Dailymirror.us

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!

I read a great article on the old models versus the new models of film distribution, especially at Sundance. It is interesting to see that, despite the wave of indie productions (specifically the actual writing and shooting of a film), for the most part the distribution model has remained unchanged. I wonder when/if the indie mindset will allow someone to create a new distribution model that will finally incorporate the internet & social media in an efficient manner. Is this the next frontier for indie revolution or will big money-old school win out?

BTW, I love the idea of multi-release strategies on an opening date; Mark Cuban had this idea years ago. I think this is going to be key in new models that will literally push content to people individually instead of corporately to theaters. Now, if we could just get an app that creates butter popcorn on your iphone, we will be all set…

Maybe it is the Dog Lover coming out but I thought this video was great! Course it is typical that the dog doesn’t listen to the guy…it isn’t till the mommie gets involved that she does it

Wow, I am not even sure how to start this post! I am as surprised to be writing it right now as you might be to read it. But I have had several people ask why I am leaving Prestonwood and so I wanted to give a direct answer.

Over the past several months, Becky and I have been praying for God to draw us closer to each other and to Him. And since mid-December, he has been consistently giving us verses on reliance and boldness. (No kidding, we do a bible reading plan that one of my volunteers made for us several years ago and over the last 4 weeks, we have been given 6-7 verses on “not fearing” and his promise of provision. )

He has also been laying an irresistible desire for full time media creation and collaboration. I know that God is calling me to make a positive change in this generation using different media outlets (both traditional and new media). One of the ways that he showed me this next step was in opening a door to be the Creative Director on the second season of TBN’s iShine KNECT. It was not something I sought after but I am SOOOO excited about doing! And initially, it looked like I could go direct with TBN in Nashville while simultaneously representing Prestonwood! It was a huge vote of confidence to have Prestonwood see fit to give me the time to pursue the opportunity with TBN. I thought this was the fulfillment of what God had been trying to tell me. However, last week God began to reveal more fully his next step for me. And to be honest, I don’t completely understand the Lord’s timing for laying this on my heart. But I do know that he has given this next step to both my wife and me and I would not stand in the way of the blessing that he is going to bring to Prestonwood through the person that will take my place nor the glory that he is going to bring to himself through me.

Over the last two and a half years, God has used my co-workers and our various experiences together to teach me so much about his love for us and his love for the children we serve. These experiences and the resulting growth will continue to challenge and equip me for all that God is calling me to do with media. On behalf of my wife and myself, I am very thankful for the opportunity to work at Prestonwood and to work with the extremely talented creative team and children’s ministry staff. They will be continuously in my prayers.

YouTube Direct is a new venture by youtube.com to provide a link between news organizations and the average joe. Basically, the news organizations are able to create a platform through youtube that facilitates sollicating and reveiwing submissions from just about anyone. Then they can use it (if they like it) on their own news page or even on air. Not a bad concept. Just think of the videos we could have seen of the kid in colorado “flying” over the mountains…

Well, it is a new year and a time for new beginnings. I don’t usually let so long a time go between blog entries, however there has been much going on. Beck and i bought a home, moved, I have been asked to be the Creative Director on iShine KNECT’s 2nd Season, and I am leaving Pwood. So a little busy but no excuses…

It is not a rare occasion for Beck to be excited about a new creation on Etsy.com or some fantastic sale she has been emailed. However, it is rare for me to share the same enthusiasm about purchases on the web… until I caught wind last week of the Apple spring media event on January 27th! (Cue the Joys of christmas morning!!!) Besides being excited about the new mac tablet model, I am past due to upgrade from my personal G4 to a nice, new shiny MacBook Pro. (I have been using one of the first MacBook Pro’s that is my work computer in the interim) They are due to announce the latest version of the MacBook Pro with updated processors and an overall upgrade. Here’s hoping…

Just found this video channel on Blip.tv today as I was uploading our latest episode on the Book of Destiny channel. This video in particular is taken from the point of view of a piece of luggage on a conveyor belt going through an art show. The old Berlin Tempelhof Central Airport has been turned into an art gallery…Check it out.