FIVE FILMS TO END 2014

2014 was a great year for me. My first attempt towards film making was successful in this particular year. Not only did I get to start my path towards my career but I also got to meet different people who are now part of my life not only as fellow filmmakers but collaborators, mentors and friends. I might not have done enough but I'm proud of the little development I've achieved and hoping for a greater one in the upcoming year.

The main point of this post isn't to talk about my personal achievements but that of the film making world itself. We have seen great advancements in all sections of the film industry be it mainstream, independent, educational and the like. Different film makers, enthusiasts, theorists have dedicating their time to produce resources for other upcoming filmmakers to learn from and I would agree it has been a great source for my learning as well. To honor these efforts and great achievements I would like to share with you 5 films (educational, behind the scenes, short films e.t.c) that would mark the end of a great year for us filmmakers and open the doors towards another great one. God Willing.

1. ANOMALY (SHORT FILM)

This is a 37 minute short film taking place in the 1960's depicting both space and earth in a breathtaking story with even greater breathtaking visuals. DP'd by one of my great inspiring cinematographers Khalid Mohtaseb. Definitely worth a watch.

Courtesy of Sypher Films

2. FILM RIOT'S LAST QUICK TIP OF 2014

I'm a great fan of Film Riot because they were my number 1 source when I started film making. Recently they have been releasing a couple of quick tips on Tuesdays (one in 2 weeks). These tips can be very helpful especially when you're dealing with limited budgets, time and resources. But today I would like to share with you the tip I liked the most and that is making a crowd with only a few people. A simple yet creative solution for us film makers and filmmaking students.

Courtesy of Film Riot

3. THE SOUND OF INTERSTELLAR

Without doubt, Interstellar was one of my favorite films of 2014. I admire Christopher Nolan as director and artist but as we all know film is a collaborative process and one of the greatest strengths Nolan had in his collaboration amongst all others is the sound. The sound in Interstellar was signature to the movie and SoundWorks Collection give us a short tour in the making and designing of the sound of Interstellar.

4. UNDERSTANDING COMPOSITION

Composition is one of the most essential parts in photography and film for creating great visual aesthetics. In this video animator Andrew Price takes us through different concepts and guidelines which help us understand the ways towards greater and richer composed shots. This video is great for all photographers, animators and filmmakers out there.

Courtesy of Andrew Price

5. IMPULZ LUTS INTRO

VisionColor's Impulz LUTs have been a great change and awakening for me in terms of my understanding towards color grading and film emulation. It has brought me one step closer towards achieving the look I've always been obsessed with when I watched the other films which employed a similar technique. This short intro showcases some few shots graded with their LUTs and it looks amazing.

BONUS: MY CINEMATOGRAPHY REEL 2014

Although its just a few shots, these are some of my little achievements towards a higher goal. I hope I've played my part this year and hope I'd play a greater one in the next. I wish you all a Happy New Year.

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