Your Attitude Affects the Quality of Your Writing

Archives For Dan Baker

Your Attitude Affects the Quality of Your Writing

Dan Baker — August 20, 2012 — 6 Comments

Have you ever worked and worked and worked on a project, only to hit a dead-end? I have. More than once. There’s nothing more frustrating than investing huge amounts of time and effort into an idea, only to discover you don’t know what the characters and plot want.

There’s a million tips and tricks out there, but what I’ve discovered recently addresses the problem at its root: often the quality of your writing is negatively affected by your attitude. That’s not a major revelation, sure, but I think you’ll be surprised at how I learned this.

In Filmmaking joss whedon, screenplays, Writing

Headache Free Production Contracts with Cinema Forms

Dan Baker — August 13, 2012 — Leave a comment

Litigation is an unfortunate and sometimes necessary aspect of making a film. It’s absolutely critical that contracts and forms be in place to protect not only you, but the cast and crew. And if it’s not talent releases and options contracts, it’s the mass of paperwork needed to keep a production organized and on track.

For most of us artistic/filmmaker types, all that paperwork can be daunting and confusing, but Cinema Forms by ikan aims to take that burden and make is easy, clear, and convenient. Have they succeeded?

In iOS apple, apps, cinema forms, iOS, iPad, iPhone

5 Essential Screenplay Writing Resources

Dan Baker — August 6, 2012 — 4 Comments

Writing has to be one of the most difficult things in the world. At least it is for me (granted, I’m my own worst critic). Any little help, tip, or trick I can find is a boon, sometimes triggering a little mini-breakthrough.

Over the years I’ve discovered a number of writing resources that I turn to time and time again. If I’ve missed any here, please share what you use to get the words flowing.

In Filmmaking screenplays, Writing

What I Look for in iOS Filmmaking Apps

Dan Baker — August 1, 2012 — 5 Comments

I’ve written iOS filmmaking articles at Macedonia Films for long enough to realize that there are a common set of features I look for right off the bat. A lot of people would go straight for stability, aesthetics, and ease of use, but I think there are some app qualities that are nearer and dearer to filmmaking than the usual fare.

Filmmaking, by nature, is collaborative. The lone-gunman is either completely insane, or making his first film whereupon he will discover the error of his ways. The ability of an app to accommodate collaboration, then, is absolutely critical. Even though Macedonia Films is a small outfit, there’s at least 4-5 project leads that all need to share and modify schedules, shot-lists, and other documents.

Here are three criteria I’m going to be looking for in upcoming iOS app reviews. They’re not make or break when it comes to the usefulness of an app, but if the app doesn’t fit into a healthy workflow, why would I want to use it?

In iOS apple, apps, Dropbox, Filmmaking, iPad, iPhone

The Best and Worst of July 2012

Dan Baker — July 30, 2012 — Leave a comment

August marks big changes at Macedonia Films and the Fall is looking fantastic. Avarice premieres in November, we have BIG plans for the Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention, and our first couple feature-length projects are well underway.

Before we get all carried away, let’s take a moment to look back at July. We wrote some amazing blog posts that we know you’ll love. Some did well, some never got their moment in the spotlight: