Bicycle for a Day

For those of you that haven't heard about this event, Matthew Modine is launching an event called Bicycle for a Day. Bicycle for a Day is for anyone who can get on a bicycle and demonstrate that doing ONE thing will better our environment. Participants can even skateboard or walk, just as long as it doesn't use gasoline!

He is also accepting 30 to 90 second short films that "best express the freedom of bike riding." Select films will be featured on the website, as well as one of the event's stages in NYC. I asked him to answer a few questions about the event for my readers.

Ecopix: What is Bicycle for a Day (BFAD)?
Matthew: Bicycle for a Day is a day to give up gas powered vehicles. There are hundreds of things we can do everyday to reduce carbon emissions. Bicycling is one simple thing each of us can do to improve our personal health and the health of the planet.

Ecopix: How do we participate in BFAD?
Matthew: When you wake up Sept 20th, choose to NOT use gas powered vehicles. Walk, skateboard, bicycle, stay at home. On the bicycle for a day website there is a list of things you can do at home to reduce waste. There are over 300 million Americans. If each of us did a couple of things to save energy everyday, the cumulative effect will be enormous.

Ecopix: Where is it taking place?
Matthew: This year I am focusing on NYC. We are having an event at the South Street Seaport on Manhattan's lower east side. This is the official gathering place for the first annual event.

Ecopix: From where did the inspiration for BFAD originate?
Matthew: I was asked, "if there was one thing I could do to reduce carbon emissions, what would I do." The answer for me was as simple as "ride a bike." The idea grew into a film that was presented at the Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The film was a huge success and the people that gathered for the forum encouraged the development of the concept into reality.
Ecopix: How has the response to the event been so far?
Matthew: Everyone is excited by the idea. They smile at the simplicity of bicycling as a solution to an enormous problem. They feel empowered by the idea of bicycling as a solution and action they can take.

Ecopix: Can you tell us about your short film and the opportunities for other filmmakers to screen their BFAD story on your site?
Matthew: I hope that film makers will make shorts (one or two minute) that tell stories about personal biking experiences. Romantic, crazy, dangerous, adventurous, what ever they like. I'll post some of them on the website and next year they'll get shown at the BFAD events around the world.

Ecopix: What is BFAD's ultimate goal and what are your hopes for the event?
Matthew: I hope it grows into a tool for inventors and creators. A place where dreamers of new ideas can see their ideas shared and shown to demonstrate new ways of solving the current environmental situation. Everyday I meet amazing people with wonderful solutions to the way things are done and how they can be done better. The BFAD website should be a place for those ideas to be seen throughout the world. A loud speaker for those voices of change.

Ecopix: Besides BFAD, what other activities do you participate in to help preserve our environment? (i.e any other organizations or events)
Matthew: I work closely with the two charities BFAD supports. WaterKeeper Alliance (River Keepers) and American Forests' Global ReLeaf project. One protects our rivers, lakes, oceans and seas. The latter protects and replants our forests and brings trees to neighborhoods that don't have them.

Ecopix: What are the aspects of our society that discourage you the most? How do you try to change them?
Matthew: People that point the finger and blame. People that don't believe in possibility. We built a railroad across the United States after the Civil War in less than five years. We went to the moon in less than ten. We are capable of tremendous change when we choose to work together as a nation. When we are decisive. I want to be on the team that wants to solve problems instead of pointing the finger and blaming.

Ecopix: As a successful actor, what have you done to promote your stand on the environment with the productions you work on?
Matthew: I got the film industry, the talent agencies, to print double-sided scripts. I was filming in Morocco and introduced the concept of deposits on bottles and recycling to the Mayor of Ouarzazate. Simple things that anyone could have done. Billions of sheets of paper have been saved and plastic and glass bottles no longer litter the desert at the foot of the amazing Atlas Mountains.

Check out Matthew's own short film for Bicycle for a Day.

My new bike

I just got a new bike. Okay...it's not actually new. It's probably about 20 years old. But hey, it's new to me. Found it on the trusty Craigslist. I went out for a night ride, and goddamn am I out of shape!! These old legs ain't what they used to be.

Friends of the Earth

A fellow filmmaker Taghi Amirani that I met at Pangea Day has just told me about a film competition being held by Friends of the Earth. Friends of the Earth is a UK charity committed to environmental solutions. You have one minute to "show which bit of the Earth you're a friend of." The overall winner will be given a £4,000 budget to make a film with Friends of the Earth to support one of its high profile green campaigns. The deadline to submit your film is August 22.

Clothe Me! House Me!

Actors can be so needy sometimes. Expecting you to create a world in which their characters live. Production and Costume Design is where a huge part of our waste goes. Building sets, buying or designing clothes, and decorating locations account for a lot of money and a lot of items that are used only once. Here are some tips to reduce, reuse, and recycle your design items.

1. Craigslist.
It’s my favorite resource. If you’re doing a period piece, Craigslist is a great way to find vintage furniture, artwork, even clothes. It adds to the authenticity of your film. Even if it takes place present day, used furniture gives your pieces a lived-in look. It’s particularly useful if you are in another state where prop houses and picture car rentals are non-existent. On a student film I produced in Oregon called RE:Monday, we offered a guy selling his old Volvo $200 to hold off selling, and letting us use it for a week.


2. Thrift stores and Antique shops.
This is another good resource when shooting out of state. You can often approach antique shops to rent their items for a negotiated fee.

3. Location, Location, Location!
Weigh your options when thinking about how much it would cost to build a set versus paying a day rate for an existing location. Especially in Los Angeles, the location you’re looking for probably already exists somewhere on a stage or an old, abandoned hospital.
Remember to choose your locations wisely. Not only are you saving the earth by choosing practical locations that have most of the production design done for you, but it saves you money, as well. On my thesis film Nagpapanggap, we were able to find a house that could pass for the 1960's. We only needed to take away things like the television, and add a few signature mid century items.



4. Rentals.
This is a pretty obvious choice, but still a good old classic. Their items get a lot of mileage because they are well-taken care of. There are about a hundred listings in the LA411 on where you can rent props and furniture. If you’re a student, don’t forget to ask for a discount. Most of the big places offer one.

5. Mom and Dad's Garage.
If your parents happen to live in the same city as your production, chances are they've got a garage or basement full of goodies. This is a great place to find some finishing touches to your set design. I like to compile a wish list of items I need, then email it to friends and family and see what they're willing to lend or donate to the production. It doesn't hurt to ask, and it's free. Just make sure you're not borrowing a family heirloom, 'cause odds are it will get broken on set.

6. Recycle by donating.
For expensive or stylish costumes, I sell back to places like Wasteland or Crossroads. But for any generic pieces, you can donate them back to the thrift store from which they came.

If you do build a set, donate it when you’re done.
Left over lumber can be donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Contact your local high schools and film schools, and see if their theatre and film departments have any use for flats and purchased props.
Hollywood Cinema Production Resources will accept and pick up sets for donation, as well.

Samantha Crain

My friend and fellow filmmaker Sterlin Harjo just put together this great little video introducing Samantha Crain. She's an amazing singer-songwriter from Oklahoma, and I'm sure you'll be seeing more of her very soon.



CHECK IT OUT!

So, so sorry

I'm in the midst of some very tight deadlines, so you will have to go without a post for a few days. I've been shooting and cutting a highlight reel for LMU's Summer Creative Workshop. The kids are amazing, but the hours are dreadful and unforgiving. On top of which, I've been doing some heavy polishing on my baby: the feature script. So, please be patient and keep looking out for some new posts.

WAAALLLLLLLLLL-EEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

On the off chance you've been living in a cave for the past few weeks (as can happen when you're on location doing 6-day weeks), go see this amazing film. I've already seen it twice. To all you critics hating on this movie: I'm sure it is tough to look in the mirror when you don't like what you see.

Death by Chainsaw

Today’s post is predominantly for the Production Office, but can be used by all crew members for their use of paper at home. Here are some basic tips:

1. Provide recycle bins
Make sure a bin is clearly indicated that it is for recycled paper only, and place it right next to the trash cans. If you’re buying paper in bulk, you can often use the boxes that they come in as recycle bins throughout your office or for the production office that is on the move (such as in the trailer or at base camp).

2. Use recycled paper
Not only is it important to have recycle bins for discarded paper, but also to use recycled paper. Use of recycled paper is a vital part of the cycle. There’s no point in recycling paper if we don’t use its byproduct.

3. Print only when necessary
Before you print ask yourself, “Do I really need to print this?”

If it is a file that can stay digital, do so. One of the great things about technology is that the files we use can stay in the digital realm. My cell phone has been a great tool. I use it to make a note of addresses that I either type into my notes application, or, if I’m in a hurry, I just take a picture of it on my camera phone. Then, I type the address into my GPS system. I also save flight information in my phone. So, instead of printing out 3 pages of an itinerary, I either save the Flight confirmation number as a note, or just use my email to pull up my confirmation information. Then, I type in that info when I check in at the airport.

Another way to go paperless is the use of the IPhone. As expensive as it is, I know there are a lot of you out there that have them. Instead of printing out your call sheets or directions, just download it to your phone.

When possible, send out your scripts via email. And when someone sends you a script to read that is still in development, read it on your computer, and type out notes in word. If you have Final Draft, you can add script notes directly to the file. It will insert a small window next to the text that the reader can double-click on to see your notes.

4. Print efficiently
Gone are the days when printing on both sides is considered informal. When you have to provide a hard copy of your script to someone, print on both sides. If you’re providing multiple pages of any file, it should be a general rule of thumb.

Check and recheck. How many times have you printed something out only to realize that you made a typo? Make sure you thoroughly read your files before printing.

Use print preview. There are so many internet pages that I print out where that last page contains an advertisement or a single line of text. Check it out in Preview first, then print out only the necessary pages.

On several sets I’ve worked on, Sides were shrunk to half their size and printed on half of an 8x11 sheet of paper. Not only is it more efficient, but it’s easier for Keys and Actors to carry the scenes of the day in their back pocket.

5. Know when to say when
If you’re a bit lower on the totem pole, ask yourself if you really need the sides that get passed around on set. PAs or 2nd ADs, keep track of who says “yes” and who says “no.” So, for the following days, you know exactly how many sides to photocopy, and you’re not printing out any excess.

6. For the OCDs
I separate my paper into 3 sections: Everyday paper, Specialty Paper, and Scratch Paper. Next to the printer, use trays that are clearly labeled.

Everyday paper is of course your low-grade RECYCLED paper that you can use for things like call sheets, sides, shot lists, etc. Specialty Paper usually will have stock paper or photo paper. Anything that is a heavier stock than your Everyday Paper.

Scratch Paper will include paper that’s already been printed on. As a cinematographer, I get sent so many scripts that never make it to production. And they end up collecting dust on my desk waiting to be realized. Whether it be old scripts, call sheets or extra copies, I set those aside instead of throwing them in the recycle bin. I use them to print things like Maps or directions for PAs, personal notes that I need to take with me on the go, or film festival itineraries. For the most part, I use it for information that I know only I will see. It gives paper a second life, if you will. It’s where you can make up a bit for throwing down the extra cash for recycled paper.

Overall, it’s about making it easy for everyone to recycle and conserve. The more organized your office space is, the better.

Ishmael

I just finished reading Daniel Quinn's Ishmael. If you haven't already read it, it is a definite must. The cautionary themes this book addresses are so relevant to the issue of our rapidly deteriorating ecosystem. Its philosophies only reinforce the need to simplify our lives and only take from earth what is necessary. It's an extremely fast read, and I highly recommend it.

Synthetic Polymerized Receptacle of H20 Syndrome

Does this photograph look familiar? Are you often left with several half-empty, unclaimed water bottles at the end of a shoot day? Are some of these water bottles even nearly full? You and your colleagues could be suffering from SPRHS, or Synthetic Polymerized Receptacle of H20 Syndrome. This condition is more commonly known as the Bottled Water Scam.

The waste of bottled water on set is probably the issue that crawls under my skin the most. Recently, I started bringing a reusable bottle to set. I simply filled it with water from my tap the night before, and stuck it in the fridge for ice cold water in the morning. In case you missed it, yes, I did say it. From my T-A-P. TAP! Gasp in horror. Go right ahead. There is a fabulous article on treehugger.com detailing how water bottle companies have pulled the wool over our eyes for years. That Dasani, a Coca-Cola company, even puts salt in their water to make it taste better. Well, I have news for you. Perfectly clean, sodium-free water actually gets delivered directly to your kitchen at almost no cost to you. And for all you OCD’s out there (me included) you can easily buy a Brita or PUR filter that goes directly onto your faucet. The great thing about bringing your own water bottle is that you're always able to keep track of it throughout the day.

Bitchy Production Designer: “Who left their green water bottle with the pink flowers on the HOT SET?!?!?!

Awesome Clapper Loader: “OOOOH. OOOH. That’s mine, thank you.”

As the Producer, provide your eco-conscious crew members with a refillable station at the Craft Services table like this Coleman cooler.



Make sure your PAs fill it with water AND ice, to ensure ice cold water on set.

One thing I suggest, specifically for feature-length projects, is to purchase canteens or reusable bottles for your crew members instead of buying them the requisite souvenir T-Shirts. By passing them out at the beginning of production, you are sending your crew members the message that you intend to be a Green set. Klean Kanteen provides canteens with your personalized logo on them. The beauty of a canteen is that it keeps cooler longer, and no nasty plastic toxins seeping into your water.



My Alma Mater Loyola Marymount University went completely Green by providing their students with canteens and installing more water fountains on campus. If a campus of 8,972 can change their water-consumption lifestyle, I’m sure we could handle a crew of 20 to 50.

That being said, I know there needs to be at least some source of water for the degenerates or day players. So, at the very least, keep a few water bottles in that cooler and, most importantly, a Sharpie tied to the handle as a friendly reminder to keep track of their bottle.

Delta's Commitment

I decided to post today's Daily Photo. On my flight to the Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival, Delta provided these wonderful amenity kits "made Earth-friendly through the use of natural, biodegradable and recycled materials." This toothbrush was made with biodegradable soy products. The bag was of course made with recycled paper and printed with biodegradable inks. For more info, check out their site delta.com/globalgood.