Spotlight #10
Today, we're going to talk about Sean Connery, we'll tell you how to pitch to Netflix, adapt your writers' rooms and invite you to a Virtual Production event hosted by Epic Games.
This Week's Curated Articles
Sean Connery, Oscar Winner and James Bond Star, Dies at 90
As you all know, the Earth is shaking because of a big loss in the acting world. We’re all really sad about that because Sean was and always will be one of the most meritorious and esteemed actors in the whole world.
As you know, he became a symbol of masculinity, the on-screen father of Indiana Jones and he's the original James Bond. And as you know, Connery famously never talked Bond, but we dug up one article and one video interview (from 1967) saying otherwise.
'A Million Little Things,' 'Girl From Plainville' Showrunners on Writing Scripts Remotely
Bitching about current situation can everybody, but we want to look at it as an opportunity to explore new approaches, options and ways to do our work. Like Patrick Macmanus and Liz Hannah, the showrunners of the upcoming Hulu series “The Girl From Plainville” starring Elle Fanning.
For example – you don't have to sit on your ass 10 hours a day in the same room. You have an option to work wherever and only be available on scheduled calls. You also get more time to just write (and be in the flow), instead of being interrupted several times in an hour. So you can work less hours to deliver the same result.
How to Pitch to Netflix, According to Christopher Mack, Streamer's Creative Talent Director
Characters are more important than plot because their transformation is key to the storytelling experience. People want to relate to your characters. Be sadist, make awful things happen to them so viewers can see what your characters are made of. Don't make your characters perfect, having flaws is human, and being human means being relatable.
Mack (Creative Talent Director) also mentioned you should think about re-inventing genres, being authentic to your region and writing good synopsis or making an awesome teaser. Want to know specifics? Jump in the article for more!
Epic Games to host 'Unreal Build: Virtual Production' event - befores & afters
We've talked about VP several times already and that's because we see it as a must-know for upcoming filmmakers. And right now, you got a chance to register for an event unlike any other. When? November 10.
And what can we expect? Speakers from Amazon, Lucasfilm, Paramount and others. You'll hear how Mandalorian came to life, how does VP change the game for animators and how can you bring your fantasy monsters (such as Demogorgon) to life with Unreal Engine.
From the Archives
Short Film Ideas That Will Level-Up Your Career
First, ask yourself: "Why do I want to make a short? What's the goal of it?". Do you want to make people feel something? Make them think? Express your ideas? Build a portfolio? Make a proof of concept? Make money? Who is the short for? Where will it be available? Are you aiming for festivals? Which ones? Are you looking to win any of them?
Well, that's a lot of questions we asked, and that's just a start. But don't worry, this article will take you through the whole process and will help you find answers.
Awards & Festival Window
Why 'Mank' and 'Borat 2' Are Serious Oscar Contenders in a Very Strange Year
Borat's sequel appeared last week on Amazon and it looks like it can seriously compete for an Oscar (wow). That is actually quite a surprise because until recently nobody even knew that "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" is in works.
Another iron in the fire is David Fincher's Mank starring Gary Oldman and in this Screen Talk (podcast by Eric Kohn and Anne Thompson) both films' Oscar campaigns are being on the spotlight.
And if you would be wondering about another point of view on this current covid situation and how closed theatres and drive-in cinemas are changing Oscar season, listen to one of the previous episodes of Screen Talk.
This Week's Recommendation
The Expanse
I believe that making a sci-fi set in space is one of the toughest roads you can pick. It's so easy to disappoint your viewers. It's not only about a thrilling story and relatable characters, but also about a solid science behind some of the sci-fi elements, bullet-proof world structure and believable production design.
The Expanse has it all. It's thrilling, violent, smart... and sad. And even though it is happening in space, you can feel a bit... claustrophobic. I loved the settings, mechanisms of the universe, the messy relationships and politic plays. It takes a little bit of time to understand the universe, the situation and relations between factions, but when you do, you just won't be able to stop watching (like me, last weekend, binging the whole 4th season).
Trailer of the Week
THE MIDNIGHT SKY | Netflix
Based on the novel Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton, director (and lead of the film) George Clooney brings us a new post-apocalyptic mix of The Gravity, The Revenant and a little bit of The Road. I am a sucker for post-apo, so this was a no-brainer. Though I have to admit, The Midnight Sky might be too hard to watch in the current state of affairs.