Wave bye bye to the TADL. In the future, M3 may be at the Library for special events (like test screenings – see below) but Dan Kelly got his wires crossed when he thought we could set up a consistent meeting schedule there. Turns out that we can’t, so we’re moving. Where? Thanks to Joe Carter, Scott Tompkins and Mark Dragovich, we’ve got options! Stay tuned.
At the August 24 meeting, David Marek gave us an hour+ tour of the making of his feature narrative, Somewhere West. He spoke about organizing and financing the project, pre-production, rehearsals, production and post using both behind the scenes photos and clips from the completed movie. Thanks David! Here’s the video at the M3 youtube channel.
Mark Dragovich proposed that M3 meetings include a Regional Project Report of productions planned or happening in and around Michigan. By aggregating information from the Michigan Film Commission, Below the Line and our own growing network, we’ll find opportunities for work/experience and be pro-active about getting involved. The report could also identify visiting VIPs for M3 meetings. We asked Mark to be our aggregation czar for the time being, but we need zealous minions. Scott Tompkin’s legions, report for duty!
Let’s talk about test screenings – that where the audience watches a movie and gives feedback afterwards with a paper questionnaire and a discussion. The facilitator of the discussion typically has nothing to do with the film, that way the audience is more likely to give useful feedback – they aren’t worried about hurting anyone’s feelings. It’s assumed that the movie’s director / producer are not present though they may hide in the audience – anonymous and silent.
Not only can we make movies, but with solid feedback we can make our movies better. Since test screenings are an important resource for our community, Dan Kelly proposed this as an M3 initiative.
After the meeting, Jeff called Dan with the news that there was a test screening at the State Theater theater the very next day! Wow, right after deciding what we need, the cosmos hands it to us. Talk about service!
The movie was the doc Bill W. about the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Audience members received either a blue or white questionnaire. Those who got the blue ones stayed for a focus group, which was fascinating. The audience enjoyed talking about the movie and the filmmakers got lots of great information about what was and wasn’t working. If we want to advance our craft and get better at what we do, figuring out how to do this as a community would be amazing. Get in touch if you’re interested in organizing / facilitating test screenings.
Finally, Dan Kelly is hiring… sort of. I’m building a rotoscoping After Effects team and am offering training with low pay to start. If you’re interested in motion graphics and/or are already involved in VFX work, please contact me – doorbell at tricksterpictures dot com. If you can translate that into a viable email address, you’ve passed the first test. I’m also looking for folks in Benzie County who’d like to intern, strong interest in the visual arts recommended. That’s my contribution to the Regional Project Report Drago!
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday September 28 at a location TBA, 6:30-8:30. 15 days from now – see you there!