RMM General Meeting Minutes – July 2014

rmm

July 31, 2014
Start Time: 6:34PM
Total in Attendance: 39
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room
  • Stan Main announced Ric Hooker will be stepping down as RMM Treasurer, and Chris Hazenbush will be taking over as Interim Treasurer
    • Board presented Ric with Award of Recognition for his service as RMM’s Treasurer, Greeter, and Membership Coordinator

 
Upcoming Events:
RMM Writers Group

  • Meetings now on alternate Thursdays at RCTV
  • 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Next meeting is August 7, 2014 and August 21, 2014

 
Upcoming Projects:
Stan Main – RMM Director’s Forum

  • Television program on RCTV
  • Looking for Directors
  • Shootings on Mondays, airs on Wednesdays or Thursdays
  • Contact stan AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org for more information

Adrian Esposito – Disability Hollywood

  • Documentary about disabilities in Hollywood
  • May need cameraman to shoot an Advocacy Group Meeting at Arc of Monroe County (http://www.arcmonroe.org/)
    • Will be screening Freaks and wants to get participants’ reactions on film
  • Doesn’t know date nor time yet
  • Has camera to use
  • Contact adrianesposito AT rochester.rr DOT com for more information

Brian Page – Once in A Good Many Million Times

  • Shooting a film in Angelica, NY
  • Set in the 1800s
  • Looking for crew and actors
  • Looking for props, a horse-drawn carriage, and horses
  • Shooting during the last two weekends in September and the first weekend in October
  • Will have an Indiegogo campaign in late August
  • Contact empirefilmny AT gmail DOT com for more information

Hayden Freedman – short film

  • Having sound problems with mic (hissing noises)
  • Needs help recording clean sound

Neeti Fidurko – Who Would Jesus Date

  • Comedic short film, 20 minutes
  • Current in pre-production and will be shooting in a few weeks
  • Needs the following crew:
    • On-Location Sound Recorder
    • Gaffer (lighting)
    • Make-up Artist
    • Location Scout

Curt Markham – “The Search for Silverspear”

  • Restored film that Curt made in high school
  • Needs
    • Voice Over actors for some characters
    • Sound Effects crewmember
  • Hopes to have it done by the end of the year (2014)

Rebecca (Becca) Delaney and Brandonne Rankin – Fast Forward Film Festival Call for Entries

  • A new film festival/event in connection with Andy Stern and his Lost Bird Project (http://www.lostbirdproject.org/about)
  • WXXI, The Little Theater, and RIT/Pollution Prevention Institute are premiere sponsors
  • Goal: to connect the viewers in some way with the environment – must inspire people to do something about climate change
  • The Festival will be local (Rochester) films only, but the festival will then move to other cities
  • Will be held on Earth Day 2015 and will span three days
  • Submission window – October 8, 2014 (8:00am) through February 27, 2015 (11:59pm)
    • Can submit multiple files
    • Each film must be five minutes or less in length
    • No entry fee
    • Submit on website www.fastforwardroc.org
  • Cash awards will be given in three categories:
    • “Most Inspiring, Compelling, and Engaging”
    • “Most Unique Perspective”
    • “Strongest Call to Action”
  • Jury Panel includes:
    • Enid Cardinal
    • Deborah Dickson
    • Jack Garner
    • Todd McGrain
  • Films may be aired on PBS at a later date
  • Website www.fastforwardroc.org will be live October 1, 2014
  • Contact Rebecca AT fastforwardroc DOT org for more information

 
Networking:
 
Speaker:
Johannes Bockwoldt – “Reading Phillip Seymour Hoffman”

  • Gave short excerpt from his upcoming class at Writers & Books
  • Screened Love Liza
    • Hoffman brings life into awkward characters
  • Screened Ray
    • Works from  the inside, out
    • Studies the characters and finds the truth behind them
    • “Representational actor” vs. “Presentational Actor”
      • Foxx vs. Hoffman
        • Foxx is more of a representation of Ray Charles, whereas Hoffman does more analysis of his character at every single moment
  • Played sound clip of Doubt with the screenplay displayed
    • Good writing mixes with good acting
    • Drama and tension builds in the excerpted scene
    • “Good writing creates a great acting opportunity”
    • Drama is Conflict
  • Played sound clip of Savages with the screenplay displayed
    • Another example of drama as conflict
    • Hoffman gets to the truth of a character and the truth of the script
  • Also explored excerpts from Uta Hagen’s works on acting
  • Hoffman – actors explore themselves and others, which can be burdensome

 
End of Meeting: 8:15PM
RMM General Meeting Minutes – July 2014 WORD DOC

RMM General Meeting Minutes – June 2014

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Rochester Movie Makers General Meeting 6/26
Attendance- 17
*Introductions
New Business

  • Wayne announced that the Writer’s Group will no longer be meeting at Crossroads Cafe due to their short hours in the summer. They will have to find yet another place to have the next meeting which is July 9th from 6pm-9pm
  • Stan announced that Johannes B. is holding a class called “Reading Phillip Seymour Hoffman”
  • *Stan also mentioned that he received info from Matt Ehlers that he will be shooting his film “Vows and Rites” in September. They have been casting and gathering funding. He says that hopefully we will be able to get either Matt or Producer Mitch Goldman to one of our meetings soon to get more infer and see what opportunities it holds for RMM members.
  • Because of the success of the 72 mind to movie competition, we (RMM exec board) are considering a new event to be held in the summer tentatively titled the “384 hr fest” which would be approximately 3 weekends. Opened the floor for questions/comments: Curt said he didn’t like the idea of all the teams having the same judging criteria (props, line). However, Stan said it levels the playing field and Wayne said that the the criteria will be very general so that it will help the filmmakers to be more creative in their interpretation. Stan mentions that the winning film may be judged on having the audience vote for their favorite. Rachel likes the audience award as it will encourage people to bring friends and have people stay for the duration of the program. Stan then showed the mock-up of the two potential trophies, in which the winner’s names will be inscribed.

Projects

  • Wayne says he is shooting an anthology series titled “On the Verge,” which consists of 3 stories all with a common theme. He has no shooting date set, but is looking for a sound person (doesn’t have to have equipment, but some sound experience), props and a costumer.
  • Curt mentions that he and Liz Lehmann are working on a film titled “Elevator Pitch.” They will be shooting in August. All crew positions are open and they just need to cast one more part.
  • Cara D’emanuele is the casting person on an ongoing sitcom called “The Church.” They are on the lookout for writers and crew people for all upcoming episodes.

Featured Speaker
Brie Merkel – Works at the Little Theater. She and several others including cinematographer JR Kraus and Eric Maira are working on a short film titled “Adam Imitating Art.” The story is about a delivery boy who is mistaken for a film director at a film festival. They wanted to explore the world of film festivals and the interesting characters that it can produce. They will be shooting from August 27-31 and still have crew positions available (they still needs PA’s, camera assistant, and extras). They are in the middle of a kickstarter campaign to raise $19,000 which will cover the cost of the film as well as pay for cast and crew. Kickstarter link is https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/861280802/adam-imitating-art
Trailer
Curt Markham showed a short trailer for his restored film that he has been working on – “The Search for Silverspear.” He would like to find people to do additional voice over work for some of the characters as well sound effects. However, some people thought that it was cool that he did all the voices himself and it works towards the kitchy-ness of the piece. He hopes to have it done by the end of the year.
RMM General Meeting Minutes – June 2014 DOCX

RMM General Meeting Minutes – May 2014

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May 29, 2014
Start Time: 6:32PM
Total in Attendance: 17
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room

Upcoming Events:
RMM Writers Group

  • Location moved to Crossroad’s Café (behind Cinema Theater)
  • Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Next meeting is June 11, 2014
  • Bring outlines, short scripts, or first ten pages of feature for reading and discussion
  • All skill levels welcome
  • Sign up to receive updates on RMM Writers Group’s Facebook page

RCTV’s 35th Annual Black Music Month Celebration

  • RMM bought a ten-seat table
  • Anyone interested in going with RMM board members should contact stan AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org

RMM Auditions

  • Film audition reels almost completed and will be available for viewing online shortly
  • Over fifty auditioners this year

Upcoming Projects:
Adrian Esposito – Journey in Brookside

  • Writing a script about institutions for the mentally ill from the 1960s and 1970s
  • Needs help/assistance with structure and story of his screenplay
  • Wants to finish script in December and start shooting next year
  • Contact adrianesposito AT rochester.rr DOT com for more information

Other Announcements:
Mike McFadden – available for freelance work and teaching/training

  • Mike McFadden is a full freelance sound technician and is now available to help work on projects/films/etc.
  • Is also willing to train others on his gear/sound setup
  • Contact michaelmmcfadden AT gmail DOT com for more information

Speaker:
Mary Reed – Executive Director of High Falls Film Festival (HFFF)
Background

  • HFFF is a film festival that celebrates women in film
  • Today, only 16% of the top 250 films are run by women
  • Started in 2001 in Rochester because of its convergence of women’s rights and the motion picture industry
  • 2010 – festival changed its focus and became the “360/365 Film Festival” for two years
  • 2012 – new festival wasn’t working, so the board took a year off to rebrand again
  • 2013 – switched back to HFFF and had first festival again April 2013
  • This year, HFFF is October 23-26, 2014 at the Little and Dryden Theaters
  • www.highfallsfilmfestival.com

Festival Submission Criteria

  • First preference for an accepted film is a woman behind the camera (producer, director, cinematographer, writer)
  • Also looking for films with a strong female lead or a positive life experience
  • Local films that don’t meet this criteria can still be entered and shown as a “spotlight” piece, not included in the official festival
  • Can submit films online for consideration
  • Deadline is probably going to be in early or late August
  • Can submit if it hasn’t shown yet in Rochester or on broadcast
  • Can also resubmit if a film didn’t get in previously

Programming

  • Currently starting to program the festival by getting films
  • Nora Brown is head of programming committee
  • Very close to bringing in a big-name director to attend festival
  • Will probably show twenty films, including a shorts, children’s, and animation programs
  • Planning on building in coffee chats with filmmakers
  • Including a panel with local filmmakers
  • In need to narrative films right now (need more narrative film submissions)
  • HFFF is trying to balance local spotlight films with films about/by women

Other

  • Need volunteers to help out
  • Looking for sponsorship

End of Meeting: 8:00PM

Annual Meeting and Party 2014

rava

RAVA Announces its 58th Annual Meeting and Party!

Please join us at Havana Cabana on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 for RAVA’s Annual Dinner Party featuring Special Guest Speaker Brenda Tremblay, host and producer of Classical 91.5FM. BrendaTremblay

  • 5:30pm – Networking and Cocktails
  • 6:00pm – Dinner
  • 6:40pm – Opening Remarks & Officer Reports
  • 7:00pm – Brenda Tremblay

Family style menu: Tossed Salad, Beef Bordelaise, Chicken Madeira, Rainforest Talapia, Pulled Pork with Blackberry Rum BBQ. Brenda will speak briefly about how she got started in radio, how she engages and gets the best out of interviewees, marketing to an audience, career challenges gravitating to how social media has changed her approach.

Please RSVP to rsvp@myrava.com with number of guests and mail $29.50 (incl. tax and gratuity) for each to:
(Make checks payable to RAVA).
Taylor Whitney
Preserving the Past, LLC
2290 East Ave
Rochester NY 14610
or pay online via PayPal below. 
 
(Street parking or in back of The Old Toad $5.00. Havana Cabana reimburses $3.00)
PDF Flyer for sharing.
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RMM General Meeting Minutes – April 2014

rmm

RMM General Meeting Minutes – April 24, 2014 (April 2014 Meeting)
 
Start Time: 6:35PM
Total in Attendance: 20
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
    • Sign up at www.rochestermoviemakers.org
    • Voting members get free tickets and discounts to events
    • RMM is not in it for the money, and all of the membership fees go to keeping the group going

Upcoming Events:
RMM Writers Group

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 6:00PM, LOCATION TBD (no longer Pita Pit)
  • Bring outlines, short scripts, or first ten pages of feature for reading and discussion
  • All skill levels welcome
  • Sign up to receive updates on RMM Writers Group’s Facebook page

RMM Executive Board Meetings

  • Next meeting is Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 6:00pm at The Little Theater Café
  • Open to anyone

RMM Auditions

  • Film auditions and casting event for Summer Shorts Productions
  • Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Wilhelmina Rochester (http://www.wilhelminarochester.com/)
  • Writers/Producers/Directors can submit scripts to read for your film, but will also have prepared sides for ages 10 to 70, male and female
    • Auditions will be videotaped and can be made available for viewing
    • E-mail wayne AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org with sides or your screenplay ahead of time so actors can prepare using your script
  • Sides are posted on Auditions website www.rochestermoviemakers.org/events/auditions
  • E-mail Wayne Coughlin ( wayne AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org ) or Mike Boas ( mike AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org ) to schedule an audition appointment
  • Passed around Auditioners Fact Sheet, Producers Fact Sheet, and Flyer

 
Upcoming Projects:
Ken Rhodes – Inbox (35-page short film, dark comedy)

  • Originated from “Junk Box” webisodes
  • Needs lighting crew member, a second cinematographer, and location scout
  • Looking for cubicle space and airplane hangar as sets
  • E-mail Ken at sales AT str82vdo DOT com for more information

Mike Boas mentioned needing location agreements, insurance, and permits for street shooting – mentioned www.rochestermoviemakers.orgas a source for template forms and agreements
 
Patrick Montanaro – The Dead Deads Screening

  • Screening of Werewolf House’s The Dead Deads will be on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 7:00pm at the Little Theater
  • Also plans to enter it into Horror Film Festivals

 
Ben Doran – “Tapes” (live action web series)

  • About characters that decide to pirate blu-rays using VHS tapes
  • Has actors already, but is looking for any crew help

 
Mike Boas – Hero of the Underworld (feature-length film)

  • Tom Malloy project with Jon Vincent directing and Mike Boas as AD and editor
  • Trying to get rough cut by end of May
  • Need to raise additional funds for post-production
  • Set up an www.indiegogo.com campaign

 
Other Announcements:
Noel Bastien – Co-Op Working Space Query

 
Curt Markham – Update on Animated Feature

  • Produced stop-motion animated film over 20 years ago, and is now digitizing and re-mastering it from the old Super8 film
  • Re-recorded all voices and added soundtrack
  • Screened it recently at Rochester Brainery to positive reception
  • Will soon be completing a full HD transfer with Taylor Whitney at Preserving the Past (http://www.preservethepast.com/)
  • Will also be adding sound effects and an original score

Speaker:
Nicolette Hart from Wilhelmina Rochester (www.wilhelminarochester.com)
Background

  • Wilhelmina Rochester is one of twelve Wilhelmina affiliates in U.S.
    • Represent 300 models/actors, and they are all networked with other Wilhelmina affiliates
    • Can get any demo reel for any Wilhelmina client instantly through “Lightbox”
  • Wilhelmina Rochester‘s goal is to get Rochester clients “up and running” with demo reels, headshots, and proper knowledge to succeed in acting/modeling
  • Also have casting, dressing rooms, and make-up rooms that anyone can rent out
  • W Evolve is the teaching branch of Wilhelmina Rochester
    • Just starting out, but they plan on teaching classes on acting/modeling, including auditioning
    • Have access to great NYC instructors
    • All clients must go through the W Evolve “process” before Wilhelmina decides if they will represent the actor/model
  • Wilhelmina Rochester will also help writers/local filmmakers by hosting table reads with their actors
    • “Good actors will make a lousy script better, and will also give feedback to improve it”
  • Tips on Auditioning
  • Prepare by reading the audition sides to know the character
    • Should be able to look up during key moments, instead of just reading script the entire time
  • Prepare by learning background of script, as well as filmmaker
    • Read the full script (if available), as well a synopsis and writer’s other work
    • It’s sometimes helpful to know what phase the script is in (draft, finished, etc.)
    • Know the context and relationships between characters
    • Ask the producer if he wants any improvisational performances
      • Allows you to potentially add more ideas at the audition
  • If reading from a monologue, it should be theatrical and related to the project being auditioned
  • Should you dress up for audition?
    • It depends on who is casting and what kind of audition it is

Tips for Producers/Casting Directors

  • For character breakdown, don’t include things like hair color
    • Hair colors has nothing to do with acting talent
    • It eliminates the pool too much and limits who an agency can send

 
End of Meeting: 8:00PM
RMM General Meeting Minutes – April 2014 (DOCX)

RMM General Meeting Minutes – March 2014 (Script-A-Palooza)

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March 27, 2014 (March 2014 Meeting) – Script-A-Palooza
 
Start Time: 6:37PM
Total in Attendance: 42
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room

 
Upcoming Events:
RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, April 1, 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

RMM Auditions

  • Film auditions and casting event for Summer Shorts Productions
  • Tentatively set for Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Wilhelmina Rochester (http://www.wilhelminarochester.com/)
  • Writers/Producers/Directors can submit scripts to read for your film, but will also have prepared sides for ages 10 to 70, male and female
    • Auditions will be videotaped and can be made available for viewing
    •  E-mail wayne AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org with sides or your screenplay ahead of time so actors can prepare using your script 

Upcoming Projects:

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

  • Janet Lipp – “The Black Box”
  • Susan Baruch – “The Whole Mishpocha”
  • Hank Shaw – “Help! The Producer is Killing Us”
  • Laurence Genovese – “The Author of Death”
  • Ken Rhodes – “Inbox”
  • Michael Conolly – “You’ll Never Croak in this Town Again”
  • Curt Markham – “Can I Tell You a Story”
  • Wayne Coughlin – “Mischief Night”

Each participant voted for best screenplay (voting members’ vote counted twice)
 
Winners
1.       Hank Shaw – “Help! The Producer is Killing Us”
2.       Curt Markham – “Can I Tell You a Story”
3.       Ken Rhodes – “Inbox”
 
End of Meeting: 9:00PM

RMM General Meeting Minutes – March 2014 (DOC)
 

RMM General Meeting Minutes – February 2014

rmm

February 27, 2014 (February 2014 Meeting)
Start Time: 6:37PM
Total in Attendance: 23
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
    • RMM is not in it for the money, and all of the membership fees go to keeping the group going

 
Upcoming Events:
Script-A-Palooza

  • To be held during March 2014 RMM General Meeting – March 27, 2014
    • Script Competition for 10-page or less scripts (short films or excerpts from feature films)
    • Members vote for “Best Screenplay” award
    • No money involved, but it is a fun night for all involved
  • Entrants are highly encouraged to attend a Writers Group meeting to pitch/read script and receive feedback
  • RMM will make a CALL FOR ACTORS before the event to get readers for the scripts
    • Will have a chance to read the scripts beforehand to give the best performance/reading
  • E-mail either wayne AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org or mike AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org to either submit a screenplay or sign up to be an actor/reader for the event
    • Visit http://www.rochestermoviemakers.org/events/scriptapalooza for full rules
  • These scripts provide content for Summer Shorts Productions
  • This is a great opportunity for screenwriters to practice, receive feedback, and improve on their writing
  • Can use free Celtx software for screenplay formatting (https://www.celtx.com/index.html)

 
RMM Auditions

  • Film auditions and casting event for Summer Shorts Productions
  • Will be in late April/early May 2014
  • Writers/Producers/Directors can submit scripts to read for your film
    • Auditions will be videotaped and can be made available for viewing
    • E-mail wayne AT rochestermoviemakers DOT org with sides or your screenplay ahead of time so actors can prepare using your script

Executive Board Meetings

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

RMM Writers Workshop

  • Next meeting is Tuesday, March 18, 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

 
Projects:
Greentopia Film Festival – Commissioning Short Documentaries

  • Greentopia will be commissioning three short documentaries to be shot and produced this spring/summer
    • Proposals need to be in by end of March and filmmakers will be selected by April 15, 2014
    • Each film chosen will receive $1000 and two all-access passes to the festival
    • More information and rules, visit http://greentopiafest.com/film/community-films/

Mark Logan – ARC (short film, thriller)

  • ARC is a short film about Special Agent Ivan Thompson and his mission to extract a high profile target from Russian mercenaries.
  • Currently looking for:
    • At least $400 in additional Indiegogo donations
    • Film extras – anyone who wants to be a soldier in the last days of shooting
      • Will need to be strong enough to hang/repel from a rope
      • Will be shot in front of a green screen in the next few weeks
    • Military wardrobe/costumes for the final shoot
    • Actors fluent in Russian to do voiceover work
      • Will be completed at RIT campus
  • Marc is a third year student at RIT
  • For more information e-mail Mark Logan at mloganvideo AT gmail DOT com or visit http://www.digital-reflex-productions.com/

Mark Logan – RIT student summer shorts

  • Producing student short films over the summer
  • Needs actors
  • For more information e-mail mloganvideo AT gmail DOT com

Adrien Esposito – Journey in Brookside

  • Writing a script about institutions for the mentally ill from the 1960s and 1970s
    • Needs help/assistance with structure and story of his screenplay
    • Contact adrianesposito AT rochester.rr DOT com for more information

Mike Boas and Wayne Coughlin

  • Announced a full-length film project to be occurring within eight to ten months

Empire Film Music Ensemble – Hochstein School of Music

  • University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music students will perform feature film music from the movies of Spiderman, Batman, and other superheroes
    • Will also have a visual component
  • Saturday, May 3, at 7:00pm

 
Speakers:
Mike Boas and Wayne Coughlin – “8 Simple Rules for Storytelling on the Screen”

  • The Eight Rules:
    • “An ounce of reality is worth a pound of dreams”
      • Need to clearly communicate
    • “Write Simple Stories & Complex Characters”
      • Emotion drives the characters more than plot
    • “Write with Authenticity”
      • Story needs a journey
    • “Identify & Articulate the Film’s Spine”
      • Film’s “spine” needs a “statement of purpose”
    • “Identify & Articulate the Character Spines”
      • Characters’ “spines” need to be authentic with a beginning, middle, and end
    • “There’s Nothing New Under the Sun”
      • Overview of the different story situations used throughout history
    • “The Foundation – The 3 Act Structure”
    • “Don’t Break the Rules Just Because They Are Difficult to Follow”
      • Understand the rules fully before breaking them

 
End of Meeting: 7:45PM
Click below for the minutes in DOCX format:
RMM General Meeting Minutes – February 2014

RMM General Meeting Minutes – January 2014

rmm

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