I gave some script notes for one 48 hour film team as they worked up the script – my buddy Jon’s team Red2 Productions. I think the finished product works very well indeed. (And man, there were some unexpected and unwarranted challenges they had to face along the way!) Here’s the entry:
(I think the opening is super-strong, actually – sets up character and motivation so deftly. And the bit of business 0:42 to 0:48 – that little reversal – works a dream. I would’ve cut that; Jon was right to come up with it in the first place, and to keep it in.)
Science laffs: another of that research genre “analyse something fictional, pretending it is real” uses Asterix and head injuries. The Daily Telegraph doesn’t get the joke. (It’d be funnier if this didn’t demonstrate how entrenched is the discourse that says scientists are clueless, disconnected from reality, and Spending Our Taxes. )
Interesting piece by Polly Toynbee on the word “chav” and how it perpetuates social division in the UK. Worth pointing out that “chav”, like the Scottish neds, aren’t just a mass of young people in general, but a distinct set with clearly marked clothing and behavioural choices, in the same way that goths are. So I don’t know if I buy the whole of this argument – but I’m certainly sympathetic to it.
Back from trip to Hastings, and into mad levels of busy right away. So only a short linky today.
Weirdest moment of week: listening to an episode of This American Life from a decade ago and hearing someone I know get interviewed. You should give this radio show a try if you haven’t already – it was the ‘Gator that introduced me to it, and I’ve been grateful ever since because it is reliably wonderful, insightful, empathetic journalism. The whole archive is free to listen – Kiwis might like to start with this one about How to create a job, given how much our govt’s job-creation promises have been in the news this week.
A friend in Syria sent me this summary of what’s been going on over there. Worth a read. I’ll copy it in full:
“Hey guys,
i know that some of you might not have the time to check on whats happening in Syria at the moment, so i’m gonna summarize it for you, i will try to make it as short as possible.
The uprising started in march and it keeps on growing despite the violent crackdown of the regime, the people are defiant and demanding the overthrow of the regime.
The death toll has exceeded 1400 including around 40 kids, more than 10000 imprisoned, many have died under torture including kids and old men, hundreds are still missing. more than hundred of army and police personnel also died, protesters and families accusing the regime of killing them for refusing to shoot at protesters, many soldier have defected but still not big thing that will turn the whole thing around.
Heavy security presence all over the country, half of the country came under attack and military deployment with tanks, thugs and security. many provinces still under siege.
No media is allowed in Syria, that’s turned all Syrians to be journalist and they are great, they film, provide information, risk their lives in ordered that the truth to come out.
Assad is still playing the trick of divide and rule and scare the people, he met during the last two and half months with delegation from each province(these delegation don’t represent the people), he is trying to make it look like local demands and not about freedom and democracy and at the same time to show Syrians that he is engaging in dialogue but he failed. He tried to isolate the kurds, he granted the citizenship to around 100 thousands kurds and some other things, but still they are protesting though they still didn’t put their complete weight into it and that for many reasons which i’m not gonna mention now for the length,(Kurds say to Assad: its about freedom and not citizenship). His latest trick, he offered a meeting with the 14 illegal kurdish parties in Syria, 3 of them declined, the rest said yes but later changed their mind after they felt the disappointment and the anger of the people. They stated they would meet in better condition, when things get better. These parties should always remember that Assad would have never offered meeting them if it wasn’t not for all these people who died.
The regime accused protesters of being sectarian, armed gangs, islamist, all sort of things but every time protesters show unity and were peaceful except for one time, they killed a Mukabrat officer after attacking them, i personally think that there might have been some incident were people killed security officers or soldiers. The amount of death, blood and torture is so shocking that might forced someone to take matters to his own hands, some people lost all their family members. but still people persist on being peaceful till the end and they will not fall into the trap of the regime and carry arms.
Reforms: some of the reforms are only on paper, lifting the emergency statues and abolishing the security court. The killing and arrest is worse than under emergency law. They offered more salaries, and eased the life of people when it come to some issues related to security permissions and some other things.They formed many committees to investigate the killing, issue parties law, media law, election law(though Baath party will stay the ruling party), all these committees are a joke and till now didn’t come up with anything but when it comes to killing they implement things very fast. People are saying overthrow of the regime and Assad says what about 1000 syrian pound more to your salary. His latest reform was so called “general amnesty”, they released some political prisoners who spend more time in person than their sentence. and a lot of criminals got out, he need more space to imprison the protesters and more thugs to attack people.
Thats enough for today, sorry its bit long.
Salam”
Something completely different – the winning mockumentary in the Edinburgh 48 Hour Film competition. Featuring my buddy Craig Oxbrow, who some of you met while he was in Wgtn last year.
From Jamie N – Supermonk! and relatedly, we can detect really really minute stimuli – but still we miss stuff. Why?
Another great Avaaz petition, this one about Bahrain’s brutal oppression of protest. Note the strategy on display, though – targeting not Bahrain, but a lucrative sporting event held there; and then, targeting just one team at the event, a prominent one with a major sponsor who plays the social media game. Avaaz has learned a lot of lessons as it’s grown so enormous over the past few years.
Far West transmedia project launches from Adamant (who did that awesome Chch relief RPG adventure) – wild west, steampunk, wuxia. Check it out just for the amazing art, stick around for the rest.
3 min short film w/ Eliza Dushku. Neatly done despite the video game violence.
It is 48-hour film weekend, when small teams of mad people make complete short films in 48 hours. In honour of the event I post once again my first 48 hour film. If you look carefully, you will spot me in my tiny role as the titular monster.
And the most recent one I was involved in, 2009 entry Dedication:
Huge good wishes to all involved this year!
Now, some linky. Yes I know there is loads of interesting stuff to blog about – not least the joys and challenges of fatherhood – but man oh man I am busy right now. And linky doesn’t need thinking, only sharing. I share for you!
Cool visual index of tricks used by MacGyver to solve adventure problems! Watch how the # of tricks in each episode flatlines in its later years.
Cop in the Hood – blog by a police officer in Baltimore. Wire fans take note.
I have this theory that I have bored many people with over the years: that one of the reasons NZ does so well creatively is that we are just the right size – big enough to have opportunities and space for people to grow their craft, but small enough to be incredibly densely networked with all the benefits that delivers. Case in point: The Adults, new music assembled by the front man of Wellington’s legendary rock group Shihad, but involving a who’s who of other legendary Kiwi musicians from all kinds of different genres and styles. And its obvious they are all really into it. (Also of note: whoever has been doing the marketing & promotion for The Adults has done a damn fine job of it.)
I’ve linked before to Mike at nonwrestler and his weekly link to a free music track. Now my fellow moose Billy has posted something about it so I don’t need to work out what to say, I can just link there. If you care at all about music and/or not having to pay for things, go see.
From many people, a lovely and sweet strip about being an artist.
US Center for Disease Control official website includes instructions for what to do in a zombie apocalypse (via Al Galloway). The domestication of the Romero-zombie nightmare takes another step, beyond Pride & Prejudice & Zombies and that time I saw a men’s toiletries kit in a department store branded as a “zombie survival grooming kit”. And I continue to be… not flabbergasted, but surprised. Because the zombie nightmare, which was born only in the 60s, is almost indescribably grisly and depressing. Unlike previously domesticated nightmares the vampire and the werewolf, which can both be swung into more palatable territory, the zombie story is deeply and unflinchingly sickening. It’s also inescapably a political nightmare. The prominence of the zombie in contemporary culture weirds me out.
Willa rolls on to her front. Then she gets stuck. It is like a metaphor for all of human endeavour.
Also, man oh man this week has been busy. Tired now. But linky shall happen:
Trailer for the newWgtn webseries Urban Numina, which releases its first ep this weekend:
Inevitable Doctor Who link: amazingly obsessive/devoted site tracking the fates of the individual Dalek props used in Doctor Who.
Just when I think I know all the geeky stuff about the Alien movies, something comes along that expands the horizons further than I could have imagined. The Alien theme music, disco remix.
Via Steve Hickey: Ten things screenwriters can learn from Aliens. Even though it gets some stuff massively wrong (e.g. Ripley’s motivation to go back to the planet), this is a nice reminder of how amazingly well-crafted this film is.
Hey 15-year-old self in 1991! It’s 2011 calling. Guess what! They made a movie out of Thor! THOR! With the big dots on his chest and the big red cape and the hammer! Yes, I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. No-one here saw that one coming either! And here’s the kicker: the director is Kenneth Branagh! I KNOW! No, I’m not kidding around! Truly. Yeah, you see, all those genre things that mainstream media despises? Turns out they win. Doctor Who is back and is incredibly popular. The Lord of the Rings gets made into films, too, and you’ll never believe who –
– what’s that? Star Wars? Um… we don’t talk about Star Wars.
From the Alligator, a recap of the last five years of Spider-Man comics continuity in the form of a Calvin & Hobbes strip. (Oh, comics, keep on being you!)
The royal wedding happens Friday evening NZ time. I think 90% of the nation is having semi-ironic viewing parties. It will be on in all the pubs. What is this I don’t even
You’ll want to read this chat with Wendell Pierce for what he says about being Bunk on The Wire, but the best bit is him talking about making Get On The Bus and working with Ossie Davis.
And finally, a sequel to E.T. that brings the scares!
(Worth noting: E.T. started out as a horror film called Night Skies)
Chicks With Steve Buscemi Eyes – you only need to see this once, and your fate is sealed for all time. (Via half the internet.) (Actually called “Buscemeyes”.)
