by Manuel Marino | Movies, Music
Photo by mockstar
With tight budgets and limited resources, independent movie creators often struggle to bring their vision to the big screen. In the United States, there are numerous film festivals Good Indie Movies - The Challenges of Finding Good Indie Movies Finding good Indie movies has become increasingly difficult, as advancements in technology have allowed virtually anyone to create films. No longer is film-making the domain of creative, underdog geniuses who have been making movies since they were young. High-quality footage and lighting are now accessible to all, but… held annually, providing a platform for aspiring producers and directors to showcase their work. However, amidst the challenges of hiring a cast and crew and ensuring high-quality equipment for lighting and photography The value of photographic prints - Stephan R. Lewis is a professional photographer. He accepted to share his knowledge with us, with this exclusive article. The value of photographic prints I have been in the photo industry trenches for a long time and have watched many things come and go in popularity. When I say 'trenches' I mean not the glamour… , the film score often becomes an afterthought. Writers invest significant time and effort not only in … ...Read the rest.
“Music For Independent Films – Why Your Film Score Shouldn’t Fall Short”
by Manuel Marino | Movies
Photo by ZeHawk
Being an actor is not an easy profession. I understand the challenges it entails, or else I would pursue it myself. As a director, I mostly stay behind the camera, but I try to imagine what it’s like to be an actor. I have great respect for those who put themselves in front of the camera and face all the vulnerabilities that come with it.
One of my least favorite things to hear from an actor is, “What is my motivation?” When an actor asks me this, it feels like they haven’t done their research. Not only have they not read the script, but they haven’t given any thought beyond their own role. You can discover your motivation by studying the other characters in the script. Skilled and experienced actors know how to do this. That’s also why actors can make fantastic screenwriters. Analyzing the script is part of your job as an actor. You should understand not only your character’s arc but also the arcs of all the other characters. Additionally, you need to grasp every scene in relation to the overall story and premise.
Another issue I frequently encounter with actors is their inability to … ...Read the rest.
“A Directors Take On Actors”
by Manuel Marino | Music
Photo by OhioProgressive
In the past, writing with pencil and paper was the only available method for composers, and it was considered the norm. However, even in today’s modern technological era, some composers, especially those born before 1940, still prefer and choose to write using this traditional approach, despite the advancements in contemporary technology. Why would someone forego the tools of the 21st century in favor of the rudimentary pencil and paper method?
Often, a piece of music is imagined internally within a composer’s mind. Sitting down at an instrument like a guitar or piano can actually be a distraction from what they are hearing internally. The main advantage of composing with pencil and paper is the ability to focus on the musical vision without being sidetracked. It allows one to remain in a meditative state and concentrate on listening intently, capturing what they hear. Pencil and paper-based composition doesn’t impose any predefined sound suggestions, allowing the composer to create the music as it naturally comes to them, without being influenced by the sound produced by an instrument. Sometimes, playing a melody on a piano or keyboard can divert the composer’s attention, causing them to lose sight of the overall … ...Read the rest.
“Composing With Pencil and Paper”
by Manuel Marino | Music
To become a proficient composer, one of the key qualities you need to cultivate is the ability to trust your own judgment. Often, we place others on a pedestal and undermine our own inner knowledge when entering the field of musical composition. This trait manifests in various aspects of life, but in the realm of music composition, it can be paralyzing and restrict the extent and authenticity of your creative output.
To overcome this limitation, it is important to have a strategy to address it when it arises. One of the main weapons in your arsenal is a solid foundation in the fundamentals of music, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and arrangement. If you find yourself stuck, you can rely on these tools to extricate yourself from a state of inertia. Moreover, possessing sufficient knowledge about musical craft will prevent you from second-guessing yourself and prioritizing someone else’s opinion over your own. Having a range of options will help you overcome obstacles and keep the music flowing.
Understanding the principles of music is also beneficial. Sometimes, a composer becomes a one-trick pony, relying on a limited skill set, and when that approach has been exhausted, they have little left to … ...Read the rest.
“How to Keep From Getting Stuck As a Composer”
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