Share
What do you think is worse? Smoking pot or murder? The recent romantic comedy It’s Complicated received an “R” rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) because it featured two characters smoking pot without consequence. Yet, a “PG-13″ rating is given to other films with heavy violence, like Terminator: Salvation. Read about it [...]
Murder or Marijuana
March 6, 2010 – 3:51 pm
Actor Showcase Videos – Part 1
March 2, 2010 – 12:06 pm
Share
And much thanks to Joe Handley, who has been editing his booty off, we now have the first half of the videos from the Austin Film Meet Actor Showcase that was held on January 11, 2010. We should have the other half in a week or two. Thanks to everyone who made this fabulous event [...]
Hugo Cabret and other Books for Better Storyboarding
February 23, 2010 – 6:55 pm
Share
My experience as an illustrator of children’s picture books has taught me more than you might think about cinematic storytelling. To effectively tell a story using pictures, one must consider placement and scale as well as flow from one page or shot to the next.
Each year the Caldecott Medal is awarded for outstanding illustration [...]
Green Film Guides: A List of Links
February 18, 2010 – 2:58 pm
If you’re going to tackle making an eco-friendly film yourself, it’s best to start reading up. To make the research process a little less daunting, I’ve compiled a list of resources from general guides on sustainable filmmaking, to state specific information.
3D? Or not 3D? What about 5D? Or 7D?
February 9, 2010 – 2:32 am
Share
The world is a flutter with news of the killer smash hit wonder film: Avatar. Oh, the 3D FX and all the cool technology and such. It’d be neat to get a hold of one of them 3D cameras.
Well, hold on a second there… I don’t have the budget for a Cameron — a camera. [...]
Behind the Scenes of a Green Film
February 7, 2010 – 11:07 pm
The 2009 film Away We Go demonstrates to the film industry and viewers how they filmed green (and paved the way for others to do the same).
The Green Film Correspondent: An Introduction
February 1, 2010 – 11:45 am
Filmmakers have a lot to worry about … And now they’re also supposed to think about saving the environment along the way?
How to Direct Actors with CC Courtney
January 26, 2010 – 12:30 pm
Share
On Monday, January 18, 2010, the Austin Film Meet gathered at the Rude Mechanicals’ Off Center theatre in Austin, Texas, for an amazing presentation by Meisner instructor CC Courtney. More than 60 people attended and two scenes and one monologue were performed.
Of course, Austin Film Meet events are always better in person, but luckily [...]
Here’s To You, Ms. I-don’t-know-how-to-view-a-rough-cut Lady
December 28, 2009 – 11:39 am
Share
If I’m going to make a lesson out of this funny video, it is this:
Always establish clear expectations for the editing process.
COUNTER: 3D is not a Gimmick
December 27, 2009 – 1:00 pm
Share
Although I completely understand Jeffery’s point of view, there are many examples in film history where technological gimmicks were marketed to the masses and used by a spare few films and eventually became integrated into the film makers canon of tools to tell a story.
Now believe it or not I wrote a good two pages [...]
Counter: 3D is Not a Gimmick
December 27, 2009 – 1:00 am
Share
Although I completely understand Jeffery’s point of view, there are many examples in film history where technological gimmicks were marketed to the masses and used by a spare few films and eventually became integrated into the film makers canon of tools to tell a story.
Now believe it or not I wrote a good two pages [...]
3D Is A Gimmick
December 22, 2009 – 1:50 pm
Last night I went to see James Cameron’s Avatar, the new film that is supposed to change the way that we make movies. It’s combination of CGI and 3D is going to be the standard way we see movies in the future. The CGI in Avatar was quite stunning. After seeing this film, I am convinced that CGI can be the right tool to use for dramatic effect in filmmaking. 3D, on the other hand, is still a gimmick and will always be a gimmick.
Calculate Data Storage Needs with iPhone app
December 15, 2009 – 12:00 am
Share
For all you iPhone folks who need to calculate your film or data storage requirements, check this out:
http://www.mobilizedtv.com/
//
Vote for Your Favorite Meeting Location
December 2, 2009 – 11:53 pm
Share
Hey Filmmakers,
It’s time to cast your vote for the best Austin Film Meet locations. This group belongs to all of us and we would like to know your thoughts about our meeting locations. Every opinion counts! Please vote only once but you can vote for two options. So cast your vote and feel free to [...]
Demystifying Digital Camera Specs
November 24, 2009 – 5:01 pm
Did you ever want to know how your choice of camera relates to image clarity? For instance, how does Arri’s more expensive 2K camera compete with RED’s 4K camera? Well, if you really really really want to know, Panavision and Canon got together to try to explain it.
“Field Of View” Improves Productions Through Philosophy
November 23, 2009 – 5:34 pm
Share
I’ve seen a ton of “how-to” videos on the web showing how to use a specific piece of equipment or how to do a specific technique. These are all fine, and might teach me a thing or two, but very few address knowledge over equipment.
One of the most lasting inspirations I’ve seen is the Field of [...]
Hitchcock and other bad words
November 23, 2009 – 1:54 am
Share
I was browsing Hulu and found a really cool interview with Alfred Hitchcock that I thought everyone should watch. He discusses his style and why actors are kind of like cattle.
Part 1
Part 2