After a long hiatus we are back on the gird. Literally and figuratively. The region was struck by a snowstorm of the weekend and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people! I was included in that!
Again now we plan to bring you reviews. Thoughts. Randomness! and Much Much More! So please Stay tuned!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wasted Youth: Review
The third film I watched while in Cannes was a film from Greece. The film was called Wasted Youth. The story follows two males throughout their day in Athens. One of the characters is an older man who is having financial and personal problems. During the day he comes home from the late shift at the police station, and during this day we see him turn down his friend on a business proposition. We also see the interactions between his family and co-workers. On the opposite end of the spectrum is a young boy in his late teens. He lives a carefree life style where his only concerns are skateboarding, friends, booze, and sex. All of this is mirrored in certain scenes where we watch the relationship he has with his father. Eventually their two days collide and Athens erupts.
First and foremost, if this film was a short it would have been amazing. The film seems to drag a certain points with long unnecessary cuts that were clearly put into the film to elongate it. A lot of it just seemed so out of place as to what was going on, there does not need to be a tracking pan for an extra few seconds after the subjects have already disappeared off screen. A few scenes just seemed completely out of place to me, looking back on it now I can see the significance in some of them, but there were some that were completely out of place. At points the dialogue also fell very short, and I felt myself wanting more explanation of why certain things were going wrong or right in these two characters’ lives.
This movie will probably be one you will never see or hear about from this point on, but if you do come across it give it a watch but be open minded about it. Frankly you have to be for some of the images and subtext that litter the film. I liked the film but as stated earlier it would have been better and had more of an impact if it was a short.
Without a Box
I had the pleasure of sitting in on a roundtable, which was put on by SAGindie at the American Pavilion. The roundtable was with Christian Gains who works for IMDB ( Internet Movie Data Base ) and Without a Box, a website that helps filmmakers find festivals that would best fit for the film or script they want to submit. Without a Box invites some of the top film festivals from around the world to join the site, so that they may promote themselves, but to also build their reputation in the festival scene. He also stated that IMDB uses festivals to get the rights to an IMDB page. In basic terms because IMDB and Without a Box are partners with certain festivals they are allowed to create IMDB pages for films on Without a Box and in Festivals on IMDB……I hope that makes sense.
They also have over five hundred news desk partners, so that films in Gains also stated that Without a Box likes to focus on international film festivals because they cater to more niche markets, that certain films may do better in.
Gains is also the director of the AFI Film Festival in LA. This means he understands how the festival circuit works. He gave us a brief history on the festivals from all over the world. The Venice Film Festival is the oldest one in the world that started in the late 1930’s, and still goes to this day. The Venice film festival also gave rise to the Cannes International Film Festival after a film at the Venice Film Festival that was based on the superiority of the Arian Race won the main award. This sparked French directors to pull away from the Venice Festival and start the Cannes International Film Festival, which is now the biggest festival to date. Festivals started popping up in the 1960’s and 1970’s and then took off in the 80’s and 90’s. In 1989 the Sundance Film Festival hit the scene with a movie called Sex Lies and Videotape, this launched the concept of independent film. Sundance has been the headquarters for independent films ever since.
Along with all this we received even more information on what to expect and do when entering a film festival. Gains said one needs to think about the publishing they can use before they even start filming. He said that people should use publicity stills that are interesting and generate hype about a film, and when sending out copies of your film do not dress up the DvD case. Festivals would rather see that you put more time into your film and the publishing for it rather than making the DvD look pretty. Most importantly he stated we should not be afraid of rejection; it happens to everyone and is just a way of life. Along with that he said one should be well prepared, so that we may deal with whatever the outcome may be.
Create your own community of peers and make a big impact!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Here we are again....
A quick update......The Cannes Film Festival has ended and I am currently in the airport in Nice waiting to board a flight to Heathrow and then I am back off to Boston. I will write a much more expansive conclusion upon my return, along with the rest of my reviews.
Right now, I am content and happy I came here. It has been an eye opening experience everyone I hvae met has really impacted me and now I can see why people say "we are the future of the industry." I hope that we all cross paths again in the near future, and I plan on returning here next year. I will miss you all very much and I'm glad we could all share in this adventure together......until next time guys. Stay Strong, Keep Calm, Carry On because we never know where life will take us.
dont mind my cliche song either
Right now, I am content and happy I came here. It has been an eye opening experience everyone I hvae met has really impacted me and now I can see why people say "we are the future of the industry." I hope that we all cross paths again in the near future, and I plan on returning here next year. I will miss you all very much and I'm glad we could all share in this adventure together......until next time guys. Stay Strong, Keep Calm, Carry On because we never know where life will take us.
dont mind my cliche song either
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Adventures of Mark Twain
The other morning I saw an old claymation movie from the 1980's. It was Called The Adventures of Mark Twain, and it was excellent.It was created by Will Vinton is the director and lead animator on the film, and he does an amazing job at bringing this world to life. The time that was put into this movie is excellent, the world that the characters live in is unbelievable. Everything has texture and life to it, which really gives the film a great feeling.
The film follows Becky Thatcher, Huck Finn, and Tom Sawyer as they sneak onto a steampunk style airship that Mark Twain has created so that he can "meet" Hailey's comment. the story revolves around the character of Twain meeting up with the comet as his ultimate destiny. He claims he has gone in with the comet and he will go out with it as well. In the midst of all this the children sneak aboard the ship in an effort to one up each other. Once aboard the ship the children encounter tales and stories from a handful of Twains tales such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, and Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven. The film pushes to realm of existentialistic boundaries by making snark suggestions that Twain himself had made during his time. It was a film that was clearly geared towards both younger children and adults. It had the elements of comedy and story children could understand and like, while creating literary parallels that literary buffs would enjoy. The style of the film really makes it feel as if one should be on drugs while viewing this, or that someone was on drugs when creating it.
Showing the film here at Cannes was a good way to reboot the film and get people interested in it once again! It's a movie that pushed the envelope of animation and brought it to where it is today.
The film follows Becky Thatcher, Huck Finn, and Tom Sawyer as they sneak onto a steampunk style airship that Mark Twain has created so that he can "meet" Hailey's comment. the story revolves around the character of Twain meeting up with the comet as his ultimate destiny. He claims he has gone in with the comet and he will go out with it as well. In the midst of all this the children sneak aboard the ship in an effort to one up each other. Once aboard the ship the children encounter tales and stories from a handful of Twains tales such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, and Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven. The film pushes to realm of existentialistic boundaries by making snark suggestions that Twain himself had made during his time. It was a film that was clearly geared towards both younger children and adults. It had the elements of comedy and story children could understand and like, while creating literary parallels that literary buffs would enjoy. The style of the film really makes it feel as if one should be on drugs while viewing this, or that someone was on drugs when creating it.
Showing the film here at Cannes was a good way to reboot the film and get people interested in it once again! It's a movie that pushed the envelope of animation and brought it to where it is today.
Backed Up
So I am super busy here in Cannes new posts coming your way in t-mins 5.....4......3......2.....
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Cannes Update
So its day 5 here for the festival.....I think anyway who knows. Over the past few nights I have been trying to go out and talk to people and really get to see what everyone here is up to these days. I've gotten so many little opportunities to really talk to people around. The way Cannes works is that if you have a lot of money to blow you can go out every night, get in where ever, and do anything. If you do not have money then you are really limited as to what you can do around here. It's mean to say but hey it's the truth and I am not going to hold anything back from you. Going out at night has just become a hassle because you have to pay for a taxi to get to the center of Cannes and then again to get back. So cabs really start to add up, even with just five people nobody every has money or doesn't comprehend how to use the euro
Ive seen a handful of films so far some of which have been decent. I plan on attending a few red carpet premieres while I am here. However, networking is just killing me, it's that that it is hard to do, just expensive because as I said everything in Cannes costs money! I have been pretty good on saving my money and trying to network during the day, but in the Pavilion all of the wait staff get to schmooze while they work and we sort of get the back burner. I understand some things are luck of the draw, and yeah jobs may be, but when it comes down to networking and talking they clearly have the best jobs because it's their job TO TALK to people in power!!!
In the world of networking I did meet a few filmmakers from Mass one guy is actually from Southwick which is awesome, so he has given me the hook up to talk to a lot of these people around here. Other than that Ive met some guys from London and frankly a few other people who just don't care.
Such is Life.....over and out
Ive seen a handful of films so far some of which have been decent. I plan on attending a few red carpet premieres while I am here. However, networking is just killing me, it's that that it is hard to do, just expensive because as I said everything in Cannes costs money! I have been pretty good on saving my money and trying to network during the day, but in the Pavilion all of the wait staff get to schmooze while they work and we sort of get the back burner. I understand some things are luck of the draw, and yeah jobs may be, but when it comes down to networking and talking they clearly have the best jobs because it's their job TO TALK to people in power!!!
In the world of networking I did meet a few filmmakers from Mass one guy is actually from Southwick which is awesome, so he has given me the hook up to talk to a lot of these people around here. Other than that Ive met some guys from London and frankly a few other people who just don't care.
Such is Life.....over and out
Review: White Irish Drinkers
So while in Cannes I am obviously going to be seeing some films while I am here, and I am going to try and give you a low down so that if you somehow come across these films you will know which films to see and which ones to stay away from.....but be warned I am no professional!
White Irish Drinkers is set in 1975 Brooklyn and follows the lives of the Leary brothers, Danny and Brian. The film opens up with a scene in which Brian and Danny have a disagreement on whether or not to take a specific piece of jewelry from a store they are robbing. From there the tension between the two keeps building. Danny tire to get Brian to do another "job" with him, and the movie starts to show the struggle Brian and Danny have with one another as they try to escape the Brooklyn for bigger and better things.
For being a low budget the film was put together nicely. There was a good flow to the way the story progressed as characters and plot points were introduced and revealed. Some of the shots weren't superb, there was a lot of shakey camera work in certain areas, while other shots were out of focus completely. In some instances the focal point of the shot was completely wrong. Going with this theme there were also areas where sound effects were not needed or completely off, and really took away from the message the scene was trying to portray. An area where I think the film does shine is the fact that it is a period piece shot in NYC, which given the low budget it had was quite the feat. I also really enjoyed the story it was very coming of age and timely which I liked.
If this movie does come to a theater near you I would say go see and you won't be disappointed. On the other hand you also won' be overly impressed either
6 out of 10
White Irish Drinkers is set in 1975 Brooklyn and follows the lives of the Leary brothers, Danny and Brian. The film opens up with a scene in which Brian and Danny have a disagreement on whether or not to take a specific piece of jewelry from a store they are robbing. From there the tension between the two keeps building. Danny tire to get Brian to do another "job" with him, and the movie starts to show the struggle Brian and Danny have with one another as they try to escape the Brooklyn for bigger and better things.
For being a low budget the film was put together nicely. There was a good flow to the way the story progressed as characters and plot points were introduced and revealed. Some of the shots weren't superb, there was a lot of shakey camera work in certain areas, while other shots were out of focus completely. In some instances the focal point of the shot was completely wrong. Going with this theme there were also areas where sound effects were not needed or completely off, and really took away from the message the scene was trying to portray. An area where I think the film does shine is the fact that it is a period piece shot in NYC, which given the low budget it had was quite the feat. I also really enjoyed the story it was very coming of age and timely which I liked.
If this movie does come to a theater near you I would say go see and you won't be disappointed. On the other hand you also won' be overly impressed either
6 out of 10
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I think this really applies to my life right now
"People often remark that I'm pretty lucky. Luck is only important in so far as getting the chance to sell yourself at the right moment. After that, you've got to have talent and know how to use it."
-Frank Sinatra
-Frank Sinatra
Festival Opening
Well, It came, I saw it, and a sort of watched it go by.
The Cannes Film Festival had it's first official day today. All of the Pavilions were open and the screenings started up. I can honestly say due to staying up to listen to play off hockey the night before was a good idea. I kind of missed the whole day here. I woke up later than expected didn't really get to do what I wanted and then went to work. Now the thing you have to understand about my job is that I work in membership, and for those of you keeping track at home It's like being an SDA...... yeah I know. I will let you draw your own conclusions. I will say work was fun, as much fun as work can be on the first day of the festival. People were constantly flowing in and out; they needed their memberships, ID's scanned......normal things right?
I didn't get to see a single film today mainly because everything was so so busy, and frankly I am not happy about this at all. I plan on seeing many while I am here, and 50 AmPav students did win tickets to go see Woody Allens A Night in Paris, which I will admit is pretty cool. Other than that, the weather if wonderful, I couldn't complain about it if I even wanted to.
Last night as well I was able to go on a walk with two of my mentors Kevin, who is a professor at ASU, and Karen who works at FullSail University in Florida. Both were extremely knowledgeable and knew what they were talking about. On top of that they were funny, we all shared a few laughs. They picked our brains about the program, gave us some tips to life, and we did the same back.....well minus the life giving tips. I will say when we spoke about what was occurring in our lives and here on the trip they agreed with us on many many things. Which I was thankful for because I didn't want to think I was crazy and the only one really noticing these specific things that are happening here. They were full of laughs and lots of information. I am going have to remember to keep in touch with Karen, she is a fountain of knowledge and knows exactly what she is talking about, she is a good person to have in your corner. Kevin was great as well, he is a huge hockey fan. The only downside is that he is a Red Wings fan, but he knew his stuff on film and television. It was great to hear someone like him talk normally and be so excited about a specific subject!
Tomorrow is a new day.....which also starts at 615am.....oh joy. Here is hoping for a more productive tomorrow....Over and Out
The Cannes Film Festival had it's first official day today. All of the Pavilions were open and the screenings started up. I can honestly say due to staying up to listen to play off hockey the night before was a good idea. I kind of missed the whole day here. I woke up later than expected didn't really get to do what I wanted and then went to work. Now the thing you have to understand about my job is that I work in membership, and for those of you keeping track at home It's like being an SDA...... yeah I know. I will let you draw your own conclusions. I will say work was fun, as much fun as work can be on the first day of the festival. People were constantly flowing in and out; they needed their memberships, ID's scanned......normal things right?
I didn't get to see a single film today mainly because everything was so so busy, and frankly I am not happy about this at all. I plan on seeing many while I am here, and 50 AmPav students did win tickets to go see Woody Allens A Night in Paris, which I will admit is pretty cool. Other than that, the weather if wonderful, I couldn't complain about it if I even wanted to.
Last night as well I was able to go on a walk with two of my mentors Kevin, who is a professor at ASU, and Karen who works at FullSail University in Florida. Both were extremely knowledgeable and knew what they were talking about. On top of that they were funny, we all shared a few laughs. They picked our brains about the program, gave us some tips to life, and we did the same back.....well minus the life giving tips. I will say when we spoke about what was occurring in our lives and here on the trip they agreed with us on many many things. Which I was thankful for because I didn't want to think I was crazy and the only one really noticing these specific things that are happening here. They were full of laughs and lots of information. I am going have to remember to keep in touch with Karen, she is a fountain of knowledge and knows exactly what she is talking about, she is a good person to have in your corner. Kevin was great as well, he is a huge hockey fan. The only downside is that he is a Red Wings fan, but he knew his stuff on film and television. It was great to hear someone like him talk normally and be so excited about a specific subject!
Tomorrow is a new day.....which also starts at 615am.....oh joy. Here is hoping for a more productive tomorrow....Over and Out
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day's 2-3
I have been in France for just about three days now. It is amazing here, the views, sights, smells, and people. So far it's truly an amazing experience here at the American Pavilion. The team of mentors we have here are amazing, they come from all different backgrounds in the industry. Not just film people, others work with getting rights to music, and others are still photographers for big budget pictures! It's crazy here.
Yesterday we went to the Cannes College which was great, we sat through some wonderful Q&A's with the woman who runs the Marche du Film ( Film Market ) and we also had the director of the Cannes Classics. Which is a subsection of the festival that shows "classic" films. He stated it gives people opportunities to see films they may never get to see in their lifetime. Which is a great opportunity for film makers like us, to see classics that may never be seen again. These two Q&A's were a wealth of information, they really opened my eyes to Cannes and how much truly goes on here! It's such a surreal experience to be here, and I am enjoying it. I want to make the best of it, and you know what I WILL.
The festival itself seems very overwhelming, so much is going on at once. I am not really sure what I will be doing at all times. We did get our job postings today so that we all know what we are doing and when we are on. I am going to be at the Ampav Membership area, which in a sense is like being a glorified bouncer. You make sure the people who are on the list get in, and those who are not stay out. I had lunch with a few co-workers of mine today, basically other kids placed in this area, they were extremely nice. We shared some laughs and talked film. It was really nice just to get to know them.
Also on a side note I am participating in a SUPER 8 project. This means me and other students from the Pavilion have the opportunity to shoot a 1 reel project on Super 8 film that will premiere at the festival and then kodak will use after word to promote the rebirth of Super 8 film.
The festival itself starts tomorrow, and is going to draw LOTS and when I says lots I mean a TON of people. They are going to be from all over the world, and most are here for similar reasons I am as well. We all want to see how the business functions, along with what occurs behind the scenes. It's such a wonderful opportunity to be at this festival.
Also on another side note I went on an adventure to find some playoff hockey cause there was a rumor it was going to be on. The group of brave souls included Jake Myself and two of our mentors. Sadly we did not fan the game but took in Cannes in all its marvelous glory. The walk was great and really allowed me to get to know these two mentors on a more personal level. I will post a reflection on this walk later.
Till Next Time
The festival itself seems very overwhelming, so much is going on at once. I am not really sure what I will be doing at all times. We did get our job postings today so that we all know what we are doing and when we are on. I am going to be at the Ampav Membership area, which in a sense is like being a glorified bouncer. You make sure the people who are on the list get in, and those who are not stay out. I had lunch with a few co-workers of mine today, basically other kids placed in this area, they were extremely nice. We shared some laughs and talked film. It was really nice just to get to know them.
Also on a side note I am participating in a SUPER 8 project. This means me and other students from the Pavilion have the opportunity to shoot a 1 reel project on Super 8 film that will premiere at the festival and then kodak will use after word to promote the rebirth of Super 8 film.
The festival itself starts tomorrow, and is going to draw LOTS and when I says lots I mean a TON of people. They are going to be from all over the world, and most are here for similar reasons I am as well. We all want to see how the business functions, along with what occurs behind the scenes. It's such a wonderful opportunity to be at this festival.
Also on another side note I went on an adventure to find some playoff hockey cause there was a rumor it was going to be on. The group of brave souls included Jake Myself and two of our mentors. Sadly we did not fan the game but took in Cannes in all its marvelous glory. The walk was great and really allowed me to get to know these two mentors on a more personal level. I will post a reflection on this walk later.
Till Next Time
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Pre Flight Jitters
So it is that time!
I am currently sitting in Logan International Airport in Boston. This isn't my first time out of the country I've been to Ireland, England, Switzerland, Italy, and now I can add France to my list. I will be going to the Cannes International Film Festival as an intern at the American Pavilion. This should be a full adventure of not sleeping trying to get by only speaking very basic French ( which is better than some of the people on my trip who speak none ).
This is going to be one of those life changing trips that really define me as a person. The lead up this trip has been nothing but stress. Everything Ive done has just caused me to be mad, angry, sad....you name it I was it. I lashed out didn't know what to do, but am happy I am sitting here right now.
Yes Mom You Were Right!
At this point we will see what happens, maybe make some connections meet new faces, but overall just have fun.
I think the personal experience I had today before leaving really made me think twice about what I am doing and it's changed me for the better.
So for Now,
This Is BmB over and out.
I am currently sitting in Logan International Airport in Boston. This isn't my first time out of the country I've been to Ireland, England, Switzerland, Italy, and now I can add France to my list. I will be going to the Cannes International Film Festival as an intern at the American Pavilion. This should be a full adventure of not sleeping trying to get by only speaking very basic French ( which is better than some of the people on my trip who speak none ).
This is going to be one of those life changing trips that really define me as a person. The lead up this trip has been nothing but stress. Everything Ive done has just caused me to be mad, angry, sad....you name it I was it. I lashed out didn't know what to do, but am happy I am sitting here right now.
Yes Mom You Were Right!
At this point we will see what happens, maybe make some connections meet new faces, but overall just have fun.
I think the personal experience I had today before leaving really made me think twice about what I am doing and it's changed me for the better.
So for Now,
This Is BmB over and out.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
12:38
It's 12:38AM on the Monday after Easter. I have been pissed off for a good portion of today. You may being saying, BergerMister why you pissed. Frankly, I DONT KNOW.
Anyway one of the better things about last night was Bruins winning Game 5 against the Habs. Horton decided to show up and play some hockey. Lucic also go his first point of the series......hey bud you still look sloppy out there. Trust me you're getting better but if you don't step it up we are gonna have to have some words.
I will also say sports isn't my super awesome fortay, you want the lowdown check out The Half-Beard my buddy Harv over there will give you the low down on what is going on in the world of sports.
Regardless Here is Ben Folds bringing you into the week.
Anyway one of the better things about last night was Bruins winning Game 5 against the Habs. Horton decided to show up and play some hockey. Lucic also go his first point of the series......hey bud you still look sloppy out there. Trust me you're getting better but if you don't step it up we are gonna have to have some words.
I will also say sports isn't my super awesome fortay, you want the lowdown check out The Half-Beard my buddy Harv over there will give you the low down on what is going on in the world of sports.
Regardless Here is Ben Folds bringing you into the week.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Playoff Hockey
It's that time of year again......no it's not Christmas, but it is Playoff Hockey Season!
Now I know what youre saying, Bergermister, you're a little late the playoffs have been going on for over a week where have you been. Well, I can tell you that I have been screaming at the television as my team : Boston Bruins, having been letting "Jesus Price" look like a god. All they have been doing it is dumping in into his chest, while they let PK Subban skate around like he owns the joint. Now listen, I HATE and when I say HATE I mean LOATHE PK Subban. All he does is skate around and antagonize the other players to try and piss them off, now yeah I can hear you guys now " That's what a lot of players do, Thorton, and Lucic do it to!" Yeah well at least they can back up what they do with their fists and not skate off like little girls!
In general I hate the Habs and the Fans.
Now I know what youre saying, Bergermister, you're a little late the playoffs have been going on for over a week where have you been. Well, I can tell you that I have been screaming at the television as my team : Boston Bruins, having been letting "Jesus Price" look like a god. All they have been doing it is dumping in into his chest, while they let PK Subban skate around like he owns the joint. Now listen, I HATE and when I say HATE I mean LOATHE PK Subban. All he does is skate around and antagonize the other players to try and piss them off, now yeah I can hear you guys now " That's what a lot of players do, Thorton, and Lucic do it to!" Yeah well at least they can back up what they do with their fists and not skate off like little girls!
In general I hate the Habs and the Fans.
Come One, Come All
Hello cyber universe!
I'd like to be the first to welcome you to my blog. This is going to be small window into my mind, and what I go through on a daily basis as a young college filmmaker! I will talk films, music, sports, and many other things. I will share work and ideas amongst other things.
Lets Take it Away
Berger Mister!
I'd like to be the first to welcome you to my blog. This is going to be small window into my mind, and what I go through on a daily basis as a young college filmmaker! I will talk films, music, sports, and many other things. I will share work and ideas amongst other things.
Lets Take it Away
Berger Mister!
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