Bailey, Jason. "A Beginner's Guide to Spaghetti Westerns." Flavor Wire. Flavor Wire. 9 April. 2013. Web. 26 Jan. 2014.
This is an article about the Spaghetti Western genre of film that was extraordinarily popular in the late 60s and early 70s. The article talks about the style of the Spaghetti Western as well as the general archetypes of Spaghetti plots. The article is a great resource for fans of Spaghetti Western fans and those interested in the genre. However, it is a general overview of the genre, so it does not dive too deeply into the specific characteristics and idiosyncrasies of the style. The article does not contribute much to my thesis. It speaks to a specific genre, not to plot and narrative in general, so I'm unable to use it in a direct and fundamental way. However, having a background knowledge of the genre is important in understanding certain archetypes that have shown up in films since the 70s.
Berger, Jesse. "The 3 Ingredients to Making a Successful Comic Book Movie Franchise." Business Insider. Business Insider. 14 Sept. 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2014.
In this article, Jesse Berger explains that if there is a compelling concept to kickstart the plot in a comic book film, if there is a character driven storyline, and if the plot follows the hero's journey, the Comic Book film has a good chance of being successful. Berger's article states obvious facts about successful films in an accessible way. The article, while simple, backs up my claim that the story is the major contributor to a film's success at the box office.
Brotter, Cody. "The Significance of the Screenplay." Student Pulse. Student Pulse. 2010. Web. 1 Feb. 2014.
Cody Brotter examines both sides of the argument; "is a screenplay the main ingredient for a critically successful film?" in this article. Brotter explains that one side of the discussion is that the screenplay is the blueprint for a film. Without a well-written and exciting screenplay, it is impossible to create an engaging and 'good' film. The other camp argues that the most critical aspect of the film depends on the what type of film it is and how the film is being produced. Some films rely on a director, others are anchored by the actors, others lean on the script, it all depends on the film. Brotter's article brings up an important point. Every film is a different creature, and it is important to take into account this creature when deciding what aspect is most significant. The article is important for my thesis because, while it argues both sides of my question, it acknowledges and highlights how films are all made differently. Every film is unique, and when looking comparing films, it is important to recognize and remember this.
Chmielewski, Dawn C. and Rebecca Keegan, "Why did Disney's 'John Carter' Flop?" Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. 13 March. 2012. Web. 22 Jan. 2014
In this article, Dawn C. Chmielewski and Rebecca Keegan explain the major reasons behind the extreme box office failure that was 'John Carter.' The article touches on the originality of the story and how lack of originality was a major reason behind the film's box office disaster. The article is pretty similar to the other articles on John Carter that I have found, so it was not the most useful source. John Carter, however, is a major case study for my paper, so the source is useful because it does provide some new information about the film that I haven't found in other sources.
"Christopher Nolan on Working with Actors," Youtube. American Film Institute. Web 1 Feb. 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDfU5PqoSOo
In this interview, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan speaks about a critical aspect of the director's job description, being honest with actors. Nolan explains that being honest with actors about everything that is going on on set is crucial, because as a director, you must create an environment where your actors feel both comfortable and well informed. Nolan's advice is incredibly important and fits right in with advice other directors I have researched give to aspiring filmmakers. Nolan is such a prevalent name in the film industry, so any piece of advice he gives most likely has a lot of weight behind it.
daSilva, Raúl. "The Critical Importance of a Quality Script." New England Film. New England Film. July. 2008. Web. 1 Feb. 2014
In this article, Raúl daSilva argues that the screenplay is the most important 'blueprint' when making a film. daSilva uses Alfred Hitchcock as an example of a director who spent much of his time in pursuit of finding the right script. daSilva explains that Hitchcock spent more time searching for and reading scripts than actually filming his suspenseful dramas. Finally, daSilva gives a brief step-by-step overview of the script-writing process. The article is useful for me in the scriptwriting sense because it provides a breath of tips, however, it is not especially useful for backing up my argument because it repeats a lot of information that I've gotten from previous sources. However, daSilva's insight into Hitchcock's filmmaking style is insightful and applicable to my own filmmaking pursuits.
"Director David Cronenberg on Working with Actors," Youtube. American Film Institute. Web. 1 Feb. 2014.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2PcdO7Da8k
In this video, David Cronenberg discusses techniques to use when directing actors. Cronenberg explains that the quintessential director stereotype is not an accurate portrayal of his, and many of his colleagues' work ethics. Cronenberg declares that a director doesn't have to be mean and humiliating, and stick to their exact vision, rather, they can and should collaborate with their actors. This video is incredibly useful for me. I have never worked with actors before, and as a director, it is something I need to become both comfortable and good at doing. I have found other videos of famous directors working with actors, and Cronenberg's interview fits neatly into the package of videos.
Empire of Dreams. Dir. Kevin Burns, Edith Becker. Prometheus Entertainment. 2004. Television
Kevin Burns and Edith Becker's documentary on the making of Star Wars is really great piece that steps behind the veil of the era-changing film. is really interesting because it talks about how and why Star Wars was successful. It also talks about the struggles George Lucas went through to get the films exactly how he wanted. The documentary, while interesting, didn't prove incredibly useful for my research. However, it provided great insight into the filmmaking process, a process that I am learning about in order to produce a short film of my own. A major piece of technical filmmaking information I learned was how editing impacts the pace of the film. Films in the pre-Star Wars era were usually paced by the actors. If the scene was energetic, the actors were energetic. Star Wars really took a different direction with pace. The idea was kept that if the scene was energetic, the actors would be energetic, but Lucas and his editors added a new component to the pace of the film. They decided that if a scene was energetic, they would also make 'energetic camera cuts,' and if it was slower, the cuts would be slower. With this change, not only were the actors dictating the pace of the film, but the camera now had a huge impact as well.
"Hard Scrambled Filmmaking: Working With Actors," Youtube. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCfCO2vM6HQ
In this clip, producer Jim Mercurio discusses working with actors on independent films. Mercurio explains the importance of specific language when talking and directing actors. He states that as a director there is a certain colloquial dialogue that must be learned. Mercurio also warns to never read a line to an actor how you want them to say it, rather, as a director, it is better to explain the emotions and motivations behind the line in order to evoke a more true and personable performance. Mercurio's words are important for any up and coming director. He gives advice on relating to actors and getting the best performance out of actors in an accessible and easily understandable manner that is of extraordinary value.
Keller, Michael. "Nominated for the Oscars but Failing the Bechdel Test." Aljazeera America. Aljazeera 17 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 Jan. 2014
In this Aljazeera article, journalist Michael Keller writes about the Bechdel sexism test and what 2014 Oscar nominees pass and fail the test. Created in 1985 by Alison Bechdel, "the test judges a movie on its inclusion of women" (Michael Keller). The article is insightful, because it brings awareness to a greater audience that women are still not being represented equally in modern media. The article is an interesting source, and obviously touches on an incredibly important and current issue, however, it does not really relate to my argument.
Rickey, Carrie. "Lindsay Doran Examines What Makes Films Satisfying." The New York Times. The New York Times. 13 Jan. 2012. Web. 21 Jan. 2014.
In the article, Carrie Rickey writes about Lindsay Doran (a prominent member of the film industry) and her pursuit for a formula that leads to a successful movie. Doran's conclusion is that audiences enjoy seeing characters share their accomplishments with loved ones. Rickey's article is really interesting because it examines what types of stories are most compelling for audiences. Yes, the article is about films, but it can be applied to other mediums as well. The article is highly beneficial for me in my research because it helps back up my claim that a good story/plot is what leads to a good film.
Ross, Scott and Scott Squires. "The State of the VFX Industry and Where do we go from here?" NAB SuperMeet. Las Vegas. 9 April. 2013.
This is a great talk that Scott Ross and Scott Squires give at the NAB SuperMeet in Las Vegas. Ross and Squires talk about the problems that face Visual Effects companies. They explain that long hours, little pay, and little recognition for work is crippling the industry. Major VFX companies like Rhythm and Hues are going out business even after working on huge blockbusters (Rhythm and Hues was responsible for Life of Pi). While the talk is focused on the problems facing VFX companies, it also talks in great detail about how VFX influence films and make them drastically better. The talk is useful for my thesis because it is a relevant and interesting counterargument. Ross and Squires present a great deal of information and 'artifacts' that demonstrate the impact that VFX have had on films.
Seymour, Mike. "Gravity: VFX that's Anything But Down To Earth." FX Guide. FX Guide. 8 Oct. 2013. Web. 26 Jan. 2014
In this article, Mike Seymour talks in great detail about the making of Gravity. Seymour explains how Alfonso Cuarón and his production team went to great lengths to develop new technology in order to film the major blockbuster. Cuarón had to create a giant room with walls made of video screens in order to create the effect that his actors were floating in an anti-gravity environment. The article really breaks down the process of filming this incredible piece of art. While this article is solely devoted to visual effects (VFX) information, it is useful to back up a counter argument to my thesis because it acknowledges the fact that VFX are incredibly important and prevalent in the modern film.
"Stephen Spielberg on Collaborating with Actors," Youtube. American Film Institute. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucalufZoCYY
In this video, directing legend Stephen Spielberg talks about collaborating with actors on set. Spielberg explains that many directors neglect to ask for the actor's opinion on scenes, and this is a huge mistake. Spielberg states that actors generally have a feel for what will look good and feel natural, so it is important to collaborate with them. Spielberg also talks about letting actors come up with their character's backstories. He explains that it is important to let the actors discover their characters rather than explicitly tell the actors everything about the character. Spielberg's advice is incredibly useful for me. He talks about opening your mind up to actors and collaboration. Collaboration does, generally, lead to great creativity, so Spielberg's advice is something I don't plan on overlooking.
The Substance of Style. Dir. Matt Zoller Seitz. Museum Of Moving Images. 26 Nov. 2013.
This documentary series on Wes Anderson is an incredibly interesting and influential source. It is a five part documentary that examines the major influences of Anderson's filmmaking style. The documentary examines different shots that Anderson has taken from directors like Orson Welles and Martin Scorsese. The documentary also looks at motifs that Anderson uses in his stories. The documentary is a huge resource for my filmmaking endeavor. It has shown me how to take other director's ideas and make them my own, and how to replicate different shots. Up to this point, I have not been able to find a video that so thoroughly examine's a directors style in both the technical and narrative sense. This documentary is one of the most, if not the most valuable source on filmmaking that I have found.
This is an article about the Spaghetti Western genre of film that was extraordinarily popular in the late 60s and early 70s. The article talks about the style of the Spaghetti Western as well as the general archetypes of Spaghetti plots. The article is a great resource for fans of Spaghetti Western fans and those interested in the genre. However, it is a general overview of the genre, so it does not dive too deeply into the specific characteristics and idiosyncrasies of the style. The article does not contribute much to my thesis. It speaks to a specific genre, not to plot and narrative in general, so I'm unable to use it in a direct and fundamental way. However, having a background knowledge of the genre is important in understanding certain archetypes that have shown up in films since the 70s.
Berger, Jesse. "The 3 Ingredients to Making a Successful Comic Book Movie Franchise." Business Insider. Business Insider. 14 Sept. 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2014.
In this article, Jesse Berger explains that if there is a compelling concept to kickstart the plot in a comic book film, if there is a character driven storyline, and if the plot follows the hero's journey, the Comic Book film has a good chance of being successful. Berger's article states obvious facts about successful films in an accessible way. The article, while simple, backs up my claim that the story is the major contributor to a film's success at the box office.
Brotter, Cody. "The Significance of the Screenplay." Student Pulse. Student Pulse. 2010. Web. 1 Feb. 2014.
Cody Brotter examines both sides of the argument; "is a screenplay the main ingredient for a critically successful film?" in this article. Brotter explains that one side of the discussion is that the screenplay is the blueprint for a film. Without a well-written and exciting screenplay, it is impossible to create an engaging and 'good' film. The other camp argues that the most critical aspect of the film depends on the what type of film it is and how the film is being produced. Some films rely on a director, others are anchored by the actors, others lean on the script, it all depends on the film. Brotter's article brings up an important point. Every film is a different creature, and it is important to take into account this creature when deciding what aspect is most significant. The article is important for my thesis because, while it argues both sides of my question, it acknowledges and highlights how films are all made differently. Every film is unique, and when looking comparing films, it is important to recognize and remember this.
Chmielewski, Dawn C. and Rebecca Keegan, "Why did Disney's 'John Carter' Flop?" Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. 13 March. 2012. Web. 22 Jan. 2014
In this article, Dawn C. Chmielewski and Rebecca Keegan explain the major reasons behind the extreme box office failure that was 'John Carter.' The article touches on the originality of the story and how lack of originality was a major reason behind the film's box office disaster. The article is pretty similar to the other articles on John Carter that I have found, so it was not the most useful source. John Carter, however, is a major case study for my paper, so the source is useful because it does provide some new information about the film that I haven't found in other sources.
"Christopher Nolan on Working with Actors," Youtube. American Film Institute. Web 1 Feb. 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDfU5PqoSOo
In this interview, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan speaks about a critical aspect of the director's job description, being honest with actors. Nolan explains that being honest with actors about everything that is going on on set is crucial, because as a director, you must create an environment where your actors feel both comfortable and well informed. Nolan's advice is incredibly important and fits right in with advice other directors I have researched give to aspiring filmmakers. Nolan is such a prevalent name in the film industry, so any piece of advice he gives most likely has a lot of weight behind it.
daSilva, Raúl. "The Critical Importance of a Quality Script." New England Film. New England Film. July. 2008. Web. 1 Feb. 2014
In this article, Raúl daSilva argues that the screenplay is the most important 'blueprint' when making a film. daSilva uses Alfred Hitchcock as an example of a director who spent much of his time in pursuit of finding the right script. daSilva explains that Hitchcock spent more time searching for and reading scripts than actually filming his suspenseful dramas. Finally, daSilva gives a brief step-by-step overview of the script-writing process. The article is useful for me in the scriptwriting sense because it provides a breath of tips, however, it is not especially useful for backing up my argument because it repeats a lot of information that I've gotten from previous sources. However, daSilva's insight into Hitchcock's filmmaking style is insightful and applicable to my own filmmaking pursuits.
"Director David Cronenberg on Working with Actors," Youtube. American Film Institute. Web. 1 Feb. 2014.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2PcdO7Da8k
In this video, David Cronenberg discusses techniques to use when directing actors. Cronenberg explains that the quintessential director stereotype is not an accurate portrayal of his, and many of his colleagues' work ethics. Cronenberg declares that a director doesn't have to be mean and humiliating, and stick to their exact vision, rather, they can and should collaborate with their actors. This video is incredibly useful for me. I have never worked with actors before, and as a director, it is something I need to become both comfortable and good at doing. I have found other videos of famous directors working with actors, and Cronenberg's interview fits neatly into the package of videos.
Empire of Dreams. Dir. Kevin Burns, Edith Becker. Prometheus Entertainment. 2004. Television
Kevin Burns and Edith Becker's documentary on the making of Star Wars is really great piece that steps behind the veil of the era-changing film. is really interesting because it talks about how and why Star Wars was successful. It also talks about the struggles George Lucas went through to get the films exactly how he wanted. The documentary, while interesting, didn't prove incredibly useful for my research. However, it provided great insight into the filmmaking process, a process that I am learning about in order to produce a short film of my own. A major piece of technical filmmaking information I learned was how editing impacts the pace of the film. Films in the pre-Star Wars era were usually paced by the actors. If the scene was energetic, the actors were energetic. Star Wars really took a different direction with pace. The idea was kept that if the scene was energetic, the actors would be energetic, but Lucas and his editors added a new component to the pace of the film. They decided that if a scene was energetic, they would also make 'energetic camera cuts,' and if it was slower, the cuts would be slower. With this change, not only were the actors dictating the pace of the film, but the camera now had a huge impact as well.
"Hard Scrambled Filmmaking: Working With Actors," Youtube. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCfCO2vM6HQ
In this clip, producer Jim Mercurio discusses working with actors on independent films. Mercurio explains the importance of specific language when talking and directing actors. He states that as a director there is a certain colloquial dialogue that must be learned. Mercurio also warns to never read a line to an actor how you want them to say it, rather, as a director, it is better to explain the emotions and motivations behind the line in order to evoke a more true and personable performance. Mercurio's words are important for any up and coming director. He gives advice on relating to actors and getting the best performance out of actors in an accessible and easily understandable manner that is of extraordinary value.
Keller, Michael. "Nominated for the Oscars but Failing the Bechdel Test." Aljazeera America. Aljazeera 17 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 Jan. 2014
In this Aljazeera article, journalist Michael Keller writes about the Bechdel sexism test and what 2014 Oscar nominees pass and fail the test. Created in 1985 by Alison Bechdel, "the test judges a movie on its inclusion of women" (Michael Keller). The article is insightful, because it brings awareness to a greater audience that women are still not being represented equally in modern media. The article is an interesting source, and obviously touches on an incredibly important and current issue, however, it does not really relate to my argument.
Rickey, Carrie. "Lindsay Doran Examines What Makes Films Satisfying." The New York Times. The New York Times. 13 Jan. 2012. Web. 21 Jan. 2014.
In the article, Carrie Rickey writes about Lindsay Doran (a prominent member of the film industry) and her pursuit for a formula that leads to a successful movie. Doran's conclusion is that audiences enjoy seeing characters share their accomplishments with loved ones. Rickey's article is really interesting because it examines what types of stories are most compelling for audiences. Yes, the article is about films, but it can be applied to other mediums as well. The article is highly beneficial for me in my research because it helps back up my claim that a good story/plot is what leads to a good film.
Ross, Scott and Scott Squires. "The State of the VFX Industry and Where do we go from here?" NAB SuperMeet. Las Vegas. 9 April. 2013.
This is a great talk that Scott Ross and Scott Squires give at the NAB SuperMeet in Las Vegas. Ross and Squires talk about the problems that face Visual Effects companies. They explain that long hours, little pay, and little recognition for work is crippling the industry. Major VFX companies like Rhythm and Hues are going out business even after working on huge blockbusters (Rhythm and Hues was responsible for Life of Pi). While the talk is focused on the problems facing VFX companies, it also talks in great detail about how VFX influence films and make them drastically better. The talk is useful for my thesis because it is a relevant and interesting counterargument. Ross and Squires present a great deal of information and 'artifacts' that demonstrate the impact that VFX have had on films.
Seymour, Mike. "Gravity: VFX that's Anything But Down To Earth." FX Guide. FX Guide. 8 Oct. 2013. Web. 26 Jan. 2014
In this article, Mike Seymour talks in great detail about the making of Gravity. Seymour explains how Alfonso Cuarón and his production team went to great lengths to develop new technology in order to film the major blockbuster. Cuarón had to create a giant room with walls made of video screens in order to create the effect that his actors were floating in an anti-gravity environment. The article really breaks down the process of filming this incredible piece of art. While this article is solely devoted to visual effects (VFX) information, it is useful to back up a counter argument to my thesis because it acknowledges the fact that VFX are incredibly important and prevalent in the modern film.
"Stephen Spielberg on Collaborating with Actors," Youtube. American Film Institute. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucalufZoCYY
In this video, directing legend Stephen Spielberg talks about collaborating with actors on set. Spielberg explains that many directors neglect to ask for the actor's opinion on scenes, and this is a huge mistake. Spielberg states that actors generally have a feel for what will look good and feel natural, so it is important to collaborate with them. Spielberg also talks about letting actors come up with their character's backstories. He explains that it is important to let the actors discover their characters rather than explicitly tell the actors everything about the character. Spielberg's advice is incredibly useful for me. He talks about opening your mind up to actors and collaboration. Collaboration does, generally, lead to great creativity, so Spielberg's advice is something I don't plan on overlooking.
The Substance of Style. Dir. Matt Zoller Seitz. Museum Of Moving Images. 26 Nov. 2013.
This documentary series on Wes Anderson is an incredibly interesting and influential source. It is a five part documentary that examines the major influences of Anderson's filmmaking style. The documentary examines different shots that Anderson has taken from directors like Orson Welles and Martin Scorsese. The documentary also looks at motifs that Anderson uses in his stories. The documentary is a huge resource for my filmmaking endeavor. It has shown me how to take other director's ideas and make them my own, and how to replicate different shots. Up to this point, I have not been able to find a video that so thoroughly examine's a directors style in both the technical and narrative sense. This documentary is one of the most, if not the most valuable source on filmmaking that I have found.