THEORYLAND IS IN!!!

"THEORYLAND" has been admitted into the film 106 class at UCSB.

This means it will be made!!!

here is a quick summary of the project:

Theoryland is a part live action, part animation adventure comedy
about a young film student, Becca, who gets trapped in her animated
film. Her travels home include (but are certainly not limited to)
playing with adorable woodland critters, sailing with a charming sea
captain, and fighting off flying robot chickens. During this
spontaneous adventure through her imagination, Becca learns a lot
about the meaning of art and film, the importance of trusting others,
and the thrill of unbounded creativity.

production update

The holocaust video is completed.

Draft two of Theoryland is completed (it is significantly more funny, but also 5 pages longer, so we will have to cut about 10 pages).

greenscreen films on Youtube

So now you can watch all three Greenscreen '08 films on you tube on it's own channel. This will also be the home for the future Greenscreen films:

GreenScreen Youtube Channel

upcoming films

Because I've seen all the movies I care to that are currently in theaters, it was nice to see this photo gallery of upcoming Fall films. Many interesting flicks here...big actors and good concepts. Very exciting! Take a look.

more boggler

Theoryland update

Becca's "Woodland Critters" are being conceptualized and drawn!

We may be able to apply to be an AS Group and ask the campus for funding!

word boggle!

This is just an example of something you can do on THIS WEBSITE.
It's fun to play with!

Theoryland update

Draft two is being written.

UCIRA Grant got back to me that November 1st is my deadline to submit a grant proposal, so that's another 2000 dollar possibility for us.

photo art

I recently stumbled across an intro to photography class in the class schedule for fall and remembered that the reason I took Art 1A (visual literacy) in winter of freshman year, was so i could eventually take some of the studio art classes. So hopefully if my schedule permits, I will be able to enroll in that class for the fall quarter.

This weekend I took lots of pictures (basically served as the official skim boarding photographer for my friends) and below are my three favorites, which actually captured more of the beach surroundings, rather than the skimming. I plan on framing these to put up in my room next year because I really like how the colors and lighting came out.

final cut

I started learning final cut this weekend and it was really fun. I only know the basics, but now I feel more comfortable in the editing lab and feel like these simple skills will help me for future projects. I will definitely try to learn more once I start school but just getting a hint of it in order to edit the holocaust video was really fulfilling.

cake for thought

So apparently somehow, when trying to get to my blog, Mariana (woo shoutout!) came across this blog. And it's absolutely hilarious. Cake has little to do with film, but these cakes certainly shouldn't have been green-lit!

Well if anything, I'm glad a detour from my blog is something so amusing...

CLICK HERE


AND HERE

wait...I do edit?

Well not quite yet, but getting closer by the day.

So today I filmed a Holocaust competition video...I interviewed four teens girls and had them respond to Anne Frank quotes...only didn't even tell them the subject of the documentary. I wanted to get an unbiased, natural response to synthesize how the voices of girls of today may connect to the voices of the past, in specific for this case, the voice of Anne Frank. The competition calls for a video under five minutes pertaining to viewing The Holocaust through a 21st century lens.

I am more of a producer, so I planned all the people and the location, printed the quotes, figured the concept...etc. Michael operated the camera and sound...he also edits really well. BUT when we finished, Michael suggested that I do the first edit...eek. Now, I don't know if he ever reads this (I doubt it and in this case I think I put up the last post about editing last night...but good timing!) So since I don't really have the technical means to do it at home, and I'm going up to SB next week, I'm gonna commit a day to messing around with this. Kelsey (love her!) said she will help be learn the basics to at least do a first edit then maybe Michael will step in and actually make it good haha. Anyways I'm just happy this gives me a reason to learn or at least dip my feet in the water, so to speak.

oh yeah at the end, they all suggested I get in front of the camera...it was actually really fun and I think I will use some of my footage!

editing

"I don't edit."

An unfortunate thing to have to say....I need to learn how to use final cut...at least the basics because I want to be able to jump in and help out with my projects in the editing lab. And animation too if I produce an animation.

It's too easy to say "that's not my thing" but it's silly to be in school for a discipline and rule out portions of it just because you haven't learned yet. It's not too late. How do you think people know how to edit well now? Because they learned like a year or two ago! So I am making a decision to learn when I have free time over the quarter so I don't regret a skill that is available for me.

"I want to learn to edit..."

...that sounds much better

new business cards

design by the very talented Erica Kehlet ("EK")

the idea

Something to remember is that film making is all about a good idea. That's basically the key with anything in life that is creative or business-like.

That's why I think producing for television would be cool..because those are the creators of an idea; truly harmonious with part of the definition that I always use for producers, that it's the person who sees the project from the beginning to the end, until it has reached it's goals and potential.

At the Writer's Guild presentation with Will Ferrell, the moderator asked how he likes producing and when asked what a producer does, he did a great bit about it. I love that this question comes up literally at every panel discussion or interview I go to...It's kinda annoying to be working towards a profession that is so questioned, but then again, some things that are always so clear and defined are either overlooked or taken for granted.

Anyways bottom line is Will Ferrell is hilarious beyond belief and a good idea not only goes a long way, it is the way.

p.s. Sometimes I wonder about how creating a film is similar to creating a business or managing a store. Sometimes I think it would be really fun to run a team business, a company or restaurant.

This picture caught my eye because it shows the chaos in ideas but the singular, upright nature of the person allows for hope that there is a way to organize among chaos, which is really sometimes just an overflow of creativity. After our rough cut for Chimes, I sat my crew down for a 4 hour meeting or "white board session" in which we discussed and outlined and decided on all the changes in editing that we needed. It was an overwhelming task but we literally all left there so happy that we sorted through everything and gave each other hugs as we left. The point is that the man in this picture is just a piece of the mural. If he did it all himself, he is not alone, because others will look and learn from it. Perhaps he is making his first stroke right now; perhaps he has a crew behind him of a bunch of other "chalk drawers."

An idea is a group effort, even if it comes from one person at first.

Now pick up a piece of chalk and make that first stroke.

stumble upon art

For the record, it's people like this, that make me want to be more artistic...

Take a look.

http://okaydave.com

His multi-talented portfolio is the perfect blend between the intimate abyss that is one's creativity and the external workings of life. Mixing music, film, drawing, graphic design, and more...
I especially like how his "about me" is utterly self-absorbed, but sooo good. I've never seen anything like that, where someone's bio doesn't annoy me, but actually makes them more endearing.

I usually I don't feature this kind of thing on my blog but I think he deserves these props, plus I would like to remember that I saw this because watching his work really made me realize how mixed media is something very important to me, to not get stuck in one medium and to always welcome collaborators and new ideas.

Damn. this guy is talented. I'm just gonna drop his name here (Dave Werner) so if he ever googles his name, he'll see that I am complimenting him and maybe one day design a website for me lol.

oh the fall brings so many choices

When I finished producing Chimes, I considered my next logical step was to produce a 106...I told myself that my second year I should gain experience, then do a 106. Well I'm all set for that and hopefully Theoryland can make it to there, but I've also been thinking about back-up/alternate options. I have built up 106 so much in my mind as to think I HAVE to make one, and yes, I really do in my time here as a major, but if it's not the right project, it's not the right time. I told myself that even if Theoryland doesn't get in, I would just try and produce someone else's project...but now I am more skeptical about that thought. I think I would want to produce an animation, so perhaps with the right people, and a great idea, I would jump on a project post-pitching. But if it's not right for some reason, I'm thinking "no" because to produce a project is a very serious idea to me; I would want to put my all into it. That's my thought for now, yet again once I step in that production hallway, I may think differently, we shall see.

As I start again with Greenscreen, I am reminded how much time and commitment it takes, so that makes me excited that even if Theoryland doesn't get in, I will still have my "in" with production; and even better because lately I have been really into collaborating and facilitating, even more than making my own art. For example I have lately thought of the job world of agents and management...something I never really thought of before in terms of the entertainment business.

So here are the options:

(1) If Theoryland gets in:

-106
-Greenscreen (this will be the case no matter what)
-Cam Con

(2)* If Theoryland doesn't get in (even thought I hope it does!)

-Get a job at Campbell Hall theatre (they offered me a job during reel loud; I like the people, and it gets me back in the theatre)
-Greenscreen
-Cam Con

*And for Option #2, the thing for me to think about is that I might be more prone to work on IVDV (which I feel an obligation to do so because I practically started it; and REEL LOUD (which has been really close to my heart since I started UCSB).
-Reel loud begins in the winter, which would interfere with 106 in terms of priority.
-I think this year IVDV may be in the winter

If I produced Reel Loud, I would want that to be my priority for spring(but hopefully I can talk Joe into creating a new system of leadership, so instead of one producer, there are 4 {like IVDV}, that way there is more team work, rather than a faulty dictatorship like this year.

-And 106 gives me no time for a job, in conjunction with Greenscreen...so having a job would be pretty nice, especially come Reel Loud time in terms of making a film- for Reel Loud, making a film is magical...I want to be on the committee and make a film; I know that that causes some issues...even though I don't think it caused much for me this past year, but there is a huge difference in making a film and making the festival...I don't know if I would be able to relinquish the magic of making a film so that's something to think about too.

So there are some things to think about; i guess getting those options on paper may clear things up for me soon...but essentially I can't really plan much of this because everything is based on what happens after the pitches.

It's just so exciting I have all these options, yet a little overwhelming that I will have to choose my priorities and annoying because I can't do everything!

If anyone actually read this and understands, and you have any comments or thoughts, let me know, otherwise here's to a lengthy "note-to-self!"

summer update

Just thought I would post an update about what I'm working on for the summer.

Last weekend I helped out on set of the DIRECTOR web-isode series, Episode 5.

This summer, I am in the stages of pre-production for the film I plan to pitch for the 106 film class in the fall. It is a script written for Film Studies 192 A, about a student who falls into her animated film, met with film theorists along the way...in a trippy adventure setting.

Pre-production mainly entails, honing down the script, putting together a budget, and putting together a crew.

So far, my crew that is set is Samantha Cohen as director, Leigh Mierke and Erica Pearsons as cinematographers, and head artist, Simon Estrada. I look forward in securing an editor soon, as well as a team of animators; a production manager is still iffy as well. It is very difficult to get people to really commit because everyone in the below the line jobs would like to see what else is being pitched before they decide what to work on. But, the cool thing is, that this script is really solid so people seem to be reacting to it really well. I plan on, a week before the pitch, holding auditions for the main actress, and perhaps putting out a casting call for the adult actors, that way if we get in, we can get the ball rolling. This would also be the time to do interviews for an Art Director and sound people. I figure if it doesn't get in, we just tell people that is a possibility ahead of time, but if it does we will rock it so nicely because we will practically be ready to plan test shoots and weekend 1 of filming. i figure too much waiting around is just an excuse to be lazy.

Lastly, soon I will be starting my work as an undergraduate executive producer/creative director (haven't quite figured that out yet lol) for Greenscreen. Greenscreen is the environmental media initiative that supported Chimes of Gaviota. I will now take on a broader role; no longer producing a specific film (because hopefully this whole 106 plan will work out), but instead will be helping all the projects as they create media geared towards local environmental issues.

Oh yea and then there is Cam Con. Seems like I got myself into that one too haha. This will be it's debut year, as a weekend, or week-long seminar/fair/workshop geared toward lighting/gaffers/cinematographers. I think I will help organize that event. Oh boy.

Phew...and you wonder why I haven't updated in so long.

Chimes of Gaviota or I've Got the Real Estate Blues now has a website:

www.chimesofgaviota.com


Watch the entire film online!

DVDS are now available too. Contact me or the website if you would like to order a copy.

Film Contest

This is an upcoming contest that my sister told me about hosted by the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. Take a look HERE, there are nice cash prizes.

tail end of the quarter

Film production for my sophomore year is officially over. Reel Loud was amazing. I got to call the whole show as stage manager...something I haven't done since high school. It was such a great feeling, even though I had no preparation...it was like a spontaneous and surprisingly organized show for me in terms of the films and light/sound cues. I realized on Friday how much I miss theatre. Reel loud is a really good combination of the two because on the actual show, film and theatre meet; in addition to art and music.

To be honest I really did work myself a bit too hard this quarter. I thought the last two with Chimes was busy and tough...but oh boy. I would say never make your own reel loud, work on a few others, and plan two film festivals, but it was sooo worth it. When I see everything come to fruition, my recollection of stress almost goes away. What I love is that I'll get a break right now (besides all the papers I have to right in the next two weeks) and for me, a break just means a build-up of more creative energy. Soon I will be so ready to start another project. I am already getting excited for the script that I have begun writing with Leigh for 192. I can already see how self-reflexive it is going to be, which is kinda overdone, but in this case is just a true catharsis.

Things I learned from Reel Loud:

Work hard and it will make a difference
It's all about planning ahead
Don't be afraid to be over-prepared, even if others think it's silly because they will be thanking you later.
Align yourself with people as hard-working and responsible as you.
Stand up against injustice and poor treatment by crew members
Have fun
Don't forget the importance of personality, even in the grand scale of a large event
Keep that romanticism of Art.
My first writing/directing experience!
How to cut and splice film and use a projector!

Reel Loud and Twigs

All the films I worked on this Reel Loud Season, are officially in: Jesus Blues, Doodles, and Twigs and Tracks. Twigs and Tracks is a little more near and dear to me, since I wrote, produced, and directed it. It will be premiering in two weeks. I may not be able to see it that night, because I will be stage managing backstage, but hopefully it will be legit. Let's just see if I can edit it, put together a beatles cover band, and organize a unicycle stunt in a week...!

IVDV this Saturday!

Film Studies 192A: Week 5

reinvigorate by melody

I can feel the reasons why I want this to be completed, but there are physical things that are holding me back. This isn't about the physical, this is about "that feeling." I can never describe that feeling because it is so special to me that I have never even tried to explain it. Somewhere the generalizing to say "that feeling" makes it known to me that it is too special and too well known for me to even externalize or find any physical meaning to it. I hear the three songs and get nervous thinking how this image can be manifested with those melodies and "that feeling." It's the physical setbacks and the un-confidence that may hold me back. I don't like being un-optomisitc. I am not, but for some reason I seem to be right now!

All I can do is wait and hope, then work work work, and realize I put so much emotion and thought in to this that either way it was meant for something and I can be proud. I am amazed how pride so often in this time comes from places that I would never justify for myself but those people who do source their pride from illegitimate reasonings, get away with and mask their invalid power. How often am I tricked to think I am lower than these invalid claims of confidence. My modesty hides from me, how much I deserve. This prompts me not to be more arrogant, but I need to remember the way in which I do things and that my intentions are personal and emotional. I am so contradictory and "deep" that any explanations that I try to give just sound shallow. The deeper I think, the denser my ideas sound as I externalize them. I just need to remember that difference is not wrong, and things that are fully exposed, even though they are known or somehow "tradition" does not mean they are invalid, but should not make me feel like I am invalid.

"That feeling" right now feels good and it kind of only comes when I am alone, and sadly, when I am feeling a little vulnerable. It is when I am quiet and can clearly remember how these ideas come to me and why I find them special enough to initiate.

Film Studies 192A: Week 4

imMEDIAte grasp

teaming up

IVDV and Reel Loud

I'm part of planning TWO film festivals this month, which are both in May. Actually the submission screening day of one, is the date of the event for the other haha. Here are the submissions and a brief description of each:


(First Annual)
Submission date: Friday, April 25th
Festival Date: May 10th @IV Theater
Digital Film Festival
Various categories; prizes and awards for each



(17th Annual)
Submission date: May 9th
Festival Date: May 23rd@ Campbell Hall
Silent Films with live musical accompaniment
This year's theme: Past, Present and Future Cinema


Submit! Play! Attend!

Film Studies 192 A: Week 3

Film Studies 192A: Week Two

Film Studies 192A: Week One

filmy update

This weekend I began on-set production of my new short film. Here are some of the highlights!

workin it

Responsibility comes a long way. If you prove to someone that you are dedicated and responsible, they won't forget. They will come to you for future projects. When you are entrusted in a project to lead yourself you will see how important it is to find responsible people to support and surround your project. Working with irresponsible people is frustrating but a good lesson nonetheless...

so we can share

I'm currently really into the idea of parallel representation of art... how different types of art characterize one another and how various forms interact.

A friend of mine said "we see all."

We have the ability to take in all. But we see different. And our output reveals this.

Interdisciplinary art is the future. no lines or separation.

Stop saying you are not an artist.

If you can think and feel and make then you are. you are not pretentious for admitting that. And I'm not saying to say "I'M AN ARTIST!!!" But what is the point in limited language and limiting what you call yourself?

Language is art. Don't censor yourself or how other people should characterize you.

We all specialize or are drawn to different facets for a reason.
Now can we please share?
k thanks :)

chit chat of substance

There's some people who I can just really talk to about anything. I don't mean like sentimental or emotional talk about anything, like regular "everything" conversation. Talking in-depth about simple things, really gets into the core of ideas and thoughts; I feel elevated, like that the conversation wouldn't be any more important or significant if about war or famine than about a song or a sign.

These are the people who are good writers and directors; ones who understand the importance of really developing characters and the fact that the little things can really come to be pertinent overall. This development seeps through a whole production and disseminates the autour theory because the story of one is shared and mingled and able to become the story of the whole cast and crew...and hopefully the viewers.

hippity hop