Wednesday's Creative Conference: Lights! Camera! Grip Truck!
Wednesday's Creative Conference features 6 FREE workshops! Join students & fellow filmmakers in exploring tricks of the trade.
The Creative Conference is a series of panel discussions, DIY presentations, and informational workshops presented by our Educational Director and his chosen panelists. The next three mornings, March 24th through March 27th, 7 Stages theatre will host curated themes. Come out Wednesday morning to participate in an entirely FREE lineup: Field Audio 101, DIY Lighting Workshop, Demo: Grip Truck, On-Set Safety, Demo: A Drone's Eye View, and DJI Ronin Camera Stabilizer Workshop.
From 10:30-11:30am, learn the basics of production sound! This seminar is designed to provide an introduction for students, producers, and anyone who wants to learn more about field audio. Even if you’re not an aspiring mixer, understanding the workflow of the sound department can help your set run smoothly! Topics will include wireless microphone fundamentals, booming techniques, wiring talent with lavaliers, and basic recorders.
Presented by Dan Joseph and Marty Simpson from Gotham Sound
Then from 12-1pm, discover economical tricks to building your own lighting without compromising the professional look of your film. Cinematographer/writer/director Ly Bolia discusses lighting on a limited budget in this hands-on workshop.
Step inside the Grip Truck for a show-and-tell with Day 1 Production Services from 1:30-2:30, or join us inside for a meaningful conversation about the long-term impact on-set safety has on crew-members, talent and local communities.
Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller from Unmanned Imaging will present a live hexacopter demonstration and showcase footage from previous projects from 3-4pm.
Lastly, ATLFF Filmmaker-in-Residence and installation artist Micah Stansell will present a hands-on workshop on the DJI Ronin 3-axis stabilized handheld gimbal from 4:30-6pm! Learn the powerful capabilities (and flexibility) of this new gimbal camera platform and how it can transform your next production. The workshop will give attendees a chance to set-up and operate the Ronin in a real world scenario as well as tips and strategies for capturing high production-value footage. Limited to the first 30 people.
This is the perfect day for any student or filmmaker yearning to explore tools, secrets, and strategies! Whether you're a seasoned Conference guest or waiting for a worthy chance to check it out for the first time, Wednesday has what you're looking for.
ATLFF Filmmaker Álex Sampayo & The Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Schimbare" Director Álex Sampayo reflects on patience and rattlesnake people.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
If you liked Funny Games or Mommy, you´ll like my film.
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
It is for rattlesnake people, because they love to be close to the danger.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
Patience is the most difficult part. You have to wait for a long time after you write the first line until you shoot the first sequence. It is a nightmare.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Xabier Dolan, I would love to steal his talent and his youth!
Name three films you consider under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius.
“Michael” (Markus Schleinzer), because it talks about love and obsession in a terrifying way.
“Benny´s Video” (Michael Haneke) because it shows masterfully the dark side of the childhood and, at the same time, seriously criticizes the overprotection of our children.
“10.000 km” (Carlos Marques-Marcet), because it says a lot with a little.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
Spanish omelette, fries and fries with alioli.
Álex's film, "Schimbare," screens TONIGHT, March 24th at 9:15pm at The Plaza! Don't forget your tickets to this haunting Spanish film:
ATLFF Filmmakers Carolina Markowicz and Fernanda Salloum Mix-and-Match Their Questionnaire
"Tatuape Mahal Tower" Co-Directors Carolina Markowicz & Fernanda Salloum share more than a film credit.
Carolina Markowicz
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
Fernanda Salloum
C: argentinian dramedy / my mother's taste for movies
F: scale model figures or transgenders
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
C: Both. Because it's happy and sad.
F: The short is probably for cat people. I'm one of those. You got to be a little neurotic and don't really believe in happy endings.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
C: To be sure that it's a great story to be told. I love that challenge; it's actually one of my favorite challenges.
F: The most exciting part of making a film is not only to tell the story you want to, but to challenge yourself to do it in a new perspective. I haven't directed or made the production design of an animation before, so everything was very new to me and it couldn't be done in any other way. The story led us to these new world of animation and specially to the stopmotion technique. It's was a great and hard work experience.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
C: Everything from Scorsese and Cohen Brothers
Humor fine tune from Almodovar
Humor writing from Damian Szifron
Directing actors from the Dardenne Brothers
F: It's a hard question. I think some filmmakers are really complete. They have a wonderful eye to pick or to write the story, a special care with the production design and cinematography and to guide the actors, so, in the end, they have a piece of art to show the world. I could say, Kubrick, the Coen Brothers, Scorsese. I also really like ordinary stories made beautifully. Truffault, the Dardenne Brothers... lots and lots to steal.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
C: Nightcrawler, by Dan Gilroy- I think it's the most under rated film of the year. The scrip is brilliant and all the other crafts as well, it should have ran for best film too.
Showgirls, by Paul Verhoeven - just kidding, but I truly like it, maybe because of Gina Gershon, I don't know.
Side Effects, by Steven Soderbergh- Nobody said anything about this film, but I think is an awesome story brilliantly shot.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
C: Baked and only baked. And baked.
F: Fried, roasted, baked
Carolina's and Fernanda's film, "Tatuape Mahal Tower" screens with the Animation shorts block TONIGHT at 9:00pm at 7 Stages. Your $10 ticket includes twelve animated shorts!
Tuesday's Creative Conference: Puppets and Archer and Lasers, Oh My!
Tuesday's Creative Conference includes hands-on puppetry demos, a behind-the-scenes "Archer" presentation, and an exploration of silhouette animation technology!
The Creative Conference is a series of mostly FREE panel discussions, DIY presentations, and informational workshops presented by our Educational Director and his chosen panelists! Each weekday morning, March 23rd through March 27th, 7 Stages theatre will host curated themes. Come out Tuesday morning to participate in A Fist Inside the Glove: Puppetry in Independent Film, Puppeteering for the Camera, Archer: Behind the Scenes, and Silhouette Animation: 3D Printing and Laser Cutting!
Tired of those pesky human actors? Puppets are the answer! Join Atlanta's very own New Puppet Order from 10:30-11:30am to learn their methods for incorporating puppetry into independent film. Sam Carter, Darrell C. Hazelrig and Beau Brown will share insights from the 8 puppetry short films they have produced in the last 5 years.
From 12:00-1:00pm, learn the hand-and-rod puppetry style developed for television by Jim Henson known by puppeteers as “monitor work”; the puppeteer references a live feed of their performance in a monitor rather than watching the puppet directly. Participants will learn the basics of gravity, focus, and breath as well as get a chance to see themselves on screen.
From 1:30-2:30pm, The 3D and 2D animators/illustrators from Floyd County Productions will present clips from the Emmy-nominated animated series “Archer” and discuss how they broke into the industry. There will be a Q&A and a meet-and-greet with the panelists following the program.
With help from innovative technologies like the 3D printer and laser cutter, the animation industry has opened to a world of possibilities. Join us where papercraft meets stop motion animation as we present an up close demo from 3-4pm of how Pepakura and Pop Up Pro paper craft software can create amazing effects as seen in our ATLFF film bumper.
ATLFF Filmmakers Noah Shulman & Josephine Massarella Experiment With the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
The Directors of experimental short films "Confluence" and "Light Study" respond to our hard-hitting inquirires.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
N: anything dark or science fiction related
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
N: Dog people. Because I love everything dog related. Including my two dogs Ella Bean and Louis Reginald. They even have their own instagram with more followers that me! @louis_reginald and @ellabeanbk
J: I think my film is for dog people and cat people. It evokes respect for nature and all sentient beings.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
N: Challenge to me is always a good thing, it leads to other ideas, collaborations and creative paths that you might not otherwise know existed. Once you've accomplished or failed that challenge you've learned something and that matters the most.
J: Passion drives the production process. Patience helps with the many challenges. In making Light Study, weather presented challenges, as did the process of shooting one frame at time over a few years.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
N: Christopher Nolan, Chris Cunningham.
J: I admire the work of Carl Brown.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
N: I would have to say Big Trouble in Little China. This is probably my top 3 movies of all time. Besides just a immense sense of nostalgia watching it as a kid, it has that innocence and magic of what Hollywood movies used to be like. Everything is clearly shot on a set and actors are spewing classic one-liners. It's one of those films that I can watch over and over again. As Jack Burton always says "Have you paid your dues?"
J: Blue Monet (Carl Brown)
Jours en Fleurs (Louise Bourque)
A Temporary Arrangement (Phillip Barker)
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
N: F.B.R. Fried Baked and Roasted.
J: Baked
Mashed
Boiled
Noah's film "Confluence" and Josephine's film's "Light Study" will screen in the Experiments in Cinema shorts block TONIGHT in just a few hours at The Plaza at 7:00pm! Come on out & experience the experiment!
ATLFF Filmmaker Sam Carter Kills the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Good Grief Suicide Hotline" Director Sam Carter offers opinions on post-production and vodka-distilled potatoes.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia or Very Bad Things
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
Cat People, because cats are @$$holes.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
Post Production. I greatly prefer writing or being on the set. But, it is nice to eventually see how the movie comes together in post.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Edgar Wright! The man fuses style and substance so effortlessly.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
I'm a big fan of dark comedy and satire, so...
1) "Death to Smoochy"- Brilliantly cartoonish film that showcases the late great Robin Williams talent for over the top lunacy.
2) "Bamboozled" - I've always loved "Network" and "A Face in the Crowd" and thought that Spike Lee did a great job taking those stories, fusing them together, and making them his own.
3) "The Ladykillers" (Coen Bros. version) - I still quote this movie with my friends. A really fun and twisted caper that you can see that the Coens had a blast making. Never have been able to figure out why it's so widely panned.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
Baked, mashed, and distilled into vodka.
Sam's film, "Good Grief Suicide Hotline," plays TONIGHT at The Plaza at 9:30pm! There are still tickets left for this comic feature from a GA-based featured Creative Conference panelist.
ATLFF Filmmaker Russell Sheaffer Waltzes With the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Masculinity/Femininity" Director Russell Sheaffer touches on his catlike film and what "Hammertime" means to him.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
"Portrait of Jason" or Derek Jarman's short, super 8 films
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
I suppose it's for cat people -- it takes its time and wanders toward you while demanding your attention.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
I really love making films that wholeheartedly commit to their own aesthetic and logic. Taking that risk can be definitely a challenge; you have to totally buy into what you are doing and it doesn't always work, but when it does it's glorious.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
I am endlessly impressed by Barbara Hammer. Her ability to create new visions that brilliantly explore history and bodily representation is something of which I am always in awe.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
I love films that push on the lines of documentary -- exploring the space between fiction and nonfiction. Shirley Clarke's Portrait of Jason, although it has certainly been canonical in some circles, brilliantly explores the limits of film as a time-based medium. John Greyson's Uncut manages to take on seemingly unrelated subjects and forms to beautifully tell it's story. Len Lye's A Colour Box (although also canonical for some) has been really inspirational for me, too. The film manages to blend color and sound in ways that are so emotional (for me, anyway) and yet totally abstract -- and it's watchable online.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
I love roasting root vegetables with some soy sauce and olive oil -- they get so soft and salty. Truffle mashed potatoes can be pretty stellar, too.
Russell's filmstravaganza begins TONGIHT with his short film "Broken Jaw," screening with the "Experiments in Cinema" block at 7 Stages at 7pm! Then get back to The Plaza for "Masculinity/Femininity" TONIGHT, March 23rd at 9:15pm! Get your tickets to this controversial cinematic experiment for your chance to meet Russell himself!
"Experiments in Cinema" tickets:
"Masculinity/Femininity" tickets:
Monday's Creative Conference: A Screenwriter's Dream
The Creative Conference begins tomorrow! Take advantage of these professional opportunities!
The Creative Conference is a series of mostly FREE panel discussions, DIY presentations, and informational workshops presented by our Educational Director and his participating panelists! Each weekday morning, March 23rd through March 27th, 7 Stages theatre will host curated themes. Come out Monday morning to participate in Invading Hollywood: Breaking into the Industry for Screenwriting, What's the Plan, Stan: The Logistics of Screenwriting, Screenplay Pitch-o-Rama, and Student to Professional: Navigating Your Way into the Creative Industry.
Break into the screenwriting industry from 10-11am! This FREE panel discussion will cover topics such as finding an agent, shopping your script around, and what to do with your script once it's written and polished.
Panelists: Chris Kelly, Robin Henry, Dan Bush
Moderator: Denise Hendricks
Want to write a screenplay but don’t know where to start? Figure out the logistics of screenwriting from 11:30-12:30pm! This FREE panel discussion will offer insight on developing a practical timeline for your future screenplay.
Panelists: Brian Egeston, Todd Brock, Lanre Olabisi
Moderator: Denise Hendricks
In Pitch-o-Rama, screenwriters who have signed up will have 90 seconds between 1:00pm and 2:30pm to pitch their screenplays to an audience and a panel of professionals who will then vote for the three films they'd like to see—the three screenplays that are most effectively “pitched." Winners will receive complimentary passes to Michael Lucker’s next Screenwriters’ School.
Judges: Michael Lucker, Ken Lemm, Corey Prince, Frank Hall Green
Moderator: Denise Hendricks
When career path options seem infinite, transitioning from Student to Professional can be intimidating. Whether interested in production, post-production, freelance, full-time, or something in between, this FREE panel can help with these important decisions. Curated by Tube (Tubecreative.com), this panel consists of three industry veterans who can offer insight and tips for resumes, portfolios and best practices for applying for work in the creative industry. Check it out from 3-4pm!
Featuring Chris Downs from Tube
FREE WITH VALID STUDENT ID
ATLFF Filmmaker Erin Bernhardt Tackles Our Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Imba Means Sing" Producer Erin Bernhardt tells us whether her film is for dog people or cat people and which filmmaker's talent she'd most like to steal.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
"War Dance"; "Rich Hill"
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
All people! Imba Means Sing is a family-friendly film that all ages will adore. It's an entertaining story of eight-year-olds getting themselves out of poverty through singing. We think dog people, cat people, monkey people and even snake people will love it.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
Fundraising, and yes I actually enjoy it :).
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
TC Johnstone!
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
Searching for Sugarman - It's just perfect. Best doc ever! But so many people have never heard of it.
Dying to Tell the Story - It's about my hero, Dan Eldon. CNN/Turner made it in the late 90s. I wish and can't wait for there to be a FEATURE version of his story one day soon!
Both Legally Blondes - People laugh and think they are silly, but the message they share is actually really important.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
We are Southern, Atlanta-natives, so Waffle House hashbrowns three ways :).
Erin's film "Imba Means Sing" screens at the Rialto on Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30pm!
Preceding the film will be a musical performance (beginning at 7:30 pm) by the Atlanta Music Project Choir and Yacht Rock Revue!
ATLFF Filmmaker Kristjan Knigge Breezes Through the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Resting Place" Director Kristjan Knigge expresses his thoughts on his biggest filmmaking challenge, "Cloud Atlas," and potatoes.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
If you liked "Audition" or "The Royal Tannenbaums," you'll like my film.
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
My film is definitely for cat people. Dogs aren't evil (generally).
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
For me, the most challenging part of filmmaking is stopping. There comes a time when you have to leave the edit alone, and stop tweaking the comps, and be satisfied with the colour, and just enjoy the music and the soundmix, and just stop. Let it be. I love to fiddle and tweak and play and improve and adjust and correct and.... I have to just stop. Usually that means getting on and making something new... but I have been known to go back to a film years later and play with it some more...
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Soderbergh. Without a doubt.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
The Butcher Boy. Harrowing, moving, brilliantly told story. Amazing performance by the young lead. And Sinead O'Connor as Virgin Mary!
Cloud Atlas. Much maligned but I thought it was a triumph. A film of truly epic proportions that had me entranced for every minute of it's almost three hours. Hale Berry in the performance of a lifetime.
Moon. Watch it. Just watch it. Then watch it again. Pure storytelling, one of the best bit of acting you will ever see (Sam Rockwell). If you haven't seen it... just watch it.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
Mashed, pureed or creamed.
Kristjan's film, "Resting Place," screens in the Other Worlds block of shorts this Sunday, March 22nd at 4:30pm at The Plaza Theatre! Get your tickets for this magical segment while you can!