open source DCP update: need help testing

As a reader named Vincent posted in August on my open-source DCP process post, this method isn't foolproof. Last week I personally encountered the problem he described where a DCP ingests properly onto a Dolby DSS server, but then appears with a nasty red X on it saying "corrupt." This is happening with a DCP that ingests and plays just fine on a Doremi server.

For those keeping close notes, my problem was on a Dolby DSS100. Vincent's was on a DSS200. He also had a problem ingesting on what I assume was a Datasat DC20 server as well.

It is my goal to ferret out all of these problems and post the solutions here for everyone's benefit. If you have access to a server (or servers) and are willing to run some brief tests, you can help! Just let me know what kind of server(s) you can use and I'll get you access to a small DCP (< 1 Gb) that you can download and try to ingest/play.

Thanks in advance!

For your consideration...

I am very excited to report that The Incident at Tower 37 has been submitted to the 83rd annual Academy Awards! Wherever it goes in the competition, I want to thank the supporters of the film from all over the world for rallying behind it during this wonderful festival run. This includes fest directors and programmers who picked it from the submission pool, to the audience members who came, watched, and shared their feelings with me about the film. You all are the reason we put so much effort into the festival run in the first place!

... and to those who have followed my DCP posts, yes: I submitted Tower to the Academy in the form of a home-rolled DCP.

Drome pix and a Tower 37 review

Sorry I didn't have any visuals when I posted about the Bit Films Fall Internships, but check out a few recent snaps of the summer interns and our lab spaces, below. Applications due next Monday!

The Tower 37 review comes from a viewer at Seattle's One-Reel Film Festival, who considered it the best of the Animated Life program:

The film’s noticeably low-budget CG doesn’t reduce its effectiveness in the least – this is a gripping and poignant environmental allegory with an absolutely beautiful score (from composer Evan Viera). The film’s earnest message is about as over-the-top as “Captain Planet”, but it doesn’t resort to cheap manipulation to showcase it.

Now for the pix (photo credit: Kevin Cline)

Bit Films Fall 2010 Internships

I'm pleased to report that internship information is now posted for the Fall 2010 session!

Fall 2010 internship details here

This is our fifth consecutive internship session, running from September 20 to December 17, 2010. Applications are due (via email) no later than Monday September 13, 2010 at 5pm (EDT). We understand that this is short lead time for those in need of making visa and travel arrangements. Because the projects are ongoing, the internship period is flexible; if in doubt, apply!

Everything you'd want to know about the two films being produced in-house (Caldera and Tube) is available via the link above. Today I want to mention the amazing work environment that surrounds the productions and is home to the work we do.

First of all, the studio is on the Hampshire College campus. During the fall, classes are in session so the place is buzzing with activity -- there are lectures, shows, presentations, screenings, sporting events, and more happening all the time and right next to the studio space. Interns have audited Hampshire courses in the past and we certainly expect this to continue.

Nearby Amherst and Northampton are politically liberal college towns with lots of food and entertainment. The PVTA bus system connects them, Hampshire, and the other four colleges in the Five College Consortium so transportation is straightforward. There is also a bike path connecting Northampton and Amherst (which summer 2010 intern Josh ran daily as an impressive commute/exercise regimen).

In addition to lots of US participants over the past four sessions, we've had interns from China, Argentina, South Africa, France, and England be a part of the program in the past. We are eager to fold different voices and histories into the studio so we do our best to support international applicants through the Visa process, finding a place to live, and getting oriented.

So check out the call for interns, look into the films, and see about joining our crew. We look forward to hearing from you.

Request Tower 37 on OpenIndie

I was very excited when I first heard of OpenIndie, the website that will let fans request independent films and allow people anywhere to host screenings. They now have a nice little film widget (below) that lets you request the film really easily! Please check it out if you haven't already and ask for a local screening of Tower 37 -- or host one!