FlickGym.com

To students around the world: Always remember that it's all about story...

I've been so lucky to speak to Universities over the years. I've spoken at USC, De Anza College, Loyola Marymount, and many more.

I've been lucky enough to talk with students about Reality Television Editing, Documentary, and Scripted Motion Pictures.  All have their differences, but all have their common thread in our discussions:  Story...

No matter what genre you work in, no matter what camera you shoot, no matter what editing system you use, no matter what budget level you work at... Story is king.

I love this.

I love the fact that we all manipulate the story that others experience, witness, and share all around the world; and that story connects our common human experience.  When we, as filmmakers, leave in that "little bit" that shows that extra bit of human nature or point of view, people watch, by the millions, and share in that moment.  It's about communicating our experience.

It's also key to student success in entertainment.  The ability to craft or shape story is exactly the bread and butter of filmmakers around the world.  In writing, you craft it from scratch, in directing, you capture it, in editing you shape it.  But in the end, in every debate, the story wins, no matter what.  Story is king.

Everytime I talk with students, I share with them that one fact.  It dictates the camera angles, it shapes the edit, it circumvents the limitations of budget, and time.  If a story needs to be made, it gets made.  If a story is troubled, it's flaws show themselves at a microscopic level, and we all work to fix them.

It's truly amazing.

 

Advice for students:

 Show your script & edit to others.  Get feedback.  Don't explain "why"; just listen.  (I've been in these rooms so I'll repeat, zip it and listen!)  If you get more than a few "bumps" from others on your screenplay/edit, then revise.  You might be holding on to a baby.  Remember "story is king".  Don't get in the way of it, and you won't be getting in the way of yourself.  For some it's the tough choice, we all fall in love with our own stuff.  We like to explain away the faults of a piece.  "'This or that' happened while shooting."  Doesn't matter.  Fix it.  You'll have a better film for it, and over the long haul, will connect deeper with audiences and your future collaborators.  In the words of one of my favorite professors Zaki Lisha (De Anza)... "You must be ruthless with your editing."  Be ruthless, tell great stories.

This Saturday... Prime Cuts. Come hear from this year's Emmy Nominated Editors

 

Academy of Television Arts & Sciences #primecuts event! Please Retweet...

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is doing another "Prime Cuts" event in August in Los Angeles! The event is open to the public and Film/Television Students are encouraged to attend along with Professionals.  Click here for the  

Click here for the  Official Facebook Event Page

  

"For the forth consecutive year, we are proud to present this unique seminar that focuses on the art of editing. Prime Cuts is a premiere event where the editors from top television shows discuss their work.

Don't miss this inside-only discussion with editors from some of this year's Primetime Emmy® - nominated shows.

Previous Panels have included Emmy® Nominated Editors from the following programs:

Lost

The Office

24

Breaking Bad

Mad Men

Battlestar Galactica

Project Runway

This year's panelists & moderator to be decided upon nomination announcements.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

No reservations will be taken.  Seating is on a first-come first served basis so arrive early to guarantee admission!"

Click here for the  Official Facebook Event Page

Great questions about acting on my formspring site. Something I'm really passionate about. Please check it out and ask questions...

Great questions about acting on my formspring site. Something I'm really passionate about. Please check it out and ask questions if you'd like... http://www.formspring.me/flickgym

"Q: I get it, everyone in LA wants to be an actor, and everyone thinks they're really good. I am an actor, and I am really good, but I can't seem to get any parts. Any ideas?"

"A: This is a tough one and I’m going to be very frank because it does no good to answer this question with kid gloves on. I want you to know before I start sharing the tough stuff that I care very deeply about actors and their work. As an editor, I see the process all of the time, I feel it, I’m powerless to help make adjustments as the footage is already shot, but I know how to help you when I see it, I’m always dialed in with you on the screen; As a former actor and someone who studied the craft to learn more, I know quite a bit about the process and try to make all of the actors I work with look their best on camera. I know some of what I’m about to share might be tough to hear for some, but I’m sharing it to help because I want you to be the best you can be if this is what you’re called to do."

Read more at: http://www.formspring.me/flickgym

Speaking to Editing Students at De Anza College

Tuesday night I will be speaking to editing students at De Anza College in Cupertino, CA. De Anza is one of the premiere community colleges for film and television training in the United States and has an extraordinary Advanced Technology Center. Looking forward to it.