Mobifest News
Mon, Jun 23rd 2008, 14:38
Along with an amazing cast and crew, Mobifest teamed up with Marc Roussel and Ron Basch, of Red Sneakers Media, to produce a 3 part sketch about dating. The men were the butt of all of the jokes, as they revealed what not to do on a date. The sketches will link together 3 Mobifest films in an upcoming podcast that will air on Bite TV. Both Marc and Ron were on the ball (well Ron was mostly in a chair) as we finished the day with 15 minutes to spare. We can't wait to see the finished product!
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By Christina
Fri, Jun 6th 2008, 11:41
Summer is here and Mobifest shared some sweat on the Rivoli Patio with Brian Smith .
Now a mobile (scooterized)short film journalist for Now Magazine's website, Brian finds himself on the edge of his scooter waiting for his next big story, and eating skewered scallops. Covering everything from Ultimate Fighting Championship try-outs to photo exhibits in Kensington Market, this new gig is keeping the former Second City comedian on the edge of his seat. Inspired by The Party Game and Billy Van, Brian plans developing a comedy sketch series which will be shooting before the snow falls again.
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By Christina
Thu, May 22nd 2008, 09:59
Back in Toronto, after working in London for Windfall Films on the television series Monster Moves, Ian met Mobifest at Kalendar on College street in Toronto after a meeting with Alliance Atlantis. He enjoyed a scroll, Kalendar's signature crepe style roti with a garden salad. An editor and digital colourist, Ian still finds time to make short films, which he calls experiments.
His most recent film, Pivot, was the only Canadian film to be screened at the Hamburg International Short Film Festival. Up until two years ago Ian had not traveled all that much, but now thanks to international short films film circuit, Ian has become...worldly. Mobifest is glad to be one of his pals.
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By Christina
Thu, May 1st 2008, 17:55
Mobifest lounged with multi-talented actor, writer, and mobile film director, Chene Lawson at Tropicana, the pool bar of the Roosevelt hotel, the birth place of the Academy Awards and near-death place of Marilyn Monroe. Despite Chene's natural warmth, it was chilly: She wore a scarf and drank soda with lime.
Things have been hectic for Chene recently with a move to the Hollywood Hills and a short-term marriage to Cuba Gooding in a recent feature film. More importantly for us --Chene did an awesome job helping us with our very first Mobifest podcast. The she also is developing a multiplatform short film project which we hope to see soon!
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By Duncan
Fri, Apr 4th 2008, 12:36
The Monkey Trilogy man himself sat down with Mobifest for a fresh faced lunch at Cafe Doria. Over a panini and a garden salad, Ben revealed that his Monkey Trilogy films started as a joke that he circulated around his friends. He is still astounded that the series has generated so much buzz. He plans on extending the series as soon as he finds time in his quite busy schedule. He just finished his 13 minute short, "Wookie at Work", a hilarious film about Chewbacca working as an office temp. Currently, Ben works in the legal department at Serendipity Point Films, and watched his name roll on the credits of the blockbuster Eastern Promises.
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By Christina
Fri, Mar 21st 2008, 09:15
Fresh from their Genie Award win for best picture and their Academy Award nomination for Away From Her, Canada's top feature film producers (aka Film Farm) were looking awesome in black when they met up with Mobifest at La Bodega on Baldwin St. Although they politley declined wine, we shared Bodega's "Chocolate, Espresso, and Bailey’s Flourless Cake" which was as good as it sounds.
From Atom Egoyan's new film Adoration, to Brian DePalma's ReDacted, mobile and new media is an ongoing theme for Film Farm. Can digital media actually become insightful and moving ? Perhaps we'll find some answers through Imaginary Lovers, Don McKellar's recreation of the love letter..a collaboration with Film Farm which was previewed at Mobifest Toronto 07
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By Duncan
Fri, Mar 14th 2008, 12:33
In preparation for St. Patrick's Day, Mobifest met with award winning filmmaker Marc Roussel at the Fynn's of Temple Bar in Toronto. Marc who celebrated with a Steamwhistle and a triple-decker, forgot to wear green. He did however, win Best of Festival at the Wild Sound Film Festival for Alchemy, a made-for-mobile film inspired by his Mobifest entry (yes, we're taking credit)
Along with Ron Basch (star of Alchemy), Marc has started Red Sneakers Media, a production company focusing on digital media, commercials and music videos.
Red Sneakers Marc is currently in production for a new 20 minute short, Remote; a horror set during a snow storm: Our goose bumps are rising.
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By Christina
Fri, Oct 12th 2007, 08:36
Jeffrey Elliott: Founder, President & CEO, Bite TV
Jeffrey Elliott brings twenty-five years of strategic and creative experience in broadcasting, production, Internet, radio and print to his latest venture, Bite TV, a multi-platform entertainment universe for the 18-34 year old male.
Bite is Canada's Interactive Television Channel, celebrating the very best of comical, irreverent and edgy Canadian and international short film, animation, games and professional and amateur production. Delivering short content in a fast-paced, edgy style all it's own, BITE showcases across a wide span of genres and content.
'New Media' is passé, the future is today. BITE is on the entertainment frontlines successfully infiltrating traditional media with the newest techonolgies. A comedic, metropolitan and edgy ever-changing universe, this is BITE.
Questions:
1. First off, I'd like to congratulate you on your recent EMMY Award. What was it like to win? Were you surprised? Can you tell us what it has meant for your business.
It was a huge surprise and a big honor! It was wonderful for our work to be recognized by our international peers and with such a prestigious award.
It has validated our business plan, helped us stand out from the clutter in a rather saturated industry and also generated a significant amount of interest in the company.
2. You weren't the only Canadian company to win at the EMMYS. In fact Canadians dominated the Interactive Program category? Why is that?
Well…because there is nothing else to do during the Canadian winter except invent stuff. No seriously, we have an incredibly talented brain trust in this country.
3. How did the idea for Bite TV come about?
I’ve been involved in broadcasting for 25 years now and back in 1995 while working at Netstar (TSN, Discovery Channel) I was given what was then a brand new portfolio of interactive properties to run with, it was then that I had my epiphany; television was no longer going to be a one-way medium and so the genesis of BITE began.
4. Promoting independent filmmakers has been a specific focus at Bite TV. Do you have a formal program and in place?
We don’t have a formal process in place right now but it is in development. We are constantly on the look out for new talent and provide the opportunity to facilitate and foster Canadian talent. Currently you can upload your short films/productions to our website. We have lots of indie filmmakers, producers etc pitching their ideas and sending us their projects and I am constantly impressed with the caliber of young Canadian producers, directors, writers, actors.
5. Tell us about some of the up-and-coming filmmakers you've profiled. Who are the *stars* of Bite TV?
Brad Cowan who is the creator of one of our comedy shows called the "De Laws of Nature", an incredible talent…and if you have not yet heard of Matt Chin, you will soon. Bottom line is, it is difficult to peg just a few stars, and again, we believe that the majority of content we produce and acquire has the ability to be extremely successful in some facet on one or all of our platforms.
6. What are your most popular video segments?
Our audience is the 24 year old male, so need I tell you that content featuring hot women is a hit? No, comedy, sci-fi and horror is also of most interest I would say as well as the indie short film/productions that span a variety of genres.
7. Bite TV is a multi-platform entertainment universe -- TV, Internet, mobile. How do you manage all the "bits and bites" that go into making Bite TV?
I hire really good, talented young people who live their life immersed in these technologies.
8. A number of studies have shown that younger audiences and especially teenagers like to watch entertainment product while simultaneously doing other things -- such as instant messaging their friends. Is this something you considered when developing the Bite TV interface?
What do you mean teenagers? (Lol, emoticon, wink) Yes, of course this generation is consuming media differently and broadcasters must be mindful about this massive generational shift that is happening. TV is becoming a ubiquitous medium.
9. Mobile seems to be the perfect vehicle for "the wired male with a short attention span". Tell us about your efforts in this area.
We’re very thrilled that our content is on virtually every mobile carrier in Canada that is video enabled. This includes "Bite 2 Go" which is our streaming mobile network and the rates of consumption continues to grow in the month over month.
10. What kind of mobile content is BITE TV looking for?
It’s no different than what we want for the network, content that directly targets the 18-34 year old male demographic.
11. What's next on the agenda for BITE TV?
International expansion as well as an aggressive production slate.
12. How do you use your mobile phone?
First, to make calls. Even though my nickname is OME (Old Man Elliott) at Bite HQ, I do in fact use it for e-mail, music, video, calendar…essentially it depends where I am and what I am doing.
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By Julie
Fri, Oct 12th 2007, 08:30
Judy Gladstone knows short films.
Having been the executive director of Bravo!FACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) since 1997, the largest funder of "shorts" in Canada, she has been directly involved in awarding $13 million dollars in grants for the production of over 1,000 short films across the country.
Frequently honoured at film festivals, broadcast in Canada on CHUM Television channels, and distributed to international broadcasters, Bravo!FACT-funded shorts have been screened and won awards at the most prestigious festivals around the world, including Cannes, Sundance and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Questions:
1. Judy, you've been involved with mobile content since 2004. What was it about mobile that captured your imagination?
When I realized that video cell phones were in use abroad in 2004, I recognized the potential for the exposure of Canadian shorts on the portable medium.
2. One of your first mobile projects was "Phone Call From an Imaginary Girlfriend" with Don McKellar. Can you tell us about the idea behind this project? What has the audience reaction been like? Will we see more "imaginary girlfriends" soon? If so, where?
The first multiple-platform project initiated by Bravo!FACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) was "Shorts In Motion", funded and produced in collaboration with The National Film Board of Canada.
Four filmmakers were approached (Sook-Yin Lee, Sudz Sutherland, Don McKellar and Mark McKinney) to create shorts. They were given complete artistic freedom - while asked to keep to a maximum running time of 4 1/2 minutes. In order to assist them in keeping in mind the fact that the short would be seen on tiny and large screens, each filmmakers was provided with a loaner video cell phone. After consulting with his producers, Jennifer Weiss and Simone Urdl, Don decided to use his loaner phone as camera and microphone, and to deliver to us two 2 1/2 minute films, each consisting of a "Phone Call from an Imaginary Girlfriend". Don, it appears, has imaginary girlfriends around the world. I anticipate seeing more calls from these imaginary playmates on the web, television and available for download on video cell phones in 2008.
3. In your opinion, what makes a good mobile movie?
A great mobile movie, like all film, tells a compelling story. In addition, it is short, focuses on close-ups, and avoids overlapping dialogue.
4. Distribution seems to be the biggest stumbling block to the mobile film industry. Why is this? And do you see things changing anytime soon?
The video cell phone industry is undergoing constant change, leading to evolutions of the distribution models. I expect the changes to continue at a quick pace in Canada during the coming year.
5. Earlier this year, you won the "Best Made for Mobile Video Service" at the 3GSM World Conference in Barcelona for "Shorts in Motion: The Art of Seduction". Can you tell us about this project? What were the particular challenges in making shorts that would look good on mobile -- and on television screens?
Winning the 3GSM Award in Barcelona in February 2007 for "Shorts In Motion - The Art of Seduction" (another join initiative with The National Film Board of Canada) was very exciting! The ten participating filmmakers were each asked to create a two-minute short on the theme of seduction. The theme has universal appeal and the range of subject matter for the shorts (from a politician, shot on an Ericsson video cell phone, seducing voters, to an animated short detailing the power of being seduced by the sights and food of Japan) displayed the potential for shorts on all media.
6. Tell us about the additional functionality that was built into "The Art of Seduction" experience (for example, text submissions). What has been the response from the audience? Where they more or less open to disclosing their secrets with other users?
Visitors to www.shortsinmotion.com have indeed posted secrets in the "confessions" section, which can be read by anyone. As well, we have seen the "What's Your Seduction Style" quiz circulating online in various blog communities.
7. To date, how many people have downloaded "The Art of Seduction" mobile videos?
The number of downloads can be measured in thousands : somewhere between 10 to 20,000 folk have watched the shorts on mobile devices. Many, many, more have watched the shorts on CTV's Bravo! and A-Channels.
8. Canadians produce great mobile content. Why is that?
Canada is recognized for the ground-breaking work being produced here in the interactive and mobile areas; the funding that is available (the Bell New Media Fund, Telefilm, the Ontario Media Development Corporation) and initiatives such as "Shorts In Motion" jointly funded by a private-sector organization (CTVglobemedia's Bravo!FACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) and the public-sector National Film Board of Canada.
9. Is there a place for quality content in the "on-the-go" market?
As the owners and users of hand-held devices containing video capability emerge from a teen-age demographic to include an older, sophisticated audience, the demand for quality content shall increase.
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By Julie
Wed, Apr 4th 2007, 12:00
Los Angeles, CA [April 4, 2007] – Animators Steve Ogden and Steven Topham were last night’s winners at MOBIFEST LA, a one-of-a-kind event celebrating the best in made-for-mobile animation. Hosted by Mike Judge (Office Space, King of the Hill) and presented by The Animation Show and Mobifest Film Festival, the screening and awards ceremony was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of animators, fans, and celebrities.
“My thumb is numb from hitting the “play” button on my cell phone,” said Mike Judge, who screened each of the submissions received. “Every animation we got was great,” continued Judge. “It was hard work deciding which one would walk away the winner.”
In the end, the MOBIFEST LA “Grand Prize” was awarded to Baltimore-based artist and writer Steve Ogden for his animated short, “Flakes”. Runners-up in this category included: Tim Heiderich (“Emergency 411: Atomic Bomb”), Justin Cooper and Kun–I Chang (“Havidol: Just What I Needed”), Dave Carter (“How Can I Say No To Sex at School”) and Brad Wolfley (“I Am Not a Biscuit”). Honorable mentions were awarded to Dave Carter (“Daddy and James”) and Nigel Wood (“One Small Step”).
Steven Topham, a film studies graduate of the University Of California-Santa Barbara, was the winner in the NESTLE® BUTTERFINGER®-sponsored “Sweet Dreams” category. Topham’s submission, “Strip Tease” was singled-out for its creative use of 2D and 3D animation. In addition to receiving a year’s supply of chocolate bars and a Microsoft Zune™ digital media player, Topham will get the opportunity to work on an upcoming viral marketing campaign for NESTLE® BUTTERFINGER®.
MOBIFEST LA is the first collaborative event from The Animation Show and Mobifest, the world’s largest independent mobile film festival. Event sponsors included Nestlé® Butterfinger®, Microsoft, Palm Inc., and Vidavee.
All animated shorts submitted to MOBIFEST LA can be viewed at http://www.mobifest.net.
- END -
For more information, contact:
Julie Giles, Mobifest
Tel: 416-537-9774
E-mail: julie@mobifest.net
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By Julie
Wed, Feb 7th 2007, 17:50
Harley Hay is a busy man
A professional drummer, a paralegal, an English teacher, a TV news videographer, and a portrait photographer, Harley is also co-founder of Puzzle Factory Films, which was created in 2005 mainly for the production of made-for-mobile films.
Bursting on to the mobile scene, "Regurgitation” is his mobile new wave “Breathless,” a one-minute study of a couple who cannot pay their restaurant bill and decided to *ahem*…“bring it on and bring it up.” It won "Best of Festival" at Mobifest 2006 (Toronto).
Mobifest: The constraints of making movies on a mobile phone have been compared to producing film on the primitive "cinematographe" camera invented by Auguste and Louis Lumières. Would "Arrival of the Train at La Ciotat", which was made in 1895 work today on mobile? Why?
Harley Hay: It's an interesting comparison. The Lumières brothers were at the beginning of making pure magic by creating moving pictures. Cell phone cameras put that same capability into the hands of virtually everyone. Where a few grainy seconds of a train arriving in a station was a huge hit in make-shift theatres more than 100 years ago, today viewers are way past being impressed by anything. Just as the first film camera captured a train arriving at a station, if a UFO landed tomorrow the first images would no doubt be filmed by cell phone.
MF: What makes a good cell phone film?
HH: A cell phone film is 'good' if it captures the viewer's attention and imagination for a few seconds or minutes, and gives the viewer a worthwhile experience. It should be time well spent - whether it's because the mobimovie is funny, enlightening, informative, thought-provoking, outrageous, inspiring, or even just entertaining, it should always say something to the viewer.
MF: Critics have accused mobile filmmaking of being "one note". How can filmmakers best use the limitations of mobile?
HH: Your greatest weakness can be your greatest strength. If mobile mini-movies are "one note", then that can be a good thing. We mobile filmmakers need to take advantage of the fact that there are certain limitations - the films need to be short, action-centered, larger than life micro-movies. Mobile filmmakers can best use the limitations by finding inspiration in those restrictions, because this really is a completely new genre of filmmaking.
MF: Can you recommend any specific tools for filmmakers who are just getting started in mobile?
HH: It's extremely easy to get started. All you need now is a relatively inexpensive Handicam and any basic computer movie-editing program (and this software often comes already loaded on your computer.) I use the amazing Panasonic DVX100B camera in 24P mode (one of the best "film look" video cameras around), and an Avid DV Xpress editing system. The Canon XL2 is a very popular camera, and as for editing software check out Final Cut, Adobe Premiere or Sony Vegas editing programs.
MF: We've all heard of Hollywood, and Bollywood. Is there one place in the world that has the potential to become Cellywood? Why?
HH: Canada, of course! We have the potential to become "Cellywood" because for one thing, in my opinion, we really have no film industry here. So we are ready to break out from the constraints of traditional filmmaking that caters only to elite producers in this country. (Don't get me started!) In any case, Canadians have an internationally recognized, much-loved sense of humor that translates well in the mobimovie genre, and we seem to be already ahead of the rest of the world in the number and quality of mini movies being made. Besides, it's really cold here and we are stuck inside for months on end with nothing else to do but play with our cell phones.
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By Julie
Wed, Jan 3rd 2007, 19:04
I met Fred Seibert at the Ottawa International Animation Festival. We did one of these mobile movie panel discussions together. These panels seem to be happening every other week, somewhere in the world. Fortunately, this panel (organized by Charles Zamaria at the Bell New Media Fund) was more fun than most and was even rated as the top panel of the Television Animation Conference (TAC).
Fred is the force behind Channel Frederator, the world’s first cartoon podcast network, and Frederator Studios, one of the largest and most prolific cartoon studios and the folks who gave us The Fairly Odd Parents, ChalkZone, My Life as a Teenage Robot, Johnny Bravo, Dexter's Laboratory, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Cow and Chicken, The Powder Puff Girls, and many, many more...
I was fortunate to spend some time talking with Fred at the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Fred is currently spending a lot of time growing Channel Frederator as well as continuing his cartoon innovations at Nickelodeon. All this creative output is natural for Fred who started his career in radio and as a record producer and then went to MTV as one of the music channel's first employees. If you want to get a sense of the kind of originality that he brings to the table, have a read through "MTV: The Making of a Revolution" by Tom McGrath, which talks about the early years of the network.
Fred's reputation is daunting. But like a lot of successful people, he is also a fantastic listener. We talked at some length about Mobifest, producing awards shows (He also producers the Channel Frederator Awards), and where distribution is heading (away from networks and into the hands of creatives and small producers).
At this point, he asked, "Do you have a blog?"
Me: "No. It seems like too much work."
Fred: "Why don't you have blog? ... You should have a blog!"
Me: "How often do I need to update it?"
Fred: "Once a week."
Media: "That seems like a lot..."
Fred: "The media business is always on. That's where you want to take Mobifest, right? ... I'm older than you..right?"
(Pause)
Me: "OK...I'll start a blog."
Well, that was my promise to Fred Seibert. And, this is my first post.
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By Duncan
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