March 2002

Just as major media companies feared that Napster would change the music industry, many members of the film industry feel threatened by the bountiful marketing, distribution, and exhibition options that Web sites provide. At the same time, digital video has removed the necessity of studio involvement, and drastically lowered the cost of production--putting control back in the hands of the artist.

Abigail Harmon, the new director of the New England Film & Video Festival, plans to mix things up when the festival kicks off on April 1. "This year will automatically take on a different feel," she said. "I am building on the previous 26 years of experience, but I am definitely putting my own spin on everything."

Ah, Vermont. It’s home to quaint covered bridges, marvelous maple syrup, scenic ski resorts and the very first fire organ of the United States. Yes, that’s right -- there’s a new instrument in town that guzzles propane, stands 20 feet tall and shoots fire out of its pipes. Its sounds are exotic enough to make musicians throw down their guitars faster than a 5-year-old shuns toys from his fourth birthday. And when Nora Jacobson finishes editing her feature film, "Out of Her Mind," you’ll get to settle in with some popcorn and read more...

How does a company stay on top in a business where technology is constantly changing? The people of Rule Broadcast Systems, Inc. seem to have mastered the art. Founded in the fall of 1990 as a full-service video equipment rental company, Rule has built a reputation for renting dependable equipment, staffing knowledgeable technicians, and providing state-of-the-art technology to area filmmakers. Recently, NewEnglandFilm.com spoke with Rule’s founder, John Rule, about what makes his business tick and how the rapidly changing world of digital read more...

How do you make a documentary film about a subject for which very few images exist? Producer Eric Stange grappled with this basic conundrum while making "Murder at Harvard," an innovative retelling of the grisly 1849 murder of Boston Brahmin Dr. George Parkman by Harvard professor John Webster. As historical documentaries routinely tackle subjects that predate photography, Stange could have opted for one of a number of well-established conventions, such as reenactments or dramatic readings of letters or journals from the period.

If you’re trying to create the look of film with digital video, setting the proper light levels is critical to creating the balance of light, shadow, and contrast that film provides. The DV cinematographer benefits from following film lighting techniques and using a light meter to measure the quality of light being recorded.

This year, the New England Film and Video Festival is chock full of interesting characters in fascinating films. Three caught our eye, and are reviewed below.

"Transmitting Baba"

It’s finally done--you’re sure of it. Your first screenplay.

Now what?

You’ve got 110 freshly printed pages, stacked neatly on your desk and ready to go...where? To a studio? An agent? A writing competition? Being a screenwriter is only partly about finishing a screenplay. The next step is getting it read by someone who can make something of it, or who can put you in front of the people who can.

First, hone your writing skills. Then, hone your business and promotional skills.

Two Fitchburg State College graduates have decided to bring something back to their school and the New England community. J.C. Bouvier and Keith Gerrard, founders of Revolutionary Images, a Fitchburg-based post-production and advertising firm, recently launched the Free Film Festival Fitchburg (F4), to be held on the Fitchburg State College (FSC) campus on March 7 -9, 2002.