get a sponsorship that paved the way for me to make my first feature film. After that, it was all me despite no change in circumstances. What made the difference form me was I was doing this as the revolution was well underway and the fact that you could build a whole studio for less than what one broadcast or one hollywood studio camera cost. The digital revolution is what made it possible for most of us participating in these posts to do what we do. My concern is for the 'newbies' coming into the biz. With the economy undergoing it's sisemic shift and gear manufacturers taking away inexpensive options, how much tougher will it be for them to 'deliver on their dreams?'</p> <p><em>"While I am not at all surprised, I am always disappointed when people condone evil in light of its "context"</em></p> <p>I am sorry you feel disappointment Film814, but I don't need any 'defense' for my view on this topic. Earl is correct about his thoughts on censorship so I won't elaborate on them. However as an artist it is my responsibility to tell a story in context. If said context takes the audience into 'a place of evil', I'll make my best efforts to do so within the context of the story. I don't believe in violence, nudity, foul language and so on just to have it in there. Audiences (despite what hollywood thinks) are pretty smart and can easily tell when you're throwing in something as a gimmick. Movie making is just like painting or creating music. The brushstrokes or notes when placed in context of the piece will make it memorable, whereas gimmicks are forgettable. Far as 'Evil' is concerned, my years in service and working with law enforcement has exposed me to the worst and best of the human condition and character. To not tell those stories in context 'is evil'. You mentioned pedophilia being portrayed being taboo, but you forget the film 'Lolita' in both it's incarnations. The 1960's version was watered down by censorship to the point of making it 'titilating'. The 2000's version 'went there' and showed irrefutably how such a situation is reprehensible and must be guarded against. Also, why must people continue to insist that our films and television have caused 'moral decay' in this country? To borrow Earl's line, 'decay from what?' I don't think the movie 'Wall Street' inspired the current situation we now face. I do agree that there has been a breakdown of traditional family in the last 40 years, but the movies didn't do that. All films do is reflect the times.</p> <p>Lastly, I agree with you Aspy in that YouTube is a mega-pain. Yet, I don't see it going away. The great benefit/side effect of the digital revolution has been the 'democratization' of media creation. We pros complain (and rightfully so) about the 'crap' that gets put on the 'Tube', but that's based upon our training, experience and critical eye. YouTube is the electronic version of the 'Polaroid' or 'happy snap' disposable camera. The attitude then and now is; all you need to make movies is have a camera and an internet connection. Unfortunately, people have accepted this and now as Chris mentioned 'we have a new screen' crap and all. I do hope you are correct that the revolution still lives and 'it's marching toward better stuff. I figure I'll need to 'pull my wader's up higher' in order to get to it.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43881 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:14:27 +0000 Aspyrider 43881@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> We are seeing all types of good new media hitting the Internet from tutorials to full episodes of new shows, some even jumping over to television. I think the next big star could be the guy down the street shooting a sci fi thriller in his garage.</p> <p>As it is now people are just as likely to sit down in front of their computer and watch a show as they are to watch television. So I'd say the revolution is ongoing and will probably split at some point where the utubers and sloppy stuff will fall away and the good stuff will shine.</p> <p>I see UTube and such as a fad that will probably die in a few years. As more technology is available and people can acheive more with it, it will no longer be cool to just dump video on the net.  Utube type videos will end up with just friends watching each others daily video. It will not even be in the same place as the good stuff. Venues will surface as they are today that will feature the good stuff. The trash will self destruct on its own.</p> <p>People are already growing tired of the crap on the net and its becoming eaiser to make better stuff. The "cool" factor will become how good can you make it rather than how fast can you make it.  There will be more incentive to think before you press record and make something entertaining or informative, not just another video of your cat. People don't want to be "that guy" that makes stupid videos. I think there already is a push to learn how to make better video by those who want to take the time to do it.</p> <p>Is there a revolution? Yes, and it's marching toward better stuff. :-)</p> <p>J</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43879 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:01:29 +0000 EarlC 43879@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Opinions are one thing, censorship would be another. Like anything else "available" to humankind, if you don't like it or approve, you don't have to watch, read or hear it.</p> <p>According to the Bible Jesus was tempted by the devil and didn't succumb. Seems people have the right to decide for themselves whether they personally want to partake of these temptations, or not partake.</p> <p>So far nobody forces us to do illegal, improper or immoral things. I agree that a LOT of people do not HAVE to be forced to partake, but we all will eventually learn that choices have consequences. Until then, live and let live.</p> <p>I do not agree with ANYONE who would impose their beliefs, censorship, ethnic or personal values on me, nor do I expect to have sway over yours. I am not answering for C1. I am answering for myself because the primary thing I have against a LOT of "people of faith, or morality types" is their willingness to judge others, but lack of ability to comprehend that freedom (be it religion, politics, opinion, etc.) goes both ways.</p> <p>Moral "high ground" can prove a precarious perch.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43878 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:43:42 +0000 film814 43878@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Some good points and some problems.</p> <p>First, Chris: like composite1 said, tou are totally right about the "scren changing."</p> <p>Second, composite1: While I am not at all surprised, I am always disappointed when people condone evil in light of its "context":</p> <p><em>"Personally, I love the porn, immorality, violence and bad language hollywood puts out. Just long as it's presence is an integral story device. If you're telling a crime story concerning reprehensible characters, please write them as such in context to the story."</em></p> <p>This would make it acceptable to graphically represent anything and everything from pedophilia to bestiality as long as it was <em>"an integral story device."  </em>Unfortunately, it is this kind of reasoning that is leading to the moral collapse of this country.  The kind of portrayals that you <em>"love"</em> are some of the leading causes of the corruption of today's youth and adults alike.</p> <p>It would be nice to see the rise of "independant filmmaking" be used as a tool for what's right; not another method of propagating immorality.</p> <p>Jeremy</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43876 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:55:05 +0000 EarlC 43876@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>IMHO it doesn't really matter.</p> <p>I remember some 15 years ago, give or take, I so desperately wanted quality equipment to videotape, edit and produce quality audio and visuals. I remember settling for VHS, then early Panasonic consumer S-Video models, then finding the funds (desperately going into hock anyway I could) to obtain a pair of AG-450s, then AG-456s, thinking THAT might help the audio/visual quality (not the creative, the image and sound). Nada, not really. Then finding the funds (desperately going into hock anyway I could - DID I WRITE THAT ALREADY?) to get funky Videonics editing system, then some AG-1960 decks, then an A-B roll edit system, then a computer controlled A-B roll system, then a pair of Canon XL1 digitals, then the Amiga Toaster/Flyer, then Mac &amp; FCP...</p> <p>...what I'm saying is the stuff I REALLY wanted, the big "professional" Sony cameras, decks and editing equipment, (not to mention professional film equipment) called for an investment point starting at $100K and up. For me it was incomprehensible that I'd EVER have access to the resources/money needed to invest in THAT kind of equipment. Over time, however, today the technology is relatively affordable, though it might be getting MORE expensive again. Expensive compared to WHAT?</p> <p>Well, compared to what it would have cost me 15 or so years ago to get the equivalency of today's production quality systems and software, today's production tools are overwhelmingly affordable. Sure, you can't go into WalMart and purchase top of the line, front-runner, technology for few hundred dollars, but if you use your determination, skills and knowedge, you education, your contacts, your resources, your noodle...</p> <p>...you can find a way to obtain the tools you need to be a producer/editor, and know that the tools you do invest in will help you deliver quality higher than what you could have afforded not so long ago.</p> <p>I read constantly about the breakthroughs people accomplish in production, in independent releases, in getting eyeballs, in selling their idea/film/video/creative talent, achieving distribution, finding alternate ways to succeed. I am even enjoying some of the fruits of the possibilities that exist myself.</p> <p>So, whether the digital revolution is dead or dying is actually not relevant to me. I can achieve something for myself, deliver on SOME of my dreams, even at my age, with the bounty of affordable tools and resources available to me. Nobody ever said it would be easy, but you'd have a tough time convincing some of us among this production uptick that it's all THAT tough. Or that the revolution is no mas.</p> <p>There's SOME kind of revolution going on, digital or not.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43874 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:33:08 +0000 composite1 43874@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I hate to tell you Chris, but folks are already making films via cellphone technology. So far it's mad crappy, but sooner or later someone with some skills will whip out something memorable.</p> <p>You're dead on with 'the screen changing'. When I first started in this biz, I was all about film. That was until I tried to do the work on my own and saw how much it cost to do! In my job, I could run through thousands of feet of footage no prob ('cause I didn't have to pay for it!) When the transition to video came I was onboard and again, because of my work I could run through broadcast quality tape with no prob (still wasn't paying.) But then, the 'revolution' came and you could shoot quality stuff on hi-8 (Pro Hi-8 was awesome and cheap!) Then, MiniDV hit and it was on! Even pro grade tape was cheap! Now, solid state is the new wave and a good one (but it aint cheap!) And now the company's making cameras are forcing everyone to go solid state and removing the option of tape.</p> <p>So now we're at the same place film weenies were when digital was supplanting film only now it's tape weenies whining. Truthfully, I don't mind the process of capturing footage. It's reminicient of oldschool A 'n B-roll editing by which you had to 'eyeball' the footage to see what was good footage and what wasn't. That and it's a nice rite of passage for a budding filmmaker to have to do some 'dirty work' on their way to becoming an experienced pro. Yeah, it is nice though being able to get the shot, look at it immediately and then just do a data dump into a bin on the NLE. The change is fine I guess, I just like having options (if you can fork over the cash, you can still shoot film.)</p> <p>Personally, I love the porn, immorality, violence and bad language hollywood puts out. Just long as it's presence is an integral story device. If you're telling a crime story concerning reprehensible characters, please write them as such in context to the story. That was what drew me to becoming a filmmaker during the intial years of the revolution. With a solid script and some resolve, effort and resources you could make 'your film' the way you saw fit. That's getting much tougher with gear prices rising and an economy currently 'circling the drain'. Looks like all filmmakers pros and wannabes are headed for a few rounds of 'survival of the fittest.'</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43872 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:50:47 +0000 chrisColorado 43872@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm thinking the time is coming when Hollywood's money and starpower are gonna die like everything else.</p> <p>I have a dream that someday, my friends and family are not going to have to put up with the porn, immorality, violence and bad language Hollywood puts out. Or put up with the bad magazines in the checkout aisles at Walmart. I think Youtube, Vimeo, Google Video and the rest are only going to get better, but there might be something new that comes along.</p> <p><strong>People really don't care too much about video and audio quality</strong>, especially not as much as we video makers think they should or do. Why are the badly made movies on youtube so popular, or the cell phone movie that your friend Joe Green put on his Facebook page?</p> <p>As I read in a book, <strong>Welcome to the 4th screen.</strong></p> <p>The <strong>first screen was cinema/movies</strong>. The main thing is the <strong>Story</strong>. The <strong>second screen was TV</strong>. The main thing is <strong>Character</strong>. The <strong>3rd screen was the Computer/Internet</strong>. The main thing is <strong>Distribution</strong>. The <strong>4th screen is the cell phone/handheld palm pilot, etc</strong>. The main thing seems to be <strong>Personalization</strong>. A few years from now, a 5th screen might be on the rise. I don't know what it is, but we need to be ready. A lot of software seem to be supporting 3GP format which I think is cell phone video. If people can make movies with their cell phones that get a lot of hits on Youtube, Hollywood needs to watch out.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43863 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:24:03 +0000 composite1 43863@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Actually, gear is going up. There was a period between 2002 and 07 where the major prosumer rigs (now considered pro) prices held around $3-$5k. Now you will be hard pressed to find the same range of cameras for less than $4.5k and upwards to $8k. Not worried about 'June' either, but for these 'fashionably filthy' filmmaker wannabe's (as illustrated in the mac commercials) coming out of college and filmschool those are astronomical prices. Not to mention, a laptop or desktop (mac or pc) with the minimum capacity to do movies run in excess of $3k for a pre-built system. That's without software. On top of all of that, then there's all the support gear and software to go with it. All that stuff adds up to a significant investment and is a major wet blanket on the whole, 'hey gang let's make a movie!'</p> <p>You are right, you do need a machine to get films from the idea stage and into the hands of a prospective audience. I've found that the biggest expense of filmmaking is marketing. To grow a film's profile high enough to get attention takes money and time. Word of mouth has changed with the advent of social networking sites, but budding filmmakers are still going to have to toss buckets of cash if they want to get into film festivals these days (good luck with that BTW.) Much as I love producing, marketing is the most boring and agonizing portion of filmmaking. When you get opportunities to promote your film, that's cool. All the marketing horsehockey behind the scenes just to get there is a major pain.</p> <p>Far as the 'revolution' goes, I believe it's over but evolving into something else. The reason I think it's over is because of what you accurately stated, "Hollywood's MONEY and STARPOWER". Now since hollywood has 'Bogarted' the independent film scene, audiences expect everything to look exactly like what hollywood makes. That's a killer prospect when it comes to getting distribution. Most distributors figure, 'no stars' = 'no money' = 'no deal'. Which is lame (anyone remember 'Blair Witch Project'?) Fortunately, the internet is finally starting to live up to it's promise and now there are 'independent' distributors popping up like mushrooms. We'll see how long that lasts before hollywood and the other big corp's let that ride.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43859 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:59:35 +0000 M-323 43859@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> <strong><a href="http://www.dreadedenterprises.com/">composite1</a></strong></p> <p> well first, I think the cost of equipment is going down not up --</p> <p>2nd, you can give anyone the same tools as a master carpenter but does that make them a master carpenter? They are the same tools, but the outcome is very different</p> <p>Hollywood still has lots that the average public stil dont have -- #1 MONEY. #2 STARPOWER</p> <p>doesnt matter if you can make the best movie, someones got to promote it, advertising, getting it in front of the mainstream</p> <p>3rd over the years, film producers used film. it was physically cut and patched back together. this was the norm for like 50 years and some editors became masters at it.</p> <p>now, you've got DV Software updates coming out every few months and noone can keep up so its much harder to become masterful at the craft when the bar is constantly being raised -- again the only way to combat that is throw money at it. hire the programmers and feild of editors necessary to get through the masses of footage that are used in the making of a feature film and pump them out.</p> <p> you really need a machine - machine made up by a team of talented individuals - not only from a technical standpoint but marketing as well, PR etc, its all encompassing.</p> <p> I wouldn't worry about June Cleaver and her handy cam just yet ;~)</p> <p> Im just holding off on hardware updates till everything goes solid state - enough of these spinning disks already ;~)</p> <p> best, Phil</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-the-digital-revolution-dying-or-dead#post-43848 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:10:16 +0000 composite1 43848@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I've noticed over the last 10 years the production industry has undergone a significant upheaval. Prior to the middle '90's, if you wanted to work in the production industry you had to work for an established house, a network or affiliate, or go into major debt to start your own company. Since '96, the technology changed with the advent of DV, MiniDV, the breaking of AVID/Apple's stranglehold on Non-linear Editing and the perfection of the Sony Handycam. Fast-forward to '99 and suddenly not only were professional grade or (prosumer) cameras available (and affordable), hoards of software companies rushed to release new NLE software to the general public so they could do the unthinkable; <em>make their own movies!</em></p> <p>In the following 10 years, we've seen the 'guerilla filmmaker' movement evolve into the current 'independent filmmaker' movement. But with Hollywood having taken over the moniker of 'Independent Film' (c'mon, how the hell are Mel Gibson or Robert Redford 'Independent'?) by calling financed films independent and with the rising costs of once affordable production gear, is the Digital Revolution dying or is it dead?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/finding-funding-for-a-documentary#post-35610 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:10:04 +0000 JoeKerr 35610@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>try Democracy Now! they might be willing to help you and they're base in NYC</p> <p><a href="http://www.democracynow.com/">http://www.democracynow.com</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/call-for-entries-toofy-film-fest-boulder-co-1#post-35303 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:07:34 +0000 toofy 35303@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>For more information, please visit:<br /> <a href="http://www.toofy.com">http://www.toofy.com</a></p> <p>The Toofy Film Fest takes place in beautiful Boulder, Colorado and exposes the raw untapped talent that exists in the independent world of cinema, fashion, art and music. Toofy provides audiences with the freshest independent content available.</p> <p><strong>Exposure for filmmakers goes above and beyond the Toofy Film Fest. The Fest reaches a broad audience of over 50 million people annually</strong> via nationally televised programming on TV, RSN, and Altitude Sports and Entertainment.</p> <p>Toofy Film Fest also helps filmmakers distribute their short film by compiling DVD collections of the best films that have played at Toofy. Filmmakers receive a percentage of sales.</p> <p>The Toofy Film Fest 2008 will be taking place from Sept. 12-14, 2008.</p>