On What It Takes to Get Signed,
For more info visit: WME Signs Web-Fave Filmmaker Ilya Naishuller
Originally I posted this video and directed it at a friend of mine. Here I'll say that the filmmaker took a rather complicated vision that must've required tons of rehearsal, coordination and stunt-work to make quite the POV spectacle.
I'll say quickly that this is fun. The story is pretty simple but the execution is high-speed and compelling. But specifically: I don't really know how he did it. I mean I can guess but what's most interesting is the attitude, perspective, and technical capacity to understand how to get this all wrapped up in something that feels like one take (even though the cuts are just hidden by a reeling head-cam and the down beats of a rather awesome song).
The amount of production value came from the involvement of an entire stunt-team, tons of squibs and gunfire effects, and a mysterious device that we forgive for it's rather unfinished visuals for the adventure it brings on through various locales and not a small amount of excitement.
I can't answer what it takes to surprise your audience. The truth is some people are strong only for the assets they have access too. I don't know if the entire stunt-team was hired, whether it was an official company or a group of rough men who like to do crazy shit, and if it was for money or a big favor. The concept is more important:
Surprise your audience, out-think them and out-perform their expectations and imaginations and you should land a deal. How: think way more carefully about what you and you alone have access to (this includes experiences and things you personally enjoy).
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
Friday, July 26, 2013
On Google/Youtube's Generation C (for Content?)
On Google/Youtube's Generation C (for Content?)
For more information, visit: Google invests in YouTube studio in LA
As technology has mobilized, online viewership has increased steadily with all the new content made available.
I've often had a complaint about those of us in film school who consider online exhibition. Without market awareness we might be doing ourselves a disservice by putting our videos side-by-side with prosumers junkies, nothing against them, who whipped out a camera and produced content that went viral. I could say that our "education" is making us think too much. But the truth is we learn how to make art at school, not entertainment. No one has the authority to tell you what "funny" is or what "adventure" looks like today. So we learn the art and the techniques and then we're made hesitant, while eager and innocent creators get drafted by Google and become "generation C." There's a real value in our education that should have it's place solidly entrenched within this online phenomenon, not just in the festival circuits or those very narrow entry points into the indie industry or union fellowships.
A little bit of envy is healthy if it gets the wheels turning. This article is way more proof that recognition and income are within our grasp. Youtube recognized that if they wanted to compete with the increasing quality of online content, they had to guide and invest in creators with real potential. For those in my network and beyond really considering that webisode pilot or short film, put a little fire under your butt because the time is now.
Organize. Bring your broke creative neighbors under one roof and get to using every resource available to put a slate together, and by all means seize the day. Not just cause its fun but because it could be the start of your career. The eyes of the digital industry, as well as film & TV beyond who feel the pressure, are all turning upon our ingenuity and creative passions to pave the way to the future.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more information, visit: Google invests in YouTube studio in LA
As technology has mobilized, online viewership has increased steadily with all the new content made available.
I've often had a complaint about those of us in film school who consider online exhibition. Without market awareness we might be doing ourselves a disservice by putting our videos side-by-side with prosumers junkies, nothing against them, who whipped out a camera and produced content that went viral. I could say that our "education" is making us think too much. But the truth is we learn how to make art at school, not entertainment. No one has the authority to tell you what "funny" is or what "adventure" looks like today. So we learn the art and the techniques and then we're made hesitant, while eager and innocent creators get drafted by Google and become "generation C." There's a real value in our education that should have it's place solidly entrenched within this online phenomenon, not just in the festival circuits or those very narrow entry points into the indie industry or union fellowships.
A little bit of envy is healthy if it gets the wheels turning. This article is way more proof that recognition and income are within our grasp. Youtube recognized that if they wanted to compete with the increasing quality of online content, they had to guide and invest in creators with real potential. For those in my network and beyond really considering that webisode pilot or short film, put a little fire under your butt because the time is now.
Organize. Bring your broke creative neighbors under one roof and get to using every resource available to put a slate together, and by all means seize the day. Not just cause its fun but because it could be the start of your career. The eyes of the digital industry, as well as film & TV beyond who feel the pressure, are all turning upon our ingenuity and creative passions to pave the way to the future.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
On Social Media Marketing
On Social Media Marketing,
For more information, visit: 5 Quick, Painless Ways to Make Social Media Marketing Easy
Indie Marketers:
These are just about the 5 vaguest suggestions to make social media easier, BUT since most of us learning production aren't learning marketing or social media at school and generally don't have an environment to discuss and practice the basics, I think it's important to keep these ideas on your radar.
Success is available today through faith, self-development and practice. So you take a tip such as "keep it simple" and the further notes on containing your social media investment to just a few venues but understanding that the key is consistency and quality discussion and right away your practicing something that will undoubtedly reveal a benefit in our business which is balanced on public perception and audience reception.
You have to create content; create something. Blogging to share, to inform and entertain and to create new business relationships will not only help you stay alert of the world you're trying to engage, it will also be mindful of who you are and what you're actually offering. Some of us begin not knowing exactly how to fit ourselves in the bigger equation. And the pursuit for basic needs can distract us from the bigger question of what's the best within us that we can offer.
Keep learning and growing.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more information, visit: 5 Quick, Painless Ways to Make Social Media Marketing Easy
Indie Marketers:
These are just about the 5 vaguest suggestions to make social media easier, BUT since most of us learning production aren't learning marketing or social media at school and generally don't have an environment to discuss and practice the basics, I think it's important to keep these ideas on your radar.
Success is available today through faith, self-development and practice. So you take a tip such as "keep it simple" and the further notes on containing your social media investment to just a few venues but understanding that the key is consistency and quality discussion and right away your practicing something that will undoubtedly reveal a benefit in our business which is balanced on public perception and audience reception.
You have to create content; create something. Blogging to share, to inform and entertain and to create new business relationships will not only help you stay alert of the world you're trying to engage, it will also be mindful of who you are and what you're actually offering. Some of us begin not knowing exactly how to fit ourselves in the bigger equation. And the pursuit for basic needs can distract us from the bigger question of what's the best within us that we can offer.
Keep learning and growing.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
On Production Incentives by State
Production Incentives by State,
For an awesome resource, visit: You're Welcome: Here's the Indiewire Guide to the Best Perks From 40 State Film
Thanks IW! For new producers expanding your domestic horizons, put a bookmark on this page for the cliff notes on state-by-state film commission benefits for incoming shows.
For those of us who haven't produced a feature yet or perhaps are considering packaging one, the details reviewed in these states are great selling points when presenting the business proposal. Take the best details on tax incentives, available locations, etc. and create a page in your plan that shows investors how savvy you are. Not everyone willing to invest their money has the time to be educated on what it takes to make a film and many of the equity investors are simply not aware of how it's done. So let these details shine and strengthen your credibility and as Soderbergh says, remember to let them know at the bottom line it's all about hope.
Good hunting.
For those of us who haven't produced a feature yet or perhaps are considering packaging one, the details reviewed in these states are great selling points when presenting the business proposal. Take the best details on tax incentives, available locations, etc. and create a page in your plan that shows investors how savvy you are. Not everyone willing to invest their money has the time to be educated on what it takes to make a film and many of the equity investors are simply not aware of how it's done. So let these details shine and strengthen your credibility and as Soderbergh says, remember to let them know at the bottom line it's all about hope.
Good hunting.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
On Valuing You (And What's Cool About English Majors)
On Valuing You (And What's Cool About English Majors),
For more information (on English Majors) visit: Steve Strauss: Why I Hire English Majors,
Hardly one to toot my horn, in this one instance I'm allowing myself a moment to feel a bit prouder. Being an English major usually translates into a teaching career in terms of practical relevance. Steve Strauss kindly makes us relevant to just about any business that requires critical analysis and problem solving as well as a higher grade of communicative ability. As a creative writing major I hope I fall somewhere in there. It's nice to get recognized for what some might dismiss as a backup and otherwise useless focus.
For the filmmakers among us that are trying to figure out which services and skill-sets might keep us gainfully in-demand, do not dismiss your natural talents or inclinations. You might not be a great communicator but you excel with numbers, or perhaps you are very sensitive on a strategic level and have a wider than normal perspective, or you might be a great cook and the perfect person to setup an intimate social event with. Take care of yourselves. Great filmmaking takes a strong spirit. Knowing where and how you belong means knowing your angle on the goals your pursuing. That's a measurable conviction and it sells. But it's gotta be yours.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more information (on English Majors) visit: Steve Strauss: Why I Hire English Majors,
Hardly one to toot my horn, in this one instance I'm allowing myself a moment to feel a bit prouder. Being an English major usually translates into a teaching career in terms of practical relevance. Steve Strauss kindly makes us relevant to just about any business that requires critical analysis and problem solving as well as a higher grade of communicative ability. As a creative writing major I hope I fall somewhere in there. It's nice to get recognized for what some might dismiss as a backup and otherwise useless focus.
For the filmmakers among us that are trying to figure out which services and skill-sets might keep us gainfully in-demand, do not dismiss your natural talents or inclinations. You might not be a great communicator but you excel with numbers, or perhaps you are very sensitive on a strategic level and have a wider than normal perspective, or you might be a great cook and the perfect person to setup an intimate social event with. Take care of yourselves. Great filmmaking takes a strong spirit. Knowing where and how you belong means knowing your angle on the goals your pursuing. That's a measurable conviction and it sells. But it's gotta be yours.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
A New Blog and Aid for Producers
A New Blog and Aid for Producers,
For more information visit: Joke & Biaggio
I would link some blog posts from here but I'm not going to because too many of them seem too juicy and at some point I'd like to stand up and go do something else. If you are gonna make it happen, you'll need reference materials and other good sources of supportive information. Plus I'm a little loopy from all the writing done today.
I'm just getting started trying to be of inspiration. But until success makes mine common sense, there's these folks and their very awesome blog & podcast.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more information visit: Joke & Biaggio
I would link some blog posts from here but I'm not going to because too many of them seem too juicy and at some point I'd like to stand up and go do something else. If you are gonna make it happen, you'll need reference materials and other good sources of supportive information. Plus I'm a little loopy from all the writing done today.
I'm just getting started trying to be of inspiration. But until success makes mine common sense, there's these folks and their very awesome blog & podcast.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
On CRI's Tips for Grassroots Marketing and Distribution
On CRI's Tips for Grassroots Marketing and Distribution,
For more information, visit: 5 Tips for Grassroots Film Distribution from Producers of 'Beasts of the Southern Wild'
Important work is being done to debug the process of galvanizing a niche market or target audience. The tips provided above seem to lean in favor of supporting "issue" filmmakers, however much of the information can also aid narrative filmmakers as well.
For instance, observing demographics and reaching out to local communities can happen in small towns, but it can also happen in the LES, DUMBO, the Village, Flatbush, Corona, Downtown Brooklyn, Chelsea, etc.
Additionally, sharing resources with other filmmakers with similar interest is one of the lead benefits of entering the practice from a college community.
Emerging producers and directors should take a closer look at these blog posts and take better care of how they log their resources and develop relationships. Until you have studio or equity support, you are your own representation and without a consumer base to receive your product, you simply don't exist. If you're determined to succeed, you're going to have to reach out to people.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more information, visit: 5 Tips for Grassroots Film Distribution from Producers of 'Beasts of the Southern Wild'
Important work is being done to debug the process of galvanizing a niche market or target audience. The tips provided above seem to lean in favor of supporting "issue" filmmakers, however much of the information can also aid narrative filmmakers as well.
For instance, observing demographics and reaching out to local communities can happen in small towns, but it can also happen in the LES, DUMBO, the Village, Flatbush, Corona, Downtown Brooklyn, Chelsea, etc.
Additionally, sharing resources with other filmmakers with similar interest is one of the lead benefits of entering the practice from a college community.
Emerging producers and directors should take a closer look at these blog posts and take better care of how they log their resources and develop relationships. Until you have studio or equity support, you are your own representation and without a consumer base to receive your product, you simply don't exist. If you're determined to succeed, you're going to have to reach out to people.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
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