The Incredible Scorsese!~

Martin Scorsese is one of my favorite directors, not just for his gangster pics or historical dramas, but the magic he injects into filmmaking.  You see, Scorsese's most recent film Hugo was a culmination of all I know about this auteur director.  The narrative, the visuals, the content sent waves of inspiration to my soul as a lover of cinema.

Let's start from the beginning.  In film school we learned about the entire history of cinema from the camera obscura, the zoetrope, to the first movie cameras.

Eadward Muybridge - Sallie Gardner at a Gallop (1878)

We learned that cinema evolved from the development of multi-shot still photography, capturing life in motion.

Lumière Brothers - The Arrival of a Train (1895)

In one of the very first films, an audience was shown a clip of a train arriving to a train station.  The audience had never seen a motion picture before, therefore they reacted as if the train were to crash right through the screen and into the theater.

Georges Méliès - A Trip to the Moon (1902)

Georges Méliès was known for innovating cinema by creating magic on screen.  A person could vanish in smoke or their face could be super-imposed as the moon.  Theatrical sets were used to take us out of this world, Georges used such techniques as like a true magician.

Along with all this history, I learned to appreciate the language of film learned and mastered by many of the early filmmakers.

F. W. Murnau - Sunrise (1927)

For Example: F. W. Murnau was masterful working with the film language, and establishing themes in spaces.  He was known for his classic film Nosferatu (based on Dracula) where he established dark tones for both the city and the unexplored Transylvanian terrain.  He established symbolic barriers and threats Similarly he established such themes in his other works including Sunrise,

Vittrio De Sica - The Bicycle Thieves (1948)

The Bicycle Thieves was a film that always touched my heart, the story of a poor father who is unable to support his family.  The man is hired to place posters around the city, but the first day on the job his bike is stolen.  With his young son they embark on a journey to find the thief who stole their livelihood.  The story is a true melodrama honoring the essence of responsibility, manhood, and family.

Now back to the good part!

I studied Scorsese's work throughout college and through my professional career.  I watched many of his narrative films, his documentaries on early Italian Cinema, and even watched his first student film.

I always found Scorsese's stories compelling because his narratives were always about characters trying to take control of their world.  I felt immersed in his stories because they challenge the notion of responsibility and self-worth.

For Example: In Taxi Driver, a Vietnam War veteran Travis Bickle works the night shift as a New York City taxi driver. Becoming increasingly isolated, he violently lashes out at the perceived decadence and filth of the city. [source]

Or how about in The Departed, the very first line of the film states, "I don't want to be a product of my environment, I want my environment to be a product of me."  It is very clearly emphasized that in both films the narrative is all about individuals taking control of your own worlds.  I like that.

In his documentary My Voyage to Italy, Scorsese shared his passion for cinema, and how as a youth, he was unable to join the other kids in sports because of his asthma, so instead he spent much of his time in the theater watching films.  Through isolation and entrancement by the glowing projections, he grew a love for cinema.

Scorsese watched the works of many Italian and American Western Directors.  He expressed his passion for drama, images, and pacing.

In college, I was lucky to have an Italian film professor who screened an assortment of early films by Antonioni, Fellini, and De Sica.  Dramas about impoverished or damaged men looking to survive and sometimes find love within their chaotic worlds.  Beautiful narratives and exceptional melodramas.  I learned their language of cinema and also transitioned into the works of Leone (Once Upon a Time in the West, Once Upon a Time in America)  To me, the early Italian filmmakers paved the road for many of the great filmmakers today.

Now bringing it back home, how does this all have anything to do anything with Hugo?

Well, as much as I personally learned from film school, Scorsese absorbed much more through his many years of work and education.  At the minimum I can understand the roots of his inspiration and appreciate the passion and culture he puts into his work.

Hugo is a fantastic film about a 12-year-old orphan who lives in the walls of a Paris train station in 1930 and a mystery involving the boy, his late father and a robot [source].  The narrative is all about broken people and machines and how each character is important to work for the true magic to come to life.  Those characters include an old toy shop owner who is embittered and unwilling to recall his past life, a station inspector who hungers for romance but cannot change his strict ways, and finally a young boy unwilling to open himself up to the world.  Now along with this major theme, the film has a lot to do with uncovering magic, the magic of bringing toys to life, the magic of vision, and the magic of storytelling.

I don't want to spoil any of the film for you, but I must say Martin Scorsese successfully shares his vision, passion, and inspiration for film-making.  He takes what is old and makes it new with 3D Cinema.

Watch closely as he incorporates themes of early cinema.  Think about what he does with his images, his stories, the structure of his narratives.  Think about his major theme of "being responsible for yourself and taking control of your world," and think about how he manipulates the entire experience utilizing 3D Technology.

I would love to write more about my thoughts and inspirations about Scorsese, and hope to soon, but hopefully this gives you a taste of why Scorsese is such an inspiration to directors like myself.

I suppose to put a cherry on top, maybe more so for myself, but I used to work for StereoGraphics, the company that became RealD, and I learned to appreciate the work of the artists to build complex 3D images, many times from 2D stills.  Therefore, cheers to Scorsese, congrats, and I look forward to seeing many more of your films.

To end.  The reason why I loved the film so much was because Scorsese took everything I knew and loved about cinema and brought it to life in Hugo.  What a fantastic film!

Best,
Jeffrey

 

A Stereoscopic Design Test (2003)

How to Make Your Sample Library Sound Like It Was Recorded In Carnegie Hall?

Okay okay, super long title for possibly a brief post.

Let's start off this way I don't know much about composing, however I am very curious, here is my brief anecdote.

So I was hanging out with my friend George the other day, he's a composer, and I was asking him details on how to produce an orchestral music piece with a small crew utilizing pre-recorded digital tracks.

I had spoken with a few friends about this because I was curious to see what are some options for independent filmmakers with huge aspirations to build orchestral music tracks.

One of my friends said that I should just utilize sound libraries and then get a good music editor to edit the instruments to provide a human touch, the other friend said compose with the libraries and add additional recordings with actual people, my mode of thought originally was to record several people and layer their performance.

Anyway, I took what my friend George had to say very serious.  He said that I can adapt human recordings and add a reverb filter that would provide the same resonance and echo as Carnegie Hall.  Wow, really?

He said that sound engineers actually visited each of the major performance halls and set-up mics around the room, then shot a starting pistol to record the echo for timing and resonance.  Hrm.. sounds scientific, therefore it must be good!

So the reason why I came up with this post is because I tried searching on google and youtube for it, I wanted to know if this was indeed true.  Finally after searching and searching I came across Sony Sound Forge v8, I know it's probably not the only program, but it's a place to start.  The technology is called "Convolution Reverb".

I'm excited for this new technology as it is supposed to give a very natural reverb and feel to the instrumentals/vocals.

Has anyone used this before? I'm interested in know how it sounds.

How to Succeed as an Asian American Director!~

Life is full of unexpected challenges...  Okay, that was a bit broad.  Life is the experience of sharing an experience.

Jeffrey Gee Chin Directing
Photo by Reece Carter

Oooh..

Life is the experience of sharing an experience, that is to say life is an experience, and that experience depends upon how you share with society.  Nice.

Well I was thinking about my career a few days after COMPLETING PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY for "Lil Tokyo Reporter" and I realized something amazing.

Filmmaking as a passion and a career is possible.  That is not to say I didn't believe that before, it is to say that my hard dedicated work added up to a wonderful shoot.  I must remind myself everyday that I was truly blessed to have the support of a wonderful team and community, as it was such a wonderful opportunity.

Here are a few notes that helped me survive the experience:

1) Always Be Grateful.  Do your best to make sure everyone on your set is greeted when they arrive and when they leave.  Thank them every chance you get because they are the one's sweating behind the scenes when you get to yell action.

2) Be prepared (Randy Pausch).  Nothing yells new director more than a director that doesn't know what he wants. Make sure you know what you're doing, be aware of the people, the equipment, your surroundings, and etiquette.  Pre-Plan, Plan, and get to set early.  Absorb the space, block out your space, and follow proper protocol.  Also know, everyone is on set to help you, let them.

3) Communicate. Oh yes, it is so very important to communicate, make sure everyone who needs to know, knows what your thinking and what your plans are.  It will make the whole production flow better.  If you have the opportunity to review notes with your 1st AD and DP before the next day of shooting, that is great.  What is in your mind needs to be expressed or you will not get what you want.

4) Stick to Your Guns.  When you want something, share it and let it be understood.  You have a vision for the film, there is a reason why you are directly, go with it.  Also, be willing to take notes from others, because many times they may provide a "better" way to proceed with the scene.

5) Be the Glue.  Be the glue that keeps everyone together.  Keep your cool.  Really, keep your cool. Everyone on set looks to you as a reference point, make sure you retain positivity and celebrate the fact that you are making a movie.  Some scenes may be difficult, so think of it as a learning experience.  Remember, you've jumped into shark infested waters, just don't let yourself bleed, also be glad they don't have laser on their heads.

[Edit]
And don't forget, if possible, be the first one on set and the last one to leave.

Anyway, these are just some quick notes, I hope you find them helpful.  I feel it takes a balanced mind and determined persona to successfully run a set, and the experience each time is extremely humbling and exciting.

Thanks,

Jeffrey

On Forgoing Superficiality & Retaining Optimism!~

Dear Diary,

I think it's funny, you know, life.  Everything is so unexpected and that each of us experience events that make us struggle, that challenge us to be even better people.  I must say my past experiences have not been perfect, far from it, but I have learned recently over this past year that being honest with yourself and your own needs will make you the most successful person you can be.

I suppose this is not in the sense of making money, unless that is your personal life goal, but rather to do what you feel is important to you.  I come from the background in believing in community and their ability to support their own.  Everyone had good intentions.

Over the past 6-7 years I've pursued my film career and have grown.  I've gone through multiple evolutions of my plans, but have managed to be consistently improving myself.  I suppose the biggest challenge and worry for a filmmaker or any artist is how to survive, and how is everything supposed to work out?

We've all heard about the starving artist, but when you think about it, it's perplexing that I have survived 6-7 years doing what I love.  Yes, I did live at home for a period, yes I did couch surf, but how is it that it is possible that I do have these options and still be able to do what I love.  Perhaps it is the fact that those around me do believe in my career, believe in my energy, and my goals.

I feel there is an unwritten truth in this world that if you are able to inspire people with what you do and live life for a greater purpose, people will come support you as your strive to reach your goals.  My grandfather used to say, "'The Foundation For Happiness Is Helping People' and that when other people are happy, I feel happy too."

My grandfather was ultimate role model and he was able to do great things not only for our family, but our community.  I feel community is not unity by race or economic status, but it's about humanity and our universal desire to improve and protect the quality of life for those around you.

I find challenges and pitfalls that I must overcome opportunities to strengthen my character as a role model and a person.  I like knowing that not everything is perfect around me because it gives me goals on a daily basis to reach, or make progress on.

With all of this said, I have learned, or more so, am learning that if I can forgo my superficial needs, forgo immediacy to horde successful or images of success, and live life with my mission to share my narratives, I will be able to accomplish much more than I could have ever imagined.  To be able to share my success with those around me and establish a community that will ensure the future projects will come to fruition.

Anyway, these are my thoughts as of late.  I look forward to a bright future.

Best,
Jeffrey

PS: Remember this world is full of limitless opportunity.

A Quarter Century!~

Today I am 25 years young =].

Over this past year I've learned to truly appreciate my contributions as an individual and also to prioritize my own needs as a professional filmmaker.  I've had the great opportunity to work at a television station, collaborate with other talented filmmakers, and to pace myself (sorta).

Last year was very much a learning year, a year that I struggled as a professional and kept myself away from the world. I was in a cocoon waiting to morph into a greater being.  I learned to flap my wings slowly, but efficiently.  I crashed a few times in the process, but appreciate the learning experience.

I've tried to be a better person by surrounding myself with those who have positive energy.  To me, it is extremely important, as I can get impatient with people don't believe in me.  Maybe I'm spoiled, but I use their negative energy to propel myself further along my path.

I've learned to take my life into my own hands, in such a way that I've become more financially independent.  I'm learning to invest better, read more, and exercise.  I feel proud of myself most everyday because I am able to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself that it is my responsibility to be a role model.

I've grown to be much more responsible and patient.  I've learned to listen... more... I've also learned to be more awkward.

I suppose life has limitless potential in making itself interesting, which is why I enjoy it so much.  About three hours from now I will depart on a wonderful journey, a journey that I've dreamt about since college to the "Old Peak" of Peru.

I'm excited, scared, and optimistic.  I know it will be a difficult trek, and it will be my first time traveling internationally all on my own.  But I feel this opportunity will help me grow, clear my mind and provide a sense of pride in my ability to pursue my passions independently, if necessary.

I suppose if I were to end on one thought, one thought that has helped me grow throughout this past year... it would be "Never let yourself get comfortable."

Yes... never let yourself get comfortable because if you do you...

Lose incentive to move forward
Lose momentum
Lose out on creating more products
Lose out on meeting new people and gaining inspirational experiences

In short, a person will miss out on the world once they "settle."  Settling is not something that should happen to those who are and/or think young.

Anyway, sorry for all of this rambling, it's 3AM and I've been working since Sunday morning. =]

I love life!

Best,
Jeffrey

Rafu Shimpo Article~

Chris Tashima as Sei Fuji

http://rafu.com/news/2011/05/seeking-help-in-support-of-history/

Hey Guys,

The Rafu Shimpo wrote a fantastic article about my upcoming film entitled, "Lil Tokyo Reporter".  Learn more at http://ltreporter.com.

Best,
Jeffrey

On Responsibility and Persistence!~

Happy Belated Easter Everyone!

In life you will find a lot of naysayers that come across your path, a lot of people who won't believe you can accomplish your goals, they feel the best time spent is spending time being "realistic." I don't believe in reality because the idea of reality is only for those who get stopped in their tracks.

Generally for me, I think about the overall picture for a project, I want to make it the best I can, and when I'm determined everything falls into place.  For many of my projects I rush the deadlines, sometimes time is limited, but since I learned to be self-sufficient and know a multitude of techniques and talents I can push through and it's not something that wears me out, it's simply knowing that I have a responsibility to fill in for any job that must be done quickly and efficiently.  That's not to say I can do it alone, in fact it's really about working with a team and planning, but knowing if anything slows or falls through, I can be there to pick up the slack.

I feel that leadership needs those qualities, and leader who can not only tell everyone what to do, but show them, help others visualize the images and the path of the project.  I definitely know that I have a lot to learn, which I am excited about and for that reason I am up at 3AM on a Monday morning working.

I'm content, I'm happy, I love my life because I get to do what I love and it truly fuels my energy and makes me feel valuable as I am able to work with such a talented team of individuals.  I pride myself and persistence because I know it's something that movers & shakers need in them, to build that success, that ideal scenario to take life by its horns.

In short, there is a huge responsibility for an amazing leader to be familiar with all aspects of a production, to be able to work delicately while putting great force into every effort.  There also is a need to know other's limitations and to truly respect their contributions.  I know I will succeed because I live success.

Anyway, I look forward to continue building this production bigger and bigger, it has grown legs out where I didn't even know legs could grow (hah).  But seriously, I'm very lucky, not in the sense that the events in life were out of my control, but rather life has decide to conspire with me to live out my dreams.

We will be releasing a marketing campaign for my film "Lil Tokyo Reporter," at the beginning of May, look out for it!

Best,
Jeffrey