January 2008
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“Bone Creek” Fires Up High Definition Production Specialty Night Shots Q&A with Matthew Libatique, ASC Shooting from the Hip and the Shoulder Money Makes the Film Go ‘Round A New Narnia Locks Down VFX & HD Cuts Cooking With Audio Table of Contents January 2008
Cinematography 6 Specialty Night Shots: The Nighttime Blues by Carl Filoreto 8 Q&A with Matthew Libatique, ASC: From Indies to Blockbusters and In Between Award-Winning DP Discusses Lighting for Genres, Camera Movement, Color Palette and More by Jacqueline B. Frost
Directing 18 11 Pearls of Wisdom Garnered through Directorial Experience by John Badham 20 Money Makes the Film Go ‘Round by David K. Irving 8 HD Production 22 Feature “Bone Creek” Fires Up High Def Production Challenge: New Format, New Workflow, and Achieving the ‘Film Look’ by Michael Corbett 28 A New Narnia Adamson and Evan-Jones Collaboration Continues with Expanded Methodologies & Techniques by Scott Essman
Music & Sound 30 Tricks for Getting a Cleaner Audio Track by Bryant Falk
New Media 32 10 Best Practices for Top Notch Podcasting by Chris Cavallari
22 Story Development 34 Deliver the Epiphany to the Audience ‘Again’ by Michael Karp, SOC
FX 38 On Set Effects Supervision: A Case Study by Mark Sawicki
Film Business 42 7 Approaches to Financing Your Independent Film by Stacey Parks
Camera Work 44 Shooting from the Hip … and the Shoulder 28 by Bill Zarchy Networking 54 Filmmakers Networking Community 44 This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover Instructor Jonathan Quade operates the JVC GY-HD100 camera on a steadicam rig with student camera assistant Ronnie Chavis on the Piedmont Community College (PCC) class project production of the feature film “Bone Creek.”
January 2008 studentfilmmakers February2008
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RED ONE: Living Up to the Expectations? A Synchronized Light Show What is Realistic Cinematography? Solutions for Actors’ Onset SNAFUs An Interview with Anastas Michos, ASC Preserving Your Original Video Media Will Local Productions Work for Indies? Table of Contents February 2008
Lighting 6 A Synchronized Light Show by Kevin Zanit
Cinematography 12 Seeing the Light: Working with a Combination of Filters and Internal Reflections by Ira Tiffen 14 What to Consider When Going Tapeless by Saro Varjabedian
Insights 16 What is Realistic Cinematography? by M. David Mullen, ASC
Directing 6 18 When It’s Time to Shoot: Directing Your Actors to Satisfying Performances by David K. Irving 22 Solutions for Your Actors’ Onset SNAFUs by John Badham 16 26 Independent Director’s Guerilla Field List by Roger Marsh Close-Up 28 An Interview with Anastas Michos, ASC by Leonard Guercio
Production 34 The Interview Process: Guide Your Subjects through to Get the Best Responses by Matthew Marshall
Tech Focus 38 RED ONE: Living Up to the Expectations? by Jon Firestone 46 Don’t Let Your Original Footage Run the Risk of Living in Oblivion by Bill Zarchy
Music & Sound 45 Get Your Own SFX Library Up and Recording by Bryant Falk
Editing 48 Different Forms of Layoff for Stages of Editing by Daniel Gaucher
Film Business 52 Will Local Productions Work for Indies? by Stacey Parks
Networking 28 54 Filmmakers Networking Community This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover “RED ONE: Living Up to the Expectations?” Trygve Lode is our warrior in this camera test for Gathering of Heroes. Photo by Jeff Deel. 38
February 2008 studentfilmmakers March 2008
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Madame Tutli-Putli ’s Journey to the Red Carpet Tech Focus: Which Camcorder Should You Buy? Filmmakers Ask M. David Mullen, ASC 2007 Annual Summer Shorts Winners Film Editing and the Narrative Through-Line Picking the Right Audio Mixing Console Traditional DVD Distribution Deals Table of Contents March 2008
Tech Focus 6 Camcorder Choices by Carl Filoreto
Cinematography 14 Create the Look of Smoke by Ira Tiffen
Insights 16 This Month’s Top FAQs: Discussions on Cinematography, Lighting, Film Stock, and More… by M. David Mullen, ASC
Close-Up 22 Madame Tutli-Putli’s Journey to the Red Carpet Lavis and Szczerbowski Bring Human Emotion and 6 Expressiveness to Stop-Motion Puppets in Their 2008 Academy Award-Nominated Film by Mary Ann Skweres
Directing 28 Inside Casting Sessions by Myrl Schreibman 30 Film Editing and the Narrative Through-Line by David K. Irving
Summer Shorts 2007 Winners 32 Bradley Tangonan Discusses Coaster: Flash Backs, Cuts to Black, and Split Screen to Drive Story First Place Winner 38 Jon Yang Focuses on the Dreamlike Side of the Noir Genre and Captures Its Essence with Echapper 22 Second Place Winner 42 Tomas Salles on Shooting, Animating, and Editing Dark Humor Short, Equilibrio Third Place Winner
Music & Sound 48 Picking the Right Audio Mixing Console for Your Production by Bryant Falk
Film Business 50 Ten Important Things You Should Know Before Contacting Distributors by Phil Hall 54 Traditional DVD Distribution Deals: How Much Will You Make? by Stacey Parks Networking 32 56 Filmmakers Networking Community This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover Behind the scenes of Madame Tutli-Putli : Preparation for eye takes. Jason, Laurie, Maciek, and Chris. Photo courtesy of The National Film Board of Canada.
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March 2008 studentfilmmakers April 2008
StudentFilmmakers.com The #1 Educational Resource for Film and Video Makers US$5.95 Q&A with DP John Seale, ASC Format, HD, and Digital Technologies
Day-for-Night: Here’s How It Works Shoot Cinematically, Regardless of Format The Digital Stereoscopic Renaissance Guide to Running Efficient, Effortless Auditions Audio for Television: Mixing the Basic ‘Event’ Plan the Workflow of Your Next Production Table of Contents April 2008
Cinematography 6 Day-for-Night: Here’s How It Works by Ira Tiffen 8 Digital Cinematography: Shoot Cinematically, Regardless of Format by Kevin Burke 10 Five Techniques for Creating a ‘Film Look’ when Shooting Video by Anthony Q. Artis
Lighting 12 Lighting Period War Film, Shades of Hope by Kevin Zanit 17 Involving your Gaffer by Frank DiPaola
Close-Up 20 A Conversation with Cinematographer John Seale, ASC Format and Digital Technologies by Jacqueline B. Frost 12 26 Bottle Shock: Independent Spirit in Full Bloom by Mary Ann Skweres
Directing 24 Developing the Common Language between a Director and DP by Adam Matalon 30 Composing the Frame: Let There Be Light by David K. Irving
Production 34 Planning is Key to Creativity and Success by Myrl Schreibman
Screenwriting 36 A Hero’s Place in Parables and Legends by Dana Dorrity
Actor’s Perspective 20 38 A Quick, Mini Guide to Running Efficient, Effortless Auditions by Vanessa Daniels
Music & Sound 40 Audio for Television: Mixing the Basic “Event” by Fred Ginsburg C.A.S., Ph.D., MBKS
Tech Focus 42 The Digital Stereoscopic Renaissance by Michael Karp, SOC
Film Business 46 Starting Your Own e-Media Business by George Avgerakis 50 Putting On a World Premiere by Sam Kauffmann 52 Planning the Workflow of Your Next Production by Leonard Guercio 26 Filmmakers Networking 56 This Month’s Featured Networkers
Event Preview 51 StudentFilmmakers Magazine NAB 2008 Best Choice
On the Cover (Far right) DP John Seale, ASC, ACS on the set of Poseidon.
Photo by Claudette Barius SMPSP Special Thanks to Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. 42
April 2008 studentfilmmakers May 2008
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International Cast Makes “Reservations” Aloura Charles Wrangles Ensemble in Award-Winning Film
Directing Your Actors at Post Production Focal Length and Filter Strength Collaborating with Your Editor Scheduling Without the Fancy Software Work the Festival Circuit Like a Pro Traveling with Your Video Gear Table of Contents May 2008
Cinematography 6 Focal Length and Filter Strength by Ira Tiffen 8 Recent Stylistic Trends in the Industry by Saro Varjabedian
Close-Up 10 International Cast Makes “Reservations” First-Time Feature Director Aloura Charles Successfully Wrangles Ensemble in Award-Winning Film by Mary Ann Skweres
Directing 18 How the Last Shot is Only the Beginning by John Badham 6 20 Collaborating with Your Editor by Myrl Schreibman 22 The “B” Team by David K. Irving
Actor’s Perspective 24 7 Guidelines for Getting the Best Performances Possible by Vanessa Daniels
Music & Sound 26 Lav It Up! Effectively Mic Up Your Talent by Bryant Falk
Production 28 On the Set, In the Studio Film Biz Lingo by Chris Cavallari 32 You Can Do Your Scheduling Without Fancy Software 10 by Michael Corbett
How-To 26 26 Traveling with Your Video Gear by Carl Filoreto Production Design 38 What Does a Production Designer Do for Film Production? by Tushar Unadkat
Film Business 40 Working the Festival Circuit Like a Pro by Phil Hall 42 Getting Financing for Your Independent Film by Christina DeHaven
Events 44 3 Reasons Why Teachers Should Go to NAB by David Kaminski, 46 StudentFilmmakers Magazine NAB 2008 Best Choice
Filmmakers Networking 56 This Month’s Featured Networkers
Props & FX Makeup 50 Lifecasting Primer by Todd Debreceni
On the Cover 56 Aloura Charles directs Winter Zoli and Alejandro Chaban on the set of Reservations.
May 2008 studentfilmmakers June 2008
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Persistence of Vision Exclusive Interview with M. Night Shyamalan Star Effects: Enliven Points of Light Shooting with Film: Long Live Celluloid 16:9 on the Mind: HD Production The Visual Language of Before the Rains Selecting Angles with an HD Camcorder 5 Big Distribution Myths Table of Contents June 2008
Cinematography 6 Star Effects: Enliven Points of Light by Ira Tiffen 8 Shooting with Film: Long Live Celluloid by Bryan Michael Stoller
HD Production 12 16:9 on the Mind by Daniel Gaucher 14 Using a Handheld Camcorder for Scene Selection by George Avgerakis
Directing 18 Helping Your Actors Overcome Their Fears of the Audience 8 by John Badham Close-Up 22 Persistence of Vision: Exclusive Interview with M. Night Shyamalan Award-Winning Director/Writer Discusses His New Film, “The Happening” by Leonard Guercio 40 The Visual Language of “Before the Rains” by Mary Ann Skweres
Production 28 Creating On-the-Fly Solutions On Location by Myrl Schreibman 30 Common Mistakes Every Filmmaker Will Make 22 by Chris Cavallari Tech Focus 34 Transitioning to a New Workflow with HD Cameras 40 by David Kaminski Commentary 46 Revolution in the Seats by David K. Irving
Music & Sound 48 An Itemized Audio/Video Production List by Bryant Falk
Film Business 50 5 Big Distribution Myths by Stacey Parks
FX Makeup & Props 52 Special FX Makeup: The Importance of Pre-Production by Todd Debreceni
Filmmakers Networking 56 This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover M. Night Shyamalan and Zooey Deschanel on the set of The Happening 56
June 2008 studentfilmmakers July 2008
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The Future of Digital Acquisition A Conversation with Daryn Okada, ASC Neutral Density Grad Filters Surgical Filmmaking: Inside the OR 7 Insider Tips for Successful Casting Cross-Cutting, Parallel Editing, & Inter-Cutting Lighting for Film: Keep It Simple Can Films Make a Difference? Table of Contents July 2008
Cinematography 6 Effectively Balance the Brightness of Different Scene Elements by Ira Tiffen 8 Tools and Accessories for the Camera Assistant by David E. Elkins, SOC
Production 12 Surgical Filmmaking: Inside the Operating Room by George Avgerakis
Close-Up 12 18 Exclusive Interview with Daryn Okada, ASC by Jody Michelle Solis Lighting 26 Lighting for Film: Keep It Simple by Michael Corbett
Directing 34 Seven Insider Tips on Successfully Casting Your Film by John Badham
Editing: 38 Editing Structure by Richard D. Pepperman
Film Commentary 18 40 Raiders of the Lost 80s by Scott Essman Screenwriting 42 Can Films Make a Difference? by Catherine Ann Jones 26 44 Find, Capture and Create an Endless Flow of Ideas by Dr. Linda Seger 46 Impatience: A Huge Career Stopper by Christopher Keane
Teacher’s Perspective 48 Key Pointers for Entering Works in Student Film Festivals by David Kaminski
Film Business 54 5 Things Sales Agents Look for in Films by Stacey Parks
Filmmakers Networking 56 This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover Actor Rob Corddry is framed by DP Daryn Okada, ASC on the set of Harold & Kumar 2. Photo credit: New Line Cinema 2007; Jaimie Trueblood.
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July 2008 studentfilmmakers August 2008
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Exclusive Interview with Ron Dexter, ASC Camera Work and Capturing Happy Accidents Deriving the Most Punch from Your Jib Moves Create the On-Set Environment that Your Actors Need Three Things to Remember when Writing Mysteries Costume Design for a Historical Film The Power of Ambiance Table of Contents August 2008
Cinematography 6 Camera Work and Capturing Happy Accidents by Saro Varjabedian 10 Finesse in the Field: Techniques for Deriving the Most Punch from Your Jib Moves by Carl Filoreto
Directing 14 Create the On-Set Environment that Your Actors Need by John Badham
Screenwriting 6 18 Three Things to Remember when Writing Mysteries by Dennis Palumbo
Wardrobe & Costume Design 22 What is the Role of a Costume Designer on a Historical Film? by Richard La Motte
Music & Sound 30 The Power of Ambience byBryant Falk
Close-Up 10 32 Exclusive Interview with Ron Dexter, ASC On Campus 40 Columbia College Hollywood 44 Maine Media Workshops 48 Cinema Arts Tech 32 Tech Focus 50 8 Techniques for the Steddiepod’s 8 Functions 52 Zhura.com’s Web-based Screenwriting Tool and Community
Filmmakers Networking 56 This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover Maine Media Workshops students on set.
56 August 2008 studentfilmmakers September 2008
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From Novel to Screenplay Me and Orson Welles Manipulate Mood with Filter Effects Successfully Collaborate with Your Actors Solutions for the Traveling Voice-Over Talent Inside The Office: Editors Dean Holland and Dave Roger 7 Sources of Money for Your Short Films and Videos Table of Contents September 2008
Cinematography 6 Manipulate Mood with Filter Effects by Ira Tiffen
Directing 8 Techniques for Successfully Collaborating with Your Actors by John Badham
Close-Up 14 From Novel to Screenplay: Me and Orson Welles by David Kaminski
26 Editing 18 Inside The Office: Editors Dean Holland and Dave Rogers by Scott Essman 24 The Importance of a Creative Editing Agenda by Richard D. Pepperman
New Directors 26 David Norris grabs attention with story and talking head POV. Tuesday Wins First Place, $5,000 Grand Prize in Edgewise Media and Panasonic Film Competition 30 Brettler Captures Introspective Tone and Child-Like Whimsy with 34 ‘Levin’ 34 Picardi Makes Pro Level Actioner with Just One Camera
40 Music & Sound 40 V.O. on the Go by Bryant Falk
Tech Focus 42 FrameForge 3D Studio: Cutting-Edge, Virtual Pre-visualization for Filmmakers
Film Business 46 7 Sources of Money for Your Short Films and Videos by Peter W. Rea and David K. Irving
Featured Film Festivals 25 Paso Robles Digital Film Festival 56 SHORTSNONSTOP Mobile Movie Festival Filmmakers Networking 56 This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover Director Richard Linklater directs Christian McKay in Me and Orson Welles.
September 2008 studentfilmmakers October 2008
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Camera Techniques, DI Technology, Creative Collaboration Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC Build the Best Facial Lighting Schemes Critical Utility for Gorilla Television The Importance of Camera Operators on Set It Pays to Be Prepared: Tape Your Magazines An Interview with Stan Lee Create Balance and Clarity in Your Audio Mix Table of Contents October 2008
Lighting 6 Light Your Subject’s Face for the Most Flattering or Most Dramatic Effect by Saro Varjabedian
Cinematography 8 It Pays to Be Prepared: Tape Your Magazines by Jack Anderson
Close-Up 14 A Conversation with Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC Camera Movement Techniques, the DI Technology, Working with 6 Directors, and More by Jacqueline B. Frost 36 An Interview with Stan Lee His Legends Continue by Scott Essman and Carsten Dau
Commentary 24 Filmmaking – A Collaborative Art Form The Importance of Having a Camera Operator on the Set by David Heuring
Production 28 Critical Utility for Gorilla Television 14 by Carl Filoreto
Directing 32 How to Deal with Scene Stealers, Drunks, Druggies and S.O.B.’s by John Badham
Documentary 40 Documentary Research by David Kaminski
Music & Sound 42 Create More Balance and Clarity in Your Audio Mix by Bryant Falk 28 Film Business 44 7 Mistakes You Can Avoid While Working On Staff by Pamela Douglas
36 Filmmakers Networking 56 This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover Lee Citron and crew on the set of “Idiot Box”
October 2008 studentfilmmakers November 2008
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Dirk Simon on His Documentary about The Exiled King of Tibet DP Tackles Fire: Shooting Flames for Fireproof Technique & Precautions for Laying Dolly Track Capture the Great Dialogue Moments 3 Ways Networks Acquire Programming Acting/Direction: Get Those Peak Performances Makeup for Award-Winning Hit Series, Mad Men Table of Contents November 2008
Cinematography 6 A Cinematographer Tackles Fire Shooting Low Budget Flames on the Set of “Fireproof” Julia Camenisch 14 Technique and Precautions for Laying Dolly Track by Jack Anderson
Commentary 18 The Audacity of Imagery by Ira Tiffen
Documentary 6 20 The Exiled King of Tibet by David Kaminski Directing 36 Get that Peak Performance while the Camera is Actually Rolling by Steve Carlson
Wardrobe & Costume Design 38 Dressing the Hordes in a Moment’s Notice by Richard La Motte
Music & Sound 40 Capture the Great Dialogue Moments by Bryant Falk
Film Business 41 What Are 3 Ways Networks Acquire Programming? 20 by Stacey Parks
Props & FX Makeup 42 Makeup for Award-Winning, Cable Hit Series, Mad Men by Scott Essman
Pre-Production 44 Create Concept Drawings that Illuminate and Intensify the Script Narrative by John Hart
On Campus 48 Five Towns College Prepares Students for Professional Work 48 50 School of Visual Arts Fills a Void in NYC with New MFA Social Documentary Film Program
Filmmakers Networking 54 55 This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover Director Dirk Simon and Sound Recordist Andrew Ahlstrom (San Francisco, April 2008)..
November 2008 studentfilmmakers December 2008
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The Mummy Franchise: Action Director Rob Cohen Talks 1,000 Visual FX Shots Documentary: Workflow and Weaving the Story Techniques: Editing Time-Savers Deliver a Strong Audio Mix Writing a Screenplay? Q&A with Dennis O’Neil Tips for Voiceover Auditions StudentFilmmakers Magazine’s Top 5 Must-Have’s Table of Contents December 2008
Documentary 6 Workflow and Weaving the Story: “Ten More Good Years” Includes a Shortlist of Tips for Documentary Editing by Jennifer Falk
Close-Up 10 1,000 Visual FX Shots, Working with Crew, and “The Mummy” Franchise Renown Action Director Rob Cohen Talks by Scott Essman 18 Slaying the Dragon with Randy Edelman Director-Composer Collaboration in “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” by Scott Essman 6 22 Want to Write a Screenplay or Make a Movie?: Read Comics! Interview with Dennis O’Neil, Marvel Comics and DC Comics 28 by David Kaminski Editing 26 Editing XDCAM Footage by Jeff Turboff 27 An Editing Time-Saver by Torb and Nola Jensen
New Directors 28 Directors Kyle Garrett and George Seamer Move Forward “Inertia” Wins First Place in the Summer Shorts 2008 Film and Video Competition 36 Travis Walton Waugh Gives Life to Mystical Creatures 40 Nick Kougioulis Heightens Suspense by Reconstructing “Ciphering” in HD
Acting 44 Tips for Voiceover Auditions by Rob Kaye
Music & Sound 46 Deliver a Strong Audio Mix for Your Documentary by Bryant Falk
Tech Focus 48 Top 5 Gifts for Filmmakers 36 Stay on the Cutting Edge On Campus 51 The Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University (CDIA) Update 53 Weynand Training International Announces 2009 Schedule
Filmmakers Networking 56 This Month’s Featured Networkers
On the Cover Director Rob Cohen among the Terracotta Warriors on the set of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Credit: Jasin Boland. Photo 40 courtesy of Universal Studios. December 2008 studentfilmmakers