Archive for August, 2009
Independent Short Film: And Everything Was Alright
August 31st, 2009
This Independent Short Film was submitted by a subscriber and I thought it was hilarious. Thanks, Swafat!
And Everything Was Alright from Placeholder Films on Vimeo.
I get a few links sent to me now and then, short films that fans of this blog have made. As you can probably imagine, they are all over the map in terms of production quality, but I don’t want to ignore anyone or tell them that their work isn’t of the same caliber as the type of material I usually post. It would be too insulting, and would deny people the opportunity to grow and get feedback. My obvious preference is that they would not just send me a link to their video, but that they would take the time to fill out the Featured Filmmaker interview I created so I could post more information about them and not just their film, but so far, that hasn’t been the first instinct of my readers.
So here’s a thought:
For every few short films that people submit to me, I could post a blog entry with all embedded clips and a voting form, basically transforming the blog post into an online short film competition. Cool idea?
How many films per competition? Anyone out there willing to sponsor a competition (for example donating prizes) in exchange for publicity? Mluti-tiered competitions? For example, if each competition had 4 entries, then after the fourth competition, we could re-evaluate the four winners in a second round, then after 64 submissions, the for winners of the second round would compete in a third round of voting, etc? The lower the number of films per round, the more rounds (and winners) there would be.
If someone wants their short film featured on thie site, I would then require that either the filmmaker fills out the Featured Filmmaker interview, or that they specifically write that they want it to be featured in the competition. Otherwise, unless an Independent Short Film is REALLY impressive, it probably won’t get its own blog post. (And if your film IS that good, why wouldn’t you want it to compete?)
Send me a message, I want your input. Click on Contact Us over there on the right, under the word Pages. Or shoot me a message on twitter, @HeidelbergChad and let me know what you think.
Oh, and one other thing: I believe in artistic expression, and I REALLY hesitate to play the role of a censor, but I do try to keep this site relatively clean and family friendly. I’m not against posting something questionable, but if I do, I will always provide a written warning. However, there are some things that I receive that I can’t bring myself to post. For example, there was an Independent Short Film I previewed that not only had dialogue throughout that I wouldn’t want my children to hear, but it also included a scene with nudity in which a woman was violently raped to death. Regardless of how interesting the rest of the film may be, it’s not going to end up here. Maybe that’s arbitrary and unfair, but I just can’t present such content to my audience in good faith.
So anyway, let me know what you think about the competition idea: How many films per round, know any sponsors? Multi-Tier?
Thanks!
Notable events in the world of short film *(hot tip!)
August 28th, 2009
I’ve recently gotten some feedback from readers (viewers?) letting me know about certain events that are happening in the coming weeks, asking if I could pass on the information to you.
First of all, there is an international short film festival in Quebec, Canada. The festival itself (the 14th annual) will be in March of next year, but the submission deadline is coming up soon, on the first of November. Because it’s a bilingual festival in Quebec, they’re hoping to get many more English submissions this year.
Here’s some quite helpful and interesting info from the facebook group:
REGARD Saguenay International Short Film Festival is known as one of the six biggest festivals in North America dedicated exclusively to Independent Short Films. Over five days, this event presents more than 100 Independent Short Films from Quebec and all around the world (24 different countries this year).
Last March, at its 13th edition, the festival welcomed over 23,000 people for all its activities. The film screenings mostly occur in Quebec, in the cities of Jonquière and Chicoutimi. What makes REGARD so magical is the atmosphere coming out from the public reactions while they are watching the different programs.
In addition to the screening programs, the festival hosts many other activities.
Among them, some are however exclusive to one edition, you can encounter with:
- Some screenings in the street with the urban cine-park,
- The shooting of an improvised film during the event,
- A cabaret open every night,
- A short film Marketplace gathering several workshops in favor of networking between professionals
- Some films programs dedicated to school attendees, families and teenagers
- A « carte blanche » for a foreign festival
- Snow wall screenings right downtown of Chicoutimi.
REGARD hosts a national and international competition where, this year, over
$30,000 prizes and services were awarded.
Each year, the festival attracts up to 250 professionals of the industry
(directors, producers, distributors, buyers, programmers, journalists,
etc.) who come either to present their film to the public or to participate
to the short film marketplace, unique of its kind in Quebec.
You can find more information on our website at www.caravane.tv
The 14th edition will take place from March 10th to March 14th
2010.
Contact Info
| Email: |
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| Website: | |
| Office: |
Caravane Films Productions
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| Location: |
Chicoutimi, QC
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For more information, check out the website, although I couldn’t find much English on it. Otherwise, the facebook group seems promising. And obviously, the email address is always an option.
If you’ve got surplus gallons of corn syrup…
In other news, the British publishing company Hodder & Stroughton is getting ready to release a brand new historical novel/zombie mash-up book (talk about a micro-niche!) called Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter. Perfect for fans of last year’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, it’s got the history and atmosphere of a grimy Victorian London with the added fun factor of flesh eating zombies. To celebrate the release, they’re holding a short film competition, asking filmmakers to submit their own zombie mash-up short films.
The submission deadline for this competition is September 20th. So if you plan on entering, you’d better get on it. For more information, check out http://www.wearenotamused.net/ about the contest, and to read the first chapter of the book. Check back soon for an update on this one, I might have a bonus for you.
*Update: I’ve been authorized to offer my readers a free copy of the book that this short film competition is based around. I’ve got three copies actually. If you submit anything, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW, and after I’ve verified it, I’ll send you out a copy, first come, first served. If you don’t submit anything, or if you don’t claim your prize from me (regardless of whether you win the competition or not) these books will only be taking up space on my shelf, so don’t let me down.
Zombie Apocalypse
Since we’re on the topic of zombies, I thought this Independent Short Film would be appropriate. Please note, however, that the content of this film, as well as the general theme of zombies is not suitable for all audiences, and some might be offended by what they see or hear. THERE ARE OBSCENITIES AND GORE THROUGHOUT.
Independent Short Film: The Man Who Walked Around the World
August 26th, 2009
I hesitate to call this an INDEPENDENT Short Film given the international status of the actor, Robert Carlyle, as well as the subject matter. It seems to be a 6 minute long commercial ad for Johnnie Walker whiskey. However, because I found it so creative and artistic, I thought it was worth bringing to your attention at the risk of seeming a little less cool.
Johnnie Walker : Walk from George Nimeh on Vimeo.
Oh, and there’s a nice interview with the director here.
Independent Short Film: Moments
August 24th, 2009
This Independent Short Film is reminiscent of Last Day Dream, albeit a bit more abstract. Hope you enjoy!
Independent Short Film: Unrequited
August 7th, 2009
Quite a sad little Independent Short Film.
