News Roundup

N.O.-produced film done in one day

City Business
February 14, 2007

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Video Access Center’s and the Digital Filmmaking Institute’s first “48 Hour Film School” workshop Jan. 27-28 produced a completed short film “Breaking Bread.” It was produced by workshop participants, edited in one day, and is available online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEdHnEU07cs.

“Breaking Bread” is a 4-minute-seven-second film about two men from different worlds who meet on a park bench. One is homeless. and the other is a businessman reluctant to share the bench. After a while, the business man guiltily shares his po-boy with the homeless man who instead of scarfing down his food, gives his bread to a bunch of pigeons. The businessman slowly sees the beauty in this gesture and starts tossing bread to the pigeons as well.

Within the first 24 hours at the LIFT Production Offices, students learned the basics of pre-production planning and hands-on techniques in camera, lighting and sound. On day two, the class moved to an Uptown park as the location for “Breaking Bread.”

While producing the short film, students received set and technical experience in camera, sound, lighting, production assistance and directing. Many students also served as extras with local actors Kevin Barraco and Tanner playing the lead roles.

“Anyone with a story to tell, a technical understanding of the equipment, and a devoted group of friends and family can produce their own digital films in a short period of time,” said NOVAC executive director Tim Ryan.

Local independent filmmakers Jason Vowell and Wylie Whitesides facilitated the workshop.

“It’s really important to actually do instead of teach. A lot of people think it costs a ton of money and takes a ton of experience to make a good short film. That’s just not the case any more. Better quality and lower prices for equipment, and the ability to broadcast your creations over the Internet, are really changing the way the world thinks about their entertainment choices. Our class gave the students an upper hand in that world,” said Vowell.

NOVAC plans to hold more film schools in the future.

“This class was exactly what NOVAC’s Digital Filmmaking Institute wants to offer the community — an inexpensive opportunity for people to collaborate, quickly, get hands-on experience learning the art and craft of digital filmmaking, and build confidence to produce their own work,” said Ryan.

“I wish it would have been longer,” said student Kimberly Baird.

In addition to the “48 Hour Film School” workshop, NOVAC’s DFI offers other affordable digital filmmaking training, including Introduction to Final Cut Pro, Feb. 24-25, $225; DV Camera and Lighting, March 10, $125; and DVD Studio Pro, March 24-25 $225.

In July, NOVAC will offer a one-week digital film camp for teens. Visit novacvideo.org for more information on the first-come, first-served workshop registration process.

The New Orleans Video Access Center is a 501 (c3) nonprofit media center. For 35 years, NOVAC has provided tools, technical training and production resources for filmmakers in New Orleans.