Category Archives: Filmmaking

What will Tomorrow’s Picture Bring?

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“Progress is impossible without change, and those who can not change their minds can not change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

On Saturday evening I went to the movies and saw Philomena. Judy Dench was outstanding in her role, and I hope she is awarded an Oscar for her performance. The movie had a lot of important and controversial issues to reflect upon. As I watched the movie I thought about how integral dialogue has become to telling a story brought to cinema. “Talkies” gave way to a whole new generation of movies for the theatre. Now we are in the digital age of filmmaking which brings more changes to the industry.

I used to think that those behind the scenes of making a movie were inconsequential, that the only thing that really mattered was the actors’ performance. I’ve gained a new respect for the entire process of filmmaking since my son is in the business. In deference to all, I now feel  it’s necessary to pay attention to the long list of credits at the end of the film. The cast and crew is no longer a half dozen people like during the days of silent movies. With each passing decade the list of technicians who make movies come to life seems to get longer and more impressive as skills of the filmmaking artists become more specialized.

view master If you are a baby boomer you will remember the excitement of looking at film images through the Viewmaster. How far we have come from looking at film from one of these devices!

In retrospect, the idea of getting a thrill by looking at images through one of these devices is now laughable. Techniques of creating visual images sure have changed since the days of the Viewmaster. Now we can even stream film videos from our computers and from mobile telephones! Who would have thunk it fifty or sixty years ago?

Throughout this week on All Things Fulfilling, I will be posting other images that will arouse memories for baby boomers. Stay tuned!

This blog is brought to you from the space where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business. wwww.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling.

Take in a Winter’s Tale

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Winter is the season in which people try to keep the house as warm as it was in the summer, when they complained about the heat. ~Author Unknown

Looking for a movie to take your sweetie to this Valentine’s Day? Winter’s Tale is arriving in theatres today! Some reviewers are calling the film “The best date movie.”

winters_tale_ver5Winter’s Tale is a story that takes place in New York at the end of the 20th century. The narrative involves love, miracles and destiny, between an Irish burglar Peter Lake and a young heiress, Beverly Penn, who resides in the mansion he is about to rob. The unexpected twists in the tale bring good and evil together for a fulfilling film.

Akiva Goldsman, Director of A Beautiful Mind, has written and directed this screenplay as an adaptation of Mark Helprin’s book of the same title. http://markhelprin.com/novels/winters-tale. Actors starring in the lead roles are Colin Farrell and Jessica Brown Findley. Other notables include William Hurt and Russell Crowe. To read a full summary of the movie and to see the full list of cast and crew, please visit the website www.winterstale.com.

Appreciate having the gift of having a special friend in your life this Valentines Day, even if there is no romantic attachment. Enjoy however you plan to celebrate!

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Thanks for visiting this site!

ValentineCookies

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. More to come on All Things Fulfilling on Monday! Look forward to having you back!

Film Friday: Tim’s Vermeer

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Attention artists of all ages!  On January 31st, Tim’s Vermeer will be hitting theatres. Rated PG-13, this movie is even suitable for young students who have an interest in the arts, history and science.

Tim's Vermeer_The documentary is based on questions brought forth by Tim Jenison, a Texas video engineer and non-painter, regarding the famous painting The Girl with a Pearl Earring. Jenison goes on an adventure to Delft, Holland, the location of where the masterpiece was painted, in search of answers to his question. How did Dutch master painter Johannes Vermeer paint with such meticulous detail 150 years before photography was discovered? Jenison’s research project spans a decade. David Hockney, a Britishman, provides speculation and insight into the tools that Vermeer may have used. Were optical devices used to help Vermeer accomplish such an astonishing result?

There have been numerous articles published about this fascinating film. Here are a few links if you are interested in reading more about the documentary Tim’s Vermeer, and Jenison’s need to find out more about the technique used to paint The Girl with the Pearl Earring.

http://bit.ly/1dtMQ1f

http://bit.ly/1jm4UCE

http://nyti.ms/1cSySWB

Click here for info & ordering Tim’s Vermeer

I look forward to seeing this movie. Sounds like a documentary with fulfilling content for art history classes. Perhaps after it’s initial run in theatres, Sony Classic Pictures will make it  available for showing in public venues  such as in classrooms or by art councils and museums.

This blog is brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. See you on Monday. I will be featuring a woman who is a member of our We Write Steamboat group who has been making a name for herself since 1966 when she was featured on the TV show To Tell the Truth.

Film Friday: That Awkward Moment

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Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss

We’ve all encountered moments in our lives where we just want to dig a hole and bury ourselves. Those times often occur as a result of misconstrued friendships, communications and relationships.

That awkward momentThat Awkward Moment, a film coming to the silver screen from Treehouse Pictures, is scheduled to be released in theatres on January 31, 2014. A romantic comedy about three best friends, played by Zac Efron, Miles Teller and Michael B Jordan, who find the dating scene confusing because first impressions sometimes change as a relationship deepens. What one says and how one acts can be two different things which can lead to hilarity leaving the involved parties scratching their heads.

This might be a particularly fulfilling movie for those who enjoy romantic comedies and stories about friendships.
Put this upcoming film on your calendar!Click for info and ordering That Awkward Moment

Have a great weekend. See you on Monday on All Things Fulfilling. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Phased by the Moon

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“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you might hit a star.” ~ W. Clement Stone

I’ve been tossing and turning for the past few nights, thinking it was anticipation of the holiday season and my preparations for it. I don’t suffer from sleep disorders except when there is a full moon. My circadian rhythm gets thrown off. This is the last full moon of the year 2013, called The Long Night’s Moon and it leads to the coming of the Winter Solstice (on Saturday, December 21).

Appropriate to the lunar cycle, let’s take a look at movies about the moon on this Film Friday. If you follow this link, there’s a list of 25 films that have celestial themes. http://bit.ly/JSRr6E.

I look forward to the coming of the Winter Soltice on Saturday! My husband will be on his way back from his travels. He’s been coaching ski racing at the World University Games in Italy.

Our son will be arriving along with his gal, a delightful guest to have over Christmas. It’s seems like it’s been a moon’s age since I’ve seen him but it’s actually been 7 full moon cycles. They’ll find fresh perspectives by taking a break from their work. http://bit.ly/QiidY4. There are all kinds of fulfilling things to do in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. They’ll be over the moon, skiing their hearts out.

Next week my blogging will be little less frequent so I can enjoy this precious time with my family. We’ll be all tucked in under one roof for the holidays. How sweet that will be.

Christmas-santa-moon

Do return on Monday, to the blog of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. A space where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business.

 

Film Friday: Advent Movies

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Advent in heart and homeLet’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.” ~Anonymous

Sadly, for some people, the holidays are not a “feel good time.” It can be a time of loneliness, desperation and depression for the elderly, those suffering from illness or isolation. Some individuals have few positive nostalgic memories to draw upon to buoy them and help them feel festive and in the mood for celebrating the season.

The good news is that we are in control of our own emotions and we can do things to help raise our own spirits. http://bit.ly/18kHEB0.

Watching “feel good” movies lifts the mood because they offer a diversion from the stresses of everyday life. Here is an article that offers some suggestions about good movies to watch during this season of Advent – the season of waiting and anticipating. The films are not tagged as “Christian movies” but rather movies that provide hope, inspiration and the arrival of better things to come.

They can all be ordered thorough Netflix or they may be available through your local library at no cost at all. http://bit.ly/1drWmUA.

Have a good weekend, and enjoy the season doing whatever brings you personal fulfillment during the Advent season. I’ve got a busy weekend planned preparing for the arrival of our son.  Counting down in anticipation.

Do return to All Things Fulfilling on Monday. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Film Friday: The Christmas Candle

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I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~ CHARLES DICKENS, A Christmas Carol

Miracles. Do you believe in them? I do, wholeheartedly!

christmas candlejpgA movie is making its debut in time for Christmas about the godsends of good fortune that arrive in the small town of Gladbury, England every twenty-five years. The movie adaptation of Max Lucado’s novel, The Christmas Candle is from the film production company of AMC Castle Rock.

Hans Matheson stars as the Reverend David, the pastor of the village in the Cotswalds where the inspirational movie takes place. Samantha Barks, an actress in Les Miserables plays the Reverend’s dubious friend.

Some reviewers say “If you like Downtown Abbey you will like this movie.” Ok, then! I’m all in – I adore Downtown Abbey and can not wait for Season 4 to begin. Like the PBS series Downton Abbey, the era of this inspirational movie takes place in Victorian England in the 1800s.  Click for info & ordering The Christmas Candle

home for ChristmasU.K. singing sensation Susan Boyle makes her feature film debut in The Christmas Candle. Her song “Miracle Hymn” written specifically for the movie is included on her new album. Boyle blast onto the music scene in 2009 when she appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. To read more about her newly released Christmas album “Home for Christmas,” .Click here for Susan Boyles cds.

Many people in this day in age would argue that our culture seems bent on “taking the Christ out of Christmas.” I applaud AMC Castle Rock for bringing this inspirationally fulfilling holiday movie to the silver screens this season. Keep a watch-out for it. It may be coming to your community soon.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. Look forward to visiting with you on Monday on All Things Fulfilling.

Miles of Memories

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“Family, like branches on a tree. We all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” ~ Unknown

Memories….for me they really come flooding back during the holidays. Since I’ve been writing a memoir, things get even more stirred up.

luggage 1950sMy native Baltimore has been on my mind a lot lately. These old photos make me think of all the times my parents and I and my three siblings took to the road. We traveled many miles up and down I-95 together in our station wagon, often headed to Vermont. Lake Champlain in the summer and then to Stowe and other ski resorts in winter whenever we could work it into our school vacation schedule. Many Baltimoreans thought we were a strange lot. After all, Maryland was known as the “Land of Pleasant Living.” Friends would ask “Why would you want to go anywhere else?”

Our family station wagon was always filled to the ceiling, with luggage and other ski gear. And arguments began before we even started down our long driveway because no one wanted to sit on “the hump!”

After the seventh or eighth hour of being on the road, tensions became heightened in the “wagon.”  We kids started fighting about one or the other taking up too much room. Although, I, being small in stature, didn’t get accused quite so often.

dashboard of station wagon“Time for car songs,”  my mother would say. Tunes from The Sound of Music always rang out first.  We weren’t deep in talent like the Trapp Family I can assure you of that. But anything to pass the long arduous miles helped. Twelve hours in a car grew old quickly with an AM radio with reception that faded in and out and crackled so badly you could barely hear the tunes. Even our voices sounded better than that.

The film The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews has a place in the memories of almost every family of my generation. It’s often played on TV this time of year. I believe the movie and the legacy of the von Trapps’s will live on and on because of the ability to order the film and stories of the family’s history through e-commerce on the world-wide-web.

julie andrews

Speaking of road trips, if you are going to be on the highway this Thanksgiving week, please drive safely. And have a fulfilling holiday!

This blog brought to you by www.allthingsfulfilling.com. The space where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business.

Film Friday: The Book Thief

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How many a man has dated a new era in his life from reading a book?” ~Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

book thiefI find it hard to imagine not having a wealth of books at my dispose – what with bookstores, libraries, internet ordering and now instantaneous delivery of digital publications. But, in Germany during the World War II era (1930’s) this scenario was reality. In fact, the best of books were burned. And if you were a poor young girl, getting your hands on books to read was even more difficult.

This is the premise of the story in the film “The Book Thief.” Despite the fact that the film adaptation of Markus Zusak ‘s novel of the same name has been getting mixed reviews, it sounds like a fulfilling cinema production to me.  I am putting this movie on my “MOVIES TO SEE”  list. It is beginning to make its debut in select theatres this month.

If you wish to read a longer summary about the film “The Book Thief,” directed by Brian Percival and starring Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson and Sophie Nelisse. Click for info & ordering on the Book Thieft
Happy Film Friday, everyone. Keep your eyes open for listings for this movie coming to your local theatre.

See you back here on All Things Fulfilling on Monday. We will be featuring a book that is a great Christmas present for teen readers. This blog is brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Wrapped in a Blanket and a Movie

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I just want others to understand that it is within their power to take a dream from inside their hearts and begin making it their life’s work. ~  John Mitchell

Thanksgiving isn’t even here yet, and the Hallmark Channel has already begun broadcasting Christmas movies. Last Sunday I decided that after church and after my daily walk that I was going to take the afternoon of the Sabbath seriously – no writing, no reading, no cleaning of the house. I was going to sit and enjoy a sappy Christmas movie that had attracted my attention as I channel surfed.

As I sat, wrapped in a blanket with popcorn and hot chocolate in hand, I began to think how this movie was no different than any of the other Christmas movies I have seen in my lifetime. But I still never get tired of watching sappy holiday films. The issues in the plots of holiday movies are nearly always the same – about a broken family, unrequited love, a romance gone wrong or the struggles of a lonely heart club member. The ending of the story is always fulfilling –  tied up with an uplifting message.  Sweet Christmas movies remind me to believe in the goodness of humanity and to always look for it inside people.

The Christmas CardThe Christmas Card is one holiday movie I have not yet seen, and it is upcoming on the “Heart of TV” – The Hallmark Channel. Here is the link to the programming schedule for Christmas movies you can watch right from the comfort of your living room. http://bit.ly/1atIndj.

You must be thinking I am off my rocker with all this talk of Christmas already. Well, here in the northwest corner of Colorado, we have already had about 50 inches of snow this season. The weather broadcasters are saying it is “the earliest winter ever.” To me, as I look my window on this first week of November, it may as well be Christmas. The earth is wrapped in a blanket of sparkly white already.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. Do return tomorrow on Monday. I look forward to sharing some inspiring images and stories with  you  next week. Some will lead you into knowing a little more about my own personal narrative.