Cynematik • Cyndi Greening

BY CYNDI GREENING, PHOENIX, USA & ALEC HART, NEW YORK CITY, USA – On October 16, 2006, two of the FilmZambia crew took off for “The Big Apple.” While Alec spent the spring in NYC attending classes, doing an internship and, in general, having a big adventure, Jacob was at Mesa Community College taking media arts classes. After working together to make the documentary and feature films in Zambia, the guys decided the could live and work together in NYC. So, they finished editing the rough cut of the feature and boarded (a much delayed) plane headed eastward.

It’s been a little over a week that they’ve been gone. They report that they’re putting the finishing touches on their demo reels and started to contact production companies and entities via CraigsList Manhattan. They’ve been spending time building their skills with AfterEffects 7. After editing the film on Final Cut Pro, their skills are well-honed in that program. As you can see by the photos, the guys were well-loved and appreciated by the gals on the crew. Jacob is surrounded by Jeniece, M.K. and Pamela. Alas, the best photo I could find of Alec was one with me. I’m sure they’ll hope to be similarly surrounded in NY. We shall have to see how they do with that.

Alec reports that the weather is cool and crisp. They’re doing a lot of walking and exploring. Jacob is liking the New York deli food and the architecture of the city. I’m wondering if Jacob is homesick. Based on Alec’s vocal quality when he calls, I’d say he’s pretty dang happy where he is … it might even be “home” to him now. I’ll keep you’all updated on their progress.

[Read more →]

BY CYNDI GREENING, PHOENIX, USA – Holy cow!! I look at this blog and I can’t believe how long it has been since I have written regularly in this space. I don’t think I had any idea how time consuming making an independent film on another continent would be. And, finishing the filming didn’t mean we’d be anywhere near “finished” with the film. After spending four weeks in Zambia, we’ve now spent seven weeks in the U.S. editing those two films into a rough sort of shape. There’s still so much work to do on them. I’m pleased with what we’ve done so far and look forward to getting them to that final stage.

I’m thinking about new projects now. The Zambia films have opened the floodgates for me. I keep thinking about all of the things I’d like to do, projects I’d like to produce, films and things I’d like to make. I’m just anxious to get things concretely created in reality. So many people (myself included) have ideas for films but they never get developed into anything concrete. Having made two films now, I am pleased to have the process under my belt. There are MANY things I’d do differently the next time. The hardest part about doing one’s first film is that it is the FIRST. As I’m fond of saying, the first is often the worst because you don’t know what you don’t know.

The crew and I often discuss what we would have done differently in Zambia had we known then what we know now. We all certainly agree there are things we’d have approached differently, done differently or not done at all. Of course, hindsight is always 20-20. I find myself thinking about how the next film would go in Zambia. There are several things I’d still like to accomplish there.

But, that’s not the point of this post. Ultimately, I think every project will have major unknowns that must be discovered, confronted and resolved to bring the project to fruition. They key is, having done one film, it’s so much easier to believe those solutions can be found and the project completed. With ever improving chances of success.

[Read more →]

BY CYNDI GREENING MESA, ARIZONA USA-This year’s Sundance events are particularly significant. It is the 25th year of the festival and to celebrate I am submitting my first feature film and documentary as Executive Producer! As a result I am very aware of deadlines…Edit, Edit Edit!

So, as a matter of consideration and the fact that I remind my readers every year of this information, I am letting the world know that this Friday is the deadline for the 2006 Sundance film festival registration. Yep This Friday!

The following information is located on the Sundance site.

You must register to be eligible to purchase a Festival package and/or pass. Registration for 2006 pass/packages ends October 14. Registrants will be randomly assigned a date and time during the last week of October to purchase their pass and/or package online. Package and/or pass sales are based on availability. Registration does not guarantee availability.

You must register in order to be eligible to purchase individual tickets prior to the Festival. Beginning in early November, visit www.sundance.org and complete a registration form. A computer will randomly assign a date and time for registrants to purchase a total of 20 tickets (4 maximum per screening) online or over the telephone. Individual tickets sales will take place during the second week of January and are available based on availability. Registration does not guarantee availability.
For package, pass, and ticket questions, send an e-mail to or call (435) 776-7878 Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (MST) For general Festival information, call (435) 658-3456.

Now do not get confused with the registration dates. Just register by Friday October 14th. Also, for those true movie enthusiasts, if you want to really enjoy the movie’s, Sundance suggests attending the second week (B) when the “crowd” has thinned out. Unfortunately, I do NOT concur! You have a better chance to view the movies of your choice plus enjoy the Sundance events, parties and the closing ceremonies BUT more of the films open and more of the directors/actors come the first week.

In order to do that you must meet the deadline! Friday , October 14th. Do I need to repeat myself again? I didn’t think so.

[Read more →]