You’re halfway through pre-production and the storyboards just don’t look right, even though you’ve re-done them three times.

The script isn’t working. Try what you may, it just isn’t working.

A list of props that need to be made stares you in the face. What should they look like? Your brain refuses to function.

These are places when it is easiest to say, “Forget this, I’m going to go read a book.” True, you could plunge on ahead and make yourself do them, but, for goodness sake, it’s not FUN! Isn’t this life-consuming production we call amateur movie-making supposed to be fun? If not fun, at least semi-enjoyable. I mean, who wants to burst into tears over a sketch of a medieval table? (And no, I have not personally done that one. Yet.) [Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Books by Rebekah
2 Comments »

Here’s the fourth video in a series on stage fighting from the book Combat Mime by J. D. Martinez. Today, we’ll show you how to fake a punch. Here are the other three in case you missed them.

Combat Mime Video 4 — Faking a Punch from Phantom Moose Films on Vimeo.

You can also watch the video on YouTube.
[Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Books, Video by Jordan
No Comments »

Here’s the third video in a series from the book Combat Mime by J. D. Martinez. Today, we’re demonstrating an shove. Here are the other two in case you missed them.

Combat Mime Video 3 – Shove from Phantom Moose Films on Vimeo.

You can also watch the video on YouTube.

[Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Video by Jordan
No Comments »

Have a look at our new dolly. It’s got everything! It’s made out of aluminum, has shock absorbers, built in accessory pouch, and it folds up for easy transport. You could even mount a jib on this thing!

New dolly.

Tags: Blog by Jordan
2 Comments »

I’d like you to meet a little voice. He’s not a very good friend of mine, but he does serve a useful purpose. He is the Voice of Realism and he pops up everywhere. Trouble is, he’s easy to ignore. He asked me to tell you something for him. It is, quite simply, “Listen.” When you’re reading a script, listen for him. When you’re getting ready to film something, listen! Can you hear him now?

“Sure, a sea-faring adventure movie is great, but if all you have is two plastic ships and a bathtub, you might want to reconsider.”

“Crashing through a window? Nice touch for an action sequence, but if it’s done wrong it looks really cheesy.” (iSundae anybody?)

“Spaceships whooshing past the camera would look cool, but not if the animation is poorly done, or the blue screen gets fuzzy.”

Does he sound familiar? The Voice that warns us when we’re getting in over our heads. Why is it so easy to block him out? [Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Tips and Tricks by Rebekah
1 Comment »