Julian Grant Archives · Reel Chicago News

Julian Grant

Top 10 Tips for writing great low-budget DIY films

By Julian Grant May 27, 2015

I make a lot of DIY micro features and I’m often asked the screenwriting secret to having produced seven feature films in the last seven years. Detailed here are my Top 10 T...

5 must-have iPhone Hacks to make mobile movies

By Julian Grant May 19, 2015

I’m a big fan of “Next Generation Cinema” that’s evolving fast from the combination of a DIY work ethos coupled with smarter, faster and more adept phone platforms and r...

May 13-17 CUFF: film lovers’ paradise of new artists

By Julian Grant May 11, 2015

Because the 22nd Chicago Underground Film Festival May 13-17 is the largest and longest-running such festival in the USA and takes world cinema outside the mainstream, it’s ...

New Swanberg indie opens Chicago Film Critics fest

By Julian Grant Apr 21, 2015

Filmmaker / actor Joe Swanberg will present his latest indie comedy, "Digging For Fire," about marriage, parenting, mystery and murder, as the opening selection of the 3rd annu...

CIMMfest rocks with cool retro movie showcases

By Julian Grant Apr 16, 2015

Chicago’s spring showcase, CIMMfest 7, kicks off Thursday with spectacular music, films and kick ass concerts including a number of tantalizing Old School looks back at the ...

Julian Grant

Four revolutionary ways to reach an indie audience

By Julian Grant Jul 9, 2012

The days of begging distributors to take your work is over. The days of receiving no money for your work is over. Now, exciting new ways are emerging to reach an aud...

Julian Grant

Teams organize to compete in Chicago 48HFP July 29

By Julian Grant Jul 3, 2012

For the 11th year, the 48 Hour Film Project returns to Chicago starting the week of July 27 as filmmakers battle it out to complete an entire short film within a 48 hour period....

Julian Grant

How to mix great sound in the modern age

By Julian Grant May 31, 2012

As I sit here working with only one engineer on a deck outfitted with the latest of digital tools, I about how far we have come in mixing films – and how many things remain th...

Julian Grant

Now shoot RAW cinema with two new cameras

By Julian Grant May 11, 2012

For a number of years now, indie filmmakers who could afford it would shoot with the prestigious RED camera to much acclaim. They had been promised a smaller, price-friend...

Julian Grant

Indie film “Dog Jack” a Black History Month release

By Julian Grant Jan 30, 2012

Filmmaker Edward T. McDougal’s inspiring historical feature, “Dog Jack,” opens theatrically nationwide in celebration of February’s Black History Month -- a year after t...

Julian Grant

Newell/Falzone’s uncommon approach to improv indie

By Julian Grant Dec 16, 2011

From the imaginative and colorful opening title sequence of “Close Quarters,” we are in the hands of debut feature filmmaker, Jack C. Newell, who is firmly in control of his...

Julian Grant

Five proven tips on how to write a no-budget movie

By Julian Grant Nov 21, 2011

Want to get your script produced? Are you tired of writing screenplays that go nowhere? Are you frustrated with the lack of response to your work? I'm going to show you how to w...

Julian Grant

New Lomokino camera a gamechanger for digital users

By Julian Grant Nov 4, 2011

I just picked up from Lomography that allows independent filmmakers and artists a chance to create beautiful analog films - using standard 35mm stock.It's a game changer f...

Julian Grant

Amazon’s Kindle Fire pad to revolutionize indie film access

By Julian Grant Oct 31, 2011

The Reel is honored that award-winning indie filmmaker and Columbia College professor Julian Grant will be sharing his valuable insights as well as news about Chicago’s thrivi...