A Hunter College Production: "Sleep Walker"

Well, I hope everybody has had a nice spring break. I know I had a very productive one: making a film with my fellow classmates from Hunter College. It was my privilege to work with such a great cast and crew and hopefully I can find (and reach out to) more Hunter students to share this experience with them.

*All photos are courtesy of Nathan Schrader*

SLEEP WALKER

SYNOPSIS
Chris (Joe Ferraro) accidentally kills his brother Jerry one night while sleepwalking. His friend, Jeff (Alexei Bakastov), witnesses him sleepwalking and realizes that he is the murderer. Now Jeff must tell Chris the horrifying news because Chris doesn't recall anything.

CAST & CREW

My cast and crew are all Hunter College students (except for the actors that played the parents).

From left: Joe Ferraro, Margret Somerville, Nestor Nadal, Artie Somerville, Daigoro Hirahata, Taylor Morgan, Alexei Bakastov, Nathan Schrader.

CHRIS - Joe Ferraro
JEFF - Alexei Bakastov
MOTHER - Margret Somerville
FATHER - Artie Somerville

WRITTEN, PRODUCED and DIRECTED by Daigoro Hirahata
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Taylor Morgan
CHIEF ELECTRICIAN - Nathan Schrader
BOOM OPERATOR - Nestor Nadal

PRE-PRODUCTION

As soon as I got the idea, I wrote the screenplay in about a week and told my good friend Taylor about making it into a movie and he was all for it. He proof read it and I edited it some more and began to draw up a full storyboard. This was around 3 months ago. The plan was from the start, to film during spring break so I had a lot of time... or so I thought. I finished the story board but not everything went as smoothly. I held several auditions to cast for my 2 characters and ran into many problems (like every film production) but finally casted Joe and Alexei 2 days before shooting. For the parents, I had this other couple who were supposed to play it but they dropped out a week before shooting which had to be switched. Luckily, my High School buddy's parents were willing to do it with a last minute notice.

Taylor checks to see if the shot looks good with Janice (my camera).

PRODUCTION

Shooting began on April 21st (the first Monday of spring break) and was scheduled to go into Tuesday at my house on Long Island. Being that my film consists around 46 shots (including 2 tracking shots and several other very complicated set ups), we were working under a hard schedule.

DP, Taylor Morgan, also taking the job of AD and setting up a shot list by looking back at the storyboard.

With everybody focused (and relaxed at the same time due to much comic relief on the set) we were able to get about 25 shots done. We had a few problems including the time when the smoke alarm went off during filming because the light gave off some smoke and when the neighbors started mowing their lawn which was caught on the mic. However, despite all the craziness, we had a productive day. My dedicated cast and crew all slept over (with the exception of Joe and the parents who live on Long Island) and started filming on Tuesday at 10 AM.

Filming shot #16.

Tuesday was the day where all the hard shots had to be filmed. Although we got many complicated zoom-dutch shots done on Monday, the 2 big tracking shots still had to be filmed. Not to mention a shot that took place outside, looking into the house which was the basis of an incredibly difficult light set up. The problem we encountered with the track was that there was a small bump dividing my kitchen with my dining room. I had a wheelchair move over it but not without the camera shaking heavily. So, we put lots or cardboard and towels over and around it to create a smoother track. It wasn't a Scorsese track but it was good enough and it worked. Miraculously we were able to get ahead of schedule and finished at around 2PM.

Joe getting his shirt all bloody for his character.

POST PRODUCTION

Sleep Walker was filmed in 720p HDV format (on my JVC GYHD110U) which was the first time I ever filmed in HD. Maybe it was due to that but my computer didn't automatically capture the footage without cutting out at least 3 seconds of video. In the end, I had to go through every take and manually capture all the footage myself.

The cast taking a quick break while Taylor and I set up for the next shot.

By Wednesday, the rough cut was done. I showed it to my father who had lots or criticism which escalated from "this sequence looks dull" to "you shouldn't be a filmmaker". It's safe to say that that pissed me off a little but I had to agree that some of the sequences were indeed too dull. The next day, I contacted Joe again and we re-shot some scenes, giving the film the much needed juice.

Currently, I am talking with a musician to come up with a soundtrack. Hopefully, the finished product will turn out nicely and I can get it in to some film festivals.

Future Film Festivals You May Want to Participate In

To those of the Hunter community: I hope you are all enjoying your week off.

Here is a list of a couple of film festivals that may be of interest to you guys:

5th Annual ALL ROADS FILM FESTIVAL
Organization Host: National Geographic Society All Roads Project
"The National Geographic All Roads Film Project showcases breakthrough film and still photography from indigenous and underrepresented minority cultures around the globe."

Location: Washington, D.C.
Festival Dates: October 2-5, 2008
Deadline for submissions: May 10, 2008
Deadline All Seeds Grants: June 15, 2008

16th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival
Organization Host:Hamptons Film Festival
“For 15 years now, the Hamptons International Film Festival has awarded over 130 plus, undergraduate and graduate filmmakers a cash award and a viewing slot within the festival.”

Note: Check the site for the various categories of awards and grants.

Location: East Hampton, New York
Festival Dates:October 15-19, 2008
Deadline for submissions: (Early submission) May 10, 2008

6th Annual Coney Island Film Festival
Organization Host: Coney Island Film

Location: (Obviously) Coney Island
Festival Dates: September 26-28, 2008
Deadline for submissions:
Regular Deadline April 25th, 2008 (postmarked)
Late deadline June 25th, 2008 (postmarked)
Extended late deadline July 3rd, 2008 (postmarked)

Interesting DVD Releases!!

If you don't already know, I am an avid DVD collector of foreign, art house, classic, and just plain interesting films. If you know that, then you know that I love the Criterion Collection.

A few of my favorite non-box set Criterion DVDs.

The Criterion Collection is a DVD company that puts out classic and contemporary films from all over the world. They give the films an awesome HD transfer and jam pack the package with extras (such as documentaries, commentaries, interviews, etc.) and booklets with essays by film scholars or the filmmakers themselves. On the down side, a one disc DVD usually goes for about 40 bucks a piece. In my book, they're expensive but worth it.

Every month, Criterion comes out with about 4 to 5 new films that are put on DVD and I'm going to share a few upcoming releases that I think are interesting.

Blast of Silence - This movie is apparently one of Martin Scorsese's favorite New York City movies (according to Time Out Magazine) which just came out 3 days ago. I have it preordered with 2 other DVDs so it did not arrive yet and I can't say how great of a film it is but it seems very interesting. Synopsis from the Criterion Collection:

"Swift, brutal, and black-hearted, Allen Baron's New York City noir Blast of Silence is a sensational surprise. This low-budget, carefully crafted portrait of a hit man on assignment in Manhattan during Christmastime follows its stripped-down narrative with mechanical precision, yet also with an eye and ear for the oddball idiosyncrasies of urban living and the imposing beauty of the city. At once visually ragged and artfully composed, and featuring rough, poetic narration performed by Lionel Stander, Blast of Silence is a stylish triumph."

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters - Directed by the screenwriter of Taxi Driver, Paul Schrader, this film is about the Japanese author and playwright, Yukio Mishima, and his social and internal struggles throughout his life. I was supposed to buy this DVD (put out by a different DVD company) a while ago but amazon.com never shipped it. Luckily too, because now there's a Criterion release in June. I'm very excited to see it. Also Patriotism, or Yukoku, (the only film Yukio Mishima ever directed) will also be released in the same month so make sure you check that out as well.

Trafic - If you have taken Producing the Film class with Sarah Schenck, you may know that she cited Jacques Tati as one of her favorite directors. He's a comedy director and acts in most (if not all) of his films, most notably for his role as Monseiur Hulot. He's done movies such as Mon Oncle, Mr. Hulot's Holiday, and Playtime, and now his movie Trafic will be on DVD from Criterion. I've never seen any of his movies but if you are interested, be sure to check it out. I know I will. (Will be released in July)

High and Low - I absolutely LOVE Kurosawa. He is my idol and god, so when I saw the news that Criterion is going to re-release this movie, it's safe to say that I was more than excited. High and Low is a great film about a rich man (Kingo Gondo played by the great Toshiro Mifune) who's child gets kidnapped. The kidnapper holds the child hostage and asks for ransom which leads to a thrilling police drama. Based on the novel King's Ransom, Kurosawa creates an exciting detective film while also making a statement about Japan's social problems. (July)

Vampyr - This film is directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, the man who did The Passion of Joan of Arc. If you have seen that film, it's reason enough to try and get your hands on this one. Joan of Arc was a masterful piece of cinema that blows you away with so much emotion and expression that you will be amazed... and it's all silent. Criterion also released a box set of 3 of his works but I couldn't get my hands on it because it's so expensive. I'm definitely going to pre-order Vampyr though. (July)

ALSO DON'T FORGET THAT MICHEL GONDRY WILL COME TO NYC ON MAY 9TH. RESERVE TICKETS ASAP!! More information can be found here.

Top Films of 2007

Yes, yes it's April. Doesn't seem like the time for 'best of' lists. But being a student, it's not easy to catch all the great stuff that comes out. It takes a lot of time to truly make sense of a year. Lately, I've been stocking my Netflix with those '07 films I never got a chance to see. Just recently I rented Lake of Fire, one of 2007's best in my opinion. So in honor of student poverty, procrastination and overloaded schedules, we bring you our favorites of 2007.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN LISTS!

We want to know what you think

TAYLOR

1) There Will Be Blood
There have been a truck load of comparisons of PT Anderson to Kubrick and Altman and other fine directors but I think this is missing the point. PTA is a great filmmaker in his own right. Mood, music, performance. All top notch element in a distinctive, great film.

2) The Lives of Others
A wonderfully scripted, thoughtful piece of filmmaking equally capable in all its sorrows and joys.

3) No Country for Old Men

One of the most engrossing thrillers of the year and perhaps the most visually captivating entry in the Coen's illustrious filmography.

4) The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
A remarkable narrative on American myth-making. Casey Affleck gives as good a performance as any from '07.

5) Lake of Fire
An even-handed, confrontational, and highly informative doc on the most divisive issue in America.


This list, like any annual list, is confused by a few things.
Killer of Sheep would top my list if not for the fact it was made so long ago.

The Lives of Others and 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days present another issue because of distribution
I saw 4 Months in February of this year so despite critical polls that have included it, I don't think I should.

The Lives of Others is problematic because it won the Oscar for Best Foreign last year but it didn't get a proper US release until early this year.

DAIGORO

I'd first like to state that I have not seen many movies in 2007. I've only seen There Will Be Blood, No Country, Juno, Ratatouille, Sicko, Paprika, Persepolis, and The Counterfeiters. From within these films, my top 5 are as follows:

1. There Will Be Blood

2. No Country for Old Men

3. Persepolis

4. Sicko

5. Paprika

Upon viewing There Will Be Blood, I felt that I have witnessed film history. Not only did this movie rightfully win the oscar for cinematography and acting, but the narrative was incredible as well. In my opinion, it is our generation's Raging Bull.

No Country for Old Men, was another great one from the Coen's because it's very faithful to their unique style and dark humor. Anybody could have made a Cormac McCarthy novel into a good film but to make it into a great film is a hard thing to do. Casting Javier Bardem was definitely the best choice as the menacing villain and the minimal score created this extremely eerie atmosphere only the Coen Brothers could have pulled off.

Persepolis was a surprise. I thought the film brought a very important issue to the audience but in a very humorous way. The movie blends history and the growing up of the main character from childhood to adulthood (who is also the director) and the effects of both on Iran and her own family. It's a coming of age film intertwined with the Islamic revolution in Iran. The animation is great, it's very funny, and it's very engaging. Definitely should have won best Animated Feature for the oscars (although Ratatouille was also great).

Michael Moore has balls of steel and whatever your political stance is, you have to respect him for that. He's a filmmaker that will go to many lengths to make a statement and I think any independent filmmaker can learn from that. Sicko is very funny but also very sad. It makes a bold statement in our nation's health care system which every citizen should be aware about but in a way where we can get a few laughs while also being told the issues in our system. Yes, he's very biased but he gets his message across with such vigor which is why I believe this is a great movie.

Paprika is a Japanese animation from the acclaimed Satoshi Kon. If you haven't seen any of his other films, you're in for a ride. This film is blends reality with fantasy with a great narrative and interesting characters. It's visually very engaging that will always keep you guessing. You can never predict a Satoshi Kon thriller.

KRISTINA

I haven't seen all the Oscar contenders. But here's my list:

1. There Will Be Blood
Fantastic cinematography, great tale of false prophecy

2. The Assassination of Jesse James
Breathtaking shots throughout the movie, awesome performances (yea, Brad Pitt too.)

3. Lake of Fire
Provocative, evocative, informative.

4. Rescue Dawn
An awesome visual narrative about survival.
5. Eastern Promises
Watching Viggo's performance is a good enough reason to watch this movie.

Honorable Mention: the first half of Atonement (the pacing of the narrative and music was absolutely brilliant. Didn't care for the second half. I loved the typewriter-incorporated music and the movement of time mirroring the typewriter-theme.).

NATHAN

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we all know, 2007 was an awesome year for film which brought us not only one but two oscar-sweeping violent epics, but other gems such as Walk Hard, Ratatouille, and a movie about some French chick who sings, or something. But let's not forget, 2007 was a year of sequels; another Borne movie, another Pirates movie, another fucking Harry Potter movie; it also featured big Willie Styles fighting zombies that look like the robots he fought in the last movie, and obnoxious singing chipmunks. Right now I'd like to take a moment to look at the best, most original films in the past year.

Top Five of 2007 (and why)

1. No Country for Old Men - Fucking Rocked. End of story.

2. Eastern Promises - A rather overlooked film last year, this was an incredibly dramatic, dark, and superbly acted story about the Russian underground in London. Viggo Mortenson proved himself unflinchingly, prepared to do a nude fight scene that would put Borat to shame, and the Russian is отлично. This film's attention to detail is rare. малодец!

3. The Simpsons Movie - Anyone who thinks this doesn't belong is not a true Simpsons fan. Aside from being a successful (largely underrated) animated feature, The Simpsons Movie was the only movie of 2007 I saw more than once… in the theater… and them's at New York prices.

4. There Will Be Blood - Honestly, one of the best movies in a long time. Honestly, not the best this year. The film is amazing for the connoisseur of film, one who appreciates great cinematography and incredible moments. For me, Daniel Day Lewis and Paul Dano will go down in film history for their performances. But the film left an eery residue on me similar to the slick of oil, and made me want to smoke a lot. The last part of the movie (right up until the ending) didn't quite live up to the beginning. Also, I expected a lot more blood.

5. Teeth - If ya' don't know, go see it.

AAAAAAAaaaaaaand Nathan's pic for the WORST movie of 2007/08

Cloverfield - And I know it came out in 2008, but it's badness spans epochs. I saw this movie on a Chinese website, and I'm glad I did. If I had paid actual money to see this film I would have immediately lost all faith in the trade economy… scratch that, I already have. Ever since I got wind of the "mysterious" untitled, pseudo-advertising teaser from J. J. Abrams, I knew there was a giant turd on all of our hands. Everything about this movie was bad; the actors, the way it was shot. It was like someone tried to make The Blare Witch Project with an enormous budget, and still ended up with Blare Witch 2. In short, this movie is its own sequel.

And finally some honorable mentions:

Planet Terror - Robert Rodriguez's contribution to Grindhouse was kickass. Death Proof; too much Death, not enough Proof.

The Darjeeling Limited - Om mana padme hum.

Ratatouille - I have to admit, this was one animal-centered computer-animated film that was innocent and fun without being full of itself or goofy.

Peace,
Nathan A Schrader

Movie Night

Just a note that the aforementioned movie nights hosted by Viktor Timofeevs are now happening every other weekend, 4/13/08 being an off weekend, and 4/20/08 an on weekend. I will continue posting links for each film.

I have an odd feeling that David Lynch doesn't care for the iPhone...

Sorry Daigoro. Couldn't resist:

Movie Night

Here's poster for tomorrow's movie night:

HUNTER STUDENT PRODUCTIONS

After looking and asking around, I found a few films done by Hunter students and I would like to showcase them here (Please note that the last two films are by Hunter students that have already graduated). Please leave feedback on what you think! If you would like to post one of your films, please contact one of the contributors and we will be more than happy to showcase it on the site.

We'll still be posting new films up so keep checking back for updates!

TELEVATORS (2007) - Dir. Nathan Schrader

THE FINEST (2005) - Dir. Robert Gregson

CONTINUITY (2007) - Dir. Joe Ferraro

PRESENTLY (2007) - Dir. Anne Yao

WORLD'S END (2007) - Dir. Carlos Del Rosario Jr.

Avast Internet World

Howdy,

I am Nathan A Schrader, I am a junior at Hunter College majoring in Film and Russian. Currently I am working on my first full-length screenplay (with many more to follow.) In the past I have shot several short films including one at Hunter entitled "Boxing Day," which many of these fine people gave their utmost to make possible.

I intend to direct. I also intend to rock hard and kick ass, but these goals are not mutually exclusive by far. My influence, my idol, the great Stanley Kubrick, has had much influence on my life and craft, though I thoroughly enjoy many films from all over the world. I also do a kick-ass Jimmy Stewart impression.

Recently I came upon the Janus Film Collection, and I intend, over the weeks, months and years this blog is active to review them and shoot their warm, moist, gooey goodness all over your proverbial face.

Good things to come!

Peace,

Nathan A Schrader