The advent of cheap digital cinema equipment and shifting distribution models is bringing about wonderful, timely and informative documentaries. Thanks to Netflix, I’ve tapped a few great (mostly progressive) documentary films that I wanted to give my two thumbs up on and hopefully turn a few more people into informed citizens.

About 20% of my traffic (or roughly 112 visits a day) comes from outside the US, so if any of these films seem obvious to YOU, remember that you’re not living in the Russian Federation (is that really what they call it?).

Allowing myself to go off on a tangent: Strangely enough, I’m also consistently getting three hits a day from Big Brother, which is something I wanted to let you readers know about in case of any strange disappearance on my part. Then again, I had a buddy who used to work for the EPA and ALL he did was surf the internet. Seriously, he quit his job and moved because working for the man turned out to be mind-numbing…

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Back on track - Ten Documentaries You Must See

1. Loose Change (Volume 2) - google video / official site
This documentary was created by an intelligent and equally pissed off 22 year old kid who is certain the government is lying to us. Dylan Avery doesn’t bring about any new conspiracy theories but strings them together into a convincing argument. Nay-sayers have repeatedly attacked this film, but the sheer volume of theories it provides makes it well worth a look (thanks to Matt at FresHDV for this heads up).

2. The End of Suburbia - netflix / official site
Oil is going to end our society - this movie takes it beyond red vs. blue states. Throw your car keys away.

3. The Future of Food - netflix / official site
A scary look into the future of FDA misregulation and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Directed by dead Jerry’s wife, Deborah Koons Garcia (think she’s progressive?). Disregard the amateur editor’s faulty title safe positioning and listen to the message.

4. The Fog Of War - netflix / official site
Former Secretary of Defense Rober McNamara recounts tales and decisions (even breaking down into tears at one point) from his tenure under JFK and Lyndon B. McNamara’s story about the Cuban Missile Crisis is worth the price of admission alone. This is the only doc in the bunch where principle photography was acquired on film.

5. The Corporation - netflix / official site
Second only to The Fog of War in terms of production values, this doc rolls in at two hours and twenty minutes but doesn’t feel it. This doc asks the pertinent question: “Why should corporations be treated as individuals when they generally act as psychopaths with no redeeming social values?” Director Mark Achbar quipped on the film’s message board that he needs $5,000 to release the soundtrack. Most people who’ve seen the doc agree that $5G’s would be money well spent because the subversive jungle beats used in this film are fantastic.

6. Walmart - The High Cost of Low Price - netflix / official site
A great film by Robert Greenwald, this doc gets dirty with small towns and small town folks who have lost their way of life thanks to a corporation that brands itself on being All-American. You’re certain to be pissed off when you learn about Walmart’s tactics in avoiding paying on those 25 year tax subsidies. Ehhwwwww…this doc made my skin crawl friends. Evil walks among us.

7. Super Size Me - netfix / official site
As if you needed another reason to eat healthy, this film chronicles a man hellbent on ruining his health in order to provide knowledge (and entertainment) for the greater good. Watching other people suffer is fun when its self-inflicted.

8. McLibel - netflix / official site
Accused of libel, two activists stand up to one of the largest corporations in the world and win - resulting in the longest trial in Britain’s history.

9. Advertising and the End of The World - official site
Contact your local Library for this one. The distributor only sells to educational institutions (I sent in a long complaint email…), but many libraries and college media centers will carry it (for free). The title pretty much says it all - generally that over-comodification of our society will eventually deplete resources. Definitely the least commercially viable (read: boring) film on the list, but timely and eye-opening nonetheless.

10. Tough Guise - official site
You’ll also have to go digging at your local library for this one as well, but it’s worth it. Why? Often we hear about negative messages in the media directed at women, but what about the men? Written by progressive gender activist Dr. Jackson Katz, Tough Guise examines the role media takes in shaping the perceptions and values of young men and boys. I voluntarily watched this documentary while I was in college and must say that I found it extremely eye opening. Sons, Wifes, Mothers, Brothers, and Husbands will all find this film particularly interesting - Dr. Katz is a smart cookie.

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Did I miss any? Post ‘em up in the comments box - and don’t forget to check out my own documentary in progress: Fuck Highlands Ranch about “sticking it to the suburbadroids.” Lets see if Chuck Roy and I can grow this thing some legs.

….And by grow legs I mean find money to finish the film.

- Rad

Eric Holwell and I were working on some new spots today for my Reel. Our outside shoot planned for this afternoon served up some 19 degree weather and even provided some snow. Neither one of us minded a bit.

Cameras are fun!

We actually shot two spots today and have another one planned for next Tuesday. All three of these spots will promptly go to post after my move to Portland next week.

And of course…they will be posted right here.

New REEL posted. Contact me directly if you would like a DVD.

click the picture to view the new reel

Here’s a few more screenshots from the DVD menus to give you an idea about the work I put in on the motion side.

March 12, 2006

Really Cool Company, Inc.
Really Cool Person
123 Main Street
Portland, Oregon (but you could be anywhere because I’m set up to work remotely)

Dear Hiring Manager:

I am writing in response to the Final Cut Pro Staff Editor position currently available. I was very excited to receive your phone call and learn about this opportunity with your Really Cool Company, Inc. As you may or may not recall, I have an extensive background in professional, long-format broadcast editing and have been a Final Cut Pro expert since version II on OS 9.

Over the last seven years, my editing work has been seen on INHD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, FuelTV, CBS, and public access television. Because of my FCP credibility, I was hired at HDNet before they even looked at my reel, and was subsequently hired away by a former HDNet producer who started SportsHD Productions.

My current job as Senior Editor of SportsHD Productions has provided many challenges over the course of the start-up’s short history. In addition to being in charge of all series and promotional editing, I am also responsible for the integrating and daily maintenance of two Final Cut Pro edit bays (one Quad 2.5 and one Dual 2.7) including XSAN, XRAID, and XSERVE storage infrastructure. Additionally, it’s my job to make sure all the equipment integrates smoothly with our AJA Kona cards and breakout boxes, Sony HDV cameras, various routers, associated cables, random switches, and Sony HDW-2000 HDCAM deck.

Also, along with being a Final Cut Pro expert, I’m a handy son-of-a-gun with DVD Studio Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Flash, and HTML.

More than just a software expert, I know that editing is equal parts math, science, and art. There is a system and a rhythm to quality and entertaining editing that is often not learned from tutorials or classes. I love editing because I really feel it’s where all the magic happens, and Final Cut Pro is simply an extension of my brain. I think in moving pictures, and as a moonlighting independent filmmaker, I know my editing skills will go a long way to hide any mistakes, equipment, and personnel shortfalls inherent in production.

In short, I’m a damn fine editor and an even nicer young man. Without question, I’m easily qualified for this job and would be an asset to the entire Really Cool Company team. As you’ll notice on my resume, hiring me for this position will bring a slew of new talents to your staff and facilities, and at the end of the day, you’ll know I can get the job done - whatever it may be. As great and as much fun as it is to collaborate with others, I can essentially take over as a one man show, from writing, to field producing, directing, shooting, editing, mastering, and uploading of any project - any time - anywhere. I’m a production stud, but for now - lets just get me in that Final Cut edit chair.

EDIT
Better yet, lets forge a friendship and see if you can help me connect with folks interested in the indie filmmaking scene. See, as much as I enjoy editing shows and promos for broadcast, I really really really want to step out of the dark room and get behind the lens more often.

You know, directing is really my passion - and I’m kind of tired of this crappy ass tv stuff. Lets make some art! You’d like to make art at your company, wouldn’t you! Even if you don’t, perhaps you, as the wealthy owner, have some wealthy friends who wouldn’t mind throwing a couple hundred $$$G’s at a strapping young filmmaker so he can tell a couple of stories he’s really dying to tell.

At the very least, I hope you’ll pay me a decent wage so when I walk in the door after a four day weekend looking hung over, you’ll know that I’ve been spending all those hard earned dollars you paid me by making short films in my spare time and flying all over the country to go to film festivals.

EDIT

Oh yeah, I love wearing sweatshirts too, and I have shaggy (read: artsy!) hair. Your clients will love me.

A very big thanks to you, and I hope you enjoy my accompanying DVD reel.

Sincerely,

Josh Oakhurst

I’m currently working on a new reel - plus I’m moving to Portland soon (hence the need for a new reel). The new reel is being cut specifically to incorporate my recent HD broadcast work from over the last year.

I’ll be puting the wonders of DVD Studio Pro to work for this one. Its hard to show off long format direction and storyline in an ADD sized package. Go DVD’s.

Of course, the new reel will be posted here when finished.

I ran across this great (albiet partial) piece of advice on attending film school written by Michael Tabb. Michael holds a NYU Tisch School of the Arts B.F.A. and UCLA School of Film & Television Masters in Screenwriting. Additionally, he also attended USC for two years and is currently working his way through the Hollywood writing, re-writing, and script pitching system. No public word on whether his writing is putting food on the table - although I certainly do hope so because he seems to have quite a bit of perspective after having attended film school himself.

Below, Michael is responding to a question on ShootingPeople.org titled Film School: Is It Worth It?

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Dear Charlotte,

Funny you should ask - I actually went to the three schools you mentioned: USC (2 years undergrad), NYU (B.F.A. Degree from Tisch) and UCLA (Masters from School of Film and Television). All three institutions have a lot to offer, but each school with it’s own environment, style and belief system.

Before choosing UCLA for example, you should read the books by Richard Walters and Michael Hauge (the screenwriting professors there). See if they grip you and work for YOU. If you prefer the cinematic stylings of Oliver Stone and Spike Lee, NYU might make more sense.Each school has a lot to offer, but remember, it’s not about them… it’s about you. What kind of films you want to make? What writer’s approach really rings your bell?

Call these schools and ask about their class’ reading list. Pick up the books from the college used book stores (or Amazon). Worst case scenario, and you don’t get in to any of them - you still have a sense of what they teach and you get that education for a couple hundred bucks. Best case scenario, you get into all three schools, and now you have a sense of which one makes more sense for you.

The reason you go to college is for feedback - nobody gets better at what they do in a vacuum. Work shopping material is essential to improving your craft. Being able to make tough choices - learning to discern good notes from bad notes is a huge part of being a great filmmaker (because there’s a lot of both out here in Hollywood).

Film school is also a blessing if you want to direct - they provide the equipment and means to make your own short films (a calling card every young filmmaker needs to get hired).

In short, film school is invaluable, and at the same time, excruciating on the ego. They will tear you down and build you back up. But that’s how we get better. They will impart on you a series of proven tools and ideas, and really try to help you obtain a mechanic’s understanding of the machine that is film making. BUT that’s all they can do.

All the film school in the world won’t make you talented, won’t get you that big agent at William Morris, and won’t make you rich. As someone much smarter than I once told me… it takes TWO of three things to make it in Hollywood: 1) talent, 2) connections and 3) luck. A degree in film ain’t one of them. But it can help with 1 and 2.

Good luck.

Best regards,

Michael Tabb
WGAw Writer
Burning Tree Films, Inc.

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I really like his last paragraph and the section about not being able to “get better in a vacum.” As you may remember, SelfReliantFilm’s Paul Harrill and I had a great discussion about attending vs. not attending film school.

As Michael has eloquently put it (what is this guy, a writer?), film school CAN be good for you - but it’s no save all. A film degree alone will not reflect your talents and it sure as hell won’t earn you a paid gig. However, you may learn some skills and meet some people if you do your homework before enrolling.

Thanks Michael.

“Saturday Night Meathead Fights” click to view

Chuck Roy and I have been working on a feature film dealing with STICKING IT TO THE SUBURBADROIDS.

“Saturday Night Meathead Fights” is a short excerpt from Fuck Highlands Ranch that we have released in conjunction with a new website to help us promote the film as well as gauge interest in securing finishing funding and distribution options.

This film is being shot in High Def (and I’ll let the discussion brew about what cameras we’re using). You really have to see all this footy on your home tv - some of you might be fooled.

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Is this short festival worthy? Perhaps? But why wait? I sort of have this instant gratification need to release my labor of love the minute my fingertips are done molding. Plus, I don’t have much time for filling out submission forms.

Lets see how well the power of the internet works.

Go see www.FuckHighlandsRanch.com for more details.