Film festival recap, Mars bubbles, Film School reality, Skippy Whippy, and A Silent Film
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diy filmmaking
Ten years ago I was in London. Everybody raved about the theater scene and how you’d be an idiot to miss it. I complied with the mother of all productions: Les Miserables. We viewed the show from the Abraham Lincoln seats. The production was super elaborate with rotating stages, professional performers and expensive set designs. And I was bored to death. If i’ve offended you with this comment, here’s a tissue. It was boring. I’m sure buried underneath all the bullshit there’s a compelling story.
I guess I didn’t feel like digging.
Later on, I heard about a stage production of an old ghost story entitled “The Woman in Black” occurring off the strip in the back alleys of London. I had my doubts but at least I wouldn’t be blinded by the damn lights. We meandered through the old town district to a little theatre. Only three actors in the whole production: two guys and the notorious ghost, The Woman in Black. This show got under my skin. I never thought I’d be creeped out at a play. If you think it’s freaky seeing a ghost on the screen, think about a pale white lady in black walking by you in the aisle. In a pitch black theatre, no less. I loved it.
I’ve usually experienced the most gratifying art off the beaten path. I’ve run into people who scoff at it because it’s not “legit.” You all know what I think of them. Anyways, here’s a few items I’ve come across out in the wilderness:
- The Ten Steps – My buddy Andres saw this creepy short film at a festival in Denver. It finally turned up on Youtube.
- Daniel Johnston – I discovered his music from a documentary at the library. His first albums were so low budget that his raw melodies couldn’t be buried. If it doesn’t grab you right away, it will. The documentary is great too.
- In the Company of Legends – A few weeks ago I ventured down to Pine Island, MN to a small theatre in an even smaller town. I sat down with a full crowd and witnessed an evening of entertainment that doesn’t happen anymore. A great variety show with a vibrant life. You’ll recognize a few of the actors from the Legends. They’re even more legendary now.
- Running to Stand Still (Live in Sydney) – I know U2 is the epitome of the beaten path. However, only the die-hard fans have heard this version of a classic song. Great music and great drama.
- Seven Signs – I caught this documentary before a Legendary Shack Shakers show in Minneapolis. The lead singer created this brilliant portrait of the unknown South. Plus, my Denver favs Munly and Slim Cessna make appearances and provide the wicked song at the end of the clip.
Bottom line: Get off the beaten path and blaze your own trail. I guarantee you a few (or more) will wander down your trail and be glad they did.
Show some cube.
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Hola Vaniards -
The dust hasn’t settled but our minds are made up. We couldn’t stay away from your beautiful faces. The Vanish train is rolling down the tracks again with growing momentum. The pace is slower so we can enjoy the views a bit more.
Here’s the deal. Mike and I recorded a new podcast last night. It was fun and chaotic as usual. Look for it tomorrow night. We’re going to try every other week and see how it goes. I’ll try to put up a post of my rants on a weekly basis.
As for movies, something could happen when the snow starts melting. We have no idea yet. We’ll see where the train takes us.
Thanks for hanging in there Vaniards. If you’re in the Minneapolis area on Saturday around noon, swing by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design to see “Sweet Damnation” on the big screen. It’ll be a hot time in the old town.
Now a little something for all those evil doers out there. I’m talking to you, pal!
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Vanish got some good news a few days ago. “Sweet Damnation” was selected to play at the 2010 Minneapolis Underground Film Festival.” Saturday, Dec. 4 – Noon at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
New bat time, new bat channel.
We’re stoked. We don’t know what to think so we’re just enjoying it. We admit that our juices flowing again. A new script is waiting to be made. Our schedules for the rest of the year are kickin but….
2011?
We shall see.
If you can make it, we’d love to see you at the screening. We miss your glorious faces.
Show some cube.
BV
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“In the Name of the Father” has numerous memorable scenes but this one stands out. It takes place right after Gisseppe Conlan, the father of Daniel Day-Lewis’s character, dies in prison. Both are innocent and spent several years in prison together. The constraints of prison prevent the rest of the inmates from paying their respects in the normal way, i.e. attending a funeral service or visiting a grave. So they figure out another way.
In DIY filmmaking (or any art where the funds are lacking), you will have constraints. But you have to realize that they force you to create in a new way. As stressful as this may be, I believe it’s one of the fastest way to produce something remarkable. I mean, what are you more likely to remember – a funeral service or what you saw in the film clip? If those boys aren’t in jail, you would never see that amazing scene.
Your limitations will only expand your horizon if you keep moving forward. Do it.
Show some cube.
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I saw “Smoke” several years ago and this scene still haunts me. Or inspires me – it matters the day. Everyone can learn from Auggie and his photography project. His life’s work may seem simplistic but look a little deeper. The importance and complexity of his project shines throughout the scene.
This is Auggie’s corner. He doesn’t care what anybody says. He lives and works here, so he is going to document it for the world. Many (including William Hurt) question the importance of a city street corner. This doesn’t phase Auggie in the slightest. The corner has a special place in his heart and he wants to share it. His passion, his corner.
But the thing that gets me is the unexpected emotional reaction of William Hurt’s character. He sees this mundane project and then gets cold-clocked by the thing. You need to soak this in. One of the most amazing and rewarding thing about creating is that you have no idea how it will affect people. A friend of mine enjoyed “Sweet Damnation” because the characters resembled her crew from college. It made her happy to think about that time of her life again.
Cool stuff people. Check out “Smoke.” Then do your thing.
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Film loss, hair cream, Freddy’s Revenge, Trouble Trouble and Tom Waits
(Sorry about the audio interference. DIY!)
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Thanks for checking it out! – VP
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This video is killer with no filler. And that get-up is so much cooler than a brand new Fender. It’s not a slick, mass produced guitar. Rather, it’s a homegrown, junkyard ball-buster. Completely original and inspiring.
Thinking about your art, are you willing to scour the scraps or dig in the dirt to find your masterpiece? Or are you stuck in the rut of looking for the nicest Fender guitars? The people that scowl or laugh at Jack’s guitar are completely out of the creative loop while they think they’re at the center of it. Don’t go there. Play in the mud. Seek out the junkyards and bring the elements back to life.
That’s power.
That’s remarkable.
That’s a spicy meatball.
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I’m reading an oral history of one of my favorite bands, The Replacements. Good stuff. I came across this quote from lead singer Paul Westerberg:
“Where is it written? Where is it written that you have to pay your dues before you make a record?”
He was referring to the fact that the band was signed very quickly, which rubbed the “purists” the wrong way. I love the quote because it strikes a loud chord. There are many unwritten rules out there. Most are completely useless. One day at work I was confronted by a co-worker about my attire. I was wearing a white shirt, dress pants, red socks and black shoes.
“What do your socks match?” she asked.
“Each other,” I replied.
“They’re supposed to match something else you’re wearing.”
“Where is that written?”
She should be happy they matched each other! Anyways, there’s a bad case of the “supposed to’s” going around. The filmmaking world is no exception. Unless you’re severely breaking the law, anything goes. Unwritten “laws” will not stop you from creating a script, picking up an ordinary camera and shooting a movie. People will try to get in your way to lay down the law. They have no jurisdiction. It’s more likely you’re a threat to their world of unwritten rules. Go for it. Bust down the door and take no prisoners. We want to see your movie, your book, your painting, your album, your knitting, your poetry, your sculpture, your blog, your design, your drawing, your performance, and your photographs because they come from you. Fight the law!
You know the phrase…
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I first watched the infamous Leroy Jenkins video a month ago. I’m only 5 years late! I can see why it’s an international phenomenon. Hell, it’s become a philosophy, similar to the “do the opposite” philosophy. It’s harmless enough but there are a few lessons in this hilarious video. To perpetuate this silly phenomenon, here’s a couple thoughts about filmmaking and the actions of Mr. Jenkins.
How Leeroy Will Elevate Your Game
You can sense the “paralysis by analysis” in the nerd discussion. The various situations and strategies were laughable. Somebody do something! If you analyze all the pitfalls of filmmaking, you will never make a movie. Ever. Rely on your instincts and get in the arena. I don’t care how many books you’ve read, you will never know how to make a film unless you do it. People are inspired by Leroy. Do the same with your filmmaking. Rub some dirt on it and get back in there!
How Leeroy Will Sink Your Ship
If this video represented a movie set, Leroy would come out of nowhere, grab a camera and shout “Action!” I love spontaneity but your film would suck. You have to respect the process. Make sure you love the script. Create a shot list. Do some rehearsal. Don’t spend years on this stuff, but do it justice. If you can’t wait to turn the camera on, film the pre-production process. Laying the foundation is different than planning for every possible pitfall. Know the difference.
Alright chums, let’s do this…
Show some cube.
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