Pages In Courier

I should be writing

Posts tagged Indie

39 notes

Summer (Or What It Sounds Like) Vol. 4

musicforants:

image

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince said summer was time to sit back and unwind. Lyte Funky Ones thought it was fly when girls stopped by for the summer. Craig Finn’s perfect summer involved drinking on top of water towers. However you spend the most effervescent of seasons though, you’ll want a mix of sun-soaked indie bangers to soundtrack your summer memories. So we’ve taken The Hold Steady’s advice and built something this summer, and it’s the 4th volume of our Summer (Or What It Sounds Like) Mix. Click here to download this mix in its entirety.

01. Young Galaxy - New Summer
02. Goldroom - Fifteen (ft. Chela)
03. Foals - Bad Habit
04. Mikal Cronin - Weight
05. Carousel - Another Day
06. The Vaccines - I Always Knew
07. Small Black - No Stranger
08. Vampire Weekend - Diane Young
09. Classixx - All You’re Waiting For (ft. Nancy Wang)
10. Guards - Ready To Go
11. HAIM - Falling
12. Camera Obscura - Do It Again
13. Millionyoung - Variable
14. Shout Out Louds - 14th of July
15. Disclosure - You & Me (ft. Eliza Doolittle)
16. Free Energy - Girls Want Rock
17. Little Daylight - Overdose
18. Kisses - Funny Heartbeat
19. Phoenix - Trying To Be Cool (The Chainsmokers Remix)
20. DWNTN - Stood Me Up
21. Painted Palms - Click
22. Brothertiger - Bossa
22. The National - This Is The Last Time
22. Sally Shapiro - Starman (ft. Electric Youth)
22. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t on The Dancefloor)

Listen via Spotify or Rdio.

Download zip file

Filed under Music Indie Music Indie Phoenix Shout Out Louds Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. Vampire Weekend Camera Obscura Foals Young Galaxy musicforants

1,751 notes

writeworld: From referenceforwriters: all these things that I’ve done  [listen]writing playlist i. midnight city - M83 // ii. sweater weather - the neighbourhood // iii.  called out in the dark - snow patrol // iv. take a walk - passion pit // v. feeling good - muse // vi. on top of the world - imagine dragons // vii. ho hey - the lumineers // viii. call it what you want - foster the people // ix. take back the city - snow patrol // x. horchata - vampire weekend // xi. lover’s carvings - bibio // xii. shadowplay - the killers // xiii. sleep alone - two door cinema club // xiv. daylight - matt & kim // xv. float on - modest mouse // xvi. all these things that i’ve done - the killers

writeworld:

From referenceforwriters:

all these things that I’ve done  [listen]
writing playlist

i. midnight city - M83 // ii. sweater weather - the neighbourhood // iii.  called out in the dark - snow patrol // iv. take a walk - passion pit // v. feeling good - muse // vi. on top of the world - imagine dragons // vii. ho hey - the lumineers // viii. call it what you want - foster the people // ix. take back the city - snow patrol // x. horchata - vampire weekend // xi. lover’s carvings - bibio // xii. shadowplay - the killers // xiii. sleep alone - two door cinema club // xiv. daylight - matt & kim // xv. float on - modest mouse // xvi. all these things that i’ve done - the killers

Filed under Writing Screenwriting Indie Indie Music M83 Passion Pit SNow Patrol imagine Dragons Te Lumineers Vampire Weekend Bibio Two Door Cinema Club Matt & Kim Modest Mouse The Killers Music Writing Playlist

2 notes

Crowdfunding has been revolutionary simply because the platform supports projects that might otherwise never have happened. Celebrity crowdfunding campaigns are centered on people and properties that are already known. Through their previous exposure, proven fiscal returns, and legions of devoted fans these celebrity properties already have enough momentum to further develop. But this tweet is EXACTLY the point. What about new personalities and properties, new creative endeavors? Projects that could speak to us with a new perspective and could only exist through the use of crowdfunding? At best, celebrity crowdfunding campaigns draw attention to the rapidly growing movement. At worst, they wick money away from proper indie filmmakers, amateurs and unknown professionals at the cusp, who use the funding to create breakout projects and new intellectual properties. Without this avenue of new creators, the trend of recycling people and properties would undoubtedly continue ad infinitum. The loss of the video store resulted in a consumer tailored experience of self-imposed parameters when seeking entrainment — I can only hope celebrity crowdfunding doesn’t result in the same loss when making entertainment. Read more about the loss of the video store and a tailored existence.

Crowdfunding has been revolutionary simply because the platform supports projects that might otherwise never have happened.

Celebrity crowdfunding campaigns are centered on people and properties that are already known. Through their previous exposure, proven fiscal returns, and legions of devoted fans these celebrity properties already have enough momentum to further develop.

But this tweet is EXACTLY the point.

What about new personalities and properties, new creative endeavors? Projects that could speak to us with a new perspective and could only exist through the use of crowdfunding?

At best, celebrity crowdfunding campaigns draw attention to the rapidly growing movement. At worst, they wick money away from proper indie filmmakers, amateurs and unknown professionals at the cusp, who use the funding to create breakout projects and new intellectual properties.

Without this avenue of new creators, the trend of recycling people and properties would undoubtedly continue ad infinitum. The loss of the video store resulted in a consumer tailored experience of self-imposed parameters when seeking entrainment —

I can only hope celebrity crowdfunding doesn’t result in the same loss when making entertainment.

Read more about the loss of the video store and a tailored existence.

Filed under Film Filmmaking Filmmaker Crowdfunding Kickstarter @SamuelAAdams Twitter Video Store VHS Indie Indie Film Zach Braff Veronica Mars

19 notes

two-things-productions: Don’t Hide. Declare You Are Here & Plan To F*ck Sh*t Up by Ted Hope And I mean that with all the love I have for the world. Let’s be frank: You want to get your movie made.   You want to live a creative life.   You want to give voice to the unspoken and the underheard.   You know you can do it — if only you get a chance. What are you waiting for? Don’t ask for permission. Don’t wait to be discovered. And don’t expect to get any help. Who needs it? John Singleton at Film Independent’s Filmmaker Forum recently stated: “For someone that’s been in the business for over 20 years, it’s never easy — getting into it the business or sustaining yourself in it. You can’t be shy, you can’t be a shrinking violet — that’s not something that you should be projecting to the world when you’re an indie artist. You have to tell yourself you’re going to have to have the resolve and have to endure no matter how many doors close on you.” Yup.  Speak up.  Louder.  Often. No one is going to help you (generally speaking). And if you don’t expect to find any help from anyone anywhere, those few times that you do, you will recognize them for the tremendous gifts that they are, and you will hold on to them, respect them, nourish them, and learn to lead from them. Some people will take more than they give. Some people will break more than they build. That’s what to expect and by doing so, you will be able to spot it, stop it, and drop it. And you don’t have to participate, just because that’s how they play their game. Those are some people you just don’t need. Don’t waste time with the haters, those folks that block you from making, or refuse to see the beauty or the glory in that rough nasty bit of business you think is your art. Noble failures are gems looking for some polish. You know it and maybe one or two others. That’s all you need. And the stamina to climb up on that horse every time you get knocked off, hopefully learning from that flaw and capitalizing on that opportunity. So what are you waiting for? You know you can do it better. It’s their eyes that can’t see the truth. Their vision has been blurred by their experience. You have a thousand words for snow (or is that love). Respect the gray, and all it’s shades. Often those who stand too close can’t even see where they are. And you know what? At Film Independent’s Filmmaker Forum, John Singleton went on to say: “I think it’s easier to make a film now than ever before, you can shoot with a 5D, iphone, ipad. Movies are experimenting with different platforms and this business is evolving and changing, distributors are popping up like weed dispensaries. There is a lot of opportunity for independent filmmakers. You just have to be persistent in your vision and your goals to pursue that decision.” So little is free. Many gift givers seek something in return. We are all in this together so lending a hand is not a favor. It does take a village, but together we can build it better. Enough with the slogans, time is a wasting. Survival is hard but self expression is a wonderful reward that truly unites us. Maybe one day all will recognize the value. And that will be quite swell. Being true to your heart and ideas is a revolutionary act. I think the world is ready for you to get it done. Read the post again. Got it? Good. Now go make something! (image made from this and this)

two-things-productions:

Don’t Hide. Declare You Are Here & Plan To F*ck Sh*t Up

by Ted Hope

And I mean that with all the love I have for the world.

Let’s be frank:

  • You want to get your movie made.  
  • You want to live a creative life.  
  • You want to give voice to the unspoken and the underheard.  
  • You know you can do it — if only you get a chance.

What are you waiting for? Don’t ask for permission. Don’t wait to be discovered. And don’t expect to get any help. Who needs it?

John Singleton at Film Independent’s Filmmaker Forum recently stated:

“For someone that’s been in the business for over 20 years, it’s never easy — getting into it the business or sustaining yourself in it. You can’t be shy, you can’t be a shrinking violet — that’s not something that you should be projecting to the world when you’re an indie artist. You have to tell yourself you’re going to have to have the resolve and have to endure no matter how many doors close on you.”

Yup.  Speak up.  Louder.  Often.

No one is going to help you (generally speaking). And if you don’t expect to find any help from anyone anywhere, those few times that you do, you will recognize them for the tremendous gifts that they are, and you will hold on to them, respect them, nourish them, and learn to lead from them.

Some people will take more than they give. Some people will break more than they build. That’s what to expect and by doing so, you will be able to spot it, stop it, and drop it. And you don’t have to participate, just because that’s how they play their game. Those are some people you just don’t need.

Don’t waste time with the haters, those folks that block you from making, or refuse to see the beauty or the glory in that rough nasty bit of business you think is your art. Noble failures are gems looking for some polish. You know it and maybe one or two others. That’s all you need. And the stamina to climb up on that horse every time you get knocked off, hopefully learning from that flaw and capitalizing on that opportunity.

So what are you waiting for? You know you can do it better. It’s their eyes that can’t see the truth. Their vision has been blurred by their experience. You have a thousand words for snow (or is that love). Respect the gray, and all it’s shades. Often those who stand too close can’t even see where they are. And you know what? At Film Independent’s Filmmaker Forum, John Singleton went on to say:

“I think it’s easier to make a film now than ever before, you can shoot with a 5D, iphone, ipad. Movies are experimenting with different platforms and this business is evolving and changing, distributors are popping up like weed dispensaries. There is a lot of opportunity for independent filmmakers. You just have to be persistent in your vision and your goals to pursue that decision.”

So little is free. Many gift givers seek something in return. We are all in this together so lending a hand is not a favor. It does take a village, but together we can build it better. Enough with the slogans, time is a wasting. Survival is hard but self expression is a wonderful reward that truly unites us. Maybe one day all will recognize the value. And that will be quite swell. Being true to your heart and ideas is a revolutionary act. I think the world is ready for you to get it done.

Read the post again. Got it? Good. Now go make something!

(image made from this and this)

Filed under Ted Hope Film Filmmaking Filmmaker Motivation Inspiration Indie Independent Indie Film Indie Filmmaking Independent Film Independent Filmmaking

12 notes

two-things-productions:

100 Resources (Even More) for Filmmakers, Cinematographers, and Crew

by

How many resources exist for filmmakers? Surely after I had found 100 Resources and then 100 More Resources, there wouldn’t be anything left. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

But that’s the beautiful thing about the Internet and the film community — it’s growing and not slowing down anytime soon.

So I’ve reached back into the well and found another 100 resources perfect for filmmakers, cinematographers, camera assistants, and just about anyone who has ever stepped on a film set…

Click the section title for the full resource list.

Blogs and Websites

1. Ted Hope Film

Ted Hope is a film producer with a strong voice in the independent film community. What makes him a must-follow and lands him a spot on this list is his ability to tackle complex subjects with a razor. His writing is easy to follow, but always multi-faceted. Hope may not teach you how to set up a C-stand, but he will keep you abreast of the zeitgeist of the indie film community and filmmaking in general.

2. Through the Lens with Chris Weaver

Chris’ blog, Through the Lens, first caught my eye when he published a post titled, “30 Tips for Being an Outstanding Camera Assistant.” From that, I could tell Chris knows what he’s talking about. And he covers the same area of below-the-line crew work I like to write about and you like to read.

3. Art of the Title

Often we take title sequences for granted or ignore them completely as we finish adding more salt to our popcorn. But this website — through video, images, and interviews — deconstructs the titles of well-known films and TV shows to reveal what they really are: masterpieces of short form storytelling.

Jobs

21. Creative Cow Jobs

Like a real cow, the Creative Cow bears milk that makes all sorts of delicious dairy products. From training to a strong community to podcasts and videos. Creative Cow even has a jobs board which, from the looks of it, is more active than most job sites. And because Creative Cow has been around for awhile, it’s a name familiar to a lot of professionals.

22. Film and TV Pro

Film and TV Pro has a clean design that makes it easy to navigate, plus crew/talent can register for free (and see job listings for free). Though most of the listings I come across are LA and New York based, it’s worth keeping an eye on these job boards as they potentially grow larger.

23. Film Crew Gigs

What Film Crew Gigs might lack in features it makes up for in a variety of listings. One thing I always check on job boards is if they are even listing for camera assistants, grips, electricians — all those below the line gigs. Sure enough, Film Crew Gigs does.


Filmmaking Courses

26. Yale Film Studies Film Analysis

Ignore the late-90′s look of this website and you’ll find yourself in the midst of a Filmmaking 101 article series. Though this course isn’t about filmmaking as a craft necessarily, it teaches how to analyze films with concepts like mise-en-scene and cinematography basics.

27. Western Movies: Myth, Ideology, and Genre

Professor Richard Slotkin brings you a class that looks exclusively at the Western genre — a staple of Hollywood filmmaking. Maybe you’re not the biggest Western fan, but this meditation on the genre will help you appreciate Westerns more and also help you identify conventions of other genres.

28. MIT’s Free Online Film Courses

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a premiere university with top-notch educators. A free course on filmmaking from a top college is hard to look-over – it’s just a shame you can’t actually be there. Or, as Ryan Koo says, “Video content might be a curse more than a blessing, however, as lectures recorded on video — free of context and live interaction — are even drier than they would be in a real classroom.”


YouTube Channels

36. Shanks FX

It was this video of steel wool being turned into a warp engine that caught my attention on Joey Shanks’ practical effects YouTube channel. Since then I’ve subscribed and enjoyed each video covering a new, original way to perform special effects practically.

37. Indy Mogul

Widely acknowledged as one of the best YouTube channels for filmmakers, Indy Mogul “is the first network for the YouTube generation of independent filmmakers. We focus on DIY effects, filmmaking tips, and showcasing creative work.” Plus, it’s entertaining.

38. Illusions and Science Brusspup

Optical illusions and weird science tricks may not obviously fit within the realm of filmmaking, but anything that inspires ideas creation belongs in the filmmakers’ toolkit. Like this vortex cannon.

39. Frugal Filmmaker

If the Frugal Filmmaker finds financing from fifty thrifty farmers, does he make a YouTube video about it? Probably. With 137 videos and over 2.6 million views, our buddy Scott the “Frugal Filmmaker” (website listed #5 above) is prolific, informative, and generous with his knowledge.


Podcasts

47. DIY Filmmaking Podcast

This podcast may be old and only 12 episodes long, but that doesn’t mean it can’t educate and inform. The DIY Filmmaking podcast is just what it sounds like: tips and tutorials on making movies by rolling up your sleeves.

48. Groovy Guide to Careers in Filmmaking

Executive Producer Brent Altomare covers film crew jobs that he finds his students know nothing about. Gigs like 1st AD, animal trainer, colorist, etc. I love that Brent is talks about more than just directing and producing in this new podcast.

49. Filmmaking Stuff

Consider this podcast a filmmaking blog in audio form. Jason Brubaker covers topics like “How to Fail as a Filmmaker” and “Stop Talking and Make Your Movie,” tough talk, but needed at times.

50. American Film Institute (AFI) Podcast

Interviews, screenings, and Q&A’s from top notch directors (Brad Bird, Ron Howard, Ben Affleck) from one of the most respected film institutions in the country. What more do you want?


Cinematography Web Apps

61. Canon C300 Menu Simulator

This menu simulator for the C300 gives you that extra edge to learn the camera before you’re on set — which, given the complexity of this particular menu, is extremely useful.

62. Canon C300 Accessory Configurator

Building a camera package — whether you’re an AC or a DP — can be tough without holding the camera and its accessories in your hand. At least with this virtual builder, you can get an idea for the physical size of the rig and the limitations it could potentially pose.

63. DSLR Camera Simulator

Though this DSLR simulator aims to teach you about still photography, it’s an easy way to learn about the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO — among other settings. Cinematography beginners should dive into this and start playing around.


Picture Profiles

67. Abel Cine Scene Files

Scene files are useful for dialing in the type of image you want on set, but people don’t always use them because they take a long time to set up, tweak, and perfect. Luckily, Abel Cine has done a lot of legwork and provided different types of scene files for different cameras all for free.

68. Marvel Cine Picture Style

The last commercial I worked on with a DSLR, the cinematographer had me install this picture style along with Technicolor’s CineStyle. Surprisingly, he preferred this picture style created by Marvel’s Film Production. Even if you think you’re in love with CineStyle, at least give this a shot.

69. Cinema Picture Style

In the name of options, here are several other Canon EOS Picture Styles. Again, I urge you to look at them yourself and find one that suits your preferences.


Infographics

73. White Balance and Color Temperature
74. The Fundamentals of Exposure
75. The DIY Filmmaker’s Toolkit


Used Gear

83. Keh Camera

Keh Camera is one of the most trusted gear exchanges on the web. It has a thriving marketplace — necessary for those who shop used often — and a good reputation. I’ve never bought from here personally, but I have heard good things.

84. Abel Cine Used Equipment

As one of the larger rental houses/gear sales places on the east coast, I’m positive Abel Cine gets its fair share of refurbished, used, or plain run-down gear. That’s good news for you, then, that they put it on sale. The best part about most film gear is that it will last a long time when taken care of by a company like Abel Cine.

85. B& H Photo Video Used Gear

Don’t tell cross-town rival B&H that I listed them after Abel Cine, but they also have a good shop of used gear. Though Abel Cine came first, you couldn’t go wrong with either company — look for who has what you need since finding the perfect piece of used equipment can be fleeting.


Books

89. Making Movies by Sidney Lumet

12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, Network… those are just a few of the films on Sidney Lumet’s rap sheet. So this, his definitive work on making movies, is well worth the read to glean whatever insight you can from a master of cinema.

90. Hitchcock/Truffaut by Francois Truffaut

Legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock sits down with French new wave filmmaker Francois Truffaut to record a series of conversations in which they talk about movies and film production. A wonderful mix of film history, criticism, theory and application of principles from two masters of the art form.

91. Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook by Harry Box

So maybe you want to work below the line, but you don’t want to be a grip and you don’t want to be an AC. Do you like bright things? Plugging stingers into outlets? There’s much more to a juicer’s job than just that, which is why you’ll want to grab this book to brush up before you ever put on gloves.

READ THE FULL RESOURCE GUIDE

Filed under Film Filmmaking Indie Indie Film Indie Filmmaking Independent Independent Filmmaking Evan Luzi The Black and Blue Cinematography Jobs Film Industry