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

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?

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

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?

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.

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.

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

 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!

 Set in the heart of historic Fredericksburg, an elegant, brick-lined streets pre-revolutionary war town, the Rappahannock Independent Film Festival provides unique opportunities for filmmakers and fans to meet, mingle, and network.

 Festival categories awarded are: Best of Show, Best Student Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, and Audience Choice (must be present to win). One award will be given for each category. Films must be submitted via a digital file (.mov, .mpg, .mp4, or .avi) with a minimum resolution of 720×400 and a maximum resolution of 1280×720. Guidelines specify inclusion of title, length, and name of media utilized.

Entries cannot be returned.

First and foremost I am a film fan.  English, Speech, and Theatre were my concentrations in college and I won’t say exactly how long ago that was but, the implication is clear – I love a good story. The medium of movies keeps time weathered tales in our hearts and cements new ones in our imagination. I first became a foreign film fan through Krzysztof Kieslowski’s “Three Colors” trilogy. His panorama of post cold-war life, compositioned through the patina of color, fascinated me. “Red,” “White,” and “Blue,” were not like typical big-budget; already-guessed-the-ending Hollywood formulas and they made me reflect on the way people around the world think. My budget may not let me jet off to Paris or Berlin on a moment’s notice but I can broaden my horizons through film. The Danish Dogme films spark plugged an avant-guard movement and put a tiny countries’ filmmaking on the map. A handheld camera, the right script, and talented direction yield masterpieces like “Open Hearts” and “Festen.” These are examples of what you find at an independent film festival. Well, enough about them and back to me……

 A bio is supposed to introduce the writer and I told you why I blog for RIFF. As to the broader and essentially existential question – Who am I? – here goes:

I am a baker of awesome brownies, a poet and parallel parker extraordinaire (the parking I mean), a great clapper, decent crier, and all around art supporter. I believe in art for art’s sake. I believe in dreams, big and small. My personal philosophy is exemplified by a Frida Kahlo quote I love, “I painted my reality.” I want to be part of the color in the landscape.

Peace. See you at RIFF.