Minutes 12/12/11

Present: Ceileidh, Cara, Sanna, Craig, Chloe, Ceidiog, Marjolein, Joe 

Guests: Emma Perring, Lauren Peterson

So as we had special guests at Maddrim this week, we kicked off with the traditional Name and Fact Game, huzzah!  Sadly, the majority of the facts were really REALLY depressing…

Then we moved onto the first item on the agenda, which was the poverty research group and Maddrim’s possible involvement in one of their new projects.  Lauren and Emma outlined their proposal, which is for Maddrim and others in the poverty group to attend two weekend workshops in January and March, and in between these make a film about the poverty research and the case studies, combining elements of drama and retrospective documentary (ooooh).  This will have several benefits to Maddrim, including working with a London-based production company, learning new styles of filming and BECOMING SUPER FAMOUS (I assume) (Well, the film will be shown around Shetland and possibly further a field) (Double OOOH).

One possible downside discussed was that it is a big time commitment, but everyone at the meeting agreed that they would make the time for this project (with the possible exception of Marjolein and Chloe, who may be leaving us in the New Year… WHYYYY). Another downside discussed was that we would not have full creative control.  However, the workshop plans include time to brainstorm ideas for the films, so we should not end up making films we don’t want to.  YAY!

We need to get a number of people definitely interested by Christmas, so remind me to do that!  Joe, Katya or I (me/Cara) will be attending planning meetings with Emma, Lauren and their group, so will keep us updated, and there will be a contract drawn up so we know exactly what we’re doing.

NEXT.  Cara spoke briefly about the Young Scot Handbook, which was given out to all first years last week.  It has a section about Maddrim, and we’ve had one person already ask for more information, hooray for potential new members!  We’ve decided to write back inviting them to the next meeting and to tell them a bit about the current projects.

NEXT.  Marjolein gave us an update on how the Improv Film (working title) is going.  Saturday’s filming went very well, and got Ceileidh out of the cold and hail.  However, there were some problems with the equipment, which hopefully Shetland Arts will sort out.  We will be filming the final scenes on Monday before the Christmas Party, and the schedule looks something like this:

1545 – 1630: Inside the submarine, at Dirk’s house

                                    Main Cast: Chloe or Amy, Sanna

1630 – 1700: Man who is scared of FROOT, Islesburgh somewhere

                                    Main Cast: Joe, Roseanne (as special guest), Cara, Katya

1700 – 1800: Marjolein’s Hour, Islesburgh somewhere

                                    Main Cast: Katya, Ceidiog, Craig

More people are probably needed, but I don’t remember… Marjolein will email out closer to the time!

During this discussion we somehow got sidetracked talking about my acquaintance/friend Stephen, who was voted RTE Guide’s Hottest Male Celebrity and works at RTE, the equivalent of the BBC in Ireland.  Marjolein decided he is ‘not that hot’ and listed WILLEM DAFOE and JACK BLACK in her top five attractive men.  The unanimous decision (maybe?) was that she is weird.  Then Joe steered us back on track using his steering mime, which will totally become a thing.

We accidentally skipped the next two things on the agenda so we could talk about the Christmas Party… so excited! We’re going to play party games and have food and watch a Christmas Film (‘Elf’ not ‘Santa Goes to Court’) and also watch some rough cuts of the films we’ve made since September!  If Cara gets them edited in time… Anyway, 19^th December, after Improv film shoot until 9pm!  So probably 6-9 at Islesburgh.  Bring food! Make cookies!

Then we discussed the New Year. We decided Wednesday 4^th January was fine for the AGM, so Cara will put a thing in the paper.  Items for the agenda include:

• Electing a new Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary
• Talking protocol so people don’t talk over each other (introduced at the beginning and monitored by Harry… probably)
• Maddrim ideology
• Recap of the year, watch Screenplay 2011 films again because they are excellent
• Funding
• Future projects

Then Joe sang like an old man, and Ceidiog was mean about something (according to my wonderful note taking… oh, I miss Katya).

Joe, Marjolein and Cara will be filming a flash mob this weekend, and some Maddrimers are needed to film another next week, so we’ll speak about that at the party.

And to finish off the meeting, we danced around and ate mince pies.

See you next weeeeeek! 

Cara x

Minutes 28/11/11

Present: Shaela, Chloe W, Katya, Willem, Marjolein, Joe, Craig – and two new faces: Daniel and Ceileidh (Ya got that MJ? Ceileidh.)

So, after the successes of last week’s filming in the Garrison for MJ’s Improv Film, we decided to set the rest of the filming days – get these in your diary! :D

Filming in the Anderson WOW Room will be in next Maddrim’s meeting time on the 5th December (though possibly starting earlier than 7 – advanced warning will be given). Named actors needed are Ceidiog, Mathew, Joe, Craig, me and someone else to be a bouncer (we were thinking BARNUM here).

Filming in the Town Hall will be on Saturday 10^th; named actors being Shaela, Mareel and Liam.

Islesburgh failed dramatically on cable supplies. Our plan to edit this year’s Hallowe’en film was not possible.

But we did decide on this:

PROPER DEADLINE FOR NINJA FILM STORYBOARDS – 12^th December. This is our next project after Improv Film so we need to get these done. Remember to speak get in touch if you want to ask about anything :) If you’ve forgotten what scene you’re doing email back and I’ll tell ya – I’ve managed to avoid massive spoilers thus far so might as weel keep going.

I got another email from Lauren Peterson about getting us to help film that documentary I mentioned a few weeks back. She’s asked if Emma Perring could come to our meeting to tell us more about the project on the 12^th. Why does that date ring a bell, you ask? NINJA DEADLINE. But yeah, we’ve got enough interest within the group so expect a visitor that day!

FirstLight Funding.

Yes, I know, this has been an ongoing fail since the dawn of time, but this year we will be more organised. And Joe’s Granny’s best friend’s daughter works in professional filming – we got connections! – so she could be our mentor.

Sandyburn Singers.

This group is having a flash mob on the 17^th, and Joe will be filming. A couple of others will be needed to help oot – speak to Joe :)

Then, we played a game. No – not “The Name and Fact Game”. This game is much, much better, and it is called “Mafia”. I shall explain later…

See you next week - Ciao!

Katya

x

Present: Chloe W, Cara, Craig, Sanna, Liam, Willem, Ceidiog, Joe, Mathew, Barnum, Katya

Cara, once again, had an agenda of things to speak about. GO CARA!

Next year, for the 2012 Olympic Games, Shetland Arts are organising “A Hansel of Film – Shetland to Southampton and Back”. This will involve a relay-race of films going around the whole of the UK – started on the 10^th when the Olympic Torch reaches Shetland. More detailed info can be found here: (read it if you don’t know about it – it’s exciting!) http://www.shetlandarts.org/hanseloffilm

This is relevant to us because we will be making films! Though, instead of our usual August-ish deadline, we’ll need to have films made for April instead. No more than 5 mins each. A Challenge; Bring it.

Jacqui has been contacted. She says sorry for not replying (she apparently needs constant reminders) but there’s hardly any money left – though she will try to get us some. HOORAY! Thus, me and Cara are going to constantly remind her. A Plan (Y).

Willem has bought www.maddrimmedia.com, www.maddrimmedia.co.uk, www.maddrimmedia.info. TAKE THAT BALLERS THROWIN’ DOWN. Also, an in-joke must be made in the sports day Ninja scene. That would make my day.

And, we need to rejuvenate the Maddrim website a little – more pictures and such. Job for Willem and Craig methinks.

Also, what are people’s thoughts on having Film Critique time set up? This would have to be outside of Maddrim hours, and non-members could be invited (recruitment drive GO), and we could watch things like “Star Wars” and “Jurassic Park”...which I have yet to see. *slaps wrists in absolute shame*

Cara, this is for you:

Then had a run through of MJ’s improv. film script, and went into groups to edit bits...

• -          Take out “They’re taking the Hobbits to Isengard; the audience will be suuy confused: change to “I love her the MOST!” type lines
• -          Make a scary face out of fruit for the Man Who Is Afraid Of Fruit to be scared of
• -          Too many Mathews! As much as we appreciate Mathew, there are too many for us to cope with just now
• -          Make Chloe’s prisoner character have a homemade tee with her “love”’s face on. Creepeh.
• -          Change turtles to tigers (we have access to THREE tiger suits, but no turtle suits)
• -          Use the WOW room in the Anderson for MJ’s Hour sequence (I shall inquire tomorrow)
• -          Give Ceidiog’s Italian a new line: “Pasta la vista, baby!”

(Cara, if I’ve missed any edits/anything email me and I’ll stick them in :) )

Then we played Who Stole My Pencil, Winkie Murder and Heads Down Thumbs Up to round off the meeting :D

Keep your thinkin’ caps on (after this, Ninja film is happnin’ - we have to be on the ball!) and I will see you on SATURDAY!

Katya

x

Minutes 07/11/11

Present: Joe, Marjolein, Chloe W, Mathew, Cara, Katya, Willem, Liam, Sanna, Amy, Craig.

First, we started with the long beloved Name and Fact Game; something I'm not a massive fan of. But, it's tradition...

1. Maddrim.com
Ballers throwin’ down have STOLEN our URL. BOO!
Nothing quite has the same ring to it as maddim.com, but if we can’t buy it back, then we’ll just have to settle for www.maddrimmedia.com or www.maddrim.co.uk.

2. Jacqui

This long-running conflict has been an issue for us since Tall Ships. And we are not happy. She’s been hasn’t even had the courtesy to reply to our emails etc. about payment for our commission in the summer. And she’s never at panto meetings, so I haven’t seen her to ask her directly. DOUBLE BOO!
Cara is going to be seeing her soon and will speak to her then.

Enough bad news.

3. Lauren Peterson

We got an email asking if we want to be involved in making a documentary about Poverty, Social Exclusion and Deprivation in Shetland. Now before you all run away screaming, hear this out: there will be a PROFESSIONAL film company helping - so, it’s more like work experience. And, we only need a few people to be interested, which we’ve got.

4. Film nights/gigs

An idea came up to have a variety concert type thing with Maddrim, Comet Conspiracy, PK kids all together! This is actually feasible too :)

5. MJ’s improv. film

We’re going to rehearse next week in Maddrim time, and on the 19^th from 12-5 in Islesburgh all the equipment will be available for

Filming: 21^st and 22^nd, 5-9, Garrison. I’ve emailed the scripts :D

EDITING...finally.

Do you like Youtube?
YEAH!
Well, go to these channels for super-duper special effects in use AND How-to videos.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CorridorDigital

http://www.youtube.com/user/samandniko

But first – before editing – Willem tells us of the 3 important rules:

1.       Get a good crew, it makes all the difference between an alright and an aaaawesome film

2.       Sound. Willem says this is the highest priority in filming. Watch short films without looking and you’ll see! It makes some sense really.

3.        Film everything at least 3 times. At college, Willem had to film everything 10 times. TEN. That’s crazy...but it means you have better versions of footage and more to play around with when editing.

Now, this, my friends, is Final Cut Pro.

Drag your clips from the Clip Bin to the Editing Bar to get started!

Razor Tool: (B) cuts your clip into itty bitty pieces!

Arrow: (A) means you can drag the itty bitty pieces wherever you want. Handy, eh?

Effects Tab:

Including greenscreen (good for people and skintones) and bluescreen (good for everything else).

Effects can be found HERE (for free!) à http://www.detonationfilms.com/Stock_Directory.html

Video:  the bar closest to the top takes priority.

Audio: all the bars play so that you can layer sounds.

Motion: Centre/anchor points are useful in getting special effects to move though your film.

Special effects work on an animation basis.

Willem: “So what do you know about animation?”

MJ: “It’s not real.”

...yea...point taken on board...

MJ: “Can we put the ball of fire in italics?”

...sure....

Someone: “Enough nipple talk!”

*sigh* And I thought that, for a while, we’d feigned maturity pretty well.

Also, Willem has kindly offered assistance if anyone needs help – just email or phone him. Thanks for everything Willem!

And to finish, a brilliant little video entitled “Visual Effects: 100 Years of Inspiration”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP_hAszQPgk

Katya

x

The Flight of Kathy

Can you build a flying machine using a shopping trolley, some glitter and a huge pile of optimism?

A Film by

• Ceidiog Saxelby & Roseanne Watt

Directed by

• Roseanne Watt

Written & Starring

• Ceidiog Saxelby

Camera

• Roseanne Watt
• Chris Halcrow
• Joe Christie
• Aidan Nicol
• Harry Whitham

Thanks To

• Anne Watt
• Alec Watt
• Eamonn Watt

Music

• Norman & The Folding Deckchairs
• Sigur Rós

Fun facts!

This film was dedicated to Kathy Hubbard, Shetland Art's development worker who has been a huge help to Maddrim over the years.

Battle of The Juices

How does a human choose which juice to drink with lunch? It's time to find out!

Starring & Written by

• Maddrimers

Directed & Edited by

• Chris Halcrow

Fun facts!

Eilidh is in genuine pain during the toothpaste torture scene. Oh, the things you put up with when you're a Maddrimer!

Tea and Jaffacakes

An old woman tries to get her dementia suffering husband to remember her through their once treasured daily tradition of tea and jaffacakes.

Written & Directed by

• Aidan Nicol

Starring

• June Ross Smith
• Andy Long
• Christine Ferguson
• Dorothy Ferguson
• Mhairi McNeill

Thanks To

• Taing House
• Bolts MiniMarket
• The Olive Tree
• Kathy Hubbard

Prom

Social outcast Maisie is a lonely girl who finds hope in love only to face a deep betrayal.

Written/Directed by

• Joe Christie

Starring

• Roseanne Watt, Eilidh Jones, Joe Christie & Maddrimers

Edited by

• Joe Christie

Fun facts!

The school the film was shot in (Sandwick Junior High) is the school where many Maddrimers attended or still attend.

If you look closely at the prom poster, the details are the exact date and time and our slot at the film festival!

Joe left the poster up in the school after filming and everyone got excited about the All-American Prom. It stayed up for a term in a prime location!

Do You Know The Muffin Man?

Written by

• Maddrimers

Starring

• Maddrimers

Edited by

• Joe Christie

Camera work

• Roseanne Watt

Fun facts!

It has become a tradition within the Maddrim calendar to dedicate a meeting to making a Halloween themed film (and the same goes for Christmas!). A lack of light, prepartion and props usually make these films practically impossible to watch, but they absolutely wonderful to make!

This year we exceeded ourselves with props. There was a whole table of them! And face paint!

The demise into a concluding sexual innuendo is also an unfortunate(?) traditional aspect for these holiday specials.

This film can be viewed on the new Crap Maddrim Youtube Channel

Split Ends

Written, Directed, Edited

• Joe Christie

Starring

• Ceidiog Saxelby
• Mhairi McNeill
• Joe Christie
• Harry Whitham
• Martha Thomson
• Max Tyler
• Niamh Williamson
• Kathy Hubbard

Fun facts!

Kathy describes this film as being "Camper than Butlins" and we're inclined to agree!

From Screenplay 2009

The God of Tennis

Take one up and coming sportstar, your favorite neighbourhood deity and add one big lot of tennis, and what have you got??

... this ...

Directed

• Chris Halcrow
• Mhairi McNeill

Starring

• Joe Christie
• Gengus McNeill
• Mhairi McNeill

Music

• Stuart Thompson
• Amanda Palmer (Another Year, from "Who Killed Amanda Palmer")

Fun facts!

This film was conceived and filmed all in one evening (just over an hour, where most of the time was spent trying to find tennis rackets...).

Gengus is a very stupid dog - and when we tried to get him to sit still by giving him a squeaky chew toy, he instead ran away cause he didn't like the squeaking noise.

Mhairi and Chris joked that this would be a best film of the festival (they've convinced themselves it is!). Simon Miller's daughter said it was her favorite which has significantly boosted the ego's of Mhairi and Chris who now refuse to associate themselves with the rest of the group, and insist they are carried around on a throne.

Split Ends: THE Interview

We sent Aidan Nicol (the former chairperson of Maddrim Media) to chat to Joe Christie, the writer and directors of Split Ends - one of the highlights of this year's Screenplay festival.

So, Joe, this year you wrote and directed the comedy short 'Split Ends'. Tell us a bit about the film, whats the story?

It's about four very extreme characters being put in a hilarious situation. They work in a not very popular hair dressing salon but luck is about to strike when a "major" celebrity enters it's doors and changes their lives forever!

What inspired you to write it?

I was doing my first daily booth picture (ed: check out www.dailybooth.com) and I started playing with a hair dryer, and then my good friend said "Wouldn't it be nice to make a hair dressing film??". Not really an inspirational story... but it's how it happened!

What were the main challenges you faced during production and post production?

Wigs.

What did you enjoy most about making split ends?

I enjoyed the massage chairs - although the next week they caught fire! Maybe they weren't the best...

In the film, you play a main role as 'Raven', can you relate to the character?

Laughs. Lets just say all the clothes I wore were mine - but apart from his slightly emo dress sense - no. I'm usually a very happy person.

Was the film based on a real life experience?

Yes, yes it was.

Any plans for a spin off or sequel?…or even prequel?

Yes. The birth of Raven.

What was it like working with household names such as Mhairi McNeill?

It was a great honour, I was so honoured when I heard she could be a part of the project, she is so beautiful - a real pro!

What does Shetland Mean to you?

It's a very safe and secure community - where you won't be attacked on the street for making a film like this... fingers crossed!

Thanks Raven!!

You can look forward to Split Ends appearing on YouTube very soon!

Trapped on Mousa: the WORST film...

Directed, Written, Edited & Enjoyed by:

Lorcan Henry

Starring:

• Aidan Nicol
• Chris Halcrow
• Mhairi McNeill
• Joe Christie
• Max Tyler

We're sorry, very sorry. You have to understand - this film was just a big mistake waiting to happen... four friends trapped on Mousa; they all die horrifically in a Final Destination-esque style. At least their dead now, no chance for a sequel!

Fun facts

We woke up at 3am to film Masks. After this we had to finish Stallion Head and then went to St Ninian's (and later Mousa) to make this film. You have to understand how tired we were, explaining the poor quality

This film began with the plot premise of aliens using Mousa Broch as a base for their evil activities - and a war with trowies and other such thing happening. Unfortunately (or luckily) we didn't have time. :(

Masks

A short film we made for Screenplay 2008. The film examines the destruction of identity that can result from drug misuse.

Written:

Roseanne Watt

Directed:

• Lorcan Henry
• Roseanne Watt
• Aidan Nicol

Edited:

Lorcan Henry

Cast:

• Roseanne Watt
• Mhairi McNeill
• Joe Christie
• Aidan Nicol
• Cara McDiarmid
• Chris Halcrow
• Jason Gray
• Max Tyler

Fun Facts!

We were put on ITV because of this, though it was a bit rubbish cause they twisted everything we meant and wanted to say into "Shetland has a drug problem". Darn!

To get the street empty, we all stayed at Lorcan's house then went out on the street at 3am. After filming this we had to go and film some of Stallion Head, Trapped on Mousa and "The Running Film". It was quite a painful day!

Amanda Palmer (the singer and piano player in the song) mentioned this in her blog. She said:

starts slow, but stick with it. for high school, i'm impressed.
jesus. cocaine that young sort of makes me want to cry. why aren't kids dropping acid anymore? wtf.