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SMS PRODUCTIONS, INC.
&
National Academy of the Moving Image
SMS Newsletter
Online Issue #20
February 7, 2000
January was an exciting month for SMS Productions and NAMI (National Academy of the Moving Image). On January 19th, SMS hosted a demonstration of the new Aaton A-Minima Super 16 camera. This revolutionary new camera (less than five pounds) fits in one hand and features the new AatonCode-II in-camera time recording for synchronizing sound. The AatonCode-II is just one of the features packed into this tiny versatile camera.. In fact, the January issue of In-Camera put out by Kodak highlights the camera. It mentions how different directors combined the camera with the Aaton XTRProd or Aaton 35. Ideal for tight shooting quarters and being totally obscure when needed, proved valuable for these famous directors. (Read more about it in the In-Camera issue.)
A-Minima features a new quick change magazine which accepts 200' film loads in a new daylight friendly format on a core with flexible flanges. Kodak is supplying the following film stocks ready made to fit in the A-Minima - 7245, 7246, 7248, 7274, 7277 and 7279.
After the demo, feedback on the A-Minima was very positive.
The A-Minima is now available for rental from SMS.
Additionally, that night, DP's, Camera Assistants, producers and directors who had not previously shot with the Aaton XTRProd were given the opportunity to check out the most versatile and streamlined studio-ready Super 16 camera system in the world.
The Aaton XTRprod with its absolute image stability and patented hair-free gate, insures perfectly clean Super 16 original images that will remain with us for generations to come. For quick and easy access to setting such as Aatonite, 5-digit speed, phasing, elapsed footage, AatonCode info and other camera functions, the XTRprod's Illuminated LCD Display, combined with a Mini Jog wheel remain one of the most intuitive interface solutions around. The new VideoSync Assists boast unsurpassed image resolution and color rendition, and are flicker-free at all camera speeds The tap also features a built-in frame line generator, timecode, footage and camera run information in programmable burn-in windows and VITC for direct digital recording on non-linear editing systems.
DP's who had previously shot with the Prod, were eager to express their preference for the camera. It was a very exciting evening. A special "thank you" to everyone who joined us on the 19th. (The XTRProd is both Regular 16 and Super 16)
NAMI and IFP/Midwest Present
From Concept to Film Festival:
A Series On The Business of Independent Film Production
The following week, The National Academy of the Moving Image co-hosted with IFP/Midwest Part 2 of a 4 Part Legal Series. Three well known experts in their field (Nancy Fallon- Houle, Robert J. Labate and Timothy S. Kelley) discussed different sources of funding as well as budgeting and accounting. In addition to our three lawyers, there was a surprise guest. Mr. John Haderlein of the Illinois Development Finance Authority was on hand to explain what he is working on - a Motion Picture Financing Program with the State of Illinois. Handouts from all were abundant. Part 2 played to a packed house. Due to the overwhelming show of interest, we even ran out of standing room... Part 3 of this series is moving to a larger location in order to accommodate everyone. Again, a special "thank you" to everyone who attended.
Part 3:
NEW DATE: Tuesday, March 8th, 2001
NEW LOCATION: Sutton Place Hotel, 21 East Bellevue Place, Chicago, IL
- Tuesday, March 8, 2001:
Part 3 - "Getting (and Hanging On to) Your Rights" - Negotiating Contracts and Acquiring Intellectual Property Rights
Topics:
- Acquiring a "Property"
- What is "Intellectual Property"? (And Why Do I Have to Know About It?)
- Life Story agreements
- Pricing your option/purchase offer
- Union or non-union?
- Screenwriter Agreements
- Deal Memos for Cast, Director and Producers
- Crew contracts
- Working with SAG, WGA and other Talent and Craft guilds and unions
- The Back End: Profit Distributions, Deferred Compensation, and Guild Residuals
Seminar Location: Sutton Place Hotel, 21 East Bellevue Place, Chicago, IL
(one block north of Oak Street at Rush Street).
Time: 6:30 PM
Cost: $5 Members IFP/Midwest, $10 Non-Members.To RSVP or to register by credit card, please call IFP/Midwest at 312-435-1825 or email them at infoifpmw@aol.com
Independent Feature Project/Midwest (IFP/Midwest), a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1987 in response to the needs of a growing number of people in the Midwest who are making careers in the feature film business. Based in Chicago, IFP/Midwest is dedicated to education and helping move the region's film community to the cutting edge. Members include writers, directors, producers, technicians, distributors, investors, students, and organizations involved in the discipline of filmmaking.
The National Academy of the Moving Image (NAMI) is a not-for-profit organization offering hands-on 'post-film school' film experience that can help launch or enhance your career. NAMI's faculty-mentors are among the most successful film and videotape professionals in Chicago. Their diverse backgrounds and rich experience include directing, lighting, sound, camera and even law. Their careers span from Hollywood to Chicago with resumes that include major feature films, TV programs and national commercials. NAMI classes and seminars are designed to provide a "hands-on" experience.
Dates To Remember
In addition to these events, SMS continues to add more and better optics to the rental inventory. Sales have also increased as SMS continues to make more and more items available to the film and video industry. Tiffen filters to Century Precision Optics and accessories, KATA bags, lighting kits and support items are all available from SMS. Chrosziel Matte Boxes and Follow Focus Units, always popular in the film industry continue to grow in popularity within the video industry. These are all available from SMS.
February is already starting out with a bang. We look forward to another exciting month. Please watch for our February specials and other items offered from time to time by way of our Website. We wish everyone a very successful February and look forward to hearing from you.
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