Seasons Change

I feel the need to update, but I don't really want to elaborate on what has happened. No, nothing bad. Just something I know I need to keep to myself. Something that was at first a shock to hear, but is now motivating me to take the necessary actions. In all it's a good thing and has helped me focus more on what I need to be getting done, since I've just been so scatter brained about it since summer ended.

It's good to know what direction I'm going in, and as it turns out, it's the direction I originally planned on going in the beginning. And because of it I'm getting excited about something, albeit scared, but excited still. Just in time too. The season, the weather, all of it changing, and it use to spell out my favorite time of year, but now just brings back haunting memories of last year. But I have to say, those old Hallowed feelings are returning. It's getting better, but we still have yet to pass the coming days. But we're ready. And I'm ready to do whatever it takes to help get Juli through it all.

I am excited to report that I'll be working on the Monster Cops project through Halloween. It'll be fun to be in horror movie mode through the season, and very well into Christmas and possibly into next year. I plan on doing at least 3 Monster Cops shorts between 5 to 15 minutes. I'd like to get 5 to 6 done before spring, but in all honesty I'll be happy to get this first one finished. This is my chance to really bring this vision to light. The Midnight Special was very much the essence, really displaying the comedy and drama, but not really displaying the horror or action. I did like what action we did have, but it is what it is because of not having the money.

This time around I'll be doing every no-budget trick in the book, but as I had stated before I cannot possibly do this without somewhat of a budget. So a fundraising I will go. Got some good ideas on how to get the money, along with some traditional strategies (Ebay). If I can get $3,000.00 that will cover the basics and I can get at least 3 Monster Cops episodes done. I may be able to stretch that into 6 episodes. I've already got the camera, but I need some accessories (batteries, tape). Need to cover sound (wireless mics, boom). Got to upgrade the computer (need ram and hard drive space, additional software). And I need to spend some money on special effects (make up fx, monster fx), and props and costumes (guns, tactical gear.) Should have enough money leftover for festival fees. marketing, and distribution.

I plan on releasing most of these episodes online, showing them at screenings, fests, and cons, and then package them up on a nice DVD possibly with a re-release of The Midnight Special. I'll be documenting all the behind the scenes to be sure to have plenty of special features.

I was hesitant to do Monster Cops because right now I'm in North Carolina, and Monster Cops was based in Texas. But the intention was always to shoot throughout much of the south with the homebase being in Dallas. Well I can still do that. I'll be utilizing North Carolina locations, but the episodes will take place in a nonspecific location. I'll set these episodes in fictional locations not really specifying which state we are in, and I may also actually set some episodes in North Carolina, as well as Texas, and other states, just to display the reach of the Monster Cops.

I'll be shooting all new scenes as well as utilizing footage not used in The Midnight Special, as well as getting the boys down in Texas to shoot some new stuff, if scheduling permits. This way I can still include many of the characters from The Midnight Special.

I'm very excited to be able to combine the horror, scifi, action, comedy, and drama, the way I see it in my head. The Midnight Special only partially got that job done, and these episodes will complete the full feel of this project. I can't wait for everyone to see it.

More details coming soon on fundraising. I'll be calling in every favor on the planet, and using every resource I possibly can to get the budget, and get it all done the right way. I've already been doing research, doing fx tests, camera tests, and logging footage.

If you're in NC in the Triad area and you think you can contribute to Monster Cops, would like to be a Monster Cop, a Monster, or just wanna help out in some way, feel free to leave a comment or contact me through the MONSTER COPS MYSPACE.

Matt Hawkins

As if their wasn't enough to be pissed about this week (especially on your behalf Crystal), I just foud out that Matt Hawkins has decided to close down his amazing website. http://www.matthawkins.co.uk/ and his no budget filmmaking resources were an invaluable tool to many no budget indies like myself for the past 7 years. This site is even credited on Monster Cops: The Midnight Special.

Very sad to hear about this Matt, and I hope you will reconsider. Your no budget antics have been an inspiration and your tips and tricks have been a huge help to us all. I hope all is well with you.