Reflection

It's been a pretty hectic couple of weeks, but very productive, nonetheless.  We are in the final stretch of the first year at Flashpoint, and I am already so busy that my schedule has filled the summer.

In fact, my schedule actually filled up way back at the end of January.

After being here for a year, and reflecting on my time at Flashpoint, I can proudly say that it is much more than a school.  I don't feel like I come here to do school work, I come here to better myself as a filmmaker, and as a person.  I am in a workplace, and I work with students and faculty to bring projects together.

I have been on 3 internships, two of which will continue into the summer, and I have worked on at least 10 short films over the course of the last 9 months.  I have set up and run a weekly film screening for the school and crafted a plan for a student government.  I am tired, but I am adjusting, and I feel far more qualified to be in this business than I did a year ago.

What Flashpoint Academy provides now for me is a path, which is my choice, of course.  I just don't know what it should be.  So, as we reach the end of the first chapter at Flashpoint, the time for reflection has begun.

A decision soon,

DM

Student Film Screening

On Wednesday, Flashpoint Academy & Flashpoint Film Society hosted the 1st Official Student Film Screening. We organized the event over the last few weeks, in hopes of getting a pretty big crowd.

After all the planning, stress, and running around, it was an amazing success.

Along with the extraordinary turnout, we had some fantastic short films by several students, who were very excited to see their finished products on the big screen. I talked to a few new students after the screening who were inspired by the films. We even had a visit from Howard Tullman, the President of Flashpoint, who gave congratulatory remarks for all the students efforts.

Here's some pics from the event. Thanks to Howard Tullman for the pics...

A great success, indeed.

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

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

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