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