Joni eccentricproductions.com.au

Ari Posen commenting on Wilder: “he always said that the best movies have a tiny, bitter pill that you want the audience to swallow, but to get them to swallow it you have to coat it in lots and lots of sugar. And sugar is humor and character development and plot twists and clever dialogue”

It would be unjust for me not to comment on my examination session and first official screening of my first short film “Isaac and Isha”. Although I can be a bit worrisome I am generally known for my confidence. After a year and a half of grueling work on my project Isaac and Isha, I was not confident. I was anxious, nervous, exhausted and sick to my stomach. My film was one of the last to screen and the agony of having to wait to watch it was painful. I had to contain myself from not walking out when I pressed play. I can honestly say I put nothing but time, love and patience into this piece of work. The problem is of couse when you finish your first work you look back and notice everything you could have done differently and better! When someone asked me what I would have done differently I have to honest the truth is everything…let me do it again please!

“Isaac and Isha”. If I had known when I started the task what I know now I am not sure I would have continued. I have been involved in every element of the creative and non-creative process. I feel like I have given birth to the piece. But, I also know there is a point at which you must let it go and let it make its way out into the world. It needs to be allowed to fly and have an opportunity o send its message off to others. It’s my bitter pill coated in layers of chocolate.

Now for a short discussion on the collaborative piece. I worked with the indie band Yidcore to produce their music video “ for If I Were A Rich Man”. Well I am pleased with what we have put together. I certainly do not think it is about to win any awards but it is what the band wanted! It is silly and funny so it should appeal to the right demographic. I think it will hit its intended target audience. Furthermore, I enjoyed creating a piece that was not about my taste but about the taste of others. I know if the band is happy their fans, many of whom are in it, will also be very happy. I was not nervous to show this piece because it has not taken me nearly the same amount of time or energy to create.

So What Are My Ambitions:
To Produce big budget high intensity films. I would like to have a career, which allows me to constantly encounter new challenges and experiences. I want to work on projects that force me out of my comfort zone to discover new ideas and compel me to research subjects, and aspects of life, I know nothing about. I want to look back on my life and know that I took every opportunity to live a life less ordinary. Such a life can only be lived making films!

Wish Me LUCK!!!

I feel I have gotten into a pattern of reviewing movies that I attend. Consequently, I would not want to miss reviewing ” Hidden“. The film is by french director Michael Haneke and stars Daniel Auteuil (who plays Georges) and Juliette Binoche (in the role of Anne).

I must place a warning at this point. Although it is not a film that would classically be considered interactive, no need to SMS your answer at any point, it does require a great deal of audience participation. Not since “Memento” starring Guy Pierce have I been so intrigued by a film. The difference is that I felt Memento had very real and clear answers where as I believe the analysis of Hidden is less obvious and more open to interpretation.

The film begins with an opening shot of a typical middle class area, focused on a particular house. The opening credits role through slowly and seem to be more intriguing than anything else happening in the scene. Suddenly lines appear, and voices start speaking over the image. We soon realise that we have been whatching a video tape along with the two characters. The couple found the tape outside their door and are whatching it. The tape appears to be a surveliance of their home. They are not able to make much sense of the tape, nor are we. This is the first of sevral tapes sent to the home by an anonymous stalker, some of the tapes are also accomponied by scary child like drawings.

At first glance we are led to beleive this is a suspense film, a film belonging to the “who dun it” genre. This would be a mistake, a possible trap set by the film maker to weed out those who consideres “not on the same level”. There is almost a beaguie attitude to his film making. He wants you to understand that films are about thinking and possibly shedding light on world circumstances.

As the film progresses we realise the question of “who dun it” is insignificant. What is importnat is the character study and the apparent break down of the family unit in the film. Many questions arise with few concreat answerws. There is a brief scene where Anne seeks comfort from her friend and boss. She confides in him at a coffee table and he embraces her. That is all we see. However, her son then accuses her of having an affair. Are they? More questions arise.

Gearges is the centreal character, and through his interaction with child hood demons, issues of racisim and political conduct we are forced to really look into his character and actions. Are we guility of some similar transgressions in our own lives.

My only problem with the film was the marketing. The poster tells you that all is revealed in the final scene. A big hoo haa is made about the last scene and looking to the left side of the screen( I was actually sitting far right in the cinema and missed it). My point however is, that the marketers are trying to indicate there is an answer, they are trying to say it is a “who dun it” film. Whether you see the magic in the last scene or not does not change the story one tiny bit!!!!

I was reading a blog of a fellow class mate, Oyven about wether or not you have to be a storyteller to be involved in the entertainment industry?

When a person says the reason they love the entertainment industry is because they want to be a storyteller, I think, how clichéd! It is such a stock answer I wonder if they even know what they are truly saying. Narrator, teller of tales, recounter, is this what they mean? If this is their best answer I think they have chosen the wrong profession.

I don’t want to be a storyteller; I want to be a story maker, conceiver, and initiator. I want to make a point about politics, culture or religion in a manner that makes people want to know and feel. “Hotel Rwanda” was not simply told by a recanouter. Hotel Rwanda shamed everyone one of us for actions that still continue to this day. Tsotsi exposed the reality of the new non-segregated South Africa. Hidden commented on France and its racist under-tones. Moulin Rouge reminded us that film and theatre are not such distant cousins. Are the people who made these films storytellers, or commentators with opinions and views? Do they love just telling stories or do they love the craft. A craft, which entails contracts, deal structures, negotiations, construction, art etc. Furthermore, in every production there are so many people involved. I doubt if you asked a color grader why they enjoyed the entertainment industry they would say because of story telling.

Why do I love the entertainment industry? My love for the entertainment industry has evolved through out my life. I decided I wanted to be involved when I was seven years old and performed in my first school production to an audience of about a 1000 people, As I wondered down he school steps I knew I had found my calling. At that point I thought I wanted to be an actress. I loved the bright lights in my eyes and the immediate audience feedback. I worked on my craft for years. I would perform for anyone willing to sit for a few minutes. When I was ten I performed in my first professional play at the central theatre in New Zealand. Many of the actors I worked with have gone on to star in international films such as “Narnia”. When I was younger I was always tall for my age, which made me an excellent sport competitor. However, I stopped growing when I was very young so I turned all my attention to the performing arts.

Early on I realized that theatre was not as exciting as film. I loved films! When I was twelve I was obsessed with Sigourney Weaver, in my eyes the first women to truly kick butt. I wanted to be her fighting the aliens. I loved science-fiction films and games. Then I discovered Shakespeare at 14 and my life’s ambition became the desire to play Juliet. When Baz Luhrman made Romeo and Juliet I was devastated, Clair Danes was too typical. Juliet had so much more to offer than the mediocre performance she gave.

When I was 15 I directed my first play. An adaptation of “Everyman”. I instinctively knew what to do. Despite my age I directed the year eleven and twelve students to victory. Pip Mushin gave me the award for Best Production. The following year I directed a socio-political play “No Worries Mate”. Sadly we only won runner up as the play was apparently more suited to University than High School. I had a terrible drama teacher in year twelve and decided to follow a new path after high school….LAW!!! Yes, I went to law school. I lasted two and a bit years before deciding this was not a path I wished to pursue.

A month after my 22nd birthday I flew to LA, or la la land. I worked for one of the top event coordinators planning Oscar parties, celebrity weddings, movie permits. I met all the top players in town but was always over shadowed by the likes of Gwenth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston. I lived in the States for five and a half years. My life there was not easy, and my youth was dragged out of me. But, those are many other stories. At some point I realized I needed to get back in the game.

I wanted to create productions. I knew everything there was to know about the entertainment industry, and nothing about politics. Due to unforeseen circumstances far beyond my control I found myself in Australia….again. Then I found myself in a master’s degree for Media Production. I don’t know if I found it or it found me. I was confused searching for my way back to sanity. So, as you can see I don’t want to be a storyteller. I want to be a person who embraces every moment of life. I want to meet as many people as possible and experience things others would only dream of. Although I feel fear I have never allowed it to be an obstacle. Movies to me are fun, challenging, intellectual and stimulating. The people I meet are different, exciting and weird.

I did not choose to tell a story, but rather I have chosen to be a part of one.

As part of our final assessment for my Masters Degree we were asked to answer what have we learnt undertaking the degree and what are our future ambitions?

Gosh, those are two of the most overwhelming loaded questions I have been asked in a very long time! Let me start by answering the easier of the two. What I have learnt during this course. I think often we are actually learning by doing, we are not aware of the learning that is taking place. I came into this course having worked in the entertainment industry, but not in the positions I would have liked. I felt I had an understanding of how things work but had not been given the right opportunity. I produced and directed a short bollywood style extravaganza musical. The first part of the process was creating the script and musical material. Working with a lyrics man and musical arranger I ended up with something I was excited about. The script underwent at least 15-20 re-writes. I was constantly changing it, and fixing it and re-writing. Some of the re-writing occurred due to location changes, or lack of finances. However, it continued to evolve on a regular basis. So, I learnt how to create a script, and tell a story. The feedback I received was very positive, and I gained confidence in an area where I had none.

Choosing the actors and singers proved to be a very difficult endeavor. Finding people who could sing, act, and dance! I had to actively pursue people to have them perform. My original choice for the lead role decided he would rather perform in a little play. Oh, well I have to believe it happened for a reason. During the rehearsal process I was very nervous to tell people who had so much more experience than me musically what to do…. so instead I encouraged them. I encouraged them to make the music their own, to play with different sounds and harmonies and rises and falls. Okay, so maybe I did a little directing!

It was an original score so everything had to be pre-recorded in a sound studio before the production began. Sound studios actually scared me. I had no idea what any of the buttons did or meant. Luckily I continued to surround myself with talented and patient people. Jesse Warnock was the music engineer and he pressed all the buttons and cleaned up everyone’s voices. However, I sat and watched, and watched and learnt and learnt. When Jesse could not come to two sessions I recorded the artists. In fact I recorded the very first song one hears in my film. I am no longer afraid of sound studios.

My next task was to assemble a crew. I was hoping to work with Gary Ravenscroft the DOP from “One Perfect Day” who had become a friend of mine however he received a much better paying offer in LA (I can not blame him). He suggested I call Jacob Simkin who was doing all the Pete Murray music videos. He turned out to be fabulous. I also asked my friend Dechantel Green to first AD. She was great because she kept me sane and happy when people were rude or bitchy. The rest of the crew kind of fell together. My next learning curve was learning what all the technical equipment was for and what the differences where. I did not have a clue about anything technical and now I can pretty much use anything and know what is required and why.

I also realized that although I enjoy directing I do not think it is my true calling. It seems like a small piece in my giant puzzle and I like to stay focused on every piece of the puzzle not just one. But, having said that I still think I did a good job. So I guess this fermented my desire to produce.

Next was postproduction. The editor I chose works on AVID so I had to learn something knew again!!! I have learnt how to multi-layer tracks and why. I have learnt how much color grading affects a piece and I have learnt what can be achieved and not in postproduction. I also have incorporated 3d animation, which I knew nothing about and special effects, which I also previously knew nothing about. Now I know what is possible, what factors affect these issues and how much work goes into simple special affects.

So the questions, which arises again is what have, I learnt? I have learnt how to produce a film from conceptualization to marketing. I have learnt how to involve the best people I have access to, and to encourage and harness their talents. Most importantly I have learnt how inspired I am by the industry and what it has to offer.

Publicity –Publicity
Recently we have been inundated with publicists. But, I get it, I get it. Its not enough to make a good film if now one sees it! You have to learn how to best publicize and market your film and like all things this is a skill. Kerrie, now a freelance publicist outlined the most important elements of putting together your publicity material as follows:

1) Aim/Objective of piece.
2) Target Audience.
3) Strength and weakness of project (Kerrie advises outlining your weakness, and combating them before other people do, I think this is just good business management in any field)
4) Pitch
5) Multimedia platforms that might be used.
6) Evaluation, evaluate whether your efforts have been successful or not after the project is complete.

However, more than anything the one point that Kerrie kept coming back to was Photos, Photos, and Photos. She felt that photos where one of the greatest weapons used to publicize ones work. Photos are what get people interested and capture their attention to actually read an article. Furthermore, she felt that hero photos, which are staged photos, as opposed to still taken during performances where more powerful.

In article handed to us by an ABC publicist representative the first line reads “ the single most important element in ensuring your documentary receives maximum press coverage is the quality and strength of the stills you provide as part of the press kit”. So as one can see the point is stressed and re-stressed.

Our ABC representative Yasmin Kentera went on to highlight the consistency that should be used in one’s press kit. The style of the font should carry through as well as certain images which are being used to sell the idea. What I also liked that Yasmin said, and that as an event coordinator I have always used a lot of, is premiums. Premiums, associated objects to get peoples attention should when even possible be sent with the press kit.

Kentera then went on to discuss what she felt should be included and hightlighted in the press kit:

1) Awesome cover to get peoples attention.
2) Tag line.
3) Short and long synopsis.
4) Character breakdowns/character synopsis.
5) Possibly use some quates from the actors themselves.
6) Cast list
7) Information about the film maker.
8) Any other selling points from other cast or crew.

So as one can see, there really is no set formula except make sure you have great photos. More than anything a press kit is simply about identifying what you believe your main selling points in this particular project are and selling those!

Okay, so this brings me to my short film and what I believe my selling points are. Well I do believe I am on to a new genre or at least continuing to make layers on an already existent genre. I feel like I have really looked into Baz Luhrmans style but I have also looked into Bollywood style and how some people are trying to make this more accessible for everyone. My style tries to combine them both. And, lets not forget dance is currently the new craze! Every time you turn around there is a new dance show, so lets hope I am on to something. I do have high expectations.

As my film slowly comes to finish, I am paying for attention to the marketing/packaging of the piece. If I had been savvier I would have started this process in the pre-production stage. However, we all learn and it certainly has not hurt the piece.

Marketing a film is something that should take place from the initial conception of the film. Yes, a good story is a great start but an even better start is a film which understands branding and the power associated with merchandising. It’s not enough anymore it is a good film, as upcoming film makers we need to know how to market our films so that people will actually have the opportunity to view them. Mark Pesce was the one who stated that what sets good indie films apart from big budget films is the marketing involved.

In such a competitive industry creativity is also very important, when the movie “The Hills have Eyes” was being promoted the distributors sent out severed ears check out one of the severed ears: Severed Ear

Marketing and distribution are paramount (excuse the pun) for successful films. Distribution is much like Marketing; it should be sorted out prior to the production of the film.

Gosh, so here I am trying to put the pieces together at record pace after the fact. Wish me luck.

Some Marketing Done After the Fact:
Check Out Monty Pythons Silly Walks
http://www.sillywalksgenerator.com/

Individual:

Continuity: Is there continuity? One of the factors I was let down with in my short film is the continuity. Although I thought I asked a person to help who had in the past performed continuity jobs, it appears I was incorrect. Creating a short film is often more difficult than a feature because you are often working with little if no budget. I had a, “if needed budget” (if I had to spend money on something I would, food was non-negotiable I provided great amounts of food each day and after production gifts). However, if you are not paying people to work for you, this is where your skills are truly tested. I was told by many that the reason they chose to work with me was because of my enthusiasm for the piece and knowledge on the subject matter. I am a great believer in “build it and they will come”. I worked hard to surround myself with people that I believed were truly talented and committed. Naturally with everyone we always make a few mistakes. But that is part of the learning process.

I was disappointed with the continuity person because they attempted to direct the film, but did not pay enough attention to their role. I should have been more assertive about their actions, but I have to admit I sometimes doubted my ability. I think that is all a part of directing my first piece. However, like everything in film the problem creates a ripple down effect. I never received my continuity sheets and some of the continuity on camera is less than desirable which creates some issues in editing. Yes, we are managing through this issue and the lack of continuity sheets has not been a problem. However, I am also aware that if this were a feature no continuity sheets would create a huge issue.

What I am most enjoying about the editing process is seeing where my talents lie. It is most evident to me now that I enjoy creating and directing (not necessarily on set) the overall look and feel of a project, but I do not enjoy being the technically hands on person. I enjoy discussing the work with the editor, explaining what I am trying to achieve but then leaving him to perform his job. Trust is paramount! I have to trust I hired the right man for the job. And as previously slatted this does not always happen. Part of this process of exploration of self in the industry has also shown me that I probably would not enjoy the role of line producer; it is devoid of any of the producer roles that I truly enjoy. All jobs involve parts that you do not enjoy but a job focusing on all the roles I do not enjoy, would be a mistake. What I have discovered is that when you do only things you don’t enjoy you can never succeed. But, I do not mind being a personal assistant I have done it more than once in the past for very accredited individuals and I enjoy learning through observation and you become somewhat confidant and end up participating in the roles you would like. I understand that wanting to be a producer will not automatically put me at the top of the food chain….but one can dream.

Although this blog started off as more of an exploration of others roles and the editing process, I think it has become a little more about the next step for me. A thought process of what I am willing to do and not to do. That is not intended as arrogant I simply know, from previous experience that when I am not challenged I become bored and complacent and then make mistakes. It’s actually more just self actualization as one grows.

When I was seven years old we left South Africa, it was a country imploding. Although my parents sided with “equality” and the belief that “all men are created equal”, and did their part in small ways they wanted a better life for their two young children.

However, growing up I always felt something for the land of Africa, and the plight of my fellow man. For so many years Black and Colored men and women in South Africa have been treated as second class citizens. Although the apartheid ended in 1994 not much has changed for so many. It will take many, many years before South Africa can truly free its people from a lack of education and poverty.

Tsotsi (Thug) is one of the most endearing stories I have seen come out of South Africa in many years. It showed a young boy who was deprived of love from his parents and forced to endure a life on the streets with no education. If we were forced to endure only the hardships life has, would we be “honest and just” to our fellow man?

It’s easy to have no compassion when you have been shown none. The film took us on a journey with an unlikable character. Some of his acts where so vile, but you still prayed for his compassion. You hoped that even though he had never been shown love he would learn to feel it. At the end of the film you pray a nation who has never been shown compassion will learn to love. I know that sounds over the top, but for those who have not been to South Africa, I ask that you go first and then decide.

What struck me the most about the lead actor Tsotsi played by PRESLEY CHWENEYAGAE was his incredible screen presence. There was a scene where Presley and his gang walk in V formation towards their destinations with the music blaring behind them; although the image was over used it was incredibly powerful. I thought the actor was so “real” and due to his limited formal acting training it made we wonder why so many of us bother. I do not believe that a person’s presence can be taught in any acting class.

The lead actress Miriam played by TERRY PHETO was another outstanding performance. She played a young mother who’s compassion and understanding was almost enough for both her and Tstosi. I felt what her character represented was “family”. How women are capable of “making homes” and giving people a sense of belonging and love. Okay, these are my non-feminist attitudes. I believe women are better at “making homes” than men.

One other dislike of the film was the constant blaring music. I thought the sound track was great, but I also felt it often detracted from what was going on in a scene.

The film made you think and made you feel. It forced us to look at some issues that we are not comfortable dealing with. For me the highlight of the film was how the writer and director made us so passionate about such a nasty character.

I give it Four Stars.

Interview with PRESLEY CHWENEYAGAE

After having learnt my lesson on my first short film about the importance of contracts, I have called another meeting with the Executive Producer of the project I am currently working on. I have all my paper work ready to go for him to sign. It will give him full ownership of all the material but also ensure he understands who is responsible for what payments. I am not in the position to be left owing people money for jobs performed.

Oh, well let’s see how it goes.
Oh for all of you wanting to know where to get the contracts from I have ammended the basic AFC contracts which are the for general use contracts.

The Makings Of A Collaborative Project

Okay I was reading the blog entry, from one of my fellow classmates in my Masters of Media Production course “All Along the Watchtower“, and I have to admit I am glad that I am not the only one who thinks that collaboration can be a disastrous endeavor if not “handled with care”.

I find collaboration in class situations often difficult due to the different goals people are trying to achieve. Some are just trying to get through the course, while others are trying to do well. I often prefer to work alone but only because I know that I will get the work done, I am not a big advocate of “free loaders”. I will get the work done, on time and in fact I will get work done with time to spare.

I am extremely committed to a task when I put my mind to it. Yes, many people perceive this as bitchy or snobby, but actually it’s neither. I am simply not a procrastinator. Once again people can find this tough attitude a turn off, but the truth is when people work with me or for me and they are hard workers I am incredibly supportive and easy going.

There are so many studies for and against collaboration. Does collaboration necessarily create better outcomes than individuals “going solo” on a project? In an attempt to become more “collaboration focused” I decided to do a little research into the subject and ascertain what the pros and con’s of collaboration are.

So here are some of my findings:

1) One of the most important elements existent in collaboration is the desire for the same outcome/goals as those you are involved with. If you and those you are collaborating with do not share the same set of goals then naturally you will not view collaboration as a success. When there is disagreement about creative goals, then working as part of a group requires some compromise on the part of each individual.

2)Compromise: being part of group always requires a level of compromise.

3) Communication is paramount in collaboration. Collaboration requires an open dialogue both at meetings and between them.

4) Recourses: Collaborating on a project provides more information. The more people there are the more recourses and access to information exists.

5) Connectedness - members of this collaboration are connected and have established informal and formal communication.

6) Collaboration is to make the group, more than the sum of its parts.

The reality is that most artistic projects nowadays involve some form of collaboration. It is virtually impossible to make a film with out collaborating with others. Sometimes we collaborate as equals and other times we collaborate in different positions of power.

Some famous collaborators where “The Beatles”. They were some of the first to pioneer such a form of collaboration in the current media climate “a group of relative equals, all sharing creative responsibility, and working together synergistically, thus elevating the group as a whole to the status of auteur.” The groups name “Beatles” only added to this new working arrangement

Artistic groups involve both synergy and compromise. This recipe however does not preclude the desire for individual expression and the cohesion necessary to form a group.

The question remains, Why Collaborate? The answer is simple when the right synergy exists, the group becomes more than the sum of its parts.

Resources:
Collaboration