RMM Minutes

RMM General Meeting Minutes – January 2014

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RMM General Meeting Minutes January 30, 2014 (January 2014 Meeting)
 
Start Time: 6:34PM
Total in Attendance: 32
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room
  • Announced membership price of only $25.00 a year, and joint RMM/RCTV membership for only $65.00 a year
    • Voting members get free tickets and discounts to events

 
Upcoming Events:
RMM M2M 2014

  • Announced all 19 teams that signed up completed their films on time
  • Screening and Awards Ceremony will be Monday, February 10, 2014 at 7:00pm at Cinema Theater

Executive Board Meetings

  • Next meeting is Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 6:00pm at The Little Theater Cafe

RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 6:00PM at Pita Pit, 311 Alexander Street
  • Bring outlines, short scripts, or first ten pages of feature for reading and discussion
  • All skill levels welcome

Script-A-Palooza

  • To be held during March 2014 RMM General Meeting
    • Script Competition for 10-page or less scripts (short films or excerpts from feature films)
    • Members vote for “Best Screenplay” award
    • Entrants are highly encouraged to attend a Writers Group meeting to pitch/read script and receive feedback

Speaker:
Avery Munger – “Pre-Production For Directors: Essential Tasks To Do Before Filming”
Background

  • What is a “Director”?
  • Definition: “A director is a person who directs the making of a film. Generally, a director controls a film’s artistic and dramatic aspects, and visualizes the script while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision.”
  • How involved is a Director? Arguable they spend the most time on a film – 20hr days are not unusual.

Director’s Role during pre-production mayhem

  • So what are the Essential Tasks
  • Create a Vision

Read the script!

  • For hired Directors this is a no-brainer and has to be done
  • For Writer/Directors – they usually think they can skip this step – mistake if they do
  • Why? Because they are already at disadvantage
  • too involved in the story for a fresh perspective and…
  • is difficult to have a gut (visceral) reaction like you would have reading someone else’s script

What do I do when I’m working on a film

  • Read the script as if it’s the finished film I’m watching – whether I wrote it or not
  • take lots of notes on the emotional responses I have on scenes/sequences/dialogue/characters
  • Many times I jot down colors, music, or other imagery that helps me remember and explain what my experience is
  • I use these notes to help determine the visceral core of the story and begin to formulate my vision from that

Do In-Depth Story Breakdown / Analysis

  • Simply: it’s what makes the story tick
  • For example: not the nuts & bolts, but the reasons
  • Not figuring out the props in each scene, etc.
  • this is done by the AD typically
  • Not figuring out the angles, locations, etc. that’s done later w/ the Cinematographer, etc.

What questions determine the reasons (or what makes it tick)?:

  • Who are the characters? what are their Internal/External needs in the story?
  • What are their obstacles and how to they adjust or overcome them?
  • What actions do they take in order to overcome the obstacles?
  • What is the A/B Plot, act breaks, sequences, etc.

What do I do?

  • First, I do a “Character Study” on each of the primary (lead & significant supporting) characters in the script – creating a “Character Spine”
  • Next, I do a “step outline” of the plot and the setups & payoffs throughout the script
  • I use to carry around a small steno pad with all these notes, but nowadays, it’s an iPad, Laptop, or phone
  • use these notes on set if necessary – hopefully the prep I’ve done will help the talent and bring out those great performances

Do an In-Depth Screenplay Logistical Breakdown

  • Just a note: This is typically done by the Assistant Director or a breakdown service. However, for many of us as Indie Directors usually need to wear many hats, so this is something you should at least try once for familiarity of the process.
  • So, what does a logistical breakdown look like?
  • First step, marking the 1/8ths for determining the length of a scene or sequence of scenes
  • valuable for Line Producer and AD for scheduling the shoot and time allotted on sets, locations etc.

Using breakdown sheets you’ll determine:

  • The number and types of actors required
  • How many scenes each actor will be in and the total length of their performances
  • The requirements, number and types of locations
  •  The number and types of stunts, special effects, visual effects
  • What special costumes and makeup will be required
  • What props are required

Collaborate w/ the Cinematographer (DP) and other creative crew

  • This one is essential.
  •  Frankly… you’re not doing your job as a director if your only collaborative communication with your DP is on set before you roll on each setup – not doing your film a favor either
  • A good DP will have done their own analysis and breakdown of the script and characters and may be able to contribute to improve and enhance your initial vision. For example:
  • how shot choice/lens choices affect story
  • how lighting and color pallets affect the audience perception of story

When working with your DP…

  • Convey your vision, mood, etc.
  • together, decide on the shots you must have
  • storyboard complex scenes
  • Discuss color, lighting, textures, costume, sets vs locations.
  • Determine what shots need special equipment.
  • Determine what shots involve VFX (if any) and bring in the VFX Supervisor to discuss

This is also where you would be meeting with your Prod Designer/Art Dir, Costumes, etc. discussing the same things above
Blocking/Rehearsals

  • Does this sound familiar?
  • “I have no time or money to rehearse!” I suggest you’ll have less time & money if you don’t rehearse
  •  “I want spontaneity from my actors” The lack of spontaneity is likely due to the exhaustion & frustration on set more than the fact they have rehearsed the part
  • My experience is that you get better performances when you rehearse scenes because they (the Actors) have had more time with the character by the time shooting begins
  • “I can fix it in post!” Not to sound harsh, but this is lazy filmmaking and can potentially cost more

Beside what I just mentioned… Why rehearse?

  • everyone goes onto the set the first day with a shared understanding of your vision
  • with tight budgets you’re dealing with 2-3 takes vs. 19+ marathon as you explain the characters and their objectives on set
  • You are not doing the bad habit of “dump-truck directing and providing your editor with 19+ takes of one shot
  • and you save money by shooting less days and being in post-production less time

Producers like Directors that are efficient and stay within preordained filming timelines and budget requirements – in other words, it won’t hinder you when looking for your next directing opportunity.
Final Thoughts
The most effective directors work by

  • being well prepared
  • having a strong vision
  • share that vision
  • encourage the crew and actors to participate in the process by each contributing their best effort and creativity.

 
End of Meeting: 8:00PM
Click below for the minutes in DOCX format:
RMM General Meeting Minutes – January 2014
 

RMM General Meeting Minutes – November 2013

rmm

RMM General Meeting Minutes November 21, 2013 (November 2013 Meeting)
 
Start Time: 6:34PM
Total in Attendance: 33
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room

 
Upcoming Events:
RMM M2M 2013

  • Thursday, January 23, 2014 – Sunday, January 26, 2013
  • www.rochestermoviemakers.org/events/m2m
  • Passed out flyers and encouraged people to help post them around Rochester
  • Announced Nora Brown, Dan Casper, and Mitch Goldman as judges for this year

RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 6:00PM at Pita Pit, 311 Alexander Street
  • Bring outlines, short scripts, or first ten pages of feature for reading and discussion
  • All skill levels welcome

Rochester Film Lab

RMM General Meeting

  • DATE CHANGE to Thursday, January 2, 2014 because of Christmas
    • White Elephant Party – bring worst holiday gift, re-wrapped, to get chance to open a new gift

RCTV/Rochester Documentary Group Panel Discussion

  • Topic of panel discussion: shooting documentaries/films outside of the country
    • Linda Maroney, Carvin Eison, and Nancy Gerstner will be on panel
    • Friday, November 22, 2013 at 4:30pm at RCTV
    • Free and open to the public

 
Upcoming Projects:
Crystle Slavy – Documentary

  • Making a short documentary about her tattoo artist friend who recently suffered from a stroke
  • Needs mostly sound and lighting help
    • Mics and mixers for sound
    • Fill light for interviews for lighting
  • Shooting mid-December 2013 to mid-January 2014
    • At Steadfast Tattoo
    • Shooting may only take an hour, finished product will be 5 to 10 minutes long
  • Contact crystle AT crystleslavy DOT com for more information

Mike McCourt – Instructional Videos (www.roccera.com)

  • Needs instructional videos made for his company, regarding ceramics manufacturing
  • Needs full production of these professional videos
  • Contact mamcourt AT att DOT net for more information

Curt Markham – Stop-Motion Film Re-Make

  • Remaking old stop-motion film produced on Super 8
  • Needs VO and SFX actors to re-record dialogue
  • Contact curt AT pixelmander DOT com for more information

Networking: 6:50PM – 7:10PM
 
Speaker:
John Centrone – Music and Sound in Film
Background

  • 2004 – founded Bethany Ridge Studios
  • Produces and composes original music – 12 short films, 2 documentaries, and five feature films in 5 years

“Music won’t make a bad film good, but it will make a good film great”
What music does in a film

  • Lends “emotion” to a film
    • Is the most artificial aspect of a film because we don’t have soundtracks to our lives
  • Enacts physiological responses in the viewer
    • Ex. Quickening pulse, increase in respiration, increase in blood pressure, etc.

There are automatic responses the audience has to different musical codes

  • Ex. Major scale = happy; minor scale = sad, scary, or unpleasant
  • Played different examples of different types of music that bring out different emotional responses
    • Ex. Biblical music, doom, flashbacks, passing time
  • John has a list of different emotions linked with different musical conventions he can use to create/enhance those emotions through music

To make a soundtrack for a film, John first establishes emotional cues in the film

  • Before making any music
  • Needs to fist establish a reason for music to exist

We cannot multi-task, and film takes advantage of this

  • So, we cannot listen to the music and notice the film at the same time
  • Music, therefore, is the background and it is used to lull us deeper into the film emotionally
    • All done subconsciously

Music serves three purposes

  • Physical function
    • Establishes setting/location, time, culture, underlying action, etc.
  • Psychological function
    • Creation of mood, rounding off the film, suggesting unspoken thoughts
    • Insight into makeup of character or philosophical point
    • Setting up for a surprise, or telegraphing (telling us something is about to come up)
  • Technical function
    • Building continuity from scene-to-scene (bridging through a fade to black) or overall continuity

Sources of Music for Film

  • Songs – for pop songs or songs by specific artists – need synchronization license
    • Could cost $5,000 to $300,000 for limited use
    • But brings all emotion associated with song into the film
    • Songs by unknown artists still need sync license, but can lost less or free
  • Library Music – fine to use, but is probably better to create original music
    • Can purchase right-to-use license for music in a library, and can do so royalty-free
      • It can be good, but it doesn’t always “fit like a glove”, like original music
  • A song may be in the public domain, but the recording is probably not
    • Need to re-record it to avoid royalties
    • Current copyright is life of recording artist + 90 years after death

Played scene from Bury My Heart With Tonawanda to demonstrate composition technique and show bridging between scenes

  • John likes to score films so that it seems like the film was cut to the music, instead of the other way around

Scenarios of Scoring

  • Hollywood Method – Composed-to-Picture Scenario #1
    • Full complement of musicians and technicians to score a film
      • Includes full orchestra
      • Can consume 3% to 5% of total film budget
        • Example: $45,000,000 film should have a film budget from $1,350,000 to $2,250,000
        • 60-piece L.A. film orchestra musicians make $253.00 per musician for fifteen minutes of recording time (=3 hours of working time)
          • Totals $15,800 for fifteen minutes of recording time
  • Rochester Method – Composed-to-Picture Scenario #2
    • Composer does everything – write, mix, dub, orchestrate, etc.
      • Is able to do it because of sampling software, which has gotten much better over the last ten years
      • Can also add just a couple of real musicians to the mix to greatly enhance the overall sound of the samples

Played clip from Step 9 (at 14:00 minute mark) and described his composition process
 
End of Meeting: 8:20PM
 
Click below for the minutes in DOCX format:
RMM General Meeting Minutes – November 2013

RMM General Meeting Minutes – October 2013

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RMM General Meeting Minutes October 30, 2013 (October 2013 Meeting)
 
Start Time: 6:37PM
Total in Attendance: 41
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room
  • Reminded participants to sign up online for e-mail list and join Facebook group

 
Upcoming Events:
Jimmy Day DSLR Workshops

  • Last day of workshop postponed until November 7, 2013 at 6:30pm at RCTV

RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 6:00PM at Pita Pit, 311 Alexander Street
  • Bring outlines, short scripts, or first ten pages of feature for reading and discussion
  • All skill levels welcome

Rochester Film Lab

RMM Executive Meeting

  • Next Meeting is Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 6:00PM at Little Theater Café

RMM General Meeting

  • DATE CHANGE to Thursday, November 21, 2013 because of Thanksgiving

 
 
Upcoming Projects:
Tom Barker – The Story of the A.C. Gilbert Co. remake

  • A clip of this film is being played at the Strong Museum of Play at the Toy Hall of Fame introduction
  • The entire film will be completed in December 2013
  • View the clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TePTbDlQ5RM

Adrien Esposito – Bury My Heart with Tonawanda

  • Filming behind-the-scenes interviews at ArtisanWorks in Rochester, NY

Mitch Goldman – Vows & Rites

  • Film is a romantic comedy written by Matthew Ehlers
  • Screening teaser trailer of film on November 13, 2013 at The Little Theater at 6:30pm
    • Thirty minutes of drinks/networking, then showing the trailer
  • Contact Mitch Goldman at gmitchellgoldman@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/VowsandRites for more information

Pasquale (Lou) Carrozziere and Laurence Genovese (Genozziere Productions) – Short Feature Contest

  • Proposed a “short feature film contest” and they will help create the best ones into actual feature filmes
  • Contact omnientaccess AT hotmail DOT com for more information

Tom Molloy and  Jeremy Sklar – Air Disturbance

  • Full-length feature film shooting in Rochester, NY December 2-21, 2013
  • “Paranormal Activity on a plane”
    • Actually shooting on a full plane on a backstage set at Kodak Theater On the Ridge
  • Many cast and crew positions need to be filled, and they are looking to fill those positions with Rochester locals
    • Both volunteer and paid positions
  • Will set up general e-mail inbox for e-mails eventually
    • Crew should e-mail Jason Torres (Production Coordinator) at jason.torres.j2 AT gmail DOT com
    • Cast should e-mail Judy Henderson Casting at judyhenderson AT mindspring DOT com

Networking: 7:00PM
 
Speaker:
No speaker, but Lou Carrozziere played demo reel as marketing for his production company
Screening:
Screened second half of The Shmoovies 2013
 
End of Meeting: 8:30PM
Click below for the minutes in DOCX format:
RMM General Meeting Minutes – October 2013

RMM General Meeting Minutes – July 25, 2013

rmm

Start Time: 6:36PM
Total in Attendance: 33
Location: RCTV (downstairs location)
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room

Upcoming Events:
Shmoovies

  • September 9, 2013 at Cinema Theater
  • Includes films such as Requiem for a Beauty Queen, Mirror Lake, Freedom Fighter, Step 9, and  Hundo Leeng
  • Stan Main made an announcement for Call for Entries and set out flyers for members to take
  • Patrons will be able to buy tickets online or at event with cash or credit card

RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 6:00PM at Pita Pit, 311 Alexander Street
  • Bring outlines, short scripts, or first ten pages of feature, and discuss

RMM Executive Meeting

  • Next Meeting is Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 6:00PM at Little Theater Café

Rochester Film Lab

Upcoming Projects:
Nate Sorrentino and Anthony Marotti – Humans vs. Zombies YouTube Series

  • Series is expanding and the audience demand is present
  • Needs sound mastering and sound effects help (Foley Artist)
  • Also need spokesmodel/actress for the trailer
    • Needs to be the “face” of the series; nice “pitch person” and recurring character
    • 18-25, female, physically fit, well-spoken, and good personality to interact with investors
  • Shooting Trailer ASAP, and other full episodes later in the year
  • Contact nsorrent10 AT gmail DOT com for more information or to get links to view his finished trailers
  • Contact Anthony Marotti at amarotti AT iti-now DOT com for more information on investing and acting

Jonathan Povoski (J.P.) – Rochester Comedy Documentary Project

  • Producing a documentary exploring stand-up comedy in Rochester, NY.
  • Currently in the research phase, gathering information and setting up formal interviews.
  • Looking for a second shooter and a sound engineer (prefers one with at the very least a shotgun and a Lavalier microphone (wired or wireless))
    • Currently has one shooter, but wants to have two (with a sound engineer) for the seven days that we capture an evening at each of the various venues.
  • Dates are not set but, but at least one evening for each day of the week (i.e. a Sunday night, a Monday night, etc.) for the various venues in town as well as six or seven days of interviews.
  • Contact jonathanpovoski AT hotmail DOT com or call (940) 220-1939 if interested

Chris Hazenbush and Nicki Pierce –Can’t Weight

  • Short Film (7-12 minutes running time, estimated)
  • Shooting dates – Saturday, August 24, 2013 – Sunday, August 25, 2013
  • Looking for Art Director to gather props and set up scenes
  • Also looking for Grips and Pas during shooting days
  • Contact chris AT rochestermoviemakers.org for more information

Tom Barker – The Story of the A.C. Gilbert Co. remake and Simple Gifts

  • Remaking a film produced thirty years ago about the company that created Erector Sets
  • Also filming Simple Gifts, a story about organic farming that will be entered in the 2014 Greentopia Film Festival
  • For both projects, a development assistant/script consultant is requested to help develop and hone the scripts for both of these projects
  • Contact tbbeqa AT mac DOT com or visit www.tombarker.net for more information

Randy Huckabone – Shadow House  Feature Film

Announcements:
Avery Munger – RED EPIC Camera for rent

  • Just purchased a new RED EPIC Cinema camera and is renting it out (along with him) at very competitive/reasonable rates
    • Comes with all necessary components and Avery’s expertise in using it
    • Contact avery AT threelightpictures DOT com for more information

Walter Tasbas

  • Suggested RMM start fundraising and shooting RMM-lead feature film (one a year)
  • Stan Main and Wayne Coughlin suggested discussing it at Executive Board meeting
    • Logistical issues prevent the board from taking on such projects, and RMM is set up as an educational cooperative, not for fund-raising

Speaker:
Nick DiBella – writer/producer/director of many films, including Cherry Crush and (most recently) King’s Faith

  • Spoke about what he learned about producing King’s Faith
  • Background
    • Got start at Kodak – borrowed 8mm and 16mm film cameras and starting making short films with family and friends
    • Entered films in “Movies on a Shoestring” film festival in Rochester
      • Showtime picked up “best of show” film, “Sweet Surrender”
    • Then started making short films for Kodak to promote new film product
      • First projects with big budgets
    • Next, started writing to get better at it
      • Read successful scripts and learned how they turned into great films
      • Used them as a “blueprint” for a successful feature film
    • Wrote query letters to producers directly when studios refused to read his scripts
    • Would also fax updates to agents he knew in the hopes of getting signed
    • Eventually sold a script to Warner Bros., and “all the doors opened up”
      • Sold eight scripts total in his career to date
    • Advice: Story is only as good as who is attached to it
      • For example, three of his scripts went into turnaround after being sold and have not yet been produced
    • Tries to write four screenplays a year
  • King’s Faith – Fundraising and Pre-production
    • Wanted a “deeper experience” for teens than in his successful Cherry Crush
    • About a teenager who finds faith while in prison, but temptation keeps luring him back
    • Did want to do a “Faith Movie” but soon realized that his script was of that genre
      • Also, there is a huge, Christian market hungry for Christian films
      • People in the Christian community want to see this movie
    • Is hopeful he can also return investors’ investment with this film
      • Has never seen this happen with a typical independent film, but thinks he can do it in the Christian market
    • Put together a polished, bound Business Plan to give to investors
      • Used realistic, similar movies as examples of box office successes to show this was a good investment (didn’t use huge blockbusters like My Big Fat Greek Wedding because those are unrealistic expectations)
      • An impressive Business Plan will “wow” investors
        • More details will also allow one to speak honestly and from a position of knowledge
      • Projected he would make 1.2 million dollars (including foreign and domestic sales)
        • Based on that, he budgeted for $750,000 ($600,000 shooting/$150,000 marketing)
    • Set up LLC and Private Placement Memorandum (filed with FCC) with attorney to legitimately raise money
      • Fundraising plan includes information on legal structure of investing, risk involved, and other legal issues)
        • Wanted to make investors feel comfortable and happy
        • Even set up weekly/monthly meetings with investors to keep them in updated (now they want to re-invest in new projects)
    • Also made a video teaser component to the investor pitch when he hit an investment wall
      • Added an extra level to the film experience
  • King’s Faith – Production
    • Much more organized than Cherry Crush
      • Cut scenes into strips and laid out to organize shooting schedule and continuity
      • Can save a lot of money by shooting in an smart, organized way
  • King’s Faith – Distribution
    • Tested his film about five times around the country and tweaked after each time
      • Had questionnaire for viewers to fill out
      • Allowed him to fix issues with the story or with characters to make the film better
      • Also tested music and tweaked that too
    • Two biggest questions from distributors – “Do you like it?” and “Would you recommend it?”
      • Scores were 90%/87% “yes” by end of screening (65%/45% is benchmark)
    • Once that data base available, distributors were more willing to take on the film
    • Advice: can’t think of theatrical release as a money-maker
      • Theaters and distributors take out too much to leave any room for producer profit
      • Instead, break up all revenue streams separately and control the deals with distributors
      • Faith Marketing (Christian bookstores) and General (RedBox, Target, Netflix, Wal-Mart, etc.)
      • Also needed foreign, but used Sony Provident for faith and foreign
    • Sony worked well by getting TV deals on Christian TV (UpTV – http://www.uptv.com/), including premiere events put on by the TV Channel
    • Also decided to try theaters, now that other avenues were working
      • Decided to do a controlled, word-of-mouth campaign in a few select cities
      • Opened in thirty-eight markets, and a buzz was created
      • Is hopeful of a $100,000 box office return
    • Generally, they were able to use success data as leverage to get better deals
      • Got better DVD cost deals, etc.
    • Was able to get e-mails addresses through website, and will blast e-mails when DVD is released to boost sales
      • Doing a TV premiere before DVD launch generated a good buzz that worked out for them
    • Made “production guides” for distributors to keep all parties on the same page
      • Project Management was key to distribution success
      • Cover as many holes as possible to retain control and avoid sinking
    • Distributors withhold 35% of your money for “restocking” fees when DVDs are returned unsold
      • However, they do it for digital too, so be aware and specify which parts of the deal have the money withheld for restocking
    • Advice: don’t let distributors take advantage of you, give you blanket deals, or give you advances on your money (you will never see any more than that advance)
  • Film Festivals
    • Only entered in one, and it didn’t do well
    • Tested much better with specific, Christian audience, as opposed to general public

 
Networking: 8:00PM
End of Meeting: 8:45PM

RMM General Meeting Minutes – June 27, 2013

rmm

Start Time: 6:36PM
Total in Attendance: 30
Location: RCTV (downstairs location)
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room

 
Upcoming Events:
Shmoovies

  • September 9, 2013 at Cinema Theater
  • Includes films such as Requiem for a Beauty Queen, Mirror Lake, Freedom Fighter, Step 9, and  Hundo Leeng
  • Wayne Coughlin made an announcement for Call for Entries to fill 2 or 3 available spots in the program
  • Deadline to send entry in is August 12, 2013

RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 6:00pm at Pita Pit, 311 Alexander Street

Rochester Film Lab

 
Announcements:
Saby  Reyes-Kulkarni

  • Teaching upcoming RCTV class on Garageband

 
Speaker:
Billy Powell – Wilhelmina Rochester (http://www.wilhelminarochester.com/)

  • Spoke about Actor Representation and Modeling inRochester,NY
    • Founded U.S. Talent 20 years ago, then merged with Wilhelmina and joined a strong network of many different agencies
    • Provided extras for The Amazing Spider-Man 2
    • Currently represent sixty to seventy actors/actresses
    • Does a lot of commercials, print work, and industrial films
    • Can work with acting “types”, but prefers trained actors because they are professional and are better to work with (show up on time, etc.)
    • Wilhelmina Rochester also teaches modeling and acting at their studio (by audition only)
    • Hold auditions before deciding who to represent
      • Actors need to provide own head shots and video reels (professionally edited, one to three minutes in length)
      • Hold auditions every two weeks
      • Most actors are non-union in this area, and can negotiate ad hoc waiver deals for actors to act in SAG productions without actually joining
      • Wilhelmina Rochester works on a commission-based business model
      • Wilhelmina Rochester can help with local productions
        • Can hold castings at their location
        • Try to work with local filmmakers as long as deals are fair
          • For example, some will work for no money, as long as it’s a good project that will help enhance their video reel or give them more experience
  • Can contact Billy for help with film casting, even at a no-budget level

Upcoming Projects:
Randy Huckabone – Shadow House

Nate Sorrentino – Humans vs. Zombies Film Series

  • Series is expanding and the audience demand is present
  • Needs sound mastering, effects, and sound editing help (Post and Foley)
  • Contact nsorrent10 AT gmail DOT com for more information or to get links to view his finished trailers

Noel Bastien – Urban Development

Walter Tasbas – Bigger Than Bigfoot

  • Family/Drama Feature Film project
  • Looking for general help with film (acting and camera operator are most important)
  • Also needs funding for project
  • Looking to shoot October through December 2013
  • For more information or to help out, e-mail waltertasbas AT yahoo DOT com

Chris Hazenbush and Nicki Pierce – I Just Can’t Weight

  • Short film read at RMM Script-A-Palooza
  • Announced that accomplished Producer Avery Munger has accepted the role of Director and Charlie Smith will be scoring the short film
  • Scheduled to shoot in August 2013

Donald O’Brien – POV Experimental Short Film project

  • Looking for boom mic operator
  • E-mail aboutafilm AT gmail DOT com for more information or help out

Wayne Coughlin – Walking…

  • Mockumentary
  • Looking for: Experienced 2nd Assistant Director
  • E-mail wayne AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org for more information or if interested

 
Networking: 7:30PM
 
End of Meeting: 8:30PM

RMM General Meeting Minutes – May 30, 2013

rmm

Start Time: 6:30PM
Total in Attendance: 50
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  •  Made individually around the room

 
Upcoming Events:
RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 6:00pm at Pita Pit, 311 Alexander Street

Rochester Film Lab

RMM Executive Board Meeting

  • Next meeting Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 6:00pm at Little Theater Cafe

RMM General Meeting

  • Next meeting is Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:30pm at RCTV

 
Announcements:
RMM Auditions

  • Videos from event will be put online shortly

Adrian Esposito – Bury My Heart with Tonawanda

  • Screening film on June 27, 2013 at 7:00PM at Memorial Art Gallery Theater (500 University Ave.)
  • Will also be screened at the Montreal First Nation Festival

Mary Wilkins – Freedom Fighter

  • Screening film at Pittsford Cinema on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 11:00am
  • Cost: $2.00
  • E-mail Mary if you would like to attend so she can get an accurate head count

 
Speaker:
Tom Malloy – actor, writer, producer, director, and author of Bankroll, the definitive text on independent film fundraising

1.       NOT firing the pissed-off crew guy

  • Just get rid of him from the start and get a better guy in (better attitude, etc.)

2.       Don’t cheap out on food

  • If you can’t afford good craft services, make something nice for everyone

3.       Do NOT make quick decisions (especially regarding hiring/firing)

  • Make up your mind and stick with it
  • Regarding employees, check references and pick good workers

4.       Spend your money on actors

  • Get the right people that are great actors/right for your script
  • Your film will be awful with bad acting, even if it looks great

5.       Do NOT give control to someone else

  • Don’t give others too much power over your shoot (ex. Don’t give someone the power to shut you down or dictate your shooting schedule)

6.       Don’t forget to buy and give out swag

  • People are kept happy, and it’s free advertising

7.       NOT taking charge is a mistake

  • You must have a vision and know where you’re going
  • People will believe your vision and follow you/respect it

 
Upcoming Projects:
Wayne Coughlin – Walking…

  • Mockumentary
  • Looking for: location manager, production designer (costume/hair/makeup/etc.), script supervisor, and grips (PAs)
  • E-mail wayne AT rochestermoviemakers.org for more information or if interested

Saby  Reyes-Kulkarni – Documentary about LGBT members of local African American churches

  • Needs DP, camera, and sound assistance for shoots in June through October

o   June shoots include filming/recording a Reverend on a Sunday

  • Also is looking for a vacant, studio space to rent as an “anchor” location throughout production
  • Will air on RCTV and positions may be paid
  • E-mail sabyreyeskulkarni AT gmail.com for more information on the project, shooting schedule, and for more details on the studio space he is looking to rent

Patrick Jaouen – Episodic Film Project

  • Needs actors for the following roles at the end of June for shoots after business hours or weekends:

o   Person working on a farm
o   Band looking for record deal
o   Waiter/Waitress
o   Truck Driver
o   Social worker
o   Janitor
o   Postal worker

  • Also has an opportunity for a paid job at a running race

o   Lighting, sound, and camera are needed

  • Contact patrick.jaouen AT gmail.com for more information

Nate Sorrentino – Humans vs. Zombies: Rise of the Resistance

  • Needs sound effects and orchestral scoring needed for shot projects
  • Needs cinematographer for upcoming shoots
  • Needs fight choreographer as well
  • Contact nsorrent10 AT gmail.com for more information or to get links to view his finished trailers

Pacho Lane – Documentary about the first Peace Corp

  • Needs an Assistant Editor for his film
  • Visit www.docfilm.com or e-mail ethnoscope AT yahoo.com if interested

Bill Edwards – Surviving Evidence

  • Paranormal Thriller shot in the Hudson Valley June 23, 2013 to June 30, 2013
  • Needs the following equipment, and is interested in rented or borrowing:

o   Two hanging Black Screens
o   LED 1000 Lights
o   Heavy duty dolly with shocks for taking motion shots
o   Broken camera to use a prop

  • Contact wedwards AT citaventures.com if able to help out

 
Networking: 7:30PM
 
End of Meeting: 8:30PM
 
 

RMM General Meeting Minutes – April 25, 2013

rmm 
INTRODUCTIONS
***
RMM BUSINESS
RMM AUDITIONS
May 18 at RCTV
9:30am - 2:00pm
Info sheets on the website at
http://rochestermoviemakers.org/auditions
RMM WRITERS WORKSHOP
Alternate Tuesdays, Upstairs at Pita Pit
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Upcoming meetings
April 30
May 14
May 28
***
PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENTS
"Urban Development" casting at RAPA
A film about two businessmen battling for control of an area of the city ripe for re-development. Casting for a feature film being shot in Rochester, NY.
Auditions on Saturday April 27th from 12noon-5pm at the RAPA Theatre (Rochester Association of Performing Arts)  727 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14605
Please email headshots and resume to casting@urbandevelopmentmovie.com or bring with you.
RCTV 2013 Member/Producer Mini-Grant Competition
Between May and June 2013, RCTV15 will award two (2) mini-grants in the amount of $2,500 each to RCTV members (individual or organizational members) to support production of new programs about compelling, local issues. The programs will air on RCTV-15.
Contact CWhiteLlewellyn@msn.com
"Purple Heart" cast and crew needed
locations, director of photography
shooting may 21-26
contact Peter Kiwitt at prkpph@rit.edu
website: http://peterkiwitt.wordpress.com/short/
see indiegogo at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/purple-heart
"The Leaderboard"
Video gaming reality webseries
Asking for Kickstarter support at http://kck.st/14SyE4b
shooting July 20-21
contact kurtawirth@gmail.com
"Walking That Lonely Road"
Faux documentary about a fictional 1960s folk music group.
Casting at RMM Auditions
see sides at http://rochestermoviemakers.org/auditions
contact Wayne Coughlin wcoughlin@bluemoonfilms.com
***
APRIL SPEAKER: Jimmy Day, videographer/producer WXXI
Basics of Lighting - four things to think about
1) Quality of light (how diffuse)
2) Quantity (the ratio on the subject)
3) Color Temperature
4) Source
Don't be afraid to take your time to get good lighting.
Pre-rig if possible.
3 to 1 ratio: the light part of the face should be 3 times the brightness as the shadow part of the face.
Negative fill: if too much light, use black cloth off camera to stop bouncing.
Contrast: can add some in post, but not take away, so err on the "flat" side.
Windows: use CTO Neutral Density Gel to correct for daylight.
Dark and light skin tone in same shot? Expose for the lighter skin so it doesn't over expose. In general, always expose for highlights.
Most important thing in shot should be the brightest thing. Your eye will go to it.
Keep light off walls (end up too bright) and keep subject away from walls.
***
TRAILER FOR "THE DEAD DEADS"
Presented by Eric Maira and Patrick Montanaro
***
MEETING END: 8:30 pm

RMM General Meeting Minutes – March 28, 2013 – Script-A-Palooza

rmm

Start Time: 6:36PM
Total in Attendance: 43
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room

 
Upcoming Events:
RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meetings are April 2 and April 16, 2013 at 6:00pm at Pita Pit, 311 Alexander Street

Rochester Film Lab

RMM General Meeting – April 2013

  • Next meeting is Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:30pm at RCTV

Shmoovies 2012

  • Tentative date for screening of 2012 Shmoovies is Monday, August 5 at Cinema Theater

 
Upcoming Projects:
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 filming in Rochester

  • Need extras for street scenes
  • E-mail your photo, contact information, and year/make of your car to Rochester AT gwcnyc.com
  • Can also get information on the Rochester Film Commission page on Facebook

 
Curt Markham Project

  • Needs British voices for an upcoming radio/animation project
  • Contact Curt Markham at curt AT pixelmander.com for more information

Jeff Burkey Match King Project

 
Script-A-Palooza
Seven ten-page (or less) screenplays read

  • Hank Shaw – “Shut Your Mouth (You Stupid Idiot)”
  • Dominique Pierce – “I Just Can’t Weight”
  • Mike Russo – “Billiard Balls”
  • Curt Markham – “Up the River”
  • Zachary Welch – “Rock Bottom”
  • Mike Boas – “Ingredients”
  • Wayne Coughlin – “I Don’t Want a Pickle, I Just Want to Ride My Motorsickle!”

Each participant voted for best screenplay (voting members’ vote counted twice)
 
Winners

  1. Curt Markham – “Up the River”
  2. Mike Boas – “Ingredients”
  3. Hank Shaw – “Shut Your Mouth (You Stupid Idiot)”

 
Networking: 8:15PM
 
End of Meeting: 8:45PM