17 Nov Commercial Video Companies Aren’t Telling You This!
Great Commercial = Strong Story with Unique Voice We love commercials, branding videos, and marketing media with strong stories – stories that celebrate a company’s unique voice and culture. Too often do we see videos by companies trying to be what they are not because they think it is what people expect of them. Our company has made plenty of those videos unfortunately (gotta pay the bills!). We understand that making a video can be a large investment for a company and so it is difficult to take risks. But, choosing to only do what has worked for other companies in...
08 Nov My Heart, A Very Personal Story for Diana Rose
Becoming Aya in My Heart Playing Aya in My Heart – Ya Albi was a pivotal role for me. Part of the joy of being an actor is exploring the depths of another being, creating a life and making it real…hoping to do service to the story and writing. It is a joy to do this even when it is difficult. Becoming Aya was difficult. Not only because she is so far removed from me, but also because it was personal and the subject matter important. Personal Ties to My Heart I am part Syrian. Since this war has started…
05 Nov My Heart – Ya Albi Brings Love and Friendship into Light
I am the proud daughter of an immigrant. I am the proud daughter of a veteran. I am a product of both love and war. Not only do I carry the hopes and dreams of both my parents, but most likely, just like you, I am an American Dream. Perhaps, we don't share the same religious or political views. I'm very much ok with that and so grateful to live in a country that allows us all to freely voice our different opinions and beliefs.Today, however, I would like to "take the liberty" to speak to you on a universal...
06 Sep Composer Steffen Schmidt’s Soundtrack for My Heart – Ya Albi
Working with the right composer is crucial to any film. Music helps to strengthen the flow and emotional pacing in a film in combination with the visual elements. We experience the world with all of our senses and when we are able to appeal to as many of these senses in one comprehensive experience, the audience feels it. It is Cinematic Magic. If you haven't had a chance to hear it, here is a peek: YA ALBI SOUNDTRACK One of the composers we have had the great pleasure to work with is composer, Steffen Schmidt. Steffen...
28 Sep Adam Duncan’s Reflections on My Heart – Ya Albi
When we (Christine Chen and I) decided to make “Ya Albi,” a film about a Syrian refugee, we knew that we may be dealing with a topic that could be political or controversial. We didn’t care about that though, because we just didn’t see it that way. We just wanted to make a good film about the human condition through the eyes of an immigrant that was relevant to today’s world without any political agenda.
01 Sep Acting in My Heart – Ya Albi: Lead Actress Diana Rose
When Christine first approached me with what would become Ya Albi (My Heart), I had to literally tell myself to play it cool. She probably doesn’t know this, or that I had written her name down on my wish list of directors I’d love to work with after seeing “A Bird’s Nest” two years prior. I guess I played it cool enough … thankfully!
21 Feb Jason’s Oscar Picks
So it’s that time again for the big movie folks to gather around and be awarded. This year marks the 87th gathering of the Academy Awards. So I’m going to throw out some Oscar predictions on who will be taking home that golden bald man. Best Picture Nominated: American Sniper, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Boyhood, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, Selma, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash My Pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel Predicted Winner: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Out of Left field: American Sniper or Selma Actor Nominated: Steve Carell(Foxcatcher), Bradley…
12 Dec A Bird’s Nest Producer talks about life on set
A Bird’s Nest producer, Adam Duncan talks about life on set… When I think about “A Bird’s Nest” I feel like a proud parent. Perhaps the proud weird uncle is a better term. I’ve been fortunate enough to see “A Bird’s Nest” grow from the tiniest speck of an idea, and to see it through to a full blown adult sized award winning film. The process was memorable, rewarding and grueling. Christine Chen and I had long discussed our desire to make a festival quality film with gravity, with emotional depth and a strong emphasis on cinematic value. After writing…
02 Mar Jason Hatch’s 2014 Oscar Predictions
Its Oscar Sunday, and just in time I am ready with my picks! I want to be clear that this is not necessarily how I would vote if I were a member of the Academy. This is simply how I project the Academy will have voted for this year’s nominees. Here are my picks for 9 major categories: Cinematography: Gravity This one is a lock in my mind. Gravity was personally one of my least favorite films last year, but there’s no denying its beauty. The look of the film stands way above its competitors, and unfortunately for Gravity this is the only category…
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