actors

RMM General Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2014

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RMM General Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2014 (November 2014 Meeting)
Start Time: 6:38pm
Total in Attendance: 15
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
Introductions

  • Made individually around the room

New Business:

  • Membership of RMM/RCTV combo is available for $65/year or $25/yr for RMM.
  • RCTV has 3 new classes beginning in January:
  • Basics of Videography
  • Digital Editing
  • TV Studio Production

Completion of classes allows individual use of studio and equipment.
M2M 2015

  • Dates are January 22-25th
  • This year we care partnering with Fast Forward Film Festival (FFFF) to incorporate an Environmental element into the competition. Teams have their choice to spin and gets props, character, situation or can use “The Environment” for a character.
  • If teams choose this option, they will be entered into the FFFF with an additional chance to win up to $3000 in prize money.

Writers Group

  • Meets every other Weds. from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
  • Next meeting will be 12/17/14 at Crossroad’s Café (behind Cinema Theater).
  • Currently working on logline exercises and a new assignment of 10 first ten pages in preparation for March’s “Scriptapolooza.”
  • All skill levels welcome.
  • Sign up to receive updates on RMM Writers Group’s Facebook page.

Our next general meeting will be the Holiday/White Elephant Party on Jan 8, 2015.

  • There will be free food and drinks.
  • Come with your best “worst” present to participate in the White Elephant.
  • Our next Executive Board meeting will be held on Thursday, 12/11/14 at the Little Theater Cafe at 6pm.

Projects:
Justin Curtis has a 30 page dark comedy project that he is directing. He is looking to shoot beginning in January – mostly on Weekends.
He is seeking:

  • 1 Cinematographer (Canon 60D camera provided)
  • 1 Gaffer
  • 1 AD
  • 1 Sound person
  • Actors — 1 female, 20-25
  • 1 female, 40
  • 1 male, 15-20
  • 1 male, 20 – main character
  • 2 -3 extras
  • For further info Contact Justin at: majorelvisfan424 AT gmail DOT com or 585-953-3728

Curt Markham’s “Silverspear”

  • Curt is looking for Female VO talent for his animated film. Contact: silverspearfilm AT gmail DOT com

Pacho Lane – is in post on “Columbia One,” a documentary about the first Peace Corp group in 1961. It Involves the history, training footage, and follow up fifty years later, ending with reunion party in 2011.

  • He needs Assistant Editor.
  • Wants to have it done by the end of the year.
  • E-mail Pancho at ethnoscope AT yahoo DOT com for more information or visit his website
  • www.docfilm.com

Speaker: Mike Boas – Intro to Celtx.

  • Mike showed the features and uses of Celtx including: post-it notes/location database/scratch
  • pad/project library notes.
  • Also demonstrated the ease of use in beginning to type a script and the auto format that the
  • program allows.
  • In the end, Mike showed how to save in proper format and how to convert to PDF.

ADDITIONAL INFO:
All of us at Empire Film want to wish you a happy new year and good tidings during the holiday season. If your looking for things to do we will be hosting a screening of Once in a Good Many Million Times in Rochester, NY on January 2 and 3. It will take place at the Swiftwater Brewing Company located at 378 Mt. Hope Ave. The taps open at 4pm and the film will play at 8pm.
Admission is free but, there will be a suggested donation and Limited Edition DVD Pre-sales. So come on out to Rochester and enjoy good friends, good beer, and a great film with us. You will be able to stay updated by joining the event on Facebook at one of the following links.
January 2: https://www.facebook.com/events/556775837791056/
January 3: https://www.facebook.com/events/836233469767347/
We look forward to seeing you!
rmm-general-meeting-mins-12_14

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 – 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)

rmm

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

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 Notes – November 29, 2012

rmm

Start Time: 6:32PM
Total in Attendance: 40
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
Introductions:
Individual around the room (many new members this month – very encouraging)
Reminder about membership
$25 a year, free events or reduced price on fees
Qualify for reduced rate on RCTV membership ($60 for both)
Ric gave update on new database software for tracking membership
Upcoming Events:
RMM White Elephant Christmas party (December General Meeting)
Moved to January 3, 2013 (from December 27, 2012)
Mind2Movie 2013 – 72 Hour Film Competition
Thursday, January 17 – Sunday, January 20
www.rochestermoviemakers.org has last year’s films for viewing
Flyers were made available for people to grab and post around town
RMM Executive Board Meetings
Next meeting is December 13, 2012 at 6:00pm at Little Theater Cafe
RMM Writers Workshop
Next meeting is Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 6:00pm at Pita Pit on Alexander
Rochester Film Lab
Next meeting is Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 7:00pm at Animatus Studios
Contact Mike Boas ( mike AT rochestermoviemakers DOT com ) or visit www.rochesterfilmlab.org for more information or to be added to mailing list
RMM Summer Shorts
March 2013 General Meeting is Script-A-Palooza
Upcoming Projects:
Zachary Welch – Pilot for Cooking Show (paid)
Current in development
Need crew (may be paid positions)
Contact zacharyjwelch AT gmail DOT com for more information
Jay Kaliyamurthy – Return
Short film, already shot
Look for editor, dubbing studio/professional, and female lead actress (20-25)
Contact jayamurugan AT yahoo DOT com or call (585) 733-6364 for more information
Karl Obine – three (very) short comedies (untitled)
Currently in development
Needs actors (not a lot of time commitment needed)
Contact karlobine AT yahoo DOT com for more information
Eric Maira (Werewolf House) – The Dead Deads
Horror film, currently in development, shooting in January
Need gaffers/lighting help
Pasquale (Lou) Carrozziere and Laurence Genovese (Genozziere Productions) – Dead Red
Feature horror film, need people to help out with production
Speakers:
Pasquale (Lou) Carrozziere and Laurence Genovese (Genozziere Productions)
Gave overview of company (Omni Entertainment Group) and showed demo reel and teaser for upcoming film Dead Red
Takeaways –
Omni Entertainment Group has 300-400 open projects and is broken up into many different subsidiary companies
They do physical production and post production work
Script, story, and characters are more important than special effects
(see The Rope vs. Sucker Punch)
Eric Maira and Patrick Montanaro (Werewolf House Productions)
Screened edited version of recent shoot footage for The Dead Deads
Takeaways –
They are serious about making films here
Trying to do “different” types of productions because they feel low budget doesn’t look right as a feature film
End of Meeting:
7:45pm