I’m sure this is the last thing people want to hear about as the holidays, Sundance, and all these great new films loom (THERE WILL BE BLOOD being one of them) but sadly the New York Film office permit issue is still a problem.
While the MOFTB has revised the rules and clarified their intent to allow photographers and “low impact” independent filmmakers to shoot in New York without a permit, the language they are using in the new proposed regulations is needlessly confusing:
For purposes of this subdivision (b), “obstruction” shall mean the assertion of exclusive control with respect to the use or occupancy of such space, and “unobstructed sidewalk use” shall mean, with respect to filming or photography occurring on a sidewalk or other public pedestrian passageway, the use of such space that is not an “obstruction.”
Okay, what the hell does that mean exactly? I get it but jeez, clarification please.
Why not just say:
“‘Obstruction’ means that people are actually prevented from reasonably using the sidewalk – that is, the person filming has asserted exclusive control with respect to the use of such space.”
So filmmakers out there as well as anyone else concerned about getting arrested the next time you are taking pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge or shooting your doc about gentrification in Park Slope, please get your comments out they readdress this language and clarify the issue so there’s no more confusion.
To read more and to link to the MOFTB regulations, go to:
www.pictureny.org/
Comments to MOFTB need to go (ASAP!) to:
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The comment deadline is Dec. 13, 2007!
(Thanks to Jem Cohen and the folks at Picture New York who continue to get the word out about this…)
I checked out one of the advance screenings of the Battlestar Galactica television movie “Razor” here in NYC at the UA Union Square on Monday night and am happy to report it’s really great, especially after the uneven third season that dragged down the hit show’s ratings and alienated it’s audience. Hopefully “Razor” is a sign that Season 4 will really bounce back and explain some of the loopy ideas that were introduced at the end of Season 3.
There aren’t any spoilers here… so feel free to keep reading my take on the movie, which premieres November 24th on SciFi Channel and hits DVD on December 4:
“Razor” follows the early days of the Pegasus after the Cylons attacked Caprica and offers a nifty parallel to Galactica’s own bare escape from being destroyed. Led by Admiral Cain (Michelle Forbes), there’s more contrast between her leadership style and Adama’s (like we saw in Season 2) along with a stunning revelation that involves the Number Six cylon that the Pegasus captured.
The movie takes on the conflict of military decision making during wartime and also neatly offers a rationale behind Adama’s excessive choices in Season’s 1 and 2 and his conflict and then eventual compromise with the President. The most interesting aspect of this is Adama’s treatment of civilians versus Admiral Cain’s and how this affected both of their military tactics, along with the difficulty in making certain choices in a time of war. This was always BSG’s strongest aspect, I’ve felt, which has made the show more a political military drama than just a Sci Fi show with cool robots.
“Razor” also shows events that took place in between Season 3 with Lee Adama taking helm of the “Pegasus” and introduces Kendra Shaw, a character that served under Admiral Cain and who Lee chooses as his XO. She ties in the two timelines very well and a lot of the episode focuses on her point of view. Played nicely by Stephanie Chaves-Jacobsen, her conflicted character shows the extreme actions a loyal soldier is forced (or forces themselves) to sometimes make.
“Razor” also offers a flashback scene with Admiral Adama as a fighter pilot during the First War (which you can see in the “Razor” (webisodes). Impressively, the film weaves in between three different timelines, while also offering an amusing nod to the old television series as well as a “prophecy” about Season 4.
It’s all really nicely done, and reminds me of the high points of the series before it got bogged down in numerous filler episodes in Season 3. Here’s hoping we see more of this next Spring with the episodes premiere.
I’ve been waiting YEARS for this and it has finally happening. Twin Peaks is being released at the end of the month fully restored on DVD, Seasons 1 and 2, along with the American and European pilots!
This show was what initially got me and my brother interested in independent film. I remember going to the Pick A Flick Video store in Spartanburg, SC to inquire about “Blue Velvet” only to be referred to the X-rated section.
Anyway, watch the trailer for the DVD release here.
And read the official press release below. Loads of goodies on the DVD, including deleted scenes, the Saturday Night Live “Twin Peaks” sketch, a Julee Cruise music video, and more.
The Definitive Gold Box Edition of the series that became one of television’s most acclaimed events finally arrives – with all 29 episodes plus both the original and European versions of the pilot – on October 30, 2007 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. Considered both technically and artistically revolutionary when it debuted, TWIN PEAKS™ garnered 18 Emmy® nominations over the course of its two-season run with its cast of memorable characters, stunning cinematography and intriguing plot. Co-creators David Lynch and Mark Frost and a large number of the cast and crew have returned to participate in this extraordinary new collection.
This 10-disc set includes “Greetings from Twin Peaks” collectable postcards and a plethora of special features, including hours of newly-minted bonus content, featuring exclusive cast and crew interviews and rare footage never before released on DVD, produced by award-winning DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika (“Alien Quadrilogy,” “Spider-Man 2: Special Edition,” “Blade Runner: The Final Cut.”)
Thought to have been lost forever, a selection of deleted scenes has been unearthed for this collection and approved by David Lynch, offering viewers additional clues and background on some of their favorite characters and locations in the series.
The collection showcases the phenomenon that was TWIN PEAKS with such archival nuggets as the “Saturday Night Live” opening monologue and “Twin Peaks” sketch featuring Kyle MacLachlan, the “Falling” music video featuring Julee Cruise, the Richard Beymer behind-the-scenes photo gallery, original network promo spots and many more rare gems!
Newly remastered from the original negative and personally approved by David Lynch, the episodes have never looked better. Moreover, viewers will have the option of enjoying the episodes in either new 5.1 Surround Sound or the original 2.0 network television audio.
I’ll be participating in a panel at the IFP Market on Monday September 17, 4-5pm at the Puck Building. We’ll be discussing the best ways to approach the press and how to create buzz via your own blog.
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