Independent Filmmakers in Oregon and Portland: An Aaron Kirk Douglas Blog

Blog links reviewed, refreshed, "Damn You Auto Correct!" Workshop Performance Video

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:38:00 +0000

Hi All - just wanted to let you know I have recently reviewed and refreshed all the links on the sidebar to be sure they are all working. Please feel free to send me a note when you find a link isn't working or if you have a suggestion for a new one or if you have something of interest to local filmmakers. I like to post mostly calls for submissions, grant notices, information on agents and distributors, etc. rather than one-off productions (except when they're my own, a-hem!) just because there is a lot going on and I think people refer to this site more for links to information and resources, which I have compiled over the last few years because these were sources that were helpful to me.

As an added bonus for my handful of devoted followers, I've updated the link for the musical I'm working on now. Formerly titled Planet Eden is is now called Alienated: The Best Alien Abduction Musical in the Universe. That should more clearly outline what to expect from the show. Ha! Check out the widget that links to our short one-song audio sampler.

Planet Eden enjoyed staged readings in 2010 at CoHo Theatre and then we had three staged readings in October 2010 and January 2011 thanks to Portland's Broadway Rose Theatre under the direction of Dan Murphy.

Kurt Crowley and I are fortunate to have added a new collaborator, Marc Acito, who is rewriting the book for us. We will have a new reading at Artists' Repertory Theatre in September 2012 directed by ART's Jon Kretzu. I hope you can attend.

In the meantime, here is a video of a song that Kurt and I wrote recently called Damn You Autocorrect! It's available for performance. If you have a film or show coming up you think it might work in, let me know. We have the music all ready to go and it can be a solo or a duet. This is video from a workshop performance recently.

Enjoy!

TheWatchBox is taking submissions for fee-split streaming

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:24:00 +0000

The Watchbox is a new destination for viewers discover exciting, unusual, and never before seen content: from feature length films, to webisodes, to exclusive music concerts. The site allows visitors to browse and rent exclusive videos, but the Watchbox empowers content creators: upload your feature, set a price, leverage social media to get the word out, and start profiting. Don't forget to include extra features like behind the scenes footage, interviews, teasers, and trailers.

How it works: customers

Browse the site
Find a feature they want to watch
Purchase it
Watch it immediately by streaming it directly to a computer or mobile device

How it works: content providers

Upload your feature
Publish your feature
Market your feature
Get paid for every rental

How you get paid Every time a customer rents your feature you will earn 50% of the rental price. For example, if your title is rented at $4.99, you earn a royalty of $2.49. You may set your price to anything at or above the minimum rental price of $1.99.

Royalties are eligible for withdrawal 60 days after the sale is made; you may request payment of your eligible account balance from the content account page. Payments will be sent via PayPal to the email address on file in your account. Alternatively, you may request payment via check (a fee of $1.50 will be applied for each check issued).

What it costs

There is a onetime set up fee of $15 per feature.

Learn more at www.thewatchbox.com

Enter by October 16th to Win $5,000 for Your Next Film Project

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:43:00 +0000

A new contest starts today for filmmakers, writers, artists, and musicians. The Butterfly Contest is a free contest, for creators of all mediums, to win $5,000.

Tenlegs invites creators of video, imagery, writing and music to submit work between October 3 - October 16, 2011 for an opportunity to win $5,000 toward your next creative project and exposure with an accomplished artist panel & PR in arts circles.

Participate at www.tenlegs.com/contests by submitting an entry or by voting & supporting the artist community!

Butterfly effect theme: Any act / art can inspire, have a huge impact, affect the world around us.

Participation is absolutely free. Simply upload any digital-format creative work you have, be it film, music, poetry, fiction, personal essay, photography, illustration, and whatever else you can think of that in some way represents the theme of the Butterfly Effect - literally, figuratively, use your imagination - there is nothing stopping you but the limits of your inspiration.

Get your content ready this week so you are ready to submit on Oct. 3rd, and get your friends to come out and vote next week.

Portland Women's Film Festival - POWFest - Accepting Entries

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:01:00 +0000

The Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival (a.k.a. POWFest) is now accepting entries for its fifth annual festival scheduled to take place March 8 - 11, 2012. The regular deadline for entries is Friday, August 12, 2011. POWFest showcases the art and cinematic contribution of women filmmakers from around the world and seeks to present films that have been directed or co-directed by women; of any length, style, or genre. Detailed information about submitting films can be found at www.powfest.com.

Deadlines & Fees
Early Bird Deadline: Postmarked by June 24, 2011 ~ $20
Regular Deadline: Postmarked by Friday August 12, 2011 ~ $30
Late Deadline: Postmarked by Friday September 9, 2011 ~ $35
WAB Extended Deadline: Postmarked by Friday October 7, 2011 ~ $45

Salt & Silicone Screens Wed. Dec. 8 @ Portland Living Room Theatres 9:30

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:03:00 +0000

Why do women get boob jobs?
One woman's daydream becomes a nightmare before she changes her mind.

Join us for our short-film as part of the HD Film Fest at the Living Room Theatres tomorrow night. Just steps away from Powell's Bookstore on W. Burnside in Portland. Learn More > > >

Theatrical Premiere of the Local Film "James vs. Reality" 11/9 @ Baghdad

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:09:00 +0000

Local filmmaker and 3D animator Chris Wilson, who produced, wrote and directed along with Tim Feeney, raises the bar on the local indie-film industry with his great visual effects work which adds an epic spice to well written, laugh out loud funny short film about a chronic escapee mental patient who just happens to think he is a super hero.

This project has gained a considerable buzz in the Portland and Vancouver area and the premiere is highly anticipated as not only the film will be shown but the event will also feature other local entertainers and artist performing live as well as an after screening meet and greet with the cast and crew.

After spending the last two years on this very ambitious project the team at We’ll Fix it in Post Productions is excited to offer the premiere of JAMES vs REALITY free of charge to the public.

“Am I supposed to save this whole stupid planet on my own without using any powers?”

FREE to attend (over 21 please due to McMenamins alcohol sales at the theater)
WHERE: The Bagdad Theater 3702 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, OR 97214 (503)467-7521
WHEN: Nov 9th 2010 – 8:30pm

DIVA Center 15-minute or less shorts by Oregon filmmakers for Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:22:00 +0000

(EUGENE, OR.) The DIVA Center in Eugene is calling for short film submissions (15 minutes or less) by Oregon filmmakers for entry in its 7th annual OpenLens Festival - January 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2011. The submission deadline: December 1st, 2010. For full information and submission process visit: http://openlens.proscenia.net/

The 2011 OpenLens festival is a celebration of the independent spirit in filmmaking and encourages Oregon filmmakers who make short films to enter. This annual event is dedicated to showcasing new films and providing the opportunity for film artists to network during the three day event. Awards include: $500 Jury Best Of Festival, $200 Jury Honorable Mention, and $100 Audience Choice Award.

The DIVA Center is located at 110 W. Broadway, Eugene and can be reached by phone at 541-344.3482 or on the web at http://www.divacenter.org/.

Salt and Silicone an Official Selection of the 2010 Comedy Festival in LA

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:51:00 +0000

Salt and Silicone is an Official Selection at the 2010 LA COMEDY FESTIVAL November 4th-6th at the Acme Theater in LA.

Festival director Salazar complemented the film on its comprehensive execution. The LA Comedy Festival is in its 8th year and is the largest comedy festival in the US and features comedic films and live comedic performances. This will be the Official US Premiere for the short comedy Salt and Silicone directed by Warren Periera and co-produced with Leslie Kobyluck, Aaron Kirk Douglas and CK Lichenstein. It is set to screen in Portland at the Living Room Theaters in December 2010.

More information will be posted on the LA COMEDY FESTIVAL website at http://www.lacomedyfest.com/.

Learn more about the film at Warren Pereira's website.

Portland Premiere Screening of Cullen Hoback's film FrICTION w/free drinks

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:28:00 +0000

What: Portland Premiere Screening of Cullen Hoback's film FrICTION

Where: The Hollywood Theater, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland Oregon

When: 7:00 PM, Sat Sept. 25th

What Else: Reception with free drinks to follow at The Columbia River Pub

Tickets are available here:
https://www.hulahub.com/event?id=116305

Additional show nights! Sept 26-30 admission $6.50

Free Music, Sound Effects & Footage Being Given Away Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:13:00 +0000

I just ordered a full CD of business music for $9. That's their giveaway price, but worth it if you have a need for video background music without any royalty fees. I just happen to need some music for a work video I'm putting together. Check it out.

Northwest Film and Video Festival Call For Entries! Deadline August 2, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:43:00 +0000

The Northwest Film Center calls for Northwest filmmakers to send their recent work for consideration for the 37th Annual Northwest Film & Video Festival.

The entry deadline is Monday August 2, 2010 (postmark) and the Festival runs November 5-13, 2010.

Presented by the Northwest Film Center, The Northwest Film and Video Festival is the most venerable and comprehensive showcase of outstanding work made by filmmakers living in the region. The Festival provides Northwest filmmakers with a forum for public recognition, critical appraisal, and an engaged and enthusiastic regional audience. In addition, filmmakers are eligible for over $15,000 of Production Service Awards provided by sponsoring companies with valuable production resources.

Entries are judged by a prominent filmmaker, curator, or critic who determines the Festival awards. Past judges have included Gus Van Sant, Matt Groening, Todd Haynes, Christine Vachon, Bill Plympton, and Sundance and Outfest programmer, John Cooper. Generally, 30-45 shorts, features and documentaries are screened during the Festival, then 10-15 shorts are selected for the Best of the Northwest Tour program, which travels the following year throughout the Northwest to media arts centers, museums, arts councils, and universities.

Permanent residents of Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington may submit two works of any length or genre released since August 1, 2008 and not previously entered in the Festival. Student entries (college and university only) must be from a school located in the Northwest.

More information and entry forms are available at the Northwest Film Center's web site:
http://www.nwfilm.org/festivals/nwfvf/
All questions should be directed to Festival Manager Thomas Phillipson: thomas@nwfilm.org

Read Variety's Analysis Of The Movie Monster Camp: The Story Of Nero Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:28:00 +0000

In case you've missed it - here is Variety's review of Monster Camp. Yes, I was the co-producer, and yes, I still love this movie after all these years!

Monster Camp: The Story Of Nero Seattle Review - Read Variety's Analysis Of The Movie Monster Camp: The Story Of Nero Seattle

Add songs legally to your YouTube videos for just $1.99

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:13:00 +0000

Learn more about how you can license music from Rumblefish to your YouTube video for a fee of just $1.99. For non-commercial use only. The service does not have music from the four current major labels, but hopes to have deals with them in the coming months. http://www.friendlymusic.com/

Youtube to offer cash incentives to video makers

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:07:00 +0000

The New York Times reported today that YouTube will offer cash of several thousand to several hundred thousand dollars to video creators. Read more > > >

Bloggers Uniting Against Big Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:31:00 +0000

Dear Readers,
I would like to proudly associate myself with remarks received today from Bloggers Unite. If you are a blogger or know someone who is, I invite you to join us.
Aaron

The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a terrible reminder that we as citizens can not depend on big corporations or on our governments to look out for our best interests. Corporations have been, and always will be, concerned with one thing--making money for their shareholders. Safety for their workers, the environment or the people who live in the communities where they do their business comes a distant second to making that almighty dollar.

Our leaders aren't much better. Heads of regulatory commissions don't act on our behalf because they are mostly industry insiders who'd rather protect their friends' profits than protect welfare of their citizens. Congress rarely acts in our best interest because the voice of the powerful lobbyists with fat checkbooks drowns out that of the average citizen. At all levels, it is apparent that our leaders are more worried about donations and lucrative private sector jobs than they are about the people they were elected to serve.

This oil spill, this catastrophic disaster, is wreaking havoc on the natural habitats all along the gulf coast and it's true global environmental impact will not be known for some time. It's impact on the local economies of coastal towns is already being seen too, and, like the environmental impact, the true extent of the economic impact will not be seen for some time. Entire ecological systems are being destroyed. Families and communities are being devastated. Businesses and pristine wildlife are being lost forever.

This disaster needs to be the last straw. It is time for the people of the world to say "enough." Vote out leaders who do not take their commitment to their citizens seriously. Boycott brands that refuse to conduct their business safely and responsibly. Above all, raise your voice! Speak out for your rights, the rights of your community and for the rights of future generations.

Blogs have given each of us unprecedented reach and influence. Bloggers can use their medium to affect real change. Millions of bloggers across the globe can band together and say "enough." Together we can spread a message of change. Together we can take action to stop the cycles of corruption and impotence that allow careless corporations and ineffective governments to promote their selfish agendas while trampling all over the rights and the needs of the people.

It starts now. Its starts with you and with me. It starts when we go online, log in and post about how we will no longer stand for leaders who can't do their jobs, for companies that pollute, for CEO's who care about their profits more than their customers, for systems that reward the rich and powerful while ignoring the common man. One blog post may not change the world, but millions of authors speaking out alongside hundred of millions of readers can. Inform your readers. Inspire them to act. When we all cry out together, we will be heard.

Please join me on BloggersUnite.org for BloggersUnite For The Gulf. Please stand with me and tell the government and big oil "ENOUGH!" It's time we each take responsibility for making this world a wonderful place to live!

Sincerely,

Jason Teitelman
bloggersunite.org

New Portland Film Festival Seeks Short Film Submissions: Deadline July 15

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:17:00 +0000

Intown Church is now accepting submissions for the first Intown Independent Film Festival. The event will take place in late August of this year at the Old Church in downtown Portland. We are looking for short independent films no more than 15 minutes in length. Our goal is to showcase the best short films and filmmakers that Portland has to offer within the gothic beauty of the Old Church. We are looking for seven to eight filmmakers to show and discuss their films. The festival will be three hours in length and there will be complimentary wine and cheese as well as non-alcoholic beverages served.

To submit, please send a link to your film to the e-mail address provided with this posting, it will be screened by a panel of five adjudicators. If you're film is unavailable to be viewed online and you have a hard copy (dvd) available, please send it along with a self-addressed return envelope to the address below:

Intown Film Festival
PO Box 6505
Portland, OR 97228

This is a non-religious event, however, filmmakers are encouraged to use their best judgment when submitting their work with regards to obscenity or an abundance of adult themes, language, or violence, as the festival is open to all ages.

The deadline to submit is July 15th.

Filmmakers whose films are chosen to be shown will be notified no later than July 25th.

Any questions regarding submissions should be directed to Matthew Curl at the e-mail address provided with this posting.

Thanks for submitting, and we look forward to what promises to be a stimulating and thought provoking night of great films!

Sincerely,

Matthew Curl
Director of Music and Art
Intown Church
matthew@intownchurch.com

Indie Distributor: Vanguard Cinema

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Sat, 15 May 2010 22:15:00 +0000

Vanguard Cinema is featured in the latest edition of Indie Slate magazine. This independent cinema has picked up a number of festival favorites and art house gems. This sixth largest direct-to-DVD distributor (according to www.dvdreleasereport.com) releases four titles a month and currently has a catalogue of nearly 600 films. Vanguard doesn't ignore short films either, it releases collections of short films for customers looking to spot the next hot director and inspire the short film directors to make the leap to feature films. The touchstone for indie filmmakers from Vanguard these days: "story development is key."

Me bad blogger.

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Fri, 14 May 2010 06:39:00 +0000

I feel bad. I have something like 72 people who actually signed up for this blog and I hardly ever write anything anymore. "Is anyone still listening?" is a line from the musical I've been working on this year. It seems fitting now. If anyone is listening, say hi.

I learned this week something important. That Planet Eden is really a play with music more than a "musical" in the traditional sense of the word. But I also learned what other musicals are considered "Plays with Music." And they include... Cabaret! So, yeah, I'm down with that definition...That's great because I love good plays and I love music. How cool is that?

Sat. 5/8/10 at NW Film Center: How to Get Grants and Donations for Your Film Project

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:53:00 +0000

Highly recommended by filmmaker Aaron Kirk Douglas

Shaking the Money Tree - The Art of Getting Grants and Donations For Your FilmSaturday, May 8 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Securing funding while maintaining a career as an independent mediamaker can be a competitive, elusive, and often overwhelming proposition, especially in this era of reduced public and private support and economic uncertainty. This workshop combines a holistic and practical approach, sharing street-tested advice and presenting real life case studies of success. The goal is to help filmmakers attractively position their project, identify and address their strengths and weaknesses as fundraisers, and draw upon appropriate fundraising tools effectively.

Topics include:

Adopting an effective fundraising mindset
Preparing a project for raising money
Conducting effective research
Making a personal ask
Using social media and the Internet
Elements of the successful written grant proposal.

Detailed handout packet included.
Tuition: $120. 50% scholarships available from RACC. To apply, contact Pam Minty at pam@nwfilm.org.

~ Also next weekend ~

The Fundraising Houseparty: Party with a Purpose and Raise Money For Your Art
Sunday, May 9, 1-3:30 p.m.

This highly participatory workshop gives a complete deconstruction of the fundraising houseparty—a very powerful and flexible way to raise donations from individuals for noncommercial projects both large and small.

Topics covered include:

What projects are appropriate for houseparties
Finding and preparing the host
Who to invite
Timeline for and design of invitations
How to structure your formal presentation
What type of program clip or artwork to show
How to make the “ask” and who should do it
Follow-up activities

Participants are encouraged to bring in samples of their own houseparty invitations and pledge cards (actual or proposed). Open to artists of all disciplines.

Instructor Morrie Warshawski is a writer and national media consultant, and the former executive director of the Bay Area Video Coalition and The Media Project, Inc. His clients over the last 25+ years include dozens of independent film/video artists as well as the National Endowment for the Arts, President's Commission on the Arts and Humanities, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and WGBH-TV.
Tuition: $40 with 50% scholarships available from RACC. To apply contact Pam Minty at pam@nwfilm.org.

The NW Film Center is located at 934 SW Salmon (corner of 10th downtown Portland)

Oregon's 3D Expertise: Promise For New Film Sector Jobs?

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Oregon’s time to cash in on one of the hottest trends in entertainment is now or never.

Read more in today's Oregon Business original.

Using social media to promote your film

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:26:00 +0000

Check out this article on promoting your film using social media from the International Documentary Association newsletter

Read more > > >

Film of Local Band MarchFourth Has world Premiere in Portland Feb. 17

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:19:00 +0000

What is MarchFourth? from Christopher Darrow on Vimeo.
[Please be patient for preview video to load]

Have you ever seen the iconic Portland band MarchFourth Marching Band? If you haven't YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE MISSED! Local filmmaker Christopher Darrow has made the group's first DVD.

It's screening Wednesday, Feb. 17th at the St. Johns Pub.

For more information visit the event Facebook link

Lionsgate Seeking Comedy Project For New Incubator Program

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:57:00 +0000

The Lionsgate Incubator is an innovative initiative to fund and develop breakthrough feature film projects.

The first program will create an original, high-concept comedy developed entirely through the Massify network. This is an opportunity to work with the leading next generation studio on a breakthrough project. Learn more about the program and submit your concept here.

Program Details:

You will be attached as the writer if your concept is greenlit
Credit, Compensation, and Backend Participation in the produced film
Work closely with the Lionsgate team to develop your script

Submit your concept by March 8, 2010. Learn more about the program, including Director's and Cast & Crew Phases, or pitch your concept:

Learn More: http://massify.com/partnerships/lionsgate/makingcomedy/overview

Indie Distributor Highlight: Screen Media Films

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Since 2001, Screen Media Films has been distributing indie film content. One of their recent titles is "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" starring Alan Arkin, Julianne Moore, Keanu Reeves and Wynona Rider, among others. Most of Screen Media's films have marquee names. Screen Media's president Robert Baruc says in today's market is the best way to appeal to an audience. He says it's hearly impossible to capture consumers' attention without giving them something they recognize. Great films are overlooked all the time because they are too obscure to get noticed, and name recognition brings a film instant credibility. There's a reason that the studios have used this marketing hook since the dawn of cinema.

Learn more about Screen Media Films at http://www.screenmediafilms.net/.

Tips for Great Documentary Films From "The Independent" Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Kirk Douglas) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Two-time Emmy Award winner June Cross has written, produced, or edited about a dozen documentaries in a career that spans more than three decades. She is also an associate professor of Journalism at Columbia University, where she teaches graduate-level courses in reporting and documentary film. “There’s this idea that you roll on anything that moves,” Cross says. “That somehow you’re going to get back into the editing room and figure out how to make a documentary...it really doesn’t work that way.”
So how does it work? Read more:

Journalists' tips for making documentary films, 1/10 The Independent