Studio
Massify/Killer branded content helps promote Ace Hotel Group - The New York Times
12/20/2010 at 7:00 PM by Kenneth Woo
In this character-driven suspense comedy short, filmmaker Dee Austin Robinson weaves a story about a dysfunctional relationship where a stronger bond seems to exist between the woman and her cat (Charley) than between the couple themselves. Courtney and Ryan check into the Ace Hotel in New York for a weekend getaway, yet fail utterly to connect despite the romantic setting. Courtney can't stop talking about Charley, and Ryan's advances are frustrated. When Courtney and Ryan later discover that Charley has hitched a ride in their luggage, the plot takes an unexpected twist.
Dee Robertson Writer, Producer, Director
Nancy Kissam Writer, Director
Charley Comedy
The Wrong Guys for the Job - A Conversation with Sean Sinerius
8/18/2010 at 8:00 PM by Kenneth Woo
Tell us a little about your background and how you came to film?
I mainly come from a music video and commercial background, although I also create short films every now
and again. I've always had a passion for cinema growing up and watching all sorts of different movies,
but it wasn't until midway through high school I started to take it seriously. With the advent of
digital camcorders (DVX100, Canon XL2, etc), I immersed myself heavily into the digital filmmaking world
and started building upon cinematography and editing skills with any project that came my way. I also
started to learn more about Adobe After Effects and motion graphics. From there, it just became a career
choice for me - I really didn't want to do anything else but direct, DP, and edit everything from
commercials, to music videos and films.
After a year and a half or so of film school, I was hired at a post house based out of Tempe Arizona
where I was mainly shooting and editing commercial/event videos. I eventually moved onto a Phoenix news
station where I joined their promotions team to shoot and edit promos. At the same time, my producer and
I were creating (and still continue to) music videos for artists throughout Arizona.
Sean Sinerius Editor, Cinematographer, Director
Don't Forget Sister - Video Premiere & Making-of Webisodes
5/24/2010 at 7:31 AM by Kenneth Woo
We're proud to bring you the music video that was brought to life through the collaborative efforts and talents of the Massify community, Epic Records and RSA Films for Low vs Diamond's Don't Forget Sister. Congratulations to filmmaker Matthew Chilbert and actress Katie Adler for making Massify's first music video such a resounding success. Read more to see the Making-of Webisodes with Matthew and Katie on the set.
Matthew Chilbert Other, Editor, Director
Lionsgate Update - Director Selection Date and Cast & Crew Extension
5/14/2010 at 12:18 PM by Kenneth Woo
Once again, we've been overwhelmed with the quality of submissions received during the Director's Phase of the Incubator program. It's clear how much work and effort went into the creation of your Director's Pitch Videos - and they have really opened our eyes to the potential of "The Wrong Guys For the Job." Thanks to everyone who submitted.
Over the next week, the Lionsgate Team will continue to narrow down their shortlists with a plan to name a selected director on or before May 25th. The Cast and Crew phase has also been extended until June 1st so that the selected director will be able to participate in the process.
The Wrong Guys for the Job - A Conversation with Barbara Gray
4/21/2010 at 1:06 PM by Kenneth Woo
We had the opportunity to sit down with Barbara Gray and learn a little more about the emerging writer, as well as hear how development is progressing for The Wrong Guys for the Job - the first film from the Lionsgate Incubator partnership.
>> Read more
Barbara Gray Writer, Producer
A Conversation with Maya Kazan & Production Stills from Lulu At the Ace Hotel
4/1/2010 at 10:17 AM by Kenneth Woo
Maya Kazan's "Lulu at the Ace Hotel" has just wrapped principal photography as one of the selected films for our collaboration with Killer Films and the Ace Hotel. We caught up with Maya on the set to talk about her thoughts on Lulu as well as her plans as one of Massify's most promising filmmakers.
>> Read more
Maya Kazan Editor, Crew, Writer, Director, Actor
Concept Announced for Lionsgate Incubator
3/29/2010 at 5:40 AM by Kenneth Woo
We believe that THE WRONG GUYS FOR THE JOB is a fun story that fits the desired male-driven comedy genre while maintaining a relevant and accessible theme. The LGF team is excited to continue in its partnership with Massify by working with a writer who we feel has the ability and drive to come into her own as a screenwriter.
Barbara’s project hits all the comedic notes that a broad comedy should, while also maintaining a witty connection to current affairs. The story takes a universally familiar situation and has made it light hearted and entertaining. The concept of botching interviews to make other candidates stand out provides both physical and situational humor that will allow audiences to both identify with and laugh at these characters.
>> Read more
Alex Barkaloff Writer, Producer
Lionsgate Concept Selection Will Be Announced Soon
3/18/2010 at 1:04 PM by Kenneth Woo
It's hard to contain our excitement for the fantastic response to our first program under the Lionsgate Incubator. With over 1,400 submissions, this has been the most successful development phase to date and shatters our previous record for number of concepts entered.
We can't thank you enough for all of the inspired stories that were created and submitted - and we look forward to the opportunity to read through material that represents countless hours of your hard work. That's right, each and every concept will be read and reviewed. We'd also like to thank everyone who contributed helpful reviews and comments, which will continue to serve as a useful guide.
Over the coming days, the Lionsgate Team will continue to narrow down their shortlists with a plan to name the selected concept on March 22nd. We will begin the Director's phase shortly thereafter - so stay tuned, and best of luck to everyone!
Alex Barkaloff Writer, Producer
Concept Notes from the Lionsgate Team
3/3/2010 at 9:30 AM by Kenneth Woo
We are entering the final week of entries and welcome your last minute submissions, comments and additional notes. We are starting to see some great stories develop and are pleased with this group endeavor. We do want to guide you to the finish line however with a few comments and suggestions.
Your log line is the most important part of the submission. You must try to get us (and eventually an audience) to want to know more. Choose a concept that is easy to express in a sentence; if that's hard for you to do, you may be working on a low-concept idea.
Alex Barkaloff Writer, Producer
LOOP PLANES Announced for SXSW 2010
2/12/2010 at 9:19 AM by Kenneth Woo
We are thrilled with the news that Loop Planes, our first collaboration with Killer Films, has made it to SXSW this year.
Thanks again to the Massify community for making this such a successful program, and congratulations to Killer, Robin, and the entire Loop Planes team!
SXSW Announces Shorts Lineup
From Online Video to Eight-Figure Picture Deal
2/11/2010 at 11:05 AM by Suraj Das
Imagine this: you've just mastered shooting on a new digital-SLR or compositing using some new killer-app. You decide to drop a few hundred bucks to throw together a short video that demonstrates your newly acquired skills, and then you upload your finished piece to Massify, YouTube, Vimeo, or all three. A few days later, your inbox nearly explodes with e-mails from Hollywood executives and agents; they would all like to offer you a few million dollars and help develop your idea into a feature film.
If the aforementioned scenario sounds farfetched, you're probably unaware of the recent success of Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez. Alvarez uploaded the short video above, entitled "Panic Attack!" which reportedly cost him only about $300 to create. The video was written up in a number of tastemaking blogs and went on to become a viral sensation, spreading like wild-fire and racking up an impressive 1.5 million views in just three short weeks.
>> Read more
Suraj Das Writer, Director
Welcome from the Lionsgate Team
2/1/2010 at 7:31 AM by Kenneth Woo
Welcome to the Lionsgate Incubator!
Lionsgate wants to develop a high concept comedy, a movie where the premise can be explained in a single sentence, or better yet, title.
The winning script should be fun, full of hilarious dialogue and memorable characters. It should be grounded, but playful and set in the present day. Feel free to draw from your own backyard, workplace, relatives, in-laws and ex’s. Have fun with gags, tricks, and hi-jinks within the context of a relatable story that has universal appeal for men and women alike.
In the coming weeks we will be reviewing and commenting on your submissions, and speaking openly with our opinions in our postings. Working together through this incubator we hope to develop the next laugh riot to be released by Lionsgate.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your pens!
Alex Barkaloff Writer, Producer
Massify.com, Lionsgate, and YouTube partner to create breakthrough Comedy Film - Incubator goes Live
1/26/2010 at 6:52 AM by Kenneth Woo
We are thrilled to announce that Youtube has joined the LINC partnership as our global distribution partner. This will ensure that the final film produced from this program will reach the largest and most engaged audience online. Coupled with your talent and Lionsgate production resources - we're looking forward to seeing a fantastic film emerge in the coming weeks!
Concept development opens today - so head over to the program page to get started.
Read the press release below:
>> Read more
Kenneth Woo
Killer Films Announces Ace Hotel Selections
1/15/2010 at 2:56 PM by Christine Vachon
Killer is extremely excited to finally move into the preproduction phase of our project with Massify and the Ace Hotel. We've selected three films to produce from the final twelve. We chose these projects based on a number of factors; we selected films we believed were most makeable on a micro-budget, films we were confident we could shoot on short schedules, and scripts that all offer a strong, fresh point of view, that are tonally and thematically diverse.
Christine Vachon Producer
Lessons from Last Year
1/6/2010 at 1:19 PM by Suraj Das
Lessons from Last Year
Happy New Year, independent filmmakers! What better way could there possibly be to start the new year than by looking at the trends and business practices that dominated the American film industry in 2009? This sharp, perceptive, and funny post on IFC's The Independent Eye blog does just that. Covering issues ranging from the decline of star-driven movies at the box-office to the rise of 3D, the article brings up some very good points and raises some truly interesting questions about the immediate future of filmmaking. You know what they say about those who do not learn from history - so click here to take a look at the piece and keep yourself in the know!
Suraj Das Writer, Director
