tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35329320811782246082024-03-04T23:41:42.542-05:00Cforty7 NewsCforty7 NewsGeorgia Public Broadcastinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01188597041798229087noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-61730008908852577872008-05-29T15:05:00.002-04:002008-05-29T15:14:46.355-04:00(Cine)Vegas, Baby. (Cine)VegasIn a couple weeks, I, your loyal narrator and guide, will be heading to the CineVegas Film Festival. While there will be some major releases in the program (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Get Smart</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Rocker</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Choke</span>), I'm also looking to catch some smaller films, which is really what going to festivals is all about. Right now, the ones looking good are <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Visioneers</span>, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Wackness</span> (I've heard nothing but great things about this film) but the beauty of a festival is basically writing up a schedule that allows you to spend your entire day in a theatre watching films and trying to find the gems that no one else knows about yet.<br /><br />If anyone has any recommendations for films showing at this festival, please post them in the comments section!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-2651603261929931772008-05-19T13:26:00.002-04:002008-05-19T13:32:10.280-04:00Quiet on the Set!So last week I did my very first set visit. I went down to New Orleans to watch some filming on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Destination 4</span>. Aside from what you'd expect to see on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Final Destination</span> movie set (lots of extras experiencing a case of shrapnel-face), I also saw and experienced a lot of the cool 3-D effects they're planning to use.<br /><br />"Pshaw. 3-D. Enjoy the gimmick, sucker." I hear you scoff. That's right: I HEARD YOU THROUGH THE INTERNET.<br /><br />But before you dismiss my experiencing, know that no other film has attempted Digital 3-D on location. I really hope they do an in-depth featurette on the DVD where producer Craig Perry (a highly knowledgeable and entertaining fellow) explains how they pulled off some particularly difficult shots, like putting the 3-D camera in a car that's filling up with water but making sure that no water gets on the mirror that allows for the 3-D picture to come together.<br /><br />I'll have more on this once I finish writing up my full report for the site that sent me, Collider.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-46104219536338753062008-04-25T21:08:00.000-04:002008-04-26T06:15:02.236-04:00The Weekly Website - FindSoundsWelcome to our new feature that will be a huge part of our redesign: The Weekly Wesbite! Wouldn't it be awesome if instead of trekking across the vast expanse of the Internet looking for useful websites that can help you in your filmmaking goals, someone just did that for you? Someone did! We someone! That someone is we! Our grammar is good!<br /><br />But even better than our grammar are the sites we'll be providing. And don't worry: you're not just going to get one site a week and that's it. We're not going to hold out on you. But on C-47 2.0, you're definitely going to want to bookmark our resources page so you can find stuff like this site:<br /><br />http://www.findsounds.com/<br /><br />You can lock someone in a specially-designed acoustic room and force him or her to make various noises you can later use when dubbing your film in post, but we wouldn't recommend it. Either you have to let them go, feed them, or explain that weird smell to you neighbors AND get a new foley artist. Better you just visit FindSounds which can take care of your Sound FX needs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-76742505519289119552008-04-24T15:26:00.002-04:002008-04-24T15:39:34.202-04:00Film School in a BoxFilm School is expensive. Like, thousands of dollars and stuff. And even trying to teach yourself filmmaking will probably cost hundreds of dollars on cameras and editing software (although there are programs that allow you to edit video online...more on this tomorrow). But for only tens of dollars, there are DVDs out there that not only have the films you know and love, but the special features are so robust that you can learn a lot without ever leaving the comfort of your sofa. And at most film schools, you usually have to sit at a desk in an uncomfortable chair rather than on a comfy sofa. <br /><br />So without further ado, here are a few DVDs you may want to check out:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pearl Harbor (Three-Disc Vista Series)</span> [yes, I know the film is terrible but these special features are top-of-the-line]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Alien Quadrilogy</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clerks X</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fight Club (Special Edition)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brazil (The Criterion Collection<span style="font-weight: bold;">)<br /></span>Die Hard (Special Edition)</span> [There's a feature on this disc that actually lets you edit a scene from the film your own way!]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hellboy (The Three-Disc Director's Cut)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hot Fuzz (Three-Disc Collectors Edition)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Extended Editions)</span><br /></span><br />Basically, there are a handful of directors you can count on to give you a robust special edition: Michael Bay (I know, I know), Terry Gilliam, David Fincher, Robert Rodriguez (his book <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rebel Without a Crew</span> is a must-read for any indie filmmaker) who actually has a "Ten-Minute Film School" extra on almost all of his films.<br /><br />You don't have to buy all of these but these are features beyond fluff and you should break out your notepad if you want to learn some valuable lessons without having to pay for an application fee.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-58092229094504582452008-04-17T12:33:00.002-04:002008-04-17T12:42:31.393-04:00The Weekly Buy - April 17thAs we continue to redesign our website, we want stay in touch with our readers and so we'll be providing weekly recommendations on what movies deserve your hard-earned cash. This week, there are two DVDs that deserve your attention and one film opening in theatres.<br /><br />The first DVD you need to buy is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Juno</span>. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Juno </span>was an indie smash at the box office, making over $140 million dollars. The film received almost universal acclaim, especially for its star, 21-year-old Ellen Page. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Juno</span> is whip-smart and if you can get past the first 15 minutes (which are good but uneven), you're not going to regret having this in your collection.<br /><br />The other DVD that warrants your attention is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lars and the Real Girl</span>. A premise that could have quickly been too quirky for its own good, Ryan Gosling and an excellent supporting cast create a heartwarming film about finding love in the most unconventional of ways. It's a funny, sweet, and lovely film and was one of my favorites of last year.<br /><br />If you're heading out to the theater this weekend, you should catch <span style="font-weight: bold;">Forgetting Sarah Marshall</span>. Billed as a "Breakup Disaster Movie", <span style="font-weight: bold;">Forgetting</span> is like a lot of the other films from Lord Judd Apatow, who was also behind <span style="font-weight: bold;">Knocked Up</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Superbad. </span>It's raunchy but honest and it's a date movie that guys will actually enjoy and so will their girlfriends if their girlfriends are cool. If she doesn't like Apatow's films, then she wasn't the one for you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-80926336992154932242008-04-11T14:51:00.002-04:002008-04-11T14:53:38.589-04:00Three Must-See Films at the 2008 Atlanta Film FestivalFestivals can be tough on the wallet and on the clock. There's so much to see and not enough time and money to see it all. So if you're overwhelmed by the amount of choices, I recommend any of these three:<br /><br />American Teen (Friday, April 11, 7:30 PM at Landmark Midtown Art)<br />Son of Rambow (Friday, April 18, 7:00 PM at Landmark Midtown Art)<br />Nerdcore Rising (Saturday, April 12, 10:30 PM at Landmark Midtown Art)<br /><br />Of course, the beauty of a film festival is that there are so many fascinating films and it's your chance to be part of a select group of those in the know and in a way to be an investor in a film. Your word-of-mouth and support is invaluable to these filmmakers and in the good festivals, you'll find the movies that don't have ten-million-dollar marketing campaigns but rather a lot of heart and creativity. This isn't to bad-mouth Hollywood films nor is it to deify independent filmmaking. But film festivals provide a unique opportunity and I hope that you'll take a chance and try to see a film or two at this year's Atlanta Film Festival. And if you don't want to take a chance but still want to go to the festival, the three films I've listed above are the closest suggestions I can provide for a "sure thing".Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-18506576286362164672008-04-03T12:48:00.002-04:002008-04-03T12:53:44.367-04:00SON OF RAMBOW Filmmakers ContestYesterday I saw <span style="font-weight: bold;">Son of Rambow</span> and I would be very surprised if the film wasn't in my Top 10 of 2008. It's funny, heartwarming, and honest. Just a really beautiful film that I can't wait to see again. It will be playing on Friday, April 18th at the Atlanta Film Festival and you definitely should check it out. <br /><br />The directors "Hammer & Tongs", are holding a contest for filmmakers. To enter, you will need to submit an original short film about anything, literally anything! Submissions can be up to 5 minutes max. Films must be submitted in one of the following formats: AVI, QA, MOV,<br />MPG, MPG4, WMV<br /><br />The Grand Prize winner will have their short film placed in the Special Features section of the Son of Rambow DVD. Three runner-ups will receive framed movie posters signed by the director and producer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The deadline for submissions is May 12, 2008</span>. Filmmakers must be 13 years of age or older to enter.<br /><br />Check out http://sonoframbow.filmmakingfrenzy.com/ for more information and be sure to see <span style="font-weight: bold;">Son of Rambow</span>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-10074102281017191902008-03-28T12:16:00.000-04:002008-12-11T07:30:50.185-05:00IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlcVx-raKTNgbcazVdSNE71Sm1aHlSLhcTueez7iLFA10Lf5eKb-WT2iIJMqAOZoyMmQm9yvhlfK5AUD4-qMdZgsEC_d0hC0LdUEK4_sdmtsospkaJR8uVueDNtZ_xRBCgaSmS3fCcK8/s1600-h/Picture+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlcVx-raKTNgbcazVdSNE71Sm1aHlSLhcTueez7iLFA10Lf5eKb-WT2iIJMqAOZoyMmQm9yvhlfK5AUD4-qMdZgsEC_d0hC0LdUEK4_sdmtsospkaJR8uVueDNtZ_xRBCgaSmS3fCcK8/s200/Picture+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183941144718739266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Who:</span> Jimmy Lee Smith, FILMAtlanta Meetup Group<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The What: </span>"We make films. We have individual projects and FILMAtlanta group projects. We network to build crews and casts to get projects done. We have a set of scripts we plan to do this year. We hope you will join us in collaborating on films in the Atlanta area."<br /><br /><a href="http://filmind.meetup.com/33/">Click here</a> to learn more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-81164615116929057052008-03-27T12:12:00.000-04:002008-12-11T07:30:50.560-05:00IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgARjamGUGFvFVJPtBElId_GybcI5DJMpqxmHnKxqje2KyHU-ooghTueiDv321BApxtUvn5UliCqhFh2o-kICpGT-GQWevCmy59QxRuk4lCJ8wpeRcs8AWBnCeBhPXolD-z7leNEgu6yo/s1600-h/Picture+020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgARjamGUGFvFVJPtBElId_GybcI5DJMpqxmHnKxqje2KyHU-ooghTueiDv321BApxtUvn5UliCqhFh2o-kICpGT-GQWevCmy59QxRuk4lCJ8wpeRcs8AWBnCeBhPXolD-z7leNEgu6yo/s200/Picture+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183940285725280050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Who</span>: Tracy Martin, Women's Angle Project<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The What:</span> <span class="text">The Woman’s Angle is a short film project specifically designed for the new or established woman director that desires an opportunity to gain a fuller understanding and appreciation of her voice as a filmmaker. Over the course of the project, participating filmmakers will create a short film (10-15 minutes in length, depending on the number of participants).</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/the_womans_angle">Click here</a> to learn more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-66804219394856124712008-03-26T12:06:00.000-04:002008-12-11T07:30:50.729-05:00IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NSfxKpF7xEtk4rJWm7_t0hHVuDCztGm2xvaSMN2CF-SUcBZa2wW8yKsIHpFgrcFPS5Xt0vW_PmpiJGtjzqNkyLBBW-Cpp5_HqIANJui4SiTY_fUHzv58lEvWAt-XcIEM9JedfZ9S-NE/s1600-h/Picture+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NSfxKpF7xEtk4rJWm7_t0hHVuDCztGm2xvaSMN2CF-SUcBZa2wW8yKsIHpFgrcFPS5Xt0vW_PmpiJGtjzqNkyLBBW-Cpp5_HqIANJui4SiTY_fUHzv58lEvWAt-XcIEM9JedfZ9S-NE/s200/Picture+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183939207688488738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Who:</span> Chris Shambis, Dailies<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The What: </span>Dailies, in association with <a href="http://www.pushpushtheater.com/" target="_blank">PushPush Theater</a>, unites filmmakers to explore their craft through community and creation. We challenge film artists of all disciplines to focus on process as the result. Great work evolves from experimentation, practice, and finally understanding. By creating a safe place to fail, and focusing on process over product and collaboration over isolation, Dailies is where one finds a voice - not simply to display it, but to nurture and develop its existence.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailiesatlanta.org/">Click here</a> for more information.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-70007832816896392352008-03-25T14:26:00.003-04:002008-12-11T07:30:50.868-05:00IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBzroSCSlLzcSCf0AmpcsBK0SHZN1b1zjHbyd4zYHRklmWEx2yOGk6XNcUUYVz4p1K-ugyWnC8YfvkdMdXiGrpPSzXP2b79XwkczjI9Y2BP1LfeqfcRlPZm3A20IrX3AMUWlyXly4o_o/s1600-h/Picture+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBzroSCSlLzcSCf0AmpcsBK0SHZN1b1zjHbyd4zYHRklmWEx2yOGk6XNcUUYVz4p1K-ugyWnC8YfvkdMdXiGrpPSzXP2b79XwkczjI9Y2BP1LfeqfcRlPZm3A20IrX3AMUWlyXly4o_o/s200/Picture+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181748349165766418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Who:</span> Melissa Randle, Women in Film & Television Atlanta<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />The What:</span> Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA) is a Georgia-based non-profit organization affiliated with other national and international Women in Film chapters and is dedicated to improving the status and portrayal of women in film, video, and other moving images media. <p> With an emphasis on education, advocacy and networking, we support the work of women in moving images media and encourage high standards of professionalism.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.wifa.org/">Click here</a> for more information.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-408941275704829692008-03-24T13:52:00.002-04:002008-12-11T07:30:51.208-05:00IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfksHpO3vuSCFzyypEN0wCXxy24w8VJzx8syQ14Z9QUHHd0lcRb4QKtoCNwM8azXMu4UpmvxcoqgpG8F7Ddwviqtzk0KbBb8sRxe6uOBNw2VjsfZFZAI6TIlWOt0bdCUm8gHlVLEtjrAA/s1600-h/Picture+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfksHpO3vuSCFzyypEN0wCXxy24w8VJzx8syQ14Z9QUHHd0lcRb4QKtoCNwM8azXMu4UpmvxcoqgpG8F7Ddwviqtzk0KbBb8sRxe6uOBNw2VjsfZFZAI6TIlWOt0bdCUm8gHlVLEtjrAA/s200/Picture+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181368893100132098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Who:</span> Martin Kelly, The Atlanta Screenwriters Group<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />The What:</span><br /><p> Founded in 1998, The Atlanta Screenwriters Group has become one of the largest screenwriter groups in the Southeast. Though based in Atlanta, the group boasts members from neighboring areas including Tennessee and South Carolina. </p>The mission of The Atlanta Screenwriters Group is to help local screenwriters develop their ideas, give support, swap industry stories and give constructive feedback for their work. We are also interested in supporting and developing a relationship with local area filmmakers and provide a forum for them to talk about their projects and help find support for them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.atlscript.org/">Click here</a> for more information.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-84349287055019791802008-03-21T12:35:00.003-04:002008-03-21T12:39:43.964-04:00What to look for next week...Last week, IMAGE held a Salon on various cinema groups in Atlanta. All next week, we'll be doing a profile on each of the five groups: Atlanta Screenwriters Group, Women in Film and Television Atlanta, Dailies, The Women's Angle, and Meetup.com-Atlanta Films.<br /><br />So check back daily to learn about these great groups and the great services they provide.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-60836007269483971832008-03-04T15:10:00.001-05:002008-03-04T15:10:56.068-05:00HORTON HEARS A WHO ContestDowntown Decatur Market Accepts HORTON HEARS YOU Hometown Challenge<br /><br /><br /><br />WHAT: Twentieth Century Fox and DR. SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO!<br />challenged communities across the USA to the HORTON HEARS YOU HOMETOWN<br />CHALLENGE. The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces has accepted the<br />challenge and will host the event at the Downtown Decatur Market. SHOUT<br />IT OUT! The public is invited to join us to raise our voices to<br />proclaim "We Are Here!" - just as Who-ville's Whos do in the film's<br />climax.<br /><br /><br /><br />Fox will measure decibel levels with special sound meters and the<br />loudest "Who-ville" will win a special hometown screening of DR. SEUSS'<br />HORTON HEARS A WHO! on March 13.<br /><br /><br /><br />USAToday.com / USA Today, The Nation's Newspaper will announce the<br />winner on their website and in the paper on March 12.<br /><br /><br /><br />WHEN: Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 12:00pm - 12:30pm<br /><br /><br /><br />WHERE: Downtown Decatur Market<br /><br />777 Commerce St.<br /><br />Decatur, GA 30030<br /><br /><br /><br />HORTON HEARS A WHO! - A "who's who" of comedy, led by Jim Carrey, Steve<br />Carell and Carol Burnett, bring to life DR. SEUSS' beloved children's<br />story. www.hortonmovie.com <http://www.hortonmovie.com/> DR. SEUSS'<br />HORTON HEARS A WHO! opens in theaters March 14.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-50425314463061191122008-02-23T04:42:00.000-05:002008-02-23T04:43:58.842-05:00Do You Have The Crazy?This weekend, <strong>The Signal</strong> arrives in theatres and if it’s playing in one near you, I highly recommend you see it. Some have compared the premise to Stephen King’s 2006 horror novel <strong>Cell</strong>. I didn’t know people still read Stephen King books. What I do know is that <strong>The Signal</strong> is the evolution of the zombie flick and it’s scary as hell. There’s loads of gore but a strong undercurrent of psychological horror at work that will make you incredibly uncomfortable (although if you’re from Atlanta, this will be interrupted by shouts of “Hey! I know that place!”). I interviewed the three directors of the film yesterday and they were really nice and intelligent gents. I also spoke briefly with two of the film’s stars (although not in an official-interview capacity) and they were also very cool folks. <p>So today I’m plugging <strong>The Signal</strong> not only because it’s a great film out of my hometown, but because it’s a small little film that I believe is destined for cult greatness. I think Magnolia hasn’t done right by the movie with their poor marketing but if you tend to agree with me about movies, please see <strong>The Signal</strong>. If you don’t, accept that you’re wrong and see <strong>The Signal</strong>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-41508934041632689252008-02-18T09:44:00.003-05:002008-02-18T09:47:37.739-05:00Travelin' TrainsAlways looking to highlight films made in Georgia or about Georgia, we'd like to point you in the direction of Eric Mofford's <a href="http://www.travelintrains.com/index.cfm?sid=121"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Travelin' Trains</span></a>. A brief synopsis:<br /><br /><span class="small"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Travelin' Trains</span> is the story of Sam Unterman, a young man in search of his father, "The Snowman," in depression-era Georgia, and the blues music that united and separated him from his search. The truth to the railroad warning that "hobo legends ain't the same as book legends," becomes painfully clear to young Sam in his journey through the music of a generation living the blues. The film aired nationally on the Arts & Entertainment Network.<br /><br /></span>The film has has been picked up for distribution by Vine Entertainment, in association with Topics Entertainment, as part of the "Festival Gems" series. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.travelintrains.com">travelintrains.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-21337545484921342172008-02-06T00:40:00.000-05:002008-02-06T00:44:42.611-05:00Getting Ready for THE SIGNALOver the next couple of weeks, I'll be talking about a film called <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Signal</span>. It was made here in Atlanta, premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, and will scare the hell out of America on February 22nd. It's a great film and I'll be talking with the filmmakers in a couple weeks. This is just a heads-up on a great film and letting you know that we're keeping an eye on it and that you need to keep an eye on it too. <br /><br />To start with the eye-keeping, click here:<br /><a href="http://www.doyouhavethecrazy.com/"><br />doyouhavethecrazy.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-52126146114046024352008-01-31T16:27:00.000-05:002008-01-31T16:36:43.030-05:00Help Us Help Youcforty7.com will soon be undergoing a major redesign. We have our own ideas about what the new site should feature but we'd like your input as well. What features do you like from other sites that we can ste--I mean, borrow. Borrow. We have every intent of returning those features. Please comment below or send your thoughts to infoc47@gpb.org. We love our viewers and our readers and this site is for you so it should feature what you want. <br /><br />One things we've already stol--I mean borrowed. Borrowed. We've <span style="font-style: italic;">borrowed</span> the SHARE THIS button which you will now see at the bottom of every post. This will make it easier for you to submit our posts to major news sites and to e-mail our posts to friends. It will be part of our redesign but since we can share it with you now, we figured: why not? Help us help you and we'll help you help us. We'll all help each other. Group hug.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/widget/?tabs=web%2Cemail&charset=utf-8&services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cstumbleupon%2Ctechnorati%2Creddit%2Cpropeller%2Cblinklist%2Cmixx%2Cnewsvine&style=default&publisher=86d650f5-7e72-4f17-b611-be6dcfecba9d"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-69802807905883421382008-01-17T12:56:00.001-05:002008-01-17T13:01:13.793-05:00So You Think You Can Dance?You probably can't. Sorry. It's just not for everyone. <br /><br />But that doesn't mean you can't still love the art of dance and the Performing Arts Studio at Emory University is offering you a chance to explore that love with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dance for Reel: An Evening of Dance on Camera</span>. There will be body undulation like you've never seen before in places you've never seen before and I'm presuming a lot here of your viewing experience, but even if I am, doesn't mean this won't be an enjoyable presentation! <br /><br />It's January 31st at 7:30 PM and there's no admission charge! The event is located at<br /><br />The Performing Arts Studio<br />1804 North Decatur Road<br />Emory University<br /><br />For more information, please call Ann at (404) 727-7266.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-45318464665326883852008-01-10T12:12:00.000-05:002008-01-10T12:21:53.628-05:00You need Withoutabox in your toolboxI know nothing about film festivals. I know they take loads of effort and tremendous contributions from both filmmakers and programmers. <a href="http://www.cforty7.com/main/aff"> When I spoke to various programmers from other major film fests during last year's Atlanta Film Festival</a>, the depth and complexity of their job so overwhelmed me that I curled up into the fetal position and cried just hearing about it.<br /><br />Of course, they probably knew about <a href="http://www.withoutabox.com/index.php?cmd=public.index">Withoutabox</a>. I'm not even a film festival aficionado and I know that this thing must be a major boon to anyone who seriously works with film festivals, whether as a programmer, filmmaker, audience member, or distributor. <br /><br />I know nothing about film festivals and I don't know how anyone would be able to work in film festivals without a robust website like this one.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.withoutabox.com/index.php?cmd=public.index">Check it out.</a><a href="javascript:void(0)" tabindex="10" onclick="return false;"><span></span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-14567316300266232592007-12-14T12:50:00.001-05:002007-12-14T12:52:36.319-05:00Just Press PlayOur new player is finally up on the main page. It features the latest episode. It looks amazing. The jump in picture quality is tremendous. You also now have the option to e-mail the video to your friends or embed it on your own blog. <br /><br />Thank you so much for your support and we'll be using this new player from now on as we bring you fresh content in the<a href="javascript:void(0)" tabindex="10" onclick="return false;"><span></span></a> weeks ahead.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-17193608423421145902007-12-06T13:13:00.000-05:002007-12-06T15:04:24.692-05:005 Holiday Films That Are Actually GoodThe holidays are a time of rejoicing where we can all gather and celebrate the birth of Santa. When it comes to films that are set during this time of ultimate materialism (and I say that with no negativity because I love getting stuff as much as the next guy who also likes getting stuff), they tend to fall into two categories: using the holidays as a backdrop for dark comedy or to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, whatever that may be (something about peace on Earth and goodwill towards Best Buy). <br /><br />So in the spirit of the holidays (I don't know why I keep using the plural; it's not like any of the films celebrate Hanukkah), here are five films that will get you in the Christmas spirit or at least give you a reason to get away from your family for a couple hours when you're not watching a football game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) d. Frank Capra</span><br /><br />Admit it: you're charmed by Jimmy Stewart. If you weren't, <span style="font-style: italic;">Vertigo</span> wouldn't be half as disturbing (okay, it probably would, but his casting is just perfect). The film has been parodied countless times, namely the whole "My Life Without Me" part and how a good man shouldn't try to kill himself just because he's had a horrible day. But I would love to see an alternate version where Clarence decides to show Mr. Potter his life and that persuades the mean old cripple to wheel himself into oncoming traffic. Or change his ways. Whichever is more Capra-esque. <br /><br />All sarcasm aside, it is a heartwarming film and the only one on the list that doesn't feature the dark comedy I feel is necessary override the empty sentimentality inherent in so many of these films.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Scrooged (1988) d. Richard Donner</span><br /><br />Charles Dickens's <span style="font-style: italic;">A Christmas Carol</span> is also an endlessly parodied story but never has it been applied to our modern world as wonderfully as it has with <span style="font-style: italic;">Scrooged</span>. There's media criticism, Bill Murray at his comedic best, and a fantastic supporting cast. If you're not struggling to breath by the hilarity of Cross' advertisement for <span style="font-style: italic;">A Christmas Carol</span>, then you don't have a sense of humor and that's too bad.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Die Hard (1988)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">d. John McTiernan<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span>Granted, this film has a reputation more for other elements than its Christmas-time setting, but it's one that's important to the film. It explains why Nakatomi Tower is so deserted. It provides a great comedic moment as Reginald VelJohnson sings a happy Christmas song only to have his car smashed by a dead henchman. And who can forget sending another dead henchman down the elevator with, written in his own blood, "Now I Have a Machine Gun. Ho Ho Ho" If that doesn't sum up what the holidays are all about, I don't know what does.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. The Ref (1994) d. Ted Demme</span><br /><br />After the presents, and the lights, and the snow, and the tree, the most important part of Christmas is spending time with family. And no film nails how excruciating an exercise that can be than the overlooked comedic gem of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ref</span>. Being held hostage by Denis Leary can really help repair a failing marriage and put a vile matriarch in her place. Sure, there are a couple of distracting Leary-rants, but the real comedic talent in this film is Kevin Spacey, who says what every put upon child has wanted to say to their mother during the holidays: "<span style="font-style: italic;">You know what I'm going to get you next Christmas, Mom? A big wooden cross, so that every time you feel unappreciated for your sacrifices, you can climb on up and nail yourself to it.</span>" That's just heartwarming.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Bad Santa (2003) d. Terry Zwigoff<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span>The last film on our list is incredibly raunchy but also extremely heartwarming. That's the beauty of Christmas. It can bring those two polar extremes together. Then again, that may just be the beauty of Billy Bob Thorton. While I don't think it's fair to cast Bernie Mac and Tony Cox as such unlikable fellows, Thorton ain't no saint either. But in a cast full of unlikable people, it is possible to find redemption and comedy.<a href="javascript:void(0)" tabindex="10" onclick="return false;"><span></span></a> And isn't that why Santa died for our sins?<br /><br />If you have been offended by this list, just remember: Christmas is a time for forgiveness so please no angry e-mails. I love you.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001532/"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-71513163534878799092007-11-16T19:40:00.000-05:002007-11-16T19:57:36.285-05:00Georgia Film News You Can Use!<span style="font-size:100%;">You know, as opposed to news you can't use, like "Are their bugs in your chocolate?" Not only is that not related to film, but even if there were bugs in your chocolate, you've been eating chocolate for years and you're okay. I say as long as they're no longer discernible as bugs, let 'em in there. They have protein.<br /><br />And now if you're not too grossed out, the news!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Winners of Rapid-i-Movement</span><br /><br />We brought it to your attention (we'll take credit where ever we can get it) and now the winners of IMAGE's Rapid-i-Movement have been announced. They are...</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From Group A + D </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tibet's Trust - Ten-X Films </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Captain Scott Balzar </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Petunia - Another Look </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Captain Marla Johnson </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From Group B + C </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No Vacancy - LightHog </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Captain Keith Hooker </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Done in One - Mavin Productions </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Captain Matthew Cornwell</span><br /><br />Congratulations to the Finalists. Their films will screen at the 2008 Atlanta Film Festival, will be televised on Comcast On Demand and will be eligible for Jury Awards and prizes at this year's festival. They may think they're better than me, and they would be right.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFI Directing Workshop for Women Calls for Applications</span><span><br /><br />There is a depressing dearth of women directors in Hollywood. Sofia Coppola is only one woman and Nora Ephron only recently got paroled from director jail for the awfulness that was <span style="font-style: italic;">Bewitched</span>. So we need more women voices in cinema and Diablo Cody hasn't decided to direct yet, so the call falls to you. Established in 1974, this tuition-free program is dedicated to increasing the number of women working professionally as film and television directors by providing them with the education and resources necessary to their first step towards career advancement by directing a short film (which they may want to submit to us...just a thought). Applications can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.afi.com/education/dww">http://www.AFI.com/education/dww</a> and must be postmarked by January 4, 2008.<br /><br />So what are you waiting for? Oh, an encouraging word from me? Well then, go and get some! Hollywood needs you and they need you to show them that you're better than just second-rate romantic comedies and Lifetime network television. I mean, work is work but you've got vision and talent and the world always needs it.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-42802724976197975582007-11-07T10:47:00.001-05:002007-11-07T10:49:11.073-05:00IMAGE Salon: Tuesday!<p class="style54"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Legal Ease with Georgia Lawyers For The Arts</span><br /><strong><br />Date:</strong> Tuesday, November 13, 2007<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> 7:00 - 8:30 PM<br /> <strong>Cost:</strong> Free (you cheapskate)<br /> <strong>Location:</strong> <span class="copy12pt style55">GPB, 260 14th St, NW, 30318</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" class="style54">Back by popular demand (and we will always cave to popular demands)! We have a panel of local entertainment lawyers who specialize in legalities surrounding film production. Lisa F. Moore, Esq., Executive Director, Georgia Lawyers For The Arts (GLA), a nonprofit organization that provides legal assistance and education to artists in Georgia (including filmmakers), will be moderating this panel. Come get your most crucial legal questions answered regarding your film projects by these experienced panel of experts! Other panelists include Alethea D. Pounds, Esq, Lovette Entertainment Law Group. You won't be billed by the hour!<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3532932081178224608.post-59455037183178013152007-11-05T12:05:00.002-05:002007-11-05T12:09:42.866-05:00Director of OFF THE BLACK Awarded Sundance FellowshipWriter/Director/Athens native, James Ponsoldt has been awarded the 2007 Lynn Auerbach Screenwriting Felllowship for his screenplay "Refresh, Refresh" by the Sundance Institute. Conversely, my screenplay "Back Button, Back Button" received a harsh rebuke from the Sundance Institute. That smug Redford thinks he's better than me...<br /><br />But back to the winner, Ponsoldt will receive a cash stipend, a Sundance screenplay reading and advice from screenwriters John August (Go, Big Fish, The Nines) and Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia, Gross Anatomy, Painted Veil). I will be hiding in his luggage because August is one of my favorite screenwriters and I want him to sign my copy of Big Fish. I'm sure all parties involved are totally cool with that.<br /><br />Ponsoldt won the 2003 Perfect Pitch contest at that year's Atlanta Film Festival, and his directoral debut OFF THE BLACK, starring Nick Nolte and a 2006 Sundance selection, was released on DVD earlier this spring. Conversely, my directorial debut GRANDMA'S 75th BIRTHDAY was released on DVD by using iMovie and burning it to a rewritable DVD and then giving it to my mother.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com