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Producing Your First Short Film? Try Tuts+ | Producing Great Video Course Tuts + Premium Review

TUTS+ PREMIUM: PRODUCING GREAT VIDEO COURSE REVIEW

Are you an aspiring filmmaker gearing up to produce your first short film?  Looking for a crash course on the basics of shooting something that looks and sounds professional? Tuts+ along with Hello Studios just released a new course called Producing Great Video.  What sets this course apart from others online is the practical approach they took to the material.

The team actually took the time to create a short film called ‘The Laptop Conspiracy’ and then take you through it’s creation step by step.  They’ve provided over 50 videos covering chapters including writing, practical planning, camera, lighting, audio, post production and everything in between.

When I produced my first short film, I was blown away by how much paperwork, budgeting and planning was required.  Contracts need to be signed, auditions need to be organized and talented crew members need to come on board.  All that and more comes even before you start thinking about things like cameras, lights and sound equipment.  It was intimidating to say the least. (But fun)

When you’re on set, you want all the elements in place so you can focus on telling a good story.  THAT’S THE KEY.

Producing Great Video is a great place to start if you’re new to the indie world because it breaks things down into well designed and easy to understand chapters.  Each video provides the basic information you need to get your production moving in the right direction.  Beyond the basics, Producing Great Video is full of great tips and things to remember before ‘action’ is yelled for the first time on set.

It’s also a great reminder to keep the basics in mind when you’re producing a video.  Attention to detail goes a long way if you want to create something convincing and entertaining.  As someone who has produced videos and MADE some of these mistakes in the past, I can’t stress enough how important the basics are.

Short films and videos have evolved so much in the last few years.  People not only have access to better cameras but they have a ton of options to promote their work online.  Sites like YouTube and Vimeo are full of fantastic productions that are getting thousands of views daily.

With millions of videos uploaded every day, you need to stand out and Producing Great Video is a perfect first step on the road to achieving that goal.  Match this course with a great story and the dedication to pull it all together and you’ll be well on your way to producing great videos in no time.

A Monthly Membership is definitely worthwhile because it also grants you access to huge library of courses, tutorials and more.

Check out Producing Great Video here.

XTRA | Have you watched a short film today?

Producing Your First Short Film? Try Tuts+ | Producing Great Video Course Tuts + Premium Review

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Ted: Red Band Trailer vs Green Band Trailer | Ted Movie 2012 Seth MacFarelane

SETH MACFARELANE’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

Ohhhhhhhh censorship…

“Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane brings his boundary-pushing brand of humor to the big screen for the first time as writer, director and voice star of Ted. In the live action/CG-animated comedy, he tells the story of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), a grown man who must deal with the cherished teddy bear who came to life as the result of a childhood wish…and has refused to leave his side ever since.”

In this case, the bear swears, smokes pot and chases women…

THE restricTED TRAILER

It’s hard to sell such a strange concept which is why I thought the Red Band trailer was brilliant.  Forget getting into the details of the plot just glaze over it a bit and open the door to Seth MacFarlane’s awesome sense of humor.  That’s the beauty of Red Band trailers.  You don’t have to worry about censoring words and NSFW type situations.  It’s a great way to show off the true style of the movie.

I’m a huge fan of Seth MacFarlane from Family Guy to his hosting duties on Comedy Central’s Celebrity Roasts.  His comedic style (and voice) come through loud and clear in the red band trailer.  I was sold the second I heard The Thunder Song.

Of course, red band trailers aren’t going to be played everywhere so things need to be toned down.  How do you sell a concept like Ted without the swearing?  You focus on the story and show off the spirit of the movie.

TED GREEN BAND TRAILER

Obviously if you don’t watch and/or laugh at Family Guy this movie probably isn’t for you.  The concept is pretty weird after all.  I suppose you either buy it or you don’t.

I happen to love both of these trailers.  It looks like a fun and definitely original comedy.  While I laughed a LOT more watching the Red Band trailer I still enjoyed Green because it gives you a better look at what kind of movie this will be.

However, I really think I would have just said ‘meh’ had I not seen the profanity first. For that reason the red band wins for me.

Hopefully they held back a lot and we’ll get a ton of Ted when the movie is released July 13, 2012.

PS: I do wish Ted sounded less like Peter Griffin…

Ted: Red Band Trailer vs Green Band Trailer | Ted Movie 2012 Seth MacFarelane

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The Avengers & Other Marvel Posters by Dave Williams

Dave Williams is a talented graphic designer/illustrator who designs movie posters in his spare time. Currently, he is producing a series of Marvel inspired posters with the latest focusing on The Avengers!

I’ve said it many times before that I’m jealous of those with artistic talent.  What I wouldn’t give to have a designers eye and the ability to pull off incredible images…  Sigh…

XTRA | Confessions Of A Wannabe Animator
XTRA | Storyboarding When You Can’t Draw.

Check out some of his work below:

Click here to view his site and here to view his portfolio.

The Avengers & Other Marvel Posters by Dave WilliamsThe Avengers & Other Marvel Posters by Dave Williams

XTRA | Top 5 Moments From The Avengers New Trailer

The Avengers & Other Marvel Posters by Dave Williams

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A Film Festival Set In A Virtual World? | Independent Film Blog

FILM FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE MAY 18-15th 2012

Independentfilms.com is partnering with the Monaco Charity Film Festival to host the first film festival in a virtual world.

This will undoubtedly be a truly unique distribution experience for independent filmmakers.  Setting the festival in an online world completely accessible across multiple platforms including mobile devices will allow content to be delivered and shared like never before.

“This year we are integrating the Monaco Charity Film Festival into a virtual, 3D world accessible anywhere there is internet access. The “virtual” festival will premiere the same time as the physical festival and will cross publicize submissions from Independentfilms.com and the Monaco Charity Film Festival. “

Check out this FAQ for more information including submission info and keep checking independentfilms.com for updates.

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iPad Links For Filmmakers, Screenwriters & Movie Lovers

The iPad has changed the way we communicate, enhanced the way we share information and represents an evolution in many forms entertainment.  Movies are no exception.  Whether your a film fan watching the latest releases or a filmmaker using the iPad’s vast library of creative tools, it’s a truly  remarkable device.

Screenwriters have access to brilliant mobile apps to craft their tales.  Illustrators can create storyboards with powerful drawing and image authoring programs.  Movies can be planned, shot, edited and shared with one device. 

Directors, Producers, Designers, Photographers, Musicians…  Artists.

With the announcement of The New iPad, Apple has raised the bar for film fans with 1080p video, an amazing new Retina display and updates to their core creative apps like iMovie and Garage Band.

iPad = Creativity

FILMMAKING

What Apple’s Announcements Mean For Film Geeks

iPad 2: Good & Bad News For Mobile Filmmakers

25 Cool Ways Filmmakers can Use an iPad

Film Makers Turn to iPad for Interactive Storytelling

7 Ways the Apple iPad will affect Filmmakers and Creatives

Movie Mount turns your iPad 2 into a serious video-making machine

Make Movies With Apple iPad

Turn Your iPad Into Filmmaking Device

iPad & Filmmaking

iPad For Filmmakers, Hopefully

iPad for Filmmaking, Day Six Report

SCREENWRITING

iPad your screenplay: FDX Reader vs. GoodReader

John August and Co. Release Final Draft Script Reader for iPad

How screenwriters will use the iPad

Screenwriting. Craft a cinematic masterpiece on the iPad

What I Do With My iPad Part 3: Read Screenplays

PRE, POST, RESOURCES & MORE

What I Do With My iPad Part 1: Storyboarding

Avid Studio takes iPad video editing to the next level

10 Great Sites for Watching Video on Your iPad

Why the iPad 2 Will Be My Mobile Video Studio

Hands On With iMovie For iPad

Apple iMovie for iPad 2

APPS & APP REVIEWS

22 Filmmaking Apps for the iPad & iPhone

8 iPad Apps for Brilliant Writing

Apps For Serious Filmmakers

Top 10 iPad Apps For Student Filmmakers

iPad App Roundup: 6 Television & Movie Apps

Apps For Cinema Artists

Apps For Making A Movie

THE ATHLETIC NERD ARTICLES

Why The iPad 2 Is The Center Of My Creative Universe

Review: Celtx for iPad

Screenwriting Stuff I Carry Around Every Day

iPad & The Screenwriter

Top 6 Apps For Movie Nerds

8mm Vintage Camera Review

FINAL THOUGHTS

I use my iPad non stop.  It’s with me wherever I go.  I read book and screenplays on the bus.  I write scripts during breaks at work.  I’m constantly connected to my websites, blogs and social media account.  I watch movies, short films and documentaries.  I create.

I guess what I’m trying to say is…  The iPad is neat.

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