BONUS EPISODE: Big Budget Indie Films and Creative Freedom with Neill Blomkamp
Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast18 Jan 2023

BONUS EPISODE: Big Budget Indie Films and Creative Freedom with Neill Blomkamp

Ever since I saw District 9 and learned of all the mythical stories behind the short film becoming a feature, I have been a massive fan of today’s guest, Neill Blomkamp. Though Neill is here today to talk about his new sci-fi horror fiction film, Demonic, we also chatted up about his other films that have been successful over the years.

Released in August 2021, Demonic follows a young woman who unleashes terrifying demons when supernatural forces at the root of a decades-old rift between mother and daughter are ruthlessly revealed.

Neill is a South African Canadian film director, producer, screenwriter, and animator, best known for writing and directing multiple-award-winning films such as Chappie, Elysium, and the iconic District 9, along with a plethora of short films, commercials, and special effect credits.

If you have seen a few of Neill’s works already, you would already know and admire his dystopian, action, and sci-fi style of writing and filmmaking. He depicts the short film in documentary style, with xenophobic social segregation themes.

In 2009 Neill and his wife, Canadian screenwriter Terri Tatchell, co-wrote a short film titled, Alive in Joburg, which later became his feature film debut, District 9. Neill received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture for this $210.8 million-grossing film from a $30 million budget.

District 9 was a critically acclaimed splash, earning multiple awards, including the Bafta, the Academy, Golden Globes, etc., for its visual effects, editing, screenplay, and picture. And a 90% on rotten tomato. But the success of this film is truly in the story it tells and the inspiration that drove it.

In 1982, a massive star ship bearing a bedraggled alien population, nicknamed "The Prawns," appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. Twenty-eight years later, the initial welcome by the human population has faded. The refugee camp where the aliens were located has deteriorated into a militarized ghetto called District 9, where they are confined and exploited in squalor.

In 2010, the munitions corporation, Multi-National United, was contracted to forcibly evict the population with operative Wikus van der Merwe in charge. In this operation, Wikus is exposed to a strange alien chemical and must rely on the help of his only two new 'Prawn' friends.

As you will hear in our conversation, this project was inspired by parts of Johannesburg in South Africa's history Neill was learning. His journey involved gaining awareness of xenophobia from relatively poor South Africans against immigrants from Mozambique, Nigeria, and Malawi --- a sentiment is still prevalent with some South Africans to this day.

The initial short film, Alive In Joburg that preceded District 9, had a socio-political theme shot in realism-based style paired with sci-fi but of performers sharing real-life experiences of illegal aliens/immigrants in South Africa.

By the time he had to adapt the script for the feature, District 9, Neill had moved into an interest of South Africa’s history, including apartheid, and precisely its border war period in the 1980s.

As mentioned earlier, Neill started his career in this industry through visual effects and animation in commercials. When he moved to Canada at 18 years old, the pathway opened up for him to finally pursue his childhood dream of working in the film industry.

He did Ads animation for some years while closely following the works of film directors who had gone the commercials to film directing route. One of his most prominent commercials to date, which was shelved by the clients based on creative differences, was a short film Superbowl ad for Nike.

Even though he spent a short time doing commercials, Neill has held on to all the transferable lessons and tips to his filmmaking and screenwriting.

IN 2015, Neill released his third feature film, dystopian sci-fi action fiction, Chappie, co-written with his wife, Tatchell --- starring Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, and Hugh Jackman. Chappie became a massive success at the box office with a gross of from a $49 million budget.

Chappie, an artificial general intelligence law enforcement robot, is captured during a patrol and reprogrammed by gangsters after being stolen. He becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself.

Not to give too much away, let's dig into my interview with our incredible guest, Neill Blomkamp.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Avsnitt(965)

IFH 055: Michael Hauge - Writing a Screenplay That Sells

IFH 055: Michael Hauge - Writing a Screenplay That Sells

Michael Hauge - Writing a Screenplay That SellsYou are in for a treat. This week's guest, MICHAEL HAUGE has been one of Hollywood’s top script consultants, story experts and authors for more than 30 years. He coaches screenwriters, novelists, filmmakers, professional speakers, internet marketers and corporate leaders, helping transform their stories and their audiences using the principles and methods of Hollywood’s most successful movies. Michael has consulted on films starring – among many others - Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts and Morgan Freeman, and has presented lectures and workshops to more than 70,000 participants worldwide. He is the best selling author of Writing Screenplays That Sell (now in its 20th Anniversary Edition), and Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read. According to Will Smith, “No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.” - Will SmithAfter our interview Michael Hauge and I decide to bring one of his best courses to the IFH Tribe. We called is Screenplay and Story Blueprint: The Hero's Two JourneysIf you click here you'll get a SPECIAL IFH DISCOUNT: Screenplay & Story BlueprintBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

10 Mars 201653min

IFH 054: How NOT to Get Ripped Off in Post Production

IFH 054: How NOT to Get Ripped Off in Post Production

Over the years I've seen many of my fellow indie filmmakers get completely ripped off when they entered the post production process.So many promises are given and the rates they charge are criminal. I wanted to put together a podcast to pull the curtain back on the "true" pricing of post production services.Now this is based on my experience working in Los Angeles so the prices might differ depending where you are in the country or the world.I hope this episode provides a great amount of value and that it saves you your hard earned cash while making your next indie film. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

8 Mars 201619min

IFH 052: The 5 Lies of Film Distribution

IFH 052: The 5 Lies of Film Distribution

Film distribution in a mystery to most indie filmmakers. It is filled with deception, scams, mis-information and straight out LIES! I wanted to put together an episode spotlighting the five major lies filmmakers hear about film distribution.Like many truths in the world these might not be easy to swallow but there is hope. If you have a plan "BEFORE YOU SHOOT YOUR FILM" your odds of success go up greatly.I see so many indie filmmakers killing themselves to make their films but have no idea how to recoup their money or actually make a living doing what they love to do. I hope this podcast helps.Insider View of Creating an Indie Feature Film - FULL ACCESS MEMBERSHIPBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

23 Feb 201617min

IFH 051: Are the Oscars Too White…Again? #OscarsSoWhite

IFH 051: Are the Oscars Too White…Again? #OscarsSoWhite

So the question of the moment is"Why are the Oscars® so white again? #OscarsSoWhiteThe 88th Annual Academy Awards haven’t even aired yet, and there is a hurricane of drama surrounding Hollywood’s most exciting night. Celebrities like Spike Lee and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have called for a boycott due to a lack of minority nominees.If you look at the graphic below (Courtesy of www.mirror.co.uk) you see the Acadamy doesn't have a firm foundation to stand on.Courtesy of www.mirror.co.ukI usually don't discuss topics like this on Indie Film Hustle but when the opportunity to have a sit-down with RB Botto from Stage32.com and talk all things Oscar I jumped at the chance.Related: Filmmaking Hacks: How to Shoot and Market Your Indie FilmWe discuss not only "Why are the Oscars® so white again? #OscarsSoWhite" but we discuss this year's Oscar races, surprises, snubs and we talk about the current state of the film business. Take a listen!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

17 Feb 20162h 17min

IFH 049: How to Pitch Your Film Like a Pro with Stephanie Palmer

IFH 049: How to Pitch Your Film Like a Pro with Stephanie Palmer

Stephanie Palmer - How to Pitch Your Film Like a ProEver wanted to learn the dark craft of being able to pitch your story idea successfully? Stephanie Palmer has made it her life's mission to help people do just that. Stephanie Palmer is a former MGM Pictures executive and best-selling author of the book "Good in a Room: How To Sell Yourself (And Your Ideas) And Win Over Any Audience"She has heard thousands of pitches. She know how to and how not to pitch your screenplay or story idea. She worked on films like Legally Blonde, Armageddon, Con Air and was even on an intern on Titanic, there's a very inserting story there.Learn how to pitch your screenplay like a pro with Stephanie Palmer.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

11 Feb 201647min

IFH 048: What to do when people DON'T BELIEVE IN YOU!

IFH 048: What to do when people DON'T BELIEVE IN YOU!

I know that everyone reading this has had a moment in time where someone did not believe in them for one reason of another. It is a part of life and a REAL BIG PART of the film industry. So many times in my career I was told that:"You nuts! That'll never work."or"That's never been done before."Well I love hearing that. I has taken time for me to enjoy when people say "it can't be done." I truly use it as fuel. You must first believe in yourself before anyone will believe in you.Now you also have to be smart about this. You can't blindly believe in yourself without having a plan, educating yourself and understanding the playing field you'll be walking on to.In this episode I go over exactly that, how to deal with nonbelievers and how to build a plan to make your goal come true. Please share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

9 Feb 201619min

IFH 047: Yancey Arias - How to Make It as a Working Actor

IFH 047: Yancey Arias - How to Make It as a Working Actor

Want to learn how to make it as a working actor? Well studying actor, producer and director Yancey Arias would not be a bad start. I met Yancey Arias years ago and since have worked on several projects together. I've always admired how Yancey was able to always keep working.To date Yancey Arias has over 70 acting credits in film, television and Broadway. His credit list is kind of nuts:CastleNCSI: New OrleansThe SopranosBonesHawaii 5.0ElementaryBlue BloodsCSI: NYNCIS: Los AngelesBurn NoticeThe ShieldI just got tired of typing, his credit list is impressive to say the least. He's also worked on huge studio tentpoles live Live Free or Die Hard, Time Machine and the Hands of Stone starring Robert DeNiro.I sat down with Yancey while he was in between setups on the hit show Marvel's Agents of Shield. He'll be popping up on the show in 2016. I really wanted to get a seasoned actor's perspective on what it takes to make it in Hollywood.We also discuss his work on indie films, his new life as a director and producer with his production company NYC Films and much more. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

4 Feb 20161h 10min

IFH 046: Film Festival Hacks: Secrets on How to Get Your Film Accepted

IFH 046: Film Festival Hacks: Secrets on How to Get Your Film Accepted

Getting into film festival is getting tougher and tougher everyday. Indie filmmakers can end up spending thousands and thousands of dollars submitting to every film festival around, and there are a ton. At last count there was over 3000 film festivals around the world. That’s a lot of submission fees.When I was doing my rounds with my films I learned a few things. A few tricks that I put into a FREE eBook: “Six Tips to Get into Film Festivals for cheap or FREE.”This eBook was such a success that the Indie Film Hustle Tribe kept reaching out to me to create some sort of “master class” on film festivals. Well I heard the call and teamed up with arguably one of the leading voices in film festivals Chris Holland from FilmFestivalsSecrets.com.We got together and create a one of a kind resource for any filmmaker even thinking of submitting to a film festival. We call it Film Festival Hacks!In this episode I give you a SNEAK PEEK at Film Festival Hacks and let you listen to a FREE lecture from the course. So get ready to take notes and have a taste of Film Festival Hacks.Oh, before I forget Chris Holland is also giving you another FREE sample of the course on his podcast so when you are done listening to this head over there for more FREE content. Click here: FilmFestivalSecrets – PodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

2 Feb 201620min

Populärt inom Utbildning

bygga-at-idioter
rss-bara-en-till-om-missbruk-medberoende-2
det-skaver
historiepodden-se
alska-oss
nu-blir-det-historia
sektledare
harrisons-dramatiska-historia
johannes-hansen-podcast
not-fanny-anymore
rikatillsammans-om-privatekonomi-rikedom-i-livet
roda-vita-rosen
allt-du-velat-veta
sa-in-i-sjalen
i-vantan-pa-katastrofen
rss-max-tant-med-max-villman
handen-pa-hjartat
rss-i-skenet-av-blaljus
nar-man-talar-om-trollen
rss-sjalsligt-avkladd