Heartland Film Festival Announces Film Institute

Any filmmakers up in the Indianapolis area might want to take a look at this.

"The Heartland Film Festival proudly announces the launching of the Heartland Truly Moving Pictures Institute on Friday, March 7, 2008.

For this inaugural event, Emmy award-winning writer-director-producer Rik Swartzwelder shares his tricks of the trade in this candid and interactive filmmaking seminar. There will be two programs: the first is for high school students/educators/groups and will be held from 9:30 a.m.-noon, cost is $5; the second program is for college students/general public and will be held from 1:30p.m.-5:00 p.m., cost is $10 general/$8 students. Both events will take place at the KiteBuilding, 8^th floor, 30 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

 

Tango the Penguin

In his Stoplight video commentary, Stuart Shepard explains what gay activists want your kids to learn from And Tango Makes Three, a book about penguins.

This is a great video! Take a look.

 

Dialtone

Dialtone is a short film currently in production by Germane Productions. They are hoping to submit the film to the SAICFF '09.

'Click Here' to view an introduction video to the project. It takes a while to load, so you may want to get it started while you read up on the rest of the info. The video is worth the wait so go ahead, click. :)

"What do a mysterious phone, a missing lawyer and an abandoned warehouse have in common?
Greg loses the control he believes he has over his life, when an odd client tells him about an old phone that calls 2 days back into the past. Greg’s journey, along with some good advice from an unlikely source, help him die to his former self and transform his life into an exciting walk with God that is unhindered by the fear of man and this world."

You can read their blog here, see their website here, and catch a few links to some pictures here. I am currently signed on as "Editor" for this project. I have read their script and I believe this story communicates well and will be very thought provoking.

 

Pendragon!

Exciting news!! Wed. I fly out for the weekend to help film a scene for the Pendragon movie!

This is a project I have wanted to work on for quite a while, but my schedule has either been full or they haven't needed extra camera guys. I've been following the film's progress quite closely, and I was hoping to help on some of the shoots that they had scheduled for this year. However, other projects have crept in and again my schedule is full during the time they are filming.

Imagine my surprise when I heard that they are doing a weekend shoot the beginning of March and that they need a second cameraman. It is practically the only weekend for quite a while that will allow for me to take this trip. Our God is simply amazing!





Needless to say, I am slightly excited to have a chance to participate in the making of the Pendragon movie! Do be praying that all the production details will come together (weather, animals, actors) to make this shoot the best it can be.

Pictures used from the Pendragon trailer.

 

Untitled Christian Comedy

Here is a site with some more pics from the shoot. This movie looks like it could be a lot of fun to see!

 

Documentary Project

"The Measure of a Man"
This is the latest project from DCFM. A documentary on the life of Nick Vujicic, and how he is using his testimony for the Kingdom of God!!

"My name is Nick Vujicic and I give God the Glory for how He has used my testimony to touch over a million hearts around the world! I was born without limbs and doctors have no medical explanation for this birth defect. As you can imagine, I was faced with many challenges and obstacles, but Praise the Lord He gave me the strength to have a burning desire to reach out and bring people to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior."

Nick has an amazing story that can be used to impact lives, and especially the youth of our nation. At the end of March I will be flying out with the team to California where we will film the interviews for the documentary. BUT, we need your help to get there!

'Click here' to read more about how God has brought this project together and how YOU can help bring it to completion.

 

Untitled Christian Comedy

"From the creators of Between the Walls comes a new comedy adventure! When a goth teen is challenged to figure out what he believes, his life is turned upside down by his family's will dispute. It's a movie that is sure to have the whole family laughing, even as they think!"

Read more about the production and view BTS pics here at their website!

 

Building a Demo Reel

5 Tips for Building Your Business with the Right Demo Reel

by Rick Green

This article is all about your company. We talk a lot about improving the quality of your client’s productions… but what about YOUR productions? This week we’re talking about demo reels. Whether you’re a one-person shop, or work for a large company, the basic principles of producing a powerhouse production demo reel are all the same. In this article we'll explore 5 Tips for Building Your Business with the Right Demo Reel!

- Read the full article here!

 

DCFM blog

Check out the new post on the DCFM blog!!

Lots of pictures from the January meeting and updates on the DCFM film projects!

 

Vision Forum

Big Announcement Next Month

Stay tuned for an historic announcement next month concerning important and encouraging developments with the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, now scheduled for January 8-10, 2009.

I found this info on Doug's blog.

 

Screen Cleaner

Ever have a hard time getting your computer monitor clean? You might try this! It's a new natural solution for getting your screen clean. :P

 

New camera from Panasonic

Panasonic announces a new addition to its growing professional AVCHD product line that capitalizes on the phenomenal success of its popular DV-based AG-DVX100. The new, affordable AG-HMC150 handheld is scheduled for shipment later this year.

Read about it here.

 

Blu-ray!!

It looks like Blu-ray has won out over HD-DVD. Toshiba has announced that it will no longer "develop, make or market HD DVD players and recorders, handing a victory to rival Blu-ray disc technology in the format battle for next-generation video." 'Click here' to read the full article.

Wal-Mart said it will “continue to sell through remaining HD DVD product, but in less than 30 days, customers will see a more predominant move toward Blu-ray in stores, clubs and online.

Netflix, like Wal-Mart, said it will phase out HD DVD titles completely this year. Best Buy stopped short of dropping HD DVD, but beginning in March will merchandise and market Blu-ray as the preferred format.

 

Contest Winners

The winners for the Pendragon art contest have been posted, and a few other entries. Look closely at the names...might find someone you know!! Be sure to check out first place in the 9-11 category ;)

 

Advent Film Group

They have a new website - CHECK IT OUT!!! - new pics, new trailer, new info!!!!!!

Be sure to check the blog too!! He has several articles about distribution.

 

History of Islam

What is the history of Islam? Why should we care? What is a Muslim's perception of Christians?

This is an article by William Federer that gives answers to each of these questions and also covers what it means to be "nice" to Muslims.

Click Here to download the .pdf

You can read it online here at World Net Daily.

 

Removed

Following a rather significant event on this coming Monday I'll be taking some time to recoup, so I may not post very much in the next several days. We'll see though.

Oh! The event? Perhaps this will give you a clue...

I'm not looking forward to it :(

 

Come What May

Advent Film Group completed their week of pickup shots for the film on Feb. 5. You can read about it and see a few pictures here. The film is expected to be released in the spring of 2008!!

 

Glarity Update

I recently received an email from the team at Glarity giving an update on their progress. A portion is included below.

"The fact that the store has not launched yet is a very good sign. It shows that a great deal of preparation and care is going into the foundation of this business. We are praying and working fervently to make sure that the artists featured on our store are given the best possible tool for sharing your media, and receive the most effective marketing campaign available once Glarity goes live.

In addition to building this foundation to support the momentum, we have also been in the process of adding additional staff to our team, and have been blessed with several unexpected beneficial business relationships. Truly, the only time our feet have been up in the last few weeks is when one of us falls asleep at our desk.

I would like to encourage you to keep our team in your prayers. Though our progress may seem slow from your side of things, it is only getting more intense from ours. Your prayers will be treasured.

Thank you so much for your continued support, enouragements, and enthusiasm. Lord willing, we will be presenting you with the completed new site for Glarity.com very, very soon."

 

Fireproof

I came across this website that has several articles and pictures from the project. Be sure to check out the links at the bottom of each article.

 

Apple Drops NAB

NAB and IBC are the two shows each year where professionals can get the opportunity to see and try out the equipment and software we're all going to purchase for the coming year. People spend thousands of dollars on these purchases and have always found NAB to be particularly useful in making those purchasing decisions. There's nothing like actually seeing the product in action, even if it's a prototype.

So after dropping NAB once then reappearing, Apple has decided to join Avid and skip the NAB show floor altogether. This is an incredibly disappointing decision for a company that supposedly supports over 800,000+ Final Cut Pro users and countless other pro-apps users.

Read the full article here.

 

Untitled Christian Comedy

Chris and Nick Staron, creators of 'Between the Walls,' are in production on an untitled feature length Christian comedy.

You can hear the weekly interviews with the Starons at The Studio Upstairs by clicking on the "Midweek episodes." They cover fun times, unexpected problems, technical advise and just general updates.

 

New Short Film!

I've had an idea for a series of short films for a while and finally the first one is in the works. ReelCast Productions and Heumoore Productions are teaming up to produce the first episode of IMAGINE! STARRING: Benjamin Burnett and Gator Moore.

(this is the current working title)

Two boys, on a quest for adventure, go undercover to rescue a damsel in distress. Experience the imagination!!

Estimated release date is Summer/Fall 2008. Filming is scheduled during June.

 

Valentines Day Contest

PRINT AND DESIGN CONTEST FROM DIGITAL JUICE!!
Are you ready? Own any Digital Juice? If you need some DJ content, check our their downloads here.

Deadline is Feb. 14th - 'Click here' for the rules and guidelines!

 

Me & You, Us Forever

A new film from Dave Christiano is coming out on Feb. 15. This just might be a love story worth seeing. 'Click here' to visit the website. The trailer is kinda lame, but the story looks like it could possibly have promise. :)

 

February

It's that time of year again where every thing seems to turn pink and have hearts on it and films and graphic design projects are no exception.

Stay tuned for some updates on things coming up and contests in the works!

 

San Antonio Festival - 2009

BREAKING NEWS!!

San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival is now RESCHEDULED for JANUARY 2009. Click here to visit the website.

LOTS of new info - Vision Forum says to expect an email in the next few weeks with the new info.

NEW!!!
-New "Original Music" catagory for awards
-NEW PRICING, be sure to check that out.
-New conference dates

 

REAL IDENTITY

This is a topic I hadn't thought about very much, but I think its an issue that deserves some attention. The REAL ID....where the government wants to know who you are, what you do, where you've been and where you are going.

According to Wiki: Each card must include, at a minimum, the person's full legal name, signature, date of birth, gender, driver's license or identification card number. It also includes a photograph of the person's face and the address of principal residence. It is required to have physical security features designed to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes. In North Carolina, these new security features include a hologram of a map of the entire North American continent.

"There is no law that says you have to have an Social Security Number, but without it, it is pretty much impossible to, get a job, open a bank account, travel etc…" - Read this article

"But that is not all! All of this information will be put into a GPS tracking chip that is inserted into the card. Now when you are pulled over or go to the airport all they have to do is swipe your card and they have all your information including where you have been." - Read this article

MORE INFORMATION
- The REAL ID blog
- Find out what your state is doing about the REAL ID.
- Watch a video about the ID card.
- If you are a REAL research fanatic then you'll probably enjoy this article (right click, 'save as' to download this PDF.)

REAL ID Act of 2005
"The public continues to debate the issue, and there have been many other proposals for the creation of a national identification system, some through the standardization of state driver's licenses. The debate remains in the international spotlight -- several nations are considering implementing such systems. The U.S. Congress has passed the REAL ID Act of 2005, which mandates federal requirements for driver's licenses. Critics argue that it would make driver's licenses into de facto national IDs. EPIC and others have called for the repeal of this ill-conceived national identification law." Read the full article

What is the Response?
"Five states and several members of Congress have rejected the scheme, which creates a massive national ID system without adequate security or privacy safeguards, which makes it more difficult and costly for people to get licenses, and which makes it easier for identity thieves to access the personal data of 245 million license and cardholders nationwide." Read more here.

Here is Oklahoma's response to the REAL ID act. (right click, 'save as' to download this PDF)

 

No Super Bowl in the Church

Even though I'm not a big super bowl fan, I found this article rather interesting :)

"The biggest game of the year will be on television screens across the country this weekend as the undefeated New England Patriots take on the New York Giants. But the much-anticipated football game won't likely be showing on screens inside the churches this year."

Click here to read the full article.

 

24 Hour Contest

ANNOUNCING!! A 24 hour video contest for Christian Filmmakers and it starts on March 1st!

Rules and guidelines can be found here.