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FILM-MAKER'S FORUM-
Here's the page for film-makers and by film-makers, that's right, not just me. Check out
our film-maker tips, movie-making suggestions from visiting film-makers (We welcome
links to your site). We also offer a list of recommended films for film-makers, film
fanatics, cinemato- graphers and screen-writers to soak up (That "Recommended
Viewing" bubble up there.)
Here's the page for film-makers and by film-makers, that's right, not just me. Check out
our film-maker tips, movie-making suggestions from visiting film-makers (We welcome
links to your site). We also offer a list of recommended films for film-makers, film
fanatics, cinemato- graphers and screen-writers to soak up (That "Recommended
Viewing" bubble up there.)
SCREENWRITING: Two BIG screenwriting rules: There is no such thing
as a one-draft wonder. Writing a great movie script takes time. The
other rule is protect your screenplay. You can register your screenplay
with the Writers Guild of America (phone 212-767-7800) and obtain a
USA Copyright through the Library of Congress (phone 202-707-5000)
(Note: This is a very lengthy process. A copyright can take months.)
SET BUILDING: A set does not have to be functional, it just has to look good.
This was the main set for SILVER NIGHT (a rotting decades old speakeasy) The
walls were damaged sheet-rock donated by a local Home Depot.
PUBLICITY PHOTOS- This still of Frank Franconeri (as Garring in SILVER NIGHT)
was posed separately from the actual takes from the film. Magazines and
newspapers you will approach for publicity and reviews thrive on interesting stills.
PRESS KITS- Print media like magazines, etc, will more likely to run a story on
your film if you submit to them a short one page press release filled with usable
quotes and facts about the film and crew.
(Avoid those self-pleasing bits like "Ever since the director saw HOME ALONE, he
wanted to make gory horror films.") Also, if store-owners or public services (such as
the fire department) donate their services
or shooting location for your film, acknowledge them in the press release. They love
free, positive publicity.
USING SOMEBODY ELSE'S SPACE- For EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE, we
convinced the owners of Skorpios, a Greek Restaurant to allow us to shoot there
when he pointed out that (A) We are shooting in video, which means less crew
people and cumbersome equipment (B) we could work around their schedule and
(C) we will be in and out of there in a short amount of time.
THAT POSTER- People like simple, self-explaining, and exciting packaging.
(Look at most of the current newspaper ads for movies.) For the SHARP AND
SUDDEN video art-work and poster we explained the plot in a few short words, used
a picture of actress Rosemary Gore running (She does ALOT of that in the film.)
as a one-draft wonder. Writing a great movie script takes time. The
other rule is protect your screenplay. You can register your screenplay
with the Writers Guild of America (phone 212-767-7800) and obtain a
USA Copyright through the Library of Congress (phone 202-707-5000)
(Note: This is a very lengthy process. A copyright can take months.)
SET BUILDING: A set does not have to be functional, it just has to look good.
This was the main set for SILVER NIGHT (a rotting decades old speakeasy) The
walls were damaged sheet-rock donated by a local Home Depot.
PUBLICITY PHOTOS- This still of Frank Franconeri (as Garring in SILVER NIGHT)
was posed separately from the actual takes from the film. Magazines and
newspapers you will approach for publicity and reviews thrive on interesting stills.
PRESS KITS- Print media like magazines, etc, will more likely to run a story on
your film if you submit to them a short one page press release filled with usable
quotes and facts about the film and crew.
(Avoid those self-pleasing bits like "Ever since the director saw HOME ALONE, he
wanted to make gory horror films.") Also, if store-owners or public services (such as
the fire department) donate their services
or shooting location for your film, acknowledge them in the press release. They love
free, positive publicity.
USING SOMEBODY ELSE'S SPACE- For EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE, we
convinced the owners of Skorpios, a Greek Restaurant to allow us to shoot there
when he pointed out that (A) We are shooting in video, which means less crew
people and cumbersome equipment (B) we could work around their schedule and
(C) we will be in and out of there in a short amount of time.
THAT POSTER- People like simple, self-explaining, and exciting packaging.
(Look at most of the current newspaper ads for movies.) For the SHARP AND
SUDDEN video art-work and poster we explained the plot in a few short words, used
a picture of actress Rosemary Gore running (She does ALOT of that in the film.)
BAD MOVIES.ORG- For those amazed at crummy cinema. Plot synopsis, audio and video clips.
They even have my favorite bad movies The Creeping Terror and musical nightmare The Apple.
LIGHT AND DARK PRODUCTIONS- An independent production company based in upstate New York,
who have created some quite interesting horror features over the past few years.
GORGEOUS ENTERTAINMENT- Check out their documentary about the mysterious Gary Wilson, a pioneering
performance artist/musician who has to be seen to believed.
FILM-NOIR FOUNDATION- A non-profit group dedicated to preserving 35mm prints of
film noir classics.
FIND A GRAVE.COM A Huntington Action Film favorite! This offbeat site lets you leave virtual flowers for almost
any deceased person! Leave cyber-flowers for presidents, a favorite director or star (I left flowers for Mervyn
LeRoy and Jean Harlow!). You can even leave flowers for obscure celebrities like Arabella the Space Spider or
Michael Mark (He carried Little Maria thru the FRANKENSTEIN village.)
MR. CRANKY- The meanest, maybe funniest film critic of all time.
TOKYO MONSTERS.COM- A treasure chest of text, visual and audible delights from those fantastic
Godzilla/ sci-fi films from Japan. Plenty of rare photos and pointers to rare monster DVDs
USING SAG TALENT FOR INDIE FILMS Info on using the SAG low budget agreements.
Our Buddy List......
CINEMA ARTS CENTRE in Huntington,
Long Island, where we have taught
film-making classes since 1998.
FILM THREAT editor Chris Gore has
been a great help to with our
documentary THE MAKE BELIEVERS
Since 1997, I have written advice
articles and for independent
film-making here.
John Simpson, Consumer Watchdog's
spokesperson - gave us amazing web
insight for our film
THE MAKE BELIEVERS
The Master Scam Baiter gives a
wild interview for our film
THE MAKE BELIEVERS