We’ve had to eulogize legendary directors and filmmakers all-too-frequently this year, but this time, we want to turn attention to a famous and well-loved actor who you might not even recognize by name. James Rebhorn, who died last week at age 65, is the ultimate “that guy,” an recognizable actor who appeared in seemingly everything […]
Continue reading“Transportation coordinator”? How film industry changes affect local businesses
The film industry is very expensive. Big movie budgets often run above $200 million, and even smaller films like Nebraska can cost about $10 million. Where does that all go? Once you remove all the big expenses like actors, special effects, advertising, and various studio fees, much of that budget goes to the crew and […]
Continue readingNew Acquisitions – March 2014
Welcome back from spring break! Since you’ve been gone, we’ve been very busy. The AU Library is now home to many of the year’s biggest award nominees, including Captain Phillips, Blue is the Warmest Color, 12 Years a Slave, Lee Daniel’s The Butler, Prisoners, and Gravity. And if you’re feeling something lighter, we now also […]
Continue readingAlternative programming: the NCAA’s equity problem
As you may have heard, American University’s men’s basketball team beat Boston University yesterday, winning their first Patriot League title in five years and earning a coveted spot in the March Madness tournament bracket. Go Eagles! This is crazy exciting for AU, but let’s step back for a minute. March Madness has become a formidable […]
Continue readingSXSW continues to promote original voices in film
South by Southwest , a cultural festival held every March in Austin, may have grabbed headlines this year for its keynote speech from whistleblower Edward Snowden. But SXSW is much more than a soapbox. Each year, the SXSW Film Festival hosts upcoming independent talent, debuting feature films and documentaries from newcomers in the industry. Not […]
Continue reading12 Years a Slave now available
A quick FYI: newly minted Best Picture winner 12 Years a Slave is now available in Media Serviecs in the AU Library. The DVD for this film was just released yesterday, and given its current critical acclaim, we’ve made a point of getting this item onto the shelf as quickly as possible. It is available […]
Continue readingThe film event of the year: We update our Best Pictures Pinterest!
Tonight, nine films will battle for the ultimate honor in cinema: a place on our Best Picture Winners Pinterest board.* This esteemed list contains 83 of the greatest films of all time, as voted on each year by the film community. From modern successes like No Country for Old Men to classics like Gone of […]
Continue readingOn The Road With Lynda
Lynda.com has many courses about using your new skills in the real world. These are all taught by professionals in field – like professional photographer and author Ben Long. One of Lynda’s newest courses is Travel Photography: Geologging and Journaling on the Road. Ben Long gives you tips on journaling while you are traveling – […]
Continue readingWhat you won’t see at the Oscars this Sunday
We love the Oscars, but we admit that they’re imperfect. With the ceremony only three days away, it’s time to be a little critical. The Academy frequently overlooks specific types of films that, in retrospect, we often consider to be some of the greatest. Comedies, for the most part, are rarely nominated and win even […]
Continue readingWho was Oscar? The story of Emilio Fernández
Once again, as the Academy Awards are less than a week away, Oscar fever is reaching a frenzy. This time, we turn our attention to the statuettes themselves. Who was Oscar? Why is he naked and holding a sword? Pop culture radio website Studio 360 recently unearthed the story of the man on which the […]
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