bio
When women start acting like people, they get accused of acting like men. –Simone de Beauvoir
- Bachelor of Arts from Pepperdine University
- Fluent in Russian
- Videographer, Editor & Actor
- I like lists and the feel of a sharp pencil against a neat white sheet.
“The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them” – Robert Frost
For the past year and a half I have worked to launch MyLocationScouts.com, putting in countless hours to create a social platform for the independent film community. As I see it, technological advances have created two classes of filmmakers: the funded and the underfunded. For a long time the underfunded filmmaker just had to sit with their scripts on their lap and wait for some investor to make things happen. Today, every filmmaker owns some kind of HD camera. AND every non-filmmaker.
What came first – the camera or the internet? Affordable HD cameras led to the popularity of video streaming websites like YouTube, which, in 2009 became the second most popular search engine on the web.
- Process that for a second. A VIDEO SEARCH ENGINE surpassed Yahoo, MSN etc. And the #1 search engine, GOOGLE, offers image and video returns for your searches. In the last decade we have evolved into primarily visual users. Bye bye newspapers, hello RSS feeds and Kindle readers.
- Returning to the camera, there has been an increase in the number of colleges that offer some sort of video or film curriculum (this can be monitored on State411) and currently 42 states offer a tax incentives (many in the $50,000-$500,000 minimum spend range).
- the traditional filmmaker – shoot on film (the original, beautiful, expensive medium) with studio backing, named actors and million dollar budgets. It takes 10 people, aka a “department” to get one thing done. Men in suits at corporate offices make creative decisions that are actually political decisions. The fate of your movie (and job) does not solely depend on you because you are just one small macaroni in a big pot.
- the DIY filmmaker – certified or self-taught DP, editor, producer, director and occasionally writer and actor. With the money in her pocket (or from F&F and investors) she works the film festival circuit or self distributes on social websites. She most likely uses HD camera equipment and edits on FCP. She wears all of the hats (including P&A) and doesn’t get paid right away. She tries to do the most she can with what she’s got and “deferred pay” is on the tip of her tongue. I respect this class of filmmakers for their hard work and passion.
There is still something missing: affordable locations, props and equipment for your project. Everyone can’t afford location libraries, prop houses and picture car warehouses. These rental establishments require a budget, experience and knowledge – not to mention they are intimidating and many do not waste time on underfunded, inexperienced filmmakers. That leaves you with your apartment, the “props” inside and equipment you can borrow from friends and Craigslist.
There is a solution…
Pre-Production Revolution: MyLocationScouts.com (“MLOCS”) is a nationwide rental database for locations, props and equipment. Ordinary people all across the country earn 100% profit when they rent their house, business, furniture, instruments, costume (etc). to you. You save because you are renting from a community member that does not have a commercial overhead. In these hard economic times (I am talking firsthand) it is nice to generate income from assets that would otherwise depreciate in value.
rentals
Everything is Rent
Stay in Hollywood: Why Pay Double at the W?
Rate: $150-180/night
Location: Sunset/Vine
Amenities: Parking, WIFI, Balcony, Rooftop w/ perfect view of Hollywood sign, Full kitchen, large bathroom, concrete floors, pet friendly, 24/7 concierge, half the price of a local hotel.
Need a Place to Stay TONIGHT? SameDayHousing.com
From a $30 airbed to $100 private 950 sq. ft loft in the center of Hollywood – these are discounts on same day, hotel alternative stays in Los Angeles.
Work for the Essentials: HousingForBarter.com
Need a room? We are offering free rent (week to week) in exchange for web work.
Contact us with your coding background.
videography
I own and operate Canon 5d MK II, 16-35L , HVX200, H4NZoom, Zacuto Shoulder Rig, Varizoom Sportster Stabilizer, Sennheisser handheld, boom & wireless mics – Edit on FCP & AE
representation
Abrams Artists Agency 310.895.0625
Pamela Fisher
Reign Agency 310.396.6462
Laura Soo Hoo
Elvina plays “Shoot” on the Hulu series Strictly Sexual
