Mr. Falcon's Media Studies Class: Tutorials

Monday, February 6, 2012

All Things Are Possible

All things are possible. How did Mr. Burns make it possible? What are the challenges he defeated? How did he interact with social media? Can you picture yourself in his shoes? Why or why not? Remember, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

Please respond with a full page essay detailing Mr. Burns interview and the questions above. Hint... Research, research and research... Also after your essay, please comment on the camera technique the producer chose for this CBS Interview. What shots were used mostly? Long, close, any movement shots?

Edward Burns broke into Hollywood's mainstream 17 years ago when his movie "The Brothers McMullen" was picked up at the Sundance Film Festival.

His little film that cost $25,000 to make took in more than $10 million. He was its director, writer and star.

Burns hasn't strayed far from his indie roots, but now does mainstream studio movies, as well.

"I think I've been lucky enough to find this formula that works, where I get to go act in these studio films and you do a few (indie films too)," he said. "You know, Paul Newman had a great quote talking about his choices, saying 'one for them, one for me.' That's kind of what I've tried to adopt here. Like, I'll do the studio acting gigs -- that helps finance or give me the creative freedom to make my little indie films."

In the recently released studio movie "Man on a Ledge," Burns plays Jack Dougherty, a New York City police detective who is trying to get a desperate man off a ledge. It's in theaters nationwide.

Burns also recently completed a film with a $9,000 budget called "Newlyweds." The film, according to the Internet Movie Database, has shown at one theater and has earned $4,584.

"It is the most exciting time right now," Burns said. "If you're a kid coming out of film school, when I was trying to make 'McMullen,' it was hard. That point of entry was so tough, because that film cost ($25,000,) and it was just tough to get those films made. These digital cameras now -- we shot this film on a camera that I bought for $3,000. The look of the film, 'McMullen' looks like a gritty, grainy student film. This film looks like a professional film. If you're a kid coming out of film school now, (it's similar to) the way a novelist needed the word processor or the typewriter or the canvas and the oils for the painter. Now, filmmakers are afforded that same creative freedom, so it's exciting."

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Mr. Falcon Working On Top Chef 9

I remember the running and chasing I had to do during this episode. One thing about Hollywood is that you must be alert and be ready for the unexpected. And 17 hour work days. All for one perfect vision.

Give me your thought... What are differences and issues between a feature film camera operator and a reality television camera operator?

If you have done your research, you will find out that the reality tv network is in high demand and most sitcom and film production crew are trying to make that switch for more potential and the most money paid to a production crew.

Keep in mind that budget is considered especially when they do not pay reality stars like sitcoms pay their actors.

Please explain it in a few paragraphs.
Think about it.

M.Falcon

Thursday, January 19, 2012

What is the Meaning of this?

What is the meaning of this documentary style commercial?
How many times did you see the company's logo?
What are the producers of this piece trying to message us?
Compare and contrast this to other McDonald's commercials.

This is Due MONDAY January 23, 2012