AFFF log

"We call him when we want something different"
Links: AFFF

Cory McAbee talked about his experiences shooting for the small screen of cell phones, and about his work so far in film and music as well.

For Stingray Sam he has chosen to put a lot of information and music in each episode, to accommodate and invite multiple viewings.

Some specific comments he made on the process of making films for cell phones: wide shots tend not to work, just like lots of camera moves, fast editing, and a credit crawl at then end (because no-one watches this). There is no fixed aspect ratio so whatever choice was made, chances are high that the end result will be displayed letterboxed or squeezed. Cory also said to be considering shooting his next cell phone project in "tall screen" format, since phones tend to be more tall than wide, and people don't always flip their phones.

A charming chap, this Cory McAbee. Witty and honest about his work and his experiences, talking passionately about what he does and why he chooses to do it this way. Let's hope Stingray Sam does well so that he can continue to develop new music and films.

Masterclass with the director, writer and main actor of Stingray Sam about his films, choices, the film-industry, writing, music and technical challenges (among others)
Link: AFFF / imdb

Difficult to give a concise description, so bear with me. Self-taught director, writer and musician Cory McAbee described the process of filming in general and filming for small screens (cellphones), his considerations concerning subject, style and technique. He didn't want to hold a mic, "this is the hand that talks! " but bounced over the little podium enthousiastically explaining the what, why, how of his career.

Random tidbits:

• the first acting of his then 4 y.o. daughter; telling her to put her arms like this and then brandish up!, an existing made-up phrase of her
• no wide shots on small screens: "Lawrence of Arabia is a pixel moving over the desert"
• no specific method or order in conceiving a story, its shape and style; fairly random as it comes (yes, there's hope!)

He's a wonderful presence, someone who laughs and talks, attentively listening and answering questions from the audience.

Rating: 9