In early May we made a 5 minute short for a local film festival, and I'm happy to report that it has been selected!!! It'll play in the Li'l Film Fest 10 this Saturday along with 12 other entries. This "little" fest is put on by Live from Memphis. By entering, we are granted consideration for the Indie Memphis Film Fest that is held every October. Live from Memphis holds the Li'l Fest every quarter with a required theme and a time limit of 5 minutes. This fest's theme is 'family'.
"Sunday" was put together in about a week and was filmed over a rainy weekend. It was edited and scored within a few hours. We definitely beat our editing time from "Don't Look in the Fridge". While awards will be given at the festival, I'm just thrilled to be a part of the event and to see our movie played on the big screen!
"Sunday"
directed by: Val Overstreet
written by: Dolan Mills
shot by: Craig Morris
Staring:
Jake Mills
Lori Mills
Dolan Mills
Valerie Campbell
David Jacks
For more information about the fest vist:
Li'L Film Fest 10
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Li'l Film Fest 10 Entry - "SUNDAY"
I'm superstitious when it comes to filmmaking (among other things) and did not want to post this until after I knew whether or not "Sunday" was accepted into the Li'l Film Fest 10. I'm very thankful that it has been selected and now I present to you the story behind how it came to be.
Back in March, one of my filmmaking buddies invited me to a local film fest to see his movie screened. I thought it was a cool experience and mentioned that I'd like to participate in the next one. Live from Memphis hosts a quarterly fest every year with a required theme and a 5 minute time limit. The event is called "Li'l Film Fest". The theme that my friend's movie, "Journeyman", was a part of was "Memphis - Fact or Fiction?".
When he sent word about the next fest (#10), I was very excited. The theme was "family" and you can imagine the ideas my dark and disturbed brain immediately thought of. However, all of those ideas seemed too easy, too cliche. So, I turned to a script idea that I've been working on that fit the theme of family perfectly - and was not horror. However, it turned out that there was no way to write a 5 minute script without jeopardizing the story, which I was NOT about to do. I was bummed.
But... all was not lost. Dolan, my brother-in-law, saved the day by coming up with an idea that could benefit from a shorter time limit. Oddly, it wasn't really horror either. He wrote the script, sent it over, and I immediately went to work storyboarding. "Sunday" was literally put together in about a week. I would have preferred to have had more time, but circumstance didn't work out that way. Considering the time that went into production, I am pleased with the outcome.
We filmed "SUNDAY" on a rainy weekend in May. The production went well. All of our actors were prepared and hit their marks as expected. Jake, our nephew, shined once again. It was a good experience. I missed a couple of shots due to how rushed we were, but that's how it goes in the world of amateur filmmaking!
Craig got the footage edited and we scored it within a couple of hours. I even mailed our entry with a few days to spare! Today (6-10-09), I learned that our little movie was chosen to be screened in the fest! I'm very excited. This is the first time this has happened for us in our very young filmmaking endeavor. There will be awards given at the fest, but I can honestly say that I'll be happy just to be there. I can't wait for my friends and family to come out and support our efforts and see our movie on the big screen!
A big THANK YOU to all of our awesome cast/crew!
Back in March, one of my filmmaking buddies invited me to a local film fest to see his movie screened. I thought it was a cool experience and mentioned that I'd like to participate in the next one. Live from Memphis hosts a quarterly fest every year with a required theme and a 5 minute time limit. The event is called "Li'l Film Fest". The theme that my friend's movie, "Journeyman", was a part of was "Memphis - Fact or Fiction?".
When he sent word about the next fest (#10), I was very excited. The theme was "family" and you can imagine the ideas my dark and disturbed brain immediately thought of. However, all of those ideas seemed too easy, too cliche. So, I turned to a script idea that I've been working on that fit the theme of family perfectly - and was not horror. However, it turned out that there was no way to write a 5 minute script without jeopardizing the story, which I was NOT about to do. I was bummed.
But... all was not lost. Dolan, my brother-in-law, saved the day by coming up with an idea that could benefit from a shorter time limit. Oddly, it wasn't really horror either. He wrote the script, sent it over, and I immediately went to work storyboarding. "Sunday" was literally put together in about a week. I would have preferred to have had more time, but circumstance didn't work out that way. Considering the time that went into production, I am pleased with the outcome.
We filmed "SUNDAY" on a rainy weekend in May. The production went well. All of our actors were prepared and hit their marks as expected. Jake, our nephew, shined once again. It was a good experience. I missed a couple of shots due to how rushed we were, but that's how it goes in the world of amateur filmmaking!
Craig got the footage edited and we scored it within a couple of hours. I even mailed our entry with a few days to spare! Today (6-10-09), I learned that our little movie was chosen to be screened in the fest! I'm very excited. This is the first time this has happened for us in our very young filmmaking endeavor. There will be awards given at the fest, but I can honestly say that I'll be happy just to be there. I can't wait for my friends and family to come out and support our efforts and see our movie on the big screen!
A big THANK YOU to all of our awesome cast/crew!
Friday, April 24, 2009
new camera, new experiences
i recently got back into photography and found that i enjoy it more than i expected. i say 'back into' because when i was a kid, i was obsessed with taking pictures. i didn't go anywhere without a camera in my hand. and spent all my allowance on developing film. i've got more snapshots of family and pets than i know what to do with. i still have the old minolta film camera my grandparents gave me when i was about 13.
craig got interested in photography last fall and when i showed an interest, too, he gave me a canon xsi. he's awesome! now that i've got a decent DSLR, i'm trying to be more creative with my photography... and not just take snapshots. we've been to various cemeteries, visited downtown on multiple occasions, and i've even tried my hand at sports photography.
having a camera at my side has been good for me. it's gotten us both out of the house more. having a hobby to share with my husband (and best friend) is priceless. we now visit places around our city that in the past we tended to neglect. and when we go away on vacation, planning a photo shoot comes naturally.
i'm amazed at how liberating and empowering photography has been for me. and it's all thanks to craig!
craig got interested in photography last fall and when i showed an interest, too, he gave me a canon xsi. he's awesome! now that i've got a decent DSLR, i'm trying to be more creative with my photography... and not just take snapshots. we've been to various cemeteries, visited downtown on multiple occasions, and i've even tried my hand at sports photography.
having a camera at my side has been good for me. it's gotten us both out of the house more. having a hobby to share with my husband (and best friend) is priceless. we now visit places around our city that in the past we tended to neglect. and when we go away on vacation, planning a photo shoot comes naturally.
i'm amazed at how liberating and empowering photography has been for me. and it's all thanks to craig!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
i like story
sometimes i'm anal about keeping my stuff looking new. craig makes fun of me because when i get a new horror magazine in the mail i can't stand for it to be bent, torn, folded, or damaged in any way. i am normally like that with my books, too, but while reading "story" by robert mckee, i'm constantly reaching for the highlighter. there is so much good stuff in this book that even with taking notes, i will need multiple reads to really put his teachings into practice.
i recently blogged about having a weird form of writer's block. i've got all these ideas and am having trouble taking the next step into developing a story. well, "story" may be just what i needed. in the book, mckee addresses the issue of writer's block and even suggests a good cure: research. in a round about way, reading "story" is like the research i didn't realize i needed.
mckee really digs deep when breaking down the elements that make up a story. it's philosophical and practical at the same time. it really makes you think. the examples he uses from popular movies, both old and new, really helps to paint the picture. i doubt i will ever put to use all of what he teaches, but it really is a good read. i highly recommend this book for all you writers. plus.... he quotes john carpenter! what's not to love?
p.s. thanks to andrew for turning me on to this great book!
i recently blogged about having a weird form of writer's block. i've got all these ideas and am having trouble taking the next step into developing a story. well, "story" may be just what i needed. in the book, mckee addresses the issue of writer's block and even suggests a good cure: research. in a round about way, reading "story" is like the research i didn't realize i needed.
mckee really digs deep when breaking down the elements that make up a story. it's philosophical and practical at the same time. it really makes you think. the examples he uses from popular movies, both old and new, really helps to paint the picture. i doubt i will ever put to use all of what he teaches, but it really is a good read. i highly recommend this book for all you writers. plus.... he quotes john carpenter! what's not to love?
p.s. thanks to andrew for turning me on to this great book!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
final thoughts - "FRIDGE"
When one of my closest friends (and actor in the short) came up with the idea for "Don't Look in the Fridge", I was elated to be given the opportunity to make it a reality. "Fridge" was not only my directorial debut but also my first opportunity to perform duties in cinematography. Lighting for a cinematic feel and proper mood were of importance for this story.
Principle photography occurred over two afternoons and was shot with a consumer camera (Canon HV20). It was edited on a MacBook Pro using Final Cut Studio 2. With my team of friends and family, I feel I was able to accomplish my goals and am proud of my first short film effort.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Reading's for wussies...
[Note: Originally written Feb 23, 2008, see update after entry]
Not really, but I once believed that. Growing up watching my sister lounge around the pool or house with book in hand, I never understood why someone would want to spend their time reading. I felt that I should be outside being active rather than just sitting there flipping pages. Even watching movies (which I did a lot of) took less time than reading.
I suppose much of my prejudice came from the fact that I am a slow reader. Because of this, I found myself reading a lot of comics (the pretty pictures!). "Ghost Rider" was my poison and I read everything related to the Midnight Sons that I could get my hands on. As I've gotten older, I have come to appreciate lounging in the sun doing squat, zilch, and notta, and have therefore learned to enjoy a good book. Now that I'm writing again, I want to read, too. I suppose it comes with the territory.
A few years ago a friend lent me his copies of a trilogy by a very talented lady named of Jeanne Kalogridis. Her vampire trilogy, "The Diaries of the Family Dracul", rival any vampire story written or filmed. The story is told through journal entries of various characters and is exceptionally written. Everything is so detailed and alive. Kalogridis expands on "Bram Stoker's Dracula" by setting the first book in the trilogy 50 years before that legendary tale. By the time you reach the third book, the story begins to overlap that of Bram Stoker's.
Shortly after finishing "The Diaries of the Family Dracul", I found myself reading a series of books about a boy wizard by J.K. Rowling. Maybe you've heard of him? "Harry Potter" needs no introduction. It's one of the greatest series of novels ever written and a true generation bender. I started reading Harry Potter when I was 27 and my mom, who was approaching 50 at the time, had started years before me! Even that guy from Maine reads Potter.
Despite having seen almost all of his movie adaptations, I am a newcomer to the written world of Stephen King. It only took one novella ("The Mist") to make me a lifetime fan. I absolutely adore his writing style. I really enjoy his short stories and I highly recommend his book, "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" to any beginner or established writer. It's a fun read. I've also recently discovered Clive Barker's books, which I thoroughly enjoy. "Books of Blood" is a must read for any horror fan.
There are a few other horror authors that I'm eager to try (Laurell K. Hamilton, Brian Keene, etc.), and I just purchased "Sharp Teeth" by Toby Barlow, which I can't wait to sink my teeth into.
So, in closing, I suppose I have to either fess up to being a wussie or stop reading. And I ain't no wussie. Or a quitter.
We'll call it a draw.
[Update: I'm happy to report that after writing this entry a year ago, I have read even more books! In fact, I started the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton and read the first 7 books in 4 months. It's a great series!
I've also read numerous books on filmmaking and screenwriting. Everything from Lloyd Kaufman's "Make Your Own Damn Movie" to Robert McKee's "Story". I'm currently reading "Save the Cat! The Last Book On Screenwriting That You'll Ever Need" by Blake Snyder.
To say I have found an interest in books, especially self-help books, is an understatement.]
Not really, but I once believed that. Growing up watching my sister lounge around the pool or house with book in hand, I never understood why someone would want to spend their time reading. I felt that I should be outside being active rather than just sitting there flipping pages. Even watching movies (which I did a lot of) took less time than reading.
I suppose much of my prejudice came from the fact that I am a slow reader. Because of this, I found myself reading a lot of comics (the pretty pictures!). "Ghost Rider" was my poison and I read everything related to the Midnight Sons that I could get my hands on. As I've gotten older, I have come to appreciate lounging in the sun doing squat, zilch, and notta, and have therefore learned to enjoy a good book. Now that I'm writing again, I want to read, too. I suppose it comes with the territory.
A few years ago a friend lent me his copies of a trilogy by a very talented lady named of Jeanne Kalogridis. Her vampire trilogy, "The Diaries of the Family Dracul", rival any vampire story written or filmed. The story is told through journal entries of various characters and is exceptionally written. Everything is so detailed and alive. Kalogridis expands on "Bram Stoker's Dracula" by setting the first book in the trilogy 50 years before that legendary tale. By the time you reach the third book, the story begins to overlap that of Bram Stoker's.
Shortly after finishing "The Diaries of the Family Dracul", I found myself reading a series of books about a boy wizard by J.K. Rowling. Maybe you've heard of him? "Harry Potter" needs no introduction. It's one of the greatest series of novels ever written and a true generation bender. I started reading Harry Potter when I was 27 and my mom, who was approaching 50 at the time, had started years before me! Even that guy from Maine reads Potter.
Despite having seen almost all of his movie adaptations, I am a newcomer to the written world of Stephen King. It only took one novella ("The Mist") to make me a lifetime fan. I absolutely adore his writing style. I really enjoy his short stories and I highly recommend his book, "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" to any beginner or established writer. It's a fun read. I've also recently discovered Clive Barker's books, which I thoroughly enjoy. "Books of Blood" is a must read for any horror fan.
There are a few other horror authors that I'm eager to try (Laurell K. Hamilton, Brian Keene, etc.), and I just purchased "Sharp Teeth" by Toby Barlow, which I can't wait to sink my teeth into.
So, in closing, I suppose I have to either fess up to being a wussie or stop reading. And I ain't no wussie. Or a quitter.
We'll call it a draw.
[Update: I'm happy to report that after writing this entry a year ago, I have read even more books! In fact, I started the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton and read the first 7 books in 4 months. It's a great series!
I've also read numerous books on filmmaking and screenwriting. Everything from Lloyd Kaufman's "Make Your Own Damn Movie" to Robert McKee's "Story". I'm currently reading "Save the Cat! The Last Book On Screenwriting That You'll Ever Need" by Blake Snyder.
To say I have found an interest in books, especially self-help books, is an understatement.]
Friday, March 6, 2009
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