Filmmaker's Dream Blog

Filmmaker's Dream Blog is the go to place for aspiring and passionate filmmakers. We would love to hear from you! What could we add to the site? What would you like to know more about? What are some of your film ideas you'd like to share with us? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!!

Who doesn't love horror flicks? ...Well there's actually quite a few, but to those who love scary movies just as much as I do, let's take a look at some upcoming horror flicks!

The most anticipated film I'm really excited to see, is Sinister! It just holds that eerie and creepy vibe that no matter what you, do you can't escape from the source of evil. It comes out on October 12, 2012..Check out this trailer!

What do you get when you mix, old motel, video cameras, torture, and 911? No, not an up to date Psycho, but the new movie, The Helpers. This one looks like it could be really scary or something just like every other horror flick or a Vacancy copycat. What do you think?


Who's a fan of the classic film, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'? It's an old classic gruesome film that gets me every time and guess what? It's going 3D. When I heard the film was starring singer, Trey Songz, I immediately stated that it will probably be another teen horror flick dud. BUT after watching the trailer, the visual elements of the film look a bit promising, and I will definitely check it out.
The film will be released in January 2013.

Another renewed classic scary flick, 'Carrie' will be released in 2013 as well starring Chloe Moretz. I'm really looking forward to seeing new effects being used and what kind of new edge directors will give it. No trailer has been released on this yet.

Check out this great list of other upcoming horror flicks arising in the next year! 2012-2014 Horror Flicks

I hope you're all excited as I am to see just how scary these films can get!

Are you a horror flick director? Love gore, twisted killings, and showing a dark side? Get ready to show off your skills in the Cabin in the Woods film contest hosted by Vimeo. The winner takes home $10,000!
Here are a few rules:

• You must be over 18 years of age to enter this competition.
• Your script should not exceed ten minutes in length.
• We will only accept videos uploaded to Vimeo.
• Entries must be submitted by midnight on October 23rd 2012.
• The judges' decision is final.

If you haven't watched Cabin in the Woods, you're in for a real treat. The film was unique, funny, and had a few scary moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be purchasing the movie myself. Go out and grab your camera, get down to editing, and submit that film!

               Are you ready for a new ride amongst beautiful animals, a small life boat, and the wide Pacific Ocean?  You’re in for a treat with the new movie release of ‘Life of Pi’, coming this winter.
               The novel, Life of Pi written by Yann Martel, will be turned into an adventurous 3D film soon to be released November 21, 2012. The film tells a story about a young man named Pi from India who is the son of a zookeeper who becomes trapped in a shipwreck with zoo animals ( zebra, monkeys, hyenas, and more). After surviving the storm, he finds himself in the company of the animals and a Bengal tiger on a small life boat. Fear begins to erupt from the beginning, but after time unfolds a friendship is formed between Pi and the tiger. Through the rough seas of the Pacific Ocean, more challenges arise as their boat continues to sail.
          
         The screenplay was written by David Magee. The film holds a very strong cast of actors, which includes, Tobey Maguire, Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma, and many others. The filming location for the 'Life of Pi' takes place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. According to IMDb, M. Night Shyamalan attached to write and direct this story at one point.
Suraj Sharma will play the role or Pi and Tobey Maguire will play the role of Yann Martel, the author of the story.

         The visual art and elements of this film are absolutely beautiful and in excellent quality. I personally look forward to watching the film this coming winter to see how well it relates to the original story. Many people are extremely excited to see the film and ready to give their critiques.  This film is sure to be a big box office hit before the end of 2012. Please watch the trailer below to find out more about this fantastic film!

There are many experts within the film industry that have to oversee a business plan in order to make sure the movie is successful. The right person to look towards in this case would be the film producer. The responsibilities of a film producer include:

• Producing a film within its budget
• Supervising the film project from concept to distribution
• Secure financing for a film project
• Hire cast/crew to make sure the film is delivered and put together to the best of its ability. 

The list goes on and on as far as what a film producer has to do to make sure the film happens. I decided to research and review two industry experts to see how they gained their success in the business department of film. The industry experts I have chosen are Kevin Geiger and Kathleen Kennedy.
Kevin Geiger is known for films such as, 'Reign of Fire', 'Species', 'Chicken Little', and 'Henry's Garden'. With his major focus being in digital arts, Kevin has also offered great details on having an indie film business plan. Kevin says, "Most indie filmmakers have a strong creative pitch, but not a strong business pitch when going to investors, and if those aren't linked, you've got a problem." According to Kevin, a few key factors investors are looking for an a business plan include:

• How are the investors going to make their money back?
• Prepare a cash flow projection
• Create a business plan presentation for investors
• Select development and advisory teams.

Check out his great informational videos below!
The next industry expert is Kathleen Kennedy, by far one of the most successful film producers of all time. She's produced films like 'Jurassic Park', 'ET', 'Adventures of Tin Tin' and many more. Kathleen attended San Diego State University and later worked as a camera operator, video editor, and floor director. Kathleen started as a production assistant in working with Steven Spielberg and worked her way up to becoming the second most successful film producers in the world. Kathleen Kennedy is now the co-chair person for Lucasfilm. ( Deadline, 2012)
Kathleen Kennedy says she became lucky after taking a job as a production assistant for Steven Spielberg's '1941' and later became a producer. Kathleen mentions how she looks for someone who is talented, nice, balanced, with various interests in the film industry when hiring new people. She also mentioned that for great advice you have to have a lot of tenacity, work hard, and strong values to make it in the film industry. (HollywoodTV, 2007)  Kathleen gives excellent advice in the video below for ways to make it in Hollywood.
 Deadline. (2012, June 01). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.deadline.com/2012/06/lucasfilms-names-kathleen-kennedy-as-co-chair/

HollywoodTV. (2007). Kathleen kennedy how to make it in to hollywood [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlxCUyC9fmE

If you haven't watched the first Luv.Net, please watch it now! Me as well as the original cast and new actors are putting together the sequel for Luv.Net! The sequel to this story is highly intense and a complete thrill ride before you even sit down comfortably. All of the actors are extremely excited to jump back on board and put the film together. I can't wait to get started. I also need some help and support, as a strong contributor to the indie film community, I'm asking for a huge favor for any of you out there to please help support this film. You can do this by checking out my KickStarter Campaign for further details! More information about the film will be posted soon! Thank you so much for all of your support!
Show Your Support Here

After entering in the YourFilmFestival contest, which has been featured on Youtube for nearly 5-6 months. The film festival is being put together by Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender to send ten amazing filmmakers to the Venice Film Festival. One lucky winner will get the chance to get their film remade into a Hollywood film for half of a million dollars, along with $25,000 in their pocket. Unfortunately, Luv.Net didn't make it into the top 50, but with over 15,000 submissions sent in the competition was very stiff. After checking out some fellow independent filmmakers' work, I came across a film called, ' Fish' which made it into the top 50 semi-finalists. The film is based on two cousins looking to survive off of each other in the streets of Trinidad. They steal and commit very small petty crimes to get by, but steal from the wrong person. The film is both intense and keeps your attention the entire time. Every part of the film feels real and although there aren't any buildings blowing up or special video effects being used, the story gives a real edge. The quality of the film is absolutely gorgeous and puts you into the environment of the story. It is apparent the amount of work and dedication put into this film and I believe it deserves to be apart of the top 10 finalists in the YourFilmFestival contest. The film was created by Shaun Escayg, located in the United States of America. It was really great to see someone from America could put together a film that has a foreign film type of edge to it. If you really enjoyed this film as much as I did, vote for it on the YourFilmFestival channel on Youtube! Be sure to check out the other 50 semi-finalists that entered into the contest as well. The films may spark a new inspiration for you to get out there and start shooting!

     After listening to some of the legal podcasts posted in last week's post, I decided to review them and give my opinion of the podcasts. I gained some valuable information that I could apply to my own situations from each podcast. They all gave me something to think about concerning legal matters.


Review on Legal lens on 'The Descendants'
      This podcast took a while to get into, the main topic for nearly ten minutes was a discussion about games on Facebook and the success of its new platform. The film, The Descendants stars George Clooney in a story about heirs taking in an estate that lies on the coast of Hawaii. The film covers trust law and protection of property. According to the podcast, the film is a great story that goes over the legal matters of inheriting property, wills, and things that often happen to families in similar situations. This is a great way to gain some insight of legal liabilities through watching a film.


Review on Controversy over cameras in court
         The supreme court has never allowed cameras in the court room, but lately controversy has begun to rise over cameras being used. Nancy, a speaker on this story mentioned that cameras could bring harm to court cases. Nancy mentioned how video clips can end up on YouTube or alter participants' behavior from feeling self-conscious. Another argument that came up, was that it is a public access type of court room and the public should be able to see it. Nancy mentioned that an audio recording should be enough in this case. Personally, I think it should be determined t the case type, participants, and the judge. Not all cases may need to necessarily be recorded. I can see Nancy's point of view, if the public audience has nothing to do with the decision of the case, is it really fair to use it for entertainment purposes?

Review of Making Out of Ashes
       September 11th was a very tragic event that all of America is well aware of. The fact that a documentary was done in honor of the victims is very honorable. It was very interesting to learn how the producers gained information from families involved in the 9/11 event. The creative side to filmmaking is always expressed, but learning about the legal aspects behind the scenes of the film is very important.  Homeland security was a very strong contributor to the story. The producer mentioned if it was okay to use the strong emotion in the film or if it was too much. Personally, I feel that emotion is the strongest key to a film.

All of these podcasts were on very different topics, but still surrounded the legal side of things whether it's an example law, using law in film, or how something as simple as cameras and media could spark possible lawsuits and controversy. Take a moment to review the podcasts from last week and give your opinion on them as well.

Lawsuits in the Film Industry
Lawsuits happen all the time, but it's always more interesting when it's in the entertainment field open for everyone to probe. I have decided to get the scoop on a few interesting lawsuits dealing with three types of issues. All of these types of lawsuits can help you with figuring out how your legal agreements should go when dealing with your own production company or working for someone else.

1.  'Cowboys and Aliens', was released this past fall of 2011 and held an interesting concept. So interesting, that the true creator, Steven Busti, recognized the storyline came from a comic book he wrote back in 1994, 17 years before the movie was produced and released.  Steven Busti is suing the producers for copyright infringement as well as unspecified damages. Many people questioned if it was just a coincidence or if the producers really knew about the story prior to producing the film. Steven Busti stated that the comic book was featured in the Comic Shop News which also featured a story about Scott Rosenburg, who is the producer for the film. I feel that Steven has every right to sue for copyright infringement. Rosenburg could have simply asked for permission or given a share to Busti for using his concept or story. So far, no producers have responded to the lawsuit. Always protect yourself in situations like these, no matter how small you may view your idea, someone may think of it as a great stepping stone for something they want to create as well. View the story here: Busti vs. Producers of 'Cowboys and Aliens'
2. Ed Helms' stunt double claims a set accident caused brain injuries from the film 'Hangover 2'. Scott Mclean took on the role as a stunt double for Ed Helms in the film Hangover 2 which was released last summer. The film was shot in Bangkok, Thailand. Mclean was badly injured when a stunt went terribly wrong during a car accident scene. Mclean is suing Warner Brothers for a stunt where he had to lean out of a window of a moving truck. Another car lost control and resulted in a major collision.  The stunt coordinator changed the timing on everything which caused the accident to go wrong. Precision and timing is everything when it comes to serious stunts like these. Mclean suffered seizures, speech impediments, brain trauma, and physical impediments. I feel that Mclean has a good reason to sue Warner Bros. for the stunt that went wrong in a situation that could have turned fatal. When dealing with stunt doubles of your own it is important to have agreements, safety, and someone experienced in the medical field on set of shooting your film. View the story here: Ed Helms Stunt Double Sues Warner Bros.
3. George Lucas loses Star Wars copyright case at Supreme Court. The prop designer, Andrew Ainsworth, who created the helmets for the Stormtrooper sues George Lucas for being able to have right and freewill to sell his own replicas for what he created. The supreme court ruled that the director's copyright had been violated in the United States. Although some copyright materials were violated, the court continued to make the decision to allow Ainsworth to sell his replicas. In 2004, Lucasfilm stated that he violated intellectual property rights and has no right to sell them. Lucasfilm also stated Lucasfilm remains committed to aggressively protecting its intellectual property rights”-Lucasfilm. This is a tricky situation, with the film being so iconic any characters or products used in the film are highly noticeable if used elsewhere. At the same time, because the film has been around so long and everyone knows about it, what harm is it really doing by selling a particular costume replica. Also, Ainsworth created those, and without him they wouldn't exist to begin with. I understand both sides to this case, but I think it ended fairly. Always protect your creative content that you do for anyone other than yourself. View the story here: George Lucas loses some rights to Star Wars

References: 
TMZ Staff. (2011, December 1). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/01/cowboys-and-aliens-lawsuit-copyright-infringement-comic-book/

TMZ Staff. (2011, August 31). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.tmz.com/2011/08/31/ed-helms-stunt-double-hangover-2-bangkok-thailand-brain-injuries/

BBC. (2011, July 27). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14287864

I came across this film yesterday just looking to see what people have created and I fell in love! The camera shots, the editing, the style, everything was beautiful and so simple yet so complex. The writer and director is Hilton Carter. This film made it into many great film festivals and I can see why! Please check this out to not only be inspired but to watch a beautiful story with barely any words.

Hello readers and viewers!
I'm currently working on a project myself to put together a new film that I think could really leave an impact on the world. It's called CineConfessions.  It's a film where I'm asking people to submit their confessions, thoughts, or true events that have happened to them that they often hold inside. Once enough or a good amount of submissions are sent in, I will then put it together in a script format and make a short film with it. Actors will act out the confessions or stories and all of them will collaborate and be mixed together to make one big life or story made of everyone's confessions. I think this is a great project, because it gives people an outlet and also a chance to see what someone else goes through. The tough part is getting people to submit their stories. I haven't had any submissions yet, but I know once this kicks off it will turn into an amazing film. Check out my website to find out more about it. CineConfessions



Have a great holiday!

    While reviewing some amazing speeches posted on the TED website, I came across this speech titled, 'The divided brain', by Iain McGilchrist. It sparked my interest, because it was animated! I've never seen an animated speech before. Not only what he was going over interesting, but the animation made it very effective to follow along and really understand what he was talking about. Iain McGilchrist is a Psychiatrist and a writer, but most importantly he's a philosopher. His speeches capture the audience's attention and allows them to think as well.
    The speech mentioned how for so long psychologists teach how the left brain and right brain are two completely different hemispheres and one is more logical, while the other is more creative. He explained how it's not true and maybe at some point before our brains began to evolve, that could have been a possibility to have two separate hemispheres. Iain explains how you need both sides to use reason or to be creative. In the speech it is mentioned how the left portion of the brain is directed to a more narrow focus, while the right side is to keep awareness of the person's surroundings.
    The fact that this speaker used animation as a new medium to deliver his speech was very wise on his behalf. In many speeches, by the time the speaker has gone to the next topic or paragraph, I've already forgotten what was previously said. This speech really helped me to understand the topic better, because I was able to visually see what he was going over. The animations were creative and funny and it made me really want to learn more about something that has always been taught differently over many years. The name of the media organization that put this animation together is called RSA Animate. The RSA is a new organization dedicated to bringing new ideas, projects, and activists together in an innovative and creative way. Check out the organization here: RSA.
View the speech here: The Divided Brain Speech
To check out more great speeches check out TED.com

With the holidays coming up, it gets tough knowing what to get everyone, or if you're like me, WHAT TO ASK FOR! Right off the top most filmmakers will tell you they want a Macbook Pro if they don't have it and an awesome DSLR. Wait! You don't have to go out and splurge, because when it comes to filmmaking, being resourceful is key and anything that can help make stories become more believable is a huge help!

Splurge( Over $100) vs. Save ( Under $100)

Splurge list ( You're really playing Santa this year aren't you?!)
* List from less to more

•  Light Kit
• What's so special about it? Lights are highly important for filmmakers and photographers, because it sets the mood for your story, it brings a clearer image and better quality, and it teaches more about using lighting in professional areas. 
• What kind should I get? Lowel is considered one of the top light kits. If you're willing to put forth the cash, it's well worth it. Cowboy studios is also a great light kit brand for a lower cost.
• Best light kits
• * Lowel To Go 95 Tota Light Kit with Soft Case LB-30 GO-95 LBZ*
• Cost - $559.98 
• Description: (2) Lowel 750w Tota Lights and Accessories and a Soft Case

• *CowboyStudio 2275 Watt Digital Video Continuous Softbox Lighting Kit/Boom Set
• Cost- $220.00
• Description:
• Two (2) Top Quality Light Stands, One (1) Support Boom Stand
• Two (2) 20" x 28" Softbox, Two (2) Premium Light Socket, Two (2) Power Cord
• Ten (10) 45 Watt 5000k Compact Fluorescent Daylight Balanced Photo Bulbs, One (1) 65 Watt 5000k Compact Flurescent Daylight Balanced Photo Bulb
• One (1) Quick-Setup Softbox with AC Socket, Three (3) Carrying Pouches for Softbox
• One (1) 2 Section Boom Kit with Grip Head,One (1) Sandbag,One (1) Carrying Case
• * 900w (3x300w) Lighting Photography Studio Kit
• Cost- $298.57
• Description:
• THREE (3) Professional Studio Strobe Lights: 300DI, with their own 75-watt modeling lights. This strobe is typically used for background, fill, or highlighting. 300DI is equipped with buzz function. The modeling lamp can be adjusted from full to proportion. With pre-flash system, it can fire on the second flash in sync. High quality barn door with honeycomb 4 Color Gels (Translucent, blue, red, yellow) Four (4) color gels to allow you to have different background colors. . One (1) Honeycomb designed to give you ultimate control on the direction of your light. Soft box: A soft box is an essential piece of kit for the photographic studio utilizing continuous or flash lighting, creating even, natural, diffused light distribution and eliminating extreme highlights and hotspots. Black/Silver Umbrella: This is an Interfit 33" (84 cm), Sliver/Black Backing Umbrella. Silver umbrellas are used to bounce light onto a subject. A wireless radio 16-channel trigger set comes in the package. Three Professional Duty Aluminum Light Stands. To give you a place to attach your Softbox, the kit includes two lightweight heavy duty aluminum stands that extend to 190cm. Lamp Modules The 300DI produces a superb light that will bathe your subjects in a variety of lighting effects. These are very high quality professional strobes that will give you years of service.

• Camera
• What's so special about different ones? Why not just get a regular camcorder and call it a day? Different cameras are going to provide different quality. Almost everyone is on the HD bandwagon and even some are onto the 3D cameras * check out my post on 3D filmmaking. DSLRs are the new hit to the film industry to provide beautiful quality and gives the filmmakers more versatility with lenses, focus, and more. Professional video cameras are going to bring the best results but cost a huge penny even after purchasing it you're going to constantly provide more accessories for it. 
• Best Cameras DSLR vs. Professional Video Cameras
• Canon T2i, Canon T3i, Canon 60D, Canon 5D ( listed from low price to high price) 
• Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder
• Description :
• 1/3" CMOS Sensor
• Native 1920 x 1080
• 24Mbps AVCHD Recording
• 60i, PF30, PF24, Native 24p
• 64GB Internal Flash Drive
• 10x HD Zoom Lens
• Dual SD Memory Card Slots
• 3.5" Touch Panel LCD Screen
• Dual XLR Inputs w/Detachable Handle
• Waveform Monitor, Peaking, Zebra 70/100%
•  Cost: $1899.99
• Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder
• Description:
• 3 1/3" CMOS Sensors
• 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 30p
• AVCHD Capture (@24Mbps)
• Wide Angle 20x G-Lens
• Manual Zoom, Focus & Iris Rings
• Dual XLR Inputs
• 3.2" Xtra Fine LCD
• 1.5 lux Sensitivity
• 3 Built-in ND Filters
• Uses Memory Stick PRO Duo / SDHC Cards
• Cost: $3499.00
• Software
• What's special about it? Professional and serious film editors often use Final Cut Pro, Sony Vegas Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, and Avid. All of these can be quite pricey but very worth it if you're thinking of taking your passion to a professional level or working for someone else as most companies require experience with these software.
• Final Cut Pro (Mac based software) 
• What does 'The Social Network', and 9 Oscar winning documentaries have in common? You guessed it, they were edited with Final Cut Pro. Needless to say this is a very professional video editing software Mac holds a candle to.
• Cost? If you're a student it can be bought for $300. If you're aren't a student it can cost up to $1200.00 Final Cut Pro X costs $300, but has received many low ratings for it seeming to be like an advanced iMovie. Final Cut Pro 7 is still on top.
• Adobe Creative Suite ( Mac and Windows based software)
• What's special? The After Effects program that comes with the suite is every special fx and graphic artists dream! This software can make it look as if someone just got hit by a car, animate, and so much more!
• Cost? Adobe Creative Suite costs around $1600.00  You can purchase one program separately, but to buy the suite together saves so much more money if more exploration is wanted! But for a great deal go to Amazon for Windows Based computers here - Great Deal!
• Sony Vegas Pro (Windows based software)
• What's special? Vegas Pro 11 just added the 3D video editing tool to their software! You can burn Blue-Ray discs,  Edit HD, SD, and 3D format,  and more. It's an excellent editing software for people using Windows computers to deliver high quality results.
• Cost? $600.00 , you may not be able to do the high end graphics like you can with After Effects * which is separate from video editing*, but for this price that's a steal!

Save list ( Wasn't that splurge list scary?! This might calm your nerves)

•  Light Kit
• Light kits at a steal! 
• 2 Photography Studio Continuous lighting kits with two daylight CFL light bulbs and comes with two umbrellas!
• Cost? $52.99 ! 
• Ok, what's the catch? You won't have as much versatility as you have with light kits with barndoors, but speaking from experience this is an excellent light kit that gets the job done at a low cost.
• Light Accessories ( If you can't afford a light kit, accessories are even better!)
• 22" 5 in 1 reflector disc, this can turn any light to a sunnier effect, soften the light, create different moods, and diffuse any light you are using whether is daylight or artificial light.
• Cost? $7.65!
• Ok, what's the catch? Instead of using umbrellas, all you need is either a C-stand or someone to hold the reflector for the light effect you're going for. Most reflectors cost this much and are very compact to throw in the car.
•  Light Cube ( Even I want this!)
• Professional Studio Photography Light Tent, Ever see those commercials where it's a product that's perfectly lit in an all white background? with no shadows? They used a light tent! This is even perfect for photographers. 
• Cost? $36.95
• What's the catch? Nothing. 
• Camera
• There are tons of HD cameras out there for a lower cost!
• Kodak PlaySport Camera is a great HD Pocketcam that is also WATERPROOF! Throw this in your bag and get a realistic feel for an artsy documentary or a great " docuhorror" ( Blair witch project, paranormal activity, etc.) It makes the story sometimes seem more real. 
• Cost? $99.95 ( Yeah I know it's pushing the $100.00 limit) 
• What's the catch? Although the quality is great for such a low price, there is less versatility with creating a cinematic effect.
• Camera Accessories ( Close to 100 killing your pockets? Have no fear lower prices are near!)
• SD Cards!!! Every filmmaker and photographer can never have enough. Memory is always needed The more we can record without having to delete, the better!
• Transcend 16GB HD SD card ( this can get up to an hour on a DSLR camera of recording and more on lower quality cameras) 
• Cost? $19.99
• What's the catch? There's no catch, SD cards can get very expensive so this is a great price!
• * Find more on Amazon! The higher the GB the better!
• Software
• Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 11 (Windows based)
• This software enables you to edit with 3D formats! Edit with cool graphics, Holds over 360 songs and music to use in your projects, and more. 
• Cost? $63.99
• What's the catch? The features are limited compared to Sony Vegas Pro as far as all of the things you can achieve, but for a fresh amateur filmmaker just starting out, this is a great deal!
•  Amazon Gift Card
• Amazon has the best deals and prices on anything found on the web! I've bought almost all of my equipment from them and I would have loved to have an Amazon Gift Card.
• Cost? What ever you decide!
• What's the catch? Depends on if the person you're shopping for likes to shop online or in the store. If they like to shop in the stores try a Visa Gift Card!

The list for a filmmaker can go on forever, but remember props, costumes, makeup ( fake blood and scar putty *fun), equipment, books, and more can make any filmmaker become giddy! Anything that saves a filmmaker money and shows your support is a great gift!
Leave a comment below on what you think would make a great gift!

The National Alliance for Media Art and Culture is a great association and resource for Independent filmmakers and multimedia art organizations. The NAMAC connects organizations and supports the independent media art industry. It was founded in 1980 and offers a wide range of services. Their website provides a job bank for job seekers in the entertainment industry from all over the United States. Affiliate memberships are free and organization memberships depend on the annual budget size of the organization. Leadership training is offered to all members of the NAMAC as well as extensive research of other organizations, and serves about 400,000 artists!
The NAMAC provides a blog that shares report profiles, strategies, featured videos, and stories from other people in the media industry. NAMAC gathers scholarships for members as well. Currently Heinz college is holding a scholarship for students in a Master's of Arts program and students will receive $6,000 a semester from it. Add your organization to the NAMAC directory and advocate it to make others aware of what you've put together. If you're a single member that isn't affiliated with an organization this could be a great opportunity to find one that interests you the most to become apart of. The best part is that all states are listed with the organization for you to find your best local organization. If you can't attend any seminars NAMAC provides, you can still enjoy valuable information from their webinars that connect you virtually anywhere. Regional meetings are done in many US cities for members of the organization.
Subscribe to their newsletter and become a member of their organization to connect with many other people in your field, network, and become more educated and stay on top of what is happening in the independent media industry. Enjoy campaigns and membership benefits for free!
To find out more on this association go to www.namac.org.
Also follow the organization on twitter - www.twitter.com/namac


References: www.namac.com 

I recently stumbled upon a website supporting Independent Filmmaking. It's an organization that is committed to protecting independent film and television production distribution in the United States. It is created as an organization under the IFTA ( Independent Film and Television Alliance) which is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and represents over 150 companies in 23 countries. The IFTA was founded in 1980 and generates over $4 billion dollars a year in revenue.  The site allows you to submit videos, learn more about the organization, watch other independent film submissions and more!

For more information visit www.fightforindpendents.org and support the independent film community!

       'Gun Hill Road', is a film I have yet to see, but I am dying to see it. It's based on a story of a Puerto- Rican transexual and the things he goes through in life. The director, Rashaad Ernesto Green spoke about directing the film in an interview. Rashaad had no intent to become a director, but spent 3 years in the MFA program of acting at NYU. "Being an actor first was a great way to jump behind camera first", he says.  Rashaad also said, "I thought, “I’m going to be in class with kids who have had a camera in their hands since they were five years old. I am really going to have to work my butt off.” Which I did." It's funny how many people perceive a role before jumping into it. I always thought I just wanted to be an editor, but when I became a director amongst the rest of the roles I took to put the film together, I realized that this is something I truly love to do. Rashaad also mentioned how one of his short films also opened doors to even creating the feature film, 'Gun Hill Road'.  Rashaad tells the interviewer how it was inspired by someone in his family and decided to take the story further. During the casting process, Rashaad explained he didn't do the casting traditionally and spent most of his time on the streets in NY searching in clubs and other places for the right character. This interview was so inspiring to me I decided to follow Rashaad on twitter. Below are some links and references to the film and the interview.
http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/news/2011/08/rashaad-ernesto-green-gun-hill-road/
http://twitter.com/rashaadernesto
www.gunhillroad.com