Frog Baby Film Festival

One month to go

--

This past Saturday was my third and final year in charge of Frog Baby Film Festival. Technically, I have been working on the event for four years. My freshman year I was on the committee, and got my first taste of the event.

The following year, the first time I was in charge of the event, I knew I wanted to amp up everything. I had even talked the TCOM department into flying a speaker for the event! We had great food, great films, and an awesome speaker.

My committee and our speaker, 2010.

The following year, my committee grew and we embellished the event into a cool safari theme and brought even better food. The number of submissions doubled this year (nearing 30).

The award winners and I, 2011

And finally, my last and final year we have our new record number of submissions, 50. Let me tell you, it took a long while to catalogue all of these films and then compile them into five judging packets.

Over the years the event has grown, and my committee has gotten more ambitious. This year one of our committee members created the poster, which received many compliments. They also decided on a 1920s gangster theme. We even were reported in the BSU student paper!

The event went by so fast, and I was filled with so many emotions. Everything went really well, no problems at all. So many people love the films and loved the event--people laughed, cheered, and were moved by them.

I only hope that whoever takes on the task next helps the event to continue to grow. It's been a privilege to have the opportunity to be in charge of the event. It's something I'll definitely miss this time next year!

Off to the races

Three months until graduation. It's go time.

--

I try to keep this blog reflective of my production work. However, most of the time I get busy with production and am not able to document it as efficiently as I plan. So, with that in mind, I'd like to start fresh and keep you informed on my journey to find a job within my passion.

First of all, the past semester I worked on two large projects. The first being Indiana Tourism. I created a spot for Conner Prairie which I wont be able to post here until May. However, here are some production pics. Keep in mind I tweet a lot when on a shoot, so if you want to keep updated with what I'm working on follow me.

Working on a dolly shot.

Setting up to shoot some soldiers-It was a very cold morning!

I also had the opportunity to work as a producer on a experimental documentary titled Made in Indiana. This was a really great experience to work in such a professional capacity.

We shot with a RED Epic, shooting slow motion at 300 frames per second.  The theme of the documentary focuses on moments that make Indiana unique.

This was a blacksmith and ceramic potter we shot with. He had a interesting workshop set up in his home and hundreds of different metal art pieces and ceramic pieces.

At one location, shooting outdoor scenes with horses and dogs, there was some adorable puppies! We didn't have time to shoot them, but we did have time to play with them. The family just started breeding and this was their first litter.

Overall it was a great experience, filled with problems and chaos that called for a great deal of problem solving.

--

The Job Hunt.

I know I shouldn't be panicked, but at moments I am. Most production jobs are not posted until March, yet I am very adamant about applying to as many as possible early on. So far I've used a variety of sites such as Production Hub, Mandy, and specific company sites like Time Warner Careers.

However, last week, I got the idea to directly contact some smaller independent companies. I started off with companies in Texas. I grew up there and miss the state dearly. I was surprised that I actually received a couple responses- even ones doing production and wanting to use my Spanish skills!

There are also other ones, like a couple companies in Georgia I am extremely interested. My outlook is that I will go where ever my career takes me. I just hope it's somewhere south with no winter. Yet I have found some great jobs in Michigan and Washington DC that would be great.

The whole ordeal is somewhat daunting, not knowing where I will be this summer. But I am confident that I will find a great job pertaining to my passions and skills.

--

As far as projects for this semester, I'm continuing work with my internship. At first, I thought it would be a boring topic-entrepreneurship. It has turned out to be quite the opposite. I've really enjoyed understanding more about the field, and understanding design thinking. I'm also building a website for them--I'll post a link when it is officially launched. We have a big shoot tomorrow and I'm getting all the equipment ready.

Other than that, I've been helping some friends with short films here and there. My goal is to finish a short 5-10 minute film before I graduate. I have a really great idea, just need to get the script written out and assemble a crew.

--

With that, I leave you with this recipe of a delicious steak with roasted red pepper relish. Cooking continues to be a passion of mine.

Recipe (for two portions)

2 Ribeye steaks (you can choose other steaks too)

1 Red Bell Pepper

1/2 Red Onion

2 tbsp Butter

1 Garlic Clove

1tsp Basil

Olive oil

salt and pepper

Steak and Chop marinade

Marinate the steak overnight in a marinade of your choosing (I used steak and chop). Use a cast iron skillet and use a high heat on the stove. Turn your oven to 350 degrees. You want the skillet hot before you add the steaks. Add the butter and swirl it around, then add the steaks. Sear the steaks, flipping them over on all sides. You should not cook them longer than 2-3 minutes. Angle the pan and use a spoon to get excess butter and pour on the steaks. Put the whole skillet in the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on how done you'd like the steak. Cut up the peppers and onion. In a different skillet add olive oil and garlic and heat to medium heat. This flavors the oil. Add the peppers, onion,basil, and salt and pepper and stir occasionally. Once the onions are translucent, take off the heat. Serve the steak with the red peppers on top and enjoy.

Summer Production Blog 8.8.11

It's been a while, but I've kept busy! My last year of college starts in two weeks!

--

Favorite Internet Video (movie) of the week:

Porcelain Unicorn

The filmmakers were given a couple lines of dialogue, and the prop of the unicorn and this is what they created. To be honest, I teared up. This film is so simple yet conveys many emotions. An eerie since of nostalgia and the strong symbol of the unicorn. This short piece keeps the viewer's attention the entire time. At first wondering what is inside the box, to what's in the cupboard.

--

What's crazy about filmmaking is that it's rapid growth into other industries. Game trailers used to be short tidbits of game play with some flashy animation here and there. Now, in the gaming industry, it has become normal to have live action video game trailers.

This trailer for Deus Ex had me thinking it was a movie at one point. I love the concept. Viewers are asked to go to the website which is even more believing. This trailer in combination with the Dead Island trailer use cinematic elements of conveying story to persuade the buyer. I can't wait to see more of these live action trailers and in addition to films based on video games like Halo and Mass Effect

--

Production work, production work, production work. Where are you? It has been a crazy rollercoaster going through boughts of lots of jobs and no jobs. I was going to work on the film Seven Below Zero shooting in Cincinnati, but had too many schedule conflicts with school starting to participate. I real let down.

However, this past Thursday and Friday I was an extra on the film Parker, starring Jason Statham. It was hot and we were shooting at the fair but it's safe to say I had a great time. I only got the chance to talk with the local crew and not the main crew. They were only shooting in Columbus for two days before going to Louisana to shoot the rest. I wish I could've gone with them.

mmmm...Fisher dolly...

--

And today, I will leave you with a tour of the UP house in Utah.

Summer Production Blog 7.19.11

So much to do and so little time

--

Favorite Movie of the Week:

Catfish

A very interesting look at the virtual world, Catfish wasn't what I expected. I expected a faux documentary horror/thriller type and it wasn't. It's an interesting look at the virtual worlds we create. It reminds me of the opposite of We Live in Public. Both, however, seem to be experiments exploring our new frontier.

I would reccomend seeing it. Makes you wonder how many people are really real, even your friends. We act differently than we woul in real life, here on the internet.

--

This piece by Hans Zimmer is very much overused. But I feel as thought it proves a point-Music drives direction and breathes life into films. Take a look at any horror. Take the music out and it's not scary at all. Music creates an emotional connection and is tied to our memories.

Speaking of music, have you heard of Spotify? It's a new music software much like Pandora or Grooveshark. Instead of searching for a song, or creating playlists off a song you like, you can download or create your own playlist. The interface looks a lot like itunes and it is currently free. It also links to your itunes playlists if you have any. Like Pandora, you can pay extra for unlimited, but a free account gives you 20 hours a month. I encourage you to scope it out- so far I've loved it.

--

Now I will leave you with a word from my dream employer.

Summer Production Blog 7.7.11

Hello heat! Absolutely love this time of year!

--

Favorite Movie of the Week:

Tree of Life

Unique and fresh. This film still has me thinking, and wanting to see it again. The visuals are absolutely stunning spiralling deeper into questions about life and faith. The music is mesmorizing and enchanting. It primarily stays around a family in the 50s and follows the oldest son. It shows how life progresses from innocence to disillusionment.

However, this film is not for everyone. When I saw it the people behind me died laughing once it ended and shouted "finally!". This movie has a specific audiences. It's quite. I would go in with no expectections and an open mind to truely enjoy it. At times it's remarkable how you, the viewer, begin to feel so small in the grand scheme of things. A couple minutes in I was a little confused, but then as the visuals pounded through my eyes and into my heart I began to relax and understand.

--

I did not go see Transformers 3. I understand that the visual effects are incredibly impressive, but without a compelling story, I don't see the  reason to pay money to see it. Also the above proves that they took footage from another film and resused this.

While this clip has many views, the common audience fails to realize just how often Hollywood does this. I showed you the deterorating fox in the previous post. Hollywood always uses stock footage. You think for every airplane lifting off scene they went to the airport and shot it? No way. Or people walking on the street in a montage? Nope. It's because of the one thing that drives Hollywood: money. It's cheaper to pay a coulple grand for some stock footage than to get a whole team and go shoot it. The nature of the business as always.

--

I am waiting to hear back regarding a production job that starts very soon. Once I know more, I will report back.

Summer Production Blog 6.27.11

Final Cut Pro X came out last week. Thoughts?

--

Favorite Movie of the Week:

No Reservations

Wow that trailer is pretty cheesy-especially at the end. Don't let that fool you, No Reservations may not be the best movie ever, but the subtle elements make it the real gem. Abigail Breslin's performance is wonderful, and gets you emotionally involved quick. There is one moment in the movie where Aaron Eckhart's character somehow persuades the little girl to eat. There really isn't any dialogue here, but the story relies on the actions- meaning some pretty great writing.

This movie is predictable and the story won't resonate like a Pixar movie, but I think it's interesting to study what'd going on when there is no dialogue spoken. That's where the true story lies.

--

Speaking of Pixar....

BRAVE!!!! I am very excited for the dark piece of film. Originally it was set to release this Christmas, but has then since been pushed back. I hope that this film puts Pixar back on the map following their first flop Cars 2.

However, I saw Cars 2 this past Friday with low expectations. I walked out having enjoyed the film. It was a fun summer popcorn movie. Definitely not Pixars best, and not a movie I'd purchase, but I had fun.

--

What. A. Disaster. Final Cut Pro X has no use for me as a editor. No custom sequence settings, no multicam, no audio or video tracks, no time codes in the viewer, no opening old files, and so many other failures. To be honest, I've never touched iMovie because it always looked more confusing than FCP to me. This new "hip" interface is awful. The only thing I like is that it's darker and not wicked bright colored light grey. That and that there is no rendering. I don't mind learning a new interface or software, but if that software cannot do the functions I need it to, then it's worthless.

I had Adobe Premiere in high school and liked it for the most part. I'm pretty bummed to have to go back to it now. I'm sure many professionals will be turning away from FCP, or remain using older versions. Films like The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, which was edited on FCP-- I'm sure the editors won't be using it again.