Indy Mogul - DIY filmmaking

Submit Your Film Now: Cinevegas Film Festival

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

The early bird deadline for Cinevegas Film Festival submissions is fast approaching! Submissions will be accepted until March 1, 2009, through Withoutabox at www.withoutabox.com. BUT, since we know that Indy Mogulers love to do things on a budget, we wanted to let you know that submissions received by January 15, 2009 will be eligible for an early-bird discount. Entries can cost as little as $10! Still have questions? Go HERE for FAQ's about submitting to CineVegas.

We've seen some amazing films by Indy Mogul filmmakers on the forums and we hope that you all consider submitting your works to CineVegas which as a festival has built a name on supporting the next generation of filmmakers. The cash prizes total at $14,000 and will be awarded to select films in the categories of feature film, documentary, short film and Nevada filmmaking short. Aside from the cash, it's an overall great festival for innovative filmmakers to make a name for themselves. Check out some past entrants and their testimonials HERE.

And as always, if you submit your film to the festival let us know about it! We'd love to hear about your trials and tribulations as a filmmaker and share your story with fellow Mogulers making their names on the festival circuit. And above all, good luck!

Ready to submit to CineVegas? click here

View the entire films from Episode 15 - New Years in Bed

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:40:21 EST

SUPER DRUNK
Written/Directed by Dennis Hemphil
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THE JUNIOR MINTS
Written and Directed by Aex Anam & Paul Arzoian
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BARROOM BLITZ
Written and Directed by Ben Duffy
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TWO NIGHT STAND
Written and Directed by Kyle Gilman
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View the entire films from Episode 14 - Best of the Best 2008

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:03:15 EST

You've seen the clips from the show here.
Now, watch the films in their entirety below!

Did you like a film? Hate it?! Discuss it below with other filmmakers and film fans!
Also: If you really like a film, please visit the filmmakers sites and email them and let them know!

SPOILER ALERT!!!!
Scroll down and click on "read more" to see all of the films. But, watch the episode first!

KILLING KILLIAN
Written/Directed by Andrzej Rattinger
Email the Filmmaker.

EXPIRATION DATE
Written/Directed by Noah Pohl
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View their website.

FROG PRINCESS
by John Mckinney
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Visit their website.

UNEARTHED
by Christina Spangler
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Visit their website.

Wesley's Weekly Presents... Happy Holidays!

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:04:36 EST

Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season. I can't tell you much, but i've got some things that I think you guys are going to really enjoy lined up for 2009, so i'll see you in January, and from myself and the rest of the Indy Mogul team, we hope you have a safe and happy Holiday season and we hope to see you back in '09!

"Start a Band" Green Screen Video Contest

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:13:47 EST

If you guys have been paying attention to everything Erik and the rest of the Indy Mogul crew have been teaching you, this video contest will be a breeze. You don't even need a camera to enter!

If you need a refresher course on how to edit green screen footage, brush up with this classic episode of Weekend Extra.

Create your own video based on Brad Paisley's song, "Start A Band". He gives you all the green screen footage, so you can put him anywhere you want. Brad is going to personally pick his favorites to post on bradpaisley.com, and there'll be a grand prize winner who wins a hi-def Sony camcorder and TEN runners-up that win Flip video cameras, so give it your best.

Click here for more details on how to enter!

Q and Erik Live December Redux Edition

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:09:35 EST

Q & E Live December 2008 Edition from Indy Mogul on Vimeo.

Hey Indy Mogulers, here is the December Q and Erik Live Episode. This month Erik and the gang talk Rain Effects, How-To Film Books, their favorite books, and of course Blood Shooters. All on this month's episode of Q & E Live

View the entire films from Episode 13 - The Work Place

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:14:33 EST

OFFICE LUNCH
Written/Directed by Tom Vullo
Email the Filmmaker.
Visit his website.

NOT SO SMALL TALK
A film by
Suzanne Keilly & Kirsten Roeters.
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Visit their website.

OURSPACE
Directed by Jon Haller
Written by Jon Haller & Bobby Miller
Email the Filmmaker.
Visit his website.

JULIA'S STORE
Directed by Casey Donahue & Blake Whitman
Written by Casey Donahue
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Visit his website.

Wesley's Weekly HOW TO: Fake Stomach

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST

Indy Mogul has previously handled both fake hearts, and fake intestines, and the team got a lot of good feedback from both builds, BUT there are still a lot more organs in the body that you guys have also requested that I would like to tackle, and today I have decided to do one, the Stomach!

First, get a nice flat and smooth surface. I used the bottom of a cookie sheet for this. (Word of warning, if you use something like a cookie sheet, clean it throughly and put it through the wash before you try to bake any cookies on it.)

Next, get a sheet of normal paper (I just used a sheet of normal printer paper) and tape it to the cookie sheet.

Sketch out the general shape of the organ you want to replicate, you could easily use this method and sketch out a lung or kidney shape, so keep that in mind.

Then cut it out (I used an box cutter to get this, another word of advice, you might want to put a couple of sheets of paper, or even some foamboard under the paper while you're cutting, otherwise you're going to be scraping your box cutter or xacto knife against the metal, and you'll not only dull your blade, but you're also make some nasty scratches into your pan, and potentially get a nasty "fingernails on chalkboard" effect, and we don't want that.)

Now dab liquid latex all over the stencil. (DON'T RUB, Rubbing can cause friction, and make the liquid latex become tacky way faster.)

Do this a few more times, hitting it with a hair dryer between layers. I used three thin layers of liquid latex for the stomach.

Next, I dusted the dried latex with corn starch, and peeled it off the metal backing like the page of a book, then dusted the other side.

I then popped it out of the edges of the paper, cutting at the edges with my boxcutter where it wouldn't give easily.

Now, flip the paper over, and repeat the above steps of dabbing liquid latex, drying, dusting, and peeling.

Take the two sides, and you're going to attach them, but before you do, you're going to want to add some filler between them, I used rolled up toliet paper, but you could easily use cotton balls or little strips of rolled up newspaper. Then take some liquid latex and dab it along the edges of the shape...

Then push the two sides together. I left a section open at the top for the entrance to the stomach, that will also let me blow air into it and let the stomach expand. I trimmed the rough edges of the stomach, and added additional liquid latex at any places that look weak, or like they might leak out air.

Now I gave it a basic pink paint job, but if you wanted it to look more realistic, check for reference photos on the internet, you can find a lot of medical diagrams and stuff that could assist you.

Next I covered it with some fake blood, and ta-da, there you go, your own fake stomach. But don't think that this is only cloistered to horror effects, this could easily be a prop for a Mad Scientists lab (Sitting in an appropriately labeled jar), or could even be used if you want to do a low-budget medical show.

WestHavenBrook Update - John's descent into madness

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:47:47 EST

New update from WestHavenBrook! John has two scenes to shoot to finish the big project! Check out John's discussion above, then check below for all new scenes from the movie!

Box Office Results: The Day the Earth Stood Still

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:40:57 EST

Want to know what happened at the box office this weekend and how The Day the Earth Stood Still performed next to recent hits, Four Christmases and Twilight? Check out this Sunday's episode of Movie Math with host Grace Randolph!

Hey IndyMogulers! Looking for free Sound Effects for your films?

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:27:19 EST

If you're looking for sound effects for your recent cinematic masterpieces, hop on over to this site. They have a bunch of great links to giant databases of sound effects...and best of all: IT'S FREE!

View the entire films from Episode 12 - GrindHouse

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:18:16 EST

CHAINSAW MAID
Written/Directed by Takena Nagao
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Visit his website.

THE MORNING AFTER
Written/Directed by Daniel Knight
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Visit his website.

SLEEPWALKERS
Written & Directed by Ryan Lightbourn
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Visit his website.

CAN VEGETARIANS EAT MEAT?
by Elliot Goldner
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Join the Christmas Film Fight!

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:11:09 EST

It's Christmas-time! Which means it's also time for the 6th annual Christmas Miracle Film Fight. Watch the video above for some more info, and if you're not already signed up on the site, head on over! Film Fights is a free-for-all challenge where filmmakers from around the world create movies based off the same title and genre. Go head to head against me, and I'll also personally write a nice long review of your film with some of my patented advice!

It's due on the 19th of Dec, so get your cameras rolling and take me on!

Help get Bobby's stupid face into a Judd Apatow Movie!

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:10:31 EST

Judd Apatow started a myspace page for his new film, "Funny People". He's asking non-union actors who are 18-35 to submit a 100 word comment on their myspace page stating why they should be in the movie.

I decided I wouldn't mind being in a Judd Apatow flick and submitted my entry today.

Anyways, if you aren't already entering the contest for yourself, or aren't of age, please login to myspace and comment on the Funny People's myspace page. And let them know that Bobby Miller, host of The Best Short Films In The World.com on Indy Mogul.com should be in a Judd Apatow film!

If you do post on the myspace page, please try to be as proper as possible. There are very strict content guidelines on that site. So, don't curse and say "Screw all the other contestants!" If you decide to post, post the reason why you think I should be in Judd's next film. They have to approve all comments and just won't approve them if you are nasty about it. My myspace page is myspace.com/BobbyMillerTime if you'd like to see what I wrote as my comment (or if you want to reference my link in your comment).

Best of all, if I somehow win this thing and am able to be in a Judd Apatow movie...that means goodies for you too! As I'm sure I'll be able to persuade him to do an interview for The Best Short Films in the World or if we're lucky, find out about one of his early short films and bring it to you on the show!

Let's do this thing!!!

Wesley's Weekly Presents... Prop Grenade

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

This week is finals week for me, so since i'm kind of wrapped up in some stuff, I thought I would once again bring you a prop from one of the great builders in our community, Wraith 5. So sit back, check out the build, and hopefully i'll see you guys next week! Take it away Wraith:

Materials:

Empty deoderant can
Keyring ring
map Pin
Old Plastic-topped Mousemat.

Step #1: Take your deoderant can, and rip off the lid. (making sure the can is empty first)

Step #2: Get a keyring, and bend a small section of the metal with pliers so that it fits in the little hole in the top of the can, which is the perfect size to fit the ring in, and replace it easily during filming. I've added the plastic section of a map pin to the top to act as some form of futuristic activation button. Paint the whole thing, and add details (battle scarring/serial number)

Step #3 (optional): I wanted my grenade to have a more futuristic feel, so I cut some handgrip 'fins' from an old plastic-topped mousemat , glueing them around the sides, and repainting with extra scratches and things, as if the grenade has been carried around a battlefield for awhile.

Seeing as the materials are pretty easy to find around the house, I built this again for $0. Assuming you were buying everything, the cost would probably amount to under $10.
For a cheaper alternative, you could probably get away with using drinks cans for the basis of the grenade, though it'd be a bit more flimsy.

Q and Erik Live: November Edition.

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:51:47 EST

Q and Erik: Part 1 Nov 2008 from Indy Mogul on Vimeo.

Watch part two: http://www.vimeo.com/2474964

And part three: http://www.vimeo.com/2474972

Hey everyone,

Sorry it took so long to get this up. After some experimenting we figured out that it is a lot easier to release the taped version of "Q and Erik Live" on the blog, via Vimeo. Next week we'll post the December episode on vimeo and blog as well!

Thanks!

BFX's "Break-Away Wall" Technique Used in Awesome Music Video

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:20:10 EST

Open Wide Music Video from Arlene & Marcin on Vimeo.

Arlene Muller and Marcin Nadolny of TwoCan.org used Erik Beck's technique for break-away walls and other effects when they directed the music video for 'Open Wide' by Mia Riddle. The video is posted above, so check it out and let the director's know what you think. Arlene and Marcin's website is TwoCan.org and their reels show that both filmmakers have done some amazing work. Here at Indy Mogul, it's always great to hear from filmmakers that Backyard FX helped them out with creating a special effect. The video came out awesome and we had to share it with the Indy Mogul community. Enjoy!

Zacuto's Great Camera Shootout! 2008

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:09:59 EST

Zacuto's Great Camera Shootout '08 from Zacuto USA on Vimeo.

Zacuto USA the well known equipment dealer for independent filmmakers, has once again undertaken a head-to-head shootout of the best known camers in the field to see who really comes out on top. This year, they engaged 4 filmmaking professionals of various ages and backgrounds, and asked them their opinions about what works the best and why. This year, they put down a 35mm Film Camera (35-III), Red One, HPX3000, HVX200, EX3, HPX170, XH-A1, 5D-MKII, and the D90. I found the results really interesting, if you want to go straight to them jump forward to 6:30 in the video, to get straight to the shoot-out. Also, make sure to check out last years shoot-out as well if you missed it. Check by Zacuto's website soon for a higher quality videoof the shoot-out, and make sure to follow the Vimeo link above and WATCH THE VIDEO IN HD! If you're interested in more specifics of the shoot, check them out here.

LittleBigPlanet Video Contest

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:40:38 EST

Playstation's LittleBigPlanet and IFC are running a video contest from now until December 21, 2008. The Play/Create/Share Short Film Challenge asks filmmakers everywhere to have more fun and let their imaginations run wild. The only rules are you must be at least 13 years old and your video must be under 5 minutes long. Other than that, you can submit anything so long as it's creative and fun. With a grand prize of $5,000, and two runner-up prizes at $1,000 each, this is a great opportunity for Indy Mogulers to make some big bucks!

Visit this contest!

View the entire films from Episode 11 - I Dare You

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:36:35 EST

CHRONICLE OF A JUMP
Directed by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Written by Zohar Lavi-Hasson & Maya Mayrose
Email the Filmmaker.
Visit their website.

THE FIX UP
Directed by Sweaty Robot
(Juan Cardarelli, Ben Davidow, Nick Gregorio, Eric Levy, Matthew Sanchez)
Written by Sweaty Robot & Tim Collins
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Visit their website.

TRUTH...OR DARE
Directed by Dan Chung
Written by FunBox Comedy
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NON VOIX
by Mitchell Stafiej
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Wesley's Weekly HOW TO: Chemical Burn

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:03:00 EST

I know in the past i've done basic burns, but I realize that i've yet to undertake a chemical burn. You've seen this effect in Fight Club, almost any film involving a mutant, and a variety of other films. So read on because today i'm going to show you how to make a basic chemical burn, along with a bubbling acid effect!

Start with the part of your body that you want to create the effect on and dust it down (baby powder or talcum powder works).

If you've got hair you want to keep tacked down (and not sticking to the liquid latex) rub the section down with petroleum jelly to make release easier.

Now layed down your Liquid Latex, it doesn't have to be really smooth, since the burn is going to really mess up the skin, and thus it doesn't have to look perfect.

Once it dries, I put down a light layer of flesh colored make-up to use for blending.

Then I started layer the "burn colors" on. I want the skin to have a discolored almost boiled consistency, so I start with a pink layer. Then in the center, I start blending yellow and whites into it to make it look discolored.

Now go in with a paper clip or some other semi-pointy object, and tease out some sections (those can be blisters) and break open others (when skin got corroded away).

I then coated it with additional petroleum jelly, to give it a wet look, and fill up the gaps a little, making it look a little like pus in the wounds.

Then I went it with some pale yellow paint, and filled in the breaks, you could easily go in and make them bloody, but I made them yellow to make it look like it just burned on down to the hypodermis.

NOW, for the chemical frying effect... First obtain some baking Soda and cover the area that you want to burn, THEN get some Vinegar to act as your chemical burning agent, and splash it on...

And you get a wonderful sizzling noise and bubbling effect, that once it settles down and is wiped away can reveal the fake wound.

ALSO, you could take vinegar, have it splash on your body, then have some baking soda in your hand that you slap onto it as a response to the "burn".

But there you go, hopefully this helps you with your own effect! See you next week!

CineVegas Film Festival

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:41:27 EST

Submissions opened today for the CineVegas Film Festival. It's a Film Festival that has been running in Las Vegas for the last decade, and is a chance for you to get your film seen by lots of industry professionals. The Deadline is March 1st, 2009, so hurry up and start working on your films now. If you've already got something to submit, you can get a discount on your submission fees by sending in your film before January 15th. Prizes are $1,000 for the Short Film Grand Prize, $2,500 for Best Documentary, and $10,000 for Best Feature. Get your submission form from Withoutabox right now to get your film ready to submit. Good Luck!

Sundance and YouTube Short Film Contest

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:39:41 EST

YouTube and Sundance have teamed up to present the short film competition "Project: Direct." The winners get to go to this year's Sundance Film Festivaland meet with the Director of Programming.

Contest Details: http://www.youtube.com/projectdirect

Direct an original short film that celebrates the films from Sundance's 25 year history. You must incorporate 3 props: a red phone, and two others from their list. If you win, you're going to the 2009 Sundance Film Festival where you'll meet with Sundance's Director of Programming and attend your very own live screening. You'll also see your winning short broadcast on the home page of YouTube in countries all over the world, and you'll win $2500.

The submissions deadline is December 14, 2008, so get out those cameras and start rolling.

New Adobe video experiments: Object Manipulation

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 01:35:27 EST

Interactive Video Object Manipulation from Dan Goldman on Vimeo.

Here is a new video from Dan Goldman a researcher at Adobe. It showcases some new novel interface options to make manipulating objects in your video surprisingly easy. Hopefully we see some of this technology in Adobe projects soon!

View the entire films from Episode 10 - Films to Give Thanks For

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:30:30 EST

UNEARTHED
by Christina Spangler
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Visit their website.

PARDON ME WHILE I SCREAM!
by David Seger
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Visit his website.

ONE PICTURE EVERY DAY
by Old English
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Visit their website.

CULINIAN CHRONICLES: SOUP'S NEW NEIGHBOUR
by Josh Le Good
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Wesleys Weekly HOW TO: Pulsing Skin Bladder

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:17:36 EST

Whether your character have fallen into a vat of toxic waste, or if he's been bitten by a werewolf, there might be a scene where you might need to make it appear as if their skin is pulsing or bubbling, and today i'm going to show you how to do a basic pulsing effect for cheap.

First, decide on what part of the body you want this to occur, I am choosing my hand because it's quicker for me to take pictures of it, but the same ideas apply to your face or whatever else you want to do this to, but start out by dusting it with talcum powder or corn starch.

Now, layer some liquid latex onto the section, let it dry, then put another layer.

Peel it off slowly...

And flip it over, the opposite side with have the same texture as the skin you pulled it off of.

Put down a ring of liquid latex in the general shape of the dry section.

Now stick it onto the wet section, only place down tubing first. The tube will allow you to fill the bladder with air, thus allowing you to make it pulse, you can use most rubber or vinyl tubes, but make sure to think about where you're going to place it, you'll want to angle your scene so as much as the tubing is out of the frame as possible.

Use make-up to color it the same color as the skin surrounding it (or another color like green or yellow if you want it to look like it's mutating)...

Now just blow into the other end of the tube, and it'll pulse up and down.

Also, instead of blowing into it, you could possibly organize a pump system similar to what Erik devised with the Fake Pumping Heart.

View the entire films from Episode 9 - Love Sucks

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:04:32 EST

You've seen the clips from the show here.
Now, watch the films in their entirety below!
Discuss these films with other filmmakers at our forums.
And if you like these films, please contact the filmmakers and let them know!

A WINTER OBSERVED
Written by Joseph Petrick
Directed by Joseph Petrick & Andrew Bowser
Email the Filmmaker.
Visit their website.

TENURE
Click HERE to view the film.
Written/Directed by Nathaniel Atcheson
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Visit his website.

HEIGHTS
Written by Susie Moon
Directed by Eric Laplante
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Visit his website.

MEETING IN THE MIDDLE
Written by Nathan Hartman
Directed by Jason Eberly
Email the Filmmaker
Visit his website.

Wesley's Weekly Presents... Mad Scientist Goggles

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:48:51 EST

This week I am once again featuring a tutorial from our community, Prop-Builder extraordinaire Wraith 5 who you'll remember has been featured here on the blog before returns with his Mad Scientist Goggle build. I hope you all enjoy it, and I hope to return next week with a new build of my own.

Whether you're building a new Raygun to defeat your Superhero rival, or filling up a Plutonium Core to power your Killer Robot servant, a killer pair of Goggles can always come in handy (to keep stray lasers or plutonium juice out of your eyes respectively of course.) but can also make you look rather stylish.

What You'll need:

-A pair of Safety Goggles. (I painted the headband black for mine, it was originally a lovely bright shade of blue).

-A Bottle with a width that's just slightly smaller than the height of the goggles (I used a contact lens saline bottle).

-Some corrugated/thick card or plasticard.
-Some slightly thinner card/plasticard.

-Transparent Plastic packaging of some sort (the thicker the better really).

- Miscellaneous circular items (small bottle caps or similar preferably)
-Paint - Black, Silver and brown.

Tools:
-Low Heat Hot Glue gun (or your plastic will get all melty)
-Scissors/X-Acto knife.
-2-Part Epoxy glue (optional)
-Time.

So the first thing to do is to take your bottle, and cut out two rings that are both around 2cm thick.

Next, trace around the lens area of the goggles (not the outer plastic rim) onto corrugated cardboard. This will act as a spacer to add some height to the goggles.

Cut out eye-holes if you intend to wear them over your eyes, and not just on your forehead.

So far you should have something similar to this (don't glue it down yet):

Next, measure around the plastic rings onto the plastic packaging, and cut out the circles.
These will act as the 'welding lenses' for the goggles. Glue them onto the top of the rings, and paint the inside of the lenses black.

If you intend to be able to see out of the goggles, scratch a bit of the paint away, as wes did with the night vision goggles build.

Trace around the rings again onto the thinner card stock, and cut out the circles.

After this, glue the lens sections onto the card spacer:

Then take the card circles you've just created, and cut out the centres of each, leaving rings that are just over half a centimeter thick. These act as the rim around the lenses:

Once this is complete, you can now glue the entire assembly onto the safety goggles:

After this is done, you can glue the circular gribblies (I assume them to be 'adjustment dials' or something) around the edges of the safety goggles. There are six; 3 arranged
on each side of the goggles.

This is where the epoxy comes in handy.. due to the slightly flexible nature of the goggles, hotglue really doesn't hold too well. I found this out for myself a few days after finishing the prop. (no pictures for this bit, but you can see from the final images on how to place them).

Once the glue is dry, you can crack on with painting!
I painted the main body of the goggles in a muddy metallic colour (mix silver and brown paints), then a darkened metallic colour (silver and black) for the 'lens barrel' sections.

An optional touch that I added was to put some thin card strips around the edge of this 'lens barrel' section, similar to the same design on the actual goggles.
A coating of pva or varnish to seal the paint in is a good idea if you're going to be wearing them a lot.

Behind the Scenes Photos from "ThanksGiving: The Movie"

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:56:59 EST

Here are some behind the scenes photos from this week's test film from the talented filmmakers behind HappyBirthdayHarrisMalden.com. They just completed their first feature film and you can check out the trailer and buy the DVD on their website. IndyMogul.com supports these guys and you should too! (Behind the scenes video coming soon...)

Interview: Rian Johnson Director of "Brick"

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:53:51 EST

Upon casual scanning of the page, you may be wondering, "Why is Wesley posting the trailer for this movie on the blog?", i'll tell you exactly why, this trailer is the upcoming second feature length film of Writer-Director Rian Johnson. You'll perhaps recognize the name as the director of the 2005 Sundance Favorite "Brick" starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I was very fortunate to be able to talk to Rian Johnson about his journey from student filmmaker to having two feature length films under his belt, the latest of which will be starring not one but two Academy-Award winners.

So check out the above trailer for his upcoming film "The Brothers Bloom", and stay tuned after the interview for a short film he created long before he started on Brick, to once again remind you about what an artist can come from and what he can develop into.

Wes: Like many filmmakers, you have definitely started early, with shorts films you've made like, "The Origami Master" from 1990. What inspired you to first pick up a camera and start making movies at such an early age?

Rian: My dad had one of the first video cameras on our block, so I got started early - I must have been in 4th or 5th grade when we started shooting skits. It was really just something to do, I had been writing stories before that and was obsessed with Star Wars and Raiders, so picking up the camera was irresistible to me.

Also like many filmmakers, you went to Filmschool, studying at USC. What were your experiences in Film School like, and what advice do you have to other burgeoning filmmakers who are also considering film school?

There's not much that can be taught about filmmaking in a classroom, the real benefit of film school is the people you meet, forming a group that will all support each other while you're struggling on your way up. Also just having 4 years set aside to watch as many movies as possible and make as many as you can.

You got your first feature "Brick" at Sundance a few years ago, where it was met with critical acclaim, and won the Originality of Vision prize. What was it like not only being accepted at Sundance, but having your film met with such warm reception?

It was a whirlwind, honestly I'm still not sure I've absorbed it. It felt good to have Bloom to start working on immediately, to just be able to come out of that crazy circus of festivals and sit down and get to work on something new.

You spent several years shopping the script for "Brick" around Hollywood, where it was largely ignored, what was the final straw that broke the camel's back that made you finally say, "I'm going to do this myself." And was it scary undertaking a full feature yourself for the first time?

It had alot to do with my producer, Ram Bergman. He was the one who sort of shook me and said that I had to just make it for whatever I could scrape together, that there wasn't going to be a company that would give the magic nod and hand me a few million, that if I wanted it done we'd have to do it ourselves. And he was right. And I was terrified! But luckily, making a feature is such hard and constant work, you don't have time to be frightened for long.

How did you go about acquiring the financial resources that went into the making of "Brick", and how long did it take you? Do you have any advice how other filmmakers can go about accumulating the resources for a larger project like a Feature?

It boiled down to luck, I'm sorry to say. My grandfather, uncle and dad have a homebuilding business, and they happened to get a big financial windfall which gave them a little money to invest. And they believed in me, and they did it. But I guess what I'd stress to everyone out there who is looking at the daunting task of making a feature and saying "Oh great, so it's just luck?" is that although the actual financing was luck, it only happened because I had stuck around all those years, found a cast, a producer, a casting director, had my shit together, and didn't give up. And that's the one thing all features that get made have in common. I honestly believe that if you set your sights on what you want to make and just don't go away until it gets made, it will.

You shot the film in a rather short amount of time for a feature, only 20 days, what are some of the things you did to make sure you could shoot so efficiently, and how do you think other filmmakers can do to make their own shoots quicker?

Plan your shots, rehearse your actors, and know what you're after when you show up. Though I personally think that's good advice no matter what your budget or time schedule.

One of your earliest jobs before you shot "Brick", was working as an Editor on the film "May", how did you get that job, and what were your experiences as an Editor on the film?

I was friends with the director Lucky McKee from college, and Steve Yedlin my friend and DP shot it. It was sort of the first feature that our group of friends all got to work on, it was really exciting. I love editing, I've never done it professionally, but I occasionally do it for friends, and always enjoy it.

Taking into account some of the rather eclectic inspirations for your work, everything from Spaghetti Westerns to Watanabe's Cowboy Bebop, do you think it's important for a director to have diversified visual and storytelling tastes? On the extreme side, does a filmmaker have to be conscious to make sure their vision isn't being muddled with to many inspirations?

Well yes and yes, but I think the way to deal with that danger is to just not think about it too hard. If your story is coming from an honest place, and you care about your characters, and you're keeping your focus on creating a world on the screen that is as real as possible (even if, or especially if, it's heightened) then there's not much chance the end product will just be the sum of your influences.

Your latest film, "The Brothers Bloom", is your largest project to date, having a budget about 40 times the size of "Brick", how different was it having so much more financial flexibility compared to your previous films, and how do you feel it compares to your previous work?

It was terrifying coming into it, just because it sounds daunting, with the size of the budget and the names in the cast. But once we actually got to work, there's not much that's fundamentally different about the process. It's still just telling a story with some actors and a camera. As to how it compares to Brick, that's not for me to say, but I'm very proud of both films.

Being a Writer/Director, how do you really begin to formulate the core concepts of your story? Do you start out with something you want to say, or with the core moral, or do you start out with characters or a larger concept of a type of film you want to do?

It's a combination of the two - usually the story (or genre) comes first, but just in the most vague way. It can't really get cooking for me until I have a theme that I'm working towards to unify everything. Then that points the story, then the characters are born out of what the story necessitates.

With technology changing so quickly, what advice, if any, do you have to offer to filmmakers working in the digital age, with high quality digital cameras, full special effects and editing suites, and worldwide distribution networks at their fingertips?

Ha - no, but if they have any advice for me I'll gladly take it. It's a brave new world, we're all just trying to find our footing!

With these technologies seemingly lowering the bar for entry to make your own film, how do you think filmmakers can stand out and be noticed with the glut of content out there?

It's not a very original answer, but I firmly believe the only thing that matters is staying true to your own creative voice, and no matter what format you're shooting on, working hard to tell your story as well as you can on every level. If you can do that, and engage an audience, it won't matter if you shot on 35mm or DV.

Overall, looking back and knowing that once upon a time you were in a very similar position, what is the singular most important piece of advice you have to offer younger filmmakers?

Don't adjust yourself to the marketplace. Stay true to what makes your creative voice unique. It may seem to be holding you back in the short term, but in the end, that's what will make you stand out.

And finally, when can people expect to see your latest film "The Brothers Bloom" in theaters, and can you reveal anything abut any future projects you have on the table after that?

Right now we're set to open in NY and LA in December and wide on January 16th, but those dates could always shift. Check our website for the latest info on where to see the film - www.thebrothersbloom.com

Thank you so much, it was a pleasure.

Now that you've read the interview, here is Rian Johnson's 1990 film, "The Origami Master", filmed when he was just 17:

The Most Mediocre Short Films In The World

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:34:49 EST

A few of you have been asking what my background in film is. So, I figured I'd share with you some of the short films I've done over the years. Some of them may surprise you...

You can view my short films on the film page of my personal site.

If you like any of them, please buy my new DVD of short films: BobbyMillerDVD.com
Includes the first films I ever did in 5th grade! It's great blackmail material!

Also: If you want to stay up-to-date with my film and cartoon work, join my personal email list:

Indy Mogul's Facemelt Effect featured on The Sarah Silverman Program

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:40:07 EST

The Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central used Indy Mogul's Facemelt Tutorial for a scene in this week's episode of the show! Check out the video above where Director Rob Schrab talks about using our effect (among other things) and look out for Doug Tennapel's Stop-Motion creature which was also used in this week's episode!

Project: Direct - Get your film into Sundance!

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:57:52 EST

Here is your chance to get a short film you created into Sundance! Make a short film featuring a red telephone and two other props (from a collection of 25 pre-chosen props from Sundance films of the past) and if they like it, it'll be shown at Sundance, and get a distribution deal on video. This is a big opportunity to get your work noticed so watch the video above and start working on your film! Submissions open November 16th, and close on December 14th, so you have almost a full month to get your film shot and in the can and sent off to them.