RIFC Blog

Useful thread on camera technology

2011-05-22T18:45:00.000-04:00

This conversation between Mark Fogarty and Dave includes a lot of hardware tips we wanted to share. You have to read it from the bottom up, like an email thread.

>>>

Any Sd card works. I just bought a standard 32GB card. You will want the largest size you can get and have multiple for doc filming.

If it is new, it should have the warranty in box. That price is comparable to what it is on Amazon ($999) You my want the safety of buying from a reputable seller. Look at their ebay ratings before purchasing. if they have a long history and few complaints, they should be okay to buy from.

We have several groups and meetings.

Our networking meeting is the 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Wild Colonial. Many people have had success meeting collaborators at this meeting. We also have a documentary group, a writers group, an actors group and a visual effects group.

We also run classes. The latest one is a screenwriting class but we have run all kinds of classes in the past.

The groups are run without money because they are all run by volunteers who take up the cause and organize the group for their own purposes as well as ours. The group leaders and members find many benefits to being a part of the group. They share resources, find collaborators, find work or get feedback for their work.

If you check out one of our meetings, please let me know how it went.

Thanks,

M

On Sat, Apr 9, 2011 at 7:39 PM, David Turner wrote:
Hi Mark, it the pest!

I ordered a Tamron 18-200 on ebay for $257.97 & it includes 3 filters & a 5 year extended warranty.

Now: I know SDHC cards come in various classes / speeds. Since I intend to use it for video,
what would you recommend?

Last but not least (you're not getting off that easy, lol), there's an ebay seller with a new 60D for $929.00.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170626071706&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_627wt_936

He doesn't mention warranty, but I'm assuming it must come with a warranty from Canon. If you have the time,
click on the link & tell me if you think it's kosher.

My TRV900 sold this morning. I've noticed where you can buy a Canon 50mm 1.8 new for like $130.00, give or take.

Now do you have other courses or groups in addition to the documentary group that would interest me? How do
you guys do this without charging fees for these groups?

Thanks in advance,

If you are looking for a good quality HD camera in the 800 - 1,000 range you should look at a Canon 60D or T2i.

This still camera has the best image quality for the lowest cost.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T3i-Digital-Imaging-18-55mm/dp/B004J3V90Y/ref=sr_1_17?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1301610081&sr=1-17

The problem with the panasonic you are looking at is it is consumer grade, so the image quality will be okay but the audio will be terrible. Also they are difficult to adjust and you will have trouble getting good results. Even with the Canon 60D or T2i you will have limitations, but from my experience, trying to get a consumer grade camera to record decent sound is next to impossible. You probably will want to buy a camera that can shoot at the 24p frame rate.

The Canon 7D, 60D or T3i are the cameras everyone buys right now and the T3i and 60D are roughly the same price as the Panasonic. You will still have problems getting great sound but you can either use a separate sound recorder or use a beachtek adapter to allow you to plug in a high quality microphone.

Do you need to shoot HD? I would say so. You should probably shoot in Progressive frame mode as well. Interlaced is out of fashion.

Also, if you have SD footage you need to use you can try "Instant HD". It is a plug-in that will upconvert your footage to HD and it is fairly reasonable in price.

http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/products/all/magic-bullet-instant-hd/

Hope this helps. Good luck,

Mark Fogarty
RIFC President
On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 3:49 PM, David Turner wrote:
Hello, Carol from The RI Film commission referred you to me.

Here's the situation: I began work on a documentary on the
RI Institute of Mental Health (IMH), & when I started this it
seemed shooting in standard definition was acceptable, however
I am very seriously considering the purchase of a Hi Def camcorder
(Panasonic HDC-HS250-K). I currently have a Sony VX1000,
but plenty of outboard gear. Do you think the quality of this
Panasonic would cut it?

Sound Advice from our Documentary Group's Guest Speaker

2011-05-22T18:37:00.002-04:00

John Murney has graciously supplied a list of the audio equipment he brought and demonstrated at our last meeting. I thought it might be of interest to everyone.
David

As for equipment here's what we have and what I recommend:

Mixer: Shure FP-33 (For about the same price I recommend the Sound Devices 302.)

Boom Pole: I recommend the K-Tek line of boom poles. For shock mounts and wind
screens I recommend the Rycote pistol grip mount and the Rycote Softie
wind screen, sized for various model dimensions.

Shotgun Mic: For a low-budget shotgun mic I recommend the Audio Technica 835B. For
a mid-level budget I recommend the Sennheiser ME66. For a big-budget mic
I recommend the Sennheiser MKH 416.

Also, Rode now has some nice mic products at reasonable prices.

Lavalier Mics: Voice Technologies 500. For twice the price I recommend the Sonotrim mic
with a few advantages including a battery operated mic. Other good brands include Sony, Countryman, and Sanken.

Wireless Systems: I recommend the Lectrosonics brand. They offer higher end and lower
end products that are all very clean, reliable and well constructed.

Headphones: Sony MDR 7506 - Convenient size/weight and very good quality for about
$100.

Camera Cable: I recommend the Peter Engh 18' cable with XLR ends and detachable "pig
tail."

XLR Cables: I recommend Markertek's custom-made cables featuring Canare wire, Neutrik
connectors and color choice. They are excellent quality for a very reasonable price - high quality for a mid-range price.

Splitter Boxes: Whirlwind IMP 1X3 (If needed for feeding 2 or 3 camera interviews from a
mixer without multiple L/R outputs.)

Mixer Bag: PortaBrace - long-lasting and high quality, made for specific mixer models.

As for on-line purchasing I recommend Full Compass, Sweetwater, and Markertek.

As for a small, knowledgeable, reliable, and fair priced outlet for items not found in catalogs, Turner Audio in Newtown, CT. (www.turneraudio.com)

I hope this is helpful. My best to you all.

- John Murney

--
David Eliet
23 Grove Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860

Talent Showcase monday, 48 Hr registration open, Editing with Final Cut class, Screening/Discussion group relaunched

2011-05-18T11:53:00.001-04:00

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May 18, 2011

RIFC SPRING TALENT SHOWCASE

Mon, May 23

at The Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave,

East Providence:

Actors, Singers, Musicians, Dancers, Martial Artists & other performers will have the chance to audition & showcase their craft in front of PVD48HFP (Providence 48 Hr Film Project) team leaders, as well as directors & producers of indie film, theater & music companies from the northeast, and our local celebrity judges, the cast of NBC 10's Rhode Bytes!

There will also be technical stations for DPs & other crew to showcase their talents.

Drinks & light food available for purchase.

Doors open at 7 PM; no cover.

Registration for 48 Hour Film Project open

Hello, filmmakers, friends & fans of the 48HFP:

Today is the day! The Providence 48 Hour Film Project is officially open for registration! This is looking to be our biggest year yet!

On Fri, July 15, through Sun, July 17, you can join hundreds of filmmakers and make a movie in 48 hours! That's right... write, shoot, edit and score a short film in 48 hours. Then see it premiered up on the big screen!

The 48 Hour Film Project is going to over 100 cities spanning all six

continents this year. Which one of you will make the best short film torepresent Providence against teams from around the world vying for the title of "The Best 48 Hour Film of 2011"?

To register go to:

http://www.48hourfilm.com/providence

Body of Proof not to return to RI

ABC announced that the show was renewed for a second season a few days ago, but on Friday actress Jeri Ryan Tweeted that it would be shot in LA. Steven Feinberg, executive director of the RI Film and Television Office, confirmed this news today.

The first season, comprised of nine episodes, finishes tomorrow night. It was filmed entirely in Rhode Island, with the sound stage and production offices in Warwick and other scenes shot at various locations around Providence, including the iconic GTECH building.

The filming of the show was financially advantageous to the state, as in addition to the money made from the filming rights, it created hundreds of new jobs and extra roles for Rhode Islanders.

Lead actress Dana Delaney and others involved in the show seemed to enjoy working in RI, but clearly other factors have played into the decision to move the show to California. Most of the actors live primarily in California, and reportedly "family obligations" of the show's executive producer Matthew Gross influenced the move as well.

The Autism Project seeks videographer

The Autism Project is seeking a filmmaker/videographer who would be willing to donate their time and talent to record the fashion show and have copies available for any of the models or designers who may want one. They can pay a small fee to cover the cost of the CD/DVD and postage.

The event starts at 6 pm. The fashion show segment starts after dinner around 7:30-7:45 and runs about 45 minutes. They aim to have the event complete no later than 9 pm.

There is also an after-party on Federal Hill which many attend. As long as s/he is over the age of 21, the volunteer is more than welcome to join, network, pass out cards, etc. Credit will aslo be given in the program book.

A request that the person behave and dress professionally (no tshirts/jeans/sneakers/baseball caps), be punctual, and prompt with communications... A beginner or film student is fine or need for community service hours.

Anyone who is interested is welcome to contact me directly at olgabeauti@cox.net or call me at 401-353-4656

The charity's website is theautismproject.org . An article about last year's show is under "events".. then click on "fashion show"

Rhode Island Film Collaborative

401.484.RIFC
172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI

www.rifcfilms.com

To submit information for distribution, go to www.rifcfilms.com/blast.aspx

In This Issue

Spring Talent showcase next week

Registration for 48 Hr Film project

Body of Proof not in RI

Videographer needed

Screening/Discussion group

Editing class

Acting/Auditioning class

Screening/Disscussion group

On thursday June 9th, the RIFC will be relaunching the Screening/Discussion group. It will be held at the Roots Cafe located at 276 Westminster Street, Providence starting at 6 pm.

Come and screen a film and stay after to discuss.

This is a great place to sharpen your critiquing skills and meet other film friends.

Suggestions for first film can be sent to info@rifcfilms.com

Food and drinks can be purchased there.

There is no charge for this event.

Editing with Final Cut Workshop

Six Thursdays,

June 9th - July 14, 2011
6:30 -9:00 pm

Bishop Hendricken High School,

2615 Warwick Avenue

Warwick, RI 02889

Instructor Mark Fogarty

Price: $240 until May 31st $260 after that

Description

Learn the basics of film editing using Final Cut Pro editing software. In this six-week class we will study the principles of film editing while learning the ins-and-outs of Final Cut Pro. We will cover editing workflows, compositing, editing multi-camera sequences and using green screen. A guest speaker will also discuss the profession of editing from a studio perspective.

To register go to: www.rifcfilms.com

Acting/Auditioning classes

Tuesdays, May 31 - June 21, 2011
5:00 -7:30
RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket

Instructor: Carolyn Pickman

Price: $189 until May 24th $209 after that

Description

Carolyn Pickman brings actual audition material from television commercials, corporate videos, and film scripts. Participants will be videotaped in a mock audition setting at each class. Students will review the videos and learn to prepare, and adjust their performances for the camera, take direction, and learn tricks of the trade - both in auditioning successfully, and in effectively conveying character and presence through the lens of the camera.

Carolyn walks you through auditioning step-by-step, pointing out the pitfalls to avoid and giving an insider's view on what industry pros look for. Students are welcome to repeat this course - different material is always added.

To register go to: www.rifcfilms.com

This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?"

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RIFC Spring Talent Showcase, Networking Meeting tonight, 48Hr save the dates, Doc Filmmaker imprisoned

2011-05-10T12:50:00.001-04:00

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May 10, 2011

RIFC SPRING TALENT SHOWCASE

Mon, May 23

@ The Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave, East. Providence:

There will also be technical stations for DPs & other crew to showcase their talents.

Drinks & light food available for purchase.

Doors open at 7 PM; no cover.

Save the Dates for Upcoming 48 Hr Film Events

THE BEST 48HFP DOUBLE FEATURE -

Sun, June 12

@ The Spot Underground, 15 Elbow St, Providence :

Come see the best 48HFP films the world has to offer! First, we screen the Best of 48 HFP 2010, with films from London, Rome, Johannesburg & Buffalo, among others. Then, we screen the Best of the First 10 Years, a special collection in commemoration of 10 years of film, 48 hours at a time. The Spot Underground has food & drink available for purchase.

Doors open at 6:30 for a 7 PM start.

Suggested donation: $5 for 1 feature, $8 for both.

THE PROVIDENCE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT 2011

July 15-17

@ Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, 172 Exchange St, Pawtucket:

This is it! On Friday, representatives from all registered teams will

converge on this spot, draw film genres from a hat & learn the common elements -- character, prop & line -- they must use in their film.

Then, they're off, trying to make the best 4-7min film in 48hrs! Doors will open at 6 PM & the clock starts at 7; they have until 7:30 Sunday to come back to this spot with a finished product. An RIFC rep will be on hand until 9 PM, to collect late entries. 1 - 2 representatives only per team.

THE PREMIERE SCREENINGS

July 19-21

@ Cinema World - Lincoln Mall 16, 622 Geo. Washington Hwy, Lincoln:

Come see all the films created for the PVD48HFP 2011 on the big screen!

Teams will be assigned to different screening groups (TBD, check our

websites for info); you can come support your team at one screening or come to every screening & see them all! Q&A with the filmmakers will happen after each screening. Screenings will start at 7 & 9:15 PM;

Tickets will be $10, with discounts for multiple screenings.

THE BEST OF PROVIDENCE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT 2011

Sat, Aug. 6

@ RI College

Tonight, we re-screen films chosen by our panel of judges as the best that Providence has to offer the 48HFP, followed by an award ceremony; trophies will be given to award-winners in all categories, from audience favorite in each individual screening to the top prize, Best Film!

Q&A with the filmmakers will happen after the screening.

Afterwards, come share food & drink with the filmmakers.

All RIFC members & film fans are welcome!

Doors open @ 6:30 for a 7 PM show; tickets are $15.

48 DAYS LATER -

Sun, Sept. 25

@ The Spot Underground

An event unique to Providence. Filmmakers are invited to continue working on their 48HFP submissions: if you had to cut a scene, to fit it in the 7min. time limit, you can put it back in; if you didn't have time to make certain color corrections, make them now; if the sound doesn't quite sync up, fix it!

Do whatever you want (except make it feature length; that'll require its own special screening - & have the finished product at the RIFC office -- Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, Suite 304 -- by 10 PM on Friday, Sept. 23, 48 days after the Best ofPVD48HFP 2011 screening, & we'll screen it on Sunday at The Spot Underground! There will be no judging or awards, but Q&A with the filmmakers will happen after the screening.

Food & drink will be available for purchase.

Doors open at 6:30 for a 7 PM show; suggested donation: $5.

Documentary Filmmaker imprisoned in Iran

To: His Excellency Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani (Office of the Head of the Judiciary) ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

We wish to express our deep concern for Arzhang Davoodi, an author, poet, and former Director of the Parto-e-Hekmat Cultural Educational Centre in Teheran. Mr. Davoodi was arrested without a warrant on November 9, 2003, for his involvement in the production of a TV documentary called "Forbidden Iran" in which he spoke out about human rights violations in Iran. After a trial behind closed doors that lasted less than an hour, and without the presence of a lawyer, he was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. He is now being held at Reja'I Shah prison, where he has been tortured and beaten. As a result of beatings, he has a broken shoulder blade, broken jaw, and broken teeth. He has been denied medical attention, as well as family visits. Earlier this year, Mr. Davoodi's treatment was reported by the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment and delivered by the Human Rights Council to the General Assembly of the United Nations.

As Rhode Island film makers, we are especially concerned about Mr. Davoodi being subjected to seven years of harsh, brutal treatment simply for making a film. Amnesty International considers Arzhang Davoodi a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for peacefully expressing his beliefs. I urge you to use your authority to grant him immediate and unconditional release, as well as to see that he receives needed medical treatment.

To sign petition go to:

http://www.petitiononline.com/airifc1/petition.html

Rhode Island Film Collaborative

401.484.RIFC
172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI

www.rifcfilms.com

To submit information for distribution, go to www.rifcfilms.com/blast.aspx

In This Issue

RIFC Spring Talent Showcase

Save the Dates 48Hr Film Project

Doc Filmmaker imprisoned

Networking meeting tonight

RIFC needs volunteers

Audition/Acting class

Advanced Audition/Acting class

Networking Meeting

Tuesday,

May 10, 2011

7:00 pm

At the Wild Colonial

250 South Water Street, Providence

Come meet other members of the RI Film Collaborative and share ideas, find out about upcoming productions, events and what is going on with your fellow independent filmmakers.

We look forward to seeing you there!

There is no charge for this event.

RIFC looking for Volunteers

The RIFC is looking for volunteers to help with the many events of the 48 Hr Film Project. If you would like to volunteer look at the scedule of dates list on the left and email:

placegleason@rifcfilm.com

Any and all help is most welcome!

Auditioning and Acting for the Camera 1

Tuesdays, May 31 - June 21, 2011
5:00 -7:30
RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket

Instructor Carolyn Pickman
Guest Instructor TBD

Price: $189 until May 24th $209 after that

Description This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?"

To sign up go to www.rifcfilms.com

Advanced Auditioning and Acting for the Camera II

Tuesdays, May 31 - June 21, 2011
7:30 -9:00 pm
RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket

Instructor Carolyn Pickman
Guest Instructor Michael Corrente

Price: $189 until May 24th $209 after that

This course is the sequel to Auditioning for the Camera with Carolyn Pickman.
If you're interested in expanding on the skills you learned in earlier courses, you'll enjoy this advanced approach to knocking auditions and performances out of the park.

You'll use actual audition material from television commercials, corporate videos, film scripts and tv shows. Your mock auditions will be videotaped at each class, and reviewed with feedback and coaching. You'll learn to prepare, and to adjust your performances for the camera, take direction. You'll also learn tricks of the trade, including protocol, what to expect on a set, how a shooting day goes. There will also be a discussion of union and non-union work, the pros and cons of each, and strategies for building an acting career. The end result will help you, both in auditioning successfully and in effectively conveying character & presence through the lens of the camera.

Take your skills to the next level. Work will include mock auditions for guest directors as well. Students for the Level two class must have taken the intro to Auditioning for the Camera or an equivalent class or real world experience.

If you're not sure whether you qualify, inquire at info@rifcfilms.com.

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Casting Moonrise Kingdom & Edge Infinity Studios, "Fixing America", camera man needed

2011-05-04T09:47:00.001-04:00

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May 3, 2011

Casting Moonrise Kingdom

As many of you know, we are working on MOONRISE KINGDOM, directed by Wes Anderson

This is shooting in Rhode Island, May and June and we are seeking BACKGROUND ACTORS.

ADULTS

In general we are seeking SAG Adults for this film - for BACKGROUND WORK.

Please respond here if you're interested - and if you've already responded....you're good then, no need to do it twice. I will be in touch.

BOYS (union and non-union)

11 years old to 15

(you must be 11 by May 13 - but if you're over 15 and still LOOK 15, that's fine)

here's what I need from you if you're interested

MUST BE AVAILABLE May 13 AND May 21

(there may be additional days but we can't consider you for those unless you are available May 13 AND MAY 21)

YOUR NAME

YOUR DATE OF BIRTH

YOUR HEIGHT

YOUR WEIGHT

and if you have any SCOUTING EXPERIENCE - please let me know.

UNION STATUS (SAG, AFTRA or NON)

WE ARE ALSO SETTING UP WARDROBE FITTINGS

Fittings may include hair cuts if that's necessary.

Fitting are done in Middletown , Rhode Island

this week - Tuesday through Friday

3:30-6;30

Hourly

10 boys and hour

If you're interested - drop me a not with the above info and your Fitting Time and Date Preference - and we'll try to accommodate you.

LDI

401.226.4677

www.ldicasting.net

This is not an RIFC production

Casting for Edge Infinity Studios

Edge Infinity Studios LLC is casting for upcoming Pilot Shoot.

- 50-90 y/o Asian/Japanese-looking actor to play role in upcoming Pilot Demo. $100/day.

Needed on May 21st.

- 40's - Quirky male Caucasian actor to play Janitor. Stipend.

- A Young Walter Cronkite impersonator

Stay in touch with our facebook group for casting and crew notices "Edge Infinity Studios LLC"

And send headshots and resume to contact@edgeinfinity.com

This is not an RIFC production

"Fixing America"

The 989 Project is proud to announce, in collaboration with Stephen P. Laffey and Stephen T. Skoly, the filming of the feature length documentary Fixing America. Currently in production, Fixing America will raise relevant questions about the state of our country and attempt to get to the core of the issues by speaking with Americans from across the United States. Discussing not only the problems we are facing, but also the possible solutions that can lead us to a better future, the film will represent opinions ranging from everyday Americans to experts on policy.

Currently on the road, crew members, including director Anthony Ambrosino (Sleather) and director of photography Jeff Hoffman (The Corporation), are making sure to keep everyone up to date on their progress. Daily videos can be found at www.fixingamericamovie.com, and help showcase the true vision behind this documentary. After making their way across the United States, the crew will return back to Rhode Island where post production will commence at The 989 Project's studio with the editor Fred Tindall.

Make sure you are staying up on the issues and sharing your opinions with us at www.fixingamericamovie.com. To see more work from The 989 Project, visit www.the989project.com.

Camera man needed-Save the Bay

Save the Bay needs a person to help shoot their Bay Partners Graduation on Monday May 9 from 9am - 1 pm.

There will be a large group of Providence students who are completing a multi-year set of programs. There will be lots of activities and some speeches that will need to be documented.

No editing needed.

This is not a paid gig.

For more information contact: Rebekah at

rzabinski@savebay.org

Rhode Island Film Collaborative

401.484.RIFC
172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI

www.rifcfilms.com

To submit information for distribution, go to www.rifcfilms.com/blast.aspx

In This Issue

Casting Moonrise Kingdom

Casting Edge Infinity Studios

Fixing America

Cameraman needed

Comedy Connection

Documentary Group

Networking Meeting

Acting/Auditioning classes

Warm up guy at the Comedy Connection

"Ever wonder what it would be like to be part of a live Hollywood studio audience?"

At 8pm on Thursday, May 5th at the Comedy Connection in East Providence (39 Warren Ave www.ricomedyconnection.com 401-438-8383), I will be directing the debut of a one man, audio-visual show starring Bob Perlow, We willl have another performance on May 12 as well.

For the past 15 years, Bob was the opening warm-up comic on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. Previous to that, Bob wrote, and/or warmed up on such hits as "Friends", "Two and A Half Men", "Laverne and Shirley", "Mork and Mindy", "Coach", "Will and Grace" and many more shows.

I hope you will join us for a fun night of laughter and unpredictability!

Documentary Group

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 5 th at 7:00 p.m. at the RIFC headquarters

in the Pawtucket Armory,

172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket

Networking Meeting

Tuesday,

May 10, 2011

7:00 pm

At the Wild Colonial

250 South Water Street, Providence

Come meet other members of the RI Film Collaborative and share ideas, find out about upcoming productions, events and what is going on with your fellow independent filmmakers.

We look forward to seeing you there!

There is no charge for this event.

Acting/Auditioning Classes

Tuesdays, May 24 - June 14, 2011
5:00 -7:30
RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket

Instructor Carolyn Pickman
Guest Instructor TBD

Price: $189 until May 17th $209 after that

Description

This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?"

To sign up go to: www.rifcfilms.com

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Last chance for Acting workshop, Editing Intern needed, Doc Screenwriter needed, Give me 5 teen festival

2011-04-26T11:07:00.000-04:00

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April 26, 2011

Last chance!

Auditioning and Acting in Front of the Camera with Carolyn Pickman-starts tonight 4/26

Tuesdays, April 26- May 17, 2011

6:30 - 9:00

RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket

3rd floor

Instructor Carolyn Pickman

Guest Instructor Michael Corrente

Price: $209

Description This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?"

Get the call back, book the job - or just learn to work the camera like a pro. Practice and insightful coaching are the keys to improving your ability to work with the camera, and your comfort with it.

Carolyn Pickman brings actual audition material from television commercials, corporate videos, and film scripts. Participants will be videotaped in a mock audition setting at each class. Students will review the videos and learn to prepare, and adjust their performances for the camera, take direction, and learn tricks of the trade - both in auditioning successfully, and in effectively conveying character and presence through the lens of the camera.

Carolyn walks you through auditioning step-by-step, pointing out the pitfalls to avoid and giving an insider's view on what industry pros look for. Students are welcome to repeat this course - different material is always added.

To sign up, go to: rifcfilms.com/education.aspx

Editing Intern needed

Request from the 989 Project:

We are looking for an editing intern who will work with our editor on a feature length documentary that is currently in production. We need someone to help with transcoding footage, syncing audio to video, cataloging media, etc. This is a great experience for someone looking to gain more experience with film editing. This position is for film credit only and future professional considerations. We need someone with full time availability, Mon-Fri, starting ASAP through May 20. If interested, please send resume and and relevant demos or links.

Contact Person:

Nick Delmenico

Company/Organization:

Info@the989project.com

This is an unpaid internship.

This is not a RIFC production

Documentary Screenwriter/Concept Development needed

PL-AIDS (Partners in Learning about AIDS) is a media-based nonprofit focused on developing advocacy projects for HIV prevention. Right now, the organization is working on a one-hour advocacy-related documentary about healthcare access to post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. At this point, we are looking for:

This not a RIFC production

Documentary Screenwriter/Concept Development: This person would be responsible for reworking the existing script under development by the main writer and would become a co-writer of the script. Only individuals with experience in screen writing and concept development should respond. We are looking for people with a very creative vision and have experience with documentaries.The specific project would involve the writing of a few short scenes that could be integrated into a larger, preexisting storyline.

For more information contact Gavin Myers at gmyers@plaidsproject.org

Give me 5 RI Teen festival

WHAT: Rhode Island Teen Film Festival, with Feedback from Professionals

WHEN: Saturday, May 21, 2011, 12:30-5:30 PM , Bishop Hendricken High School Theatre, Warwick

WHO: For filmmakers ages 13-18, from Rhode Island school & community media education programs

The Media Education Team of the RI Arts Learning Network is sponsoring year three of GiveMe5-a special event for teens to showcase their 5-minute films and get feedback from professionals. This year, GiveMe5 will be held at Bishop Hendricken High School's theatre, 2615 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. The pizza dinner celebration, group award and photo shoot of all participants will be held immediately following.

For more information go to: http://www.giveme5ri.org/

or call Sherilyn Brown at 222-6994, or e-mail sherilyn.brown@arts.ri.gov

Rhode Island Film Collaborative

401.484.RIFC
172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI

www.rifcfilms.com

To submit information for distribution, go to www.rifcfilms.com/blast.aspx

In This Issue

Last chance for acting class

Editing Intern needed

Screenwriter/Concept Development

Give me 5- teen festival

Horrow group

Upcoming Event- Talent Showcase

Horror group

Our next RIFC Horror Group Meeting has been confirmed for this Thursday, April 28th at 8pm in Horace Mann 193 on the Rhode Island College Campus.

Feel free to bring any movie you would like to view and we will vote on the one we will choose to watch at the beginning of the meeting. Also, please try and bring a friend so that the group can keep expanding and become something even more. Thanks and hope to see you there.

RIFC SPRING TALENT SHOWCASE -

Mon, May 23

@ The Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave, Ea. Providence:
Actors, Singers, Musicians, Dancers, Martial Artists & other performers will have the chance to audition & showcase their craft in front of
PVD48HFP team leaders, as well as directors & producers of indie film,
theater & music companies from the northeast, as well as our local
celebrity judges, the cast of NBC 10's Rhode Bytes! There will also be
technical stations for DPs & other crew to showcase their talents. Drinks
& light food available for purchase.

Doors open at 7 PM; no cover.

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Casting, RI Citizens 4 Arts, Call for entries, "My Providence contest", Acting classes

2011-04-20T14:27:00.001-04:00

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April 20, 2011

LDI Casting looking for extras

Although there will be other opportunities for background work - we are currently seeking some people with specific looks.

Please review this list - if you are good to go...drop a note and a picture.

(if you think we have your picture, let me know that first - and if I can't find it for some reason, I'll let you know)

WHEN YOU RESPOND - PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR UNION STATUS...
SAG
AFTRA
or
NON-union

Here's what they want photos for:

ALL SHOOT DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Male - 40+ Caucasian - Rugged
Shoots - Thursday - April 28

Boys - 12-14 years old who have SAILING/CANOEING EXPERIENCE
Shoots - Thursday - April 28
and
Shoots - Thursday - May 19

6th grade students - boys and girls
Shoots - Friday - April 29

Boys - to portray 14-17 years old
Attitude... punk...bad seed
Shoots Friday - May 6

We will eventually need a boy (12-14) who knows morse code.
anyone?... hello?
...- - -...

and 2 Salty Fishermen - 70+

For more information contact: www.ldicasting.net

RI Citizens for the Arts needs our help

From the desk of Lisa Carnevale, Executive Director for RI Citizens for the Arts:

Most of you know by now the tenuous situation RI CFA has found ourselves in financially. We announced on March 1 to our organization partners, if we do not raise $20K by the end of this month, we will no longer be able to continue spearheading the advocacy efforts for the arts, lobbying at the State House, and working to protect RISCA funds and programs. We asked for your help.

Since this call, many of you have taken action to reach out to your constituents and generate much needed funds towards our goal. THANK YOU! We are just over 1/2 way there, and I am happy to announce we have received a $5000 anonymous matching donation (from a former RI CFA board member).

Can you help us reach this match? If you have not already sent a note to your board, executive committee, constituents, etc., now is the ideal time to do so, and use this $5000 match as an incentive to get membership dollars into RI CFA. Should there be an opportunity for follow up as part of your efforts to date, this can act as a perfect reason to do so and communicate again with your constituents. For quick access, our membership page with paypal link is here: http://www.ri4arts.org/member.htm

RI CFA has talked to a number of non-profit organizations that have yet to become members. Board members have put our personal requests to their networks to bring in memberships. Letters are out, calls are being made. We are getting there. But we need this final push to bring it all home! Thank you again for all your support. And please let me know if you have any questions or need more information..

RI Citizens for the Arts is a non-profit arts advocacy organization working in Rhode Island for the benefit of all artists and arts organizations, as well as for the benefit of the community-at-large.

RIACTS looking for entries

RI Animated Cartoon Television Symposium will be having their Fifth Television, Film and Animated Cartoon Festival called The RIACTS Southern New England Independent Film Festival on October 8th and 9th 2011 at the Mainstay Inn in Newport, RI.

They are seeking Entries from local Film, Television Concept and Animated Cartoon Creators. There is No fee to place an Entry. They will be again offering a $500.00 Cash Prize to the Best Entry.

Please contact Joseph Burke at 401-841-0353 or E-Mail ayersrockcomm@verizon.net for more Info .

My Providence contest

Collaborater needed for film about the IMH

David Turner is interested in finding out if anyone in our group might be interested in collaborating with him on a project about the IMH. As an former employee, he was granted access and took a variety of different photos of the now sealed underground tunnels. He would like to show these images during interviews, & get the comments from former IMH employees, families of people who were residents there, etc.

If interested in discussing this with him, his e-mail address is:

skanman@cox.net.

This is not an RIFC production.

Rhode Island Film Collaborative

401.484.RIFC
172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI

www.rifcfilms.com

To submit information for distribution, go to www.rifcfilms.com/blast.aspx

In This Issue

LDI Casting

RI Citizens for the Arts

Call for entries

My Providence Contest

IMH film need collaborator

Acting/Auditioning classes

Documentary group

Save the dates

Upcoming Class-Auditioning and Acting in Front of the Camera with Carolyn Pickman - starting next week!

Tuesdays, April 26- May 17, 2011

6:30 - 9:00

RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket

3rd floor

Instructor Carolyn Pickman

Guest Instructor Michael Corrente

Price: $209

Description This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?"

Documentary Group Thursday, April 21

at 7 pm

Reminder: that the Documentary Group is having a special meeting this Thursday. We'll be looking at Christian DeRezendes' "Thinking through the Drink," which explores the filmmaking projects funded by RIDOT last Summer,

We'll have guest filmakers from The 989 Project seeking advice on allocating the budget of an upcoming documentary they'll be producing next month.

We'll also be discussing other activities the Documentary Group can take on in the next few months.

Although this make-up meeting isn't on the usual "first Thursday", it's still at 7pm and will take place at RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket (follow signs to the Gamm Theater - our door is right next to theirs).

Hope you can join us!

SAVE THE DATES for the 48!

The RI Film Collaborative is pleased to announce that we've been gearing up for this year's Providence 48 HourFilm Project!

Here are the dates & times for our events, running from May through September, so that you can save the dates in your calendar.

RIFC SPRING TALENT SHOWCASE -Mon, May 23 @ The Comedy Connection,

39 Warren Ave, Ea. Providence:

Actors, Singers, Musicians, Dancers, Martial Artists & other performers

will have the chance to audition & showcase their craft in front of PVD48HFP team leaders, as well as directors & producers of indie film,

theater & music companies from the northeast, as well as our local celebrity judges, the cast of NBC 10's Rhode Bytes! There will also be technical stations for DPs & other crew to showcase their talents. Drinks

& light food available for purchase. Doors open at 7 PM; no cover.

THE BEST 48HFP DOUBLE FEATURE - Sun, June 23 @ The Spot Underground,15 Elbow St,Providence :

Doors open at 6:30 for a 7 PM start.

THE PROVIDENCE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT 2011 - July 15-17

@ Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, 172 Exchange St, Pawtucket:

On Friday, representatives from all registered teams will converge on this spot, draw film genres from a hat & learn the common elements -- character, prop & line -- they must use in their film. Then,they're off, trying to make the best 4-7min film in 48hrs! Doors will open at 6 PM & the clock starts at 7. They have until 7:30 Sunday to come back to this spot with a finished product.

THE PREMIERE SCREENINGS - July 19-21 (addtional dates TBD)

@ Cinema World - Lincoln Mall,

622 Geo. Washington Hwy, Lincoln:

Come see all the films created for the PVD48HFP 2011 on the big screen!

Teams will be assigned to different screening groups (TBD, check our websites for info); you can come support your team at one screening or come to every screening & see them all! Q&A with the filmmakers will happen after each screening.

THE BEST OF PROVIDENCE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT 2011 - Sat, Aug. 6 @ TBD

That night we re-screen films chosen by our panel of judges as the best that Providence has to offer the 48HFP, followed by an award ceremony; trophies will be given to award-winners in all categories, from audience favorite

in each individual screening to the top prize, Best Film! Q&A with the filmmakers will happen after the screening. Afterwards, come share food & drink with the filmmakers; all RIFC members & film fans are welcome!

48 DAYS LATER - Sun, Sept. 25

@ The Spot Underground

Keep checking the websites at

http://www.48hourfilm.com/providence

& http://www.rifcfilms.com

Also, don't forget that we now have a Twitter account; come follow us at

http://www.twitter.com/PVD48HFP!

We look forward to seeing you at this

year's Providence 48HFP!

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SENE April 6-10, Doc group, GoLocalProv features RIFC, Networking, Body of Proof and Thanks.

2011-04-05T12:39:00.001-04:00

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April 4, 2011

SENE, April 6-10

The 3rd Annual Southern New England Film, Music & Arts Festival is April 6-10, bringing 14 artist,8 music and poetry performances, and 70 short and full-length movies to Pawtucket and Providence.

The SENE festival kicks off Wednesday with an opening night party from 6-11 pm at Peace Love Studios,200 Main Street, Unit 3, Pawtiucket. Featuring artists reception, live folk and eclectic music, an art exhibit, and festival film previews. Admission is $10 (free to SENE members).

Screenings from RI Filmmakers:

On Thursday April 7, at 4pm at the Cable Car Cinema "Thinking Through the Drink".

The encore presentation of 5 short films produced by graduates of the Rhode Island Film Collaborative "Introduction to Video Production" educational program - films include a range of genres and deal with the very important subject of drunk driving awareness.

Followed by the premiere of a special "behind the scenes" documentary produced by Breaking Branches Pictures.

The entire program is made possible by a grant from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation Office on Highway Safety and the University of Rhode Island Transportation Center and is sponsored by the SENE Film, Music & Arts Festival. Special thanks to Toni-Ann Baker of Two Sisters Productions for creating this unique new program.

Regional Shorts (RI, CT, MA) | Saturday, April 9 | 5:30 PM | Chace Center

Rhode Island: A Great Place To Get Lost
USA, 2010, 3 mins.
Director Ryan Vemmer in attendance

This short portrays the misadventures of an ill-prepared father and daughter trying to find their way to a birthday party, though they haven't the slightest idea where it is taking place. The director, with his small band of support crew (his family), created this little movie for the Why RI? video contest sponsored by Leadership Rhode Island www.whyrivideo.com

The Phantom Pervert of Poquamuck
USA, 2010, 16 mins.
Director Alec Asten, producer/writer James Cimalore, producer Judith Nutkis in attendance

Late one summer night, a clumsy swamp Yankee runs into the mysterious "Phantom Pervert" of Poquamuck.

Bird Talk
USA, 2010, 27 mins.
Director Richard Griffin, producer Ted Marr, writer Jennifer Scharf in attendance

A failed real estate agent turned self-proclaimed bird expert and radio personality under the call name "Twitcher" ruining lives, one caller at a time.

There She Is...
USA, 2010, 19 mins.
Director Jenn Dlugos and producer Andrea Henry in attendance

Everyone has a one crazy dream. There She Is tells the story of one woman's quest to win the Mrs. Massachusetts beauty pageant.

Details at senefest.com.

Feature in GoLocalProv:

Rhode Island Film Collaborative & RIPTA work together on community film

It may not have appeared to be a match made in heaven, but RIPTA showed its creative flair this week when a crew of more than 60 volunteers jumped on board local buses to film a short, the winner of Rhode Island Film Collaborative's screenplay contest.

And it was smooth riding.

In true community filmmaking style, the collaboration between filmmakers and public transportion professionals set the stage for the final scenes of the short film, The Perfect Day For A Picnic.

A day, a bus, a driver

RIPTA's generous donation and allowance of on-site filming included a full-day, exclusive access to a RIPTA bus and driver. "Although this is a short film, there are some challenging scenes involving multiple locations and extras," said writer/director Bob Lucas. "A special thanks goes out to the people at RIPTA who provided us with their support for one of the more complicated scenes."

And to make the event a truly Rhode Island one, the more than 40 volunteer extras portraying the bus's passengers enjoyed lunch donated by Geoff's Superlative Sandwiches of Providence.

Picnic stars Michael A. LoCicero of the Rhode Island-based film Sleather and is a visually-driven, surrealist drama. The film is being produced and funded by the RIFC, comprised of a network of industry professionals, students and hobbyists that come together to foster the growth of the independent film community. The RIFC, whose motto is "Filmmaking through Community" have worked with many local organizations, including RIPTA, to help local filmmakers continue and finish their projects.

"I just want to make something that everyone involved will be proud of," Lucas said.

Exile Movies and TSL Productions are looking for extras for the feature film "smalltown"

Looking for women 18 - 50, all types, for walk-on roles in the film smalltown.

This is not your typical walk-on part. You will be heavily featured in the film and may be asked to say a line, beat somebody up, flirt with the camera or have a dramatic death scene. You will be playing a prostitute and should feel comfortable wearing the appropriate costume.

This is for an independent film and is not exploitative. (In other words, although the film deals with sensitive matters, this is a very safe and comfortable working environment and you will be treated with respect and not asked to do anything that makes you remotely uncomfortable).

The scenes will be shot on Sunday April 17^th and Monday April 18^th. Women are needed for either, or preferably, both days.

Also looking for men 35 -55.

And young men 18 - 35 to play crackheads.

This is unpaid other than copy, credit and food. It will be good fun.

For more information contact: Todd LeComte at: tslecomte@yahoo.com

Special Thanks to:

David Weindel: For the folding field production bench and all the awesome camera and lavolier equipment he's donated for use at the actors' labs.

Mary DeBerry: for the props, decorations and lamp now sparkling up our HQ

Bob Jaffe: for the huge collection of movie posters and overall support of our new space

Mark Tully: for the vintage editing station (we're talking, like 1950's splicing equipment), which is an awesome conversation piece.

Mike Ryan: For the Panasonic DVX 100b now available to workshops and classes, and for the MacMini editing station that will be available to the same.

Rhode Island Film Collaborative

401.484.RIFC
172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI

www.rifcfilms.com

To submit information for distribution, go to www.rifcfilms.com/blast.aspx

In This Issue

SENE

RIFC featured in GoLocalProv

Extras needed

Special Thanks

Documentary Group

Networking Meeting

Upcoming Classes

Save the Date

Congrats to Body of Proof

Documentary Group

172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket

3rd floor.

for more information contact

David Eliet at david.eliet@gmail.com

Networking Meeting

Tuesday,

April 12, 2011

7:00 pm

At the Wild Colonial

250 South Water Street, Providence

Come meet other members of the RI Film Collaborative and share ideas, find out about upcoming productions, events and what is going on with your fellow independent filmmakers.

We look forward to seeing you there!

There is no charge for this event.

Upcoming Classes-Auditioning and Acting in Front of the Camera with Carolyn Pickman

Tuesdays, April 12 - May 3 2011

6:30 - 9:00

RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket

Instructor Carolyn Pickman Guest Instructor Michael Corrente

Price: $189 until April 2nd $209 after that

Description This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?"

Get the call back, book the job - or just learn to work the camera like a pro. Practice and insightful coaching are the keys to improving your ability to work with the camera, and your comfort with it.

Carolyn Pickman brings actual audition material from television commercials, corporate videos, and film scripts. Participants will be videotaped in a mock audition setting at each class. Students will review the videos and learn to prepare, and adjust their performances for the camera, take direction, and learn tricks of the trade - both in auditioning successfully, and in effectively conveying character and presence through the lens of the camera.

Carolyn walks you through auditioning step-by-step, pointing out the pitfalls to avoid and giving an insider's view on what industry pros look for. Students are welcome to repeat this course - different material is always added.

To sign up, go to: rifcfilms.com/education

Save the Date

for the

48Hr Film Project

July 15-17, 2011

More information coming soon!

Congratulations to

Body of Proof

Great news! The ABC TV drama BODY OF PROOF, filmed entirely in Rhode Island, won its 10:00 PM time slot with a 16% ratings share. CBS snared 13% and NBC captured 5% of viewers.

Congratulations to the cast, crew, network and all talents involved with the BODY OF PROOF series.

Watch it every Tuesday night at 10 pm on ABC!

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48HR Film Project Gets Special Twist in Providence

2010-09-08T15:13:00.002-04:00

The 48-Hour Film Project, which originated in Washington, DC, has grown from one major city in the United States to an International Event including countries around the world.

This year, the 2010 48HR Film Project in Providence, RI, was held on the weekend of July 16 through 18. A total of 54 teams arrived at the starting line for the chance to prove that in 48 hours they could completely bring an idea to script to screen and a finished short film from 4-7 minutes long.

Each team is given a character name and occupation, a line of dialog, a prop, and a genre of film (pulled from a hat). Someone shouts “go” and the teams are off. Each team must return a completed short film at the designated return spot exactly 48 hours later. Late entries might be screened but cannot be eligible for awards.

The Providence sponsoring organization is the Rhode Island Film Collaborative. RIFC 48HR Producer Jay Walker led the event from start to finish, including handing out awards at the final showing of the Best of the 48.

This year 53 out of 54 teams turned in a completed film. All of the finished films were shown a few days later to excited friends, fans and relatives at the Cinema World Showcase in Smithfield, Rhode Island. It took three nights to show them all. Films were shown in groups and each one within the group had a chance at winning an audience chosen “Best of” award.

On Saturday, August 21, 2010 in the RI Performing Arts Center (the beautifully restored Park Avenue Cinema in Cranston) the Awards ceremony was held highlighting the “Best of the 48”. Twenty-five awards were handed out in all, including each of the Audience Choice Awards. Several teams won multiple awards. There were 15 films shown that night.

After the awards, there was a Q and A with the filmmakers, a drawing for door prizes and a reception on the premises. Award-winning filmmakers also received a small cash award along with other sponsor-donated items such as scriptwriting software, t-shirts and DVDs.

All teams that handed in a finished short film are invited to participate in a unique event created by the Providence 48HR organization. Only in Providence - it is called “48 Days Later”. The title is a reference of sorts to the science fiction film of the same name. It is a screening of the “director’s cut” version of the short films.

Many filmmakers express a wish that if they’d had more time they would have added scenes that were cut, revised scenes, added music, more elaborate credits, etc. To indulge that wish, filmmakers are welcome to submit a revised, longer version of their film to be shown at a location to be determined in early October of this year. They have about eight weeks to revise their short film if they wish to.

Besides the Rhode Island Film Collaborative, other sponsors of the 48HR Film Project are Visine, NABShow, Write Brothers, GenArts, SENE, RISCA, RULE Broadcasting, First Priority Media, Google, Envision Technology Advisors, MOTIF Magazine.
Below is the list of the Award winners:

"Condolences" by Harcourt Pictures won Best Film, Best Directing by Chris Silva, Best Musical Score, and Best Use of Line of Dialog ("You need help").
"He's Fixed" by The Soft Fluffies won 1st Runner-Up, Best Actress Kris Avedisian, Best Use of Character (Mike/Michaela Maldari, musician)
"Bright Idea" by Wax Idiotical Films won 2nd Runner-Up, and Best Editing
"Mutants of the Apocalypse" by Scorpio Film Releasing won Best Cinematography (Cat Hainfeld), Best Use of Prop (a pillow), Best Costumes, and Audience Choice Award (Group F)
"Xaeptactrophorp" by 7 Around 2 Wrapped by 1 won Best Special Effects, and Best Sound Design
"Grassroutes" by Andavari Films, won Best Writing (Nikolos Gonzales)
"Cause-Way" by World One Productions won in a tie Best Actor (Freddie Hicks and Bryan Dewitt)
"While My Guitar Gently Creeps" by They're Using Tools won Best Use of Genre
"You Need Help" by 1000lbs. Guerrilla won Best Song (Bruce Reilly & Chachi Carvalho)
"The Maintenance Men" by Boston Casting - MPI Productions won Best Choreography
"Two Porks in a Pod" by 80 Nights Productions won Audience Choice Award (Group A)
"The Kardboard King" by Sound and Fury Productions RI won Audience Choice Award (Group B)
"Female Persuasion" by IM Filmworks won Audience Choice Award (Group C)
"Alienated" by Spanky and the King won Audience Choice Award (Group D)
"Busketeers:A Street Tale" by Open Door Productions won Audience Choice Award (Group E) 　
The Winner, "Condolences" by Harcourt Pictures, will go on to the National Competition and a chance to compete with teams from all over the world

12th Annual Pawtucket Arts Festival

2010-09-03T18:49:00.003-04:00

Closing out 2009 with a great big thank you!

2009-12-20T19:43:00.000-05:00

It’s been two weeks since our annual fundraising event, and we wanted to thank everyone who braved the snow and came out to help us celebrate the season and make it a terrific party.

If the snow, the recent babysitter shortage, holiday conflicts or some other factor deterred you, it’s not too late to show support for this annual event or for the work RIFC does all year long. If you’d like to support us this season, please follow this link: www.rifcfilms.com/donate.aspx

Also remember that 48 Hour Film Project DVDs make great last minute Holiday gifts!! ( http://www.rifcfilms.com/shop.aspx )

Any support is greatly appreciated.

We’d also like to thank Vinnie Paz for coming out for the event with Glenn Ciano, director of the upcoming film “Paz.” We want to thank Steve Feinberg, Director of the Rhode Island Film and Television Office, Carol Patton of Imagine Magazine, Michelle Meek of New England Film, Anne Mulhall of LDI Casting, the Providence Roller Derby Grrls, Motif Magazine and the Providence Phoenix. Big thanks to performers BYOI and Big Nazo. Thanks also to State Senator Josh Miller and State Reps Eileen Naughton, and Michael Rice, and the many film professionals who turned out! Thank you all for supporting the arts.

You can see some photos of the event here: http://www.cathainfeld.com/photography/events/2009_RIFC_BnW
Special thanks to Cat Hainfeld for shooting them. If you weren’t there early, or you didn’t stay late, you may find some surprising images in here.

We also want to thank our incredibly generous volunteers, without whom the event could not have happened. These include, but are not limited to, our planning committee Raymond Norman, Rick Lataille, Michele Metivier, Michelle Lee Parenteau, Jay Walker, Mike Ryan, and volunteers Anthony Ambrosino, Debbie Condit, Nick Delmenico, Mark Fogarty, Kathy Knight, Laurel Oldham and Mary Paolino. Thanks also to Kerri Costa, Mary DeBerry Greg Gormley Joe Natale, John Raso, Rick Scianablo, Marcus Thomasand the staff of Kay Studios, Raymond Norman Cooks and WRIK Entertainment.

Last but not least, a big thanks to our sponsors:
Kay Studios WRIK EntertainmentRaymond Norman Cooks! Narragansett BrewersTRUTH: Fishing Crisis or Government Mismanagement
The Big NazoTango Pix Trinity RepThe Gamm TheatreThe Stadium TheatreProvidence Roller DerbyMesa Café
Twist
McFadden’s
SENE
The Providence Bruins
RISD Museum
Roger Williams Zoo
Providence Children’s Museum
Park Café
Artist Exchange
LDI CastingVideo Z Commercial Video Production
Cohasset InnPerishable TheatreHigh OutputRISCAEnvision Technology Advisors RI Film and Television OfficeSnookersBlake's Tavern Artini'sHoward Fine

Finally, in the category of lost and found, someone left a brown suede jacket at the party. Let us know if it’s yours. And thanks to people who offered tips on Moe the Penguin’s whereabouts. To set the record straight, Anthony Ambrosino did not actually abscond with a penguin – he simply gave a ride home to one of the fowl who had downed too many kippers. Alan Francis, similarly, had clearance for take off with one of our flightless fowl friends. And to the Polar Bandit who submitted ransom demands, we must request that you turn yourself in. We do not negotiate with kidnappers. We have no idea what we do with birdnappers. Penguins were and are available for modest donations.

RI Tax Incentive Program Is Good For RI

2008-05-01T11:07:00.014-04:00

RI Tax Incentive Program Is Good For RI

This blog is intended as the opening to a discussion. We want to hear both sides and get a clear debate going about the benefits/ drawbacks of the Tax incentive program. This blog allows you to comment below. If you feel passionate one way or another, please click on this blog and leave your response in the comment section.

My point of view:

As many of you know, the tax incentive program is under review. State legislature is proposing a cap on the credits. Many jobs and a whole lot of money has been promised, and so far, it seems that the credits have not brought in enough money and jobs to justify the expense. Especially in a time when the state budget is so low.

However, it seems many people who are not involved in the film community do not understand the issue and have many misconceived notions about the credits.

One: We want Hollywood here because we like movies.

Wrong. We want them here because it brings money to the state.

Tax incentive programs have a long history of success in bringing money to a state. It is one of the few economic stimulus programs that consistently works. It is never proposed because the state wants to make a movie, it is about creating revenue for the state and it's citizens.

From an article on the North Carolina Film industry:

"....film matters. In fact, it is big business, having brought more than $7 billion to the state since 1980, according to the N.C. Film Office. But now, other states want a piece of the action."

Two: they think we should have seen the full impact already.

Wrong. It will take a few years to build the resources in RI.

After two years, the program has brought over 200 million into the state and created thousands of jobs. However, this is nothing compared to what it will bring in over time. RI did not have the infrastructure to support the films entering the state two years ago. In the two years since the program has begun, that infrastructure has grown and is still growing. A studio has been built, crew has been trained, companies have emerged to take advantage of the boom in the film business. The more the infrastructure grows, the more money Hollywood will spend in Rhode Island.

Three: the jobs are part time, no benefits.

Wrong. Crew work is union work with benefits and tons of well-paid overtime

Granted, a crew member may only work for a few months at a time, with the endless movies, as well as commercials, corporate videos, etc, a crew member can easily get consistent employment. Also, they are paid so well with so much overtime, they will likely make more than most people with a full-time, year-round job.

Hollywood, having been ruled over by liberals, has notoriously powerful and excellent unions. As a result, crew jobs have excellent pay, consistent overtime and good benefits. The benefits work differently from most jobs which has led to the perception that crew workers do not have benefits. Not true. Other great things about working crew is, you do not need a college degree to get the job. You do need to work really hard and be reasonably healthy, because it is hard work with long hours.

That is the truth about the issue. Anyone questioning the facts in this blog need only search the internet to support it. I could give links to support these claims, but they are so numerous I do not have space on this blog.

Instead, I suggest you do what I did. Enter your search engine and type the words:

economic impact film industry

Links for every state with a similar program will appear. This program has an incredible potential to motivate the RI economy in a big way. Let us not miss this opportunity.

Just my thoughts.

Yours? comment below.

Mark Fogarty

RIFC president

From the Film and TV Office:

We are providing this information to you as a member of our state's film workforce. If you oppose establishing a cap on future film credits for the effect it might have on your livelihood, then please send a letter and/or make a phone call to your own district Senator and Representative to inform them how you feel about the proposed legislation.

If you are not sure who your Senator or Representative is, go to www.rilin.state.ri.us or look at the list and contact information below.

DVD Production

2007-10-28T21:18:00.000-04:00

Hey, last week I went to the first meeting of the DVD production club offshoot of the Collaborative. I wasn't exactly excited about it - it sounded kind of dry - but I was really impressed when I actually went. It was not only a good time, it was very informative, including aspects of cover layout and encoding that I hadn't really thought about before.

Dave Splinter did a great job preparing it, right down to recruiting The Incredibles to provide visual aids! It seems like this could be a great group, and real productive learning ground for anyone putting their own DVD packages together for either self-distribution or festival submission.

I'm looking forward to the next one - thanks Dave!! And thanks to the Spot, a really interesting, artistic space which was generous enough to donate their space on Thayer St.

- Mike Ryan

RIFCers IN THE NEWS!

2007-10-07T22:25:00.001-04:00

RIFC members have been active in events all over Rhode Island for some time. We're happy to say that notice has now been taken of this dedicated public activity.

A week ago Sunday there were not one, but two articles in the Providence Journal that gave mention of RIFC activity.

This link is to the article regarding locals who made it onto "Brotherhood" including CHACH, who runs the RIFC Actor's Workshop.

http://www.projo.com/tv/content/artsun-brotherhood_09-30-07_HA78GRK.1dd1a59.html

This link is to a story about Corrente's ScreamRI Horror Pitchfest. The RIFC provided most of the volunteers for this event.

http://www.projo.com/news/content/horror_movie_09-30-07_957API6.3548a69.html

Enjoy!

Filmmaking Through Community

2007-09-11T12:07:00.000-04:00

"Filmmaking Through Community"

That's what we came up with, in a PR meeting with a dozen people, over a beer (of course) at Trinity Brewhouse. I think it was Chris Magdalenski who suggested it, but beer and memory do not mix.

We were there to boil down our identity into a sound byte. "What do we do?" we asked. What is the fundamental purpose of this group?

We make films. We enable filmmakers to reach the resources to make their films. We network. We educate. We build community. We drink (someone shouted).

Nah. That wouldn't look good on a letterhead.

We do a lot of different things. How are these things connected? Ultimately, we make films and we build community, thus: "Filmmaking through community."

Of course, everyone knows I'm gonna like it. Anthony Ambrosino often accuses me of being a communist (I actually consider myself a social libertarian). After a brief debate, we all agree. That is what we do, in soundbyte form: Filmmaking Through Community.

Why? Because you can not make movies alone. Believe me, I have tried. Okay, maybe you can, but they will most likely suck. To make a good movie, you need people.

It used to be you needed money, but now in the middle of a digital revolution, you no longer need money. But you still need people. People make movies. That is the greatness of filmmaking.

I was never much for groups. My nature is to be a loner. For years I avoided other filmmakers like the plague. They can be pretentious, difficult, annoying, self-important. I avoided other filmmakers for ten years until I realized I can no longer do it alone.

I have had days on set where I had the camera on a tripod, adjusted the lights, hit the Record button, walked in front of the camera, clapped the board, placed it on the ground, yelled "Action" to myself and said my lines. I am pretty sure that is not how Spielberg does it.

For me, I had to put aside my ego and decide that being a part of the human race is not such a bad thing..... if it helps me make movies. That is what was going through my head when I held that first meeting at The Wild Colonial Bar, the 2nd Tuesday in November.

A year and a half later I am a part of a community. And I found out, after avoiding them for ten years…. I actually like filmmakers. Sure, they can be pretentious, difficult, annoying and self-important. So can everybody else. I like how passionate they are about their films. I like how willing they are to give up their weekends to work on something just so they can watch it.

In a way, we are not much different from Hollywood. Hollywood is a community that makes films. Only their community is held together by money. With this new digital HD world we live in, a shit load of money is no longer necessary. Maybe Hollywood is not necessary either. Maybe the country can be covered with film communities, all mini-Hollywoods all with their own stars, filmmakers and audiences.

Maybe we are at the beginning stages of a revolution in the way films are made... Or maybe that is my communist/libertarian anarchist talking. Maybe it is the beer.

Either way, I am sticking to the soundbyte.

"Filmmaking Through Community."

48 Hour Film Project Huge Success!

2007-08-26T16:57:00.000-04:00

The Providenec 48-hour Film Project, sponsored by the RIFC, is exhausting and exhilirating, frustrating and fulfilling, but definitely terrific fun and was a great success!

Now an international event, the success of the Providence Event was due in large part to the incredibly hard work of our Producer, Mike Ryan. Perpetually smiling, no matter how many repetitive and idiotic questions he was asked, Mike made it all happen as if he'd been doing this for years.

At the start of the contest, Friday night at 7pm at the Tazza Cafe, Mike announced the prop (boots), the character (Constance or Connor Sutton-a publisher), and the line of dialog ("Do you know anything about it"). The team leaders stepped up to the Mexican Hat to pull out the genre for their 4-7 minute film. When all the teams had their items, Mike yelled "Go" and it was on.

For the next 48 hours the teams had blanket permission to shoot at any public venue -thanks to Steve Feinberg and the RI Film & TV Office. A release was needed if private property or buildings were used. Our friends at The Artists Exchange and the Brooklyn Coffee and Tea House were among the very good sports that allowed use of their property.

Water hazards and iffy weather were endured. Some people slept, most did not, all worked very hard, and nearly all of the 40+ teams that signed up made it in Sunday evening with a finished film in hand. Some were late, but they made it. We just can't predict what fate and the challenge of HD transfers will do to us.

The event had excellent local media coverage. NBC Channel 10 followed three of the teams during their feverish 48 hours. Those stories can be viewed on turntoten.com. We also made the evening news that Sunday. They showed contestants running into the TAZZA CAFE from all directions trying to beat the 7:30pm deadline. Those waiting both inside and out chanted and cheered as each filmmaker breathlessly arrived.

Somehow, three days later, Mike and his tech crew had the films transferred and set up at the Columbus Theater for four sessions of screenings. The theater was filled with enthusiastic patrons. They laughed, they cried, they cheered, they applauded.

Then, only a few more days later, The Best of the 48 Hours Film Project screened as part of the ending ceremonies of the RI International Film Festival. Miss Rhode Island appeared to help give out the Awards. Many happy filmmakers, friends, family, supporters of every kind were celebrating and chattering about the event well into the evening. Thank goodness the next day was a holiday for most of RI since the "private" partying went on well into the next morning.

If you did not participate in the event this year. It's something you should do at least once simply for the experience. It is certainly a chapter you will add to your memoirs.

Plethora of Performers Help Kick-Off 2007 Providence 48-HR Film Project

2007-07-01T22:19:00.001-04:00

Monday night, June 25th, actors, singers, spoken word artists, giant puppets and a man-sized quahog all turned out in force to help kick-off Rhode Islands most unusual film project.

The Open Call event was a co-production of the Rhode Island Film Collaborative and AhtSpot. So Ahtspot founder Daniel Lee White and RIFC 48-hour producer, Mike Ryan kicked off the kick-off with a little info and a sample of the shorts. The 48-hour Film Fest becomes international this year.

The theme of the Monday night event was to give each performer up to 2 minutes to show the crowd what they could do as they would in an audition, or on a show like Americas Got Talent perhaps. Anyone straying over their two-minute countdown earned the wrath of the ushers and was banished from the stage in a rain of Silly String.

The crowd consisted of a few hundred filmmakers, many of whom will be participating in the 48 hour project and were looking for talent to attach to their teams. So far, 24 teams have signed up to take part in the project. Early bird pricing will be available - $125 per team – until July 2, and the roster will fill at 48 teams.

To enter, team leaders should visit www.48hourfilm.com/Providence - or follow the links from the Rhode Island Film Collaborative site, www.rifcfilms.com. The deadline to sign up a team is June 23rd

Last year, the event was over subscribed, and the 36 teams that did take place completed a remarkable set of shorts, both funny and touching, drawing on the skills and inspiration of over 500 different team members. This will be the second time Providence takes part in the international event.

The Providence Festival will take place July 27th - July 29th, with the results screening at the Columbus Theater on Wednesday, August 1st and Thursday, August 2nd at the historic Columbus Theater, on Broadway St. on Federal Hill.

The 48 Hour Film Project had its start in Washington, DC in 2001 with 12 teams competing in the first year. This year, it will visit over 60 cities internationally with more than 1500 teams competing to win the title of The Best 48 Hour Film of 2007.
The MCs for the evening of Monday madness were improvisational actors Tim Thibideau and Melissa Bowler, along with AhtSpot president and founder, Daniel Lee White. Participants ranged from age 11 to age 70 and bridged many performing disciplines. The event was held at the ever-generous Tazza Caffe in Providence. The range and depth of talent was amazing.

People will do anything for show business. One auditioning hopeful hobbled to the stage with her foot wrapped up in a huge bandage. She had just been hit by a drunk driver, but she sang Maybe this Time, the Liza Manelli torch song from Cabaret and it was fantastic.

The crowd was very supportive of the performers and just into the whole spirit of the evening. When a performer kept forgetting the words to the Cowardly Lion’s rant from The Wizard of Oz, people were feeding him lines from the audience instead of booing him. And at the end as if rehearsed, when he ended with...whata they got that I aint got? In unison the audience responded Courage!
And courage it will take to face and survive the 48-hour film project!

RIFC Weekend Event with Corrente

2007-05-14T21:31:00.000-04:00

Michael Corrente's newest film "Brooklyn Rules" premiered in Providence, RI this weekend starting Friday night, May 11, 2007 to sell-out crowds. Critical reviews have been favorable, and Corrente expects the film screenings will be met with success as well in Boston, New York and Los Angeles.

The RIFC as a group attended the Saturday, May 12, 2pm showing. The audience was treated to a Q&A session with Corrente right after the screening of the film.

Corrente related how he had been at the premiere Friday night. Drove to New York to make an introduction for the film, then drove back to Providence for the 2pm showing at the Columbus Theater. "So is the business of film" he sighed.

Corrente is very approachable and I can say the crowd was not shy at asking specific questions about the film and its actors. One person even asked if one of the stars, Alec Baldwin, had ever called Corrente a pig on the phone. (Referring to a recent tirade Baldwin made to his daughter that was recorded and given to the media). Corrente cleaverly deflected the remark by responding "That's who he was talking to".

I really enjoyed the film myself, and I thought it hinged on the relationship of the three friends with strong performances by Freddie Prinze Jr, Jerry Ferrera and Scott Caan. Corrente argued that the point of people only being a product of their surroundings does not hold water. His three characters "grew up in the same sandbox" and yet chose three very different, but believable, paths for their lives.

The violence of the feuding mafia in New York was present, but it never overshadowed the interplay of the three friends in the film. Corrente even let the crowd in on a few of the secrets of filmmaking - like how to make broad daylight look like nighttime. And shared a few anecdotes about how he got certain reactions from the actors.

For me - this is truly one of purposes of the RIFC. We came together as a group, helped support a "home-town" filmmaker, were privy to special treatment, we learned something, AND had uncensored access to a talented, successful director - who intends to continue his association with us.

After that, some of us then "retired" to the Trinity Brewhouse for eats, drinks and good company. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

"Brooklyn Rules" continues playing at the Columbus Theater. Go see it!

"The Namesake" inspired by...my cousin!

2007-04-16T16:05:00.000-04:00

When Jhumpa Lahiri's book The Namesake was released, almost everyone in my family promptly noticed the uncanny resemblance of its protagonist's life to my cousin Vishaan's. His parents, my uncle and aunt, immigrated to Boston in the 70s, where Vishaan grew up and, it was conjectured, dated Lahiri.

With the movie now in theatres, the media got wind of the speculation, and reached him to confirm it. Turns out, it's true. It's reported here, and in several Indian newspapers.

What's fascinating to me is how such issues generally surface - or find significantly wider interest - when the film is released, not when the book it's based on is published. Remember how the Da Vinci Code roused protests after it was made into a film?

But a more important question. Vishaan is now trying to keep the nickname he dropped, just like his character in the film, a tight secret. I happen to know it. Should I do People magazine, or Ebay?

RIFC Praised Again - This Time at Borders Gathering

2007-03-11T20:39:00.000-04:00

Just in case you missed it....on Friday night, March 8, a large crowd gathered at Borders Bookstore in Cranston's Garden City for a discussion on "The Magic of Filmmaking in Rhode Island". Speakers included George Marshall, Executive Director of the Rhode Island International Film Festival; Steven Feinberg, Director of the Rhode Island Office of Film and Television; filmmaker Michael Corrente, currently in pre-production for "The Prince of Providence" and filmmaker Jon Raben, maker of the documentary "Italian Americans and Federal Hill".

The Rhode Island Film Collaborative received recognition and "kudos" from both Feinberg and Corrente for their work. Mark Fogarty and Mike Ryan from the RIFC made brief remarks regarding their organization. Flyers were available and distributed to promote joining the RIFC and the 48-hour Film Project.

Information and tons of encouragement was given to the crowd from the "pros" to pursue jobs in the film industry within Rhode Island. Feinberg repeatedly referred attendees to his office's website saying "we're here to help all we can".
Feinberg announced that ABC is currently in town preparing to shoot a new pilot and that his office is preparing to make "several key announcements" in the near future regarding RI productions.

Corrente announced that he is on the verge of signing a star to play "Buddy" Cianci in "The Prince of Providence". In addition, Corrent said that ten horror films will be produced and shot here in Rhode Island. Financing of $1 million dollars for each film is already in place. Two out of the ten scripts have been chosen. A screenwriting competition, exclusive to Rhode Islanders, will be held to choose more of the horror films to be produced. Details will be announced soon.

check out:
www.rifcfilms.com
www.film.ri.gov
www.ldicasting.net

An Addendum to the 2007 Awards Show Story

2007-02-24T14:11:00.000-05:00

I nearly forgot we had one more winner! You may remember Jasmine M. from the Ahtspot gathering at Tazza in January. She was the attrative young woman who told a few jokes including the bit about a man getting her a sandwhich. Jasmine also won a 2007 Talent Award for modeling. Congratulations Jasmine!

2007 New England Talent Awards- One to RIFC and One to Chach!

2007-02-20T23:54:00.000-05:00

The Rhode Island Film Collaborative won an award at the Feb 18 2007 New England Talent Awards Show held at the Columbus Theater and hosted by our own Chach!
A gaggle of the guys were on hand to come onstage and receive the trophy for "most dedicated" to pursuing excellence in the art of filmmaking.
RIFC President Mark Fogarty accepted the award and said a few words of thanks, then Mike pitched the next 48-hour contest - which he says will need all kinds of new people involved. Daniel Lee White and Mark Aubrey were also onstage to represent the group as well as one other - I have to confess I'm not sure - was that Nicholas?
Then a DVD compilation of the last nation-wide 48 hour contest was screened to the audience and well received. The clips were very impressive.
-
I was part of the comic relief to give the judges time to tally the scores for the singers, dancers and models, and break the tension a bit for the contestents. I had a great time working with two other Ahtspot members: Tim Thibodeau and Melissa Bowler - both seasoned improv actors (who hosted the last Ahtspot gathering). We actually redressed Chach right on stage at the top of the show. Ah, the things you do for show business.

And Chach did an outstanding job as the host. He also won an award for the Best Male Actor 2007, earlier that day. Be sure to congratulate him at the next meeting.

There was a wide variety of very talented contestants, but the biggest winner of the day was little 10-year-old MacKenzie. The girl has a phenomenol voice. She was so happy she cried and her mom had to come up and help her carry all her trophies away. She also won the Carribean trip and $1000. Watch out American Idol - she'll be there in a few years.

For me, dressed in "Mimi" makeup, a nightgown, a skirt over sweatpants and a hat from 1952, the biggest surprise was that several audience members thought I really WAS Chach's goofy mom. Only in Rhode Island. In the ladies room a woman told me I shouldn't wear that much makeup out in public, but she liked my hat! What could I say but thank you.

Congratulations to the RIFC!

Production Planning Mnemonic: SCRAPE LOW

2007-01-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

Planning a production? Here's a bare-essentiails list of things to include in your planning. Probably not a comprehensive list of all the details you'd need to account for, but a complete enough list of all the high-level categories for a production plan.

And in case you don't have this list handy, a memory aid: SCRAPE LOW. Each letter in this phrase corresponds to an item on this production planning list:

Shotlist/Storyboard (or anything that gives you an idea of what exactly will be shot for each scene, usually as a result of a script breakdown process).
Crew (contact information, roles, availability calendar, dietary requirements to plan catering services, etc.)
Releases, Permits (standard forms that will be used throughout the project to acquire locations and talent to work on the project; keep extra blank ones handy in case you need to invite passers-by to work as extras)
Actors (contact information, roles, availability calendar - including rehearsal schedule, dietary requirements to plan catering services, etc.)
Props (list of props that are borrowed, or rented, availability, cost; include vehicles/batteries/chargers and other things that might be necessary for a special prop)
Equipment (list of equipment that are borrowed, rented, along with availability or cost information; include vehicles/batteries/chargers and other things that might be necessary for a special equipment)
Locations (location information including availability, releases, insurance needs, complete address and parking information, etc)
Food (Or catering/craft services, with estimates on # of meals, headcount, and snacks/drinks to be made available throughout a typical day of shooting)
Wardrobe & Makeup (list of wardrobe items to be acquired by borrowing/renting, availability, costs)

Should you join SAG?

2006-11-25T15:12:00.000-05:00

Often the subject has come up as to whether or not it is smart for an actor to join SAG. I would like to begin the dialogue on this subject. I am no expert, so feel free to comment and refute anything I say.

We are constantly hearing complaints from SAG actors that no one will give them work. It seems many filmmakers assume they can not use a SAG actor, and many actors assume if they become SAG they can never work on a small project. This is untrue. Using a SAG actor is easy and many of us have done it. John Los, one of our favorite actors, is a SAG actor. He was recently in the short movies "Hungry" and "Go/no Go". He constantly gets work and no one minds filling out a little paperwork to get John in their movie.

As far as I understand it, this is how it works for a short film. It comes down to filling out some paperwork and agreeing to pay the actor 100 bucks a day if the movie makes money. If it is a short, it is unlikely to make money and if it does, you should pay them anyway, so it can be worth hiring a SAG actor. As an added plus, these short films are considered SAG films and are eligible to be shown at SAG screenings. Cost to the filmmaker? Nothing, unless the movie makes money.

Where it gets trickier is on features. The rule is if the feature has a budget of under fifty thousand dollars, you can use a SAG actor if you pay them a hundred bucks a day, upfront. That would certainly make it difficult for most of us to use an actor. But if it was just for a day or two, it could be affordable and if the actor is the right actor for the job, I would argue it is worth it. If the budget of your feature is just over fifty grand (Not a problem for most of us) you pretty much can not afford a SAG actor. You have to pay them the day rate, 700 plus a day.

Now back to the question, should I join SAG? Even the SAG offices will tell you do some work for free, build a reel and then go SAG. Going SAG too early is a mistake.

So you have your reel built. Is it time?

I would say that depends on what you want out of acting. If you are concerned with making a living as a working actor, SAG can help you do that. As a SAG actor, you will get better pay as an extra and when you get your SAG day rate it will pay the bills at 700 plus a day. And you can still work on the small films, from time to time. If you run into a filmmaker who says "I would love to use you, but you are SAG," You can tell them that is no reason not to use you. Tell the filmmaker how easy it is or tell them to talk to our SAG rep, Anthony Ambrosino.

If you are not so concerned with making a living yet and are more interested in doing interesting work, you may want to wait. I think for a character actor, like myself, being SAG might not be so bad. Most of the time if I am hired for a movie, it is for one day's work. It would not be hard to use someone for a day here and there if they are SAG. Personally, I will wait anyway, because I am interested in making features (and I can't, because no one is asking).

If you are looking to become a "Star" or lead actor, I would say your best bet is to remain non-union and find a talented director who will put you in their movie. The likelihood of you getting a lead role in a Hollywood film as a SAG actor is slim. Getting a lead role in a local film is hugely possible. Wait for that film to be made and use that as a jumping off point to prove you can carry a feature. Of course, the possibilty of a movie blowing up and making money is a million to one shot, but it can happen, and it is far more likely than Hollywood coming to RI and spotting your genius. And if Hollywood does "discover" you, they are not going to care if you are SAG or not.

Take, for example, Jon Audette, who played the lead actor in "Cult Movie". Jon is going to stay non-union because he wants to remain available to work on my projects. If I had to pay him the rate for a feature with a budget under fifty thousand (hundred bucks a day) I could not have afforded my film. Some days we shot for a half an hour, I still would have to pay him a hundred bucks. Jon worked over thirty days on "Cult Movie" It would have put a huge burden on me and I am cheap and poor (kidding). I would have had to go with someone else.

Jon is betting that a film I make will lead to his success, so he is staying non-union (and no one is asking him either). I think it is a smart move. He has found a filmmaker that likes to work with him and is betting on that filmmaker's success. I think it is key that our local actors follow his example. Find the filmmaker who believes in you and commit to helping them succeed.

I believe that within the next year or two, someone from this area will make a movie that becomes huge. Any actor involved in that movie will blow up. So I would say, if you are looking to become a lead, hold off on becoming SAG. Let things play out for a year or two in RI and if nothing works out, then join SAG.

On the flipside, no one should be scared off by SAG. For shorts, and small parts in features, it is easy and affordable to use SAG actors.

Just my opinion. I would love to hear someone else's. Please comment.

One year in filmmaking

2006-11-23T00:35:00.000-05:00

Next year, let's throw a revolution...

It was a year ago that we first met at The Wild Colonial Bar to talk moviemaking. I have been reflecting on all that has happened in the past year and I am pretty amazed. So many movies have been made and so many connections, I really never thought it would result in so much. I have acted in seven films, made some good friends, gotten pissed off, seen more drama and bullshit and seen more people passionate about movie making than I ever thought I would meet. You people constantly amaze me with your enthusiasm and passion. These are good times and I think we will all look back on them with good feelings.

But now is not the time to look back. Let's look to the future. What can we do with this thing, this beast? I never thought we'd get beyond twenty people sitting in a bar, talking movies. We have surpassed my expectations by a hundred fold, all I wanted was a couple of people to maybe help me light or trade some actors with.

I honestly don't think anybody thought it would be this big. So, next year, let's think big and shoot high. If it's not hard to imagine jumping from fifteen people to a few hundred in a year, then it is not hard to imagine us having a warehouse with moveable sets and a giant prop/costume room, a few editing bays and equipment to loan out. It's not hard to imagine a network of actors so large any role can be cast in an instant. Or enough Crew to supply a few dozen movies shooting every weekend. It's not hard to imagine RI becoming the no/low budget filmmaking capitol of the country and the birthplace of the digital filmmaking revolution. (Personally, I think that is one revolution that is long overdue).

The next year will bring many things for us all. We will have more contests, increase our ranks, get more press and begin dozens more films. Let's not forget, none of our movies have even come out yet. Pretty soon there will be a deluge of screenings and releases. The buzz will start sounding and all our movies and our friend's movies will drop at the same time, Cult Movie, Sleep: A Novel, Glaoming, Sleather, Regret, Go/No Go, Hour Zero, Hungry, Sliptrigger, This Actually Happened, etc. are all set to be released in the coming year. Think what this place will look like when all those movies have been released.

Looks like a revolution to me.

M

2006-11-15T14:56:00.000-05:00

This Actually Happens Director's Blog Post 10/26/06

This Actually Happens is actually happening - I'm still pinching myself to wake up!

To give you some backstory, TAH started out as an entry into my first Play-In-A-Day festival at Umass Amherst in 2003. Only 2 playwrighting students were allowed to compete - I was one of them, my friend Mellissa Fendell being the other - and TAH was the only drama - and it won!

Cut forward several years to this past febuary - I really needed to shake things up a bit so I responded to the RIFC Sleather call for actors for extra work at the big Bandstand Live shoot. Little did I know that I would soon be bitten by the film bug, that in the months to come the RIFC would get me work on 4 crews, acting roles in 2 films (including a lead!) and that the team I joined for 48 hour film festival - wutup films - would win 2 awards and make best of providence! YEAH!!!

So that brings us up to now. This Actually Happens is the next official RIFC production and I couldn't be happier. It's a 20 minute film that's experimental in more ways than 1.

First, TAH is a test for the RIFC to monitor how much we spend on a short feature, including everything from gas to food to cameras, equipment and location rentals. This way the RIFC can track expenses and maybe start applying for grants to help defer costs in the future!

Second, TAH will be a stomping ground for new procedures and paperwork, so that new guidelines and easy to follow forms/practices may be established to help future productions not get muddied down in development hell with no paperwork standards to rely on.

Third, TAH is going to be shot in 1 weekend. That's right: 1 weekend. The plan is for no additional pick-ups, no rescheduling for more time. This means a LOT of preproduction work, but given my background in Theatre, I really look forward to this.

Last night (Wednesday the 25th of October) the core team, consisting of Mike Ryan as Line Producer/Producer, Broto Chackrabarti as AD, Brandon Meadows as DP and Mark Leonard as 1st Camera all assembled at my work to conduct lighting tests for the film in order to decide which gear we'll be shooting on. This is a hard decision because of the nature of the shoot - it's entirely at night in low light conditions.

To help out, A bunch of artists came by rehearsal: Jason Viscera of Armored Squirrel Productions helped with the cameras, Mark Aubrey of multiple RIFC productions documented the process with dozen's of photos and Darya Zabinsky stopped by as our stand-in actor-extrodinaire!

Brandon and Mark led us thru multiple setups repeated under multiple lighting conditions so we could later review the tapes and make our choice. Frankly, this is an alien world to me. Tons of cameras, lots of acronyms and lots of confusing but cool new ways to look at things: thru camera lenses and arpetures and "f stops". It's really damn exciting and completely dumbfounding at the same time - and always humbling.

This coming Saturday - October the 28th - is the big rehearsal everything's been building to - the introduction of cameras into our rehearsal process! We have storyboards, which I'm told will be up on the website very soon. I'm going to see if we can put up the whole bunch of them into an online album, so that anyone can log in, look at'em all and see what we're planning on. That being said, all the transitions to conversations are very planned out and generally understood - but rehearsing them means confirming the house, which we're close on. So for now, what we are blessed with this little time to go over the 4 big conversations in the film; what I'll be looking for is to really get the camera operators to be involved as a 3rd character in the scene. That means both the actors and the camera ops need to really bond in a way, get use to each other's intrusiveness while capitalizing on their shared attention. All this while exploring some serious drama - I'm f@#$!!ng stoked!

Ok - well, I hope that was a good first blog entry. If there's a way to add comments, please do! Ask questions, get answers, come together now, people! Another post soon - and I'll work on getting Mark Aubrey's photos online soon! All the best! Dave