Peter Burns writes:
I’m pleased to have a break. As Eric said, it’s been long coming. I’m looking forward to rejuivinating my filmmaking muscles and return to my fellow BDFI-ers in 2 weeks. I missed the semester-end party for an external short film project that I agreed to crew on. I was able to add value to this external production because of what I’ve learned this first semester at BDFI. I did everything from pick-up and test gear, act as second AC, download and log P2 cards, work the slate, make runs, etc. I was pleased to contribute to the project in any way knowing from my experience at BDFI that filmmaking is a collaborative project. I felt seasoned with information and experience and poised to lead when asked. BDFI is a leadership program and it shows.

CIAO!

    I feel very close to some of these people whom, I did not know were floating in this universe only three months ago. The question..”Should I give up life as I know it and move to Berkeley to immerse in my passion– the passion of filmmaking?”

   Even though I went home and cried, that night I chose to move closer to the program and put my clientel on pause– my belief that the hardest choices in life truly can be the best ones ever made–has been confirmed, yet again.

   Two short films finsihed, and still left with much to be done over break. Gina (GG) Kate aka Cindy and I are working on a Documentary in fast forward due to time constraints. GG and I will (hopefully), once legalities are confirmed on paper, be heading into Central America– to research a very unique program driven by women. The details… will have to wait.

   It will be interesting, what will come of this blog and how open people will be. In all honesty, I have no regrets about coming home to find my family at BDFI. These people, all just as crazy as me, have a variety of skills they are bringing to the table. It has truly been a summer of transformation and the start of lifelong friendships.

   I will miss those who will not return in fall, and am excited to meet the ‘freshmeat’ and very thrilled to learn more about my special friends- PP, Eric (air-reek), Cindy, Renato (huh-nato), Rubby and GG. And of course Quinn and Karen.

   Coming Soon: Pics from the party on the next post.

- Mandy

Eric shoot last night was amazing. Although the shoot ran until 2AM in San Francisco, I’d say it was the best one yet. The student crew knows each other so well that everything is shorthand now. We can almost finish each other’s sentences, making the film shoot super efficient. Most importantly, we have a great time. Five minutes doesn’t go by without a handful of jokes — and I love it.

The synergy of Berkeley Digital Film Institute is definitely not hyped up enough.

My second project wrapped a couple of days ago, and I realized the importance of pre-production.  Because I scrutinized over storyboards, it really kept the momentum during the shoot. I definitely obsessed over casting.  I auditioned 15 women for the role, but then realized the perfect actress was right under my nose!  Fellow Berkeley Digital classmate, Gina Mooers, jumped in and did a fabulous job!  I was able to have 150% confidence in my cast.  It makes the production less stressful!

I realized the importance of collaboration.  My crew members really took advantage of the stylized lighting I envisioned, and had a ball.  Having a  reliable crew  is more important than I could have imagined.  Our student projects would be nothing without our peers.

Peter Burns writes:
Keenan and I were exiting Berkeley Digital around 5:00pm yesterday and we ran into Mr. Saul Zaentz in the elevator. He was beaming – he always looks so happy and relaxed. I asked Mr. Zaentz if he had any advice for future filmmakers. He immediately held out his hand and said, “Never let it (the film) out of your hand.” He meant maintain control of the project, the vision all the way through to release. There was just an 8-page article on Saul in last weekend’s SF Chronicle. I’ll have to find it and read through it.

Peter Burns writes:
Eric took me out to lunch at Bacheeso’s yesterday and we discussed casting his current project. He has a very short pre-production cycle and we have to get the talent in ASAP. I drafted emails to his talent asking them to self-schedule and it saved us some time. His script has evolved from comedic to dramatic and most instructors appreciate this change. Some even say that it might be “festival worthy.” The script is going through 2 more possible revisions by the shoot date. His posting to SF Casting attracted SAG/Aftra talent. I contacted the actor and agreed that it is just a matter of submitting a Short Film Agreement to our local rep at the SF SAG/AFTRA office. SAG is in favor of their actors working, getting stuff for thier reel, getting exposure and making connections as per the SAG rep who came and lectured last month. Other talent looks good as well, though we’re lacking male leads at this point. I’m thinking aboout hitting up local casting agents which I’ve not done before as well as putting the word out through local theater groups and acting teachers. Eric asked me to produce the project too, so we’re forming the team, scouting locations, etc. Sheila agreed to DP the shoot. We want a woman on the shoot and Sheila knows how to collaborate and inject creativity. Sheila can help with the shot list as well! Keenan took us to a nice location out along Ocean Beach. It’s a possibility but Eric wants me to try and source a location from my first shoot this semester. Amanda has agreed to act as Casting Director as soon as she wraps up her ADR from her last project. We need sound, grip/lights and a PA. It’s very exciting when a vision manifests. More to come…

Peter Burns writes:
Berkeley Digital visited Monaco Digital Film Labs in San Francisco with cinematography instructor Mark Herzig.

Students will have access to Sony CineAlta and Varicams cameras  through our strategic relationship with Magnetic Image in San Rafael.