How do we make something beautiful? The creative process can be so elusive. No two artists, musicians, or filmmakers approach the act of creation in precisely the same way. It is tough to know what kinds of elements need to be present for ‘magic’ to happen. But talented people and an inspiring setting are a great starting point. Thankfully, Mason Jar Music invites us into that process, demonstrating their credo: “preserving analog principles in a digital age.” ... Read more
Divergent opinions regarding the virtues and vices of Prometheus have fueled rigorous online debates. While some were captivated by Ridley Scott’s imaginative vision, others laughed in all the wrong places. Prometheus was burdened by massive expectation. Yet, when filmmakers dare to spin a new creation myth, rigorous critique will follow. So does Prometheus present a fresh take on the origins of humanity or does it play with profundity in service of a silly sci-fi story? I will split the difference,... Read more
A couple of years ago, rumors abounded that hipster auteur Wes Anderson might direct the new Spider-Man reboot. What kind of retro production design, indie music, and adolescent angst would surround Peter Parker? The possibilities were both intriguing and frightening. My sharpest film students at Pepperdine capitalized on the rumor to create a sly satire. Their trailer for “Wes Anderson’s Spider-Man” became an Internet sensation, launching Jeff Loveness into a gig writing for Jimmy Kimmel. Thankfully for film fans, Wes... Read more
With the NBA draft approaching, I am reminded that the odds of becoming a big time film director are just as long as being a first round NBA draft choice. And the chances of sustaining a career at the top of the Hollywood pyramid as just as slim as becoming an NBA All-Star. Thousands of aspiring directors, graduating from film schools around the world, are as likely to make a feature film for one of the studios as they are... Read more
Was anybody else creeped out when Facebook replaced your chosen email address with their Facebook email eddress? And maybe I’m the exception, but I have resisted their efforts to place my online relationships and activity on a Timeline. So I was pleased to see this savage satire on last night’s Jimmy Kimmel Show. And I was even more delighted to discover that one of our sharpest Pepperdine grads, Jeff Loveness, wrote and stars in this skit. Enjoy! Read more
What is American cinema? Do we have a distinctive and original voice? For audiences around the world, they know us by our explosions, our effects, our superheroes. Nobody saves the world with quite as much chutzpah as Batman, Spider-Man, and the Avengers. But is there still room for independent filmmakers at the cineplex? Will audiences rally around alternative visions of freedom, equality, and justice? Beasts of the Southern Wild follows on the heels of previous Sundance Film Festival winners Winter’s... Read more
We’re launching a 21st century film school at Pepperdine University. We are interested in the small screens emanating from our smart phones and iPads as well as the big screens at the cineplex or our home theaters. This is a short introduction to our new masters degree in media production, commencing this fall. Considering making a move to Malibu in 2013. Read more
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