MovieMaker Magazine Blog http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/ en staff@moviemaker.com Copyright 2009 2009-11-13T05:01:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: Live Stream Days Away http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/the_last_lullaby_jeffrey_goodman_award_season_20091111/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/the_last_lullaby_jeffrey_goodman_award_season_20091111/#When:05:01:00Z We’re five days away from the live drawing for The Last Lullaby prizes. I hope to see many of you there. It’s the first time we’ve done something like this. It should be an unusual and very fun event. The Last Lullaby prizes. I hope to see many of you there. It’s the first time we’ve done something like this. It should be an unusual and very fun event.

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-11-13T05:01:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: Social Networking & Paranormal Activity http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/the_last_lullaby_dvd_release_facebook_20091022/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/the_last_lullaby_dvd_release_facebook_20091022/#When:05:01:01Z We’re five days into the online release of The Last Lullaby, and sales have been strong. But I’m always looking for other ways to spread the word. My recent efforts include posting on Facebook walls; I’m targeting affiliated groups with the most members. For instance, Sprague Grayden is in our movie and also has been on "24," so I posted on the walls of the most popular 24 Facebook groups—things like that. I’ll let you know about other efforts as we move forward. The Last Lullaby, and sales have been strong. But I’m always looking for other ways to spread the word. My recent efforts include posting on Facebook walls; I’m targeting affiliated groups with the most members. For instance, Sprague Grayden is in our movie and also has been on "24," so I posted on the walls of the most popular 24 Facebook groups—things like that. I’ll let you know about other efforts as we move forward.

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-10-23T05:01:01-05:00 Notes from Overboard: Spanish Caravan http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/tom_dicillo_san_sebastian_woodstock_when_youre_strange_20091022/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/tom_dicillo_san_sebastian_woodstock_when_youre_strange_20091022/#When:19:46:00Z Just as my brain recovers from the trip to Deauville, someone sneaks up from behind and thwacks it with a giant tennis racket. As a result it lands in San Sebastian, Spain about seven hours before me and stubbornly keeps its distance. The five days there play like a slightly damaged DVD with only flashes of coherence breaking through. Read the Whole Item...

]]> Notes from Overboard 2009-10-22T19:46:00-05:00 Cinema Law: I Shoot, He Scores http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_scoring_a_film_hiring_a_composer_20091020/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_scoring_a_film_hiring_a_composer_20091020/#When:05:01:00Z Q: After the original composer for my film submitted his score, I found it to be almost unlistenable and rejected it. I hired a new composer to score the film, and this time the music worked much better. The original composer agreed that he'd be paid after the score was completed and I'd had a chance to listen to it, but since I thought he did a horrendous job, I refused to pay him and now he's threatening to sue me. Do I still need to pay him the original amount, or since his work was less than adequate? Is there something else I can do alleviate the situation? Q: After the original composer for my film submitted his score, I found it to be almost unlistenable and rejected it. I hired a new composer to score the film, and this time the music worked much better. The original composer agreed that he'd be paid after the score was completed and I'd had a chance to listen to it, but since I thought he did a horrendous job, I refused to pay him and now he's threatening to sue me. Do I still need to pay him the original amount, or since his work was less than adequate? Is there something else I can do alleviate the situation?

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Cinema Law 2009-10-20T05:01:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: DVD Release Tomorrow! http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/adventures_in_self_releasing_dvd_release_the_last_lullaby_20091015/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/adventures_in_self_releasing_dvd_release_the_last_lullaby_20091015/#When:05:01:00Z Tomorrow, October 17, I’ll be releasing the first edition DVD of The Last Lullaby in Shreveport. It should be a memorable time signing DVDs and celebrating another significant milestone with some of the movie’s core group of support. That’s Saturday. Then Monday, October 19, is the online launch, when people outside of Shreveport can begin buying the DVD off the movie’s Website (www.thelastlullaby.com). The Last Lullaby in Shreveport. It should be a memorable time signing DVDs and celebrating another significant milestone with some of the movie’s core group of support. That’s Saturday. Then Monday, October 19, is the online launch, when people outside of Shreveport can begin buying the DVD off the movie’s Website (www.thelastlullaby.com).

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-10-16T05:01:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: The DVD Release—It’s Official http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/the_last_lullaby_dvd_release_20091001/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/the_last_lullaby_dvd_release_20091001/#When:05:01:00Z The next major step for The Last Lullaby is official. Here’s how I have decided to put it together: We will have a world premiere DVD release and signing of The Last Lullaby at Giuseppe’s in Shreveport, Louisiana, Saturday, October 17th from 2 - 4 p.m. The movie on the 17th will sell for $20. Then, the movie will be available from our Website (www.thelastlullaby.com) beginning October 19th. If people buy online, the movie will also be $20. But, people could receive a 20 percent discount, depending on where we end up in our promotions. The Last Lullaby is official. Here’s how I have decided to put it together:

We will have a world premiere DVD release and signing of The Last Lullaby at Giuseppe’s in Shreveport, Louisiana, Saturday, October 17th from 2 - 4 p.m. The movie on the 17th will sell for $20. Then, the movie will be available from our Website (www.thelastlullaby.com) beginning October 19th. If people buy online, the movie will also be $20. But, people could receive a 20 percent discount, depending on where we end up in our promotions.

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-10-01T05:01:00-05:00 Cinema Law: Old Footage, New Media http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_old_footage_new_website_20090930/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_old_footage_new_website_20090930/#When:18:19:01Z Q: An obscure actor appears in a 30-second TV commercial in 1966. In 2009 he wants to put the long-forgotten commercial on his Website. Any reason why he shouldn't be allowed to do this? Q: An obscure actor appears in a 30-second TV commercial in 1966. In 2009 he wants to put the long-forgotten commercial on his Website. Any reason why he shouldn't be allowed to do this?Read the Whole Item...

]]> In Theaters Now 2009-09-30T18:19:01-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: Building Buzz Around the DVD Release http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/adventures_in_self_releasing_neoflix_the_last_lullaby_20090923/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/adventures_in_self_releasing_neoflix_the_last_lullaby_20090923/#When:05:01:00Z All right I’m getting close to releasing a limited, first edition DVD of the movie. As I’ve said before, this is something we’ll be offering off the Website (www.thelastlullaby.com) and in conjunction with Neoflix. I’ve been thinking of ways to increase the interest around the DVD. Obviously, we don’t have a huge marketing budget and can’t afford television spend or even print ads. So, as an independent moviemaker, what can you do to make enough noise to build awareness around you and your movie’s release? www.thelastlullaby.com) and in conjunction with Neoflix.

I’ve been thinking of ways to increase the interest around the DVD. Obviously, we don’t have a huge marketing budget and can’t afford television spend or even print ads. So, as an independent moviemaker, what can you do to make enough noise to build awareness around you and your movie’s release?

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-09-25T05:01:00-05:00 Cinema Law: Location Permission http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_location_permissions_20090921/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_location_permissions_20090921/#When:05:01:00Z Q: The trailer for my first film was recently posted online. A brief scene in the movie (which also appears in the trailer) was filmed at a local restaurant parking lot, which I never asked permission to use. Now, the restaurant’s owner, who had no knowledge of the film prior to the trailer's release, says he'll sue me unless the restaurant receives some sort of compensation. Does he have a case? A: It appears that the restaurant owner believes that he has the right to compensation because his property and perhaps the trademarked name of his restaurant appear in your film. In all likelihood, that claim would fail. Obviously, a property owner has no right to compensation merely because his parking lot appears on screen. Imagine if a moviemaker filming in Times Square needed a license from every building, restaurant and store owner? This is untenable and not the law. Q: The trailer for my first film was recently posted online. A brief scene in the movie (which also appears in the trailer) was filmed at a local restaurant parking lot, which I never asked permission to use. Now, the restaurant’s owner, who had no knowledge of the film prior to the trailer's release, says he'll sue me unless the restaurant receives some sort of compensation. Does he have a case?

A: It appears that the restaurant owner believes that he has the right to compensation because his property and perhaps the trademarked name of his restaurant appear in your film. In all likelihood, that claim would fail. Obviously, a property owner has no right to compensation merely because his parking lot appears on screen. Imagine if a moviemaker filming in Times Square needed a license from every building, restaurant and store owner? This is untenable and not the law.

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Cinema Law 2009-09-22T05:01:00-05:00 Notes from Overboard: Deauville http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/tom_dicillo_the_doors_when_youre_strange_deauville_20090921/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/tom_dicillo_the_doors_when_youre_strange_deauville_20090921/#When:15:13:00Z September 5, 2009 9 a.m. I’m sitting in the back of a car looking out the window. The driver works through the outskirts of Paris and heads north for the two-hour drive to Deauville. Landed at Charles DeGaulle an hour ago. Slept three hours on the plane. It is 2 in the morning, My Time, which might explain why what rushes by the window melts together in my brain like a stream of liquid confetti. September 5, 2009
9 a.m.
I’m sitting in the back of a car looking out the window. The driver works through the outskirts of Paris and heads north for the two-hour drive to Deauville. Landed at Charles DeGaulle an hour ago. Slept three hours on the plane. It is 2 in the morning, My Time, which might explain why what rushes by the window melts together in my brain like a stream of liquid confetti.

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Notes from Overboard 2009-09-21T15:13:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: Independent vs. Dependent http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_business_of_independent_film_last_lullaby_20090916/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_business_of_independent_film_last_lullaby_20090916/#When:05:01:01Z Just wrapped up my first “Business of Independent Film” workshop this weekend. I loved doing it and have decided to offer it again November 21 and 22. I wanted to share just a few things I covered in the workshop and a few other things that have come to my attention this week. Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-09-18T05:01:01-05:00 Cinema Law: Using a Song Title as Your Movie Title http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_using_a_song_title_as_your_movie_title_20090915/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_using_a_song_title_as_your_movie_title_20090915/#When:05:01:00Z Q: I have a conflict with the title of my movie and the title of a famous song; let’s just say it’s “Free Fallin.’” Neither the movie’s content/storyline, nor the title of the movie itself have a reference or connection to the song lyrics at all, besides the fact that the title is the same. The title is a common phrase that is used, but I’m afraid that if I name my movie as I want to, that I will get into trouble as far as copyrights. Can you tell me how likely I am to be sued for copyright infringement if I use a title that coincidentally is also the name of a famous song? Q: I have a conflict with the title of my movie and the title of a famous song; let’s just say it’s “Free Fallin.’” Neither the movie’s content/storyline, nor the title of the movie itself have a reference or connection to the song lyrics at all, besides the fact that the title is the same. The title is a common phrase that is used, but I’m afraid that if I name my movie as I want to, that I will get into trouble as far as copyrights. Can you tell me how likely I am to be sued for copyright infringement if I use a title that coincidentally is also the name of a famous song?

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Cinema Law 2009-09-15T05:01:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: Streetballers & Weather Girl http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_the_last_lullaby_streetballers_weather_girl_20090908/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_the_last_lullaby_streetballers_weather_girl_20090908/#When:05:01:00Z Today I thought I would bring in two other moviemakers who have decided to self-release this year. Both have had significant success on the festival circuit and are two of the most dedicated and hard-working people I know. Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-09-11T05:01:00-05:00 Cinema Law: Using Footage for a School Project http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_using_footage_for_a_school_project_20090908/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_using_footage_for_a_school_project_20090908/#When:14:33:00Z Q: I want to have my school class make a virtual online art exhibition as a class project. Can they legally use a few seconds of footage from various art films and/or magazine or book images of art on the school's Website? A: The purpose of copyright law is to promote creativity by providing legal protection for “works” that have been “fixed in a tangible medium.” By law, a copyright owner is given the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, publicly perform and publicly display the copyrighted work. The art films, magazines and book images that you reference in your question are “works” that would be entitled to copyright protection, meaning that if those works were copied or reproduced without the owner’s permission, then the owner could sue for copyright infringement. Q: I want to have my school class make a virtual online art exhibition as a class project. Can they legally use a few seconds of footage from various art films and/or magazine or book images of art on the school's Website?

A: The purpose of copyright law is to promote creativity by providing legal protection for “works” that have been “fixed in a tangible medium.” By law, a copyright owner is given the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, publicly perform and publicly display the copyrighted work. The art films, magazines and book images that you reference in your question are “works” that would be entitled to copyright protection, meaning that if those works were copied or reproduced without the owner’s permission, then the owner could sue for copyright infringement.

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Cinema Law 2009-09-08T14:33:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: Self-Distribution Survey http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_self_releasing_survey_20090901/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_self_releasing_survey_20090901/#When:05:01:00Z It’s been a quiet week. I’m back in Shreveport as I wait for another wave of Lullaby activities (festivals, releases, etc.) to begin soon. This week, I figured I’d turn my blog over to you readers. You’ve often asked me questions and I’ve often expressed my opinion. Now, I’d like to gain your perspective on a few things. It’s my hope that many of you will chime in on some of the questions below in the comments section (and with each of your responses, it would be great if you also included a list of your 10 favorite moviemakers): Lullaby activities (festivals, releases, etc.) to begin soon. This week, I figured I’d turn my blog over to you readers. You’ve often asked me questions and I’ve often expressed my opinion. Now, I’d like to gain your perspective on a few things. It’s my hope that many of you will chime in on some of the questions below in the comments section (and with each of your responses, it would be great if you also included a list of your 10 favorite moviemakers):

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-09-04T05:01:00-05:00 Cinema Law: Big Star, No Money http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_big_star_no_money_20090902/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_big_star_no_money_20090902/#When:17:59:00Z Q: I’m an independent moviemaker currently in development on a new project. We are speaking to a pretty well-known star but don’t have the budget to necessarily pay the actor up front, so he’s requested we pay him on the back end with participation fees, residuals, etc. However, what if my movie doesn’t do well or doesn’t ever see distribution? How do I ensure that I don’t get sued by the talent? What can I do to protect myself from this? Q: I’m an independent moviemaker currently in development on a new project. We are speaking to a pretty well-known star but don’t have the budget to necessarily pay the actor up front, so he’s requested we pay him on the back end with participation fees, residuals, etc. However, what if my movie doesn’t do well or doesn’t ever see distribution? How do I ensure that I don’t get sued by the talent? What can I do to protect myself from this?

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Cinema Law 2009-09-02T17:59:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: Success in Eight Steps http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_the_last_lullaby_self_distribution_20090826/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_the_last_lullaby_self_distribution_20090826/#When:05:01:00Z We're in a slightly quieter period now with The Last Lullaby. Figured I’d switch formats again for this week’s entry as I look back and examine some of the decisions I’ve made. I will soon be starting my next movie and, as with anything, I do hope I’ve learned from some of my mistakes. Q: Is there an ideal week to open an independent movie? The Last Lullaby. Figured I’d switch formats again for this week’s entry as I look back and examine some of the decisions I’ve made. I will soon be starting my next movie and, as with anything, I do hope I’ve learned from some of my mistakes.

Q: Is there an ideal week to open an independent movie?

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-08-28T05:01:00-05:00 Cinema Law: Protection for Behind the Scenes Footage http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_us_copyright_law_content_creation_20090825/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_us_copyright_law_content_creation_20090825/#When:16:03:00Z Q: About 20 years ago, a U.S. film production had done a location shoot in Japan, and I was one of the local hired crew. Since my position allowed me to shoot photographs on set, I also videotaped the production as well—creating sort of "behind the scenes" videos. The video was never intended for commercial use, just for recording daily activities instead of writing journals on paper. U.S. crew (including producers) knew and acknowledged that I was videotaping. Read the Whole Item...

]]> Cinema Law 2009-08-25T16:03:00-05:00 Adventures in Self-Releasing: Three Things Left http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_the_last_lullaby_self_distribution_20090817/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/jeffrey_goodman_the_last_lullaby_self_distribution_20090817/#When:05:01:00Z Took a week off from the blog. Just needed to catch my breath for a second. People ask me all the time when I'll be ready to move on to my next project. As with everything in this process, it's probably different for each person. For me, I still have three areas I want to pursue and follow through until the end: Read the Whole Item...

]]> Adventures in Self-Releasing 2009-08-21T05:01:00-05:00 Cinema Law: Who Owns the Footage I Shot? http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_who_owns_the_footage_i_shot_20090819/ http://www.moviemaker.com/blog/item/cinema_law_who_owns_the_footage_i_shot_20090819/#When:20:25:00Z Q: I have an issue with a large client that has never asked me to sign any agreement or contract. A little while back, they asked me for a year’s worth of B roll footage I shot for them. I eventually gave it to the client because I thought it was covered under the “work for hire” doctrine. Now I don’t think that is true. Can I deny them if they request footage in the future? Q: I have an issue with a large client that has never asked me to sign any agreement or contract. A little while back, they asked me for a year’s worth of B roll footage I shot for them. I eventually gave it to the client because I thought it was covered under the “work for hire” doctrine. Now I don’t think that is true. Can I deny them if they request footage in the future?

Read the Whole Item...

]]> Cinema Law 2009-08-19T20:25:00-05:00