Damn Expensive Popcorn

SorryBro (Ep.5) - Making of Potato Story

2011-11-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Check out the making-of of my stop-motion short starring 3 potatoes for your post-Thanksgiving fix. If you haven't seen the original short, I've reposted the video below. Enjoy!!

2011-11-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

Enjoy my 1st stop-motion work!!

Please support & ask friends & fam to "like" my FB pg (http://www.facebook.com/ignatiuslin).

And please subscribe to the SorryBro channel & leave comments!

SorryBro (Ep.4) - Orange Story - Halloween

2011-10-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

A hilarious #Halloween stop-motion short by a talented friend, Nino Buzzone. Subscribe/ stay tuned for the Thanksgiving Ep. directed by me.

Salaam Dunk - LA Film Festival

2011-06-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

Just watched a wonderful documentary about women collegiate basketball in Iraq. These young women and their young American coach come off as 3-dimensional human beings. The traditional and social constraints they are pushing against. The transient nature of life in a war-torn country. How sports give them pride, solidarity, escape, and hope.

The director, the coach, and others involved in the movie spoke at the Q&A afterwards. Their strong bond are unmistakable. The young women have asked the director not to exhibit the film in Iraq, and the director stated that his priority is not to secure distribution deals for the movie but to do right by these women.

This film reminds me of another excellent sports doc, which I saw at SXSW -- Undefeated. The best sports stories are those that really get you to care about the people, and whether they win or lose, either way, it will be an unforgettable ending that will resonate with long after the lights go on.

Salaam Dunk

STRANGER NOW PREMIERE

2011-05-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

The short debuted at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on Tuesday, May 3rd to a packed audience inside the CGV theater in Korea Town. The cast, crew, and the supporters really enjoyed the whole experience from the photo call to the hanging out afterwards.

ETTV, a global Chinese news outlet interviewed me and Cody, the boy actor, on the red carpet. We discussed the film in the context of the homelessness problem and the economic recession. I also spoke about the wonderful collaboration with Collin, who was filming in China and couldn't attend.

Abe, the co-director of the Festival & a true friend of filmmakers, conducted the post-screening Q&A. He asked some very thoughtful questions, and I thought, "Man, I better step up to the plate."

Many people stayed afterwards to chat. Here I'm with my collaborators, some of them couldn't make it for the photo call. Honestly, it was a hectic evening for me. Wave after wave of people approached me to talk. At the same time, seeing the big smile on everyone's faces made this a night impossible to forget.

Best,

Ignatius Lin

p.s. Shout out to Loïc for becoming #100 fan on my Facebook page. The page is full of breaking news, insightful analysis, updates about my adventure in filmmaking.

Here Try This: How to evaluate your ideas

2011-05-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Here Try This: How to evaluate your ideas: "It is exciting to think of ideas for a new business opportunity; that's the beginning of a journey for any entrepreneurs. When you discover ..."

STRANGER NOW PREMIERES TONIGHT

2011-05-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

97 Facebook shares, 5-star rating on the festival page.

STRANGER NOW (sponsored by NBC-Uni & FIND, starring Collin Chou) PREMIERES IN 12 HOURS at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. It is a story about an unlikely friendship between a boy and a homeless man.

We are very fortunate to be receiving international press coverage for this movie. Here are links to some of the articles, if you're interested: Ovation, SingTao, and World Journal.

Tickets are still available. We love to see you there and truly appreciate your help to spread the words. And please consider following my FB page, twitter feed, or this blog - if you aren't signed up already.

Attending Fast Five Premier tonight in Hollywood

2011-04-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

My brother & I won tickets to Fast Five Premier tonight in Hollywood, courtesy of YOMYOMF. Please follow us @ignatiuslin @augustus_lin if you want live updates.

We are hoping to meet Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock, Justin Lin, Sung Kang, Tyrese, Jordana Brewster, Ludacris, etc. Will they be there; will we be able to?

Lastly, my short, Stranger Now, is also playing at the same LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. No cars or action, but does have Collin Chou (Matrix Reloaded) playing against type as a homeless man. Please check it out! Or for more info/updates here.

Ovation Interviews Filmmaker Ignatius Lin - Ovation Audio track

2011-04-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ovation TV, a company founded by the producer of National Treasure, interviewed me last week about Stranger Now, The Zone, my background and directorial style. I also provided some advice for beginning filmmaker.

It was an honor to be interviewed. I think I said "you know" and "um" too much during the interview!! Haha. Please check it out & share it. Here is the interview.

Ovation has a short film contest, deadline May 13! Check it out!!

Lastly, a reminder, Stranger Now premiers in theater on May 3rd. Details here.

Video Games/Anime Spree

2011-04-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

Last week, my animator buddy, Joseph, found 2 video games/anime/comics stores in Culver City (same owner, stores right next to each other). We and my wife went to check them out.

Joseph dived right into the video games covered from wall-to-wall. I was a bit disappointed because besides awful sports games, it didn't appear to have much Super Ninendo/Famicom games (the only console I still own - since WAY back). I lost my Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and Nintendo Famicom (red/white machine) systems when I moved.

After an hour, Joseph said a little sheepishly that he wanted to check out the sister store. At first glance, the store offered mostly DVD's and Blue-Ray's, but Joseph found huge stacks of Japanese imported PS2 games in the corner. As I sauntered about, I looked inside the store's glass counter more closely and discovered about 20 Super Famicom games.

I was intrigued and asked the store clerk to take them out. As I saw the titles, I began to salivate. Presented to me were several great games I remembered playing from my childhood--五右衛門 (Goemon), 幽遊白書(Yuyuhakusho)--and several that I wanted--Dragonquest, NBA Jam, etc. Can you imagine how I felt as I held them in my hands? I couldn't stop talking about the games and recalling stories of my days as an avid video game player. Please allow me to briefly introduce some of them.

Goemon allows you the simple pleasure of being the Japanese Robin Hood, walking around and whacking people with a smoking pipe. (Or being his slapstick, happy-go-lucky thief sidekick.)

NBA Jam: As sports games become more and more realistic, one's nostalgia for fantastical sports games can't help but amplify. NBA Jam really is the grandfather of such sub-genre. When a player is "on fire," his ball is literally "on fire." FLYING to the basket, LEAPING, TWIRLING, 360 DEGREES, SLAM-DUNKING the hell out of the rim.

Dragon Quest: fantasy genre RPG game. Most notable for the fact that 鳥山明 (Akira Toriyama, Dragonball creator) serves as the character designer for the game. Any true Dragonball fan should be barely able to contain himself/herself when looking at the beautiful game cover.

That day was truly awesome. I really need to thank Joseph for finding the place and my wife for sharing my excitement. While anime and video games have their own strict genre rules, I took away from the visit a feeling of creative freedom and excitement -- that arts can & should go anywhere. They should excite, entertain, and challenge their audience. This applies to cinema. The excitement that I felt as a kid is the type of excitement that I, as a filmmaker, MUST impart on my audience.

Launch Party - Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

2011-04-23T00:54:00.000-07:00

Had a GREAT time attending the festival's launch party at the swanky Solair's Sky Deck in Koreatown, courtesy of the festival.

My short, Stranger Now, is premiering at the festival on Tuesday, May 3rd, 9pm. I feel very honored. Invitations to parties are one of the perks. My wife, my friend (Joseph), the producer/writer (Paul) and I had a blast. DJ setting the right mood. Open bar. Free appetizers. I had a Kirin, and we ate crab cakes and sweet pork buns (my fav. at the party).

The best thing was I got to hang out with my wife, my friends, and some AMAZING filmmakers. People come up with creative names for their projects, like Kosher Pig and Confession of a Nice Guy.

Next week, I'll be doing some press interviews for the film. Very excited and a little nervous. Wish me luck, and I look forward to "talking" to you again.

For more info about the Stranger Now screening, including ticketing, please click here.

I'll be blogging, facebooking, and tweeting during the festival. You can follow me via twitter or facebook.

(with Joseph, who just finished working on the Green Lantern)

(screen shot of Stranger Now playing as a part of the festival official trailer)

(with Erin, who also has a short in the fest)

(with Paul, actor/producer/writer - triple threat)

Elizabeth Taylor - Reaction in Hollywood and among the Chinese-American Community

2011-03-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

The World Journal Daily (世界日報) did a touching article on the effect of Taylor's passing on her fans and those in Hollywood, and I was interviewed for the piece. I appreciate the chance to share my thoughts on such a legend. Taylor brought such depth and simple grace to her characters. RIP.

-- Ignatius Lin

Link to article, here. Courtesy of Kate Huang @ World Journal

One of Biggest Snub of the Oscar: Justin Timberlake in The Social Network

2011-02-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

Alright, I have been waiting for people to say something about this for months now, but no one has stepped forward. So here I am to state: it is a SHAME that Justin Timberlake has been overlooked in this award season.

I am not a big fan of his, but when I walked out of the theater after the screening, I said to my family and friends his performance is exhilarating. He IS the character Sean Parker, and he spits out every line of the dialogues that no doubt makes Aaron Sorkin proud. He breathes life into this role and compels the audience to believe that the story could not have unfolded in any other way!

I cannot wait for Timberlake to sink his teeth into another meaty role in the near future. He has propelled himself to the ranks of the most exciting young actors today.

Stranger Now Featured on Actor Access Mobile's Preview Page

2011-02-23T00:31:00.000-08:00

I feel so blessed to receive such cool exposure on Actors Access, one of the biggest casting services in North America. I found out about this last week from my actor friend, Tiger Sheu.

I have received an outpouring of support from many friends and family members regarding this news and the film, which has made this unexpected exposure that much sweeter. I have received impassioned online messages from a family friend and a fellow filmmaker! When I found out that a HS classmate of mine recommended Stranger Now to her friends, I allowed myself to enjoy a sense of accomplishment. This is one of the highest form of compliments an artist can receive. I'm thinking about my fellow filmmakers and supporters who helped make this film happen. I am filled with joy.

If you're interested, the movie is now available on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/13828287). Here is the official FB page.

By the way, I hope to join Tiger at the SXSW premier of his film, Blacktino, produced by producer of Spy Kids and Sin City (by Robert Rodriguez) and starring Danny Trejo and Jeff Fahey. Big CONGRATS to Tiger!

(app's preview page)

The Spirit of Independence: Oscar-nominated Indie Films

2011-02-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

A very cool event going down this Wednesday night. Directors from the Oscar-nominated The Kids Are All Right, Winter's Bone, and Rabbit Hole will speak candidly about their crafts.

Here's a glimpse of the talk 2 weeks ago given by the Oscar-winning director of The Exorcist and The French Connection.

Kevin Smith says F-U to Hollywood, distributes own film

2011-02-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

(courtesy of AP and The Guardian)

I'm taking a more objective approach to one of the biggest "news" coming out of Sundance. The links below will bring to you to various opinions on Smith's dissing of Hollywood and planning to distribute the horror/religious exploitation on his own.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars/2011/01/what-does-kevin-smiths-red-state-mean-for-independent-film.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2011/jan/24/kevin-smith-red-state-sundance

http://www.ifc.com/news/2011/01/why-kevin-smiths-red-state-sel.php

http://www.deadline.com/2011/01/sundance-watching-kevin-smith-implode/

Teaching Writing-- Easy. Writing-- Hard!

2011-01-21T01:17:00.000-08:00

I teach writing to HS and college students, which often illuminates the writing process for me. It is almost shocking to hear advise that you dispense so easily to others, that are so difficult to follow when writing by yourself.

The first obstacle many students face is writer's block. I tell them begin at the rough draft stage. "Did you brainstorm?" I'd ask. I say it is too early to worry about grammar. Brainstorm, writing in fragments, bullet points, the easiest, simplest way that'll allow you to put your thoughts down. Secondly I tell them, to spill their gut. This is definitely not the time to judge your own writing, that's for later. There will be ample opportunities later to revise what you wrote but first you have to put something down. The goal at this moment is to be creative, be free, go for the wildest ideas you have and dial it back a bit or push forward even more. You feel scared and insecure? That is normal. Professional writers have told me personally that they're terrified when they write.

I think the proper mindset can be summed up by a quote I heard today (which I'll paraphrase), "There can be no self-esteem without a sense of progress." If you expect perfection from the get-go, you will have nowhere to go, your mind will go sterile. Humble yourself and find joy in the process itself.

The Social Network: The Sound Show

2011-01-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

My friend, Scott, posted this invite, which I'm reposting here. Seems like an awesome opportunity to learn about sound, which is after all half of the picture as they say. Plus, this movie is absolutely one of the best of the year.

You and your friends are invited to hear the story of the sound of the critically acclaimed movie about the creation of Facebook.

Special clips will be presented by key sonic artisans offering a rare chance to hear some of the discrete audio elements that were connected into a network of aural information.

AND this unique presentation will be made at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, a venue that prides itself on offering the best in sight and sound technology.

Want to know what’s better than a million bits of digital sound?

A BILLION bits of digital sound presented by the people who helped make them!

Sharing their craft and experience will be supervising sound editor/sound designer Ren Klyce, re-recording mixers David Parker and Michael Semanick, picture editors Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall, and producer Scott Rudin.

One night only! And Free! Friday, January 7, at 7:30 pm at the ArcLight Hollywood, 6360 West Sunset Boulevard.

RSVP to mail@mpse.org or call 818/506-7731.

Please provide your full name and any industry or school affiliation. Seating is limited.

Sundance, Slamdance Orientation at Film Independent

2010-12-08T00:02:00.000-08:00

Three qualified speakers shared many insights about these 2 major festivals that are applicable to filmmakers, film lovers, or just casual film goers.

Javier Fuentes-León - Director of Undertow, winner of the Audience Award at 2010 Sundance & Project:Involve Alumnus

Drea Clark - Executive Director, Slamdance & MV programmer LAFF

Nguyen Tran - Producer's Rep

General Matters
-What you want to get out of festival?
-How do you want to come across?
-Come up w/ a wish list (priority list).
-Befriend the staff. Interact with them. Inspire good will.
-Ask nicely for film to be shown the first 5 days of festival.
-People are approachable at the festivals, more than seeing them in LA.
-Make individual connection with everyone you encounter.
-People will go bat for you if they love your film.
-Know your collaborators: their experience, their tastes, their comfort
-Who are there? Distributors, producers, reps.

Publicity
-Check in w/ the festival publicist.
-Know who's the press. Get festival's press list.
-Remember you are a client to your publicist. You should have a rapport with them, know who they speak with during the fest. Make sure they are visible to you and in the festival.

Producer's Rep
-Know your product. What's the goal? Empower the rep to sell your film because it's a long, hard process.
-The rep checks the expectations of their clients. On the same page?

Marketing/Audience
-Target the locals in advance w/ radio ads. They are bodies who blog, do social network.
-Creative promotions: chocolate hearts for romance movie, zombie performers, "dead strong" wrist band for a movie about zombie's rights.

If you don't have a film but has a script
-Have your one-line
-But people like to feel they make a connection. Not things thrust on them. Make good, fun connection. Come across you have something fun in your back pocket.
-Get a card and send script after Sundance.

If you have film
-Talk about the strength in your film and how you plan to follow up. Put yourself into the flow of things.
-They maybe not have bought your film, but they want to partner with you on your next project. People want to be first in line for the new talent.

Parties
-Everywhere but your hotel rooms. Some hard-to-get-in-party, once you get in, it's disappointing. Spend every waking moments meeting people.
-Relax, enjoy people you went there with.

Resources
Indiewire
Screen Daily
Nikki Finke
Sundance
Slamdance

*Special thanks to Paul from FIND for organizing this amazing event.

Midnight at the oasis - Roger Ebert's Journal

2010-11-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

"Everywhere I go, as much as I can, I listen to National Public Radio. It's an oasis of clear-headed intelligence. Carefully, patiently, it presents programming designed to make me feel just a little better equipped to reenter the world of uproar."

Midnight at the oasis - Roger Ebert's Journal

Nic Cage Losing His Sh*t!!

2010-11-22T22:56:00.000-08:00

This is freaking craaaazzy!!! Had to stop myself from finish watching it, or else there's no way I can have a good night's sleep!

Thanks to Josh Welsh from Film Independent for sharing this mind-bending piece of I-don't-know-what-you-call-this.

15 minute sneak peak of Tron Legacy

2010-11-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

I was treated to 15 minutes of Tron Legacy last Wednesday at the AFI Festival's Sony 3D workshop. AFI and Disney were very concerned about the footage leaking and warned us to turn off our cellphone or risk getting escorted out of the theater.

The lights dimmed. We didn't know what really to expect. We thought it might just be an extended trailer or one scene, but the sneak peak just kept going and going. We saw scenes of the "real" world with a young Jeff Bridges, courtesy of CGI. Then bam!, like the protagonist, we got transported into the Tron world, and that was when the 3D effects took off. They weren't intrusive or showy -- just enough to feel as if you're in a hyper-reality world. Awesome bikes, cars, a city of lights. A gladiator-style tournament involving cutting your opponent in half with a sharp frisbee.

IT WAS A RIDE, in every sense of the word!! When it was over, I felt they showed too much! They could have just showed us 7 minutes of Tron Legacy, and we'd have gladly paid to watch the rest. Disney, why did you have to play with us like that?!

An Introduction to Production Sound | Film Independent

2010-11-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

I am attending a sound class tonight, courtesy of Francisco from Film Independent! Sound is half of the movie, as they say, but it's surprising to see how many filmmakers neglect sound recording when they shoot and pay for it in post. I have worked with some awesome sound people and developed a great respect for this aspect of filmmaking. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from this class, taught by Arran Murphy (The Wheeler Boys, Hollywood je t'ame).

Film Independent offers this and many other wonderful classes. The Art of Editing class is excellent. I've included the link below if you like to know more about Film Independent and their educational resources.

An Introduction to Production Sound | Film Independent

Lionsgate's Joe Drake: 'You can’t just have a dream, you have to have a plan'

2010-10-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

Complete transcript of the keynote speech by Liongate's COO.

Blew my mind. Inspiring! Insightful! Pragmatic!

Toolkit | Lionsgate's Joe Drake: 'You can’t just have a dream, you have to have a plan' - indieWIRE

The Zone featured on Examiner.com

2010-10-29T23:25:00.000-07:00

Examiner.com mentioned my work for The Zone in its interview with Roy Vongtama, the creator/writer.

Examiner.com: "How long did it take to make a trailer/teaser for the Zone?"
Roy: "Well, the process was an intense. It took about a month from the time I heard we were one of the five finalists for the Fox Diversity/MAPID Pilot Shootout. I brought on a great director, Ignatius Lin, to help direct the trailer..."

Moreover, Roy and I had a wonderful lunch meeting with Fox people last week. Today, Roy pitched the show to Fox's development execs. The meeting went very well as they asked many serious questions. They also dug the demo trailer very much, calling it very professionally done.

Link to the entire Examiner.com article.