Peter Jackson: Born of Monster Movies

From watching the original King Kong at nine years old, to shooting short films as a kid, to making cheesy & creepy horror films, to becoming an Oscar-winner …. Peter Jackson has become one of New Zealand’s greatest exports. His attention to detailed filmmaking, innovative special effects work and the the guts to take risks in filmmaking has brought Jackson fame, glory and legendary status.

Read this biography here:

https://www.biography.com/people/peter-jackson-37009

 

Here, Peter Jackson explores happiness, love, humanity and dreams …

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianrashid/2016/09/20/an-afternoon-with-peter-jackson-director-of-lord-of-the-rings/#41b885ce1b88

Here, you’ll explore some of Peter Jackson’s favorite films (and inspirations):

 

Peter Jackson Trademarks:

https://prezi.com/zpgm94arqq7k/trademarks-of-peter-jackson-films/

Leadership Lessons from Peter Jackson & his Team:

https://www.talentgear.com/learn/december-2014/leadership-lessons-from-peter-jackson-and-his-team/

Answer Three of the following questions (Due 4.9.18 by 11:59 pm):

1. What did you discover about Peter Jackson that you didn’t know before? (select something different from other students)
2. What intrigued the most about Peter Jackson’s career?
3. Compare Peter Jackson to another filmmaker we’ve explored this semester (similarities).
4. Why do you feel that Jackson has been able to achieve such monumental success?
5. What life lessons can you learn from Peter Jackson?
6. How has Peter Jackson’s WETA company helped to shape filmmaking? Explain why you say that?

The Music Lives: John Williams

“I have to say, without question, John Williams has been the single most significant contributor to my success as a filmmaker.” – Steven Spielberg

Address four of the questions after engaging in the materials below. Due April 9 (11:59 pm).

The music of John Williams has had a lasting impact of cinema and it has changed the voice of music’s impact on film. From “Jaws” to “Star Wars” to the “Harry Potter” franchise, his mark is well-established, and now in his eighth decade of life, he’s still producing award-caliber scores.

At 85 years old, John Williams has earned 51 Oscar nominations (22 wins), which is more than any other person alive; only the late Walt Disney has more nominations (59). Williams’ latest nomination was for Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).

Explore his biography, articles, and video clips below, and then address the questions for the response post.

Read the biography and check out clips of his music in action on the link below from the Biography Channel:

https://www.biography.com/people/john-williams-9532526

Here – John Williams discusses the “power of music” in this 6-minute interview:

In this five-minute clip from the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award recognition, you get a glimpse of the humor (and humbleness) of John Williams as he celebrates other within his journey:

This eight-minute segment explores the universal language of music from John Williams score for “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

After taking in all the materials  – address the following questions and post your responses to four of the questions by Monday, April 9.

1. How does John Williams discover and find musical voice for characters?
2. What intrigued you the most about Williams’ life?
3. What did you find most interesting about Williams’ approach to scoring film?
4. Provide thoughts about Williams’ exploration into “the power of music.”
5. As we’ve explored the importance of music, sound and silence this semester in film, how does getting to know more about John Williams and his approach help you appreciate the audio journey of film more?
6. Williams has been involved in some amazing blockbuster films throughout his life, as you’ve explored his life through the bio, clips & interviews – which of his films have had the biggest impact on you? Why? And how did his music add to that impact or appreciation?

Ridley Scott Response Post (due 4.9.18)

Ridley Scott has over 100 television and film production credits; he’s produced nearly 2,000 commercials and has 25 feature films to his credit. At 80 years old, he’s still going strong producing Oscar-nominated work and performances as recent as this year’s award’s season (2017-18).

Explore the biography on our website, the audio & videos listed here, and examine the timeline of his work below.

After taking in all the materials address the following questions and post your responses to four of the questions by Monday, April 9.

Here –  Sir Ridley Scott explores a visual & audio journey of his filmmaking journey with a timeline of Scott-Cinema … Ridley Scott says there is no “One way to make a movie, no director’s cheat sheet.”

In this podcast interview – Sir Ridley Scott Sir discusses his career, gives advice to aspiring directors and lets us know what he looks for in a script.

 

 

If you would rather read the script to this dialogue, it is available here: http://www.bafta.org/media-centre/transcripts/bafta-a-life-in-pictures-sir-ridley-scott

Here -2018 BAFTA Fellowship recipient Ridley Scott talks about making his way from directing commercials to sci-fi blockbusters like Alien, Blade Runner and The Martian.

 

 

As a reminder: Post your responses to four of these questions by Monday, April 9 (11:59 pm).

1. After reading his biography on our webpage, why do you feel his family’s influence has continued to impact his life in the entertainment industry?
2. What are the most impactful lessons Scott shared about filmmaking (that you can apply to life). If you select this, you should post something different from other students.
3. Looking at the actors/actresses he’s had an impact on (within launching careers or providing opportunities) over the years, which filmmaker(s) gained the most from those opportunities. Explain and defend.
4. Scott has become a trailblazer in Sci-Fi, why did he say that he’s drawn to those stories – and how did they impact the film industry? Explain.
5. Now in his 80^th year, Scott isn’t slowing down. After listening to his interview or watching the interview segments, what are his secrets to continued success?
6. What intrigued or surprised you the most about Ridley Scott’s life, films or impact on cinema?
7. Scott has directed sci-fi, drama, action films, biopics & period films – based on the research provided here – how do you feel he’s been able to find success in multiple genres? Explain and defend.

Sandra Bullock: Response Post

Read the Sandra Bullock biography on our site and watch the video below. This response post is due March 21, 2018 (11:59 pm):

Answer three of the following questions:

1. What have been the greatest challenges for Sandra Bullock’s success?
2. What films do you feel were the breakthrough films for Bullock (in being recognized by critics)? Explain.
3. What was the most fascinating thing about Bullock you learned from the written biography or video?
4. Bullock talks about “giving back” – what can you learn from the examples she shared?
5. Bullock developed an understanding of producing – how has that helped her?
6. Why/how has Bullock been able to stretch genres (comedy, drama, action, sci-fi)? Explain.

Ron Howard: Mr. Nice Guy

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This response post is due March 21 (11:59 pm).

Before he was two-years old, he had already made his first film appearance; by the time he was six-years old he was co-starring in the most popular TV show in America (The Andy Griffith Show), and when he was a teenager, Ron Howard brought the nostalgia of the 1950s alive in television’s “Happy Days.” This child and teen actor could have easily lived his life off of the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) residuals from these two shows alone, but Howard wanted more than just dollars, he loved the entertainment industry, especially the creativity behind the camera. When he discovered directing and producing, that changed everything for him.

Read the biography loaded here on the Biography Channel website and engage in the following video.

After reading the biography and watching the Ron Howard bio – address three of the following questions:

1. What has kept Ron Howard grounded? How has he been able to maintain stability throughout the years in the industry & with family? Give examples.
2. What did you learn about Ron Howard that you didn’t know? How will that help you in evaluating  his work?
3. For Howard, family is a key to success. Why do you feel that is true for Ron Howard? Explain and give examples.
4. Why are people drawn to work with Ron Howard? Explain.
5. Compare Ron Howard to another filmmaker we’ve explored and offer similarities.
6. Ron Howard has directed multiple actors to Oscar-Nominated roles. Why do you feel he’s been able to pull the best out of acting talent? Explain.
7. Why has Ron Howard been able to achieve success in multiple film genres? Based on the video and reading,  what makes you say that?

 

Tom Hanks: Hollywood’s Most Trusted

(Response due March 21 by 11:59 pm).

Filmmakers love working with Tom Hanks; critics appreciate his work, and adult audiences love his dedication to real-life (and engaging) roles, while children love to laugh with him and his adventures as a lovable cowboy (in the Toy Story film series).

He is likable, trusted and can do comedy, adventure & drama. Read this biography linked on the Biography Channel website. You’ll find it is updated to include his newly announced role starring as children’s TV show host, Mr. Fred Rogers. 

He began his entertainment career in stand-up comedy & TV sitcoms, and most would have never predicted at that time, he move on to Oscar gold. Explore is early life here:

In this video – Tom Hanks shares is love of film, and life (and others chime in on Hollywood’s most trusted leading man.

Engage in these videos and Biography Channel reading and address three of the following questions:

1. What did you find most interesting about Tom Hanks’ early life? Why?
2. What surprised you to most about Hanks’ approach to acting? Explain.
3. What do you feel is the secret to Tom Hanks’ success? Why?
4. Why do you feel that Tom Hanks has been able to appeal to multiple generations to audiences since 1984? Explain.
5. Why has Tom Hanks been able to find success in multiple role types? Explain.

 

Stephen King Response Post (due 3.5.18)

 

 

Stephen King response post (due 3.5.18 by 11:59 pm) : Read the article on our site: Stephen King: Grandmaster of Horror and watch the 13 minute interview with King exploring the “Top 10 Rules for Success.”

Questions and thoughts to consider when examining Stephen King: the influence of his family background, locations on his storytelling, why fear matters, themes that impact readers, what it means to explore terror.

Assignment: List two to three items that you found interesting or unique about Stephen King’s through his biography and his approach to writing. Why did it interest you? Make sure that you post something original and are not rehashing what another student has already posted (unless you can approach your response in a different manner).

Tim Burton Response Post (3.05.18 due)

TIM BURTON response post (due 3.5.18 by 11:59 pm) : Read Tim Burton: Legend of Darkness (on our class site), and watch the BAFTA documentary Tim Burton: A Life in Pictures.

Questions and thoughts to consider when examining Tim Burton: the influence of family background on his storytelling, the Disney opportunity, why darkness can be a friend, why understanding the importance of being an outsider matters, when art –set design- character costume and make up become fluid and serve as a singular thing, when to walk away from a project and when to stay, how dark is too dark.

Assignment: List two to three items that you found interesting or unique about Tim Burton, his style, his history, or his approach to filmmaking. Why did it interest you? Make sure that you post something original and are not rehashing what another student has already posted (unless you can approach your response in a different manner).

 

Respond to the post on the reply/response section at the bottom of the page.

Clint Eastwood Response Post (2.12.18 11:59 pm deadline)

Clint Eastwood (87 years old) has lived a pretty crazy life on film and television. He’s been a gunslinger, gangster, dirty cop, crusty old boxing trainer, and war-time soldier. He’s acted, written, produced and even directed Oscar-winners. After nearly six decades in the business, he shows no signs of slowing down. In 2016, Eastwood directed the critically acclaimed “Sully”, and this year he’s released “The 15:17 to Paris” starring real-life figures portraying themselves.

Read the Clint Eastwood biography here (and watch the mini-documentary on that page as well), then watch the interviews below.

Clint Eastwood talks to BBC journalist, Michael Parkinson about his switch between acting and directing, and what drives him to make films. This video clip is from the popular British talk show ‘Parkinson’.

Clint Eastwood dropped by to chat with Ellen here in this clip. He told Ellen what keeps him making incredible movies year after year, then shared his work rescuing animals.

Address any three of the following questions and post by 11:59 pm on Feb. 12:

un frisson dans la nuit play misty for me 1971 real clint eastwood clint eastwood jessica walter COLLECTION CHRISTOPHEL

1. After more than 60+ years in the business, what are some of the things you can learn from Eastwood about perseverance?
2. What interests you the most about his varied career? Explain.
3. Compare Eastwood’s path and life to another filmmaker (we’ve explored) with similarities.
4. How does Eastwood manage the balance between directing, producing and acting? Do you think that you can relate to any aspect of that in your life? Explain.
5. After watching the interviews, share your thoughts on his personality (positive or negative).
6. Eastwood has been an audience and a critic fave for his work ethic, and yet many times he will actually shoot rehearsals (and put those takes in a final cut of the film), and he provides a certain amount of freedom for his cast. How do the two of these find balance in filmmaking for Eastwood? Explain. 

Future Film Screening in Class

Please go to the following Google form and vote of three films you’d be interested in viewing during an upcoming class. I should have your responses by Feb. 7.

Trailers are located below the form:

Baby Driver: 

Blade Runner 2049: 

CoCo: 

The Darkest Hour: 

Dunkirk: 

Get Out: 

I, Tonya: 

Lady Bird:

Logan: 

Molly’s Game : 

The Shape of Water: 

War for the Planet of the Apes: 

Wonder: 

Wonder Woman: