Career Spotlight: Independent Director

Being a movie director is one of the most stressful but coveted jobs in the entertainment industry. Some successful directors, like David Fincher, began in visual effects. Other directors, like Ben Affleck, got their start in acting. Here is an interview with Stimson Snead, an independent director who resides in Burbank, California. He is currently a finalist for a new TV show called The Reel Deal. 

How long have you been doing independent directing?

Since 2002, my junior year of high school.

At what age did you consider trying out directing?

I would say freshman year of high school. In terms of writing and creating stories, I would say that started when I was much younger, when I was about four. But in terms of directing, I would say early high school.

How did your parents initially react when you told them you wanted to become a freelance filmmaker? 

Well. it wasn't much of a choice. If you want to go into film, you have to freelance. Unless you are lucky or have the contacts, it's your only option once you start out. Both my parents are artists. Both of them grew up in that lifestyle. My father is an actor and my mother is a published song-writer. It was kind of a given that I would go into the arts. They were actually a little surprised that I didn't want to be an actor like them.

Who are your favorite directors?

Sam Raimi is one of them. I am really getting into Darren Aronofsky's work. I'm starting to find his stuff more than just great. I find his work to be ahead of its time.

What is your favorite thing about directing?

Getting to be in a room and telling twenty to thirty people what to do all the time is awesome. 

A lot of the projects you have directed are based on scripts that you have written. Tell me about a time you directed something that was written by someone else. 

I directed a short movie that a friend wrote. Being divorced from the story allowed me to focus on creating something that was lovely. I knew what it was that I liked about the script and I got to focus on building that up. When you write something yourself, you love or hate every single thing about it, and you end up trying to compartmentalize and focus on everything. Whereas directing a script someone else wrote, you focus on the reason you liked it in the first place. 

What kind of projects have you directed?

I have directed shorts and a webseries called 'The Adventures of Chadwick Periwinkle.' I directed 36 episodes, and they are each about ten to thirteen minutes long. I have also directed a music video and two theater sketches.

What has been the most challenging thing about being an independent director?

Money. That's an easy question. I fund all my projects myself.

Let's talk about Reel Deal. This is a reality show that you are auditioning to be a part of. How did you find out about this opportunity?

An email from a friend. I applied to be on the program about three months ago. Seven teams of filmmakers will make a short film in one week. Each team will feature one celebrity. 

You made a video asking people to vote for you. What has been some of the funniest reactions that you have gotten from those who have watched it?

Mostly the number of actors, whom I have never worked with, who want to be killed by me on screen. I'm amazed by the number of actors who have watched the video and then sought me out. I am amazed and pleased.

Now, do you even watch reality television?

While I fully acknowledge and respect it, I have never been much of a fan. I never imagined that this would be a way of introducing myself to the world. This will be a new endeavor for me, but it could pay off. My goal is to appear on the show and to gain lots of work opportunities because of it.

In addition to directing, you have also worked as a freelance cinematographer. Do you think that will give you an advantage if you get selected for this competition?

Extremely so. I have done cinematography work since junior high. When I am directing I require the cinematographer to be at least as good as I am, and that is setting the bar pretty high. There has got to be a more humble way of saying that! [laughs]

Do you aspire to join the DGA?

Absolutely. I've been working in independent film my entire adult life. I want to get to the point where directing is my bread and butter. Being in that union makes it your job, and I want it to be my job.

If the directing thing doesn't work out, what could you see yourself doing?

I am also an artist. I have been doing some storyboard work for about a year now. I love it a lot.

What advice can you give to those you are interested in entering the world of independent directing?

Set yourself up for heartbreak. Also, connections are really important. The Reel Deal wouldn't even be on my radar if it weren't for that person I had worked with who told me about it. 

If you are interested in voting for Stimson to become a contestant on The Reel Deal, watch his how-to-vote video here: 

Another Roald Dahl Book Gets the Movie Treatment

I was pretty elated when it was announced that 'The BFG' will be made into a movie. I read so many of Roald Dahl's novels as a child. Let's take a look at some interesting aspects of this author's life.

Roald Dahl was married to Hollywood screen legend Patricia Neal for thirty years. They had five children together. Before becoming the first Mrs. Dahl, Patricia Neal had a three year affair with Gary Cooper, who was a married man.

I think it's pretty interesting that Steven Spielberg decided to direct an adaptation of 'The BFG.' Roald Dahl went on record several times for saying pretty controversial things about Jews and Israel. Here is a link that discusses the author's anti-Semitism.

'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' has become such a cult favorite since it was in theaters in 1971. The movie was based on Dahl's book 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' It's really hard to imagine anyone but actor Gene Wilder as the eccentric candy factory owner. However, Roald Dahl was not pleased that Wilder was cast in the role. He wanted Willy Wonka to be played by comedian Spike Milligan.






 

TV Shows Based on Books

Millions of viewers tune in every Sunday night to watch 'Game of Thrones.' This HBO hit is based on books written by George R.R. Martin. The popularity of the show has increased the sales of the novels. Fans are looking forward to The Winds of Winter, the next novel in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. Let's take a look at other shows that are also based on books.

'Orange is the New Black'

On July 11, 2013, Netflix released all thirteen episodes of this original series. The show is based on Piper Kerman's memoir, which was released in 2010. The lead actress, Taylor Schilling, was nominated for a 2014 Golden Globe for portraying a prison inmate. Season 2 returns on June 6, only on Netflix streaming.

'Boardwalk Empire'

This HBO dramatic series has been a critical darling since it premiered in 2010. The book took author Nelson Johnson about two decades to finish. Season five, which will air this fall, will be its last season.

'True Blood'

Fans of HBO's supernatural show might not know that it is based on a series of books. That's because those books are called The Southern Vampire Mysteries. Author Charlaine Harris wrote thirteen books in this series. 'True Blood' has been on the air since 2008. Season seven, its final season, will premiere on June 22.

Career Spotlight: Professional Background Artist

Integral to television shows and movies are all the extras that you see on screen. Whether there are a thousand of them in a stadium cheering on a team, or just a few sitting at tables in a coffee shop, extras are an important part to movie and television magic. What you might not know is that a lot of the extras you see are doing this type of work full-time for a living. Here I talk to Caleb Garcia, a California native who has been working as a background artist since 2011 in Los Angeles.

Caleb, you recently accepted a job in an office. How do you feel about ending your stint as a background artist?
I had a good run. I was told by a production assistant once that most people who do background last about two years. I passed that two year mark.

What was your first gig as a background artist?
I had a family member who was a cinematographer on the TV show 'Numbers.' He invited me to work as an extra, and I had a lot of fun for the two days I was there.

How did your parents react to the news that you were starting to work as a background artist after college?
They hated it, but I had a lot of fun experiences.

When you first started working as a background artist, how long did you think you would do it for?
About a year or two. The original goal was to work background and then get a job as a production assistant, or work in a production office. Right now the tentative plan is to work as a personal assistant, get that experience on the resume, and then come back and work at a studio. I want to work in development, ideally at Warner Bros.

What is it like being non-union as a background artist?
It's usually pretty chill. Sometimes non union crafty is just a bag of chips though and you see the union people walking in and they get a full breakfast with french toast and eggs.

Why didn't you ever join SAG-AFTRA?
It's very pricey. Plus, I don't want to be an actor.

How did you first get the idea to work as an extra?
The main reason is that it was a childhood dream to see myself on screen. It was on my bucket list. I've taken screen captures of everything I've been in.

What's your favorite part about doing background?
It's a bit like summer camp. It's cool because you're hanging out with a lot of like-minded people who are your age, and you're getting paid. You're part of something bigger than yourself. I was so in love with TV and film growing up that giving back and contributing to that in some way is the ultimate fantasy.

What tips can you give to those who are interested in working as an extra here in Los Angeles?
Join Central Casting right away, then get a call-in service. Don't try booking yourself, unless you're ridiculously hot.

What has been your favorite set so far?
I have a few. 'House' was awesome. It was a small call. It was a diner scene and they selected me to be a trucker and they set me behind House and Wilson. That episode was directed by Peter Weller from 'RoboCop.' 'Castle' was really cool because it was a Comic-Con scene. I was dressed as Cyclops which was fun. I talked to Nathan Fillion briefly. He was on 'Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog', so I walked up to him and said "the hammer is my penis," a line from it.

What did he say?
He said "that's not creepy at all!" Hopefully he found it funny. He's been around enough fans who are quoting things at him all the time.

What has been one of your tougher experiences on set?
I had to wear heavy makeup for twelve hours for a shoot. I couldn't touch my face, the product was sticky, and it was cold out. It was for a web-series called 'Lauren' with Troian Bellisario.

What are some difficult aspects about working as a professional background artist?
If you're sick you just have to push through it. It's very hard to cancel once you get booked on something.

What work have you done to support your income as a background artist?
I have worked some construction. I have also done events staff, which is basically working security at sporting events and concerts.

Let's talk about your new endeavor. Are you looking forward to starting your office job?
Yes. You can't really put 'background artist' on a resume. I am excited because I feel like I am moving forward with my career.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I definitely want to work in the entertainment industry, maybe as a producer's assistant or a director's assistant.



Check out Caleb Garcia's IMDB page here.

Late Sequels

Recently it was reported that Steven Spielberg is working on a sequel to the 1985 movie 'Goonies,' which he wrote and executive produced. Studios usually like rolling out sequels quickly in order to make as much money as possible on franchises. Sometimes, that just doesn't happen. Let's take a look at some delayed and surprising movie sequels!


Release Year: 1989                                                                                Release Year: 2008

Steven Spielberg just loves creating sequels! The first three 'Indiana Jones' movies were all released in the 1980s. But the fourth one, which brought back actress Karen Allen to the franchise, was released 19 years after the previous film.


Release Year: 1983                                                       'Episode VII' currently in production

   






Although George Lucas did direct the lucrative three 'Star Wars' prequels, a sequel to the third movie from the original franchise is currently in production. JJ Abrams is currently directing the project and the movie is scheduled to be released sometime in late 2015, 32 years after 'Return of the Jedi' was in theaters.


'Elizabeth'    Release Year: 1998                                                           Release Year: 2007

Usually blockbuster action movies and comedies get the sequel treatment. So it was a little surprising when director Shekhar Kapur made a sequel to this historical drama. The second movie came out nine years after the first one, and according to IMDB, a third movie is in the works.


Release Year: 1994                                                     'Dumb and Dumber To' (November 14, 2014)              

'Dumb and Dumber' is one of the funniest movies of all time. It will be exciting to see Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels re-team for the first time on screen since the original movie came out. The sequel will be released this fall, twenty years after the first one was in theaters.

Career Spotlight: Professional Script Reader

Before a studio head or a producer reads a script, it is usually first read by an assistant or an intern. Sometimes scripts first get read by professional readers who work for screenplay competitions or other companies. Here is an interview with Greg McKenna, a reader who has been working for the BlueCat Screenplay Competition since September 2011.

How did you get started in script reading?

I was an intern at a company called Hyde Park Entertainment. Script reading was a big part of the internship and you had to do the work on deadlines. I happened to find BlueCat, the company I currently read scripts for, on some online job website. I figured it would be great for practice, and then I just kept doing it. And it was also good side income.

What is your favorite aspect of your work?

I really enjoy talking about scripts. It sounds really pretentious, but I really enjoy talking to people about screenwriting. Doing the actual write-ups is the fun part for me. Reading is sometimes the hard part because some of the scripts I read are really bad, but doing the write-ups is the easy part. 

What skills have you gained since you began reading scripts professionally?

I have learned the shortcuts on how to evaluate a screenplay. You learn to figure out the problems faster in a script. Identifying elements and separating them in your head is really a skill you get from reading a lot of scripts.

What advice can you give to those who are interested in reading scripts professionally?

I think the most important thing about professional script reading is patience. The first few times you read scripts will suck.You only get good at it after reading a lot of scripts. The more you read, the more you will understand what is and what isn't working in scripts.

In a given week how many scripts do you read?

It depends. On a really good week I read about ten. When I first started out, I did about three to five per week. I've gotten so good at reading and writing feedback that I can read three a day now. 

Are all the scripts you read features? Or do you also read pilots?

I mostly read feature lengths, but I have read some pilots and shorts. Reading shorts is a lot different than reading features. It's a different experience. With features there are a lot of common mistakes that are made, like poor descriptions, main character doesn't have a clear enough arc, and other issues. Beginning screenwriters have the same issue. A lot of amateur scripts read like a six year old telling you about their day. So you can see the difference really heavily. Short scripts are different. They are usually about a single theme, or a feeling, or an emotion. They are a lot more experimental. 

Do you read for BlueCat all year round?

No. There's a three/four month hiatus because they have to pick a winner. They have to cut off submissions.

What is the funniest experience you've had as a script reader?

There was one time I was in a writer's group and a girl's script turned out to be one that I had read for BlueCat. It was so funny when I realized that I had already read her work.

What has been your worst experience as a script reader?

There was one painful script that I had to read. It was a difficult situation. It was obviously adapted from a book. The dialogue would just go on for pages. It happened repeatedly. So, I gave my notes with all the critique. The writer submits the second draft, but it was barely different. He submitted along with it a three-paged rebuttal of my notes. It was awful.

Is a three-paged rebuttal considered extreme?

A one-paged rebuttal is considered extreme. If it doesn't make sense in the script it doesn't matter what your rebuttal says. You know what I am saying? He just didn't understand that. It was clear he was the type of person who couldn't take criticism well. 

In addition to reading scripts for income, you also work for a company called LearnDistrict. Tell me a little about that.

I started out as a consultant, but now I am a lead writer for a game that is in development. I did character concepts, I did a lot of the organization about which levels go where, and I did a lot of the basic concept design. 

How often do you travel to San Jose where the company is based?

It varies. Sometimes two or three times a month. Sometimes I go up just once a month.

How has your experience working as a script reader translated to the work you do for LearnDistrict?

Reading scripts makes you a better writer. But doing script notes, where you are given a limited amount of space to critique something, makes you value your words more. It is something I used to struggle with. Having to say something useful in a certain amount of words has definitely helped out with the writing I do for LearnDistrict.

Any advice to current students who are studying film or video game design?

I would suggest people write more on their own. Spend time, even if it's just once a week, writing your own ideas. Even if it's just a treatment for an idea. If you never act on these ideas now, you might act on them later. For video games, one of the things I have heard the most is that a resume is not everything. The guys who are going to hire you care about what you can produce and what you have written. What can you bring to them? Do you have a portfolio? Learn to do your own stuff. 

If you are interested in hiring Greg to give you notes on your script, please communicate with him through his LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/greg-mckenna/11/78b/b23

To read more about BlueCat, go here: http://bluecatscreenplay.com/

If you want to learn more about LearnDistrict, check out the company's website here: http://learndistrict.com/

The Men of 'Silicon Valley'

HBO's freshman comedy just got renewed for a second season. A lot of the actors in the show are those types of guys you've seen before, but you just can't remember from where. Let's take a look at some of the stars of 'Silicon Valley.'

Thomas Middleditch

It looks like actor Thomas Middleditch has found his breakthrough role as entrepreneur Richard on 'Silicon Valley.' If he looks familiar to you it's because he played the guy with the bow tie in last year's very funny 'Wolf of Wall Street.' 

Martin Starr

Martin Starr has made quite the career of playing nerdy guys on screen. You probably know him from 'Freaks and Geeks,' NBC's short-lived show from creators Paul Feig and Judd Apatow. 

                             

                         

Kumail Nanjiani 

Kumail Nanjiani started out as a stand-up comedian before getting acting roles, so it's no surprise that he is hilarious as Dinesh on 'Silicon Valley.' But you might know him from TNT's 'Franklin and Bash.'

T.J. Miller

I've very much enjoyed watching T.J. Miller play the schluppy Erlich on this show. He has quite an extensive list of credits to his name, but I immediately recognized him from his goofy stand-up routine.

Zach Woods

Zach Woods is perfect as the socially awkward Jared on 'Silicon Valley.' You might remember him from 'The Office.' He joined the show in season six as the weird Gabe Lewis. 

Jesus in the Movies

Easter Sunday might be over, but Easter Monday is now here. Let's take a look at popular movies that tell the story of Jesus Christ.

                                                       

This film was incredibly controversial when it came out in 1988. Some movie chains refused to screen it, and some video stores did not carry the title for customers to rent. Nevertheless, Martin Scorsese earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Director.

                                                        

Mel Gibson's directorial follow-up to 'Braveheart' was a box office smash. It was the third highest grossing movie of 2004 in the United States, earning a total of $370,274,604. Not bad for a movie whose production budget was $30 million. 

                                                        

Some religious movies get bad reviews and still earn good money at the box office. This 2014 film is one of them. 'Son of God' has a 5.5/10 rating on IMDB, but it doesn't seem to matter. This movie has made $60 million dollars just in the United States on ticket sales so far.

My favorite movies from 'Game of Thrones' actors

Some actors from 'Game of Thrones' were already quite successful before the show started. Sean Bean (Ned Stark) played Boromir in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, Diana Rigg (Olenna Tyrell) was an acting legend long before the show began, and even Aidan Gillen (Littlefinger) was on two seasons of HBO's 'The Wire.' 'Game of Thrones' has certainly catapulted the careers of several principal actors like Peter Dinklage, who won a Golden Globe for portraying Tyrian Lannister, and Emilia Clarke, who was nominated for an Emmy last year for playing Daenerys. Let's check out some of the best movies that some of these actors appeared in before the show premiered in 2011.

'Head-On'  (2004)                                                                      Sibel Kekilli

'Head-On' is a story set in Germany about a Turkish woman who enters a marriage of convenience with a Turkish man. Sibel Kikelli, who plays Shae on GOT, gives a powerhouse performance in this drama. 

'The Station Agent' (2003)                                                         Peter Dinklage

Actor-turned-director Thomas McCarthy makes lovely independent movies. His directorial premiere, 'The Station Agent,' is an ensemble comedy that starred a then unknown Peter Dinklage.


Batman Begins (2005)                                                          Jack Gleeson

                

It probably wasn't until the second or third season of 'Game of Thrones' when I realized that Jack Gleeson was the sweet, little boy in 'Batman Begins.'  He had a small part in the first installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise before he went on to play evil Joffrey. 

About Those 'Mad Men' Ratings

The final season of AMC's 'Mad Men' premiered on April 13 to only 2.3 million viewers. For a show that's been on the air since 2007, why didn't more people tune in? I think a number of reasons can be attributed to the show's less than stellar ratings performance this past Sunday. Some shows get more popular as the seasons progress, like 'Breaking Bad.' But other shows just tend to lose their luster. Audiences might be sick of Don Draper's philandering ways. 

Another problem that exists is that there is so much great television to watch these days that people tend to fall behind on certain shows. Netflix is a great way to catch up on or discover a new program to watch. However, AMC is very slow to give the streamable seasons of 'Mad Men' to Netflix. The last episode of season six of 'Mad Men' aired on June 23, 2013. That season was only made available on March 31st of this year. Fans had to wait nine months to watch season six, and only had thirteen days to catch up until the new season started. If those episodes had been up on Netflix earlier, more people would have been able to catch up in time for the season seven premiere. As I mentioned before, we are in an age of amazing television. It doesn't help that HBO's megahit show 'Game of Thrones' also airs on Sundays. They are on at different time slots, but viewers can't tune in live for everything. HBO GO has every episode of 'Game of Thrones' for viewing. I was able to watch all of season three just in time for the season four premiere on April 6. A new episode of 'Game of Thrones' is available on HBO GO on the same day that it airs on television. Personally, I caught up on that show and now I am able to watch new episodes as they air. However, I am now just going to start streaming season six of 'Mad Men,' which means I probably won't get around to season seven until 2015.

Season 2 of 'Orange is The New Black' has a trailer

Last summer I had plans to go to the beach, travel, and hang out with friends. I instead became addicted to Netflix's original series 'Orange is the New Black.' I am still surprised that season one of the show didn't get much love during awards season (zero Emmy nominations and no SAG nominations). On June 6, the new episodes will all be online, and I cannot wait. Check out the sneak peak below.

If the trailer for 'Lucy' looked familiar to you, it's probably because you saw 'Limitless'

Luc Besson's latest movie looks like it could be a fun watch. But for many people, the premise of this flick might be too similar to 'Limitless,' a 2011 thriller directed by Neil Burger. 'Lucy' has Scarlett Johansson looking hot as usual, so maybe audiences won't care about the similarities when the movie comes out this summer. Check out the trailers for both below.

'Gone Girl' finally has a trailer

Gillian Flynn's dark novel was such a hit in 2012 that it was no surprise that her book was quickly made into a movie. As a huge fan of this book, I was thrilled when David Fincher, one of my favorite directors, was hired to direct the project. Since production wrapped in late 2013 I have been eagerly awaiting a trailer. The first trailer is now out and the movie looks awesome. Can't wait until it hits theaters in the fall.