April 2013 Reading

Open Culture: Alfred Hitchcocks Seven Minute Editing Master Class

The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss: How to Create a Viral Book Trailer or get 1 000 000 Views for Almost Anything

The Intouchables

The Intouchables is one of the funniest films I've seen in a long time. It's irreverent and uplifting and I highly recommend it. The version I watched is French with English subtitles and it was worth putting aside all distractions to watch and enjoy. This film is my favourite so far this year.

Searching for Sugarman

I listened to Rodriguez in the park on the way to school where we would stop for a sneaky smoke before school. I'd downloaded his music on my ipod and I had no idea about his story until I saw this great film. What a story!

Django Unchained

It's hard to anticipate a film you are looking forward to seeing. As a big fan of the writer/director, you can have high expectations. I totally enjoyed 'Django Unchained'. I'm too biased in favour of Tarantino to give a decent review, so here are a coupl from professionals:

The Australian: Tarantino is unrestrained
ABC: At The Movies




 

Snow White and the Huntsman

I love the retelling of faery tales. Recently I began watching the TV Series 'Once Upon a Time'. All retellings are not equal, yet the retelling continues and the story is familiar, yet with a different perspective. This is another one. Too scary for children.

Snow White and the Huntsman held a few surprises for me. One of the big improvements I saw was no stepmother relationship and no happily ever after wedding.

I am yet to see 'Mirror, Mirror', also made last year.
 

Getting Started in Filmmaking, From Beginning to End

If you’re looking to start making some films, you may already possess a lot of the things you need to get started. If you’ve got some sort of camera, a computer, and some basic video editing software then you’re probably all set. If you want to really get serious though, it’ll take some investment. Check out this list of different things you need to start making your films appear more professional.

Software

Many computers come standard with some basic video editing software. This is good if you’re interested in making low-budget films for your personal use, but if you’re serious about filmmaking then you need to upgrade to something better. Investing in a program like Final Cut Pro will let you edit things you never had the opportunity to before. With all the different kinds of effects you can use, you’ll find a program like Final Cut Pro is a great investment.

Good software will also let you edit the music and scores in your films. This is great because you can get all your free music downloads @ www.kazagold.com and edit them as you see fit. You’ll see that the things you can do with good video editing software are essentially endless. Investing in a program like Adobe After Effects will give you access to insane visual effects. You’ll be surprised at what you can create.

Camera

Surprisingly, you’ll find that you can find a great quality camera that you can use to create awesome videos for cheap. Search some local websites in your area for a used camera, but if you’re looking for a new high definition camera you’ll still be able to find one that doesn’t break your budget. Depending on what it is that you’re filming, a GoPro camera might be a good choice. GoPro cameras are very rugged and can be taken under water and through extreme conditions. There’s no need to invest in a camera that you won’t need, so choose a cheaper yet higher quality model if that’s all you need.

Marketing Tools

If you believe your film is of high enough quality that you want to share it and possibly enter it in film festivals, you’ll need tools to market it. There are lots of ways to do this, some that cost lots of money and some that are free.

First off, you should create a captivating trailer for your film using your video editing software. Make sure the trailer has information on the website for your film, which you should also create. There are plenty of websites that cater to independent filmmakers, so search around to find one that fits what you need (including your budget). After creating the trailer and your website, use social media to market your film. Create a Facebook for your film and have all of your friends “Like” the page, and encourage them to share your trailer. The more buzz you can create, the better.

Image credit: http://www.enfew.com/

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This stop motion animation features many great Australian voices, Anthony LaPaglia, Ben Mendelsohn, Geoffry Rush and others. It's set in an apartment building and is like having a coffee and watching the world go by, but a bit more intense and personal. I enjoyed it.

Thunderstruck

Thunderstruck is another great Australian film. It's a road trip story about a group of young men who revive their friendship to fulfil a promise made in their youth. If you like ACDC, road trips, humour, Australian films, I would recommend it to you.


Another

I Love You Too

A romantic comedy. I laughed. Recommended.

Metro Study Guide

Review by Luke Buckmaster

Animal Kingdom

You have to watch this film. I was totally gripped by it's intensity. The characters convince.

If you want to download a study guide: Metro:Animal Kingdom

The Official Film Site Animal Kingdom

Article about AFI nominations: Luke Buckmaster

This is Australian film at its best.

Animal Kingdom

Tomorrow When the War Began

This film is thought provoking as the book was. I like John Marsdon's writing because he doesn't treat the audience to a clearly defined judgement, yet places us in predicament's through the protagonists. Reading the book with year 9 classes, the debates and discussions provoked by this story are no stranger to me. That is the value of it for teenagers (and readers in general) I believe. It asks you to question your reality or perspective of how you fit in the world.

I loved the shot of Ellie in front of the mural of the Brittish invasion of Australia. I was pleased Corrie was reading an Australian classic and the line about films not being as good as books. I've read a number of reviews since seeing the film and like my classrooms there is debate about the story. Here are a few:

Luke Buckmaster (also read the comments)

Beyond Hollywood

Phillipa Hawker

The Soloist

I loved this film. It touched me in many ways. It is a great story that reveals lots of human themes such as friendship, judgement, values, commitment and love. It gives insight into homelessness and mental health. I watched it last night and I want to see it again. The music was precious as were the characters. All of them. This film is good.

Inglourious Basterds

Image via Wikipedia

Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglourious Basterds' was enjoyable. When I purchased it the salesperson told me it wasn't very good. I like Tarantino a lot though. Some of his films are among my favourites. People I trust had enjoyed it:-)

It had that great mix of funny, shocking, surprising, amusing, bizarre and lots of action and random characters.

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• Carpetbagger: Directors Give 'Basterds' Some Oscar Hope (carpetbagger.blogs.nytimes.com)

Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds Motion Picture Soundtrack

Some Kind of Monster

This documentary about Metallica exceeded my expectations. I am not a big fan of their music and had no idea to be honest the size of the crowds they draw and the business value of that. 'Some Kind of Monster' is very revealing look at the band as they fall apart and come together. It shows the humanity of the band members and the dynamics of groups.

I don't enjoy heavy metal music. I find it too angry and agressive and whilst I can appreciate lyrics and performances, it's not often I would feel like listening to it.

This was one of the scenes I found quite facinating...
I really enjoyed this documentary and I believe I will appreciate Metallica more in future from getting to know a little more about them.

The Reader

'The Reader' was full of surprises for me. Films can really challenge you sometimes and this was full of challenges for me. My favourite review was from Peter Galvin on Filmink. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it was an experience to watch.

Hancock

I had no idea what Hancock was about. My partner picked it. I really enjoyed it. It's about a 'superhero' with a big publicity problem. There were some obvious things going on in it, yet the twist totally took me by surprise. I enjoyed it.

The Boat That Rocked

'The Boat That Rocked' is a film I know I will watch again. I viewed it on DVD this week and even the deleted scenes were enjoyable. It is based on an era in the late 60s when pirate radio stations brought music to the UK. It was a comedy with lots of great music and a rebellious spirit. I enjoyed it. For a variety of reviews, check out Rotten Tomatoes.

I want the The Boat that Rocked soundtrack.

Martian Child

John Cusack is great in this film. I expected more comedy, it was funny, but not in the way I expected. It was a touching story about a science fiction writer, grieving for his wife, who adopts a kid who thinks he's from Mars. A perfect match. It's also a great story that questions 'Is it good to be like everyone else?'. Just what I needed today.



There are many beautiful moments in this film. I loved it.

My Year Without Sex

An Australian film that was a total pleasure to watch and amused me for days. It's full of funny and yet touching moments. This is Sarah Watt's second feature film and I will certainly be watching everything she makes having also enjoyed her first 'Look Both Ways'. I enjoy her characters and the warmth of her exposure of every day life. Some of my favourite moments are just little moments in the film such as in the call centre when the guy on the phone is trying to convince the customer that he's in Australia. It's fully of insights into our modern lives. I highly recommend this film. The actors are great, especially Matt Day, very likeable.



A great soundtrack with some of my favourites such as The Audreys and Little Birdy tracks.

Create an Ad Competition

I am getting a few emails from various sources about competitions and rather than forward them to all the past students interested in this kind of thing, I will put them here and those interested can get them.

So the latest is to make a Doritos ad and win $20 000.

Details here.