RobMakesMovies.com

I haven’t updated my blog in MONTHS, but I’ve finally had something that is really worth updating about.

As a part of my education at Full Sail University, we have 3 different short film formats that our class will end up doing over the course of the program. Digital Cinematography class has a digital short format, obviously. Film Production’s format is on 16mm film, a film format common among television, music videos, and indie films. We’ve handled both of those formats, and they both have VERY different methods with which to shoot. The last format we work in is 35mm film, THE format of almost every theatrical film that is released. That is the format of our Final Project, the quintessential “thesis” for our degree program.

For Final Project, or “35″ as we refer to it, the instructors are relatively hands-off for. We are responsible for writing a script, hiring a crew, and formulating the plans on how to shoot the project, all before pitching the idea to the “Execs.” That all happens before we actually get into the class. I knew the process months ago, and as we were finishing up our 16mm project I began putting together my team for our Final Project. I have very high standards for any project I work on, and so I wanted to do something that was immensely challenging, capable of artistic production value, a story that is worth telling, but more than anything, fun to work on. I decided to write a script about Mikhail Kalashnikov, and the event that inspired his designing of the AK-47.

Well, the script got finished, the crew got hired(a full 27-man crew by-the-way), and we developed a number of plans and backups in order to be ready for the pitch. For the pitch, there were seven other scripts going in. Only two would get selected. For 35, that was actually really good odds. The pitch went great, as we were only supposed to be in there for 10 minutes–we were asked questions so long we were in for almost 45 and two of the “Execs” we pitched to were clearly interested in the project. Pitch was on a Wednesday, and we found out the following Sunday that it was selected as one of the two that would be made. I was THRILLED.

The script “Kalashnikov” is a 13-page human drama surrounded by war, a la “Enemy at the Gates.” I’d be insane to say it isn’t ambitious, since it involves a cast of 9 principal players, 6-10 extras, 4 different types of weaponry, 5 sets or locations, and a T-34 tank, which are all set in 1940s Russia. Perhaps I’m insane anyway? I don’t care, I love it. The story is so intriguing, and from everyone that has read the script, they have agreed. We had a cold read done by a few actors yesterday, and hearing it come to life with the Russian accent made it damn near surreal. I was very happy.

From this point we are finalizing locations, set design, preparing to cast(auditions on the 12th of December at Full Sail), and I’ll be developing the shot list and storyboards. I’ll update more as I go along with this. It’s not my first time directing talent, but it is my first short film production that I’ll be directing solo.

- Robert

Today, well yesterday to be ‘technically’ correct, I had the experience of a lifetime. I shot Super 16mm Film on an Aaton Xtera film camera. Though I plan to do this for years to come, it was so amazing to actually be the one selecting the shot, focusing, and rolling the film through the gate to be exposed at 24 frames per second. Basically, I had my filmmaking cherry popped, and it was an orgasmic experience.

At this point I’d happily switch between shooting film and HD video. I had a feeling this would happen once I shot on it, and it definitely did. As so many people say, “It’s just more organic to shoot on film.” I whole-heartedly agree. If I had the money to do it, I’d buy a 16mm camera tomorrow. The advances in the scanning process have allowed Super 16mm to be transferred over and projected in 35mm projectors with near lossless quality.

From here I definitely want to try and shoot a short on Super 16mm. The biggest “issue” is the one that is the primary reason for going digital: cost. Shooting on film is expensive. Money goes into lab fees for processing and digital transfer for editing, not to mention the cost of actually buying the film. Renting isn’t as much of a cost(especially with student rates available most places), but insurance to get the rental and permit fees can be pricey depending on the subject matter and location.

Filmmaking is a business-based form of art. I’m not blind to that fact at all. I just prefer handling the art side first. I don’t like the idea of being a “suit” except for the creative-control part of being a Producer. I’d happily create debt to be a filmmaker. Hell, that’s what I’m doing going to school(student loans). I haven’t decided if I want to stay another year for a Masters Degree in Entertainment Business, but it has been floating about my brain for the past month or so. I don’t know… we’ll have to see.

- Robert

So my slate in March has been pretty full. It’s only expanding over the next couple months. Let me explain:

Back in either January or February I became attached to an independent feature film entitled “Into the Forest” as an office production assistant. My initial responsibilities were to add friends to the film’s MySpace page. That was about it. Once actual production kicked up, I was spending twelve hours on set, busting my ass for this legit project that was being put on by Full Sail students and a few faculty members. Apparently my hard work was noticed because I was offered two different promotions. One was as a Production Secretary and the other was the 2nd 2nd Assistant Director. I chose Production Secretary because it will offer me the opportunity to learn about becoming a Producer later on in my career. This project is still ongoing, and will continue to force me into ~4 hour sleep sessions a day.

I’m currently taking Intro to Editing and Visual Effects, where I am editing the D.C. project that I wrote and directed last month, and finding numerous things that I will change for my next production. Mostly, it’s issues with continuity.

The other course I’m taking is Documentary Filmmaking, in which my group’s project is currently set to involve a road trip to New Jersey in order to document the teams PMS Clan and Funk That in their pro-gaming competitions. Whether or not the trip will take place is still under consideration, but either way, we are making a documentary short about those two pro-gaming teams. The Manager of both teams is actually a Full Sail student taking the Entertainment Business Online Degree Program. Small world, eh?

Wednesday I found out about another opportunity I had. Rick Ramsey, my D.C. Course Director and one of the key faculty in the Film Program, gave me a call to let me know I had been nominated to go to Dallas in the end of April-beginning of May to attend the 2009 Apple Educators Conference. Only ten Full Sail students would be going, and they had to interview and be approved by Dave Franko, Full Sail’s Film Program Director. I interviewed yesterday, told Dave and his assistant Bobbi that I was good with pretty much everything I had learned up until now, but I was better on camera than I was with Final Cut Pro. I got a call that afternoon saying, “Congratulations, you’ve been chosen!” So I’m going to Dallas in April.

Whew… that’s a lot. I haven’t even gotten into my private time where I am planning out how to produce a couple of shorts I have ideas for. I currently have three full stories, and about two that are 50% there. This year is going to be intense, and like I tell everyone, I love every minute of it.

- Robert

For Digital Cinematography we were required to come up with scripts for our 6-8 minute free form project. Well, given that I have a few ideas that can work, I type up one of them and submit it. It’s slightly short, because I left room to expand in a re-write(I submitted the 1st draft). Well yesterday we chose, and out of the three scripts, mine didn’t make it. It was fairly close, though. Eleven people in the group, one for Bean, four for Balance, and six for Differences. It’s the way things go.

I’m not upset, given that they chose Differences because it was a more difficult to execute script and that’s what they wanted. Now its just a matter of fine tuning the idea into something really good. In it’s current form it strays from a complete script since it gets jumbled and doesn’t connect with an audience. Student filmmakers would go see it just to see other talent, but it’s not where a mainstream audience could connect with it. That’s what I plan to fix. Will the rest of the group go for it, God I hope so.

So aside from writing, I’ll be directing a portion of the short. If I can make at least half of the changes I want to in the script, I feel confident that we can take it to the FilmSlam at the local independent theater, The Enzian, and maybe win. – Side note, I’m going to go see The Wrestler (Darren Aronofsky and Mickey Rourke’s new film) tomorrow. It’ll be sick!

That’s all I’ve got as an update for now. I’m still fishing through ideas for Meaningless Sex. I thought I might want to take a more Noir style with it, but that just ended up heading down a path of stupid.

- Robert

I’m going to start doing this from time to time, showcase other student’s films. I think it will keep me busier on this site, as well as offer the other filmmakers here another site to have their project listed on. My first will be a short film entitled “Closet Party.” I was not involved in production on this at all, I merely just found it, watched it, and asked about it. Before I dive into a review, here’s the film:

Closet Party – Project: Direct from R. Cameron White.

“I was intrigued, and I did, admittedly, chuckle.“
This film, a dark comedy seemingly about the journey to insanity, is entertaining. It is not the quintessential film of the year, nor is it even the most complete. It doesn’t try to be. It stakes it’s claim as a “fill the production minimums as quickly as possible” film, and that’s what hurts it.

There are distractions in this film that I think take away from the good parts. The most notable is in the music track. The music beats sound great at first, with an ethereal type of curiosity it draws you in, but soon after reaching the party, it sounds as if the CD was skipping and the vinyl scratches don’t feel right. At first I thought it might have been the fact that I was streaming the picture, but having watched it a few more times, it’s the way the track was laid.

The other notable distraction is the emptiness or lack of set dressing in the main character’s room. I understand it is supposed to be a college student’s room, and that is the way most of our rooms look, but it didn’t feel right and I’m pretty sure it caused problems with the audio capture.

Those “cons” aside, I did enjoy a number of aspects of this short. I think the acting of A.J. Napoli was very comical in his interpretation of someone going insane. When not paying strict attention to how each shot is lit, I found that the mood was set well. The color was a bit off, but I can’t tell if that was intended or not.

All in all I did enjoy it. I think that if there was more time to firmly lay down the details that this could have been better, but whatever circumstances there were, I still chuckled.

*** (3/5)

“Closet Party” was written, directed, and shot by Richard Cameron White. It was edited by A.J. Napoli, and stars Ryan Bradley, Jay Janoco, and Nathan Ellering. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWmNUKIi1vs to vote for this film.

In the process of writing my treatment, I thought it to be best to do a running production blog so that others can understand better how, in theory, the Hollywood Machine works. I say “in theory” because I’m not actually a part of the Hollywood machine, but I am a part of the Industry it serves.

Now that I’ve cleared that up, let me start to get into the nitty gritty: Why make a movie? From what we have been taught here at Full Sail, read told, it is to tell a story. From what many people think they know of Hollywood, it’s to make money. Here’s my reason: To create a living, breathing world of people and places, and share it with mankind. That may seem like I’m trying to be “deep” or “ethereal” or whatever, but it’s how I describe it best. Yes, a story is most definitely involved; Yes, it is possible to make money, lots of money, with films. But the key reason that I would make a movie is that.

Mēan•îng•lěss Sěx. I know it caught many eyes over the past couple days in my status. I know this because I was messaged my more people than you would think saying things like, “Can I be in it?” or “Making a porno right out of the gate, eh?” I don’t mind these questions or jokes at all. It’s partially why I posted what I did. This film isn’t even in a full draft of scripting, and it has what is known as “buzz” based on a title, with certain goofy markings that tell you the proper pronounciation.

Here’s the question I’m sure you’ve since been pondering: What is Mēan•îng•lěss Sěx? That is what I want you to think about. Not about the movie itself (I’ll get into that in a later post), about “Meaningless Sex.” How do you define it? Is it thrilling? Is it repulsive? Is it what our generation now defines a meet-and-greet? Those are the questions I am going to put into this Indie Short Comedy. I’m making it such that it would be viable commercially (If it were to be released in theaters), but I believe that its controversial subject matter, as well as the style in which I will tell this story, will look favorably on me submitting this to Festivals next year.

In the mean time, continue to ask yourself how you think of meaningless sex. If you find yourself with an answer, comment and let me know what you think. Since I am still writing, your thoughts could be that of one of the characters in my story. Any opinion is valid. There is no wrong answer.

Thanks for taking interest.

Robert Sloan
Writer/Director – Mēan•îng•lěss Sěx
Full Sail University

I don’t understand this analogy, at all. She was comparing being a Best Boy(Electrician on a Movie Set) to a Bus Driver in terms of learning as you go. I can make the connection in my head, because I have the high IQ required to do so. But, this is the kind of ridiculous shit I have to put up with in my classes.

I’ll do my best not to be a suicide.

- Robert

… but I have some classmates that are completely retarded. They are morons. I find it to be unsettling. I don’t know how much longer I can sit, shaking my head at their stupidity, before I stand up and scream, “Why are you so stupid?!” It’s coming. One day it will happen.

I can’t be certain if the reason it aggravates me is due to the fact that I am better than them and they feel they are equal in some way, the fact that these are the people I will need to rely on in order to get out of school, of if I’m just some asshole that hates anyone stupid.

Just to clarify, this isn’t just “ignorance” stupid, this is full blown “I don’t understand why I need to breathe” stupid. Every time one of these people ask a stupid question, which is numerous times per day, I come closer to snapping.

Sorry, I just needed to vent.

- Robert

“…worth three points each, so you can get as much as 108 on the test.” – My College Math Professor.

The test was given out at 9:30 a.m. We were given until 11:00 a.m. to take the test. I finished the two-page front/back test in 15 minutes. I’m going to get a 108. Haha. The lab quizzes are harder than that damn thing, and that’s pretty sad. I’m going to get a 100 in this course, a nice birthday present to myself, I think.

- Robert

Today is Computers, Science, and the Internet (CSI). I laugh at the curriculum. I laugh at the claimed nerdiness of the professor(Just because you are a heavy guy and like playing on computers doesn’t make you a nerd). I laugh at this month. I laugh at myself. I can’t stop laughing.

The computer build that I mentioned yesterday is worth 20% of my total course grade. An easy joke of grade. Here is a quote from the “Project Description” PDF:

Scenario:
You have been hired at the fictional company Full Sail Productions. It is your third day on the job. Recording Unit 2 is at a remote location and has lost their editing computer. They are currently gathering sound samples but need to build a replacement to complete their assignment. You have been told to find all the parts from online merchants, so the parts can be shipped directly to Unit 2. The producer requires you to find all of the parts yourself. Unit 2 has sent a list of the minimum specifications that they need the computer to have (included on the back of this sheet). You must have the proposal to the purchasing department ASAP so that the purchasing agent can order the parts and have them shipped directly to Unit 2. The information must to be complete so that the purchasing agent can locate, identify and purchase the parts. Your future with the company may depend on how well you accomplish your first real assignment. Good luck!

Requirements:
Make sure all the components are compatible by matching the specifications. You should have spent some time researching products on different websites this month based on lecture recommendations. Be aware that the least expensive components may not be quality products. You need to optimize the entire computer you build – a powerful computer is more than just a super fast processor. Good places to start shopping are at www.pricewatch.com and www.tomshardware.com – but neither site sells directly, so cite the actual retailer.
• Use the Excel template you created in lab to complete the proposal in a four hour lab
• Use 5 Different websites for “purchases” – include clickable links in your excel document.
• $1200 Maximum budget with shipping and tax where applicable
• Use the specifications list handed out in lab to guide your purchases.

This will be entertaining, to say the least.

- Robert