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Showing posts from September, 2014

The Idea: The Making of L.A. A Queer History Part 1

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We began with an idea , can we make an epic documentary about LGBT Los Angeles culture and history with no money? I think every great idea is born out passion, and if anything, our idea only had passion. Lot's of PASSION. We had to tell this story! We had to make this documentary...even without any money. During our production period, I'll take you on a journey about the making of L.A. A Queer History and what it took to get our EPIC idea off the ground. L.A. A Queer History began as a co-production by Producers Mario J. Novoa and Gregorio Davila in late 2012, discussing story and production development ( Film Bliss Studios ). "We both met while working on "Gay Latino Los Angeles: Coming of Age" in 2011. Gregorio was eager to do a documentary about LGBT history which covered various periods in L.A. LGBT history . Gregorio knew he had to make this happen, but no idea how to get it off the ground. He wanted to work with a producer who could find financing,

L.A. A Queer History Documentary Launches on Kickstarter!

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L.A. has a history you've never heard before. A film showcasing 100 years of Gay pioneers who helped shape the community & the world. Visit our website: laaqueerhistory.com (You can donate via PayPal on website)  Follow us on Twitter:  twitter.com/QueerLa Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/pages/LA-A-Queer-History/169369526573867?ref=hl Most consider the Stonewall riots as the beginning of the Gay Civil Rights movement, but the true heart of it began in Los Angeles as early as 1947. And there have been Gay pioneers and artists who have been shaping our community as early as the turn of the 20th century. The first film of it's kind,   L.A. A Queer History   chronicles the untold story of Gay and Lesbians helped shape the community, the city and the world. Told by artists, scholars, historians and the people who lived it. Inception This documentary began two years ago when I )dir. Gregorio Davila) discovered through articles, books and archival resou

RARE Scarface 1983 Behind the scenes on THE MOVIE CHANNEL

Everyone pursues filmmaking for various reasons. Many, like Brian De Palma, pursue for the art, craft and storytelling. Check out his insights on filmmaking, Al Paccino, Scarface, Spielberg, Coppola and Lucas.

Cinematography - There Will Be Blood / Through Numbers

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There will be blood // Golden ratio // One point perspective // Tracking shot. The first part of 'Paul Thomas Anderson's Directing Style' series. Watch the next part about "P.T. Anderson's movies close up shots" here:  vimeo.com/84066129 Original idea, research, designed & edited by: Ali Shirazi Motion graphic: Mohammad Amin Ghazanfari Sound design & mixing: Ali Shirazi Music: Tabula Rasa by Arvo Part.

Film Composition

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Sometimes you find happy accidents on set. Sometimes you're lucky to arrange subjects, actors, props and lights in a way that gives you dynamic range and images. But directing and composing before arriving on set is extremely important, if you want to do any justice to your film. Watch this video and be inspired.  What Is Composition from Press Play Video Blog on Vimeo .

Indies Should Consider Digital Premieres Prior To Theatrical Release | Truly Free Film

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Indies Should Consider Digital Premieres Prior To Theatrical Release | Truly Free Film Indies Should Consider Digital Premieres Prior To Theatrical Release By Ted Hope Film Festival Strategy ,  online premiere ,  release windows Indie filmmakers must change how they do things.  Too many filmmakers’ actions are predicated on antiquated business practices.  These old ways limit a filmmaker’s ability to build audiences and earn revenue. It is time for a serious change. We now live in an era of cultural abundance and all of our practices need to take this into account. Audiences are overwhelmed with demands and options on their leisure time. It is harder than ever to get people to commit to doing anything. If you accept this is a reality why would you take your film to a film festival (other than the five leading market ones) without having your next steps well planned? How are you going to build word of mouth for your film?  How are you going to do that on timely basis so it does not se

Fox picks up television sequel to Steven Spielberg's 'Minority Report' | TheCelebrityCafe.com

Fox picks up television sequel to Steven Spielberg's 'Minority Report' | TheCelebrityCafe.com

Francis Ford Coppola Spills 'Apocalypse Now' Secrets on 35th Anniversary

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Telluride: Francis Ford Coppola Spills 'Apocalypse Now' Secrets on 35th Anniversary The horror, the horror, indeed Apocalypse Now  star  Marlon Brando  was "like a kid, very irresponsible," said director  Francis Ford Coppola  at an Aug. 29 Telluride Film Festival panel celebrating the 35th anniversary of  his Vietnam War classic , whose $31 million budget — $110 million in 2014 dollars — Coppola had to finance himself at 17 percent interest, which meant that Brando's behavior could have bankrupted him. The panel, hosted by  Scott Foundas , featured winners of a dozen Oscars: producer  Fred Roos , editor  Walter Murch , cinematographer  Vittorio Storaro  and writer  John Milius . Since Brando  — like co-star  Dennis Hopper , who shunned showers and reeked from cocaine abuse — couldn't memorize a single line (yet gave an immortal performance), Coppola recorded Brando improvising for five days, typed up Brando's insightful ramblings alo

Can You Tell the Difference Between Today's Top Cinema Cameras?

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Put Your Eyes to the Test: Can You Tell the Difference Between Today's Top Cinema Cameras?