http://www.beanywood.com/ - The Site of the New England Film Movement

short films

Mar 30

On Set Experience

Published in short films, independent film, filmmaking, film by Danielle Cormier | Comment (0)

A few weekends ago I had my first opportunity to be on set for the short film that I alluded to many months ago. It was an amazing but exhausting experience. And if it was that way for me, I can only imagine how it was for everyone else!

I joined Paige S. as production assistant for the weekend and helped a bit moving furniture around and dressing the set with the art director. Only two of the main cast (Karen and Brandon) were on set the first day, but the next day Brandon was there along with close to a dozen extras. Yet everything happened pretty much on schedule, and I have to say that every person there was very professional and took his or her roles in the production seriously. Everyone seemed to have a good working relationship. I would love to work with any of them on future projects. The hours were really long (especially for the director as she was up late every night problem solving for the next day's shoot), and it was *so* hot & dark on set while shooting, but every single person took it in stride. Not one complaint was heard, and spirits were surprisingly high.

Having worked briefly as a PA on another short I'd already come to realize the importance of sound. Now I understand, too, the importance of lighting and of craft services! Not that I understand sound or lighting (too much technical info. for my brain to absorb), only that I am amazed at the way the light changes the look & mood on film (or in this case, DV). I'd always been aware, but it's completely different to witness the transformation in front of you. And we were lucky to have artist Irvin Stafford serving up lunch on Saturday. The crew were still speaking about Irvin's burgers the next day. Good, plentiful food and the availability of water, soda & coffee definitely helped keep everyone energized throughout both days.

Watching, in person, the set up of a scene and then watching it unfold (both on monitor and in front of the camera) was more informative and educational than reading what someone else has written about that process. It's incredible the amount of detail that a director has to keep straight in her head (and the lack of sleep she gets). Props to Sharifa for being organized enough to do all of that (and then some). Someday I hope to direct a web series I've been planning, but I realize I'm not quite ready for that yet. There is a lot of preproduction that has to be done! (I've finally started writing the story out; that's a start at least.)

For now I'm enjoying the learning process on Sharifa's film. In one scene sheets and a pillow had to be straightened between takes. So I get to add pillow fluffer to my resume. ;) I had the opportunity to help with makeup as well. Applying makeup to cover up tattoos can be unsettling if you're not sure what you're doing. Luckily, it looked great on camera!

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Sep 17

Come Celebrate Boston Film and Beanywood's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!

Published in short films, party, fun, film festivals, comedy, Boston, Beanywood by Lindsay Shah | Comment (0)

Beanywood, the New England Film Movement turns ONE!!!

Come celebrate with us at Boston Film Night where it all started! Saturday night September 22nd from 6pm to 2am. There are two shows of local independent shorts, a networking event, and an after party. Come meet the people in your industry, get connected, and be more involved in your industry. 35% of the shorts playing in the festival this year were made by filmmakers and actors who attended Boston Film Night last year.

Over twenty local indie shorts representing Boston’s emerging independent film talent will be shown. Some notables: A trailer for the feature film Possessions by David Kornfeld, The Terror Training Video by Tom Bennett, Telemarketing Orphan by Justin Fielding, and a semi-naked cooking show Cooking With Canned Goods from Kevin Anderton. Several organizations also will be contributing directly to the programming: Woods Hole Film Festival, The Roxbury Film Festival, The Boston Underground Film Festival, and the 48hr Film Project will be supplying films. Boston Film Night’s goal is to gather the local film community, screen work created over the last year, and energize support for local film. Last year’s event drew over 500 attendees.

If you are coming, check this link out to see what other people have to say about their experience at Boston Film Night 2006 and who they want to meet this year. Add your own comment for everyone to check out before Saturday!http://www.beanywood.com/component/option,com_mycontent/task,view/id,843/Itemid,436/

Saturday, September 22, 2007 6PM & 9PM at Good Time Emporium in Somerville, Massachusetts.

For more information and to reserve your place, visit:
http://www.bostonfilmnight.com

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Sep 04

"In The Tradition of My Family" cover story for StudentFilmmakers Magazine

Published in short films, press, magazines by Todd Davis | Comment (0)

In The Tradition of My Family is on the cover of the September2007 issue of Student Filmmakers Magazine. Inside is a 6-page interview (read it here ) with director Todd Davis and 12 production photos. Please see www.orlater.com for more information on the film.

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Aug 28