The Sarcastic Sidebar

Links from the Switched on "The Stupid Movie Issue" issue

So you have movies and media shoved down your throat on a daily basis. Why can't you shove back? And what does “pulling off your shorts” really mean? This is a fun and not difficult at all journey through the ABC's of filmmaking for you, not for that Spielberg guy or that Lucas guy. With all the ways you can get your own film out there, why not put your own vision down for posterity. And if you do, can you please not cast Lindsay Lohan in it?

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, I hate camp, too. But this one might be fun. Sometimes the best way to learn how to make a movie is to make a freaking movie. You can shoot digitally or in film, make your own soundtrack, everything. You are in control and they help you. I bet it's exactly how Wes Anderson works. Maybe you want to act, maybe you want to direct, maybe you want to be the guy that points out whose shirt is unbuttoned in this shot (I think that's called “continuity”). Whatever you want to do, you can do it here. Need a break from being at home? Maybe this is a good place to take that break and make something great at the same time.

This is a part of the HBO young filmmaker's lab. If you're in one of the towns that they serve, you can get a unique look into what makes HBO filmmakers win award after award. (Yes, it could be a kickback, presents and the unfair advantage of being able to show naked people on television. Or not). They have a TV station they could feature you on, too. I heard about it somewhere.

This is a sweet little book. Not because it's got a good plot- it doesn't. It's cool because it shows you how to make films for less money than you thought you would need. It walks you through the whole process of making your own movie and then shows you how to use the gear and do it all on the cheap. How much is on the cheap? How about using stuff that your school probably has around right now? Free is as cheap as it gets.

I love this film. It starts with this guy with a problem- any kind of problem, actually. He calls in and the person on the other line helps him find some possible answers to his problem. Not much gore or violence but the characters are great. It's totally free and available 24 hours a day.