Lifeblood Project http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en indie-filmmaking help, how-to's, and how-not-to's Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:25:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 48 Hour Film Festival – Dallas http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=842 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=842#comments Thu, 08 Apr 2010 01:49:58 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=842 I have, along with the other members of the “Sons of Thunder” film team, entered the 48-hour film festival in Big D! We are partnering up with You+Media and we can’t wait to rock this festival! Alan Tregoning and Jason Vaile will be our writers and we are still putting together the rest of the team but I will list them all along with pictures right here when we get cracking! The filming will start at 7pm on Friday the 23rd of April and we have to have our film in by 7pm on Sunday the 25th.

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=842 0 Canon 7D http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=102 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=102#comments Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:41:53 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=102 The Canon 7D represents all that I love about indie-filmmaking. Why? Well, you can start with the size which is just a fraction of any other camera with full 1080i HD capability. This is swiftly followed by the ability to shoot at 24 frames a second so you have a beautiful cinematic look. And rounding out my top three favorite reasons (of 2398 reasons), is the ability to use still camera lenses (that I already own), which is usually a privilege reserved only for high end cameras such as the Arri and RED.

Now, when it comes to evangelizing the masterfulness of the Canon 7D, one of the top names is Philip Bloom. A good place to start is to with his visit to Skywalker Ranch at the request of George Lucas…

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=102 0 Indie Package http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=100 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=100#comments Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:28:09 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=100 There are 100 & 1 ways to put together a camera package and so much of it depends on shooting style, the script, location, eq availability, weather, and number of bites it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop, etc. So, to try to simplify this a bit, all of the equipment and packages here will follow these guidelines:

  • High-Definition quality of at least 720P
  • Audio Recording at CD-quality or better
  • Cost-Effective (Basically, as inexpensive as possible without sacrificing quality)
  • Mobile

There are still plenty of items that will fall under those qualifications so lets get to it!

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=100 0 5 Keys to Blog Posts from the Mind Bottling http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=43 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=43#comments Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:44:38 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=43 I love that scene in Blades of Glory…
Chazz: Mind-bottling, isn’t it?
Jimmy: Did you just say mind-bottling?
Chazz: Yeah, mind-bottling. You know, when things are so crazy it gets your thoughts all trapped, like in a bottle?
The challenge isn’t getting them out of the “bottle” but rather having them be somewhat coherent…So here are a few keys to writing great blog posts that I have found over time (and the net)…

1. “You aren’t writing a term paper; you are writing to create a conversation!”
I read this on Neil Patel’s blog and while it seems like common sense, it is still something you have to be constantly aware of…You as a reader would much rather me talk to you than at you…right? Your measure of success isn’t a letter grade but the feedback you get on the post. And on the term paper note…

2. “Don’t Choke the Reader!”
Quality is the key, not quantity. Keep it simple, pithy, and to the point. You don’t need to write 18 pages of material when 2-3 paragraphs will work. Until someone comes up with cliff notes for blogs, you are better off keeping it short.

3. “No Matter How Great Your Post Is, They Have To Click On The Title!”
I mean the title pretty much says it all! The goal of a good title is to get the click…You can write the world best blog entry but the world will never know if it has a title that is easily forgotten. Check out Problogger.net for how to use titles effectively.

4. “Don’t forget the basics!”
If it weren’t for spell check, I would be up a creek without a paddle and a gun with one bullet (Ok, that was a little bit dark in the analogy department but you get the point). Don’t forget the basics that you learned in grade school: read it through at least twice and check the spelling and grammar.

5. “What kinda post do you want to read?”
Over and again I have heard various directors and actors say “Well, I just thought about what kind of movie I would want to see and that is what I tried to make.” Same idea works here. When you are thinking through, writing, and re-reading the post, make sure you ask yourself is this something I would want to read and then adjust accordingly!

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=43 0 No-Budget Filmmaking Advice http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=35 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=35#comments Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:02:18 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=35 This month’s Filmmaker Magazine has a great article by Karin Chien (with contributions by Ben Howe) on how “Exploding Girl” got their indie production off the ground. Here are a few of the high points:

No-Budget Maxims:

1. Scale the script and director’s vision to the size of the budget.

2. Try new methods and new technology. Last year, it was the RED, this year it might be the Canon 5D.

3. Have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. Be prepared to shoot Plan C.

4. Look around, dig deep and take stock of all the resources you have.

5. Don’t be shy. Always Ask.

6. Be grateful and show it! It’s common courtesy, and it will help the next no-budget film that shows up exercising maxim #5.


Practical Tips:

1. Find large spaces with free wi-fi!

2. Make sure all of your production (grip, lighting, camera, sound, set dressing, props, wardrobe and unit supplies fit into one cargo van. Yes, it can be done.

3. Borrow an SUV or van from a friend. It will be super useful.

4. Only get a grip when you need one. Make do with talented PA’s when you can.

5. Shoot locations that come with free extras.

6. Keep track of other productions that will be wrapping during yoru production and offer to take their craft and expendables off their hands.

7. Find enthusiastic and smart interns and PA’s with multiple skill sets!

P.S. This article isn’t available online so go pick up a copy of the magazine to read the full article. It is totally worth it!

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=35 0 Act One http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=9 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=9#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:33:50 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=9

Artistry * Professionalism * Substance * Prayer

Act One trains and mentors Christians of all  denominations for careers in mainstream film and television.   We  prepare our students to produce film and TV projects that combine mastery of  craft with great depth and meaning.   As a non-profit  organization, we are wholly devoted to the professional and spiritual  development of our students.

Act One is a great organization, especially for Christian writers and producers. They have intensive weekends and workshops throughout the states for both writing and production.  Go check them out…Act One

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=9 0 Monster.com http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=7 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=7#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:33:10 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=7 Pretty sparse when it comes to true media/film jobs (mostly admin type stuff or different definitions of producer); but worth a look every now and then:

Monster.com

Monster.com Jobs In Colorado

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=7 0 Mandy.com http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=5 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=5#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:32:13 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=5 Mandy.com provides “international film and TV production resources”. The layout will remind you of Craig’s List minus the “It-puts-the-lotion-on-the-skin” personal ads. It had a few local crew jobs in Texas (which is local for me) as well as some casting announcements. As expected there were a ton of jobs and casting calls for NY and LA. There were also a bunch of jobs for various cities in Europe. This seems to be the best resource I have come across for truly Global resources whether jobs or production companies and crews.

Another great local feature is the “Search Using MAPS” where you can actually see exactly where the production companies are in relation to where you are looking to shoot or perhaps where you are based.

Finally, there is a Film Market section (where you can list or purchase presumable indie-films), a classified section for buying and selling various pieces of equipment, and a notice board with various announcements from film competitions to temp jobs.

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=5 0 Film Commissions by State http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=58 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=58#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:44:48 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=58 Here is a list of all the state film commissions by state:

Alabama

Alabama Film Office
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 616
Montgomery, AL 36104
Main Phone: (334) 242-4195
Fax: (334) 242-2077
www.alabamafilm.org

Alaska

Alaska Film Program
PO Box 110804
Juneau, AK 99811
(907) 269-8190
www.alaskafilm.org

Arizona

Arizona Film Commission
1700 W Washington St #600
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-771-1100800-528-8421
www.azcommerce.com/film

Arkansas

Arkansas Film Office
1 Capitol Mall – Room 2C-200
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-7676
(501) 682-3456 Fax
www.arkansasedc.com

California

California Film Commission
7080 Hollywood Blvd. #900
Hollywood, CA 90028
(800) 858-4749
(323) 860-2960
(323) 860-2972 Fax
www.film.ca.gov

Colorado

Colorado Film Commission
241 S. Cherokee St., Suite E
Denver, Colorado 80223
Phone: 303.592.4065
Fax: 303.722.1158
www.coloradofilm.org

Connecticut

Connecticut Film, Video & Media Office
One Constitution Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
860-256-2800
860-256-2811 (fax)
www.ctfilm.com

Delaware

Delaware Film Office
99 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901
(800) 441-8846
(302) 739-4271
(302) 739-5749 Fax
www.dedo.de.gov

District Of Columbia

Washington DC Office of Motion Picture & Television Development
441 4th Street NW #760
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-6608
film.dc.gov

Florida

Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment
Executive Office of the Governor
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Phone: (850) 410-4765
Toll Free: (877) FLA-FILM
Fax: (850) 410-4770
www.filminflorida.com

Georgia

Georgia Film & Video Tape Office
75 Fifth Street NW, Suite 1200
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 962-4052
(404) 962-4053 Fax
www.georgia.org

Hawaii

Hawaii Film Office
1 Capital District Bldg
250 S Hotel St 5th Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-2570
(808) 586-2572 Fax
www.hawaiifilmoffice.com

Idaho

Idaho Film Bureau
700 W. State Street
Boise, ID 83720
(800) 942-8338
(208) 334-2470
(208) 334-2631 Fax
www.filmidaho.com

Illinois

Illinois Film Office
100 W. Randolph St. 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 814-3600
(312) 814-8874 Fax
www.illinoisbiz.biz/film/index.html

Indiana

Indiana Film Commission
One North Capitol Ave #700
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2288
(317)-232-8888
(317)-232-4146 Fax
www.filmindiana.com

Iowa

Iowa Film Office
200 East Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-4726
(515) 242-4795 Fax
www.filmiowa.com

Kansas

Kansas Film Commission
1000 S.W. Jackson Street Suite 100
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1354
Phone: (785) 296-2178
Fax: (785) 296-3490
www.filmkansas.com

Kentucky

Kentucky Film Office
500 Metro St.
2200 Capital Plaza Tower
Frankfort, KY 40601
(800) 345-6591
(502) 564-3456
(502) 564-7588 Fax
www.kyfilmoffice.com

Louisiana

Louisiana Film and Television Development
1051 N. 3rd St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(888) 665-0447
(225) 342-8150
(225) 342-5389 Fax
www.lafilm.org

Maine

Maine Film Office
59 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-7631
www.filminmaine.com

Maryland

Maryland Film Office
217 E. Redwood St., 9th floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
(800) 333-6632
(410) 767-6340
(410) 333-0044 Fax
www.marylandfilm.org

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Film Office
31 St. James Avenue, Suite 260
Boston, Massachusetts, 02116
617.423.1155
617.423.1158 (fax)
www.massfilmbureau.com

Michigan

Michigan Film Office
300 N. Washington Sq., 4th Fl.
Lansing, MI 48913
(800) 477-3456
(517) 335-2693
(517) 241-0867 Fax
www.michigan.gov/filmoffice

Minnesota

Minnesota Film and Television Board
401 N. 3rd St., Suite 440
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(651) 645-3600
(651) 645-7373 Fax
www.mnfilmtv.org

Mississippi

Mississippi Film Office
501 North West St 5th Floor
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-3297
(601) 359-5048 Fax
www.filmmississippi.org

Missiouri

Missiouri Film Office
301 West High Street, Suite 720
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-522-1288
www.mofilm.org

Montana

Montana Film Office
301 S. Park Ave.
Helena, MT 59620
(800) 553-4563
(406) 841-2876
(406) 841-2877 Fax
www.montanafilm.com

Nebraska

Nebraska Film Office
P.O. Box 94666
Lincoln, NE 68509-4666
(402) 471-3746
(402) 471-3238 Fax
www.filmnebraska.org

Nevada

Nevada Film Office
555 E. Washington Ave. #5400
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(877) 638-3456
(702) 486-2711
(702) 486-2712 Fax
www.nevadafilm.com

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Film Office
20 Park Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2220
(603) 271-3163 Fax
www.nh.gov/film

New Jersey

New Jersey Motion Pictures & Film Offices
PO Box 47023
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 648-6279
(973) 648-7350 Fax
www.njfilm.org

New Mexico

New Mexico Film Office
418 Montezuma Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(800) 545-9871
(505) 476-5600
(505) 476-5601 Fax
www.nmfilm.com

New York

New York Governor’s Film Office
633 Third Ave. 33rd Fl
New York, NY 10017
(212) 803-2330
(212) 803-2339 Fax
www.nylovesfilm.com

North Carolina

North Carolina Film Office
301 N. Wilmington St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(866) 468-2273
(919) 733-9900
(919) 715-0151 Fax
www.ncfilm.com

North Dakota

North Dakota Film Commission
1600 E. Century Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 328-2525
(701) 328-4878 Fax
www.ndtourism.com

Ohio

Ohio Film Commission
77 South High Street 29th Floor
Columbus, Oh 42316
(800) 230-3523
(614) 644-5156
(614) 466-6744 Fax
www.discoverohiofilm.com

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Film And Music Office
120 N Robinson Ave Suite 600
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(800) 766-3456
(405) 230-8440
(405) 230-8640 Fax
www.oklahomafilm.org

Oregon

Oregon Film and Video Office
121 SW Salmon St. #1205
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 229-5832
(503) 229-6869 Fax
www.oregonfilm.org

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Film Office
Commonwealth Keystone Bldg
400 North St 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-3456
(717) 787-0687 Fax
www.filminpa.com

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Film Commission
355 F.D. Roosevelt Ave. #106
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918
(787) 758-4747
(787) 756-5706 Fax
www.puertoricofilm.com

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Film & TV Office
One Capital Hill
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3456
(401) 222-3018 Fax
www.film.ri.gov

South Carolina

South Carolina Film Office
1205 Pendleton St., Rm. 529
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-0490
(803) 737-3104 Fax
www.scfilmoffice.com

South Dakota

South Dakota Film Commission
711 East Wells Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(800) 952-3625
(605) 773-3301
(605) 773-3256 Fax
www.filmsd.com

Tennessee

Tennessee Film Commission
312 8th Ave. North, 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
(877) 818-3456
(615) 741-3456
(615) 741-5554 Fax
http://www.state.tn.us/film/

Texas

Texas Film Commission
PO Box 13246
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 463-9200
(512) 463-4114 Fax
www.governor.state.tx.us/film/

Utah

Utah Film Commission
300 N. State St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(800) 453-8824
(801) 538-8740
(801) 538-1397 Fax
www.film.utah.gov

Vermont

Vermont Film Commission
10 Baldwin Street
Montpelier, VT 05601
(802) 828-3618
(802) 828-0607 Fax
www.vermontfilm.com

Virginia

Virginia Film Commission
901 East Byrd Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 545-5530 Phone
(800) 854-6233 Toll Free
(804) 545-5531 Fax
www.film.virginia.org

Washington

Washington State Film Commission
2001 6th Ave. #2600
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 256-6151
(206) 256-6154 Fax
www.filmwashington.com

Washington DC

Washington DC Office of Motion Picture & TV Development
441 4th Street NW #760
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-6608
film.dc.gov

West Virginia

West Virginia Film Office
90 MacCorkle Ave. SW – #143
S. Charleston, WV 26303
(800) CALLWVA
(304) 558-2200
(304) 558-1662 Fax
www.wvfilm.com

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Film Office
648 N Plankinton #425
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 287-6235
www.filmwisconsin.org

Wyoming

Wyoming Film Office
1520 Etchetape Cir.
Cheyenne, WY 82007
(800) 458-6657
(307) 777-3400
(307) 777-2877 Fax
www.filmwyoming.com
www.wyomingfilm.org

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=58 0 No-Budget Filmmaking Advice http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=817 http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?p=817#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:45:54 +0000 admin http://www.lifebloodproject.com/wordpress/archives/817 This month’s Filmmaker Magazine has a great article by Karin Chien (with contributions by Ben Howe) on how “Exploding Girl” got their indie production off the ground. Here are a few of the high points:

No-Budget Maxims:

1. Scale the script and director’s vision to the size of the budget.

2. Try new methods and new technology. Last year, it was the RED, this year it might be the Canon 5D.

3. Have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. Be prepared to shoot Plan C.

4. Look around, dig deep and take stock of all the resources you have.

5. Don’t be shy. Always Ask.

6. Be grateful and show it! It’s common courtesy, and it will help the next no-budget film that shows up exercising maxim #5.

Practical Tips:

1. Find large spaces with free wi-fi!

2. Make sure all of your production (grip, lighting, camera, sound, set dressing, props, wardrobe and unit supplies fit into one cargo van. Yes, it can be done.

3. Borrow an SUV or van from a friend. It will be super useful.

4. Only get a grip when you need one. Make do with talented PA’s when you can.

5. Shoot locations that come with free extras.

6. Keep track of other productions that will be wrapping during yoru production and offer to take their craft and expendables off their hands.

7. Find enthusiastic and smart interns and PA’s with multiple skill sets!

P.S. This article isn’t available online so go pick up a copy of the magazine to read the full article. It is totally worth it!

]]> http://www.lifebloodproject.com/en/?feed=rss2&p=817 0