QR CODES.

These are getting huge in Japan. They are like barcodes…actually they are barcodes…they are the new generation of bar codes.

The cool thing about them is that you can post them around as flyers or stickers and to most people they look like nothing…but to those who are in the “know”, they are like secret invitations. All you have to do is scan the code with your smart phone and you will be taken to the website encrypted in the code.

The image above sends you to www.remixtorio.com . Cool right? I love it.

The best part about it all is that almost every smartphone already has the scanning software installed in the phone. If you have a smart phone, all you have to do is take a pic of the code and you can get the secret link. I love it.

Look for them around the city of Toronto….I am already posting them…..

Any filmmakers, hip-hop heads, artists and freaks want to make a QR Code of their own? check out this: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

I love the future.

It wasn’t till I was being asked questions that I was happily surprised that I did indeed have something to say.  This was another learning moment for me…R2R has been an endless clinic for me in terms of figuring out how to be a filmmaker and this “first interview” was more of the same.  I realized that I DID have LOADS more to share that never made it to screen.  I realized that I truly DO believe in the story I told and in the people I framed.

It was a nice reminder of why I did this project.

Also, the write up that Annie G did was awesome.  I couldn’t have paid her to write a better review.  For those too lazy to click through, here is the whole thing here:

Remix to Rio is a feature length documentary directed by Canadian filmmaker Ravi Steve. The film deals with a group of Canadians who take their revolutionary youth outreach program to Rio de Janerio in order to get through to some of today’s most unreachable youth. The story is based in a neighbourhood referred to as “Terra Encantada” which translates into “Enchanted Land”. The area is stricken with violence and crime while facing some of the poorest living conditions on the planet. Despite the disheartening circumstances Remix to Rio manages to show the light at the end of a seemingly desolate tunnel.

After watching this film I was struck by a sudden sense of reaffirmation in a belief that was slipping away from me: art can make the difference in the lives of people. There are times in life that people feel that there is nothing left to look forward to or that nothing they do matters and it is because of filmmakers like Ravi Steve that belligerent cynicism and nihilism get checked if not corrected.

The film is beautifully shot, wonderfully scored, and more importantly it is not pursued in the obvious manner by which this kind of story is usually told. It’s an innovative and rich approach to the portrayal of contemporary problems and a wonderful example to young filmmakers all over the world who want to tackle tough subject matter and situations.

Many documentaries simply highlight the problems people face but this film is a portrayal of a solution that actually works. It’s responsible filmmaking and more importantly proof that artists are not simply on the fringe of society but rather a central and integral part of what forms and holds society together. I suggest putting Remix to Rio on your to see list and once you’ve seen it don’t be surprised if you find yourself inspired to find your own unique way to make the world a better place.

original: http://anniegmovies.com

Fucking awesome, huh?

She also did a video interview with me.  I didn’t realize it was a video interview or I would have snazzed up a bit.  Or at least tried not to look so ugly.   That said, here is me stumbling through my first interview.

There are things that keep us going as filmmakers when the inspiration starts to dwindle.  Accolades, awards…the hope of money.  But there are smaller things that feed back into our inspiration (and egos) as well and help us stay on track to get the job done.

What I am talking about is tweets.

It is a simple 140 character post for someone but when I see a tweet for my film  (especially from a stranger) I get weirdly excited.  It inspires me to continue.

These little pieces of feed back and support help spread the word about the film, help grow the following on-line and all that important stuff which I appreciate – but really, what I am talking about is their ability to stoke the fire within and keep me working.

REMIX-to-RIO has been the largest undertaking I have done.  I did have some great help along the way but the amount of time I spent slugging away alone on this film has been ridiculous.   I know that indie filmmaking can be a slow process.  But had I known it would take this long I’m not sure I would have started.

And then a simple tweet comes along and makes me feel like it was all worth it.

I know twitter is stupid.  I know tweets are meaningless.  And I don’t care.

Despite how much I believe in this film and the people in it (which is massive), maintaining a positive forward drive over the span of two years is fucking hard.  I’ll take the inspiration in any form it comes.

Much love for all the tweets.  Keep them coming.

-rav-

We screened at Mississauga Film Festival this past week and it was a fucking great experience.

The festival is a small fest outside of Toronto and as a result I wasn’t expecting much but wow…is it ever nice to be surprised.  This is a festival that really fosters camaraderie between filmmakers.  I walked away from this festival with new friends and lots of great connections and most importantly inspired and refreshed.

It also didn’t hurt when we won the BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD.  That was pretty awesome too.

Young Dealer in Tera Encantada

Just thought I’d add some thoughts and lessons I’ve learned (so far) while making this film.  I hope in some way they are useful to some one.

-Don’t do everything yourself.

-Pay after you get your goods and services.

-Don’t be so trustworthy of people- even people you think you know.

-Believe in yourself and your film even when you have no reason to do so.

-Early in the process write down the reason you’re making this film, who it might benefit, and who should see it… read what your wrote often.

-Accept help of any kind when it is sincerely offered.

-Always over budget.  Always.

-Come up with a method of staying organized before you need it and stick to it.

-Save your work after every third keystroke.

-Make back-ups.

-When you absolutely need to buy something don’t procrastinate.  Waiting isn’t going to save you money.

-Don’t make your work precious.  Show it to everyone and anyone.

- Find ways to stay inspired.  And when you are inspired- work non-stop.

-Don’t just hire people, make them excited to take part.

-Learn to do many things at the same time.

-Start promoting your film long before it is completed.  Even before you know if it is going to be any good.

-Trust that it is going to be good.

-Get proper film budgeting software and learn to use it.

-Get another credit card.

-Always thank the people who truly helped you and be sure they know how much you appreciate their help.  You are going to need their help again.

-Make time to learn new techniques while you are working.

-Do the best you can with the tools you have instead of wishing you had something you don’t.

-You never need as much sleep as you think you do.

-Sleep more.

-rav-

About the Documentary:
REMIX-to-RIO follows Canada’s most innovative youth outreach organization, REMIX
Project, to the toughest favelas in Rio de Janeiro as they test their revolutionary outreach
model on some of today’s most “unreachable” youth.

With likeminded organization, Soldiers Never More, as their partner, REMIX helps create  a recording studio in the neighborhood known as “The Enchanted Land” (Tera Encantada).

When an unexpected relationship is forged between our REMIXers and the young people
in the neighborhoods they visit, the true weight and brutality facing the youth in Rio sets
in and the need to help is redefined.

Want more?  Watch the 12 minute Featurette.

The full one hour documentary will be showing here soon.  Check back or follow us on Twitter and join the facebook group.

About the Documentary:
REMIX-to-RIO follows Canada’s most innovative youth outreach organization, REMIX
Project, to the toughest favelas in Rio de Janeiro as they test their revolutionary outreach
model on some of today’s most “unreachable” youth.

With likeminded organization, Soldiers Never More, as their partner, REMIX helps create a recording studio in the neighborhood known as “The Enchanted Land” (Tera Encantada).

When an unexpected relationship is forged between our REMIXers and the young people
in the neighborhoods they visit, the true weight and brutality facing the youth in Rio sets
in and the need to help is redefined.

Want more? The full one hour documentary will be showing here soon. Check back or follow us on Twitter and join the facebook group..

Background on The Remix Project:
The Remix Project has been receiving awards and accolades since it’s inception in October of 2006. Running for almost three years now, the program has successfully graduated close to a 120 young people from diverse backgrounds and situations through it’s programs who have gone on to comprise the backbone of Toronto’s burgeoning urban cultural and lifestyle industries.

Despite all these successes for the young people and cultural industries of Toronto, The Remix Project itself approaches a state of crises. Nearly half of its funding came through the direction of research from National Crime Prevention Canada (NCPC). Deemed a success by NCPC and even worthy of replication in other cities around the country, they are unfortunately unable to continue to fund any project past its initial “pilot” and “research” phase.

Add to this the fact that the program’s lease is up at their current location come August 31st with no chance for renewal (the building is being torn down to make way for new condominium developments) and the need for community support for the United Nations award-winning, mayor’s community safety panel priority, life and technical skills program is major.

Watch this video about their aeroplan program and then give them all your miles. Seriously.

Background on Schools Without Borders (SWB):
Schools Without Borders (SWB) is a unique youth-led organization that makes education and learning more accessible for young people. We view real learning not merely as a classroom experience, but rather as a life-long journey, inspired by meaningful experiences and sustained by strong partnerships
SWB plays an integral intermediary and supportive role in grassroots community development at home and around the world. We support young people to create their own platforms for change, and build the communities they want to live in.

DVD will be dropping soon and free to all. And of course….the ON-Line release is still in the works with NFB.

Lots to announce soon….