Cyndi Greening: Film & Animation Production

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 08:29:11 GMT

Kurosawa's son opens film school. International News: Two-year degree course will be offered -- Hisao Kurosawa has launched the Akira Kurosawa School for filmmakers in Tokyo. It's named after his father, the late helmer. [Variety.com]

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 08:28:53 GMT

'Wristcutters' wows Gen Art Festival. Film Festivals: Fest Briefs -- Helmer Goran Dukic's "Wristcutters: A Love Story" won the top prize at the 11th annual Gen Art Film Festival in Gotham this week. Helmer received $10,000 prize as part of the honor. "Wristcutters" is a warped road-trip comedy starring Patrick Fugit. [Variety.com - Film Festivals]

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 08:27:52 GMT

O'Reilly guide to running Boot Camp. Mark Frauenfelder: O'Reilly is selling a PDF for $8 that takes you through the process of installing Windows XP on a Mac. Running Boot Camp guides you step-by-step through the entire installation process, including upgrading your Mac's Firmware, creating the Macintosh Drivers CD to make XP work properly with your Mac's hardware, and using the Boot Camp Assistant to partition your hard drive and install Windows XP. You'll also learn how to avoid common pitfalls (such as previously partitioned drives and wrong disk permissions). And finally, you'll find out which Mac functions don't work in XP and which XP features backfire on a Mac. With this invaluable guide at your side, you'll finish configuring your dual-boot Mac in as little as two hours, avoiding numerous hazards and annoyances along the way. Link [Boing Boing]

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 08:26:43 GMT

Thomas Dolby Brags About his Gear-Packed Mac Music Rig. Thomas Dolby is on the road again after 15 years, and to any music gear geeks willing to listen, he'd love to tell you all about his new road rig. Power Mac G5 with Logic, three keyboards, soft... [Gizmodo]

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 08:26:02 GMT

David Pogue: Run Windows and Mac OS Both at Once. New software called Boot Camp lets you run Windows XP on a Macintosh, but a superior program has the corridors of cyberspace echoing with the sounds of high-fiving. By DAVID POGUE. [NYT > Technology]

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:10:35 GMT

Contemporary Zambian Music, Images & Film

To get into the rhythm of the country, I've been asking Jabbes to share contemporary Zambian music. I'm particularly fond a song called KAYA by Danny. In Jamaica, "kaya" can be slang for pot (as in when Bob Marley sang, got to have kaya now) but in Zambia, the translation is "I don't know." Give a listen ... I hear the singer may be touring the U.S. in the next year ... if everything gets approved and worked out. The also sent a link to a site with Stephen Robinson Photos of Zambia. There are some really beautiful images on this site of some of the most beautiful waterfalls, plains and animals in Zambia. We've started the process of getting approvals for bringing the equipment into the country to shoot the feature and the documentary. I'm eager to see how long this takes. They want to encourage the film industry to come to Zambia to film (given the images on Stephen Robinson's site, one could get some remarkable footage) -- depending on what it takes to get approvals. So, I'll keep you posted on what it takes to make it happen.

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 06:36:02 GMT

A few more preliminary thoughts on the Texas Shootout A FEW MORE THOUGHTS THE NEXT MORNING, and again, this is ALL PRELIMINARY, disclaimer disclaimer, without true side by side tests, etc. The lesser compression artifacts (it is still noisy, however) on the HVX200 puts the COMPRESSION in a different class than the HDV based cameras, not the overall quality. Thinking about the three mid-price cameras - the HVX200, the GY-HD100U, the XL H1 - they are - Mike Curtis [HD For Indies]

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 06:09:58 GMT

The DV Show Podcast

Brian Alves and Colleen Thibault have a weekly podcast on all things DV called, not surprisingly, The DV Show. On their site, they posted a list of DIY devices (including everything I've put up on the last three days). Their podcasts are good, the tutorials useful and links unbroken. They're definitely worth checking out and aggregating. Here is their master list:

JIB Arms/Cranes

Dollies

Stabilzers/Steadicams

$14 Steadicam for the poor man in us all. GREAT article with even some useful addons. Very detailed step by step instructions with photos.

Detailed Stabilizer with photos. Nice design.
Probably the simplest stabilizer explanation/tutorial.
Simple stabilizer with instructions and a few photos. Simple design.
Building a steadycam with anything heavy, save yourself money!
A great .doc file instructional tutorial, with very detailed diagrams and instructions.

Bluescreen/greenscreen

Make a portable blue/greenscreen with PVC and cloth, for under $50! Nice design!

Build a large greenscreen in your home (non-portable) for under $30.

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 05:59:34 GMT

Do-It-Yourself $14 Steadicam

It's all over the internet and was even featured on MAKE MAGAZINE but another great Do-It-Yourself tool is Johnny Chung Lee's $14 Steadicam. Since the primary goal of a steadicam is to stabilize footage and minimize movement, you can't build this tool out of PVC pipe! You need the weight to settle down "human jitteriness." Lee's device is down-and-dirty but effective with practice. On Lee's steadicam, the side handle is used to stabilize side-to-side rocking. The vertical shaking is pretty much dampened by the weight. Don't expect this thing to perform miracles, you have to practice using your arms and body to create a smooth motion. Watch your hands while you walk, and see how level you can keep them relative to the ground. Watching the shadow of your hands on a sunny say is an easy way to isolate thier movement. Keep your legs bent and learn how to "glide". ??WARNING: Improper or irresponsible use of a steadycam can quickly result in the destruction of your equipment and/or injury to yourself and others. Be careful, watch where you are going, pay attention to where you are swinging your camera.

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 05:47:00 GMT

Do-It-Yourself Dolly & Stabilizer

I'm on the budget filmmaking kick again. On SOFTWEIGH.COM, I found three really good tools for getting motion in independent MOTION PICTURES. The PVC Dolly, Camera Stabilizer and Boom Jib are my favorites in the bunch. I've used the PVC dolly many times before and found it to be very effective (and inexpensive). I love the Boom Jib shots although I have yet to build one. Here's what you need :

Some 40 mm PVC pipe
2 x "T" pieces
8 x skateboard wheels
4 x right-angle brackets
4 x 100mmx100mmx50mm timber
1 x 30mmx30mm timber
2 x threaded rods and nuts
A few wood screws

Simply bolt the wheels onto the brackets and fasten onto the block of wood with a hole thru the center. You need a total of 4 sets. Make up a "T" shaped PVC frame using the pipe so it's slightly larger than your tripod. Cut the 30mmx30mm timber into short lengths and drill a hole the same size as the threaded rod thru them. These are pushed onto the rod that goes thru the PVC pipe to keep it balanced and centered. Bolt everything together and make 3 holes in the pipe frame so your tripod drops into them. Refer to the site for the instructions on the other items.

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 05:15:27 GMT

Do-It-Yourself GreenScreen

Jeff Geerling has posted an effective, economical how-to on his website for building GuerillaGreenScreen or BudgetBlueScreen using PVC pipe for the frame and either paper or fabric for the screen. The estimated cost is $16.03, not including tools (hacksaw and PVC pipe cutter). The tools you can use for keying include Photoshop, AfterEffects, Final Cut Pro and, my personal favorite, Shake. The trick to getting an effective key is even lighting with no shadows unless you're very skilled with making garbage mattes and holdout mattes! Additionally, you'll do much better if your digital video camcorder has 3 CCDs (charged couple devices) or the new, high end CMOS with 4:4:4: or at least 4:2:2 color compression. If the camera can't capture sufficient color data, you're not going to be able to pull it out very effectively (for example, you may notice the "green spill" on Jeff's Photoshop background replacement). If you want to understand color, I strongly recommend listening to the podcast with HD for Indies Mike Curtis on digital color. It's excellent.

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 09:48:51 GMT

Deep Throat said it best, "Follow the money." Filmmaking is a game of following the funding until you've got enough to get your project made. This post spotlights two important independent film funding sources.

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation

90 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016 Tel 212-687-4470 Fax 212-697-3278 http://www.gf.org
Email: fellowships@gf.org The Fellowships are awarded to men and women who have already demonstrated exceptional capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts. The Foundation consults with distinguished scholars and artists regarding the accomplishments and promise of the applicants and presents this evidence to the Committee of Selection. Appointments are ordinarily made for one year, and in no instance for a period shorter than six consecutive months. The amounts of the grants will be adjusted to the needs of the Fellows, considering their other resources and the purpose and scope of their plans. Members of the teaching profession receiving sabbatical leave on full or part salary are eligible for appointment, as are holders of other Fellowships and of appointments at research centers. In 2005 the Foundation awarded 186 United States and Canadian Fellowships for a total of $7,112,000 (an average grant of $38,236). There were 3,008 applicants. Application Forms for the 2006 Fellowship competitions will become available in July 2005.

Independent Television Service (ITVS)

501 York Street San Francisco, CA 94110 Tel: 415-356 8383 Fax: 415-356 8391 http://www.itvs.org
Email: itvs@itvs.org ITVS funds, distributes and promotes new programs made by independent producers primarily, but not exclusively, for public television. ITVS favors proposals that present a diverse range of subjects, viewpoints and forms that complement and challenge existing public television offerings. Their web site provides information about producing for ITVS, including funding applications, articles and tips. All U.S. production funding requests must be submitted in accordance with ITVS Funding Guidelines. For ITVS International funding (IMDF) see Key Guidelines and other information below. We encourage you to fill out your applications online. The online application will be available two months prior to each funding deadline. Note: You may apply to only one ITVS funding initiative per round.

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 06:58:36 GMT

Could I Be Any Busier?

I've got to tell you that I truly feel like the people in this video! I don't know if I could possibly fit one more thing on my very full plate! There's that old saying about a busy person getting things done but, heck, there's also that saying about the straw and the camel's back. So, here's what's up for me ... First and foremost, school always looms large in the picture. Lots of classes, the Annual Student Art Show, capital requests, budgets, schedules, extra projects. When I was growing up, I recall my Dad reminding us to do our best or not do anything at all. I always took that to heart but it sure doesn't leave much middle ground. Then, there's the Zambia film. I met with Jabbes this evening and was really pleased to hear about how the story resolves. He had been struggling with how to end the film and, at one point, had said he might leave it open-ended with no resolution at all. I was horrified and encouraged him to make sure that Chiku makes a choice (nothing worse than an indecisive hero). Anyway, after two days of suffering with a headache, he found the ending and I really love it. Of course, I can't divulge it but I am very, very happy. It makes the script even stronger. Related to the Zambia film is the funding quest. I've now made connections with and spoken with people in Zambia. We've discussed logistics and support. Things are looking very good. While we're in Zambia (after the film is complete), we plan on teaching digital filmmaking and production. It looks like we may be able to get some editing systems and cameras donated to leave behind for Zambian film artists. Jabbes said it was a great contribution to his country. Tribeca is coming up and I'm so eager for the festival. It should be amazing! I'll get to spend time with Alec (which I am really looking forward to ... I haven't seen him for quite some time now) and maybe, just maybe, I'll finally get to Shopsins! Of course, blogging is incredibly important and rests atop another of the spinning plates. As hard as I work, I'd think I'd be a millionaire by now. Guess I'll have to be content with the contribution of good deeds.

Fri, 31 Mar 2006 06:25:19 GMT

Animation & Film at BYU

Since I have so many students who go to Brigham Young University after they complete their studies at MCC, I am getting quite familiar with their program. Both their film and animation programs look quite impressive. Some of the student productions have won prestigious awards and their graduates are doing quite well! I found a wonderful animated short that they're working on called OUT ON A LIMB. They've got character sketches, environments, animatics and support materials online. Since I've studied in Mexico (twice), I love the idea of a story from a piñata's point of view! Not to mention, when I was in sixth grade, my family took a trip to California. We crossed the border to Tijuana and misplaced my younger brother for a short while. (Fortunately, we found him under a table.) My mom bought a piñata that she wanted to bring home. There was no room in the car. There was some suggestion about tying it to the roof of the car but Dad said it would be shredded in seconds. So, we left it behind.

Sun, 26 Mar 2006 22:11:32 GMT

PODCAST - Cyndi Greening & Julia Kwan & Erik Paulsson
Eve and the Firehorse

Podcast on Sunday, March 26, 2006
Recorded at SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas

Show Details

Direct download link
Podcast feed
indieWIRE blog
AZCentral blog
Personal Weblog
Email

By Cyndi Greening. Phoenix, Arizona USA (indieWIRE) -- Director Julia Kwan and Producer Erik Paulsson share their thoughts on their lyrical film Eve and the Firehorse and discuss distribution, the festival circuit and upcoming projects.

According to their press kit, JULIA KWAN is an international award-winning writer, director and producer living in Vancouver, B.C. Ms. Kwan attended Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto to study film and minor in psychology. While at Ryerson, Ms. Kwan produced, wrote and directed, INFLAMED (1993). After graduation, Ms. Kwan moved to San Francisco and worked as an Associate Producer, Co-writer and Actor for the film, CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (1994). Upon returning to Vancouver, Ms. Kwan produced, wrote and directed several short films, including the experimental film, PRIZED POSSESSIONS (1997), which premiered at the Festival de Films de Femmes in Creteil, France and the comedy/drama, 10,000 DELUSIONS (1999), which was honoured with the Lumiere Award (best film award) at the New Orleans International Film Festival. In 2001, Ms. Kwan was a director resident at the prestigious Canadian Film Center, founded by Norman Jewison. There, she made her short drama, THREE SISTERS ON MOON LAKE (2001). EVE & THE FIRE HORSE (2005) marks Ms. Kwan's feature film debut. The script was awarded The Charles Israel Screenwriting Prize for best unproduced screenplay at the 2001 Writer's Guild of Canada's Top Ten Awards. Producer ERIK PAULSSON is an award-winning producer/director of documentary and feature films. He is a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre for advance film study as well as Concordia University's undergraduate film program. In 1999, Mr. Paulsson founded his company Red Storm Productions for which he has produced five films to date: EVE & THE FIRE HORSE (2004), ARMY OF ONE (2003), SAY I DO (2002), PROTECTION (2000), and ISLAND OF SHADOWS (2000). (Note: Thanks to Lindsey Black for assistance!)

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 18:56:25 GMT

Back From LA

I've spent the weekend working on the Proposals for Jason's film about the homeless and my two Zambian films. The big plus to working with Jason on his proposal (besides being able to support him in what he's trying to accomplish) is that it helped me clarify what I need to put together for my projects. Having spent last week at the South by Southwest Film Festival, I heard a lot of discussion in the documentary panels about what to put in one's proposal package. Working with Jason, I could really see the value of the process because it helped ME clarify what he was trying to do. His documentary has a modest budget and the proposal shows why investing in the project would be a good investment and morally satisfying, too. Among the things that go into a proposal package:

Treatment / Summary of the Story
Qualifications of Key Creatives
Production Schedule
Budget
4 to 6 minute promo piece
Marketing Plan

It was a grueling process. For creative people who think and work visually, the proposal generation is tedious and agonizing. But, in the end, it was really useful. I can't believe how much clarity it brings to everything. One of the challenges is that film ideas are always wonderful and perfect in one's imagination. It's the manifesting of that idealized story into reality that is quite tricky. As they say, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 23:08:34 GMT

Developing the Zambian Project

We got exciting news from Zambia a couple of days ago. Apparently someone in the government presented the film project that we're working on to the Vice President of the nation of Zambia!! That was terribly exciting and motivating. I guess it's like having your idea present to and supported by Dick Cheney ... without the fear of getting shot! Last week, the Zimbabwe International Film Festival contacted Jabbes to inquire about the film. Word has gotten around in Africa. They called to say that they'd would like to feature the film in their festival, if it were completed in time. The festival begins August 25, so I don't know if we can get it done in time. Regardless, it was incredibly encouraging to know that the film was already desired in the world. People are excited because it's the first dramatic narrative from Zambia. They're moved because it will bring the Zambian voice to the world. Many are supportive because it will encourage economic development in the country. I, too, am very motivated by all of those factors. I have the additional advantage of knowing what the story is about. After the film is complete, I think people will be even more excited because the story is so compelling. BAD TIMING (yes, the title does tweak the superstitious side of me), is based on a stage play by Zambian playwright Samuel Kasankha. As is typical of his work, the story concerns the lives of contemporary Zambians and the challenges they face. BAD TIMING: This story concerns Chiku, a social activist who is soon to be married to Mutinte. Shortly before the wedding, he is indiscreet with a young woman. Arrested just after his wedding, Chiku must defend a false charge made by the girl's family. While he did not commit the crime, his actions bring shame to his bride, embarrassment to his social cause and compromise his life's work. Ultimately, he must defend himself and right the wrongs that he has inflicted on those he loves most. Working with Co-writer/Director Jabbes Mvula has been most rewarding because of his deep commitment to his people and his culture. Part of his goal in telling this story is to reveal the rich Zambian culture and traditions that pervade their day-to-day lives. He and Kasankha allow to world to share in the marriage rituals and training of bride and groom. The community involvment in the wedding negotiations, the quest to build wealth for the children and the consequences of economic limitations help to unveil the hearts and minds of the people. Chiku's legal battle demonstrates the national desire for justice and honor. As we develop the script, I find that I really enjoy the characters and want to know more of the "real" Zambia.

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 05:37:32 GMT

Eve & The Firehorse in Phoenix!

I'm writing to request that you alert Phoenix area residents of a film that will be screening at the Phoenix Film Festival. We saw EVE AND THE FIREHORSE at SUNDANCE 2006. It was really terrific!! It does not have distribution in place so it's important to catch it when it screens here. It only screens once -- March 28th @ 7:10 pm -- so you only have ONE CHANCE to catch it. It's worth the effort to get there! Watch the E&TF Trailer and decide for yourself. The synopsis: Eve, a precocious nine year old with an overactive imagination, was born in the year of the Fire Horse, notorious among Chinese families for producingthe most troublesome children. Caught between her 11-year-old authoritative sister's fantasies of sainthood and cultural confusion and her own sense of right and wrong, Eve faces the challenges of childhood with fanciful humour and wide-eyed wonder. Sometimes the most troublesome children are the ones that touch our hearts most deeply. (NOTE: I recorded a podcast with director Julia Kwan and producer Erik Paulsson at the SXSW festival that will be posted this weekend. In the interview, Julia shares that the film is based on her own childhood. After her grandmother's death, she was told that her grandmother had been reincarnated as a goldfish (pictured below). Later, in her Catholic grade school, she found out that, as a Buddhist, her grandmother was destined for hell. The film shows how a young girl wrestles with those two conflicting messages about her grandmother's ultimate fate.

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 05:12:45 GMT

SXSW Blogging About Film Panel

Today, I participated on the SXSW Blogging About Film Panel. As I had written earlier, I was definitely the small dog on the block. There were some real heavy hitters on the panel. It was, however, great to finally meet some of the people I've been reading and following for all these years. Normally, I would have taken a zillion notes and posted them for your reading pleasure but I was otherwise occupied. The panel included: ME! Cyndi Greening, Senior Editor of Independent Film for Cinema Minima and Karina Longworth Editor, Cinematical. Dressed in a bright red-orange dress with matching sunglasses, Karina was fun to listen to. She's the quintessential blogging success story. She worked in a pasta factory for "real" money so she could type her blog entries in her spare time (and her pajamas). Part of the WeblogsInc consortium that was acquired by AOL, Karina is rumored to be moving beyond Cinematical to manage a new web adventure. She's so young but she breezes into the room with an air of authority and confidence that is decades beyond her years. After the panel, the crowd rushed her ... a common occurrence for her, I believe. Another of the panelists that was mobbed at the end of the panel was David Poland Publisher/Editor, Movie City News. He said he'd been blogging for over 13 years (or some such number) as a web journalist. Everything he said pointed to his deep, lifelong commitment to film. Years ago, he was the alternative film journalist but now has become a member of the mainstream media. Like Cinematical, Cinema Minima and indieWIRE, Movie City News features a whole stable of reporters and writers covering more topics than I could cover in a year. It's good reading. Read Poland's The Hot Button. I was really looking forward to meeting David Hudson Editor, GreenCine. I'd emailed Dave in years past to compliment him on his site. I was surprised to hear that lives in Berlin (for some reason I'd always thought he was in the San Francisco Bay area). He explained that in years past he would search for things to write about BUT with the advent of RSS, he now is inundated with stories and must cull together the choice bits. Unlike Poland and Longworth, Hudson uses his blog as an advertising vehicle to support his video rental (and, soon, video streaming business). Likewise, panel moderator Scott Kirsner Editor, CinemaTech does not use his blog to generate revenue. Before the panel, we were talking about how his blog serves a niche market that other publications and periodicals do not have the time or inclination to cover. No one addresses his topic in the detail to which he enjoys covering it. I've linked to CinemaTECH quite a few times in the past. While it may not be much of a money making adventure, I sure am glad that he's out there. Two directors were included on the panel. It was great to have their perspective on blogging. It also made me want to see both of their films. Joe Swanberg Director of LOL shared that he'd made his film for $3000 and that he had been posting all of his production secrets from the beginning on his blog. He's got a robust film site. Doug Block Director of 51 Birch Street talked about how he had used feedback from people (via his weblog) to shape his film. Readers posted comments that inspired him to continue his film and make it more personal. It's a method I couldn't imagine but one that worked very well for him. Dave Hudson had good things to say about his film so I'm hoping to catch it, too. I think it's funny how making a personal connection with a filmmaker makes one want to connect with his/her film. I want to see them both.

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 06:02:29 GMT

Filmmaker, photographer Gordon Parks dies. Xeni Jardin (BoingBoing): Gordon Parks, a photojournalist who later became Hollywood's first prominent black movie director, has died. He was 93 years old.

Image, 1963, Gordon Parks: "Ethel Shariff was the leader of the women's corps of the Black Muslims, wife of the chief of the elite guard, and daughter of Elijah Muhammad, the spiritual leader of the Black Muslim movement. This image was part of the photographic essay on Malcolm X and the Muslims that ran in LIFE, accompanied by Parks's essay 'What Their Cry Means to Me—A Negro's Own Evaluation.'" Link. (Thanks, Mark Ebner)

[Boing Boing]

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 05:57:51 GMT

DreamWorks toons draw loss. Film News: 'Wallace' follows soft B.O. with slow DVD sales -- "Madagascar" was no "Shrek 2" on DVD, and "Wallace & Gromit" wasn't even close to "Shark Tale" in theaters, causing DreamWorks Animation profits to plunge 67% in the fourth quarter. [Variety.com]

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 04:57:32 GMT

Director Mike Figgis' Inexpensive DV Rig

After years of using the FigRig on his award-winning films, Mike Figgis brought his idea to Manfrotto. An idea that is non-traditional in design, but purely simple and effective. The only modular system in the world to smoothly support the DV camera and act as a frame to mount all the accessories -- including zoom controllers, mics, mixers, lights, monitors, arms. A circular frame with a crossbar to mount most mini DV cameras, the Fig Rig becomes part of the body to produce smooth, steady travelling shots. It is this very fact which is the secret to the Fig Rig. As the operator walks, his/her muscles and tendons absorb all the shocks, transferring only fluid movements to the camera. As there are no straps or harnesses attached to the Fig Rig, quick and wide movements can be made within the same shot -- from ground-level to overhead, in one smooth movement. The camera, accessories and operator become one, allowing you to film scenes quickly and unobtrusively. With the Fig Rig your creativity is virtually limitless.

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 04:41:32 GMT

SNL Natalie Portman gangsta rap video. Xeni Jardin:

On Saturday Night Live last night, The Lonely Island dudes did a hilarious rap video with intergalactic Star Wars babe (and V for Vendetta star) Natalie Portman, Chris Parnell, and Andy Samberg. OMG! Alert the lawyers! It's already up on YouTube. Link, another, another (Thanks, hopey and Manu and others)

[Boing Boing]

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 07:20:08 GMT

Zambian Film Progress

I am learning so much about Zambia since I started this project. According to the Zambian Tourism board, it is the land of the legendary African walking safari, location of the Earth's biggest waterfall, the wild Zambezi River, breath-taking lakes and wetlands, a profusion of birds, abundant wildlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness, all in one friendly country. Acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, Zambia's people live in peace and harmony. The wildlife is diverse and the country is blessed with 17 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls.

Views of the magnificent Victoria Falls, links to Zambia's Game Reserves in the world, a plethora of Places to Visit and links to Zambia's Cities and towns. Of course, there's information on Wildlife Safaris to enjoy Zambia's diverse concentration of wild animals and birds. Bird lovers, print the Bird checklist of Zambia, there's over 740 and the Birdlife section will tell you what birds are found where.

And, there are also Adventure links for high action adrenaline thrills and off-the-beaten track adventures: rafting, kayaking, canoeing trails, 4x4 routes. houseboating, horseback trails, scuba diving, bungi jumping, microlighting and some of Africa's best fishing spots - with all the contact details. I am discovering that Zambia has an incredible natural heritage with many unique species found only here.

Cyndi Greening: Film & Animation Production

Contemporary Zambian Music, Images & Film

The DV Show Podcast

Do-It-Yourself $14 Steadicam

Do-It-Yourself Dolly & Stabilizer

Do-It-Yourself GreenScreen

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation

Independent Television Service (ITVS)

Could I Be Any Busier?

Animation & Film at BYU

PODCAST - Cyndi Greening & Julia Kwan & Erik Paulsson Eve and the Firehorse

Show Details

Back From LA

Developing the Zambian Project

Eve & The Firehorse in Phoenix!

More SXSW Stories and Bits

SXSW Blogging About Film Panel

Director Mike Figgis' Inexpensive DV Rig

Zambian Film Progress

PODCAST - Cyndi Greening & Julia Kwan & Erik Paulsson
Eve and the Firehorse