2001
Issue 41
Dec/January/February
Dec/January/February
Contents
Cover Story: Julia Stiles
by Timothy Rhys
Three years ago Julia Stiles told us she'd really paid her dues in this business. She was 16. Now that she's all grown up and suddenly just about the hottest ticket in town, we sat down with her again for a little reality check
Buzzfest: The Annual IFP Market
by Carmen Ficarra
You know it as the place where Clerks and The Brothers McMullen found distributors. The IFP Market has earned its reputation d its reputation as the place to go to break out of the pack.
Age Old Questions
by Carmen Ficarra
Not every freshly minted moviemaker is 25, or even 35. How does the game differ for middle-aged dreamers.
The Rise of the DVD Short
by Andy Rose
Short films have made a comeback, and plenty of companies now believe that the DVD may be the short film's best chance at long term survival.
A Fresh Look at Super8
by Giles Musitano
One of the world's leading Super8 pros makes a case for ditching your DV camera and switching to Super8 on the road to Hollywood success in 2001.
Surviving Park City
by David Geffner
Is Sundance now too commercial, too politicized, too much media, too much of a film market, too, too, too... or is it more important to independents than ever?
10 Best Cities for Making Movies
by George Wing
From the expected to the unexpected, these are the top 10 places in North America to wage a career in moviemaking.
Genre Jumping with Ang Lee
by A.G. Basoli
The very American Tawainese director changed his cinematic tune again with the high-flying Croucing Tiger, Hidden Dragon. What is he up to next?
High and Low with Willem Dafoe
by A.G. Basoli
The actor's actor is back on top with a string of new movies. He talks candidly with us about his background, his art ound, his art and the importance of being useless.
Scorsese in Roma
by Adam Goldstein
MM's Adam Goldstein is one of a chosen few: he's been on the set of Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York and witnessed the extraordinary transformation of Cinecitt? Studios in Rome into mid-19th century New York City.
Inside MPAA
by Doug Atchison
The writer/producer/director of The Pornographer learns how the MPAA rates films and why indies seem to get strong-armed so often.
The Future of Exhibition
by Greg Melick
More movies are being made today than ever before, so why are so many of the major theater chains closing down?
On Location: New York
by Adam Goldstein
How do you ask 100 Spanish and Polish-speaking NYC residents to remove their air conditioners in the middle of a scorching summer? It's a day in the life of a New York City location manager.
Roadmaps to the Digital Age
by Glen Berry
Book publishers never met a trend they didn't like. Several new volumes try to take the mystery out of the digital revolution.
The Microcinema Movement
by Joel Bachar & Taso Lagos
The resurgence of microcinemas and 'underground' venues is a healthy sign for the movie industry. Or is it?
Column & Departments
MM Notebook
Letters
Home Cinema
by Rus Thompson
The Best and Worst of 2000 on Video.
Shorts
by Gregg Rossen
Revenge of the Red Balloon.
Festival Beat
Montreal, Locarno, New York, Deep Ellum.
Documentary
by Carmen Ficarra
30 Frames a Second.
Profile
by Phillip Williams
Eugenio Zanetti.
Mixed Reviews
Crossing the Line
by Carmen Ficarra
Richard Farnsworth
by Timothy Rhys
Three years ago Julia Stiles told us she'd really paid her dues in this business. She was 16. Now that she's all grown up and suddenly just about the hottest ticket in town, we sat down with her again for a little reality check
Buzzfest: The Annual IFP Market
by Carmen Ficarra
You know it as the place where Clerks and The Brothers McMullen found distributors. The IFP Market has earned its reputation d its reputation as the place to go to break out of the pack.
Age Old Questions
by Carmen Ficarra
Not every freshly minted moviemaker is 25, or even 35. How does the game differ for middle-aged dreamers.
The Rise of the DVD Short
by Andy Rose
Short films have made a comeback, and plenty of companies now believe that the DVD may be the short film's best chance at long term survival.
A Fresh Look at Super8
by Giles Musitano
One of the world's leading Super8 pros makes a case for ditching your DV camera and switching to Super8 on the road to Hollywood success in 2001.
Surviving Park City
by David Geffner
Is Sundance now too commercial, too politicized, too much media, too much of a film market, too, too, too... or is it more important to independents than ever?
10 Best Cities for Making Movies
by George Wing
From the expected to the unexpected, these are the top 10 places in North America to wage a career in moviemaking.
Genre Jumping with Ang Lee
by A.G. Basoli
The very American Tawainese director changed his cinematic tune again with the high-flying Croucing Tiger, Hidden Dragon. What is he up to next?
High and Low with Willem Dafoe
by A.G. Basoli
The actor's actor is back on top with a string of new movies. He talks candidly with us about his background, his art ound, his art and the importance of being useless.
Scorsese in Roma
by Adam Goldstein
MM's Adam Goldstein is one of a chosen few: he's been on the set of Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York and witnessed the extraordinary transformation of Cinecitt? Studios in Rome into mid-19th century New York City.
Inside MPAA
by Doug Atchison
The writer/producer/director of The Pornographer learns how the MPAA rates films and why indies seem to get strong-armed so often.
The Future of Exhibition
by Greg Melick
More movies are being made today than ever before, so why are so many of the major theater chains closing down?
On Location: New York
by Adam Goldstein
How do you ask 100 Spanish and Polish-speaking NYC residents to remove their air conditioners in the middle of a scorching summer? It's a day in the life of a New York City location manager.
Roadmaps to the Digital Age
by Glen Berry
Book publishers never met a trend they didn't like. Several new volumes try to take the mystery out of the digital revolution.
The Microcinema Movement
by Joel Bachar & Taso Lagos
The resurgence of microcinemas and 'underground' venues is a healthy sign for the movie industry. Or is it?
Column & Departments
MM Notebook
Letters
Home Cinema
by Rus Thompson
The Best and Worst of 2000 on Video.
Shorts
by Gregg Rossen
Revenge of the Red Balloon.
Festival Beat
Montreal, Locarno, New York, Deep Ellum.
Documentary
by Carmen Ficarra
30 Frames a Second.
Profile
by Phillip Williams
Eugenio Zanetti.
Mixed Reviews
Crossing the Line
by Carmen Ficarra
Richard Farnsworth
Cover Story: Julia Stiles by Timothy Rhys Three years ago Julia Stiles told us she'd really paid her dues in this business. She was 16. Now that she's all grown...
more
Issue 42
March/April/May
March/April/May
Contents
Cover Story: The Gentle Art of Seduction: A Conversation with Jean-Jacques Annaud
by Phillip Williams
With a slew of international successes, Jean-Jacques Annaud might just be the most famous director you don't know. Following the success of his high-profile Enemy at the Gates, all that may finally change.
A Tale of Two Screenwriters
by Doug Atchison and Joel B. Strunk
At the world's most prestigious screenwriting competition, winning isn't everything. Here, a Nicholl Fellowship finalist and winner compare notes on their experiences.
Behind the Backgrounds
by Scott Essman
Ever wondered what goes into creating those eye-popping backgrounds on big-budget features? Chances are good that the background you're admiring was created through digital technology.
First Time's a Charm
by Susan Kouguell
Vera Blasi, Alan Sereboff and Stel Pavlou are three screenwriters who've scored big their first time out. Here, they reveal the secrets of their success.
The Roger Corman School of Moviemaking
by Beverly Gray
From Jack Nicholson to John Sayles, Roger Corman has been mentoring young moviemakers throughout his career. Here, past 'students' talk about some of the lessons they've learned.
It Came From Roger Corman
by Andrew Hamlin
For 45 years, his reign as the king of 'economic' indie moviemaking has gone unrivaled. At 75, Roger Corman is still going strong - churning out films as quickly (and cheaply) as possible.
Why I Loved Filming In...
by David Geffner
There's more to North America than just New York, LA and Vancouver. Find out why moviemakers like John Waters, Frank Oz and Alexander Payne are choosing lesser-known locales.
Shooting 24p Hi-Def
by Andy Rose
In plain language here are the pros and cons of shooting your next film in 24p Hi-Def.
Time-tested Non-Digital Effects
by John Gaspard & Dale Newton
Learn to maximize the production value of your digital film with a few non-digital tricks.
Wanye Wang's World
by Paula Schwartz
He's stuck to 'family values' in many past films, but director Wayne Wang pushes the envelope a bit with his erotic The Center of the World.
Art of the Writer/Director
by Jeremy Arnold
Allison Anders, Christopher Nolan, James Gray and Jonathan Nossiter talk about the power and pressure of being a writer/director.
New Ways to Sell Your Screenplay
by Jeremy Arnold
Tired of banging on doors and taking meetings that get your screenplay nowhere closer to 'sold?' The answer may be as close as the Internet.
Copyright Protection in the Digital Age
by Karen Holly & Susan Stroh
Longtime script consultant Linda Seger says that the Internet offers plagiarists a wealth of opportunity. How can you safeguard your work?
Column & Departments
MM Notebook
Letters
Home Cinema
by Rus Thompson
John Boorman's Point Blank
Ask Mr. Hollywood
by Dov S-S Simens
Festival Beat
Sundance, Slamdance, Sarasota, Ft. Lauderdale.
How They Did It
by Jon Dichter
The Operator
Shorts
by Jason Reitman
gulp
Documentary
by Elayne Taylor
Keep the River on Your Right
Mixed Reviews
Frame-By-Frame
by Eric Sherman
Crossing the Line
by Phillip Williams
Stanley Kramer, Jason Robards
by Phillip Williams
With a slew of international successes, Jean-Jacques Annaud might just be the most famous director you don't know. Following the success of his high-profile Enemy at the Gates, all that may finally change.
A Tale of Two Screenwriters
by Doug Atchison and Joel B. Strunk
At the world's most prestigious screenwriting competition, winning isn't everything. Here, a Nicholl Fellowship finalist and winner compare notes on their experiences.
Behind the Backgrounds
by Scott Essman
Ever wondered what goes into creating those eye-popping backgrounds on big-budget features? Chances are good that the background you're admiring was created through digital technology.
First Time's a Charm
by Susan Kouguell
Vera Blasi, Alan Sereboff and Stel Pavlou are three screenwriters who've scored big their first time out. Here, they reveal the secrets of their success.
The Roger Corman School of Moviemaking
by Beverly Gray
From Jack Nicholson to John Sayles, Roger Corman has been mentoring young moviemakers throughout his career. Here, past 'students' talk about some of the lessons they've learned.
It Came From Roger Corman
by Andrew Hamlin
For 45 years, his reign as the king of 'economic' indie moviemaking has gone unrivaled. At 75, Roger Corman is still going strong - churning out films as quickly (and cheaply) as possible.
Why I Loved Filming In...
by David Geffner
There's more to North America than just New York, LA and Vancouver. Find out why moviemakers like John Waters, Frank Oz and Alexander Payne are choosing lesser-known locales.
Shooting 24p Hi-Def
by Andy Rose
In plain language here are the pros and cons of shooting your next film in 24p Hi-Def.
Time-tested Non-Digital Effects
by John Gaspard & Dale Newton
Learn to maximize the production value of your digital film with a few non-digital tricks.
Wanye Wang's World
by Paula Schwartz
He's stuck to 'family values' in many past films, but director Wayne Wang pushes the envelope a bit with his erotic The Center of the World.
Art of the Writer/Director
by Jeremy Arnold
Allison Anders, Christopher Nolan, James Gray and Jonathan Nossiter talk about the power and pressure of being a writer/director.
New Ways to Sell Your Screenplay
by Jeremy Arnold
Tired of banging on doors and taking meetings that get your screenplay nowhere closer to 'sold?' The answer may be as close as the Internet.
Copyright Protection in the Digital Age
by Karen Holly & Susan Stroh
Longtime script consultant Linda Seger says that the Internet offers plagiarists a wealth of opportunity. How can you safeguard your work?
Column & Departments
MM Notebook
Letters
Home Cinema
by Rus Thompson
John Boorman's Point Blank
Ask Mr. Hollywood
by Dov S-S Simens
Festival Beat
Sundance, Slamdance, Sarasota, Ft. Lauderdale.
How They Did It
by Jon Dichter
The Operator
Shorts
by Jason Reitman
gulp
Documentary
by Elayne Taylor
Keep the River on Your Right
Mixed Reviews
Frame-By-Frame
by Eric Sherman
Crossing the Line
by Phillip Williams
Stanley Kramer, Jason Robards
Cover Story: The Gentle Art of Seduction: A Conversation with Jean-Jacques Annaud by Phillip Williams With a slew of international successes, Jean-Jacques Annaud might just be the most famous director...
more
Issue 43
June/July/August
June/July/August
Contents
Mark & Michael Polish
by Jennifer M. Wood
They swept onto the indie moviemaking scene in 1999 with the ambitious and critically acclaimed Twin Falls Idaho. In their second feature, Jackpot, the always original Polish brothers explore the price of fame through the eyes of a wannabe country singer.
We Got This Oscar Nomination... Now What?
by Elayne Taylor
In moviemaking, as in baseball, pitching is key. Just ask Gail Lerner and Colin Campbell who, even after receiving an Oscar nomination for their short film Seraglio, had to enlist the help of 'The Pitch King,' Bo Zenga.
Hollywood's Money Man
by Jeremy Arnold
As president of Imperial Entertainment Group, Morgan Rector has helped finance 400 movies in 12 years. How can you get your feature to be next?
Jennifer Jason Leigh Dances With the Dark
by Elayne Taylor
From her breakout performance in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to her current role as director and star of The Anniversary Party, Jennifer Jason Leigh has dared to go where few other actresses would.
Indie-Friendly Digital Rental Houses
by Frank McMahon
Sometimes it just makes more sense to rent your equipment. Find out how some of the country's leading rental houses are helping independent moviemakers make their mark on the industry.
What They Really Want to Do is Direct
by Andy Rose
Though they're best known for their roles in front of the camera, a surprising number of actors are suddenly turning to directing-and DV is their medium of choice.
Larry Clark's Loss of Sexual Innocence
by Travis Crawford
If there's one thing director Larry Clark knows about,
it's the lives of those on the fringes of society. In his latest movie, Bully, he revisits the theme of teenage sexuality and brutality-and again stirs up a cauldron of controversy in the process.
The Making of Classic
by Elana Starr
Each year, only a fraction
of the films ever made are designated for preservation. Which ones make the cut, and how can you make sure your favorite film goes down in history? BY
The Ultimate Moviemaking Machine
by Phillip Williams
BMW's foray into film distribution may have been a surprise, but with such seminal directors as John Frankenheimer, Ang Lee and Guy Ritchie behind the wheel, film fans are racing to the nearest computer screen.
Choosing the Best Film School
by Gregg Rossen
What makes one school great and another mediocre? Hint: It has nothing to do with an LA or NYC address
Column & Departments
MM Notebook
Letters
Home Cinema
Jules Dassin's RiFiFi
by Rus Thompson
How They Did It
Viva Las Nowhere
by Jason Bloom
Festival Beat
Provincetown, First Glance Philadelphia, New York International Film and Video
Exploring Czech Cinema
by Radovan Holub
Even during the toughest times under a Communist regime, Czech films always display a great deal of restraint when it comes to discussing the politics of their country.
Documentary
Barbara Kopple's My Generation
by Jennifer M. Wood
Profiles
Barbet Schroeder
by Philip Williams
Crossing the Line
Anthony Quinn
by Brian O'Hare
by Jennifer M. Wood
They swept onto the indie moviemaking scene in 1999 with the ambitious and critically acclaimed Twin Falls Idaho. In their second feature, Jackpot, the always original Polish brothers explore the price of fame through the eyes of a wannabe country singer.
We Got This Oscar Nomination... Now What?
by Elayne Taylor
In moviemaking, as in baseball, pitching is key. Just ask Gail Lerner and Colin Campbell who, even after receiving an Oscar nomination for their short film Seraglio, had to enlist the help of 'The Pitch King,' Bo Zenga.
Hollywood's Money Man
by Jeremy Arnold
As president of Imperial Entertainment Group, Morgan Rector has helped finance 400 movies in 12 years. How can you get your feature to be next?
Jennifer Jason Leigh Dances With the Dark
by Elayne Taylor
From her breakout performance in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to her current role as director and star of The Anniversary Party, Jennifer Jason Leigh has dared to go where few other actresses would.
Indie-Friendly Digital Rental Houses
by Frank McMahon
Sometimes it just makes more sense to rent your equipment. Find out how some of the country's leading rental houses are helping independent moviemakers make their mark on the industry.
What They Really Want to Do is Direct
by Andy Rose
Though they're best known for their roles in front of the camera, a surprising number of actors are suddenly turning to directing-and DV is their medium of choice.
Larry Clark's Loss of Sexual Innocence
by Travis Crawford
If there's one thing director Larry Clark knows about,
it's the lives of those on the fringes of society. In his latest movie, Bully, he revisits the theme of teenage sexuality and brutality-and again stirs up a cauldron of controversy in the process.
The Making of Classic
by Elana Starr
Each year, only a fraction
of the films ever made are designated for preservation. Which ones make the cut, and how can you make sure your favorite film goes down in history? BY
The Ultimate Moviemaking Machine
by Phillip Williams
BMW's foray into film distribution may have been a surprise, but with such seminal directors as John Frankenheimer, Ang Lee and Guy Ritchie behind the wheel, film fans are racing to the nearest computer screen.
Choosing the Best Film School
by Gregg Rossen
What makes one school great and another mediocre? Hint: It has nothing to do with an LA or NYC address
Column & Departments
MM Notebook
Letters
Home Cinema
Jules Dassin's RiFiFi
by Rus Thompson
How They Did It
Viva Las Nowhere
by Jason Bloom
Festival Beat
Provincetown, First Glance Philadelphia, New York International Film and Video
Exploring Czech Cinema
by Radovan Holub
Even during the toughest times under a Communist regime, Czech films always display a great deal of restraint when it comes to discussing the politics of their country.
Documentary
Barbara Kopple's My Generation
by Jennifer M. Wood
Profiles
Barbet Schroeder
by Philip Williams
Crossing the Line
Anthony Quinn
by Brian O'Hare
Mark & Michael Polish by Jennifer M. Wood They swept onto the indie moviemaking scene in 1999 with the ambitious and critically acclaimed Twin Falls Idaho. In their second feature,...
more
Issue 44
September/October/November
September/October/November
Contents
Cover Story: Terry Gilliam
by Elayne Taylor
Eccentric genius, battler of accountants and studio heads, madman. Terry Gilliam has been called all kinds of things-and these are his friends talking.
The Name of Action
by Doug Atchison
At a time of national crisis, the lessons in classic movies like Sergeant York may provide some answers-and solace.
Remembering John Ford
by Michael Tunison
Those who worked with the late, great director know that his cantankerous temperament was as much a part of his legend as the enormous body of work he left behind.
Aesthetics of the Digital Revolution
by James Tocher
Is DV delivering on its promise to demystify the moviemaking process-and allow professional production on a shoestring budget?
Murder, Mayhem and John Dahl
by Paula Schwartz
The writer/director best known for his work in the film noir genre discusses his latest-and biggest-film to date, Joy Ride.
The Most Underrated (and Underknown) Movies of the Last Decade
by Jeremy Arnold
Moviemakers have produced a few true gems in the past 10 years... unfortunately, you may not have heard of many of them.
The Business of Laughter
by Phillip Willaims
For French writer/director Francis Veber, making comedies is a serious business. Here, the man behind The Dinner Game and La Cage Aux Folles talks about Le Placard (The Closet).
MM Notebook
Letters
Home Cinema: Exploring the Horror Genre
by Rus Thompson
Festival Beat: American Short Shorts
Cinevation: Interactive MovieMaking
by Margi Szperling
How They Did It: Out of the Black
by Karl Kozak
World Cinema: The Golden Ages of Korean Cinema
by Lenny Smith
Documentary: The Career of Albert Maysler
by Travis Crawford
Shorts: Rock Creek
by Watne Baimbridge
Profile: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
by Andrew Hamlin
Profile: Amy Robinson
by Elayne Taylor
Mixed Reviews
Crossing The Line: Herman Sandler
by Trudie Styler
Cover Story: Terry Gilliam
by Elayne Taylor
Eccentric genius, battler of accountants and studio heads, madman. Terry Gilliam has been called all kinds of things-and these are his friends talking.
The Name of Action
by Doug Atchison
At a time of national crisis, the lessons in classic movies like Sergeant York may provide some answers-and solace.
Remembering John Ford
by Michael Tunison
Those who worked with the late, great director know that his cantankerous temperament was as much a part of his legend as the enormous body of work he left behind.
Aesthetics of the Digital Revolution
by James Tocher
Is DV delivering on its promise to demystify the moviemaking process-and allow professional production on a shoestring budget?
Murder, Mayhem and John Dahl
by Paula Schwartz
The writer/director best known for his work in the film noir genre discusses his latest-and biggest-film to date, Joy Ride.
The Most Underrated (and Underknown) Movies of the Last Decade
by Jeremy Arnold
Moviemakers have produced a few true gems in the past 10 years... unfortunately, you may not have heard of many of them.
The Business of Laughter
by Phillip Willaims
For French writer/director Francis Veber, making comedies is a serious business. Here, the man behind The Dinner Game and La Cage Aux Folles talks about Le Placard (The Closet).
MM Notebook
Letters
Home Cinema: Exploring the Horror Genre
by Rus Thompson
Festival Beat: American Short Shorts
Cinevation: Interactive MovieMaking
by Margi Szperling
How They Did It: Out of the Black
by Karl Kozak
World Cinema: The Golden Ages of Korean Cinema
by Lenny Smith
Documentary: The Career of Albert Maysler
by Travis Crawford
Shorts: Rock Creek
by Watne Baimbridge
Profile: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
by Andrew Hamlin
Profile: Amy Robinson
by Elayne Taylor
Mixed Reviews
Crossing The Line: Herman Sandler
by Trudie Styler
Cover Story: Terry Gilliam by Elayne Taylor Eccentric genius, battler of accountants and studio heads, madman. Terry Gilliam has been called all kinds of things-and these are his friends...
more
