History of the Tiburon Film Festival in Marin County California

While the Sundance film festival might get the most attention, many avid indie film fans will tell you that few independent movie festivals match the excitement or overall variety and quality as the Tiburon film festival. Tiburon is located in California's famed Marin County, overlooking San Francisco Bay. This Tiburon-based affair was started by the town in 2002, and has rapidly grown into a diverse and popular international experience that has gained attention world wide.

This unique affair is usually held for a week in March of every year. The Tiburon film festival has a mission statement as being a festival that wants to see a broad range of films from a wide range of countries around the world. The motto for this occasion is: "Understanding the world through film," and strongly reflects the direction this event has gone over the last eight years.

International movies have been premiered at this festival from dozens of countries in nearly as many genres. Some movie category submissions in that past have included fiction, documentary, shorts, animated shorts, experimental, surreal, student films, sports documentaries, music videos, and even children's films. This wide blend of culture and genre allows this Tiburon event to claim a very unique level of originality and diversity.

Basically, if you're a fan of independent films, both foreign and domestic, this affair set in the town located just off San Francisco might be the perfect stop. The long tradition of artistic independence that San Francisco is known for continues to play out in neighboring Tiburon, and the Tiburon film festival continues to grow in scope, size, and cinematic quality with each passing year.

The logo of this year's event shows a shark biting down on a reel of film, a nod to the town of Tiburon's history, named after the local Carib Indian word for shark, as the bay around the town is known to be full of them. This fierce symbol is a good match for the fierce independence that the movie festival encourages.

For an event that has only existed since 2002, the festival has already had a remarkable impact on film and film careers alike. The academy award winner "West Bank Story" by Ari Sandel was premiered at this festival, as was the academy award nominee "Salim Baba" by Timothy Sternberg. In addition to these two remarkable works, many films that were viewed here for the first time were picked up for mainstream distribution, or invited as guests to other popular and well known movie premier events.

The Tiburon film festival continues to run strong, and is a great affair that should be a considered stop for anyone living, or traveling, in the area. It's not often you can not only be part of a major event, but be in early on as it builds history.

Renee Adelmann is a Marin-based Realtor who specializes in Tiburon luxury homes as well as Marin County real estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Adelmann

Read more...

Film Adaptations of Books - Do They Work?

The books versus films controversy has been around for a long time. Some wish to discuss the relative merits of each as mediums in their own right and make claims and allegations about which form of story-telling is superior. The other side of the debate looks at the difference between a book and a film-adaptation of that book. Here I'd like to discuss a little about the latter idea and its relevance in contemporary cinema.

Although books have been adapted to film numerous times over the years it is now happening more often than ever. This is largely due to the possibilities that computer animation has allowed for and perhaps this, in itself, is something worthy of note in the discussion. Were it not for the possibility to turn a novel into a computer-generated blockbuster would we still be seeing so many book to film adaptations? It seems unlikely given how heavily these adaptations tend to feature special effects created through computers.

However, this in itself does not give us good cause to see film adaptations of books as something bad. So, what else is it that critics of these adaptations see as problematic? The answer is fairly simple: changes to the original story.

Books can take us many hours to read, but the film version of a book can only last two or three hours at the most. It is therefore inevitable that parts of a book are cut out of the story in order produce a film. Take The Lord of the Rings for example. The film version entirely removes the character of Tom Bombadil and the story that goes with it.

Critics see this as tarnishing the original story. Of particular relevance is the experience of those who see the film but who have never read the book - are they missing out, in some important sense, on the story of the original work and are they being misinformed?

The debate has now received further complication as graphic novels are being used more and more frequently as the basis for films. 300, The Spirit, and the new film The Watchmen are all adaptations of graphic novels. However, do these adaptations differ from those of standard novels?

All these questions are worth considering more closely before judgements are passed. There is certainly a degree to which these adaptations are successful, but they may also be damaging to literature. These issues will be examined further in future articles, but for now give the debate some serious thought, you may find that you surprise yourself with your conclusions.

Tired of being ripped off by high street bookshops? Sick of paying full price for books? Get your cheap textbooks, books and coupon codes at Gauchotexts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Portney

Read more...

Importance of Sales Projections For Your Independent Film Project

Most independent filmmakers do not research and utilize realistic sales projections when developing their business plan, or worse, they do not use sales projections at all. This is a huge mistake. Sales projections for your film project are absolutely necessary so that you can properly budget your project, raise the necessary financing, and ensure your chances of paying your investors back.

When you are developing a set of projections, the following should be considered:

* Develop a set of projections starting with detailed revenue. It is important to have a clear idea of where the movie will be released and how it will be released. The type of release will greatly impact the revenue you could receive. You should have a good idea of what you can sell your movie for before you develop your budget.

* Make sure your production budget is solid and based on the final shooting script. These numbers can change, but it is important that you know they have changed, and why. You should be constantly updating your budget throughout the film project.

* Do not guess. You should always make every effort to obtain good, hard numbers. Have other producers located in the area you are planning to film take a look at your budget.

* When developing your projections, be sure you to include all of the available distribution channels.

1. US Theatrical

2. US Broadcast

3. US DVD

4. Foreign (DVD and other rights)

5. Online download and Film website

* The sales projections should be done for 3 different levels, starting with a low revenue estimate, a high estimate, and a mid range estimate. The high and low extremes are very important as they will form a potential range of possibilities.

Keep in mind that there are many variables which will determine the price distributors will pay for your film at any given time (including, but not limited to: market trends, comparables, genre, subject matter, actors, producers, or directors involved in the project, if it did well at festivals, commercial viability, etc).

Include distribution costs that you expect to incur. These will vary with the level of revenue included in the projections and will be different for each distribution channel. You will also need to develop a cash flow projection, a cash break even, and a net profit break even analysis. These can be included in your business plan.

Jack Heape, Producer

Right now is a truly great time to be investing in film, particularly independent films. Investment amounts are low and returns can be high.

For more information on this and other topics about independent film, visit my website at http://www.hoboproductions.com, or http://www.carolinafilmfactory.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Heape

Read more...

Louisiana Film Tax Credit Program Deserves Legislative Support

Louisiana has developed a reputation as one of the top states for film production. Great locations, unique stories and spicy food combined forces with powerful tax incentives in 2002 to create a combination which has generated over $2 billion in revenue for the state. But during the 2009 legislative sessions lawmakers must evaluate the future course of the tax credit program as the original dates for the program near their "sunset."

Fortunately most Louisiana lawmakers, including Governor Bobby Jindal, see the tax credits as an important part of the state's economy and are pushing to extend the program. Jindal has said that he will support extending the current 25 percent level of movie tax credits for 2 more years and 5 years on infrastructure credits. Jindal also supports eliminating the 2009 deadline for The Digital Media Production Tax Credit, a program for the development of video games, animation and special effects.

And since lawmakers seem to agree on continuation the debate shifts to the question of what the future should look like for the tax credit program? Among the factors being discussed during the debate over the future shape of Louisiana's film incentive program are:

* Incentive structure The Louisiana Motion Picture Act created allows out of state film producers to earn tax credits on their qualified Louisiana based production and labor costs. These tax credits can be converted into cash and help make Louisiana based film productions more lucrative for producers and investors. The percentages and uses of tax credits are something the legislature will carefully consider to ensure the program remains competitive.
* Financial impact of the film industry The film industry has become a major economic engine for Louisiana. The state film office reports that Louisiana has taken in more than $2 billion in revenues and over $200 million in payroll alone generated by film and TV productions between 2002 and 2008. Any future changes to this program could have an impact either positive or negative on the states economy.
* Development of key film support infrastructure As more film productions continue to take place in Louisiana a strong infrastructure of film related services has taken root all over the state. These include post production services, staffing, finance and even specialty education programs can now be found throughout the state. The future of the film incentive program will help determine if this infrastructure continues to grow.
* Impact of a worsening economy Like most states, Louisiana faces a budget shortfall for 2009. Decreases in state revenues make it harder to expand tax incentives in a down economy. However the potential decrease in jobs or revenue from film and TV productions is of more concern to state officials.
* Increased pressure from other states Given the success of Louisiana's film program other states are now trying to compete in this sector and have begun offering incentive packages of their own. States like Georgia and Michigan have "upped the ante" by setting tax credits at higher levels than have previously been done before. There is great debate in those states as to whether or not this is financially sustainable but the net effect has been greater competition.

We would like to see the film tax credits extended in their current state. While other states have created programs with deeper discounts Louisiana has many other factors which help to level the playing field including unique locations, strong film infrastructure, a highly trained workforce and ongoing support from state and local officials.

Andre Savoie is the President of WSI in New Orleans and manages online marketing for FBT Film and Entertainment. FBT Film and Entertainment provides a full range of services for film producers looking to maximize their "Louisiana spend" on qualifying productions made in state. FBT Film has offices in New Orleans and Los Angeles as well as unique partnerships with Raleigh Films and Media Services. These partnerships allow FBT to offer film tax credits, financing, payroll and even post production. Visit http://www.FBTFilm.com, or call us at 504-584-5888 for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andre_Savoie

Read more...

Which is the Best Film School?

As someone who attended two of the most famous film schools, I often get asked which film program is the best. Historically, NYU and USC have been known as the 'big two' of film schools with each trading off over the years for bragging rights as to the school with the more prestigious alumni and pedigree. Following up close behind are UCLA as well as Columbia. In truth, while USC and NYU claim a long list of successful graduates and alumni that have had illustrious careers after attending them, all these programs are worthwhile depending on what you are trying to get out of them.

Before selecting a film school it is important to understand a few things. First, film is an entrepreneurial business. Nobody is going to hand you a job, you have to create opportunities for yourself. Your talent and craft can be worked on and honed but at the end of the day your social and networking skills as well as your ingenuity in getting funding or sponsors for your projects are skills that are just as important as the quality of your filmmaking or writing.

With that said, it would make sense that the schools that afford you the most opportunities to network with professional contacts in the industry have the most success at their students obtaining work. This is why USC and NYU have traditionally had the most numbers of working professionals come out of their schools. Both schools have large programs with alumni in all facets of the business. Both schools also have extensive internship programs as well as active alumni participation.

Other schools such as UCLA and Columbia while having quality programs, don't have the sheer number of graduates, although UCLA is close. For this reason, although the production and historical education you will receive at these programs is top notch, there are fewer direct opportunities to network with Alumni and a comparatively smaller network of professionals to approach during and after school.

Another top notch program that one should consider is the AFI program. While smaller than some of the other programs it is run by the American Film Institute with top notch instructors and a very 'hands on' approach. It does not however have quite the extent of facilities that the NYU and USC programs provide.

Another important thing to keep in mind is how the cities where you go to school will affect your career development. New York and Los Angeles have very different film cultures. While USC is located in the heart of the Hollywood film industry, it has close ties to the technical, production and post production companies of Los Angeles and an extensive network in the 'studio system' of filmmaking. NYU, located in New York, while having a fair share of commercial directors as it's alumni also has stronger 'artistic' or 'independent' film philosophy and ties.

During the 70's and 80's a look at the directors that came out of each program showed the difference in styles and filmmaking content. While George Lucas and Robert Zemeckis graduated from USC, Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen and Oliver Stone attended NYU. In more recent years however, both schools have had a number of successful as well as 'independent' filmmakers come out of their programs. From a personal standpoint, in my experience USC gave greater emphasis on the technical production skills of filmmaking while NYU seemed to stress the story and artistic elements more. Both however offer ample opportunity for a student to study both.

For much more information about Film schools and which is the best choice for you, please visit http://www.USCfilmschool.com or http://www.TVwriter.me

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Levin

Read more...