I am personally convinced that this man is the greatest actor of our time.

Now I know this is a popular opinion, but I think that many of those that claim it don't understand the full extent of his talent.

If you don't know much about Daniel Day Lewis, check THIS out.

Can't seem to find reality anywhere.

I had a conversation with a Documentarian the other day about an idea to make fictional stories have more weight... you know, like REALITY.

This all stems from my Full Frame experience, which I've gotta tell you, was rather life changing.

We came up with the idea of mixing our two genres, perhaps by using footage from reality to tell "Hollywood" type tales. Not that I want to tell those types of stories. It was just a conversation.

But then, freakily, Walt Disney comes up. The man himself.

When you go back and watch Bambi, notice the attention to realism. Then watch Planet Earth and see the personalities that each individual animal has.

Now go and check out Disney's Animal Stories.

Can't say I knew the man, but I don't get good impressions about him. That being said - what an ingenious idea!

I then turned to my Documentarian friend and offered a suggestion, "isn't that what narrative filmmaking is?"

To this he replies: "No"

After some thought, I agreed. Hollywood stories are lies - for the most part.

But a film I saw at the Festival: Carmen Meets Borat, was not. But it played out like it was written. That film has inspired me to work with reality.

Though don't get me wrong, I still think fiction is a good way to write to a "message", but however effective it may be, it can't hold a candle to reality.

I'm a hypocrite though. My next project is Sci-fi.

Check this breakdown out (Spec script sales in 2008).  

What do  you suppose that means?

According to various sources, there have been 23 spec script sales so far this year.

A spec script is what every writer dreams of selling.

It short for, as you might've guessed, a speculative screenplay.  This means an original concept, original story, original script.  For example, Juno.

The reason this is a big deal (besides the crazy amount of money the screenwriter makes), is that these purchases are examples of studios taking risks.  While they might be similar to old material, they are still original ideas, not Terminator 4.

The more specs that are sold in any given year, the more power the artist has.  Last year, 88 were sold.  So, for 3 1/2 months into 2009, 23 isn't that bad of a figure.  

Keep in mind that this doesn't mean they will all be produced - that's another matter entirely. 

Hopefully these numbers will continue to go up.  Fingers crossed!

Peace. 

THE AMERICAN INDEPENDENT (CINEMA)

Film eras move in decades. It usually goes something like this - artists in control, studios in control, artists in control, studios in control. Why?

Well, it's a pretty simple dynamic. People get fed up with drama-rom-coms and demand new, more innovative material. This puts the power back in the hands of the filmmaker.

This new and inventive material then becomes profitable because, you know, it's good, and studios jump on the chance to finance it. It then goes capitalist, spouting things like "if it's worked before, let it work again," and the artist gets squashed (or forced to make films like Indiana Jones IV).

People, who are a damn sight smarter than Disney thinks they are, get tired of this again and the cycle repeats.

Believe it or not, those guys we blame for the "blockbuster" era (it started with Jaws) were actually independent filmmakers at one time. They flourished in one of those "artists in control" periods but eventually fell victim to the big 'ol $.

However: hope!

I believe we are currently in a state of flux, where power is changing hands. And in the digital age, I think we might just be able to hold on! It is up to 'we, the people,' to 'have it our way'.

I encourage you (and myself, damn it) to be an active member in the community, film or otherwise. Get your voice heard.

Let's be independent again!

Peace.

A little pot humor for all those fans out there.  Not only is this impressive technically, but it nails what this "spoof" film would look like.  I almost want them to make it now!

It's Full Frame Folks!

This weekend, I had the extraordinary pleasure of watching brand spankin' new documentaries in Durham, NC.

I'll tell you what, it was a rollercoaster.

Literally, 3 films on thursday, 4 on friday, 6 on saturday and 4 on sunday. Whew!

Documentary filmmaking has opened my eyes to the possibilities of film. This is probably somewhat excited by the high I'm feeling right now from watching so many, but I don't think my enthusiasm is anywhere near decay.

I saw things that shocked me, surprised me, moved me and made me roll with laughter - and it was all REAL.

As a narrative film enthusiast, you might only imagine what a shock to my system this was. Not that I didn't understand the power of the Doc - I'd just never been exposed to them in this way before.

Here's a list of what will (or most definitely SHOULD) blow up.

The Cove

Burma VJ

The Yes Men Fix The World

and my personal favorite, though you can't find much info about it - Carmen Meets Borat

I believe that The Cove will be this years An Inconvenient Truth, except it's better. Much better.

If you're down with awareness, give these films a look.

Peace.