One of my favorite films, Werner Herzog’s critically acclaimed documentary Little Dieter Needs to Fly, is now available in its entirety on YouTube. If you’re looking for something to watch one of these nights I highly recommend the film. It’s inspiring, gripping and heartbreaking. What more could you ask for in a film?

The documentary was the basis for Herzog’s 2007 film Rescue Dawn, starring Christian Bale.

Watch Little Dieter Needs to Fly on YouTube.

It’s hard to get lost in the cinematography, the landscape or even the score when you watch a film on the small screen. You’re left contemplating the essentials, relying on the bare minimum to keep you interested. In most cases, that means the story.

With Slumdog, the story left me very under whelmed. The cinematography may have been incredible, the acting great, the idea novel, but at what cost do you sacrifice the story? It seemed in this case, that the concept was more important than the actual story being told.

I appreciate it when a film doesn’t condescend to its audience but artistic license only goes so far. Too many elements were left unexplained and far too much hinged on coincidence.

Why should I assume that a blind slum kid knows which American president is on the $100 dollar bill (based on a very vague description by our protagonist)? I don’t need to question where a slum kid would get a gun from, or be told why the Hindus are at war the Muslims but I find it hard to believe that India’s biggest star would land his helicopter in the middle of a field amongst peasant workers.

The events in the protagonist’s life were designed to be in service to the concept and as a result the story feels forced and far too clean. I think that’s where the film fails. The events propel the story forward instead of working in their own right. The idea may be innovative but to what extent should I stretch my suspension of disbelief? A great idea is only as good as its weakest component.

Maybe I expected too much from the film or perhaps I’m just not seeing it in the right light.

What are your thoughts?

I taught a film-making workshop this weekend. I was teaching on behalf of C-vert, an environmental engagement program for teens (between the ages of 14 and 16), and Flyt Foundation.

The purpose of the workshop was to introduce these kids to various aspects of documentary film-making. They’ll be attending a conference held by David Suzuki in mid May and will be responsible to film the event and produce a two minute “rockumentary” based on an environmental theme of their choice.

I was teaching alongside cinematographer Nicolas Venne and documentary filmmaker Tamar Kozlov. The weekend was intense but tons of fun. I was blown away by the fact that there were eight girls and only one guy participating.

The two days were jam packed but it was amazing to see how quickly the kids picked up on complex ideas. They learned how to tell a story, how to find a theme, how to interview a subject and how to compose a proper image. By the end of the two days they were asking complex journalistic questions based on their themes and rack focusing. These kids had never seen a camera before. Needless to say it was a very satisfying experience.

We’ll be following these kids to the Suzuki conference and then editing with them shortly after. I can’t wait to see what they produce!

I’m back in Montreal and will be working with Ken Scott as my script consultant on the rewrite. Couzin Films, who produced my short film Birthday Girl, is producing.

The film takes place in Berlin so I’ll be back there at some point to do more research and hopefully (if things continue to go well) film the movie.

Scott Kirsner has a new book out called Fans, Friends and Followers: Building an audience and creative career in the digital age. He’s offered up a free 35 page PDF preview that you can download from his site.

The preview is short but insightful, offering small excerpts from the book (success stories from various artists). You get a good sense of what the book will have to offer - more success stories from all types of artists (comedians, musicians, writers etc) who have used the internet to launch their careers. The book goes into more detail as to how these artists built their online audience and created a web community.

An excerpt from the preview:

A small cadre of artists is taking a different tack. They’ve become convinced that the old power players – studios, record labels, publishers and the like – can no longer create and sustain individuals’ careers the way they once did. So they’re taking responsibility for building their reputation, telling their story, and assembling a fan base that can support them financially. They are experimenting with new ways to finance their work, promote it, and sell it. They’re creating new connections between themselves and their audience. They’re exploring new genres in which to work, and releasing their work in new ways and at
different tempos.

I can’t wait to read it. You can buy the book from Kirsner’s site, download it in ebook form or order it through Kindle.

The film received rave reviews across the board when it came out last year. It also won the Academy Award this year for best animated film. I haven’t seen the film yet but I will once I’m back in Montreal.

Stanton is a humble, charismatic man who knows his craft inside out. He talks about breaking the story on all of his films (Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo), his process, and why Pixar is so successful.

Just listening to him talk made me want to get into animation.

You can check out the full Andrew Stanton podcast here.

I’ve been in Berlin exactly one year today! I can’t believe how fast time flies…

I thought that a nice way to celebrate my year in the city would be to post a small list of places/goings on in Berlin that I’ve discovered or have been introduced to over the year. If any of you readers out there ever visit the city, maybe this small guide will come in handy.

Also, if you’ve been to Berlin (or live here) please feel free to comment and add your suggestions.

1. I’m a big fan of classical music. If you are too, and under the age of 30 (and plan on spending a good deal of time in Berlin) I highly recommend the Classic Card. The card costs 15 euros and is valid for one year. All tickets to cultural events (theatre, opera, ballet, classical music etc) cost 10 euros with this card. You just have to show up at the appropriate venue an hour before each show to get your ticket.

2. Yellow Lounge. The first Monday of every month (for the most part) Berghein (the famous techno club in Berlin, also one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve been in) hosts classical music evenings. Tickets are usually 6 euros. The show gets going around 10pm. Two months ago we heard the spectacular Hélèn Grimaud.

3. Lunchtime concerts at the Philharmonie. Every Tuesday at 1pm the Philharmonie offers free lunchtime classical music concerts. They’re amazing and one of the best parts about my week.

4. Tuesday movie night at St. Georges book shop. Best second hand book shop in Berlin. Every Tuesday they play two films (starts at 8:30 but you should get there early cause it fills up fast). They often show foreign films, classics from the 50’s, or DDR films that you wouldn’t normally get a chance to see anywhere else. Tickets cost 3 euros and that comes with a free drink. (Email them and ask to be put on their mailing list. Sometimes they host book signings, or bring in interesting guest lecturers.)

5. Wednesday evenings at Gulasch. This is a small, hidden restaurant that’s only open on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. They also only serve spaghetti Bolognese (but it’s delicious).

6. Friday evenings at KoKeBe. One of the best Ethiopian restaurants in town. First Friday of every month KoKeBe hosts an outstanding buffet (12 euros). Each month, the owner brings in a cook from a different country in Africa to cook a specialty meal from that particular country. Two months ago, the cook was from South Africa. I ate a delicious zebra and kangaroo stew.

7. Saturday brunches at Indian Food. Yes I know, the name sounds terrible. To boot, there’s a large florescent green sign that frames the door. However this is probably the most authentic Indian food you will get in Berlin (not a city known for good ethnic cuisine.) Every weekend the mom of this tiny mom and pop shop cooks a delicious Sri Lanken meal. It took a while to get used to eating Indian food at 11am on Saturday mornings but it’s well worth it. (I will have to get the address the next time I’m there.)

8. Clärchens Ballhaus. An awesome relic from the DDR. They have tango on Sunday afternoons. During the week and on weekends they play various types of music from Rockabilly to Gypsy music.

9. Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake).

- It’s hard not to eat cake in this city. I can’t say where the best place to eat cake is, however, I highly recommend (and oddly recommend) the Heiligkreuzkirche (Heilig Church) for delicious homemade cake. Note: It’s only open Wed-Sat - but you will not be disappointed. In the summer, there’s a lovely garden behind the church where you can sit and eat.

- For a more trendy, cake eating experience I would suggest Sowohl Als Auch in Prenzlauerberg. They make a mean Dänischer Apfel Kuchen, Marmorkuchen (marble cake) and Rhubarb cake.

10. How dorky can you be?

- Spielwiese is candy land for game lovers. This cafe/bar is lined, floor to ceiling with more boardgames than you could possibly imagine. Fun times were had playing War on Terror.

- Riding the ring. With relaxed drinking laws in Germany, riding the ring with friends and beer can be a raucous afternoon adventure.

11. If you like markets, Berlin is filled with them (every day of the week, in every part of town). My personal favorites:

- The Turkish market in Kreutzberg. This market is open every Tuesday and Friday.

- Kollwitzplatz market. This market is open every Thursday and Saturday. On Saturdays there’s a Turkish stand that serves the best gozleme in town. It’s a must have.

12. In the summer there’s rowing at Cafe am Neuen See. It’s a beer garden tucked away at the back of Tiergarten.

There’s a million things to do in this city, seven days a week. These are a just a few of my favorite things.

via Jeff Goldsmith

The phrase ‘who am I looking for and what is my goal?’ came up more than once.

“What is my goal?” is the quintessential question. It applies when you’re writing, when you’re shooting, when you’re editing and it also applies when you’re at a party and you’re networking.

Some notes from the discussion:

1. Always know what you want to achieve when you’re headed into a meeting, when you’re at a party or an event.

2. Never trust your memory. After you take someone’s business card, write a note on the back (something the two of you discussed) that will trigger your memory when you’re sifting through dozens of cards a week later. Also - make a note of what you wanted to follow up with.

3. When talking with potential collaborators, act as if the ball is already moving. As if your project is already rolling. Create the psychology ‘are you on or not?’ If they don’t get on someone else will.

4. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Do your research. Know who will be there (at the meeting, the party etc).

Kaminski is an incredibly passionate man and this is quite obvious to see when he speaks about his work and his inspirations. He is, as well, very humble despite all his success. You get the sense that he just wants people to share in his enthusiasm of lighting and photography.

During his interview with Peter Cowie, Kaminski was analyzing Cowie’s shoes, and at one point mentioned that he was figuring out how he would light and frame them. Kaminski is always thinking about his work, because for him, it’s not work, it’s life.

During the lecture, Kaminski showed three minutes of test footage from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. (It’s always more interesting and educational to see “the process” rather than the finished result.) An audience member asked what the light source was. Kaminski mentioned which lights were used, which lens he was using and at what aperture he was at (I don’t remember these details). He didn’t condescend to the audience or assume that people wouldn’t understand him when he went into detail about apertures and shutter speeds.

We watched roughly three minutes of the opening sequence to Saving Private Ryan. While watching the clip Kaminski said “there goes 20 million dollars and we don’t even see Tom Hanks.” He went on to tell us that certain shots were shot at 10 frames (normal film speed is 24 frames per second) and step printed, which ultimately created a very powerful effect. He ended by saying “It’s about evoking emotions in the audience.”

Two things he mentioned, which I think are worth mentioning here:

1. The faster you move (on set), the more instinctual you work. (This should go without saying but is often not practiced.)
2. The DP’s collaboration with the production designer is essential - one of the most essential on any set.

Kaminski often shoots off frame (at 8 or 10 frames). Sometimes he stops the film but keeps the shutter moving. He likes to play with images and experiment with different techniques, as is evident in The Diving Bell.

Someone asked how he came to work with Spielberg. Kaminski replied “I was sitting on the streets of Krakow and he found me.”

A personal favorite quote from the lecture; “A lucky accident is when everything is in focus.”

It was a master class in cinematography and it was by far one of the best lectures at the campus.