Thursday, August 27, 2009

Indie Movie Masters Podcast Episode #3 featuring Jason Crowe of Feathered Italian Films

Here's Indie Movie Masters Podcast Episode #3! In this episode, our guest is actor, director, and writer Jason Crowe. Jason recently made his directorial debut with the horror film The Legacy, at the Fright Night Film Festival in Louisville, and the production company he co-founded, Feathered Italian Films, is finishing up another horror project.

In this interview we talk with Jason about his very busy involvement in indie films the past couple of years, The Legacy, his upcoming appearance schedule, working on indie film projects in general, and the future.

This episode also features a great dose of new rock courtesy of Zero King, with a segment of their new single "Black Friday"!


Click here to listen to the podcast or download!

You can also subscribe to the new podcast series as an RSS feed here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/IndieMovieMasters

Click here to get the episode via iTunes!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Indie Film Success Story-Patrick Pierre's "The City Is Mine" Out this Week!



This week, an indie film success story was completed when Patrick Pierre's new feature "The City Is Mine" was released nationwide by Maverick Entertainment. To those that know and understand the incredibly difficult process of making a truly independent feature, this is a moment for celebration, a rewarding culmination of alot of hard work and effort. It is always wonderful to see an indie filmmaker achieve a major success, which raises the credibility of indie filmmaking and opens up new possibilities for indie filmmakers everywhere.

Writer/Director Patrick Pierre's career has certainly taken a big step forward, and he is already ramping up for his next project. In this interview, we will be going into the story behind the making of "The City Is Mine", including the path that it took from being a locally made indie film in Mercer County, New Jersey to becoming an acquisition by industry heavyweight Maverick Entertainment. There are lessons to be learned, and inspiration to be had.

Indie Filmmakers and those involved in the world of indie film are definitely advised to pick up a copy of "The City is Mine", and share in a great indie success story.
-Stephen Zimmer for Indie Movie Masters, August 21, 2009


SZ: Tell us a little about your personal background prior to the making of “The City Is Mine”

PP: I'm a native of Haiti; I immigrated to the U.S. when I was 8 years old. I lived in Brooklyn NY for many years where I attended school and graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in 1995. Shortly after, I moved to Trenton, NJ where I currently live. I attended community college at Mercer County in 1998, 2001 & 2003 where I took some courses in Theater, Acting and Stage Production. I was a volunteer in a lot of small independent productions where I gain some crew experience working on set. In 2005 I decided to form my own production company, Pierre Films, LLC. After writing and directing several short films, I decided to take the plunge into feature film. In 2007 I started production on "The City Is Mine"

SZ: Describe the time line involved in “The City Is Mine”, from pre-production to final cut.

PP: From pre-production to final cut was one year. The script development process started in February of 2007 where my co-writer, Adriana Gittens, worked on the first draft of the script. After several draft, the screenplay was ready in about 2 months. From then, we started planning the actual production, from holding auditions to rehearsals. Finally we were ready to begin production May 2007. Production lasted for 4 months. We filmed on weekends only. Production was wrapped in September 2007. Not wasting time, we went right into the post-production phase, which lasted 4 months. The Film Premiered on February 16, 2008 to a sold out audience in Trenton, NJ.

SZ: Where did you shoot “The City is Mine? How many locations did you end
up using in the movie?


PP: The City Is Mine was filmed throughout Mercer County NJ, mostly in the city of Trenton and some surrounding towns including, Ewing, Hamilton and Lawrence. We did end up going to New York to do one scene in upper Manhattan. A little over 15 locations were used shooting the film. Most of our locations were outdoors so it made things a little easier because working on an independent film is a little tough securing locations. Filming outdoors only required us getting permission from the City, which wasn't difficult. Due to limited budget and time we had to be creative and use certain interior locations multiple times in different shots giving the illusion it was several locations. For example we used one house in the film to be the home of several different characters in the movie. As you watch the film you can’t tell it's the same location.

SZ: What were the biggest challenges in balancing a shooting schedule using
weekends and nights?


PP: The biggest challenges in balancing the shooting schedule was working around all the actors' schedules and making sure everyone was available at the same time. A good example, we may have a scene Saturday with actor A and actor B, but actor A wouldn’t be available on Saturday and actor B wouldn’t be available on Sunday. I would resolve this situation by pushing that particular scene back to a date when both actors were available on the same day. Lucky for us, we didn't have that problem too often because I gave the cast and crew a shooting schedule way ahead of production, but things do come up and as a director, you have to learn to adjust.

SZ: Shooting a staggered schedule (Nights and weekends), were you able to maintain a core crew, or did you have to use/rotate a larger team?

PP: Shooting a staggered schedule was very difficult to maintain a core crew. In the beginning we had problems with people not being able to remain with the production team, because of the time involved on a daily shoot. Long hours were very common shooting The City is Mine. At times we started shooting in the early afternoon and wouldn't wrap till midnight or later. As production went on, the crew shrunk, but luckily the ones who stayed on board were dedicated and I believe things ended up running much smoother with a small dedicated crew.

SZ: As indie filmmakers end up performing multiple functions on most productions, how many “hats” did you end up having to wear to get this project completed?

PP: I had to wear several hats in completing "The City Is Mine." I was the director, set designer, Cinematographer, Sound, Editor, Music Composer and a few others, though I did wear many hats, I did not do this alone. Every member of the production crew contributed to the production of the film, whether it was the PA who was holding the boom mic or the actor who volunteered to do the slate board in between takes.

SZ: One gear question: What kind of cameras/format did you use for “The City is Mine”, and what were the main software elements used in post-production?

PP: The camera that was use for "The City Is Mine" was the Panasonic DVX100a, which is DV(Digital Video) format. In post-production, Sony Vegas 6d was used to edit the film. Magic Bullet was also used for color correction. Sony Acid to create the score and sound FX. Our visual effects artist used Adobe After Effects to create some of the gun and other visual effects in the film.

SZ: How would you describe your style as a director?

I would describe my style as very visual. Before every scene, I make sure I do a thorough storyboard. I like to visualize a scene before I begin any kind of blocking. Visualizing the scene in my mind gives me a big advantage when it's time to yell action. In turn, being so visual, the end results is a stunning visual scene composition with every shot well thought out, every frame analyzed. I personally believe the story is the most important aspect in any film, without a good story, you will lose your audience, so having that knowledge, coupled with my visual style and love for cinematography, I feel the audience is not only enjoying a beautiful story being told, their eyes are also being treated to something amazing, whether they realize it or not.

SZ: Tell us a little about the principle cast and your experience with them, from your perspective as the director.

PP: The principle cast was amazing. As a director the biggest gift you can have on a film production is a wonderful dedicated and talented cast. Each one had something special about them. A majority of them had prior film and stage experience which helped tremendously in the day to day shooting because of the long hours involved, they knew how to deal with that. Our lead actor, Kirk Ponton had never acted before, this was his first major production. He surprised himself, me and everyone who saw the film. He hit the part out the park. All members of the principle cast were easy to work with, but not all were easy to direct. I took the challenge as a director to push them to the limit in terms of their performance and what I expected to get out of them. At times, some would get annoyed from the many takes that were involved in a particular scene but it was my job to explain the scene to them and try to get the best performance out of a take, whether it took 2 or 20. To the less experienced principle cast members, they learned a lot working on The City Is Mine, I have to say I also learned many things from them which I plan to utilize in my next production.

SZ: Once completed, what was the path you took regarding festivals and other exhibitions?

PP: Once the film completed it was our goal to have the biggest Premier/screening we could. I started researching several venues and ultimately went with "The Contemporary Auditorium" which seats 400+. In February 16, 2008 we screened at The Contemporary to a sold out audience. Due to the success of the first screening, 2 others followed at the same place. Then shortly after, I went right into the festival circuit. I researched several film festivals and created a plan to give "The City Is Mine" the best opportunity to screen at film festivals. I started looking at festivals which catered to the type of genre The City Is Mine was and started submitting to them. We were selected to screen at many film festivals which included: 2008 American Black Film Festival, 2008 San Diego Black Film Festival and 2008 Twin Cities Black Film Festival. We received a total of 4 nominations in the 2008 American Black Film Festival for the Jury Prize Best Actor, Innovational Film and Inspirational Film.



SZ: How did your distribution deal with Maverick Entertainment come about When did they become aware of your project and show interest?

PP: The Distribution deal with Maverick came about right after we were an Official Selection at the 2008 American Black Film Festival. Maverick became interested in acquiring the film once news hit that we were nominated for the awards. They contacted me and the negotiation process began.

SZ: What’s up next for Patrick Pierre? And how can people continue to follow you and your filmmaking career (main website and/or social networking links)

PP: What's next for Patrick Pierre is a wonderful film that I am especially excited about called "Visions of Yvette". The synopsis is: during our economic downturn, a single mother is forced into prostitution and drug addiction causing internal turmoil in her attempt to maintain custody of her son. I hope to begin shooting Visions of Yvette late this year. You can visit www.thecityisminemovie.com to get up to date information with that production or follow me on facebook.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Indie Movie Masters Podcast Episode 2 featuring England Simpson

Indie Movie Masters Podcast Episode #2 is here! In this episode we visit with actress/model/independent producer England Simpson. The interview covers her career, including her film roles, her modeling endeavors, and her producing activities.

This is a great interview with a very talented individual based out of Charlotte, NC, with alot of insights for those who are working in a professional manner within the indie movie world.

Click here to listen to the podcast or download!

You can also subscribe to the new podcast series as an RSS feed here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/IndieMovieMasters

Click here to get the episode via iTunes!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Wisconsin Indie Film Advocate Wayne Clingman-Indy Film Wisconsin, his Podcast, the Midwest Web Slam, and More!

In the indie film world, there are a number of very hard working individuals that embrace difficult challenges in the interests of advancing and supporting indie filmmakers. They work without the benefit of resources, and pour many, many hours of their own time into work that is all too often taken for granted or underappreciated.

In this interview, I wanted to show my appreciation for one such individual, who is a true independent film advocate for the State of Wisconsin and indie filmmakers everywhere.

His name is Wayne Clingman, and he is the brains and effort behind Indy Film Wisconsin. It is an advocacy group for bringing production to the state, but also provides production assistance, networking facilitation, and more.

One facet of Indy Film Wisconsin is a very well-developed BlogTalkRadio show that Wayne puts on each and every week, featuring a wide variety of guests from the indie film world. The podcast is a full hour-long show, conducted live, and is archived and available on iTunes and more.

Wayne is now setting his sites on the development of a cutting-edge conference, called the Midwest Web Slam, which will focus on the blossoming world of webisodes. This alone demonstrates the kind of vision and timeliness that Wayne and Indy Film Wisconsin brings to the independent film world.

It is definitely a privilege to shine a light on an indie film champion like Wayne, and raise a little awareness about a guy that is a real defender and supporter of independent film.

-Stephen Zimmer, August 9, 2009 for Indie Movie Masters Blog.

SZ: What is your personal background?

WC: Started in media by being the Commissioner of CAR 25, the local Cable Access Station in Racine, WI. I was one of the 7 who started Film Wisconsin, the group who replaced the State of Wisconsin Film Office. Due to our work, 2008 saw 50-70 Million dollars of film being made in the State of Wisconsin. I wish the Governor would have kept the program going.

I was blessed to be in a few indy films liked "Tagged" and "Bowl Full of Happiness", and of course "Burr Effect II", all made in Wisconsin.

SZ: What inspired you to create Indy Film Wisconsin? And when did it begin?

WC: After the "It Came From Lake Michigan Film Fest" ended, I knew that I wanted to stay in touch with film makers, and what better way than by interviewing them on a podcast?

SZ: How has Indy Film Wisconsin evolved since it started? (especially that you have a range of national guests participating on the blogtalkradio show)

WC: Confidence on being able to get all kinds of great film makers allowed me to seek them out, and ask if I could get them on. Like I love to say, be surprised what you can do by asking.

SZ: What kind of guests do you look for on your BTR show? And is there any particular way you decide on topics?

WC: Interesting ones. Well, what I find interesting to me. Is it an interesting film? Do they have a unique way they came into film making? True indy film maker vs. just claiming to be. Sometimes I enjoy simply having fans of films on, or folks that can teach us how to market, or how to use the new tech that is coming on line.

SZ: How many shows have you hosted to date?

WC: About 100. If you want to be on the show, just email me and we can see what we can do! Shows are about 60 mins, and we have had actors, crew, directors, and just film fans on.

SZ: Do you see networking/contacts being made between your show guests located outside of Wisconsin and those such as yourself within it? (especially as they become familiar with IFW?)

WC: I do. It is good to see it going on. We are all stronger by working together. None of us know it all, or could not be better at our craft. Let's learn from each other. We should also let each other know about the scams and frauds too.

SZ: Do you get involved with production assistance regarding out-of-state production companies bringing a project into Wisconsin?

WC: A little, mosly location help or good places to get equipment (North American Camera in Milwaukee, tell Bob D I sent you!)

SZ: What's the Midwest Web Slam all about?

WC: Web Slam is all about how creative types can use the new tools to help make/sell/share ideas/films/music.

Web Slam will also talk about fun, cool entertainment ideas coming out from ARG to Machinima. Folks, this is huge!

SZ:If someone would like to get involved with the Midwest Web Slam, how can they

WC: Email me ( wclingman@wi.rr.com )

SZ: What are your personal thoughts on “webisodes” and where they are going? Do you see webisodes as becoming an effective new distribution model for indie filmmakers?

WC: I love webisoides. A great idea!! I'm thinking this is like TV was in the 50’s. The door is way open, and there is no one to say you can’t do this.
Just look at these two sites and behold what is out there!

http://news.tubefilter.tv/

http://www.tubemogul.com/

SZ: How is the state of filmmaking in Wisconsin right now, on an indie level and on a major independent/Hollywood level? How are tax-incentives in states such as Michigan affecting Wisconsin?

WC: Wisconsin sucks when it comes to tax-incentives. You will not find any here. To think we went from millions of dollars in investments to basically zero is sad. In my honest opinion, if it was not a true grassroots effort, which in my view the leadership of Film Wisconsin did not want, what little we have would not be there. Again, in my honest opinion, it looked like to me that the leadership of Film Wisconsin was more interested in keeping Governor Doyle in office for his social agenda than to keep film in this state.

If I may say so, we must all get and stay involved with our state governments to bring the power of the state to bear on obtaining the resources film makers need.

SZ: Give us all the pertinent links to the blogtalkradio show? Where can someone connect with you on social networking sites?

WC:

Indy Film Wisconsin Podcast http://www.blogtalkradio.com/icflm

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/wclingman?ref=profile

Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=42707089001&ref=ts

Friday, August 7, 2009

iTunes Update

The podcast series is now available on iTunes as well!

Episode 1, featuring Stpehen Lackey of CineGeek.com, Con Trek, and Captain Pixel Productions can now be found there, as well as future episodes.

Click here to go directly to the iTunes Store listing!