Sam Longoria Filmmaking Blog

at 4:27 AM

Which HDV camera is best?
Which JVC camera should I buy?
Why the question is funny to me.

at 3:36 AM

What happens when the set knows
more than the Director?

at 3:48 AM

Sunset in Seattle, on those rare days when it's sunny,
means it's the last shot of the day...
The Martini Shot

at 4:35 AM

Once you've got a house, you've got most of what you need.
Don't believe me? Build Your Own Filmmaking Studio

at 4:25 AM

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Paul Winchell, a ventriloquist,
inventor and children's TV show host best known for creating the
lispy voice of Winnie the Pooh's animated friend Tigger, has died.
He was 82.

Winchell died Friday morning in his sleep at his Moorpark home,
Burt Du Brow, a television producer and close family friend,
told the Los Angeles Times.

Over six decades, Winchell was a master ventriloquist --
bringing dummies Jerry Mahoney and
Knucklehead Smiff to life on television -- and an inventor who
held 30 patents, including one for an
early artificial heart he built in 1963. Unfortunately, the
heart wouldn't work unless Winchell had his
hand in the patient's back.

(Thanks a lot to my pal Randy in NZ.)

at 5:55 AM

Producing your own Independent Feature movie
can take years off your Hollywood Shuffle.

Learn all the tools, tricks, and strategems
to become an Independent Producer, and leapfrog
over your filmmaking competition!

Stop trying to make deals, and start making movies!
Everything you need to know, to make your own
Independent Feature, in only two days.

Hollywood Seminars "Independent Producing,"
20-21 August 2005, for info call 323-960-5550

at 4:40 AM

Looks like Gene Autry and the Alex Theatre
are finally giving Sergio Leoni the retrospective
he deserves, and as a guy with a Techniscope jones,
I'm excited. This is the Summer of Sergio.

at 3:57 AM

Love those big cars,
big guns, big movies...
IMAX!

at 3:36 AM

...when the set knows more than
the Filmmaker?

at 4:22 AM

A brilliant film system for shooting
31% more image at 48fps, twice the frame
rate, only using 50% more film. Huh?
Don't worry. This is bigger than math.

at 4:14 AM

Well, we're back on the air, after a massive computer snarl.
I'm holding the 28% discount on my ultimate filmmaking
money-raising guide until it ships, which will be soon.

Completely updated the links, so it's even more relevant and useful.
Whole bunch of new info, for those who want to apply for grants
(free money you never have to repay) as well as my simple system
to find and qualify investors for your film and video projects.
Chock-full of these and other loan sources. You'll love it.

With all this information at your fingertips, if you can't raise all the money
you need, you're not trying. (Maybe you don't really want to be a filmmaker...)
Fully backed by my awesome 1 year money-back guarantee.

The 28% discount is for those who order in the next few days before
it ships. I'm focused on the book right now, and I appreciate your patience.
"Secrets Of Raising Money For Your Movie"

at 4:07 AM

Here's your question for the day:
Should film be harder to break into?

at 4:07 AM

How many feet? How many frames? Minutes? Seconds?
16mm? 35mm? Thank goodness for
Greg Pak's Film Footage Chart

at 4:25 AM

Warning: Not for the jaded or cynical. Romantics only.

at 4:18 AM

Here's a taste of the new 4k DALSA Origin Camera.
Mmmm.

at 4:25 AM

My friend Mike Conway's indy movie lighting course
is short, to the point, succinct, pithy, abrupt, and concise.
In a word, brief.

at 4:30 AM

Although it happened a while back, this program,
from Panavision and the New Mexico Tourism Department,
is worth a read. What a heart-stopper. These guys are serious!
New Mexico just looks better and better as a place to shoot movies.

at 3:44 AM

Oh, no. Eddie Albert died today,
at the age of 99.

"Green Acres" is still my favorite
sitcom of all time, as it's so far beyond tv.
It's surreal and insane!

If you watch it carefully, you'll eventually notice
most of the dialogue is shot before painted backdrops.
That show cost virtually nothing but a backdrop rental
and some actors every week. And some film. Love it.

I'm so sorry to hear of Eddie Albert's passing. He was a real
war hero, a good singer, and is in one of my most favorite movies.

Elaine May's "The Heartbreak Kid," starring her daughter Jeanne Berlin,
Charles Grodin, and Cybill Shepherd. Script by Neil Simon.
Eddie played Cybill's Dad, and was he tough! And funny.

Grodin, a shallow opportunistic newlywed, who's just abandoned
his bride because she has the worst sunburn ever filmed,
asks Eddie something like,
"Sir, would you be all right with me keeping company
with your daughter?"

Eddie, tough as nails, responds:
"Not if I were dragged forty miles by my tongue."

Rest in peace, Eddie.

at 4:05 AM

Break out your light meter and your contrast glass, the
Kodak Cinematography Workshop is coming to Seattle!

at 4:38 AM

Only a few days left to get my ultimate filmmaking
money-raising guide, at a 28% discount on its price.
It ships 1 June 2005.

Completely updated the links, so it's even more relevant and useful.
Whole bunch of new info, for those who want to apply for grants
(free money you never have to repay) as well as my simple system
to find and qualify investors for your film and video projects.
Chock-full of these and other loan sources. You'll love it.

With all this information at your fingertips, if you can't raise all the money
you need, you're not trying. (Maybe you don't really want to be a filmmaker...)
Fully backed by my awesome 1 year money-back guarantee.

That 28% discount is for those who order in the
dwindling few days before 1 June. Sign up and save!
"Secrets Of Raising Money For Your Movie"

at 2:28 AM

I note with sadness that Howie Morris, of
"Your Show Of Shows" has passed away, at 85.
If you don't know who Howie Morris was,
well you just should, that's all.

at 3:50 AM

Independent filmmakers from all over converge on Cleveland
Ohio USA 3-5 June 2005 to meet, schmooze, and make movies.
Learn more here.

at 3:59 AM

You may be horrified to learn Kodak may discontinue making
Kodachrome. Sure, they'll make some fine-grain negative, but
that's not what we want. It's gotta be that deep saturation,
fine-grain dye-coupled reversal beauty you just don't find in life.
The look of Man and God. (Mannes and Godowsky, both named
Leopold, mixed up the first batch in a bathtub.) Let Kodak
know - seventy years is not enough! Kodachrome Petition.

at 3:57 AM

If you're spending under $5k for a digital camera so you can make
a movie, this is the one to get. Here's your intro. Shake hands.

at 4:18 AM

Producing your own Independent Feature movie
can take years off your Hollywood Shuffle.

Learn all the tools, tricks, and strategems
to become an Independent Producer, and leapfrog
over your filmmaking competition!

Stop trying to make deals, and start making movies!
Everything you need to know, to make your own
Independent Feature, in only two days.

Hollywood Seminars "Independent Producing,"
25-26 June 2005, for info call 323-960-5550

at 4:35 AM

Here's a radical claim, from the _NY Times_ review,
by AO Scott:

"This is by far the best film in the more recent trilogy, and
also the best of the four episodes Mr. Lucas has directed.
That's right: it's better than 'Star Wars.'

'Revenge of the Sith' ranks with 'The Empire Strikes Back'
(directed by Irvin Kershner in 1980) as the richest and most
challenging movie in the cycle. It comes closer than any of
the other episodes to realizing Mr. Lucas's frequently
reiterated dream of bringing the combination of vigorous
spectacle and mythic resonance he found in the films of Akira
Kurosawa into American commercial cinema."

Agree? Disagree?

at 4:21 AM

Need some really good royalty-free country music for
film or video use? Ballads, comic, old country, solos,
duets more. All new songs recorded in Nashville.
No charge, just credits. Free CD.

You'll help a WWII and Korea Vet fighter pilot who's
been a songwriter since age of 13, and has won awards
from Billboard magazine. If you need a release,
modify this one.

He's not online, you must write to him.
Les Warner Music, P.O. Box 34, Harvey, LA 70058
I'd include some stamps or a buck to cover postage,
just to be nice, and grease your karmic skids.

at 3:53 AM

Only the high points. All you need to know.
How to get your video movie into a 35mm projector.

at 4:08 AM

Collecting or accumulating vintage movie cameras
and projectors is its own reward.
Here are manuals for those guys. Enjoy!

at 4:02 AM

Here's more on the smallest,
cheapest HD camera.

at 3:50 AM

The smallest HD camera is still the Aaton A-Minima S16mm
film camera. Cheapest to shoot? Still the double-a.
The numbers tell the story.

at 4:45 AM

Okay, it's film for you. Want to hit the high points
in only one page? Here ya go. You're welcome.
Kodak Filmmaking and Cinematography Basics

at 4:13 AM

What's it all about? Here's an introduction to digital
cameras, in a brief, concise, and yet short way.
Digital "Film" Cameras

at 2:35 PM

If you squint, it looks like a menacing Tyrannosaurus Rex.
From its mammoth lens and film-mag-shaped recorder on
top, it's pure Panavision. Meet the Genesis. How big?
Big enough - it's got a Super 35mm sized image sensor.

at 4:05 AM

As they have for 19 years, Jacques Gurfinkiel and Arscipro's
Workshop once again provide a highly-recommended and just plain
dynamite hands-on 35mm Filmmaking workshop
in Paris, France. Could it be any better? TrÃ¨s bon!

If you can't get to Paris France, and you wouldn't mind learning
in Hollywood CA USA, surf over to Hollywood Seminars

at 4:37 AM

Does it ever bother you that there's at least 25% of valuable
35mm film "real estate" thrown away on even the most efficient
productions? So they invented 3-perf, just for you...

at 4:14 AM

Sometimes simple things are the best.
Thank you, beko. I really appreciate it.
Your hard work makes me smile.

at 3:45 AM

Looks like George is really serious, he's moved all those old
"Star Wars" ILM workers off his ranch, and down to The Presidio.
Seems he's prepping Lucasfilm for life after "Star Wars,"
or even after George himself. What a guy.

at 2:07 AM

So, is HD really better-faster-cheaper?
I know you save a day, not waiting for dailies,
the cost of stock is ridiculously cheap, film
doesn't have as generous a run time, shooting HD is easy,
and you save money. But are these things true?

at 4:22 AM

Hollywood Seminars - Learn Filmmaking in the
Film Capital of the World - Or wherever you are!
Box 2449, Hollywood CA 90078 323.960.5550

Next Event: "Independent Producing"
25-26 June 2005, Hollywood CA USA

FREE Report - Find Your First Hollywood Job!
http://hollywoodseminars.com

at 4:35 AM

If you have €80k, and want to fill 20 minutes with pulse-pounding
big-screen action, the good news is you can do it. Bad news, who
do you invite to the wrap party? After all, the whole movie was
2 guys, a house full of computers, and a greenscreen.

at 4:16 AM

Want to sell your shorts, trailers, TV shows, features?
You can do it online. Write to Diane, tell her I sent you,
she'll hook you up. No setup fee

at 3:39 AM

So, one day when you can't shoot because planes are going
over, or your Actress couldn't come today, because she has
a real job, or you gave an Actor some money to get food for
the crew, and he just never came back. Empty your mind...
The Rules of Indy Filmmaking

at 3:59 AM

El Mariachi was just a calling card. Here's what he
really wants to teach you. Watch yourself!
Robert Rodriguez's 10-minute Film School

at 4:34 AM

Okay, now you're talking. A digital camera that might just
revolutionize everything for low-budget filmmaking.
24p HD in a lightweight, cheap, mass-produced camera.
Is it 35mm? No, but it might get you there...
Now you're talking - Panasonic AG-HVX200

at 4:53 AM

Lucky ducks in the UK got a master class with Brad Bird.
Visit Making The Incredibles Master Class

at 3:58 AM

See what everybody else is doing,
at the original filmmaking portal.

at 4:12 AM

I can definitely recommend the work of the legendary
Mr. Jaakko Kurhi of Meritex in Oakland CA USA.
He can repair or tune up your Bolex, convert it to
Super16mm, any mods you like, or build you an honest
to goodness digital/optical printer. I trust him completely.
510.581.9791 Tell him the Sam the Film Wizard sent you.
Jaakko has been helping filmmakers do the impossible
for thirty-plus years. JK Camera / Meritex

at 3:55 AM

Want to shoot beautiful images, more quickly and simply than
on video, yet with image quality that blows HD and SD away?
The Bell & Howell Eyemo is still the coolest!
Eyemo / Video shootout!

at 3:43 AM

If you have any information about the hikers in this video,
notify the Tacoma County Police, at the listed number.
Please help - time is of the essence.

at 3:49 AM

Hollywood Seminars - Learn Filmmaking in the
Film Capital of the World - Or wherever you are!
Box 2449, Hollywood CA 90078 323.960.5622

FREE Report - Find Your First Hollywood Job!
http://hollywoodseminars.com

at 3:41 AM

Is your movie DONE? Ready to get out there? You could
sell DVDs online, enter it in a hobuncha festivals. Or...
Take it to Darlene, and SELL IT!

at 9:47 AM

As a public service, for those who can't afford film school,
or afford the time to go to film school, when they could be
making movies...here's a hoot and a half...maybe two hoots.
Judging Distance.

at 12:49 PM

It's a moving picture, so you've gotta move
the camera, right? You don't have a lot of money,
but there's stuff around the house. Start building!
Here's a new wrinkle in grip equip.
The Incredible Ironing Board Dolly!

at 4:47 AM

Today, let us consider Ray Dennis Steckler. I mentioned
"The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped
Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!?" the other day, and
many have asked about him. His name was "Cash Flagg" in that one,
"Sven Christian," "Christopher Edwards," "Cindy Lou Steckler," in others.

He made lots of bad movies, some truly bad stuff, he was a whiz at it.
No, not as bad as "The Creeping Terror" but definitely a contender.

If you take the time to read his illustrious history, you will be
astounded at how many movies he made, how bad they were,
and how many names he had.

You may say he couldn't make movies, but you can't say he didn't.
He definitely had the "make a 35mm movie" thing down. It's only
a state of mind, and he had it. Learn from this.

at 4:53 AM

A moment of silence please, to remember the best studio
in town, and how it was most recently brought low.
The Lion Will Roar No More

at 4:00 AM

Appreciation grows for the guys who made the ultimate Fan Film.
I love the original so much, and I know just how much you want
to honor the art you love. My hat is off to these guys, who gave
up so much, to get their little movie to the lofty state we call "done."
And how did you spend YOUR childhood?

at 4:15 AM

Of all the questions I get, this one's the easiest.
What is the worst movie ever made?
Worse than
"Plan 9 From Outer Space?"
Yes, by leaps and bounds. This film makes
"Plan 9" look like "Citizen Kane."
Worse than
"The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped
Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!?"
(Shot by future greats Joseph Mascelli,
Laszlo Kovacs, and Vilmos Zsigmond!)
Yes, worse than that.
Worse than
"Zombies of the Stratosphere"
(1952 serial, with Leonard Nimoy as a Martian!)
Yes, much much worse, because
NOTHING IS AS BAD as "THE CREEPING TERROR!"
Review of "The Creeping Terror" 1
Review of "The Creeping Terror" 2
You can get the "Mystery Science 3000" version here,
sadly the only way it's on DVD, but just turn the DVD over,
to see "The Creeping Terror" full-strength!

at 4:57 AM

Simple system teaches how to find film
financing Movie Angels, or have them find you.
Pre-sales 28% off until 1 June 2005.

at 3:53 AM

This made my hair stand up on my head.
It almost happened to me, just a week or so ago.
Moral is, don't necessarily believe it if you
lose a bid, and get a "second chance offer."
Check it out first.

at 4:41 AM

Here's one you need to read, when the going gets tough

at 4:52 AM

Just as I begin my 35mm Renaissance in earnest,
so as to make 35mm feature theatrical movies,
there's this article, by Ed Epstein of the LA Times.
The movie biz has moved to your house.

at 4:30 AM

Filmmaking Help From Your Uncle Ivan Watson!

Back when I got started making movies,

there was this British filmmaking writer.

His name was Ivan Watson, and he wrote about filmmaking
in a friendly and incredibly informative way. He truly had a
gift for making the complicated seem easy!

I thought of him as "Uncle Ivan," and loved reading his
film magazine columns. I corresponded with him by mail,
and still have his books in my library.

Years later, I still use everything he taught me,
in my professional film career, every day.

I'm happy today to recommend
Uncle Ivan's great filmmaking books.

I hope that helps you make YOUR movie!

Uncle Ivan
Ivan Watson
Uncle Ivan Watson
Ivan Watson Film Books
Sound Sense For Movie Makers

at 4:19 AM

So my movie after this one is a western. People used to make
westerns because they were cheap. (The westerns, and the people.)
Now, to make them is dangerous and time-consuming, and you have to
buy a ton of stuff they just don't make any more. Here's a danger
you might not have considered. Hugh O'Brian knows.

at 4:08 AM

I had dinner with Roger Corman, on a boat in Seattle years
ago, and could not get over it, this elegant gentleman in a
cashmere sweater was the same man who Directed a movie
called "Bucket of Blood." Years later, I worked at his secret
Venice movie studio, and learned a lot about making movies,
perhaps the most important thing is, don't listen to anybody
who says you can't. It's his 79th birthday today, so I send
a heartfelt (and cheap) Happy Birthday Roger Corman!

at 4:47 AM

If you want your movie to come together, and get distribution
and publicity and fame, yes you need a movie star. How
do you get them to be in your movie? You ask them. How do
you find them? Babe, welcome to the Twenty-first Century!

at 3:30 AM

So, I was at a TRW swap meet, a meeting of geeks and dweebs,
hackers and hamsters, way out in Torrence, to the West of LA,
and I bought an AutoMax.

I'd bought a couple before, but didn't know what they were, or
how to use them. Usually, I've bought 'em at a surplus store,
and dumped 'em during a spring cleaning garage sale.
I didn't know any better.

A guy had it on a table, a little black case with a handle, that
smelled like my violin. Inside, was a little 35mm movie camera
with a Bell & Howell Eyemo lens mount, and a shoe to take
Mitchell 35mm magazines. Never used.

He sold it to me cheap, as though it were a little old Argus 35mm
with a double-rangefinder. Cool, but old. Took it home, put it
into my closet. Years later, I took it out, and researched it,
to sell on eBay. To my shock, I found I'd bought a Stradivarius.

AUTOMAX G-1 Photo Instrumentation Data Recorder 35mm Movie
Camera, for 35mm Cine Photography and Time-Lapse Data Capture.
High-falutin' name for such a little brick of a camera.

Made in 1953, before they were publicly available. Survey,
Surveillance, Time-lapse or Animation. Basically, it takes one
frame every so often. It's designed to shoot literally MILLIONS
of frames, and can take rough use.

Lock it down, feed it 28VDC electricity. (Two 12V batteries
work, or boat or airplane battery. Any military, too.)

Best for Time-Lapse cinematography, although it can be driven at
cine speed. Registration is good.

New or mint, they sell for about $10,000.
Used and worn, around $3,000.

This one is a Model G-1, in storage since it was made.

I called the owner of the Automax Company. He told me the
camera mechanism simply doesn't wear out, and after
5 MILLION FRAMES, you only need to dust it out.

This camera still has 5,000,000 frames left to shoot!

The factory will make an adapter (just a little plate), for
Mitchell, Arriflex, or Nikon lenses. Any lens you like.

It shoots FULL-FRAME 35mm, (also called SUPER 35mm).
From that, extract any format you want.
(Academy, 1.85, 1.66, Scope, 2.35, 16x9, etc.)

Mitchell-style film magazines hold 200ft, 400 ft, 1000 ft.
1000' magazine holds 16,000 high-resolution frames.
At 40Mb/frame, that's 640 Gigabytes that will last a century!

Pretty exciting. I can lace this up, set it and forget it.
When I come back, I have clouds boiling on the horizon, or cars
streaking by. Time-lapse is dramatic, poignant, often poetic.
Yes, please. I want to Master Time and Space.

When I researched it, I was deeply into the HD thing.
This little camera was the first part of my 35mm Renaissance.
Cheap and available now, because the Perceived Value is down.
If you see one, buy it.

This one is not for sale. I'm using it.

at 4:06 AM

It's late, late at night, and I'm working hard.
Desi and Lucy are playing in the background.
The great 1954 comedy, "The Long, Long Trailer."
It's just so...good. Produced by Pandro S. Berman,
Directed by Vicente Minnelli (Liza's dad.)
Classic screen comedy, when MGM was the best
studio in town, making the best movies, period.
Lucy was great, so solid as a comedienne. Desi was
wonderful, quite underrated. A brilliant performer
and businessman, he swung their great deals, inventing
the 3-camera sitcom shoot and the re-run. I interviewed
Desi Jr. for a tv show, and have nothing but respect.
This one is really Desi and Lucy at the top of their game.
Read about it, and see what I mean.

at 4:56 AM

I hope you love this, even as I.

at 4:25 AM

Simple system teaches how to find
Movie Angels, or have them find you.
Pre-sales 28% off until 1 June 2005.

at 4:19 AM

Hollywood Seminars - Learn Filmmaking in the
Film Capital of the World - Or wherever you are!
Box 2449, Hollywood CA 90078 323.960.5550
http://hollywoodseminars.com

at 2:36 AM

So, let's say you have three thousand dollars, burning a hole
in your pocket. It could happen. A relative leaves you some,
you have a refund coming, you sell some stock. You know you'd
just squander it on food and rent, but you're a filmmaker, dammit.
That money must go to make your movie. If you don't spend it,
and right away, you'll never move forward.

You post on filmmaking discussion boards, you call a friend,
and ask, "What's the best camera I can buy?" He asks,
"How much do you have?" You tell him, and rather than
laughing in your face, he asks an odd question.

"Where do you want your movie to show?" A little
soul-searching turns up a factoid: What you really
want is for your movie to play in a theatre.

On tv, sure. On cable and DVD, yep. Maybe a festival,
but it's gotta start in a theatre full of people, watching
your story, sitting in the dark.

Your friend's expression turns serious, because he knows that
you are. "$3k won't make a dent in an HD camera," he says.
"They're $100-200k or so, for a CineAlta, Varicam, or Viper.
Jeff Kreines's 'Kinetta,' which is my favorite, even
though it's not even shipping yet, is $60k."

"16mm is okay, but when it's done, you won't have anything
to show in a theatre. Whether you shoot regular or Super-16mm,
you still need to make a blowup, and that's just as expensive
as shooting 35mm to begin with."

"Video? It's called "digital" now, but it's really just video.
Even HD is really just video. Yes, I've seen the new Sony HDV
camera. To fit HD into such a little camera, they have to
compress the HD, to fit the DV."

"That compression means even a tiny dropout will lose you the
whole compressed data block, that's one-half second screen time.
Ever see a dropout? Sure you have. Take that chance? Not me."

"If you've got $3k, the Panasonic DVX-100A is a great choice.
Leica lens, wonderful award-winning design, easy to use, well-balanced.
Great audio section, for really good sound. You can get them new
for about $3k, or on eBay for less."

"DVX-100A footage blows up to 35mm really well. Make sure to shoot
with the '24p Advance' setting, it makes a better filmout. This is
the best digital video camera, in my opinion. It's a good tradeoff,
and the camera's response curves have been tweaked, so it really looks
like film. A great audio setup, to make a pristine digital recording
of your noisy location. Only problem is the cost of the blowup."
Then he gives you the look.

"If you're a real die-hard, and you decide to really go all the way
with this, you're going to want 35mm.
Real 35mm costs $80/minute to shoot, and it plays on any theatre
projector in the world. It's easier to load, easier to edit,
it's bigger, and you can see the images."

"Maybe you just have a part-time income. Can you shoot 35mm?
Yes you can. It may take a year or more, but the year will go
by anyway. Just buy a Bell & Howell Eyemo on eBay (around
$500-1000), and feed it 100ft daylight spools. The Eyemo is
great, spring-wound so you don't need batteries. All you need
is a light meter, and you're set."

"The next step up is a reflexed camera, for that you want a
Russian-made Konvas camera. That'll set you back about $2500
on eBay. $200 for shipping, $300 for film, and you're go.

You load the 200-ft quick-change magazines in your darkroom, for
twice the Eyemo's shooting length, about 2.2 minutes, just like
your Super 8mm camera when you were a kid. You can even get
scope lenses for it. Loud camera, but you'll be dubbing your
sound, anyway, to make sure you get a great post-sync track."

With that, your friend withdraws. You know he's right,
and he's answered your question.

at 8:16 AM

Hard-to-find and out-of-print
technical manuals for your
favorite cameras and projectors
http://hollywoodmanuals.com

at 5:47 PM

So, I was looking for just the right image,
of a snake biting its own tail, where I could
express my loathing for Hollywood endlessly
recycling / eternally reinventing itself.
Instead, I found something even better...
The Infinite David Hasselhoff!

at 10:38 PM

"It's a Mucha, the same poster hung on my wall for years."
One of my favorite filmmakers - Mr. Young Man Kang

at 7:04 AM

This guy wrote a letter to IMAX, and got a response,
explaining just how many lines of vertical resolution
there are in a 35mm film, and how many more there
are in an IMAX film. The numbers are humbling.

at 4:56 AM

I'm working all day, and into the night on my new feature.
A few hours each morning, I fool away my time sleeping.
Just before dropping off, I usually read something, lately
about widescreen movie systems.

When I owned a movie theatre, I said to myself,
"My movies should be in 4-perf Scope, so the
Projectionist can't muck them up."

True enough, once that Scope lens is on, all he can do is
frame up and down and focus. If he's wrong, it's immediately
apparent. In a Flat print, there's just too much leeway.
He can frame, focus, put in the wrong matte, oh it's horrible.

Stanley Kubrick framed his movies for a 1:66 ratio, and
Jim Cameron composes his widescreen into the top of the
Silent 35mm frame, (so-called "Super 35," rediscovered
by the late, great John Alcott, Stanley Kubrick's DP.)

Others shoot Academy frame, composing as though 1/7 of
their image at top and bottom won't be seen. Those will
be projected in 1.85 aspect, masking the top and bottom.

Everybody else intentionally distorts their movie, to squeeze
a 2.39 frame into four perfs. All well and good in the theatre,
but when you convert for broadcast or DVD, you must pan-and-scan
or letterbox. It's all a tradeoff, and anybody's guess.
So what would be so wrong to compose in 1.37 Academy?

at 6:01 AM

When I was young, I had the misshapen idea I was "saving"
money by building everything myself. That's because I didn't
figure my time into the equation. Time is free, and I'm immortal,
and yada yada. Here's an article I would have written then, about
using $10k of time to build a poor-quality lens adaptor that makes a
Canon XL2 digital camera perform like a 35mm film camera already
does, to "save" $8k a pro would charge to build it for me. Got that?
Simple math - buy a 35mm film camera and film for $5k, and shoot
a film that will project on a big screen, in any theatre in the world.
Or, if you really insist on having to do it the hard way.

at 11:47 PM

Yet another site where somebody expounds on how
a computer in your bedroom makes you the equal of
George Lucas - like having a pencil makes you
Walt Disney. Digital makes movies go faster and
easier, but digital is, so far, just not as BIG as film.
Or sharp or punchy or well, beautiful.
The Power of Digital Filmmaking!

at 11:29 PM

Simple system teaches how to find
Movie Angels, or have them find you.
Pre-sales 28% off until 1 June 2005.

at 11:16 PM

Every so often, I need to hear somebody else say the same
things I say, so I can smile and nod, and rest. Here's an old
article, that I agree with. If you're making indy movies, you're
not playing the game. You've probably not even defined it.
Don't just stand there, looking depressed. Do something!

at 11:05 PM

Okay, we're there again. 3-D. I spent a year working
so laser beams could come out of Michael Jackson's
eyes in 65mm 3-D, long ago. That was a year well-spent,
but it seems they're talking intraocular, anaglyph, and
polaroid, and LCD glasses, all over again. HELP!
Experience it with your own two eyes.

at 5:06 PM

Still waitin' for it to come out, which is a good sign. Bad things
happen all at once. Good things take a long time. This is one
designed like a real film camera, not a wanky video design.
Check out Jeff Kreines's Kinetta

at 4:24 AM

I may have mentioned my next project will be shot in
an anamorphic variant of the Cinemascope process.

Many wonder how widescreen is achieved, and yet
there is a simple explanation.

Clicking this link shows a short, instructive video.
I hope you enjoy it. Especially the ending.

at 10:56 AM

When my friend bought a digital tv receiver, (late '90s)
with 1000 channels, I was overwhelmed.

Do you know what 1000 channels means?

1000 channels x 24 hours = 24,000 HOURS
of programming PER DAY.

There has never been a better time for a filmmaker who
can make quality programming. From what I've seen
while kilochannel-surfing, that is still true.

Get busy!

at 1:44 AM

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Supercool, my former improv student
and Leading Actor, having a fabulous career and swell time...
The Official Colin Cunningham Resume

at 9:51 AM

And you thought Hollywood was bad...but entertaining.
The Independent Film Blog

at 1:18 AM

This is a filmmaking blog, but HD becomes film sometimes.
I'm a 35mm film guy, but I shoot HD, and find myself in more
and more HD discussions, so I read more about it now.
This guy is great when he's talking HD, but kind of high
noise:signal otherwise, and I don't get all his TX stuff.
Never mind all that. Take a look. (Great Links!)

at 1:31 AM

During the Civil War, the question to ask was
"Have you seen the Elephant?" The answer told
whether the respondent had been tested in battle.

We fight for our creative lives.
That is still a good question.
This guy has seen the Elephant.

at 6:42 PM

Date: 15 March 2005 (3 days after mine.)
People ask lately if I'm related to Eva Longoria.
According to Esme, her devoted sister who wrote me,
and has researched such things, the answer is "yes."
I had a small role on "The Young And The Restless" a
decade before Eva was on it, (so I doubt nepotism was
involved, in either direction), and I'm glad the public
loves her. She's very talented, I think she's great.
Happy Birthday Eva, and "Hi" to Esme!
(Write her yourself, or tell ABC you like her.)

at 5:55 PM

Many thanks for the many nice email
birthday wishes. It felt good to
take a day off, and you are great.

at 7:49 AM

Hollywood Seminars - Learn Filmmaking in the
Film Capital of the World - Or wherever you are!
Box 2449, Hollywood CA 90078 323.960.5550
http://hollywoodseminars.com

at 9:03 AM

Thinking about stop-motion a lot these days,
as I have a great script with a fantastic setting,
that might only be doable a frame at a time.

Here's a great bunch of stop-motion software
and tools, for your DV or digital still camera.

at 6:53 AM

Lest we forget, there's no limit.
I re-read this article every now and then
to remember, and to avoid...you'll love it.

at 1:53 AM

Winston-Salem NC is a cool filmmaking hot spot,
my old friend Arledge Armenaki teaches there,
and here's a new 20-year old filmmaker,
fully immersed - weird but fun. Swim, Scott!

at 11:56 AM

Simple system teaches how to find
Movie Angels, or have them find you.
Pre-sales 28% off until 1 June 2005.

at 9:35 AM

Wanna make a movie?
My Secret Film School gives you
secret tricks to Make YOUR Movie!

at 4:40 PM

My "Raising Money" article is in the current Movie Maker magazine
"Beginner's Guide to Making Movies 2005," on your newsstand.
Hope you get the chance to read it.
I'd love to hear it helped you make your movie!

If you subscribe to MovieMaker, they'll send you one by mail.
Or it's in big book and magazine stores.

In Seattle, you can find it at the U Bookstore, Bulldog News,
most bookstores and magazine stands.

In Hollywood, it's on most of the sidestreet newstands off
Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards.

Here's what you're looking for, a big, black monolith of a
square-bound glossy magazine.

It's good for hours of enjoyment, and with all that money
you can learn to raise - Hoo boy, what fun!

Samples from the article:
Secret list of funding sources,
Find Investors here.
(Even more priceless information is in the article!)

at 12:11 AM

Still polishing. Sorry I can't publish the many questions about
this project, but if you email me off-blog, I'll say what I can.
Today, I refer you to this guy,who has a great grasp of writing.
Canadian flavor (Montreal), but he's done the LA thing, so he knows.

at 3:48 AM

Sam is too busy finishing his shooting script today to blog.
Here today, is Tony Bill's list of screenwriting don'ts.
Sam revels that none of them apply to him, on this particular
show. If you know who Tony Bill is, you'll rush to read this.
The Dirty Dozen

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