Shawn Chittle » Film

Shame (2011) directed by Steve R. McQueen gets a rare 10/10 review

Shawn Chittle — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:52:23 +0000

It's the best movie I have seen in years, and gets a rare 10/10 review from me! It's absolutely spellbinding and powerful, this is real cinema.

Set in NYC, it's a story of addiction and its consequences.

When I saw it, not a single person talked, or even whispered in the movie. And when it was over, hardly anyone moved, and didn't say a word.

Love On coney Island

Shawn Chittle — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:43:41 +0000

"No Model Release"

Shawn Chittle — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:59:09 +0000

"We Gone Make It (The Fight Ain't Yours Alone)" music video

Shawn Chittle — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:46:21 +0000

This was an amazing project.

I bought the CD single of this song that I heard heard about from a few friends. The song blew me away, and I called the producer and pitched him a music video idea. He loved it. I flew out to Flint, Michigan with nothing more than my video camera, follow focus, and a reflector. I showed up at 8am on a Saturday and we shot a 5 minute music video in about 10 hours. We filmed in 5 locations and had a cast of over 10 people!

We had no lights, no tripod, and none of the "actors" had any professional experience. It was a scorching 100+ degrees outside and staying hydrated and cool proved challenging. However, as you see, these folks were very talented and pulled off a nearly impossible task. The video turned out fantastic and it's being entered into a few music video film festivals.

It was truly a community effort and I applaud the hard working dedicated people of my hometown of Flint on making something I think tells a sad story but leaves you with a sense of hope.

Enjoy.

Milky Way Timelapse

Shawn Chittle — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:44:17 +0000

Ocean Sky from Alex Cherney on Vimeo.

That's a wrap!

Shawn Chittle — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:20:36 +0000

Just wrapped a 5 minute narrative music video for the song "We Gone Make It" (The Fight Ain't Yours Alone) in Flint Michigan.

I pitched the idea of a gritty urban drama in the vein of Menace II Society, Juice, Boyz N The Hood, and Above The Rim. However, Flint has seen enough tragedy, so, taking inspiration from the song lyrics, we set out to create something realistic but with a dose of hope.

Filming was a challenge. As I flew in from NY, we didn't have lights or even a tripod. All I brought was my Nikon D7000, Nikon D90, a borrowed wheelchair (for dolly shots) and some Flexfill reflectors. That's it! The weather was nice but hot - 103 degree heat index!

None of the "actors" (really just volunteers) had any real experience on camera, but you'd never know it! They did most scenes in just one or two takes! I was astounded at the professionalism and talent. These folks are naturals! Thanks to all involved.

The film will hit the film festival circuit this Fall.

Terry Crews on escaping Flint, fame, and "realizing your potential"

Shawn Chittle — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:02:17 +0000

16th Annual LES Festival of the Arts May 27-29

Shawn Chittle — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:55:21 +0000

Film footage circa 1901 of 23rd Street, Manhattan

Shawn Chittle — Sun, 01 May 2011 01:35:19 +0000

The corner of 23rd Street and 6th Avenue was renowned for its gusty breezes that might allow a man to catch a glimpse of a woman's stockings. In this staged scene we see Alfred Abadie, an Edison cameraman, and Florence Georgie strolling along when Georgie has a Marilyn Monroe type moment.

This film was restored by the Library of Congress and was copied at 16fps from 35mm.

This movie is part of the collection: Short Format Films

Director: Edwin S. Porter
Production Company: Edwin S. Porter
Sponsor: Edison Mfg. Co.
Audio/Visual: silent, black & white
Keywords: Edison; silent

Terminator 80's Pop

Shawn Chittle — Sun, 01 May 2011 01:23:24 +0000

"Hello Disc Jockey. Give me a song. I want to hear Kraftwerk. Now! "

There are four rarely-heard 80's pop gems on the Terminator Soundtrack, which is out of print and not commercially available. As far as I know, only one of them actually appear in the movie, but I haven't gone back and looked to make 100% sure so don't take my word for it.

None of these songs are must-haves, but are fun little numbers that have been lost to time.

"You Can't Do That" by Tryanglz
A fun pop rock 80's gem that will make you think instantly of Pat Benatar. It's not particularly great, but it's fun.

"Burnin' In the Third Degree" by Tryanglz
My favorite of the batch, this song is playing when the Terminator tries to kill Sarah Connor in the bar/club. It's a very Pat Benatar sounding upbeat pop gem.

"Pictures of You" by Jay Ferguson
With an asian flaired gamelan based opening riff, this four-on-the-floor 80's pop tune is easily forgettable, but fun nevertheless.

"Photoplay" by Tryanglz
Another Pat Benatar sounding song that borrows quite a bit from "Burning In the Third Degree" (or vice versa depending on what came first).

"Intimacy" by Linn Vanheck
Another rather forgetable track, but not a "bad" song. Sounds like a mash between "Maniac" by Michael Sembello and a B-side Cyndi Lauper track.

Download all the songs here.