Greetings, students, and welcome to the John Maxwell Film School blog. After much thinking, I've decided to share with you my journey into filmmaking by homeschooling myself on film. At this film school, we look at both motion pictures and television episodes. That way, we will learn about the tricks and means of making pieces of moving fiction. Discussions of tropes, ideas, morals, directors, writers, and actors will abound here.
Since I've started my own production company three months ago, I've been looking into my education as a filmmaker and I realize a lot of them go to film school Since I don't have the means to go to a real one, I'll make my own. At the same time, I've decided to share that with you, so some of you may learn how to make your own movies. You'll learn some of my techniques for making a movie or television episode. You'll also learn how other directors, writers, and actors made that one good move that made it work.
Postings will be divided between various series. The main series of postings will be called "Movies I Haven't Seen", the title explains all. Postings that deal with my favorite show "Star Trek" will be called "Starfleet Academy". There's "Sitcom Study", where we take a look at various episodes what I feel is the best modern story-telling devices. Movies from my own collection will be labeled "Maxwell's Movies" Animation will be deal with "Animators' Alley" Finally, other things dealing with television will be called "Dispatches From TV Land" These labels will be helpful as we take a look at my view of stories in this world.
Postings will be divided between various series. The main series of postings will be called "Movies I Haven't Seen", the title explains all. Postings that deal with my favorite show "Star Trek" will be called "Starfleet Academy". There's "Sitcom Study", where we take a look at various episodes what I feel is the best modern story-telling devices. Movies from my own collection will be labeled "Maxwell's Movies" Animation will be deal with "Animators' Alley" Finally, other things dealing with television will be called "Dispatches From TV Land" These labels will be helpful as we take a look at my view of stories in this world.
Class will meet once to discuss usually one work at a time, be it an episode or movie. We might do special classes, on topics like noting an notable person's passing or genre or even techniques. Let me note that this school is never over, for there's a lot to learn about this business. More and more people are able to make their own movie but have no idea how to do it. No problem, I have no idea either but together, we'll fill that gap in our knowledge and eventually, some of us will make a movie or just learn how other people do it.
I, John Maxwell, am your dean and teacher and I allow all manner of discussion. Just leave your questions in the comment section below, or just tell me how I'm doing. After thinking I'm a writer, I realize that my visual mode of thinking belies a talent for film. Maybe many of you are discovering that about yourself. Let it happen. The joy that comes with the discovery of your real talent is the best drug and no government can take it away from you. This is your dean and teacher telling you that next Monday, class begins at noon. See you then!!!
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
