Give it a shot and let us know what you think!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
We've moved!
Give it a shot and let us know what you think!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The story of Eternal Peace - PreProduction: Part 1
While you probably wouldn't know it from reading the blog, we've actually been hard at work for several months on SBJ Films' latest project, Eternal Peace. It's the story of a how far an abused mother would be willing to go in order to protect her daughter.
Eternal Peace
Written and Directed by Jason Clemons
Based upon an original story by Caroline Parker and Robyn Drake
Produced by Michael Darling
But the real work was done by the SBJ Crew, too numerous to count right now.
This project came about from a proposal that Caroline and Robyn submitted to SWAMP's Emerging Filmmakers Fellowship Program. We found out that their project was selected just before we began production on what would become Betman.
The requirements were pretty simple: They give us money, we give them a film that runs less than 10 minutes (this will be an important thing to remember later in the story), and deals with the topic of "Violence against Women". (The other topic that Caroline could have chosen was "Modern Day Slavery", but alas...). The films would have a Houston premiere on the big screen, then go on to possible play on "The Territory" on PBS, and maybe some festival play.
Once chosen, Caroline was flown to Mexico City to meet with the fellows and mentors from Mexico and Texas. She pitched her proposal and received feedback. Then began the long haul of pre-production:
THE SCREENPLAY
I'm not a writer by any kind of divine calling, but more out of necessity. I do it because it's a means to an end. I honestly admire the real writers who look forward to sitting down and crafting a story. So, with that said, I began the longer than needed task of crafting the story.
Caroline and I had talked through most of the plot. I knew what beats we wanted to hit, and where. I basically used the percentages that you can find in books like Blake Snyder's Save the Cat, or from workshops like Tom Vaughan's Story and Plot (both are excellent).
So the important thing is the rule of thumb for screenplays: 1 pg = 1 minute of screen time. Got it? Okay, let's move on.
So for our 10 minute film, I wrote an 18 page screenplay.
Yeah, and ya see, anytime someone asked about the screenplay being too long, I would always tell them that I planned on turning in a 10 minute cut to SWAMP, and we would still have the full movie that we could submit to festivals. That would quietly shut 'em up about it. I had a plan.
But if they had specifically asked me just WHAT I planned on cutting from the SWAMP cut, I would have literally had to tell them to shut up. Because, in truth, I had no plan as to what exactly I would cut. No idea.
Therein lies the rub...
(To be continued...)
Eternal Peace
Written and Directed by Jason Clemons
Based upon an original story by Caroline Parker and Robyn Drake
Produced by Michael Darling
But the real work was done by the SBJ Crew, too numerous to count right now.
This project came about from a proposal that Caroline and Robyn submitted to SWAMP's Emerging Filmmakers Fellowship Program. We found out that their project was selected just before we began production on what would become Betman.
The requirements were pretty simple: They give us money, we give them a film that runs less than 10 minutes (this will be an important thing to remember later in the story), and deals with the topic of "Violence against Women". (The other topic that Caroline could have chosen was "Modern Day Slavery", but alas...). The films would have a Houston premiere on the big screen, then go on to possible play on "The Territory" on PBS, and maybe some festival play.
Once chosen, Caroline was flown to Mexico City to meet with the fellows and mentors from Mexico and Texas. She pitched her proposal and received feedback. Then began the long haul of pre-production:
THE SCREENPLAY
I'm not a writer by any kind of divine calling, but more out of necessity. I do it because it's a means to an end. I honestly admire the real writers who look forward to sitting down and crafting a story. So, with that said, I began the longer than needed task of crafting the story.
Caroline and I had talked through most of the plot. I knew what beats we wanted to hit, and where. I basically used the percentages that you can find in books like Blake Snyder's Save the Cat, or from workshops like Tom Vaughan's Story and Plot (both are excellent).
So the important thing is the rule of thumb for screenplays: 1 pg = 1 minute of screen time. Got it? Okay, let's move on.
So for our 10 minute film, I wrote an 18 page screenplay.
Yeah, and ya see, anytime someone asked about the screenplay being too long, I would always tell them that I planned on turning in a 10 minute cut to SWAMP, and we would still have the full movie that we could submit to festivals. That would quietly shut 'em up about it. I had a plan.
But if they had specifically asked me just WHAT I planned on cutting from the SWAMP cut, I would have literally had to tell them to shut up. Because, in truth, I had no plan as to what exactly I would cut. No idea.
Therein lies the rub...
(To be continued...)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Rushin'
Rushin' has been selected as a Official selection of the 7th Annual Queens International Film Festival. Queens International Film Festival
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Love Struck-Official Selection of the 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival
Great news! We just heard that we'll screen at the Milwaukee Film Fest. Who wants to go with us?
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Congrats to Team SBJ!!
Audience Favorite
Best Special Effects
Best Editing
Best Acting
Best Director
Best Special Effects
Best Editing
Best Acting
Best Director
We're continually pleased with our team's growth and the acceptance we've received from our peers over the years! Great job!
Link
Photo by Matt Griesmyer for the South Belt-Elington Leader
Link
Photo by Matt Griesmyer for the South Belt-Elington Leader
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Congratulations to SBJ cast and crew!!
SBJ's 2009 48 Hour Film entry, "BetMan" makes the inaugural Best of Houston DVD. This is the first year that Houston will have it's own "Best of" DVD and this is quite an honor.
Also, "BetMan" is one of 13 film to be shown this Sunday and will be awarded an Audience Award as well as being eligible for several awards, including Best Director, Best Acting, Best writing, and Best Film.
So congratulations to all the cast and crew of "BetMan", your passion, determination, and overall dedication is what makes this film truly an incredible enjoyable experience.
Monday, June 22, 2009
48 Hour Film Awards/Screening Update
Hello Fearless Team!!
Just wanted to drop you a quick reminder that the Best of Houston 2009 Screening and Awards Presentation is only a week away.
Tickets for the screening are $10.
The Best Of/Awards event will take place on Sunday, June 28 at the TBH Center (333 S Jensen 77003) which is just around the corner from the original Ninfas Restaurant.
The doors will open at 5:30pm and the screening will begin at 6:00. After the screening will be a brief break followed by the presentation of awards.
TBH Center: http://www.tbhcenter.org
We know that we have tied for the Audience Award, so all of SBJ need's to represent to accept this!
You deserve it!
Just wanted to drop you a quick reminder that the Best of Houston 2009 Screening and Awards Presentation is only a week away.
Tickets for the screening are $10.
The Best Of/Awards event will take place on Sunday, June 28 at the TBH Center (333 S Jensen 77003) which is just around the corner from the original Ninfas Restaurant.
The doors will open at 5:30pm and the screening will begin at 6:00. After the screening will be a brief break followed by the presentation of awards.
TBH Center: http://www.tbhcenter.org
We know that we have tied for the Audience Award, so all of SBJ need's to represent to accept this!
You deserve it!
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