Newsletter: February 7th, 2007
Welcome to the February 2007 edition of the Updoc Films Newsletter. There is much on the horizon with a variety of film festivals abound, upcoming projects scheduled into editing suites and productions lining up faster than Heather Graham's series got canned. The year ahead promises to be an exciting one for Updoc Films alumni.
Devon Grey's recent surprise short film Summertime Fun starts off the new year light-heartedly, recounting a summer afternoon spent with his wife and daughters. It's a nice reminder of what summer felt like while most of us are stuck in the middle of winter.
Summertime Fun was originally a thirty minute long single shot film, sped up into a time lapse feature that plays for a total length of a minute and a half. Some things just fall into place! Check out Updoc Films' Current Feature to have a peak.
3. Kinetoscopic Wonderment 2007
The entire Updoc Films staff and creative crew will be attending this year's Kinetoscopic Wonderment at the University of Texas at Austin. This annual showing of short films has become a tradition within the computer sciences department and a favourite among the staff and professors.
Because the festival experienced a dip in submissions last year, Updoc Films will be out in full force, entering a minimum of four submissions in an effort to keep this snazzy and well executed local film festival alive and kicking for years to come. And this year, they're giving away money! Woo hoo!
Kinetoscopic Wonderment will be taking place on Friday, April 13th, 2007 in the Texas Union Building. Awards will be presented that evening as well. For additional information and to view last year's winners, check their official website.
4. Worldwide Short Film Festival
Canadian Film Centre's short film festival is running this year from June 12th to the 17th in Toronto. As the premier venue for the exhibition and promotion of short film in North America, the festival guarantees that the incredible scope of talent will astound you! For more information, check out their official website.
5. Behind The Scenes; Corporate Media Survival Guide #2
Devon Grey's Corporate Media Survival Guide Part 2; How The News Works is currently in the editing suite here at Updoc Studios. Here are some still shots of his latest cartoon:
"This section talks about the eleven corporations that control and filter down information that ends up on the six o'clock news. In controlling the information, they help to shape and control popular attitudes." -Dg.
"Another corporate laden moment in the film is the discussion of how news information is manipulated by sponsorships, advertising and the agendas of corporations. Money talks, and in doing so, what we take at face value via the television is skewed." -Dg.
"Also discussed in How The News Works is the role of corporate flack producers, who although claim they work for fairness towards a balanced media approach to the truth, actually are motivated by a staunch right wing agenda." -Dg.
To complement Updoc Films' entrance into the 2007 Texas Biennial, we've started production of Banned Special Edition DVD.
Fullscreen Presentation
2.1 Stereo Sound
Alternative Sound Track
Special Features include:
Director Commentary
Photo Gallery
Documentary - Behind The Scenes
Documentary - Education vs. Exposure
Documentary - Free Expression in The Arts
Deleted Scenes
$19.99 - shipping begins March 1st, 2007
For more information, check out DevonGrey.com