Oak Park High School, Winnipeg

[James McLellan]

Yes, it was shot at Jeff and Mavis' place in Birds Hill. Good little setup they have there. The saloon sure worked out well.

Kines, I assume this was for the Danny Michel live dvd. When do you guys estimate you'll be done?

[a kines]

No. Danny Michel was loading in as we were just getting out. Edit starts in Jan and should be done end of March.

[Brad Crawford]

Hey James,

Good stuff, great to see the steps forward from intervention, looks like a lot of fun. I'll have to pop in after the holidays and see how things are going.

cheers,
BRAD

[James McLellan]

Stop by any time Brad. If you can believe it, shooting on Red with the kids has been much easier than shooting with the Ex-1/3. The roles of the camera department personnel are much easier to understand for the kids.

We have a few more longer shorts coming out in April. Excited to see how they turn out.

[Jeremy Torrie]

Wearing both my writer and producer hats James I would love to see equal emphasis on the craft of writing and story in something like English or another newly created elective...it's great these young folks are being given amazing tools to play with, but the fundamentals of strong story first (and thus justify the effort that goes into producing it) is perhaps just as important! Especially in the real world you are preparing them for...

[James McLellan]

A good philosophy. That's pretty much what we do. Being a high school, however, our first priority will always be to help the students learn how to work together.

[Jeremy Torrie]

Perhaps I'm misinterpreting...writers are not usually on set, unless they're writer/directors. What I was hoping to get across was that before anything goes into production there's a certain amount of creative discussion as to the 'why' of a given project. What is the point of making the film and why would anyone want to watch it (other than the creators themselves)?

Filmmaking is a tough thing to make a living at in this country (or anywhere else for that matter), but we happen to be very lucky there are avenues with which to develop our skills, and be given the opportunity to learn, make mistakes, and so on...but what eventually filters down is that even with all of these public funds, there should be an obligation by the artist to make some of that money back for the taxpayer. And so, we delve into the business of filmmaking, and what stories are going to rise to the top and receive financing...and this is a very competitive atmosphere. And what is often the arbiter of any greenlight is the story first. I know this is a heady thing for a student to consider, but we are really giving them an opportunity to shape their future through choices given to them starting as early as they express the desire to try...

Collaboration is the key on any set, especially when certain individuals show a certain proficiency in a given department, such as production design, make up, or cinematography, or sound...I love working with those who have greater experience than myself because the sum of the parts allows the film to be better. That's why they specialize. And there's always key creatives out there willing to mentor because we love the act of creation.

Now I realize this may be getting a little off track from the original discussion; all I'm saying is that it would be great for students to start thinking about why they feel the need to express themselves creatively, and for them to know that it's not just all about being the director and making something only they will want to see (although that might be exactly what they care about -we have a teenager in the home so I know how that 'target market' thinks)...Some true development of projects and the process such as how the real world works would be an awesome thing. And if the crew came to know how much goes into producing -that would be useful.

[James McLellan]

What you describe is pretty much what we try to do.

Keep in mind that we are not a film school. Most of our students will not go on to become career filmmakers.

We work hard and try to give the students a unique and intense experience they will remember and learn from.

[Jeremy Torrie]

Absolutely I get what you're saying James.

I see something special being done and am hoping it can become more. I'm only where I am because of Red River's Cre Comm...and television was a minor aspect of the overall curriculum. The other courses such as journalism and creative writing had much more resonance for me, and in fact the television part was not even on my radar...but when I came to understand I could use the technology to tell the stories I found compelling, it changed my perspective.

Filmmaking is addictive -unique and intense as you say- and with the proper tools and encouragement, there is no telling who will go where.

[Chris Parker]

just a note re. Winnipeg, I will be there this coming week to give a one-day seminar/training on RED data mgmt./workflow for local Winnipeg techs. and then another day for producers/PMs. Thought I'd pass the info. along for those in the area who were interested.....