Articles written by Joe Lam

Shooting a Documentary, Ido Marom

All 54 articles written by Joe Lam



Funding a Film with Credit Cards: How A Filmmaker Self-Financied His First Movie

Category: Independent Films (general)

Director of the low-budget film ...Around, reveals how he took a chance to fund his own movie and the numerous obstacles he encountered during production. more...

Best & Worst Parts of Independent Filmmaking: How A Young Filmmaker Succeeded In Directing His First Feature

Category: Independent Films (general)

Interview with First Time Director David Spaltro About His First Feature Film "...Around" more...

Illustrators Of The Future Contest: An Interview With Judge Laura Freas

Category: Illustration

Laura Freas has been a judge for this sci-fi & fantasy illustration contest since 1996 and shares her insights for illustrators submitting their work. more...

How To Direct Actors: Interview With Award Winning Director Ray Griggs

Category: Filmmaking 101

Director of the new movie Super Capers starring Tom Sizemore, Adam West, and Clint Howard shares advice on directing actors. more...

How To Write A Screenplay: Interview and Advice From Hollywood Screenwriter Ray Griggs

Category: Filmmaking 101

Interview with Ray Griggs, Screenwriter and Director of the new movie Super Capers, starring Tom Sizemore, Adam West, and Clint Howard. more...

Super Capers: A Comic Book Movie: Interview With Film Director Ray Griggs

Category: Independent Films (general)

A new superhero spoof movie starring Adam West, Tom Sizemore, and Clint Howard. more...

Communicate Effectively at Work: Interview with a Business Author

Category: Personal Work Habits

Dr. Gary Seigel discusses how to improve conversational skills, shares a funny story about miscommunication with a boss, and how employees can benefit from his book. more...

How To Write a Fantasy Novel: Bestselling Author of Mistborn Trilogy Shares his Writing Secrets

Category: Writing Novels

New York Times Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson shares his process of writing fantasy, how he handles character & plot, and how he deals with rewrites. more...

Time Stopping Sci-Fi: Max Quick Series: Interview With Author Mark Jeffrey

Category: Time Travel Fiction

The author of the Max Quick series shares what makes his story unique, how he uses theme, and what an Oscar-Nominated fan thinks about his book. more...

The Bafflegagging Blundernagging Brothers: A Visually Stunning Illustrated Fantasy Book by Aaron Mason

Category: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction (general)

Interview with the creator of a new fantasy book that combines Tolkien, Dr. Seuss, and Monty Python for an out-of-this-world story. more...

Animation Storyboarding: Learn what it takes to be a storyboard artist in Hollywood.

Category: Animated Films (general)

A Storyboard Artist for Warner Bros, Disney, and Nickelodeon shares firsthand experience about what it takes to work in animated Film and Television. more...

A Little Book of Monsters: Children's Book: Interview with Fantasy Illustrator & Author Llyn Hunter.

Category: Fairytales

Llyn Hunter, storyboard artist for Kim Possible, Animaniacs, and Scooby Doo discusses the inspiration behind her fairytale book. more...

How to Achieve Your Goals: Motivate Yourself to Fulfill Your Dreams

Category: Personal Development (general)

Learn to focus on what you want most in life, stay motivated, and take action to achieve success. more...

Advanced Public Speaking Tips: Learn to Give a Great Speech

Category: Training/Professional Development (general)

Discover techniques to emphasize your core message, project your voice to the crowd, and engage the audience as participants. more...

Public Speaking Tips: Improve Your Communication Skills With a Great Speech

Category: Training/Professional Development (general)

Speech techniques to help you start with a unique opening, share your personal story, and connect with audiences. more...

A New Earth: Eckhart Tolle: Awaken To Your Life's Purpose

Category: Spirituality Books

Eckhart Tolle's book deals with a new shift in human consciousness, discovering our true selves, and how to live in the present. more...

Good Writing Habits: How to Stay Motivated as a Writer

Category: Writing Techniques

Develop a writing method, stay motivated, and draw inspiration for writing. more...

The 4-Hour Work Week: Book Review: Learn to Work Less and Earn More Money

Category: Entrepreneurs (general)

If you want to cut down your work hours and increase your cash flow, then this book is a must read. more...

IVASI Helps Musicians Win Auditions: Interactive Video Audition DVD Guide Improves Orchestral Performance

Category: Orchestras

Interactive Video Audition Service International (IVASI) is a unique interactive video guide designed to help Orchestral musicians win auditions. more...

Leave the Perfect Voicemail When Cold Calling: Simple Techniques For Effective Voice Messaging

Category: Workplace Culture (general)

Learn to leave voice messages that are short, specific, and effectively get the person to call you back. more...

Rewrite Your Novel With Ease: A Three-Step Process To Simplify Rewriting

Category: Writing Novels

How to move the process of rewriting forward with three easy steps. more...

Save the Cat!: Screenwriting Book: Find out what Producers look for in a Spec Screenplay.

Category: Writing for Stage/Screen (general)

Blake Snyder discusses what makes a great story using his 15 Point Beat Sheet. more...

Rewrite: Tips from a Screenwriter: Learn to Rewrite Like a Pro: An Interview With Paul Chitlik

Category: Writing for Stage/Screen (general)

Award Winning Screenwriter Paul Chitlik, writer of Small Wonder, Perfect Strangers, and Who's The Boss discusses his new book "Rewrite". more...

The Process of Ascension: Interview with Spiritual Teacher and Author Joanna Cherry

Category: Alternative Spirituality (general)

Joanna Cherry shares her personal experiences of ascension and how her books Living Mastery and Self Initiations help people realize their divinity. more...

The Secrets of Powerful Writing: Learn to Substitute Passive Verbs with Active Verbs.

Category: Writing Techniques

Take your writing to the next level with this simple guide. more...

Write a Novel Using an Outline: A Helpful Guide to Create Your Story

Category: Writing Novels

Learn how outlining can help you establish major plot points, keep your story focused, and make your writing easier. more...

Creating Powerful TV Commercials: Advertising Ideas

Category: Film Theory

Learn different approaches to making a TV ad with these famous examples: MasterCard, Got Milk, & Apple Computers. more...

Advice for First Time Directors: Learn What It Takes To Make A Feature Film

Category: Independent Films (general)

An interview with independent filmmaker David Spaltro who shares what it takes to direct a feature film while still balancing his day job. more...

...Around: An Independent Feature Film: Film Director who Self-Financed His First Feature

Category: Independent Films (general)

David Spaltro's first full-length feature film "...Around" was filmed in 21 days, at 190 locations, and self-financed for $175,000 with 40 credit cards. more...

Screenwriting: Creating Plot And Characters: Advice From a Hollywood Screenwriter/Director

Category: Writing for Stage/Screen (general)

Interview with Ray Griggs, Writer and Director of the new movie Super Capers starring Tom Sizemore, Adam West, and Clint Howard. more...

How To Direct A Feature Film: Learn What It Takes To Succeed As A Film Director in Hollywood

Category: Filmmaking 101

Award Winning Director Ray Griggs shares advice on his process as a Film Director. more...

How To Collaborate With a Writing Partner: Tips On Writing With Another Screenwriter

Category: Writing for Stage/Screen (general)

Writer & Director Ray Griggs shares his experience working with Oscar winning screenwriter David S. Ward. more...

Lucifer: The Movie: A Short Film Created with Three Oscar-Winning Filmmakers

Category: Fantasy Films

An interview with Director Ray Griggs about his visually stunning fantasy short film. more...

How to Communicate Effectively: Interview with the Author of "The Mouth Trap"

Category: Personal Development (general)

Dr. Gary Seigel discusses how his book helps people avoid getting into trouble when speaking and what he recommends for writing effective emails. more...

Mistborn Trilogy: Interview With Fantasy Author: New York Times Bestselling Author Brandon Sanderson

Category: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction (general)

Brandon Sanderson, author of the Mistborn Trilogy, shares insights on creating an original fantasy story, the themes he uses, and what makes his story unique. more...

Create a Children's Book With Aaron Mason: How To Work With Illustrators, Self-Publish, and Promote Your Book

Category: Writing for Children (general)

Interview with a fantasy author about how he works with illustrators, his approach to self publishing, and also how he markets & sells the book. more...

Asian Task Force: A Martial Arts Action Film: Interview With An Award-Winning Director

Category: Martial Arts Films

Director Will Lu reveals the story behind his award winning short film, the ups and downs of film production, and what it means to be an Asian American Filmmaker. more...

Animation Storyboarding for Film & TV: Learn what it takes to be a storyboard artist in Hollywood.

Category: Animated Films (general)

A Storyboard Artist for Warner Bros, Disney, and Nickelodeon shares firsthand experience about what it takes to work in animated Film and Television. more...

Here, There Be Dragons: Book Review: A Rousing Fantasy Adventure For All Ages by James A. Owens

Category: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction (general)

James A. Owen weaves a thrilling, high-seas adventure story in this first installment of a seven book series, which is also being developed for a major motion picture. more...

The Forever War: Joe Haldeman: A Classic, Award-Winning Science Fiction Story

Category: Alien/Space Fiction

Joe Haldeman's book on a futuristic military war won both the Hugo and Nebula awards over 35 years ago, but this engrossing story still holds up today. more...

The Mouth Trap: Book Review: Strategies, Tips, and Secrets for Effective Communication

Category: Workplace Culture (general)

Discover the secrets great communicators use to ease out of seemingly impossible situations. more...

A Life Imagined: Beyond Grief to Hope: Interview With Gilena Simons About Her Inspirational Book

Category: Women’s Health (general)

A book that helps people overcome the loss of a loved one, family dysfunction, and finding closure in deep rooted issues. more...

Balancing Plot & Characters: Weave Storytelling Elements For Emotional Value

Category: Fiction Plots & Pacing

How to weave Plot & Characters into an emotional story. Includes examples from mainstream stories: Superman and Lolita. more...

How To Lose Weight Without Dieting: "Conquering the Munchie Monster" Book Review

Category: Weight Loss (general)

The #1 Nutrition Expert & Fitness Coach to top boxers on HBO, Showtime, ESPN and The Contender has written a comprehensive book about weight management. more...

Tips On Writing a Great Novel Theme: How to Create an Effective Theme that Fits Story Characters

Category: Writing Novels

Find out how to create a theme in relation to your character. Includes Famous Themes, a Writing Exercise, and Theme & Character Examples. more...

Brand New Music "Acoustic Fusion": An Interview with Lennox Fleary

Category: Gospel Music

Gospel Singer/Songwriter reveals his inspirations, what separates him from other musicians, and the release of his 1st album, "My Father's House". more...

Education Crisis in the U.S.: What Parents & Teachers Should Know About Education Today

Category: Educational Issues (general)

Author Peter de Krassel tackles the shortcomings of the U.S. education system in his new book "Custom Maid Knowledge". more...

Elana Golden's Writing Studio: A Workshop That Nurtures Creative Writing

Category: Resources for Writers (general)

The Writing Studio is known for providing the freedom to write the unspeakable in people's lives, which results in deeply personal and moving stories. more...

Tips from a Spec Screenwriter: Interview with Blake Snyder About his 20 Year Screenwriting Career.

Category: Writing for Stage/Screen (general)

Blake discusses his career as a screenwriter, why he wrote a book on the subject, and insights on how he succeeded in Hollywood. more...

Networking Tips: How to Make a Great First Impression and Offer Your Services

Category: Marketing/PR (general)

Learn to quickly and effectively make a business connection with people to grow your business. more...

The Accidental CEO: Interview: An Inspirational Leadership Book Created for CEOs & Entrepreneurs.

Category: Business Management (general)

Tom Voccola discusses how his book can inspire leadership in CEOs, keep employees engaged, and effectively transform the world of corporate management. more...

Persistent Writing: Keeping the Flow of Creativity Moving

Category: Writing Techniques

Create the best time, place, and schedule to write persistently. more...

Getting a Job in Entertainment: How to find work by making connections

Category: Film/TV Industry (general)

Learn how to break in, build connections, and land a job in the entertainment industry. more...

Writing Log Lines for Screenplays: A Step-By-Step Guide

Category: Filmmaking 101

Learn how to writing an effective log line. Includes an example, complete analysis, and an easy to follow guideline. more...



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