This is a bright comedy set in one of history’s darkest periods: World War II. A troupe of Polish actors are about to put on a play about Hitler invading Poland. Hitler does invade Poland and the play is abruptly cancelled. A performance of Hamlet is hastily staged instead. The vanity of the play’s main […]
Tough newspaper editor Walter Burns (played by Cary Grant) tries to break up his top reporter’s plans to leave the paper, get married, and settle down in the country. The reporter, Hildy Johnson (played by Rosalind Russell), finds it hard to resist covering one last big scoop before she retires. Dialogue flies fast and furious […]
Tired of re-watching all the films you already know? Confused by lists of “classics” that may or may not be fun to watch? Well grab a snack and pull up the comfy seats. Whether you’re a parent looking for family movie night ideas, or a young filmmaker looking to hone your craft, the films in What Are We Watching? will make you laugh, spark some epic conversations, and get you thinking about how movies are made and great stories get told.
Like a mini film school in a box, What Are We Watching? explores twenty great classic films that are quirky, entertaining, and exceptionally well-crafted stories. These movies feature tons of great techniques young filmmakers can use to make their own movies better, and What are We Watching? reveals how. Each classic movie entry includes the following for your movie enjoyment:
• a short description of what the film is about
• terrific trivia
• super tips on storytelling and film-making you can use in your own movies and writing
• recommendations for more great movies by the same filmmakers.
Packed full of information, What Are We Watching? is a fantastic reference for families and young filmmakers aged 10 to 18, and anyone of any age interested in expanding their classic movie chops.
Jitters. We all get them. They make things feel shaky, quaky and unclear. Whether you’re nervous about making your first films, or sick of making movies that look amateurish, there are things you can do to steady your nerves and steady your shots. Once you understand the techniques needed to do something well, you build […]
On Film-Making: An Introduction to the Craft of the Director by Alexander Mackendrick (2005)
Alexander Mackendrick was the director of Whisky Galore! (1949), The Man in the White Suit (1951), and The Ladykillers (1955). He taught film at Cal Arts from 1969 to 1993 and this book is a compilation of his teaching notes, edited by Paul Cronin. You’ll find inspiring guidance to paste on your “writer’s wall” and tons of tips from a master director on all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production. This is an entertaining read full of great advice for all filmmakers at any stage of their careers.
When in doubt, make a Western.”
Are you a young filmmaker who wants to learn more about making movies? Are you a parent who needs some fresh ideas for family film night? Are you an educator looking to inspire your students with films and filmmaking ideas? This is a place to find titles of entertaining classic films to watch as a […]
