C'est What?!

Pardon the terrible title of this post, but I'm a sucker for bad punditry (and also a sucker for a wonderful Toronto Brewpub, known by the same name).

But the reason for this post isn't my butchering of French, but to inform the masses of what is looking to be the biggest and best OTS8 to hit Montreal. The participants who raced to sign up are all ready with film (way ahead of deadline), so I can only imagine they have ideas raging for what type of cinematic masterpieces they might concoct. Congratulations to Double Negative on spreading the word on this event to attract this stellar line up.

The list of filmmakers taking part is the best example of what the OTS8 sets out to do. Allow ANYONE (from first time filmmakers to advanced artists) to make a film and have it shown. And the fact that a large number of established, respected filmmakers have taken up the challenge, shows that super 8 is not a medium that is forgotten or past its best before date. Knowing many of these filmmakers previous works, I can all but guarantee that if you are attending the November 21 screening, you will see some amazing filmmaking. But without further adieu, here's the line up of filmmakers (in alphabetical order).

Hoda Adra
Stéphane Calce
Emile Cantin
Thierry Collins
Xarah Dion
Félix Dufour-Laperrière
Matthew Forbes
Jessica Fortin-Simard
Amber Goodwyn
André Habib
Bogdan Karasek
Isabelle Kirouac
Alexandre Larose
Karl Lemieux
Philippe Léonard-Brazeau
Ara Mahrejian
Eduardo Menz
Maude Michaud
Diana Mihalache
François Miron
Javiera Ovalle Sazie
Anita Pachulski
Michael Rollo
Adam Rosadiuk
Daïchi Saïto
Suzie Synnott
Malena Szlam
Roger Tellier-Craig
Emir Togrul & Ginga Takeshima
Mathieu Tremblay
Pierre-Luc Vaillancourt
Marcus von Holtzendorff
Steve Woloshen & Alexandra Grimanis

Did you blink!

I knew we should have timed this. I think we have a new record in signing people up to take part in OTS8 events this fall. I thought Winnipeg was fast signing up 30 filmmakers (with a waiting list intact).

But Regina and Montreal both blasted out of the gates singing people up in records times, with both events reaching their participant limits well before the cut off deadlines.

That means film is in hands and cameras are rolling. I have word that 4 films have already been completed and returned in Regina.

With lots of sunshine on the prairies this week, hopefully people can make use of the bright light for their masterful super 8 films.

So the sad news is, there are no more openings for people to shoot OTS8 films for the events this fall. The good news is, let the anticipation start building for the screenings!!!

I'll be posting a blog in a couple days, giving some tips and hints for shooting a successful OTS8. Some handy pointers that will increase your chances of success, and bring your vision to the screen. Stay posted.

One Take Super 8 Nation

The OTS8 is infectious. We're steamrolling into autumn with 3 great events.

Winnipeg will kick off the season with the 4th annual event to close out WNDX. All the spots are seized, cameras are rolling, and in a week or so, all the films will be ready for processing. We'll be premiering all the films October 11th at the Gas Station Theatre. This will be a great way to spend Thanksgiving weekend.

Regina follows that on November 5th. Submissions are still being accepted, but hurry, because over half the spots have been taken. We'll be showing all the films on November 5th at the Regina Public Library Theatre. We're starting our poster design now, and it will be another one of kind silkscreen print. Sure to be a collectible, and as unique as the films we showcase. Can you believe it's our 9th annual event. We're on the cusp of a decade of OTS8 films!

And, not to be left out of all this fun our friends in the east (at least from a prairie perspective) are planning an OTS8 for November 21 in Montreal! It's our 3rd time in Montreal, and we couldn't be happier about this event, partnering with our friends in Double Negative. They have their entry form ready online, and are willing to hook up first time filmmakers with ready to go cameras. More details about location (and their fabulous poster as well), in the days to come.

Looks like a great fall and the potential of over 100 new super 8 films to satisfy all your small gauge needs.

Zombies! Super 8! Claybank! oh my!

I'm always one for adventurous super 8 film shoots, but this had the makings of being one to remember.

Jen Gennutt has posted this request. I highly encourage anyone with an interest to take part.

Here's the link to zombie shoot info - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122178744226

on the off chance you can't open the link here's the blurb:

"The time has come for the One Take Super 8 film festival and once again, I've decided to try and kill myself with a massive project.
This years film? You guessed it! Zombies!
But not just any zombies. No, that would be too easy.
The basics are these:
We're shooting it like it's a family on vacation. Car breaks down in a deserted town. Family laughs about it until zombies show up and swarm the car. Just for added effect, we're shooting it like it was shot in the 1950/60s and out in farming country.
So we need a bunch of 1950s farmers/zombies.
I'm going to do my best to provide some costumes and accessories along with some make-up, but if you have some period appropriate clothes you don't mind zombifying, that would be awesome.
One other thing and this is the tricky part - We're set to shoot in Claybank, which is located just outside Avonlea Sk.
It's going to be a blast and I know everyone is going to have fun. If you're willing to make the trip and help me out, you'll have my undying gratitude and you'll have a part in a (short and totally non-profit) film you can brag to all your friends about.


*One more thing guys - Claybank is going to cost me $5 a head when we go to shoot. I'm not going to tell everyone to bring $5 because this is something I knew was going to cost money and I don't care but if you'd like to contribute, that would be fantastic."

It's also been decided that we'll be meeting here in the city and then driving out. I'm telling everyone and anyone that we'll be at the south east corner of the southland parking lot (across from the chapters parking lot) Sunday, Sept. 13th at noon. I have a bunch of costume pieces for people who need them but if people could show up in darker work pants/fitted jeans or skirts and dark shoes (not runners) that would be fantastic. (I'm really just trying to stick with that 50's farmer/factory worker look).

Also, one more thing, I'm still looking for my "father" for the film. I need someone who looks like Mr. Sears catalogue 1950/Leave it to Beaver dad. You know? The really archetypal pipe smoking, suit wearing, "Mad Men" kind of guy. If you know anyone who might fit the bill I'd be in your debt.

Thanks again for all your help. You're the best!

-Jen

Please respond to Jen's email latefines@yahoo.com if you are interested or require further details of any nature.

I can't wait to see this film. Fingers crossed the zombies don't eat it at the lab. We always enjoy a good zombie film. Last year showcased Zombie Milk Run (which unfortunately didn't fit the end of the tale on the 50 feet of film). There was also a gem from 2004 - a Shawn Fulton epic, which involved zombies, and a watermelon eating contest.

p.s. the photo comes from another in camera zombie film make in Austin

9th annual entry form

Here it is! The entry form for the 9th annual OTS8 event.
Fill it out, drop it off, pick up your film and start shooting! (Feel free to think of an idea somewhere in between).

If you don't have a working super 8 camera, never fear. The Sask filmpool has some available, and they're incredibly helpful in setting up to shoot your masterpiece. A few minutes of instruction and you're on your way (just be sure to take care of the camera, and return it on time).

Tell your friends, but don't wait. The first 25 to sign up and pay their fee are the first entered. and I don't want to see any tears.