Saving the Green?

It's all over the news, Al Gore is out to stop global warming and he wants you, me, EVERYONE to join him.

ARTICLE 1
Former Vice President Al Gore is launching a $300 million, bipartisan campaign to try to push climate change higher on the nation’s political agenda. The campaign is being paid for in part with profits from Gore’s global-warming book and movie, “An Inconvenient Truth,” and with the prize money from his share of the Nobel Peace Prize, which he matched.
ARTICLE 2
While “An Inconvenient Truth” urged viewers to fully inflate their car tires and to install compact fluorescent light bulbs to combat global warming, Gore said he is now focused on ensuring that the United States enacts a national carbon emission cap and ratifies a new global pact on climate change in the next three years.“The simple algorithm is this: It’s important to change the light bulbs, but it’s much more important to change the laws,” he said.

'Click Here' to see a great little video that offers a counter perspective.

 

Franklin Springs

Franklin Springs has some new DVDs and a quite a bit of new blog info. They had a really neat premiere recently, they were at the NRB this year and his been working on a show that will be broadcast on TV.

If you haven't kept up with Ken Carpenter and his crew head on over and check it out!

 

Behind the Sun

Watch the trailer!


Behind the Sun follows the story of Samir Majan, a young man born and raised a Muslim in the Middle East who attended college in America.

After receiving a degree from a university in Chicago, he begins his trip back home to see his family. But something has drastically changed in the young man's life since coming to America.

As his welcoming committee awaits his arrival, the young man's fear and concerns are overwhelming. Samir knows trouble and persecution lie ahead because he has done the unthinkable. Samir has become -- a Christian. If his family finds out, he will be forced to deny his faith or they will send him behind the sun.

A young man's choice
A father's pain
A family torn apart

"Many Christian films have earned the reputation of being poorly written and poorly acted, but not Behind the Sun! This film is very well made. It keeps your attention and holds you in suspense. The message is powerful! I highly recommend Behind the Sun!" - Scott Eash

 

Photoshop EXPRESS

You shot it. Now do something to it. Crop, rotate, tweak, twirl, correct, and show off photos on Photoshop Express or Facebook. For free.

This is still in the testing stages, but hey it's free right now too! From what I understand it an online program and gallery for tweaking and keeping your pictures.

Check it out here.

 

Expelled

Here is another article about the film.

 

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

I heard about this film a while back. Well its out, in theatres and creating quite a disturbance. This is a follow up to the "disturbance link."

Ben realizes that he has been “Expelled,” and that educators and scientists are being ridiculed, denied tenure and even fired – for the “crime” of merely believing that there might be evidence of “design” in nature, and that perhaps life is not just the result of accidental, random chance.

To which Ben Says: "Enough!" And then gets busy. NOBODY messes with Ben.

I found a couple of clips from the film which are very insightful. Clip #1 - Clip #2 - Clip #3 - Clip #4 - I can't vouch for the content in the rest of the clips or even in the trailers. I wonder if they will submit to SAICFF? I know I would like to see the whole documentary at some point.

Visit the website.

 

Aeolus' Treasure

UPDATE: Final draft of the script is complete! Head over to the Filmweaver's blog to read more.

 

SAICFF Rules UPDATE!

Film shorts which in good faith were formally begun prior to the announcement of the 2009 rules (March 10, 2008), and where the filmmakers sign an affiddavit indicating that they were formally in production of the project prior to the announcement of the 2009 rules, are eligible under this "grandfather's clause" to submit their film short for consideration for semi-finalist status, even where the film is as long as 55 minutes in length. To apply under the “grandfather’s clause”, an affidavit signed by all producers and director(s) for the film must be received by the SAICFF office prior to submission of the film online.

 

Fireproof

Check their blog.

 

JJ & Faith and Family Flix

An online DVD rental store similar to NetFlix, only this group supports family values. I only recently heard about this company, you can read more here.

Classics, Comedy, Christmas....they have a large selection of films to choose from including Pro-Life. Be sure to take a look at THIS DVD!

 

New Poll!

VOTE!

It's been a while since I've had a poll on here so be sure to check it out! If you haven't heard about some of the films, then check out the links directly below the poll.

Looking forward to seeing the results!!

 

New Video

Fireproof has a new video clip on their website. Its under the "His & Hers" section, then click on "Watch Videos." Its a fun clip, head over and check it out!

 

Walt Disney

Vision Forum presents Disney: A Christian Critique.

Disney: A Christian Critique provides parents and independent filmmakers with a theological critique of Disney’s legacy and includes the most important lessons to be learned from Walt’s victories and failures. Presented first at Vision Forum Ministries’ Christian Filmmakers Academy, this groundbreaking symposium is a critical tool for anyone seeking to disciple their children in biblical cultural analysis.

 

SAICFF info

I have had several questions about SAICFF rules and regulations, so I went hunting for the info. Consider this a misc compilation of SAICFF info. :)

Academy Prices

Early Bird Academy Pass:$395.00/person
Standard Academy Pass: $595.00/person
Early Bird Special is valid through July 31, 2008.

Please Note:
Registration for the 2009 Christian Filmmakers Academy includes a free standard festival pass. Therefore you do not need to register for the festival if you register for the academy.

Pricing & Deadline Information

Early Bird Deadline: August 1st, 2008
Regular Deadline: Feature Films: November 1st, 2008 All Others: October 1st, 2008

Categories	Early Bird Price	Regular Price
Short Films	$50.00	$75.00
Commercial Adver.	$50.00	$75.00
Documentaries	$75.00	$100.00
Promotional Media	$75.00	$100.00
Feature Films	$100.00	$150.00
Origional Score	Part of film	Part of film
Treatment	$25.00	$25.00
SAICFF Trailer	FREE	FREE

Here are the rules for submitting to the SAICFF.

 

The Widow's Might

John has a new concept poster on his blog and is taking comments on which one looks better. Head over to the Heumoore blog and leave your vote.

 

The Longevity Secret

"According to the Bible, ancient people lived not just several decades, but several centuries. Could it be the secret to amazing longevity is about to be rediscovered? Might the quest to uncover the remains of an ancient wooden ship high atop Mount Ararat hold the key? Could this ship be Noah’s Ark ? Find out, in The Longevity Secret."

I must say that I'm intrigued after watching the trailer. They raise lots of questions that would be interesting to hear their answers. I'm not sure what to think yet.

Watch the trailer to this film here. I found out about this film from this website.

 

Like Dandilion Dust

Based on the book by the same title, comes a new film from Downes Brothers Entertainment.

The Downes Brothers are the team behind "The Moment After" series, and a have helped Christiano with several of his films. Be sure to check out the movie website and especially the blog.

THE STORY
Jack and Molly Campbell have everything in their small hometown outside West Palm Beach, Florida: Great house in a fancy neighborhood, high-paying job, and a beautiful little 4-year-old adopted boy, Joey. Until it's discovered that Joey's birth mother forged the signature of Joey's birth father, so the adoption was a fraud and Joeys biological father has been released from prison and is ready to start life over with his son.

When a judge rules that Joey must be returned to his father, Joey is suddenly thrust into a volatile household of people he's never met and, a father who doesn't know how to show love without violence. The Campbells, in a silent haze of grief and utter disbelief, watch their son pick a dandelion and blow the feathery seeds into the wind.

Struggling with the dilemma of following the law, their hearts, and what they know to be morally right, the Campbells find that desperation leads to dangerous thoughts. What if they devise a plan? Take Joey and simply disappear.... LIKE DANDELION DUST.

 

Come What May UPDATE

I came across this on a Christian forum today.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
I was the sound recordist on the pick up shooting on CWM in VA back in Feb. We're starting audio post/sound design on CWM in a few weeks at my studio in Colorado Springs in April.

John Doryk
film composer/sound designer
Night Sky Music & Sound Design
www.johndoryk.com

 

Pendragon Shoot #2 (2)

Here is the official Pendragon update on the latest film shoot.

 

Pendragon Shoot #2

Well they have completed the second weekend of filming before the big film shoot coming up later this spring.

Read about it here.

 

Fireproof Blog 2

UPDATE: They have added a new post!

They now have the post production blog up for the movie!!

FIREPROOF opens this fall … and that’s why the Blog is back! We will keep you updated about the movie’s opening, take you behind-the-scenes, share lots of FIREPROOF inside info, bring along some great guest bloggers, and so much more!

Check out all the new info here!!!!

 

The Best Movie Script Ever

Have you ever wondered what the ultimate movie script would be like?

This clip was shown at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Academy as an example of what NOT to do when writing a script. I've been looking for it ever since and happened to come across it the other day. I did trim it down some from the beginning and end but if you do a search for "Ask a Ninja 47" you can find the full clip.

'Click Here' to see the video.

Disclaimer: I do not endorse nor support the "Ask a Ninja" series.
Confession: I think this clip is really funny.

 

Fireproof Trailer - Update

Here is a Quicktime version of the trailer.

 

Update on Upgrades

I've had my old computer and software about three years and it was time for an upgrade. ReelCast has recently been updated to Final Cut Studio 2 and a 24" iMac. I'll be selling my old iMac G5 so send me an email if you're interested ;)

With dual 2.8GHz processors and 4GB of RAM I can definetaly "feel" the speed increase which is nice for rendering in Final Cut and working with large files in Photoshop. I am also amazed at how much more screen space there is going from 20" to a 24". A 30" just blows my mind....and some people use TWO of them. I'm happy with 24" at least for now :p The iMac came with the new Apple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse and I must say that I'm spoiled with them already :) The new thin Keyboard is very easy to type on and doesn't make very much noise. Mighty Mouse has a right click button and a scroller ball which are REALLY GREAT!!

I DIDN'T BUY IT FROM APPLE
I like to find the best deal that I can when buying...well...anything, as a result I didn't end up buying anything directly from the Apple store. I think I'm going to have to break down and buy the iMac AppleCare from them though.

-I found the iMac on eBay from a reputable seller for several hundred dollars less than the the Apple price.
-To upgrade the computer from 2GB of RAM to 4GB I chose Other World Computing. They have RAM for about half of Apple's price and they have fast shipping too.
-So where did I find a price break on Apple Software? Safe Harbor was running a special price for the Final Cut Studio 2 upgrade through January 31st.

I know this is just a general update, but I didn't have much else to post about today :)

 

NRB Press Conference

Read Doug's blog for more info regarding the NRB press conference. They are looking to have a $10,000 audience choice award!!

 

The Battle For Civilization

The Botkin's newest project is in production.

The Battle for Civilization is an ambitious seven-part television series. It represents a fresh and creative look at the little-known turning points in world culture that led to periods temporary civilization. The content will help viewers apply some very practical knowledge to the challenges of the 21st century.

The series will give average American men the intellectual tools they need to face the disintegrating disciplines of economics, science, history, art, politics and religion.

They have a couple of video clips on their blog. 'Click here' to visit the website.

 

SAICFF INFO!!

This week holds another big announcement! Vision Forum has released the official time lengths, categories, entry deadline and an updated BEST OF FESTIVAL award!!

Thanks to the generous donation of a private foundation, the cash prize payout for their annual “Best of Festival” Jubilee Award is being upped to more than $101,000, giving it the top rank for cash prizes among film festivals worldwide. In addition, it is expected that other cash, product and service related prizes will bring the total value of awards for the next SAICFF in excess of $200,000. Doug Phillips, founder of the SAICFF, will make the announcement at an official press conference to be held at 1:30pm at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

Read the official press release HERE! View categories here!

 

Fireproof TEASER!!

Ok everybody, one of the big moments has arrived! There is now a teaser for Fireproof!!! They have also put up an official website with pictures, movie clips and a behind the scenes video.

'Click Here' to visit the website and see the teaser trailer!

 

Pendragon Pics

This is a little promo I designed for the movie.

Wow, what a trip!! Praise the Lord for allowing this to work out!! I flew from OKC to STL on Wed., drove up with some of the "Southern Burns" to MI on Thurs., filmed on Fri. and Sat., drove back to STL on Sun. and flew back to OKC that evening.

My excitement for the Pendragon project has only escalated since being on set :) I was busy running a video camera most of the time and didn't take very many pictures. Hopefully you can sort of get an idea of the trip from my view.

Looking into the west.

This is known as the "Southern Burns" residence in IL. Home to Chad's parents and siblings. Chad's dad (Ray Burns) plays Artos' father and Nick plays Cadeyrn. I had a great time riding up with this crew.

This is known as the "Northern Burns" residence in MI. The famous "Hillfort" is located here in their backyard.

A few of the transportation fleet await the call of duty.

Aaron enjoying warmth, food and being inside. Actually, I think we all enjoyed those moments.

Aaron (as Artos) braving the cold. Those horses didn't like standing still and neither did we. NOTE: feet get cold when standing still in the snow.

You don't want this guy on your trail. Trust me.

Wenneveria and the King get set for another take. Hmm, ok so the horses did decide to stand still now and then.

Chad (Director) - Nick (Cadeyrn) - Ethan Ledden (Director of Photography)
This trio was often seen consulting over the best course of action.

Setting up for a crane shot. I am actually standing on a ladder for this scene to get some close ups of the actors as they ride their horses.

Trying to keep my hands warm. They had little heat packets that we carried around and wow were they helpful!

Framing up a shot. We used two Canon XL2 cameras during the shoot.
Thanks to Gabe Everson for the pics of me.

The end of the road, for that trip anyway.

Stay tuned to the Pendragon Blog for more updates as the filming continues. Special thanks to Chad for permission to post these pictures.

 

On the Pendragon Set!!

This is a quick graphic I put together in my moments of sheer excitement!

King Ambrosius leads the boar hunt

Wenneveria signals to the hunting party

Artos scans the woods

Cadeyrn, the man with the evil schemes

Yours truly running Camera B

The Pendragon blog has more pics from the weekend shoot.
-Blog Post #1 - Blog Post #2 - Blog Post #3

 

Fireproof Clips

I found this BTS of Fireproof and here is a short scene from the movie.

 

Michigan

Praise the Lord I made it back from the Pendragon shoot! It was quite an adventure and the weather was FREEZING cold.

They have done a great job with costumes and acting and locations, it all looked really really good!!

Hopefully I can post some pictures, once I get them off my camera.