SIFF - Act of God

Is being hit by lightning a random natural occurrence or a predestined event?

"Accidents, chance, fate, and the elusive quest to make sense out of tragedy underpin director Jennifer Baichwal's (Manufactured Landscapes) captivating new work, an elegant cinematic meditation on the metaphysical effects of being struck by lightning.

To explore these profound questions, Baichwal sought out riveting personal stories from around the world-from a former CIA assassin and a French storm chaser, to writer Paul Auster, and improvisational musician Fred Frith. The philosophical anchor of the film, Auster was caught in a terrifying and deadly storm as a teenager, and it has deeply affected both his life and art: "It opened up a whole realm of speculation that I've continued to live with ever since." In his doctor brother's laboratory, Frith experiments with his guitar to demonstrate the ubiquity of electricity in our bodies and the universe.

Visually dazzling and aurally seductive, Act of God singularly captures the harsh beauty of the skies and the lives of those who have been forever touched by their fury." ~SIFF



October 30 - November 5 at SIFF Cinema - Buy Tickets Here
Daily 7:30pm / Saturday 3:00pm, 7:30pm / Sunday 3:00pm, 5:00pm

Cameras aimed at the heavens

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NWFF - October 30th thru November 5th

Beeswax at Northwest Film Forum October 30-November 5 at 7, 9pm

An established member of the "mumblecore" movement, Andrew Bujalski's perceptive films are sympathetic yet critical accounts of his generation. Funny Ha Ha and Mutual Appreciation assessed the social and sexual awkwardness of aimless post-college 20-somethings. Beeswax takes it up a notch, as Bujalski shifts his focus to more mature subject matter. Jeannie co-owns a vintage clothing shop with an old friend who threatens her with a lawsuit when their relationship goes sour. Turning to her twin sister Lauren's ex-boyfriend for advice, Jeannie quickly becomes involved with him. This is a humorous and heartfelt look at family, responsibility and relationships.



"Beeswax, the third feature from writer-director Andrew Bujalski, is a major statement spoken softly." -Mark Olsen, LA Times

Order your Tickets Here: Beeswax

Good, bad, or indifferent?

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November Film Festivals

Is your calendar looking a bit skinny this November?

If so, pen in the 7th Annual American Indian Film Festival running from the 5th thru the 7th in the Carlson Theater at Bellevue College.

Tracy Rector (Seminole) will be the keynote speaker scheduled for Friday November 6th. She is Co-Director for Longhouse Media and the Native Lens Film Project. Click HERE to learn more about Tracy Rector

It is free to attend however a $10 dollar donation is recommended and encouraged. (all donations go toward the cost of the festival)

So go, enjoy, and let me know what you thought in the comments.

Keep filming no matter what.

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Seattle Symphony & Psycho

Do you love Hitchcock? Do you love the symphony? Answering yes to both of these questions put you in good company as the Seattle Symphony celebrates Halloween with Hitchock's classic "Psycho"on the big screen.

Have you ever seen a film with a live orchestral accompaniment? For those of you that have, you know how exciting it is and can attest to the incredible experience that awaits the rest of you who haven't. Did I mention it is the Seattle Symphony?!

I don't recommend this for children so parents get your babysitters on deck as October 29, 30, & 31 are for you and yours to enjoy a suspenseful evening at Benaroya Hall.
For complete details visit www.seattlesymphony.org
or call 206.215.4747

The anticipation is murder. Muwahahahahahaaa



Forever Film


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Make - Create Some Beats Yourself

Ever get that itch? No, nothing you need Gold Bond for. How about creating your own beats with this new online program I found called "Sonic Producer".

The creators made a great tool that anyone can use to produce music and export to mp3. With an easy to use interface you'll be creating beats the same day. Take a look or listen and imagine the possibilities. Click Here!

Making music or anything can be daunting. That is why they give you tons of tutorials so you can get off on the right foot and are not stranded leafing through a 300 page manual.

So give it a try, let me know what you think in the comments.

As always, keep producing.

Forever


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RIP - Jim Carroll

Jim Carroll

Punk Rock Poet & Musician

We shall miss you

Jim was found September 11th (Friday) at his home in Manhattan after suffering a heart attack. He was 60 years old. Jim was recognized as the best poet of his generation and has been immortalized by his most famous work

"The Basketball Diaries," which was also made into a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

The WM from Jims website Catholicboy.com writes "He was at his desk working when he passed away," a memorial service is being planned and will be posted on the website should you wish more information.

May he rest in peace.

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BFF Seattle

No no, I'm not talking about Best Friends Forever. BFF is all about Bicycles and Film.

Although, considering your bicycle as your best friend forever (I think) is a good idea. Sure, you might have fights about the chain climbing off the gears or how your tires never seem to stay inflated but nothing can come between you except, a poor bike lock or a light handed thief.

BFF in short is the brain-child of Brendt Barbur who while riding in New York in 2001 was hit by a bus and subsequently decided to celebrate the bicycle with a music, art, and film festival. 250,000 people are expected to enjoy the festival now in its ninth year. Will you be one of them?

Seattle is hosting the festival this Friday and Saturday. You will find volunteer info and links to buy tickets here: SEATTLE BFF

As always, keep those cameras rolling.

Forever film,

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P.s. Here are some of my favorite films which feature bicycles:

Film Festivals - September 2009

The rains have returned
Children will go back to school
Film festivals, go!

Don't let the weather predict what your going to do this September. Grab that umbrella and go see a show! Here are the following festivals to keep you in galoshes and theater seats.

1 Reel Film Festival at Bumbershoot
September 5th-7th

- I hope to see you at Seattle Center to celebrate the best in music, film, comedy, theater, spoken word, dance, performing and literary arts. It's Bumbershoot season!

Here is a link to all the Film Events including: Films4Families, Best of SIFF Jury Award Winners, Fly Films, & Women in Film.

Port Townsend Film Festival
September 24th-27th

- Independent, Foreign, Classic, and Art-house narrative and documentary films, plus special programs encompass this years offerings as the PTFF enters its 10th year!

"You can mingle with stars, converse with filmmakers during Q&A discussions, or just relax on straw bales for the free family-friendly Taylor Street outdoor movies under the stars."

Hey Parents, do you have children but no one to watch them while you enjoy the offerings? Don't fret as PTFF has brought back the Kids Film Camp. "Now kids can enjoy the film festival and parents need not worry about finding childcare. Kids participate in arts and crafts, crazy science experiments, theme-based projects and more. Available for children aged 2-12. Nutritious meals and snacks will be provided."

Now I ask you, what excuses do you have? Get out there and mingle with filmmakers, ask questions, join a group, and of course have fun with like minded peeps.

Forever film,


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After Effects with Video CoPilot

I know quite a few of you out there enjoy all that glitters and glows in the world of digital media. Have you ever considered what it takes to make all of those crazy lower-thirds during football games or beautifully polished car commercials and amazingly eye-popping visuals in your favorite action film?

Well, why not take a step into a brave new world to understand how much work and effort goes into creating such effects by visiting Andrew Kramer at VideoCoPilot.net and even learn a few things with his Basic Training tutorials.

Also, people who are creative enough and can master After Effects can earn a pretty amazing living.

What are you saying "I don't have After Effects!" Well you can pick it up here and get on the road to digital video bliss. Create motion graphics and visual effects with the industry standard. Adobe® After Effects® CS4

I'd love to hear what you are doing with it as well. So post a link in the comments.

Forever film,

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Camera - Tips & Tricks

Having trouble getting a smooth pan out of your tripod?

Give this little tip a try: Put a decent strength Rubber Band around the handle and pull it with your thumb. Eureka! Instant smooth starts and stops to your pan.

Forever film,

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BAGHEAD - The Duplass Brothers

Here is a classic interview for all of you independent Filmmakers out there.

An interview by Warren Etheredge with Mark & Jay Duplass about their latest offering "Baghead". I have to warn you as laughter ensues.

Also a big shout-out to Cursor Media Group for editing this piece together.

Enjoy!

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SIFF - 35th Anniversary Promo

Ok folks,

Here it is at last for your viewing pleasure. The SIFF 35th Anniversary Short Film.

I had the privilege of working as a boom-op during the final few days of principal shooting.

Let me know how you like it. Especially the sound.

Film for History,

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August - Movie Events

So you survived the Heat Wave of 09 and now that August has swept its way into Seattle you are wondering what to do and more importantly what to see.

Why not drop in for Movies at the Mural under the shadow of the Space Needle.

August 1 (Princess Bride), 15 (Grease), 22 (Iron Man), 28 (Kung-Fu Panda) & 29 (Mamma Mia)

Each showing starts at 9 pm, but make sure you get there early as the best swathes of grass fill up quickly.

Lets not forget about West Seattle Sidewalk Theater where you can catch such classics as: Nim's Island, Journey to the Center of the Earth, & Hercules. Check the website for dates and times.

Lastly, Movies on the Pedestal where the Rainier Tower doubles as a 50' theater screen for your enjoyment. Films start 30 mins after sunset every Friday night. 5th & University and it's FREE.

Keep Film,

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SIFF Still Going Strong

Some would say that to much of a good thing is bad for you. In certain cases I would have to agree. However, when it comes to this years film festival offerings, I would smite that saying with a hundred lashings by 8mm film.

For all of you looking for something to keep you entertained this Monday, let me offer up these lovely bits:

4:30 - Nak @ the SIFF Cinemas "is a ghoulishly fun, animated musical romp." from Thailand

7:00 - Cold Souls @ Harvard Exit "Cold Souls posits a world in which humans can have their souls extracted and implanted into each other’s bodies."

9:30 - The One-Handed Trick @ Harvard Exit

Should anyone see these before I do, please feel free to comment about them or any films seen during this festival.

On a sad note, David Carradine was found dead on June 4th in Bangkok, Thailand. A link to his Wikipedia page should you wish to read more about his history and film/tv career. RIP

Use today to capture something that will live forever.

Forever Film,

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SIFF - 2009 Promo

For anyone who has yet to see the SIFF 09 trailer.
Every year these get better and better.
Hey, so does the festival, funny how that works.
Enjoy



Forever Film
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World Famous Inc. Does it again

So, for all the people who asked what I was working on a few weeks ago. I can finally tell you as it's been released at E3. "Well what is it?!" Ok, here it is.

Microsoft have created a camera (or set of cameras) that tracks your entire body without the use of controllers. Features will also include facial & voice recognition. While working on this (for the sound department) I was intrigued to see how this worked, and while i'm not sure I can talk about the direct technology behind it, I can say that it was something I have never seen a console system try and work incredibly well before.

Take a look at what I'm talking about and imagine the possibilities for a lifestyle console due to release in 2010.



Also World Famous Inc. was amazing to work with and can only hope to be part of their future projects. Please check them out in the links area to see more of the great work they have done.

More to come!

Forever
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Day 12 of SIFF

Have you had enough of Popcorn at 3pm yet?

No? Good, as there are plenty of films yet to see for that Hard-core movie buff or occasional theater patron to enjoy.

For today let me recommend the following:

Trimpin: The Sound of Invention - 4:30 pm

A Sea Change - 7:00 pm

A French Gigolo - 9:45 pm

Wanting to hear a live scored performance while watching a film? Then how about No Age playing at the Triple Door for the French family adventure film "The Bear" coming up on June 12th.

Today, I'll be attending the Wrap Party for the promotional short film shot for SIFF as I was one of two Boom-Ops and let you know of any upcoming shorts, features, or commercials that need crewing.

Keep writing, producing, and directing.

Forever,
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Today at SIFF - DJ to VJ

So you like music? Who doesn't.

Club, Down-Tempo, Drum & Bass, & Techno? Straggle into any of Seattles nightlife music venues and you'll get a heaping-helping of all your eardrums can digest. But have you ever tried to mix this stuff yourself? I have better results scratching the vinyl then actually beat-matching.

But you still love the scene and want to be a part of it, and better yet, you shoot video and have some skills learning new software. Well have I got a little something for you.

Today at the Seattle International Film Festivals (SIFF) Digital Media Lab, they are hosting "From DJ to VJ: Exploring the Art of Mixing Visuals to Music" at 3 p.m. Get your tickets HERE

This should prove well worth your time as Punk Drunk VJ Peter Rand will put Modul8 through it's paces to give you your first taste of what you're capable of.

So dust off that ol super-8, high-8, vhs camcorder and get to vj'ing.

Forever
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1:19 Pictures Arrives at Blogger

"Hello World"

You programmers know what I'm talking about.

1:19 Pictures. A brand spankin' new Film & Video Production company set-up right smack in Seattle Proper. Never hear of it? Well I hope in the coming months to change all of that by using this and more traditional media means.

So pull up a chair, grab your favorite micro-brew, & prepare for the flood gates to open.

"kaboom!"


Forever
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