If you have a Kindle (or the app) definitely check out the new crime novella "String Theory" from "Pink" writer Mike Maden. It's dark and twisted much like the show, and only $0.99 cents!
Direct link:
http://www.amazon.com/String-Theory-ebook/dp/B004HFRLMO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1297906736&sr=8-1
String Theory
Murder. Photography. Nihilism. The Mob. And a little golf--all set in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas. "String Theory" takes a humorous stab at noir fiction. It's a pulpy riff on the death of art, and the art of death. Novella length work of approx. 25k words or 100 printed pages.
-Blake
Nice little interview from MTV News with Jake Johnson on working with Ivan Reitman on the recent film "No Strings Attached". Jake is also the star of my latest directed film "Spilt Milk".
For rising comedic star Jake Johnson, who appears alongside Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman in the new romantic comedy "No Strings Attached," his personal highlight from working on the film (in addition to having the best lines in the trailer and many of the killer one-liners in the film as well) was working with legendary director/producer Ivan Reitman.
Read the full article and/or watch the video clip:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1656374/jake-johnson-raves-about-no-strings-attached-director-ivan-reitman.jhtml
Btw, we're still working on distribution for "Spilt Milk" and believe it will be released later this year.
-Blake
One of my favorite Super Bowl ads was the Budweiser "Wild West" spot, here's the extended version...
It stars Andew Sensenig as the Bartender. Who is Andrew you dare ask? Well, he's the book author in Ep 25 of PINK...
I'm sure you knew that. :)
Here's a quick behind-the-scenes look at the Bud spot too...
Nice job Andrew!
-Blake
This Forbes article from Sundance is a few weeks old, but worth a look.
From the piece:
“The amount of equity required to finance a film has diminished,” say Steven Beer, a lawyer at Greenberg Traurig who is helping to sell three films at the festival this year including a documentary about A Tribe Called Quest. “The Jobs Creation Act gives filmmakers a federal tax credit for qualified production. Couple that with state incentive programs which can offer up to a 40% return on a per project basis.”
I hadn't heard of the "Jobs Creation Act", or if I had I probably thought about auto workers or other type jobs that have been hit hard in the recent downturn. I'm going to do some investigating to find out more...
-Blake
I saw this Vanity Fair article/interview come across my Twitter feed this morning and it's a nice, quick read about someone other than Kevin Smith four-walling his film.
From the piece...
Be willing to get doors slammed in your face and not take no for an answer?
Well, you have to both not take no for an answer and know how to take no for an answer. How to have no’s not affect you at some level, to know the no’s can be temporary, that they’re not a permanent door closing in your face.
Definitely check it out.
-Blake
Enough has already been said about Kevin Smith's foray into self-distribution with his latest film "Red State", but I would probably just add that I have no problem with him giving the finger to "the system". While he likely could have done it in a softer or more welcoming manner (of course this IS Kevin Smith), the overall strategy is actually quite smart... for this film.
But all the rhetoric that Kevin Smith is imploding or done I find amusing. The guy has an extremely loyal fan base that already buy tons of his merchandise, pay to see him speak, and see his movies. He really doesn't need Hollywood, bloggers or the press for any of this today, as he's recently said concerning social media, etc.
I wish him luck (and he'll need it to recoup $4 million).
-Blake
Good read from NewTeeVee regarding Redbox (possibly) now feeling the affect of Netflix streaming.
Direct link:
http://gigaom.com/video/redbox-q4-miss/
From the piece:
For years, Redbox has been flying high with DVD kiosks that offered cut-rate movie rentals for $1 a day. But Redbox might want to launch a digital rental service soon, before it sees its DVD kiosk business affected by Netflix and other services that allow consumers to rent and purchase movies from the comfort of their own homes.
The writer notes that Redbox is hoping their new Blu-ray offerings at $1.50 a rented disk would create more business. To me though, this goes against the demo that I see using Redbox. I'm not privy to their marketing data, but my belief is Redbox caters to less tech savvy folks, and in a lot of cases, less affluent folks. Most probably don't have Blu-ray players.
Heck, I'm personally very tech savvy (and a filmmaker) and I just in the last six months bought a Blu-ray player. Funny thing too, the main reason I bought it was for its Internet capabilities. I primarily use it to stream Netflix movies (and I don't do this very often either - I mainly watch AT&T U-Verse free VOD). I think I've rented one Blu-ray from Netflix when I first got the player.
Personally, and this is really for another post, but I've always though that Blu-ray will be a short lived format. Everything is obviously going VOD via Netflix, AppleTV, iTunes, "The Cloud", etc. Who really wants to rebuild their DVD movie collection from scratch?
Although I will say I do think physical disks will be around for many more years (primarily DVDs). I mean, when the US gov't switched all TV broadcast to digital back in 2009 I was shocked at how many people still got their TV over the air - do you think these folks have Blu-ray players (or even an Internet connection)?
-Blake
Tubefilter just did a nice story (and quick interview with me) on my WB web original "Exposed" being part of a series of AT&T national TV spots. Check it out here.
Direct link:
http://news.tubefilter.tv/2011/01/10/exposed-web-series-cameos-in-att-u-verse-ad/
They also do a very quick update on my upcoming show "Continuum".
Thanks,
Blake
Found out yesterday that the podcast Indie Intertube has created it's 1st Annual Awards... and the teaser trailer from my upcoming sci-fi series CONTINUUM has been nominated.
So, you might be thinking... Another awards show? And the thought crossed my mind too, but the thing I really like about what they do is feature actual indie content.
Nothing wrong with studio produced shows (I've done one), but the main stuff being produced on the web is by indie producers. It's like the late 90s indie film boom all over again, but this time told in 3 to 5 minute bites.
Of course this is one of the things that pissed a lot of folks off with the Streamy Awards, all the larger scale studio fare getting a lot of the spotlight. Rightly or wrongly, there was a lot of debate about it. I personally didn't have an issue. I mean indie films compete with studio films at the Academy Awards too, so why not in the web space? But, I digress...
Even though I don't have a problem with the two competing, it is very nice to have a podcast and awards show geared towards only indie content (sort of like the Indie Spirit Awards in the feature world). And it's also very nice they nominated the teaser trailer to CONTINUUM too. :)
Oh, btw, Blip TV has done a really cool thing by compiling 42 episodes of the nominated series into one player (including CONTINUUM), so definitely go and check that out.
-Blake
P.S. CONTINUUM's post-production is going very well and I'll have info in the near future regarding its release!
Interesting article from Tubefilter on Kevin Rose's (from Diggnation) new show Foundation. He's doing a "freemium" model, which I am becoming more and more a fan of - although it has rarely been used successfully.
Here's a link to the article:
http://news.tubefilter.tv/2011/01/03/kevin-rose-launches-new-web-series-foundation/
I'm currently in a Twitter discussion with Marc Hustvedt (the author of the piece) and several other folks debating the merits of the model.
I personally think it's a great way to go for producers. You offer the content for free to everyone (eventually), but to those willing to pay they get the show earlier or perhaps in HD or with "extras", etc. So really you're providing the best of both worlds.
The main thing though - and this is the thrust of our Twitter debate - is you really need to have a built in audience or an existing fan base to make this work. A brand new show by unknown folks likely won't work on the pay side of things. But then again, it couldn't hurt either since you're still offering it for free too.
Look for more of this model in the future, especially from those of us who think rev share is pretty much a joke (even with Blip's good CPMs).
-Blake
Over the years I've had requests to make the music from my shows available and so recently I started using SoundCloud to make this happen. Below is the first set I've created, "Themes from Our Series", which are the themes to three of my shows... "88 Hits", "Exposed" and "Pink".
In the future I'll add "Continuum" (once it's done) and other projects I produce. Also, I plan to create some playlist with scores from each of my films (and series).
One thing I've always done is had original score created. This is the norm of course in the feature film world, but as I've learned recently, this is not always the case in the web series world. For both "Pink" and "Exposed" we really created some great high-end score, and we're doing the same for "Continuum". So I will be sharing these in the near future.
Most of the tracks below are streaming only for now, but some of the files are (or will be) available to download for free.
Themes from Our Series by Loud Pictures
And here's a direct link to the set:
http://soundcloud.com/loudpictures/sets
Thanks for listening!
-Blake
Even though I produce a fair amount of web content, I do not actually watch that much of it. Partly because I'm super busy, but partly (and probably mainly) I really don't think much of it is very good (yet).
So when I heard about Jeff Lewis' new project (he plays Vork in Felicia Day's show "The Guild"), The Jeff Lewis 5-Minute Comedy Hour I was interested, but at the same time worried it might fall into the web series abyss of bad comedy shows.
I'm happy to report it is actually very good - and very funny.
Now in saying that you do need a certain type sense of humor (very dry) and you need to not be offended by a lot - and I do mean a lot - of cussing and crude scenarios. But if these things don't bother you or if you're like me and they make you laugh, then you'll probably really like his show.
It premiered back in September I think (or thereabouts) and I've watched it here and there, but recently I sat down and watched all the eps back-to-back on his YouTube channel. Do yourself a favor and check it out yourself...
His main channel:
http://www.youtube.com/5minutehour
A particularly funny episode, "Drive Thru":
-Blake
UPDATE: Looks like the $99 pricing was a "Cyber Monday" sale and it's now back to $199. However, I just found the software still on sale at Digital Juice for $99. Not sure how long it will last though. Here's a link: http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/products.asp?pid=1571
I've used storyboarding software in the past from Frame Forge and Storyboard Quick, but I really don't use it that often. However today I came across this interesting quasi-storyboard software for Final Cut Pro that I might use a lot... Martini.
From their website...
Martini - The QuickShot Creator for Final Cut Pro
See into the future and visualize your upcoming shots with Martini! Now, bridging the gap between your unshot scenes and your final edit is faster and easier than ever with the shot-creating power of Martini!
Don't get blacked out! No more black slugs with text explaining what "shot goes here" - show that shot wth the dynamic power of Martini. From single shots to multi-shot sequences, Martini helps directors and editors piece together a better final film.
Loaded with hundreds of classic and unique shot styles Martini's easy-to-use interface guides you through the quick creation of frames. Select a shot style, from single person up to 5 people in a shot...everything you need from basic over-the-shoulder shots, two and three shots, close-ups as well as fight scenes, chase scenes and other pre-composed multi-shot sequences.
Select a location: choose from hundreds of pre-loaded backdrops. Interiors, exteriors and even your own digital location photos. You've already scouted your location? No problem, use the My Locations option and bring that into your shot.
Here's a direct link to their site:
http://www.martiniquickshot.com/
And here's a nice video explaining the software:
http://www.martiniquickshot.com/demo.php
If you've ever made a film, music video, commercial, etc. you know there are always missing shots and/or pickup shots needed, and this really does look like a great tool to help fill in the gap (and help you, your client, and/or your DP visualize them).
It's only $99 too, and I think you could pretty easily create larger scale storyboards if you wanted to. I have not personally tried the software yet, but plan to download the demo and give it a try.
If anyone already owns the software or has tried it, please let me know if it is good or not. Looks pretty good to me...
-Blake
P.S. And no, I am not being paid by them because my blog has the same name - although that's not a bad idea. :)
I started a new YouTube channel today (www.youtube.com/watchblake). Mainly because I wanted to easily upload personal videos I shoot with my iPhone 4 (it has a "Send to YouTube" button, and, it works pretty well). But I also have decided to use it to showcase my work and some behind-the-scenes stuff I'm calling "Scene This?".
Here's "My Work" Playlist (most of my trailers):
I have tons of unseen footage that's been shot on a Flip Video camera (and now a lot on an iPhone) and so I'm now going to share it (highlighting my more interesting productions and gear). So far I've got a good snippet from "Exposed" (there's a lot more coming from this show), a visual effects setup from "Continuum" and a clip from a recent commercial shoot I produced using an iKan dolly.
Here's a sample from my "Scene This?" Playlist ("Exposed" clip):
And, back to the main reason I started the page - I have a Playlist called "Diversions" where I'll upload entertaining things I do - and the first being the Roger Waters show (from last night in Dallas) doing The Wall all the way through. No David Gilmour, but it was almost Pink Floyd... Great show!
From my "Diversions" Playlist (opening of Waters show):
Anyway, I'll play to update this as much as possible along with my other six or seven YouTube accounts (not kidding!). :)
-Blake
I just created a Blip.tv show page for CONTINUUM and posted the trailer on there too. Nice thing is it will feed to iTunes and be available as a "podcast" there soon.
Until I decide on our exact distribution and release strategy we will continue to play with a mild version of "super syndication". The teaser is currently available on YouTube, Facebook and now Blip.
Help spread the word! :)
-Blake
Apparently, yes.
At first glance this seems like a good idea, but the more I read the details I'm not so sure - at least from the film side of things. The script side is more doable, but I'm not quite sure what a "test movie" is? Especially one that is "full-length".
I will say the prize money is quite large though...
Read the details here at IndieWire:
http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/2010/11/16/amazon_launches_new_movie_studio_run_by_roy_price_son_of_frank/
And then check it out for yourself here:
http://studios.amazon.com/getting-started
Let me know what you think?
-Blake
Interesting article from cnet geared towards mainly Hollywood movies on the web versus original content on the web. I think both will have a profitable place online in the (near) future...
The roots of the strategy can be traced to consumers. Too many were choosing to download films illegally. Younger people who didn't go the file-sharing route ignored Blockbuster and cable and gravitated to the Internet's top video-rental store, Netflix.
Read more:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20022759-261.html
-Blake
A descent Ad Age story on some recent web-to-TV success stories...
From the article:
But why move to TV what already works well for the internet? Simply put: A popular web show brings networks a built-in fan base, (comparably) cheaper talent, lower budgets and, in some cases, advertisers willing to follow a show or personality across any platform.
Read the entire piece:
http://adage.com/madisonandvine/article?article_id=146933
I think it's good that mainstream pubs like Ad Age are following this trend, and I hope it continues.
-Blake
I've always been a fan of Robert Rodriguez - not necessarily of all his films - but of his mindset and the way he makes his films. Even though they are developed and produced for the most part through Hollywood, they are done in a decidedly indie fashion (he often writes, directs, shoots, edits, scores, you-name-it). So now it just makes sense that he is starting his own indie film company (Quick Draw).
Of course as I mention, his Hollywood films very often feel "indie" to me, but I assume the news ones will be much less expensive (although his films are notoriously "cheap" by Hollywood standards) and less commercial. We shall see...
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/robert-rodriguez-creates-new-shingle-34102
I think this is a good move on his part and a move that a lot of other Hollywood and Indiewood filmmakers might look to do in the coming years as the traditional Hollywood system changes (and in some cases falls apart).
-Blake
