Site Name: Ferdy on Films

What is the main focus of your site (reviews, editorials, news, lists, etc.)?
Ferdy on Films focuses on lesser-known films that few critics ever consider. Readers can get reviews of the latest cineplex offerings in dozens, even hundreds, of outlets. They come to us when they want to hear about what else is happening in the world of cinema. We review every type of film, from every era and country, with a strong complement of reviews of silent films and documentaries, as well as overlooked current releases. Film festival coverage is a growing part of our site. We also review some television miniseries of particular worth and cover other areas of interest, such as “Persons of Interest” and film movements.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
Marilyn: “I wanted to produce a publication-quality blog where I could indulge my love of writing and film at the same time, with total content, illustration, and layout control. I hope to provide unique content by following my offroad approach to film viewing and analysis and thereby fill a need.”
Rod: “I want to prove my opinion is more important than that of others.”

Do you prefer an interactive ‘community’ for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers are the students?
We’d love for the site to be interactive, but comments are few and far between, perhaps because many people reading these reviews have never seen the films discussed. The site does have a more formal approach that can come off as teacher/student, but we are film enthusiasts, not professors. Other opinions are always welcome.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
Since December 2005. Updates are usually every few days, with an average of three new posts a week. Film festival coverage is usually daily.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Marilyn’s: 2001: A Space Odyssey, El (aka, This Strange Passion), Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Rod’s: Lawrence of Arabia, Children of Paradise, The Seven Samurai

Any additional comments.
Marilyn Ferdinand, 52, based in Chicago, and Roderick Heath, 27, based near Sydney, Australia, are the main contributors. As such, readers get both masculine and feminine, younger and older, points of view. Marilyn provides information on the Chicago scene when warranted, and Rod has insight into the Australian film industry. Both are professional writers.