Author: PFACinema
Life on the Ranch
One afternoon when I was 10 years old, I went to the movies with my brother-in-law to see King Kong. Before entering we noticed a movie poster behind glass showing soldiers in white uniforms and an ominous black figure with a billowing cape emerging from a smoky white hallway peppered with laser fire. After a moments reluctance, I was led into the dark theater where orchestral horns blared out from all directions and scrolling text receded into a star filled background revealing my future. Star Wars was the most important influence in my professional life.
35 years later I find myself playing with characters from a galaxy far far away in the comfort of my own computer at LucasFilm Animation. The studio is conveniently tucked away in the rolling hills of the Marin landscape. Currently the two ranches, Big Rock and Skywalker, are home to a few hundred employees that enjoy its serene lifestyle.
I work closely with some fine talent who help create the Star Wars TV show, Clone Wars. This video of Skywalker Ranch was completely shot with an SLR camera and comes compliments of Phillip Bloom…
Skywalker Ranch from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.
Besides George Lucas’ television endeavors, he has recently produced his live action feature film Red Tails…
StoryLine: A crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard.
FilmFest 2012 Call for Entries
Entry Deadlines and Fees
Early Deadline (must be postmarked by January 24, 2012): $25
Final Deadline (must be postmarked by March 1, 2012): $40
Entry Rules
- Films must be submitted on DVD.
- All international formats accepted.
- Entries selected for viewing at the festival will screen in their highest available digital format.
- Foreign film submissions must be subtitled or dubbed in English.
- Priority consideration will be given to submissions where a primary member of the cast or crew will attend the screening (note: travel & accommodation will be provided for visiting filmmakers).
- Entries must include a completed entry form, film synopsis, principal cast/crew list, and three (preferably digital) stills.
- Digital stills must be at least 4 x 3 @ 300 dpl and in either JPEG or TIFF format. Send digital stills to: info@petalumafilmfest.org with the title of the film clearly listed in the subject line.
Checks should be made payable to:
Petaluma Film Alliance
680 Sonoma Mountain Parkway
Petaluma, CA 94954
Introduction to me, Mike Dacko
Hello and welcome to the Petaluma Film Alliance blog page.
My name is Mike Dacko and I am a local film maker currently working for LucasFilm Animation in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I’m so grateful to be living in Petaluma. A Sonoma County town that is rich in film culture.
To prove that point, we will be posting content that puts you in front of the screen and behind the scenes of all the PFA movies, events and venues. We will also provide guest segments from directors and participants.
Here is my short film Lightheaded which was accepted by Petaluma Film Fest in 2010…
Lightheaded from Mike Dacko on Vimeo.