The League

www.theleaguefilm.com

Click the link, and get to know the site.  One of my good friends Alec Siegel is one of the writers and producers.

Very exciting stuff, and quite a stellar website.

DM

Notebaert Nature Shoot

Just wanted to give a quick update.

Over the last month we have been working with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to film a series of 90 second shorts that will be displayed on the website and at the Museum.  Here's a few pictures to show you what we've been up to.

More to come,

DM

Carlos & Will

Amidst all the chaos these last few weeks, I had a chance to see R. Carlos Nakai and Will Eaton in concert this afternoon.

For those who don't know, R. Carlos Nakai (RC) is a rather famous Native American Flute Musician.  He plays a wide variety of flutes, and has released well over 30 albums since the 1980's.  His music is soothing, peaceful, and extraordinarily graceful.  This is the perfect kind of music to let your mind wander.

In fact, that's what RC said during the concert.  When he plays his music, he wants you to use your imagination to take you places.

Will Eaton joined RC on stage, and played the double head harp guitar, which is so elaborate it has its own computer built in.  Yes, a computer.  It even has its own little monitor.  This allows Will to play multiple instruments in one, and bring in certain elements of song that you wouldn't normally be able to do with only two people playing.

What was really impressive was their collaboration on improvisation.  After a standing ovation at the end of the performance, the two walked back on stage to play one more tune.  Will turned to RC and said "you wanna just do another improv?"

The crowd cheered, and they began a 7 minute song.  They fed off of one another, using plenty of instruments to quickly find the right beat and then bring the song to life.  Everything from the bass, to the guitar, to the piano, to the Native American flutes were used.

This music took my mind out of the stresses of life for two hours.  Sometimes that's all you need.

DM

9 to 5

As I sit here putting the finishing touches on the production binder for Don't Russian, I realize one thing...

There is not much time for sleep.

I'm not really bothered by it, since this is a profession that I am choosing. If I wanted plenty of sleep I would go work a 9 to 5 job.

The thing is, we don't do that as filmmakers. I am constantly in contact with my group, and other groups, (and for some reason everyone calls me at the same time!) I am up many hours of the night, sending and recieving e-mails from anyone throughout the day. I think my phone bill will be rather high this month...yuck.

If you are a passionate filmmaker, you think about a project all day. You constantly tweak and improve the concepts. You make plot and character changes that alter the experience. Then, when all is said and done, you go back home and you think about it some more.

We are on the ball 24/7.

Am I a workaholic? Say what you will, but I am constantly on the move, and I am finding it very rewarding.

Before I get back to my work, I must recommend the film Gone Baby Gone. A pleasant surprise of Ben Affleck's directing abilities, not to mention that his younger brother Casey had a solid performance in the lead role. It is ultimately a moral story that will leave you guessing until the end of the movie, and thinking about it long after the credits have rolled.

DM

That's a Wrap

There isn't much time for sleep when you produce. Last night we wrapped the second Flashpoint film project and celebrated a successful shoot. I don't really have the energy to give out a lot of details, but I will post a few pics. Hope you enjoy them, and I'm sure we'll be having more soon.

It feels wierd not seeing the crew. It's awkward not talking to the director every hour. A bizarre feeling indeed.

Get some rest, gang. You did fantastic.

DM

Take your job seriously, not yourself

With the second film project underway for Flashpoint, students have been bustling about trying to fill their various roles to make each film a success. I have been selected as a Producer, which perhaps you can gather is why I haven't posted here in several days.

A producer's job is endless. You are always adding, changing, doing more to keep things under control. You are the boss. The buck stops at you. The nice things about it is that you have a great degree of control over everything that happens. Since you run the show, you have the final say regarding just about everything.

Just don't screw it up.

Being a producer has opened my eyes to many new ideas of how to make successful films. I can have more of a creative impact on a film. The lesser exciting part is the business aspect, but I'm not saying it is enormously impossible. It's time consuming, daunting, and sometimes very aggravating. But it gets better as time goes on, and trust me, nothing is more rewarding to a producer than getting clearance successfully.

I feel it legitimizes what we do. With all the red tape, and all the legal issues, it's nice to have permission to film somewhere.

Just don't get too wrapped up. Keep yourself in check and don't get angry with others. You may be the boss, but ultimately that means the film is your responsibility, so pissing off the crew isn't going to get the job done.

Since most of the people who read this are filmmakers, just remember this. Have fun with those long hours, don't forget to laugh, because people can be so easily frustrated with all the tedious work that goes into filmmaking.

You do it because you love it.

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

Red

The top dog, the head hancho, the Camera of Cameras. The Red.

I'm not super saavy on the technical aspects of the camera, but I can tell you how it worked on the set of "The Intruder." For starters, it has the ability to shoot at 4K, which is unbelievable considering that HD is just over 1K (1080). The picture is simply amazing.

Before the shoot, the production team decided to use 8 gigabyte cards instead of a 350 gigabyte hard drive. Seems like an odd choice, but they have their reasons. First of all, if by some chance the hard drive becomes corrupted, the entire days footage is lost. Is it likely? No, but nonetheless I can understand the argument.

The other reason is because of downloading time. It takes forever to download a gigantic hard drive at the end of the day, while doing smaller cards is done throughout the day at a much quicker pace.

These are just a couple of the features I got to witness while on the set of the film. The Red Camera is said to retail at about $18,000, but I have seen prices from everywhere from $15,000 to $60,000

There was one delay. Apparently there is a setting on the camera that shows more than is actually seen in the viewfinder. This almost plagued the shoot because of lights and equipment being seen in several shots. With the 4K recording ability, however, the editor was able to simply crop the image and knock the resolution down to 2k. Basically, no one would know the difference. The picture is that good.

Maybe someday I will work with one...

DM

Key to Success

Today, several students along with myself began shooting a documentary on the short film "The Intruder." We had the opportunity to interview the 1st and 2nd assistant directors, as well as the director of photography and the 1st assistant camera. (You can see below the DP and his 1st assistant working on a crane shot.)

All four of these jobs require great discipline and an extraordinary knowledge of the subject matter, but none of these people could do their jobs effectively without someone to help them along.

"Anticipation is the key to a professional" said the 2nd assistant director during our interview. Knowing your superiors next move is essential to becoming a better employee. If you can make their job easier, than you have become much more important in the grand scheme. This can be true of all professions, not just filmmaking. And yes, the name of the game is collaboration. If you can't work with each other, then you can't do it at all. The assistant director has to bark at a lot of people to keep them moving, but it's not because he's a jerk and it's not because he doesn't like you. It is because he has a schedule to keep, and a budget to watch. People have to work together to get things done, and that's what measures how successful a production is.

The documentary shooting went rather well, and we will actually begin the editing process very soon. Once complete, it will be posted here along with other projects I have been working on over the last couple months.

An unrelated side note: It is Super Tuesday. If you have not already done so, please vote.

DM

Western Resurrection

Many say the western is dead. They do have a point, since good western films these days are few and far between. But "3:10 to Yuma" helps me remember how much I love a good western movie experience. It has always been a genre where I can sit down and genuinely feel that every character is in danger. Western films are not afraid to put all the characters in peril, and yes, sometimes the bad guys win.

Maybe that's what makes the genre so exciting, and at the same time, maybe that's why some people don't like it. People want a happy ending, and westerns don't always deliver.

"3:10 to Yuma" is a well crafted film, with a solid balance character development, suspense, and good ol' gun fights. There's even a stagecoach chase. Classic.

Christian Bale and Russell Crowe are both excellent in their roles, of course I can't really think of a movie where they didn't act well. Even clunkers like "Reign of Fire" were made slightly tolerable because of Bale's performance. But the real show stealer I felt was Ben Foster. No western film is complete without a wacko bandit running around shooting everything he sees...and enjoying it.

So is the western dead? Since westerns were popping out of the oven in great supply years ago, maybe people think it has overstayed its welcome. I feel that the western may not be nearly as influential in the movie industry as it once was, but that's not to say it's gone the way of the dodo.

Perhaps if these westerns only came about every so often. It seems to have worked out rather well so far. After all, I don't mind having a good western once in a while. Maybe it makes the genre more exciting to see. The less there are, the more entertaining they are when they arrive at the box office.

So here's to waiting for the next great western.

DM

So Young

During pre-production of "The Intruder" I caught some extra time to take some shots of the set. It's obviously still under construction, but rather impressive looking...considering that 4 days earlier it was an empty stage. Take a look at these photos.

On another note, Heath Ledger died today. 28 years old. It is very unfortunate in this day and age when someone with so much going for him can have his life end abruptly. Especially at that young age. I mean, i'll be 24 in less than a week! I can't imagine why someone would want to end their life at such a young age.

Maybe I just don't want to imagine it.

Work hard, have fun, live happy.

DM

Cloverfield

I was lucky enough to attend an early screening of "Cloverfield" yesterday afternoon, and after stewing for a day, I feel it's time for a review.

MINOR SPOILERS HEREIN!!

You've probably heard about this film at some point over the last 6 months. From the moment that unnamed teaser hit movie theaters, this film has been cornering the market in advertising.

The film focuses on Robert Hawkins, who is leaving for Japan to start a new job. His friends throw him a surprise going away party, but drama ensues, and people are gossiping back and forth. You know, a typical college party - until a gigantic fucking monster decides to take a stroll through Manhattan.

The reason I say it like that is because it is catches you off guard. One minute your listening to people gossip about breakups, the next your dodging a Statue of Liberty head. This movie doesn't waste much time on the setup, and at only 84 minutes long, you don't really have time to spare.

A friend of mine said that the camera is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. So here we go...

The camera - extremely shakey. Trust me on this one. One in our group did, in fact, get sick following the screening. Just be prepared for a lot of movement. Perhaps you should eat after the movie this time. On the flip side, the camera movement added to the sense of urgency. This movie engages you and then turns you upside down. You are in the movie, running alongside these New Yorkers. I found myself pointing at the screen at one moment, almost blurting out "RUN! IT'S THERE BEHIND THE BUILDING!"

The characters - Rob is our likable fearless leader. He is emotional, and usually that's what people get like in a psychotic situation. Lily and Marlena tag along. Marlena was accidently thrown into the mix, while Lily is good friends with Rob. The real show stealer though is Hud, our funny camera man. Hud breaks the tension with silly remarks, but we can't help but laugh. His character is behind the camera most of the time, but make no mistake, when the shit hits the fan he is just as scared as the rest of them.

The Music - Stay through the end credits. Just stay. Listen.

The Monster - scary as hell. No more or i'll spoil it.

How scary is it? - Do you remember sitting through Spielberg's "War of the World's"? Yeah. Do you remember being literally on the edge of your seat because you were terrified of those tripod machines vaporizing everything in sight? Yeah.

This is ten times scarier.

All in all, "Cloverfield" is a movie well worth seeing. Now, is it ground breaking that will revolutionize the industry. Some have said it. I'm not ready to agree. But this movie will most certainly keep you moving back and forth in your seat until the very last second.

4.5 out of 5.

DM

Directing vs. Cinematography

A couple of things today-

I hope you can spare a few seconds to look at these awesome production photos from a movie called "The League" which is currently in production. Click the link below to view the pics.

http://greyraven75.blogspot.com/

This is also the link below known as "Alec Siegel - Filmmaker" which is where you can view more information on the film, due out later this year.

In other news, "Lost Wallet" is expected to be finished this week, which begs the question, what's next? Flashpoint has made it known that the next productions will be bigger and longer, but at the same time not everyone will be directing. I know that I will want to be involved with the cinematography. That's not to say that I won't ever direct again, but lets just say that I enjoy using the camera a little bit more.

The director and the cinematographer have always worked very closely. They almost have to in order to come out with a great looking film. I feel that, in many cases, a film and its director can only look as good as its camera work.

But I suppose this is true of the art direction, sound, music, etc.

Lastly, here's a couple photos to chew on. Still walking around with that camera in my jacket pocket.

Enjoy,

DM

The Strike

Flashpoint Academy is back in full swing for its second semester, and with the writers strike underway for several weeks now, a friend of mine recently joked about how easy it would be to get a job as a writer now.

Yes, and once the writers strike ends, you'd never work again. Ever.

It has been the topic of discussion for some time now, as well it should be. One of my film teachers is even sporting a beard, much like David Letterman and Conan O'Brien, who recently returned from hiatus.

After going on for several weeks, those who had a confident feeling that the strike would end by Christmas, now agree that it may not even end until spring. The last writers strike took place in 1988. Costs were in the $500 million area after a 22 week bout with the studios.

This strike is shaping up to be quite a battle.

(I just hope it ends before Scrubs does!)

DM

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