ASK & DISCUSS

Very important article on the death of camera assistant Sarah Jones on the set of feature film Midnight Rider. It is a warning to us all.

http://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnig…

Yes - it's small wonder serious accidents don't happen more often - particularly on indie shoots many of which (even here on Shooting People) don't have insurance, let alone fire …

I have dialog and action referencing three different tobacco brands in my screenplay.

Providing there are no negative connotations implied in the smoking of each brand, might fil…

Thanks Marlom.

Hi Shooters,
This is actually the title of a discussion we're having as part of The Great Escape convention this weekend, details below.
But I thought it might be an interesting d…

Here's the write up - it's a quick read and some excellent points made by panel members - would love to hear thoughts from shooters - what do you think about sexism in music video…

Hey All,

We've nearly completed a documentary, and am looking into the best way to sell it/distribute it (any ideas?)

A few websites say we should get insurance to protect ourse…

If your buyer is serious then they will either decide they don't need it or they'll offer you a price that makes it worth buying.

Obviously I have no idea what your docu is about…

So, as some of you know, we had two crowdfunding campaigns for Dara Says. The first missed our target, and in the second we lost 15 percent of the money to "fees" from the US bas…

Thank you for that response. To be fair to Indiegogo, I suppose my connection is in the traditional investment business, and therefore in direct competition with crowdfunding. A…

Hi, I'm going to Ukraine and will be in variety of different places with my kit and footage. Can anyone please advice in case "armed military group with no insignia" wanted to con…

You need specialist cover. Normal travel insurance would not normally cover anyone doing anything (esp sports or business related) that they should know is more risky than normal …

I am just wondering if there was anyone members who would be willing to share their knowledge of the film industry with me, in relation to the current expansion of use of special …

Thanks Max, this is a great argument point and I agree with you when you state the obvious overuse of effects shows through for no reason is a problem, and this will be of great i…

Dear all,
I am seeking to obtain copyrights for photographs from the 1940s, specifically prior to 1948. I've been researching this for the past few months, and its proving to be q…

In New York, seek out Frank Driggs. Years ago, I
Worked in a popular photography lab that had an impressive list of clientele. Mr.Driggs has an extensive library.

Hello All,

Hoping everyone has had a fruitful beginning to 2014 so far.

I am currently shooting an interview series for a Boxing channel and we have been given exclusive access …

It can never hurt to get everything released. Agencies will need to be confident they're not getting into a world of hurt by taking you on, and having a huge pile of paper will h…

I recently watched Orange is the New Black and last year there was House of Cards, both on Netflix and both great dramas. But the quality's not my focus here. Both shows ended wit…

I saw an interview with David Lynch about Mulholland Drive a few years ago where he said that what if a book is being written by a great writer which is his finest work - a true m…

I have found a novel that I think would make a great film and would like to know if there are any websites/ film bodies that would have any information on whether it has been opti…

Thank you everyone so much for your brilliant advice. It might take me a little while to work my way through your answers, but I'll get back to you all in the next couple of days.…

I saw a youtube video recently that was produced by PBS (more or less the American BBC). It argues that piracy made "Game of Thrones" a success. You can watch it here:

http://ww…

Corp. vids have always been low paid. At least around here. Commercials, on the other hand, are extremely well paid here (except for actors, who get screwed out of their royalties…

Hi,

I'm based in the UK and am thinking of shooting a low budget feature set in an 18-30s holiday resort on one of the Greek or Spanish Irelands. We'd be looking to shoot guerill…

Dear Matthew,

I'm a cinematographer based in London but I come from Cyprus. My family owns a villa which could house up to 6 or more people. You can use the villa to shoot too if…

I am asking for advice regarding insurance of a feature film that contains some mild fight scenes.
If anyone knows any insurance companies, which would do that, please let me know…

For fight scenes I'd suggest you seek advice from a fight or stunt coordinator, they may also be able to nominate their own insurer too, or add your scene to theirs. Otherwise as…

I'm sure I've heard about some kind of resource/database/dating site which links up writers with people who work in various more exciting arenas (of which there are many) and are …

Hi Simon,

I don’t think such a database exists, but when I have researched different subjects for documentary or fiction, I find it best to start with friends and family. Ask e…

Hi,

I’m looking for some help and advice on a copyright query I have.

In my short film a character hums the melody and sings a few lines from the chorus of an old Spanish song …

Thank you Paddy and Dan

Your advise is much appreciated.

Best

Louise

Hi Shooters,

I've got two things I'd like to ask you:

1. How can I copyright my script (short film)? Has anyone done this before?

2. Is anyone aware of any script competitions …

Many thanks to all of you! :)

Kind regards,

Alexandra!!!

Indie producer Ted Hope blogs on why he's not going to produce any longer. He's produced "21 Grams", "American Splendor", "The Ice Storm", "Eat Drink Man Woman"... about 70 films …

http://trulyfreefilm.hopeforfilm.com/2014/01/press-round-up-on-me-joining-fandor.html

Looking forward to hearing more. I was annoyed by the media gaming of his initial announcem…

I took a year's worth of SP's 'Filmmaker' bulletin (1st December 2012 to 30 November 2013 inclusive) and analysed the jobs advertised. In summary:

* In a year, Shooting People se…

So, it's clear to me that wannabe Directors should buy some steadycam kit and use those earning to pay for their own movies, during the shooting of which they can save on their st…

I've recently come across some historical events that I think would make a good script. But, I'd like some advice on writing fact based fiction scripts. Where do I stand with usin…

Hi Charles, thank you for this insight. I can certainly see how an interesting real event can fall flat on the screen. As you say the audience signs up to be entertained. I will c…

Just wondering what good rates would be as I'm yet to get any pay working for free or expenses. Work is picking up editorially but that takes more time than normal and wondered if…

Thanks for the opinions, - just want a guide since the rates vary so much. last networking event on Friday. grateful for the insight and I'll see how things go.

John

Insurance needed for a short film going into production next year, shoot is only a couple of days and insurance would only need to cover public liability and equipment. Not lookin…

^^^ Tom, any particular reason you say that?

Hi Fellow shooters,

I’m sorry to rant and rave, am I the only filmmaker, fed up with seeing our female pop stars presented as suedette pop tarts? Who are the filmmakers coming up…

So you thought you made it up. Fancy that.Yeah, it has roots.

I've been asked to supervise the completion of a feature. For those of you that have read my posts over the years, this basically what I do for a living, but this one is a bit dif…

Oops. "They're naive" not their.

From Ella Yelich-O'Connor (Lorde) to Eleanor Catton who just won the Booker Prize, to US poet Muriel Rukeyser (1913-1980), in a stage play and radio play that I'm writing. What is…