Save the Date! GFP CASTING CALL!

(a test/concept idea for a cover/poster for Fugitive/Free)

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We are pleased to announce our very first audition date for Fugitive! Mark it on your calendars!

When: January 4th, 2013

Where:   The Family Life Center - University City Church of Christ

626 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville

What time?  4:00-5:00 PM

We're looking for both kids, teens and adults who enjoy acting and could dedicate some time in their schedule to be in our biggest project ever! We will provide scripts for you to audition with. (however you are also welcome to bring your own, as well!)

Please bring a resume and headshot if you have one.

Auditions will be held in a casual, laid-back manner, but please remember we are still aiming for professionalism and excellence in our work. Please dress modestly. No exposed cleavage or mid-drift.

If you would like to audition, please call us at 352-591-4573 and book an appointment/time slot for the January 4th casting call.

We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information on Fugitive/Free, please visit our website.

The Art of Symbolism in Film

Do you ever watch a movie and notice subtle, underlying themes and symbols gently spread throughout the film? Little items here and there which point to the greater picture, or, a particular character?

Let's look at a couple of films for examples of how symbols and common themes have been utilized well.

1. "UNBREAKABLE"

One of the main characters in this movie was an extremely frail, easily injured man named Elijah, who, because of his physical weakness, was called "Mr. Glass". A common symbol throughout the film, was glass. Many of Elijah's scenes were shot through windows, mirror reflections, glass.

One might not notice this watching the film first time through, because it is so subtle and easy to miss. The subtlety of this is partly what makes the theme so brilliant.

2. "THE HUNGER GAMES"

Quite obviously and not so subtle is the common theme and symbolism used in The Hunger Games, of fire, and of course, the mockingjay. Fire had been labeled Katniss' brand, really having nothing to do with her character personally, but it became her trademark, nonetheless and thus appeared in ample amounts throughout the film, in some form or another. The mockingjay, because of its rather amusing history and eventually, forced connection to Katniss, became a symbol in Panem for revolution, and uprising against the oppressive government.

3. "FACING THE GIANTS"

Just about everything in this movie had metaphorical/symbolic value. Some of the characters' names, alone, symbolized or represented either a person from history or some virtue/element relating to the story's overall theme. Take, for example, the young soccer player, David, and the boy he ends up befriending, Jonathan. Do these names remind you of any people found in the Bible, specifically, the Old Testament? The entire story is highly symbolic of the account of David defeating Goliath.

All of these films contain symbolic or metaphoric elements which may or not be immediately visible. Personally, I admire the films where such symbolism and themes is part of the back drop and not directly "in your face". There is an art to placing such elements in a film and doing so in a way that doesn't detract from the characters and story.

Next time you watch a movie, look closely for themes and symbols hidden within the story. Watch the foregrounds and backgrounds for little details which might hold value. It not only enriches your experience but can be a fun exercise just in itself... sort of like solving a mini-puzzle. With some films, it will be harder than others. Try it.

Incidentally, we at GFP have been brainstorming symbolism and themes to weave into the script of Fugitive. Not only is it an art, but it can actually be pretty difficult.

Nonetheless, to add to the richness of the film is worth the effort.

In Christ,

Leah

Vote Your Values! | GFP Short Film

HERE'S OUR LATEST FILM! We are trying to make it go viral before the election hits, so if you would please share it on your Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and other internet accounts, we would really really REALLY appreciate it.

The election is fast approaching. What are YOU going to do about it? What SHOULD you do about it?
Two basic, vital points are discussed in this short film.

May it bless and motivate you to fulfill God's will.

Sincerely,
Leah K. Oxendine

Meet Rene Harper from "Fugitive"!

So today I have the pleasure of introducing to you another main character from the feature film we're currently working on, "Fugitive". 

As of right now, she is my allotted part and I will be playing her. Rene is kind of a crankpot for most of the beginning of the script. She is very argumentative and dominating if given the chance. Eventually she becomes the quasi-herbalist and 'food safety expert' of the group.

Here's what her description reads in the script right now.

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Rene Harper - Oldest and only sister in the Harper family. Another natural born leader, even though she is not the firstborn. Dominant, realist, and a bit too bossy sometimes. A bit of a tomboy. Not typically afraid of what people think of her. However, because of her realist nature, can be pessimistic if she doesn’t stop herself from being that way. Struggling with trusting in God and trying to follow His will for her life. Also must learn a good bit of responsibility.  Age 16

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So there you have most of Rene summed up. She has other sides, struggles, passions and such but you will have to see the film to find those out. :)

So what do you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts on the characters so far!

And there are more to come. *wink*
So keep your eyes peeled. We also should have a new short out by this Friday.

Blessings,
Leah

Meet Griffin Harper From "Fugitive"!

A random snapshot during filming a scene for a previous GFP flick

Soooo I know I haven't posted here on the GFP blog for quite a while now.

I am fully aware of the fact that I've sort of neglected this poor little filmmaking blog, and sure y'all have noticed that too, at least, the few of you who have been following Filmmakers of the Next Generation.

We're thankful for you....all 2 of you. ;) I am just not that great at blog advertising and marketing/whatever you want to call it. That or this blog is just super boring. Oh well, either way.

Y'all who do read this blog? I'm thankful for you and would give you a big panda hug right now if I could.
Thanks for sticking with us. It really is appreciated.

Soooo, what was I going to say again.... Oh, yeah. The script excerpt.

A SCRIPT EXCERPT! Yes, for the first time, you guys will officially get a little taste of the project we're currently working on at GFP.

What exactly have we been working on? Well, actually two things. The first, which I won't go into extreme detail about, is a political film stressing the need to vote. Still working on the dialogue for that, and hoping to get that filmed really soon.

The other....well, that is the big one. Right now we're calling it "Fugitive", (thanks to Meredith's inspiration for titles) This is just the working title, nothing permanant or long term. You have to call your feature length film something other than "the long film". That's what working titles are for.

So anyways, yes, it's going to be a full length, hour long movie. And it's going to be a killer to finish.

Seriously, this is the biggest project we've taken on so far. There's a TON of work ahead here. But I am really looking forward to seeing how God blesses it.

So, here's a little excerpt of the raw, unedited, unpolished script we've put together so far, for your amusement/enjoyment. It's actually not the physical SCRIPT but it is in the script file so I think it counts as behind-the-scenes material. ;) There are two main families in Fugitive, the Harpers, and the Langstons.

Today, you get the description of one of the main characters between the two families.

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Griffin Harper Oldest brother, of the Harper kids. He is forced to take the leader position among the two families during their antics of survival.  Is naturally decisive and organized, but tends to be insensitive and rash if he is not careful. Struggles with Rene’s(his sister) feistiness, the two have always had tension between each other. Maybe at some point struggles with the burdens of leadership and responsibility? Or maybe he must learn to have responsibility throughout the film. Constantly burdened with worrying over the safety of the others, can tend to be overly fearful for their sakes and must learn to lean on his Creator.  Age 17

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That's the simple little intro/bio we have for Griffin's character right now. More of his personality unfolds in the actual film script, which eventually, we will uncover to the world in the form of an epic, action/thriller/drama movie.

What did you think? Do you have any ideas for new films we can make in the meantime? You know we'd love to hear, if you do. ALSO we have a new blog button! You can find it on the sidebar. Go ahead and grab one if you want, post it on your blog, website, wherever. That would just make our day.

Happy Thursday!

Leah



OUR 50TH FILM!!!!!

"Rumpelstiltskin" is finally here! And guess what? It just happens to be our....drum roll, please....50th film!!!
WOOP-WOOP! Huzzah! It's so hard to believe that we have now reached the big 5-0. Seems like just yesterday when we were first working on "Lonely Kid" and then "DIRT: Soul Soils".

SO....Here is the link to "Rumpelstiltskin" if you would like to see it. Hope it makes you smile! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V80blMvQ67k&list=UU2Ldl8UbiVsR1t9Mjk-KuLw&index=1&feature=plcp

ALSO, in other news. We have a new member! Please welcome Maygan Flood to GFP's production crew, folks!! She is now assisting with brainstorming, costume design, and co-directing. It's good to have another person on the team!

Well, please tell me what you think of our 50th film. :) I hope you enjoy it. If you did, please share it! We absolutely adore word-of-mouth!

Blessings,
Leah Kathryn

Rumpelstiltskin Behind-the-Scenes Clip!

Hey y'all, we are DONE filming Rumpelstiltskin and now I'm in the process of editing and producing the flick. This should take anywhere from 1-2 weeks to another month, depending on how much time I can make for it. But in the meantime, here's the first blooper/behind the scenes clip from this project released to the web.

Yes, it's goofy. Much so. But with BTS/blooper flicks...what else did you expect? :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F08iwFdHznQ&feature=g-all-lik

There's the link. ^^ Click it and enjoy!

Happy Monday!

Leah K. Oxendine

Bad Guys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX7XC38oOTQ&list=UU2Ldl8UbiVsR1t9Mjk-KuLw&index=1&feature=plcp

New video! Actually, since the last time I wrote, we've done a couple new flicks. The link above is to our latest, "Bad Guys". Click to watch. We hope you enjoy it!

Remember...you can subscribe to us on Youtube, and be in touch whenever we upload a new film. And...when you subscribe, you make our day! Sooo, therefore, subscribing is good for many reasons.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Leah K. Oxendine

Glory Film Productions' 1st Birthday!

That's right! Glory Film Productions has been around now for a whole YEAR! We got organized officially in late January 2011. In celebration of our first birthday, here's a behind-the-scenes video featuring interviews with our 'staff.'

Enjoy!

(I still can't believe how fast time has gone by. I can't believe it's been a year already! Woww.)

Soli Deo Gloria,
Leah K. Oxendine