tagged w/ Filmmakers
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A company has sold technology to Iran that could have been used to crush anti-government protests.
Kingston-based Creativity Software is now facing parliamentary scrutiny over concerns it sold the product, which was used to round up activists communicating with their mobile phones.A company has sold technology to Iran that could have been used to crush... more
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Veteran Studio Executive Ellen Pittleman talks about a recent court case involving publishers and what it means for filmmakers.Veteran Studio Executive Ellen Pittleman talks about a recent court case involving... more
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In the United States, the all sport cable channel ESPN is showing a document series called 30For 30. This series is in honor of the network 30th anniversary. The network recruited thirty award winning filmmakers to make 30 documentaries about sports.In the United States, the all sport cable channel ESPN is showing a document series... more
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Los Angeles Times...
Library of Congress builds the record collection of the century
The sounds of everybody from Duke Ellington to Jelly Roll Morton to obscure surfer dudes are preserved at a Library of Congress facility in Virginia. Access is limited, but that is about to change.
By Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Times
May 8, 2011
Reporting from Culpeper, Va. ——
PART ONE...
About an hour south of Washington, D.C., deep beneath rolling hills near the verdant Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, lies a storehouse filled with bounty.
At one time, during the Cold War, that treasure was cash — about $3-billion worth — that the Federal Reserve had socked away inside cinderblock bunkers built to keep an accessible, safe stash of funds in case of nuclear attack.
Now what's buried here, however, is cultural rather than financial: The bunkers are a repository containing nearly 100 miles of shelves stacked with some 6 million items: reels of film; kinescopes; videotape and screenplays; magnetic audiotape; wax cylinders; shellac, metal and vinyl discs; wire recordings; paper piano rolls; photographs; manuscripts; and other materials. In short, a century's worth of the nation's musical and cinematic legacy.
This is the Library of Congress' $250-million Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation, a 45-acre vault and state-of-the-art preservation and restoration facility on Virginia's Mt. Pony. It's here that a recent donation from Universal Music Group, nearly a quarter-million master recordings by musicians including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Bing Crosby, is now permanently housed. Some staff members busy themselves daily cleaning and gluing fragile 100-year-old films back together; others meticulously vacuum dust from the grooves of ancient 78 rpm discs, which are washed before being transferred to digital files that can be accessed by scholars, musicologists, journalists, filmmakers, musicians and other visitors.
As part of the Library of Congress, this trove is available to anyone, free. But because of the complexities of copyright law, access is restricted to the library's reading rooms in Washington and Culpeper. Library officials, however, are poised to unveil a new program that will significantly expand public access to a big chunk of the library's goods, even if it won't provide carte blanche availability to everything stored there. A news conference is scheduled for Tuesday to announce the details.
The library's main storage facility induces a chill, literally: It's kept at 50 degrees and 35% relative humidity to prevent materials from degrading. It's even frostier at the opposite end of the property in the vault for volatile nitrate film, which is cooled to 35 degrees.
The long hallway also can spark images of the closing scene in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," although it's not a single airplane hangar-sized room full of crates packed with who-knows-what treasures. Instead, the second-floor hallway leads past 17 vaults, each of which yields shelf after shelf filled with platters of vinyl, shellac or wax or magnetic tape in various formats: open reel as well as audiocassettes, four- and eight-track tape cartridges and digital audiotapes. There also are a good number of vintage wax cylinders as well as metal master discs.
The breadth of the library's stock is impossible to summarize. But in addition to copies of every published recording registered for protection in recent decades with the U.S. Copyright Office, the library has acquired personal collections from classical music giants such as Leonard Bernstein, composer Aaron Copland and pianist Wanda Landowska, in some cases including never-released test pressings, as well as every 78 rpm disc recorded by jazz titan Jelly Roll Morton.
It possesses tens of thousands of lacquer discs from NBC Radio, including the network's complete archive of World War II coverage; documentarian Tony Schwartz's trove of audio recordings from the streets of New York; and half a million LPs, among which are dozens of surf and hot-rod music-themed discs that Capitol Records issued in the '60s to capitalize on those crazes, including "Hot Rod Hootenanny" by Mr. Gasser & the Weirdos, with cover art and songs co-written by fabled car designer Ed "Big Daddy" Roth.
The sound vault is so extensive that when Universal Music Group's gift was announced, Gene DeAnna, who heads the recorded sound section, didn't bat an eye. The new donation, which takes up a mile of linear shelving space, is one of the largest single gifts to the library ever. But it represents only about a 1% expansion of the audio collection, which typically grows by 120,000 to 150,000 items per year, about two-thirds of which is sound recordings. And within are essential recordings of the American experience.
When producers at Sony Music's Legacy division were working on the new box set "Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings: The Centennial Edition," for example, they tapped the library for some metal masters and shellac discs that were better than what the label had in its own archive.
But records and tapes aren't the only musical recordings here. Preservation specialist Larry Miller pulled out some rare wax cylinders about 4 inches in diameter, much larger and thicker than the standard 2-inch cylinders that proliferated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries until flat discs took over.
"Back in those days, there were patent wars," Miller said. "Everyone was trying to not pay money to someone else for use of a particular format." Like the Beta-VHS videotape wars in the '70s and '80s, or the Blu-ray versus HD-DVD battles more recently. "It was a higher fidelity version and had longer playing time too," DeAnna said. "It was kind of like the Blu-ray of its day."
Universal's donation upped the total 2010 acquisition for the recorded sound division to more than 300,000 items. The final truckload of recordings that had long been housed in Universal's vault in Pennsylvania was scheduled to arrive in Culpeper on Wednesday.
The question is how many people will have access to it.
Beyond the library's mission of physical conservation and restoration of its vast archive, providing public access to it is both a driving goal and key hurdle these days. Physically converting aging films or recordings to contemporary playback media is a breeze compared with navigating the copyright clearances that would permit broad access.
It's a byproduct of copyright law, which characteristically lags several steps behind changes in technology. This reality is particularly challenging when it comes to music: Although music compositions have been under the purview of federal copyright law since 1831, sound recordings didn't get that protection until 1972. Before that, ownership of recordings was determined by state and common law — something the 1972 federal law didn't change.
And there's the rub for DeAnna. The shift to digital technology that makes streaming access possible will inevitably push the boundaries of current copyright law. Deanna added that, if nothing else, academia should have access to the music.
"We should be able to have Internet streaming access on secure sites — and more than one, not just our reading room," he said. "We should have partnerships with universities around the country — we should have at least that" ability to allow researchers and students remote use of the library's materials.
CONTINUED...Los Angeles Times...
Library of Congress builds the record collection of the... more
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With Christopher Hitchens' essay in Slate exposing inaccuracies in "The King's Speech" and the newsreel uncovered by the History Channel showing King George VI stammering less severely than in the movie at a Scottish exhibition, the backlash against the beloved British film has begun.With Christopher Hitchens' essay in Slate exposing inaccuracies in "The... more
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NewFilmmakers Los Angeles at Sunset Gower Studios is hosting another awesome film screening series and after-party event on Friday October 29th 2010 as follows:
5:45PM Short Film Program 1 Reception
6:15PM Short Film Program 1:
* A Stand Up Guy (Dir. Sarah Rose Bergman)
* Deriva (Dir. Angel Tlrado)
* The Man Who Knew How to Fly (Dir. Robi Michael)
* Red Princess Blues (Dir. Alex Ferrari)
7:15PM Short Film Program 1 After-Party
7:15PM Short Film Program 2 Reception
7:45PM Short Film Program 2:
* Planter des Rêves: Seeding Dreams (Dir. Pierre-Antoine Carpentier)
* Over Cards (Dir. Marwan Abderrazzaq)
* What Kind of Planet (Dir. Varda Hardy)
* Sudden Death! (Dir. Adam Hall)
* The Robbery (Dir. Johnny Ma)
8:15PM Short Film Program 2 After-Party
8:15PM Feature Film Program Reception
8:45PM Feature Film Program:
* Draussen am See: Losing Balance (Dir. Felix Fuchssteiner)
10:30PM Feature Film Program After-Party
You will have the opportunity to meet the directors of each film, the actors and other crew + participate in a live audience Q&A. There are pre receptions and after parties for each program with live music by DJ Shy and DJ Don P. Admission to the event is only $6 and includes the screening ticket. Visit the NewFilmmakers LA Official Website at www.NFMLA.org for more information and to purchase your ticket now!NewFilmmakers Los Angeles at Sunset Gower Studios is hosting another awesome film... more
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I ran into Alexia’s project, Adventures in Plymptoons ( a documentary on animator Bill Plympton), on IndieGoGo, where I was amused with her (and Bill’s) total irreverence to anything conservatively morally straight. They have since launched a Kickstarter.com campaign to fund post production of the film.
This was enough to get me to pony up $50 to help her out. We need more indie films like this and as an indie filmmaker I sincerely believe we should all help each other out. What goes around comes around. The bottom line being that if a couple thousand indie filmmakers help each other out that’s enough of an audience right there to launch a film to success. There are easily a few thousand indie filmmakers out there. Something like 5000 to 6000 enter Sundance every year, not to mention thousands of other film festivals. Billions of dollars are spent every year on indie films and only a handful of them ever see the light of day, even when they’re good. We have no one to blame but our collective selves.
Do you really like the crap coming out to the cineplex every week? Wouldn’t you rather see indie films out there? Well do something about it. Put your money where your mouth is. Support indie filmmakers. Buy their films. Demand to see then on OpenIndie.com. Chip in a few bucks at Kickstarter or IndieGoGo. We can do this. It’s a no brainer. Have you seen Ants? You know, that animation with Kevin Spacey as the bad ass grasshopper that controls hundreds of ants with his little gang, until they all realize they have him outnumbered and scare the shit out of him.
Well, we are the ants; we the indie filmmakers. The studios are the thug grasshoppers trying to control us. Why do we put up with their shit?
Alright, so anyway, I checked out Bill’s booth at Comic Com, where Alexia was a guest, and interviewed her, just for kicks. Check it out.I ran into Alexia’s project, Adventures in Plymptoons ( a documentary on... more
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This week we feature Higher Ground Learning and their Urban Arts Program at the Utah Arts Festival.
Higher Ground Learning provides an alternative method of learning and incorporated urban culture into their curriculum through their Urban Arts Program. The program takes place every summer and kids are able to learn graffiti and stencil skills and feature their work at the Utah Arts Festival.This week we feature Higher Ground Learning and their Urban Arts Program at the Utah... more
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The first teaser trailer for the horror-adventure-comedy “The Night Shift” is online and available to view at the film’s official website (http://www.thenightshiftmovie.com/index-2.html)! Essentially a sizzle reel featuring a temporary music track and raw footage, the trailer gives viewers their first glimpse at the film’s exciting creatures and characters in action.
“The Night Shift” is a supernatural-adventure-comedy about Rue Morgan, the undead night watchman at Pinewood Oaks Cemetery. Rue, along with his buddy Herb, a limbless corpse, spends his nights trying to keep the cemetery’s cantankerous residents in, and his days dreaming of a date with hard-nosed day-shifter, Claire. It’s an okay afterlife until a scourge of supernatural occurrences leaves Rue not only watching the cemetery, but also watching his back!
The independent feature from Fighting Owl Films wrapped principal photography in June and is now in post-production and seeking distribution.
Read more: http://modmobilian.com/2010/07/13/the-night-shift-movie-teaser-trailer-released/The first teaser trailer for the horror-adventure-comedy “The Night Shift”... more
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Gukbe
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Almost one month after Guillermo del Toro dropped out of directing The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson is in talks to helm the two films in the franchise. While we wait for the studios involved or Jackson’s manager to confirm, there are lots of questions that remain before The Hobbit can actually begin production, let alone reach the big screen.
http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/06/25/peter-jackson-in-negotiations-for-the-hobbit/Almost one month after Guillermo del Toro dropped out of directing The Hobbit, Lord of... more
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Great owners, great staff and the best food in Bloorcourt Village! Even the patio, huge new LCDTV and air conditioning is awesome. Akbar, Billy & Mohsen's is a must have lamb, souvlaki, all day breakfast, and try the huge double burger with cheese with a side of onion rings...wow, you'll honestly love it.
Akbar, Billy, Mohsen's is dependable and excellent quality food. It's at 748 Dovercourt Rd only about 50 steps from Bloor street west right across the street from Pizza, Pizza. You can't miss the blue patio tables and chairs!Great owners, great staff and the best food in Bloorcourt Village! Even the patio,... more
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The Night Shift is the on-set diary of Fighting Owl Film's new independent supernatural-adventure-comedy of the same name currently in pre-production in Mobile, AL. Over the course of the next several weeks and months, you'll get an insider's peek at what it's like for filmmakers to craft a new entry of paranormal pop culture from Erin Lilley, a producer and actress on the film. This week's entry deals with filming scenes with zombies! Lots and lots of zombies!
Read more: http://www.paranormalpopculture.com/2010/06/night-shift-zombie-camp.htmlThe Night Shift is the on-set diary of Fighting Owl Film's new independent... more
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Gukbe
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added this
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1 year ago
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The Night Shift is the on-set diary of Fighting Owl Film's new independent supernatural-adventure-comedy of the same name currently in pre-production in Mobile, AL. Over the course of the next several weeks and months, you'll get an insider's peek at what it's like for filmmakers to craft a new entry of paranormal pop culture from Erin Lilley, a producer and actress on the film. This week's entry gives an update on filming now that the filmmakers have reached the production's half-way point.
Read more: http://www.paranormalpopculture.com/2010/06/night-shift-days-end.htmlThe Night Shift is the on-set diary of Fighting Owl Film's new independent... more
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Gukbe
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added this
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1 year ago
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A new German-developed head-mounted camera system tracks your eye movements, pointing a camera wherever you look and allowing you to zoom in on your view.
Four cameras are involved: Two cameras measure your eye positions in 3D at super-fast speeds, up to 600 Hz, watching your eyes via an acrylic reflector. Another camera offers a zoomable view of what you're seeing. The fourth is steered by servo motors to match whichever way your eyes move.A new German-developed head-mounted camera system tracks your eye movements, pointing... more
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This is a video of a brass band publicity stunt to get attention for their film. Now playing in L.A. at Laemelle Music Hall 3.This is a video of a brass band publicity stunt to get attention for their film. Now... more
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