Member articles
The rise of youth-centric “Jesus People”
By: Dennis Harvey for Variety
Half a century ago Hollywood was frantically trying to figure out the newly-dominant “youth market.” Since some of that market had recently found Jesus, there was a brief spate of related films: Zefferelli’s hippie-fied St. Francis biopic “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” adapted stage musicals “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell,” the Billy Graham-produced “A Time to Run” chief among them. But as the “Jesus Movement” got absorbed into more mainstream institutions, the brief vogue flickered out.
Ten Things To Remember Your First Day on a Film Shoot
By: Phil Cooke
After decades working in the industry, I’m still amazed at the clueless production assistants that manage to get hired on video and film productions. No matter how low you are on the food chain, you’re there for a reason, and people are watching. So to make sure your first day isn’t your last day, and with a hat-tip to DP and Director Brad Knull, here’s 10 things you should never forget:
- Show up early. You’re the new kid, and nobody’s going to wait for you. Show up on time or don’t show up at all – even if it means you leave 2 hours early in case of traffic.
- If the producer, client, the assistant’s assistant, or anyone else is carrying more equipment than you, you’re doing it wrong. Enough said.
- Bring a rain coat, flashlight, protein bars, cab fare, mobile phone charger – and anything else you can think of – because Murphy’s Law is real .
My Conversation With Filmmakers About Brain Surgery
My Conversation With Filmmakers About Brain Surgery
By: Phil Cooke
When I teach filmmakers or speak at conferences, I invariably get one person who tells me that their passion is to produce a movie, and want my advice. Great. I couldn’t be more thrilled. But then I ask the big question:
“What training do you have?”
The answer? “None.”
So I follow up:
“Are you going to attend film school?”
“No – that takes too long.”
“Are you planning to move to Hollywood or New York?”
“I don’t want to move.”
“Are you working on an internship, or working as a filmmaker’s assistant?”
“No. I need a paid job.”
“Have you taken an online course?”
“No, they’re too expensive.”
“Have you written, or have you acquired a script?”
“No.”
“Do you have a plan?”
“No. That’s why I need your advice.”