Tag: "indie filmmaking"

Short Film Program #16.2 – Nov 17 – Dim Mak Studios

 

SHORT FILM PROGRAM #16.2

Dimmak Studios
(formerly Cinespace)
6356 Hollywood Blvd, upstairs
Hollywood, CA 90028

Sunday Nov 17, 2013

5:00pm – 6:30pm
Filmmaker Happy Hour

6:30pm – 8:00pm
Short Film Program & Filmmaker Panel
SHORT FILM PROGRAM #16.2

 

FOXED!FOXED!
James Stewart

Emily toils in mines beneath her house, imprisoned by foxes who have duped her entire town into believing children can be replaced.

 

 

recollectionsRECOLLECTIONS
Nathanael Carton

In the aftermath of the 2011 Japanese tsunami, a team of volunteers recover and restore photographs, and attempts to return them to the owners.

 

 

drunkenphonecallDRUNKEN PHONE CALLS
Mark Kerins

When a young man decides to “grow up” and become a responsible adult, his friends aren’t quite ready to let him go.

 

 

tag2TAG
Freeland Shreve

While a father hunts down the pesky groundhog that is terrorizing his wife’s garden, he and his son make a game out of it… kinda like a game of Tag.

 

 

holdupheartHOLD UP HEART
Justin Zsebe

Jeff agrees to join in a misguided quest to rob a liquor store, and unwittingly comes face to face with his ex-girlfriend.

 

 

beyondtheteamBEYOND THE TEAM
Tim Kulikowski

Discouraged as teenagers by the macho world of sports, a diverse group of transplanted gay men in San Francisco ultimately finds something more encompassing than a place to play soccer:  camaraderie, extended family, political refuge and love.

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SEASON #16 Opening Night – Nov 3 – Dim Mak Studios

SHORT FILM PROGRAM #16.1

Dimmak Studios
(formerly Cinespace)
6356 Hollywood Blvd, upstairs
Hollywood, CA 90028

Sunday Nov 3, 2013

5:00pm – 6:30pm
Filmmaker Happy Hour

6:30pm – 8:00pm
Short Film Program & Filmmaker Panel

 SEASON 16 BEGINS!!

We are thrilled to invite you to join us as we kick off our 16th year of HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!  Join us for our Filmmaker Happy Hour at 5pm (cash bar) and Short Film Program #1 will screen at 6:30pm.  


 

SHORT FILM PROGRAM #16.1

 

happilyHAPPILY EVER AFTER
Ben Genislaw & Yonni Aroussi

Rani and Keren are a young couple moving in together to begin their Happily Ever After. 

 

 

holdenHOLDEN
Roque Madrid & Juan Arcones

Holden is a photographer with a short term memory loss condition who travels to Paris on assignment to shoot a celebrity actor.

 

Kingman by Adrian SzaszKINGMAN
Adrian Szasz  & James McCusker

The Privation of the American Dream

 

 

 

The Last Time I Saw RichardTHE LAST TIME I SAW RICHARD
Nick Verso

Jonah is a loner at the teenage mental clinic.  When he is forced to share a room with the new patient Richard, the boys become locked in a battle of wills. 

 

 

 

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Short Film Program 15.9 – Sep 21 – Season #15 CLOSING NIGHT

SHORT FILM PROGRAM #15.9

Dimmak Studios
(formerly Cinespace)
6356 Hollywood Blvd, upstairs
Hollywood, CA 90028

Saturday September 21, 2013

5:00pm – 6:30pm
Filmmaker Happy Hour

6:30pm – 8:00pm
Short Film Program & Filmmaker Panel

SEASON 15 CLOSING NIGHT

Join us on Saturday to celebrate the wrap of our 15th season of monthly short film screenings!!  It has been an extraordinary year of filmmaking, new creative friendships and collaborations, and so many new shorts and animated films.

This month, we welcome back alumni filmmaker Kate Rees Davies and a special music video collaboration she shot with Australian singer/songwriter VASSY for the song BEAUTIFUL. The video features some amazing young people from PLAYGROUND OF DREAMS, an innovative mentoring program teaming entertainment industry leaders with children to foster their creativity, leadership, and unique purpose in the world.  The project brings together a lovely visual style with the powerful lyrics in Vassy’s empowerment anthem. Vassy and Kate will both be in attendance!

Vassy - "BEAUTIFUL" - directed by Kate Rees Davies
This month’s program also includes another eye-popping selection of short films and animation from near and far, including the encore screening of Talibah L. Newman‘s BUSTED ON BRIGHAM LANE.   Also, a new short creepy tale entitled TENDER by LA filmmaker Elric Kane and writer/producer Lee Ross… and more…

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Cinematography Lab 1.04: GET THE BEST IMAGE FROM YOUR CAMERA – May 7

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS Cinematography Lab

 

 


GETTING THE BEST IMAGE FROM YOUR CAMERA

CINEMATOGRAPHY LAB with JAY HOLBEN


LAB #1.04: GETTING THE BEST IMAGE FROM YOUR CAMERA

The Fundamentals of Cinematography Lab at Panavision

Tues., May 7, 2013
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Lab Fee: $35.00

PANAVISION – HOLLYWOOD
6735 Selma Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028

 The age of digital gives us extraordinary flexibility within the camera to manipulate the recorded image. Go inside the camera to learn what all those menu functions really mean – and how to make them work for you.

Learn how to balance an on-set monitor and how to make white balance a create tool. In addition, we will take a look at the similarities and differences between several cameras from a variety of manufacturers in different formats and price ranges.

This lab is designed for all camera experience levels – this is a great primer for filmmakers, camera crew, and anyone interested in learning more about how today’s advanced camera systems work.

REGISTER

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS Cinematography Lab – $35.00


Jay Holben – Head Educator
HOLLYWOOD SHORTS
Cinematographers Lab

Our Emerging Filmmakers Program (EFP) continues our full line up of filmmaking seminars and labs. The monthly seminars will encompass a wide range of topics and issues, designed for all ranges of experience and crew positions.

The HS/EFP Cinematographers Lab will also take us into some of the workrooms of some of our favorite camera shops and camera related organizations that every filmmaker, camera department professional and up-n-comer should know…

Seminar Topics include:

  • Fundamentals of Cinematography
  • Getting the Best Image From Your Camera
  • Camera Lenses
  • The Flavors of HD
  • Camera Accessories & Camera Prep
  • Lighting from Home Depot

ABOUT JAY HOLBEN
Jay Holben is an independent producer & filmmaker who worked as a director of photography for nearly a decade. Previously serving as Technical Editor covering film cameras and lighting, Jay has been a contributing editor to American Cinematographer Magazine for 12 years. He is currently the Technical Editor for DV Magazine, with a monthly column, ‘DV101,’ and has contributed to several books including the American Cinematographers Manual. Jay has contributed to several books on cinematography, including the American Cinematographer Manual, 9th Edition. He is the author of “A Shot in the Dark: A Creative DIY Guide to Digital Video Lighting on (Almost) No Budget” which was released earlier this year. This year, Jay also co-founded FILMMAKER IN A BOX, an educational resource for feature filmmakers. Jay has been a member of HOLLYWOOD SHORTS since 1999 with his short film adaption of the Stephen King poem, “Paranoid”, and he is our Department Chair – Cinematography at HOLLYWOOD SHORTS FilmLab.

 

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Cinematography Lab 1.03 – LIGHTING FROM HOME DEPOT – Apr 2

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS Cinematography Lab

 

 


LIGHTING FROM HOME DEPOT
with JAY HOLBEN

CINEMATOGRAPHY LAB for Filmmakers


LAB 1.03: LIGHTING FROM HOME DEPOT

Register for Jay Holben's LIGHTING FROM HOME DEPOT seminar - www.hollywoodshortscomLab Fee $35.00

Tuesday, April 2, 2012
1:00pm – 4:00pm

JET STUDIOS
5126 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Residential Street Parking

The key to any good image is lighting. Although Hollywood spends millions of dollars on lighting equipment – you can achieve the same kinds of lighting results with everyday tools you can find at your local hardware and home improvement store.

Learn the secrets to excellent lighting on a micro-budget! Jay Holben shares tips and techniques from his book “A Shot in the Dark: A Creative DIY Guide to Digital Video Lighting on (Almost) No Budget”.

This is the third session in our six-part monthly Cinematography Lab series – Cycle #3.

Presented by Panavision’s Emerging Filmmakers Program and ProductionHUB

REGISTER

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS Cinematography Lab 1.03
“LIGHTING FROM HOME DEPOT”


Jay Holben – Head Educator
HOLLYWOOD SHORTS
Cinematographers Lab

Our Emerging Filmmakers Program (EFP) expands this year with a full line up of filmmaking seminars and labs. We will be launching this new initiative with a new seminar series for cinematographers & camera assistants. The monthly seminars will encompass a wide range of topics and issues, designed for all ranges of experience and formats.

The HS/EFP Cinematographers Lab will also take us into some of the workrooms of some of our favorite camera shops and camera related organizations that every camera department professional and up-n-comer should know…

Seminar Topics will include:

  • Fundamentals of Cinematography
  • Getting the Best Image From Your Camera
  • The Camera Crew
  • Flavors of HD
  • The Camera Showcase
  • Lighting from Home Depot

ABOUT JAY HOLBEN
Jay Holben is an independent producer & filmmaker who worked as a director of photography for nearly a decade. Previously serving as Technical Editor covering film cameras and lighting, Jay has been a contributing editor to American Cinematographer Magazine for 12 years. He is currently the Technical Editor for DV Magazine, with a monthly column, ‘DV101,’ and has contributed to several books including the American Cinematographers Manual. Jay has contributed to several books on cinematography, including the American Cinematographer Manual, 9th Edition. He is the author of “A Shot in the Dark: A Creative DIY Guide to Digital Video Lighting on (Almost) No Budget” which was released earlier this year. This year, Jay also co-founded FILMMAKER IN A BOX, an educational resource for feature filmmakers. Jay has been a member of HOLLYWOOD SHORTS since 1999 with his short film adaption of the Stephen King poem, “Paranoid”, and he is our Department Chair – Cinematography at HOLLYWOOD SHORTS FilmLab.

 

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Cinematography Lab 1.01: THE FUNDAMENTALS – Feb 5

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS Cinematography Lab

 

 

 

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CINEMATOGRAPHY

CINEMATOGRAPHY LAB with JAY HOLBEN


LAB #1.01: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CINEMATOGRAPHY

The Fundamentals of Cinematography Lab at Panavision

February 5th, 2013
1:00pm – 4:00pm

PANAVISION – HOLLYWOOD
6735 Selma Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028

In today’s digital age, higher quality and less expensive cameras have democratized the filmmaking process making it accessible to nearly everyone. Now that is easier than ever to get out there and start shooting on your own, it is important to learn the art, aesthetics and science of how to utilize digital technology to create an artistic and pleasing image.

Cinematographer-turned-director JAY HOLBEN, Technical Editor at DV Magazine, will take us on a journey through the basics of photographic imagery. Jay will cover what light is and how we see it, to understanding dynamic range, exposure and WHY we light (especially when modern cameras can nearly see in the dark). The Fundamentals of Cinematography explores how the professional cinematographer crafts their images. Move your own image-making forward quantum leaps.

This lab is perfect for aspiring DPs and camera crew, filmmakers who have recently acquired a digital camera package, and directors who want to improve understanding and communication with their cinematographers.  Producer will gain insight into the latest digital tools to put together the most cost effective packages that serve the creative needs of their camera departments.  Empowering information and tips that will be helpful for experienced filmmakers as well as novice shooters.

REGISTER


Jay Holben – Head Educator
HOLLYWOOD SHORTS
Cinematographers Lab

Our Emerging Filmmakers Program (EFP) expands this year with a full line up of filmmaking seminars and labs. We will be launching this new initiative with a new seminar series for cinematographers & camera assistants. The monthly seminars will encompass a wide range of topics and issues, designed for all ranges of experience and formats.

The HS/EFP Cinematographers Lab will also take us into some of the workrooms of some of our favorite camera shops and camera related organizations that every camera department professional and up-n-comer should know…

Seminar Topics will include:

  • Fundamentals of Cinematography
  • Getting the Best Image From Your Camera
  • The Camera Crew
  • Flavors of HD
  • The Camera Showcase
  • Lighting from Home Depot

ABOUT JAY HOLBEN
Jay Holben is an independent producer & filmmaker who worked as a director of photography for nearly a decade. Previously serving as Technical Editor covering film cameras and lighting, Jay has been a contributing editor to American Cinematographer Magazine for 12 years. He is currently the Technical Editor for DV Magazine, with a monthly column, ‘DV101,’ and has contributed to several books including the American Cinematographers Manual. Jay has contributed to several books on cinematography, including the American Cinematographer Manual, 9th Edition. He is the author of “A Shot in the Dark: A Creative DIY Guide to Digital Video Lighting on (Almost) No Budget” which was released earlier this year. This year, Jay also co-founded FILMMAKER IN A BOX, an educational resource for feature filmmakers. Jay has been a member of HOLLYWOOD SHORTS since 1999 with his short film adaption of the Stephen King poem, “Paranoid”, and he is our Department Chair – Cinematography at HOLLYWOOD SHORTS FilmLab.

 

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Filmmaker Holiday Party – Dec 16

 

 You are invited!

 

Filmmaker Holiday Party

 

Join us for our annual Filmmaker family celebration.  Bring the kids!
Lots of Egg Nog & a collection of classic Holiday ‘toons!

 

Sunday December 16

4pm – 7pm

 


Dimmak Studios


6356 Hollywood Blvd, upstairs
Hollywood, CA  90028

 

Free Admission

 Please RSVP below!

 

 

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Short Film Program #15.2 – Nov 18

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS - Monthly screenings

Sunday, November 18, 2012
5pm – 8pm
Dimmak Studios (formerly Cinespace)
6356 Hollywood Blvd, upstairs
Hollywood, CA 90028

FREE

Edition 15.2



SHORT FILM PROGRAM #15.2

5pm – 6pm
Filmmaker Happy Hour
Cast & Crew party for
THE COMPANY and CROW & ARROW

6pm – 8pm
Short Film Program &
Filmmaker Panel

JOE LIPARI – Dream Job

CARLOS LASCANO – A Shadow of Blue

KIRSTEN ROETERS – Hipster Baby

SCOTT GARNER – The Hindenburglar

KEVIN MCDERMOTT – The Company

KIRK NELSON – Crow & Arrow

 

TRAILERS!

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Short Film Program #11 – Jul 22

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS - Monthly screenings

Sunday, July 22, 2012
5pm – 8pm
Dimmak Studios (formerly Cinespace)
6356 Hollywood Blvd, upstairs
Hollywood, CA 90028

FREE

Edition 14.11



SHORT FILM PROGRAM #11

 

5pm – 6pm
Filmmaker Happy Hour

6pm – 8pm
Short Film Program &
Filmmaker Panel

 SOMEBODY a short film by Doug Van Bebber

SOMEBODY
Directed by Doug Van Bebber

 

LITTLE KING by Socrates Alafouzos will screen at HOLLYWOOD SHORTS.  www.hollywoodshorts.com

MIKROS VASILIAS (LITTLE KING)
Directed by Socrates Alafouzos

and more…


 
   
   
   
   
          

 

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BIG WORLD FOR LITTLE MOVIES Seminar – May 24

BIG WORLD FOR LITTLE MOVIES:
THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR SHORT FILM CONTENT

American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre
Film Seminar Series
with Thomas Ethan Harris

American Cinematheque
Egyptian Theatre

6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028
Thursday, May 24 @ 7:30pm                                                                              

(Mention HOLLYWOOD SHORTS at the box office for 20% discount)

Whether the renewed vitality of the short film content is based on the rise of consumer “pod casts”, the content crazed appetite of the internet or the internet’s short content offspring – Webseries — there’s no denying it’s a BIG world out there for “little movies.” Uncover a wealth of information on short filmmaking trends, current channels of distribution and the future of short film exposure from a panel of short film business and programming leaders.
 
The world of short film content has changed dramatically in recent years.
 
In fact, not since the “.com era” of the 1990s, have we seen such rethinking of how the short film figures into overall landscape of the entertainment industry.
 
Today there are literally thousands of film festivals for you to consider as you move your short film out to festival audiences.  With cable television exposure for short films part of the distant dream of the 1990s, short filmmakers now find themselves contending with the options of a new virtual wild west — The Internet, Video-On-Demand (VOD) and pod casts — for greater content exposure than festival world could ever dream of or deliver.
 
But don’t stop there!  With the 1000s of Internet sites available to you to post your film on, which site is best for your film?  Is it more advantageous for your extended career to “YouTube” or “Vimeo” your short or for you to post your short on your own website and use your favorite social networking site to drive attention to your film?  What is a “torrent site” and how can it figure into the distribution of your short?  How do short film distributors (like Quat Media, SND Films, Shorts International) figure into today’s short film landscape?
 
Now consider this:  With the incredible expansion of the methods of distribution and exhibition open to your short film, there has EVEN been a revolution in the very definition of what artistically comprises a short film.
 
What is a “festival” short?  What is the difference between a “Sundance short,” a “Cannes short,” an “internet short” and a “Short Film Festival short”?  What does the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences look for in a short film?  What is the definition of the most desirable form of content for a short film distributor?
 
Finally, and most provocatively, is it more advantageous for a short filmmaker today to make a single short (festival) film or to develop and produce a webseries?
 
For our May 24 seminar, BIG WORLD FOR LITTLE MOVIES:  THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR SHORT FILM CONTENT, we turn our total attention to unraveling the whole, overwhelming and complex world that today’s short filmmaker must deal with to take good care of their work.
 
THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR SHORT CONTENT begins with a focus on issues surrounding film festivals, film festival release strategies for short films, a list of the World’s Best Short Film Festivals (and some not very good ones!) and establishing some definitions for the various forms or identities the short film artistically embodies today.
 
The second part of our evening’s seminar will be dedicated to an in depth discussion of short film distribution and exhibition. Not only will we open the door to a greater understanding of overall design of the content favored by distributors, but we will also examine rights and clearances issues AND help to sort out the vast offerings of the Internet and the potential of having your very own webseries.
 
Panelists Include:
 
Kim Adelman, Author, Making It Big In Shorts, The Ultimate Filmmaker’s Guide To Short Films,
Indiewire Short Film Columnist
 
Kalman Apple, Sales & Acquisitions Consultant, SHORTS INTERNATIONAL
 
Kimberley Browning, Filmmaker & Festival Director, HOLLYWOOD SHORTS
 
Moderated By Thomas Ethan Harris,
Producer, AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE FILM SEMINARS;
Former Director Of Programing, LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL and PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
 
 
SEMINAR EVENT LOCATION
The American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood
6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
 
SEMINAR DATE AND TIME
One Night Only!
Thursday, May 24 @ 7:30pm – 10:30pm
 
TICKET INFORMATION
Advanced Tickets Recommended
All Seminars Ticket Prices: $12 Cinematheque Members, $15 Students/Seniors, $20 General.  Order tickets online at www.fandango.com or buy them in person at the Egyptian Box Office.  The Egyptian Box Office is open 1.5 hours before the first program of the day or evening.  In addition to in person and www.fandango.com, CINEMATHEQUE MEMBERS may be purchased tickets in advance by phone: 323.692.3431
 
HOLLYWOOD SHORTS FILMMAKER TICKET DISCOUNT!!
25% Off Our General $20 Ticket Price For HOLLYWOOD SHORTS FILMMAKERS!
Hollywood Shorts Filmmakers will be offered a special $15 ticket to our COMPLETE GUIDE TO SHORT FILM CONTENT seminar on Thursday, May 24 when purchasing SAME DAY (May 24) tickets only.  Inquire about the ticket discount at the Egyptian Box Office by mentioning that you are a Hollywood Shorts Filmmaker.
 
Cheap Parking!  LA Film School Lot, 6363 West Sunset Boulevard (enter on east side of Ivar, north of Sunset).  $5  Lot closes at 1am.  Additional $5-$10 parking behind the Egyptian and on Selma Avenue.  The American Cinematheque no longer validates for Hollywood and Highland, but the Visitors Information Booth at Hollywood/Highland will validate 2 hours for $2. Make sure to validate when you arrive and to check operation hours online.
 
Please visit our website for more information www.americancinematheque.com

Twitter, Going, Gather, Facebook (sidgrauman, Egyptian, aero)
 
Please direct inquiries on the American Cinematheque Film Seminar Series to Seminar Producer/Instructor:  Thomas Ethan Harris

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Short Film Program #7 – June 18th – THE CINEMATOGRAPHERS

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS - Monthly screenings

Saturday, June 18, 2011

4:30pm – 7:30pm

FREE

Dim Mak Studios (formerly Cinespace)

Edition 13.7



SHORT FILM PROGRAM #7                                                Reserve your   FREE TICKETS

 

4:30pm – 5:30pm
International Cinematographers Guild Reception

5:30pm – 7:30pm
Emerging Cinematographer Awards
Short Film Screening


Emerging Cinematographers Awards 2010 Nominees

We are honored to join with the International Cinematographer’s Guild Local 600 in presenting our annual screening of this season’s EMERGING CINEMATOGRAPHER AWARDS Finalist and Winners. Each September, the ICG holds their ECAs, honoring the best short films shot by emerging cinematographers from among their Camera Operators & Assistants members.

We are excited to bring together HOLLYWOOD SHORTS directors and ICG’s cinematographers to spark new creative partnerships among our respective members.

Reserve your free seats…

 

THE FINALISTS Watch the trailers on Vimeo

Tod Campbell Austin, TX “The Big Bends”
John Snedden San Diego “Brite Eyes”
Stephanie Dufford Los Angeles “The Fantastic Magnifico”
Rodney Lamborn NYC “Meridian”
Jacob Pinger Pasadena “The Cycle”
Patrick Meade Jones Santa Monica “Android Love”
Cameron Duncan Venice “Mr. Marceau”
Brian Udoff Los Angeles “Les Mouches”
Emerging Cinematography Awards screening - June 18th

ECA '10 - Bios & Trailers

 

Tod Campbell, an operator out of Austin TX, was chosen for his 13 minute film “The Big Bends;” second assistant Cameron Duncan, from Venice CA, for the 20 minute “Mr Marceau;” Stephanie Dufford, based in Los Angeles, also a second assistant, honored for “The Fantastic Magnifico,” with a running time of 11 minutes. Loader, Santa Monica’s Patrick Jones‘ “Android Love” came in at 18 minutes, while Rodney Lamborn, operator living in New York, will show his “Meridian,” which at 2.36 minutes is the shortest film in the group. Operator Jacob Pinger from Pasadena was honored for his 15 minute “The Cycle;” John Snedden, living in San Diego, also an operator, was selected for his “Brite Eyes,” clocked in at 12 minutes. Rounding out the group is first assistant, Brian Udoff, whose 26 minute “Les Mouches” is the longest film to be screened. He lives in Los Angeles.

Reserve your free seats…

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SEMINAR: Navigating the Film Festival World, March 24 & 31

AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE FILM SEMINAR SERIES

 

NAVIGATING THE FILM FESTIVAL WORLD

Thursday, March 24th @ 7:30pm – 10:30pm
or
Thursday, March 31st @ 7:30pm – 10:30pm

 

Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood
6712 Hollywood Boulevard

 


Two Opportunities To Figure Out A Festival Strategy That Is Right For Your Film!!

Thomas Ethan Harris - American Cinematheque Seminar SeriesFor most emerging filmmakers, the goal of launching a film on the film festival circuit begins with one singular dream:  SUNDANCE! But what lies beyond Sundance for you and your film?  In this informative seminar, veteran film festival programmer & film consultant Thomas Ethan Harris (former Director Of Programming Los Angeles Film Festival and Palm Springs International Festival Of Short Films) offers filmmakers practical skills to navigating the world of film festivals to maximum effect.

 

What are the most significant film festivals and showcases you should be considering right now before that ultimate Sundance dream fades and you are left with a very good film with no place to show it?

 

Topics to be discussed include:
  • A survey of the most important film festivals in both the United States and the international community.
  • A breakdown and discussion of what particular film festivals are looking for and what individual film festivals respond to as they build their yearly slate of selected films.
  • How to strategize the best festival release for your film.
  • The growing importance of community and genre film festivals.
  • Why establishing a good “perception” for your film in the film festival world may be the most valuable strategy of all.
  • What do I do with my “work-in-process” film with festival deadlines quickly approaching?  Is it worth submitting a WIP to Sundance or South By Southwest?
  • Film Festival Diagnosis For Your Film:  Do I have a “festival” movie?  Before you spend all that money on submission fees, what is the primary definition of today’s “film festival” content?

PLUS!!!

  • Secret “insider tips” on submitting your film that will improve your chances of getting selected!!
  • A list of film festivals to AVOID and why!
Whether you are currently submitting your film to festivals or whether you are in production on your film or even if you are just prepping or writing your first film, EVERYONE is encourage to check out this insightful, stimulating and empowering discussion of film festivals and film festival release strategy.

 

NAVIGATING THE FILM FESTIVAL WORLD

 

The American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA  90028

 

Thursday, March 24, 2011 @ 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Thursday, March 31, 2011 @ 7:30pm – 10:30pm (Repeat Engagement)

 

ADVANCED TICKETS: $12 Cinematheque Members, $15 Students/Seniors, $20 General.  Order tickets online at www.fandango.com or buy them in person at the Egyptian Box Office.  The Egyptian Box Office is open 1.5 hours before the first program of the day or evening.  In addition to in person and www.fandango.com, CINEMATHEQUE MEMBERS may be purchased tickets in advance by phone: 323.692.3431

 

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS FILMMAKER TICKET DISCOUNT!!

Hollywood Shorts Friend & Filmmakers will be offered a special $15 ticket to our NAVIGATING THE FILM FESTIVAL WORLD seminars when purchasing SAME DAY (March 24 or March 31) tickets only.  Inquire about these details, in person, at the Egyptian Box Office.

 

Cheap Parking! The American Cinematheque’s Egyptian and Spielberg Theatres validate only for HOLLYWOOD AND HIGHLAND, $2 for 4 hours (each additional 20 minutes is $1.)   LA Film School Lot, 6363 West Sunset Boulevard (enter on east side of Ivar, north of Sunset).  $5  Lot closes at 1am.

 


COMING April 2011

 

PREPARING FOR FILM FESTIVALS:   GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Making the most of your film’s debut on the festival circuit takes both time and creativity.  How can you substantially drive more business attention/press exposure to your short/feature film?  When do you need a producer rep, a publicist, a marketing consultant to help your film?  How can you expand your film’s run on the festival circuit?  What are the primary elements of a professional press kit? Why is establishing a good “perception” of your film the most important thing you can do for your film?  Get all the digs with this, our FESTIVAL PREP KIT.
Film Consultant Thomas Ethan Harris provides direction to the best way to help your film achieve its potential in the big bad festival world!

 

The Reprisal of our SOLD OUT SMASH:
IN THE CUT:  EMPLOYING THE ART OF EDITING

The shower scene in PSYCHO.  Two glamorous bank robber’s final end in BONNIE AND CLYDE.  A runaway baby carriage in BATTLE SHIP POTEMKIN.  Lack of continuity in BREATHLESS.  Chances are you first remember these master works of cinema for their film editing.  When do you employ the jump cut, cross cut, elliptically cut and what is their actual effect?  What is “dialectical montage”, “suturing” and how does “cutting to a character’s POV” enhance a film?  Thomas Ethan Harris instructs this clip-based seminar where everything’s in the cut.

 

For more information, please visit  www.americancinematheque.com

 

Visit the American Cinematheque at Twitter, Going, Gather & Facebook (sidgrauman, Egyptian, aero)

 

Please direct inquiries on the American Cinematheque Film Seminar Series to Seminar Producer/Instructor:  Thomas Ethan Harris

 

 

 

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RASHAAD ERNESTO GREEN – a SHORT Road to Sundance

 


Rashaad Ernesto Green makes the move from shorts to feature

Choices (2009) by Rashaad Ernesto Green
Choices (2009)

Rashaad Ernesto Green is a very successful and prolific short filmmaker.  Seven films to be exact – all between 2007 and 2009.  His most recent short films Premature (2008), Choices (2009) and Cuts (2009) have each scored massive festival selections and awards, from Sundance premieres to the coveted HBO Short Film Award. On January 24th, Rashaad will premiere his debut feature film Gun Hill Road starring Esai Morales, Judy Reyes and Harmony Santana at Sundance.

In addition to a staggering list of accolades and international recognition, Rashaad has been an honored filmmaker at HOLLYWOOD SHORTS’ annual AFRICAN AMERICAN SHORTSFEST at the American Cinematheque twice, and he was named to our 2009 Filmmakers To Watch list.   He was also selected to indieWire’s exclusive 2009 Top Ten list of New Voices In Black Cinema.

We each spend a great deal of our short film journey discussing, plotting, and planning for our own trek from short to feature.  Watching Rashaad’s path to this goal has been inspirational, so we invited him to share a little insight.


Happy New Year Rashaad!  You have officially crossed the bridge from short film to feature film.  You have had several shorts in Sundance – how are things different with a feature premiere?

I have a lot more people behind me this time with a lot of support. And yet, I have so much more to do and accomplish before the festival surrounding the film. It’s been a full on sprint for about 3 months now.

 

Premature - Rashaad Ernesto Green
Premature (2008)

Where did the story of GUN HILL ROAD start for you?  What inspired the screenplay?

Gun Hill Road was actually inspired by a family member who went through something similar as Enrique in the story. My entire family is from the Bronx, and I wanted to investigate another side of the borough than we are used to seeing.


How did your short film work prepare you for the feature film process? What was the most challenging part of making your feature that was different than how you approach your short film work?

Directing the feature was just like directing a short, but with more people, more time, and more toys. The most challenging difference was how little time I spent directing, and how much more I was responsible for lifting the morale of the cast and crew.


Sundance has played a major part of your short film experience over the years.  What does it mean to you to now bring your first feature to the festival?

Sundance has been like a filmmaking family for me. They really look out for filmmakers who have come through their ranks, and I’m deeply appreciative of that. I am humbled and honored to premiere my first feature in a place where so many wonderful films have had their start.


How did the success of your short films play a role in getting your feature film funded and produced?

Esai Morales in Gun Hill Road - Sundance 2011
Gun Hill Road (2011)
(pictured:  Harmony Santana, Esai Morales)

The success of the shorts played a substantial role in getting noticed. I would have never have been trusted to direct a feature if I didn’t have the shorts under my belt.


Any advice for fellow directors who are in the process of the transition from short to feature?

Don’t rush. Get very comfortable in the medium before taking the leap. Shoot as many shorts as you can. Once you’re comfortable and get in the groove, it’s like riding a bike. You’ll be smooth sailing.




Rashaad E. Green on the set of GUN HILL ROAD

Rashaad Ernesto Green on set of Gun Hill Road


Gun Hill Road World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival

Monday, January 24                                
Library Center Theatre
5:30 pm

Full Screening Schedule

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Short Film Program #3 – January 23


 


 

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS - Monthly screenings

Sunday, January 23, 2010

5pm – 8pm

FREE

Cinespace - 6356 Hollywood Blvd - upstairs

Edition 13.3



SHORT FILM PROGRAM #3                                     RSVP to attend

Certified - a short film

CERTIFIED

DIRECTOR: Luke Asa Guidici

CAST:  Thomas Garner, Rebecca Spicher, Therese Lentz, Thomas Brennen

In 1950’s rural America, a postman’s imagination runs wild when he is told a fantastic and horrifying story by a precocious girl.

Website
Twitter

FINDING JACOB a short film www.findingjacob.com

FINDING JACOB

DIRECTOR:  Brett Stumpp

CAST: Jernard Burks, Erika T. Johnson, Angelo Tiffe

Jacob Brown has been deeply affected by what was taken from him years ago.  He is now challenged by a life he thought was beyond his reach.

Website

ZERO

DIRECTOR: Christopher Kezelos

Born into a world of numbers, an oppressed zero discovers that through determination, courage, and love, nothing can be truly something.

Website
Twitter


SOMETIMES THE WORLD IS VELVET

DIRECTOR: Tom Phillips

CAST: Maliabeth Johnson & Max Abrams

Jack, a struggling fisherman from a lonely seaside town, finds a velvet dress in the ocean that he believes will bring him luck.

Website





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SHORT FILM SEMINAR – December 15


BIG WORLD FOR LITTLE MOVIES

THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR SHORT FILM CONTENT

The world of short film content has changed dramatically in recent years. Uncover a wealth of information on short filmmaking trends, current channels of distribution and the future of short film exposure from a panel of short film business and programming leaders.

 

Wednesday, December 15

7:30pm – 10:30pm

AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE

Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028

American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre

BUY TICKETS

Cinematheque Members:  $12.00       HOLLYWOOD SHORTS members:  $15.00

 

Moderator:

Thomas Ethan Harris
Producer/Instructor
American Cinematheque Film Seminars

Panelists:

Kimberley Browning
Filmmaker & Executive Director
HOLLYWOOD SHORTS

Andrew Crane
Short Film Programming
AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE



TICKET INFORMATION

All Seminars Ticket Prices: $12 Cinematheque Members, $15 Students/Seniors, $20 General.  Order tickets online at www.fandango.com or buy them in person at the Egyptian Box Office.  The Egyptian Box Office is open 1.5 hours before the first program of the day or evening.  In addition to in person and www.fandango.com, CINEMATHEQUE MEMBERS may be purchased tickets in advance by phone: 323.692.3431

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS  DISCOUNT TICKETS
25% Off General Ticket Price for HOLLYWOOD SHORTS participants.
HOLLYWOOD SHORTS Filmmakers will be offered a special $15 ticket price  to our
Complete Guide To The Short Film seminar on Wednesday, December 15th when purchasing SAME DAY (December 15th) tickets only.  Mention HOLLYWOOD SHORTS when purchasing your tickets at the box office for the special $15 ticket price.


SEMINAR OVERVIEW

Whether the renewed vitality of the short film content is based on the rise of consumer “pod casts”, the content crazed appetite of the internet or the internet’s short content offspring – Webseries — there’s no denying it’s a BIG world out there for “little movies.” Uncover a wealth of information on short filmmaking trends, current channels of distribution and the future of short film exposure from a panel of short film business and programming leaders.

The world of short film content has changed dramatically in recent years.

In fact, not since the “.com era” of the 1990s, have we seen such rethinking of how the short film figures into overall landscape of the entertainment industry.

Today there are literally thousands of film festivals for you to consider as you move your short film out to festival audiences.  With cable television exposure for short films part of the distant dream of the 1990s, short filmmakers now find themselves contending with the options of new virtual wild west — The Internet, Video-On-Demand (VOD) and pod casts — for greater content exposure than festival world could ever dream of or deliver.

But don’t stop there!  With the 1000s of internet sites available to you to post your film on, which site is best for your film?  Is it more advantageous for your extended career to “YouTube” or “Vimeo” your short or for you to post your short on your own website and use your favorite social networking site to drive attention to your film?  What is a “torrent site” and how can it figure into the distribution of your short?  How do short film distributors (like Quat Media, SND Films, Shorts International) figure into today’s short film landscape?

Now consider this:  With the incredible expansion of the methods of distribution and exhibition open to your short film, there has EVEN been a revolution in the very definition of what artistically comprises a short film.

What is a “festival” short?  What is the difference between a “Sundance short,” a “Cannes short,” an “internet short” and a “Short Film Festival short”?  What does the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences look for in a short film?  What is the definition of the most desirable form of content for a short film distributor?

Finally, and most provocatively, is it more advantageous for a short filmmaker today to make a single short (festival) film or to develop and produce a webseries?

For our November seminar, BIG WORLD FOR LITTLE MOVIES:  THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR SHORT FILM CONTENT, we turn our total attention to unraveling the whole, overwhelming and complex world that today’s short filmmaker must deal with to take good care of their work.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR SHORT CONTENT begins with a focus on issues surrounding film festivals, film festival release strategies for short films, a list of the World’s Best Short Film Festivals (and some not very good ones!) and establishing some definitions for the various forms or identities the short film artistically embodies today.

The second part of our evening’s seminar will be dedicated to an in depth discussion of short film distribution and exhibition. Not only will we open the door to a greater understanding of overall design of the content favored by distributors, but we will examine rights and clearances issues AND help to sort out the vast offerings of the internet and the potential of having your very own web series.

Moderated By Thomas Ethan Harris, Producer/Instructor, American Cinematheque Film Seminars


SEMINAR EVENT LOCATION

The American Cinematheque’s Egyptian TheatreHollywood
6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Cheap Parking! The American Cinematheque’s Egyptian and Spielberg Theatres validate only for HOLLYWOOD AND HIGHLAND, $2 for 4 hours (each additional 20 minutes is $1.)   LA Film School Lot, 6363 West Sunset Boulevard (enter on east side of Ivar, north of Sunset).  $5  Lot closes at 1am.

Please visit our website for more information www.americancinematheque.com

Join the American Cinematheque on Facebook www.facebook.com/EgyptianTheatre

Follow the American Cinematheque on Twitter @sidgrauman

Please direct inquiries on the American Cinematheque Film Seminar Series to Seminar Producer/Instructor:  Thomas Ethan Harris Email Thomas

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