A warped and mutated blend of the futuristic and the organic embodies Black Mold – the electronic alter-ego of songwriter Chad VanGaalen. This psychedelic stop motion video (with some resemblance to Kristofer Ström’s Hitchhiker’s Choice) was animated by VanGaalen and released in 2009 on Flemish Eye.

Black Mold - Metal Spiderwebs

A warped and mutated blend of the futuristic and the organic embodies Black Mold – the electronic alter-ego of songwriter Chad VanGaalen. This psychedelic stop motion video (with some resemblance to Kristofer Ström’s Hitchhiker’s Choice) was animated by VanGaalen and released in 2009 on Flemish Eye.

I just came across an iPhone app called ScriptWrite that apparently lets you write a script via your iPhone. I haven't tried it out myself, but I thought that I would bring it to your attention so you could check it out if you want. Leave a comment if you have used this or if you use it in the future.

Purchase the app here:



From their website:
Write an entire screenplay or a quick scene on the go, all with one easy interface. As opposed to breaking the creative flow by separating your elements into different application pages, ScriptWrite uses a toolbar so you can seamlessly keep writing without have to worry about leaving the page. It’s perfect for seasoned screenwriters, or those new to the craft.

• ScriptWrite Toolbar allows for uninterrupted creative flow while writing.
• Full screen read mode with font size control.
• Accurate page count.
• Choose either portrait, landscape, or both to write how you are most comfortable.
• Export by email to a desktop screenplay application such as Final Draft or Celtx.
• Makes use of the iPhone Cut/Paste and Auto-complete.

This is the first 1.0 ScriptWrite release. A free 1.1 update is already in development and we are looking forward to providing the following features coming soon in future FREE updates: * Import Scripts and Edit in ScriptWrite
* Auto Character Recognition
* Auto Element Advance on <return>
* Export to .pdf

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Panasonic will release the world’s first* professional, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder in Fall 2010. The company will begin taking orders in April. Engineering samples of the professional Full HD 3D solid-state camcorder was exhibited at the Panasonic booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Main Hall, #9405) at the 2010 International CES in Las Vegas, USA, from January 7-10.

This Full HD 3D camcorder will offer the following core benefits:

Easier to Use
Current 3D systems are large-scale setups in which two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders are also required. In Panasonic’s new Full HD 3D camcorder, the lenses, camera head, and a dual Memory Card recorder are integrated into a single, lightweight body. The camcorder also incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate.

The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point** to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. This new camcorder, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.

More Flexible
The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers greater flexibility to produce Full HD 3D videos in more challenging shooting environments. The camcorder is lighter weight and smaller than current 3D rigs, while providing the flexibility of handheld-style shooting. Setup and transportation is simplified, making it ideal for sports, documentary and filmmaking projects.

Solid-State Reliability and Workflow
Right and left Full HD video streams of the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than on other tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems. This solid-state, no-moving-parts design will help significantly reduce maintenance costs, and the 3D camcorder will be better able to perform in extreme environments and be more resistant to temperature extremes, shock, and vibration.

And users will enjoy a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow, with instant, random access to recorded content; easy plug-in to both Mac and PC-based platforms; and longer recording capacity.

More Affordable
Using a standardized, fully integrated design, the Full HD 3D camcorder will be offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs. Transportation expenses for this handheld unit will be less and faster setup times reduce labor costs. Using standard, re-recordable SDHC/SD Memory Cards available already everywhere, media costs become almost insignificant.

In addition to a camcorder, Panasonic also plans to offer a professional-quality 3D Full HD LCD monitor for field use as well as a professional HD digital AV mixer for live event production. Panasonic will offer professional production equipment to allow video professionals to efficiently create 3D content, so consumers can enjoy 3D video using Panasonic 3D home theater systems.

Major Specifications (tentative)
- Product Name: Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder (made-to-order)
- Suggested Retail Price for Main Unit: $21,000
- Available: Fall 2010 (made to order)
- Power Consumption: Under 19 W (main unit only)
- Weight: Under 3 kg (main unit only)
- Recording Media: SDHC/SD Memory Card

* As an integrated twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder capable of recording Full HD 3D video to Memory Cards. As of January 2010 (based on our investigation)
** The point at which the left and right-camera lenses’ optical axes converge

Development Background
Movie companies and content producers are eager to produce more 3D content. 3D video is set to become a mainstream motion picture technology. In response to the resurgence of 3D movies, in September 2009, Panasonic proposed the world’s first 3D home theater systems, based around 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc players and Plasma TVs (announced and exhibited at CEATEC 2008). In February 2009, the company established the Advanced Authoring Center (within Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory) – at which 3D movies are authored for replication on 3D Blu-ray Discs (announced at CES 2009). Currently, producing 3D movies is a painstaking process. Panasonic intends to promote the production of high-quality 3D video content by accelerating the development of 3D video production systems designed to boost production speed and efficiency.

Supplementary data:

Differences from conventional 3D camera systems:
Conventional 3D camera systems are built from two off-the-shelf film or broadcast cameras. Normally, the two cameras are installed horizontally and side by side, with the right and left camera axes approximately 6.5 cm apart – equivalent to the distance between the human eyes – to create binocular parallax. This can be done with small cameras, but broadcast or film cameras cannot be installed side by side since their bodies and lenses are too large. They must be installed vertically using half-mirrors, or mounted on metal frames called rigs, using prisms. This results in a bulky system that must be carefully adjusted to prevent the right and left cameras from going out of alignment before image capture. In addition, if the system is moved, the shock or vibration inevitably puts the cameras out of alignment, making frequent re-adjustment necessary.
In this fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder that Panasonic has developed, the two lenses, camera head, and memory card recorder are incorporated into a single compact housing. Unlike large 3D camera systems, this camcorder allows video shooting with greater mobility and from all angles; significantly reducing the time required for set up and adjustments, thereby leaving more time for creative activities.

Convergence Point Adjustment
The convergence point is the point at which the left and right cameras’ optical axes converge to produce 3D images. To take natural-looking 3D video, the convergence point needs to be adjusted to match that of a human’s eyes, whose convergence point varies according to the closeness of the objects being viewed. Panasonic’s new Full HD 3D camcorder adopts newly-developed twin-lens system that realizes convergence point control with its integrated design.

About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 7.77 trillion yen (US$78.4 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2009. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE: PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net.

Here are some of the shorts playing at Sundance this year, how do they compare to your work?  Watch and Learn.

Charlie and the Rabbit (Directors: Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck and Robert Machoian)-Charlie, a four year-old who loves Bugs Bunny, decides to hunt a rabbit of his own.



My Mom Smokes Weed (Director and Screenwriter: Clay Liford)-After a loyal son comes home to visit his aging mother, she assigns him some chores -- one of which involves a road trip to help satiate her desire for a certain special herb.



Successful Alcoholics (Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts; Screenwriter: T.J. Miller)-Drake and Lindsay are successful alcoholics who may need to redefine their definition of "success."



TUB (Director and Screenwriter: Bobby Miller)-It's just your typical story about a guy who can't commit to his girlfriend...who then jerks off in the shower...and accidentally impregnates his tub.



U.S. DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No (Director: James Blagden)-In celebration of the greatest athletic achievement by a man on a psychedelic journey, here's the animated tale of Dock Ellis' legendary LSD no-hitter.



Mr. Okra (Director and Screenwriter: T.G. Herrington)-An intimate look at one of New Orleans' most colorful characters, the charismatic vegetable salesman Mr. Okra, who provides a glimpse into the soul of an American city.



The S From Hell (Director: Rodney Ascher)-A documentary-cum-horror film about the scariest corporate symbol in history, the 1964 Screen Gems logo, aka The S From Hell. Built around interviews with survivors still traumatized from viewing the logo after shows like Bewitched or The Monkees, the film brings their stories to life with animation, found footage, and reenactments.



Thompson (Director: Jason Tippet)-Since second grade, Matt and Ryan have shared the bond of speech impediments, weapons, and things that go fast. But as their last days of high school speed by, the two friends find that their go-carts, dirt bikes, and RC cars can't outrun adulthood.



U.S. ANIMATED SHORTS

N.A.S.A. A Volta (Director and Screenwriter: Alexei Tylevich)-Another day, another drug deal gone wrong in this NC-17 bit of ultra violence, set in 8-bit isometric metropolis. Warning: NC-17



One Square Mile of Earth (Director: Jeff Drew; Screenwriters: Mark Chavez and Shenoah Allen) -Bill the bunny is a struggling novelist, who has never actually written anything, much to the chagrin of his perfectionist life partner, Gary the frog. Thad the bear is a hopeless romantic who can't find the right words to express his feelings for the scandalous and alluring Lucy the goat. And Leon the hippopotamus, one the coolest and hippest guys in town, has struck up a unlikely friendship with a down-on-his-luck high school sociology teacher, Pedro the mouse.

Avatar vs Pocahontas:

You be the judge!

I've compiled a list of free screenwriting programs all of which are online and are pretty cool. I'm sure if you are a screenwriter, you currently use Final Draft or Movie Magic, but these alternatives are free and virtually do the same thing. If you are a beginning screenwriter or a seasoned vet, these programs are free, accessible anywhere you have an internet connection and seem to be great programs. Post a comment if you know of any others or have used any of these screenwriting programs and had problems.

Adobe Story
Scripped
Zhura
Five Sprockets
Page 2 Stage

Kevin Smith now has an Iphone app for 99 cents, is it worth it? I don't know, but if you love Kevin Smith, I'm guessing it is.

What do you get for your 99 cents?

• Cheese: Stream of candid photos straight from the world of Kevin Smih.
• Twitter: Built-in Twitter client tuned to Kevin's official timeline. Tweet at Kevin, or Retweet his 140-character ramblings.
• Fan Photo: Get your picture taken with Silent Bob. The silent sidekick will be auto-magically added to photos taken with your iPhone camera. Use them as wallpaper, or share with friends via email or MMS.
• Rant: Your very own digital action figure spouts memorable sounds from Kevin's digitzed lips. Slam your enemies, impress your friends, and family. Snoogans!
• Media: Browse and download content from the guy who made Mallrats. Includes albums, movies, podcasts, TV shows, and more.
• Fanimation: A showcase of fan made videos, hand-picked by Kevin Smith.
• News: The freshest news from the View Askew Universe.
• Ringtone: From Kevin's mouth to your ear. A custom Kevin ringer alerts you to incoming calls.
• Wallpaper: Pictures of Kevin getting fatter and fatter, formatted for iPhone & iPod touch.

You can purchase it here

Johnny Knoxville Promises 'Avatar' Technology In 2010 'Jackass 3D'

Paramount and MTV Films announced that they've greenlit the 3rd installment of JACKASS in "eye-popping 3D" for release on October 15, 2010. It begins shooting in late January with Dickhouse Production’s Jeff Tremaine directing yet again and producing alongside Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville.  "We're going to take the same 3D technology James Cameron used in AVATAR and stick it up Steve O's butt. We're taking stupid to a whole new dimension.” said Knoxville.

The studio pointed out that 2002’s Jackass: The Movie earned more than $64 million and was heralded as “a disgusting, repulsive, grotesque spectacle, but also hilarious and provocative. God help me, thumbs up” by critic Richard Roeper. 2006 Jackass: Number Two earned over $72 million and was described by The New York Times as being “debased, infantile and reckless in the extreme, this compendium of body bravado and malfunction makes for some of the most fearless, liberated and cathartic comedy in modern movies".

Newport Beach Film Festival

Celebrated as one of the premiere film festivals in the United States, the Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into a prestigious multicultural event, attracting over 51,000 attendees to Orange County, California. The Newport Beach Film Festival annually presents an eclectic roster of over 400 feature-length narrative, documentary, short, animated and student films from around the world.

Since its launch in 2000, the festival has presented many acclaimed films, such as the U.S. Premiere of Crash, and other notable films including The Cove, The Brothers Bloom, Art & Copy, Waitress, Spellbound and Born into Brothels.

"This is what Newport Beach Film Festival does better than 95% of the world's festivals - it provides an incredible audience with a voracious appetite for the festival's films. Sold out screenings. Large, beautiful theaters that can play your film in the way it was intended to be seen. They host educated, well-intentioned Q&A sessions that will stimulate audiences."
- Elliot V. Kotek, Editor-in-Chief, Moving Pictures Magazine

For more information, please visit http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/

This year's nominations for the 2009 Independent Spirit Awards have been announced. If you're a filmmaker you need to check out all of these movies and learn from them.

BEST FEATURE (Award given to the Producer)
500 Days of Summer
Amreeka
Precious
Sin Nombre
The Last Station

BEST DIRECTOR
The Coen Brothers
Lee Daniels
Cary Fukanaga
James Grey
Michael Hoffman

BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)
A Single Man
Crazy Heart
Easier With Practice
The Messenger
Paranormal Activity

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD
(Given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director, and producer)
Big Fan
Humpday
The New Year Parade
Treeless Mountain
Zero Bridge

BEST SCREENPLAY
Cold Souls
Crazy Heart
Amreeka
Precious
A Single Man

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Cold Souls
Crazy Heart
Amreeka
Precious
A Single Man

BEST FEMALE LEAD
Maria Bello
Helen Mirren
Gwentyth Paltrow
Gabby Sidibe
Nisreen Faour

BEST MALE LEAD
Jeff Bridges
Colin Firth
Joseph Gordon Levitt
Souleymane Sy Savane
Adam Scott

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
—to be announced—

BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Jemaine Clements
Woody Harrelson
Cristian McKay
Ramon McKinnon
Christopher Plummer

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
A Serious Man
Sin Nombre
Treeless Mountain
Cold Souls
Bad Lieutenant

BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director)
Anvil!
Food Inc
More Than a Game
October Country
Which Way Home

BEST FOREIGN FILM (Award given to the director)
A Prophet
An Education
Everlasting Moments
Mother
The Maid

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD
(Given to one film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast)
A Serious Man

PRODUCERS AWARD
Karen Chien
Larry Fessenden
Dia Sokol

SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD
—to be announced—

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD
Natalia Almada
Bill Ross and Turner Ross
Jessica Oreck