Merrick here...

…introducing a new and recurring feature for AICN called "Cinematic Shrimp."

In nearly every regard, this feature is about our readers as much as it is for our readers. Our mission statement here is simple: we want to inspire folks to make movies. And we hope to accomplish this via a three pronged approach that'll help viewers to see what kind of work is out there while also empowering them to create films for themselves.

Firstly, we want to provide a regular platform for readers to display works they've created. And here it's critically important to define "readers" - I'm talking about anyone who knows or reads this site. This can mean every day folks who have no connection to any kind of entertainment industry & simply love movies, to professional film, television, and music talent who may be working on side projects they're eager to share with the world. Every level of filmmaker, or aspiring filmmaker, has a home here - from the kid who may be picking up a crappy old camera to shoot his first short, to Oscar winning filmmakers and cinematographers who are looking for a way to have their more private work seen.

What are the criteria?

1) As suggested above, we're hoping to find projects of all kinds, of varying degrees of pollish. The scrappiest of movies could have as much to offer as the most refined product - they may possibly have even more to appreciate and learn from.

2) You must be the maker of what you submit.

3) As the Harry-chosen title of this ongoing feature suggests, we'd like to primarily focus on SHORT films here. If you have a feature you'd like to submit for potential posting, or if you have a longer "short" film, I see no problem in posting these over multiple embeds within the same article. But the longer the project, the more picky we'll be about posting them.

5) At the moment, AICN is unable to host large amounts of video - so any work you submit will need to be embedded via Vimeo, YouTube, or any number of other services/embeddable players. We hope to someday be able to host more video on our own servers, but for the time being? Ain't happening. So, submit your projects via links or embed codes - we haven't the time or manpower to wrangle this embedding for you. This will also allow you to retain ultimate control over the quality of your embed. Keep in mind, AICN has a very large readership - your audience will be large, so take care to assure your embed's in the best shape possible.

5) As far as content goes? The sky's the limit - but we may tread cautiously if subject matter is too exploitative or incendiary. Although, given that this is AICN, I'm not exactly sure what boundaries would have to be pushed in order to be disqualified on the basis of content - I suppose there are some, though. Also, I'd like to avoid commercials, unless said commercial demonstrates a remarkable element that can be discussed (i.e. photography, visual effects, etc). or is something extraordinary in general (I'm in love with THIS commercial, for example). If submitting a commercial, it'll have to be a commercial of your own creation.

6) Anyone submitting material for posting should be willing to write about the trials & tribulations they underwent when making their movie. What were the challenges? Did you use special equipment? Did it work, slow you down, etc? What software or hardware did you use in the post-production of your project, and why? Describe your filmmaking experience…talk about elements you're proud of, and what you wish you'd done better. And…so on. If you don't want to take the time to physically write about all of this, we'll accept an embeddable video covering the same material - or your could create a second embed of your movie with a running audio commentary. The point here being: we want people to learn from what you've been though, in the same way we hope you might learn from others.

7) Your work is not being "judged" in the submission process - we'll simply be looking at it to familiarize ourselves with what we're posting, to make sure you actually tried to make a movie, etc.

The second phase of our undertaking: In the break-down above, you'll notice a premium on the 'sharing of knowledge'. That's because we're envisioning Shrimp to be something of a film school/film community. But you won't just be learning from each other. We've already begun outreach to a number of camera companies (embedded comparisons of images captured by various makes and models? High -vs- quality low-end, etc.) , film-related hardware companies (steady cam rigs, cranes, etc.), software companies (editing suites, FX suites, sound mixing, etc.) in the hopes of arranging comprehensive insight about the products they offer. We want you to be broadly aware of the multitude of miraculous technologies that's out there for your consideration, empowered when considering its purchase or use, and to understand the impact such elements can have on your filmmaking. This said, we're also KEENLY aware that not every filmmaker will have a budget to work with - most won't have any budget at all to speak of. Accordingly, we'll also take comprehensive looks at the guerilla side of filmmaking - how to add more zip and pizzazz to your movies as affordably, and as cut-rate, as possible. If you're reading this and working at a company that might like to participate in this endeavor, E-MAIL ME as I'd love to talk further.

THE FINAL PRONG of our approach will be "guest contributions" by well-established industry professionals & production personnel. In these pieces, they won't be pimping their latest movies, or talking about upcoming deals. They'll be considering a single aspect of the filmmaking process and discuss it fully for folks who may just be dipping their feet into the pool of film creation. If you're in "the biz" and want to help folks who are just starting out...or are looking to move further towards a professional career in film...DROP ME A LINE!

Is there a chance all of this could completely implode in some high-profile, embarrassing manner? Absolutely. But, at the very least, I'm confident we'll soon be exposed to interesting films from some mighty talented folks. And if that's the most this feature accomplishes? That in itself would be pretty great as far as I'm concerned . Based on the responses we've received during our initial industrial outreach? I'd say chances are pretty darn good that Shrimp could end up being something highly informative, consistently entertaining, and…with any luck…maybe even a bit inspiring. Which, again, is our endgame.

Along the way, I'll be pestering AICN staff & crew to submit or create their own short films for consideration. I'll also post a few projects which I've co-directed, and will generate a new film specifically for this feature. I am a strong believer in putting one's money where one's mouth is. If we're gonna spend our lives taking shots at other people's work, I feel we'd better be willing to have our own work strung-up and bludgeoned as well. Fair play.

Joining me on this absurdly daunting and unnervingly complex undertaking is the inimitable Nar Williams (blog HERE), who you may recognize from The Science Channel's fascinating (SCIENCE OF THE MOVIES) info-series. Nar's Twitter stream (HERE) was recently voted one of Wired magazine's 150 Geeky Media People to follow, by the way - a tribute well-earned. Also along for this ride will be an immensely talented man codenamed Mr. Blaylock. Mr. Blaylock…I've known for a long time. He's an associate and a friend and he's…quite experienced…in both filmmaking and visual effects. He's worked on a number of high-profile projects that would be instantly recognizable to Geeks everywhere. Nar and Blaylock are both really great, wonderfully talented guys whose contributions are sure to be filled with invaluable insight and information. And, as you may've guessed, they're both Geeks of the highest order - they'll fit right in once we're up and running. It's a privilege to have them with us…we're certainly better for it.

Our intent is to post a substantive article every few weeks or so, give or take a little depending on how the start-up on this shakes out. Below you'll find Cinematic Shrimp's primary e-mail address - use this to submit your projects, or to ask further questions, or to volunteer your own expertise. As we begin posting actual articles, we'll provide direct e-mail links for Nar and Mr. Blaylock. immediately beneath this piece, you'll find a newP.O. Box set up to receive packages, samples, pamphlets/portfolios/flyers, and media. But do remember that you'll need to personally handle the embedding of any items you're submitting for posting.

In a reality in which a man who never directed a feature generates, sells, and sees PARANORMAL ACTIVITY released (prompting Paramount to set aside at least $1 million a year for "microbudget" projects)...or a kid from Uruguay lands in talks with Sam Raimi's production company based on his YouTube short...it seems difficult to argue that the Hollywood process is becoming increasingly impacted by "the everyman". This seemed the perfect time for a site like AICN to realize an enterprise such as this. It seemed the perfect time for your voices to be heard, and your visions to be seen. On behalf of Nar, Mr. Balylock, and myself - we welcome you.

Now let's get started…

E-MAIL CINEMATIC SHRIMP !!!

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

Glen Oliver / Aint It Cool News

4301 W. William Cannon Dr.
Suite B-150 Box # 243
Austin, TX 78749
Phone = (512) 981-5897

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