Film Method

The Ronalds brothers join us for this episode to announce the release of their new film The Graves, which was one of eight films selected for the Afterdark Horror Fest this year. The film had a 40 screen release and is playing through the end of this week. This filmmaking duo produce and act in films when they are not writing and directing their own. The brothers have created their own "Hollywood" in Phoenix, Arizona, which is where they make most of their films. Ronalds Brothers Episode Guests Brian & Dean Ronalds- Filmmakers The Ronalds Brothers (Brian & Dean), owners of Ronalds Brothers Productions are passionate filmmakers culminating in a string of award-winning, audience favorite feature length and short films. Their uncanny knack for marketing, and generating excitement has made them among the most exciting up and coming filmmakers. Their film they directed and produced Netherbeast Incorporated was released nation wide in 2009 as well as writing for Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns Season II. More recently their film they produced and co-star in, The Graves hit theatres in January 2010. Also, their new comedic web series they wrote, produced and directed will be released QTR 1 of 2010 starring Judd Nelson and co-starring Traci Lords and Alexis Arquette. Bill Lippincott- Actor/Editor A veteran of theatre and IO West's main stage, Bill also works in commercials, TV, new media & film. You can currently see him in Twisted Pictures upcoming The Tortured, Brian Pulido's The Graves and Blank Page Entertainment's H4J. A maker of short films, such as Saft, which is currently finishing up it's festival run. Bill can also be found as an editor for hire. Bill digs working with the Ronalds Bro's and this podcast! For more information about Bill or to contact him, visit his website at www.BillLippincott.com Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here.

January 29, 2010 We've got a special podcast today with the makers of the new film The Graves. Brian and Dean stop by the show to talk about their new movie that was released in theatres today!

The sound design on a film is more important than most people realize. Of course it's not until you hear bad sound that you realize how important it is for it to be good. Craig Polding joins us to explain the different roles in the sound department and he also gives some good tips on preparing your production for good quality sound. Episode Twenty-Five Guests Craig Polding- Sound Designer Craig Polding grew up in Ohio where after graduating from high school he attended The University of Akron receiving his degree in English Literature. Craig had the opportunity to travel, backpacking through Europe for 2 months taking in the wonderful colors of the European culture. Craig has always had a love of music and sound and had played in several bands before discovering his true love of Sound Design through a musician friend. He quickly enrolled at Video Symphony in Burbank and studied the art of Sound Editing and Design. Craig has worked on short films, animation, documentaries and feature films as a freelance Sound Designer and Sound Editor as well as for several post audio facilities. Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here.

Wait a minute, a show about post-production during our pre-production season? Wha? Before you write us off as crazy loons just hold up a second and listen to reason. In order to save time and money during post you will need to consult your post-production team during pre-production to make it easier for your editor to properly handle the camera work-flow. Episode Twenty-Four Guests Mark Fletcher- Online Editor/Post Production Supervisor Mark Fletcher was raised in central Maine, and spent most of his childhood tinkering with computers. In college, he joined the digital filmmaking revolution, and switched his major from computer science to media arts. After working on a number of projects for both television and theatrical release, he discovered that his passion was in post production. Being a techie at heart, Mark very much enjoys online editing and digital intermediate work, and he loves finding ways to use new technology to help aid the visual storytelling process. In recent years, he has gravitated towards the role of post production supervisor, and he is also an Avid instructor at Video Symphony in Burbank, CA. To find out more about Mark or to contact him, please visit his website at www.postcrew.com Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here.

Ever wonder what the difference is between a Director of Photography and a Cinematographer? The answer to that has more to do with film credits than the actual job description. Get ready for a tech geek out as we discuss the ins and outs of the DPs job during pre-production, which includes tasks such as hiring a grip and electric crew and choosing the kind of camera your film will be shot on. Episode Twenty-Three Guests Matthew Espenshade- Cinematographer Matthew Espenshade was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Arizona, endowed with a passion and zeal for filmmaking at a young age Espenshade became an autodidact of the cinema, studying and practicing film method with whatever tools he could find.  He moved to Southern California where he attended and graduated from Columbia College Hollywood where he discovered his desired focus of cinematography.  Since, he has exercised his propensity for the world of independent cinema by serving as the cinematographer on two feature length films and several shorts, commercials, and music videos whilst continuing to diligently immerse himself in both the technical and artistic aspects related to cinematography. Nick Oberlander- Cinematographer Nick was born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a concentration in Film and New Media and immediately moved to Los Angeles where he's been working as a Director of Photography, grip, electric, etc. He loves cameras and lights and pointing them at things. For more information about Nick or to contact him visit his website at www.nickoberlander.com Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here. [nggallery id=36]

Did you ever wonder who's responsible for all of the props and sets on a film? You may be surprised to find out that this person is actually responsible for the entire look of the film. Any visual element, which is pretty much every part of a film, has to go through the Art Department. Azra Ali shares a bit about her experience as a Production Designer and schools us on what exactly that means. Episode Twenty-Two Guests Azra Bano Ali- Production Designer Azra Bano Ali was born in Hyderabad, India and moved to the States at an early age. Growing up she enjoyed making home movies with her family and knew that is the direction she wanted to head in. She attended Penn State University's Film and Video program where she focused on Art Department in her last years. After graduation she moved to Los Angeles and has been working in the Art Department ever since dabbling in all aspects of the Department. She loves working in production and wouldn't work in any department other than Art. Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here.

Who better to advise on pre-"production" than a couple of producers? Jenna and Jeremy stop by to share their pearls of producer wisdom about preparing for one of the biggest projects of your life: your independent film! They also share a little bit about the new film they're working on called In the Darkness. Episode Twenty-One Guests Jeremy McGovern- Producer Jeremy McGovern was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado.  From a young age McGovern showed a knack for the arts and his interest was cultivated by his Grandmother (a prominent local artist).  In Colorado McGovern was accepted to and finished several rigorous art programs with honors.  After graduation McGovern took his first independent leap into the business world when he owned and operated his own successful business and founded a non-profit organization while attending Colorado State University where he studied Clinical Psychology and Biology. In 2003 McGovern relocated to Los Angeles.  Since his arrival in Los Angeles McGovern has been selected to be a part of the opening management team for flagship locations of several Fortune 500 companies as well as working as an independent contractor for smaller local upstart companies. While continuing to work McGovern returned to school to complete his film education and in 2007 graduated Magna Cum-Laude from Columbia College Hollywood with a double emphasis in Cinema and Television.  Recently McGovern co-founded Burning Bridge Entertainment with Producer Jenna Edwards and Director Andrew Robinson and wrapped principal photography on their first feature film "In The Darkness". Jeremy McGovern was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado.  From a young age McGovern showed a knack for the arts and his interest was cultivated by his Grandmother (a prominent local artist). After graduation McGovern took his first independent leap into the business world when he owned and operated his own successful business and founded a non-profit organization while attending Colorado State University where he studied Clinical Psychology and Biology. In 2003 McGovern relocated to Los Angeles. While continuing to work McGovern returned to school to complete his film education and in 2007 graduated Magna Cum-Laude from Columbia College Hollywood with a double emphasis in Cinema and Television.  Recently McGovern co-founded Burning Bridge Entertainment with Producer Jenna Edwards and Director Andrew Robinson and wrapped principal photography on their first feature film In The Darkness. Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here.

In this episode we welcome back our friend John Cones from Season One. John sheds light on some of the very important rules and laws about raising money for your film and he also talks about the filmmaker's obligation to his or her investors during the pre-production period. When should you start pre-production? When the money is in the bank. Episode Twenty Guests John Cones- Securities Attorney John Cones is a securities/entertainment attorney who has practiced in Los Angeles for eighteen years advising independent feature film producers and others on matters relating to investor financing of feature film and other entertainment projects.  He has prepared or participated in the preparation of business plans and/or the required securities disclosure documents, along with Blue Sky compliance for more than 250 such offerings during his 18 year securities law career, including public and private production-money offerings for feature films, television pilots, documentaries, infomercials, live stage plays and Internet companies. His clients have produced or distributed some 51 feature and documentary films with funds raised through such offerings. Mr. Cones also works with entrepreneurs on investor financing of business start-ups. In addition to several articles, he has authored six books on those same topics including Introduction to the Film Industry- A Guide for Students, Filmmakers and Scholars, Dictionary of Film Finance and Distribution- A Guide for Independent Filmmakers, Film Industry Contracts, 43 Ways to Finance Your Film, The Feature Film Distribution Deal and Hollywood Wars. He also hosts a Q&A Internet site about investor financing of entertainment projects at http://www.mecfilms.com/coneslaw/finforum.htm He is a member of the California and Texas bar associations. Mr. Cones resides in Westlake Village, California. For more information about John or to contact him please visit his website. Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here.

In our first episode of Season Two we talk to two heroes of pre-production: 1st AD and script supervisor. These two positions are crucial to the pre-pro phase of making a film. As we learn in this episode, the better prepared these two are for your production, the smoother the gears will run. Episode Nineteen Guests Elaine Gibson- 1st AD A born and raised Californian, Elaine was raised in a family of photographers, painters, and writers, so her passion for the arts started early on. An adventurer since birth, Elaine has traveled the globe seeking out the new and unknown in art, which has taken her to 4 different continents. Though she spent her freshman year of college at Iona College in New York, a fateful 3-month trip to China soon landed Elaine in UCLA's School of Film and TV. Despite studying to become a director, her constant need for a challenge and the joy of organizing choas lead her to assistant directing her peers' films. She graduated UCLA TFT in 2005, with an award in socially conscious film making, as well as numerous films as an AD under her belt. After working for the likes of Scott Rudin and John Daly, Elaine decided her passion really lies with independent film. Elaine's addiction to the unbridled energy of Indie sets, and the belief that working through challenges only make movies better, has time and again drawn her to the 1st AD's seat. Elaine currently works as 1st AD and Producer on independent films. Amy Arter- Script Supervisor Amy Arter grew up in San Diego. After studying at San Diego State University, Amy, who had always loved film but never thought there was a career in it for her, took a job in the art department on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 where fate placed her work station directly behind the Script Supervisor.  After a week watching the Script Supervisor work and finding out what the job entailed, Amy was hooked.  She immediately researched the job and was lucky enough to study under veteran Script Supervisor Robert Gary. Soon after her training, Amy started working as a Script Supervisor and has been working consistently ever since.  She has been a script supervisor on over 45 different productions in the film, tv, internet and commercial world. Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna, see the About page or click here. [nggallery id=32]

In our final bonus episode before Season Two begins, Jenna and Cindy discuss the importance of setting up your pre-production office. Join them as they read an excerpt from one of their favorite books, The Complete Film Production Handbook by Eve Light Honthaner. Links *Disclaimer: The following information is for reference only and should not be construed as legal advice.  Film Method shall be not be held responsible for the misuse of the following information.  Please check with your attorney when presenting or signing any legal documents. Standard Contracts Online File Folders Jenna's Insurance Provider Giovanni Cuarez Entertainment Insurance Broker Film Emporium Insurance Services 1438 N. Gower St. Box 72 Building 35, Suite 265 Hollywood, CA 90028 CA License: 0E52011 323-464-5144 323-464-7348 Fax giovanni@filmemporium.com www.filmemporium.com Templates All templates courtesy of Josh Garrell. Thanks Josh!! Call Sheet Template Cast List Template Crew List Template Episode Eighteen Guests Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna, see the About page or click here.

Continuing our Method Mate Series, Bryan McClure of Momentum Creative Studios joins us for another October bonus episode. In this episode Bryan talks about how he works with clients to design and develop the best website for their needs. We also discuss the importance of website search engine optimization for actors and filmmakers. Episode Seventeen Guests Bryan McClure For more information about Bryan, see his Method Mate page or click here. Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna, see the About page or click here.

In another bonus episode, photographer Sam Wells joins us to share his approach to his craft. From actor headshots to musician and lifestyle portraiture, Sam's objective to capture the essence of the subject's personality is evident. Sam is Film Method's principal photographer. Episode Sixteen Guests Sam Wells For more information about Sam, see his Method Mate page or click here. Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna, see the About page or click here.

In a special bonus episode we bring you an interview with Lost's Eric Lange. Eric plays Stuart Radzinsky on ABC's Lost and joins us to share what it was like to embody the infamous and very uptight Radzinsky. He also shares with us his experience working on a show with a very tight-knit cast and crew and even talks about schooling Jack Bender on the correct pronunciation of "RADzinsky" (emphasis on the 'Rad'). Eric Lange Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Eric graduated from Miami University with a B.F.A. in theatre.  After moving to Los Angeles, Eric began working on an extensive list of commercials, selling everything from burgers to beer.  Since then he has been seen on television guest starring on shows such as Entourage, Monk, ER, My Name is Earl, The West Wing, CSI, Criminal Minds, Without a Trace, CSI: NY and Burn Notice, amongst many others.  Most notable is possibly Eric's recurring character Radzinsky on ABC's Lost. Currently, Eric is starring alongside Al Pacino, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman in the HBO Film, You Don't Know Jack, playing the impassioned attorney who convicts Jack Kevorkian. When not acting, Eric composes music and checks his e-mail. For more information about Eric check out his IMDB page. [nggallery id=30]

Making a website for your film may seem like a no-brainer, but did you think you might want to create it during the development phase of making your film? It may seem too early, but it's important to know that it's never too early start promoting your film. Promotion doesn't just include a website, but it also includes branding your film and making your film's poster as well. Episode Fourteen Guests Andrew Robinson Unlike most filmmakers, Andrew Robinson never set out to become one. At the age of 13, Andrew and his family relocated to Littleton, Colorado where he would eventually attend Columbine High School. During his time at Columbine, Robinson fell into the dramatic arts and became a staple in school as well as local and statewide productions. However, the morning of April 20th 1999 changed all of that. April Showers marks Robinson's second feature length effort. Robinson and Edwards have recently begun work on their second feature film collaboration, an adaptation of Dancing Carl based on the novel by three-time Newbery Honor author Gary Paulsen. For more information about Andrew Robinson or to contact him please visit at www.aprilshowersmovie.com or www.dancingcarl.com Frankie Carranza- Printer Los Angeles native, Frankie N. Carranza is founder and C.E.O. of Indie Printing Inc. Frankie has over 12 years experience as a freelance graphic designer, and photographer. Before Indie Printing, Frankie worked several positions in the independent film industry as well as larger studio productions, which helps him relate closely to his clientele and their projects. Several years of real life experience in the industry provided a strong backbone for the overall identity, spirit, and creation of Indie Printing in 2003. Indie Printing is an eco-conscious printing company which caters to the independent mind on the independent budget. Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here. [nggallery id=29]

The task of raising money for your independent film can be a bit overwhelming. The good news is that there are professionals who are willing to help independent filmmakers foster relationships with investors. There are also attorneys who can help protect the creative types to ensure that laws are followed while raising money for their films. Episode Thirteen Guests John Cones- Securities Attorney John Cones is a securities/entertainment attorney who has practiced in Los Angeles for eighteen years advising independent feature film producers and others on matters relating to investor financing of feature film and other entertainment projects.  He has prepared or participated in the preparation of business plans and/or the required securities disclosure documents, along with Blue Sky compliance for more than 250 such offerings during his 18 year securities law career, including public and private production-money offerings for feature films, television pilots, documentaries, infomercials, live stage plays and Internet companies. His clients have produced or distributed some 51 feature and documentary films with funds raised through such offerings. Mr. Cones also works with entrepreneurs on investor financing of business start-ups. In addition to several articles, he has authored six books on those same topics including Introduction to the Film Industry- A Guide for Students, Filmmakers and Scholars, Dictionary of Film Finance and Distribution- A Guide for Independent Filmmakers, Film Industry Contracts, 43 Ways to Finance Your Film, The Feature Film Distribution Deal and Hollywood Wars.  He also hosts a Q&A Internet site about investor financing of entertainment projects at http://www.mecfilms.com/coneslaw/finforum.htm He is a member of the California and Texas bar associations. Mr. Cones resides in Westlake Village, California. For more information about John or to contact him please visit his website. Timothy Owens- Executive Producer Timothy Owens has been involved in real estate acquisition and syndications since 2000. Since that time, Mr. Owens has been the principal investor in over 40 acquisitions. He has extensive experience in raising capital and working with motion picture and real estate investors on the science and art of investing. Mr. Owens has a BS in Business Administration from the California State University at Fullerton. Mr. Owens also spent 10 years as a financial planner with a series 7 license from the SEC. Tim's career began with American Capital after graduating from CSUF with a Business, Finance degree. In 1992, Tim became a financial planner with IDS/American Express. He advised clients in many forms of investing and financial management and was registered with the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) with a Series 7 license. In 1996, Tim's career went corporate beginning with the gaming industry in Nevada and then with top Finance positions with companies such as GNC, Del Taco, Rubio's Restaurants and as CFO for Marshall Reddick Investments. Most recently, Tim is one of the founding members of EMO films. Most recently Tim was able to raise the funds for production and distribution of EMO Films' April Showers. Tim is also executive producing Ghoulishly Yours, William M. Gaines with partner Joel Eisenberg and John Landis. Tim and Joel are also the producers on the upcoming Road to Purgatory and Road to Paradise films, the authorized sequels to the Oscar-nominated The Road to Perdition. To contact Tim Owens please email him at tim@incomeandequity.com Jenna Edwards- Resident Producing Advisor For more information about Jenna see the About page or click here. [nggallery id=28]