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/

Drink of the Week: Aperol Spritz

It’s the summer. I am isolated in the UAE and I am dreaming of a carefree summer. There isn’t a better drink to help you relax and feel happy than the Aperol Spritz. You don’t have to have any special equipment to get this drink “right”. This is the perfect drink to unwind once you spent some time working on your documentary.

Mix it as you like it. I prefer to include a squeeze of fish orange juice for a touch of sweetness since I use brut prosecco. This is the mix:

1) Aperol

2) Prosecco

3) Club soda

4) Slice of fresh orange

What is your summer fun drink? I’ll add it to my list.

Genre Bending? Yes, please.

Netflix’s six-part series, Wormwood, is brilliant. This is the documentary I’ve been waiting years to see hit popular culture.  Wormwood fits perfectly into the grey area at the intersection of fiction and reality.  And I am proud to argue against the critics who claim this series is anything other than the most inventive documentary they have seen in ages.

Before you jump to the conclusion that I am an Errol Morris super fan – check out my previous post on Gates of Heaven. I fell asleep and complained about the film being a waste of my time.

Now, back to the gushing …

• Impeccable story telling
• inventive camera angles (I read there were 10 per an interview)
• beautiful composition
• seamless transitions from collage, to text, to dramatic interpretation, to interview
• props for the continuous comparison to Hamlet
• excellent usage and collection of archival materials

I could go on and on but, I’m sure you are just about ready to sign on to Netflix and binge watch the series. So, without wasting anyones time :

DRINK PAIRING: Prosecco! This calls for a celebration.  Pass the bubbly.

SCORE: 5 out of 5 cheers.

Live it : FYI … DSLR – Pocket Dolly

DSLR News Shooter | Kessel on Kesslercrane – Jonah Kessel reviews the Kesslercrane pocketdolly v2.0. >> LINK

As I gather “DSLR gadgets” for a feature doc pitch shoot in September, I’ve come across some really great gear.  I’ll keep pointing out DSLR gear that’s not only aimed at the video shooter but, received excellent reviews.

Worth a look — the Pocket Dolly.

bb

Live it : A Year Traveling With the iPad

A Year Traveling With the iPad | Everything Everywhere: Around the World Travel Blog.

I found this article extremely helpful.  I will be using many of the author’s tips during my next documentary shoot in Europe during September.  I’ll let you know how that goes…

In the mean time, anyone else have iPad/iPhone traveling tips?

Live it : DC Beer Week 2011 (starts Sunday)

Everyone who is anyone should check out DC Beer Week this week (starting Sunday Aug 14th).  There are TONS are specials around the city.  Click the link below  for a map and calendar of events. Note: MIDWESTERNERS check out the specials on Wed (below).

DC Beer Week 2011 | DC Beer – Washington DC, Beers in DC, Beer, Bars, Craft beer, homebrewing, happy hours, beer tastings.

Here are a few highlights…

MONDAY AUG 15th : Ladies’ Night – Ladies Drink Beer for Free – 4pm
Belga Cafe – 514 8th Street SE, http://www.belgacafe.com

TUESDAY: AUG 16th:  All About Brews Trivia Night – 7pm

Bread & Brew – 1247 20th Street NW, http://www.breadandbrew.com
Think you know about beer? Put it to the test during Bread & Brew’s special all-beer trivia. Great prizes and beer specials all night long.

WED AUG 17th : Midwest Brewery Night at Smith Commons – 5pm
Smith Commons – 1245 H Street NE, http://www.smithcommonsdc.com
Smith Commons will be featuring breweries from a different region of the country for four different nights during DC Beer Week. Wednesday will feature breweries from the midwest. $5 pints, $15 bombers, and $5 regional themed small food pairings. The tentative brewery list for Wednesday includes:

Colorado

Avery Brewing Co.

Boulder Beer

Oskar Blues Brewery

Ohio

Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Michigan

Bells Brewery Inc.

Founders Brewing Co.

New Holland Brewing Co.

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Missouri

Schlafly Beer

Utah

Epic Brewing Co.

Live it: some Friday Inspiration

3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage… 
= a trip of a lifetime & 3 shorts called “move”, “eat”, “learn”  MOVE on Vimeo on Vimeo

This is a great example of “just doing it”.  If you haven’t shot and edited a short lately … this is your inspiration.

Bb

Live It & Drink It : Ale & Art Mural Tour

My brother lives in Philly – so I’ve been there quite a few times.  I’ve noticed the murals but, I didn’t realize the shear number of murals until it was brought to my attention.  I think this is a great tour.  I mean who wouldn’t like a little exercise topped off by a couple beers?

Runaway Photo: Ale & Art Mural Tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |… – StumbleUpon

 

 

 

 

 

Live It : Follow Doco Peeps on Twitter

These are fun people to follow on twitter …

THE DAILY NOTEBOOK @thedailyMUBI

> Film news and tips throughout the day, every day.

ERROL MORRIS @errolmorris

> documentary filmmaker

ROTTEN TOMATOES @rottentomatoes

> Unite the critics, inform the world.

KevinSmith

@ThatKevinSmith Body? L.A. Mind? N.J.

It begins with me covered in sperm, trapped in my old man’s balls. Then, suddenly… ESCAPE!

4. Judd Apatow

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2011/06/4-filmmakers-use-social-media-to-crowdsource-their-stories166.html

Twitter has become an immediate, collaborative tool for many filmmakers on and off the set. To help write jokes for his speech at the Producers Guild Awards, Judd Apatow hit up his community of followers. Apatow (“Bridesmaids,” 2011, “Knocked Up,” 2007) included this joke from @omitofo: “Inception is really about Hollywood. Everyone’s constantly trying to ruin your dreams so they can make a buck.” Follow Apatow on Twitter (@JuddApatow) and tell him a joke. If you’re lucky, he may just use your creation to amuse and entertain others.

Watch it : HBO Summer Doc Preview

‪HBO Documentary Films Summer Series: Directors Piece (HBO)‬‏ – YouTube.