We play a show tonight. If you are in the OC, and happen to stumble on this, come on out. Should be a really fun night, as we celebrate the victory of the system.
My Darling Dia is finally released
In the daytime, i function as a motion picture writer/director, but at night, as some may not be aware, i am one half of the band Shanks and the Dreamers.
I started that musical project about two years ago, and the first musical release was an all instrumental album called, "A Day Late: Instrumentals for Illegal Aliens". During the next year, what started with more esoteric intentions, and guest musicians, turned into a band. In fact, not really a band, but a production duo that included myself, and a banker named Art Toussi.
For the last year, I set up a new studio called "Polariod Palace Homes 2" and we started the endeavor of recording a new album, with the intention of moving far away from strictly instrumental music and into more of a populace vein, by way of, an album with vocals. As a result, and one year later, "My Darling Dia" is born.
Both Art and I have a mix and range of influences from the obscure to the mainstream, expanding all genres of music. Thats how i grew up, and i feel more and more kids these days are doing the same. So, in essence, why hide what you really want to do? Sometimes i have to ask myself that.
Here is the official blurb....
"My Darling Dia, the first full-length release from Shanks and the Dreamers takes the band to all new musical territories and away from their instrumental past. The two piece production duo consisting of filmmaker Amir Motlagh, and Art Toussi continue the path of sonic evolution mixing a broad palette of sounds including everything from post punk, shoegaze, electro and hip-hop, with a seamless integration of attack that has all to due with their diverse backgrounds and relentless creative instincts. My Darling Dia is simply, electro, sonic, bionic music for the social classes."
Anyways, the album is available to purchase now as a CD, or in MP3 form. Many more stores and Itunes to follow shortly.
Pick up a copy, shit, pick up a few.
My Darling Dia
knock. knock. playing with Neil Hamburger
The 2007 short film i directed, knock. knock. screens at a comedy event headlined by America's $1 funny man, Neil Hamburger at a secret location in the second week of November in Los Angeles. The other comic set to perform is Chris Manz, who plays the lead in the film, about, well, about an internet comic who is just starting to get noticed. The film is currently being distributed by Ouat! Media.
If your in LA, and are interested in checking out the event, send me an email. Its at a bizarre, but perfectly apt location.
If your in LA, and are interested in checking out the event, send me an email. Its at a bizarre, but perfectly apt location.
my break ups into a million pieces on current tv
I directed a short documentary called my break ups into a million pieces about Lilledeshan Bose's migration to the US, after the death of her father, artist Santiago Bose. Santiago was one the most prolific and respected Philipino artist of his time, and his daughter continued in the paths of the arts, as she is a published author and musician.
The abridged version is currently now on Current TV..It runs a few seconds under 10 min. The full cut runs 16 minutes.
Go check it out on Current TV.....
my break ups into a million pieces
Here is the official synopsis and such:
The film-essay “my break ups into a million pieces” is about Lilledeshan Bose’s migration to Southern California after her artist-father’s death. Directed by Amir Motlagh, this 10-minute film, shot in digital video and super 8, is an exploration of personal and spiritual identity, death, romantic relationships and myth of Americana from an Asian perspective.
Its creation was brought about by coincidence: Bose was impressed by Motlagh’s previous works (including “Dino Adino” and “Still Lover”), asked him for filmmaking advice. She had written “Break-up Stories,” a series of vignettes about the disintegration of my personal relationships, and wanted to translate it into film.
After showing award-winning director Motlagh her father, Santiago Bose’s paintings, he felt a spiritual connection to Santiago’s works and agreed to direct the film.
With its gorgeous shots of Los Angeles freeways and endless blue skies, “my break ups into a million pieces” marks the transition to new country and a new life, the rush of a brave, sunshiney new world.
Plain Us and the world of Distro
in Amir Motlagh, DIY, Film, Independent Film, Plain Us
This is an interesting time to say the least. I don't particularly like to go out of my way with opinions about the state of business on my own personal site, but i want to address some interesting things of late. While Plain Us just got its festival premiere a week or so ago, i had seven short film distribution companies contact me regarding the film over the last few weeks.
Mind you, i'm not quite sure how they got wind of the film, and it wasn't from public screenings because it just premiered, but nevertheless, it's been a good sign.
Now, out of the seven, three of the companies want to acquire the film. One is exclusive, the other two are non-exclusive. My concern has been that if i sign the dotted line, what happens to screening the film on a festival circuit?
Now, this is were i think that finally filmmakers should be on the upper hand. On one side, i can just hold of and play the lottery card that has become the festival selection process, or, go ahead and get the best possible deal i can right now. The truth is, especially for short films, is that we should be able to do all of the above. And by that i mean, get that broadcast deal, get that web deal, and hopefully tour the circuit all concurrently. Why should the process hold the filmmaker back. With all the changes in the distribution models of late, i believe that the same should happen to short films to give extra opportunities for exposure. Mind you, just because a film is available on the web, doesn't mean that screening it at a festival makes it somehow less viable. In fact, seeing something that has garnered attention on the platform and resolution that it was originally intended makes it that much more satisfying and viable.
Its not worth waiting months on end to see whether you get in here or there....Maybe if you are on that old school frame of thought, its understandable, but as my one and only mentor told me about a year ago, "Don't take no for an answer", espcially if you completely believe in what you are doing.
AM/FM
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFC4mQeEeDM[/youtube]
Mind you, i'm not quite sure how they got wind of the film, and it wasn't from public screenings because it just premiered, but nevertheless, it's been a good sign.
Now, out of the seven, three of the companies want to acquire the film. One is exclusive, the other two are non-exclusive. My concern has been that if i sign the dotted line, what happens to screening the film on a festival circuit?
Now, this is were i think that finally filmmakers should be on the upper hand. On one side, i can just hold of and play the lottery card that has become the festival selection process, or, go ahead and get the best possible deal i can right now. The truth is, especially for short films, is that we should be able to do all of the above. And by that i mean, get that broadcast deal, get that web deal, and hopefully tour the circuit all concurrently. Why should the process hold the filmmaker back. With all the changes in the distribution models of late, i believe that the same should happen to short films to give extra opportunities for exposure. Mind you, just because a film is available on the web, doesn't mean that screening it at a festival makes it somehow less viable. In fact, seeing something that has garnered attention on the platform and resolution that it was originally intended makes it that much more satisfying and viable.
Its not worth waiting months on end to see whether you get in here or there....Maybe if you are on that old school frame of thought, its understandable, but as my one and only mentor told me about a year ago, "Don't take no for an answer", espcially if you completely believe in what you are doing.
AM/FM
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFC4mQeEeDM[/youtube]
Plain Us
best believe it
A weekend full of panels
in Fresh News
I was in attendance this weekend at the Film Independent's Filmmaker Forum. I got a full press pass from a friend and checked out out the panels. Many of the information has been publicly cited in the blog scene and publications for some time now, but the tone of the forum was a little different. Also, hearing it from people heavily involved in the Indiewood scene is a little different then second and third hand journalistic blog reporting.
All in all, most of the panelist were talking about the state of affairs as cyclic, and that the upswing was just around the corner.
I also met some very interesting people, all with different stages of project development. There was also a panel on Micro Budget Films that was very cool.
All in all, most of the panelist were talking about the state of affairs as cyclic, and that the upswing was just around the corner.
I also met some very interesting people, all with different stages of project development. There was also a panel on Micro Budget Films that was very cool.
Plain Us festival schedule
in Fresh News, Plain Us
Plain Us premieres at The Hells Half Mile Film and Music Festival, Saturday, Oct 4th 2008 at 6PM.
Check out the lineup and schedule....
hhmfest.com
Check out the lineup and schedule....
hhmfest.com
"whale" first official trailer
in Amir Motlagh, DIY, Film, Independent Film, Whale
Here it is....
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR39tdVZaAI[/youtube]
whale
Cameron, a writer who seems to have never finished his first novel, returns home to his mother's house in Orange County Ca., after a failed relationship and lack of direction with life. Back home, Cameron spends his time reacquainting with old high school friends, only to find that life has only gotten more confusing for everyone. What is a young man to do when he seems to have lost all hope?
The film uses a cast made up of mostly non-actors, including Motlagh's real life parents. Many of the cast were first seen in Amir Motlagh's short film, Dino Adino (2001). By using an alternative narrative style, the film destroys the lines of fiction and documentary by engaging the audience in a way that traditional narrative fictions cannot. Motlagh utilized an approach that mixes the cinematic language, using influences ranging from Dogme 95, No Budget DIY, Iranian Cinema, Collage, John Cassavettes and Youtube to string together the film in a unique and original way.
-Quotes-
"DIY meets cinema art"
"A collage of life, weaved with a sparring, gentle narrative that says more, without hardly saying anything"
"An autistic vision of cinema, equal parts beautiful, indulgent, and raw"
"Life unfolds in Amir Motlagh's new film whale"
-Cast-
Amir Motlagh
Darren Oneil
Mike Flowers
Atefeh Galledari
Yousef Motlagh
Rastin Ashtiani
Kindy Barr
-Company Credits-
Production Company - AYA Films
Produced by - Amir Motlagh, Darren Oneil
Music- Shanks and the Dreamers
Total Run Time: 72 Minutes
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR39tdVZaAI[/youtube]
whale
Cameron, a writer who seems to have never finished his first novel, returns home to his mother's house in Orange County Ca., after a failed relationship and lack of direction with life. Back home, Cameron spends his time reacquainting with old high school friends, only to find that life has only gotten more confusing for everyone. What is a young man to do when he seems to have lost all hope?
The film uses a cast made up of mostly non-actors, including Motlagh's real life parents. Many of the cast were first seen in Amir Motlagh's short film, Dino Adino (2001). By using an alternative narrative style, the film destroys the lines of fiction and documentary by engaging the audience in a way that traditional narrative fictions cannot. Motlagh utilized an approach that mixes the cinematic language, using influences ranging from Dogme 95, No Budget DIY, Iranian Cinema, Collage, John Cassavettes and Youtube to string together the film in a unique and original way.
-Quotes-
"DIY meets cinema art"
"A collage of life, weaved with a sparring, gentle narrative that says more, without hardly saying anything"
"An autistic vision of cinema, equal parts beautiful, indulgent, and raw"
"Life unfolds in Amir Motlagh's new film whale"
-Cast-
Amir Motlagh
Darren Oneil
Mike Flowers
Atefeh Galledari
Yousef Motlagh
Rastin Ashtiani
Kindy Barr
-Company Credits-
Production Company - AYA Films
Produced by - Amir Motlagh, Darren Oneil
Music- Shanks and the Dreamers
Total Run Time: 72 Minutes
"Plain Us" North American Festival Premiere
Plain Us gets its North American Festival Premiere at the Hells Half Mile Film and Music Festival in Bay City, Michigan.
The festival runs from Oct 2-5th. Along with some fine film, what really makes this fest stand out is the bands they bring, which, looking at there 2007 festival where pretty damn good.
The festival suits the film very well, with the main character being in a band and all, and well, also for the independent content, both form and story. HHM seem's to program cooler shit then some of the more mainstream and so called "INDEPENDENT" festivals. The fact that i am premiering a film with them might have something to do with my very subjective attitude, or i might in fact just be right....haha
I always assumed that festivals were around to give alternative and independent visions a platform and voice, but after many years doing this, i don't really trust that as truth, especially as far as the short form is concerned. But just like many things in life, the reality is different then the ideal.
But on a more positive note, this is also the place knock. knock. got its festival premiere before being picked up for distro.....
Anyways, when further details come out, like screening schedule, i'll let you know....
Till next time,
Be proactive
The festival runs from Oct 2-5th. Along with some fine film, what really makes this fest stand out is the bands they bring, which, looking at there 2007 festival where pretty damn good.
The festival suits the film very well, with the main character being in a band and all, and well, also for the independent content, both form and story. HHM seem's to program cooler shit then some of the more mainstream and so called "INDEPENDENT" festivals. The fact that i am premiering a film with them might have something to do with my very subjective attitude, or i might in fact just be right....haha
I always assumed that festivals were around to give alternative and independent visions a platform and voice, but after many years doing this, i don't really trust that as truth, especially as far as the short form is concerned. But just like many things in life, the reality is different then the ideal.
But on a more positive note, this is also the place knock. knock. got its festival premiere before being picked up for distro.....
Anyways, when further details come out, like screening schedule, i'll let you know....
Till next time,
Be proactive
Plain Us festival premiere and whale trailer updates
in Fresh News, Plain Us, Whale
Plain Us gets its official festival world premiere in early October. Since the festival official release doesn't go out till next week, i wont tell you where yet. But we are all excited because its at a cool festival with lots of buzz and fresh, risk taking programmers.
Also, the whale trailer goes up by weeks end. Come back often to get the first peek. The shits been a process and one half, but what can i say, its coming all to an end. Well, the creative part at least. Now begins the journey that i don't really like(as much), the promotional and distribution part. If your a savvy new school distibutor, or a young savvy risk taking programmer, get at me for first dibs.
Well, i don't so much care about the young part, but if you're stuck in the 80's and program safe film festivals that have the same work rehashed year after year, in a program devoted to entertaining teenagers and the elderly all in one package, then i'm not your kid. I can however, still be you're friend on of hours.
Best to all.
AM
Also, the whale trailer goes up by weeks end. Come back often to get the first peek. The shits been a process and one half, but what can i say, its coming all to an end. Well, the creative part at least. Now begins the journey that i don't really like(as much), the promotional and distribution part. If your a savvy new school distibutor, or a young savvy risk taking programmer, get at me for first dibs.
Well, i don't so much care about the young part, but if you're stuck in the 80's and program safe film festivals that have the same work rehashed year after year, in a program devoted to entertaining teenagers and the elderly all in one package, then i'm not your kid. I can however, still be you're friend on of hours.
Best to all.
AM
My Darling Dia_new album cover art
The new Shanks and the Dreamers album, My Darling Dia comes out in Sept. Here is a couple images from the album art.
Also, we finally uploaded two new songs from the album, Hush and 777 on our myspace page so go and listen in. Yes, and even add us if your on that myspace thing too...
Also, we finally uploaded two new songs from the album, Hush and 777 on our myspace page so go and listen in. Yes, and even add us if your on that myspace thing too...
Plain Us poster art
in Fresh News
Here is the poster art for Plain Us.
"Absorbed", and further updates on whale
in Film, Fresh News, Whale
So, the film Micro from last year is going to be titled Absorbed, and if you read my last post, i am giving it away free. I will keep relaying why i am doing this, to give it a greater context(both social and personal), and i think that in the end, the conceptual gap between the works whale, "Plain Us" and Absorbed will hopefully mend.
At this time, i am of the mind that as artist, we have to be very reluctant to give away our work for free, especially now that the internet audience feels entitled to media without fee, but at the same time i am starting to see a diminishing quality of work being put fourth in the ultra indie community that has abandoned both singularly(which i don't mind so much and can be beneficial in the world of low budget DV/HD) and comprehensively (detrimental to the filmmaking community), concept, craft and art. The thing about the proliferation of DV in the nineties was that in the words of Jean Cocteau, "Film will only became an art when its materials are as inexpensive as pencil and paper", well its not pencil and paper, but damn near close, although Jean Cocteau might not have been thinking about how the internet and lack of scope was going to muddy his quote. Because we are on the subject, this was another gem from Cocteau, "Art is not a pastime but a priesthood", which echoes the commitment to the work that one does.
Unfortunately, quantity has taken over quality, art for commercial viability even in the lower echeln of no budget work. DV gave us the opputunity to experiement with form and ideas, sometimes, or mostly at the expense of craft but that was OK, it was a trade of. You don't talk about resolution when you watch the personal diary pixel vision works of the 80's, nor do you call into question the simple editing and VHS footage of Tarnation. But these days, both craft and concept go out the window and we are left with work that neither resembles Cassavetes nor wannabe Spielberg's. Its something more akin to the Hollywood Romantic Comedy, or shows like Flight of the Concords without any real social commentary. And without the truth that Cassavetes forced you to watch. In fact, Cassavetes name gets thrown out alot these days, but my god, if you compare 5 minutes of A Women Under the Influence or Husbands, you will understand what realism is, not pseudo naturalism. I am guilty of that myself, but i would never believe that my craft is at that level yet, nor is it trying to be, nor might it ever be. Lets just never compare these contemporary micro works to Cassavetes again, until it truly fucking deserves it OK. And lets face it, its not going to happen because talent doesn't develop that quickly. Now if Mike Leigh was given $3000 to make a feature film, he could pull something of.
Nevertheless, there has never been a Micro Budget movie that i have ever witnessed to carry that type of truth, maybe interesting but without the developed craft, nor as i stated concept. Those are two separatist ideas. I will not ask for craft if concept is compelling enough, if the argument really exists. In the 90's we had Dogme, but the new crop of internet filmmakers isn't shooting for that, isnt shooting for Breaking the Waves or The Celebration, but shooting work that resembles sitcoms, with people who are hipper then what you would be seeing on network TV. In a way, Absorbed has many elements of the trend i am argueing against, but at the same time, it knows what it is. Its critically looking at itself. I shot a movie to resemble a youtube journal, and what better way to express that, then give it away in the format that it was mimiking. It might be the first feature film to be made for the web, both in content and style. The work is also a self-reflexive reaction to what is availble without all the metaphors. Where as whale is a culturalist piece cloaked as character piece, Absorbed is a character piece cloaked as a culturalist piece.
On a more urgent note, whale has taken me around three years to complete, from its inception. To be honest, i have no idea how anyone will view it, whether they call it adolescent or brillant, nor if i where to be truly honest, do I really care. I do hope that people see it for more Kiarostami then XYZ filmmaking, but thats just my hope. Of course i would love an audience, but i cannot dictate that. I also don't have the desire to sit on myspace for 8 hours a day, adding people to view my film. But one thing is that regardless of some of the home made aesthitcs, or what some might loosely call lack of craft(i have other films you know, and an MFA), it was made out of my understanding of what DV micro budget filmmaking might have become. To me, its all craft, its all concept, and its all personal. But not my life. Ofterall, i'm not that self-absorbed that i might make it out to be, it might all look real, but is all fiction.
I am going to set up the blog or website this coming week for Absorbed. I calculate that it will be in 16 parts with the first part going up in late August or early Sept. I'm talking a break writing this while in the middle of finishing the sound for whale, which will be a completed, locked picture by August 18th.
Until next time, behave yourselves.,
Peace
AM
At this time, i am of the mind that as artist, we have to be very reluctant to give away our work for free, especially now that the internet audience feels entitled to media without fee, but at the same time i am starting to see a diminishing quality of work being put fourth in the ultra indie community that has abandoned both singularly(which i don't mind so much and can be beneficial in the world of low budget DV/HD) and comprehensively (detrimental to the filmmaking community), concept, craft and art. The thing about the proliferation of DV in the nineties was that in the words of Jean Cocteau, "Film will only became an art when its materials are as inexpensive as pencil and paper", well its not pencil and paper, but damn near close, although Jean Cocteau might not have been thinking about how the internet and lack of scope was going to muddy his quote. Because we are on the subject, this was another gem from Cocteau, "Art is not a pastime but a priesthood", which echoes the commitment to the work that one does.
Unfortunately, quantity has taken over quality, art for commercial viability even in the lower echeln of no budget work. DV gave us the opputunity to experiement with form and ideas, sometimes, or mostly at the expense of craft but that was OK, it was a trade of. You don't talk about resolution when you watch the personal diary pixel vision works of the 80's, nor do you call into question the simple editing and VHS footage of Tarnation. But these days, both craft and concept go out the window and we are left with work that neither resembles Cassavetes nor wannabe Spielberg's. Its something more akin to the Hollywood Romantic Comedy, or shows like Flight of the Concords without any real social commentary. And without the truth that Cassavetes forced you to watch. In fact, Cassavetes name gets thrown out alot these days, but my god, if you compare 5 minutes of A Women Under the Influence or Husbands, you will understand what realism is, not pseudo naturalism. I am guilty of that myself, but i would never believe that my craft is at that level yet, nor is it trying to be, nor might it ever be. Lets just never compare these contemporary micro works to Cassavetes again, until it truly fucking deserves it OK. And lets face it, its not going to happen because talent doesn't develop that quickly. Now if Mike Leigh was given $3000 to make a feature film, he could pull something of.
Nevertheless, there has never been a Micro Budget movie that i have ever witnessed to carry that type of truth, maybe interesting but without the developed craft, nor as i stated concept. Those are two separatist ideas. I will not ask for craft if concept is compelling enough, if the argument really exists. In the 90's we had Dogme, but the new crop of internet filmmakers isn't shooting for that, isnt shooting for Breaking the Waves or The Celebration, but shooting work that resembles sitcoms, with people who are hipper then what you would be seeing on network TV. In a way, Absorbed has many elements of the trend i am argueing against, but at the same time, it knows what it is. Its critically looking at itself. I shot a movie to resemble a youtube journal, and what better way to express that, then give it away in the format that it was mimiking. It might be the first feature film to be made for the web, both in content and style. The work is also a self-reflexive reaction to what is availble without all the metaphors. Where as whale is a culturalist piece cloaked as character piece, Absorbed is a character piece cloaked as a culturalist piece.
On a more urgent note, whale has taken me around three years to complete, from its inception. To be honest, i have no idea how anyone will view it, whether they call it adolescent or brillant, nor if i where to be truly honest, do I really care. I do hope that people see it for more Kiarostami then XYZ filmmaking, but thats just my hope. Of course i would love an audience, but i cannot dictate that. I also don't have the desire to sit on myspace for 8 hours a day, adding people to view my film. But one thing is that regardless of some of the home made aesthitcs, or what some might loosely call lack of craft(i have other films you know, and an MFA), it was made out of my understanding of what DV micro budget filmmaking might have become. To me, its all craft, its all concept, and its all personal. But not my life. Ofterall, i'm not that self-absorbed that i might make it out to be, it might all look real, but is all fiction.
I am going to set up the blog or website this coming week for Absorbed. I calculate that it will be in 16 parts with the first part going up in late August or early Sept. I'm talking a break writing this while in the middle of finishing the sound for whale, which will be a completed, locked picture by August 18th.
Until next time, behave yourselves.,
Peace
AM