JANUARY 26TH 2004 - THE WEBSITE HAS PASSED OVER TO SOMEONE NEW!!!
Due to conflict of interest and lack of time as a teacher, I have legally sold this website and it materials to another party. More on this in the coming days.... As for film making I will continue to make films, and I will fulfill my dream by making my first feature film later this year.
JANUARY 6TH 2004 - MNEMOSYNE FEEDBACK
During the last few weeks, feedback has been flooding back about Mike's short film Mnemosyne. Various people, I have sent the DVD's have told me verbally "This reminds me of Lynch's films" "Love the feeling of isolation the main character experiences" "Its reminds of the Vanilla Sky and 28 days later" "It looks and feels very professional" "Visually looks excellent, and the sound is very effective". All of the comments has been very encouraging, as we set out to make a visually piece, set upon our influences from mainstream films like Vanilla Sky, Donnie Darko and 28 days.
JANUARY 5TH 2004 - READ SHORT STORIES FOR IDEAS - HAPPY NEW YEAR
While browsing through the Internet to try find a website with short stories, I found this site: http://www.short-stories.co.uk/. This site has short stories ranging from horror to romance. After considering my opinions for the next project, I have decided to pursue a short-film. This will help me gain more experience working with cast and crew before the feature.
DECEMBER 24TH 2004 - MERRY CHRISTMAS - WHICH FILM SHALL I PURSUE?
Over the past few weeks I have come with another solid idea for a feature. I have already written a short named 'Women' plus I have half written the after life feature, the problem I have is which one do I pursue? I told myself that by the end of the year I will come up with a decision to which film I will produce. More on this soon.....Merry Christmas to all website viewers.
DECEMBER 21TH 2004 - NEW FILM AND INTERVIEW FINGER
Today, I finally put up Charles Bunczk & John Henderson interview on the website, about their film Finger. Have a look!
DECEMBER 16TH 2004 - MORE NEWS PRESS
Today, I was surprised to be called up by one of other teaching friends, who also teaches in the local bough. He told me that my newspaper article about budget film making, has also appeared in the Sutton Post newspaper. Wow!! That means everyone in the Sutton area will receive a copy of the Sutton Post newspaper.
DECEMBER 15TH 2004 - BUDGET FILM MAKER NIGHT RESULTS
Finally the results are compiled from the Budget Film Maker night. The results are from a assortment of different judges, these were made up of film makers to average film goes. There were eight categories which all judges awarded points from a scale of (1-10)
Above: A picture taken of some of the judges at Budget Film Maker Night taken on 7th December 2004
The results as follows:
Best Acting: Once Was
Best Editing: Mnemosyne
Best Music: Once Was
Best Visual Effects: Mnemosyne
Best Sound Effects: Mnemosyne
Best Characters: Death by Chocolate
Best Storyline: But then She Spoke.
Best Idea: But then She Spoke
Best Overall Film: Mnemosyne
Well done to all film makers who let me play their film on the evening. All judges/audience enjoyed the films thoroughly. Thank You!
If you would like to vote, then please feel free to do so!! Vote by downloading the review form (after watching all six films) and send it back via email with your votes.
Download the Budget Film Night Form (click here)
Return your form via email (click here)
DECEMBER 10TH 2004 - RECAP THE LAST WEEK
This was has been an eventful week, first the site had it first mini Budget Film Maker Night which was on the Tuesday 7th December showing the following films:
1. Once Was by Jesse Cowell
2. But Then She Spoke By Nick 0'Mahoney
3. The Money Tree By Mark Jeavons,
3. Death by Chocolate By Mark Jeavons,
5. Blind Man Freddy By Mark Jeavons,
6. Mnemosyne By Mike Bartlett.
The results of all the films will be complied by the end of Sunday evening. So the results of the favorite film will be announced on the site, so have a look back on next friday. On the Friday the newspaper article in the Croydon Advertiser finally came out. Have a look
.
Click on the photo to view the newspaper article
DECEMBER 8TH 2004 - BUDGET FILM MAKER NIGHT IS A SUCCESS
The Budget Maker Night has turned out a treat!! A fair few turned up to watch all 6 films. Photos and reviews will be online for people to view in the next few days... so stay turned..
DECEMBER 5TH 2004 - MAN IN THE PETROL STATION SHOW INTEREST IN FILM MAKING.
After coming from my school Christmas party, I took a drive down to my local petrol station to pick up a soft drink before I went to sleep. Instead of buying a drink and walking out of the petrol station like every other normal customer. I got to conversation about film-making with a sales assistant. We started talking about how films were made with digital technology, and also how you can portray your own vision at a low cost. The shop assistant named "Siva" expressed that he always wanted to make films, but knew nothing about it. Siva suggested that he was going to pay £800 for a film-making course so that could learn the art of film-making. I recommend that he could learn how to make films, by getting involved with other peoples films projects by going on the www.shootingpeople.org website. I also suggested that could learn more by working on a film set, then on a film-making course. I mentioned furthermore, that the following two articles could help him out, these are:
http://www.makingthefilm.com/guide.html
http://www.film-foundation.org/common//11004/info_request.cfm?clientID=11004
We spoke for almost an hour and a half about film making. Siva and I came up with good ideas, that could be developed into short films.. It just shows you, what a late night visit to the petrol station can do for your creative inspiration..
DECEMBER 4TH 2004 - BUDGET FILM MAKER NIGHT APPROACHES..
As some of you are aware the Budget Film Maker Night is being held in Croydon, Hogs Head pub (upstairs) at 7pm, showing 5 of the following films:
1. But Then She Spoke By Nick 0'Mahoney
2. The Money Tree By Mark Jeavons,
3. Death by Chocolate By Mark Jeavons,
4. Blind Man Freddy By Mark Jeavons,
5. Mnemosyne By Mike Bartlett.
There has been talk of showing some of the other films on the site, but I plan to do this another night in the new year. Today I went to the Hogs Head to pay for the use of the function area upstairs. While I was upstairs, I met another set of film makers who were filming. I approached them and asked them to come along to the evening, they were very enthusiastic about the night and said they would be along to support the evening. They also happen to know another film maker who I know Tony Cearly who also runs No Budget Films.... Its a small world in low budget film making.
I also got an email from the Croydon Advertiser say that the article on the site will appear in next week Croydon Advertiser, so stay tuned. Other news is that the site is also in the process of being revamped over the next month....So you should see a change in format during the end of this month.
NOVEMBER 30th 2004 - BUDGET FILM MAKER MAKES THE CROYDON ADVERTISER
Today, after careful consideration I have decided that I will show the following films on the Budget Film Maker Night.
But Then She Spoke, The Money Tree, Death by Chocolate, Blind Man Freddy and Mnemosyne. Croydon Advertiser also agreed to do a short article on the site, promoting the Budget Film Maker Night and the emphasis on low budget film making. I also had a photographer in today to take pictures of me and the backdrop of David's face in Mnemosyne. The pictures looked very surreal, these pictures will be found in the Croydon Advertiser this Friday. I also received another interview from Charles Bunczk & John Henderson who recently made a short horror film "Finger". This interview will be found on the site at the end of the week.
NOVEMBER 29th 2004 - BUDGET FILM MAKER NIGHT - ALL CONFIRMED!
Budget Film Maker will be having a showing of some of the most popular films from the site. The following films will be shown on But Then She Spoke, My Necrophiliac Bride, Death by Chocolate and Mnemosyne. Viewers will get the chance to review the films and all results will be published on site. If you fancy coming to the evening, feel free! It will start at 7pm on Tuesday 7th December at the Hogs Head in Croydon(upstairs). If you have any further questions please email me on the budget_filmmaker@yahoo.co.uk
NOVEMBER 29th 2004 - BUDGET FILM MAKER NIGHT
I am planning to have the Budget Film Maker night on December 7th, to promote low cost film making in Croydon. At the evening, I will be showing Mnemosyne (which is a film I produced with director Mike Bartlett), and three other films to named shortly (These will be films I have already on the site). I am also hoping up to get all visitor to review the films briefly . If you would like to know further details about the evening, please email me on budget_filmmaker@yahoo.co.uk
NOVEMBER 21th 2004 - LINKS
I was doing a search for something regarding film making when I came up with this http://www.midhudsonfilm.com/HotLinks.htm (it seems to be quite a useful links page)
NOVEMBER 20th 2004 - VOTE FOR SOAPDISH
Some sixth form students, who I teach at school are currently in a band "Soapdish". They have just been entered in a competition for 'Battle of Bands' Please feel free to vote for them on the following site www.xfm.co.uk/breakfast for the track 'Renegades of Funk' .
NOVEMBER 18th 2004 - INTERVIEWS FROM NICK AND MIKE
Sorry for the delay... The Interviews for Nick O'Mahoney and Mike Bartlett are now online! Have a look......ning.
NOVEMBER 14th 2004 - MNEMOSYNE SHOWING AT CHATHAM
During the weekend, Mnemosyne had its main screening in a 14 seated mini cinema in Chatham. The turnout was pretty good, around 30 people turned up, consisting of family, friends, cast, crew, and people who had heard about the film. Overall the day went down a treat, and everyone concerned with the film were really happy with the end results. I also recorded comments and feedback about the film, which willl be used in the making of the film. This will reveal added scenes, which haven't be shown as yet. Giving insight to how, why and when the film was made. The interviews from Nick O'Mahoney & Mike Bartlett will go up late Tuesday evening, so have a look on the site tomorrow.............. evening.
NOVEMBER 9th - 2 NEW INTERVIEWS PLUS ONOTHER ONE ON THE WAY
I have just received two more new interviews for the site, one is from Mike Bartlett about his new short Mnemosyne and the other is from another film maker Nick O'Mahoney about his short film "But then She Spoke". Both interviews will be found on the site later this week.
NOVEMBER 8th - WATCHING SHORT FILMS AND NEW SOFTWARE
This afternoon, I spent some time watching short films by other film makers. These films were provided by www.Lastindependent.com I came across two which I really liked, one was called "School of Life" by Jake Polonsky and the other one was "Burnt" By Adun Bharali. Both films had bags of atmosphere and are extremely well shot, I especial liked the progressive mood, built up during both pieces. My hat goes out to both directors Jake Polonsky & Adun Bharail. Here are the links to both films provided by Last Independent.
School of Life
This will be the most important lesson of your life. Maybe the only important lesson
Click here
By Jake Polonsky
BURNT
Burnt
A ghost story with no ghosts set in a bright and sunny haunted house.
Click here
By Adun Bharali
I also noticed a thread on the www.simplydv.co.uk website about some new software, that can help with storyboarding for your films. Have a look.....
NOVEMBER 7th -HALLOWEEN FILM FEEDBACK
Since the release of the Halloween Challenge short film, I have had a range of different feedback coming back, here is a few of them:
"Firstly - very well done. I admire not only what you have been able to achieve in such a short time with virtually no resources, but also the candid approach you are taking by documenting everything. Even I didn't want to reveal 'rough cuts' on my site, so you deserve credit." Mike Bartlett - Film Maker
"The new version is a big improvement Hak. The sounds, although a bit cheesy in places work well. I love the clown with the knife - waving it at the camera lol.
The only bit that didn't come across well on the web version was the lightning - it looked a bit purple, but thats probably the compression? Its a definite improvement on Consequences so well done. Keep making films, thats the best way to learn.
The ways you could improve it, if it were remade would be to have some foley, make the lighting more defined and correct the slightly wonky shots. As you were doing all this yourself though its a good effort.
A nice little treat for Halloween - cheers."
Kevin Gates - Film Maker
"I watched the film with my son and was impressed with the entire outcome, from the documented daily events to the finished article. Its not an easy task to organise all of those things within a week on top of a daily schedule so that deserves credit itself. I particularly liked the choice of Halloween mask, and the eerie blue tint to the film... i thought the sounds chosen work well and the shots used were effective.
Well done for completing it within the deadline".
I. Anthony - Audio Engineer/Synth Programmer
Download Conscience (2.68MB Quicktime) Mac Verison
Download Conscience (2.68 WMV) Windiows version
NOVEMBER 4th -DON'T FORGET I.AUTHONY & MAC USERS
During making my first film in 2001 Vincent, a friend and sound engineer I knew, who made the music for the film has recently set-up a website to show his other creative side. I. Anthony audio engineer & sound designer is taking time up to get his online presence felt. First starting with his artistic side, before unleashing his musical side. have a look at his new site.
I have also put up the two films, I have (already) made Consequences and Conscience which is compatible with Apple MAC machines, so that nobody is left out. Enjoy...
Download Conscience (2.68MB Quicktime)
Download Consquencies (1.98mb Quicktime)
NOVEMBER 1ST - MNEMOSYNE IS RELEASED
A film I have helped produce with writer and director Mike Bartlett from www.makingthefilm.com is finally released. As one the producer's of the film, I am very proud of the final result. There willl also been a full Interview with Mike Bartlett, on how he made his short Mnemosyne. Please leave your feedback on the Budget Film Maker Forum. after watching Mnemosyne.
Download it Now (30mb)
OCTOBER 31st - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! ITS ALL FINISHED
I have finish the film as promised!! Have a watch and tell me what you think on the Budget Film Maker Forum.
OCTOBER 31st - 3AM FINAL EDIT WITH NO SOUND COMPLETED
I have finished the final cut of the film, and its feels good! All week I have been working on school work for this Monday, and I have also managed to completed the final edit with no sound. Just completing the sound now, and its rock and roll! Here is the finally cut with no sound...
OCTOBER 28TH/29TH 2004 - HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE DAY 4 - 5 - ONE MAN BAND ON 50/50
Yesterday I spoke to a composer about producing the score & sound for the film, unfortunately I was quoted £150 for the first minute and £100 for every minute after that. I know the composer involved would of done an excellent job, but this is money I just don't have. This means that I am going to have take on this challenge too, and hopefully I will complete the film. At this current moment in time, its looks like a 50/50 chance of being completed by the deadline. By the way the rough cut, which has some shots missing is online, for people to download and observe. So have a look if you like.
OCTOBER 27TH 2004 - MORE FILMS PLUS HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE DAY 3
Recently Kevin from www.Lastindependent.com sent me some links to some films available on his site.
Have a look at the forum. Plus I have updated the Halloween Diary. Have a look
OCTOBER 26TH 2004 - HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE - DAY 2
I have shot half of the film, and I am very happy the way things have gone so far. Have a look at the diary so far.
OCTOBER 25TH 2004 - HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE - DAY 1
I have got together all the equipment and I have drafted out a storyboard for the short film. Have a look at the diary so far.
OCTOBER 24TH 2004 - HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE
I have set myself a mini Halloween challenge, the challenge is make a short film by the night of Halloween. As its now half-term, and
The Rules are:
I can only use one other person in the film
I must film, produce, edit and obtain the sounds for the film within the week. This challenge will start as from Monday and I will document each day to show my progress. The idea is to have a finish film by Halloween. Please feel welcome to join the challenge and make a short for Halloween. All films will be posted on the site...
OCTOBER 23TH 2004 - SAW - A GOOD HORROR AT LAST! THANK YOU
I finally got a chance to watch the new horror film, everyone has been talking about, "SAW". The film started with these two guys chained up, to some heavy duty pipes in a random public bathroom.
As the story continued, it becomes clear to why they are there, this is reinforced by various flashbacks, on how they got there (from both characters point-of-view.)
In order for them to escape alive, they were both set tasks to follow. While a sick, cruel individual, who likes setting up, purpose made deaths was watching over his prey, from a secret camera. While the two men were uncertain to what was about to happen….
Overall this gets a 6/10 – Worth a Watch!
Suspense/Horror
1 hr. 40 min. A young man named Adam (LEIGH WHANNELL) wakes to find himself chained to a rusty pipe inside a decrepit subterranean chamber. Chained to the opposite side of the room is another bewildered captive, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (CARY ELWES). Between them is a dead man lying in a pool of blood, holding a .38 in his hand. Neither man knows why he has been abducted; but instructions left on a microcassette order Dr. Gordon to kill Adam within eight hours. If he fails to do so, then both men will die, and Dr. Gordon's wife, Alison (MONICA POTTER), and his daughter will be killed. Recalling a recent murder investigation by a police detective named Tapp (DANNY GLOVER), Dr. Gordon realizes he and Adam are the next victims of a psychopathic genius known only as "Jigsaw." With only a few hours left to spare, they must unravel the elaborate puzzle of their fate in the midst of mounting terror. The killer has provided them with only a few clues and two handsaws - too weak to break their steel shackles, but strong enough to cut through flesh and bone.
OCTOBER 22TH 2004 - EASTENDERS SCRIPT WRITERS GET IT RIGHT!
Over the past week I have been watching the latest episodes of Eastenders, and I am glad to say as a regular viewer, I was really impressed the way the stalker storyline has been executed . People say the show has gone down hill, but I think this storyline has helped bring back the self esteem to the soap. I only hope there are more storylines like this, so that glory days can be return back to the square. Tony Jordan and his team of script writers seem to be on the right track again!!!
OCTOBER 17TH 2004 - A DIFFERENT APPROACH
Last year I made the film Consequences, and got two different composers to score the film. I have now got they views & approaches on making the score from their prospective. A DIFFERENT APPROACH .
OCTOBER 11TH 2004 - five new films for the site
I have just updated the site, Peter John Ross's Interview & films are now online. These are as follow THE LINE OF MASCULINITY, BITTER MAN, LICENSE EXAM, THE QUARRY and FILMMAKERS THE NEXT GENERATION.
OCTOBER 10TH 2004 - CATCH UP WITH THE LAST MONTH
Over the last month things have be quite hectic at work, so I haven't had a chance to update the site. As it goes I have three new articles for the site. One is for Dr Sound, a review comparing the music made for my short Consequences by two different composers. Plus I have an excellent interview on Peter John Ross and five new films, which should be up on the site tomorrow evening. Kevin Gates fellow filmmaker and friend, has recently put up some of his early work on his site Blogspot.. Look at the sites http://www.kevingates.blogspot.com/ and http://www.theunseenfilm.com/experimentalfilms.htm. Personally I believe these are both excellent pieces of work which are well worth watching.
OCTOBER 9TH 2004 - new site on the Horizon
There is another website http://www.vegasindies.com/. The site is Las Vegas's first Independent short film show. Vegas Indies are waiting for your submissions. All you have to do is submit your short, sit back relax and know that millions of Las Vegans will be watching your movie. Watch for us on the local UPN affiliate cable channel 14. Good Luck to Danny Morales and I hope the site does well.
SEPTEMBER 7TH 2004 - DR SOUND
The first of many sound articles has been put up on Budget Film Maker's Dr Sound section of the site. Ashleigh Ivil who works as a professional sound composer, will be writing a host of different articles on recording sound for films. Have a look at the first one.
AUGUST 31st 2004 - new script and test shot OF THE MOON
I have finished writing my first draft of my new film which has a working title 'Women'. I also met up with both actors, who previously starred in Consequences . Both James Konik and Josephine Byrne have agreed to be in this new film. There has also been interest from a few other actors, but these names are yet to be announced. I also got some test footage, of the moon. This footage will hopefully be used in one of my ultra shorts which I planning to shot near Halloween.
This was shot on Canon MV30I, so I was most impressed with the results. (Download Clip 124K MPEG1)
AUGUST 25th 2004 - GOOD NEWS ALL ROUND
There is quite a few things to report back today, firstly I met up with Ashleigh Ivil & Mike Bartlett to review the new and improved version of Mnemosyne. The results were amazing, the film looks and feels far better than before. This is due to hard work and dedication, that Mike has invested in the film. Mike has made some clever changes to it, and I must say I am really happy with the results.
To honest I feel its a group effort that has pulled this one off!! I am happy for Mike and the team, who have all done an excellent job on the film. So a big well done to everyone involved!!! It been a hard journey, and we are almost there now! Just the music to add and the titles.
I have also scraped my original forum and replace it with another one, which has far more to offer. Currently I am running a poll on some of the films on the site. So be proactive and sign up! Cast your vote, on your favorite film today! Chose one out of the 8 selected on the site. These are as follows: Blind Man Freddy, Consequences, Death By Chocolate, My Necrophiliac Bride, Opportunity Knocks, Origins, Once Was and Special Delivery.
Finally I got some other good news tonight, from Vicki Psarias who recently got short listed, for the Portobello Film Festival. I pleased to announce that she has won best screenplay, for her short film Rifts. Well Done Vicki!!
AUGUST 24th 2004 - NEW INTERVIEWS AND ANOTHER FILM!
Both interviews with Mark Jeavons and Jesse Cowell are now on the site. I have added another short made by Jesse Cowell.
Once Was Enjoy !!!!!!!!
AUGUST 23rd 2004 - JULES SITE GOES UP!
Another Film Maker friend of mine Julian Newman Turner , has just recently finished his site. Have a look http://www.luciddreampictures.co.uk/
AUGUST 22nd 2004 - NEW FORUM FOR THE SITE!
Please feel free to leave any comments on the Budget Film Maker Forum. Leave comments about the films on the site, or any further questions directed at the makers of the films... Please leave constructive comments only! Thank You
AUGUST 21st 2004 - BLIND mAN FREDDY & SHADES OF GRAY
'Blind Man Freddy' By Mark Jeavons is online for you to download!
'Shades of Gray' by Jesse Cowell is also online for you to download!
Both interviews will follow shortly......Enjoy!
AUGUST 14TH 2004 - more films for the site!
I can confirm that I have two more films, for the website. One is 'Blind Man Freddy' and the other is 'Shades of Gray'. More on these films as the interviews filters through.
AUGUST 13TH 2004 - over three months and still going strong - thanks you!
I am just coming to the end of writing my script, for my next short film. The film has no title as yet, but I can confirm, that is about a broken marriage involving two characters. Budget Film Maker has now been around for three months and has been hit over 32,000 times !!!
Thank you to those who visit the site!!! You make it worthwhile!!!
I have made this site, to promote film makers, and learn useful facts about how films are made. Hopefully this will help anyone, who is interested in learning from other film makers' experiences..
Keep tuning into the website for more news about the next Budget Film Maker Production.
AUGUST 11TH 2004 - useful site
This link has all sorts of websites to festivals, scriptwriters etc. Have a look! I am sure there is something useful for everyone.
http://www.vfx.co.nz/filmmaker.html
JULY 20th 2004 - Digital video frees film-makers
After browsing on the Internet last night, I found this interesting article. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3506803.stm
JULY 12th 2004 - Interesting Site on Film Making in Hollywood
Have a look at the this site ! Some interesting facts for all your budding film makers http://www.learner.org/exhibits/cinema/ .Plus I have added another windows background, check the Download Section
JULY 11th 2004 - Catch Up!
Mike Bartlett from Making The Film has written another article, on Mental Resilience, Determination and Inspiration. Have a read it!!! Nokia are also running the 15 second short movie competition, for the second year running. Here is the link if you are interested, in looking at last entries and entering this year. http://www.nokiashorts.co.uk/. I also made a short 15 second film for last year's Nokia competition, but never entered it. Have a look on the film section on the website.
JUNE 16th 2004 - BBC BLAST!
If you feel inspired by film or music, and your a writer take a look at the new BBC Blast competition. Take a look at the link below.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/
JUNE 15th 2004 - MARK JEAVONS
When searching on the Internet for possible links to the budget film maker website, I found this page about Mark Jeavons who has three films already on the site. http://www.ideasfactory.com/film_tv/ideasfactory_live/mark.htm
JUNE 8th 2004 - TRIAL SOFTWARE
While I was browsing on the Internet I found the Livingsprit website offering software for film makers, there is also a trial version for you to download and try out. http://www.livingspirit.com/software.ht
JUNE 5th 2004 - BBC 1 MINUTE FILMS
I was just looking at the BBC 1 minute-movie website and notice a host of films sent in by various film makers. Have a look at http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/oneminutemovies/
I also spotted an excellent short film by director Dan Moule called Peace Maker. It's a very positive film!! Click below to watch the film:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/oneminutemovies/watch/peacemaker.shtml
JUNE 4th 2004 - VICKI PSARIAS HITS THE PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL
Today I received an email from Vicki Psarias who I interviewed last year for www.makingthefilm.com. She entered the Portobello Film Festival for her short film "Rifts" and was one of the fifteen chosen to preview at the festival. Well Done Vicki. Here are the list of the other films that were previewed:
Demoniac by Stefan Archett:
My Insane Sister and Diamond Eye by Kit Wong
Aeroplane Man by Alison Murray
Toon Army and Cowboys by Paul McAleavey
Fly by Alessandro Mercuri
Ideja by John Wheeler
The Space Between by James Kibby
Commes Les Cochons by Gerard McDonagh
Rifts by V.Psarias
Terminator2 the Musical by Pinkypoos
True Love by Bernd Lutzeler
Gold by Rachael Davies
The Entrance by Pieter de Buysser
Renez-vous by Damien Chemin Henry
Sciare De Focu by Claudio Cingoli
And The Red Man Went Green
Obscene by Ed Tracy
We Are Winning, don’t Forget by Jean-Gabriel Periot
JUNE 3rd 2004 - MIKE BARTLETT MOTIVATES THE MASES WITH HIS WORDS
Mike Bartlett from www.makingthefilm.com has recently written an article at his new company about "Motivation and People Management: What Independent Filmmakers and Managers have in common."
For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for films.
In 2001, I decided to begin a journey that would lead me all the way
to producing and directing a feature film of my own.
Here in the UK (and now in its first year in New York)
there is a resource called shootingpeople.org. Here
you can find an abundance of industry professionals from
editors to actors to make-up artists. Although it is
easy to find people to work on your film, you do hear
a lot of horror stories about projects that have
collapsed due to people not showing up or dropping
out. A lot of this is due to the fact that producers
using shootingpeople.org simply can't afford to pay
their cast and crew. Normally you cover expenses
and food, and provide a complimentary copy of the DVD
for show reels/portfolios. But I also believe that
bad people management and motivational skills play
a big role in these kind of project implosions.
Last year, I spent most of the summer shooting
my first film, a 20 minute short set
in a deserted city. Having
never managed a large team before, I felt very
unsure about the 'right' way to lead and motivate
a team. I set aside £1,500 of my own money as the budget,
knowing full well that if one of the actors got
fed up half way through the shoot, it was game over;
big time. I decided (as most filmmakers do) to draw
on personal experience. I looked back at my career
as a programmer, and thought about the various managers
I had worked with, and what made someone a good or
bad leader.
Drawing from these experiences was the best thing that I could
have done. To this day, people are
still amazed at how far some of my crew traveled to
work on my film. My Sound Recordist and Director of
Photography both traveled four hours each way, traveling
down from Telford and Wolverhampton, respectively. But
it wasn't as simple as just being nice. There was a lot involved
to motivate my crew to give
up most of their summer weekends in 2003, get up at 5am every day,
and work on hot sets where the temperature would reach 36
degrees Celsius. Here is a break down of how I achieved this:
Personality-Oriented Recruitment
There are a lot of very talented people in the film industry.
But talent and personality don't always go hand in hand.
When it comes to the crunch, enthusiasm and personality
mean a lot more to me than technical skills. Obviously
if someone applies for a given position, you will want
to ensure they are competent. But after that,
I was hiring based purely on the person. When I built my
team, I built it around the overall goal: the film.
The team had to gel together, learn from each other, and
always put the film ahead of their egos. In a good team,
people need to pitch in when required and be flexible,
because they want the overall product to succeed.
Honesty
Ever hear of an employee quitting in the middle of
a project because their company lied to them or misled
them about what they would be doing?
During the crewing and casting I was very honest about
the negative aspects of the project. I was a first
time director without a track record; I did not have
the funds to pay anyone; there were no big name actors
to help sell the film; the film was being shot on digital;
people would be required to give up weekends as I had
a full time job. People are less likely to drop out
of anything if they know the score. What goes around,
comes around.
Manners
Imagine if I had yelled at the cameraman because he
made a mistake on a zoom or focus pull? That would not
have gone down well. It's important to always treat
people with courtesy and make the effort to say thank you.
One morning my crew got up at 5am and filmed in the pouring
rain for hours with me. I made the effort afterwards
to push the boat out and treat them all to a Pizza Hut
meal, with beers included. I didn't have to do that, but I made
sure I let them know they did a fantastic job, and how
much I appreciated that.
Remember motivations differ
My crew didn't join my film for fun, or for me. Everyone has
their own motivations. My actors were looking to be in a good
film that would help their career/show reel. The Make-Up girl
was looking to improve her portfolio so she could hopefully
begin to work on paid projects. It might all seem so
simple and obvious, but how many times in the corporate
world do we see employees who feel they have been trapped,
and are not gaining anything except a paycheck? The longer
they wait to gain the skill they were promised, the
less employable they become elsewhere.
Roles and Relationships
A friend of mine recently left a teaching career to
work in the IT field. He joined a large consultancy company
on their graduate scheme and was immediately posted
to a client's site where he was promptly shoved into
a corner and given Mickey-Mouse jobs as their was no
real work for him. He was denied training, lost sight
of his goals, and was made to feel like he had committed
an offense for bothering his manager with questions.
He left after four months and went back to teaching.
As the director of a film, you are the leader; the alpha
horse. But never close your doors to questions/uncertainties/
suggestions from
your crew. If you stop listening/reacting to them, they won't
feel accepted by you. You should always be open to
your team. They will respect you
more if you can admit when you don't have the answers. It
doesn't make you any less of a leader; it makes you a
better one. When a leader is more open and more
involved with his team, morale is higher,
and productivity greater. Likewise, ensure everybody
knows their job and what is expected of them. If
someone has an issue, attend to it.
Into Battle
In my 4 year IT Career, I have noticed that the problem
with poor performers is that their struggles seem to stem from
unhappiness, caused by one or more of the issues that I have just
raised in this article.
When it comes down to it, a happy worker
really is a productive worker.
It doesn't matter what you are trying to do.
Maybe you are trying to motivate a team
of .NET developers to work the weekend; maybe you are trying
to motivate actors to shoot a film for no money.
Your team is your army. If you know how to motivate and lead them,
they will not only follow you into battle. They'll win you the war.
JUNE 2nd 2004 - FEEDBACK ON SITE
Budget Film Makers hits 2,500 hits within 2 days. I have also got some feedback from from fellow film makers Mike Bartlett, James Marshall and Kevin Gates about the site. Some suggestions were made by James & Kevin on how to improve the site, these have been taken into consideration. Mike's comments were "The Site is fantastic" and he has also agreed to put up a link into his famous diary. Thanks Guys.
JUNE 1st 2004 - STOCK FOOTAGE
Budget Film Maker Web Site is near to being completed. I also found a website that sells stock footage of various types, have a look > http://www.budgetfilms.com/
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