REVEW: STEVE JOBS BY WALTER ISAACSON

“My passion has been to build an enduring company where people were motivated to make great products.  Everything else was secondary.  Sure, it was great to make a profit, because that was what allowed you to make great products.  But the products, not the profits, were the motivation…

‘Give the customers what they want.’ But that’s not my approach.  Our job is to figure out what they’re going to want before they do.” (Steve Jobs p567)

I’m an Apple fan.  For years I resisted because I felt Windows based PCs offered more of what I was looking for.  Of course, my theory was proven wrong the day I got my iMac with Final Cut Pro.  Since that day, the Apple brand has been a vital part of my creative life.

The combination of my iMac, iPhone and iPad keeps me connected to whatever project I’m working on at all times.  I write screenplays, I write blogs, I create graphics, I edit movies.  I create…  I create every day thanks to the creativity of Steve Jobs and the talented designers and engineers at Apple.

XTRA | Why the iPad 2 is the center of my creative universe.

Creative people are fueled by the creativity of others.  This is especially true when it comes to the marriage of creativity and technology.  Steve Jobs believed this to be a fundamental component of innovation.

“What drove me?  I think most creative people want to express appreciation for being able to take advantage of the work that’s been done by others before us.” (Steve Jobs p570)

When I opened the cover of Steve Jobs b Walter Isaacson, I was excited to find out more behind the iCEO himself.  When Steve Jobs passed away, the world lost a true visionary and his story fascinated me.  The book itself is absolutely incredible as it describes each and every triumph and defeat Jobs experienced.

But something interesting happened as I turned the pages…  I started relating Steve’s passion and innovation to the world of screenwriting.  Once that happened, I couldn’t put the book down.

Inspiration.  Motivation. Innovation.  Creativity.  Passion.  Dedication.  Commitment.  Sound familiar?

These are the common themes throughout the book but they are also present in the hearts of creative people around the world every day.  In this way, Steve Jobs’ story goes beyond the story of a man who changed the world.  It’s about the very essence of creativity and the quest for perfection.

In my own life, I associate these themes with Screenwriting.

“We try to use the talents we do have to express our deep feelings.” (Steve Jobs p570)

If Steve Jobs was a screenwriter, he would have scrutinized every word.  Every character would be constantly tested.  Each and every description would be reworked until the image was perfected in the reader’s minds.  Steve would have paid extra close attention to the amount of white space he used.  He would have agonized over names and locations.  He would have poured his heart into every scene.  Every moment.

If Steve Jobs was a screenwriter, he would have been tireless and relentless on his quests to get his scripts produced.  If a script wasn’t successful, he would have been angry at first but then he would break it down and find ways to make it better.  He would analyze every single detail and demand better of himself.  Steve Jobs would have believed in his vision.  He wouldn’t have quit until he succeeded.  The story had to come first.

If Steve Jobs was a screenwriter he would have been passionate.  He would have been dedicated, innovative and precise.  Most of all, he would have cared immensely about the audience and how his screenplays would make them feel.

It’s an inspiring thing to read about somebody who cared so deeply about his craft.   Even better, he surrounded himself with remarkable and talented individuals.  People who made him better.  Take Jony Ive for example.  This is a designer responsible for many of Apple’s defining innovations and a visionary in his own right.

“Simplicity isn’t just a visual style.  It’s not just minimalism or the absence of clutter.  It involves digging through the depth of the complexity.  To be truly simple, you have to go really deep.” (Jony Ive p343)

It’s an interesting quote when you apply it to screenplays.  Especially during the rewrite process.  People like Jony Ive were crucial components in the execution of Steve’s ambition.  Of course, film is also a collaborative medium and while crafting a screenplay is a solo effort, a script destined for bigger things.  Steve Jobs would have not only understood this.  He would have embraced it.

Beyond anything else, Steve was never satisfied.  If he created a product that changed the world he set out to create something better or entirely new.  To me, that’s the most exciting aspect of screenwriting.  Every time you begin a new story it’s a new adventure.  A new world.  A new you.

“If you want to live your life in a  creative way, as an artist, you have to not look back too much.  You have to be willing to take whatever you’ve done and whoever you were and throw them away.” (Steve Jobs p190)

Each new story represents an evolution of your creativity.  A chance to really say something.  It’s a freedom that screenwriters crave.  It’s an addiction that takes a hold of you.

STEVE JOBS WOULD HAVE CALLED IT MAGIC

The Avengers has been released and set the bar extremely high for the rest of the summer blockbusters.  Having said that, the other 2 major contenders made their presence known in a big way last week.

First, Christopher Nolan released a haunting and awesome third trailer for The Dark Knight Rises.  A day later we got to see another fantastic trailer for the surprising Spider-Man reboot.  Like many, I was skeptical that a reboot this soon might be a mess but I’ve adored every trailer thus far.

I love the look of Marc Webb’s film.  The blues and the way the city looks while Spider-Man is out doing his thing.  And I completely buy Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.  This trailer also put to rest the only real doubt I had.  Will The Lizard be cool?  One shot in particular convinced me but there are plenty of moments that suggest epic one on one battles in the new trailer.

I don’t think this new Webslinger will slay The Avengers or The Dark Knight Rises but it has the potential to hang with the big boys this summer.  Let’s take a look at the top 5 moments from this amazing trailer:

5. Captain Sarcasm Returns

The one thing that Tobey Maguire was lacking was Spider-Man’s trademark sarcasm and humor.  The first Spider-Man trilogy was more on the campy side of the line but this is more like the comics and cartoons.  Hopefully they don’t over do it.

4. The POV Shots

After the first teaser was released, it was clear the director wanted the audience to experience what it would be like to be Spider-Man.  This film appears to be packed with POV shots.  I’m interested to see how they cut these shots into action sequences seamlessly.

3. Spider-Man vs The Lizard

These two battle it out everywhere in this trailer.  Inside buildings, above them, in sewers and probably more.  Their is a welcome intensity to these scenes and the screenshot above is a perfect example of that.  It’s a little terrifying to watch the Lizard match Spidey’s agility like that.

2. The Lizard Wreaks Havoc

Bring it on.  This is the single shot that sold me on the chosen villain for the film.  Here is an insane monster in the middle of the street unleashing who knows what.  I’m in.  It’s still a little odd that his face is so flat but I’ll reserve final judgment when I see him in action.

1. Spider-Man Is Back

This shot is a love letter to Spider-Man fans around the world.  The franchise is in good hands.  It looks like we are in for a different Spider-Man experience but I’m starting to think it might be better.  I’m not there yet but the simple fact that the possibility exists is exciting.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 6
“THE OLD GODS AND THE NEW”

This episode was up and down for me but it did come with one unforgettable moment we’ve all been thinking about since day 1.  Someone threw a big chunk of crap in King Joffrey’s face.  As if that wasn’t enough, Tyrion finally (and literally) tried to knock some sense into his nephew.

“We’ve had vicious kings and we’ve had idiot kings, but I don’t know that we’ve ever been cursed with a vicious idiot.”

So this week’s moment goes to Tyrion once again.  It’s mind boggling that Joffrey is this clueless proclaiming that an entire mob be put to death while they are rising up against him.  It’s sad that Tyrion will never get through to him now that he’s caused a war and everyone hates him.  It’ll be interesting to see what Joffrey does now that people have begun to revolt.  It’ll ALSO be interesting to see what he does to Tyrion for slapping him.

I’m so happy we still have over half a season left.

The Old Gods And The New

As I mentioned above, the rest of the episode was hit or miss for me.  The events in Winterfell were certainly compelling especially with that brutal beheading at the hands of newly evil Theon.  Robb Stark’s reaction to the news was awesome.  We really don’t get enough Robb though it’s nice that his mother returned and he is finally up to speed on everything.

Arya is still trying to keep her identity safe though it would appear her anonymity will be short lived.  She has now wasted a ‘name’ to protect herself but WHY hasn’t she ordered one of those fancy darts to strike the neck of Tywin?  Problem solved right?

Jon Snow and Daenerys’ story lines felt like stall tactics in this episode.  Jon volunteered to join the men and then couldn’t kill the Wildling girl…  The fact that she knew his name was interesting but I’d like to know where it’s going.  Is the North going to invade Westeros at some point?  What will they find now that they are beyond the wall? (Maybe I should read the books)

As for Daenerys, she is still clinging to hope that someone will hand her an army and now she doesn’t even have her dragons.  At some point, this girl needs to show the Qarth folk who is boss.  We are all rooting for her at this point but no one listens to her.  She needs to do some convincing next episode.

Catch up on previous episodes:

Episode 1 Moment
Episode 2 Moment
Episode 3 Moment
Episode 4 Moment
Episode 5 Moment

THE AVENGERS HAVE ASSEMBLED AND AVENGED…  NOW WHAT?

All of the speculation, rumors, hype, skepticism, anticipation, news, casting, trailers, promos, tv spots, plot details, posters and more are behind us now.  After years of planning, Marvel has gathered their movie universe into one action packed 2.5 hour event…  So how did it all turn out?

The Avengers delivered on and exceeded everyone’s expectations. 

I absolutely loved it.  It’ll take a couple repeat viewings but currently, The Avengers may settle into my Top 5 favorite movies of all time.  I loved it that much.  But something funny happened once the credits rolled and I caught my breath…  I was a little sad.

Movie hype is a funny thing…  You can spend years looking forward to a movie.  Sometimes the film is everything you hoped it would be, other times it isn’t.  But the following morning you realize that you don’t have to scour the web for tidbits of new information.  You aren’t wishing for a new trailer or clip to be released anymore.  You’ve seen the film.

I’m going to miss looking forward to The Avengers…

9 months ago, I wrote a post called: Wouldn’t it be awesome if The Avengers is one of the greatest superhero movies of all time?

It is.

From the beginning, we’ve all wondered what it would be like if Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America shared the screen.  Would it be a train wreck?  Negative, it’s a superheroic masterpiece.  It’s a PERFECT summer movie.

When I write reviews, I tend to write about the experience rather than focusing on plot details and specific things I did (or didn’t) like.  Honestly, I haven’t that much fun in a theater since the original Paranormal Activity was released.  No, I’m not comparing The Avengers to Paranormal Activity creatively.  But sitting in both audiences reminded me of how much fun it is to see a film in theaters.

The Avengers is full of wonderful moments.  It’s packed with cool things you have never seen before.  It was also absolutely hilarious.  Throughout the movie, the entire audience was roaring with laughter one moment and stunned the next at the visual marvels on the screen.  It was electric in that room.  I mentioned Paranormal Activity because the audience behaved similarly.  It wasn’t a room full of people.  It was one entity reacting to the film together as one.  It’s a beautiful experience to have and I was smiling ear to ear for nearly 3 hours as a result.

EVENT MOVIES

Much like the final chapter of Harry Potter, this was an EVENT.  It took Marvel years of work spanning 5 films just to set up the events of The Avengers.  It all culminated in a film that skillfully balances character with breathtaking action.  (Thank you Joss Whedon)

That’s why the movie broke records.  It’s a must see.  Even the most casual fan won’t be able to wait until it’s available on demand.  People want to see what all the fuss is about.  The result? Over 200 million dollars in 3 days domestically.  That’s impressive enough but when you factor in stellar reviews from both critics and fans it’s hard to ignore the cultural impact this film will have moving forward.

Part of the fun of event movies is the hype.  Even now, 2 days after seeing the film, I’m still thinking about how much fun it was to follow the film’s development.  Thankfully, it’s not the same feeling I had when the Harry Potter franchise ended because that adventure was over.  There was a finality to it. (Much like another little event movie called The Dark Knight Rises)

Today, I find hope knowing that the minute the film ended, hype for The Avengers 2 had begun.  It’ll be years before we hear rumblings of another assembly but you can bet it’ll be followed by more than just hardcore superhero fans.

So while we wait to find out what Thanos has in store for our heroes in The Avengers 2, we can rest easy that much more Marvel is on the way.  Interest will be higher than ever for Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Captain America 2 and hopefully another Hulk movie.  The Marvel universe is fully loaded now and I can’t wait to see what they fire up next.

Until that time we all get to marvel at what… (ahem) Marvel has accomplished with this movie. The Avengers is for anyone who loves massive action and epic scale.  It’s for anyone who loves entertaining summer blockbusters.

The Avengers is for anyone who loves heroes…  And things that are awesome.

THE AVENGERS 2 HYPE BEGINS!

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THE AVENGERS IN 2: Don’t.  Miss

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR
ERIC GAMACHE

Looking back on a film after nearly 7 years is a great way to see where you were as an artist, where you are at that moment and where you hope to be in the future.  In Left Behind, director Eric Gamache created a touching story that won Best In Shorts at the 2006 Cinefest International Film Festival.

I recently had the opportunity to interview the director on what inspired the project, what it took to pull it off and much more.

My interest in filmmaking started the summer before I started the 9th grade. I was visiting my cousin and some friends and one night we decided it would be fun to make a movie. We shot a 4 minute short, making it up as we went along.  We didn’t have any way of editing it so we edited on the camera as we shot,  If we needed a second take, we’d rewind the tape in the camera and hit record at the right moment to start the new take.  I don’t think anyone ever saw the film.  Actually I can’t even remember if we even finished the film that night but I was bitten by the bug.

Around that time I also became obsessed with “Scream” and “Scream 2″.  I started watching horror films and made my own. Eventually, I moved away from horror, but it was a great way to get into filmmaking and film appreciation.

“Left Behind” came about so randomly it still surprises me it turned out so well. I had been working on another short film for a long time. It was going to be a 1940′s gangster film. But the script wasn’t coming together like I’d hoped. The day I put that gangster film to bed, I met with my friends Andrew and Adele.  I was venting my frustration with the process when Andrew mentioned we should make a short film together again (we had co-directed a short film a few years prior). I agreed and we starting mapping out what was supposed to be a treatment. We also established some rules:

1. It had to be black and white.
2. No coverage. Every scene is to be one shot.
3. Little to no camera movements. (there is only one pan in the film).
4. Minimalistic style (performance, music, etc.)

Four hours later I went home with the shooting script in my hand.  Essentially, we wanted to stand back and observe an older gentleman cope with the loss of his wife.

That was October. I then went off and worked on my first professional film set so we started prep in December 2004.  We didn’t have any money so everything was done for cheap/free. The cast & crew all worked for free. We didn’t have craft or catering and all the equipment was borrowed.

In a word, painful. But I feel that way watching everything I direct. Still, it’s the closest I’ve come to achieving the vision in my head so I’m still proud of the film.

Independent filmmaking has evolved a tremendous amount over the years.  What would you say has been the most important leap forward?  Likewise, what has, or should have, remained the same?

There are a lot of challenges facing new filmmakers. The first is just getting the film made in the first place. The 2nd is having the film seen by people.

But the internet is a huge help with both of these common problems. With social media sites helping out on both fronts with sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo.  Not too mention YouTube and vimeo make it easy to get short films out to the public.  Beyond that, it’s now easier to get the word out about a screening, casting call, funding, etc.  Unfortunately, I’ve found grant options seem to be shrinking. It’s never been easy to get government funding, but now it seems harder than ever. I suppose it could be a sign of the financial times.

The future of indie filmmaking is changing.

XTRA | Have you watched a short film today?

Looking back, how have you evolved creatively as an artist?

It’s hard to say how I’ve evolved. I certainly have more life experience now than I did when I made “Left Behind”. I’ve also seen a lot more movies. But my tastes have stayed the same. I’ve been striving to get back to a “Left Behind” style short film again. Stylistically, this short film is the perfect representation of me as a filmmaker.

Be prepared. Know your shots, know what you want.  Get a good crew. For a first time filmmaker, there’s nothing more important than a great 1st AD and DP, Production Designer and Editor especially if you’re working with an experienced crew and money.

I’m producing a short film called “The Autumn Girl” for Writer/Director Eric Boissonneault that is in post production now. I’m also developing a few other projects as both producer and director.

Special thanks to Eric Gamache for the interview.

Check out his site here for more.