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Oscars 2010 – An Education

February 21, 2010 – 8:43 pm

The Oscars are drawing near and I just got an education: short films are included in the Oscars. This I never knew. Granted I don’t think I ever saw a short film until I became a fan of RIFF and the whole business hijacked my imagination but wow, that’s pretty neat.

Having become a huge fan of Danish Dogme films and almost able to recite the resumes of every working actor from Denmark now, I just read about Scandinavian films in the running. Good to know. Now I have something else to watch for when the television holds me captive on a Sunday night.

Not that I am terribly shallow or anything, but the gowns have been my primary focal point for a long time. Girls are like that. There is nothing more glamorous than the Oscars after all. Who wins what was always important too but basically I just wanted to see the red carpet and a few attractive faces, like Clooney. Absolutely love Clooney. I never get tired of seeing Clooney, but then who does?

Everyone knows the formula – lots of red carpet is followed by hopefully a decent host and invariably he or she talks too much. Half their salary must be air time, I think. Then they string us along and start killing brain cells with commercials that would never make it to the Super Bowl half time show. O.K., all of this is just my opinion. Somebody else may love those commercials. No hate mail, please.

Habitually, I watch for favorite parts and then go to bed. This year I am interested in directorial awards, short films, supporting actors, etc. and the list just seems to grow. Most particularly I am interested in the short film awards. Man, I bet they do it at the end though. I guess I’ll have to watch the whole thing. Well, who needs to be really awake on a Monday morning anyway?

 ~Peace. Tina


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Madness in 3D

February 15, 2010 – 10:03 pm

Everyone not living in a cave the last couple of months has seen or at least heard of Avatar. Compared to this avalanche of attention, Hollywood’s previously 3D efforts amount only to flirtation. Avatar ushered in a bended knee proposal and now it looks like Clash of the Titans will officiate the marriage. 3D conversion madness has begun. Yes, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows probably will convert well but the question is what next?

Slated for original release in March, COTT’s debut has now been pushed back to April 2. As a fan anxiously awaiting this one, I am not truly happy about that. Then again, no one asked my opinion. (Perhaps I wasn’t home and just missed the call.) Anyway, the runaway box-office receipts from Avatar seem to have inspired sending the epic Gods vs. Man vs. monsters extravaganza back to the editing room. According to the Regal cinema lobby poster, COTT will also be shown in 2D. What does that footnote really suggest? A couple of the scenes in Avatar were only in 2D so does this indicate a shift back and forth? Will we be dizzy? Are there two versions?

I must confess that I am not an obsessive fan of 3D. IMAX intrigues me as much as the next person and now and then an hour’s drive is worth the experience. However, I really don’t want everything to zoom and pop right in front of my eyeballs. Maybe I am just old fashioned and I’m slow in getting with the groove here. I don’t always catch up to the masses. Case in point: I do not own an iPhone, barely know how to work a Blackberry, and cannot name all the characters from Star Trek. So I personally do not root for everything, just everything, to be remastered in 3D.

These next two 3D releases could be cinematic tealeaves. Perhaps all fantasy movies will follow this same path. Since I am on the fence as to whether or not this is a good thing, I’ll try to withhold my judgment until I’ve seen the 2010 remake of Clash of the Titans. One thing is certain, flying dragons are tie breakers.

~Peace. Tina


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Snowmageddon and Sundance 2010

February 7, 2010 – 7:57 pm

O.K. These two are not directly related. One is a hybrid verb/adjective elucidating apocalyptic precipitations of the frozen variety and the other is a formal noun, otherwise known as a weeklong cinematic fest/party. As I had a tad bit of extra time on my hands this weekend, I spent it viewing the Sundance website at length. Chiefly the former, approximately 25 inches of snow that blanketed neighborhoods and satellite dishes, afforded free time for the later. Thanks to my 3G Datacard Laptop, I was able to look back at Sundance 2010 when Mother Nature crashed power lines and the world beyond my screen went completely dark. Ancient eastern philosophy dictates that when you cannot change your circumstances, change your attitude. Gotta love technology.

Sundance captivates interest like no other because this festival and its associated institute do so much to promote independent filmmaking. In the can’t-have-everything department and having spent my tax refund in New York, I was not able to attend Sundance 2010. Thankfully, detailed news from Park City is available online.

Diversity and inclusiveness is fundamental to Sundance’s DNA. Still, what I saw in the clips grabbed my attention. More and more female filmmakers are taking home prizes. That’s good news for everyone. Let’s see a fresh row of raised hands, shall we?

In a year when the Directors Guild of America has given its top honor to a woman director for the first time, the news is encouraging. Kathryn Bigelow may or may not win an Oscar for Hurt Locker but she has already won a place in cinematic history. The Directors Guild of America named her best director for a gutsy piece of work. She successfully tackled a controversial subject, Iraq, and did it on a shoestring budget. Hmmm. Why does that sound familiar? Maybe because that is how independent filmmakers generally work and continue to challenge the accepted formulas for storytelling. That is one of the chief reasons independent films are so much fun to watch and root for.

Let’s see some great work. Submit your films for RIFF 2010. The popcorn will be ready.

 ~Peace. Tina


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Talking Editing with Freddy Filmmaker

January 30, 2010 – 2:56 pm

I always seem to run into Freddy Filmmaker when I’m hungry and strolling Caroline Street. Actually, I was glad to see him and anxious to discuss the editing experience I gained completing my two-minute, silent film.

Freddy Filmmaker:  So you survived a week in New York and made your first film. Congratulations. How was that hotel I recommended?

me: Yep. Loved NYC. The hotel was o.k. Hot showers are so bourgeois anyway.

Freddy Filmmaker: Ouch. Maybe I owe you a Belgian beer. We’ll duck in here and you can tell me about the adventure.

me: I never knew so much happens in the editing room. Now I understand the director’s lament, “the film I shot is not what I got.” A skilled editor is a true artist. Of course, only the shots that were actually taken can be edited. Augh!

Freddy Filmmaker: Are you a skilled editor-artist now? Should Walter Murch, the god of screen editing, be worried about competition?

me: Funny. Where is your comedy act playing? I’ll get my dollar. Seriously, there is so much to learn and our student films did not have sound since the complexity of the editing process skyrockets 100%.  We had six hours to work with DVD Studio Pro, period. It was a fascinating and frustrating process. I do want to learn so In the Blink of an Eye is on order through Amazon.

Freddy Filmmaker: You were right to leave the film silent vs. forcing music that fits badly. Trying to find royalty free music that works perfectly with your piece is no picnic. 

me: Tell me about it. But check out my work, please, I’ve posted it on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOIq6xNz-eU You are the one who taught me shameless self- promotion, after all. Oh no, wait….that was The Angry Filmmaker. No matter. Just watch my movie.

Freddy Filmmaker: Do you want my professional opinion afterwards?

me: No, not really. It’s my first love-child, so be kind. I haven’t been able to watch a movie since without thinking about the angles and the shots. It’s most intriguing and I’m anxious to see the RIFF 2010 entries. They’re all so good.

Freddy Filmmaker: So now I guess you’re hooked. Hey, who’s picking up the tab today?

me: I suppose I will, tightwad.

Freddy Filmmaker: Who loves ya, doll?


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Filming a Movie in New York City

January 23, 2010 – 12:48 pm

The guy across the hall thinks our group of seven is making a porno. He comes over to complain about our repeating door slam, sees the camera, backs up into his own room, apologizes to us, and we never see him again. Personally I think he didn’t call the front desk because Ray looks like he might have cousins in the mob.

This is student filmmaking.

Apparently film permits are unnecessary in NYC. We filmed our student projects on the streets of Manhattan and most people did not give us a second glance. It was cold, windy and a lot of fun.

With the exception of Day 1, every day was long. Coming up with good ideas for two-minute films is not easy for starters. Then, the films had to be made.

As part of a team of four, I contributed to several films. My classmates chose indoor scenes which naturally called for a lot of lighting set ups. In that process I was one part participant and two parts prisoner. Lighting is tough. More light is needed. Less light is needed. Now, the light is too blue. Change the light and then it isn’t blue enough.

Add actors, set staging, and props and the ingredients for hard work and exhaustion are in place. Where do you find a snorkel in NYC?

My film, at least, did not involve a lot of props but it was shot outdoors in multiple locations. The day was wicked cold and we decided we had enough footage when we started to turn blue ourselves. Last but not least, I should mention managing the camera and the shots. Without Super Dave, the teaching assistant (TA) from NYFA, all of us would have been lost.

Next stop is the editing room. I can’t wait to tell my friend Freddy Filmmaker about that experience. Five days as a student filmmaker has given me renewed respect for filmmakers.

Peace,

Tina


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Freddy the Filmmaker

January 13, 2010 – 10:19 pm

Fredericksburg is becoming so cosmopolitan; you just never know who you’ll bump into on Caroline Street these days. The other morning I ran into Freddy Filmmaker and his cuddly canine, Oscar. I was anxious to tell him about my upcoming trip to New York and weeklong seminar in digital filmmaking. We both love fish tacos so we brunched. Very glam.

Freddy Filmmaker: Wow. The New York Film Academy, that sounds exciting.

me: Thanks. I am excited. It seemed like a good way to spend my tax return in totality and learn lots of cool movie mogul stuff, like you.

Freddy Filmmaker: I’m not exactly a mogul, dear. I have good years and bad years. I hope your expectations aren’t unrealistic.

me: Well, we will certainly learn a few basics, play with some cool equipment, and discuss scriptwriting.

Freddy Filmmaker: I think everybody has to dream and certainly start someplace. Not a bad hobby, but if you’re thinking………

me: I’m keeping my day job. 

Freddy Filmmaker: Good. I wouldn’t want to worry about you. That’s not to say you cannot make a decent short for fun or artistic expression or……..

me: I just saw Paranormal Activity. That didn’t involve a lot of bells and whistles and they made 30 million. Then there’s this other guy who posted his clip on YouTube and sold it to a studio for 30 million and…

Freddy Filmmaker: You seem very hung up on $30 million. I’m worried.

me:  I’m not. I am just saying you never know who could have a great idea. It could be me or you or a student filmmaker. Great ideas are born every day and fans are waiting to see them. By the way, have any great ideas on how not to get mugged?

Freddy Filmmaker: Just don’t look like a tourist.

me: But I am a tourist! 

Freddy Filmmaker: Darling, New York is a state of mind.

me: That sounds like a commercial. Is it one of yours?

Freddy Filmmaker: (eye roll) Just go have a good time, O.K.? And if you learn anything cool, share it with the student filmmakers and fans. And if you have any really great, $30 million type ideas, share with me first.

me: Considering you left the $2 tip for the waitress that sound fair.

Freddy Filmmaker: Who’s your Daddy?


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Originals vs. Remakes OR Brode vs. Brothers

January 6, 2010 – 10:25 pm

As a film fan, I am curious about the love/hate relationship between originals and remakes. Not many remakes reside in my memory banks but of the ones that do, the original usually proves best. The rule of thumb held true when the postman delivered my copy of Brode, the Danish original to the Jim Sheridan’s 2009 film Brothers of recent wide release. Frankly, I like the original version better. Which leads me to wonder, why make a remake?

When the production is a foreign film, I can see the logic. Subtitles are not for everyone. Primarily, I imagine, the issue is money and opportunity.  Bringing a tried and true tale to a new audience reduces risk. Audiences can be fickle creatures, subject to swimming counterclockwise to industry expert’s predictions (Reference: Rob Marshall’s star-studded Christmas bag of coal, Nine), and filmmaking on the grand scale is, after all, a business.

The storylines are virtually the same. The story itself is one of our times, yet ancient and that’s the beauty of it.

   Hero brother goes to war

+ Renegade brother home with wife

+ Prisoner of war situation

=Tension divided by combat fatigue syndrome

Sibling rivalry, spousal jealousy, and parental favoritism are universal themes. Eve probably complimented Abel just once too often with “you are so much more like your father” and that was it. Cain couldn’t swallow the stress. Both bad boy brothers, played by Nikolaj Lie Kass and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectfully, proved talented foils and added steamy fodder.  Both films employed a talented ensemble. Ulrich Thomsen’s portrayal of the hero big brother though did seem to dig a little deeper into the humanity of the situation.

I am still left with the opinion that movie patrons have the right to expect something more from a remake. When making a remake, comparison is inevitable so make the second one better.

Sheridan elected to remain true to the original ending and perhaps that was the most logical choice. If there is one cardinal rule of successful American films, it is the happy ending. To my observations, foreign audiences seem more accepting that life doesn’t always tidy up bad situations with a pretty bow.  Endings of the art-imitates-life variety necessitate the occasional sad ending however hard it may be to  leave the theatre with a lump in your throat. All the same, redemption through love is not a bad ending.


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Interview with Tobias A. Mazing – Raving Reporter

December 30, 2009 – 8:18 pm

Post Christmas can be a bit of a letdown; much like a half-deflated balloon post party!  After a snowbound DVD marathon I heeded the call of the corner coffee shop and wound up bumping into Bibly, a friend of a friend and familiar face from RIFF 09. Bibly Twix is a young, budding and ambitious entertainment reporter. She and her boss travel the world attending and reporting on independent film festivals so she is pretty cool to talk to.

me: Wow, I’m surprised to see you in Fredericksburg this time of year. Thanks for letting me interview you for the RIFF blog. Amunette told me you get to see all the big festivals like Venice, Toronto, and Telluride etc. and I think folks would like to hear about that.

Bibly Twix: Certainly, glad to help. Yes, the big festivals are exciting but there are great films to be found everywhere just like the exciting work showcased at RIFF last summer. Where are my manners?  I’d like you to meet my boss and fellow bloodhound, Tobias A. Mazing.

me: Nice to meet you, Tobias. May I call you Tobias?

T.A. Mazing: Actually, my friends just call me A. Mazing. Particularly, the ladies.

me: Um, this is a family friendly blog.

T.A. Mazing: Sorry. Tobias is fine, dear.

Bilby Twix: Yes, as I was saying, Tobias has a knack for scouting out the stories. While I stand in the paparazzi mosh pit for hours trying to get one little quote the charmer here winds up scoring the scoop with a wink. Before you can say ‘Jack Robinson’ he’s made a connection and is off somewhere sipping martinis with Jennifer Aniston.

me: Wow. That sounds exciting. I have a friend who wants to meet Jennifer Aniston. Weird.

Tb. A. Mazing: It’s a gift really. What can I say? It is not my fault that I’m so good looking, witty, and genuinely irresistible.

Bilby Twix: Of course, the public likes to follow celebrities but it’s really about the films and the independent filmmakers. There is so much talent out there and that’s what is fun to watch.

Tb. A. Mazing: If the public didn’t go for celebrities though, darling, we would have to get real jobs and work in a cube.

Bilby Twix: Don’t even talk like that, please. You make my stomach hurt. 

me: Is there something exciting you could share with us about one of bigger festivals? Most of us don’t get the chance to travel a lot.

Bilby Twix: Well, Sundance is around the corner and we will be headed off to that but….

Tb. A. Mazing: I’ve met Robert Redford!

Bilby Twix: Of course you have. Sigh. (huge eye roll) Now, as I was saying, Venice, Telluride, Sundance, and all of the big ones are fun to attend but the crowds get so hectic.  The intimate setting of RIFF and this charming town are truly at the top of my list.

Tb. A. Mazing: And the coffee. Don’t forget the coffee. I love that little leaf thing they do with a latte here.

me: Wow, Sundance. That one is just around the corner. Will you come back and give us a report on Sundance?

Tb. A. Mazing: Certainly, love. Anything for a redhead. I love redheads.

Bilby Twix: Tobias! This is a professional interview!

Tb. A. Mazing: Sorry. It really is hard to tone down all this charm.

Bilby Twix: Don’t take him too seriously, we would be delighted. Happy to supply information to the filmmakers and fans out there. Do you have many submissions yet?

me: Well, I know that submissions are being accepted now. Everyone is excited to see what comes in and the response last year was fantastic. It was great running into you. Thanks again and I look forward to talking to you again soon.  

Tb. A. Mazing: Enchante’, madam.

Bilby Twix: Toodle-Oo.


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (2)

Movies and Snow

December 23, 2009 – 7:08 pm

What’s a better combination than a snow storm and a stack of good movies? That’s what I thought when I realized the snow storm was on target.

My youngest brother has the annoying habit of being right at the worst time. Why does that happen with siblings, Dr. Phil? Anyway, last Thursday, I called to sing Happy Birthday and received in turn a gloomy prediction that blizzard warnings would have to be heeded.  Until the last moment possible I held out hope for my travel plans.  When reality squashed them like an ant hill under a boot heel my next thought was “movies.” Simple mission, right? Au contraire.

The search for a functional video store proved to be an adventure. Brick and mortar video rental operations seem headed the route of vinyl records and the Sears and Roebuck catalog. Hollywood Video in Central Park has shut its doors and the Rt. 1 Blockbuster at the Park-N-Shop Center is also going out of business. They are, coincidentally, selling incredibly inexpensive movies until January 10, 2010 but having exercised my Amazon one-click trigger finger earlier, restraint was in order. However, I did walk away with a few epic treasures like “Australia” and the just plain fun variety, “The Pink Panther 2.” Yes, it is allowed to love kid movies without an actual kid on the premises. “Panther 2,”complete with the inevitable sticks-in-your-head gag line, “it wants me to renew my subscription online, ” made me laugh. Wish I could tell where and when that line comes in — but that would be cheating.  Back to my movie quest…………………

Recognizing the familiar symbol of twin laurel leaves, I spotted numerous festival award winners.  Snagging a copy of “After The Wedding” for a friend was a no brainer but a couple of others were a coin toss and that’s how I ended up with “Death At A Funeral,” which did not disappoint.  Good acting, witty dialog, elegant in its simplicity, and the type of set that aids an independent film maker. I thought it was a good movie and apparently I am not alone. When the roads cleared I had three distinct cabin-fever busting missions; visit friends, deliver Christmas cookies, and view “Brothers” before it departs area theaters. Knowing that “Brothers” is a remake of a 2004 Danish film “Brode,” I was intent on seeing the American version. Susanne Bier makes great movies and I am anxious to compare the two when my copy of “Brode” arrives.  So I braved the not-perfect parking lot to see one Hollywood remake and high overhead the popcorn line hung an advertisement for a coming Chris Rock film, “Death At  A Funeral.” I kid you not. What are the odds? Maybe I just haven’t tuned in to how often this happens.  Now, I am really curious.  I am going to be watching for the postman, the remake, and taking note of the storylines I see coming out. I am really interested in what other people think about remakes.

Peace,

Tina


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Santa’s List for Filmmakers

December 16, 2009 – 9:30 pm

Elf Express was supposed pick up my list for Santa today.  They must be overworked because I found a “Filmmaker Christmas Gift suggestion list” on my table instead. It seems that a nervous and harried elf found The Angry Filmmaker at home and took note of their conversation. I’m not sure what my responsibility is here but since I’m a fan of the Rappahannock Independent Film Festival and I am worried about filmmakers with empty stockings – I’m just going to assume Santa is online and post it here.

 Elf: What do you think filmmakers are wishing for in their stockings this year?

 The Angry Filmmaker: A copy of “The Angry Filmmaker Survival Guide: Part One” of course.

Elf: Er, ah…. O.K. That’s a good idea but listen; we’ve got a lot of filmmakers to take care of. They have to get ready for RIFF 2010. Do you have any more suggestions I can give the boss?

The Angry Filmmaker: A copy of “The Angry Filmmaker Survival Guide: Part One.”

Elf: Right, Well, ah, I don’t mean to be rude or anything but this is starting to sound like a shameless ploy to sell your book.

The Angry Filmmaker: You gotta problem with that?

Elf: No, ah… geez… you seem kinda mad…and… uh…

The Angry Filmmaker: That’s why I’m called The Angry Filmmaker.

Elf: Right. O.K. Got that. Well, I really just wanted some ideas for all the independent and student filmmakers out there and I’d hoped you would have a longer list and…

The Angry Filmmaker: Oh sure, there’s lots of stuff filmmakers need.  My DVDs, work books, not to mention Angry Filmmaker coffee mugs…

Elf: That’s not what I mean!  Maybe I should call someone else…

The Angry Filmmaker: Fine…. I’ll give you a list…. Peace on earth, pay my daughter’s college fund, and I’ll take a date with Jennifer Anniston. I hear she’s available.

Elf: Um. Er. I’ll have to get back to you on that. I think my boss is calling…

 (Cue to sound of small, padded feet plodding away)

The Angry Filmmaker: Have him check my website, www.angryfilmmaker.com and tell him this year no coal!


By Tina Morris | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (1)