168's 1st StoryLab with Derrick Warfel

168 Film Project Update: 31 teams from 6 states, USA, Kenya, England and Israel. See website for next StoryLab on Oct. 2nd.

Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition now open: Deadline Oct. 18th, 2009

Friday nite was the 1st StoryLab with Derrick Warfel, Grad of Princeton, Dallas Theological Seminary and USC Filmschool. Derrick is a real wealth of information, due to this and his extensive study of screenwriting and his personal foray into Indie Filmmaking. StoryLab is designed to help writers and directors improve their craft.

Derrick's film was called "The Fall of Night," but he is astutely re-marketing it to react to market conditions. See www.fallofnight.com. He is a wealth of knowledge and a true benefit to the 168 Filmmakers, who get to take his A-Z one-day crash course in filmmaking for free in February! (see schedule www.168project.com). StoryLab is sponsored by the Peter Glenville Foundation.

Here are some quotes from attendees:

"...an eye-opening experience. It (shows) how Directors and Writers should approach filmmaking, whether they are experienced professionals or just getting their feet wet." -Ed Shin

"My only problem was that I couldn't take notes fast enough! UCLA would charge $500 for a class like this!" - Erik Jacobson

"Thanks for putting on the Story Lab last night. I thought it was amazing!" -Luanne Mohr

"... an excellent example of positive criticism! It is a safe place to learn how to improve your craft! I am honored that our film was chosen to be critiqued and I look forward to growing from the experience!" -Amber Deegan

"We're looking forward to having our film deconstructed. It can only help us in our quest to become better filmmakers. Thanks John, Karen and Derrick for all you do for us to make us better at our craft." -Susan Shearer

Why is StoryLab so good? The structure was a huge reason. Derrick started with just enough basic theory to give a refresher for the experienced folks and enough to to whet the beginners appetite for more.

Then we watched "The Test." This film has good and bad, strengths and weaknesses as you might imagine in a made-in-a-week movie. We took an interview scene where the hero is interviewing for a Harvard grant and compared it to a scene in "Flashdance," where the main character Alex, a welder by day and exotic dancer by night, whose dream is to someday be accepted at an illustrious school of dance (played by Jennifer Beals).

She goes to apply for a spot at the ballet conservancy. She rides up on a bicycle. The camera looks down on her as she stares up at the massive edifice of conservancy building. She navigates a gauntlet of revolving doors and impersonal legs and arms and torsos of the dancers, all unconcerned with her and unwilling even to straighten up as she asks for directions to the office.

As she enters the office, there are 3 girls in line to apply for the school. They all look like ballerinas and have their hair worn up. Alex's hair is free flowing and the girls whisper about her as she enters. The secretary repeats instructions to the applicants in an impersonal monotone and the camera reveals the applicant's ballet shoes in sharp contrast to Alex' welder's boots. In the end, Beals runs out and disappears into the crowd on her bicycle past a sign that says END, ONE WAY (comma added for effect).

It's a study in good choices that were made by writer and director, no doubt agonized over for weeks. From the background actors to the camera angles and shot selection, all of these choices converge to make the stakes higher, the odds more stacked against the heroine.

Please make sure to RSVP for the next StoryLab. Seating is limited to the first 25 RSVPs.

The other scene from "The Test" was the one where the hero is tempted to cheat on his college ACT test. We compared this to a scene in "Slumdog Millionaire," where the hero is tempted to cheat by using the answer provided to him by the corrupt game show host. He writes the answer in the steam on the mirror in the bathroom.

If you would like to participate in the exercise, get the films: "Best of 168" for 2009, "Flashdance" and "Rudy." The "Rudy" scene is the one in which the hero breaks into the football stadium he so desperately wants to play in. He later intrudes on Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian for a forced "interview" with the coach to further his dream.

Your homework is to take and rewrite the scenes mentioned in "The Test" and bring them to the next StoryLab on October 2nd. You are encouraged to meet with friends (wherever you are) to discuss these films and how to improve your storytelling.

Call for Entries for Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition

I am extremely pleased to announce the call for entries for our new writing contest called WRITE OF PASSAGE.  

The competition offers writers the chance to be seen onscreen.  Signups are Aug. 20 - Oct. 18, 2009.  Writing week is October 19th-26th, 2009.

Top scripts compete for awards and $1,000 cash.  Selected scripts will be eligible to be produced by 168 Film Project veterans.  Resulting films will be screened during the Write of Passage Spotlight Exhibition at the 168 Film Festival, March 26-27, 2010 in LA, CA.

The prize package includes a meeting with Producer Ralph Winter ("X-MEN Origins: Wolverine").  In addition, writer/producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order," "Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken") will provide professional feedback to the top 3 writers.

For more, see press release by clicking on the title link above.

Enjoy!

John

John Hughes and the Creeping Nature of Acceptability

A follower of the blog noted that John Hughes films are pretty raunchy, so I need to address it.  

My very first blog ever noted that I was wary of the blog-o-sphere, because more words and flapping of the old cyber-gums threatens to make us cyber-bums and blow hards. Shakespeare said "More matter, less art."  I think that is great wisdom.

So now, do I cop to the romanticizing of dearly held memories of my beloved John Hughes movies or do I take a stand and tell this guy to lay off my John Hughes memories?

Well honestly, I learned one thing.  Never write a blog in haste.  I looked at it and noted that it contradicted itself, even as I argued my point.

With the sound of Paul Young's sentimental "Everytime You Go Away" echoing in my ears, I defended the sweet spirit of "Planes, Trains and Autos" even as I remarked parenthetically about the one gratuitous scene with the dozen or so F-Bombs.  Hello. Earth to John.

Ok.  I can fess down to it. 

There is a lesson to be learned here.  Maybe two:

1.  We romanticize times past and remember the good things that were and the great feelings we associated with them and we ignore our pesky conscience.  

I think that this is how we pass along a great deal of unintentional baggage along to our children.  There are definitely things in the past that should stay there and not be coddled and romanticized.

Why do we get movies that are 97% wholesome?  It is usually a money decision when directors or studios or even producers throw in a really gratuitous scene into an otherwise family film.  Often it is to avoid a PG rating.  Yet, great PG films (like "Home Alone") tend to make the most money...Hmmm.

The "Christian" films that are "completely redeeming" and hold no offense or affront to one's morality are often made by well meaning, but substandard filmmakers and thus a mixed blessing.

But substandard films in the world's eyes don't mean substandard in God's eyes.  Thus we see some of these films doing very well at the box office and getting major distribution.  And they are getting better!

Soon 168 Alums will be taking their place at the table and they will be tested.  Will they go for the easy, exploitive bucks?  Only time will tell.  Pray for them to get there.

Many times, we are left to choose entertainment that is "mostly wholesome" or "fairly family."

As Bob Briner says in his classic book "Roaring Lambs," it is better to reward good films than to protest bad ones.

But, what if in reality, we agree with and love 97% of a film.  How do we communicate to the filmmaker that we don't like 3% of the film?

Just not going to the theatre will send 97% of the wrong message. 

One thing that can be done is to write the studios and/or the writers c/o the studios.

We should do our homework on sites like Movieguide.org to make sure we don't accidentally support low brow or debauched stories. 

A friend recently went to see "the Ugly Truth."  I rolled my eyes as she told me how shocked she was.  "So you walked out, right?" I asked.  "Huh?" she said.

Yes, it's true that you can and should get your money back and tell them WHY you want your money back.  

THE 1/2 RULE:  As long as the movie's not more than 1/2 over, you can get a refund and THEY WILL LISTEN AND REPORT TO THE STUDIOS.  

2. The other lesson is the Creeping Nature of Acceptability

The censors of the 50s had a much easier job.  The envelope was much more defined and pushing it took a lot less.  The church threw in the towel during that era and vacated the position as guardian of acceptability.   So in 2009, here we are with Judd Apatow and the rest of the "trade offensive for good comedy" writing crowd.

What passes for family entertainment at the theatre or on the Disney Channel would not have passed in the 50s.

What passes muster in our elected officials wouldn't have passed in the 50s either. 

Accountability is a game that only a few dare to play.  Most Americans think that they are far to busy to do anything like write the FCC or write to congress.

But we must.  If ever there was a time for accountability, it is surely now.

Google the FCC and complain next time you are offended.  Write your congressman about legislation, and walk out on a movie the next time you are offended.  (There is an historic Town Hall meeting on Healthcare on Tues. 8-11-09).

Being sensible and respectful in these types of protests are proven ways to affect change.

John Hughes, Farewell

It’s a sad day for American Cinema.  Legendary filmmaker and writer John Hughes has died at the age of 59!  He had a heart attack while jogging.

Here are some of his films:

“Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” 
”Ferris Bueller's Day Off,”
”Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,”
”Uncle Buck,” 
”Home Alone.”


If you’re like me, you have very fond memories of these and they take you back to a time and place when things were a lot brighter.  We laughed more and people had time to spend together.

Indeed, some of my identity is directly from the side-splitting humor of “Planes, Trains and Autos.”  In fact, I watch that with friends and family at least every other Christmas. 

All of these movies are imperfect and some have pretty rough edges (PTA has a scene with one of the most concentrated barrage of F-Bombs I have ever seen.  We usually fast forward that part).

But, the heart and (mostly) sweet spirit with which these films were created has not been equaled by anyone I can think of in such a great volume.

I think of today’s “hits.”  Much of the fun seems gone. 

Instead of one fast forward-able scene, many of today’s films take you through a gross-fest of disgusting sexual humor throughout, and it seems to be getting worse (thank you Judd Apatow and Sasha Cohen).

It’s not totally their fault, though.

It’s ours.  As long as we go to see films that have such darkness in them (“Bruno,” “Knocked Up,” “40-Year Old Virgin”), they will not change the formula. 

To me, it doesn’t matter that they give a lovely platitude at the end if they drag me through the mud to get me there (ie. "American Beauty").

John, I hope I see you in paradise.  You will be missed.

The 168 Film Project aims to raise up the next generation of great filmmakers; ones who are not afraid to celebrate the beautiful things of life and the Lord Jesus, who created it and sustains it by his sacrifice.

Stand with us.

We need your prayers and financial support.

Entries are now open at the Super Discounted Price of only $168 per team!   This price includes full benefits, including two All Fest Passes, Screening in L.A. and much more. 

Please spread the word.

168 Team Entry Superdiscount Aug. 1st

PHOTO: 168 team with "X-MEN producer Ralph Winter (Story Below)

August is almost here and that means the start of 168 Film Project Superdiscounted Team Entries ($168 per team). This price includes full benefits, including two All Fest Passes, Screening in L.A. and much more.

In this, our 8th year, we will produce our 400th narrative film, and greatly expand 168 for the Kingdom.

New events in development: (Stay Tuned!)

1. SCREENWRITING CONTEST to develop and identify writers for the 168 Film Project -"Write of Passage."

2. FILM FEST FUNDRAISER highlighting all the many ways 168 is making a difference on the set

3. FRIDAY NIGHT FILM CRITIQUES: this "think tank" will look at a willing 168 producer's completed film (in love) & suggest ways to improve the story.

4. 168 INCUBATOR: a new group for producers to assess personal strengths and strategies and jumpstart YOU!

Please join in the dialogue regarding all of these ideas. We want to offer the very best possible resources in hopes it will help change the world through the media. We value your suggestions.

++++++++++++++++++++++

PRODUCER RALPH WINTER "UP IN THE AIR"

July 7, 2009: As part of the 2009 prize package (valued at $7500) for the winners of the BEST PICTURE AWARD 2009, the members of the "Up in the Air" production team met with "X-MEN Origins: Wolverine" producer Ralph Winter. 168 Founder/Director John David Ware also attended.

Producer/Actor Doug Folsom, Director Wes Llewellyn and Producer Chris Roberts (not shown) met at the offices of Thomas Winter Cooke, producers of branded content, advertising and other media.

 

Lessons from Loss

I lost my best (canine) friend recently and it's been a season of grief for me.

I have found a new dimension in my closest friends and also in some acquaintances.

God says He will never give us more than we can handle. He also said that a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.

Put these together with all the other notes on community and it's pretty obvious that we need each other.

Having a dog provides so much in the way of fellowship, and virtually none of the problems (gossip, betrayal, jealousy) that dog owners can sometimes retreat into the dog bubble.

When the animal dies, there is a tendency to appreciate friends more. To want to be around and to need people more.

Maybe that's why dogs live about 12-15 years. Maybe it prepares us for saying goodbye to humans as they die. Hard to say, but though I do not plan to get another dog anytime soon, I am profoundly glad for the furry little creatures that the Lord has given us to enhance the joy and ameliorate the pain of this life.

I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Goodbye Frankie

I feel like a brick has hit my head hard.

I'm in a daze, having lost my best friend in a very short time. Frankie (aka. Franklin B. Dog) has been my dog for 11 years, a loving mutt who really appreciated being rescued.

I am writing about this because it helps me to grieve. Also, as a writer, I need to express all the richness and detail of my life, including love and grief. It also helps to know that others loved him and love and support me. I hope it helps you. The sun also rises.

A short history of the diagnosis and the end:

He was 12 years old and I knew he was slowing down. But, the end was so very abrupt that I had no time to process before he was gone. The fact that he had virtually no time to suffer is comforting.

Friday April 24th I took him to Bank of America in Burbank. The tellers get mad at me when I fail to bring him. He was a little sluggish, but he had no remarkable symptoms. As we left, he refused to come down the stair. I knew something was wrong, but I was in a hurry. I carried him to the car and quickly deposited him in my apartment so I could run to the airport to pick up my mom, who was visiting for a few days.

From the airport, mom and I went to an event and then to a movie (a really bad one). When we got back home, I had to carry Frankie out to pee. He didn't want to move and the facts about his health that I had blocked out came rushing back. I took him back inside and went to bed, preparing to take him to the vet in the morning.

Sat. April 25th at 5:30AM, I awoke to sounds of Frankie's grand mal seizure. I ran over to him and prayed over him and the seizure stopped.

At 8:00AM, we arrived at the vet and Frankie immediately had another seizure. The vet kept him for awhile while we went home.

We were scheduled to pick up the dog at 12:30PM. I didn't like the fact that the girl on the phone wouldn't tell me what was wrong, but she insisted I speak with the vet, who was not available. When I arrived, the vet (whose English is much better than my Korean, so we used English) told me he was really bad and I needed to make a decision. He said I could spend 10s of 1000s to discover what was wrong (he suspected poisoning or a brain tumor) and then put him down, or we could put him down. Mom and I talked (thru the tears) about options as we watched Frankie stumble around the kennel room, drunk from the narcotics. But, at least the seizures had stopped.

We asked for some oral Phenobarbital for when the shot wore off and took him home to ponder the inevitable. I stopped at the pastry shop next door to the vets and bought a raspberry tart for Frankie with tears streaming down my face. I'm sure they get a few such purchases each month from despairing pet owners like me buying a last meal.

We went home and Frankie soon had another seizure. That was the fleece that I had set to tell me if I must say goodbye to my faithful friend today. Oh, God must it be today. The answer came, yes today.

So, I called the vet and arranged to meet him at 7 to say goodbye to my dog.

I called all the neighbors and those I could think of that really liked Frank. If I forgot you, please know I wasn't thinking straight.

We swapped some Frankie stories and my little boy got the rest of the pastry, some chicken noodle soup and several hot dogs. He was happy.

Later in the vets office, I held my beautiful beast as the pink liquid coursed into his catheter. There was no noise or light or fanfare. He simply lowered his great head for the last time and slept.

Franklin B. Dog was a home maker, a sleeper, a slacker and a lover of people. He served as the erstwhile mascot for the 168 Film Project and was a great actor, who did not get distracted and was nearly perfect at hitting his marks. He was the perfect canine companion for me, a single man with too many goals and dreams for one lifetime.

I found him in 1998 when I was looking in the paper for the date of a Lloyd Cole Concert. There I saw a pic of a freak of nature. It was a dog with an enormous head and three legs. The SPCA had taken his pic and neglected to photograph his fourth leg. Since he was depressed, living in the institution, he had lost a lot of weight so his head looked Enormous. Mystery solved.

I went down to look at him, knowing I didn't want or need a dog (though I always had them growing up).

He was an intimidating-looking dog, so I asked them how many people he had mauled. None (but). But what I asked. Under the breath, they mumbled the fact that he likes to chew things up. I don't care about that, I said.

After they dropped their objections about me living in an apartment and after they were satisfied that I wasn't spending the $75 to acquire a fighter, they gave me the keys and let me play with him. I fell in love with him completely.

The next 11 years were wonderful. He gave me many laughs and a few tears, some anger (chewed up my couch, a Bible and many other things) and a real satisfaction that comes with caring for an animal.

We also made a couple of short films together, "New Best Friend" for the 2003 version of the 168 Film Project, and the soon to be released "The Chronicles of Hernia: the Lion, the Ditch and the Studio," due very soon (www.chroniclesofhernia.com).

Among his talents were acting, opening doors, frisbee catching, climbing trees. back scratch, back rub and much more. He tried to save me once by pulling in the tow rope after I had finished wake boarding. He let me into my office more than once when I had locked myself out.

I am sure that the Lord Jesus made Frankie specifically for me. Thanks be to the Lord for letting me enjoy him for 11 years. And for arranging for mom to be here to help me through the whole ordeal. Not exactly the vacation either of us had planned, but exactly what was needed. True difficulty is experienced alone.

As for the problem of time, I heard on the radio that the Lord gives us all the time that we require. If we don't have enough time, than could it be that we are doing something we shouldn't.

For the immediate future, I know I am working at about half strength. So now, much more than normal, I have no doubt from whence my strength, success and power come from.