Archives For Film
Why You Should Give John Carter a Chance
Rachel M Taylor — July 5, 2012
I'm honestly really surprised John Carter didn't do better than it did. It had everything that a good sci-fi/fantasy movie should have. Plus, the books, written in 1912, contained the richness that could have made this movie as cinematically thrilling as Lord of the Rings.
Yet, the movie bombed at the box office. Lack of marketing was probably a huge factor, but the other problem was the majority of people didn't know who John Carter was, and the title definitely didn't help matters.
When I first heard that title, I thought it was going to be some boring political movie about some guy named John Carter. I had no idea that it was going to be a space adventure. If they had used the full title, John Carter of Mars, I think it would have attracted more of a crowd. Continue Reading…
In Sci-fi/Fantasy	barsoom, dejah thoris, Disney, Fantasy, Film, john carter, Lord of the Rings, mars, Sci-Fi, TV and Movies
Tired of Twilight? Independent Films Don't Suck…Or Bite
Rachel M Taylor — May 2, 2012
Does anyone else feel like most movies are missing the mark these days? Almost every time I go to the theater, I feel like I am being robbed of both my time and of money. I sit there wondering whether these filmmakers even tried to make a compelling movie. It's more about making money than anything else, and I hate that the big film companies know that they don't have to make a good movie to make a huge profit. Continue Reading…
In Sci-fi/Fantasy	audience, Communication, Entertainment, Fantasy, Film, Filmmaking, Media, Platform, TV and Movies, Twilight, Vampire
Kristen Stewart. I Want to Like Her, But…
Katie Baker — May 1, 2012
OK, so I just saw the full trailer for Snow White and the Huntsman, and at first glance it looks great! I would typically be really excited about this film, but Kristen Stewart is playing Snow White. I just don't understand what Hollywood sees in this girl. I get that she is stunningly beautiful and thin, which is all you really need nowadays to make a name for yourself, but she is not leading lady material. Continue Reading…
In Sci-fi/Fantasy	Fantasy, Film, Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Stewart, Sci-Fi, Snow White and the Huntsman, The Hunger Games, Twilight, Winter's Bone
Top 10 Best iPhone and iPad Apps for Filmmakers
Dan Baker — April 30, 2012
I forget my iPhone is a phone sometimes. I use it for so many things; listening to music, browsing the web, editing documents. I also use it quite a bit when I'm making a film. I'm not as gung-ho as some people are, but there are a handful of apps that I've found indispensable.
The app landscape is ever changing, so here's my current top 10 go-to apps:
In iOS	apple, apps, artemis director's viewfinder, Cinemek Storyboard Composer, Clinometer, Cut Notes, Dropbox, Evernote, Film, Filmmaking, Final Cut Pro, Fire, Index Card, iPad, iPhone, Scripts Pro, Sun Seeker
Meet Kent Smith: Avarice Composer
Today is a special treat for me, because I get to introduce you to my friend and collaborator Kent Smith. I met Kent through Continuum Arts and we've been itching to work together on a film ever since.
Kent's passion for film and musical sensibilities are the perfect combination of ninja and secret agent. When Rachel Taylor pitched Avarice to me, I knew it was the perfect project for Kent to score. Don't believe me? I asked him some probing questions below, read on and see for yourself:
In Meet and Greet	avarice, composer, daylight fades, Film, Kent Smith, meet, Memphis, Music, score
Being Confident in Yourself and Your Work: 3 Excuses We All Make
Rachel M Taylor — April 26, 2012
I have recently been introduced to the world of self promotion, and we've gotten off to a shaky start. It's definitely something to get used to, unless you're just a super confident person, which let's be honest, most people in the arts are not. I've learned a few things through my whining and complaining about how I now have to be a self promoter; so here are 3 common excuses and reasons why you should push past them: Continue Reading…
In Life, etc...	art, artist, Comic Con, Confidence, Excuses, Fantasy, Film, Filmmaking, Midsouth Comic Con, Promotion, Self Promotion, syndicate
Why Peter Jackson Is My Favorite Director
Peter Jackson is one of the best director's of our generation, in my opinion. His films have ranged from indie slasher flicks to elegantly delivered epics. Although not all of his movies may seem similar, they all have one characteristic that unites them: a brilliantly executed story. But I think what makes his films so compelling is the man behind the movies, and I definitely think his life of filmmaking can be used to offer a budding filmmaker some guidance. Continue Reading…
In TV and Movies	bad taste, Directors, Fans, Fantasy, Film, Filmmaking, Horror, Lord of the Rings, Monsters, New Zealand, Peter Jackson, Production Diaries, Story, The Hobbit, TV and Movies, Video Blog
[16:9] Caine's Arcade
Project 16:9 features films with a destination, whether it be an awareness driven documentary or a question-raising narrative. Right or wrong, these films know where they're going.
Cardboard and Packing Tape
When I was a youngin' we lived clear out in the desert, a good 20 minute drive from civilization. There weren't many kids my age out there, so I had to find creative ways to entertain myself. With cardboard and hot glue I created fantasy landscapes for my action figures and weapons to chase my little brother around with.
When I saw Caine's Arcade, my heart melted. Caine Monroy, a 9-year-old living in East L.A., having to spend an entire summer alone stranded at his Dad's auto parts shop, built an elaborate arcade out of nothing but cardboard and packing tape. Filmmaker Nirvan Mullick was equally smitten as I, and organized a surprise that Caine will never, ever forget. I won't ruin it for you, so watch for yourself:
In Project 16:9	16:9, acts, caines arcade, cardboard, Film, Filmmaking, hot glue, project, syndicate, tape
What Every Director Needs to Know Before Shooting
Dan Baker — April 9, 2012
A film set is a living organism. There are many teams, like organs, working independently to support the whole. At the center of it all is the brain, the Director, responsible for making sure all the teams work together in unison.
But there's a hitch. Unlike our brains which are hardwired to every inch of our body, the Director can only be in one place at one time. To make matters worse, during production the Director's time will be dominated by the actors. In order for the film to come together smoothly, the Director must provide a set of blueprints that the crew can work from. Continue Reading…
In Filmmaking	animatics, Cast, Crew, Directing, Director, Directorial, Disney, Film, Filmmaking, Lined Script, Materials, Overheads, Peter Jackson, Pixar, Pre-Production, Pre-Visualization, Preparation, Shot List, Storyboard, syndicate
How to Create a Fantasy World on a Budget
Rachel M Taylor — April 5, 2012
Fantasy films are so much fun to create and watch, but so freaking expensive! I had no idea my imagination was going to cost so much money when I was writing Avarice, but once we sat down to really think about what we needed to sell this world, I started thinking that maybe creativity was overrated.
However, I quickly learned that creativity is not just about coming up with new and interesting ideas. It's also about how to make those ideas into a reality. Here are some cost efficient ways to turn your imagination into a world you can share with others. Continue Reading…
In Filmmaking	art direction, Brewery, Budget, Chad Irwin, Directing, Fantasy, Film, Filmmaking, Locations, Memphis, Production Design, Props, Sci-Fi, Setting, Short Film, syndicate, Tennessee, Thrift Stores, TN, Wardrobe