Second Unit Director Work - Koc University Hospital

Last December, I have been given the opportunity to do pickup shots for Onur Somer's TVC project. I would like to thank him here in this blog for the opportunity he has given me. It was great to be a part of this project as a second unit director and I am very happy with the result!

Did you know? A brief history of The Dark Knight Trilogy!

Stanley Kubrick, Cinephile

I grew up watching Stanley Kubrick films. The first film that I have seen was Eyes Wide Shut in 1999 when I was 14 years old. I remember a book in our house about the great American directors which included Kubrick as well. Late 90's saw the rise of DVD's and I was lucky enough to find his earlier works. I have around 10 books on Kubrick in my home including the famous Taschen edition as well as Eyes Wide Open by Raphael Frederick which only had only one publication. (I have it!)
We have very few interviews of him but we know one thing for sure, he was a cinephile. BFI published a new post about Kubrick's obsession with cinema as well as his favourite ten films.
It is great to revisit pioneers of cinema especially from the silent era.
There was a time in my life where I had time to watch films as much as I could. Yes those were the days when I was a student and I could just grab a film and study it. In Helsinki, I could see those pictures in cinema with black and white film projection. How lucky was I!
I know there will be time again in my life where I will be able to revisit these films.
Click here to go to the article.

Nolan on Following

The Criterion Collection's twenty minute featurette with Christopher Nolan on Following is amazing. Nolan talks about the choices he made during the production of Following in order to create a fictional world within the financial and technical boundaries he had.
This is an important piece for young filmmakers who have similar limitations. Nolan mostly argues that one should benefit from everything he/she has around him/herself. Understanding the limitations and walking around that is crucial.
The piece is highly recommended!

Seaburners

I have had the chance to work in Melisa Onel's feature debut "Seaburners" in the beginning of March, 2013. It was my first work after military service as well as my first AD'ing experience after 4 years.
During the shoot, my responsibilities included prepping and distributing the call sheets, assisting Mira Furlan and working closely with the first AD for scheduling and organising the shoot. I was also responsible for keeping track of the shoot and taking notes for the editor.
Seaburners is out! Go see it and support first time filmmakers!

A very nice video on how to stand out!

I enjoy every tutorial he puts out there and this short video is kicking!

Eve’s Recipe for success

1. Having recently red Hollywood Drive: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry by Eve Light Honthaner, I just wanted to share the author's recipe for success. The book is highly recommended for anyone outside of the film business looking to break in or who wants to switch their careers within the film industry. 
2. 
   

1. •a sincere love of the business
2. •one positive attitude
3. •one winning personality
4. •an array of well-developed people skills
5. •one large network, along with a vast collection of solid industry relationships
6. •endless reserves of energy
7. •huge portions of assertiveness and chutzpa
8. •a touch of humility
9. •heaps of inspiration and creativity
10. •a plethora of determination
11. •a willingness to start at the bottom and pay your dues
12. •an abundance of hard work mixed together with a “can do” philosophy
13. •an impressive knowledge of the business, blended thoroughly with an assortment of well-informed opinions
14. •the desire to keep learning and to give more than what’s expected
15. •the time to have fun and make new friends
16. •at least one unique quality that sets you apart from the crowd
17. •one foot capable of getting into multiple doors
18. •an ability to do well on interviews
19. •a workable plan to get you where you want to go
20. •the conviction that you’re in it for the long haul
21. •the patience and tenacity to get there
22. •enough savings or an alternate source of income to get you through the lean times
23. •oodles of confidence, motivation and self-esteem
24. •the intuitiveness to anticipate the needs and tastes of others and to remain a step ahead
25. •the talent to deliver a great pitch
26. •one teflon coat
27. •ten gallons of shark repellent to ward off all overinflated egos, nasty tempers, annoying back-stabbers and sleazeballs
28. •liberal amounts of schmoozing
29. •the time and effort to keep up contacts
30. •the support and recommendation of others
31. •one sense of humor
32. •at least one helpful and inspiring mentor
33. •the belief that in spite of all the competition, rejection, insecurity, uncertainty, nepotism and politics -- you will work again, sell a project or get a good role
34. •one stellar reputation
35. •generous dashes of passion and excitement
36. •a huge sense of pride and accomplishment for having made it this far!