SAGIndie

Just yesterday I sat at my desk and picked out a list of films that I hope to see at Sundance this year. This will be my first time attending the festival and as a recent film school graduate I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity. I put Welcome to the Rileys on my list and eyeing one of its cast members, Melissa Leo, brought me back to a film festival that I had a chance to participate in while still in school at Emerson College. It was the Lake Placid Film Festival and one of my most beloved film professors, Pierre Desir, agreed to take a group of 5 students to the festival for a long weekend to see a couple screenings, including Leo’s academy nominated performance in Frozen River, and to compete in the student 24 hour film Competition, judged by a Frozen River producer, director Courtney Hunt (also nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay), and actress Melissa Leo.

After making the drive from Boston to Lake Placid we were housed in a large dormitory style room that shared a large common area with the other groups. The next day it was time to receive our 24 hour rules and requirements, each movie had to incorporate different aspects of the Lake Placid area, including a marathon, acid rain and a dog (not sure how that one fits in thinking back now, residents of Lake Placid must own a lot of dogs). We had time to brainstorm and then cast from a line-up of local actors.

Under the guidance of Pierre we location scouted while making all the necessary stops, the thrift store for costumes, the local all-purpose store for balloons, streamers, and chalk, and the hardware store for Christmas lights and a dog leash; then we ran around with our from-home props, including a banana suit and got to work. We were, if you haven’t figured it out yet, making a love story. We used two of our own crew, who had an acting background, in addition to the local talent, and we set about creating something simple and something short. We had a goal to edit this movie to be 5 minutes as opposed to the limit of 10. We shot all necessary moments, the meeting of the young, eccentric couple, the honeymoon period and then the simplistic moments that pulled them apart. This all led up to our finale at our most scenic location: the Lake Placid horse track/fair grounds.

We had decided to frame our story around a dance marathon at the fair grounds. Our local actor played the Dance Marathon DJ and our group duo played the last couple dancing. After hours and hours of trying to break the world dancing record, they were exhausted and that’s where we spliced in the memories of their relationship, good and bad, which led them to the final seconds before the marathon would end and they would break the record and win, but in that moment our female character realizes she doesn’t know why she’s still there and leaves.

When our movie played the next day I was surprised at the crowd’s reaction to that moment–horrified gasps and sad laughs at the boy left alone on the fair grounds. Our movie was definitely the most absurd; from its opening moment to its end it held onto a specific, colorful and zany vision. We also made a very big effort to have fun, which not all the groups did, and that was pretty key in this whole sleep-depraved experience.

So it was a wonderful moment when all of our fun paid off and our film, titled “Somebody’s Fool,” won the competition, mainly for our “fellini-esq vision” (thanks Ms. Hunt) and for sticking to a style from start to finish. If I could pinpoint why ours stood out that day I would say it was the style, but it was also more subtle moments, shooting our climax at magic hour, playing with silly dialogue, matching our shots to our art/costume design and most of all, being flexible. We were the only group who chose a non-running marathon and the other groups assigned specific roles to each person in their group, there was a writer, a director, a cinematographer, etc. but we didn’t do that. Sounds scary, right? Well, it’s not if egos are put aside. I’m not suggesting that any film be made like this, but for a 24 hour competition, it was vital even if we did receive some flack for this by the judges. By pooling 5 experienced student filmmakers’ minds we came up with the best concepts to suit our movie and we kept everyone involved.

So this second blog of mine told a story, but hopefully it showed you that I enjoy filmmaking and making projects happen successfully and also, that I understand that each project is different and each filmmaker has different needs depending on what they’re making and how they’re making it. The key is flexibility and learning how to make your specific movie happen, and of course, I also learned that winning feels good, so let me and SAGIndie help you improve your movies so you can win at your own festival competitions no matter how big or small they are!

Over the weekend I stumbled upon this amazing interactive map that the NY Times put together. It gives you an idea of the Netflix rental patterns for 100 frequently-rented titles in 12 cities. Some of the 2009 findings are pretty interesting - considering that the top rented films can change drastically from one neighborhood to the next.

While big films like THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON and TWILIGHT top many zip codes, it’s very encouraging to see quite a few indie films sprinkled within the findings.

Check out the map HERE.

My name is Ellen and I am the new SAGIndie Assistant.

I am very excited to pick up the torch here at SAGIndie and wear as many hats as needed. I’ll be alleviating the workload in the office, helping filmmakers and thespians alike learn how SAG’s low budget contracts can make their lives better and easier, assisting with the planning of SAGIndie events and acting as Darrien’s all-around right hand woman.  There are a few mixed metaphors here, but the point is I am ready to help SAGIndie continue to help all of you as a valuable and approachable resource.

A little about me: I was a film and writing/literature student in college. I still enjoy those subjects very much. My favorite movie is Taxi Driver, mostly because of these two guys, and a seventies theme shrouds my top ten, Jaws, the Godfather and even Rocky are in there. But, I also love Fargo, don’tchaknow, and more recently I really enjoyed District 9 and Up in the Air. On an un-cinematic note, I like Paris (been there once), game nights, and wrought iron and I dislike most cheesy romcoms, really loud sounds and anything flavored with coconut, ugh.

Hope you’re having a good day and you’ll be hearing from me again soon!

-Ellen

Happy New Year!

Trying to figure out what to spend that holiday cash or iTunes gift card on? Why not head to the iTunes store and load up on some filmmaker friendly apps?

Our friends over at THE WRAP put together a list of the 10 “Hollywood” apps every movie lover or working professional must have for their iPhone. Some are more fun than practical, like the Space Odyssey inspired HAL 9000 app, which costs nothing, but provides hours of fun with endless Hal one-liners. Other apps are much more useful for the indie filmmaker on the go, like the Artemis Director’s Viewfinder, which costs $29.99, but allows you to plug in the shooting format, the aspect ratio, and the type of lens you’re using to preview an upcoming shot.

Check out the entire list HERE.
 

Most filmmakers understand that writing from personal experience can be beneficial when trying to create an honest and believable world. When that personal experience is combined with a passionate cause, the result can be a pretty powerful movie.

At least that’s what Kathy Kolla was aiming for when she started developing her upcoming feature film, World’s Littlest Brat, a comedy about a vegan outcast who stays true to himself despite his negative surroundings. Kolla based this story on her life experiences as a vegan and her strong commitment to environmental sustainability. She’s also taking her passionate cause beyond the script by instituting a green set during production.

Although this marks Kolla’s feature debut, she’s no stranger to the business. With a background in acting (she’s been a SAG member since 1997), her first film, Another Day Another Dime, had an impressive festival run, including an Audience Choice award at the Flint Film Festival.

World’s Littlest Brat is set to begin production in early 2010 with plans to be festival ready by the end of the year. In November of 2009 I had the opportunity to talk with Kathy Kolla, in detail, about her exciting new project. Per her suggestion, we agreed to limit our carbon footprint by conducting the interview over the phone.

WILL PRESCOTT: So, World’s Littlest Brat. Where did the idea originate?

KATHY KOLLA: Well, being a vegan myself for over ten years and caring about the environment, I wanted to make an informative, highly humorous and entertaining film regarding these issues. We came up with a character idea about an outsider who manages to stay true to his beliefs and keep his intentions really positive despite all the criticisms and negativity in the world. I wanted to make something that was informative about certain issues that I care about, but do it in a very humorous, intelligent and comedic way.

WP: Can you expand a little bit on some of the negative things that surround him? Maybe discuss some of the challenges he faces?

KK: Basically, just people who don’t understand him. Not understanding the types of foods he eats and being uninformed about nutrition in general. Also, a lot of people believe that one person cannot make a difference to the environment. They’ll throw away their plastic water bottles, thinking they can’t make a difference. So, we have a lot of interesting facts in this film that really show that every little thing we do does make a difference. If we all can take those little steps, we can make a much better future.

WP: That’s interesting. So he’s going to be dealing with co-workers and parents who don’t understand him?

KK: Yeah, co-workers, parents – just everyone in his life. Trying to make new friends, trying to find love. People who don’t want to change their lifestyle or who refuse to accept someone who’s a little different.

WP: So I assume this script is somewhat autobiographical?

KK: It is a little bit. But you know, as with any movie or script, it doesn’t put out a true picture of life. It gives you the idea of some experiences I’ve been through or experiences my friends have been through.

WP: Do you have a specific premiere date or festival you’re trying to hit, or is this one of those “we’ll put it out when it’s ready” kind of situations?

KK: We want to get on it right away. We want to start post production immediately (after shooting) and we’re hoping to get it done by September and screening at festivals by the end of 2010.

WP: From what I understand, you’ll be using a SAG Ultra Low budget contract. Is that right?

KK: Yes. We’re going to keep the budget under $200,000. We have a lot of companies that are donating products to us, which we’re really excited about. That’s going to offset a lot of the cost of shooting. We have Amy’s Organic Kitchen. They’re offering a lot of vegan, vegetarian and organic food to feed our crew and cast members. Also, Glacia Icebox is offering us bio-degradable cardboard water boxes as an alternative to plastic. People (crew and cast) are going to bring their own water bottles and refill them, but when we go on location or something when we need to have portable or disposable water we’re going to use Glacia Icebox.

Also, whenever we’re not rewashing metal tableware, we’re going to use Eco-Products compostable tableware that is made out of PLA, a corn derived polymer so instead of throwing it away, we’re going to collect all of it and return it to a commercial composting facility, where within 80 days it will biodegrade.

WP: Wow. This isn’t just a film about a person who is environmentally friendly, you’re actually going with a green set.

KK: Right. And we’re not just going to have a green set, but we’re also going to highlight these products in the film.

WP: That’s great. Some environmentally friendly product placement. I like it.

KK: We have another one. GT’s Kombucha. It’s a tea with a lot of health benefits. They’ve already donated quite a few boxes for our crew members.

WP: I’m curious as to what, specifically, made you do a green set? Because you wanted to save some money or it was true to the story? How did you ultimately decide to pull the trigger on doing this?

KK: Well, I have to tell you that I originally just wrote in some of these products that I’m passionate about and that I like myself. I wrote them into the script just to get the word across. Then we contacted these companies and they were more than willing to be part of the project and donate. I originally thought I would purchase these products for props or whatever. Then when they wanted to offer all of this for our set, it actually made it a lot easier and less expensive for us, by offsetting so much of the cost.

WP: That’s great.

KK: We’re doing other things too, just to make it a green set, which also saves money. We’re shutting off idling vehicles. We’re using double-sided photocopying.  We’re being selective on the distribution of copies. You know, just doing whatever we can to make the film more earth friendly. Bringing the consciousness to the set as well as to the audience.

WP: I imagine you’ll have some crew and even cast on set who haven’t experienced this kind of stuff. They’re probably more familiar with more traditional and, sadly, more wasteful movie sets.

KK: That’s the main thing we’re going to tell people when we hire them. These are the rules and you really have to follow them, but feel good about it in the process. We don’t want it to feel like a chore. We want them to feel like they’re dong something good.

WP: Are you doing vegan meals too?

KK: Yes. Because of Amy’s Organic Kitchen, we’re going to offer a lot of vegan and vegetarian meals. We’ll have an abundance of that as an option. We’re not going to say that you have to eat that kind of food. We’re just going to offer healthy alternatives.

WP: Good to know it’s not an ultimatum if someone is a die hard carnivore.

KK: (laughs) Of course not. We don’t want anyone getting light headed because they didn’t get their cheese or meat or something.

WP: As I’m sure you’re aware, indie filmmakers have traditionally had a difficult time getting their projects off the ground. With this recent economic climate, it’s been tougher. During your process thus far, do you have any good advice or inspirational words of wisdom that you’d like to impart to other filmmakers?

KK: Find something or a subject that you believe in and that you’re passionate about — something positive. Focus on it, put all of your energy into it and people are going to see how passionate you are about it and they will want to help out and get involved.

WP: Any other words of wisdom in terms of taking care of our planet?

KK: It’s important to think about the effects that our everyday choices have on the earth. And that environmental sustainability does really begin at an individual level, which is so important for everyone to know. We need to preserve the planet for future generations and remember to do simple little things like recycle, riding your bike instead of driving to reduce your carbon footprint, and eat and purchase organic foods. By doing this, we’re sending a message that we care about the world and we want to continue our existence on it.

WP: And even better when you can involve that mindset in your career and in your passion as you’re doing with your film. Well, I’m really looking forward to seeing World’s Littlest Brat and wish you the best of luck with shooting.

KK: Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

For more information on World’s Littlest Brat or Kathy Kolla, visit Cola Kat Productions. If you’re an independent filmmaker or know of an independent filmmaker we should interview, email blogadmin@sagindie.org for consideration.

People have always told me that no place on earth is better than NEW YORK CITY during the holidays. Now I know why.

Over Thanksgiving break I was in Manhattan taking in the glorious sights and sounds of a city buzzing with holiday cheer. For the short time I was there, I pushed myself hard — hustling to see everything I could while getting a cold and blistered feet in the process. I’m happy to report that the pain didn’t stop me from journeying down the endless streets of the Upper West Side, Lower East Side, Midtown, Chinatown, Little Italy, Brooklyn, Tribeca, Central Park – the list goes on and on. I didn’t even get to do everything I planned, but I aim to be back very soon.

Oh, and I guess there was work to be done (if you can even call it work). As is custom, SAGIndie once again sponsored the Gotham Awards. Located at 55 Wall Street in the Cipriani Building, we watched as some of 2009’s best independent films were honored. Guests of SAGIndie included Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad, Woke Up Dead), Ivan Sergei (Crossing Jordan, Once a Thief), Steve Schirripa (The Sopranos) and Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation, Funny People). All of whom were extremely delightful and fun.

The Hurt Locker won Best Feature and Best Ensemble Cast. Food Inc. won Best Documentary. Robert Siegel won Breakthrough Director for his amazing work on Big Fan. Catalina Saavedra won Breakthrough Actor for her work in The Maid. And the award for Best Film Not Playing in a Theater Near You went to You Won’t Miss Me, directed by Ry Russo-Young.

All in all, it was an amazing trip and another successful event for SAGIndie.

Hey! We need your help!

In an effort to strengthen SAGIndie and provide you with quality information, we’re looking to gather feedback from any and all interactions you may have had with us. Be it at one of our monthly workshops, one of our fabulous festival events, or just over the phone — your opinion matters to us.

Have our workshops totally confused you? Did you enjoy the scones at our Sundance Filmmakers Brunch? Have we (appropriately) touched you in some way and inspired you to be a better producer? All feedback — positive or negative — is welcome! (although, keep in mind that a special treat may be awarded to the person who showers our National Director with the most compliments.)

So, go ahead and drop us an email at blogadmin@sagindie.org and let us hear it. Feel free to send your comments anonymously, but please include any pertinent info regarding your interaction(s) with us, such as “I was at your bowling party in NYC” or “I attended a contract workshop on November 30″ or “I called in on a Tuesday in March.” The more information we get, the better off we’ll be able to address your thoughts.

As always, thanks for your continued support. We look forward to hearing from you!

All the best,

Your friends at SAGIndie.

Check out the complete list of nominees for the upcoming Gotham Awards that take place on November 30th at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC. BIG FAN and THE HURT LOCKER lead the nominations.