Friday, November 7, 2008

Thanks Harry

Looks like I may be doing quite a bit of traveling next year. Texas in January then to Washington on the 20th. Atlantic City most likely in March, and then back to Texas in April. If I'm lucky I can add Park City, Utah in January. But since I've missed Park City every year for the past 6 years, why break the streak? If I'm really unlucky I'll be in L.A. before summer for a few weeks. I really don't like L.A. No offense to my L.A. peeps, but you know it just ain't my scene. Great place to visit. As long as it's a short visit. I'll stick around for your sake Beks, but only for production reasons.

I'm not as adventurous when it comes to traveling. Not like I use to be. I think it's mainly because I'm focused on the project at hand, and right now that doesn't really require alot of traveling. I am determined to make as many out of town screenings as possible. Nothing like watching an audience full of strangers watch your work. Something I haven't done since 2001.

I'm on Twitter now. I find it beneficial to rattle off random updates in short form, especially when I'm working on scripts. Right not I'm working on 3 MC episodes, 1 short, and next years Feature Film. Don't even ask me about it cuz it's going to change, it always does. Thankfully I'm not as sick as I was, and I can concentrate more steadily. But in my short bursts of stoppage, I do sound off on Twitter now, or I post here, or on my super secret (but not really) LJ.

I'm also trying to keep up with learning about New Media, how the new PR techniques apply to New Media, and examining different business models. This whole entertainment landscape is changing everyday, especially with regards to the internet as it applies to the DIY Moviemaker. Tell you what, wanna keep up with it yourself, then keep an eye on Scott Kirsner's blog CINEMA TECH as well as Lance Weiler's THE WORKBOOK PROJECT. Both sites that will definitely help you stay ahead of the game, or at least keep up with it.

But no matter what new media I observe, no matter what new marketing, tech, model, idea, strategy, etc. The old adage still applies. If you put on a good enough show, people will surely pay the price of admission. Marketing becomes easier when you've got a good product. It's an easy sell when it's something they wanna see.

So back to writing I go.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Shibolleth

Is it coincidence? Is it fate? When things seem to come together at just the right time. Is it God talking? Or is it just random for random's sake?

Does it really matter when it's inspiring?

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

A little late but

I just thought this was brilliant. I didn't get to see it when it broadcast and actually from what I heard this years emmy's were pretty horrible, but I adore Ricky Gervais and Steve Carrell and it was great to see them play off eachother here. John Stewart and Stephen Colbert, added bonus.



Yup, this is what I do when I reach a block in writing. So expect more tonight.

Remember, Remember, the 5th of November!

Michael Crichton


I am sad to find out that Michael Crichton has passed away. Bestselling author of many books that have become movies, Timeline, Sphere, The 13th Warrior, Westworld, Andromeda Strain, Congo, Jurassic Park, and many others. He was also involved with projects like Runaway, Coma, and Twister. He also created the hit TV show ER.

He took SciFi to whole new level. I remember when everyone I knew was reading Crichton. Your vision, your tales, your creativity has been a grand influence on so many, myself included.

Thank you.



Best-Selling Author Michael Crichton Dies
"Jurassic Park" Author And "ER" Creator Succumbs To Cancer. He Was 66.


Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Yes We Can



You know what, I don't really feel sick anymore.

Watching, Waiting

I'm on all the channels. CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and then some.

It's getting exciting.

And I'm still sick.


sigh.

Exciting yet Crappy

Exciting because it's going to be a historic day in what is already a historic campaign. It's going to be neat to watch how it all unravels.

Crappy because I'm sick. I've been sicker. But I'm sick enough to not be able to do anything truely productive, yet still not sick enough to not do the day job, of course. It's cool, I heal fast. I was just really looking forward to calling everyone, getting things organized, and get the rest of these shots done for the next two Monster Cops episodes.

Speaking of Monster Cops, apparently Brightcove, the video platform I use to stream video on MONSTERCOPS.COM, will stop there Brightcove.tv platform (which was free), in order to concentrate on their Brightcove Business platform (which is not free). I totally understand this move, and I should have seen it coming, thing is I don't think I can afford to pay for Brightcove just yet. Great timing since I just posted the first Monster Cops episode. Oh and thanks to everyone for their kind comments about the episode, glad you all liked it.

Anyways, it's disappointing because I really love the quality and how easy Brightcove is to use. Oh well. I know their are other video platforms that can be used, just gotta find one that has equal quality and affordability (meaning free.)

Ooh I wonder if PopTent would let me upload a 24 minute short.

All that aside, I urge everyone to go out and rock the frickin vote. Doesn't matter who you vote for, just go and VOTE!!!!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Who Is The Master?


You've got to be kidding me.

Samuel L. Jackson lands role as Sho'Nuff in The Last Dragon remake. Samuel L. Jackson is preparing to take on the villainous lead role in a remake of kung-fu cult classic The Last Dragon. Jackson will star as Sho'Nuff in the remake of Berry Gordy's 1985 classic centring on the story of tough street kid Leroy Green's quest to become a martial arts legend.

Bosses at Columbia Pictures, who are the helm of the remake, have signed Jackson up to play the legendary baddie role made famous by late actor Julias Carey.

And Jackson can't wait to bring the character back to the big-screen, telling the Hollywood Reporter, "I'm a huge fan of the original and look forward to bringing Sho'Nuff into the 21st century."

The original The Last Dragon, starring Taimak, The Cosby Show star Keshia Knight Pulliam and William H. Macy, grossed $26 million (GBP16.2 million) at the U.S. box office.

- imdb.com



You've got to be effin kidding me.

As fed up as I am with the remakes, I think I'm a little bit excited about this. I don't think you could have picked a better role for Sam J. The Last Dragon is one of those movies that just cannot be described. It was 1985 a year that is very special to me. A year when some of the coolest movies ever made would totally influence my soul. The Last Dragon is one of the more unique, goofy, oddball, and might I add KICK ASS movies of not only that year, but of the 80's period.

Mowtown meets Kung Fu. You can thank this movie for bringing DeBarge into popularity with there hit "Rhythm Of The Night." And then of course El DeBarge's solo hit "Who's Johhny" from the movie Short Circuit. Oh my god this is all bringing back so many memories. I just had to get this when they put this out on DVD a couple of years ago.



I am surprised that they mention William H. Macy and Keisha Knight in the above article. It's not like they had big roles. Why not also mention Chazz Palminteri as one of the Thugs. I can only hope that this movie will be just ass ridiculous and cheesy as the original. I expect more modernized and improved Kung Fu, but you can't possibly make this movie completely serious with a character like Sho'Nuff. I mean here's a picture of the guy.



A part of me is a little disappointed about the remake. Mainly because The Last Dragon was always somewhat of an underground thing. It was like an injoke with the cool kids. Only the truely elite lover of the 80's knew and appreciated this movie. It was like people who were fans of (dreadful) movies like Garbage Pail Kids and Howard The Duck. Not everyone I knew had even heard of The Last Dragon and if I mentioned it and you knew what I was talking about, then you were in the cool club. But you couldn't just know about it, you had to know how "The Glow" song went. Or you know what the answer is when I say "WHO AM I?" (SHO'NUFF!). Or perhaps you had a crush on Vanity like I did.


YOu bet your ass I was hot for her!

Or you've told someone more than twice to "Kiss my Converse".


This movie paid tribute to Bruce Lee's classic yellow jumpsuit long before Kill Bill. See a pattern?




OMG! I hope they use Ernie Reyes Jr. Does anybody remember the TV Show Sidekicks?

No? Holy crap I feel 33.

Ooh! I just found this on YouTube.



I've always been fond of the pull back shot when Sho says "Why don't anybody that wants me to sit down and shut up, come down here and make me?" The camera pulls back as Sho's peeps fall into place and Enter The Dragon plays behind them. I always really loved that shot.

Here's the beginning of the movie. I swear to God this beginning song I've had stuck in my head since I first saw this movie in 1985.

The Choice Is Clear America!!!!!!

Funny!

See more Natalie Portman videos at Funny or Die

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