Massify Studio

Don't Forget Sister - Video Premiere & Making-of Webisodes

Kenneth Woo — 2010-05-24T11:31:43Z

We're proud to bring you the music video that was brought to life through the collaborative efforts and talents of the Massify community, Epic Records and RSA Films for Low vs Diamond's Don't Forget Sister. Congratulations to filmmaker Matthew Chilbert and actress Katie Adler for making Massify's first music video such a resounding success. Read more to see the Making-of Webisodes with Matthew and Katie on the set.

The Wrong Guys for the Job - A Conversation with Barbara Gray

Kenneth Woo — 2010-04-21T17:06:25Z

We had the opportunity to sit down with Barbara Gray and learn a little more about the emerging writer, as well as hear how development is progressing for The Wrong Guys for the Job - the first film from the Lionsgate Incubator partnership.

A Conversation with Maya Kazan & Production Stills from Lulu At the Ace Hotel

Kenneth Woo — 2010-04-01T14:17:43Z

Maya Kazan's "Lulu at the Ace Hotel" has just wrapped principal photography as one of the selected films for our collaboration with Killer Films and the Ace Hotel. We caught up with Maya on the set to talk about her thoughts on Lulu as well as her plans as one of Massify's most promising filmmakers.

LOOP PLANES Announced for SXSW 2010

Kenneth Woo — 2010-02-12T14:19:18Z

We are thrilled with the news that Loop Planes, our first collaboration with Killer Films, has made it to SXSW this year.

Thanks again to the Massify community for making this such a successful program, and congratulations to Killer, Robin, and the entire Loop Planes team!

SXSW Announces Shorts Lineup

Killer Announces the Shortlist for the Ace Hotel Pitches!

James Sehring — 2009-11-24T18:57:16Z

We're thrilled to finally announce our 12 favorite pitches! Many apologies for the delay in announcing... I wanted to make sure that Killer gave each pitch a proper review. After much deliberation, we've pulled together a collection of diverse stories, all with the potential to be memorable little shorts, all taking advantage of the Ace's wonderful aesthetic. The quality of scripts was so high across the board, and to know that so much original content is at our finger tips is really exciting for us. We feel that each of these scripts represents a strong perspective, a unique point of view - Some are fresh takes on classic stories, others are nuanced character portraits. More than anything, they're all great ideas and we can't wait to sit down with the filmmakers and figure out how make it all work. Thanks so much to everyone who submitted. We REALLY enjoyed reading, so keep writing!

Herzog on Directing

Suraj Das — 2009-11-23T18:13:14Z

Writer-director and independent filmmaking legend Werner Herzog recently gave this engrossing interview, posted on the Rotten Tomatoes website. In the piece, Herzog lists his five favorite films, discusses creative decision-making and production challenges on the set of the forthcoming "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans," and compares working with Klaus Kinski to directing Nicholas Cage (who appears to have turned in a truly notable performance in Herzog's latest). A fascinating read, for dedicated Herzog fans and newbies alike.

If you're unfamiliar with Herzog's oeuvre, now is as good a time as any to start making your way through his groundbreaking body of work. I recommend starting with the 2005 documentary, "Grizzly Man," because it is at once accessible and complex; the premise of the doc is deceptively simple, but the themes and ideas running through the film are anything but. If you enjoy "Grizzly Man," you're going to want to start plowing through Herzog's earlier German masterpieces as soon as possible. Luckily, much of his work, including the essential "Aguirre: The Wrath of God," "Stroszek," and "The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser," are now widely-available on DVD and can be streamed on-demand on Netflix Instant Watch.

The Best of a Decade of Film and Television

Suraj Das — 2009-11-19T10:31:43Z

As 2009 draws to a close, critics have already begun compiling their lists of the finest and most influential films and television shows of the last ten years. But I want to know what YOU - the members of the Massify community and the future of filmmaking - thought of the last decade. Consider this post a call to action; I am eager to hear some strong opinions and coherent theories about the direction you think film and television has taken since the year 2000.

Start by refreshing your memory and considering some of the criticism that's already been written on the subject. A.O. Scott of The New York Times has written this very insightful and thought-provoking analysis of the last ten years in film, and The Onion just recently published this article profiling the best television shows of the last decade.

Jon Reiss Presenting Tonight at IFC

Eunsun Hwang — 2009-11-17T15:13:59Z

November 17th Inaugural Presentation for "A New World: A User's Guide for Filmmakers and Audiences" Book signing to follow.

In this special series hosted by Filmmaker Magazine, experts on the new, digital-era ways of financing, distributing, marketing and building an audience for independent film will relay their hard-earned practical advice and strategies. Learn how the industry is shifting and providing fresh opportunities for films and audiences to connect in new ways. Technology is changing all the rules -- we’ll track the new revenue sources being created for filmmakers and help audiences navigate the expanding options. In a presentation full of practical advice and hard information, filmmaker Jon Reiss ("Bomb It"), the author of the recently released Think Outside the Box (Office): The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing in the Digital Era" will teach how to create unique, distribution and marketing plans for independent films from do it yourself to hybrid approaches. He will outline what filmmakers need to do to prepare for distribution while making their films. Finally he will lay out ways in which filmmakers can take back and redefine the theatrical release utilizing a combination of conventional theaters, community screenings and festivals.

Check out the link below for more details:

http://www.ifccenter.com/films/thinking-outside-the-box-office/

The Old Man and the Fish

Amy Allen — 2009-08-20T11:40:29Z

The Old Man and the Fish, a short film written and directed by David Bokser, can be found in his profile. I'll keep this short and sweet, like the movie itself: Please Watch. Worth it.

Dan Parsons on Film vs Digital

Amy Allen — 2009-08-18T12:38:59Z

DP Dan Parsons has shot over 100 projects since transitioning from composing to cinematography. His work (reel is above) speaks for itself and he has some interesting thoughts on film versus digital, which he expands on in an interview with Massify.

Underground Music Video Masterpieces

Amy Allen — 2009-08-05T16:18:24Z

Check out Director Alex Di Campi's amazing music videos when you get a chance. She has 9 of these surreal and imaginative short creations in her Massify Profile.

Defining Cinematography

Amy Allen — 2009-07-29T13:08:31Z

Massify Interview: Defining Cinematography from Massify on Vimeo.

Jendra Jarnagin and Sean Porter, two thoughtful and talented DPs on Massify, sat down with us to talk about their craft, tackling topics such as what it means to be a cinematographer, what makes a project successful, how to further one's career and more. This video is useful to anybody who wants to go into the field and especially to Directors, Producers, and others who work with Cinematographers. Jendra is based in New York and Brooklyn and was recently profiled in American Cinematography. Learn more about her at her site, floatingcamera.com. Sean's based in Seattle and New York and his work can be found on his personal site.

How To Make a Movie for $700

Amy Allen — 2009-07-28T15:02:28Z

For all DIY fans, Mark Cabaroy breaks down how he was able to complete a feature film for only $700. His film, Life's Passing Me By, is currently screening at festivals.

Puppets On Massify

Amy Allen — 2009-07-22T12:22:18Z

Every now and then we highlight interesting content from Massify profiles in case you missed it. Before he directed a music video for Low Vs Diamond, Matthew Chilbert directed this whimsical music video starring a precious puppet and a singing nightlight. More puppets after the jump!

Ashton Blount, Art Director

Amy Allen — 2009-07-20T12:32:35Z

Ashton Blount from Massify on Vimeo.

Art Director Ashton Blount's career has taken him from Los Angeles to Dubai to New York. He's created trees from scratch and even flooded an entire set. We caught up with him in his Brooklyn office to learn more about his career and pick his brain. His advice and experience is useful for anybody who wants to become an Art Director, as well as anybody who works or plans to work with one.