In bookstores now, a new book by Charles Wilkinson
The Working Director
"The Working Director is instructive and enlightening, offering countless real-world tips on how to stay calm, cool and collected in one of the world's most stressful jobs. A must-read for anyone seriously considering a career as a director of film or television."
"Wilkinson covers every demanding, necessary detail of pre-production, casting, storyboarding, mixing, editing, and choice of music. Above all, he emphasizes a perfectionism that is evident in the meticulously organized approach he brings to a book that should prove highly beneficial for aspiring directors."
currently
Our 1st feature documentary film is now in distribution. It's called Peace Out. It asks (and answers) the question: are we tearing up our backyard for energy — or not? Have a look at the trailer here; View Trailer
Producer Tina Schliessler and I have been surprised at the reception of the film. The world premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival on October 4th played to a sold out theatre. See the VIFF web site.
3 additional screenings were scheduled, and the film was awarded this;
So huge thanks to everyone who came out.
The reviews have been very good. Here's a sampling;
"This isn't just another environmental advocacy film. Peace Out is a beautifully made film, visually dynamic with a great score and evocative, unexpected images of the planet's energy economy. It's a thoughtful, clear-eyed exploration of an issue that always ends in costs, trade-offs, and least-bad options."
Sept 30, 2011 NS News
“It’s time that we all stop, think and reconsider our individual actions that support the seemingly boundless extraction of the earth’s resources. Peace Out will cause you to consider the larger picture of resource use from a global perspective.”
October 2011
“Fairly examines a complicated but crucial debate in society... There is an answer.”
November 2011
“This is a generously inquisitive film, made with an open mind and a fierce sense of commitment. It's these two qualities that combine to make its conclusion so powerfully convincing.”
October 2011
As well, the viewer reviews are really positive. Check these out!
We have just signed an international distribution agreement with Indiecan's Avi Federgreen is working hard & well getting the film out there.
All through the Fall there have been paid public screenings across the North which we (and quite a number of local people) have attended, all proceeds going to the Peace Valley Environmental Association. The Q&A sessions have been outstanding.
In 2012 so far there are public screenings scheduled for Victoria, Saltspring, Whitehorse, and Edmonton with quite a few more in the planning stages. Our policy is that we donate the film & our time to attend these, and all revenue generated at these screenings is donated to the local environmental organization/s struggling to spread unbiased information on this crucial topic.
Tina & I made this film with bus fare, a handful of borrowed gear (thanks Cap U), a crew of 2, and a little help from our friends (thanks Gary Shaw at Side Street Post & Bill Shepherd at DBC Sound). It turned out to be an amazing experience. We're hard at work on a similar new project.
It's great to make a film people want to see. And yes, we worked hard & did our best. But we understand that what is bringing audiences to Peace Out is the growing certainty that troubled times are upon us, the widening certainty that we can do better, and awakening desire to learn how.
