The LaFilm Blog
Big Easy Shorts Festival
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009
Festivals

 

     The Big Easy Shorts Festivals and Big Easy International Film Festival (we're screening features this year) are back to screen some amazing films from around the world (including 9 from Louisiana). We hope you can make it this year and hope that you can help us spread the word about the festival. Also, we wanted to invite you to the Opening Night Party (Nov. 12th, 8pm-11pm, @ The Kerry Pub - 331 Decatur St.)... come meet the filmmakers screening this year!
 
    PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO ANYONE YOU BELIEVE MAY WANT TO COME TO THIS YEAR'S BIG EASY FILM FESTIVALS! TELL THEM TO COME SEE YOUR FILM AND SOME OTHER GREAT FILMS! 
 
Ticket & Pass information is below, as is the schedule with the film descriptions!
 
This will be the LAST screenings at CANAL PLACE THEATRES as they will be closing down for 4-6 months to completely renovate, so help us close it with a bang!
 
Nov. 13th - 15th
Theatres at Canal Place
333 Canal Street
 
Ticket & All-Access Pass Sales
 
To buy tickets to the Big Easy Film Festivals, visit: www.BigEasyFilmFestivals.com/schedule.html  Tickets are $8 each ($5 for ages 17 and under)
 
To Buy All-Access Passes at the Filmmaker Rate (Cast, Crew, Family, and Friends are eligible), visit: www.BigEasyFilmFestivals.com/filmmakers.html  Passes are ONLY $25 each! That allows you to see all 12 programs with a total of 48 films for ONLY $25!
 
Tickets and Passes can be purchased at the Festival box office but the $25 deal is available only ONLINE.
Portraits of Olde Towne
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

     This summer, the Olde Towne Arts Center in Slidell held a Digital Media Week where students were taught the basics of photography and videography in a virtual production environment. They were given assignments and deadlines and were able to immediately put what they learned into practice.

     The results were displayed this Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Olde Towne Arts Evening in Slidell, Louisiana. The turn out was pretty good as was the reception of the students work. The video they created, with the help of instructors Sharon Sharpe, Scott Threlkeld and Bob Krieger, is the first of hopefully many, that will document the oral history of Olde Towne Slidell. Click on the video below to view it. Enjoy!

A short oral history of Olde Towne Slidell with interviews with Alan and Carla Naulty of Naulty Shoe Shop, Eric and Mary Dubuisson of Slidell Cleaners, and Sid Darby of Original Tire.

LaFilm Production Course
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Thursday, Sep. 24, 2009
General Information

     Okay, here it is... I'm looking to provide, on a bi-monthly basis, a video production class geared toward the newbie and or other not-so-professional so that he/she can learn the art of making a movie.

Any takers?

     The class would take place over a two week period. Week One would cover the basics of scriptwriting, camera operation, audio, lighting and the basics of directing. Week Two would be used to create your own film based on what you've learned the week before! Of course, you would be guided along the way by certain masters in the arts (to be named later!) The price for such an endeavor would be in the range of $200 - $300 which would include equipment fees and supplies. The classes would be Monday through Friday from around 6PM to 10PM to accommodate those pesky day jobs.

Thoughts?

     Give me a shout at rwk @ lafilm.net if you're interested, have ideas to make it better, want to participate, or just want to add your .02!

Thanks, y'all and keep shooting!

And the Winner is...
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009
Festivals

The results are in...

and we won!

     "Murder in the Marigny" was awarded the Best Soundtrack award for the 48 Hour Film Project 2009 New Orleans competition! We were also a big contender in the Audience Award, but didn't quite make the cut. Oh well, there's always next year... And I think we did damn fine and dandy getting this far for our first year competing!

     I want to take this opportunity to thank the Academy, er..., um...; ok I want to thank our Cast and Crew for a wonderful job! As listed in the credits...

 

Murder In The Marigny

Cast
Mabel Kotik - Margie Perez 
Gambler - Robert Edwards 
George - Stephen Cefalu 
Neighbor - Tohan Phan 
Henrietta - Charlotte Collins 

Street Party 
Omar Alaoui
Renee Cheek
Tracy Krieger
Tim Montgomery
Paul Montgomery
Richard Traube

Producer
Sharon Sharpe

Director
Bob Krieger

Cinematography
Scott Threlkeld
Bob Krieger

Editing
Bob Krieger
Scott Threlkeld

Screenwriters
Renee Cheek
Charlotte Collins
Tom Collins
Tracy Krieger
Leslie Threlkeld

Sound and Lighting
Scott Threlkeld
Renee Cheek 

Production Assistant
Tohan Phan 

"Somebody Wake Me Please"
Original Music

Robert Stephens

Performed By
"The Rubber Band"
Robert Stephens
Robert Hale
Tom Collins

Additional Sound Effects
The Free Sound Project
Tumble Down Stairs Sound By Malexmedia
Wind Chimes Sound By Offthesky

Locations
Donald Dubay
Renee And Frankie Cheek
The Friendly Bar

Hospitality
Frankie & Renee Cheek

Special Thanks To
Segway New Orleans Tours
www.segwaynola.com

Screenings and other stuff...
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009
Festivals

      I have to start by saying thanks and  congrats to Emily Ratner for doing a great job of producing this year's event! From the meetups before hand to the showings at the Big Top, through the actual 48 hour weekend and the screenings yesterday afternoon at Lupin Hall; everything went like clockwork! While there is always room for improvement, Emily put in a huge amount of hard work, brain power, scheduling and coordination skills, and I sure, some sweat equity to pull things off this year! You go, girl!

     Now the screenings... We attended both the Group A and the Group B screenings for the New Orleans 2009 48 Hour Film Project. I felt we had some competition but didn't realize the true amount and quality of the competitors! The look and feel of the majority of films screened gave me pause and my congratulations go out to the 25 other groups! A few of the groups didn't complete their projects on time and I'm ETERNALLY grateful! If some of those teams had made it, I don't think I'd have a chance!

     For example... Team Dissension led by Topher Jones came into the project late. Their "Holiday Film" shot by cinematographer Francisco Gonzalez had a fantastic big budget look and feel! Whew! 15 Minutes led by Michael Garrett and their film "Syphagonorheagitis" (I think I spelled it right) was a crowd favorite. The acting, makeup, and story were right on the mark. They were longer than the competition allowed and aren't in the running for the Audience award or the 48 Hour awards, but I can almost guarantee that the film will be making the rounds on the festival circuit!

     Tonight the winners will be announced at 7:30pm (Awards announced between 8:30 and 9pm at Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, 600 Poland Ave.  Awards will be given for Best Directing, Best Script, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Acting, Best Music, Best Sound Design, Best Effects, Best Use of Genre, Best Use of Character, Best Use of Prop, and Best Use of Line.  Hopefully we will end up giving all the competitors a run for their money! If you are inclined, come n out tonight to cheer us on and wish us luck!

The Film is complete!
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Monday, Aug. 17, 2009
Festivals

     OK, y'all... The film that "Team LaFilm" produced for the 48 Hour Film Project is finished. Brainstorming the story and script, finding talent and locations began on Friday at 7PM. Lighting, sound, rehearsal, and shooting began around 10AM on Saturday with the principle shooting being wrapped somewhere around 10PM and digitizing and editing beginning then with final tweaking wrapping up around 2PM on Sunday.

     We were the first to arrive, even before the City Producer, to turn in our completed epic. We left for a while to have celebratory cocktails and dinner and arrived back to be the second team to turn in our films.

     Emily Ratner, the city Producer, has my greatest thanks for everything she did to make this year's competition run smoothly. Out of 26 teams, 20 turned in their films on time! Our team was, of course, one of those 20! Not bad for first timers!

     The films will be screened next Sunday, August 23. Below is the info, please enjoy!

What: New Orleans 48 Hour Film Project Screenings
Where: Lupin Hall at NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St, New Orleans 70117
When: Screening Group A: 2pm, Screening Group B: 4:30pm


Ticket Sales
You can purchase tickets online at:

Screening Group A: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/78119

Screening Group B: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/78126

Make sure to check the list of participating teams at the link to be sure you're buying tickets for your team's screening!!

BUY EARLY: THESE SCREENINGS WILL SELL OUT.  You can also contact me to buy tickets in person, by writing to neworleans@48hourfilm.com or calling 216.978.1395.

Tickets will be on sale at the venue the day of the screening, if there are any left.  CASH ONLY.  THERE IS NOT ATM CONVENIENT TO LUPIN HALL, SO BRING CASH WITH YOU.

Let the Games Begin!
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009
Festivals

     A quick update on the 48 Hour Film Project.... We received our marching orders! Our genre is Suspense/Thriller; the character is Mabel or Matthew Kotik, a gardener; the prop is a rubber band; and the line of dialog, "Which one was the weak link?"

     We're off to an auspicious start... our editing computer decided to not boot at all. The evil hal.dll missing error.... Oh well, more later. It's 6AM and we're getting ready to shoot!

Another Update: Good reading!
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009
Festivals

Emily Ratner, the producer of this year's New Orleans competition offered the advice below. Good Stuff!

---------------------------------------------------


Here are some time-tested tips for making a better 48 Hour Film.  This is good stuff – we’re tellin’ you!  Please read them, and forward them to your team.

1.  Plan well.  Set a schedule and stick to it as best you can.  Remember: Last year, half of the participating teams did not make the deadline. Output the video to tape—whatever shape it’s in—at 3pm on Sunday.  This will be your backup. You can always send a teammate with this tape to arrive before the deadline. Give yourself plenty of time for outputting the final video and getting the film to the drop-off location.   Last-minute glitches have caused many teams to be late.  And, one second late is still late. REMEMBER--Check the audio and video on the tape to make sure that they’re there.
 
2. Test your equipment ahead of time. Make sure everything works.

3. Prepare your final tape. Make sure you have the correct media, and enough for a backup copy. (miniDV, DVD or flash drive). The first thing your editor should do is lay down 5 seconds of color bars and tone, 5 seconds of black, your slate (team name, city, year, title, genre), the new 48HFP animated video label, which can be found here http://www.48hourfilm.com/filmmakers/slate.php (OR a title card with:  "This film made for the 48 Hour Film Project 2009. www.48.tv"), 2 seconds black and then YOUR FILM.

 4.   AVOID GUNS--The last thing you want is to lose cast and crew to an arrest as a result of confusion with NOPD!

Most importantly, we want you to live through the weekend.  In two of our cities, the 48HFP almost turned into a tragedy, when teams with cast members carrying guns were surrounded by police officers with their guns drawn.  No 48HFP Project, or any film for that matter, is worth risking life and limb.  We recommend not using guns at all in your shoots.  If you do use guns, you should follow all safety precautions and get the proper permits for having guns in your shoot.

5. Sound problems are the most common technical problem.  Here’s our advice:
a. Find someone who knows how to do sound.
b. Test your sound gear with your camera and editing system in advance.
c. Make sure you have good audio levels on your final tape. We get 1-2 tapes each event with NO SOUND!  Test those tapes before you run them in.

6. Do as much as you can ahead of time—but this only includes securing equipment, team members, and locations.  Also buy and prep any food for your cast and crew.  (Some teams have been able to get restaurants to donate a meal.)

7. Make sure you have the required prop, character and the line of dialogue in your film.  The line must be verbatim.  Teams have been disqualified for missing a word.  Appoint a script supervisor – someone to make sure you get all the shots and lines you need.  When you shoot out of order and under pressure, it's easy to drop things!

8. Because video projection systems vary from theater to theater, we have run into problems with movies with dark scenes looking too dark.  Please keep this in mind while planning your shoot.  There is usually nothing that we can do about it at the theater.
 
9. Keep your film as short and simple as possible. Save yourself some time and complications by limiting the number of locations.  Some of our best films have been shot in only 1 or 2 locations.  Also, keep it short!  Most teams err by using the entire 7 minutes when they could have told their story in less time (more about keeping it short below).

10. Begin editing early during the film weekend.  While you shoot, have a runner take completed tapes to the editor, who can start digitizing and putting together a rough cut.

11. Have Fun—Be Safe.  No, this is not an ad for safe sex—rather, we’re big advocates of safe filmmaking.  The 48 Hour Film Project is an exciting, fun competition. However, it’s not worth risking life, injury or property.  As team leader, you must ensure the safety of each person on your team – whether on the set or on the drive to the Drop Off location.  It’s better to be safe and late, then to have an accident on the way to dropping off your film.

12. Spread the word about the screenings. This is the chance for your colleagues, friends and family to see your film on the big screen.


KEEPING YOUR FILM SHORT
 
If you're a repeat 48 Hour Filmmaker, this section will look familiar—but the advice is as true today as ever.  The one problem that comes up again and again, in every city, year in and year out—most films should be shorter.
 
As you know, your film must be no more than 7 minutes long, before the credits. 
Making a good 7-minute film is harder than making a 10-minute film.
 
At the risk of giving you advice that you may already know, here are a few tips for keeping your film short.
 
Writing
-Write a short film.  The rule of thumb is that one page of script equals one minute of footage. 
-Have your writers read the script aloud as they write, to judge the time.  This will not only give you an idea of the timing, but will also help them write better dialogue!
-Consider whether each scene is necessary to your story.  If you don't need it, drop it.
-Ask yourself, can I get the same message across in a different/shorter way? 
 
Editing
-Tight editing is often the difference between a good film and a great one. 
-The editing process gives you a second chance to tighten up the story.
 
Again, ask yourself, is this scene necessary to my story?
Can you get the same message across in a different/shorter way? For example, does your protagonist need to walk down the driveway, up the sidewalk and into the house or can we just see the front door closing behind her shoes?
 
And finally, you and your editor should remember the following:
-You do not have to use the entire 7-minute film length:
            -Shorter films are more often better films
            -Shorter films are more marketable

I hope these hints are helpful.  I'm looking forward to seeing your films!
 
Emily
New Orleans Producer
48 Hour Film Project
neworleans@48hourfilm.com
216.978.1395
http://www.48hourfilm.com/neworleans

Actors and Locations
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009
Festivals

Hey, y'all...

I have a number of additional actors that would like to join our group. To Han, a young Asian female; Rob and Elizabeth, 20-somethings from Baton Rouge; and Sam, a 30ish black male. Add them to Renee's actress/musician and I think we have a great start!

I'd like y'all to think about various locations around the city that we could use. We would need permissions, so if you can get it, do so! We have no idea what the genre will be but the general consensus (sp?) is that we'll stick with what we draw rather than going for the wild card genres. So let's look for locations that are "cool N'Awlins" yet are rather generic for our piece. Outdoor locations are simple yet effective, such as the Moonwalk or outside the Dome. Let me know what you think.

I plan on being at the Big Top tomorrow night, so if you plan on being there, let me know. The time is getting close! Let's have a great time!

48 Hour Film Update
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Monday, Aug. 3, 2009
Festivals

OK y'all...

 

Below is the next email from the New Orleans Producer of the 48 Hour Film Project, Emily Ratner. I had the opportunity to meet with her at the Meet and Greet on Friday and it was great. She seems to have her s*** together! I'm looking forward to having a fantastic, if not exhausting time!

I also had the opportunity to meet with several local actors who attended... Sam, Elizabeth, Rob, To Han, to name a few! And it looks like our team members are coming up with talent themselves! (Thanks, Renee!)

Let's plan on talking soon and getting one, if not two final meetings setup. Let's win LaFilm!

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Emily's email...

 

Hello NOLA 48HFP Filmmakers!

Thanks to all who came out to our first networking event on Friday.  It was so good to meet and see you!  And don't forget to stop by our next event, this Thursday, at The Big Top, 1638 Clio St, where we'll be showing films from last year's 48HFP!  These networking events are a great opportunity to find new team members and actors.  A slew of fabulous and talented New Orleanians came out on Friday looking for a team to join--don't miss another opportunity to connect with these folks!

Appologies in advance for the very long email, but all of this information is important, so please read to the end!!

Below is the listing of when to be where for the Project film weekend.   Please read the Kickoff, Drop Off and Screening Information carefully so that you're in the right place at the right time!
 
KICKOFF EVENT
You must have someone present to draw the genre for your film in our random drawing.  Please limit total attendees to 3 people.
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14,  6-7p.m.
[All teams arrive at 6pm
–    participate in check-in  and drawings  –
Leave at 7pm sharp!]
PRYTANIA MUSIC AND SPIRITS
3445 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115

 
DROP OFF EVENT
Your film must be received by 7:30 p.m. to be considered on-time and eligible for all awards.  [Late films will still be screened (but not judged), so be sure to get them in!]

 
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 6:30-9:30p.m.
"ON-TIME" FILMS BY 7:30P.M.!
PRYTANIA MUSIC AND SPIRITS
3445 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115


SCREENING SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS
Below are the official screening times and groups for the New Orleans 48 Hour Film Project. 
Your team has been assigned to a group.  The only way to change groups is to find a team willing to switch with you.
 
Before you get deep in the moment of filmmaking, just a note about the screenings:
 
- Don't forget to invite your family, colleagues and friends to the screenings.
 The info is below. 

-Forward this email to your team members so that they know which screening to attend to see their film.
 
-For each screening group, the audience will vote for their three favorite films and from these votes, one film will be awarded the audience award.  There will be 2 Audience Awards in New Orleans
 
-At the screening, feel free to celebrate your film (and to lobby the audience for votes).  In the past, film teams have worn costumes and handed out postcards to the audience in the lobby and brought posters and props along to the screening.    
 
 
New Orleans 48 Hour Film Project Screening Info:
The screenings will be held on SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, at the LUPIN HALL, 2800 Chartres St.
Group A will screen at <START TIME>.
Group B will screen at <START TIME>.

 
PLEASE NOTE: Details about Awards Party coming soon!!

 
GROUP A
Zut & Funaki Films, Garick Giroir
XOC: 01, Paul Downs
TrailerDaze Films, Sean Beck
Team Spineless, Rory White
The Swider Bros., Joseph Swider
Savage Light Films, Louis St. Romain
Road Research Laboratory, Rob Hebert
LOCOFILM, Russell Blanchard
The Local 504, Vaughn D. Taylor
LaFilm, Bob Krieger
Killer Sheep, JonGunnar Gylfason
Killer Pink Bunny Productions, Joshua Robert
Joker Town, Franklin Fehrman

 
GROUP B
HelpaBrothaReachaRash, Jacob Meaux
HeadHunter Productions, Hunter McGregor
Goodbye Blue Monday, Kenneth Lass
Filmhouse, Kevin Hughes
Dead Bloated Clown (DBC) Production, Sean Richardson
DA BIG EZ, Jack Wirt
a cult of one, Nathan Olney
Cino Productions, Zac Cino
Buffalo, Caroline DeBruhl
Beauvais Media, Ben Balser
A Barking Dog Production, Paul Gustavo
B-Group Productions, Brian Bruhn
15 Minutes, Michael Garrett


Each team leader receives 2 comp tickets to his/her screening.

TICKET SALES
Online purchasing coming soon!  Tickets may also be purchased at Lupin Hall the day of the event.  NOTE: TICKETS CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED WITH CASH AT LUPIN HALL.


48HFP NEW RULES AND HIGHLIGHTS in 2009:

As the 48 Hour Film Project enters its 9th year, we continue to update and modify our rules.  This year there are a few changes. 
 
1.    2009 Genres

We've done our customary genre shake-up.  Road Movie and Spy have been retired for the year. In their place we've brought back popular genres Buddy Film, Mockumentary, and Superhero.  And it wouldn't be the 48 Hour Film Project without those three beloved words: "Musical or Western"!

Here’s the complete list of genres:
* Buddy Film
* Comedy
* Detective/cop
* Drama   
* Fantasy   
* Film de Femme (see below)
* Holiday Film
* Horror
* Mockumentary
* Musical or Western
* Romance
* Sci Fi
* Superhero
* Thriller/suspense

Film de Femme
Never heard of a Film de Femme? That's because we invented it!  A Film de Femme is a film featuring one or more strong female characters. Romantic comedies or "chick flicks" are included in this genre, but are only a subset.  What's a strong female character? Think Ellen Page in Juno, Salma Hayek in Frida, or Reese Witherspoon in Election.  Smart and capable, just like most of the women in our lives! And remember: strong women characters are not required to kill someone!
 
2.    2009 Wild Card Genres
After genres have been selected, filmmakers will be given the option to trade in their genre for a Wild Card Genre. Once you switch, you can't switch back! Wild Card Genres will be randomly assigned to each city. See the list of possible Wild Card genres below.

* Fable
* Family Film
* Foreign Film
* Ghost Movie
* Historical Fiction/Period Piece
* Martial Arts
* Silent Film (see http://www.48hourfilm.com/silentfilm )
* Stoner Film
* Surprise Ending
* Tragedy

3.    We’re going back to Cannes!  We will be taking a selection of the best 2009 48HFP films to Cannes in May 2010.

4.    Each City Winner team (i.e., the winner of “Best Film” in your city) will receive a FREE copy of Movie Magic Scriptwriting software (value $248)

5.    The 48HFP is on Facebook… find us at “48 Hour Film Project” and see recently uploaded videos of Kickoffs from around the world.

6.    We’re happy to report that once again the 48HFP is partnering with the Screen Actors Guild to allow SAG members to participate in 48HFP films.  If you are thinking about using a SAG actor, here’s what you should keep in mind:
* You must complete the SAG Short Film Agreement as modified by the 48HFP Rider (2 copies  - both with original signatures)
* You must have your SAG actors complete the SAG Employment Agreement as modified by the Rider
* You must complete the SAG Internet Use Rider for each SAG actor, if you would like to put your film on your personal website for resume purposes only. (Other internet uses will still require permission from SAG.)
* You will have more limited distribution options.  For any but the most basic uses, you will need to contact SAG to secure additional rights.

Go to http://www.48hourfilm.com/filmmakers/sag.php for more information.

7.    As a reminder, USB Flash Drives are accepted media!  However, we will not be able to return the drive to you.  If you choose to submit your film on a USB flash drive, you must follow the guidelines for submitting a quicktime file found here:  http://www.48hourfilm.com/quicktime

8.    In place of the customary required title card that states, "This film made for the 48 Hour Film Project 2009. www.48.tv" we are providing you with an alternative - a brief animated slate that identifies the film.  Use of the animated piece is not mandatory, but it is preferred.  Note: you must use either the title card or the animated slate in your film.  To access the video label, go here:  http://www.48hourfilm.com/slate

If you have any trouble with the file, just create the title card.

9.    Each team must deliver a Team Leader’s Agreement signed by the team leader to the Kickoff Event. The team leader doesn’t need to be at the Kickoff, but his or her signature does!  The Team Leader’s Agreement is at: http://www.48hourfilm.com/filmmakers/documents.php

10.    Go to http://www.48.tv/ to see 48HFP films!  A selection of early films, all of the 2006 and most of the 2007 and 2008 48 Hour Films can be seen on our own web channel, 48.tv.  The site allows you to rate films, send links to friends, and search for films.  The site has been in a beta testing phase since last year, and new features are in store for 2009.  Filmmakers continue to be able to upload their film to 48.tv -- no more waiting for us to make it through our backlog.   The site will have social networking functions (think Facebook or MySpace) so that filmmakers can provide info about themselves and their teams, and can communicate on-line with each other.  And lastly, you can look up a film in our 48HFP Film Catalogue, and link directly to it on 48.tv.  Try it: http://www.48hourfilm.com/filmcatalogue/

Or see what’s on 48.tv right now!
http://www.48.tv/

Good luck on all of your preparations!!

Emily Ratner
New Orleans Producer
48 Hour Film Project
neworleans@40hourfilm.com
216.978.1395
http://www.48hourfilm.com/neworleans
OTAC Media Arts Crew...
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Friday, Jul. 31, 2009
Festivals
OTAC Media Arts crew,
It's official. we are now posted as a LaFilm team at the New Orleans 48 hour Film project site:


http://www.48hourfilm.com/neworleans/

Take a look at all the links including where friends can watch at 48hr.tv

The challenge is on. We have a lot of teams to beat to get to Cannes!

I talked to Charlotte Collins, OTAC director, and she's in for helping to write, develop plot/script/genre and act if needed. Her husband Tom Collins, blues harmonica player, and band is on standby for music if needed. Scott's wife Leslie is an ace in the hole - having written interactive murder mysteries and into theatre and film and there are others you will see appear on the email list who will be with us and on call for when we pull our three elements.

Remember: start thinking genre, line, prop - and how many possibilities that could entail.

This is going to be great. Confirm soon if you are in so we can make arrangements for 48 hours in New Orleans.

More 48 Hour Info
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Thursday, Jul. 30, 2009
Festivals

Below is more information on the meetups and such from Emily Ratner of the New Orleans 48 Hour Film Project:

TOMORROW, Friday, July 31
Prytania Food & Spirits, aka Prytania Bar
3445 Prytania St, NOLA 70115, across the street from Touro Hospital
7pm - ?
Thanks to Prytania Food & Spirits for offering a FREE KEG to all 48HFP folks at this meet-up event!


Thursday, August 6
The Big Top 3 Ring Circus
1638 Clio St, NOLA 70130
8pm - 10pm
We'll be screening some of last year's NOLA 48HFP award-winning films at this event!  A great opportunity to celebrate what we've accomplished in the past, and to scheme about even greater accomplishments for the future!


Also, as you begin thinking about the resources you'll be putting into your film, we’ve got a fabulous resource for you:  Rumblefish Music! http://www.48hourmusic.com
We are happy to provide another tool for your filmmaking adventure.  For those of you who do not have your music all set, we've got a great solution.

For the second year in a row, the 48 Hour Film Project is partnering with Rumblefish, an online music service, to provide you with a deep catalog [http://musiclicensingstore.com] of music options at a discounted price.  Log on and check out the songs—you'll be impressed by the selection.

As a special deal for 48HFP filmmakers only, you can purchase songs for only $25 for use in your 48 Hour film.  (Regular price $125.)  And discounts are available throughout the year on your other projects—just because you signed up for the 48HFP!

Here's how to get music--12 easy steps!
1.    Visit http://www.48hourmusic.com
2.    Click "Click Here To Register"  – you will automatically be tagged as a 48 Hour Film Project client
3.    Create an account
4.    Fill out all required fields and hit Submit
5.    From the Welcome Page, begin your search
6.    From the Search Results, listen to the songs by clicking the PLAY icon.
7.    Ignore "Calculate Price" and "Add to Playlist" as they do not pertain to 48 Hour Film Project clients
8.    When you have found the song you wish to license, click "Add to Cart."
9.    You will be prompted to name the project in your Cart – please do so
10.    From the Cart, select "Checkout" from the Cart Functions drop down menu
11.    Fill out the billing information
12.    When this step is complete, you will be e-mailed a completed license and a link to download the file in your preferred format

Please contact dan@rumblefish.com with any questions.

But that's not all...
How do you fill out the Music Release form that you will turn in with your film, you might ask?!?! Here is what you do!
1.    The person who registers on the http://www.48hourmusic.com/ website for your team will be your "License Holder".
2.    That person fills out and signs the Music Release, Including:
•    The list of all songs downloaded
•    Reference that it came from Rumblefish
•    Include a copy of the Email from Rumblefish with your License and the songs.
3.    Turn it in with your film
That's it - that will take care of your Music Release as far as the Rumblefish Music goes.  You will still need normal releases for any other music you use. 
 
Oh, and for canned music in your editing software, the release is signed by the "editing software owner" as they are the licensed user of that music.

Emily Ratner
New Orleans Producer
48 Hour Film Project
216.978.1395
http://www.48hourfilm.com/neworleans
Team LaFilm
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Wednesday, Jul. 29, 2009
Festivals

"Team LaFilm" is rolling! An email will be sent around soon detailing the team members we have "on the hook" as of this week. A lot of us will be at the Meet-and Greet at the Prytania Food and Spirts on Friday, July 31.

The Prytania Bar, as it is also known, is at 3445 Prytania Street across from Touro Hospital. The evnt will be from 7PM until... Hope to see y'all there!

Email me at rwk@lafilm.net if you are interested in joining the team, know some local talent that would like to participate, or would simply like to "donate to the cause".

See you there on Friday!

- Bob Krieger

48 Hour Film Project
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Saturday, Jul. 25, 2009
Festivals

48 Hour Filmmaker: New Orleans 2009

     We have just signed up to join the 48 Hour Film Project for the New Orleans. August 14 - 16, 2009 are the dates set and we'll have a great time trying to come up with a story and film that will hopefully "WOW" the judges. Looking forward to a sleepless weekend in a few weeks and a whol;e helluva lot of fun!

     Want to join us? Go to 48hourfilm.com and find out more! Want to join our group? Email me at info@lafilm.net and let's talk!

Below is information fromEmily Ratner about the New Orleans competition. Enjoy!

48 HOURS 2009 Meetings

The New Orleans 48 Hour Film Project Returns to New Orleans August 14th!

Don't miss these opportunities to meet great local talent to add to your team, or to find a great team to join!

Friday, July 31
Prytania Food & Spirits, aka Prytania Bar
3445 Prytania St, NOLA 70115, across the street from Touro Hospital
7pm - ?
Thanks to Prytania Food & Spirits for offering a FREE KEG to all 48HFP folks at this meet-up event!

Thursday, August 6
The Big Top
1638 Clio St, NOLA 70130
8pm - 10pm

And, don't forget to register your 48HFP team at
http://www.48hourfilm.com/neworleans Space is limited! Register now!

-Emily

Emily Ratner
New Orleans Producer
48 Hour Film Project
neworleans@48hourfilm.com
http://www.48hourfilm.com/neworleans

About the 48 Hour Film Project
Make a film in 48 Hours! The 48 Hour Film Project, the first and biggest of the timed film competitions, brings filmmaking teams together to make a movie from scratch — teams write, shoot, edit and score a short film — all in just 48 hours. This year the 48HFP will visit over 70 cities around the world, including
yours!

The DIY Light Stand
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Friday, Feb. 20, 2009
Short Production Seminars


     Using Clamp kights in your DIY light kit? Add a few of these DIY light stands to your kit to make things more versatile!

Introducing the Short Production Seminars
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Friday, Feb. 20, 2009
Tips and Tricks - Short Production Seminars


     What's it all about? The first Short Production Seminar! The first of, hopefully, many short videos explaining some of the many tips and tricks on video production!
Happy New Year!
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008
General Information

     I want to take this time to say Happy New Year to each and every one who visits this site! I realize that I am writing this a few days early, but I do plan on having a few days to myself before 2009 begins.

     I am currently working on a few projects and plan on finishing a few as well before the beginning of Mardi Gras. 509-A Julia is in post production now and I anticipate posting the finished video here for comments and critiques. I am also finishing a script for a short film entitled: Death Comes Calling. It is a comedy that proves Death is inevitable, just not infallible.

     I'd like to hear from other Louisiana filmmakers. What would you like to see online? What would you like to work on? What would you like to collaborate on? Send me an email and let's talk! I can be reached at rwk<at>lafilm.net. Give me a shout and let's talk a bout what it's about! Above all, keep shooting!

Big Easy Shorts Festival
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Friday, Nov. 14, 2008
Festivals

   The Big Easy Shorts Festival begins today with what looks like a great lineup of short subject films. The films are divided into Dark Comedy, Comedy, Horror/Thriller,Drama, and Documentary categories. I have already seen a few of these flms at the Ozone Film Festival in Covington this year, so these films appear to be making the festival circuit.

     The opening night party is tonight from 7:00 to 10:00 at the Kerry Irish Pub, 331 Decatur St. Comeon out to meet the filmmakers. There is no cover to get in.

     The films begin tomorrow and run through Sunday. Tomorrow there is also a free seminar at 1:30 Pm on "How to make and get your film into Festivals." For more information on the films, pricing, and to look at the schedule of events, go to http://www.bigeasyshortsfestival.com/ and check it out.

Videomaker 21st Annual Short Video Contest
POSTED BY Freddy Quantum, Friday, Nov. 14, 2008
General Information

 Videomaker Magazine, one of the oldest magazines focused on Videography and Video Technology, is holding their 21st Annual Short Video Contest.

They are looking for short videos 5 minutes or less (:30 or :60 for Commercial categories) in the following categories: Commercial/PSA, Event/Corporate Video, Drama/Action Video, Music Video, Sports Video, Educational Video, Documentary, Student-Produced, Animation, Comedy, Young Video (open to anyone born in 10/31/1988 or later), and Senior Video (anyone born in 10/31/1953 or before)

GRAND PRIZE IS A Canon XHA1, so you've got lots of incentive to win! 

Entries are due by October 31st, so hurry up and get them in! Check the page for complete rules and entry form

A Book with a View
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008

     I try to keep up with reading many different books on the process of filmmaking. There are hundreds out there but a few are memorable and stand out from the crowd. The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide by Anthony Q. Artis is one of those books. One of the first things to jump out at you is Mr. Artis' down to earth way of writing, keeping it straight to the point and "down and dirty".

     The book is a straight forward guide on guerilla documentary filmmaking with the added bonus of interviews with documentary filmmakers, producers, and editors who have "been there and done that." The book is divided into chapters starting with the preproduction process; continuing with shooting, lighting, and sound tips; real world interviewing tips and techniques; ending with the post production process and getting your finished film out there and seen.

     The book comes with a bonus DVD that contains production checklists; camera, lighting, and sound cheat sheets; some great resource pages; and finally audio and video content to help put you in the right frame of mind.

     This book should be part of your library. If you want a copy, and I believe you shoud, simply go to www.downanddirtydv.com and order a copy directly from Ant. He'll even personally autograph it for you! So stop thinking about that documentary you want to shoot or that great story that's lurking in your soul! Just get out there and SHUT UP AND SHOOT!

72 Hour Film Competition
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008

72 Hour Film Competition

     The Big Easy Shorts Festival is conducting a 72 Hour Film Competition. Starting on Friday, November 7th (at 7 PM) all participating teams will meet, receive the rules, and be given their starting point. (the date was changed to give more weekend time).

     Official teams are made up of 2 people, but you can get as many people to help you during the filmmaking process. Each team will be given a genre, a random prop which must appear in the film, and a line of dialogue which must be spoken in the film... beyond that, the filmmakers will be free to create their films.

     All films will be due on at 7PM on Monday, November 10th. Six of the films will be chosen by a panel of Judges to screen the following weekend, at the Big Easy Shorts Festival. Of the six films, the Judges will choose the Judges Award Winner (to be announced at the Big Easy Shorts Festival's Awards Ceremony). At the screening, the audience will also vote on the Audience Award Winner (which will also be announced at the Awards Ceremony). The two Award Winners will receive 50% each, of the the 72 Hour Submission Fees. The more teams we have, the more the prize money will be.

Teams that sign up will receive instructions about where to meet on the 8th. For more information and to sign up your team, go to: http://www.bigeasyshortsfestival.com/72Hour.html

Bonne Chance!

Introducing "Tips and Tricks"
POSTED BY Bob Krieger, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Tips and Tricks

Introducing: LaFilm.net Tips and Tricks!

     Have you ever wondered how something was done in the movies? Have you ever wondered how you could recreate those effects? This "Tips and Tricks" category of the LaFilm Blog may just help you out! We'll try to cover the obvious in camera effects and also explore the many effects available using your NLE software.

     Our first installment is coming soon! It involves setting up and lighting a "greenscreen" for those wonderful chromakey effects.  Other tips coming soon include duplicating your actors using in-camera effects and extending the effect with chromakey; Cheap, DIY, fluorescent lighting; foley sound techniques; shooting day for night; and much more!

     If you have an idea to share or have an effects request, send it along to info@lafilm.net. If we can't answer it, then maybe we'll post it here and get a few suggestions from the crowd!

 

Basic Tip #1: Feed the critters!

     Most indie productions are low budget or no budget. You've probably gotten actors and crew working for free or a DVD copy of the finished film. You scrimped on many different levels, but there's one place not to! ALWAYS feed the critters! That is, always have drinks, snacks, and a meal at meal times for your cast and crew. People feel better with a full belly and their quality of work definitely improves when they know they can grab a soda, water, chips or a piece of fruit from the craft services table (or out of the trunk of your car).

     For meals, use your producer skills and try to get a comped meal from a local eatery. Trade them a mention in the credits for a lunch deal. You can work out the details! If necessary, just order pizza, but don't forget to have various toppings including a veggie pizza for any herbivores working for you! Your thoughfulness in this area will have your cheap/free cast and crew wanting to work with you again. Remember that it's always good to build up karma points!

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Calendar
Feb 10 Mar 2010 Apr 10
S M T W T F S
28 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31 1 2 3

Under Development
  1. 509-A Julia
    [Completion Date: 5/31/09]
  2. Murder in the Marigny
    [Completion Date: 8/16/09]
  3. Raintree
    [Completion Date: 10/1/09]
  4. Death Comes Calling
    [Completion Date: 10/1/09]

What are they saying?
Super! I like what's happening!
- Tracy

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