IN SERVICE OF THE STORY

by Michael Chasin    Screenwriting Mentor, IAFT/Miami   One of the glories of the written word is its ability to span time and countless characters. One of luxuries of the written word is the ability it gives its readers to rest, reflect—and even re-read. Movies’ unrelenting forward motion—and two hour time frame—makes such reflection—impossible. Therefore, sweeping…

OBJECTS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

by Michael Chasin Screenwriting Mentor, IAFT/Miami   Film’s power is the result of that masterful mosaic of many distinct elements—story—acting—voice—visuals—colors—sounds—and music. An equally important element is production design—the overall look of a film. Within production design is set design—covering the space of a specific set. And within set design is set decoration—the objects/props that are…

APPRECIATING SCI-FI

by Michael Chasin Screenwriting Mentor, IAFT/Miami Film—as all art—can be not only about entertainment—but also about exposing its audience to new perspectives and ideas. I tried to keep this in mind when I was invited to serve on the Advisory Board of the new Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival (MiSciFi). While I was greatly…

Review: ENDER’S GAME

For younger viewers, movies are—the real world. With that responsibility, movies—while being entertaining—should also strive to cause critical thinking—and moral examination—in those young viewers. The film Ender’s Game does just that. Ender’s Game is set in a future where children are selected for high-tech warfare because—as the film posits—they are better able to learn, react,…

On the Loss of an Actor

by Michael Chasin Screenwriting Mentor, IAFT/Miami   The passing of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was a tragic loss to the creative community—and to the public at large. Over a twenty-plus year career Mr. Hoffman masterfully moved us in a wide variety of character portrayals. His very public mourning triggers consideration of how other contributors to…

THE OSCARS 2013, Part 2

by Pete Wassell    IAFT/Los Angeles   No love for Llewyn Davis?! I wanted to open with that because I wanted you to know my motivations.  To me Llewyn Davis was the one of the best films I’ve seen all year.  It tells the story of literally the most unlikable character you can imagine who…

IN CELEBRATION OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE OSCARS

by Michael Chasin Screenwriting Mentor, IAFT/Miami   There are few awards—in any endeavor—that carry the prestige of an Oscar. Oscar winner is a lifetime label—and it is said—good for a ten-year career boost. The Oscars themselves have become a cottage industry of red carpet fashions, ‘exclusive’ interviews, and preview shows—creating a celebration of the celebration….

THE OSCARS 2013

by Pete Wassell IAFT/Los Angeles   It’s that time of year again.  The Nominations are coming out tomorrow. I’m not a clairvoyant, but my crystal ball is twitching.  Having seen a great many films this year, and having liked a great many of them, I find it hard to nail down just who I think…

FOUR-WALL, Part 2

by Frederick Bailey Directing Mentor, IAFT-LA   Reading Michael Chasin’s blog here last week brought to mind those Billy Jack movies back in the ’70s:  Billy Jack (1971) and Billy Jack Goes to Washington (1977).  Tom Laughlin was writer/director/star. He couldn’t get distribution, so he four-walled it and made a fortune.  Which bank-rolled other projects…

A YEAR IN THE DARK

by Frederick Bailey  Directing Mentor, IAFT/Los Angeles   When I moved to Los Angeles in 1977, I didn’t know many people, so I spent a lot of time in movie theatres.  This was way before the arrival of VCRs and DVD players—not to mention Netflix, Hulu and YouTube.  That means the only way to see…