New media is fast approaching a golden age. Most of us now know that steady studio jobs have disappeared and the abundant funding for more traditional projects have dried up. More filmmakers see the internet as an unlimited canvas, where real careers are forged.
Jorge Ortiz is taking LGBT filmmaking to new heights with his new web series, Chris/tina. Chris/tina involves a young, transexual Los Angeles-based Latino living in a middle-class, socially conservative world. Jorge has been working on his series tirelessly for the past 2 years, developing and gathering the interest needed to produce and fund his project. I would say his hard work has paid off.
Please help Jorge out by supporting this revolutionary new series! It already made 2010 semi-finalist in the NexTV Writing and Pitch competition. The series will be produced by Anchorbolt Studios.
Happy Filmmaking!
UPDATE: I wanted to make a correction. Chris/tina is not a web series per se, but rather a television series using the means of internet. Also, the main character discovers his sexual identity as the show progresses. He does not identity as transsexual at the start of the series. Jorge has a new fundraising campaign here:
Showing posts with label producing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label producing. Show all posts
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sunset: Dino De Laurentiis (1919-2010)
Image from Film ReferenceDino De Laurentiis, legendary producer of films such as La Strada, Hannibal, and *gasp* Mandingo, died today at 91. Even in his old age, De Laurentiis was still producing. Most of us wish we can secure work that spans one year, let alone 7 decades! RIP, Mr. De Laurentiis.
Happy Filmmaking.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
What IS a production company?
I found this video from ExpertVillage to be a very straightfoward, layman description on what a production company actually does. I'm currently writing a business plan for my own company, so I'm looking for business partners interested in the venture. ExpertVillage has other videos on the subject, such as incorporation and legal matters. Happy Filmmaking.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A great (and cheap) concept
Recently, I came across this website called 5 Second Films. The site, as well as the videos, are created by two USC film school graduates (shout out to my fellow Trojans!). Not counting the titles, each film is exactly five seconds each.
I believe this would be a great exercise for any filmmaker. So much has to be conveyed in such a short amount of time, that it forces the filmmakers to get to the point. The 5 Second Films (or 5SF) usually consist of some type of joke concept easily conveyed in the time given. Some of the films seem pretty out there, but overall, not a bad idea.
You should make your own five or ten-second film. Come up with a concept and plan accordingly. As long as you have some type of camera, willing friends--I mean--"actors," some type of editing system, and interesting props, sky's the limit!
Kudos to the filmmakers for their editing skills. I had to post one of my favorite here!
Happy Filmmaking
I believe this would be a great exercise for any filmmaker. So much has to be conveyed in such a short amount of time, that it forces the filmmakers to get to the point. The 5 Second Films (or 5SF) usually consist of some type of joke concept easily conveyed in the time given. Some of the films seem pretty out there, but overall, not a bad idea.
You should make your own five or ten-second film. Come up with a concept and plan accordingly. As long as you have some type of camera, willing friends--I mean--"actors," some type of editing system, and interesting props, sky's the limit!
Kudos to the filmmakers for their editing skills. I had to post one of my favorite here!
Happy Filmmaking
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Speaking of your career...
I came across this article titled, "Why Are So Many People Interested in Pursuing a Film Career?" on the Film-and-TV Career blog. In the article, Darren Alff addresses a good point: what exactly is your OWN motivation for pursuing such a competitive and stressful career?
Alff asked film students nationwide why they wanted in. The answers varied, but he pointed out it was rarely for the sake of art itself. Just like I wrote in a previous blog, money and fame can cloud the mind when choosing this career--or any career for that matter.
I have a friend who graduated with me who wants to be an actor-producer. He's really good and even made a short that his folks help fund. He apparently feels like a failure right now, since the reality of post-college life has sunk in. I reminded him that he just needs to be patient; it will come. Maybe he had visions of fame and fortune, like many film students. Once he gets past this, I think he will be more successful.
I even had those thoughts myself, knowing I should know better. I want to be a writer-director, and it is fun to imagine myself having dinner at a country club with Oprah and the Smiths, or collaborating with P.T. Anderson. Taking my mother shopping for a Hermes bag (and getting on that list in one week), or going on a shoot in Europe. And just like every other film student, I have imagined giving my acceptance speech at BAFTA, SAG, and the Oscars, in a beautiful Oscar de la Renta red dress. But I do not allow these fantasies to distract me from my ultimate goal, which is to make something meaningful and memorable. You could argue that in itself is a fantasy, but I believe it's a far more reachable one than an invitation to the White House to showcase your film.
The article is worth a read. And use it to reflect on yourself. Where are your ambitions taking you?
Happy filmmaking!
Alff asked film students nationwide why they wanted in. The answers varied, but he pointed out it was rarely for the sake of art itself. Just like I wrote in a previous blog, money and fame can cloud the mind when choosing this career--or any career for that matter.
I have a friend who graduated with me who wants to be an actor-producer. He's really good and even made a short that his folks help fund. He apparently feels like a failure right now, since the reality of post-college life has sunk in. I reminded him that he just needs to be patient; it will come. Maybe he had visions of fame and fortune, like many film students. Once he gets past this, I think he will be more successful.
I even had those thoughts myself, knowing I should know better. I want to be a writer-director, and it is fun to imagine myself having dinner at a country club with Oprah and the Smiths, or collaborating with P.T. Anderson. Taking my mother shopping for a Hermes bag (and getting on that list in one week), or going on a shoot in Europe. And just like every other film student, I have imagined giving my acceptance speech at BAFTA, SAG, and the Oscars, in a beautiful Oscar de la Renta red dress. But I do not allow these fantasies to distract me from my ultimate goal, which is to make something meaningful and memorable. You could argue that in itself is a fantasy, but I believe it's a far more reachable one than an invitation to the White House to showcase your film.
The article is worth a read. And use it to reflect on yourself. Where are your ambitions taking you?
Happy filmmaking!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The non-glamorous side of filmmaking.
Filmmaking is glamorous, fun, and exciting. At least that is the depiction. Filmmaking is so glamorized that the general viewing public thinks it's one of the easiest jobs in the world. Nothing can be further from the truth. When I talk to non-filmmaker people like my family members, some of my friends, and acquaintances, thoughts of celebrity and money enter their minds. They see a product everyone seems to enjoy that will make you rich and famous among your wildest dreams.
However, this is often not the case. Filmmakers know that making a film takes determination, a strong will, the ability to take rejection, doubt, quasi-ethical business practices (like my favorite: buying props at Walmart and returning them after the shoot), a poker face, long hours, and tons and tons of money.
In fact, more than 95% of all workers in the Industry never become famous outside of the field. So writing a script and imagining yourself pitching movie ideas to Spielberg over dinner probably won't happen. However, success does not equal celebrity. My film professors were very successful in the Industry. For example, Professor Howard Rosenberg, my televisional critic professor, is a retired film and television reviewer for the LA Times. Another one of my professors, Helene Head, directed several television shows and programs. Variety is filled with obituaries of dedicated movers and shakers that no one seems to know outside of the film industry. The general public probably does not know much about a celebrated art director or a dedicated UPM (Unit Production Manger).
Filmmaking probably won't make you rich either. You'll probably go broke. In fact, I don't know how many times I have heard people say, "if you are in it for the money, go to business school." Good thing I have ran into few people who actually get into film on the basis they will be rich. Most I know, including myself, just want to support themselves and their families doing what they love.
In this day and age, when a filmmaker wears many hats, filmmaking is getting easier, but less glamorous. Indie filmmakers often will have to take on roles in addition to the traditional "above-the-line" roles. Which means you might have to hold your own boom mike, pull focus, or cater in addition to the time-consuming duties of a director or a producer. You may be working a grand total of 60-80 hours a week, and that does not include the planning and preparation time needed if you are above-the-line.
Actual producers (not the Hollywood stereotypes driving around in convertibles with cell phones attached to their ears--now illegal in California--and hot models on their arms) put up with alot of crap. Being a producer kinda sucks. Orson Welles once said, "no one knows what a producer does, but the producer." What does that mean? Often, the producer in indie filmmaking does all the stuff no one else wants to do like hire and fire personnel, clean up a set, find the money for the film, arranging call times with the production team, shop the film to potential buyers and festivals, remind everyone to stay on budget and on schedule (also the AD's job), and directing traffic between shoots. It's a hard job.
Directing also sucks in its own way. Basically you have to dictate your vision to the actors and the rest of the crew, which takes a whole lot of negotiation. If you are a beginning director, you may find more experienced crew members doing what they want instead of how you directed them. This happens because 1. ) you are untested 2.) it creates a power struggle and 3.) you may suck at directing and the crew member believes his way is better. You may also find that the actors may seem lost if you do not give them good direction. Then when that happens, everyone's time is wasted getting the best shot, and it's YOUR fault.
Acting is probably the most glamorized film jobs out there because it creates the most celebrities. However, to give you an idea how actors may be treated, I'll quote the great Alfred Hitchcock: "Actors are cattle." Sure, they get pampered by the producer and director, but basically, actors do what they are told. That is what they are paid for. Actors who know this and can add their own input have better relationships with directors. Even though actors are done faster than other personnel, they have the most physically demanding job on set, and they have to look good doing it. Remember that 5 minute foot chase between our hero and the villain? Now imagine that took 7 hours to shoot. Worst of all, an actor who continuously forgets his lines becomes very unpopular on set with everyone.
The absolute worst thing about filmmaking is waiting for a position or opportunity. For some it may take days. Others, decades. It is an unstable profession usually dictated on how your last project did financially. So getting started is especially hard.
So why would anyone want to be a filmmaker when it means you will work in an unstable, high-stress, long hour, poor-pay job??? Because it's addictive and a labor of love. Filmmakers are passionate about their projects, and it is human nature to feel like you matter. So rejoice! You didn't become a doctor or engineer like your parents wanted!
Happy Filmmaking!
However, this is often not the case. Filmmakers know that making a film takes determination, a strong will, the ability to take rejection, doubt, quasi-ethical business practices (like my favorite: buying props at Walmart and returning them after the shoot), a poker face, long hours, and tons and tons of money.
In fact, more than 95% of all workers in the Industry never become famous outside of the field. So writing a script and imagining yourself pitching movie ideas to Spielberg over dinner probably won't happen. However, success does not equal celebrity. My film professors were very successful in the Industry. For example, Professor Howard Rosenberg, my televisional critic professor, is a retired film and television reviewer for the LA Times. Another one of my professors, Helene Head, directed several television shows and programs. Variety is filled with obituaries of dedicated movers and shakers that no one seems to know outside of the film industry. The general public probably does not know much about a celebrated art director or a dedicated UPM (Unit Production Manger).
Filmmaking probably won't make you rich either. You'll probably go broke. In fact, I don't know how many times I have heard people say, "if you are in it for the money, go to business school." Good thing I have ran into few people who actually get into film on the basis they will be rich. Most I know, including myself, just want to support themselves and their families doing what they love.
In this day and age, when a filmmaker wears many hats, filmmaking is getting easier, but less glamorous. Indie filmmakers often will have to take on roles in addition to the traditional "above-the-line" roles. Which means you might have to hold your own boom mike, pull focus, or cater in addition to the time-consuming duties of a director or a producer. You may be working a grand total of 60-80 hours a week, and that does not include the planning and preparation time needed if you are above-the-line.
Actual producers (not the Hollywood stereotypes driving around in convertibles with cell phones attached to their ears--now illegal in California--and hot models on their arms) put up with alot of crap. Being a producer kinda sucks. Orson Welles once said, "no one knows what a producer does, but the producer." What does that mean? Often, the producer in indie filmmaking does all the stuff no one else wants to do like hire and fire personnel, clean up a set, find the money for the film, arranging call times with the production team, shop the film to potential buyers and festivals, remind everyone to stay on budget and on schedule (also the AD's job), and directing traffic between shoots. It's a hard job.
Directing also sucks in its own way. Basically you have to dictate your vision to the actors and the rest of the crew, which takes a whole lot of negotiation. If you are a beginning director, you may find more experienced crew members doing what they want instead of how you directed them. This happens because 1. ) you are untested 2.) it creates a power struggle and 3.) you may suck at directing and the crew member believes his way is better. You may also find that the actors may seem lost if you do not give them good direction. Then when that happens, everyone's time is wasted getting the best shot, and it's YOUR fault.
Acting is probably the most glamorized film jobs out there because it creates the most celebrities. However, to give you an idea how actors may be treated, I'll quote the great Alfred Hitchcock: "Actors are cattle." Sure, they get pampered by the producer and director, but basically, actors do what they are told. That is what they are paid for. Actors who know this and can add their own input have better relationships with directors. Even though actors are done faster than other personnel, they have the most physically demanding job on set, and they have to look good doing it. Remember that 5 minute foot chase between our hero and the villain? Now imagine that took 7 hours to shoot. Worst of all, an actor who continuously forgets his lines becomes very unpopular on set with everyone.
The absolute worst thing about filmmaking is waiting for a position or opportunity. For some it may take days. Others, decades. It is an unstable profession usually dictated on how your last project did financially. So getting started is especially hard.
So why would anyone want to be a filmmaker when it means you will work in an unstable, high-stress, long hour, poor-pay job??? Because it's addictive and a labor of love. Filmmakers are passionate about their projects, and it is human nature to feel like you matter. So rejoice! You didn't become a doctor or engineer like your parents wanted!
Happy Filmmaking!
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