The first video in a series about DIY Filmmaking iPhone Apps. Ben talks about several apps that will help keep your film under budget, including:
Check it! Stay tuned for the next video.
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From the monthly archives:
February 2010
Haunted house trip exposed, relationship essentials, necklace bombs, and a cowboy’s setting sun
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Our community lost a great one this week. LaVerne Stuve was an American original. When it came to the Old West, training horses, and living the cowboy life, he could teach you volumes. I first met Vern at our premiere for our short western, The Legends. As the film played, he sat next to his wife watching his two sons, Dave and Rick, argue about the Legends of the Old West. Although the story may have veered off the traditional course, I think Vern enjoyed seeing his sons bring their cowboy acumen to the big screen. Also, Vern took great pride watching Rick and Dave perform their Wild West productions to the delight of everyone in attendance. We felt the same amount of pride for having known Vern and been in his presence. So if you all could remove your cowboy hats and take a moment to remember our family member and friend, we would be much obliged.
Rest in peace Vern. We’ll see you down the trail.
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Sweet and Low, Poppy Pete, To Kill a Bored Viewer and Diddie Wa Diddie.
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As we approach the shoot for our next short film, the lessons keep coming. Hit it and quit it.
Before Casting:
1. Read the script to the director and producer.
After I sent the script to Mike and Trista, they came back with some comments. Although they liked the story and script, some lines rubbed them the wrong way. We argued back and forth without coming to a consensus. Finally, I decided to read the complete script to them, playing all the characters. Turns out they were reading the lines with certain inflections differing from mine. Once they heard my reading, they agreed to keep most of them. However, when I heard myself say a few of the lines, I agreed we should cut them. Note to self…
2. Describe the characters, in detail, to the director and producer.
The same issues surrounding the dialogue affected the characters. They riddled me with questions about the characters’ interests. As much as you may try, everything in your head will not appear in the script. Once I detailed the character’s background and attitudes, Mike and Trista’s view of the story solidified in their minds. Furthermore, it helped Trista immensely in her search for the right actors.
After Casting:
1. Repeat the activities (above) with the cast.
We have great people in our movies. Upon receiving the script, they are so concerned with giving us what we want that they seek us out to talk over their part. The best way to alleviate their concerns is to review the script, the characters and just talk it over with them. I didn’t do this for The Legends and it extended our shoot. I got my spanking, it hurt, and now I know the right process.
Again, the people in our movies kick royal ass. Thanks, you crazy Vaniards!
Now enjoy this little treat:
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Vanish 101, DIY blues, Blind Willie and a jerk named Shawn [18:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (89)Vanish 101, DIY blues, Blind Willie and a jerk named Shawn
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It’s time to get philosophical. Vanish is driven by a force. But questions abound:
- What is this force?
- Where does it come from?
- Has anybody seen my gym shorts?
So here they are, the reasons we do it.
1. Leave something behind.
I barely know anything about my great grandfather. All I have is an old picture of him in a bank, pointing a gun at the camera. Long story. Anyways, we don’t want our great grandkids to be left in the dark. We’re fascinated by creating something that lasts longer than we do. Whether it be a movie, script, pictures or blog posts, there’s a door into our peculiar minds they can open in 2127.
2. The tribe.
Ah yes, the Vaniards. We love every single one. Especially when we’re bailing them out of jail. Seriously, I can’t tell you how cool it is to hear people recite lines from a flick or utilize the Vanish Dictionary. We love the persistent questions about our next production. They offer things like “If you need a crazy soccer mom in your next movie, let me know.” Another bonus is seeing the satisfaction on their faces after taking part in our crazy endeavor. Vaniards, you are all Assistant Producers in our book!
3. Fulfill a promise.
Mike and I were roommates in college around 19-Odd-6. One night the spirit moved us and we promised we’d make movies if we were ever in the same town. In 2006, I moved from Denver to St. Paul. 60 miles was close enough. The following day a bastard child named “Vanish” was born. He’s a terror now.
4. To mess with people.
Film is a manipulative art form. We weren’t the first. Drop the charges!
5. Living the dream.
We may not be making a living on our dream but we are living the dream. No one can refute it. I sleep like a baby when the thought enters my mind.
If you want to see a killer film, check this out:
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Give Me A Brake
A busload of working class stars wait patiently for the trip to work. The last rider sits down and the door closes. The driver fiddles with some knobs. Passengers settle in. The driver fiddles more violently now. Concerned passengers look to each other for answers. The drive yanks on a lever that just won’t budge….the emergency brake.
“The damn thing’s stuck,” he grunts.
Sweat begins to pour. Rumbles from the bus raise with each excruciating second.
“I need to get to work,” says a panicky Vista volunteer. “What am I going to do?”
The driver’s cursing like a sailor on Saturday night. A construction worker stands to address his fellow bus riders.
“We should all find a different mode of transportation!”
“No,” says an old woman. “I believe the brake will give.”
A preacher bolts out of his seat.
“I can’t take that chance! I’m making a run for it!”
“Noooooooooo!”
Spring 2010.
Now check this:
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