An Amazing Website

For the past while I have been visiting this one website continuously (and no, it's not my blog silly, although it is pretty awesome). It is amazing for anyone who wants to or already are filmmakers.
The link is here:

http://filmmakeriq.com/

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Sirwhovian, Out!

2013 Films

Here are some highly anticipated films for 2013 (some have already been relased). Let me know in the comments if you agree! I for one am not looking forward to the Hangover 3. But Ironman 3, oh yes. Now that is a good movie.

http://bit.ly/17cUdfK



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Sirwhovian, Out!

Posters!

Here are some awesome fan-made posters:

http://bit.ly/17kae3A



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Sirwhovian, Out!

Battlestar Galactica Review

First off, I would like to mention the cinematography. The thing I really liked about it was it felt really real. As a big editor I focused on all the little things that needed to be fixed, but then I realized, this is the show, the cinematography helps to the atmosphere of the show. A lot of times they have glaring lights that seems to pop out in odd places on the actors bodies or faces, but it makes it feel more real. Some films try too hard at this, or try to little, but watching this, seemed like the perfect amount.

The thing is, the camera is our eyes. Through the camera we have to show people what we want them to see. If we make it boring or the lighting is flat, it won't work. That's not how peoples eyes see things. We see depth. We see shadow. We see only parts of things that are obscured by other people or things but our mind completes it behind them. Our mind corrects what looks funny. Usually when you see cinematography they try to avoid strange looks to begin with which can be good a lot of the time, because it can take you out of the story and the moment. But in Battlestar Galactica, they have the bright lights behind the characters that out shine some of their leg or their nose, but our mind works with it (unless you're an editor like me and you have to point out every little flaw).

The second thing is the editing. Again great. Can't complain. Like I said, what they did adds to the show a whole lot and I wouldn't change it. Of course there were moments where I thought a certain shot lasted to long or too short or it seemed to cut funny but that's going to be in any film or t.v. show. No ones perfect. I did think the animation on the cylons (the robots on the show) could have been better, they seemed kind of fake to me.

Now comes the writing and the story. It was captivating. My dad has been pushing me to watch this for a long time and I never wanted to. And so one day I was painting my nails and thought, I need something to watch. Then when I was flipping through netflx I found and it and thought "why not?". My plan was to just watch one episode. I ended up the next morning, not having slept, and over half a season watched. And mind you, these episodes aren't those 24 minute ones, oh no, the pilot was an hour and a half and the rest were 45 minutes long each. So obviously I was entranced by the first episode. The writing feels natural and gets you attached. It will make you laugh and probably cry and also freak out a bit (or a lot, like I did).

The basic plot (I'm not going to spoil anything for you guys, don't worry) is about this old battle ship and it's commander William Adama. Adama refuses to have cylon (the robots they created) technology integrated into his computer system to improve it and make it faster. This ends up saving them because when the cylons come back for a second war (the first war was when cylons rebelled and killed a lot of people in the first war, then they just looked like big metal machines) the technology that had been placed in the other ships were able to be controlled by the cylons and they shut down the ships and then blasted them to smithereens. This time, they have "evolved", they look human, talk like humans, and are in every way human, except they can't die, they come back to life in a new body, exactly identical to the one that was destroyed.

I feel like the plot fell apart at the end. It seemed like they had to many threads pulling in one direction, but didn't complete so many of them. I think this is because they didn't plan out their ending. They started and just kept writing, hoping it would all come together (see here for more info on planing a plot). The ending could have been very strong, but seem weak to me. I was an ok ending, not one that will make you cry your eyes out, like I was hoping for, but it was alright.

I would still recommend this show to anyone, and probably watch it with them!

-Sirwhovian, Out!

Walter Murch, In the Blink of an Eye

I read a book by Walter Murch, an editor, sound-designer, director and screen writer who worked on Apocalypse Now and many other films. This book was entitled In the Blink of an Eye (there is also a film). If you're an editor or want to become an editor or even intereasted in phycological things, this book is amazing. He combines editing with everyday things like bees and blinking and connects it all together. It's quite amazing how he did it. He really makes you think. I would recomend this book to anyone, because its really fun to watch movies and think about what he said, see for yourself kind of thing. You can also be more aware of who as an actor, becomes the character rather then just acting them out. Good book *****


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Sirwhovian, Out!

Mega Shark vs. Crocosaurus Notes

Here are my notes from watching this awful movie for "fun". I wrote these while we watched the film. I think my IQ droped after watching this.



effects bad. animation soooooo bad

acting horrid

dick lines, bad lines.

earthquake acting sucked

bad lighting

music and editing? wtf

typing? the guy looks like he was doing this jkdsfohsafgho[irawspij[h'awerfip[hasdfhjk'dfspij[asfoij[

props, unsteady

random explosions

falling the wrong way and ship moving wrong way when shark jumps up

sounds like they are saying "yay!!!"

a rope fell on chick, now shes dead???? what the hell happened?!!!!! where is the blood coming from?

amo? shooting fireworks?

how are these people dying?

reversed same shot of shark jumping over boat

shark is everywhere at one time

the boat sunk from two hits at the top of it from the shark

cinamatography and editing sucks

ship sunk in two seconds

oh dear god

why did we need to see a pig? which after being killed there is no blood

glowsticks weponrey?

how did she get to the bar with highheels in the jungle?

who is he talking to???? look at her!!!!

sound off and nothing out of the helicopter

what does he battle??????

continutiy error

bench?

how did the crock fit in two feet of water?

same cave

crock drop for no reason?

i want to throw up i hate this thing

sound terrible

oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god. oh god.

SHARKS DONT LAY EGGGGGGGGSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

The Oscars

First off, I would like to say congradulations to all the winners of the Oscars! After the show, me and my friend, as aspiring filmmakers, were talking about what it would be like to be up there someday, getting our own Oscar. What would you do if you won an Oscar? What would you say? What would it be for (i.e. editing, directing, writing, cinematography, etc.)? Let us know in the comments below!

From Book To Screen

My friend was just asking me why do people sometimes hate and other times love movies that are based on books. This was fun to answer. Here's what I think:

First of all, in each art medium a story is told in a different why, so when you take that exact story and change the medium, it's not going to be the same, it will be told and interpreted differently.


1. When they hate it
          A. People, when they read, create this world in their head with the information given to them by the book. When the book is made into a film, suddenly their world is on the screen. It's not personal and it's not what they imagined in their heads. This ruins it. They hate the movie, then they like the book less.
          B. The movie sucks


2. When they like it
     When people like a movie version of a book it is probably either:
          A. They never read the book and the movie was good
          B. The movie is just how they imagined it like in the books (very rare)
          C. The movie was good and didn't really relate a lot to the book and was almost totally different from the book so it didn't really effect the book
          D. The book is more or less a part of the books and the fandom created around them


Now how do you make a good adaptation? Well one way is when you're making the film, bring the author on board. They created that world that was implanted into so many minds, so they know the littlest details that could make a big difference to the fans.



Like always if you have something you want to add, do so in the comments box below. Also I still need to know if anyone would like an advanced blog. Let me know!

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Sirwhovian, Out!

Studying Film

Reading books or listening to a lecture is a great way to learn, but for me one of the best ways to study film is to watch it. This doesn't mean veg out in front of the TV. No, this means you pay attention to what works and what doesn't work. My mom would never believe me when I told her I was studying when I watched TV, but it really is a practical method. Writers read, or artists will study others art, and musicians listen to music. That's what helps us know what we like and don't like and also ways to do things that we never thought of before. When you watch a movie maybe do a break down like I do or watch a movie with a film buddy and discuss it. You want to analyze it. You can always tell when you like a movie or you don't, but the hard part is figuring out exactly why. Something more then just what actor is playing the character. Maybe the story doesn't make sense or the editing feels off. Maybe the acting was bad but everything else was good, and you know what to look out for. Find those little things that jive with you and remember them for when you make a film. But more importantly, remember those things that you didn't like, that took you out of the story and didn't feel right, and do what you can to avoid those things in your own production.

So go watch some movies!

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Sirwhovian, Out!

Cinematography Tip #2 Placing Objects

If have only that one object or prop in the frame I say go for the rule of thirds. BUT what if you have an actor in it as well? Here's how you should position your props to make it look more natural on screen with your actor. I couldn't find a good enough picture so I took some of my own to help show you guys.

If you have a simple cup, you can place it where ever it looks natural on the screen,

Even if it's and inch away from your actors hand (unless there's a chance of knocking it over).

All that matters is how it looks on camera on on your screen. This is always going to be some trial and error here.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you always keep in mind what you are trying to convey. If your actor is hiding behind something, obviously we're going to see more objects of things then their face. 

It's also important to know who your character is that you are dressing the set for. I recently worked on a set as a set dresser and the character was goth, so I couldn't just throw any old clothes or jewelry around the room, I had to find things that might actually be in a goth's room. 

I know this might seem obvious to you guys but you have to keep an eye out for the placing, things can look awful quick if you don't set it up right. I usually still go by the thirds, if you have a flower in one third and a person in the other, it could be pleasing to the eye if done right. Always check your work when you think you're done double check it on the camera. 

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Sirwhovian, Out!

Advanced Blog?

I was thinking it would be nice to have an advanced blog for people who are past the stages that I am teaching right now. What would you guys like? Should I make an advanced blog aswell? Leave your answer in the comment box below :)

What Do YOU Want To Know?

Leave a comment and tell me what you would want to know about filmmaking.

Actors...

I haven't posted anything in a while, it's been a little crazy. So I wanted to write a post to you guys. First of all: happy holidays, I hope everything was happy and awesome!

Now down to business.

Today I'm gonna talk about actors. If you plan on becoming a director or almost anyone who is working on set with actors, has to put up with them. This can be hard. Grip, gaff, sound, or anyone who is working stick to their jobs and (usually) have a good attitude. Actors and actresses are usually picky and rude and needy. Directors can and often are also be like this. It helps that it's hard for them to get fired. You can fire any one of your crew so fast, but your main actor is acting up, you can't just fire him, or you would have to re-cast and re-shoot everything you've done so far.

Actors, can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

You have been warned.


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Sirwhovian, Out!

Getting A Job In The Biz

To get a job you need a resume and a reel. In this post, I will explain what they are and how to create them.

This is my editing resume:

I put it on this paper with the film strip on it to make it stand out and interest people. As you may notice, this does not look like a normal resume. This is a resume for a film crew position, wether that be editor, cinematographer, or just grip. On the left side of the page I put the the titles of the films I've worked on along with the production company I did it for. On the right, I put the positions I did on those films. This is a simple film resume.

This is my editing reel, click the video or the link below to play:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2UuL2OOPRs&feature=plcp

This is a compilation of my editing work to show people what I can do. Don't put the full clip or film, just the best tid-bits. For a cinematography reel you wouldn't add the different songs or voice tracks. You would have lots of pretty pieces that you've shot and added to some cool music.

One of the biggest things you need to get into "the biz" is connections. These are the people who will get you jobs or who know someone who will get you a job. If you ever need help finding come connections, I have many and you can comment below with your e-mail and ask for my help.

Anything you want to know? Comment below to let me know! (tee hee that rhymed)

Production Tip #1 Being Proactive

If you want a film to be made, YOU have to do the work. YOU have to find the people who will help you with this, YOU have to get the funding, etc. But also if you're hired onto another persons film or set, give it your 100%. Even if your job is just to get a prop from another room, give it your all. Film is the most collaborative art form, and it works with bits and pieces that fit together and move. If one part stops working, it effects a big chunk of the machine that is film making. You must be urgent about your job, meaning, do it quickly and with purpose and do it well. If you slack off, you're probably not going to have a lot more job options later. So why are you still reading this? GO FILM!

-Sirwhovian, Out!

Film Making With An Open Mind

Let anything or anyone teach you. It doesn't mean you have to use what they teach you, but even a 10 year old could teach you or show you something new that you may never have realized or thought of that could change how you make your films. Don't think you can only learn from the teachers or people who have been in the business a long time, they're still learning too! Absorb it like a sponge and let the things that don't apply, drip out. If you keep an open mind, the ideas and creativity will flow. This can also be applied to any part of life. How cool is that?

-Sirwhovian, Out!

Directing Tip #1 Have Fun

Directing is a hard job. It's hard to keep everyone pumped and on task all the time. Let loose a bit. Let them do a goofy take when shooting a scene. Also, have fun with what you do. Film making is fun! Even when it's stressful. If you're excited, there's a bigger chance your cast and crew will be too. Also joke around with everyone. Find the balance between being the boss and being their friend. Let them know you are in control, but still get some giggles in. It'll release the tension.

-Sirwhovian, Out!

Editing Tip #3 Music

Everyone has their own way of editing. I want to give you a tip that I find useful, but you don't have to take it as law. Since I'm usually using an already made song, this is what I do: I will put the music into my timeline first and add the footage after. It helps me to match it up to the footage with the music to make it look better and have a rhythm that fits. You should end up with something more on beat this way then adding the music after.

Film Set Etiquette

On any film set you need to have respect. If you're a troll and a bossy jerk, no one will want to work with you. I have met some people who treat me badly and I know I won't be asking them to help me on future projects with me. Be kind when asking for something or suggesting something. Don't assume you are the best and know everything (this part I suck at). Also listen. Listen to your coworkers and superiors. You won't just not get a future job but probably lose your current one. This may seem obvious but this is important. Respect.

-Sirwhovian, Out!

Montana- Breakdown

This breakdown is of a music video my teacher showed me today that won 1st place at the Utah High School Film Festival. It was entered by a student of Lone Peak High School. Watch it and we'll discuss it after. Watch the video or click the link below.

http://www.utahhighschoolfilmfestival.com/

I love the cinematography, although I felt at some points all the constant focusing and un-focusing and zooming became a little too much. But it looked good and was very artsy. I liked the camera movements, until they became too much. But over all it was very pleasing to the eye. I loved how they would zoom out and more of the picture would become clear. Another thing I liked was how centered everything was, but they had a purpose. Don't do a shot unless it'll add to the story or feel of your film. This made it feel like he was more alone. Just him and his thoughts and it was ALL about him.

I also felt like the editing could have been so much stronger. While I watched it I kept thinking of what I would have done instead. It could have gone with the music a lot better and made it more intense and powerful. I thought when he was trying to save the kid from drowning and he was hitting his chest, they should have done a flash back to it every time the deep boom happened in the music. But oh well.

I liked the acting. I liked it when the main guy threw the chair at the wall.

The house looked perfect too because it matched his state and how crappy he felt. It was falling apart and added a lot to look of things.

The color and lighting. Good! The flash backs when it was happy, it was bright but then his current state was dull and dark.

I also liked the message. You can take it however you want. But I took it as he was depressed about a woman leaving him and he wanted to die. But his mind changed, he's thoughts became more positive, which is really hard to do. He realized he had friends and good times and things that he's done right.

Now tell me what you thought about it in the comments below.

-Sirwhovian, Out!