New iPad from Apple

It is finally here, the ipad with the new hi-res display...and much more!

You can read all about it here - or watch the video of the event here.

For a comparison of "What has changed" check out this article.

"Captivated" SAICFF 2012

Captivated wins Runner Up for "Best Documentary" and Finalist for "Best of Festival" at the 2012 SAICFF!! This is a feature length documentary that I worked on last year. CaptivatedTheMovie.com

ReelCast Productions New Website

www.reelcastproductions.com

ReelCast Productions Re-Branding

Thanks to Siah Design, ReelCast now has a new logo!

Thanks to ReelCast...well...there's a new demo reel too!

Coming soon is the new website!

2012 SAICFF Schedule

The schedule for the 2012 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival has been posted! (SAICFF Schedule)

I am pleased to announce that Captivated will be showing on Thursday night in the main theater shortly after the opening ceremonies! It will be showing again in a side-room in the last block before Closing Ceremonies!

Unfortunately due to uncertain reasons, Alone Yet Not Alone will not be screening this year.

Hope to see you there!

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

I enjoyed this fun video, and thought a few of you might too!

SYNOPSIS

Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) award winning author/ illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a new narrative experience that harkens back to silent films and M-G-M Technicolor musicals. “Morris Lessmore” is old fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.

Kirk Cameron Movie - "Monumental"

Following article from WORLD press release:
Moved by the major economic, political, and moral woes facing the United States, Cameron has been at work over the past couple years on a film project that chronicles his personal journey to historic sites across Europe and the United States, where he sought to discover the “secret recipe” that has made America the freest, richest country in history. Cameron hopes the resulting documentary, Monumental: In Search of America’s National Treasure, will help provide a path forward for today’s Americans.

“Now this is my project, but it’s about all of us, it’s about our kids and securing a monumental future for them,” he said. “How do we teach them the truths that will set them free internally and externally for the world that they live in and secure their future?”

Monumental tells the story of men and women who risked all for liberty, including the travails of the Pilgrims, and shares stories of faith that helped shape education, government, and civic life in the United States. The film also features interviews by Cameron of current-day political and faith leaders, including Christian author Os Guinness, Senate Chaplain Barry Black, David Barton of WallBuilders, Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.), and Marshall Foster of the Mayflower Institute.

To add to the film’s educational value, Cameron plans to release supplementary study materials for families, churches, and schools.

Monumental will premiere March 27 at 7:30 p.m. EDT (8 p.m. tape delayed on the West Coast) at approximately 500 movie theaters across the country as part of a live, simulcast event organized by NCM/Fathom Events. The 130-minute program, hosted by Cameron, will include interviews with media, faith, and political figures; live music; and a screening of the 90-minute film. The documentary will have a limited theatrical release beginning March 30.

- Movie Website MonumentalMovie.com-

Beyond the Mask & Veggie Tales

Director Chad Burns and his wife Angela met with Phil Vischer (Creator of Veggie Tales) last week in Chicago for lunch.

Phil has many years of experience creating Christian media content for families and it was a real privilege to sit down and hear from him. Phil had a lot of advice and a few connections to offer us.

Phil’s faith journey is similar to the journey traced by the hero in Beyond the Mask. Phil spent years thinking that his good works and fine efforts for the Lord would please God and earn favor. After a lot of hard lessons, Phil came to see that the Lord is more concerned with the orientation of our heart toward Him than the work of our hands. You can read a more about Phil’s journey and the Savior he loves in his auto-biography, Me, Myself, and Bob.

Phil’s timeless advice was simple....

Click Here to read the full article!

5D Leaks

This is the introduction from a very good article from Phillip Bloom's website by James Miller about an interesting technique called "Lens Whacking." If you don't want to bother with creating the technique in-camera, he has a set of post productions presets...that are on sale this week! Details at end of post.

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James Miller is a talented guy. Apart from designing a lot of my graphics and the background for this site he has been my right hand man on many of my UK shoots. Having a talented shooter as your right hand man makes your life so much easier. He has become synonymous with “lens whacking” which he explains about here. You can see more of James’ work on his vimeo page here. One bit of advice. This is a great and cool effect. But like all effects use them in moderation for the most impact! - Phillip Bloom

Lens Whacking, whats its all about then?

When a cameras lens is fixed firmly to a camera the only light falling on the sensor is through the lens. Thats great most of the time and when you want something different you can either add effects, layers, overlays in post. Or you can remove your entire lens.

- Read the Full Article Here -

Here are a couple of examples of James' work and what the effect looks like when done with a camera.

James also sells a set of presets that he calls "5DLeaks" that can be added in post.

20% off code for 1 week only with code philipbloom at checkout expires on 8th February 2012

- Visit the 5DLeaks website -

Alone Yet Not Alone - SAICFF World Premiere

 

SAICFF has announced that they will have the exciting privilege of hosting the world premiere of the major motion picture Alone, Yet Not Alone. This feature film tells the true story of the faith and courage of the Leiningers, a family of early-America settlers whose lives are forever changed after an Indian raid.

Be the first to watch this thrilling film when you attend the 2012 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival! - See more images here!

Watch the trailer here!

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Info Source

Update on Thursday, February 2, 2012 by John-Clay

I did some checking on this and from what I understand, they (SAICFF) had been planning to show the film but due to post-production difficulties those plans have been canceled.

"I have not heard a firm date for the premiere or release of ALONE YET NOT ALONE. I wish it were screening at SAICFF, but again, I don't know the final plans." -George Escobar

This has not been verified by the film's producers or the Vision Forum Festival, but since SAICFF has not done any further promo about it after their original announcement in September, it seems doubtful that it will be shown. - If I do receive confirmation either way, I'll be sure to let everyone know!