Helping Hands from 2005

[Mickey Stroud]

Sanns, I have been very fortunate in finding a lot of very capable volunteers for my projects. I guess, it started by meeting other people who were interested in learning more about the art and craft of storytelling: actors, writers, film festival attendees, rental house employees, cinematographers. I attended meetings like Indie Film Club, seminars put on by the Dallas Video Association, I sought out organizations were people like us tend to hang out.

It seems to me nearly every community has a group of wannabe filmmakers who are anxious to be involved with a worthwhile effort. The Kansas City Jubilee Film Festival might be a good source of information and people to get to know.

Once you meet kindred souls they have to believe in you and your project. People are happy to work, to donate their time if they believe you will finish what you start, will treat them with respect and that the end product will be worth their effort.

I just finished a music video for talented ---but struggling artists--Blake Powers and Fallon Franklin (www.blakeandfallon.com). A friend called my attention to one of their songs (Cactus Cafe) that was a short film unto itsself. A story wthin a story. A song well told. I visualized a music video the way they were done when MTV first came on the scene. When there was more story telling and less rapid fire cuts.

I was so enamored with the song and the possibilites that it represented that I decided to do a music video for them at my own expense. I introduced myself to Blake and Fallon at one of their shows and told them what I had in mind. They were thrilled but rightlfully skeptical. You can imaging how many people come up to them in bars and tell them about their ideas for helping them...

But once I commited to it, developed the script and talked to some friends in the business things began to happen. it was amazing. Before I knew it I had 25-35 people volunteering to help make it happen. We've now completed the music video and everyone who worked on the project is getting credit and a free DVD.

I tell you all of thist, to let you know that it can happen. There are people wanting to learn, willing to work, willing to volunteer their time... including myself.

So many people have helped me that I try to do the same for others.

While I live in Dallas, I spend a lot of time in Kansas City...I have family there and go there every chance I get. I have cameras, lights, microphones and some basic equipment. Send me a separate email about your project and we will explore the possbilities.

Mickey Stroud

[Josh Caldwell]

Anyone looking for a Glidecam for their next DV short? I'm in New York and can work on a lo/no pay basis depending on the project. If anyone is interested, let me know and we can talk more about it.

Josh

[Charles Papert]

We have a short DV clip that will require some simple CGI work. It consists of an individual holding up his index finger, and the idea is for a donut to drop into frame and land on his finger. We shot the individual with and without the donut in the final position; what is needed is for the donut to be animated falling onto the finger. I would estimate the length of the animation will be around 20 frames at most, but it needs to look convincing.

There's a little bit of money available. For those interested, please submit a bid along with a link to either a reel or examples of this type of work you've done.

There is likely to be more of this in the future, as this is for a commissioned pilot for a major online entity, and Instant Films is looking to build a network of talent of this type.

Please email me at: charles@instantfilms.tv. Thanks!

[Stephen Finton]

This guy's probably gone.

[George Ellis]

Charles - probably out today. I sent pm, but I will go ahead and see if I can get a bite on this one for you from the Hash A:M users.

[Peter Wiley]

I woudn't count him out yet. All Things Considered was reporting today that about one MILLION phone lines are still down in the affected areas and that cell phone coverage is very spotty. Apparently the latest fiber optic telephone equipment is not as robust as the old copper-wire system

[Michael Westphal]

I'm in Baton Rouge, 90 miles from New Orleans, and pretty much just got back on line. It may take Brent awhile to report in. It will be interesting to see if he got anything. Certainly, there have been a tremendous number network and vigilante video crews down there. BUT that was after the hurricane. Not many stayed there during the hurricane. Good thing. It was pretty nasty for a storm. I survived the eye of Camille in 1969. I was happy to be on the West side of Katrina. I only lost a pecan tree on my house, but at least I have a house...

Brent, please check in as soon as you can.

[Barry Gribble]

Admin note: the user "Don" whom Barry refers to here was an imposter whose posts have been removed and account deleted.

Don,

Welcome to DVInfo, it is a great community and we are glad to have you. Part of what makes it great, however, is that we are typically a great deal more civil and constructive in our comments than what you will see in other online venues. It may take getting used to, but it is well worth it.

Part of why the rest of us use our actual names is because we want to foster a community in which people know that they are accountable as humans to humans on the other end of the line. I hope you try it.

That said, I don't think Brent was being "uncontrollably excited", and even if he was I don't think it did you enough harm that it warrants comment. I think it very understandable, given the history he outlined. I think the critique of his footage was harsh, and your estimate of his chances of selling the footage was speculative at best. And that is before even considering that he probably lost not just his home, but his entire communitty in the storm. The chances that he is interested in your assessments at this point are very minimal, meaning you are more likely interested in posting for your good rather than his or ours. If that is the case, please find another venue for it.


Brent,

We are all hoping that you made out as well as you could. I saw a video crew on the Today show talking about what they went through and I thought about you hoping you were safe. Let us know.

[Johnny Martinez]

Not long a go Brent asked if anyone could help him shoot a local TV show. I responded and only got one email back and never got any more responses from him. I even left a cell phone number for him to call me. I know I am new to this industry and I am looking for all the experience I can and will work for free just to get the experience. He could of at least followed up a little better. I think he might think VERY highly of himself. Hey at least he is working I don't have a job right now. And if he can get someone to send him 500 for a video more power to him. I wish him the best.

[Pete Bauer]

Brent, I'll apologize in advance if things aren't what they seem. However, all the bits just don't seem to add up here. Please fill in the blanks for us when you re-appear.

- No direct deaths catalogued in Louisiana due to Hurricane Lilli: http://nhc.nwn.noaa.gov/2002lili.shtml
- Nice (consumer) cameras. Not the best pro stuff: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/member.php?u=14324
- Agree with previous posts that the footage from Lilli is at the amateur level.
- You're under contract with a major network, but ready to sell me footage for a couple hundred bucks?
- While I feel great empathy for those who didn't have the capacity to take care of themselves in a disaster such as Katrina, I feel none for anyone who violates mandatory evacuation orders (a jail-worthy crime, by the way) for a few bucks or anyone who would contract someone to do so. Did that really happen?

If, in fact, you are ok at least please let us know!

Everyone else, I propose that we just leave this thread alone until we hear from, or about, Brent...seems that the HELPING HANDS needed now are not of the "shooting video of a hurricane" variety.

[James Emory]

Pete. Isn't there a special rule or exception for the media just like in war zones. The media is exempt from having to get a release to show your face or use your voice.

If they did issue that order, then the city wouldn't be liable for a delayed response would it? Oh, you just know there are going to be a ton of lawsuits about that interpretation.

Anyone considering covering this event might also want to wear a bullet proof vest. That is just absolutely bizzare how anyone could be thinking about killing someone, especially rescuers, after something like this.

[Pete Bauer]

As much as I'd like to leave this thread quiet until Brent re-emerges, that's an excellent question, James. Not sure how long this link will be good, but here is the text of the Evacuation Order:

http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?portal=1&tabid=43

"Essential personnel of the media" is open to interpretation; mine is that this is intended in the public interest to keep vital information flowing to the citizens, not as an economic concession to the media or an open license to freelancers and wanna-bes. Any organizations like hospitals, utilities, and news organizations have (or should have) specific, trained employees designated to ride out the storm to get essential work done.

As for the military in war zones outside the US, it is similar but not identical. There isn't a special rule or exception for the media that I am aware of. It is up to the military commander to set policy for his/her command based on the circumstances at hand.

Now, back to "Waiting for Brent Marks to return," already in progress.

[Don Bloom]

In response to the Admin note on Barrys message of 9/5/05-
"Admin note: the user "Don" whom Barry refers to here was an imposter whose posts have been removed and account deleted"
I wish to state emphatically that this IS NOT ME, Don Bloom in the greater Chicagoland area. As I DO sign my messages as Don, I hope there would be no confusion.
Thanks,
Don -now signing as Don B. ;-)

[Pete Bauer]

No confusion, no worries, Don B. Only the fake name Don suffered the delete key treatment.

[Victor Muh]

Just saw this on Craig's List:

Feature length documentary is looking for footage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Specifically documentation of the looting, conditions of the refugees, etc.

For more information, go to:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/tfr/95720121.html