James Tauber's Blog 2004/06/27
Film Scheduling Software
I've been looking to use some scheduling software for the film project and I recently came across Sun Frog. Not only does the software look interesting but I love the company's approach. They have a blog and a discussion group, a cafe press store, a competition for the best production of the sample script that ships with the product and finally, you can rent the software, which I think is great for film productions.
I'm going to try out the trial version for the next few weeks and, if I like it, I'll rent it for the duration of the production.
You may be wondering why bother using film scheduling software for what is a short film with skeleton crew. The simple answer is that I'm fascinated by production management (I even have an Amazon.com List of production management books) and I want to manage this production as if it were a full feature production.
by jtauber : Created on June 27, 2004 : Last modified Feb. 8, 2005 : Categories filmmaking alibi_phone_network : (permalink)
VCs and Films
At the same time mValent was going for its first round of VC funding, I was also reading a lot about producing films. I saw many interesting parallels and even at one point conceived of a short film (tentatively called The Pitch) that juxtaposed the two worlds.
Joshua Newman, former hi-tech entrepreneur, VC and now film producer has a great blog entry on the development of independent films.
I'd like to follow in Josh's footsteps one day, which is humbling given that, at 24, he is six years younger than me.
by jtauber : Created on June 27, 2004 : Last modified Feb. 8, 2005 : Categories filmmaking entrepreneurship : (permalink)
Film Project Update: Week One
Work's been busy and between that, exercising and Pimsleur Italian, I haven't had much time to think about the film. I was getting worried that I wouldn't come up with a concept and a script in time. Then last Friday, I read an article describing a new meme that sounded like it would make an interesting film. I don't want to say much more about the idea itself at this stage but I'm liking it more and more. Should provide a great foundation for some comedy and some conflict. Ferris Bueller's Day Off was on last night and, in an interesting way, there are some similarities. Will be interesting to see how the idea develops.
Unlike a lot of ideas I get for short films, I know how this one should end. That's half the battle, so hopefully the script writing will go smoothly. I only have three weeks.
by jtauber : Created on June 27, 2004 : Last modified Feb. 8, 2005 : Categories filmmaking alibi_phone_network : (permalink)