Category: Indie Film & Video

Peer Production: JOHNNY EXPRESS

We’re suckers for any production that has a jazz soundtrack, but this brilliant animated short doesn’t need its music to make us fans of its creator, AlfredImageWorks. Watching this is like having the most enjoyable animation lesson possible – and in only 5 minutes.

Oh, wait. We just discovered the makers of this work are pros. In Korea. Well, who better to teach us about animation than professionals in a country that probably does the animation work on at least 50% of our favorite animated TV shows?

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

Chapter 58 – Motion
by Leesa Dean

takumarzIntense week. Winding down production (to a degree) on the TOP SECRET PROJECT. When we’re done, next step is strategizing. Getting a game plan in motion. We’re a while off from that but I’m finding myself thinking about it constantly.

Meanwhile, aside from writing, which has FINALLY picked up (yay!!) after a small bout of writer’s block, I’ve been focusing a bit on cameras/directing.

And to that end two things happened this week: 1) I signed up for this and I can’t wait! After the production class I took, I really wanted to move to the next level and I think this will be really helpful. Only downside: the class is gonna be huge (it caps at 140 people) so there won’t be much hands on. However, I’ve heard great things about it and a lot of people whose blogs I follow and respect (like Phil Bloom) really recommend it. read article

Peer Production: AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

munchman sez: “Oh, man, do I wish I’d made this.” Or at least seen it, you know, in time:

“Oh wait – I did!” (The seeing it in time thing anyway.)

read article

Leesa Dean: Adventures of a Web Series Newbie

nighttime_marqueeChapter 57 – Connections
by Leesa Dean

Last Friday evening I attended at movie/Q&A at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was a kinda of cool experience.

Initially, I was a little skeptical. The director, Charlie McDowell, is the son of noted actor Malcolm McDowell (Clockwork Orange!!!) and Mary Steenburgen (Melvin and Howard!!!). Ted Danson (yes, that Ted Danson) is his step-dad. The film was produced by indie/mumblecore biggies The Duplass Brothers and stars Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men). Did I mention he’s dating Rooney Mara?

With a pedigree like that, I instantly wanted to hate Charlie (ya know, Hollywood kid with tons of connections skates right in). But I couldn’t. Just because he has those connections doesn’t mean he’s without talent. And he’d be an idiot not to use what he’s got. read article

Peer Production: SUPER LIFE

More wonderful writing…even though there aren’t any words:

by Eben McCue