Massachusetts
Reasons for the Cutting Room Floor
Mike Sullivan learns some lessons from Hollywood editor Carol Littleton, at a new monthly film series in Boston.
December 19th, 2011 | Mike Sullivan
An editor's technical toolbox may have changed since the 80s but there are still lessons to be learned from classic ensemble dramas like The Big Chill. All those adults in one kitchen, dancing? Editor Mike Sullivan caught up with editor Carol Littleton to ask how she cut that scene and about the significance of leaving Kevin Costner on the cutting room floor.
It’s not every day that you get an opportunity to speak with one of Hollywood’s premiere film editors. If you ever have the means, I would highly recommend it. For those in the Boston area, the means may be closer than you think.
"Losing Control" Melds Science and Romance
Staff writer Maddy Kadish caught a screening of "Losing Control" and suggests you do, too.
May 10th, 2011 | Maddy Kadish
Thanks to the candid film journal written by Valerie Weiss throughout the making of Losing Control, The Independent had an insider's view throughout its production. Now it's screening at venues throughout the US and Maddy Kadish explains why it's must-see viewing.
When describing their work, directors often talk about their need to reveal the truth. In her narrative feature Losing Control, scientist-turned-filmmaker, Valerie Weiss, shows us how both science and filmmaking involve the pursuit of truth.
Lessons in Perseverance
Print journalist Geoff Edgers takes a turn as a documentarian with "Do it Again," about his tireless effort to reunite the Kinks.
September 23rd, 2010 | Erin Trahan
What if your favorite band had separated and you could be the reason they reunited? What if you could convince Sting to sing and play guitar with you backstage? Music journalist Geoff Edgers dared to dream and from those dreams came his first documentary, Do it Again. He discussed the making of with The Independent's Erin Trahan.
With latent teen rocker angst and a career as a print music journalist threatened to the point of extinction, Geoff Edgers hit mid-life determined to shake things up. Part one of his plan: get the Kinks back together after a decades-long split between the band’s two lead figures, brothers Ray and Dave Davies. Part two: in lieu of a reporter’s notebook, bring a documentary film crew.
Film Journal: Survival Strategies During Production
While shooting Losing Control, director Valerie Weiss discovers that the right support system can trump location changes, technical difficulties, and anything unexpected.
April 7th, 2010 | Valerie Weiss
Lights fall and break, talent doesn't show, locations fall through. The process of making a film can be stressful. So, as director Valerie Weiss points out, it's helpful to surround yourself with a supportive family—both on-set and off.
In my last installment of my film journal, I wrote about the importance of pre-production for laying the groundwork for principal photography.
Case Study No. 3: "On Broadway"
Actor and producer Lance Greene talks about self-distributing "On Broadway" starring Joey McIntyre
April 8th, 2008 | Lynn Tryba
On Broadway, a movie about a working-class Bostonian’s attempt to stage a play in the back of an Irish pub, has received such a good response from film festival audiences around the country that the producers decided to self-release the film in Boston last month.
Funny Women
So Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner, and a filmmaker walk into a bar...the story behind "Making Trouble," a film about Jewish comedians
November 1st, 2007 | Ellen Mills
Bring together a group of women for an evening to appreciate the rich legacy of Jewish humor by female comedians, and what happens? They think what they’ve seen and heard is too good not to be shared. So they decide to make a film. Then one of them volunteers to foot the bill and, before the laughter fades, the Jewish Women’s Archive and it’s director, Gail Reimer, are producing Making Trouble, and introducing audiences anew to the incredible talents of Molly Picon, Fanny Brice, Sophie Tucker, Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner, and Wendy Wasserstein.
Sarah Silverman is the controversial comedian du jour. Her capacity to shock today's audiences may be distinctly Silverman, yet her career stands on the shoulders of several comedic foremothers. Her routines echo the boldness of Fanny Brice, the sexuality of Sophie Tucker, and the brashness of Joan Rivers to name just a few.
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A Walk in Their Shoes
October 1st, 2002 | Maya ChuriIn the past, documentary filmmakers making issue-oriented films that promoted social change had to pound the pavement to pull together activists, educators, and the average moviegoer, as well as tell an engaging story. But the web changed all that. A filmmaker can now reach a wide audience, provide a forum for discussion, direct viewers to organizations, and even make educational guides available online. But it’s not just the web’s inherent ability to promote social change that has filmmakers exploring its capabilities.
The Trailer for "On Broadway"
Filmmaker Dave McLaughlin self-distributed this film starring Joey McIntyre and Will Arnett
April 8th, 2008Filmmaker Dave McLaughlin self-distributed this film starring Joey McIntyre and Will Arnett
Kids Today
What can you teach students about media that they don't already know?
October 2nd, 2007The Independent's own Barbara Woloch, a program manager at Home Inc., a group that teaches media literacy skills to young adults, will be hosting two panel discussions on her work at a conference in Boston this weekend. Barbara's organization is partnering with MIT's department of Comparative Media Studies to host the event, which will look at the challenges faced by educators in a media-saturated world. To read more about Barbara's work, check out her inaugural blog entry "Kids Today".
Teen media, social media, instant messaging, podcasts – all terms I’ve become familiar with over the last three months when I assumed the role of program manager at a media literacy organization. At the time, I was terribly old school. I’m a woman of a certain age, one who remembers sticking two pieces of celluloid together with a bit of tape.
- Barbara_Woloch's blog
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