Reality on screen: Producing a documentary film

Just like fictional films, documentary films are created to tell a remarkable story of a real person or a group of people. Documentaries often feature the stories of those who have gone through a difficult struggle, usually a matter of life and death, and managed to survive.

Edward Bass  Image credit: veracityfilms.com

In choosing a story to tell, filmmakers, like Edward Bass, agree that it should be something that the producer, director, and all those who will be closely involved in the production are passionate about. This is because documentary filmmaking requires a lot of patience and commitment. It greatly differs from fictional film production because producing a documentary entails a long period of researching, filming, interviewing, and editing, among many others.

Edward Bass  Image Credit: tecca.com

Research plays a crucial role in the production process, especially in documentary films. Before the filmmakers can record the stories of their subjects, they must first conduct extensive research on the topic and possible sources of information, and make sure that they have the right subjects and have found the right filming locations.

Aside from choosing a story and subject, another crucial process in documentary filmmaking is creating a budget. This can be determined by the number of shooting days, the members of the crew, and the type of equipment to be used.

Edward Bass  Image Credit: wordandfilm.com

After the film has been made, filmmakers are advised to submit their work on local film festivals. Though submitting a film to a local film festival doesn’t guarantee a movie deal, what it can give filmmakers is exposure, especially if the documentary deals with a timely issue and presents a thought-provoking subject.

Visit www.edwardbassfilms.com for more on film production.

Alfred Hitchcock, horror legend

Known as the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock is certainly one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. His legacy lives on through the countless classics that film directors and producers, like Edward Bass, take inspiration from when making a film under the horror genre.

Edward Bass Image Credit: fameball.com

Raised by strict Catholic parents, Hitchcock described his childhood as sheltered and lonely. His parents would often resort to extreme punishment, such as sending him to the local police or letting him stand on the foot of the bed. As a result, themes of harsh treatment or wrongful accusations would appear on his films.

Edward Bass Image Credit: indiewire.com

Before becoming a filmmaker, Hitchcock was submitting short stories for The Henley Telegraph, gaining attention for writing twisted endings and disturbed characters. A few decades later, he moved to Hollywood and made films under various genres, including comedy and romance. It wasn’t until the 1950s when he started making a name for himself as a horror legend, producing classics such as Dial M for Murder (1954), Rear Window (1954), and Vertigo (1958). His most famous film, Psycho, which solidified him as the Master of Suspense, was released in 1960.

Edward Bass Image Credit: telegraph.co.uk

Alfred Hitchcock developed many film styles that are still used today. He popularized the MacGuffin, a plot device wherein a detail greatly influences the plot or the character’s actions but is seemingly unimportant to the audience.

Hitchcock’s legacy inspired the film Hitchcock (2012) which stars acclaimed actors Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren, and tells the story behind the making of Psycho.

Learn more about film production on this website.

Edward Bass: Where to take the femme fatale next

Film pundits would argue that no one has quite replaced Belle Gunness as the original femme fatale, despite countless Hollywood vixens who give off the vibe. Edward Bass, producer of the life movie of Belle Gunness, would even be hard-pressed to audition new players into this role.

Edward Bass Image Credit: theapricity.com

Some screenplays are written for stars, and some stars are meant to own a screenplay. It’s either there is a dearth of actresses to get the quills of screenwriters moving or the formula for the new femme fatale has not been discovered yet. After all, femininity is moving, and Belle Gunness’ serial killer mode in the early 1900s could pale in comparison with the utter wickedness of female misdeeds that followed.

Edward Bass Image Credit: bellethefilm.com

How Hollywood is shaping its new notion of the femme fatale is, of course, dependent on its market. This time around, female moviegoers are not easily shocked, but they are also easily bored. Producers like Edward Bass would want an upgrade and a modernization on Belle Gunness. The femme fatale is no longer bent on swallowing men whole, she is also working her way up the corporate ladder, conniving to take out the enemy, and sniffing down mediocrity.

Edward Bass Image Credit: Doug Olsen

In the millennial setting, she doesn’t even work underground. She rules from the surface of solid earth, as planted to her roots as the men who have tilled the ground she walks on with their dominance. She doesn’t even have to kill anyone to succeed.

Edward Bass is most recognized as the producer of the Golden Globe-nominated film Bobby (2006). To see his filmography, visit www.edwardbassfilms.com

Defanged: Edward Bass and today’s less frightening movie beasts

Edward Bass Image Credit: 4.bp.blogspot.com


Edward Bass is a producer who has mastered the technique for inspiring fear among his audience. His movies often play on a person’s deepest insecurities—fear of pain, of death, or of being placed in a precarious position. The fear of the unknown is also one of these fears, and he is not the only producer, director, or writer who incorporates this fear in the art of camerawork.


Ghosts and entities of the paranormal and of legend are often effective tools of bringing across a message laced with fear. The most popular characters include vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and witches. For producers like Edward Bass, these are film characters full of potential.




Edward Bass Image Credit: collider.com


However, recent years have seen a change in these concepts. Vampires have evolved to portray beings with a human-like conscience. Werewolves have also become kinder and in control, far from their established characters as violent, beastly creatures.


Genre often has a lot to do with it. Vampires and werewolves were often featured in adventure and horror films. They used to be frightening even in comedies. However, today’s creatures of the dark are no longer as terrifying.




Edward Bass Image Credit: wired.com


Count Dracula returns to his native Transylvania in Disney’s Hotel Transylvania, this time with a teenage daughter named Mavis. Mavis is being pursued by a teenage human boy named Jonathan—but far from plunging a stake through her undead heart, the pursuit falls on the romantic side. In Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins is portrayed as an imprisoned vampire who returns to straighten out his dysfunctional family.


Vampires being portrayed as fathers or patriarchs is indeed strange, detached from their original image of being soulless bloodsuckers who take lives without much ado.




Edward Bass Image Credit: pluggedin.com  


Read more about Edward Bass and his movies at www.edwardbassfilms.com.

Completing the circle: Edward Bass on fame, fortune, and disability

Some time ago, Edward Bass went beyond his role as a producer and set up Born Warriors, a network of talents for the handi-capable. Its stable of talents grew to include directors, writers, and filmmakers of every sort.

Edward Bass Image Credit: Bornwarriors.org

The organization had the purpose of eliminating the challenges posed by a highly mobile industry on talents of every sort. Over the course of Born Warriors’ existence, the organization has arranged collaborations between its members and the behemoths of the film industry, including Universal Pictures and Disney.

If there is anything that Born Warriors has set out to—and succeeded in—proving is that disability should never trump talent. Edward Bass has set up a system based on mutual interest instead of charity, and it has been more empowering than any philanthropic effort.

Edward Bass Image credit: Ralphmag.org

Born Warriors’ point has been proven by years of experience. Some of the world’s greatest leaders have been plagued by mental and emotional disorders, which are, in a way, more crippling than a lost limb. Abraham Lincoln was diagnosed of melancholia, a condition now known as depression.

In Hollywood, icons have had conditions that would have otherwise impaired their ability to thrive in the industry. Multi-awarded actors Harrison Ford and Richard Dreyfuss are among the artists said to have been afflicted with various forms of depression.

Like Walt Disney, actors Tom Cruise and George Burns were diagnosed with dyslexia, the condition associated with learning disabilities. Despite their conditions, they have emerged as talented thespians, producers, and filmmakers.

Edward Bass Image credit: Edwardbassfilms.com

For more information about Edward Bass, log on to EdwardBassFilms.com.

Edward Bass: Going beyond the Ponzi scheme

Edward Bass image credit: thebestthingieverdid.com

Before Bernard Madoff, there was Charles Ponzi, the proponent of the infamous get-rich-fast scheme that has become one of the world’s greatest financial scams. However, acclaimed filmmaker Edward Bass has chosen not to delve exclusively into the genius of the Ponzi scheme. He has opted to offer a character study of one of the most notorious con-men of all time.

Edward Bass image credit: geektyrant.com

Unlike what happened in Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar that has left an ambiguous impression of FBI’s powerful head, Ponzi will tackle Charles’ secret life outside the carefully orchestrated financial chicanery in order to paint a picture of a delusional, yet likable man who doesn’t appear 100% evil.

Legend tells that Charles boarded the gravy train when he was still young. He told his first victim to lend him $20 and that he would return $30 in 90 days. Succeeding in this intriguing offer, Charles went off to victimize another and the Ponzi scheme came into fruition.

Producer Edward Bass says, “It's amazing to me, that today, 9 out of 10 people know what a Ponzi scheme is, but don't realize there was Charles Ponzi. And furthermore, people have fallen for these same cons over and over."

The film can be dubbed as a significant literature unraveling the true character of a man with a propensity to fabricate facts about his life. Some of the issues that the film would explore are Charles’ motivation behind the fraudulent act, his family, and how he felt about his success story gone wrong.

Edward Bass image credit: edwardbassfilms.com

Edward Bass’ upcoming film is produced in cooperation with Victorino Noval Productions. For more details, visit www.edwardbassfilms.com.

Born Warriors: Edward Bass, producer, extends a helping hand

Edward Bass Image Credit: edwardbassfilms.com


Edward Bass, a producer of numerous films, has been in the show business long enough to understand what fame means to the many people braving the rough waters of the multimillion-dollar industry of movie making. It is, for most, a life-and-death situation. Career death has given new meanings for the terms revival, resurrection, and reboot; the comparisons are not mere accidents. Along the same line, stars of the screen, though alive in other respects, seem to lose their shine after some time.


And then, there are those whose careers in show business are hampered by real-world infirmities—literally life-threatening conditions that hinder their climb to filmic success. Victory for them is the ever-present stock of success stories, one that ends in rising music and thundering applause. For Edward Bass, as a producer, this dream should be as achievable as any.



 
 Edward Bass Image Credit: hestem.ac.uk


And so, Born Warriors was conceived. This is not charity, it is empowerment. Born Warriors is not all about fundraising luncheons and black-tie balls of Hollywood’s benevolent culture. Rather, it is about building a network of the similarly-situated handi-capable talent: a veritable stable of writers, filmmakers, actors, and artists. All of them might have lost the use of one limb or another, but their talents remain complete and
unblemished.



 
 Edward Bass Image Credit: edwardbassfilms.com


The network operates as most organizations do. It provides a chance to pay it forward, and in the process remove obstacles that, for most handi-capable talents, are insurmountable. The entire effort puts sheer talent ahead of any other consideration.


To learn more about Edward Bass as a producer and the founder of Born Warriors, log on to www.edwardbassfilms.com.

Tribute to a master: Edward Bass on the genius of Alfred Hitchcock

Edward Bass has had the opportunity to work with a number of directors in his several years in the film industry. He refuses to take favorites, but he lifts his hat to Sir Alfred Hitchcock, considered as one of the most legendary filmmakers in movie history.

From Edward Bass

Alfred Hitchcock was an English director and producer, recognized as the man who revolutionized the suspense-thriller genre. He has over 50 titles credited to his name, including the classic films Psycho, Notorious, Frenzy, and Family Plot, among others. Britain’s Daily Telegraph calls him the “greatest filmmaker” in the British Isles, with his work changing the shape of modern international cinema.

From Edward Bass

For Edward Bass, one of Hitchcock’s most remarkable aspects was his precision—a trait honed through actual practice. At a young age, Hitchcock was a prolific writer, contributing short fictional pieces to The Henley Telegraph. He joined the film industry as an illustrator of title cards, and soon he learned editing, scripting and art direction. With hard work and dedication, he eventually landed a directorial job for highly-acclaimed movies that earned him recognition first in Britain, and then in Hollywood.

From Edward Bass

Alfred Hitchcock was known for his brilliance in cinematography, and for his excellent use of cinematic devices to capture the emotions of his audience. For one, he popularized shots that imitated the movements of the human eye, allowing him to increase the viewers’ involvement in the movie. He also used plot decoys called MacGuffins to create a variety of effects, an influence seen even in works by George Lucas and Quentin Tarantino.

Modern filmmakers like Edward Bass look up to Alfred Hitchcock for his genius, and for showing audiences that a movie is more about the art and the craft, than it is about the stars. Check out Mr. Bass’ works at www.edwardbassfilms.com.

Critics' choice: Edward Bass receives praise for "Come Early Morning"

Photo Credit: Edward Bass

Edward Bass is an acclaimed producer, director, and writer. He has years of experience working with heavyweights in the film industry, such as Sir Anthony Hopkins, Guillermo del Toro, Stanley Kramer, Kevin Spacey, and Emilio Estevez (who directed the groundbreaking, Bass-produced indie film “Bobby”). He also worked with director Joey Lauren Adams for the film “Come Early Morning,” which was released in 2006. The film got rave reviews among film critics.

Photo Credit: impawards.com

The plot of “Come Early Morning” revolves around a Southern beauty, Lucy, (played by the exquisite Ashley Judd), who has the “norm” of waking up in other people’s beds, always with a hangover. The Edward Bass-produced film tells the story of a small town thirty-something lady who has succumbed to the effects of alcohol-fueled sprees and reckless one night stands. In order to overcome her self-destructive ways, regain her composure, and redeem herself, Lucy had to trace her roots and know more about her family history to determine the factors that paved the dark path she now treads.

“Come Early Morning” received a lot of accolades and made Ashley Judd a film critic darling. Owen Glieberman of Entertainment Weekly calls Lucy’s journey an “awakening of the soul,” while Frank Swietek of One Guy’s Opinion says the film “gives Judd a chance to shine as a real actress again.”

Lisa Rosae of Newark Star-Ledger adds, “In a way, the movie itself is an example of philosophy put into practice. Adams clearly did a lot of soul-searching as she wrote the story. Her introspective script provides another actress with a great role and a new start.”

Photo Credit: Edward Bass

More about Edward Bass and his works may be found on his Facebook page.

Director Edward Bass films Belle Gunness, the horror of La Porte

Director Edward Bass couldn’t get over the life of serial killer Belle Gunness who used her prolific writing skill to ensnare dozens of men to her La Porte home where they were murdered, robbed, and dismembered.

From Edward Bass

Belle sent love letters and advertised in newspapers to coax gentlemen to sell their properties and travel 3,000 miles to bring the cash to her. Her advertisement reads:

"Comely widow who owns a large farm in one of the finest districts of La Porte County, Indiana, desires to make the acquaintance of a gentleman equally well provided, with view of joining fortunes. No replies by letter considered unless sender is willing to follow answer with personal visit. Triflers need not apply."

From Edward Bass

Director Edward Bass is too fascinated with the gender-bending dynamics of Bella’s life that he wanted to discover what it was about her writings that lured men into her confession of love. He said that the screenplay doesn’t just focus on the essence of woman’s charm but also on the social and psychological motivations of her killing spree. Bass says that the film’s gripping account of one of the most diabolical killers in history aims not just to appeal to audience’s cinematic expectations, but also to contribute to the literature about the relationship between gender and crime.

Director Edward Bass has produced films notable for their cinematic spectacle and substance. Visit www.edwardbassfilms.com for more information on his work.

From Edward Bass

Behind the headlines: Producer Edward Bass and Bobby

From director and writer Emilio Esteves and producer Edward Bass, Bobby is a narrative following the last few hours of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on the day of his assassination through the eyes of people who were there with him.

Edward Bass Photo Credit: About.com

While the story concludes with the death of Bobby Kennedy, it establishes the socio-political scenario of the late 1960s through the narrative lives of the people in the hotel, whose hopes hinged on the New York senator’s election into office. The lives of the people within the hotel play out behind that of Senator Kennedy while the echoes of his speech resonate through their lives with his calls for change.




To maintain verisimilitude, the filmmakers had utilized actual stock footage of Bobby Kennedy throughout the film alongside actor Dave Fraunces who plays Kennedy in the film.

Edward Bass Photo Credit: Supamov.net

Producer Edward Bass has received many accolades in his work, which he has taken much pride in. In Bobby, he had worked with both an all-star cast that includes Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore, Laurence Fishbourne, and Elijah Wood, and with Emilio Esteves, who spent over six years writing the script alone. Bobby—an artistic labor of love—was a nominee for best picture in the 2006 Golden Globe Awards.

From Producer Edward Bass - Edward Bass' Blog

More information on Bobby can be accessed online at the Internet Movie Database.




To learn more about the movie’s producer, Edward Bass, visit www.edwardbassfilms.com.

Director Edward Bass unveils winning ideas for successful film making

Edward Bass Film School founder Director Edward Bass always tells his students to read intelligent scripts, watch critically-acclaimed movies, and read informative books so that they will have a more vivid understanding about the dynamism and complexity of filmmaking. As a mentor, he tries to practice what he teaches.

Edward Bass Imdb.com1

Bass’ film school was established to serve as a training ground for film aficionados who wish to broaden their knowledge on filmmaking and related fields such as photography and graphic design. It offers a variety of courses, subjects, and curricula that were developed from combining the researches, experiences, and knowledge of its expert faculty associates. The school also offers programs for young handicapped filmmakers.

From Edward Bass

As a director, Edward Bass often uses storyboards to make filming productions more flawless, systematic, and controlled. However, he always thinks of improvisation as an option, especially if circumstances call for it. Filmmaking is a multi-faceted process and if expanding its parameters will help in the development of the field, Bass is willing to test new waters and break tradition.


“I never look at what was before. I always start with the next picture and believe that every picture stands alone,” states Edward Bass. “It all begins with a script and ends with a script. The devil is in the details; with the planning, casting, getting the right cinematographer, and putting together the right package. Once you bring those together, it’s not so much a difficult process.”

From Profile Photos

More information about Director Edward Bass can be accessed at www.edwardbassfilms.com.

Powerfully disarming: Critics laud Edward Bass-produced film ‘Come Early Morning’

From Edward Bass

A Southern beauty who has the “norm” of waking up in other people’s beds with hangovers is the main character of the critically-acclaimed Edward Bass-produced film Come Early Morning.

From Edward Bass

The directorial debut of actor-turned-director Joey Lauren Adams stars Ashley Judd in the lead role (Lucy) and tells the story of a small town thirty-something lady who has fallen prey to the downbeat effects of alcohol-fueled sprees and reckless one-night stands. To help her overcome her self-destructive ways and regain her composure, Lucy has to rediscover her family history and look deep into the factors that paved the dark path she’s walking on.

From Edward Bass

The auspicious plot of the film escalated by the promising performance of Ashley Judd has made Come Early Morning a darling among film critics.


Combining Joey Lauren Adams’ creativity and Edward Bass’ perfectionism in portraying the critical aspects of an interesting character has proven effective, making the lead character’s journey, says Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly, an “awakening of a soul.”

From Edward Bass

“In a way, the movie itself is an example of philosophy put into practice. Adams clearly did a lot of soul-searching as she wrote the story. Her introspective script provides another actress with a great role and a new start,” remarks Lisa Rose of Newark Star-Ledger.


“Subdued and deliberate, but also sensitive and quietly moving,” states Frank Swietek of One Guy's Opinion in his critical standpoint of Producer Edward Bass’ film, “it gives Judd a chance to shine as a real actress again.”




More information about Edward Bass can be accessed at www.edwardbassfilms.com.