September 16, 2006
Head Trauma for your Momma!

Lance Weiler is the co-director and co-writer for The Last Broadcast, the first influential desktop digital feature that was broadcast to theaters via satellite. Filmed on the tight-rope budget of a mere $900, The Last Broadcast has seen a worldwide theatrical, television, and DVD distribution despite what nay-sayers have said to the contrary. These amazing accomplishments are not to take lightly. Weiler attempting to repeat history with a horror drama follows the spiraling breakdown of George Walker who painfully strives to rebuild his crumbling past. Head Trauma has the high-gloss and professionalism of Hollywood without the cost and without sacrificing rights to his film. Currently in its theatrical run, Head Trauma along with The Last Broadcast will be released September 26. Both will be released by Heretic Films.

Resources: 10kbullets: Lance Weiler Bio, 10kbullets Audio Interview: Lance Weiler, 10kbullets Review: The Last Broadcast, 10kbullets Review: Head Trauma, Official Website: Lance Weiler

May 21, 2006
AMC turns Indy

AMC Entertainment, the second largest theater chain in the US, is implementing a new program called AMC Select. AMC Select will feature Independent Features Films on at least one screen of its 72 theaters in 39 different markets. This announcement was made during the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival and has caught the attention of Craig Hatkoff:

"The creation of AMC SELECT, combined with the recent partnership between AMC and the Tribeca Film Festival is further indication of their commitment to independent filmmaking," said Craig Hatkoff, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival. "With AMC's support, the Festival has been able to expand into new neighborhoods, attracting more fans and providing even greater distribution of our film programs."

Some of the current independent films AMC Select is releasing includes: Akeelah and the Bee, Art School Confidential, Goal! The Dream Begins, and Thank You for Smoking. Many have gotten critical acclaim, however one could argue that these releases are somewhat mainstream for independent offerings.

Let me thank AMC Entertainment for their new venture.

Resources: AMC Select Press Release, AMC Select, AMC Theaters, Tribeca Film Festival

May 12, 2006
SIFF 2006

Yes, it’s time again for the Seattle International Film Festival (May 25 - June 18). Opening with Neil Burger’s “The Illusionist” and ending with Michel Gondry’s “The Science of Sleep.” A printed copy of the SIFF schedule was included in Thursday’s copy of The Seattle Times.

Here are my selections of my picks of the SIFF:

49 Up (US Premiere) - UK - Documentary
a/k/a Tommy Chong - Documentary
A Side, B Side, Seaside (North American Premiere) - Hong Kong
Boffo: Tinseltown’s Bombs and Blockbusters - Documentary
The Call of Cthulhu - Short Film
The Death of Mr. Lazarescu - Romania
Destricted
Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out - Documentary
The First People on the Moon - Russia
The Five Venoms - Hong Kong
The Flowers of St. Francis - Italy
The Hidden Blade - Japan
The Illusionist
Initial D - Hong Kong
The Quick Way Out (North American Premiere) - Spain
Princess Raccoon - Japan
Seven Swords (US Premiere) - Hong Kong
Sneak Midnight Movie (?)
Suicidals (US Premiere) - Argentina
This Film is Not Yet Rated - Documentary
Walking to Werner - Documentary
Who Killed the Electric Car? - Documentary
The Windows

Resources: SIFF Official Website

May 12, 2006
The 2006 72 Hour Film Competition

From May 18-21, individuals or teams will write, shoot and edit a five-minute short and finalize the video or film in DVD format. Only 30 spots are open and the registration cost is $40 which includes the screening admission. The final films screen at the Rialto Theater, Downtown Tacoma, WA, Thursday May 25, at 7pm. Admission is $10.

The catch is that the short will have specific conditions that must be included in every entry.

The five awards of the year are: Good Use of Prop, Good Use of Provided Dialog, Good Use of Special Condition, Best Overall Film, and The Grand Cinema’s Staff Choice.

Resources: The Grand Cinema Official Website, 2006 72 Hour Film Competition, 2006 72 Hour Film Competition Screening

May 12, 2006
Movie Hits / Critics Miss

In a recent article by Susan Dunne of The Hartford Courant, when recent movies such as Underworld: Evolution, Silent Hill, When a Stranger Calls, The Pink Panther, Scary Movie 4, Hostel, Ice Age: The Meltdown, MI:3 were gunned down by the critics, the masses ignored them.

Quote: “Even the production companies warned the public about their films by - in ever-increasing numbers - refusing to screen the films in advance for critics, a tacit acknowledge meant that their film is bad.”

By and large, the movies mentioned above are “critic proof” films - horror films, kids animated features, and Star-Studded films. A new sort of “critic proof” film is being formed, such as “Big Mamma’s House 2” and “Madea’s Family Reunion” which caters to the black community and not to the critic’s sensibilities.

Paul Dergarabedian Quote: "But generally speaking, there is a disconnect because critics by their very nature are more critical of movies than the average moviegoer. Bloggers and online talk and chatter about movies have more of an impact in that way. Readers will see the critic as a peer. As it is, younger audiences don't see the critic as having same sensibilities that they have."

So is the critic’s voice really the voice of the general public? Or has it moved to the realm of the art critic?

Resources: The Hartford Courant

May 04, 2006
Celebrate The American Red Cross 125th Anniversary

With a panel of celebrity judges like Julianne Moore and Jamie Lee Curtis, they’ve chosen first place. With your help, Vote for your 2nd place pick for the 48 Hour Film Project! The 48 Hour Film Project encourages filmmakers to get out there and make movies.

"Six of the Project's best filmmakers were invited to compete. Each received a different genre, and all filmmakers were provided a character, prop and line of dialogue that had to be incorporated into their films. The project took place the weekend of March 17-19. All work – from scripting to editing – occurred during the competition weekend. Each film is approximately 125 seconds long and features a thematic tie to the American Red Cross."

Resources: American Red Cross/48 Hour Film Project Invitaional, 48 Hour Film, American Red Cross

May 03, 2006
Horrors of War

Peter John Ross, better known to the independent community as SonnyBoo.com has recently completed co-directing on his feature film “Horrors of War.” Primed to be a heavy mix of Nazi meets Sci-Fi Horror, this is sure to be a film outside the box. Click on the Links for more information and specifically the Screenings for movie times.

Resources: Sonnyboo.com, Horrors of War (Official Website), Horrors of War (Screenings), IMDB Listing - Horrors of War

April 30, 2006
Indie + Smithsonian = Showtime?

Any substantial use of the famous Smithsonian Institute’s collection for your next independent project might possibly mean that Showtime has rights to your upcoming film. This unfair practice isn’t going unnoticed by famed independent filmmakers. Ken Burns and Michael Moore, who have signed along side 200 others, wrote a pleading letter to Lawrence M. Small to cease this new Showtime Policy. As to the outcome, we shall see.

Resources: Washington Post, News Observer, PBS - Ken Burns, Michael Moore Official Website

Febuary 09, 2006
Miguel Coyula

Miguel Coyula is best known for his Heretic Films release Red Cockroaches and will be known for his future release of Edmundo Desnoes’ Memories of Overdevelopment. Miguel's films are defined by both its a visceral texture of alienation and high-production values on extremely low budgets. The feature-length film Red Cockroaches is regarded highly by audiences and reviewers alike winning numerous awards. Miguel's high concept shorts are thought provoking and visually stunning. Today, he continues production on Memories of Overdevelopment without fail. His heart and determination are sure to see him through.

Resources: Short Interview - Miguel Coyula, Full Interview - Miguel Coyula, Review - Red Cockroaches, 10kbullets.com - Red Cockroaches, Buy Red Cockroaches now from Amazon.com

Febuary 03, 2006
Over 100 Megapixel Cameras?

Is this really possible? Only if you don't mind visual time distortions in your pictures! First, take apart an old camera and retrofit it onto your scanner. Step two, make minor modifications to your scanner software (C knowledge a plus). Viola! You have your very own Black & White photo machine for very little dough with a lot of determination. Check it out yourself if you don't believe me!

Resources: Scanner Photography

January 04, 2006
March of the Penguins

No, I'm not talking about the second largest grossing documentary, I'm talking about my transition to Linux. With Windows Vista rearing its ugly head and all windows problems with Digital Rights Management (DRM), I'm spending time researching an alternative. Linux includes even more free methods of DV and DVD Authoring that appears professional, its becoming the new platform for independent filmmakers. After the last two months of Linux Journal, I'm convinced that Linux has matured to becoming a viable option. The only difficulty is that Linux is deficient in games. Yes, you have Quake and Unreal Tournament and the catalog of older games from Loki, but if you must run DirectX games, turn to Cedegra. It's a $5 a month, but if your a gamer, that's chump change. The learning curve is a bit steep but just like riding a bike, it becomes second nature. Do you want to join in the March?

Resources: Windows Vista, Linux Journal - DVD Authoring, Transgaming - Makers of Cadega