Long Live the Documentary Form

It’s an exciting time for documentarians and I am proud to part of this movement. I encourage all to take a look at two recent Variety articles that highlight the move from audiences to absorb the documentary form in new ways (predominantly streaming) and the artists who have evolved over time.

> Audience Demand for Documentary Features Grows Across Platforms

https://variety.com/2021/film/features/variety-entertainment-marketing-summit-marketers-1234954873/

> Variety Entertainment Marketing Summit Focuses on Future of Selling Dreams

https://variety.com/2021/film/festivals/documentary-features-1234955518/

Dubai Design Week: Ethnographic Installation

Dubai design week is not just for working professionals.  It is a celebration of art and design for the entire public sphere.  There are talks and workshops and exhibitions. There will be something available when you have time this week.

I was pulled away from my planned itinerary by a Ms. Paula Zuccotti. I will be documenting her documentation.  I will post an update later but, I want to encourage one and all to stop by while you have a chance to participate yourself.

For more information check out the website @DubaiDesignWeek:

http://www.dubaidesignweek.ae/2017-events-programme/every-thing-we-touch/

EVERY THING WE TOUCH (INSTALLATION)

Designed by Paula Zuccotti  // 13 – 18 November  // 10am – 9pm
Ground Floor, Building 6, Dubai Design District

Paula’s exhibition ‘Every Thing We Touch – Dubai Design Week’ will explore the cultures that make up Dubai, using everyday artifacts as the storytellers, and examining the similarities and differences of these objects. Many things we know about past civilizations are gleaned from the insights gathered through their objects.  Paula’s art of future archeology reflects on the customs, traditions and behaviours of the different people and cultures of Dubai through the physical footprint of the objects they interact with in a day.

SIDE NOTE FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT IN THE AREA >>>  keep your eyeballs peeled! Hopefully one day Paula will decide to visit and document the neighborhood that you live in – your family and friends.  She is on the move all over the globe so, when this becomes your reality, you must participate.

Live it : Twitter Updates

http://twitter.com/#!/beckbeam

Everything you need to know! All day through twitter OR on doc & a drink dot com ! Check out bottom right of the homepage.

Live IT : Looking to Buy a DSLR Camera?

DSLR in Documentaries – Matt’s Report from Silverdocs « Docs Interactive.

 

I am buying my first HDSLR camera package.  I found this article to be a good overview of things to think about…

Cheers,

bb

TIVA Event: Workflow for the AF-100 and 7D Cameras

This was my first TIVA event.   I didn’t even know they existed.  I’m a WIFV member but, this event was also promoted to “us” in addition to the TIVA members.  It cost $20.00 for non-members.  And I will note that it’s $100.00 to join the group, for a year,  at the basic level.  Overall – I was extremely impressed.  The food and mingle session was fantastic.  They had a good beer selection and variety of munchies.  Everyone was very friendly and approached me as a new face.  And above all these factors – the presentation was spot on.

For more about TIVA : http://www.tivadc.org/

On to the main event….

Summary:

DSLR and AF100 WORKFLOW
Presented by Matt Gottshalk & Matt Nagy
With the DSLR look appealing to more and more filmmakers, and with the
introduction of Panasonic’s AF100, dealing with these cameras’
sometimes unwieldy video formats and sound issues is often more
difficult than it seems at first glance. This seminar will hit on
pre-production considerations, field techniques, and finally how to
deal with this in the edit room, whether you’re editing on Final Cut,
Avid, or Premier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took many good notes comparing the AF-100 to the 7D cameras.  The presenters pointed out differences that I never even considered.  They actually had so much information for us on the work flow – we didn’t get to the post production presentation.  Maybe they will have a part 2?!

If you are into this topic I would approach the presenters.  They are reachable in many ways twitter, facebook, websites….

Bios:

Matt Gottshalk is the owner of McGee Digital Media, a visual
communications firm based in Alexandria, VA. As an award winning
DP/Editor, Matt was one of the first in the DC area to embrace
shooting video with DSLRs in both corporate and broadcast
environments. Matt co-authored the best selling book; “From Still to
Motion, a Photographers Guide to Shooting Video on Your DSLR”, and has
taught classes on Digital Cinematography at NAB for Future Media
Concepts.  You can learn more about Matt at www.mcgeedigitalmedia.com

Matt Nagy wears many hats as a Senior Specialist, Video Production at
the American College of Cardiology. He produces, shoots, edits, and
designs motion graphics for member-focused content. Most people know
Matt as a motion designer and one of the co-coordinators of WIFV’s
Animator’s Roundtable, but he has shot numerous projects on the RED,
Varicam, and DSLRs on both greenscreen and in the field. You can find
samples of Matt’s work on his website, www.matthewsnagy.com

5 out of 5 Cheers

— REVIEWER: Becky Beamer

What are you doing this weekend?

Doc & a Drink is going to the “Our City Film Festival”.  Our first stop is the opening night party tomorrow (Saturday). It’s open to the public — Join us!

It’s at RFD’s (810 7th St, NW) and everyone knows RFD’s has an excellent beer selection.  Katy and I will be interviewing some of the local documentary filmmakers.  It’s going to be a blast.  It’s only 12.00 and all the money from the festival goes back into the organization.  Buy your tickets online – they will sell out! See you there (8-11pm).

**** Celebrate the opening of the film festival with filmmakers and VIPs.

Enjoy beer specials, great raffle give-aways, and performances by

Grammy nominee, Arts and Humanities Council of Washington grantee

and subject of past OCFF film, Blue Line…

Then – this Sunday – is the main event.  The films are all about D.C. The festival is only on Sunday, at The Goethe Institute (812 7th St, NW).  For ticket information and a full schedule check the website:  http://www.yachad-dc.org/Home.shtml

AND – just added — is the closing event with the D.C Cupcake Girls…

Georgetown Cupcakes’ Sophie and Katherine will be special guests,

screening TLC’s Second Season of DC Cupcakes,Our City

hosting a Q&A, and cupcake decorating contest at the finale.

ONLY 10.00 to attend.  Buy tickets here.

 

5 out of 5 Cheers.

-becky beamer

Local docs at “Our City Film Festival” Feb 13

Totally Local at the “OUR CITY FILM FESTIVAL” Feb 12-13

Local docs are always fun – it’s fun to live somewhere that people make movies about. Makes you feel kind famous to see places you know in film.  Plus later when you meet the filmmakers you can have a real conversation about your city – and it’s not all awkward. I heart that.  Local docs = awesome.

And this weekend you can see some at the Our City Film Festival.  We got a sneak preview – and we’re stoked. Our City Film Festival is a fund-raiser for Yachad – a local organization that helps to rebuild and repair DC communities.   So, you can come watch movies and support your community.  Lovin’ your work!

So here’s your guide to the Film Festival for doc fans.

Saturday night, February 12 – opening party at RFD’s.

Local Grammy Award winning Hip Hop Artist Christylez Bacon performs.

Drink specials = Doc & a Drink will be there!

Sunday, February 13 – A full day of films at the Goethe Institut at 812 7^th Street, NW, Washington, DC

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.   Docs in Progress Screenings

Docs in Progress is a local group that teaches individuals the skills they need to tell their own stories.  (They taught me how to edit with Final Cut Pro – for the record).   These films will be “in progress” looking for some feedback – so you’ve got a chance to help some people craft their films and get involved in the community.

1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – is the Doc Block – “Our Docs”

Totally local filmmakers making films about

With local filmmakers including

“Community Harvest” – made by a pair of dudes from “Meridian Hill Pictures” ( how local can you get?) about a community garden in Columbia Heights.   Longer post on them later.   Photo above.

“Touch, Pause, Engage” – about the first African American high school rugby team – in NE Washington.  Director Jonni Masella.

“The Washington Redskins: Winning Years” by Walter Gottlieb.

Walter is one of those names I’ve know I’ve heard somewhere but just can’t quite place.  He’s an active WIFV contributor, a filmmaker with decades of local experience.  Very excited to see his work.

Then there’s a super awesome Closing Party

At 7:30 – 9:00 pm. With the ladies from the show “DC Cupcakes” (man, I can’t stop hearing about this show lately.) which I unfortunately, I have a condo board meeting and will miss – but if you can go – you can get CUPCAKES!

So that’s what we’ll be doing next weekend!

You?

–5 out of 5 cheers

–Katy Jones

The New Theater in Town. West End Cinema.

If you haven’t heard – there’s a new theater in my town.  And it ain’t no traditional multiplex.  It’s an art cinema – do you know what that means?  IT SHOWS DOCUMENTARIES!!!! In addition to other indie art films, this theater has a quite impressive line-up of documentaries, and it’s only its first month in existence.

Conveniently located at 23^rd and M Street NW, Washington, DC – West End Cinema promises to help enrich the local art film scene.  We went out to see a film there last weekend and I loved it.  A nice, intimate feeling – fancy beers on tap, friendly service, and oh yeah, documentaries on screen.  Sweet.

I still love E Street Cinema, and it remains to be seen if the market can hold two art movie houses in one town, but I have faith.  We are DC.  We like our entertainment smart.  We like our local businesses healthy.  We are one of the largest documentary film communities in the country.  I can’t wait to see more movies!

–Rock it.

–Five out of five cheers

–Kathleen Jones (Katy J.)

NEWS ::: ‘Crude’ brings to light Doc Rights

This is a very important issue for all documentarians and journalist alike.  Katy and I sat down to watch ‘Crude’ after we noticed the court case and freedom of speech/press issue associated with this doc.  Instead of my typical rant about falling asleep while I watched the film,  I want to rant about supporting a cause…. I urge everyone to get educated about this case and involved in supporting ‘our’ rights.

#01 > Follow the ‘CRUDE BLOG’ :

http://www.crudethemovie.com/crude-blog/

AND Check out the issue > ARTICLES:

http://www.documentary.org/content/crude-filmmaker-gets-support-open-letter-film-community

‘Crude’ Filmmaker Gets Support, Open Letter From Film Community

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/abraham/detail??blogid=95&entry_id=63132

Chevron-Ecuador filmmaker of Crude ordered to turn over footage

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/michael-moore-says-judges-ruling-could-have-chilling-effect-on-documentaries/?src=mv

Michael Moore Says Judge’s Ruling Could Have ‘Chilling Effect’ on Documentaries

http://www.crudethemovie.com/press-room/

Doc News > Joaquin Phoenix’s doc a HOAX!

The premise for the new Joaquin Phoenix doc entitled I’m Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix, has leaked to the press.  The verdict: It’s a hoax!  Last spring – he ran around town like a crazy person.  His actions only be explained as “bizarre”.  To top off the weirdness was the cameras following him around – headed by his brother-in-law Casey Afflack.

Plot Points : The film shows Phoenix snorting cocaine, having sex with prostitutes and simply falling apart in his quest to land a record deal. It shows him meeting with Sean Combs in a desperate plea to get him to produce his record album.

Best Review in One Sentence:

“According to the Los Angeles Times, those present at the screening were baffled by the on-screen weirdness (including a bizarre scene involving human feces and lots of male frontal nudity).”

2nd Best Review in One Sentence:

“This thing is starting to sound less like a Joaquin Pheonix mockumentary and more like a Nick Cannon biopic.”
Articles:

http://www.blackbookmag.com/article/the-joaquin-phoenix-documentary-is-obviously-a-hoax/18609

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/05/joaquin-phoenixs-rap-documentary-shocks-at-screeni.html

COCAINE – RAP STARS – PROSTITUTES – AND FECES – WHO DOESN’T WANT TO SEE THAT?

4 out of 5 Cheers – Live it Up!

– becky beamer