Cforty7 News

(Cine)Vegas, Baby. (Cine)Vegas

2008-05-29T15:05:00.002-04:00

In 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 (Get Smart, The Rocker, Choke), 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 Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson, Visioneers, and The Wackness (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.

If anyone has any recommendations for films showing at this festival, please post them in the comments section!

Quiet on the Set!

2008-05-19T13:26:00.002-04:00

So last week I did my very first set visit. I went down to New Orleans to watch some filming on Final Destination 4. Aside from what you'd expect to see on Final Destination 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.

"Pshaw. 3-D. Enjoy the gimmick, sucker." I hear you scoff. That's right: I HEARD YOU THROUGH THE INTERNET.

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.

I'll have more on this once I finish writing up my full report for the site that sent me, Collider.com

The Weekly Website - FindSounds

2008-04-25T21:08:00.000-04:00

Welcome 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!

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:

http://www.findsounds.com/

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.

Film School in a Box

2008-04-24T15:26:00.002-04:00

Film 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.

So without further ado, here are a few DVDs you may want to check out:

Pearl Harbor (Three-Disc Vista Series) [yes, I know the film is terrible but these special features are top-of-the-line]
The Alien Quadrilogy
Clerks X
Fight Club (Special Edition)
Brazil (The Criterion Collection)
Die Hard (Special Edition) [There's a feature on this disc that actually lets you edit a scene from the film your own way!]
Hellboy (The Three-Disc Director's Cut)
Hot Fuzz (Three-Disc Collectors Edition)
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Extended Editions)

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 Rebel Without a Crew is a must-read for any indie filmmaker) who actually has a "Ten-Minute Film School" extra on almost all of his films.

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.

The Weekly Buy - April 17th

2008-04-17T12:33:00.002-04:00

As 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.

The first DVD you need to buy is Juno. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, Juno 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. Juno 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.

The other DVD that warrants your attention is Lars and the Real Girl. 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.

If you're heading out to the theater this weekend, you should catch Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Billed as a "Breakup Disaster Movie", Forgetting is like a lot of the other films from Lord Judd Apatow, who was also behind Knocked Up and Superbad. 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.

Three Must-See Films at the 2008 Atlanta Film Festival

2008-04-11T14:51:00.002-04:00

Festivals 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:

American Teen (Friday, April 11, 7:30 PM at Landmark Midtown Art)
Son of Rambow (Friday, April 18, 7:00 PM at Landmark Midtown Art)
Nerdcore Rising (Saturday, April 12, 10:30 PM at Landmark Midtown Art)

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".

SON OF RAMBOW Filmmakers Contest

2008-04-03T12:48:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I saw Son of Rambow 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.

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,
MPG, MPG4, WMV

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.

The deadline for submissions is May 12, 2008. Filmmakers must be 13 years of age or older to enter.

Check out http://sonoframbow.filmmakingfrenzy.com/ for more information and be sure to see Son of Rambow!

IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 5

2008-03-28T12:16:00.000-04:00

The Who: Jimmy Lee Smith, FILMAtlanta Meetup Group

The What: "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."

Click here to learn more.

IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 4

2008-03-27T12:12:00.000-04:00

The Who: Tracy Martin, Women's Angle Project

The What: 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).

Click here to learn more.

IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 3

2008-03-26T12:06:00.000-04:00

The Who: Chris Shambis, Dailies

The What: Dailies, in association with PushPush Theater, 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.

Click here for more information.

IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 2

2008-03-25T14:26:00.003-04:00

The Who: Melissa Randle, Women in Film & Television Atlanta

The What: 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.

With an emphasis on education, advocacy and networking, we support the work of women in moving images media and encourage high standards of professionalism.

Click here for more information.

IMAGE Salon - Atlanta Film Groups - Day 1

2008-03-24T13:52:00.002-04:00

The Who: Martin Kelly, The Atlanta Screenwriters Group

The What:

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.

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.

Click here for more information.

What to look for next week...

2008-03-21T12:35:00.003-04:00

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.

So check back daily to learn about these great groups and the great services they provide.

HORTON HEARS A WHO Contest

2008-03-04T15:10:00.001-05:00

Downtown Decatur Market Accepts HORTON HEARS YOU Hometown Challenge

WHAT: Twentieth Century Fox and DR. SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO!
challenged communities across the USA to the HORTON HEARS YOU HOMETOWN
CHALLENGE. The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces has accepted the
challenge and will host the event at the Downtown Decatur Market. SHOUT
IT OUT! The public is invited to join us to raise our voices to
proclaim "We Are Here!" - just as Who-ville's Whos do in the film's
climax.

Fox will measure decibel levels with special sound meters and the
loudest "Who-ville" will win a special hometown screening of DR. SEUSS'
HORTON HEARS A WHO! on March 13.

USAToday.com / USA Today, The Nation's Newspaper will announce the
winner on their website and in the paper on March 12.

WHEN: Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 12:00pm - 12:30pm

WHERE: Downtown Decatur Market

777 Commerce St.

Decatur, GA 30030

HORTON HEARS A WHO! - A "who's who" of comedy, led by Jim Carrey, Steve
Carell and Carol Burnett, bring to life DR. SEUSS' beloved children's
story. www.hortonmovie.com DR. SEUSS'
HORTON HEARS A WHO! opens in theaters March 14.

Do You Have The Crazy?

2008-02-23T04:42:00.000-05:00

This weekend, The Signal 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 Cell. I didn’t know people still read Stephen King books. What I do know is that The Signal 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.

So today I’m plugging The Signal 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 The Signal. If you don’t, accept that you’re wrong and see The Signal.

Travelin' Trains

2008-02-18T09:44:00.003-05:00

Always looking to highlight films made in Georgia or about Georgia, we'd like to point you in the direction of Eric Mofford's Travelin' Trains. A brief synopsis:

Travelin' Trains 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.

The film has has been picked up for distribution by Vine Entertainment, in association with Topics Entertainment, as part of the "Festival Gems" series.

travelintrains.com

Getting Ready for THE SIGNAL

2008-02-06T00:40:00.000-05:00

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be talking about a film called The Signal. 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.

To start with the eye-keeping, click here:

doyouhavethecrazy.com

Help Us Help You

2008-01-31T16:27:00.000-05:00

cforty7.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.

One things we've already stol--I mean borrowed. Borrowed. We've borrowed 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.

So You Think You Can Dance?

2008-01-17T12:56:00.001-05:00

You probably can't. Sorry. It's just not for everyone.

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 Dance for Reel: An Evening of Dance on Camera. 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!

It's January 31st at 7:30 PM and there's no admission charge! The event is located at

The Performing Arts Studio
1804 North Decatur Road
Emory University

For more information, please call Ann at (404) 727-7266.

You need Withoutabox in your toolbox

2008-01-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

I know nothing about film festivals. I know they take loads of effort and tremendous contributions from both filmmakers and programmers. When I spoke to various programmers from other major film fests during last year's Atlanta Film Festival, the depth and complexity of their job so overwhelmed me that I curled up into the fetal position and cried just hearing about it.

Of course, they probably knew about Withoutabox. 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.

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.

Check it out.

Just Press Play

2007-12-14T12:50:00.001-05:00

Our 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.

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 weeks ahead.

5 Holiday Films That Are Actually Good

2007-12-06T13:13:00.000-05:00

The 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).

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.

5. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) d. Frank Capra

Admit it: you're charmed by Jimmy Stewart. If you weren't, Vertigo 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.

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.

4. Scrooged (1988) d. Richard Donner

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is also an endlessly parodied story but never has it been applied to our modern world as wonderfully as it has with Scrooged. 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 A Christmas Carol, then you don't have a sense of humor and that's too bad.

3. Die Hard (1988) d. John McTiernan

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.

2. The Ref (1994) d. Ted Demme

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 The Ref. 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: "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." That's just heartwarming.

1. Bad Santa (2003) d. Terry Zwigoff

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. And isn't that why Santa died for our sins?

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.

Georgia Film News You Can Use!

2007-11-16T19:40:00.000-05:00

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.

And now if you're not too grossed out, the news!

The Winners of Rapid-i-Movement

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...
From Group A + D

Tibet's Trust - Ten-X Films
Team Captain Scott Balzar

Petunia - Another Look
Team Captain Marla Johnson

From Group B + C

No Vacancy - LightHog
Team Captain Keith Hooker

Done in One - Mavin Productions
Team Captain Matthew Cornwell

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.

AFI Directing Workshop for Women Calls for Applications

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 Bewitched. 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 http://www.AFI.com/education/dww and must be postmarked by January 4, 2008.

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.

IMAGE Salon: Tuesday!

2007-11-07T10:47:00.001-05:00

Legal Ease with Georgia Lawyers For The Arts

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Cost: Free (you cheapskate)
Location: GPB, 260 14th St, NW, 30318

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!

Director of OFF THE BLACK Awarded Sundance Fellowship

2007-11-05T12:05:00.002-05:00

Writer/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...

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.

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.

Film Festival: The French & African Film Festival

2007-11-02T12:28:00.000-04:00

The Georgia Institute of Technology presents

The French & African Film Festival
Oct 22 - Nov 6 2007

Co-sponsored by the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture and the School of Modern Languages.

All screenings located in the Clary Theater of the Georgia Tech Student Success Center. All films in French with English subtitles.

All film screenings are FREE and open to the public.

This series is co-curated by Professor Angela Dalle Vacche of the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture and Professor Stephanie Boulard of the School of Modern Languages.

The Tournées program is made possible with the support of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French Ministry of Culture (CNC).

Rapido! Rapido!

2007-10-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

So what are you doing this weekend? Besides gorging yourself on the Halloween candy you refused to give to children. Well, if you're not too full of fun-size Twix, you may want to get involved with the Rapid "i" Competition this weekend from 7 PM on Friday, November 2nd to Sunday, November 4th at 9 PM. You'll have 50 hours to make a great short film. Time is already ticking away. PANIC ATTACK! PANIC ATTACK!

The details are here but remember: you have till 9:00 PM on October 31st to register. So what are you waiting for? Oh. You're waiting to connect to the site because your Internet is slow. I get it. Well after the page loads, get to it! And hey, maybe after you've finished your film, you may want to submit it to C-47. It's what all the cool kids are doing.

What Are You Doing at Midnight?

2007-10-23T20:29:00.000-04:00

Okay, so you've watched The Daily Show and followed it with half of Leno (oh, his one-liners are so easy!) and now you're right on schedule to cry yourself to sleep at the stroke of midnight (or have your carriage turn back into a pumpkin). But wait! Before you break out your good crying pillow, why not watch a program that will wipe away those tears (we can't do anything about the pumpkin): C-47: The Georgia Short Film Showcase! Our new episode premieres tonight! You can see a great film, see a great interview with a great filmmakers, learn about great film happenings in Georgia, and get a piece of great bit of Georgia filmmaking history! It's too much great for one episode (we had to pay a fine)!

So wipe away those tears, weepy. Enjoy a brand new episode of C-47: The Georgia Short Film Showcase TONIGHT!

Happenins

2007-10-15T12:08:00.000-04:00

Two Events You May Want to Know If You're a Filmmaker in Georgia!

First...

FILMMAKERS AND FINANCING:
Financial Strategies and Business Plans for Both Independent Filmmakers and Investors with Instructor, Louise Levison

Presented by IMAGE Film And Video Center

If you want to cash in on the $8 billion independent film market, come to this workshop with Louise Levison, author of Filmmakers and Financing: Business Plans for Independents. Taking the mystique out of film financing for both filmmakers and investors, she’ll clarify, demystify and streamline the business plan process. In the process, you will understand the business of the industry, markets and distribution; how the money flows and how to develop financial projections.

LOUISE LEVISON is President of Business Strategies, a consulting firm that specializes in writing business plans for films and film companies. She is the author of Filmmakers & Financing: Business Plans for Independents and publisher/editor of The Film Entrepreneur: A Newsletter for the Independent Filmmaker and Investors. Levison's clients have raised money for low-budget films, such as The Blair Witch Project, the most profitable independent film in history, and for companies raising as much as $300 million. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Extension Program at UCLA and has been a Visiting Professor at the Taipei (Taiwan) National University of the Arts and conducted workshops at film festivals around the U.S. and overseas.

Sat, Oct 20 /10-5pm

Early Bird Registration Deadline: Oct 2
$95 IMAGE Student/Senior Members/GSU Students
$125 IMAGE Members/GPP Members/CECIL Board Members
$150 Non-Members Regular Registration Deadline: Oct 12
$120 IMAGE Student/Senior Members/GSU Students
$150 IMAGE Members/GPP Members/CECIL Board Members
$175 Non-Members Walk Up Registration: Oct. 20
$145 IMAGE Student or Senior Members/ GSU Students
$175 IMAGE Members/GPP Members/CECIL Board Members
$200 Non-Members

This workshop will be hosted by D.A.E.L. (Digital Arts and Entertainment Laboratories) and held on the Georgia State University Campus. Go to www.imagefv.org ( http://www.imagefv.org/ ) for more information about this workshop, Instructor, Louise Levison, and to register!

This workshop is also sponsored by D.A.E.L.(Digital Arts and Entertainment Laboratory), GPP(Georgia Production Partnership), CECIL(Committee On Entertainment Capital, Investment, and Legislation), and the Georgia Film, Video and Music Office.

And Second....

Women in Film and Television Atlanta presents:

33rd Anniversary Gala Celebration
Order tickets online today!

In honor of our 33rd amazing year, Women in Film and Television Atlanta is happy to announce the following honorees for the 2007 WIFTA Gala:

		Lifetime Achievement Award to James Ivory Legendary Award Winning Film Director (A Room With a View, The Remains of the Day, Howards End, The Golden Bowl)
	Creative Excellence Award to to Eleanor Ringel Gillespie Nationally renowned Film Critic
	Humanitarian Award to Elisabeth and Afemo Omilami Actors and Activists (Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless)
	Outstanding Achievement Award to Suzan Satterfield Award-winning Producer, Past President Women in Film and Television Atlanta
	Outstanding Contribution to the Georgia Film Industry to Janet Tiller Account Manager, Entertainment Imaging, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
	and introducting WIFTA's brand new category: The Woman to Watch Award to Tracy Martin Film Director, Producer and Founder of “The Woman’s Angle”

The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, 3434 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta 30326

Friday, October 19, 2007
6:00 pm Reception, 7:00 pm Dinner and Awards Ceremony
$100 member, $150 non-member, $175 membership and gala ticket
Order tickets today! (PDF form)

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Includes an exclusive conversation with James Ivory on Saturday, October 20, 2007. Location to be announced on website.

Entrance to Saturday's event is limited to the
first 100 individuals to purchase Gala tickets.
Limited seating, tickets required. First come, first served.

PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU’D LIKE TO ATTEND THE EXCLUSIVE CONVERSATIONS WITH JAMES IVORY WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR TICKET. YOU ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ADMITTED. YOU MUST BE CONFIRMED FIRST.

For more information contact galacoordinator@wifta.org

C-47: Still Awesome

2007-10-12T10:14:00.000-04:00

We have got a MAJOR news update on how great we are. Now you may read this and feel bad about yourself and your own accomplishments and how they pale in comparison to ours.

But don't cry! Wipe away those tears, sad child! If you're reading this blog, then our accomplishments are your accomplishments! Everyone wins! Internet group hug!

(If at this point you are hugging your monitor, you are probably getting odd stares from your co-workers. It's okay; we wont' judge)

First off, we want to offer a MAJOR and much belated CONGRATULATIONS (it's all in caps because that's how much we congratulate here at C-47) to original C-47er Phoebe Brown for getting her documentary 99 to 1: Ovarian Cancer and Me accepted to the Asheville Film Festival. Please visit their website for more details.

Next up, a big congratulations (although not as big as Phoebe's because we are so proud of her!) to US! The Foundation Center has done a very nice write-up on us and who we are. To check it out, click here!

Finally, THE BIG NEWS. You have no idea how BIG this NEWS will BE.

Imagine it. Now multiply that by INFINITY...+1.

NEW SHOW: OCTOBER 23, 2007. MIDNIGHT. DO. NOT. MISS. IT.

That's the best I can do without putting together a trailer and having Mr. Movie Voice come in to do the narration (I imagine he is rather expensive. And busy. And in desperate need of a lozenge).

That's the news and expect plenty more of it as I have been shackled to my desk and forced to blog for all eternity (Please, somebody call for help. So hungry).

Now Accepting Submissions For New Show!

2007-10-04T13:47:00.000-04:00

From YouTube to YourTube, OurTube, TheirTube, and Everybody’sTube.

You’ve made a killer short film. You’re Peter Jackson with a fraction of the running time. You may not have had the big budget or some executive’s cousin who suddenly wants a producer credit, but you made a great movie. You can put it on the web and let the whole world enjoy it for maybe five seconds before they get distracted by that clip of the beauty pageant contestant butchering the English language.

Or you can submit the film to us! Our panel of judges, comprised of leaders in the Georgia Film Industry, will judge your film and if they say it’s the best, then we’ll broadcast it, feature it on our website, and bring you on our show to talk to you about your film and how you became such a genius.

Check out our submission guidelines, past winners, filmmaker resources, and coverage of film happenings in Georgia. If you want a chance to be featured in our Winter Showcase, you must submit your film by December 31st, 2007.

So step up, send in, and be seen.

Junketeering: Part 1

2007-09-04T10:18:00.001-04:00

In our on-going mission to further educate our loyal and disloyal readers (we don't take sides), we've decided to throw you a little knowledge about Press Junkets. How did we come by this knowledge? Because I, your faithful author and webmaster, Matt, am a film critic ("Boo!", "Hiss!", "Boo-urns!") and have attended press junkets over the past year.

So before we go any further, what is a junket? I don't ask to condescend but rather because a lot of folks I've encountered and told about my work aren't familiar with the term. So here, according to Merriam-Webster, is a junket:

Main Entry: 1jun·ket
Pronunciation: 'j&[ng]-k&t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ioncate, ultimately from Vulgar Latin *juncata, from Latin juncus rush
1 : a dessert of sweetened flavored milk set with rennet
2 a : a festive social affair b : TRIP, JOURNEY: as (1) : a trip made by an official at public expense (2) : a promotional trip made at another's expense

So as you can see, as a film critic, I will attend a dessert of sweetened flavored milk set with rennet.

If only. But a boy can dream.

The most accurate definition is the last one: "A promotional trip made at another's expense," which is really the best kind of trip, depending on the locale. In my line of work, the locale is usually either New York City, or most often, Los Angeles. But why would anyone pay for such a thing? Why would studios pay perfectly good money to fly out a nobody like myself (you're too kind), put me up in a swank hotel like The Four Seasons, and let me throw questions at movie stars, writers, directors, and even producers! [Note to studios: you know that we know that you know that we hate interviewing producers unless they're prolific or charismatic]. While there's no real way to get inside the minds of studios, there is a business rationale and that rationale is, in a word, publicity. While our reviews may be negative and hurt your movie, interviewing movie stars is neutral and that's good enough. Your star sells the movie, sells their next project (which is hopefully at the same studio), sells a bit of their personal life, and the paper or website or TV show the writer works for gets to sell advertising. Everyone wins. But especially me, and here's why:

Junkets are a great gig. Simply put, if you can get paid for this kind of job, you've got it made in the shade. As ticket prices rise, there's simply no better way to see movies. Of course, it helps if you really love movies (if you're reading this website, I assume you do, so good for you!). But before you can interview the people behind the movie, you have to see the movie and you get to do it not at your own expense, but at screenings.

There are two types of screenings:

1) Press-only screenings: These are usually held in the morning or early afternoon. It's only you and the other critics from your area and it's my preferred way to see a film because there's a mutual respect and no one's going to be obnoxious. We all understand that this is a fun job but it's still a job.

2) General Audience screening: I used to attend these as a member of the general public before I became a critic and got sweet, sweet access. Now this kind of screening is free. It's before the film opens for general release (although this window can be as long as a month before the film opens or as short as the night before). It's admittance by screening pass only. You get these passes usually from magazines like mine (INsite Atlanta, first plug!) or Creative Loafing or the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (I have no passes, but would you care for a hug instead? [note: hugs not valid for admittance to free movie screenings]) by either showing up at a certain place at a certain time (usually a restaurant or other reputable business; if it's a back alley or abandoned warehouse, you're probably not getting a pass but are in for a good ol' fashioned mugging) or by just shooting off an e-mail.

But once you got your pass, you're still not in. The pass is not a ticket. Studios and by proxy the various screening-sponsors give out way more passes than available seats so it's first come, first serve. If you want to get a good seat, you have to show up at least an hour before (the more excited you are for the film, the earlier you should show up). Now as a member of the press, my seat is reserved so I get to bypass the entire line and have you hate me. I can feel your hate and it feels delicious.

So far, this sounds like a raw deal for you and a great deal for me. But now we get to why I don't prefer these screenings: the sponsors. You see, if and when you finally get in the theatre (oh, by the way, did I mention how you'll be molested by security to make sure you have no recording devices? Leave your cell phone in your car and thank me later), you won't be treated to painful advertisements but rather, to free movie swag. People go nuts for swag. I'm as guilty of this as anybody but I try to maintain some dignity about it. Others decided they lost all their dignity and self-respect a long time ago and will go from seemingly-normal person to frightening mental patient at the words "Free T-Shirt". Yes, the sponsors have promotional goodies for you but you must answer their question about the radio station or TV station or publication or maybe, just maybe, a question pertaining to the stars of the movie you're about to see, and if you answer correctly, that precious t-shirt is yours. Enjoy. As for the sponsors, well, while I understand that they have a job to do and since they're sponsoring the screening, they should be allowed to do it, let's just say that if this were a final exam in How Not To Annoy The Ever-loving Hell Out Of Me, they would be expelled for gross failure (it's like regular failure, but worse!).

Finally, the movie is screened, I take some time to form an opinion (I usually bring a friend with me so I have a sounding board), write my review, and if there is no press junket, that's where our story ends. But since this series is called "Junketeering" and this is only part 1, I think we both know that there's a sequel in the works...

Promos!

2007-06-04T12:52:00.000-04:00

We have three new promos for upcoming show on June 19th after Independent Lens. Please enjoy these videos of our host Mike Brune being great. Then, please share them with your friends because sharing is caring and if you don't care, then you're a sociopath, and no one likes a sociopath.

Promo 1

Promo 2

Promo 3

I'm Still Exhuasted From The Greatness

2007-05-23T11:06:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday night I attended the taping of our June 20th show. I can't tell you where and I can't tell you who but I can tell you that our show is going to blow you away (the C-47 website promoting the C-47 show? Shock!).

I know it sounds like I would be positive no matter what, but believe me, as the web guy, I was the most useless person there and that's a good thing because all the talented people were busy setting up lights, making sure that even the shortest of segments came out perfectly. Our new host Mike Brune was charming, funny, and the interviews he conducted were educational even for the most educated cinema studies major like myself.

So why was I there? Well, other than swiping all the food from the craft services table (I was starving from watching other people work so hard), I wanted to see the interviews and get a taste of the upcoming show. And much like a mother bird regurgitating food to her younglings, I share that taste with you and it's delicious.

Oh, and our website is about to go atomic but instead of death and mindless, painful destruction, it will be full of content and rich, fascinating material. Get ready because C-47 is about to come at you in a big way.

Seriously. You may want to invest in an underground shelter of some kind. Just make sure it has Internet access.

4 Documentaries at Eyedrum

2007-05-02T10:08:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, May 6th at 8 PM, the Community-Based Media Initiative at GSU gives voice to three Atlanta communities through four documentaries: Refugee Teens from Clarkson High School, African American Clowns, and DV Visa African Immigrants. There is a $3 suggested admission and the proceeds will benefit the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Upcoming Festivals in Atlanta

2007-04-17T09:45:00.000-04:00

If you haven't entered your film into Atlanta's most exciting film festivals, what are you waiting for??

Atlanta's Festival League - http://www.festivalleague.com - is now is now accepting film entries to four top film festivals:

Animation Attack!
http://www.animationattack.com
July 12 - 14, 2007 - entry deadline extended to: May 1, 2007
The First Annual Animation Attack! will bring you animation of every format and genre with plenty of discussions, panels and demonstrations.

Atlanta Underground Film Festival
http://www.AUFF.org
August 22 - 25, 2007 - entry deadline: May 30, 2007
The Fourth Annual AUFF presents five days of independent and underground cinema from across the world with live music, art
and plenty of late night parties.

DocuFest Atlanta
http://www.docufest.com
September 27 - 29, 2007 - entry deadline: May 30, 2007
The Second Annual DocuFest Atlanta showcases meaningful international documentary films which educate and entertain audiences of every demographic.

Atlanta Horror Fest
http://www.atlantahorrorfest.com
October 2007 - entry deadline: June 30, 2007
The Second Annual Atlanta Horror Fest combines the best in indie horror films with live music and many dark and delicious special events.

Entry fees to all festivals are as follows:
$20 for shorts (under 45 min.)
$30 for features

email us at festivalleague@gmail.com with any questions

Free Screenings at the 31st Annual Atlanta Film Festival

2007-04-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

Did you know you can see films for free at the Atlanta Film Festival?
Come to the Teen Screen screenings and see what tomorrow’s directors are doing today!

All screenings are at:
Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
931 Monroe Drive
Atlanta, GA 30308
ADMISSION IS FREE !

REEL TEENS
Monday, April 23, 2007 @12 noon
These teens get real through intimate video blogs, docs about their families, and their everyday issues being a teen. This is a no-holds barred look of subject matter through the eyes of teens.

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 @ 4:00pm
Animation, Experimental, Arts, Music Videos, Public Service Announcements, and more!

DIFFERENT CULTURES, DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES, ONE WORLD
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 @12 noon
Showcasing our international teen directors, we’ll show films made about diverse cultures, and films by teens who have diverse cultural backgrounds. Teens also open our eyes and redefine what it means to be American.

DEDICATED TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Thursday, April 26, 2007 @ 4:00pm
Teens are making movies that matter. See the process through pictures of teens developing their social conscience and finding their voice.

TALES OF THE WEIRD
Friday, April 27, 2007 @ 12 noon
Come for a matinee of horror, thriller, suspense, sci-fi, mystery and all that is a little out of this world!

C-47 + AFF2007 + You = GREATNESS.

2007-04-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

You can't argue with that equation. It's science.

C-47 will be at this year's Atlanta Film Festival. Oh hey, you're gonna be at the film festival too? That's cool. We should totally hang out. Here's where we'll be.

FILM BUS! - C-47 goes on a trip around Atlanta with filmmakers outside the community as we try and convince them that not every place in the city is named after Ted Turner and that Atlanta is a great place to make movies, even if those movies aren't about Coca-Cola or Hartsfield Int'l Airport. The bus is kind of full, but check this blog and it will be just like you were without the stopping to go to the bathroom every five minutes.

PANELS! - You know all those panels you're planning on attending so you can learn to be a better filmmaker. We're co-sponsoring those! You'll see us at...

The State of Independent Film - Current trends in indie filmmaking and why you need to know about them.

The Write Stuff - Everyone has a great idea for a movie but few know how to translate that idea into the write...I mean right format. And after you finally commit that great idea to the page, what's next?

International House of Production - Minus the hearty breakfast but plus a delightful buffet of knowledge about distributing and exhibiting your film beyond the comfy shores of the United States.

Conversation on Animation and the Making of First Flight - DreamWorks animator Kyle Jefferson takes you inside the creative and technical process of making this animated short film.

Getting The Right Rights For Your Documentary Film - Nobody wants to get destroyed by the legal system when making a documentary (unless they're making a documentary about getting destroyed by the legal system). This panel will talk about how to successfully navigate shark-infested legal waters.

A Conversation With Will Packer And Rob Hardy Of Rainforest Films - How do you distribute films without losing your love of films? Isn't it a fact that the business side of filmmaking crushes souls? Packer and Hardy will tell you how they've managed to brave film distribution with souls still intact.

Get Your Act Together! Your Business Act! - Hey, you're an awesome actor so why do you keep getting turned away from auditions for being too "human" or too "oxygen-dependent"? Where's your super-agent who's gonna fight to get you every part you richly deserve? Attend this panel to find out how you can balance your craft and your business acumen.

INTERVIEWS! - Upstairs from the Landmark Midtown Art you'll find a bar called The Independent. Inside The Independent, you'll find the Filmmakers Lounge where we'll be interviewing festival participants and you'll be sharing stories of filmmaking over a beer, if you're so inclined.

We'll also be attending screenings, after-parties, and all other kinds of happenings. So if you're at the festival, come by and say hello! Don't be rude. Say hello. Don't see us from across the room and avoid eye-contact and be all awkward. We're your best friend when it comes to independent filmmaking in Atlanta. So now that we're so close, you only have to introduce yourself and watch this space!