WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
I've a wonderful clip I use in my video production course of this master documentarian sharing how the Ken Burns effect came to be.
Well here's a look inside the storyteller's head, revealing some fundamental insights on what filmmaking is really about; telling a story and shaping the way it's told to elicit certain feelings and emotions from your audience.
If there's a common thread in these posts on filmmaking advice, it's to be true to yourself and your story. Be genuine. Don't make a film based on what you think will arouse. Let it move and excite you first. If it does then it'll move and excite others as well.
Enjoy.
KEEP MAKING FILMS
It's entitled Quentin Tarantino's advice, and he does make some good points (heavily peppered with expletives, but that's Quentin, right?).
But it's Sam Raimi's golden nugget at the beginning that shines here.
"Make films, no matter what anybody says, and you'll be a filmmaker."
FRIVOLOUS BUT FUN
Here's a neat compilation of on-set stills of Steven Spielberg through the years.
I've always chuckled at how images of directors have them wearing a hat. Usually a baseball cap. As if it were a prerequisite for directing. Might this harken back to the beret?
I've never worn hats. It's not my thing.
But I'm a director. Or am I?
I need a hat.
KINETIC TYPOGRAPHY: A PRIMER
This hardly scratches the surface, but it's enough to fan the flame and light the fire of a young creative eager to express themself through the medium of motion design, or what used to be known as motion graphics.
It will also demonstrate to anyone who hasn't yet experienced the phenomenon just how powerful moving words about the screen in rhythm to a soundtrack can be.
If you've ever seen Yahoo's "Who Knew?" http://news.yahoo.com/who-knew you know just how far this medium can be taken. In my estimation they're the best of the best and should be studied by anyone serious about this art form.
The following are a few select pieces chosen from many online that were set to the same soundtrack. I just happened to like the style of these. You can YouTube the titles to see how each artist has interpreted the track, which is what makes this medium so wonderful.
Like a snowflake, no two are ever alike.
And if you'll allow an ounce of self indulgence, I've included my very first effort at the end.
The Mickey Mouse Club Theme
Rocky Balboa's Motivational Speech
Network: Peter Finch Monologue
Portal: Still Alive
Andrew Wood: Tactics vs. Strategy
ANIMATION INSPIRATION
For aspiring character animators everywhere (and I include myself on the list) feast your eyes and open your mouths [in awe] over the incredible work of the students at www.AnimationMentor.com
This is one of those places where feature film animators get their start.
WATCH STUDENT SHOWCASE REELS HERE
FREDDIE & BRANDON’S HUMBLE BEGINNING
Freddie and Brandon's first post, from 2006.
"For those about to shoot, we salute you."
PRODUCTION AUDIO
If you're shooting for TV or film you're not wiring everyone with lavs. You're booming a shotgun mic.
Here's an interesting how-and-why-to production.
This was written and directed by Colin Hart for Full Sail University's Digital Audio Production class in the Digital Cinematography program.
TYPE FOR MOTION DESIGN
What Alexander says about having a small stable of type you're familiar with and that works is true for all digital design. But it's especially true for motion design. There are just certain go-to faces that work better than others.
Here's his top 10 list. It's very good. And all the font sets are free if you'd like any you don't have.
JOHN BALDESSARI – A BRIEF HISTORY
A fascinating retrospect of this influential artist, deftly edited and narrated with perfect dry wit by Tom Waits.
Tom Waits. How cool is that?