filmmakers

The November 2016 General Meeting: “Post Production: Music Effects and Scoring”

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November 17, 6:00 – 8:00
NOTE: DIFFERENT MEETING LOCATION
This meeting will take place at Nazareth College, in the Arts Center – Wilmot Music Building (first floor), Room A-72
Most audiences won’t know why a scene caused them to feel a certain a certain emotion, but they are well aware when a film fails to do so. A film’s music is the most compelling and manipulative way filmmakers let their viewers know how to feel during a scene. When done right, it is never noticed, but always remembered.
Join RAFAS at Nazareth this Thursday, as we have a panel discussion with four composers. Mike Babcock will be joining us via Skype. On the panel will be Marc Laroussini from Eastman School of Music, Assistant Professor of Composition at Nazareth Octavio Vazquez and film composer and frequent local film collaborator John Centrone.
rafas-music
The General Meeting is November 17, at 6:00 pm, at Nazareth College.

September 2016 General Meeting: “Post Production: Sound/Sound Editing”

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NOTE: Special Location
This one will be a must catch for RAFAS members. We are moving into Post Production, and our first topic will be the tricky subject of Sound Editing. Joining us this month is guest panelist David Sluberski.Mr. Sluberski is a Peabody-and Emmy-Award-winning audio professional and owner of West Rush Media, LLC. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the RIT School of Film & Animation. His current clients include the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, WXXI PBS/NPR, and many local, national and independent filmmakers. Dave will demonstrate all aspects of audio post-production for film, including ProTools, at RIT’s 35-seat Mix Theater.

As a special treat, Mr. Sluberski is inviting RAFAS members to join him at RIT’s Mix Theater for our September General Meeting! During which, he will be able to show attendees firsthand all the intricate details that go into editing sound for film and video.
For instruction on where to go, please check out this PDF: https://www.docdroid.net/3a8Bsnx/rit-smpte-map.pdf.html
Don’t miss out on this opportunity for an often misunderstood and under-researched part of editing. Bad sound equals bad film, and the sound editor is your last line of defense against it! Join us at RIT on Thursday, September 22 at 6:00 pm.

February Panel and Meeting: Production Part I

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Prepare for production bootcamp everyone! This month is the first of our “On Set” series and we’re starting with the most essential: Settiquite and Production Workflow. We’ve gathered three local professionals from the most demanding departments to help whip you into shoot-shape:

  • Clay O’Dell – Camera and DIT
  • Jason Torres – Production Manager and AD
  • Sandra Hughey – Script Supervisor

rmm-production-i-set-etiquette
Last month was a huge success and this month should follow suit, including more after meeting mingling at the Brew House.
Thursday, February 25 at 6 PM – 8 PM
RCTV, Rochester’s Community Media Center
21 Gorham St, Rochester, New York 14605
Visit the FB event page here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1555062291474192/

RMM General Meeting Minutes – December, 2015

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Start Time: 6:11 pm End Time: 8:07 pm
Location: RCTV 21 Gorham St., Rochester, NY
Organization Announcements:
– Chairman Zachary Welch thanked RAVA and ROCDocs for inviting RMM members to their Holiday party on Dec. 7. The event was a huge success, and allowed the various organization to get to know each other better.
– Mind2Movie will be pushed back to Spring 2016 (probably mid-May).
– The full 2016 calendar will be posted by the January General Meeting.
– Scriptapalooza will be held in the first quarter (February is likely).
– Schmoovies will be held after M2M (probably late summer).
– Reminder: Fast Forward Film Festival submissions are due mid- February.
 
Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Commission:
Nora Brown started the presentation by discussing her role as Commissioner of the Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Commission, and what assistance the Film Commission can offer local filmmakers. She is available to answer questions 24 hours a day.
RMM Secretary Shawn Essler spoke with Ms. Brown about getting a listing of all services up and available on the RMM Web site. Expect a listing sometime in January.
NOTE: RMM members should be aware that, if other filmmakers ask questions related to the Film Commission or its services, to please refer them Ms. Brown (www.filmrochester.org)
 
Topic Presentation:
Members of the Executive Board conducted the Round Table Discussion. The topic: Pre-Production, Phase III (Part 1). The table discussed Scheduling/Call Sheets, Location Scouting and Equipment Rental.
The discussion was video recorded and will be archived on the RMM Web site.
December 17 General Meeting Minutes PDF

Holiday Get Together with RAVA and ROC DOC

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RMM has been graciously invited to join RAVA and ROC Doc at their combined holiday mixer.
The event will take place Monday, December 7, at Champps in Victor (in the front of Eastview Mall), in the Executive VIP Room. The party runs from 5:30 until 9:00 pm, with announcements at 6:30. It is a cash bar, with holiday outfits requested.

Guests are welcome at this event. Please note that you must RSVP with names and number of guests (nametags will be provided).
RSVP e-mail: rsvp@myrava.com
About RAVA: The Rochester AudioVisual Association is an association of educational, technical and intellectual professionals in Rochester, NY involved in media production, support, research, and instruction. Our purpose is to educate the next generation on media, inspire creative innovation, develop community, and deepen our appreciation of Rochester’s historical contributions to media.
So, let’s get into the holiday spirit and have some fun with some new local filmmakers!

RMM General Meeting Minutes – October 2014

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October 30, 2014
Start Time: 6:30PM
Total in Attendance: 25
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

  • Made individually around the room
  • Announced resignation of Treasurer and Secretary Chris Hazenbush

Upcoming Events:
RMM Executive Board Meeting

  • Second Thursday of each month
  • Next meeting is Thursday, November 13, 2014
    • Put out call for new Secretary and Treasurer
    • Any interested parties should come to the board meeting for more information

RMM Writers Group

  • Next meeting is Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Animatus Studios
    • 6:00pm to 8:00pm
    • Currently working on logline challenges
    • Looking to switch back to Crossroads Café soon

RMM Mind2Movie 2015

  • Thursday, January 22, 2015 – Sunday, January 25, 2015
  • Mentioned that this year, you can opt to have the environment as the character so the film can also be entered into Fast Forward Film Festival
  • Secured Scott Fitzgerald, Karl Goldsmith from the Rochester Finger Lakers Video Office, Michael Gamilla from Image Out Film Festival, and Rebecca Delaney from Fast Forward Film Festival as judges
  • Tentative showing date at Cinema Theater is February 9, 2015

General Meeting Date Changes

  • November meeting is now on Thursday, December 4, 2014
  • December meeting (White Elephant Party) is on Thursday, January 8, 2015

Upcoming Projects:
Pancho Lane – Columbia One (documentary film)

  • Documentary about the first Peace Corp group in 1961
    • Involves the history, training footage, and follow up fifty years later
    • Ends with reunion party in 2011
  • 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

Liz Lehmann – Sharknado Spoof

  • Needs sound person for filming on November 1, 2014
    • 9:30am to 12:00pm
    • 1 actor, 1 scene, 2 shots
  • Has equipment, but needs a sound monitor

Chuck – Skin Deep (short film)

  • Short film with heavy visual and make-up effects
  • E-mail zeroonefilms AT rochester.rr DOT com for more information

Jake Baird – Fast Awake (short film)

  • 30-page script
  • Needs all cast and crew, except for music composer
  • E-mail jakemppbaird AT gmail DOT com for more information

 
Speaker:
Peter Kiwitt – “The Dangers of Reasonable Compromise”

  • Background
    • Teacher at RIT (directing)
    • Worked in the film industry in LA for 20 years
    • Recently finished shooting Purple Heart and will be shooting another film soon
  • Top lessons learned from shooting Purple Heart
    • Don’t underestimate how hard it is to make a film
    • Don’t underestimate how hard it is to get an “ok film” to a “good film” or a “great film”
      • It’s very difficult to get it from 80% there to 100% there
    • Study what you shot to learn and make your next shots better
  • The Dangers of Reasonable Compromise
    • Everyone has to compromise, but it’s dangerous
    • Simple compromises early on can become bigger issues later
    • Example: had to compromise on a glass breaking scene, but it changed the emotional impact of it
    • Example: had to make a fight scene less intense, but it changed the emotional buildup of the character
      • Result: had to rearrange the scenes in post for it to make sense
    • Always “listen to the tickle” in the back of your head
      • Even if you don’t understand why
      • What will hurt you later on is what you don’t consciously recognize while your filming
      • Little decisions can sometimes make a big difference
  • Additional filmmaking tips
    • The first cut should be the movie you wrote, then start cutting the movie you shot
    • Get multiple takes, look for the best moments in everything, and cut to get as many of those good moments as possible
    • Keep writing the script until you get it perfect, then shoot
      • Should take up to at least 7 drafts
    • Always cut the best movie you shot
      • Should take at least 7 cuts
    • The Director should cut with the editor for the last cut
      • Cutting requires a sense of rhythm and flow
      • Need to feel it
    • You can always make something work in editing
    • Story still matters
      • So many filmmakers/content out there, but how much of it is really great?
      • Very hard to make something truly great

 
Screening:

  • Chris Hazenbush – Can’t Weight
    • Screened his short film

 
Networking:
 
End of Meeting: 8:30PM
 
RMM General Meeting Minutes – October 2014 (Word Doc)

RMM General Meeting Minutes – September 2014

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September 25, 2014
Start Time: 6:35PM
Total in Attendance: 23
Location: RCTV
Agenda:
 
Introductions:

Upcoming Events:
RMM Executive Board Meeting

  • Second Thursday of each month
  • Next meeting is Thursday, October 9, 2014
    • Put out call for new Secretary
    • Any interested parties should come to the board meeting for more information

RMM Writers Group

  • Next meeting is Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at Animatus Studio
  • 6:00pm to 8:00pm

RMM Mind2Movie 2015

  • May change start date to Friday, instead of Thursday
  • Secured Karl Goldsmith from the Rochester Finger Lakers Video Office and Michael Gamilla from Image Out Film Festival as judges

RCTV Classes this Fall

  • Basics of Videography classes – Saturdays 1:00pm to 3:00pm
    • Can take on a rolling basis
  • How to Shoot a Talk-Show Format Show – started Tuesday, September 23, 2014, but can still join class
    • Will have this class again in February 2015

Johannes Bockwoldt classes at Writers & Books

RMM “372-Hour Film Competition”

  • New film competition for next summer
  • Teams have two weeks and three weekends to make an entire short film, five to ten minutes in length
  • A prop, situation, and character will be the same for all teams
  • Tentative Dates are July 18, 2015 – August 4, 2015

Fast Forward Film Festival Call for Entries

  • Submission window – October 8, 2014 (8:00am) through February 27, 2015 (11:59pm)

Upcoming Projects:
Dan Bauman – “Limitations”

  • Experimental nature video
  • Shooting in the Fall, needs an editor
  • Contact danbauman@netzero.com for more information

 
Speaker:
Neeti Fidurko – “How NOT To Make An Indie Film”
o   Teacher at RIT, musician, and promo/music video producer
o   Recently filmed “Who Would Jesus Date?”, which explores the question, “what if Jesus dated?”

  • Filming wrapped in July, currently in post
  • About 15 minutes long
  • Ten tips on how NOT to make an independent film

o   Be an auteur

  • The filmmaker as sole artistic vision
  • Instead, get people to help you and share the workload

o   Continue to work with people who miss deadlines

  • Especially on a low budget
  • Instead, get people that are prompt and responsible

o   Be a democrat

  • Instead, be a decisive director on set (even if you’re mean)

o   Change locations the night before the shoot

  • Especially for a special effects shot
  • Instead, stick to the shooting plan

o   Don’t check the monitor

  • Instead, always check it, especially if the camera operator is not experienced
  • It will allow you to catch focus/smudge/framing issues

o   Cast your friends

  • You can cast your friends, but AUDITION first

o   Shoot everything in three consecutive, 12-hour days

  • Too stressful
  • Instead, be more realistic with time and spread out if you can

o   Don’t have a production photographer

  • Instead, always get promo shots in addition to production/on set shots

o   Consider it work

  • Instead, have fun and don’t stress out on set

o   Save the worst for last

  • Instead, do the toughest shots first because you’re most fresh and awake

 
Networking:
 
End of Meeting: 8:30PM
 
Download the word doc: RMM General Meeting Minutes – September 2014

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

RMM General Meeting Minutes – April 2014

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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)