Studio
Massify/Killer branded content helps promote Ace Hotel Group - The New York Times
12/20/2010 at 7:00 PM by Kenneth Woo
In this character-driven suspense comedy short, filmmaker Dee Austin Robinson weaves a story about a dysfunctional relationship where a stronger bond seems to exist between the woman and her cat (Charley) than between the couple themselves. Courtney and Ryan check into the Ace Hotel in New York for a weekend getaway, yet fail utterly to connect despite the romantic setting. Courtney can't stop talking about Charley, and Ryan's advances are frustrated. When Courtney and Ryan later discover that Charley has hitched a ride in their luggage, the plot takes an unexpected twist.
Dee Robertson Writer, Producer, Director
Nancy Kissam Writer, Director
Charley Comedy
Socially Conscious Filmmaking Picks Up Steam
7/8/2009 at 9:32 AM by Suraj Das
Momentum is building for student/indie films featuring socially relevant themes. Just a few weeks ago, USC grad student Gregg Helvey picked up a Student Academy Award for his extraordinary thesis short, Kavi. The film, which deals with modern-day slavery in a village in India, has got some rave reviews and Helvey definitely appears to be a young talent to keep an eye out for.
If you've got your own script with a message, now is the time is start seeking out ways to get your film made - more and more companies are providing grants and production support for these types of films.
A Conversation with Jerin Crandell
6/3/2009 at 2:40 PM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: Ventilo from Massify on Vimeo.
Texas-based director Jerin Crandell talks about the making of his dream-like short, Ventilo, a "drama about a young woman's journey through a fantasy world of feather fans and beauty."
Fish Out of Water: A Conversation With the Filmmakers
6/1/2009 at 3:30 PM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: Fish Out of Water - The Nightmare from Massify on Vimeo.
Don't miss this super entertaining interview with the charming directors of Fish Out of Water: The Nightmare. Ben Barnes and Joel Huggins discuss their web series and the challenges that come with wearing multiple hats. Worth it for the tidbits about the puppet alone. Make sure to watch the entire short below!
Joel Huggins Actor, Writer, Producer
Unlimited: A Conversation with the Filmmakers
5/20/2009 at 2:26 PM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: Unlimited from Massify on Vimeo.
Co-directors Andrew Luis and Katherine Nolfi chat about their experiences making Unlimited, a short narrative about a young Chinese immigrant who cobbles together an existence selling cast-off items on ebay. The film, which strives to create a sense of place, follows the protagonist as he travels around New York at night, finding items to sell.
>> Read more
Andrew Luis Writer, Director
A Conversation with Erik Gernand
5/18/2009 at 3:23 PM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: Non-Love-Song from Massify on Vimeo.
Playwright turned filmmaker Erik Gernand talks about his beautifully shot short film, Non-Love-Song. He talks about why he decided to shoot on in black and white 16mm, and how crafting a dramatic film differs from his earlier comedic efforts.
A Conversation with Tony Massil
5/11/2009 at 3:19 PM by Sasha Nelson
Massify Interview: Forty Men for the Yukon from Massify on Vimeo.
Director Tony Massil talks about his short documentary, Forty Men for the Yukon, which follows "German-born Frank Erl, a 75 year-old gold miner and English-born Geordie Dobson, an 82 year-old saloon owner [who] live isolated in the outskirts of the Yukon." Tony chose to tackle his subjects in a manner befitting his surroundings: with a sense of exploration and discovery. His advice for filmmakers? "You have to go out and make the film that you think is right and that you're excited about....and then find an audience for that."
Boob: A Conversation with the Filmmakers
5/8/2009 at 2:24 PM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: Boob from Massify on Vimeo.
The filmmakers known as Honest - Cary Murnion and Jon Milott - with the help of their producer Sabrina Tubio-Cid, talk about their short film Boob. The comedy, about a deranged breast that comes alive and terrorizes a hospital, features awesome special effects, not to mention a catchy title.
Jonathan Milott Director
A Conversation with James Gannon
5/6/2009 at 4:32 PM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: Cochran from Massify on Vimeo.
Brooklyn-based short film director James Gannon talked with us a few weeks ago at SXSW about his short film, Cochran. Determined to shoot on film, James shot the character study on Super 8 after finding a bunch of cameras at a thrift store for about $5. (Note to self: ask James where he shops.) He points out that during his screening, audience members were intrigued by the delightfully grainy and totally unique quality of this forgotten format.
James Gannon Editor, Photographer, Writer, Director
A Conversation with Emily Carmichael
5/4/2009 at 4:41 AM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: That's My Majesty from Massify on Vimeo.
NYC based filmmaker/author/illustrator/all-around-creative-individual Emily Carmichael discusses her short film, That's My Majesty.
Emily Carmichael Director, Art Director, Animator, Writer, Editor
Big Pussy: A Conversation with the Filmmakers
4/28/2009 at 6:36 AM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: Big Pussy from Massify on Vimeo.
Director Todd Strauss-Schulson is quick to point out that his short film, Big Pussy, is "Classy, I swear. My mom likes it!" He and his producer, Ken Franchi, talk about their filmmaking process and the importance of standing out in the crowd. In case you didn't catch the film at SXSW or the NYC Downtown Short Film Fest, it's here for your viewing, ahem, pleasure.
Todd Strauss-Schulson Writer, Director, Editor
John Wayne Hated Horses: A Conversation with Andrew T. Betzer
4/21/2009 at 3:27 PM by Amy Allen
John Wayne Hated Horses: A Conversation with Andrew T. Betzer from Massify on Vimeo.
Andrew T. Betzer talks about his short film, John Wayne Hated Horses. It's a film about "a father and son struggling with their differing ideas about masculinity, boredom, and the proper way to play with army toys." Andrew is a filmmaker and film restorer who lives in NYC.
Food For Thought: A Conversation with Will Hartman
4/9/2009 at 11:39 PM by Amy Allen
Massify Interview: Will Hartman from Massify on Vimeo.
Will Hartman chats with Massify about his past work and latest film, Food For Thought. Based in Los Angeles, Will has written and directed eight original films, including six award-winning comedic shorts. He's also written, directed or produced over 80 broadcast commercials. To learn more about Will, go to his website, www.willhartman.com.
Will Hartman Writer, Producer, Director
1 Day, 10 Crew Members & a 7 Minute Movie
3/14/2009 at 8:59 PM by Sasha Nelson
Massify member Christian Badami recently completed the short film Resemblance. We talked with him about his experiences and challenges he encountered while shooting what was "essentially a one-room scene."
Christian: The movie runs about 7 minutes 20. The challenge in that short time was to make you feel you had gotten to know two people quickly but deeply. It's an experience relating to friendship and loneliness.
Christian Badami Writer, Director, Actor
