Page Count

Q:  This weekend, we're going to be shooting...a large page count for only one day, so we're going to have to move fast. Any pitfalls we need to look out for?

A: I never worry about page count....I'm much more concerned with set up count.  If the actors are good and prepared - and the director wants to play a whole scene in a fluid master - then 6 pages is doable. 

On the other hand - if the scene description reads: 

"The Cavalry takes the Hill" 

 or 

"Atlanta Burns"

The page count is only 1/8th page - but the scene can take 2 weeks to shoot.

   

So my recommendation to you is....if there is a scene (s) that can be shot well as a "oner" consider doing it as a "oner".  This might help you make it through the pages and will leave you time for the setups you need for the other scenes.  Don't omit your crucial close ups to punctuate the key moments of decision, reaction, thought and emotion.

If all the scenes require coverage - then work efficiently, so you don't waste time, and still get the results you want.

The best way to work efficiently is to have a plan, communicate clearly and to maintain focus on the work at hand.  A good AD is essential to keep the set moving in the same direction.

Piracy

If you can download a movie for free - why should you buy it?

Why should you be concerned with piracy?

The issue is a real one.  

Imagine that you graduate from film school, and your thesis is a huge sensation.  You land a studio deal, and your career is off and running.  How great would that be!

But what if piracy cuts into the ability for investors to recoup their investment?  What if it cuts into their ability to make a profit?  Who will finance the next film?  Maybe as the risks increase, production decreases....maybe there won't be a for profit entertainment industry.

So what has to happen?

It appears that several changes need to occur to greatly reduce piracy.  Let's face it - it can not be stopped completely.  Piracy existed long before the internet.  The internet just made it faster, easier and better quality.

First, congress needs to pass real legislation that allows for real penalties to lawbreakers - while allowing for the free exchange of information without censorship on the internet.  Sharing stolen files is not a free speech issue.

Second, internet service providers need to acknowledge the problem, and accept some responsibility for policing their data streams.

Third, somehow, the international community has to agree upon some codified rules to determine fair use - as it currently stands, most fair use cases are determined on a case by case basis, which is extremely inefficient.

Fourth, and concurrent with the First, the studios, distributors and exhibitors have to find more legal outlets around the world.  Often the places where piracy is the most rampant are the places where they do not have widespread legal access.

Fifth, we need a culture shift.  People need to understand that when they steal content, they steal from the health plans of the workers who made the film, they steal profits from the investors who financed the film, they steal from the very industry that they need to provide their content.  If the film and television industries whither due to piracy, we'll be limited to watching You Tube videos of cats and honey badgers.

If you are interested in understanding more about these issues, here are a few links to more information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YScoXn31Mg

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/28/business/media/hollywood-labor-fight-looms-as-money-for-benefits-wanes.html?sq=IATSE&st=cse&scp=1&pagewanted=print

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-newman/how-the-googlization-of-t_b_1229129.html?ref=fb&ir=Technology&src=sp&comm_ref=false

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/opinion/what-wikipedia-wont-tell-you.html

http://www.digitaltrends.com/international/study-suggests-u-s-box-office-not-affected-by-bittorrent/?utm_source=Digital+Trends+Newsletter&utm_campaign=8703497286-RSS_DAILY_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email

First Principal

This weekend marks the beginning of principal photography for our three films.  There have been many hurdles to get this far, and there are surely more challenges that lie ahead.  But all in all, I think the groups are ready, and expect they will have a wonderful first weekend.  What could be more fun?

Welcome Spring 2012

I look forward to seeing your tests on Wednesday.