Imagivation » Film

So what’s cookin’?

PaulH — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:32:02 +0000

Lots of things… lots of things.

This site has been pretty quiet for the last few months. You’d never be able to tell that Imagivation has been busier than ever before.

Yup, busier than ever.

New year, new purpose. Change is coming.

-Paul

Paul Hastings - CEO, Imagivation

Filmmakers Academy Finished

PaulH — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:20:11 +0000

Filmmakers Academy Summer 2010

Filmmakers Academy is officially over for the summer. I can’t believe what a blast it was. Sure, it was hectic for Alex and I to juggle between our other jobs and schoolwork, but it was worth every bit. With just a couple weeks of notice, we had 24 students sign up that we divided into 4 teams.

Over the course of 6 weeks each team made 5 films with themes such as “dirty”, “42″, “hunger”, and “coffee”. They covered topics as mundane as “cups” and “library books” as well as weighty topics such as “revenge” and “witnessing”. One of the coolest parts of the camp was that each team brainstormed, wrote, directed, acted, filmed, and edited their own films. Incredibly, each team did this without fail every week, for 40 days.

Filmmakers Academy - Class of Summer 2010

Our final film festival had an amazing turnout – probably 200 or so in the audience. Our panel of festival judges was composed of Cindy Ryan (from the first film that Alex and I made “For Honor”), Juan Rivera (a professional cinematographer from Reaching the Globe), and Daniel Hagen (one of the lead developers on ChristianFilmmakers.org).

The final films that were submitted to the Festival aren’t online yet, but the 16 films that were made prior are available for online viewing.

We’re in the News!

Unknown to us we had a special guest in the audience.

“The success of the Filmmakers Academy definitely shined out quite brightly on August 14th, as some 150 people showed up to support the budding filmmakers for the Film Festival and Awards Ceremony…”

“Being a movie critic myself, I had a fun time watching these 25 students do their best at putting their different ideas and thoughts on video… for this group of aspiring filmmakers’ first year and first movies, they were very impressive and showed promise…”

Check out Eric Shirey’s entire review.

Academy Highlights

And of course you don’t want to miss out the Academy Highlights video below.

Quite the experience. Quite the summer. Stay tuned for next week’s update.

Imagivation Update

PaulH — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 09:18:10 +0000

Wow, it’s been sometime since the last update here! So hmm… what’s going on with Imagivation?

Concordia Film Festival

In May “For Honor” won 1st place in the Drama category at the International Christian Communication Arts Festival at Concordia University in Austin. “Gold Miner” also was 1 of 2 films to receive an honorable mention.

Concordia Film Festival Award

Imagivation.net

Joining the ranks of the Imagivation family is Imagivation.net.

Imagivation.net - Web Development

I’ve been designing, building, and repairing websites and having a blast while doing it.

Cocoa Loco

Alex and I got together to film our 1st action sequence with Aaron and Isaac Lerma. We were greatly assisted by Ana and Rachel Lerma. The finished product is still be edited. Stay tuned to learn more.

Rachel, Paul, Alex, Isaac, Ana and Aaron after filming "Cocoa Loco"

JibeNow – The Homeschool Social Network

JibeNow launched into delta via a “MegaLaunch” on June 21st.

JibeNow - The Homeschool Social Network

Some quick facts:

As of June 27th, JibeNow has 210 members.
Our goal is to provide an online platform for Christian Homeschoolers to encourage and challenge each other into becoming stronger instruments of Jesus Christ.
Our mantra is “Debate. Discuss. But mostly just share.”
Counting myself there are now 7 volunteer admins working on JibeNow.

If you haven’t yet, then make sure to visit JibeNow – The Homeschool Social Network.

Public Speaking

2010 CHEACT Blogging Talk

This past Friday and Saturday I had the privilege of teaching a couple of 50-minute workshops at the CHEACT Homeschool Conference.

The 2 classes were entitled, “Blogging Like a Screaming Ninja Monkey (Beginning Blogging)” and “My Blog Needs Liposuction! (Advanced Blogging) “. Needless to say it was a total blast and I hope to do it again sometime soon.

Digital Video Camp

Alex Lerma and I were asked to return to Camp Wilderness Ridge and help with their Digital Video Camp. Only this year instead of being the assistants we’re actually the directors. We’re leaving for the camp today and will return to Austin on July 3rd.

Paul and Alex heading out to the set

Filmmakers Academy

The Filmmakers Academy

Perhaps one of the biggest highlights of our summer, Alex and I are hosting our own video camp. Set in a highly hands-on environment, students will meet once a week in Austin to learn about a new filmmaking concept and then will be given a film project assignment to finish in 6 days with their team.

The class runs from July 6th – August 10th. Our final film festival (which is free to the public) will be on August 14th.

To learn more, visit the Filmmakers Academy website.

Last thing…

Could you pray for me? I need it. Very much so.

Carry on.

Chuck Norris Did What?!?!

PaulH — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:25:17 +0000

Without further ado we give you… Chuck Norris Did What?!?!

“Cowboy and the Geek” – Coming to theaters near you.

What do you think?

Rick Green Update

PaulH — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:53:43 +0000

We’ve been working hard on the video for the last several days. Four hour nights seem routine by now. Here are a few pictures taken during Friday’s shoot. Images are courtesy of Heather Guzman.

Isaac in his element

Camera crew

Robert and sound blankets

The Dubious Duo... duoed

Rick Green

PaulH — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:59:17 +0000

Alex and I have a friend named Rick Green running for Texas State Supreme Court, Place 3. Visit his campaign site here (incidentally, our friend Thomas Umstattd built Rick’s site).

In late October we created 4 promotional videos to kick off Rick’s campaign.

Alex and I’ve been working the last couple of days on a video for Rick as he prepares for the March 2nd Republican primary. We’re wrapping up pre-production tonight and will begin shooting tomorrow starting at 8:00am. It’ll be fun.

Paul and Alex working tonight

Another Winner!

PaulH — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:36:37 +0000

November 21st, Imagivation and Light Studios saw three of their top films screened in the first annual Young Christian Filmmaker’s Festival in Bryan, TX! For Honor, a finalist at the SAICFF, was featured in the “Narrative” category along with Forever, the dramatic music video and our newest major project. As an afterthought, a recut version of Gold Miner was submitted into the “Parables” category. Ironically, our afterthought paid off, being well accepted and winning the category award!

the winning filmmakers

And for all of you out there who worked so hard on Forever, though you were unsung heroes at this festival, it was extremely well-accepted, and even tied for runner-up for audience choice… always one of the most coveted awards at any festival… and was only behind first place by 2 votes! And winning beside, I think that the film spoke an encouraging message to the festival audience, an accomplishment of far greater value unmeasured by votes and awards.

We were all excited to make connections with the people from the Christian film group in Bryan, it was very special to spend time with like-minded believers using their talent to glorify their Creator.

Bryan Film Festival

PaulH — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:22:58 +0000

So if you haven’t heard, “For Honor“, “Gold Miner“, and “Forever” have been accepted into the Young Christian Filmmaker’s Festival in Bryan, TX and will be shown this Saturday, November 21st.

Attendance is free and all are encouraged to come, watch, and learn. The festival will be held from 10:00 – noon at the address below:

We hope to see yall there!

4FX

PaulH — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:53:38 +0000

A shady deal begins unfolding in the underworld of the big city. But what’s this? All is not as it appears.

Shot on a Canon XL2.
Edited in Adobe Premiere CS3.

You can double-click the video to rate and leave a comment on YouTube. So what do you think?

It’s Coming…

PaulH — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:59:47 +0000

[Edit: We're undergoing technical difficulties, if we can't get the upload up tonight then we'll try to have it up by tomorrow.]

Alex and I are wrapping up the project. We’ll upload something here on Sunday night. It’s cool. Very cool.

A Long Time Ago, In an Alley Far Away…

PaulH — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:23:43 +0000

I’ve been at Alex’s house for the last few days and nights. Here’s a little glimpse of what’s been cooking.

Waiting...

Just a Few More

PaulH — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:31:16 +0000

Wow, it’s been over a week since we finished “Forever”. Here are a few more photos from last Tuesday courtesy of Toni Maisano. For even more production photos see Grace Einkauf’s album.

Hannah, a budding actress

Afternoon tea

Family Reunion (minus Gabrielle)

Forever

PaulH — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:59:12 +0000

And with no further ado we give you “Forever”. Tell us what you think.

“Forever” tells the poignant story of a girl’s childhood memories as she yearns for her father’s love.

Father: David Cordray
Younger Daughter: Hannah Maisano
Older Daughter: Grace Einkauf
Older Daughter Double: Gabrielle Cordray
Orchestra Stand-ins: Alex Brace; Heather Guzman; Alex, Isaac and Rachel Lerma; Bethany, Nathan, and Rachel Malone

Poem: Grace Einkauf
Lyrics: Rachel Malone
Music: Michael Guzman and Rachel Malone
Performed by: Bethany and Rachel Malone
Sung by: Heather Guzman and Danny Waller

Boom and Track: courtesy of Juan Rivera
Second Camera: courtesy of Jeff Buchle
Audio Recording and Mixing: Sam Kokajko
Technical Help: David Huang
Costume Coordinator: Heather Guzman
Grunts: Alex, Ivy, and Robert Brace; Christina Hastings; Isaac Lerma; Toni Maisano; Nathan Malone

Cameras: Canon XL2 (1 pair)
Edited in: Adobe Premiere CS3
Location: Manor, TX

Produced, directed, and written by Alex Lerma and Paul Hastings.
Special thanks to Juan Rivera.

Progress Update

PaulH — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:50:45 +0000

If you haven’t read Fast and Furious, Music Recording, Sunday Night, or Monday Morning then right now might be a good time.

Just as a refresher, we’ve been working in a collaborative effort to create a music video based on the talents of multiple personal friends from the Austin area. The deadline we’re shooting for is to have uploaded the video to YouTube by tonight, October 9th, at 11pm CST to submit as demo material for an upcoming film contest.

Sam finalized the audio track last morning, Alex has finished the main cut of the video and is working on story tweaks and color correction, while I appear to be running the Public Morale Department. If you’d like to help then pray for us and keep cheering us on.

Monday Morning

PaulH — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:00:59 +0000

Rising bright and early on Monday morning, we hit the set. Well, let me rephrase that. Those who actually slept woke up, the others who stayed up through the night just transitioned their weary bodies from dark to day.

The weather was fantastic producing lots of low-lying mist. We really couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop. Photos are once again courtesy of Rachel Malone.

Isn't that just cool?

Guys in ecstasy over cool equipment

Isaac, violinist extraordinaire

Robert holding lyrics

Alex and Paul conspiring

The orchestra

Monday morning, mist, grass, a steadicam, a boom, cameras, a wonderful orchestra, and 4 hours in a field all came together to create the “music” portion of the music video.

Sunday Night

PaulH — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:07:28 +0000

A single word could sum up the last few days… “hectic”. The following pictures come courtesy of Rachel Malone’s Picasa album and were taken this past Sunday night.

Piano Movers, Inc.

Bet you've never seen that

Alex and Isaac examine the piano lid

The ever-present halogens

Bethany at 3am

Rachel at 3am

Heather at 3am

Rachel L. at 3am

Alex B. at 3am

Green screens, halogen lights, extension cords, energy and manpower, oh, and lots of duct tape. Hmm, and maybe throw in a piano too for good measure. Yup, that just about sums up what filmmaking is all about.

Kudos to everyone who stuck it out with us until 5:00am and then joined us again in the morning at 7:00. These guys (and gals) are real troopers.

Music Recording…

PaulH — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:50:09 +0000

Below are some pictures from Saturday’s handiwork. Pictures are courtesy of Rachel Malone’s camera.

Fast and Furious

PaulH — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:13:04 +0000

Wow, Alex and I just realized that exactly one year ago today we submitted “For Honor” to the SAICFF… just a thought. So in light of that (well, not really) Alex and I (and several friends without whom we could never do) are putting together another video this week. Things are fast and furious so stay tuned…

The Vote is In…

PaulH — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:21:20 +0000

I’d like to thank everyone for the display of support, encouragement, and enthusiasm over the Gold Miner video. Without people like yall, Alex and I would be very l confused as to what to make and what to do. So thanks for your involvement, because whether you know it or not, yall provide the direction that we need.

Yesterday morning Higher One announced the final ranking for the 3 finalists of their “Lights, Camera, Action!” film contest. Click to see for yourself.

A quick run-down of metrics

9/17/2009	Gold Miner	Refund Magic	Billy
Views	5700	5931	3801
Comments	103	61	39
Favorites	25	4	2
Ratings	403	351	294
Average Rating	4.06	3.75	1.65

Here’s the original video.

This past weekend we re-cut the original footage of Gold Miner to make a Sermonspice upload that you can watch below.

And again, thanks for your comments, ratings, and support! We’ll keep yall updated on future projects.

Grass Bomb

PaulH — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:00:56 +0000

For a full explanation of all that’s going on you can scroll down further and read to your heart’s content, but for right now all that you need to know to vote for our video is explained in the photos below.

To create a YouTube account and vote just follow the steps outlined below. Click any image to see the full size version.

Registering on YouTube (if necessary) and voting shouldn’t reasonably take longer than 10 minutes or so. Watch and vote for our video here.

As a last step to help our mini-viral campaign please consider emailing a friend, posting on a blog, updating your Facebook status, or Tweeting about our grass bomb. Voting ends at 11pm CST on September 15th. Feel free to leave a comment on this blog post and let us know what you did.

Our long explanation:

Q. Who are you guys?
A. We’re just 2 guys from the Austin area who think film-making is kind of cool. More specifically you can call us Alex Lerma and Paul Hastings.

Q. Why are you doing this?
A. We’re both students at Austin Community College. We submitted an entry into a nation-wide commercial contest for Higher One, Inc. and were selected as 1 of 3 finalists.

Q. What’s the catch? Do you win something?
A. Good question. First place will earn $500 in addition to a cool looking award that can be added to a resume. Well, that and an ego boost.

Q. You’re doing all of this for just $500?
A. Hey, couldn’t you do with $500? But that’s not entirely all of our motives. If you promise to keep quiet then we’ll let you on in a little secret… we’ve a got a surprise project come spring-time that’s going to require a lot of grass-roots support. So consider this grass bomb as an early experiment.

Q. A surprise? Like what?
A. Well, if we told you then it wouldn’t be a surprise.

Q. Where can I see the other 2 entries?
A. You can see them here and here. As far as we know neither of them have a launched a grass bomb of their own.

Q. You keep mentioning the term “grass bomb,” exactly what is that?
A. Ah, another good question. A “grass bomb” is basically a “grass roots viral marketing campaign,” it’s just a shorter way of saying the same thing.

Q. How is the winner chosen?
A. Winners will be selected by total number of views, comments and overall rating. So essentially, you choose the winner.

Q. Hey, I just watched the commercial and it stinks! It looks nowhere near the quality of an ad on television. What were you thinking?
A. Hey, you have to start somewhere, right? We assure you, if we had the money and time of a film studio it would have looked nicer. But we’ll admit that we’re still learning. Incidentally, we conceived, filmed, edited, and submitted the entire commercial in 24 hours.

Q. Hey, I just watched the commercial and it’s awesome! Where did you find your talent?
A. Ah, we perceive that you have good taste. Actually, the actor would be Alex and the voice-over is Paul.

Q. Anything else I should know?
A. Like we said a little earlier, please consider helping our mini-viral campaign by emailing a friend, posting on a blog, updating your Facebook status, or Tweeting about our grass bomb. Voting ends at 11pm CST on September 15th. Feel free to leave us a comment on this blog post to let us know what you did.

Thanks,
Paul and Alex

P.S. If you still haven’t then watch our video here.