Mar 25 2012
KILL YOUR DARLINGS
I’ve been writing a lot lately, most recently on a new draft of a feature script, and was recently reminded of that old screenwriting adage- ‘Kill your darlings.‘
There were probably five or six serious ‘darlings’ in my script, and each one of these sparkly little gems have been imbedded in this story since it’s earliest conception. I say ‘were’ because yesterday I killed them all, and now they lie dead under my desk, a glittering reminder that good writing can often be painful, and should always be merciless.
It’s amazing to me how much this process is driven by gut feelings. Of course, the brain plays a major part, but at some point it must take a backseat to the gut, where it can only yell out harmful directions that you must work hard at ignoring. Things like ‘Leave that in- it inspired the title, for God’s sake!‘ or ‘Don’t take that out- that’s the funniest part!‘ or ‘What are you doing?! Are you trying to wreck the whole damn thing?!‘.
La, la, la. Not listening, Brain. Gut, drive on.
Mar 10 2012
ANOTHER EARTH
inspiring / recommended - 2 months ago - chris
Long time no blog and no update, I know. My approach this year has been to do more and talk about the process less, which is unfortunately the opposite of blogging. Rest assured, though- things are moving along very well here at CFAAF headquarters and the minute I have concrete news to share, share I will…
In the meantime, I saw a film recently that you should definitely check out if you haven’t already- Another Earth. Directed by Mike Cahill, and co-written (with Cahill) and starring Brit Marling, this is a real gem of a film.
Brit Marling in Another Earth
To quote Filmmaker magazine- Another Earth is a lo-fi, sci-fi fable about forgiveness, self-knowledge and our perpetual quest for a new beginning.
After you marvel at the all-around loveliness of this movie, I recommend reading the interview in the magazine with Cahill and Marling – two cool, smart folks whose DIY approach is terrifically inspiring. (It’s especially interesting to hear how they did the ending.)
And yes, once again going against the social media grain, I like to read about interesting films in Filmmaker magazine, watch them at least eight months later, re-read the article in Filmmaker and then blog about the film online. It’s good fun! I noticed the Film Buff recently acquired Lena Dunham’s Tiny Furniture (featured in Filmmaker’s 2010 issue), which I’m hoping to catch this weekend… stay tuned!
Feb 22 2012
HOW TO WRITE A ONE SHEET
film community / writing - 3 months ago - chris
Ok, so I don’t claim to be an expert on this kind of thing, but it occurred to me to write this post when I was at a pitching event earlier this month and witnessed some truly clueless pitchers. The write-up for the event said bring a ONE SHEET & NO SCRIPTS, PLEASE. Fair enough. I had what I thought was a rough idea of how to put together a one sheet and, after speaking to my fellow pitchers in the line-up for this thing, realized one person’s rough is another person’s very, very polished. So, I write this post today in the spirit of giving back to my fellow emerging filmmakers who are looking for a little guidance in this area.
First off, what is a one sheet?
As defined by wikipedia- ‘In the entertainment industry, a one-sheet or one sheet is a single document that summarizes a product for publicity and sales.’
It can also mean a poster for a film, but for our purposes we’re going to talk about the kind of one sheet that is literally a single 8 X 10 piece of paper designed to offer an easy, at-a-glance understanding of the film you are pitching to the pitchee, who will (hopefully) be reading it.
A one sheet typically includes…
- some kind of visual representation of the film (an image in the form of a poster, for example, or a logo maybe). I realize that having a background in visual arts is a huge advantage in this department, but I really believe with today’s access to photoshopping, image searches on line, iphone cameras, etc. anyone can pull together some kind of image that captures something of the essence of the project for a one sheet.
- a BRIEF synopsis of the film. DO NOT fill a one sheet with single-spaced sentences that fill the whole page. Sounds obvious, but I saw more than one the other day.
- a few words on what’s so great about your project – you have a famous actor attached, or a terrific completed script! Maybe it’s a timely topic…? Whatever it is that makes your project worthwhile, highlight it on the one sheet. BRIEFLY.
- the project’s current state of development/production/whatever (for example- the script is at a second draft stage, or the film is complete and distribution is being sought)
- what you’re looking for (a distributor, say, or production financing). And once again, in these last two items- be brief. The person you’re giving this to probably won’t read it if it looks like too much work to read.
And, finally, very important…
- who you are & your contact info!
And put it all on ONE SIDE of a single piece of paper. Or, if you have a really great poster/image – the poster/image can go on one side and the info can go on the back. And print it on nice paper! I like at least 24lb myself. Also, I highly recommend IMDBing the person you are pitching to! One guy I was talking to asked me what movies the pitchee had been involved in. When I told him, he was surprised and impressed. Uh huh. Of course, he was the same person who asked if I thought it was a good idea to include his business card with his one page single-spaced synopsis. Oh, boy.
And, so… how did my particular pitch go, you ask? What with my polished one sheet and all? Well, I can tell you this much- the pitchee asked me for a script! Which I didn’t have because they said NO SCRIPTS! Doh! So, also, I would maybe recommend having a script in your back pocket.
Okay, that’s my two cents. If anyone else has any tips or suggestions about this sort of thing, I’d love to hear them.
Feb 2 2012
ARTISTS IN THE MOVIES (SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK)
inspiring / recommended - 4 months ago - chris
I recently saw a movie called Texuality that features the lovely Carly Pope playing a very unrealistic artistic type. Now, I’m a sucker for nice clothes and apartments in movies, but seeing yet another struggling painter (who supports herself blogging?) in yet another huge gorgeous loft space takes me so far out of the movie, I might as well be reading it’s budget.
One of the best portrayals of artists I have ever seen is Catherine Keener’s Adele Lack in Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York. Of course it helps that it’s also a great film- wonderful, funny, sad, and a truly ambitious work of art. Check it out if you haven’t seen it. And see it again if you have – it’s definitely a film that rewards multiple viewings.
Catherine Keener as Adele Lack, photo by Abbot Gensler, © Sony Pictures Classics
Anyway, Adele has a messy house and uses the space in her basement adjacent to her washer and dryer as a studio – a reality for many working artists and a far cry from a huge, gorgeous loft. Adele paints on the walls of her messy house and her even messier studio. Adele’s artwork all looks like it was done by the same person, and Catherine Keener does an excellent job of pretending to paint, unlike some actors who have obviously been instructed to go over the same area again and again. (Although they wisely don’t actually show much painting in the film).
Charlie Kaufman has an obvious respect and affinity for painters (in the interview included on the DVD extras he even makes comparisons between his work and that of a painter’s), and it shows not just in the way he gets the surface details right, but also in the character as a whole- Adele is obsessive about her work, depressive, and totally self-absorbed, which (unfortunately) is also the reality for a lot of working artists.
Of course, the part that really makes Adele work for me is the work itself. Alex Kanevsky provided Adele’s paintings and they are simply fantastic.
Can’t wait to see Kaufman’s new project about the film biz – Frank or Francis.
Jan 21 2012
5 INSPIRING THINGS
inspiring / recommended - 4 months ago - chris
(It’s my new thing for the new year – blogging in list form.)
1. aesthetics of joy – a great blog, with the subtitle design + delight. My favorite recent entry – the Rothko-inspired cookies.
2. The wonderful documentary on Woody Allen by Robert Weide that aired on PBS. A very intimate look at his process and a terrifically entertaining film overall – a must if you’re a Woody Allen fan like me.
3. Great books! I’ve been reading a lot lately and have been simply blown away by The Corrections and Freedom by Jonathan Franzen, as well as The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (which has one of the best book covers I’ve ever seen.)
4. The work of Dan Stiles – especially his gorgeous artwork for The Sisters Brothers.
And finally…
5. Tebowie – not just hilarious, it also sparked a revival of David Bowie classics in my house. Google it. Right now.
Dec 31 2011
MY GHOST PROTOCOL FOR 2012
inspiring / recommended - 5 months ago - chris
I saw Mission Impossible 4 and, what can I say? It’s awesome. (Well done, Brad Bird, Tom Cruise, et al!) If you haven’t already, you should go see it at once – on the big screen, preferably IMAX.
I loved this movie so much it has informed my New Year’s resolutions for 2012. Here they are, in no particular order – the top 5 things I learned from Mission Impossible 4:
1. “Light the fuse.”
Like a battle cry, but no need to yell – that’s right, it’s time to get started.
2. Have a plan, but don’t be afraid to change it up.
By busting out a fellow inmate in your Russian prison at the last minute, for example.
3. Visit a foreign country.
Always a good idea, and something I don’t do enough.
4. Be persistent, daring, and bold in pursuit of your goals.
Even if it means going back outside the building to get in – oh, yeah.
5. Exercise.
Your body is your best instrument and you never know when you, too, will be doing your own stunts.
BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!
Dec 11 2011
VERTIGO
inspiring / recommended - 5 months ago - chris
I finally saw this classic – on the big screen at the Lightbox, no less!
And it was gorgeous. And weird. And wonderfully artificial in many senses – the look, the theme. In fact, that’s probably my favorite thing about Hitchcock- his beautiful artifice.
Kim Novak in a still from Vertigo
Just look at those eyebrows!
Rear Window remains my favorite of his films, though, and I think it’s because the whole thing is movie-movie artificial. It’s obviously a set and the thing works as a whole. What was most jarring about Vertigo for me were the exterior shots in the California countryside- too natural! Too normal! I was taken out of the film and reminded of all the California-set detective shows I saw as a kid. (Not fair to Hitch, I know, but…)
One of the best parts of Vertigo for me was the scene in the bookshop, where the light is slowly dying as the shop owner is talking. When James Stewart and Barbara Bel Geddes walk outside, the lights come on inside (behind them) and it’s wonderful- we’ve watched night fall in a totally contrived way- I loved it! I love lighting cues like that in movies. And the control, the craft, the colour! I love sets that look like sets – The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a great example.
Also loved the crazy obsession that is the driving force of the film – some say a pointed attack from Hitch to Grace Kelly – his favourite cool blonde who had recently quit acting to become royalty. A “see? I can turn anyone into a cool blonde like you” kind of thing.
Fabulous madness!
Dec 10 2011
BELLFLOWER
inspiring / recommended - 5 months ago - chris
I rented this movie last night* after reading about it and it’s creators in Filmmaker magazine.
It is a highly original, emotional, and intense film. It has an unreliable narrator (one of my favorite narrative modes), and some beautiful and striking cinematography. It also has a terrific making-of story that is super inspiring in a DIY, balls-to-the-wall kind of way.
And the title (taken from a street in the film) makes me laugh.
This is a picture of some Bellflowers-
And this is a picture from the film-
Check it out.
* that’s right- I still rent movies. Yay, Film Buff!
Nov 19 2011
THE BREAST TIME OF YEAR
film community / inspiring / recommended - 6 months ago - chris
Yup, this weekend is when one of my all-time favorite film fests happens- Breast Fest 2011.
If you live in the Toronto area, I highly recommend checking it out. It’s incredibly well put together and in my experience the films have always been highly entertaining, inspiring, and moving.
Rethink is the organization behind it all and here’s a very clever PSA they did recently promoting self-exams-
Oct 23 2011
DELIVER ME
project updates - 7 months ago - chris
Freshly released from it’s contract with short film distributor Ouat! Media, I present to you my very first attempt at filmmaking- Deliver Me.
Made in 2006, at a point when I had taken exactly one filmmaking class* and never been on a real film set in my life, this short is strangely still my favorite filmmaking effort so far. What can I say? It’s really raw, but it makes me laugh, and, weirdly, every theme in this film (obsession, denial, addiction issues, health issues, etc.) has surfaced again and again in all my work since.
Enjoy.
*the excellent LIFT workshop – Super 8 Guerilla Filmmaking for Absolute Beginners
Sep 25 2011
WHAT’S NEXT?
project updates - 8 months ago - chris
Long time no blog.
Apologies for that, faithful readers- I’ve been back in action writing and working on set, leaving little time for blogging, unfortunately.
I have, however, some good news I’d like to share with you… I just finished (and by just, I mean, like 5 minutes ago) a real, honest-to-goodness draft of a new feature script. And it rocks. Seriously.
Let’s call it R&F for now, and aside from a little spell-checking, it is ready to submit to the Canada Council for a scriptwriting grant which would (hopefully!) fund another draft or two.
In other news, Nicola and I heard from the CFC again and once again learned that the shortlist selection process has been delayed- this time until mid- October.
Oh, boy…
Sep 3 2011
END OF SUMMER TOP 5
inspiring / project updates / recommended - 9 months ago - chris
As summer winds down I feel the need for a little… I don’t even know what to call it… Re-cap? Refresher on what’s been happening?
A whole lot of not much, to be honest. Oh, sure there’s been good progress made on the writing front (difficult to write about and most likely boring to read about), I’ve had films in a couple of festivals (thank you Parkdale Film & Video Showcase and Wakefest!), but aside from that, I’ve been JC* and it’s been a terrific summer for filling up the much-depleted artistic gas tank.
So, instead of a re-cap, I offer you a few things that I really enjoyed this summer, that (if you are not already familiar with), I would recommend checking out this fall.
1. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. Terrific book. One of the best I’ve read in years. (A Nicola recommend, so there you go.) Also, The Outlander by Gil Adamson (A Fiona Walker recommend. And gift- thanks Fee!), and lastly, a bit of delicious non-fiction- The Chairs Are Where The People Go by Misha Glouberman with Sheila Heti. (This one is particularly fun if, like me, you live in the west end of Toronto.)
2. Spending time in nature. I especially recommend going to some place where you can’t get cell phone reception. This was a magical thing for me and led directly to enjoying #1.
3. The work of Miranda July and Mike Mills. Ok, so what if they’re married- do they deserve to be lumped together? Probably not, but I can’t stop thinking about them as a package now. A narrating cat, a subtitled dog. Their films have too many sweet similarities not to compare and contrast. And enjoy, in their own special way.
4. The hipstamatic app for iphone. A friend tried to [...]
Aug 24 2011
ENCOURAGING WORDS
inspiring - 9 months ago - chris
This is courtesy the Westside Studio Blog and their guest Niall Kelly. I’ve certainly felt this, but have never articulated it as well as Ira Glass does here:
Here’s to closing the gap!
Aug 19 2011
IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER
film community / project updates / recommended - 9 months ago - chris
Nicola and I finally got word about our application to CFC Features:
“Due to various circumstances the selection committee is still finalizing their decisions for the short list, and the turnaround time for notifying applicants is taking longer than usual. Please know that your project is still in consideration for the short list. We anticipate final decisions to be made by early September, with interviews happening later that month.”
That’s fine – I love September. That old back-to-school feeling of renewal and fresh starts and new projects. And, of course, there’s also that fun little film fest.
Speaking of which… Cinematographer extraordinaire Ben Lichty (the man behind the camera on Two Words) has a film in this year’s TIFF – Ingrid Veninger’s I am a good person/I am a bad person.
I am a person who is looking forward to this film.
For some serious filmmaking inspiration check out Ingrid’s website. In particular I recommend checking out her press kit where you can read all about her process and the film’s journey and just generally marvel at her chutzpah.
Aug 14 2011
CFC RESULTS
project updates - 9 months ago - chris
… are still not in!
After a May 27 deadline and an expected wait of 6-8 weeks, Nicola and I have yet to hear anything about our CFC Features application.
Meanwhile, the summer is sliding by in waves of writing and working on set. This past week saw a break from both, though, as I took a much-needed and much-appreciated vacation. It’s amazing what a little time in nature, (especially time out of cell phone range) can do for a person- I’m feeling refreshed and inspired.
My partner and I went to a place very far up north, a place I haven’t been to in 10 years. In fact, the last time I was there I was at a very different stage in my artistic life.
Country Road, 2001, by Chris Ross
Yes, I was painting landscapes.
When I spent the majority of my time painting, my Mother always told me I should paint landscapes (“because people like landscapes”)* and one year, sick of working in restaurants to support my art, I decided to see if she was right. Well, people don’t like landscapes, they love landscapes, and I gained a new appreciation for landscape paintings and painters. It was a strange and difficult year, though, as I’m not naturally drawn to this subject matter as an artist and painting, which was previously a joy, became a job. At the same time, I was just starting to explore the film path and was increasingly frustrated by the bizarre fact that all my time was being sucked up by these landscapes. I did make some money from this experiment, but the effort required (it takes time to do anything well) and the increasingly soul-less feeling I was feeling didn’t quite balance out, so back to the restaurant it was…
Anyway, while up north [...]
Jul 29 2011
SARAH POLLEY’S NEW PALETTE
recommended - 10 months ago - chris
TIFF recently published the list of films coming this way in September and Sarah Polley’s Take this Waltz is one of the Gala Presentations.
I’m quite excited to see this film. It has a great director, great cast, rumored great script (it made The Black List a couple years ago) and a very appealing colour scheme.
Still from Sarah Polley's Take this Waltz with Michelle Williams and Luke Kirby
Part of this image is featured in the poster for the film and I love the poppy, primary colours and gorgeous summertime lighting. (Other images from the film on the TIFF website show more of the same.)
I also love the way this particular photo captures a sort of old-fashioned Norman Rockwell kind of feeling (the diner setting, the old milkshake machines), but subverts it at the same time with their suggestive expressions and martinis.
Nice work SP & DP Luc Montpellier!*
Looking forward to September…
* and, of course, the rest of the cast & crew. (some of whom I know personally and am happy to report that they all spoke very highly of SP and had a lovely experience working on this lovely looking film.)
Jul 24 2011
THE THING ABOUT MIRANDA JULY…
recommended - 10 months ago - chris
… is that she’s just so awesome.
a still from MJ's first film "Me and You and Everyone We Know"
Inspiring in a way that makes me want to be exactly like her. Except I know that I’m not exactly like her and even trying to be exactly like her would be the exact opposite of being exactly like her because she seems to be so totally herself that she would want everyone else, including me, to be totally themselves, too.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out her new blog for her new movie The Future, or her old blog, which includes her new blog and everything else.
Jul 17 2011
10 REASONS TO LOVE ELECTION
recommended - 10 months ago - chris
No, not election(s) in general, Election the movie from 1999, directed by Alexander Payne and written by him and Jim Taylor from a novel by Tom Perrotta. Starring Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon.
I recently got back a stack of DVDs from Fiona (of Deliver Me, Two Words, and Pink fame), which I lent to her last year after she broke her knee, and promptly re-watched one of my all-time favs. If you’ve never seen this film, I strongly encourage you to do so immediately and have thoughtfully compiled a list of reasons why…
1. The story. So simple, yet so brilliant. A solid piece of entertainment built around a high school election that also manages to explore it’s very serious theme of ethics and morals on every level (including filmically!).
2. Matthew Broderick as Jim McAllister. Fantastic actor, and a pleasure to have watched go from great teen movies (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) to great adult movies (see also You Can Count On Me).
Reese Witherspoon & Matthew Broderick in Election.
3. Reese Witherspoon as Tracy Flick. One of my favorite actresses working today. Can do leading lady as well as character pieces. Comedy. Drama. She sings. She’s amazing. Reese can do no wrong.
4. Discriminating and excellent use of swear words.
5. The language/writing in general. (As highlighted by DVD scene selection titles such as ‘harmonious & productive’, and ‘slanderous accusations’.)
6. The voice overs. While most films demonstrate how one voice-over is too much, Election proves that four is just right.
7. The music. Not just the wonderful score by Rolfe Kent, but the excellent song choices and wonderful ‘sting’ used whenever Reese Witherspoon’s character gets mad (a piece by Ennio Morricone originally composed for the spaghetti western Navajo Joe)
8. Larry Fouch. The Election Committee Chairman played by Nick D’Agosto in [...]
Jul 15 2011
MOON OVER BASE CAMP
life on set - 10 months ago - chris
An homage to K. Hughes, after her terrific series of base camp sunrise/sunset photos…
Full Moon Over Base Camp (with a hint o' craft truck), 2011*
Full Moon Over Base Camp (from the series, my favorite lock-ups), 2011
Full Moon Over Base Camp, (Mack truck detail), 2011
*framing & title inspired by my work today- police ID photo on grey with a hint o’ American flag – Thank you, J. Moore and B.M. Holzberg.
Jul 4 2011
THE WAITING GAME
project updates / writing - 11 months ago - chris
It’s been a busy time here at CRAAF headquarters.
Doing lots of dailies, mostly on TV shows, with one notable feature film exception. Long hours all around, but also managing to get some writing in- I recently finished a (very) rough draft of a new feature script and it’s been incredibly refreshing to live in a different world after the ‘Emily’ onslaught with the CFC application.
Speaking of which… In just a few short weeks, Nicola and I find out if we’ve been short-listed for a interview even though I managed to bounce the application check (yep, just plain forgot about it- very unlike me). Nicola was understandably pissed, and for a heart-stopping weekend I thought I’d gotten us kicked out of the whole selection process. The kind folks at the CFC were very understanding, however (apparently this happens more than you’d think) and let us hang in there (hoping ‘hang’ isn’t the operative word here). I also managed to have a major script breakthrough on ‘Emily’- the kind that naturally happens only after you’ve submitted an important application. Fantastic for the project as a whole, but anxiety-producing for the pending submission. (If only they could read the script that’s in my head!)
And so it continues- working & waiting. Waiting & working.
Jun 27 2011
ROOKIE BLUE
life on set / recommended - 11 months ago - chris
I meant to get this up last week in time for the Season 2 Premiere, but here it is, in time for the 2nd episode this Thursday on Global at 10pm.
I worked on this show quite a lot as a daily AD. It was a sweet gig- working downtown with a great crew and super talented cast.
Best of luck to Rookie Blue for their second season!
Jun 26 2011
SOME LAUGHS UNDER THE STARS
film community - 11 months ago - chris
Pink screens in Fuller Avenue Parkette
Last night Pink screened in the “Screening Under The Stars” program of the Parkdale Film & Video Showcase.
This was the first time I, or any of my collaborators, had seen this little short with an audience and we were pleasantly surprised at the amount of laughter we got for our efforts. I have to say there is little else that is as gratifying as making people laugh (making them cry? maybe I’ll find out one day…).
Anyway, there is a wealth of talent here in Parkdale. This particular fest leans toward the arty, so last night there was a lot of stuff I probably wouldn’t give thirty seconds to, if it passed before me on my tv screen. I’m one of those people who definitely has to see slower paced stuff on the big screen, where I’m sort of, uh, captive and less distracted. Last night, the final film in the program was an abstraction of Norman McLaren’s 1968 film Pas de Deux, which, frankly, I thought would be boring as hell (one look at the description and running time – 12 minutes!), but instead I found it wonderfully inspiring and came away with some ideas for new paintings, of all things! The film is called Plus de Deux, and it’s by an artist named David Frankovich.
Lovely night, all around.
Jun 11 2011
PINK IN THE PARK!
film community / project updates - 11 months ago - chris
Pink was just accepted into the Parkdale Film and Video Showcase!
One of my all-time favorite film festivals, it used to be known as the Parkdale REHAB Film Festival* and it was where I had my first ever public screening. (My first short Deliver Me screened there back in 2007.)
The festival is organized by the Parkdale Beauty Pageant Society, a renewable collective of local artists, curators and arts educators.
Pink is screening at the Fuller Avenue Parkette on Saturday, June 25th, so come on out! In the fest’s words-
“Bring your own blankets and snacks and settle in under the stars for a family-friendly, fun and thought-provoking outdoor screening of new and recent film and video shorts by Parkdale-based artists. Our most popular event is PWYC!”
In other news, Pink’s excellent camera-man, Jon Wayne Brown, just heard that his television project The Small Time was shortlisted for NSI’s TV development program- Totally Television.
Good luck, Jon!
*Parkdale’s all rehabilitated now, hence the name change.
Jun 7 2011
APPLICATION NATION & GOOD NEIGHBOURS
project updates / recommended - 12 months ago - chris
This afternoon I struggled with burning yet another DVD for yet another application. Now, every submission guideline for every grant/film fest/whatever is different, so that means that each accompanying reel/clip/collection of films on the accompanying DVD has to be re-edited/burned/whatever. Being semi-tech-literate, this process usually takes me at least four times longer than it should and today was no exception. This particular DVD is for an application to TIFF’s Talent Lab, a very fun-looking program that takes place during the festival in September.
As DVDs must be dropped off at the Bell Lightbox, I think I will time my drop-off to catch a screening of Good Neighbours – Jacob Tierney’s latest film starring Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire, and the wonderful Scott Speedman.
Check out the trailer below – It looks like a deliciously noirish good time.
LATE BREAKING UPDATE:
So engrossed in Good Neighbours, I completely forgot to drop off my DVD while at the Lightbox- doh! Will now have to courier it tomorrow to meet the deadline, as I’m on set all day. Needless to say, the film is definitely worth a watch, especially at the gorgeous Lightbox theatre!
May 27 2011
DONE & DONE!
project updates / writing - 12 months ago - chris
Our application to the CFC Features program, that is.
Yes, Nicola and I slipped our application in under the wire this afternoon, just two hours before the five o’clock deadline. We’re feeling pretty great about the app, but more importantly, about the project itself- we ended up learning a lot about our feature Emily while putting the package together- the part of grant writing I’ve always appreciated. Plus, I learned a lot about grammar! Nicola is just a few months away from getting her PHD in English and I must say, it was both fun and trippy writing with someone who could definitively answer the semi colon question; should it go here?
(No. Definitely not there, in case you were wondering.)
May 25 2011
HOW TO PITCH A MOVIE IDEA – SNAP!
film community / project updates - 12 months ago - chris
Nicola and I have been hard at work on our application to the CFC Features program (3 days to deadline), and one of the most difficult parts of the process has been the film’s marketing strategy.
Of course! How you want to market the film makes you ask the difficult questions that you should already know the answers to (especially if you’re doing a marketing strategy!) – What is this film about? Who is it for? What other films does it remind you of? The first two questions are no problem, but the third is a little tricky, especially if it’s not yet a completed film.
For some reason (procrastination, probably), I thought about this video I saw a few years ago. Not totally related to what I was just saying, but fun all the same…
May 10 2011
THE FUTURE LOOKS GOOD
recommended - 1 year ago - chris
I am so excited to see this movie.
Miranda July. Such an inspiration.
May 6 2011
COLOUR ME KUBRICK
recommended - 1 year ago - chris
Art, film, & colour, oh my!
Found this online the other day (thanks First Showing) – a colour-coded gallery of Stanley Kubrick-related art from La Cinémathèque Française. Wonderful stuff. See for yourself.
May 1 2011
A GOOD MOVIE
recommended - 1 year ago - chris
Barney’s Version was just plain satisfying!
Superb acting*, wonderful craft (including amazing hair and make-up), beautifully photographed and, most important, of course- a juicy story.
It was a fun night out at the Revue.
If you didn’t catch it at the theatres, I highly recommend it as a rental.
*Scott Speedman, in particular, was a revelation.
May 1 2011
CFC FEATURES, TAKE 2
project updates - 1 year ago - chris
Okay, technically it’s take 3, but I can’t really count my first application. I applied alone, with possibly the worst script ever, and the thinking that I was going to switch gears from painting into filmmaking and make a feature film immediately. Don’t get me wrong – I believe it’s possible, but in my case I seriously underestimated my own learning curve. (It’s still curving! Look at it curve! It’s like the God Damn Appalachians!)
Cut to a few years later and the ever-lasting optimism that this is it! The biggest differences between then and now is that desperation and self-delusion have been replaced with simple joy in the process and the confidence that even if we’re not accepted, this film is definitely getting made. How can I be so sure, you ask? Because this time, I have an awesome producer on board!
So, here it goes… the deadline is May 27, 26 days away as of today with quite a few AD dailies booked in there as well. Wish us luck. They’ve expanded the application guidelines this year, so the competition will be fierce!
For more info about CFC Features, click here.
Apr 21 2011
SPRINGTIME IN PARIS IS LOOKING PINK
film community - 1 year ago - chris
Cinematographer Ben Lichty, a friend and collaborator (he shot Two Words) was recently in Europe shooting Ingrid Veninger’s new film and sent me this pic, saying it made him think of Pink.
window display in Paris
I love it- thanks, Ben! Can’t wait to see the new film…
Apr 19 2011
THE JOY OF MAKING MOVIES, er…
life on set - 1 year ago - chris
I began this post on a day off between my 2 weeks of work on set. I was working as an AD on re-shoots of a big movie and, as you can see by the title, the first week went very well.
I was high on the beautiful big-movie lighting and giddy over the collaboration of highly skilled technicians, all in the name of art. The movie was troubled, to be sure, but the key players were all so passionate about getting the story right, it was inspiring to witness.
The second week went, well, less well, and I am very happy to be back working on my own stuff, and throwing my money-making-lot back into the daily game. It’s amazing how long 2 weeks can seem when you’re strapped into the roller coaster of film production.
Apr 5 2011
UN PETIT PINK
project updates - 1 year ago - chris
I did a little spring cleaning on the website and thought I would take the opportunity to share the new version of Pink. This is the silent, 1 minute version that David and I will be submitting to TUFF. Enjoy-
ps. the script re-write went very well (ie, the operation was a success!) and now I’m back on set for a couple weeks.
A better report to follow shortly…
Apr 5 2011
AWESOME MOVIE POSTER ART
recommended - 1 year ago - chris
This was forwarded to me by a friend-
brickhut – a designer’s website/blog with movie posters that perfectly, stylishly, encapsulate the whole film in a single image.
Check out this one for The Breakfast Club-
Beautiful work.
Mar 17 2011
RE-WRITING A SCRIPT IS LIKE…
project updates / writing - 1 year ago - chris
… taking a car apart, looking at all the pieces on the lawn and then trying to put it back together so it will run better. Or, at least, that’s the analogy that’s been in my mind for past re-writes.
As I get ready to start another revision of my feature script ‘Emily’ (yes, the same one I claimed was done in many past posts), a different analogy has come to mind and it’s been freaking me out a little.
This time, I feel like I’m a surgeon who’s about to operate. It’s a risky procedure, and the script will be in a lot of danger, but if I don’t try this operation, it will definitely die. The script has been prepped for surgery and is waiting for me to start writing…
At this point, I should probably mention that I worked on set for just under 19 hours yesterday. Yes. From 1pm Wednesday to 7:45am Thursday. And now, after 6 hours of sleeping in the day, I feel like I’m on drugs.
Mar 14 2011
GETTING THE TONE RIGHT
project updates - 1 year ago - chris
As the re-writes continue on my feature project ‘Emily’, one thing has become clear- the tone of the film is not coming across in the screenplay.
I see the story as a dark comedy/drama/romance where others see only the drama/romance. Sure, there are still other problems with the story, but this is the only one I’m really struggling with how to solve.
London-based filmmaker Joseph Brett cut this trailer to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as an editing exercise and it made me think about the nuances of tone.
Brett says- “My aim was to make it look more like an indie coming of age film; perhaps the kind of film Sofia Coppola or Godard might make.”
I think he succeeded! (Especially in showing how much of an influence music has on tone.)
For my purposes, I’m going to read (and re-read) some screenplays I admire to see how it’s done… And I just might start with one that I think is genius at setting the tone through it’s descriptions (and genius in general); Withnail & I, by Bruce Robinson.
Check out his description of a public house:
This is an Irish pub. It’s filling up in direct proportion to the emptying of the churches. The bar is full of men. Only two women in here and they look like men. Faces like rotten beetroots. One has a tuft of carrot-coloured hair. Everybody here has one thing in common. They have come in here to get drunk. It’s a horrible place. Shit-coloured Formica. Carpet like the surface of a road. The atmosphere is rank with smoke and Irish accent. WITHNAIL leads the way to the bar and is served at once.
Now, I’ve been writing under the guide that if you can’t see it (“… in direct proportion to the emptying of the churches”), don’t describe it.
In his [...]
Mar 9 2011
UN PETIT PINK, COMING SOON
project updates - 1 year ago - chris
Today, David and I worked out a new version of PINK that clocks in just under a minute. It’s waaay better than the old version (although, unfortunately has no sound or music).
Fiona Walker in PINK
We’re going to enter the film into TUFF, my new favorite film festival! (where you don’t need sound or music ’cause the films play on the TTC).
Check out their awesome website, where you can watch loads of fun 1 minute films from last year’s festival.
Mar 3 2011
THE ART OF TIM BURTON
recommended - 1 year ago - chris
I recently went to see the Tim Burton show at the Bell Lightbox here in Toronto.
It was very inspiring and I highly encourage anyone with any kind of interest in art or film to check it out. The man is a font of creativity.
My friend Sheri and I spent much of our time at the show going “Oh, right! He directed that!” Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, for example. I had totally forgotten that was his film.
A drawing by Tim Burton (after Romeo & Juliet, I think) on display as part of the Tim Burton show at the Bell Lightbox
One of my favorite works from the show was a drawing in the “early years” section. It looked like a classic blind contour drawing* from a figure drawing class (or “life drawing” as we called it in art college), with a bit of a twist… in the bottom right hand corner, there was a tiny monster, also drawn as a “blind contour”. Awesome.
There was so much great stuff to take in, I’m definitely going again.
The show’s on until April 17th.
* a blind contour drawing is when you draw something (let’s say a cat), without looking down at your paper. You generally don’t lift your pen off the paper until you’re done, instead using it to follow the contours of the cat, creating something that looks like this:
blind contour drawing of Neko the cat
Feb 28 2011
BEST LINE AT THE OSCARS
film community - 1 year ago - chris
“I’m Banksy”
Delivered by Justin Timberlake as he stepped out to present an award.
He could be. He can do everything else.
Love JT.
Feb 23 2011
PLOT FOR THOUGHT
recommended - 1 year ago - chris
I just finished reading Christopher Booker’s The Seven Basic Plots: Why we tell stories.
Weighing in at just over 700 pages, I confess I’ve been reading this sucker since the fall. A drop in the hat compared to the author, though, who spent over 30 years writing the thing.
I found the book engaging, compelling, inspiring, and deeply thought-provoking for all manner of story-related things.
I would highly recommend checking it out if you are a writer or a filmmaker, and have no doubt you’ll find something of value, even if you don’t agree with all of Booker’s ideas.
I did a little googling about the author before tackling this post and feel a bit like I fell down the rabbit hole. A controversial fellow, to say the least, but I’ll leave that stuff up to Wikipedia and your own level of interest.
The book got a mixed reception from the literary community, and I thought I’d include this hilarious headline from a review published by Adam Mars-Jones in The Observer-
“Terminator 2 good, The Odyssey bad”
You can read the rest of the review here, but I think The Washington Post’s Denis Dutton is a little more articulate and a little less nasty. (although I don’t particularly agree with either of them)
Feb 11 2011
THE PROBLEM WITH CANADIAN FILM
film community / recommended - 1 year ago - chris
Earlier this week, JWB and I went to a LIFT OUT LOUD script-reading event moderated by Glenn Cockburn, the founder of Meridian Artists.
Now Glenn is an agent and a producer*, among other things, and had many interesting and informative things to say about the state of Canadian film. I was very glad I attended the reading, as much of what he said resonated with me, and I left feeling totally inspired.
According to Glenn, Canadians love to withhold drama while they develop the crap out of stuff. As in… we want to show you a character and show you the world that she lives in, and the world she works in, and the world… well, you get the point- Get to the point!
He used a great example from Good Will Hunting to illustrate this idea about how fast things should happen in (good, compelling) films. ‘How much time (did we think) passes before you see the first math problem in the film?’ We collectively guessed 10 minutes.
Definitely not the problem... a very fun film- check it out.
The answer: not even close to 10 minutes!
Okay, Glenn did give a number, but I thought I’d provide a real specific math-like answer instead. (mostly because I spent part of the morning reading the script online and find his answer so hard to believe, I must confirm it for myself**)
In a Canadian film, it probably would be 10 minutes and here Glenn drove the idea home, saying we might see the math problem, but only after we’d seen the character working as a janitor, eating his lunch alone, reading math books, being depressed, etc.
Over beers after the reading, JWB and I agreed- we’d both been stricken with develop-itis in the past and were working [...]
Feb 2 2011
AT THE MOVIES, THE JOY AND THE (LOUD) PAIN
life on set / project updates - 1 year ago - chris
The past two weeks have seen me finish my time on Rookie Blue and get back to my own projects, which means writing, writing, and more writing, broken only by a lot of film & TV watching.
I’ve just begun a major revision on my feature ‘Emily’ and Nicola* and I have starting talking about who we’d like to cast in the film, so this means research! In the last couple weeks I’ve probably watched 15 films at home, tons of clips on YouTube, and even caught a couple movies at the theater, which leads me to the following rant…
Blue Valentine and The King’s Speech. An interesting double bill, and a pretty great night at the movies. The pain of it all comes from the people who go and see movies at the theater (which is awesome, of course), but act like they are at home in their living rooms catching up with friends (not awesome when they are sitting next to you). I’m afraid it taps into my AD rage (leftover from set), where I’ve noticed that some people can’t manage to stop talking. Ever. And are often in my lock-up.**
Anyway, during Blue Valentine, my usual pissiness towards the people talking morphed into genuine astonishment as I realized it wasn’t just the people near me, it was damn near the whole theater! And almost every time the actors were silent on screen became an opportunity for people to chat. Unbelievable. It made me really appreciate the storytellers’ efforts when I noticed they had managed to capture the attention of the entire audience for a quiet moment on screen.***
It also made me appreciate movie-goers in New York City, who might talk to each other, sure, but at least they include you by talking to the screen as well.
This summer, in [...]
Jan 23 2011
THE CASTING CONUNDRUM & SOME VERY COOL NEWS
film community / project updates / recommended - 1 year ago - chris
It’s been a productive weekend.
Lots of writing, and a fun film-related night on Friday to kick things off- Cast This! The Ins and Outs of Casting, a panel discussion that’s part of Canada’s Top Ten, organized by TIFF.
new film by filmmaker Ingrid Veninger, one of the Cast This! panelists
This was the official write up on the panel-
Cast This! The Ins and Outs of Casting
The great French director Louis Malle once said that casting was 80% of a director’s job. Find out if it’s actually true and learn about the ins and outs of casting with Canada’s Top Ten filmmakers Denis Côté (Curling), Deborah Chow (The High Cost of Living) and Ingrid Veninger (MODRA), as well as casting agents John Buchan and Jason Knight (Splice) and producers Leonard Farlinger and Jennifer Jonas (Trigger), as they discuss the different approaches they took to casting and developing their films. The panel will be moderated by noted producer Damon D’Oliveira (Rude, Law of Enclosures, Proteus, Lie with Me, Poor Boy’s Game).
So… what did I learn at this panel…? Let’s see… I learned Denis Côté is hilarious. And, oh yeah, there are pretty much no rules to casting a film except that you gotta have a great script that people will actually want to perform. Okay.
Ingrid Veninger said something that night that really struck a chord with me, though. To paraphrase – she said that meeting your collaborators (or casting) is a lot like falling in love. You can set out for the night and say ‘tonight I’m going to fall in love!’ and, of course, when does it ever happen like that? It’s always more like a surprise that happens [...]
Jan 10 2011
PINK AND YELLOW, COMING SOON TO A FILM FEST NEAR YOU (I HOPE)
project updates - 1 year ago - chris
craft service on the set of 'Pink'
I was reading over the eligibility requirements for Telefilm funding the other day and noticed that I am one film-in-a-festival shy of officially qualifying. In an attempt to rectify this situation, I’ve submitted Pink and So Yellow to a couple of fests. Keep your fingers crossed, folks!
Jan 8 2011
BEST ART DOCS EVER
recommended - 1 year ago - chris
I saw Exit Through the Gift Shop last night. A documentary by world famous street artist Banksy.
work by Banksy featured in Exit Through the Gift Shop
Great flick, hugely entertaining. Like most films, best seen without knowing too much about it. I will say it was a wonderful introduction to Banksy and his work, though.
Watching Exit Through the Gift Shop reminded me of my all-time favorite film about artists and their work, ironically another documentary about “street/graffitti” artists – Beautiful Losers
A fantastic film. Would make a great double bill with Exit Through the Gift Shop. One film shows what I feel is the meaning and heart of street art, and the other shows the superficial surface and potential for souless-ness, while each of them comment on both sides of the issue.
A roster of incredibly strong and talented artists shows up in each film (with Shepard Fairey appearing in both). Margaret Kilgallen in Beautiful Losers was a particular revelation, but do yourself a favour if you don’t know her or her work, and watch the doc before you look her up.
Jan 7 2011
NEW YEAR, NEW TO-DO LIST
film community / recommended - 1 year ago - chris
From the same source that published the list that inspired my original post, I offer another one for the new year…
That’s right, from Filmmaker magazine: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR FILMMAKERS by Scott Macaulay. (below is an abbreviated version)
1. Amplify your voice.
Macaulay says – “You have a voice. Make it bigger in 2011. Spread it wider and connect it to more people. If you are working within your own little crew, spread out.”
Hear, hear – My little crew is sooo little, it pretty much has no choice but to get bigger this year!
2. Improve your social.
Macaulay says – “Review your online practices and make them better. Do you blog? Blog more. Or blog less, but more meaningfully when you do.” etc
On this same tip, I would suggest (and am going to try) also improving your “social” skills by participating in others’ social stuff more. Sure, I blog and occasionally tweet, and facebook-whateves, but I rarely participate in group discussions, read way more than I comment on, etc. 2011 – Time to git involved!
3. See the Essential 100.
Macaulay says – “Great films are nourishing. There are treasures for the present in the past. Don’t get caught up with only the newest — make 2011 the year you fill in the cracks of your cinephilia. An easy way to do this is to watch all the films in the Toronto International Film Festival group’s “Essential 100.” It’s a list of classics selected by critics, curators and audiences published alongside the opening of its new Bell Lightbox facility.”
Yay, Scott Macaulay! Givin’ props to the peeps in TO! I 100% endorse this particular resolution, for the classics, sure, but also for the Lightbox – if you love film and live in Toronto, go and see [...]
Dec 31 2010
JULIAN SCHNABEL, ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE!
recommended - 1 year ago - chris
Yup, I’m a fan. Love, love, love his films and have a (recently acquired) respect for his work as a painter.
Just under the wire (the show closes Jan. 2/10), I saw the retrospective of his work at the AGO; Julian Schnabel: Art and Film. Great show, and very, very inspiring to a painter/filmmaker like yours truly. If you’re not familiar with his films, I highly encourage you to check them out- Basquiat, Before Night Falls, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. (His latest, Miral, is due out in March)*
or, in english, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Before I sign off for the year, I thought I’d share my favorite Julian Schnabel moment (from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly):
A man is imprisoned in his body by a stroke and for the majority of the first part of the film, we feel his immobility through an intense POV- He can only see out of one eye and Schnabel makes it real for the viewer. When the sense of claustrophobia is at it’s worst, and begins to feel really unbearable, Schnabel cuts to an image of wild movement (and sets it to a pounding rock song!). It took me a minute to realize what I was even looking at when I first saw it, but gradually realized it’s the back of a woman’s head, and her hair is blowing a million different ways as she rides in a convertible! It felt like such a release and was pure, cinematic joy- I think it’s one of the best expressions of the idea of freedom ever put on film.
So, thanks for the great art and inspiration, Julian Schnabel!
& Happy New Year!
*He also directed the documentary Lou Reed Berlin, which I have yet to check out, but I’m sure [...]
Dec 23 2010
CHRISTMAS ON SET
life on set - 1 year ago - chris
It’s been a busy, busy season. Continuing to do dailies on Rookie Blue, setting up the new place, squeezing in some writing time when I can.
Yesterday was my last day on set for 2010 and the locations department did something that has shifted my Christmas Spirit into high gear… The Locations Rookie Blue Christmas Tree. Decorated entirely with garbage found lying around the studio, here it is for your enjoyment and Christmas delight-
The Locations Rookie Blue Christmas Tree
Happy Holidays everyone!
Dec 5 2010
THE RED SHOES & PINK
project updates / recommended - 1 year ago - chris
I watched The Red Shoes for the first time last night and was inspired by the artistry and the incredible economy of the film. The film runs 133 minutes but shots don’t linger longer than necessary to tell the story. The whole thing had a surprisingly modern feeling to it and I could see why Martin Scorcese cites it as one of his all-time faves. I could see Martin Scorcese in it! Obviously, ties are strong between him, his work, and this film. His long-time editor Thelma Schoonmaker was married to one of the directors of The Red Shoes- Micheal Powell (the other part of the writer/director/producer team being Emeric Pressburger), and she and Scorcese spear-headed the restoration of the film to it’s original Technicolor glory.*
The Red Shoes, 1948
Thinking about The Red Shoes led me to re-edit PINK today.
Awhile ago David and I talked about re-editing the film and entering it in the Toronto Urban Film Festival next year. The big challenge is the film has to be 1 minute long (and silent). Today I got it down to a minute and a half and it’s about a million times better than it’s full length version.
When we made the film, I decided to edit it myself to learn about how shots are put together, etc., but I’ve always believed in the benefits of having an actual editor to work on projects with, and today proved that point is a good one. Not that I’ve become a new editor, but I realized how much of each shot was included just because I had feelings towards it that were left over from either the conception or the shoot, and these feelings ultimately got in the way of making the film better.
I was reminded of Zadie Smith’s [...]
Dec 2 2010
WRITING INSPIRATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
project updates - 1 year ago - chris
I’m off today after many busy, fun-filled days on set. Off to re-connect with the reason I work on set in the first place! (and also to organize my house a little)
As it happens, the recent move has inspired me and given me an idea for a new feature script that I’m dying to start writing! So… to get my head out of AD-land and back into screenwriting/filmmaking-land, I procrastinated, I mean, googled, screenwriting tips this morning and found this gem-
“Yes, I can tell you were drinking when you wrote that sequence. Hey, it’s evocative and fast-paced. If only it made any sense…”
I love drinking humor, what can I say? Loads more good tips to be found at Screenwriting Tips… You Hack
Right. I’m off to procrastinate, I mean, organize my office and then get down to some serious writing… wish me luck!
