Choosing the right service providers

If your job involves making decisions about whom to contract, we know there are many things to consider. With the ever-changing nature of technology, it can be daunting to know the right way to go. Our intention is to help find the solution that’s right for you.

In our digital casting feature, we focused on the technological revolution in auditioning talent, with digital captures and remote conferencing replacing preliminary meetings with actors. Although not an absolute replacement for face-to-face contact, this high-tech method can save both time and money. On the other hand, sometimes lower-tech solutions may be the most cost-efficient and ideal for your particular project. Rear projection, for instance is sometimes still used for cost efficient or stylistic reasons, negating the need for digital green screen effects. 

Marketing

On the marketing front, we had Scott Edwards of Crew AV discuss the various considerations called for in making a movie trailer. Edwards shared his thoughts on, among other things, choosing voice actors, market testing and deciding how much VFX to throw in.

Our spotlight by guest columnist and indie filmmaker Stefan Avalos tells how limited release can be used as an advantage to help build a movies following and boost DVD sales. Avalos discusses tactics he and others have used to generate interest in indie films, encouraging creative publicity approaches. He also suggests how to get your indie film into smaller theaters and film festivals, in hopes of fueling DVD sales later on.

Exploring the Crew Perspective

We love to bring you the individual’s perspective as crew members. Our feature on indie cinematography profiled directors of photography whose work this year garnered significant buzz. Checco Vareese discussed his work on Argentinean thriller "El Aura,” a movie with psychological impact that was reflected in its disturbing camera work. Claudia Rashke-Robinson explained the challenges in filming inner city kids as they learned to dance in “Mad Hot Ballroom.”

Some of the less-celebrated crew positions were highlighted as well. The role of the costumer for modern productions, for instance, was touched upon in our Nancy Steiner interview. While not a period piece or sci-fi adventure requiring elaborate costumes, the wardrobe for the characters of “Little Miss Sunshine” nonetheless called for the kind of thought and effort that is not often appreciated. Steiner shed some light on how her thorough understanding of the quirky characters led to an appropriate choice of clothes.

Animatronics supervisor Rick Lazzarini discussed what he and his team did for “Snakes on a Plane.” From repurposing motorcycle chains to employing actual snake skin, Lazzarini told us about his methods for creating realistic replicas that stood in for real snakes, thus helping ensure the humane handling of the real animals.

Our profile on British designer Gareth Price discussed the world of titling and broadcast design. In it, Price explores the differences between designing for European vs. American markets, the impact of HD on titling, and how a job in local news is a good way to start a career in design.

The relatively new role of the digital imaging technician, which came about during the advent of HD production, can be found in our article about DIT’s. How to know when you need them, how their abilities at in-camera controls can save on much of the post work, and their evolving role is talked about here. For those looking to enter the field, the article mentions the variety of backgrounds that DIT’s come from, as well as what skills they all have in common.

Meeting our goal

Whether you are a producer or crew member, aspiring or working, we hope that with each issue of 411 Update we’ve improved to better suit your individual needs. But we think we can do better. We want to know what 411 Update is doing right, what we’re doing wrong, and anything else you’d like to see covered. So if you have an opinion on the matter, please feel free to drop us a line at melinda.mccrady@reedbusiness.com.