Today is part 1 of a multi-part mini-series we're doing to coincide with the release of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Today we look at three specific lessons filmmakers can learn from the missteps of the prequels and the re-mastered original trilogy. Yes, I know. The issues that Star Wars fans have had with these films have been beaten to death. But in this week's "Short Ends" episode, I want to look at three aspects of these films from which filmmakers can glean valuable insight into the making of their own films. We hear from Write Bros. partner and Dramatica co-creator Chris Huntley; Loyd Calomay of Red 5 Studios; film genre journalist and founder of Etheria Film Night Heidi Honeycut; and frequent show guest JD Cochran.Support our SponsorClick here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30. Subscribe or download the show from your favorite platform:Music in this EpisodeMusic from today's episode is courtesy of Song Freedom and also curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape with all the songs. Here's a list of songs used from Song Freedom:"Interstellar""Main Title""Helga Stella""Can Can"Scott Joplin's "Original Rags" was used from FreeMusicArchive.org. Public Domain.VideosHere's the "Jive Walkin'" video I reference in the funny deleted "scene" at the end of the credits. 

SE07 Short Ends: Star Wars Special Pt. 1 - "Less Is More"

This is the radio documentary anthology series about filmmaking, cinema, and the creative arts. Every week we bring you personal, passionate, and sometimes provocative stories from filmmakers and artists all over the globe; stories that will help you mature as an artist and find more fulfillment in your craft and career. NoFilmSchool called this "The filmmaking podcast we've all been waiting for." // Filmmaking is the ONE art form into which all other art forms are absorbed. Photography. Graphic design. Architecture. Music. Sound. Writing. As such, this is a show that will speak to the heart, head and soul of any creative artist.

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What is it like working with your spouse? Why is it important to create art that is unique to you? What is the future of Radio Film School? Tune in to find out."If we make what we know to be true for ourselves, that edge gives it an individuality that can't be found anywhere else." ~ Kelly Clark, ArtistIt has been quite a while since we've had a new episode of the show. A lot has been going on with me. New job (blog editor for Frame.io), moving out of my house, and becoming a nomad. But for this season finale, we have something that'll make you laugh and cry. And isn't that what makes a Radio Film School episode special?Video Mentioned in This EpisodeThe profile film for Kelly Clark.Music in this EpisodeMusic was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org . In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:Laserdisc by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)Little Lily Swing by Tri-Tachyon (CC BY)Daylight PON II by Kai-Engel (CC BY)Endless Story about Sun and Moon by Kai-Engel (CC BY-SA-NC)Getting Paid Part II by Alec's Band (CC BY)Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.Save Big on Your Next GigIf you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

[FJ31] Love, Loss & Looking Ahead

A blast from the past. One of my personal faves. Insightful. Inspiring. Potent. Definitely worth listening to again. And if it's your first time, enjoy. This week on the show we delve into one of the most important topics we’ll discuss all season. It’s at the core of what we do as filmmakers. Telling stories. Chris Huntley from The Write Bros. talks about the narrative story development theory Dramatica and the connection story has to psychology. We’ll hear from Patrick Moreau of Muse Storytelling and Stillmotion on how they find and tell the kind of stories that have won them five Emmys. We’ll hear from Dan Duncan of Remedy Films on the lengths he goes to tell authentic stories. And we hear from a filmmaker we last heard from way back in the first main episode — Alex Vo from the San Francisco Bay Area shares how he finds real life “Hero’s Journey” stories.Music in this EpisodeExcept where noted, music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance: Batched in the Light by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY Rewound by Chris Zabriske. CC BY In Time by Stellardrone. CC BY I am a Man Who Will Fight for Your Honor by Chris Zabriske. CC BYPlease Listen Carefully by Jahzzar. CC BY-SAHouse of Latin by Mark Stone. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved. She Does Her Best (feat. Small Colin) by Six Umbrellas. CC BY-SA Laserdisc by Chris Zabriskie. CC BYI am Running with Temporary Success from a Montrous Vacuum in Pursuit by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY

[FJ10-REPLAY] What Makes a Good Story?

This May marks the 15th anniversary of my video business and this summer marks the 25th anniversary of going to film school. Wow! This past weekend was Memorial Day so I had just enough time to put together a flashback to some past episode segments. In this 15th/25th anniversary special, I replay the story of my first time on a film set (from RFS004 "Your First Time") and the start and evolution of my video business (from FJ24 "Making a Difference with Your Art"). As usual, stick around after the credits for a fun discussion with friend of the show JD Cochran and I reminiscing on making my first narrative, scripted short film.Music in this EpisodeMusic was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org:Shower Scene (Instrumental Version)by Josh Woodward (CC BY)Preachin' Dem Blues by The Good Lawdz (CC BY-SA)Air Hockey Saloon by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY) Ground Cayenne by The Good Lawdz (CC BY-SA)My Girl by The Temptations Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved. What Does Anybody Know About Anything by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY) Daylight (PON II) by Kai Engel (CC BY)Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.Save Big On Your Next GigIf you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

[FJ Replay] A Look Back Celebrating 15 Years of My Video Biz

A popular reward level for crowdfunded films is a credit in the movie. Apparently, this is a bigger deal than I originally thought. Today we find out why. In this episode of our "Making a Documentary" mini-series of Radio Film School, friend of the show Yolanda T. Cochran (with her husband JD offering his usual comic relief) gives us some detailed information on film and television credits. If you have thought about giving away a movie credit on your crowdfunded film for anything less than at LEAST $100 (or more), you need to listen to this episode. Or, if you're curious about union regulations regarding credits, or just the logistics that go into making credits, then stick around. It's actually pretty fascinating.The Role of "Producer"Ever wonder what all those different "producers" you see in movie credits actually do? The second half of this episode is a replay of a "Short Ends" segment from last year wherein Yolanda tells us. Get the 411 on executive producers, co-producers, producers, line producers, etc.Music in this EpisodeMusic was curated from Kevin MacLeod's Incompetch.com and FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)Boulevard St. Germain by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)Fire Ahead by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.Save Big on Your Next GigIf you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

[MAD05] Making a Documentary #5: Giving Credit

Today we explore why the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been able to out-pace the DC Extended Universe in box office and critical acclaim, and what lessons we creators can learn from it. Throughout history, there have been some pretty epic rivalries. Mac vs. PC. Canon vs. Nikon. Marvel vs. DC. There's a lot of discussion and analysis on the internet about this latest topic, specifically the MCU vs. the DCEU. And on this episode of the show, we hear from some experts who help us contribute to that debate. In the end, you'll hear a perspective about how to look at it that I almost guarantee you've never considered. This week we hear from:Robert Meyer Burnett: A 25+ year veteran of Hollywood, Rob is a director, editor, frequent co-host on Collider Heroes, and self-proclaimed comic book geek.Edu Black: production coordinator on "The Simpsons," one of my co-hosts on the "Wrestling with Westworld" podcast, and huge comic fan.Jevon Phillips: online producer and writer for the L.A. Times Calendar section writing about entertainment.Brett Culp: director of the documentary “Legends of the Knight“, a feature-length documentary about the legend and story of Batman inspiring people living with debilitating or even life-threatening illnesses. Through the success of that film, Brett has since founded “The Rising Heroes Project,” a non-profit that creates uplifting films to support charitable organizations and inspire communities. They are currently touring with their follow-up to “Legends” with “Look to the Sky.”Music in this EpisodeMusic was curated from Kevin MacLeod's Incompetch.com and FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:Bernard FINALby Ian Alex Mac (CC BY) Marhababy Ian Alex Mac (CC BY)Perspectivesby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)Hero Downby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.Save Big on Your Next GigIf you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

SE07 Short Ends: Star Wars Special Pt. 1 - "Less Is More"

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