Filmmaking

Today we are living in a consumer data driven society. Digital technology has enabled hi-tech companies Netflix and Amazon to revolutionise the movie industry in two main ways: Firstly, by streaming movies and television programs online across a variety of digital devices, smart televisions, laptop, tablet and smartphone. Secondly, using audience data driven content to meet consumer expectations (StarTribune 2016). This also enables Amazon and Netflix to target the most frequent moviegoer...

Jacked up on some serious Ethiopian dark roast this morning.  Pretty jacked up about the content as well. On this fine Sunday, I'm bringing you two fantastic videos I think you might want to watch more than once. First up, lessons from the script of the original Blade Runner.  The sequel is now upon us and it seems as good a time as any to revisit what made BR work and why it's had such a lasting influence not only for film geeks, but for those writing sci-fi as well. Next, a little Joseph...

It may still be Summer, but our Stage 32 locations partner Peerspace is getting a jumpstart on the holiday season. If you're looking to reward your cast or crew for a great year on set or on a project, it's time to thinking about having a holiday party. Nobody gets excited about sharing eggnog around the conference table, so here's a head start on finding a holiday party venue that gets your guests excited to attend. From a luxury garage warehouse to a spacious distillery, these unique venues...

We have all done it. And we are all guilty of it. But we keep doing it. Most importantly, we hate it when it happens to us. So why do we say yes to it? Working for free is a hot topic in the industry, yet it has become almost a right of passage. And it is always what comes out of our mouths first: "I can get it for FREE. I can ask some friends to work on this for FREE. I can make this film for FREE." When we start out in this industry we are encouraged immediately to just go out and make som...

Good morning and a very happy Sunday to you all. This week for Coffee & Content, I have two videos I think all can gain from.  First up, with the global success of It, now seems like a great time to take a look at why Stephen King's storytelling and horror expertise has stood the test of time.  You'll get some insight from the master himself with Stephen King's 3 Levels of Horror. Next up, for all the filmmakers, cinematographers and those who are looking to control their own content, it's 1...

TIFF has come and gone. Masses of Canadians attend the festival which is what gives it such a special atmosphere. In Cannes, only the industry attends the festival; the public sets up chairs and ladders to watch the red carpet galas and take pictures. But here the public is as much a part of the festival as the industry.        The industry action which consists of buying and selling of film rights takes place at the Hyatt Hotel on King Street West. The screenings for both public and...

Happy Sunday to all.  Hope you are having a fabulous weekend. Today, I bring you two videos I think you'll truly enjoy.  First up, it's a look at how directors can get the most out of their actors by avoiding "Result Direction.” Next up, we look at one of the hottest indie directors of the last few years, Jeremy Saulnier.  Jeremy's first two films, Blue Ruin and Green Room, were not only critical darlings on the festival circuit, but also lauded by storytellers and filmmakers around the glob...

Hey guys! Last week, I published a quick blog of the photo RB posted of the final proofs for Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers - Indiefilm and the Power of the Crowd. You can read that entry here. Today, I'm excited to share the final cover proof for the book and announce that the scheduled release date is now set for September 22nd.   As a reminder, this is the very first book to be published on the subject of film crowdsourcing. Here's what's being said about the book:   I cannot ima...

Happy Sunday, everyone. Another two videos this week for you to enjoy with your favorite roast. First up, it's Quentin Tarantino speaking about how films can inspire and influence, but how you can go about finding your original voice. Next, cinematographer James Laxton takes us behind the scenes on the making of Moonlight.  It's a fantastic look at the mind of a terrific artist.  Think you'll find it quite insightful. As always, I ask you to share this content with those you think might...

There are about 34,000 films made every year worldwide. And that number is growing. Why are so many films being made these days? Well, one reason is that since the dawn of the digital revolution (about 16 years ago) anyone with an idea and an HD camera or smartphone can now make a film for about $1.25. Did you know that 13,782 films were submitted to Sundance this year? Yep. That's not a typo.   Don't get me wrong. I think this digital revolution is a great turn of events. For so many yea...