filmmaking.net Blog Archive
Building Suspense: How to Keep the Audience on the Edge of Their Seat
By C.J. Perry, posted 9 December 2010
As a screenwriter, the ability to craft dramatic suspense can turn your script from a basic, by the numbers story into something memorable, and the basis of a movie that people will remember. Film is a visceral art, and a thousand things have to go right in the execution of a story to make it resonate, but it all starts with the screenwriter. Without the basic foundation and the proper storytelling tools, your script might not make it past the first read.
Screenwriting: How to Get and Work with an Agent
By C.J. Perry, posted 9 November 2010
As a screenwriter, there are a few ways to get your script sold and -possibly - made into a movie. Screenwriting contests have emerged as a way for unknown writers to get their name out there, but this requires either winning the contest or placing very high, and more than likely having to do it in multiple contests to get noticed. If you have the money and are a director as well as a writer, you can go the indie route, but providing you get the movie made, there is no guarantee of any kind of distribution. The most traditional way for a screenwriter to get his or her work sold and made into a movie is by getting an agent.
Competition - make a part of Stephen Gyllenhaal's next film
By Benjamin Craig, posted 8 November 2010
Here's an unusual twist on the "get a filmmaker to make us a commercial for free" fad that seems to be sweeping the marketing and PR business at the moment: create an infomercial for director Stephen Gyllenhaal's next film!
Filmmaking is Making Widgets
By Jason P. Brubaker, posted 3 November 2010
When we compare modern moviemaking to widget production, it oftentimes seems as though we are saying that the end product of our work carries with it so much more human, emotional weight and experience than the mere production of a widget. And while I understand that watching a feature film has so much more value to ME, and as most of us would argue, humanity - Our friends at the widget factory might disagree.
Ambitious Internet TV start-up looking for indie film content
By Benjamin Craig, posted 29 October 2010
The Internet is certainly awash with new players in the online TV market and all are seeking content. Many of these have been little more than YouTube-alikes and probably don't represent much in the way of value for the indie filmmaker. Entering this crowded space in December 2010 is a new service called itzon.tv, which aims to take a "best of both worlds" approach by marrying some of the good things about traditional TV with the benefits of delivering content over the Internet. This is abmitious in a space which is being eyed hungrily by the likes of Google TV, Apple, and the like, but from the initial information available, the service looks worthy of a look.
Product placement app launches, promotes 'scripts first' policy
By Benjamin Craig, posted 28 October 2010
A new web app for product placement has launched, with a different take on how product placement deals can be approached. Product Place Me, founded by Rex Riepe, co-founder of Presskit'n and HootCourse, seeks to take on bad product placement with a "scripts first" policy.
Free Cinematography Tutorials
By Benjamin Craig, posted 27 October 2010
Freelance cinematographer, Tom Antos, has put together a series of useful video tutorials on a wide range of cinematography topics, from shot composition and basic lighting, through to green screen and colour correction techniques.