The Design & Structure of Motion Pictures • with Gordon Willis • The Northampton Independent Film Festival is pleased to welcome acclaimed cinematographer Gordon Willis—the man behind the visual look of the Godfather, Annie Hall,All the President’s Men, The Money Pit, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Bright Lights, Big City, Up The Sand Box, The Paper Chase, Manhattan, and dozens other well-known film titles. Gordon Willis has often been referred to as the “the prince of darkness” in the film business for his use of subdued shadow, dramatic, naturalistic lighting.Twice nominated by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, three times nominated by the British Academy, he has received numerous awards and an honorary degree. In 1995, the A.S.C.honored Mr. Willis with a Lifetime Achievement Award. We encourage you to come prepared with well-thought-out questions for this very special event to meet and talk with a brilliant cinematographer. This event is free and open to the public; seating is limited.
A Special Bill Plymton seminar on Animation Bill Plympton's animation work has been seen around the world. His illustrations have graced the pages of The New York Times, Vogue, House Beautiful, The Village Voice, Screw, Vanity Fair and others. His cartoons have appeared in such magazines as Viva, Penthouse, Rolling Stone, National Lampoon, and Glamour. His work has also been featured in commercials, television, and MTV. By 1981 Bill’s political cartoon strip was syndicated in over twenty papers by Universal Press. Join us for a special talk about animation, art, and the creative process of Bill Plymton. Space will be limited. Call 413-582-1832 for more information.
Marketing Yourself and Your Script to Hollywood. From independent film to working in the studio system, Philippa Burgess will cover: The three reasons buyers buy; understanding what makes an idea commercial; finding and working with representation; accessing and getting the most out of all the resources available to screenwriters; and how to build career from the ground up -- your craft, your strategy, your team, your portfolio, and your network. PHILIPPA BURGESS is Sr. Managing Partner and Literary Manager at Creative Convergence, an entertainment company based in Los Angeles. She previously worked at International Creative Management (ICM) and has taught workshops throughout the country. She writes a column for Screenwriter’s Monthly and contributes to other industry publications as well. She will be available to meet one on one during the festival. Sunday, October 31, 10:00am, Media Education Foundation
MANHATTAN Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep and Mariel Hemingway star in Woody Allen's extraordinary and funny film that explores the embattled life and loves of a successful New York comedy writer. Isaac, 42, has divorced Jill. She is now living with another woman, Connie, and is writing a book in which she will reveal some very private points of their relationship. Isaac has a love affair with Tracy, 17, when he meets Mary, the mistress of his best friend Yale. Yale is already married to Emily. Manhattan is generally considered to be the apex of Woody Allen’s cinematic career. Its success is due in large part to Willis’ work; in fact, many of the scenes are famous specifically because of his magical lighting. The Northampton film festival wishes to thank United Artist for providing a newly restored special 35 mm vault print for this showing.