SHORT FILM FANS!
COMBINE FLIPBOARD WITH TWITTER IMMEDIATELY!

Every time I publish a new edition of The Post, I become more and more addicted to short films.  There are literally endless stories out there waiting to be discovered and shared.  Many of the films I’ve featured on this site in the past have been submitted by the filmmakers.  But I find many of them online as well.

A while back, I published ‘Have you watched a short film today?‘ which is full of great websites that promote short films.  You’ll find plenty of short films there but today, I’d like to point out another fantastic resource.

FLIPBOARD

For those who are unaware, Flipboard is an app you can download on your mobile device that organizes news feeds like a magazine.  Here is what The Athletic Nerd looks like on Flipboard:

XTRA | Read the posts above and more on Star Wars Episode 7 here.

I have Flipboard on my iPhone and my iPad and I use it almost everyday.  Over the last few months, it’s become my favorite place to discover new short films.  Flipboard is deeply integrated with Twitter and has an awesome feature you may have missed:

TWITTER SAVED SEARCHES

Here’s how you can use Flipboard to watch short films:

1. Log into Twitter and search ‘Short Films’ or ‘#shortfilm’ etc…
2. Save the search
3. Open up Flipboard, navigate to ‘accounts’ then Twitter.
4. Add your saved searches to your board.

Now you’ve got a steadily updating stream of short films you can watch from inside the app!  At least once or twice a week, I wake up and watch short films on my iPad.

I love that the short films you find are normally promoted by the filmmakers themselves.  It gives you instant access to more information about the short films you liked.  Many profiles include websites, trailers & artwork.  It’s just another way to support independent filmmakers around the world.  Check out their websites.  Let them know what you thought of their movie!  Watch more short films!

How do you discover short films?

XTRA | 42 iPad links for Filmmakers, Screenwriters & Movie Lovers

XTRA | Watch tons of short films in The Post archives

I highly enjoy perusing Apple’s App Store for new ways to pass the time.  Recently,  came across an app they featured called:

8MM Vintage Camera.

My iPhone has been shooting 8MM movies since.

The App itself is easy enough to use.  In less than two minutes, I was cycling through all the different filters and settings.  I spent a couple bus rides experimenting with it while envisioning screenplays I could write that would require that ‘vintage’ look.

Sadly, I haven’t come up with much yet except for the following film I call: Dog Walking.

Note: This footage was shot with a 3GS.  I’m skipping iPhone 4 and waiting for this year’s model.

The footage itself looks pretty sweet. I love having the ability to control the jitter and the variety of options the app provides to make your masterpiece.  For $1.99 you get a super simple app that does exactly what it promises.

However, when it comes to editing, I’m a perfectionist.  I suppose I should be as I’m an editor by trade.  I’ve looked up a few other apps and some of them give you the chance to customize the overall look of your videos.

For example, Super 8 (which sells for .99) lets you record your videos first and then add effects to them.  This type of control may not be useful to many but I think it’s an better option instead of having to make each shot perfect.  I’d rather get multiple takes and effect the one I like best.

For the record, I’d rather do the effects in Final Cut Pro for complete control but lets not get carried away.

I’m also not a fan of how your videos aren’t saved in your iPhone’s library.  You have to launch the 8MM app and share them from there.  It’s a minor complaint but I enjoy the little details.

Regardless, the app achieves a variety of sweet 8MM looks effortlessly and I had a blast.

It’s a fantastic way to pass the time on the bus.

XTRA: Top 6 iPhone Apps For Movie News

For years I carried around an old school bag to and from work. It was worn, battered and always slid off my shoulder.

I finally decided it was time to ditch the pack sack and thanks to my wonderful girlfriend, I’m now the owner of a fantastic man-bag.

I feel like a Seinfeld quote is appropriate for those of you laughing about the so called “purse” I carry around now.

“Its not a purse! It’s European!”

Actually it’s neither. It’s just a canvas bag. What’s important to me is what I carry in it.

It’s a screenwriters treasure… Bag. (I think even I would make fun of someone for calling it a treasure bag… So feel free. I don’t feel bad.)

Inside I keep items that come in handy when inspiration hits. I also keep items that help ignite the creativity within.

A copy of my latest feature screenplay.

I just finished the long awaited (by myself at least.) script loosely based on my time in college. I keep it with me in case I think of something to add or take away during the revision process. For this I also keep a good supply of red and blue pens.

The last 2 issues of Script Magazine.

One of my favorite magazines usually has a place close to the front of the bag. Normally, I blast through a new issue quickly then keep it around to read again later on.

The second Dexter novel.

I’ve been quietly making my way through the second installment of the phenomenal series by Jeffrey Lindsay.  Dearly Devoted Dexter

The books as well as the incredible Showtime series serve as reminders of how to write amazing characters and stories. I love Dexter.

Advanced Photoshop Magazine

This may appear to have nothing to do with screenwriting but I don’t see it that way. I’m constantly using Photoshop to create images and posters for scripts I’m developing. I also have a theory that embracing Photoshop gives you another brilliant cure for writer’s block.

I love messing around with that program and it allows my mind to wander. The result is usually a screenwriting breakthrough or at the very least an interesting image.

A Screenwriting book.

This is a new addition to my arsenal. I recently decided to go back and re-read my old screenwriting books while I develop my new feature.

Currently it’s Real Screenwriting: Strategies and Stories from the Trenches

Expect a full review when I’m done.

The Screenwriter’s Notebook

My notebook is probably the most important item I carry. 

A screenwriter needs a notebook.

No matter how much time people spend buried in smart phones these days, there’s nothing like writing notes with a pen.  It’s faster.

I’ve used the notebook on multiple occasions in the last few weeks as I’m completely fascinated/obsessed with my new screenplay.

My iPhone Charger

While writing down notes with a pen can be useful if not inspiring, you really can’t argue with the convenience of the iPhone.  The magical device tripled my productivity.  I use Celtx for screenwriting, WordPress for my blog, Outliner for notes, Analytics for stats and I’m constantly connected with Twitter and Facebook.

My iPhone is command central when I’m not at home.  So you can imagine how much I use it.  An extra charger is vital.

Is this information useful to you?

Probably not.  Who cares what I carry in my bag each day right?

I couldn’t agree more.  Did this article change your life?  Nope.  Did you learn anything other than random facts about me?  Not really.

But…

Are you thinking about screenwriting?

I’ve written a lot about screenwriting since The Athletic Nerd’s launch.  This post happens to be my 100th entry in the category.

I even found time to write screenplays too!

Two years ago, while I was working on Playing Through, I lost touch with my number one passion in life.  I was so busy with that short film that nearly a year went by without a single completed script. (Shorts included)

It was depressing and I vowed never to let it happen again.

My priority over the last year was to return to screenwriting and evolve my skills.  I made it my mission to not only write but write better.

As time went on, I found new ways to write and new sources of inspiration.  This is a collection posts that chronicles an incredibly fun year in the life of an aspiring screenwriter.

Part I: Screenplay Inspiration

100 + Awesome Screenwriting Websites

56 Things I Love About Screenwriting

10 Screenwriting Books That Inspired Me

10 Flicks: Movies That Make Me Feel Like Writing

Re-Reading Your Old Screenwriting Books

The First Screenplay I Ever Wrote

Screenwriting: The Back Story (Mine)

Era 7: A Screenwriter Evolves

I Want To Be A Screenwriter

A Screenwriter’s New Years

17 West Short Film Story Meeting

FEATURED: The Screenwriting Spark

The Creative Ignition: Basketball

The Creative Ignition 2: The Ceiling

The Creative Ignition 3: Road Trips

The Creative Ignition 4: Libraries

Part II: Writing Screenplays

Screenwriters: Do You Have An Agent Yet?

The Screenplay Is Done! Time To Move On…

Screenwriting: Writing Great Action Scenes

Rushing To Finish Your Screenplay

Screenwriting: Make Actors Fight To Play Your Characters

A Perfect Place To Write Screenplays

Crosstown: Writing A Short Screenplay

Does Putting Your Screenplay On Hold Make You Sad?

Bus. Subway. Cab. Boat. Plane. Screenplay

Shut Up, Sit Down And Write Screenplays!

Writing A Screenplay: What Happens Next?

Screenplay Titles: Before Or After You Write?

Screenwriting, eBooks, Final Cut, Photoshop & Super Mario Galaxy 2

What To Do If Your Screenplay Isn’t Working

How To Write A Screenplay When The Weather’s Nice

Screenwriting: The Importance Of White Space

Making A Screenwriting Schedule

The Importance Of The Screenwriter’s Notebook

Productive Days

Finding Time To Write

Screenwriting: Dealing With Time Constraints

Screenwriting: Rewriting The Climb

The Climb: Improving The Screenplay

Tweaking Your Screenplay: Subtle Rewrites

Part III: The World Of Screenwriting

Creating Concept Art For Your Screenplay

Screenwriting Book Review: How NOT To Write A Screenplay

Cab Drivers, Inspiration & The Sound Of Music

Scriptchat: A Screenwriting Community

What ‘The Matrix’ Screenplay Taught Me

There’s Something Cool About A 3 Page Screenplay

Photoshop: A Cure For Writer’s Block?

Dexter & Screenwriting

Becoming A Screenwriter For Hire

Is My Screenplay Ready For Competitions?

A Screenwriter’s Holiday Isn’t Really A Holiday At All Is It?

Screenwriting: The Return Of An Old Idea

Writing About Screenwriting… Instead Of Screenwriting

New Ideas vs Finishing Your Screenplay

Tilt Interview Part 2: The Screenplay

Screenwriting: Finishing A Feature Screenplay

Screenwriting: Afraid To Show People Your Work?

The Screenwriting Balance

The Plate: Filmmakers With Jobs

Screenwriting: New Surroundings

Screenwriting: The Print Out

Feeling Guilty About Not Working

The Return To Screenwriting

I Like Working

I Like Working: The Follow Up

Part IV: Mobile Screenwriting

Review: Celtx For iPhone And iPad

Review: SCRIPTS PRO For iPhone

Screenplay Development… On A Greyhound Bus

Mobile Screenwriting Round Up

Final Draft is coming to the iPad!

Spotlight: ScriptWrite vs Screenplay

Riding and Writing: iPhone At Work

Spotlight: Screenplay Black Mana

Screenwriting: Portable Writing

A Look Ahead

I’ve learned a lot about myself since I started this blog. Writing about screenwriting has helped me realize how much I love to write movies.  In the past year, I’ve written a bunch of shorts and finished a feature script that I’ve put off for years.  Not to mention contributing to this blog, directing The Climb, building 3 websites from scratch and writing an eBook. (eBook details coming soon…)

This year is all about superheroes and action scenes.  I’m taking a break from the drama to do something a little different and I’m beyond excited about it.

I had a great time looking back at all these old posts.  While I’ve definitely evolved as a blogger, it’s easy to see I’ve evolved as a screenwriter as well.

I’m looking forward to taking the next step.

3 years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about web design.

I searched for hours at a time to try and compile the best online resources I could.  Eventually, I stumbled across Lynda.com and the rest is history.

Lynda.com is a tutorial site that is packed with videos and courses for virtually every software package you can think of.

Thanks to Lynda’s courses, I learned Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 in a month and it ignited an obsession with graphic and web design.  It was exactly what I needed to break into the world of designing websites.

Over the last few months, I’ve been using The Climb’s post process to teach myself Color, Soundtrack Pro, Motion and enhance my Final Cut skills.

I’ve also increased my knowledge of Photoshop and learned the basics of Blender for 3D projects I may tackle in the future.  I may even dive into some After Effects tutorials as well.

Each program has several courses available and with unlimited access, Lynda is easily the best resource I’ve found so far.  Automatically you might be thinking that this service will cost hundreds if not thousands to gain access to…

It costs 25$ a month!

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, I’d highly recommend looking into this website.  Even for 1 month.  You can cancel at any time.

Better still, why not try it free for 24 hours by clicking the image below?

Post production costs can get pretty high.  If you’re producing a low budget short film then why not take the time and teach yourself some of the software needed to do it cheaply.

There’s also an iPhone App!

Whoa.

All of the sudden, my bus rides to work aren’t long enough!  I’ve been gradually making my way through Color 1.5 Essential Training and I’m learning a ton.

It’s addicting to cycle through thousands of tutorials dealing with every single question I have.  Now it’s even more convenient because I can take my courses with me on my iPhone.

I can’t say enough about this service.

Anyone looking to further their knowledge of a specific program should give Lynda.com a shot.  They have some free videos up so you can try out the service before signing up.

Bottom line? I like learning things…

I’ve included a sample video below from a basic training course.