10 Commandments to Become a Better Filmmaker - Tonight!

On the next Double Down Film Show, it’s that time of year again where we share some of our own indie filmmaking wisdom directly with you in a special keynote episode...

This time out, we’ll be giving our 10 Commandments to Become a Better Filmmaker.

This will be our break out list of 10 things that you can do to improve the quality (and quantity) of your filmmaking, regardless of whether you are a veteran filmmaker or just reading your first film book. From the cerebral, to the technical, to the intangible, we’re going to share some best practices and habits to take your craft to the next level and keep your career moving.

From wack to good to great filmmaking in 10 Commandments or less, only on the next Double Down Film Show.

The Double Down Film Show

Every Wednesday, 9pm - 10pm E.S.T.

Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956

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D'you have what it takes to be an AD?

Applications for this years Assistant Director's Training Program recently opened up on October 1st. This program, part of the Director's Guild of America, is a legit two year stretch of hands on training on sets.

Is your interest peaked?

The DGA website makes no attempt to sugar coat the rigorous nature of the program once you're in.

A Trainee must be able to be on time for all calls and to stay on a set for long hours, in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow and wind) with little rest time... Trainees are at the beck and call of the producers and directors ... seven days a week, 24 hours a day. A Trainee may be required to stand for long period of time, to run, to climb, and to lift and carry equipment.

In addition to all that ball breaking fun, you get seminars and counseling and special assignments and, yes, even monetary compensation. Then you graduate and can join the DGA as a 2nd AD!


BUT ... first you have to get in. And that's no easy feat. There are applications, written exams, interviews, etc. But a lucky handful get this top-quality, hands on opportunity of a life time.


D'you think you have what it takes?

http://www.dgatrainingprogram.org

A Sturdier Portable D.I.Y. Reflector

One of the great things I love about teaching is that students are always teaching ME things too and keeping me up on what's going on in the Down and Dirty filmmaking streets...Case in point this cool new-fangled design for a DIY reflector at DIYPhotography.net.

In the Sight and Sound Documentary curriculum at N.Y.U. I teach a lesson on mastering the use of sunlight and mixed lighting sources that ends with students creating their own "ghetto-flectors" tm , which are DIY reflectors of cardboard, paper and aluminum foil.

My non-stop mantra to my students comes from a bit of Forrest Gump wisdom...

"A tool is as a tool does."

...and that is especially easy to apply to reflectors. What's cool about this new design is that it seems particularly portable and sturdier than others I've seen and experimented with. Shout out to Mohammad T. for the tip, which I can now share with all of you.

See how that works?...I teach them, they teach me, I teach you, you share it with your peeps and our guerrilla knowledge grows!

The A.I.R. DIY Reflector Tutorial

The Indie Team Behind "The Unidentified" on this week's Double Down Film Show!

On the next Double Down Film Show we’ll be breaking down an indie film case-study with writer/director, Kevan Tucker, and Producer/Editor, Tim O’Neill, the creative team behind the independent film, The Unidentified.

Although a narrative film, The Unidentified was completed for $130,000, partially-improvised and shot amongst real-life events including a massive anti-war protest in Washington, D.C. After winning multiple awards at festivals across the country including Best Breakout Performance, Best New Director and Best Feature. The film is slated to premiere on PBS this weekend.

• What was the most pivotal thing to raising the money?

• How do you get your crew invested in your film?

• How do gather and keep project momentum?

• What should you rely on beyond festivals for distribution?

• How has the indie film marketing evolved in recent years?

• Why is it important to show up at your festival screenings?

Break out your indie notebooks as we answer all these questions and many more on the next episode of the Double Down Film Show. We don’t just talk about making films, we talk about making careers in filmmaking. Listen and learn every Wednesday night.

The Unidentified - Secrets from Tim O'Neill on Vimeo.

The Double Down Film Show

Every Wednesday, 9pm - 10pm E.S.T.

Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956

Stream Live:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DoubleDownFilmShow

OR

Subscribe or Download:

Subscribe to the iTunes Podcast

***PS - If you can't tune in live, you can always streamthe show or download the .mp3 file later at the site above.

WORKZ: NYU Future Music Moguls Promo

This is the first of a series of 6 promos we're creating for NYU's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at Tisch School of the Arts (aka "ReMu"). It's the first official project I've co-directed through Pete Chatmon's new media and advertising company, Double 7 Boutique.

The clients wanted a hip MTV-esque spot that would highlight the program and appeal to high school students and I think we nailed it. Our editor, Giga Shane, did an incredible job of translating the concept and beefing things up with some hot graphics.

This was one of those projects that I really enjoyed putting together, because it's such a great program that I'm honored to help put the word out about it. It's brand-new, free, innovative and the kids we interviewed seemed to really appreciate and benefit from their partcipation in this program. If I were in H.S. and inclined toward music, I'd be all over it!

You can get more info on the program here: Future Music Moguls

Agency: Double 7 Boutique
Directors/Producers: Anthony Q. Artis, Pete Chatmon
Camera: Benjamin Ahr Harrison, Tristan Nash
Editor: Giga Shane, Boat Safety Films

Veteran Hollywood DP - Julio Macat on This Week's Double Down Film Show!

On the next Double Down Film Show we’ll discuss building a career in cinematography with veteran Hollywood Director of Photography, Julio Macat.

Julio is the man behind the images of some of the most popular comedy movies of the last decade including Home Alone, Ace Ventura, The Nutty Professor, Wedding Crashers, and more.

· What previous job gave him a lot of confidence as a young DP?

· How can you best learn the language of lighting?

· How did he survive his first big job as a DP?

· What should you shoot on your first reel?

· What type of people succeed as DP’s?

Tune in and soak up some filmmaking wisdom and insight as a veteran studio image-maker shares his best no-nonsense tips and career advice only on The Double Down Film Show. Listen and learn and we’ll help you earn!

The Double Down Film Show

Every Wednesday, 9pm - 10pm E.S.T.

Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956


Stream Live or Download:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DoubleDownFilmShow

OR

Subscribe or Download:

Subscribe to the iTunes Podcast

***PS - If you can't tune in live, you can always stream the show or download the .mp3 file later at the site above.

Elmo and Katy Perry in Sesame Street Sex Scandal...Sorta.

First sweet little Hanna Montana get's all PG-13 on us, now my little son's beloved Elmo is embroiled in a kiddie TV sex sensation.

It appears that Katy Perry's recent skit with Elmo taped for an upcoming episode of Sesame Street featuring Perry in a low cut dress and Elmo dancing around her waistline was a bit too much for many parents who complained enough about the YouTube clip, that they have decided not to air the skit on tv.

I certainly think her outfit is a little inappropriate for kids tv, but on the flip side, I gotta look at Sesame Street when my kids do, so I ain't exactly one of the complaining parents here...


But what do you think:

Is this video too risque for kids tv?
Or is this just another network overreaction?

How NOT To Make a Short Film w/ Roberta Munroe - TONIGHT!

On the next Double Down Film Show, we’ll be having a candid chat with former Sundance Programmer and author of the popular film book, How NOT to Make a Short Film, Roberta Munroe.

A long-time short filmmaker herself, Roberta spent many years programming the shorts selections for Sundance and other notable film festivals. On the job she gained many unique and valuable insights into the festival submission process from both sides of the application (many of which she shares in her book and seminar series of the same name).

• What are the advantages of shooting a short before your feature?
  
  
• What goes on behind the scenes of programming a film festival?
  
  
• What impact does individual cultural perspective have on festival judging?
  
  
• How can you increase your 1% chance of getting into Sundance?
  
  
• How can your choice of music impact your distribution potential?
  
  
• How should you NOT make a short film?
  
  

All of this insider festival info and more candid career wisdom will be revealed on the very next Double Down Film Show with special guest, Roberta Munroe. If you’re tired of getting film festival rejection letters, then this is the show for you.

A Video Promo for Roberta's Book:

The Double Down Film Show

Every Wednesday, 9pm - 10pm E.S.T.

Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956


Stream Live or Download:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DoubleDownFilmShow

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Subscribe or Download:

Subscribe to the iTunes Podcast

***PS - If you can't tune in live, you can always stream the show or download the .mp3 file later at the site above.

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It Now Costs $300 to Get a Film Permit in NYC

So we were a bit slow over the summer but I thought this bit of news, which was announced in June, is worth mentioning. In case you have not heard, the Mayor's Office of Film & TV has instated a $300 application fee for permits to shoot within the City. There are some rules and exceptions.

The Basic Breakdown:

Permit Required:
$300 application fee applies.

- Equipment or vehicles are used or the person filming asserts exclusive use of City property.

- Insurance is required for this permit.

*******

Permit Not Required:
$300 permit fee does NOT apply.

- Hand-held cameras or tripods are used and the person filming does not assert exclusive use of City property.

*******

Optional Permit:
$300 permit fee does NOT apply.

- Handheld equipment only. Permit does not include special parking privileges.

- Insurance is not required for this permit.

For more info on this go to the article here. Or just check out the MOFTV website- they have good resources and opportunities listed there!

Double Down Film Show Season 4 Premiere w/Hill Harper!

Summer break is over, the leaves are turning and the buzz of a new school year is in the air, which can only mean one thing…Time for an all-new season of The Double Down Film Show!

On Wednesday, September 15^th @ 9pm we’re gonna kick off the 4^th season with an uplifting conversation about acting and managing a career in the industry with actor/author Hill Harper (CSI:NY, Premium, Lackawanna Blues,etc.).

Hill took a most unusual route to acting, first earning a law degree from Harvard and a Masters from The Kennedy School of Government, before leaving it all behind and gambling on his newfound passion - acting.

It turned out to be a good bet that paid off with roles in many tv shows, plays, indie and studio features. Today Hill is reprising his starring role as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes for the sixth year on CSI:NY and just completed his third book, The Conversation.

· Why did he pursue acting despite having a HARVARD LAW degree?

· What do GREAT actors do that others don’t?

· Why does the best actor NOT necessarily get the job?

· What’s the most important thing you can do to LAST in Hollywood?

· What do you do if you don’t have ACCESS to great roles?

All this and more will be revealed on the 4^th Season premiere of Double Down Film Show with CSI New York’s, Hill Harper.

The Double Down Film Show

Every Wednesday, 9pm - 10pm E.S.T.

Call-in Number: (646) 929-1956



Stream Live or Download:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DoubleDownFilmShow

OR

Subscribe or Download:

Subscribe to the iTunes Podcast

***PS - If you can't tune in live, you can always stream the show or download the .mp3 file later at the site above.