Tag: Spark Forward

Spark Forward is a series of essays about film and filmmaking. It is part of Treepot Spark, a collection of initiatives aimed at igniting creativity and collaboration among creatives.

The Intersection of Filmmaking and Software Design

“Directing a film involves guiding a team of specialists across diverse disciplines toward a shared vision, much like leading an engineering team working toward a unified technical goal.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

One Battle After Another: Independent Cinemas Standing Their Ground

“In Ottawa, the Mayfair Theater and ByTowne Cinema are proving that cinema isn’t just about movies, but about community, connection, and supporting local culture.” – Matthew Grieve

Matthew Grieve

SparkForward: Single-take Music Videos

“Conceptualizing, directing and shooting a single-take music video often involves a unique concept, serious technical abilities, and a lot of luck.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

SparkForward: Films with Tone Shifts

“What happens when the movie you are watching turns into something completely different?” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

SparkForward: Films with Multiple Aspect Ratios

“Altering your frame within a movie, whether it’s out of necessity or as a narrative choice, changes a viewer’s perspective and when it comes to film, it is all about perspective.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

SparkForward: Making the most of a Festival Run

“Having your passion project resonate with a jury far away, and with audiences you have never met, is validating.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

SparkForward: Favourite Mirror Shots in Movies

“From a technical and practical aspect, I marvel at the ability to hide crew, camera and equipment, especially when it is done practically with little to no post-production help. As a filmmaker, I realize that this is especially challenging to achieve in a shot with camera movement.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Favourite Fake Trailers

“Creating a fake trailer is a fun way to practice your skills at writing and execution, and is a clever way to attract potential funders, for the right project.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Favourite Movie Opening Long Takes

“Long takes at the beginning of films are used to establish locations and characters. They usually have that ‘grab factor’ or a slight of hand that really pulls in an audience.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Tips: Creating a Trailer to Promote your Film

“Whether you are gearing up for a festival run or theatrical exhibition, a trailer can be used to showcase the talent of your cast and crew, show off your locations and sometimes the scale of your production. ” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Tips: Getting your Film seen by an Audience

“You’ve gone through pre-production, shot and edited and mastered your film and it is spectacular. Now you want to share this masterpiece with the world. Here are a few tips.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul