Full disclosure: I haven't seen everything this past year and for that I apologize. So if there might be something you feel I missed on my list please don't crucify me, it may be just that I haven't gotten around to seeing it yet. Sorry fans of 'Paul Blart Mall Cop 2'... anyways here are my favourite films of this past year:

5.5 = The Big Short: Great cast, touchy subject matter, uniquely told

5 = Creed: Sly Stallone brings it, fight scenes are some of the best, fantastic story that actually makes sense

4 = The Revenant: Probably this years best picture, outstanding cinematography, masterfully acted by both Leo and Tom, how the hell did they pull off that bear scene?

3 = Spotlight: Best ensemble cast of the year, minimalist in its telling, story is simple but one that needs to be told 

2 = Sicario: Most tense movie of the year, beautifully shot, brilliant score, Benicio del Toro

1 = Ex Machina: Simple, story isn't far off from becoming reality, unique, magnificent SFX, great ending

Again I haven't had time to see all 300+ movies released past this year so I'm sorry. This list is based on my professional opinion and if you disagree well that's too bad. 

I know, I know again it's been awhile! But I swear my 2016 New Year's Resolution is going to be to blog more, much more. 

I can't take credit for this posts title, as it was the title of an interesting article I came across this morning on www.indiewire.com. It talks about the middle-class filmmaker and how difficult it's become to make a living producing films in this class. 

The article does speak more about the state of filmmaking in the United States, but here in Canada, even though our various forms of government tend to support filmmaking, it's still no easy task to get a 'midde-class' film made. Come to think about it, here in Canada we don't really have an 'upper-class' of filmmaking either. :/

It's a very good read, and if you have any interest in pursuing a career in filmmaking, then take 10-minutes to read the informative article here. 

I've long been an owner of Apple's Final Cut X. Ever since version 1.0 came out years ago, I've always thought the product would eventually revolutionize the way post-production is done. And I believe it is currently doing so, perhaps a bit slower than the suits at Apple would have liked, but still making waves in the film industry none-the-less.

As many of Apple's products this software is simplistic... in a way. If you have zero experience editing at all navigating though the software would be a complete nightmare. That's where these FREE video tutorials hosted on Vimeo come in!

You read right... FREE! Something everyone could afford, the only thing you'll have to invest in is time. Which we all have some of in one way or the other.

So without further adieu follow the link below to access your 17 FREE Final Cut X video tutorials.

Just remember, when you win a Best Editing Oscar, don't forget me!

Link: 17 Free Final Cut X Video Tutorials