Wunderlist Task App

I'm trying a new task management app to see what the fuss is all about.

For a while I've been using the Pocket Informant app for both iPhone/iPad. I like it because it plays nicely with (i.e., syncs with) Google Calendar. I'm usually not a Google supporter (I have my reasons), but I do like having an online version of my calendar that I can have easy access to if I so desire. Even though I make all my calendar entries via my iOS device, it's nice to know the web interface is there if I want it. Ok, truth be told, I simply like how Informant looks compared to iCal. Not to mention Google calendar is so much easier to share.

So, what's the new app?

Enter Wunderlist.

Informant is a great calendar system. I dig the layout and how easy it stays in sync on all my idevices. No complaints here. But I have yet to feel real comfortable with the tasks feature. Not to mention, the tasks do not sync with Google calendar. I'm basically trying Wunderlist to satisfy my desire to see if a stand alone task app would make me happier.

So far it does. I'm digging the separate app for tasks. It feels cleaner, more manageable than a combined task/calendar app. I'm not sure why that is. Perhaps because Wunderlist does one thing, and it does that one thing really well.

Oh, and it's free! Wunderlist also has a free desktop app that syncs seamlessly between the app on my iPhone and iPad. Nice.

For more information visit: Wunderlist

Update: 8-29-13
I no longer use Wunderlist or Informant. I'm a simple gal with simple needs, and the default Calendar and Reminders apps (iOS) are simple and uncluttered and are doing the trick for me just fine. At least for now....

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

I've loved using Macs for many years, but it was the iPhone that really changed (for the better) how I do so many things. From simple notetaking and appointments to keeping in touch and web surfing to scriptwriting and filmmaking. That has ...also extended over onto the iPad. The thing I liked about Steve Jobs is that while he did get excited about the technology, it was more about how people can use it to make personal/business tasks easier and more fun!

I was sitting in our living room with my husband when the news broke.  As a fan of technology in general it made me sad.  The world lost a tremendous visionary today.

Inspired by: Bousman

[Note: This is the original post in my "Inspired by" series. Follow the "Inspiration" tag for more entries.]

Today I stumbled across Darren Lynn Bousman's filmmaker blog. You know him, he's the director of "Saw" 2-4, and the really cool, but lesser known, "Repo! The Genetic Opera". He's currently working on a new movie called "11:11" and has been updating his blog with notes from the production.

But I'm not here to talk about his latest movie. I found something else far more poignant in his blog archive that truly touched me. He wrote a 6-part blog series on how he made it in Hollywood. While every single entry is recommended reading, it was part-1 that touched me. Go. Read it.

http://www.darrenlynnbousman.com/life-lessons-in-la-la-land/

Our First Oxford Film Fest

Friday, Feb 11 - Tonight we head down to Oxford for their annual Oxford Film Fest. "BLOOD THERAPY" is screening along with several other horror short films at the Malco. This will be the second time I've watched my movie on the big screen. I could get used to this.

We were put up in an inn on the square. It was a nice place with a touch of old Southern charm. We arrived with just enough time to check in and head to the theater. We met up with Christian Walker, our lead actor, and a couple of his friends before the screening. I felt good about our showing. The audience laughed at the appropriate spot and a few even jumped at the end. Yes! A man and woman were sitting to my right who I did not know that appeared to enjoy our film. That was neat to see them reacting to it.

Sunday, Feb 13 - The fest has come and gone. It went by way too fast. My only regret regarding the festival is not staying longer. Our schedules weren't jiving with the festival dates this year. But I so could have hung around all weekend making new friends, watching movies, and eating good food. I'm a southerner... we have the BEST food!

Oxford, MS is a beautiful place. Its gorgeous architecture on the square and rolling hills make for a perfect setting for a film festival. My only minor suggestion for improvement would be to hold the festival during warmer months. Oxford screams photo opportunities and with the landscapes in bloom, it's my guess that the city would be picture perfect.

"BLOOD THERAPY" played in the late night block of films along with other genre fare from all over the country. That was really cool seeing our film amongst films from all over and not just from our own city. The stand out short for me was "Night of the Punks", a fun and funny journey into the world of rock n' roll and demons. The performances were spot-on and the standout element for me was the special f/x. If this gets made into a feature (it's a possibility), horror fans like myself will be in for a fun treat. To see our little short play alongside something as polished as "Punks" was exciting! And it gives me a higher standard to strive for.

I've only been making films for a few years. And even fewer have I participated in festivals. I would wager that the Oxford Film Fest will be one of the better fests I ever experience. The directors of OFF really make us filmmakers feel like royalty. But they're the royalty. They've done a fantastic job bringing in movies from all over the country. Coupled with the beautiful setting of Oxford, it made for an inviting experience. It has been an honor to participate in such a well organized event that was clearly designed by people who love movies as much as us filmmakers. It is my hope to have the opportunity to be involved with many more OFFs.

Thank you again to Oxford Film Fest. I hope to see you again soon!

iphone shorties #2

Happy Valentine's Day from Cinegore Pictures!

Special Treat

"Special Treat" is another iPhone shortie. It was shot with my iPhone 4. I edited the picture on my iPhone with ReelDirector and imported it into Final Cut Pro to add music and titles.

I'm new to FCP. Craig is the real editor in this filmmaking group. But I appreciate learning new things. It *really* makes me appreciate his talent and the attention to detail he has for editing even more than I already did.

These iPhone shorties are fun and silly, but I'm enjoying playing around. Right now I'm using it to force myself to think more visually, to tell a story more visually. After all, movies are a visual medium. Honestly, I think it's good practice between our bigger projects.

iPhone filmmaking

Finally got around to making a movie with my iPhone. I know, I've had one for over 2 years and I'm just now doing it. Better late than never.

Everything was done using the iPhone 4. I shot it using 8mm Vintage Camera and edited it using ReelDirector. Both apps are from Nexvio.

It's a very rough first attempt. I am amazed at the possibilities this opens up for filmmakers. I've got an OWLE Bubo on the way and *will* shoot another shortie with it soon. If anything, this will force me to experiment and learn to tell stories more visually.

contemplating a web series

Lately I've been thinking of ways to branch out in filmmaking. Making shorts is fun and offers great experience, but I want more focus. Having a series of shorts sounds like a cool idea. It's not original; webisodes have been around since the dawn of Youtube, at least. But the idea to have a running serial is intriguing to me.

Having no siblings until I was 13 years old, I grew up with TV. Mainly sit-coms. To say I'm disgusted with the current state of TV is an understatement. I haven't been a regular TV viewer since the early 2000's. It's mainly only movies for me these days.

My first love has always been movies and I do not plan to abandon that. Making a web series - successful or not - is simply an excuse to get more experience making shorts before tackling the ultimate dream.... feature films.

Last year I toyed with the idea of turning our short, "Don't Look in the Fridge" into a series. That isn't out of the question, but I want to explore and develop other ideas. Nothing's concrete yet, just brainstorming!

I've got several ideas for episodes and over the next few weeks I'll be developing those with our little Cinegore Pictures family. Everyone is excited about the venture. I'm looking forward to what transpires, and of course, I'll be blabbing about it here!

my (un)original idea

Sometimes I'll see a movie that has a similar line of dialog, scenario, or conversation that is very similar to one that I've had in my own writing. It's a very conflicting feeling. On one hand it makes me feel validated. Like my idea was good because someone else thought it, too. On the other hand, it makes me angry that someone else thought it, too.

It's happened more than once. In all honesty, I'd rather it not happen. I like feeling I'm original more so than feeling validated.


(Note: Written after seeing The Rite in theaters and hearing a conversation onscreen similar to something from my own writing.)

Ours goes to '11

Last year was a good year. We shot 2 shorts that each played in festivals, prepped another short which we filmed in early Jan '11, and shot a commercial for local tv. Our goal every year is to top the previous year's accomplishments and to go further with this mad passion.

2011 is shaping up to be a good one! "Blood Therapy" is set to screen at the Oxford Film Fest on February 11th, and our latest project, "Suffering Fools" is in post-production now. Plus, we've got some very cool new things planned that guess what.... I can't spoil yet! I will give one hint: We are working on ways to get our movies to more people. We are honored that people have asked for this.

As for more movies.... We've got some projects in the works that we cannot wait to reveal. From teaming up with some film friends to making our own movies, we are really excited about the stories we get to tell in 2011!

Which brings me to an important point. We want to take a moment to say "thank you" to all those who have helped us over the past 3 1/2 years (wow, has it been that long?). We could not do this without our awesome Cinegore cast and crew, and are very appreciative of their hard work and enthusiasm. Your enthusiasm and excitement make filmmaking fun!

Break out the ear buds baby, because ours goes to '11!!!!!

all Roped up

While writing my current feature script I am also watching movies that take place in one location. Hey, when I get to use the excuse of "research" to watch MORE movies, you better believe I'll take it! Last night I watched Alfred Hitchcock's gem, "Rope". Now, if you don't know anything about this movie, stop right here and either go read about how it was shot, or rent it. Better yet, do both.

"Rope" is a remarkable piece of cinema. "Rope" was originally a stage play, and when Hitchcock decided to adapt it, he was adamant about making his film "look" like it was unfolding just like a play would - in real time and as one single continuous shot. While dialog heavy (like a play), it is quite engaging thanks to the remarkable cast.

But the real beauty comes in how it was filmed - how the filmmakers pulled off this "continuous shot". Sir Alfred employed a mobile camera setup that would allow it to freely follow the action on a studio set. Since a reel of film only holds 10 minutes of footage, Hitchcock hid his cuts by pushing in on the darkness of an actor's back or furniture in order to mask any cuts. I can only imagine what pre-production planning was like!

This unique approach to photographing movies isn't very efficient by traditional standards, but I think it's important as a filmmaker to study different techniques. I employed the traditional "coverage" shooting for my first 3 shorts with fairly short takes, but I hope to move into more lengthy shots in my first feature. Longer shots, while requiring extra rehearsal and time, add to the overall cinematic feel to movies. "Rope" is an excellent reference tool for any filmmaker.