Runanga Township (New Zealand)

Anyone who is travelling on the State Highway between Greymouth and Westport on the South Island's West Coast in New Zealand will pass through a small town named Runanga. This town barely rates a mention in tourist brochures but does have some things going for it which makes it worth a visit. The most popular attraction in Runanga is the Coal Creek Falls. The is a bush walk which takes about a hour to complete. The waterfalls at the end of the track are a spectacular sight. Don't forget to bring your camera with you.

There are some shops in Runanga to buy refreshments. The Runanga Takeaways on the main Highway and the Dairy on McGowan Street. Also on McGowan Street near the dairy is Runanga Collectables. If you are a collector of antiques or of anything collectable then you never know what you may find in this little shop. It is certainly worth a look around.

McGowan Street at one time had numerous shops and were busy on pay days at the coal mines. There was a grocer's shop which stocked virtually everything the householder would need which included hardware as well as food supplies. There was also a stationary shop, a draper's, book exchange, butcher's shop, and a fish and chip shop. The businesses may have long gone but some of the buildings still remain.

The most iconic building in Runanga is the Miner's Hall. This is in McGowan Street. The Miner's Hall is in the process of major repairs at the time of writing and this work will probably be finished by the end of 2017 or 2018. In its hey day the Miner's Hall played host to dances and was even used as a classroom during a time in the late 1960s when one of the rooms at Runanga School was being renovated.

Just outside o the township as you arrive from the south is a monument. This is a memorial to the two men who were killed in the Runanga payroll robbery in 1917. This was one of the darkest chapters in Runanga's history. On 9 November 1917 the car carrying the wages and salaries of the miners was help up and robbed at gunpoint when a log was placed across the road on two boxes. A man named Eggers was arrested in Christchurch a week later after he was found in possession of the stolen money. He was found guilty in a jury trial three months later and hanged.

If you are ever travelling on the state highway between Greymouth and Westport on New Zealand's South Island then you will pass through the coal mining town of Runanga. Why not stop for an hour or so to have a look around the township. It does have some things going for it which makes it worth your while to have a look around. Check out my website http://www.ourgreymouth.wordpress.com for more information about the West Coast.


 By Robert Alan Stewart


Article Source: Runanga Township (New Zealand)

6 Photo Editing Tips You Should Know

In the past, photo editing was not something that photographers were agreed on. However, photo editing is considered as an essential skill for today's photographers. For instance, with Photoshop, you can perform the post-processing a lot more easily. Nowadays, it's believed that even the best photos can be improved with a good photo editing app.

Given below are a few good adjustments that you can make in order to make the process more efficient. For instance, you should crop your images first. It's not a good idea to remove dust or readjust exposure on those areas of the image that will be cropped out.

6 Photo Editing Tips

Crop your Images

Do you have well-composed photos? If so, you can still benefit from a bit of cropping. For this, you should choose the Crop tool and then select the area that you want to keep. This is as easy as it sounds. Once the image is cropped, you should recheck it to make sure you have not removed necessary parts.

Remove the sensor dust

Remember: dust and other particles should be removed from the camera lens before each photo shoot. If you have taken photos without cleaning the lens, you will see dust on the shots. For this, you can choose the Healing Brush from the menu to get rid of the dust spots.

Readjust the levels

If you want to increase the contrast level of a photo, all you have to do is darken the shadows and brighten the highlights. You should go to the Levels and then drag the white arrow in the right direction to achieve the desired effect.

Increase the saturation

To make the colors stand out, you can increase the saturation level. So, it's a good idea to increase the saturation in order to make your images more colorful. However, it's a good idea to use this feature sparingly as noisy colors don't look good at all.

Change it Back to black and white

Mono is awesome in some cases. Therefore, you may want to try out this conversion tool. You can give a go to the preset conversion to change the way colors are converted. Ideally, you should opt for presets that will give you great contrast. Make sure you don't lose shadows or highlights.

Sharpen up

You can use this feature on the majority of digital photos. As a matter of fact, the settings will be based on whether you want to view the pictures on a computer screen or you want to get them printed. Again, use this feature sparingly in order to avoid digital noise.

Other tips

It's not a necessity to use all of the features for editing each photo. For instance, in some photos, you won't need to change the exposure at all. All you have to do is make sure you need a feature to make the image look better.

Once you have completed the photo editing, you should rename the image to save it to another folder. Don't make the mistake of over-writing the file you took from the camera.

So, these are a few tips that can help you with photo editing.

If you want some tips on how to remove background of a picture, we suggest that you check out RephotoSolution. They offer these services at reasonable rates.


 By Shalini Madhav


Article Source:  6 Photo Editing Tips You Should Know

Setting Up Your Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera Properly

Setting up your camera properly when you get it is very useful because it ensures that you get the best quality pictures and video. This article shows you how to set up your Nikon D3400 DSLR.

The first thing you need to do is to get your battery and to charge it. When you buy the camera you will receive a battery and a battery charger and, although the battery may look like it is fully charged, it is worth just getting it an extra hour or so in the charger to make sure. The reason for that is that by fully charging and then fully draining your battery as you use it, it does extend the life of your battery. Once you've charged it, you then place it into the camera which is in the socket here at the bottom. It can only go in one way - it goes in with these contacts at the top and it goes in only one way, so if it doesn't go in very easily you're putting it in the wrong way. Then you just close the door.

The next thing you need to do is attach the lens. If you bought the kit lens, which is a great buy, then you will get that in the box with the camera. If you look on the side of the camera here, there is a white dot and if you look on the side of the lens you will see also there is a white dot. So, take off the two caps very carefully, match up the two white dots, gently fitting it into the bayonet socket and then twisting it anti-clockwise until it clicks.

Now, although you get nearly everything you need in the box when you buy the camera, for you to take pictures pretty much straight away, the one thing you don't get when you get box is a memory card. Of course you need a memory card to store the pictures and the videos that you shoot on the camera. We suggest getting a SanDisk card and the reason for that is that sound discs will guarantee the life of the card. It is important to remember they won't guarantee what's on the card but if the card fails SanDisk will replace the card. It is a little extra. The way you put the card into the camera is on the side socket here. You open it up by pulling it slightly forward and you put the card in facing to you. Just push it in until it clicks and what you'll notice is that when you push it in completely a green light flashes on the back of the camera to say that it's being done properly. If you need to take the card out then you just press the card and it's on a spring and it will just bounce out again.

On the other side are two other ports. These are very useful because they are a USB port which allows you to transfer your pictures directly from the camera to a laptop computer and beneath that an HDMI port which allows you to show your pictures on a TV. Neither of these leads are available in the box so if you want to do either of those things you need to buy the leads separately. Once you've inserted your memory card the next thing to do is to switch the camera on. But first take off the lens cap and activate the lens. What I mean is that you press the button on the side of the lens and you extend the lens out. You need to do this in order for the camera to work because if you don't the camera won't take any pictures.

Once you've done that you can switch on the camera. Once you have done that you will see in the back screen that you've got various choices to make. First, choose your language and you do that by moving the cross keys left to right and up and down.Then select the language and pressing OK. Ignore the SnapBridge option for now. You choose your date in a similar fashion and you also then choose your time zone in exactly the same way, by using the cross keys on the back. All of these things can be changed later anyway so don't worry too much if you get them wrong or in fact if you don't want to worry too much about them now and bypass those options and to return to them afterwards.

The next thing to do is to format your card. The first time you use your card you need to ensure that it's formatted correctly for this camera. Press the menu button - the menu that you are looking for is the Set Up menu. That is the spanner icon, so you go down here and then the second one down is format memory card. Now there's always an element of danger when you format memory cards, particularly once you started using the camera. If you format the memory card, you delete everything on it. Even pictures that you think you have protected will be deleted so you need to be very careful when you format cards. However when you're doing it for the first time you are perfectly at liberty to go to YES and click OK and it will format the memory card and attune it to this camera properly.

Well you can shoot pictures with this camera now, but the best thing to do is to select your image quality and your compression quality before you do so. The first thing to do is to go back into menu. In this instance we're looking at the Shooting Menu and if you go to down then the first thing you come across is IMAGE QUALITY. Now image quality talks about compression rates not about the file size but the compression rate is important. You can shoot RAW images with this camera but I would recommend initially at least, shooting JPG. The option I would choose would be JPG FINE Because that's the best compression rate for this camera. Once you have done that, you move one down to IMAGE SIZE and again there's no point shooting medium of small images with this camera I would say the best thing to do is to shoot large images. The memory card will probably be enough - a 16 or 32 gigabyte memory - to shoot hundreds of pictures so you are not limited by memory space as we once were so there's no reason not to shoot large and not to shoot fine JPG images. As we are in the Shooting Menu, why don't we go down one more from IMAGE SIZE to ISO sensitivity. When you switch the camera on for the first time, then the settings are set so that the Auto ISO sensitivity control is on. That means that when you're in the basic Preset Modes the camera will choose the ISO setting. If you look below the Auto ISO sensitivity control it will set the maximum sensitivity according to what's chosen there and when you get the camera and you switch it on to the first time the maximum is 25600. I would say that when you're taking normal pictures you probably don't want to go above 1600 probably 3,200 at the most. By leaving it as it is, you allow the camera to choose far higher ISOs than you otherwise might wish. So if you go into this setting I would suggest that you make the maximum setting as I say 6400 and I would also switch the ISO sensitivity control OFF because that then means that you have more control over the ISO in the basic settings and also in the manual settings.

After setting the ISO I would stay in the Shooting Menu and move one down again to white balance. It is important. Initially I would put white balance on auto. What white balance does is it sets the white in the picture. If you know anything about colors you know that white is a combination of all colors and so once the camera can set white, it can also set the values for all the other colors. So it is very important and it is also very important if you're shooting somewhere where the balance of light is not normal, for example if you are shooting in an office where the light may be slightly blue, or if you are shooting at home under artificial light where the natural color of the light might be slightly yellow. Now you are not going to see this with your naked eye because your brain manages to filter that those tones and those colors out, but the camera will see it and it's important that the camera is initially is on AUTO so that it can set the white balance itself and try to balance all of the different color components that it sees through the lens.

Now you're in a position to take a picture or shoot a video. You can either do this through the live view screen which enables you to see what is through the lens or you can do this through the more conventional DSLR way which is to look through the viewfinder. The viewfinder can be attuned to your eyesight. So if you look through the viewfinder and although the camera says what you're looking at is sharp, it doesn't look sharp to you, you can use the dioptric adjuster which is on the side here to change the focal length of the viewfinder which means that you can look through it and it looks sharp when in fact the camera says it looks sharp. That's very useful so take some moments just to focus and refocus on a few different things and just check that the viewfinder, when you're looking through it, looks sharp when the camera says that it is sharp.

One of the things that I change almost straight away is the Auto timer. Cameras have timers on them now in order to help save the battery charge and that means that sometimes they switch themselves off and it can be really annoying. But you can set your own auto timer length by going into the camera and into the Menu Settings. Go into menu and you go into the Setup Menu then by going down on to the next page - there are quite a lot of settings here - you will see AUTO OFF TIMERS as an option. If you select that then you can either select Short, Normal or Long which is a fairly generic term that talks about how long the camera will be on before it switches itself off or how long the back screen will be on before it switches itself off. Or you can go down to CUSTOM and you can select those lengths of time that you prefer. That's what I do. I go down to CUSTOM and check the ones that I want which are playback and menus, image review which is the length of time the images on the back screen for you just to look at after you've taken it. Live view which is the live view screen and the standby timer which is how long the camera is on standby before it switches itself off.

The next thing I'd be looking at here is the monitor brightness. Now the reason for that is that sometimes either in direct sunlight or even when it's very dark, you might want to change the brightness of the back screen monitor so you can see the picture or the video more clearly. The way to do that is to go into MENU and go down again to Set Up Menu and move down from the Memory Card option which we have seen before, to MONITOR BRIGHTNESS. In order to go in you click on that and then you can move it either up five or down five. Now just to bear in mind that changing the brightness of the monitor does not change the exposure of the picture the two are not related, so you could have a very bright monitor to see the detail of what you are photographing and it won't affect the photograph itself. But it is a good way of checking detail and making sure that you've got the right composition for your picture if the lighting conditions behind the camera aren't so good.

There are a couple more things to mention before the end of the video. The first one is the beep. When you set up your camera for the first time you will notice that when you start taking pictures, when the camera focuses correctly, it will beep and that is great for the first few times, but after a couple of days that will really start to annoy you. So the thing to do is go into MENU and then coming to Set Up Menu and two pages down at the bottom you will see BEEP and I would suggest you select that and you turn it OFF because it will otherwise drive you mad.

Now the last thing I want to show you is very useful once you have taken your pictures. If you go into Playback Menu, once you have taken a picture and go down to playback display option then you will see that you have options that give you information on the picture once you have it. so you've got the options of showing the highlights, the RGB histogram, shooting data and overview. These are really useful bits of information and they're useful for you to recall and go back to once you've taken the picture and you just want to see what settings you have or actually during the live shoot when you can look through the RGB a histogram or the tonal histogram where your picture may be failing or just not working to its optimum. So they are very useful things to have and by allocating and switching those on when you go into Playback Mode and you look at your pictures by pressing the Cross Keys up or down, you will be given these pieces of information with the picture also viewable on the view screen. It is a really useful way of just keeping control and keeping an eye on the various options and settings that you have when you take a picture so for example it will give you as I say the histograms but also the ISO. It will give you the focal length, it will give you all the various autos in terms of white balance or whether the flash was on etc. In the old days when you were shooting with film you would have taken a notebook and written all of this down, but because it's available on the back screen it makes it a whole lot easier. Those are the basic settings for the Nikon D3400.

Jeremy Bayston has worked in the photography industry for over two decades. �He has �a particular interest in digital photography and has written on the subject for many websites including CameraWize. He has written user manuals for the Nikon D5200, Nikon D3400 and Canon 1300D/T6. Learn more about the new  DSLR cameras here and the   Nikon D3400 here.


 By Jeremy Bayston


Article Source: Setting Up Your Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera Properly

A Novel In One Second - The Moment

A great writer can transport you into new worlds with their words, a great painter can bring you to tears with an image and a great singer/composer can make you weak at the knees with a song. As a photographer we can merge these items into one single snap, telling a complete story about a world that can make the viewer emotionally tied in the way that we were trying to capture.

That's what is referred to as 'The Moment', or at least that's what I call it. That one instant in time where the image that is captured shows every little emotion, feeling and the full story behind it all. A complete novel in one split second moment in time that if we are lucky enough, we capture.

Sometimes, we can take a leaf out of the writer's book and create a story using a set of images rather than just the one photo.

Either way, whether it's a series of stunning visual imagery or a novel in one click the basics behind it matter big time. Take your time to do your homework!

Ah, there it is. The great big hush-hush secret between what makes an amateur and the pro.

Like any great writer, research your topic. Get totally invested in what it is, all the small minor details. To capture the true meaning of that one awesome moment, or series of moments you must totally understand what the subject matter is all about!

Sure you can bluff your way through. No doubt that there's plenty of writers that have done this as well but to truly stand out amongst the greats you cannot afford to bluff your way through. There really is no excuse for not doing your research in this day and age where any piece of information that you are after can be found with a few clicks. This background information can be used as a starting point to immerse yourself in the story that you are trying to convey. Whatever that story may be and regardless of the subject.

Anybody can pick up a DSLR, set it to auto and just point and click. Running from one location to the next, happily clicking away at the shutter, hoping that they come away with one or two decent images out of the thousand that they have taken. The pro however will understand what they are trying to capture before ever raising the camera to their eye.

If you really want to elevate your photography to the next level then take heed - clearly envision what you are trying to convey to your audience before taking that shot. A thousand average images will never equal one great image - and that one great image will live on forever in other people's minds.

My crazy world has included successfully combining all the skills of a artist, photographer, designer, programmer, and marketer into one crazy life.

I'm available for guest blogging, article writing and speaking events.

~ Frank

Tazz 1 Pty Ltd

Follow me in my crazy world via my site
or Insta!


 By Frank Perez


Article Source: A Novel In One Second - The Moment

The Golden Rules of Photography

There has been a sharp rise in the number of people clicking photographs in the last few years. Photography has given a lot of people the freedom to click whatever they like. But, as much as it seems easy and fascinating, there is much more to DSLR photography than meets the eye. There are a few golden rules that you need to keep with you whenever you want to click.

1) Visual Literacy
Now that a lot of people are clicking on a daily basis, it is important to keep in mind that every picture clicked has a purpose and we not only click a frame but something that conveys a message. It is important to keep in mind that an image might influence others in various possible ways.

Visual literacy is about seeking rather than just looking around. When getting ready to click the shot, stop and think for a moment what the picture conveys.

Understanding that every picture has its own vision of the world is important and that when you click something or someone, try to pre-visualise what is being translated from the three dimensional reality in front of you onto the two dimensional space within the photograph frame. Your camera is just a tool which will lend a helping hand to portray your interpretation of the world.

2) Visual Impact and Appeal
Composition, proportion, focus, balance, rhythm and texture are among some of the values in a photograph and all of them affect the visual impact and appeal of a photograph in one way or the other. But, the most important aspect is the value of composition, in other words, the satisfying arrangements of shapes and sizes in the space occupied by them.

3) Composition
Since we are talking about composition, let's see in detail, why is it important.

Determine your subject and decide the best camera position. Instead of holding your camera at an eye level, try different angles or point of view. Get down lower or higher when composing a shot.

Keep a note of your subject and the surroundings you are in. See if they match perfectly and make sure there are no things such as lamp posts or trees hanging out from the corners of someone's head and spoiling the frame.

4) Check the Frame
Digital cameras photography is best experienced when you have a perfect frame. Select one by looking through the viewfinder or digital back. Observe the frame from one edge to another. Take note of what might be left out of the frame and can be included to make the frame look better. Work on filling the frame with only necessary elements rather than cropping up the image later.

These DSLR photography tips, if kept in mind while taking the shot, will eventually land you up with something which is perfect and that is the only thing a photographer longs for.

Balkrishan is a passionate writer who writes golden rules of photography. To know more about DSLR photography tips and    digital cameras photography Visit online:    https://www.nikonschool.in


 By Bal Krishan Sharma


Article Source: The Golden Rules of Photography

Delhi - Not Just the Capital of India, But Also a Hub of Astrologers

Face-to-Face conversation with a Delhi-based astrologer - how?

A cakewalk? Obviously not. It is always tough to talk to a stranger, be it an Astrologer. It is not like you blurt out your problems and they answer with a solution. A one-way, yes, but not exactly like this. There is much more to the scene than we anticipate and pictures in our head. Even if you have chosen one of the best astrologers in the city, still you will have inhibitions while talking to an astrologer for the first time.

Back to the basics - definition of Astrology

Astrology is an arcane science dealing with highlighting different events that have or are going to occur in your life. According to the principles of philosophy, astrology takes its core from the movement of stars and the planets around the sun. These are responsible for the happiness, sadness, joy, melancholy, upside, downturns in one's life. But the real question is when you are facing troubles in your life, and you can't find fruitful solutions from any conventional sources, what to do then? Go for astrology. It can help you in gliding through your life.

Astrologers in Delhi - what do they suggest?

- The most powerful spell that an Astrologer suggests is the Vashikaran Mantra. The Vashikaran Mantra can be useful in tackling the negative energies influencing in your daily lives. The magical spell binds the negativity inside and around your body, keeps it in control and don't allow it to proliferate in your body. It can also check the freewill of an individual. You can get back your lover and renew your love with new vigor with the help of Vashikaran Mantra.

- They also suggest for generating more wealth with the help of astrology. According to the ancient sciences, it is always believed that with positive energy, you are bound to accumulate wealth. With a proper flow of positive energy around your body, you can acquire wealth in the same pattern. By chance, if the movement of energy gets disrupted, it can result in fatalities and failure. So it is a prerequisite to keeping your surroundings positive so as to allow the flow of this energy.

 There are instances when astrology can turn bad for one. Such is the case of black magic. At Delhi, many famous astrologers try their hands on black magic and carry out a panacea for the clients. There are astrological remedies which can counter the spells put up by black magic. It is considerably true when someone suffers from strange but prolonged illnesses, or have bad luck in relationships. They might be the causal effects of black magic.

Finally, services for astrology solutions

You can always go for reputed astrology solutions provided by Astrobhakti. You can either go to their office or visit their website to enlist a query regarding your problems. They will try to solve your problem under the consultation of the very reputable Pandit Acharya. Go for the unconventional way. True, many don't believe in this ancient science, but it has got astrong reputation for healing people out of their misery.

Natural Therapy India is a well-known online directory offering contact details of various Astrologers, who offer astrology services to its clients. Browse our online portal to get their complete contact details.


 By Samaria Thomas


Article Source: Delhi - Not Just the Capital of India, But Also a Hub of Astrologers

6 Fascinating Facts About Cruise Ships That You Never Knew

They say travelling is the best way out to break depression. We surely get sick and bored of our daily work routines and there comes a time that we need some change and fun in our lives. Any travelling vacation can do the "stress break" thing but cruising is above all, the only problem is that a few people can afford it as it is a bit high in expenses than the other travelling options.

However, if you have a huge amount of cash in your bank and are able to go for cruising with your friends or family then here are a few interesting facts that you would want to know about cruising.

World's Largest Cruise Ship

MS Oasis of the Seas and MS Allure of the Seas are famous for being the world's largest ships with an enormous amount of facilities. These ships are owned by the Royal Caribbean International. These ships have enough space to carry up to 6000 passengers at once.

We always knew that Titanic is the largest ship and the heaviest too but guess what, we were wrong, these huge in size ships are four times heavier and 100 meters longer than the Titanic.

Godmothers

Back in the ancient times, there was a proper tradition in which Godmothers used to come and bless the cruises so that they don't meet any disaster of misfortune. Even now many ships practice this tradition and cruise ship Godmothers are invited by lines to give the ship "life" and to bestow guidance and safety on it. It might sound a bit weird but it has been running since the ancient times and people believe that they are going to have a very safe and fun ride if the Godmothers have blessed the cruise.

Dump The Raw Sewage

You might not know it but it is but a reality that the cruise ships have legal rights to dump the raw sewage in the sea only if they at least three miles away from the shore. You might be wondering where does all the sewage go from the ship and how is it dumped well it shocking but its all in the sea!

Missing People!

Since 2001, there are over 2000 people who are reported to be missing from cruise ships and after some research, the owners reported that most of the people sometimes go for suicide in the sea and some fall of the cruise and there are many who just can't be found anywhere.

The World

"The World" is a cruise ship where people can live permanently just like normal homes, this cruise has offices and proper daily routine work and rooms where people earn, eat and live with their families.

Muster

Manu of the people won't be aware of this term, muster is basically a safety drill for all the crew people and the passengers so that they know how to use life jackets in emergency situations and how they can survive if something really bad comes up!

Traveling to Ireland for spending some quality time with family or oneself, is probably the best holiday plan you can ever make. Holidays to Dublin will be the most exciting experience of your life.


 By Hammad H Sheikh


Article Source: 6 Fascinating Facts About Cruise Ships That You Never Knew

Family Films at the 2017 Florida Film Festival

Though focused primarily on programming for adults, in keeping with its annual tradition, the Florida Film Festival also offers a family programing sidebar with intriguing new independently produced movies that you probably won't find at the local cineplex. In addition, the Spotlight Films category contains two kid-friendly offerings that take a look at children in diverse ethnic settings.

Family Programming at 2017 Florida Film Festival

Albion: The Enchanted Stallion

In its Florida Premiere, this adventure features a 12-year-old girl (Avery Arendes) who encounters a mysterious black stallion that leads her to the magical world of Albion. Only she can bring peace to those who live there and save the entire race of people from the evil General Eeder (John Cleese). Filmed in Bulgaria, Florida, and Michigan, this movie features exotic locales and kid-friendly comedy in an imaginative coming-of-age story suitable for the entire family. Directed by Castille Landon (who also plays the part of a young warrior), Albion: The Enchanted Stallion stars Jennifer Morrison, Debra Messing, Stephen Dorff, Daniel Sharman, Liam McIntyre, and Richard Kind. Run Time: 103 minutes. This film is unrated.

Big Booom

This claymation short gives a brief history of humanity and the world as seen through the eyes of Russian director and writer Marat Narimanov. Told in just four minutes using one single shot, viewers can see this eco-friendly film (one of three related shorts by Narimanov) making its Southeast Premiere when it screens before the full-length feature Supergirl. This film is unrated.

Supergirl

This documentary introduces audiences to 12-year-old Naomi Kutin, an Orthodox Jewish girl from New Jersey who is breaking worldwide records in powerlifting. Although she seems to be a normal girl, going to school, studying the Torah, and spending time with friends, she's simultaneously struggling to maintain her title as the strongest girl in the world who can lift three times her body weight. Her ever-present mismatched knee socks and sweet smile belie the determination and courage of this one extraordinary supergirl. Directed by Jessie Auritt. Run Time: 80 Minutes. This film is unrated.

Family Friendly Spotlight Films at 2017 Florida Film Festival

Menashe

Based largely on the true story of the film's star, Menashe Lustig, this drama explores family life in the heart of New York's Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn. Within this ultra-Orthodox community, a mother is required to be present in every home with children. So when Menashe's wife dies, tradition demands his young son be removed from his home to live with a married relative. The film looks at the final week before the wife's memorial service, when father and son spend their last few days together. The movie was shot secretly within the Hasidic community that it depicts. Directed by Joshua Z. Weinstein. Run time: 81 minutes. This film is unrated; in Yiddish with English subtitles.

Step

This documentary chronicles three inner-city Baltimore girls in their senior year of high school at The Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women. Members of the Lethal Ladies dance team, Blessin Giraldo, Tayla Solomon, and Cori Grainger look ahead to next year in college (where each will be the first in her family to receive a higher education) while currently working on the Bowie State step competition. Directed by Amanda Lipitz. Run time: 83 minutes. This film is rated PG (for thematic elements and some language).

For more information about the Florida Film Festival, visit the official website.

Leslie C. Halpern wrote the early reader children's books "Rub, Scrub, Clean the Tub: Funny Children's Poems About Self-Image," "Shakes, Cakes, Frosted Flakes: Funny Children's Poems About Table Manners" and "Frogs, Hogs, Puppy Dogs: Funny Children's Poems About Animal Friends," all published by Cricket Cottage Publishing and available at Amazon.com. Learn more on her website: http://www.lesliehalpern.com or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funnychildrenspoems.



 By Leslie C. Halpern



Article Source: Family Films at the 2017 Florida Film Festival

Tourism in Cambodia

With a surface area of less than 200,000 square kilometers and a population of less than 15 million people, what is it really in that destination that makes tourism the second most important source of national income, after the production of cloth? In other words, what makes more than 3 million traveler tour Cambodia every year? We will be shedding some light on the most important touristic attraction of the country.

As a matter of fact, tourists who travel to Cambodia have the option to enjoy a lot of stuff. The marvels of nature are greatly reflected in the Great Mekong River and the Tonl� Sap, one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. There are several remarkable ancient temples as well. On the other hand, Cambodia hosts many remarkable beaches with white soft sand and crystal clear water.

Angkor Wat Temples

Angkor Wat is a large complex of temples located to the South East of the capital. Established in the 12th century AD, the main temple of the complex was constructed for the cult of Hinduism. However, afterwards, it was transformed to be a Buddhism Temple.

This remarkable set of temples is actually one of the most notable highlights that almost all travelers who spend their holidays in Cambodia commonly visit. The temple is famous for its accurate amazing architectural features including the lotus flower shape that is drawn by the five towers constructed around the complex.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and the most populated city of the whole country. Featured with its marvelous mix between the traditional and the French style of architecture, a visit to Phnom Penh is a must for any traveler who spends his vacation on Cambodia.

The Water Festival of Phnom Penh

One of the most important attractions that grab the attention of tourists to spend their vacations in Cambodia is the Water Festival that is held every year in November in the capital. This festival is actually organized to celebrate the reverse in the flow of the famous great River of Tonle Sap. The festival, which is held for three consecutive days, witnesses the organization of many activities including rowboats races, dances, water sports, and much more.

The National Museum of Cambodia

For history fans that enjoy their tours in Cambodia is the National Museum located in Phnom Penh. This is where the largest numbers of displays illustrating the Khmer art and heritage are exhibited. With more than 1400 displays, the museum tells the story of Cambodia from prehistoric periods till contemporary times.

The building of the museum is also quite impressive. Characterized by its distinctive Khmer style of architecture, inspired by the many temples constructed around the country, the museum building was erected in 1924 to be one of the landmarks commonly visited by tourists who travel to Cambodia.

The Prasat Preah Temple

The Prasat Preah Temple is perhaps the most remarkable Hindu temple usually included in many travel packages to Cambodia. Located on top of a mountain, with several marvelous straits and nature beauties, the construction of the temple is quite sophisticated. Being hewn out of rocks, the temple is quite impressive to the extent that the UNESCO enlisted it in its World Heritage List.

Right Travel is an organized travel agency which provides various packages for tours to Cambodia, vacations in Cambodia and travel to Cambodia. For more detail please visit here: http://www.righttravel.info/country/cambodia-32.html


 By Medhat Elsergany


Article Source: Tourism in Cambodia

Explore The Yellowhead Trail

If you are planning to explore Western Canada, there is no better way than using the famous Yellowhead Road. Better known as Highway 16 to most users, the road stretches from Winnipeg through Saskatoon and Edmonton. The Yellowhead Trail stretches 3,000 kilometers and forms one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Brief History

Legend has it that the road got its name from Pierre Bostonais, a fur trader who had yellow hair. This road is one part of the important Trans-Canada Highway system and it is crucial in that it connects the east and west regions of Canada. The modern Highway 16 today follows the Old Northwest Trail, which was used by fur traders and buffalo hunters. This makes it an important part of the country's history.

Exploring Yellowhead Highway

If you want to get a true experience of western Canada, you must include this trail as part of itinerary. It is iconic and impressive and offers you a glimpse into traditional and modern life of the country. This route passes across major parks and magnificent scenic sites including lakes and rivers. Outdoor lovers also have great spots for diving, backtrails for hiking and biking, and ski runs.

Some of the most impressive parts include Jasper Park where you will find impressive hiking trails. Further along is Robson Park in BC offering a once in a lifetime hiking experience to Kinney Lake. The panoramic views of Robson and Fitzwilliam mountains spice up your drive along the road. There are nice views and opportunities for camping.

On to Fraser River where visitors find an array of ski and hiking trails with incredible views from the Teare Mountain. Paradise trail among others are great for sightseeing with natural features, such as waterfalls and lakes scattered across the land.

After McBride, you will enter temperate rainforests with Ancient Cedar Forest and West Twin Old Growth trails offering opportunities for shorter hikes. Further east, you will come to Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park again offering great skiing runs and nature trails for more hiking fun. The best thing about using the route is the welcoming highway 16 hotels, which offer exquisite accommodation.

As you drive on, you will come to Prince George and find more opportunities for biking, walking, and skiing. Water sports are available on the many stunning lakes including Fraser and Burns. As you move westward, the landscape changes with rugged mountains, which nevertheless provides heavy snow for myriad activities.

You will also find much more along the way including Hudson Bay and Babine mountains, lakes provincial parks, great rivers before the trail ends in Prince Rupert. Here, you will enjoy more fantastic views and lots of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Welcome to the Yellowhead Inn, a mark of history on the Trans-Canada Highway which offers a great experience to its customers. You will find great deals & discounts around hotels near Yellowhead Trail when hosting conferences or meetings. Start LIVE Chat or CALL @1-780-447-2400


 By Jonas Cameron


Article Source:  Explore The Yellowhead Trail

Attending Shows & Concerts? Which to Choose Among Budget Hotels & Luxury Hotels?

If you are attending an event in a big city, it is always advisable to plan your accommodation in advance. Most travelers are always looking for events that promise fun including concerts and shows as part of their itinerary. Whether you are a boat, trade or home and garden show, it is highly likely that you will not be alone.

Most hotels within the vicinity of the venue will have more guests than usual. Other than the competition for available rooms, you should also consider the type of establishment you find. Over the years, lodgings have changed tremendously from ordinary places to stay a night to become homes-away-from-home.

In today's establishments, guests are treated to exquisite settings where they enjoy modern amenities and services including Wi-Fi, cable television, video games, mini-bars, on-site restaurants, sports facilities, laundry services and so much more.

Budget and luxury facilities are the most popular options for travelers attending these events. If you are planning to attend a renovation show, it is important to get more insight on these facilities to help you make a better choice.

Budget Hotels in Brief

These establishments are ideal for guests looking for an affordable place to stay without compromising on quality. Basic facilities including beds, washing area and toilets are available but you should not expect to find a prestigious or ambient environment at the price you are paying for.

Luxury Hotels

If you want to indulge during your travels, a luxury hotel is a good idea. The rooms are well detailed to create an ambient and prestigious environment while the facilities are designed with comfort and elegance in mind. Guests enjoy 5-star features including spas, gyms, Wi-Fi and restaurants and more. The catering is excellent and personalized services are also available.

When it comes to choosing the best place to stay, it is important to first assess your unique needs. For instance, when attending a trade show in the city, your accommodation requirements will differ from a vacationer's. It is also important to determine your budget because this will help you choose the best place to stay.

Location is also a crucial consideration which even overrides the cost. When travelling for a particular show, you must ensure you stay close by. This saves you the cost of commuting and makes it easier to sightsee. If you are travelling to see your best band in concert, make sure you find lodgings near the concert hall to guarantee easy access at any time of day or night.

Choosing between luxury and budget establishments depends on affordability and your preference. Always make sure you do your research to find the best accommodation during your travels.

When it comes to the best hotels in Edmonton Alberta, Coliseum is the top choice among the people. Our main aim is to meet the need of customers with the excellent & luxurious stay. We are located just a few minutes away from Home & Garden show Edmonton. Book your stay to enjoy renovation, boat or trade show in Edmonton. Call - 780-471-1231.


 By Crystal Vea



Article Source: Attending Shows & Concerts? Which to Choose Among Budget Hotels & Luxury Hotels?

The Game, That Game, And The Life

Winning is a state of mind and reality, not so much what is going on outside of us. It does not matter how we win or lose, but how we play the game is not just a bromide or foolish "old wife sentence", but, the most genuine of realities. I will explain my position. Life is not just a game, but a discipline requiring a full and unwavering focus on reality. It is not what we want, or what we need, but purely what we make it through our genuine efforts and real vibrations. When I say vibrations, I mean what we vibrate deeply, not just that shallow consciousness that says "we are this and that is it".

Sure, I could make this an article where you think less and absorb more easily, but, you would not get the benefit of having a chance to raise your conscience and vibrations yourself.

Indeed, for those who still do not understand though, I will spell it out. If you want to get anywhere you need to start your vehicle, whether it be your body or the car your body drives, fuel and all. To my way of thinking and outside of my way of thinking, this is how existence works.

For example, I wanted to sleep in and do nothing this morning, but I knew I needed to get up and get started if I wanted to get anything done. "The life" is accomplishment of what you need and want to do in that order and nothing else. I realized that, so I got up, got out and got things done including this article I am writing now. Sure, this is a basic message, but sometimes we all need those as a kick start to accomplishment.

I remember when my Dad came home from the hospital looking like a mulatto black male Kenny Rogers with a white beard instead of looking like Muhammad Ali/Cassius Clay like he usually did after he lost his right foot to diabetes. Sure he felt sorry for himself as he was walking with his crutches up the porch and then he saw my six year old self in the kitchen looking sad. He shaved, got his clothes on and looked like his old self, and said, "I have got to raise the boy." From that moment, I realized that I was his catalyst and I had to do my best for him whatever the obstacle or the reality that may come up in life. I may complain some, I may even have a little Lincoln type self-doubt that ultimately turns into Jay Gould with his confidence and business like efficacy, but I will never quit, because there is love and strength in this heart to this day, and I will win the game. Winning is a state of mind and reality, not so much what is going on outside of us. Everything could seemingly be falling apart for a while, yet we could be closest to winning than we could ever be. I get it. My Mom is still alive, my Dad has been dead for twenty-five years now at this writing, and I complain to her sometimes, but not seriously. I seriously say and mean that I shall persist and persevere, because great days are coming.

Recently, I read a work by Richard "Dick" Sutphen on "Reinventing Yourself", in my most secret place I have conquered the critical 15, although sometimes I do complain a little bit to my Mother who I spend a lot of time with, jokingly, I do work on myself and remind myself constantly that life is a process requiring full focus on reality that will ultimately lead to great things if I do what needs and wants to be done (in that order). So, I end with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt:

"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."

My name is Joshua Clayton, I am a freelance writer based in Inglewood, California. I also write under a few pen-names and aliases, but Joshua Clayton is my real name, and I write by that for the most part now. I am a philosophical writer and objective thinker and honest action taker. I also work at a senior center in Gardena, California as my day job, among other things, but primarily I am a writer.



 By Joshua Clayton


Article Source: The Game, That Game, And The Life

Seek the Light of Enlightenment From the Sun or From Sun Flares That Stare at You to Inspire You

**Do you ever really notice sun flares? They are there, and they stare at you while waiting for you to decide or to make monumental life-altering decisions about your purpose in life. All the while, what are you waiting for? Are you waiting for,"The right time," or is it the right place, or is it a certain amount of focus, money or awaiting a New Year's Resolution?" You and me must take the time or make a move to inspire, incite or to draw closer to our dreams and intentions. True statement? Do you agree with me? Anyhow, there is always a sunny way of viewing things... Right?

Whether a sunny or a cloudy day, does not really matter much at all, what matters most is how you decide to spend your time on earth. Time is guaranteed to nobody... Decide while you are alive to make a lifetime commitment to thrive while you are still alive and have the time to strive and invite more opportunities and chances for advancement. Fan the flames of change and roll the dice to conceptualize, it takes a high price to realize and recognize that nothing is guaranteed to us, especially not a new day, sunrise, or even a new tomorrow.

Seek the life-giving assistance for your most pressing issues from the Father of the earth, sun, stars, the moon and even of me and you...

Look up to the sun, where He resides above the clouds, in the Heavenly realm. Our Heavenly Father utilizes nature and natural occurrences through the sunlight, rain, clouds, seasons and even shows us His concern in the stares of sun flares. The light that shines through the clouds, is our Heavenly Father's dwelling. Through the rays of light, He also cares about our enlightenment and answers our petitions and prayers. Layers of prayers is what HE hears from me!

It is up to you to quickly decide how will you let or allow the sun flares extend or expand your commitment to yourself. Sun flares are recognizing your skills and talents that are a part of your very essence. Why you ask? Well as you and me know, another day or shall I say, a new day is never promised to anyone. With that indisputable fact placed before us, it is up to you and me to live life as if there is no tomorrow.

Let each new sunrise or sun flare know your appreciation for affording you more time on earth. If you dare, or really notice or even care, please don't take your sunny disposition for granted.

***Let the fact that the sun rose again today bring you to acknowledge that you and me can do the same!

The brilliant resilience of the sun is captivating, amazing and a constant reminder for us to seek assistance from a higher authority than either you or me.

Even if it only shines in hints or flares of light, it is trying to come to you and enlighten your outlook,or to renew your view. The sun flares that stare at you seek to resolve, highlight, light up, or enlighten the heavy load that we call living; life is engineered by our choices and exhibited through our life-style.

 ***Life is generally geared or engineered by our daily habits and constant actions. Our actions are followed by the past choices that we made and will ALWAYS AND IN ALL WAYS come to light. Like everything else, GOOD, BAD OR INDIFFERENT, everything we are a party to always happens under the sun. Will you be a lifetime winner of proper actions through prior planning, hard work and honest living under the sun? Or, perhaps you did so well, you'll be eating dinner and getting ready to excel, real well, onto the next phase of your life challenges, prepare yourself for a new sunrise!

Will you lead the life that you alone have engineered, planned and manifested? Decide to live your life right!

There is never really a good reason to let the light of kindness set before you have enjoyed the sunrise or experienced the enlightenment of sun flares that care about your well-being. It is in the flickers or flares of light that we toil in the soil and ground ourselves into the earth. Being or getting grounded into the earth is about as easy as planting a seed during the spring planting season. Plant seeds in fertile soil. Planning and planting comes with toil in the soil, effort, and at long last harvest season readily comes under the flickers of pronounced sunlight!

**Our Heavenly father cares so much about you, more than you or me can even imagine! It is that amazing light that lets us live, eat, sleep, breathe and carry on like grand, planned winning seeds that can grow, plant or manifest anything that we can harvest, create or invent by OUR OWN EFFORT, decisions, actions and mindset.

***I enjoy learning from you and from others offering me knowledge continuously!~

***Freelance Writer of Inspirational Articles, Motivational Speaker and Writer of catchy, trending, poetry- Advertising and more! You pick the venue and I will expertly write it for you!***You can reach me via U.S. mail in Orlando, Florida.~ Writing is my hearts genuine desire to reach the masses and teach, share, learn, motivate, or engage my readers in an original, poetic, whimsical or informative discipline. Thanks for reading this article. I invite you to follow me on my personal website, or on Twitter.** Namaste,
@lorieannjermoun


http://lorieannj.com/poetry-by-lorie-ann-j/


 By Lorie Ann Jermoune

Article Source: Seek the Light of Enlightenment From the Sun or From Sun Flares That Stare at You to Inspire You

Why You Should Try LARPing

Live Action Role Playing or LARP as it is popularly known involves participants playing out a favorite or fictional character in a fantasy setting. Imaginative, inventing and entertaining, LARP is an immersive experience that is being increasingly viewed as free-form amateur dramatics. Those who love live-action role-play describe it as a form of interactive storytelling. In LARP, battle and games are reenacted with a group of LARPers who dress up and act like specific characters inspired by a game, book, or movie. In case you have designed a completely original look, the costumes and actions in LARP are all expected to be realistic. But, why should you try it? Well, here is a full list of reasons for you...

1. It's a great way to make new friends.

LARP creates an ideal atmosphere to make new connections, especially for those who are introverted or shy. Such organized social affairs remove the pressure of approaching new individuals. Additionally, communicating with someone new who shares a common interest or passion is exciting and a great ice breaker!

You can take on the traits of your chosen character and can wear a mask of sorts. This might help you break out of the shell where otherwise you feel withdrawn.

2. It enhances your creative skills

LARP gives you a great opportunity to develop and create a character. Not only do you get the opportunity to design your LARPing weapon or armor, but you also get to name your character. Problem-solving, designing, and a chance to show off your skills on the battlefield!

Larping styles vary from country to country. The Nordic, Scandinavian countries are known for their artistic approach, with a greater focus on themes and story-telling instead of combat. The US with its competitive culture, approaches it more like a sport.

3. It is extremely active.

Not only is LARP great for friendships and creativity, it can keep you health too. In this you play out the real-life versions of your favorite video and computer games. You're constantly moving around while keeping tabs on your surroundings and protecting yourself from getting hit. Running, jumping, and battling is a great way to stay heart-healthy and shed a few of those extra pounds.

4. It's a great stress relief!

LARPing offers a great chance to get away from your present reality and enter a totally new world. Regardless of whether it is an extremely challenging day at school or work, or you're just searching for something fun and engaging. For most people, this is their holiday - they come into this to get away from the real world. LARPing rules out our major addictions - no internet, no phones and no bad news!

5. It is a Great chance to Dress like your favorite historical character!

Always dreamt of being a princess, a pirate or a knight in shining armor? Here's your chance!

6. It is Harmless!

You strike your friends or opponents with foam or latex LARP weapons such as axes, swords, clubs, or arrows. So if you get hit, you lose a limb (not literally) but it's all in good fun!

Conclusion:

So whether you want to dress up like your favorite historical or fantasy character or are looking to make new friends, there are plenty of reasons to try LARP.

When it comes to creating your perfect LARP persona, get your choicest weapons and costumes from trusted shops like Museum Replicas or Atlanta Cutlery. These sites are known to offer a huge range of best quality LARPing weapons and costumes. From Roman Soldiers to Japanese Samurais, whatever you wish to morph into, you will find everything you want right here.


By Ava Barnes


Article Source: Why You Should Try LARPing

Creating a Cost-Effective Streaming Content Plan

Considering the speed at which the current digital streaming landscape is evolving right now, movie lovers have more options than ever when it comes to consuming new (and classic) content. Since my life-long passion for film is inextricably linked with my day-to-day work, I've given this very question A LOT of consideration over the last few years.

Here's a step-by-step guide to accessing the best content currently available (both mainstream and niche) without costing yourself a fortune:

1) Cancel your cable television subscription.

2) Put the money you save toward getting a great wi-fi router and, if needed, upgrading your internet to ensure you have enough bandwidth to stream video content.

3) Get a Netflix subscription (Two screens/Ultra HD quality for $8.99/month). This will give you access to some of the best original programming out there, not to mention an extensive catalog of recent releases and classics.

4) Get an HBO NOW subscription ($14.99/month). HBO is still unbeatable, imo, when it comes to both the quantity and quality of original programming, not to mention a decent selection of new releases.

5) Consider subscribing to a niche streaming channel. This should cost between $4.99 and $14.99, depending on what service(s) you select. Here are the best ones for each niche:

**Shudder (horror): $4.99/month

**Filmstruck (Criterion Collection & arthouse): $14.99/month

**SeeSo (original comedies and standup): $3.99/month

**Fandor (indie, arthouse, cult, and foreign): $3.99/month

**PBS Kids (public television programming): FREE (and essential if you have kids in grade school)

6) Splurge on Amazon Prime, which will not only get you free shipping, etc., but will also cover the rest of the best when it comes to original programs, plus fill in the gaps over on Netflix when it comes to currently available streaming titles.

7) Get a library card and put it to use. Public libraries, especially in major metropolitan areas, often have massive (and well-curated) DVD, Bluray, and streaming collections available to you for FREE. No streaming content plan is complete without a strong public library game.

8) Independent video stores round out the list because they're still going to have titles that you can't find anywhere else. And it helps your local economy to patronize these shops every week (or so) because, believe me, you will miss them when they're gone.

This is not an exhaustive list of the current content options available right now, but it is a great way for anyone to immediately gain access to great movies and shows without spending exorbitant amounts of money (or time) to do so. And odds are, it'll probably be cheaper than what you had been paying for cable before you cancelled your subscription!

To see what other tricks Brad has up his sleeve, check out http://www.smarthousecreative.com and follow Brad on Twitter >> @jbwilke.


 By J. Brad Wilke


Article Source:  Creating a Cost-Effective Streaming Content Plan

Business of Film Resource List

As a film marketer, distribution strategist, and producer, I receive a fair number of requests from people to "grab coffee and pick [my] brain." Usually, I'm more than happy to oblige. But, on those occasions that I'm not, I try to offer an assortment of resources (via email) that might shed some light on the topic we were planning to discuss.

These days, the topic that seems to be at the top of most people's lists is the business of film production and distribution, for which I, too, happen to have a rabid appetite. As such, I've decided to compile a list of resources (case studies, if you like) that I have found to be most helpful in gaining a basic understanding of how (and why) things happen in the movie business.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a great place to start. Of course, I welcome your additions and encourage anyone reading this to add their own favorites in the comments, as I consider this a "living document" that can always be improved and expanded.

The Business of Film Resource List

Easy Rider, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind

An essential primer on the tumultuous period that birthed the "New Hollywood Cinema" and launched the careers of some of the producers and directors who continue to shape the way that movies are made.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls (documentary)

The documentary film version of Biskind's book. Equally as interesting, though not nearly as comprehensive. Directed by Kenneth Bowser.

A Decade Under the Influence (documentary)

First-person accounts of the forces, people, and movies that helped shape "New Hollywood Cinema." Co-directed by Richard LaGravenese and Ted Demme.

Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris

A snapshot of Hollywood in crisis, as independent voices behind the films Bonnie and Clyde, The Graduate, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, and In the Heat of the Night, clashed with old guard entertainments (and box-office bombs) like Doctor Doolittle.

Down and Dirty Pictures by Peter Biskind

Another one from Biskind, this time covering the rise of U.S. independent film. Focusing on the Sundance Film Festival, Miramax Pictures, and the new crop of filmmakers looking to make their mark, Down and Dirty Pictures offers a behind-the-scenes look at the forces that shaped what we've come to know today as independent film.

The Kid Stays in the Picture by Robert Evans

The story of Robert Evans, who went from selling women's apparel to running Paramount Pictures during the period that some of the most well-known (and award-winning) films emerged from its hallowed gates, including The Odd Couple, Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, and Chinatown.

The Kid Stays in the Picture (documentary)

The Clif's Notes version of Evans's memoir, featuring innovative animation techniques and LOTS of archival media. From co-directors Brett Morgen and Nanette Burstein.

Fiasco: A History of Hollywood's Iconic Flops by James Parish

You can learn (almost) as much from a good movie as you can from a bad one, and Fiasco walks you through the production and release of some of the most well-known "flops" in Hollywood's storied history, including Cleopatra, Last Action Hero, Paint Your Wagon, Waterworld, Town & Country, and Popeye.

The Devil's Candy by Julie Salamon

Brian De Palma's eponymous adaptation of Tom Wolfe's epic novel, The Bonfire of the Vanities, was so troubled that it required an entire book to document. And author Julia Salamon was there from the beginning, resulting in a book that's easily one of the best of its kind.

Final Cut: Art, Money, & Ego in the Making of Heaven's Gate by Steven Bach

Michael Cimino's Heaven's Gate is often cited as the film that signaled the end of the "New Hollywood" era. At the very least, it bankrupted United Artists and put a lot of people out of work, including its director, who didn't make another movie for years. Steven Bach was an exec at UA at the time of the production.

Shooting to Kill by Christine Vachon

A first-hand account from one of the pioneers of independent film. Christine Vachon's company is named Killer Films for a very good reason: Ms. Vachon is one of the best producers in the business.

Hope for Film: From the Frontline of the Independent Cinema Revolutions by Ted Hope

Beginning in New York in the 1990s, Ted Hope (now head of Amazon Studios) worked with some of the biggest names in the first wave of independent film, including Ang Lee, Edward Burns, Hal Hartley, Michel Gondry, Nicole Holofcener, and Todd Solondz, among others. In this, his first book, he talks about the lessons he learned and what he sees on the horizon.

Hit & Run by Nancy Griffin & Kim Masters

The story of the rise of two of the most audacious producers in the annals of Hollywood: Jon Peters and Peter Gruber.

Hello, He Lied by Lynda Obst

Get the straight story (with all the juicy details) from veteran producer Lynda Obst (Sleepless in Seattle, Interstellar) as she interweaves hard-won tips and tricks with tales from the set. Essential.

You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again by Julia Phillips

Oscar-winning producer Julia Phillips produced some BIG movies in the 1970s and 1980s, including Taxi Driver, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and The Sting, then experienced a personal and career downfall due to drugs and bad business deals. Then she wrote this book, which was one of the first tell-all memoirs from an A-list Hollywood insider.

Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films (documentary)

This raucous look at Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, the two larger-than-life producers behind Cannon Films, is must-see viewing for anyone interested in producing movies. They broke the mold after Cannon. Directed by Mark Hartley.

How I Made 100 Movies in Hollywood And Never Lost a Dime by Roger Corman

Legendary B-movie producer Roger Corman divulges (almost) all of the secrets he's learned from over five decades (at the time of publication) in the film business.

Corman's World (documentary)

A fast-moving, eye-opening overview of Roger Corman's career, including his far-ranging influence on some of the best filmmakers ever to come out of Hollywood. Directed by Alex Stapleton.

Smarthouse Creative, the company that Mr. Wilke co-founded in 2014, is a full-service marketing agency and boutique distribution firm headquartered in Seattle, WA. To consult with Mr. Wilke on the distribution and marketing strategy for your film, please drop him a line at  brad@smarthousecreative.com.


 By J. Brad Wilke


Article Source: Business of Film Resource List

Free Classic Movies: Sabotage, Doomed Cargo and Murder at Dawn

[N.B.: All of the following movies are public domain movies - available online and free to watch.]

Sabotage (1936)

Sabotage is one of the early Hitchcock films. Karl Verloc (Oskar Homolka) is a cinema owner. He is married to Sylvia (Sylvia Sidney). Sylvia's little brother, Stevie (Desmond Tester), also lives with them. Karl becomes a member of a gang planning to place a bomb at Piccadilly Circus with the aim of causing fear and panic. But he is being watched by Ted (John Loder), an undercover Detective Sergeant from Scotland Yard. Ted afterwards becomes friendly with Karl's wife Sylvia and her younger brother Stevie. When the gang assigns Karl to put a bomb in the metro, he tells Stevie to deliver it to Picadilly Circus and leave it in the cloakroom. But Stevie is distracted by a number of things and their plot begins to unravel.

The film's main casts are Desmond Tester, John Loder, Joyce Barbour, Oskar Homolka and Sylvia Sidney. Filming locations include Gainsborough Studios, Shepherd's Bush, London, England. This film is also known as "I Married a Murderer".

Additional Info:

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Country: UK

Total Runtime: 1 hr 16 min

Seven Sinners / Doomed Cargo (1936)

US private detective John (Edmund Lowe) and female insurance investigator Caryl (Constance Cummings) are trying to find a serial killer. While they are on vacation in France, John finds a dead body. He informs the authorities but no one believes him because when they return the corpse is gone. Later a terrific train accident occurs and John sees the same corpse among the dead in the wreckage! It seems that someone either wrecks trains to murder people or causes a wreck to hide the body of a victim. John and Caryl have to work it all out by solving a series of murder cases in Europe.

Main casts are Constance Cummings, Edmund Lowe, Felix Aylmer, Henry Oscar and Thomy Bourdelle. The filming locations include Gainsborough Studios, Shepherd's Bush, London, England, UK. This film is also known as "The Wrecker".

Additional Info:

Director: Albert de Courville

Country: UK

Total Runtime: 1 hr 7 min

Murder at Dawn (1932)

Danny (Jack Mulhall) and Doris (Josephine Dunn) are visiting the mountain hermitage of Dr. Farrington, Doris' father. They want to get his consent to their marriage. Dr. Farrington is working on a "VXO Accumulator" that will mine the sun's rays for the development of free power. Farrington believes that his device will greatly benefit the mankind. But at the same time he explains to one of his colleagues that if someone misuses the device it can be very dangerous. Eventually this becomes the 'scientific' element that leads to a series of murderous proceedings.

The film's main cast includes Eddie Boland, Jack Mulhall, Josephine Dunn, Marjorie Beebe and Martha Mattox. The film is also known as "The Death Ray".

Additional Info:

Director: Richard Thorpe

Country: USA

Total Runtime: 1 hr 2 min


 By Saidur Rahman


Article Source: Free Classic Movies: Sabotage, Doomed Cargo and Murder at Dawn

Free Classic Movies: The Strange Woman, Palooka and The Most Dangerous Game

[N.B.: All of the following movies are public domain movies - available online and free to watch.]

The Strange Woman (1946)

Jenny (played by Hedy Lamarr) is a complicated woman who can be extremely wicked and manipulative at times. However, she is not completely evil. Jenny is beautiful. She uses sex and beauty for her personal gain. She is made up of equal parts compassion, bitterness, wickedness and sex. The film's plot is as complex as the character of its heroine. She steals and bewitches several men including her husband, son and a company foreman.

Main casts of the film include Gene Lockhart, George Sanders, Hedy Lamarr, Hillary Brooke and Louis Hayward. The film is also known as "Den onda �ngeln".

Additional Info:

Director: Edgar G. Ulmer, Douglas Sirk

Country: USA

Total Runtime: 1 hr 40 min

Filming Location: West Hollywood, California, USA.

Palooka (1934)

Joe Palooka (Stuart Erwin) is a farm boy. His father senior Palooka (Robert Armstrong) was a boxing champion in the early 1900's. But Joe's mother (Marjorie Rambeau) doesn't want her son to grow up to be in the boxing profession. But Joe becomes a nation-wide boxing sensation soon after he was discovered by a boxing promoter (Jimmy Durante). Joe wins the championship crown from William Cagney (Al McSwatt) and ends up as one of the top fighters in the country. Joe eventually not only inherits Cagney's title but also his girlfriend Nina Madero (Lupe Velez).

Main casts are Jimmy Durante, Marjorie Rambeau, Robert Armstrong, Lupe Velez and Stuart Erwin. This film is also known as "Joe Palooka".

Additional Info:

Director: Benjamin Stoloff

Country: USA

Total Runtime: 1 hr 26 min

The Most Dangerous Game (1932)

A famous hunter, Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea), survives a shipwreck and washes up on what appears to be a deserted island. This island is actually the home of the megalomaniac Count Zaroff (Leslie Banks). Count Zaroff acts as a friendly host. He welcomes Rainsford to his island and introduces him to Martin Trowbridge (Robert Armstrong) and his sister Eve (Fay Wray). Slowly it appears that Zaroff sinks passing ships and lets survivors stay in his castle for a certain period. Then he deliberately sets them loose in the jungle and hunts them.

Main casts include Fay Wray, Joel McCrea, Leslie Banks, Noble Johnson and Robert Armstrong. This film is also known as "A legvesz�lyesebb j�t�k".

Additional Info:

Director: Irving Pichel, Ernest B. Schoedsack

Country: USA

Total Runtime: 1 hr 3 min

Filming Location: California, USA.


 By Saidur Rahman


Article Source: Free Classic Movies: The Strange Woman, Palooka and The Most Dangerous Game