DoubleDownFilmShow

On tonight’s episode of the Double Down Film Show it’s another double-header of free film education. First up is Mike Nichols, Rental Coordinator from Abel Cine Tech, one of the premiere rental houses in NYC. We’ll be discussing everything you ever wanted to know about renting film equipment: rental requirements, what’s new and hot on the shelf, how to get the best deal, and more! We’ll also share our tips for preparing for the common issues that come up with vehicle rentals that we’ve only learned through painful experience. Next on deck will be David Ford from Gotham Digital, the video division of Gotham Sound, one of the most popular sound rental houses in New York City. David’s gonna help us continue last week’s dialogue about the revolutionary new Red Camera. We’ll give you a crash course intro to all things Red and see if we can get a little more perspective on the controversy and confusion surrounding the Red’s unique and challenging post-production workflow. The back door to film school is now open…listen and learn.

On this episode of the Double Down Film Show we’ll run down the latest tools, practices and trends affecting the film industry in 2009. From business to technology to production, the industry is constantly evolving. As indie filmmakers, we need to be ready to evolve with it. From the Red camera, to self-distribution, to live webcasting, we’ll tell you where we see it going. Are you in the right position to ride the next wave of filmmaking? Or are you in a position that’s going to be wiped out? Get our take on notable filmmaking trends that have taken shape over the last year and how you can position yourself to stay on the cutting edge of filmmaking. Also, email us your questions now for a new segment called, “Ask the Production Doctors”. If you are stuck at a certain point in the filmmaking process and need help getting over that hump...we are here to help you. Just reply to this message with a brief statement of your issue and we’ll respond to selected winners in future shows. The back door to film school is now open. The Double Down Film Show…Filmmaking Reality Starts Here.

It’s all about acting on this episode of the Double Down Film Show as we feature an exclusive and candid interview with actress Zoe Saldana who stars as Uhura in the new Star Trek film – currently #1 at the box office. In just a few short years, Zoe has gone from Double Down co-host Pete Chatmon’s indie hit, Premium, to starring in some of the hottest blockbusters out there including Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek, and James Cameron’s soon to be released $200 million 3-D epic, Avatar. How did she cross-over from up-and-coming indies to mega-budget hits? What were the challenges and rewards of working on a huge franchise film like Star Trek? And more importantly, how can you land the next rising star in your project? The answers to all these questions, plus Zoe’s candid advice for aspiring actors, will all be revealed. And on top of Zoe’s words of wisdom, we’ll open up the phone lines and chat room to take your questions about training, auditioning, and the craft of acting with professional acting coach Tracey Moore! Listen in and double down on your filmmaking career. It ain’t for fans, it’s for filmmakers. The Double Down Film Show…Filmmaking reality starts here.

Tonight on Double Down Film Show we talk to the founders of ThisThing Films, Marin Gazzaniga and Anslem Richardson, to hear about how they grabbed some filmmaker friends and a camera and made a web series that caught IFC’s attention. Their series ‘Like So Many Things…’ is not your typical web series – it looks good, sounds good, is well written, directed and acted and doesn’t have any high concept gags. In fact, IFC decided to put it on TV. They’ll be joined by ThisThing member Ben Insler. The series debuts on IFC May 26th.

On this episode we’ll be taking a look at Line Producers and Unit Production Managers with Producer/Unit Production Manager, Brent Morris. Brent Co-Produced Rob Zombie’s horror hit, The Devil’s Rejects, as well as the film, Monster starring Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron. He has worked as a producer or UPM on many other indie films through the years including, Smoke Signals, American Gun, and The Grand just to name a few. The writers and directors dream it up, but these professionals actually make it happen. From scheduling and budgeting to everyday production logistics, we’ll break down the art and craft of “making it happen”. Only on the Double Down Film Show...the back door to film school is now open.

Tonight on a special expanded edition of the Double Down Film Show we’ll be sharing a pre-recorded private webinar that gives some key tips and tricks to documentary and corporate production. What’s a ghetto light kit? How do you get good documentary “performances” from “real people”? What can you do in low light situations? What are some of the most helpful tools for doc filmmakers? The answers to these questions (and much more) will be revealed tonight in a special hour and a half episode. Join in the chat room to have your doc production questions answered live.

This week we bring you an exclusive conversation on music in film with composer Eric Lewis. Too often music is the last thing filmmakers think about, and when they finally start working with their composer, they don't know how to communicate clearly with the composer. Get your questions ready and be sure to tune in. If you want to make sure your questions get included, email info@double7film.com and we'll get 'em in. Otherwise call in, join the chat room, and bring a pen. We're gonna see if we can't get Eric to play something live on the air too! *** FYI: This is NOT a repeat episode ... Eric Lewis was scheduled for last week's show but could not make it ***

Creating compelling images is only one element of the filmmaking process, so tonight on the Double Down Film Show it's all about showing love to audio. In another double-header we will have two special guests who specialize in making films sound better. First up is renowned jazz pianist and composer, Eric Lewis aka "Elew", who has scored the soundtracks to Premium, Four Seasons Lodge, and provided additional music to The Great Debaters, not to mention burning up the keys at major music venues from New York City to Sundance to Milan and everywhere in between. We'll delve into some specifics on how to hire and work with composers as well as how music can be used to more effectively create emotion and engage your audience in a story. After that, we'll talk about audio post production with Peter Levin of Splash Studios who mixed Shelter, Dark Days, and web spots for BMW amongst many other feature and broadcast projects through the years. Topics dicussed will include how to hire a sound designer, prep for mix, and the unique contribution of sound fx and audio sweetening to the overall professional quality of a project. Also, tonight we will be giving away to one lucky listener a full copy of the brand new instructional double DVD set, Down and Dirty DV's Audio Crash Course, a $99.00 value!

On the next Double Down Film Show we’ll examine the conundrum of achieving high production value with limited resources with some emerging filmmakers who are creatiung some buzz with their latest projects. Rashaad Ernesto Green is an actor turned filmmaker whose film, Premature, just took second place at the NYU First Run Film Festival. He was just named by Indiewire Magazine as one of “Ten Exciting New Voices in Black Cinema”. We’ll also be speaking with Director, “Black Magic” Tim and D.P., Eric McClain of RVI Motion Media and Cyberstorm Digital about the secrets to their success in shooting the new low budget big-action sci-fi series “Vector 2033” using the latest greenscreen and CGI technology.

Tonight on The Double Down Film Show we’ll have a conversation with legendary modern B-movie director, Lloyd Kaufman. Co-founder and president of Troma Entertainment, arguably the longest-running independent film studio in the world. Lloyd has operated outside of the studio system for more than 40 years, writing, directing and producing outrageous low-budget independent films that have influenced a generation of directors including Peter Jackson, Eli Roth and Quentin Tarantino. FAIR WARNING: There WILL be some offensive content for everyone.

On the next Double Down Film Show, we’ll be having an in-depth discussion with veteran Oscar-nominated Editor/Producer Sam Pollard. Over 30 years, Sam has won both Emmy and Peabody awards for his work as an Editor and Producer. He is a frequent collaborator with director Spike Lee and has most notably edited 4 Little Girls, When the Levee’s Broke, Jungle Fever, Mo’ Better Blues, and many more quality thought-provoking films. We’ll be discussing Sam’s editing and producing process, the director/editor relationship, advice for aspiring editors, and serving up more real-world practical filmmaking advice. The Double Down Film Show ... Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!

Making a film is only the beginning of the story. After the film, comes the film festivals. Getting people to actually SEE and RECOGNIZE your film is the next big challenge. On the next Double Down Film Show, we’re going behind the scenes to talk candidly with Karina Rotenstein, Programming Manager at HOT DOCS in Toronto and Leslie Vanderpool, Founder & Executive Director of the BAHAMAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, to get the inside scoop on the best filmmaker practices for festival success. From applications to promotions, we’ll break down the most important things to keep in mind when applying, screening or attending film festivals. “The Double Down Film Show…Filmmaking Reality Starts Here.”

On the next Double Down Film Show we will discuss the ins and outs of starting your own production company. The “show” is only half of the equation. Whether you are looking to shoot music videos, commercials or indie features, you’ve got to get your “business” right. We’ll help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls of incorporating, setting up a company website, landing your first clients, and more. Only on the Double Down Film Show -- Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!

Mel Damski has had a very prolific career in the director’s chair of some of the best new and classic TV shows ever including the hit shows: * Psych * Charmed * Boston Legal * Mash * Lou Grant * The Bionic Woman * Plus more than 60 more tv shows and movies! We will be discussing the mechanics of putting together a show, the television director’s process, how to prepare for a career in TV, the differences between television and film directing and how to navigate the studio system amongst other practical career advice for aspiring film and TV makers.

Pete Chatmon and Anthony Artis continue where last week's show left off. This episode will add more details for filmmakers about the best websites to use through pre-production, production, and post. Learn how to use the full power of Web 2.0 to prepare, produce, and promote your projects regardless of your budget. The Double Down Film Show...Filmmaking Reality Starts Here!"