Stepping into the Roles of a GFP Crew Member: STEP 2

Welcome to the second section in my mini-series: Stepping into the Roles of a GFP Crew Member. In this series, I hope to open up a small window, letting you get a glimpse into what an amateur film maker's life is truly like. So, without further adieu,

STEP 2: Screenplays

Of course, most modern actors wouldn't have jobs if we had no scripts; thus comes step number two: screenplays. For RUMPELSTILTSKIN, I wrote, and did a form of the storyboard, but for most films I co-write and leave the blocking to others who are more skilled with cinematography. Writing is almost as difficult as brainstorming; in some ways it's harder. Scripting is pivotal not only for the purpose of the actors, but for the whole crew, it's the way we get our ideas organized and file them into an orderly document. We all have ideas that could potentially create the epic films of tomorrow, but the diamonds are hidden in the mines of our thoughts, writing them out into scripts or sketching them out into visual storyboards is the solution for figuring out what we truly want in the film.

However, breaking through those mines can often reveal things that you had never thought of before. Unlike the Brainstorming side of things, scripting isn't fully dependent on whims, but it still requires a mind that has an even mix of creativity and practicality.

 

Forever One of a Kind,

M.G. <3

Meredith G: Stepping Into the Roles of a GFP Crew Member (STEP 1)

Meredith Gilliam here, typing to you with her own fingers. I have been blessed to work with Glory Film Productions, and though my work has been mostly highlighted in the dramatic area, I do a lot of things behind the scenes that by most viewers are often overlooked. I step into many different roles as the progress of a film pushes forward. Take our “longest” film (running at just over 13 minutes) RUMPELSTILTSKIN. My involvement with this short started in my living room as myself, Director Leah, and my mom began the wonderful yet difficult process of- you know what I'm talking about:

STEP 1: Brainstorming

This is a part of film making that must be done, but it is a very slow and careful task. It usually spends hours of our time. Those hours turn to days, and -for feature-length projects- those days scatter out over months. With every idea, there comes a problem. Questions like: “is that realistic?” or “can we do that with our limited resources?” are very commonly asked during step 1.The answers to these questions never come easily, and while we consult one another dozens of times to try and find our own, we have to remember to ask for Jesus' help, the one who came up with the ultimate storyline.

Now, hear me as I'll quote one of my own sayings, “All storms end in rainbows, we just have to wait for the clouds to clear.” And while there is much blood, sweat, and tears, we can always rely on the excellent determination of our team and God's everlasting love to end up with better films then the ones before.

forever one of a kind,
M.G. <3

Nominated!

 Filmmakers of the Next Generation has been nominated for the Liebster Blog Award! Thank you Victoria!

 

The Liebster award is where bloggers nominate other bloggers they enjoy with 200 followers or less. Any type of blog can be nominated. It's a way to get to know new bloggers and to network with them. Here's how it works:  List 11 facts about yourself. Answer the 11 questions the blogger who nominated you left. Ask 11 new questions for those who you nominate. Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate. Go to each blogger's page and let them know about the award. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog!

 

 

11 Facts About Me:

 

1. "Favorite Song" and "Eye on It" (Both by TobyMac) are my most recent music obsessions.

2. I abhor all cheese except for mozzarella.

3. I love to garden.

4. I'm 5'8.

5. I have four brothers.

6. I play seven different instruments.

7. I loovvvvveee white chocolate.

8. I'm ultra random.

9. I'm half introverted, half extroverted.

10. I love learning new things!

11. I spend wayyy too much time on movie-making related stuff.

 

 

Questions from Victoria:

 

 

1. What's your TV series? Favorite TV series? The Twilight Zone for sure.

2. Favorite superhero? Batman!

3. If you could have any pet whether it is mythical or real, what would it be? A griffin, most definitely! But a cow, horse or miniature donkey would be nice too. ;)

4. If you could live in the world of a book or movie, which one? Either my own, or the Narnia series.

5. Favorite music artist? TOUGHHH. I have about a hundred different faves.  It depends on the genre.

6. What is your favorite scent? Anything zingy and fresh; or warm, luxurious and cozy.

7. Hunger Games or Twilight? Neither. 

8. Motorcycle or car? TRUCK!

9. Favorite cookie? White chocolate macadamia nut!

10. What is a quirk about yourself? I have giant feet.

11. Do you have a favorite blog? Hm, hard! I have lots of favorite blogs. How about we just go with favorite website? www.bulkherbstore.com

 

 

 Questions for My Nominees:

 

1. Would you rather visit Spain, Japan, or Australia?

2. How long have you been blogging?

3. What is your favorite movie?

4. Do you have a favorite actor?

5. What historical period interests you the most?

6. White chocolate or dark chocolate?

7. How tall are you?

8. Do you play any musical instruments?

9. How old do you think the universe is?

10. Christianity: religion or relationship?

11. What's the most important decision you've ever made?

 

Nominees:

1. Cora

2. Hristiyan

3.Andrew

4.Jacob

5. Brittney

6.Aidyl

7.Heather

8.Rachel

9.Aili

10.Hadassah

11.Caitlin

 

 

Have fun! Don't forget to link back!

 

-Leah Kathryn

Save the Date! GFP CASTING CALL!

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

-

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.

-

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

-

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.

-

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

-

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