Second Unit Director Work - Koc University Hospital

Last December, I have been given the opportunity to do pickup shots for Onur Somer's TVC project. I would like to thank him here in this blog for the opportunity he has given me. It was great to be a part of this project as a second unit director and I am very happy with the result!

Nolan on Following

The Criterion Collection's twenty minute featurette with Christopher Nolan on Following is amazing. Nolan talks about the choices he made during the production of Following in order to create a fictional world within the financial and technical boundaries he had.
This is an important piece for young filmmakers who have similar limitations. Nolan mostly argues that one should benefit from everything he/she has around him/herself. Understanding the limitations and walking around that is crucial.
The piece is highly recommended!

Eve’s Recipe for success

1. Having recently red Hollywood Drive: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry by Eve Light Honthaner, I just wanted to share the author's recipe for success. The book is highly recommended for anyone outside of the film business looking to break in or who wants to switch their careers within the film industry. 
2. 
   

1. •a sincere love of the business
2. •one positive attitude
3. •one winning personality
4. •an array of well-developed people skills
5. •one large network, along with a vast collection of solid industry relationships
6. •endless reserves of energy
7. •huge portions of assertiveness and chutzpa
8. •a touch of humility
9. •heaps of inspiration and creativity
10. •a plethora of determination
11. •a willingness to start at the bottom and pay your dues
12. •an abundance of hard work mixed together with a “can do” philosophy
13. •an impressive knowledge of the business, blended thoroughly with an assortment of well-informed opinions
14. •the desire to keep learning and to give more than what’s expected
15. •the time to have fun and make new friends
16. •at least one unique quality that sets you apart from the crowd
17. •one foot capable of getting into multiple doors
18. •an ability to do well on interviews
19. •a workable plan to get you where you want to go
20. •the conviction that you’re in it for the long haul
21. •the patience and tenacity to get there
22. •enough savings or an alternate source of income to get you through the lean times
23. •oodles of confidence, motivation and self-esteem
24. •the intuitiveness to anticipate the needs and tastes of others and to remain a step ahead
25. •the talent to deliver a great pitch
26. •one teflon coat
27. •ten gallons of shark repellent to ward off all overinflated egos, nasty tempers, annoying back-stabbers and sleazeballs
28. •liberal amounts of schmoozing
29. •the time and effort to keep up contacts
30. •the support and recommendation of others
31. •one sense of humor
32. •at least one helpful and inspiring mentor
33. •the belief that in spite of all the competition, rejection, insecurity, uncertainty, nepotism and politics -- you will work again, sell a project or get a good role
34. •one stellar reputation
35. •generous dashes of passion and excitement
36. •a huge sense of pride and accomplishment for having made it this far!

I am a Smoker

"The money is not in offline editing." says the digital artist on the video prepared to promote the Smoke in Mac. I still believe that editing requires a great deal of sensitivity and classical montage has a lot to do with what we are trying to accomplish today whether it is an art project, commercial film or any kind of broadcast. Yet I am aware that most clients nowadays prefer to finish their offline edit at home before starting to work with digital artists who are specialised in post production tools. I also believe that it is now a good time to enchance my skills in post-production and start learning some of the Alias softwares step by step. Smoke could be a good way to start.
I think for students and semi professional filmmakers, videography not only became an opportunity but also the only choice. I have kept myself away from this fact for the last couple of years and I tried to improve myself in other areas in filmmaking. But understanding some essential tools such as reading the scopes in grading tools makes my job a lot easier whether I am shooting or editing.
Media Composer and Final Cut Pro are considered to be as the two official softwares to do offline editing today. I prefer to use Adobe Premiere because I love the way Adobe Link works and I love to move within different softwares in post-production. Yet it is said that in Smoke, the process become one, and you can wrap up the whole project in one software.
My quest on the subject will continue.. :)

To see a previous post about Kubrick and montage, click here.