Sound Challenges

When I started filmmaking, I knew that at least one department would be a challenge beyond any other. Sound is that department, and I recently had a chance to work on the sound design of "Lost Wallet" with the film's talented sound designer, Kevin Weber.

I have a profound respect for recording artists, for they have the patience and determination to take on such a task. Kevin sat through the film a couple of times and gathered notes on what sounds he needed, and then went to work. The level of care and detail that goes into sound design is unparalleled. Each frame is important, and although most movie goers may not notice great sound, they can certainly notice bad sound.

That is why Kevin, along with other Flashpoint recording arts students, are working hard to make these films work. "Lost Wallet" is very sound dependant, and with its complicated story already, it is quite a challenge to overcome.

For you filmmakers reading this, I will have picture lock tomorrow morning. Very exciting.

DM

The New FFS

Just a short post today...mainly about Flashpoint Film Society (FFS)

This is the new FFS Logo - created by my very talented roommate, who does the graphic designs for mugglenet.com. With the society returning from hiatus, we aim to make a change at the turn of the new year. FFS hopes to start showing student films. We recently had the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a film called "White Out" which came to our attention through a student at Flashpoint.

The Society has focused on showing several films that are, for the most part, pretty well known. Films like "Ghostbusters" and "Pulp Fiction". I don't think we will turn away from this method, but we may also include a more independent film setting in the near future. Perhaps showing some lesser known films will interest more viewers.

Now, as we are in the holiday season, I feel like I should start my Christmas shopping.

More during the holidays,

DM

Chevy Chase

Today, Chevy Chase made a visit to Flashpoint to talk to students about his experiences in film and television. Apart from obviously being extremely funny, he gave us some lessons that I, personally, did not expect.

One student asked, "What did you do to become successful in the business?" Chevy talked for a few seconds about how he got started and then said "collaboration."

The audience had to hold their laughter, because the idea of collaboration has been smashed into our heads with a sledgehammer over the last several months. For a second there, I thought someone on the Flashpoint staff had told him to say that.

But it's the truth! Collaborative efforts where everyone works well together is the key to achieving a good project. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can't work with people, then you can't do the job.

Chevy wasted no time in making the crowd laugh. He made everyone chuckle just by making a face. He also talked about his father, who passed away in 2005. He was an extraordinary role model to Chevy, who taught him that having a sense of humor is the greatest human characteristic.

"When asked to identify the most important human characteristic, most people said concsiousness. My father told me having a sense of humor is the answer. You have to be able to laugh."

Words to live by.

DM

Natural History: Part 1-4

Many of the films at Flashpoint will stand out when they are screened to the rest of the class, but one in particular will make a statement far different than any others.

"Natural History: Part 1-4" is the short film I am thinking of, and today was the first of a two day shoot. It was a rather interesting setup, with a set of three walls with an opening of roughly 6x6. See for yourself below.

It has in its title "Part 1-4" because of its chapter setting. Although this is a short film, it encompasses a mans entire life. From birth (yes, there is a baby) to a teenage boy, to a middle aged man, to an elderly man. It is rather impressive work. For now, just enjoy the poor quality pictures I took with my cell phone. I'm sure I'll be posting more on the subject of Flashpoint films at a later date.


Until next time,

DM

Easy Like Sunday Morning

This picture is Daley Plaza on a cold sunday morning. I find it amazing that a city so busy with life on a weekday can look like this on a Sunday. Granted, it was rather early in the morning but nonetheless, downtown was empty and cold for much of the morning.

Sunday was the day I officially started working as Director of Photography on another short film. This film was much different than my own, since it was indoors and in only one location. This made filming a lot easier.

Don't get me wrong, it was still a lot of hard work, but it was very refreshing not having to rush from one location to another, only to be halted by authorities who don't want you to film there. I have two more films to work on, both of which I am producing. Although I am excited by all of these films, I am eager to sit down and edit my own film.

On a side note, I loved being the cinematographer. I feel like it is where I belong.

DM

Lost Wallet

The film "Lost Wallet" finished filming today after a few quick insert shots were filmed on the north side of Chicago. After going through a 3 day production on what will likely be a 3 minute film, I can only say this...

It was cold. Too cold.

That was pretty much the biggest downside, along with the cloudy skies on Monday. Even the weather, however, wasn't horrid, and we were able to finish what we needed to. Now we get down to editing the film in about a week.

With location shooting, you have to be very careful. Careful not to piss off people who think you shouldn't be there. For that matter, careful not to piss off people who know you shouldn't be there. We had several different locations, and there were many changes to these places on the days of shooting.

If you're a student at Flashpoint, and you heard that my film was stopped several times by several organizations, then what you have heard is true.

But we persevered, and we succeeded. Now we must make the most of this post production time and be prepared to take that camera back out if need be. Although I should hope we have everything we need.

Yes, it may have been cold, but I had a lot of fun doing this.

DM

Hope for the Best...

"Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst" is what my new Assistant Director is pounding into my head. He could not be more right, and I feel this is a motto many filmmakers should live by if they don't already.

With production on my first film just a few days away, many have been excited to see what it will be like during shooting. I have decided that I will use my GL2 camera to show off some of the behind the scenes filming, even though it is only a two day shoot. With this material, we can craft a short documentary on the making of the film. Coupled with what hopefully will become a great film, we can show the two off as part of our film reel.

In fact, if prospective students can see this short film and the making of it, perhaps it will be a helpful advertisement for how Flashpoint film students spend some of their time on a school day.

Monday & Tuesday we begin shooting "Lost Wallet" in downtown Chicago.

Pray for good weather. Please.

DM

I AM 3D BEOWULF!!!

He is Beowulf, and he is very angry.

Tonight was the Film Society's long awaited IMAX premiere of Beowulf in 3D. If you see this film, it is imparative that you see it in IMAX 3D, since it added greatly to the entertainment value. There's nothing quite like putting your hands to your eyes to shield from flying arrows...or was it because the 3D glasses were too damn big for my face?

There hasn't been too much posting going on lately, and that is because of pre-production on my film. I will likely give you an update later this weekend or maybe next week and show off some location pictures and props.

In other news, here are a few pictures of working with the crane and another hi-def camera. After spending some time on the dolly and operating the camera, I feel like its where I belong.

It just feels right to be sitting there, no matter how uncomfortable it may be at times.

If we get to play with new toys for class every week, then i'll be a very happy student.

DM

A Little Lighting

After sitting through a few classes with the Panasonic HD camera, I must say that I am rather impressed with its quality. Yes, reviews seemed to say that it was bulky and heavy, but last time I checked, most cameras of this quality were like that.

And at the "ahem" affordable price of $5000, you couldn't pick a better camera.

I decided to take a few pictures with my phone of the lighting stage. The class was expirimenting with lighting techniques. I'll tell you one thing - I never thought it would take so long to set up a shot with the proper lighting.

Filmmaking takes time, but it's worth it. At least to me. I'll let you take a look at the rest of these picture. More on this later.











Until then,

DM

Moby Musica

The ever popular Moby. Alas, I am not well educated on his music, but I'm sure that all of you have at some point listened to it. He has written everything from the hyped-up techno to laid back downtempo genre.

The reason I bring up this subject is because of his website http://www.mobygratis.com/. This website was brought to my attention by one of our film professors at Flashpoint, and with good reason.

The link sends you to a portion of the Moby's official site where you can discover a hub of his very own music. That's right filmmakers! This music is for you, as long as your non-profit. Students, independent filmmakers, and even kids just looking for music to listen to are able to browse this hidden vault and find something they enjoy. This music is not for those who wish to use it for financial profit. As long as your project is non-profit, then your good to go.

Oh one more thing. It does require a little information from you, but it is well worth it. Take advantage of it. I know I will. Thank you, Moby.

http://www.mobygratis.com/

DM

Film Society Future

This weeks screening for the Flashpoint Film Society was "Brotherhood of the Wolf" which I had never seen before. This French action film turned out to be quite an adventure, and another good turnout allowed for a great movie experience.

In the coming weeks the society is aiming to broaden its horizens, by including trips to festivals and screenings outside the boundaries of Flashpoint. In mid-November students will be making a trip to Navy Pier to witness the IMAX opening of "Beowulf" which I'm sure will be a great success.

In December and January we will begin showing student films from both in and out of the classroom. Students will submit their short works and we will screen it before a feature. In fact, we may have a night where we just screen student work.

So many possibilities at this point, and that's the best part.

DM

Now We're Cooking

With Flashpoint Academy in full swing, filmmaking students have had a taste of acting, directing, production, and screenwriting. Although I love all these aspects dearly, the best part is just beginning. You see here the Panasonic AG-HVX200, which is the camera of choice for the school, and the camera in which I will shoot my first film.

I have heard a number of excellent things about this camera, most of which are good. The few bad things are that it is a little heavy and the viewfinder is low res. Beyond that, this camera seems to be exactly what we need.

I will try and have a more detailed review after I have used it myself, so expect a full report in the coming weeks. Nonetheless now that we're going to be working with these cameras, I feel like the next couple of weeks will be the most challenging and exciting.

Another Flashpoint Film Society screening tonight - Brotherhood of the Wolf. Also, on the 16th, of November Beowulf at IMAX!

More to come,

DM

Flashpoint Film Society

Recently I sat down with a group of fellow film students with a plan to start a society aimed at showing films to other students. Each Thursday night we now screen a classic movie in the screening room on Flashpoints main campus.

This weeks film was Ghostbusters, and it was a blast.

This film was the groups debut, and I must say the event went rather well. We had a good turnout and that made for a great movie experience. Someone once told me that seeing a film on the big screen is so much more enjoyable than on tv.

He was damn right.

The organizing members will keep you posted on what the next film will be. To all those who helped out or attended the screening, thank you for your support and we hope to see you again next time around.

Remember that all Flashpoint students and faculty are welcome to join! Spread the word!

DM

Lesson Learned

This past Friday the students at Flashpoint took part in an all day filmmaking event. Students were divided up into 8 different groups to make their own 30 second film with the recently released game "Team Fortress 2."

Following a storyboard session, the students would record shots and dialogue with this game using 3 of the characters seen on the left. Then the editors would go to work by constructing the short in time for a screening at the end of the day.

This proved rather difficult, primarily because of the lack of time allowed to construct this film.

Our group had a great idea. Everyone was contributing to the pre-production of our film. Story ideas were mixed together to create a clever 30 second short. Storyboarding allowed for our short to have a clear direction.

Unfortunately, with the lack of time to prepare the camera shots and fact that known of the team members knew little about the game (myself included), the experience took a hard turn and almost fell apart.

We got down to business, however, and were able to turn out a short film that we are allowed to revise this coming week. Although it was rather hectic, and at times aggravating, the overall experience is undeniably helpful to our future careers.

If you can't collaborate successfully, then you can't be in this business. Period.

DM

The Darjeeling Experience

For all you film people out there...

This past week I had the priviledge of attending a free screening of "The Darjeeling Limited" which I thought was quite a fantastic film. Rather than going into detail about why I liked this movie, I will tell you that the experience was more than I had hoped for since Wes Anderson and Jason Schwartzman showed up after the screening for a Q&A.

I have a couple pictures of Wes and Jason (joined by Capone from aintitcool.com) and a video about a possible sequel to this film. Enjoy.



More to come from the film world soon enough,

DM

The Midnight Circus

In 6 weeks I will be shooting my first film. This is a short film, but that doesn't mean it gets any easier. A first draft has been written, but there will be some revisions this weekend. Then I must pitch to fellow students and assemble a team to work with during shooting and post production. There is much to do.

For those of you living in Chicago, may I suggest a trip to Daley Plaza this weekend. "Midnight Circus" will be performing over the next few weeks leading up to Halloween. I caught a glimpse of the acrobats and performers as I was leaving school, and it was quite an excellent show. You can see on the left that the show is performing at numorous times everyday, so perhaps you'll be able to catch a show...

Click over to http://www.midnightcircus.net/ for more information.

Not very good quality, but I did manage to capture a few videos with my phone. Enjoy.



Until next time,

DM

Atom Films

The blog today focuses on a recently discovered website. Well, I'm sure it's been around for a while, but I just recently learned of its existence. http://www.atomfilms.com/ has a vault of short films, with everything ranging from horror, to comedy, to action.

In recent weeks, I have been planning on shooting my own short film and possibly uploading it on this website. If you have any short films yourselft, I would almost advise you do the same. Whatever the genre of your short film is, it's a pretty good bet they have a category for it. You can view anything from documentary shorts to blood and gore.

Something for everyone.

So click over to atomfilms.com, (there's a link posted in the column on the right) and enjoy what it has to offer. Hopefully within the next couple of months, you may find a short film of mine somewhere in this vast library of movies.

DM

Gapers Block

I write to you from the quiet computer labs of Flashpoint Academy. Today's blog is focused on Gapers Block, which is a new link placed down below for all you readers to click on (but only after you finish here). The term 'Gaper' is much more than just some made up word. The folks at this fine website write about the many terms people use to describe a traffic slowdown. Here in Chicago, it is known as a "Gapers Block" or "Gapers Delay." More specifically, it is a traffic jam caused by an accident. I guess you learn something new everyday.

Need something to do next Saturday night? No problem. Just check out the upcoming events, which is overflowing with good stuff to check out. Or how about reading a review on a new movie or book. You can even read about restaurants and dishes at some of the establishments around Chicago.

There is even a 'Fuel' section where people can vent their frustration on the Bears quarterbacks, review the fall tv shows, and even give input on the status of the U.S. economy.

So please, when your finished here, take a moment to parooze Gapers Block. It's loaded with blogs, news, reviews, and listings of upcoming events. Who knows, perhaps you will find something in there that will take your mind off the frustrations of the day. Enjoy.

DM

Side Job Anyone?

Today the class learned about blogging. Of course, I already know what it is because....well, your reading it. What I have learned is that everyone has the potential to profit financially from their very own blog - provided that they talk about something more than what they ate for lunch...

With the blog scene now bigger than ever, bloggers everywhere do more than just talk about their days. They review movies, rate restaurants, talk about upcoming events, introduce new products, all right from their very own home computer. Some bloggers can make up to $1800 a month! That is pretty good money for someone who may try and do it as a side job.

Perhaps a way to rake in some money on your blog is by advertising. Simply having a small advertisement on your website can help bring in revenue. This is not necessarily the answer to making money out the eyeballs, but it's a start.

Just try and avoid the trash talking...

DM

The Fun Part

After a first full week at Flashpoint Academy, I must say it is good to be back in the swing of things (school things that is). Over the next couple of weeks, we will be introduced to a variety of technology that we will be using for filmmaking, video game design, etc. The trick is to not freak out and drop something.

What is most exciting to me is the classroom space. I originally anticipated the location being nothing more than a few white walls and some desks, but it has turned out to be an entirely different atmosphere. Keycards allow entry to every room...even the bathroom, and editing suites and cinema rooms await our projects. Theres even a screening room, where we can not only view our own films, but screen our favorite films of all time.

As I have said to pretty much everyone that has asked, there is a lot of terminology being thrown at us, but it is all for the best. In very few days we will be diving into the fun part of school....the filmmaking.

I just have to make sure some short film ideas come to mind within the next couple of days...

More as the week progresses

DM

Pictures do the Talking

Here is Flashpoint Academy's classroom space. This is only the 5th floor, and Flashpoint also has a lobby on the 1st floor and more classrooms and labs on the 6th floor. Enjoy.

More in the coming days...

DM

Here We Go...

Well here I am sitting in front of my computer, and no idea what I should write about... I do have pictures of the Flashpoint classroom facility nearing completion, so I figure i'll just post a few of those for you to look at.

Within the next week I am hoping to have some of my own photos of the classroom facility, since these are from the fine people over at Flashpoint. If you want to see the rest of the pics, just head over to flashpoint academy's website, located in the links section.

I suppose it is a little awkward returning to school, although I'm really only saying that. I haven't felt any affects of hitting the books again. Perhaps this will change over the course of the next week.
Along with preparing supplies for school and gearing up for orientation on Monday, I am hoping to get a few short film ideas out in the open. I just have to make sure they are presentable first, since most of my ideas are so unorganized at the moment.

Although, since this school is going to be a collaborative effort, perhaps a few other students wouldn't mind bouncing some ideas around the table.

Here comes the fast track.

Let the filming begin

DM

Macbook Pro

This would be the current object of my affection. Not only will I eventually need a laptop to haul around between classes and work, but buying something like this will allow me to do much more than just whip out essays and check e-mail.

While preparing to attend school as a full time student, I feel that having my work with me at all times would be an extraordinary benefit to my portfolio. After researching the possibilities of how I could make this a reality, it was pretty obvious that I needed to upgrade to a Macbook Pro since movie editing seems to be a hell of a lot easier on that.

What I hope to achieve will be the ability to film something on my camera, perhaps even something spur of the moment, and take it home and edit it within the same day. Yes, it may be farfetched for some people, but it is probably not as uncommon as you would think. I'm not saying i'll be shooting full length features, but I would like to capture a moment and be able to reproduce it online within hours of finishing the shoot. Perhaps I would even post something here on the blog.

Maybe I'm just dreaming of what I could do with a laptop. I do have a desktop that has worked great for years, and yes I have stations at Flashpoint that can assist me in my work, but I just like having my material at my side - easy to work on, where and when I want to.

So I will begin saving money, and with a student discount - and a little luck - I should hope to have one within the next couple months. I just have to remember to keep it with me always, since laptops have a knack for disappearing...

DM

Lifetime Connections Part Duex

Once again, I ponder how I will work with many of the people I will meet at Flashpoint, as well as how these relationships will pan out throughout the next several years. Beyond this, I also think about relationships I have already developed - through family.

I have 3 brothers, 2 of which are in college pursuing careers that are not so different from my own. One is nearing his final semesters as an ambitious film student, who can likely stump me with his knowledge of how to shoot on 16mm. The other is entering his sophomore year with plans to manage music - likely blues and jazz (Although I am sure he will be playing a little too).

Will I work with my brothers often in the future? I suppose that many say they can't work with family - in any profession. But perhaps it will be different for me. Only time will tell, but I can gaurantee that I will be bouncing film ideas off of them on many occasions in the future. Well, for that matter, I already do. I am constantly bothering them with my own film ideas, no matter how silly they may be. We shall see.

DM

Lifetime Connections

With the Flashpoint school year approaching fast, I can't help but think about the relationships that will develop within the next two years. Not only do I hope to create friendships that will last a lifetime, but I hope to also establish connections with various people in the industry, and not just the film industry.

It's not just about making a film. You have to connect your film to other elements of the industry. Along with the film program, the school is offering recording arts, visual effects, and video games. Recording arts is already a popular subject, and with video games and visual effects making advances every few months, I can imagine that I would be using one of them in the near future.

So these next two years will help develop not only my filmmaking skills, but it will also help me establish connections with people already in the industry, as well as people within the same program I am in. I wrote in a previous post that film is a directors vision brought to life by his/her cast and crew. Perhaps establishing connections gets that building process started. More on this later...

DM

The Film Army...

A few weeks ago I attended a shoot in Chicago for a short film. It was being shot in the very studio where I hope to be working in the near future on some of my own films. Although I was there for no more than 6 hours, there was plenty to take in.

That evening I thought about what I had learned throughout the day by sending a short journal entry to one my future teachers. After thinking about it for pretty close to an hour, I decided to write about the collaborative effort involved in film.

When working with my friends on short films during high school and college, I knew that we had to work as a team to successfully put something together. But it took an experience like this recent film shoot to show me how necessary it is for everyone to do their part. Every person had a job to do that they would squeeze in between takes. Then, as expected, everyone quiets down when the camera starts rolling. The director must rely on the group of people that help bring the story to life, since he or she cannot do it alone.

As a director, if you want to realize your vision, you need an army to make it happen.

DM

Superbad & the Hollywood Epic

Today I ventured out with friends to see the supposed comedy hit of the summer, "Superbad." While I found this film hilarious, I still walked out of the theater thinking "all they really did was try to get to a party with alcohol." I almost felt like I just wasted $8 on a movie that made me cringe every time one of these sad students screwed up a sentence with the girl they wanted.

Although the plot lacked depth, I wasn't expecting something extraordinary. And, after discussing the film with a friend online tonight, I feel better about it. Hollywood is so focused on epic movies, that sometimes you need a comedy like this every once in a while to top the box office. So many films have been about the destruction of earth, or the threat of mankinds extinction. Sometimes we forget that some of the best films out there don't have that epic scenario where one man must save the planet.

Now I'm not knocking the epic. Apart from some films rehashing the same story, many are very good. I guess I just enjoy the thought of something more down to earth, or easier to relate to. In this case, "Superbad" has all the right moves. Movies like this follow something that (in a sick way) relate to the lives of many young teenagers and young adults. These nasty jokes may offend people in the theater, but make no mistake about it, people are probably 3 times more vulger in real life.

I suppose this touches on censorship a little, but that discussion is for another day...

DM

Blogger Beginnings

Hello to all. I suppose I should give you a little history of myself, since some of you may be new readers. My name is Dan, and I am looking at a future in filmmaking. I graduated from Illinois State University last year, and I loved every minute of it. It is, however, time to start a new chapter in life.

The particulars on my future career are still being worked out, but fortunately for the next two years I will be working with some of the industry's best at the new Flashpoint Academy. I have a little time until the unveiling of the new classroom center in Daley Plaza, so I'll be saving up some money and looking for an apartment in Chicago. Easier said than done.

Anyway, with this being the inaugural season for Flashpoint, there is a level of excitement that I (and I'm sure other students) feel. This is not just another school that I will attend for a degree, and it is not something that will involve sitting through boring math classes every morning. This is the real deal. Hands on. These people will immerse you in the film environment, as well as three other programs that they offer - digital media, recording arts, and video games. What's not to like?

Although the hardworking staff at Flashpoint will do quite a bit to help students into these four markets, it is ultimately up to us. If we don't have the passion and commitment to be a part of it, then we're in trouble. We must be prepared to take on the challenges that the school will present us with. Not to worry, since right now I feel like I could take on the world. Only 400 students are allowed during this first year, so it is much smaller than my last educational experience.

I'm sure it will turn out to be something big. Really big.

DM