Round 1: FIGHT!

It's like a fight, a war almost. The battle to strive to reach those goals. A new year's promise to give you another chance to make this year better than the last.

January 2010 = Round 1

What are we fighting for exactly? Improved income, improved lifestyle, and to make a kick ass bunch of videos and movies that will not only help in achieving those improvements, but to inspire and entertain the world as a whole, and hopefully change things for the better.

I'm excited actually. I really see the previous years as preparations for this one. 2005 I moved here to NC. 2006, 2007 was all about healing and grieving after my wife's mother died. 2008 was about getting back on our feet. 2009 was about solidifying what the goals are and preparing to move towards them. Which brings us to 2010. The move towards those goals.

The ball dropped on the first year of a new decade on the night of a Blue Moon. Sounds magical doesn't it. Like the beginning to what should be a magical and adventurous story. Like Once Upon a Time. Which only makes us all pine for a happily ever after.

Oh, but you gotta fight for it. Work must be done to reach that next level. Gotta climb that hill to get to the top. If you want to succeed you have to rise from your failures. How many more ways can I state this?

Oh I've got a few more.

You gotta drive right if you wanna make it down that freeway of life.

You wanna win it, then you gotta get in it.

No guts, no glory.

No fish, no fowl.

No cheese, no sandwhich.

yeah I lost it.

Bottom line is, there is much work to be done, and I'm ready for it.

Production wise we've still got the same goals:

First up, it's MONSTER COPS. Now that the holidays and hectic schedules have settled down, I have more time to work on our little monster killing web series. I hope to make enough episodes and webisdoes to warrant a pretty nifty DVD to put out. I'm finishing up editing on this next episode and we'll start shooting for the next one and the next few webisodes this month.

REDD. My little Red Riding Hood short. I'm aiming for it to be a mind blowing 5 to 10 minutes. Will start back to work on finishing the Werewolf body and stilts. Already finished the head and hands. Not quite sure when we'll wrap this one up, cuz I'm kind of holding out til I get the new camera in.

BOBBY'S CLOSET. In early pre-production. Going to continue to fill out the official site with art work, may even try to shoot some sample scenes from the script. Not going to go into principal photography til we get the full budget, and we are still fundraising. 53,000 for actual production, and 20 to 40,000 for marketing and distribution. And I don't feel at all comfortable going into it without the money for either. I'm confident we can get the movie out there and make money back as well as raise money for Cancer Charities, as long as we get the full budget. We shall see.

PATRICK'S SUPER SECRET SPECTACULAR AND AMAZING NO-BUDGET FEATURE FILM.

Bobby's Closet was supposed to be a high concept on a low-budget. Something we can make with little money. A million dollar film for less than 100,000. And while I haggle with investors and go out begging for money, I'm still itching to make a truly filmic cinematic feature. So as I was ready to dive into low-budget moviemaking, turns out I'm not quite done with no-budget moviemaking just yet. So this project will only require the new camera, and utilize resources we already have (as per usual.)

Not going to say what it's about, because it is ever evolving. If you recall I wanted to make an Untitled Vampire Movie, then it was a Paranormal Film (which was turned off of when I saw Paranormal Activity), then it was that one about Russian Hookers and Filipino Pimps. Just kidding. Or am I? (muwahahaha)

I'm half way through the script, and I'm very excited about it, but I'm not going to tell anyone about it til it's done and ready to be xeroxed and given to the respective players and crew members. Just know that it's going to take a TON of preparation, and it's going to kick my ass. But it's something I'm confident we can shoot before the fall.

Any other projects will be Video and Commercial work. (Gotta support that green tea habit.)

Oh yes, and I'm working on another screenplay. This one I don't plan on shooting, it's just I've been missing the contest and festival circuit for a while and I kinda wanna throw my hat back in the ring. Came up with a nice concept and I'm writing through it. So many more opportunities and resources for script writer's have developed in the passed decade, why not try em out. Besides I miss getting those rejection letters from Endevour, Paramount, Warner, and Village Roadshow. There must be a ton more companies now that I can get rejected from.

I've been such a script hog for the passed decade. I didn't want to part with any of my scripts for a while, because I was intent on shooting them all. Now I'm wise enough to see that is impossible, so why not let my babies out into the world, let them grow, and evolve into the movies they're meant to be under other filmmakers effort. Or at the very least options that pay up but never get a green light. Dare to dream.

So let the fight begin.

right after I take this nap.

Snickers Machine

The video I busted my ass on all last week. It's for the Snicker's Assignment over at Poptent. I've said it before, if you're video maker and you want to try to build up your portfolio while trying to earn some money for major brands, then you've got to go over and sign up at POPTENT.



I've been with these guys for a while now and it's been a blast making videos for them, and it's helped me out financially as well. It's one of the many ways an indie moviemaker / video maker can make some money.


I will say that I tend not to work on video contests unless I feel the video itself can benefit me in more ways than just trying to win money. Here I decided to make a Rube Goldberg Machine. To be honest it's something I do alot actually. Origami, magic tricks, make Rube Goldberg Machines, it helps me think.

Not only did I think it would make a great video for Snickers, but I also wanted to finally shoot one of my machines to actually show what I have in mind for some of the scenes in Bobby's Closet. In case you didn't know, Bobby's Closet is a feature length film I plan on shooting next year, and or as soon as I can raise the money. The movie is a sci-fi, action, adventure, fantasy flick filled with funny characters, old school monsters, and a lot of Rube Goldberg Machines.

Here's the Rube Goldberg Machine Video I made for Snickers.



It was initially much longer, and featured parts I made for the now scrapped Halloween Machine video, which was going to feature a Halloween themed Rube Goldberg Machine. My ideas for it were entirely too big for the space I have right now. Maybe next year. I decided to use what I had and combine it with new pieces and parts for this here Snicker's video.

It was a HUGE pain in the ass to shoot. I could've easily faked each part of it, but the hard part of it was that it was pretty much fully functioning. That's what was so difficult. I was shooting it in pieces and cut angles, so when I rolled on one set up, the machine would keep going, and I'd try to stop it, and then re-setup everything. On top of me having to reset parts to get more than one angle at it. Oh how many times the ball would roll away from me, underneath a desk, and don't even get me started on how many times I had to set up those dominoes.

I know a lot of people who are in to Rube Goldberg Machines prefer the single take method. One uncut shot that records each and every step. But I prefer to see how each and every part functions, and seeing different angles to get an understanding of each part that moves. I was originally going to set up more than one camera to capture the entire machine in one go, but I only have one decent digital camera, the rest were of varying formats and qualities, and I wanted to try to stick to one format and look.

I love Rube Goldberg Machines. I loved seeing them in movies like The Goonies and Pee Wee's Big Adventure. All this ties into what kind of movie Bobby's Closet is, and how Rube Goldberg Machines fit into the movie. I hope Snickers likes it, but even if they don't, I've at least finally got an example scene for Bobby's Closet.

Click here to find out about Rube Goldberg.

Click here to find out more about Bobby's Closet.

Click here to go to Poptent and watch my video.

The Adventure Began

Based on the cult book series "The Destroyer" by Warren Murphy, Remo Williams was about a single super secret agent working for a small 3 to 4 man government agency known as CURE. Only known to the President Of the United States they work covertly to protect America from unknown enemies foreign and domestic. Often uncovering secret corruption and conspiracies within the government, Remo would have to do battle utilizing his wit and the ancient (and fictional) martial art known as Sinanju, as taught by the old and wise Sinanju Master, Chiun.

There was little fanfare when this movie came out in 1985. And if I haven't stated it before, I'll state it now. 1985 was my year. Although I always knew I wanted to make movies, 1985 was the year that really sealed it. Back To The Future, The Goonies, Legend, Young Sherlock Holmes, etc. These were movies filled with adventure and fantasy so much so that my movie making dreams were just bursting at the seams. Remo Williams was no exception.


Wasn't exactly a critical hit, nor a box office success, although there was a terrible attempt at a TV series. Fans of the books will complain it's not as intricate or fantastical, but what the movie had to offer was plenty for a chubby 10 year old Filipino kid from Grand Prairie, Texas. A super hero secret agent that fought using a secret martial art that taught you how to run over water and dodge bullets. Of course I was blown away.

I wanted a master like Chiun to teach me how to hear for the clicking sounds of a gun right before it fires, and know when to move out of the way. I wanted to build an obstacle course in my living room where I could train to jump on and off of things and balance on them perfectly (which I did by the way, and my Mother wasn't too happy about that.) I wanted to be able to start a fire by rubbing my fingers on a tree branch. Or to magically make Kate Mulgrew fall in love with me (not really, although I did love her as Captain Janeway).

I really started reminiscing about all this when I came across the amazing score for the movie by Craig Safan. I had forgotten I had it in a file hidden away in my movie scores collection (cuz I'm a nerd like that). Listening to it brought back all those memories. Craig Safan's score was adventurous and wonderful, fun and moving. Chiun's theme specifically is quite joyous and playful and it always makes me smile.

It's obvious by the score (along with the marketing) that the studio really wanted this to be the next Indiana Jones. They weren't successful, but they were successful in further inspiring a young kid from a small Texas town to want to make movies like this. Movies that would inspire other kids anywhere and everywhere, of every race, age, or circumstance, to dream big, and to make them realize and see that their own lives don't have to be seen as mundane or ordinary. That they could begin their own adventure.

Found this video on youtube. Someone had cut together scenes from the movie over Craig Safan's amazing score.




Fun, adventurous, moving, and inspired a kid to think bigger. That's what my aim is in alot of my movies, especially with Bobby's Closet.

Shut up and put your money where your mouth is!

I have a rather larger to do list for the rest of the year. I've done this before, and I'm familiar with the drill. As much as I would love to get all of the projects done on my list before the end of the year, I know it's just not possible. We're almost into December. We'll have the weather to contend with soon. Most of my stuff is exteriors, and we don't have a studio at our disposal.

I know we're most likely going to be delayed on everything. Redd will most likely be finished by March. Monster Cops will probably not have a new episode til after New Years. And Bobby's Closet will probably be pushed to late summer, most likely because of problems with fund raising. And the sad part isn't not finding the funds to raise, it's having time to actually make the effort. Life just catches up to you and rearranges your schedule.

But this doesn't mean I won't try to get the list done. I've had some practice at this, and it all comes down to anticipating problems, and planning for the worst. We may only get one production day a week through January, which means I have to work to get each and everyday as productive as possible.

Yes this all changes if I can raise some money, get some studio space, and free up my work schedule. But no funds will be raised if I don't put together proof I can produce something truly cinematic to go with our killer business plan, and I'm having a heck of a time doing that since my work schedule and lack of studio space prevents me, which would be easy to remedy if we only had the money, which would be easier to get if I can .... yadda, yadda, yadda.

It's a vicious circle, and I could spend all day whining about it and how I'm trying my best.

John Mason: Are you sure you're ready for this?
Stanley Goodspeed: I'll do my best.
John Mason: Your "best"! Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and fuck the prom queen. 
- The Rock (1996)

Point is, I know what I'm capable of, I know I can create something absolutely amazing (could I be any more impressed with myself?). I'm confident I can raise the money to make Bobby's Closet (and possibly even a feature length REDD.) But I've never been one to wait for someone else to give me the opportunity. I'm use to making my own opportunities. And even though someone might write me a check to get the studio space, pay the cast and crew, and make a cinematic masterpiece. Part of me likes the no budget low end.

Maybe I'm a masochistic. Maybe I'm addicted to movie-making poverty.

I think mainly I wanna make it on my own steam. And not just make it, but make it big. Not make it big as in some big studio gives me a big distribution deal. I mean I make something truly great, distribute and market it myself, and reap huge benefits from it. Millions of dollars from an indie movie with a low budget, enough to pay everyone that needs to be paid, raise a hell of alot of money for Cancer Charities, and have enough left over to make another one, and so on and so on. All with no permission from any studio of any kind.

I know I talk about it all the time, but it's completely possible. It's all in the business plan for Bobby's Closet. Go on ASK ME FOR A COPY! It's in there. The means to market and distribute are all available for anyone with a movie to sell. You don't need a distributor if you've got sites like Create Space or Filmbaby.

Marketing is all word of mouth. If you make a great product and get it in front of people through YouTube, festival screenings, even downloaded for free through torrent sites, then they'll be willing to put up the money to get a copy for themselves. And that's the key. Make something so good, that even though people steal a copy, they'll want to pay for it. Like the great Harry Anderson always said,

"If you put on a good enough show, they'll be more than happy to pay the price of admission."

The word spreads like wild fire, through YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. It's gotta be that good that people talk about it. The best advertising is word of mouth. If you've got the right amount of money you can supplement all that with a few print ads in the right cities, some TV time, pay per click ads on Yahoo and Google.

But you gotta make that amazing piece of cinema. You've got to create the product first.

And like I said, I'm not one to wait for someone to give me the opportunity. Part of me doesn't want the money (this is Patrick's sensible side, no no, he really does want the money). Part of me wants to see how far I can take this no-budget thing. I think we've done some pretty good things with no money. Fake guns shoot real with visual fx software, I made a book of the dead out of duct tape, built a Werewolf out of cardboard, created guns with orange juice bottles. Part of me wants to know what else I can do with no money and few production days.

The money makes it easier to create the magic, but easy isn't where the creativity is.

Yes, the money will give me the freedom from the day job, so I can have the time. But what can I do with what I've got. No money, minimum time, a decent camera, and a computer to edit on. How far can I take it? How big can I make it?

And I'm not talking about a Blair Witch or a Paranormal Activity. Yes those were great concepts and executions with documentary style formats. I'm talking HUGE. Cinematic. Can I make Gone With The Wind with no budget? Can I make something as good as a Hollywood Blockbuster or better with my crappy tripod and some duck tape.

You wanna know what I did this week? I built a camera crane out of cardboard tubes, an old tripod, and duck tape. SERIOUSLY! One thing I know I needed for REDD was big sweeping cinematic shots. I need a crane for that. So I made one with stuff I already had, it literally only cost me 6 bucks for the extra duck tape.

Those videos and tutorials are everywhere. Indy Mogul, Film Riot, and videos all over YouTube have people making expensive movie gear that would normally cost thousands, and they're doing it for hundreds and less. Dolly's, cranes, steadicams, etc.

But I want to go even further. I have to ask the question, "has anybody made a truly great cinematic experience that is completely mind blowing with DIY (Do It Yourself) gear. Can I make the Matrix or Die Hard or Pirates Of The Caribbean with DIY equipment. YES! I think I can.

I don't think I've ever truly tested myself. I don't think I've pushed myself hard enough. I don't think I've truly seen how far I can go or how big I can make this. And I think it's time I put my money where my mouth is. Someone told me once that I was truly driven in my goals of being a movie maker. I don't think I'm driven enough. I don't think I'm trying hard enough.

Don't give me any money, don't give me any people, but give me freedom, and I'll give you a movie that looks gigantic.
- Robert Rodriguez

And that's what I'm going to do. If you're reading this and you wanna give me money, great. I'll take it and I'll make something absolutely amazing that will make a bunch of money. But even if you don't, I'm going to do it anyway. And I'm going to do it with cardboard, duck tape, my trusty camera and computer and the few days a week I've got. I'm going to try harder. No wait, ya know, I think I've actually been trying too hard. I'm not going to try anymore. I'm just gonna do it.

Do or do not... there is no try.
- Yoda

Production List 2009 to 2010

So here's exactly what I'm working on right now. Yes, this is me blogging to help bring things to fruition. If I blog about it, so shall it be done. If it works, I'll blog about that 12 million dollars I'll earn.

- Monster Cops
My goal is to have at least 4 complete episodes at about 20 to 24 minutes each. 1 is online now, we're about to complete another one. We've shot half of the 3rd and just need to shoot and edit the 4th. I'll aim for 5 complete episodes, but 4 is more realistic. A Monster Cops Series 1 DVD release would be set for an early spring release if we get enough episodes completed. That 4th episode depends greatly on our werewolf FX. The 4th is a Werewolf episode and I don't want to do it if the Lycan is too entirely ridiculous.

This goes hand in hand with ...

- REDD
Redd is a short film. It's a gothic, horror, action version of Red Riding Hood, where the title character is treated more like an action hero and the big bad wolf is actually a big bad Werewolf. Also features much of what we've accomplished before with Monster Cops, Vampires, Zombies rising from the grave. Except in a more cinematic style. This is part short film, part mock trailer. Working on Werewolf FX now, which we can hopefully utilize in that 4th Monster Cops episode. I'm aiming to do something mind blowing on no budget. Really show what we can do.

April Crum trying on her possible costume as the character Redd.

This is really just me attempting to make something big budget movie style utilizing the resources we already have. I truely believe something great can be created with what you've got. Examples of great DIY moviemaking for no money are all over YouTube. So many talented folks out there. It's our turn to create something truly mind blowing. This is very much a big picture movie and will hopefully help in the fundraising for ...

- BOBBY'S CLOSET
The Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adventure, Monster movie. The budget for that is between 80 and 50 grand. Trying to raising money for it, and I hope to have it so we can start shooting in Spring/Summer of 2010. Definitely going to shoot this one on either a RED Camera or, I'm strongly considering a VDSLR Camera like the Canon 7D. Really go for that cinematic look. I've blogged about it before. This one is my throwback to the 80's. Back To The Future, Poltergeist, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Close Encounters. And as with all of my projects I want to utilize a percentage of any and all profits by donating it to Cancer Charities. So many causes and so much support to give.  To entertain and to help.  But first, we need our own budget to make this happen and continue to make it happen.

Going to try a number of fund raising ideas. Already have some inquiries from some possible investors, going to try crowd sourcing, sponsorship, and perhaps a good old fashioned bake sale. Already have a few details up on how you can help make this movie happen, and a few of the benefits of donating to this movie.  Still have much work to do before we completely unveil the full plan. Along the way, we're doing concept art, preliminary casting, and location scouting.  Check out the site when you get a chance. http://bobbysclosetmovie.com. I'll try to update the blog there as much as I can.

I'm very excited about all of these projects, alot of things seem to be falling into place.  I hope we can continue to be lucky.  Luck is preparation meeting opportunity. I'm prepared for this opportunity.

Awake

Can't sleep. Currently on my wife's laptop while QVC's Halloween Spooktacular is on. I love that they're selling Halloween items. I'm really getting a kick out of the 5' Hanging Motion Activated Kicking Scare Crow. It's an evil pumpkin face on top of a scarecrow's body. It's leg's flail and it's eyes light up when you walk in front of it. Neat.

If our budget would allow it, I know Juli and I would buy every single Halloween item we saw.

On QVC, a guy in a giant monster monkey outfit just walked on to the set, has played with the scarecrow, and has now left. Weird.

Anyhoo. Juli and I love Halloween. Currently our bedroom is adorned with a string of pumpkin lights across our wall, and 6 different Halloween candle holders sit across the stand in front of our TV.

On QVC, an evil pirate man has now joined the monster monkey and they are now dancing. Ah, I see, this is apparently a new item they are now selling. Halloween Masks with Hat and Hair. I see a creepy pirate with a pirate hat and hair, and the monkey mask also has hair and is wearing a clown hat. I could very well be hallucinating all this.

Anyways. I cannot fully express my love for Halloween. Those that know me know how much I love it, and I love that Juli loves it just as much as I do. The other night we finally got to watch Trick r' Treat. Had the candles lit and everything. It was actually quite a neat site to see those lit up pumpkins and haunted houses in front of the TV as the opening credits rolled.

Trick r' Treat is not only a great Halloween movie, it's just an overall great movie. Well directed, well written, great performances, and very intriguing. It really does capture that Halloween spirit. It does indeed lean towards the eerie and demented. Although I was able to pick up on alot of the twists, there were a few moments I just was not expecting.

I may give a full review later, but for now I'll say it was a great experience to watch a movie that celebrated one of my favorite holidays. And it was quite refreshing to watch an original horror movie, and not one that's a reboot or a remake. Warner Bros. decided not to release this one in theaters a couple of years ago. Huge mistake in my opinion.

On QVC, 6' Animated Witches Airblown w/ Candy Dish Cauldron. It's a huge air filled prop of 3 cartoonish looking witches sitting around a cartoon cauldron. Their heads spin. Someone just unplugged it and they all collapsed. That looked kind of neat.

Anyway, it's sad that so many sequels and remakes get to theaters, and a great original movie like Trick r' Treat gets shelved for two years and then goes direct to DVD. Sad. Oh well, I am proud to own it. It now goes with my 3 other favorite Halloween movies, The Nightmare Before Christmas the original Halloween, and Sleepy Hollow.

PROJECT LIST UPDATES:

MONSTER COPS - Finish and premiere the next episode online on Halloween or soon after. Complete 2 more episodes and as many webisodes as possible before February. Distribute a Monster Cops DVD early next year that includes all 4 episodes and about 13 webisodes altogether, as well as a ton of DVD extras, vlogs, gag reel, etc.

HALLOWEEN VIDEOS - There are two Halloween videos. One is called The Long Halloween, pretty much my way of celebrating and paying triute to the holiday. The other one is called The Halloween Machine. Been working on that one for years, got the music for it done and everything, but every year it gets canceled, because it is time consuming and somewhat of a large undertaking. We shall see.

REDD - This is a short film that I've been mulling over for a long while now. I've just recently decided that it needs to be pursued fully. I'm trying to figure out how we can do this. If I can do it the way I see it in my head, it'll be mind blowing.

BOBBY'S CLOSET - It's in preproduction. I'm hoping we can shoot this by spring of next year. Still in the fund-raising stage. I hope to unveil the next part of our fund-raising strategy soon.

Ok, getting sleepy. QVC is back to selling clothes now anyhow.

80's Influence and Bobby's Closet

Don't you know what the night can do?

I'm blessed. When I need it, the right song comes on the radio. When I'm down, the right words are always spoken. And when I forget, there's something that always reminds me.

Special thanks to Chris Petite for showing his support for myself and for Monster Cops. And to David Koss for letting us use his studio those many years ago to shoot some scenes for the first Monster Cops movie THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, and for taking this awesome pic.

I made a movie with two crappy cameras and really great cast. Let's see what I can do with a much better camera and a really great cast.

Successfully cleaned out all the nonessential, now I can breathe and think clearly enough to get rolling on this untitled vampire movie. Although my wife has indeed given it a title, but I don't like it. Sadly, it's starting to grow on me. We'll see.

This week, more fund raising for Bobby's Closet. Now, working on details for the Vampire shoot this month.

Fuck Me Gently With a Chainsaw

Yes, yes, the title alludes to that classic high school murder flick HEATHERS. Great movie. Written by Daniel Waters. Where the hell is Daniel Waters? Dan, if you're out there drop me a line bud. Miss you dearly we need good writers desperately.

Apparently Heather's maybe resurrected as a TV show. As much as I'm sick to death of all the adaptations, remakes, and reboots, if Heather's has to come back I might prefer it as a TV series. Especially if you don't hold back on the murder, cussing, and dark humor the movie so gleefully celebrated. Slap this badgirl on HBO or Showtime and you'll have a decent series ala Sopranos, Sex In The City, or The Wire.

I have to admit I've become more of a TV hound than a movie goer. I don't watch too many flicks in theaters nowadays. Having worked in the movie theater industry for so long, I have become an elitist. I know how a movie should be shown, how it should be watched, and how a theater should be run.

For the past few years I've seen the decline of the movie theater experience, what with horribe cell phone etiquette, people who talk more than watch, and movie theater management that doesn't do anything about it. And after you pay for overpriced tickets to struggle through the incompetence you end up watching a fairly horrible and unoriginal movie.

Now it's not all bad, there have been some really great films to come out in the last few years, but many of them I choose to experience in my own home theater, away from the crowds. Which is a shame, because I use to love those crowds. I miss those old late night screenings, the excited crowd anticipating a great movie experience. If I were in Austin at the Drafthouse, or at any number of specialty theaters that still know how to show a movie and the crowds still know how to enjoy a flick I would be fine. But a normal friday night at the local cineplex with the kiddies on their phones, and folks who walk in late, not the makings of a great cinematic experience.

In the past 10 years I've found alot of the really great writing and great cinematic storytelling to be found on TV. The West Wing, Sopranos, Lost, The Wire, Heroes, House, The Office, Arrested Development, and many many other shows have evolved from normal TV dramatics to real heartfelt, thought provoking story telling.

If your someone I've talked to before about The West Wing, I've most likely talked about my favorite episode (I think I may have blogged about it as well.) The final episode of the second season. It's called Two Cathedrals. Such a well written episode, and an ending I thought I would only really see in a movie. Lost is another great example. The series has several great episodes, but the pilot alone rivals many big budget summer blockbusters.

I'll always love the movies. But the really great movie style stories are no longer just limited to the cinema. There are really great stories and visions yet to be expressed both in the theaters and on tv, and now also online through web series, and even through video games.

Maybe one of these days I'll find my way back to the theater. Right now I've got netflix and a decent home movie theater to tide me over.

So much to look forward to. House returns this Monday. Yes, I am excited. I think they have a real opportunity to throw House into some comical/dramatic situations ala One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest.

And as much of a tightwad I am about money, I'm anxious to shell out some bucks for some upcoming DVD releases.  One of my horror fav's from the 80's is finally heading for DVD. NIGHT OF THE CREEPS.

 Also the long awaited Halloween movie TRICK R TREAT heads to DVD as well.











Still working on BOBBY'S CLOSET, in the fundraising / preproduction stage.  Also I'm planning on shooting a VAMPIRE movie in September. Oh how I'd love to have this Vamp Flick ready to go before November. We'll see.

Until then, I'm awaiting the wide angle lens I purchased, and am already working on the score for said Untitled Vampire Movie.  I'm seeing pumpkins hitting the store shelves, the weather seems to be cooling down, and the local Halloween store is already open.  I'm determined to make this a good Halloween, which I will wholly celebrate by making a movie.

More later on the Vamp flick and Bobby's Closet.

Smile Pretty and Watch Your Back

Forgive the title of this blog post. I don't think it actually has anything to do with anything in this posting. It's lyrics from an Ani Difranco song, which I was just listening to. I would've used other lyrics had I actually been listening to music that had lyrics, but the majority of my shuffle is movie scores. Hey, it's what happens when I'm writing. I just happen to throw in some Ani Difranco, also some Nine Inch Nails, Tupac, and Billy Joel, but Ani seems to be the one that pops up the most.

The script for Bobby's Closet is complete. Has been for a few weeks now. The business plan is also complete. So what are the next steps? Here we go:

- Explain to everyone what Bobby's Closet is.
I've started work on the official site that will help explain the concept and plot. Feel free to check it out here http://www.bobbysclosetmovie.com The site is very preliminary, not much on it, but I hope to have more art, vlogs, and blogs up very soon.

Here's the basic plot in case you're just that lazy to click the above link.
PLOT: There is an ancient box that contains mystical powers. Powers to open doorways to other dimensions, and bring to life anything that is not within our reality. When this box is placed inside a closet containing sci-fi and horror movie memorabilia, movie monsters begin to come to life and enter the real world, threatening our reality. Using Sci-Fi Movie weapons and their movie trivia know how, it's up to 2 Movie Geeks and 1 Female Vampire Hunter to stop the monsters, and close the box inside Bobby's Closet.

- Preliminary Casting.
We've got all three principal parts cast. Chris Plouffe will be playing JERRY. Brandon White will be playing AL. I actually wrote both parts with them in mind. I've gotten to know their skills and talents working with them on Monster Cops. We've had a few readings and they've been nailing them. I think I've made some wise choices in casting so far. I also wrote the part of psycho killer LAWRENCE POTTER for Richard Gaither. Gotten to know him working on Monster Cops as well, I know he is more than up to the task. I most recently cast our female lead. April Crum will be playing the vampire huntress JADE. She did an amazing job in her audition, she really nailed the lines and some of the fight choreography. Excellent job on her part. This movie is going to be quite fight heavy, and her previous martial arts experience is a plus.

We'll be doing more preliminary casting soon. I hope to have the majority of the movie cast before we even get complete funding in place.

- Get going on the Concept Art.
Both Brandon White and April Crum are skilled artists. I'm having them work up some concept art to help display the look and feel of this movie. We need to convey how this movie combines fantasy elements with horror elements. Show off the look of the Vampire Hunter Jade, what Bobby's Closet looks like, and really show off what alot of these futuristic military weapons will look like in some of these battle scenes.

Raise The Money!
The full business plan is complete and so is the script. We are about to start really seeking out sponsors and investors as well as begin crowd sourcing. And by crowd sourcing I mean offering up presales and perks to those willing to pay. For example for 40 dollars not only will you be one of the first to get a DVD copy of the movie, you'll also get a credit in the film, access to free merchandise (shirts, posters, etc.), and you'll have a chance to win prizes and props from the movie. We'll come up with other perks as well, but crowd sourcing is a newer and great way for alot of indies to get the funding they need. The full budget that needs to be raised is $50,000.00. Let's hope this works out for us (fingers crossed).

I hope to have a full budget in the next few months. It would be great to get started in October. Nothing like shooting a horror movie in October. I'm fully prepared to wait as long as it takes to get the money together, but we'll do what we can to get it together and shoot this thing soon.

There's actually another feature film that I am currently writing. The name of that one is VICTIMS. It's a bit more in the Horror Genre, but does include quite a bit of thrills, action and humor. The budget for that one is not quite as large as Bobby's Closet. So it's a possibilty we could shoot that one first. We'll see what happens. I'll work on that script as I prep for Bobbby's Closet and raise the necessary funds.

I posted on the Monster Cops blog about the delay on those episodes since I am working on The Victims script and fundraising for Bobby's Closet. But I do hope to have a Monster Cops episode and a few webisodes up before Halloween. I've actually gotten quite a few messages about MC, and I am flattered and happy to know so many people are paying attention to Monster Cops. Thank you all so much.

I know I've been posting about these upcoming Vlogs, but I've even been too busy to do that. But I know I've got one coming up soon. Thanks to everyone for their support and all of their questions.

Wish me luck on fundraising. More on that later.

A full cast list will be posted soon for either feature, but if anyone is interested in auditioning and you're accessible to the Winston Salem area of NC, please email me your headshot, resume, and any links to videos of your work.

Holy crap, I forgot I put some Cheap Trick in this shuffle, sweet.

Sorry, here's my email: pumpkinking13 @ msn . com

Much more later.

- P

No one said this was going to be easy.

Magic

First off I'd like to congratulate April Crum. She is officially cast as the VAMPIRE HUNTER JADE in the feature film Bobby's Closet. She is also a very talented artist, and we'll be utilizing her talents in that regard as well. This movie is going to require alot of artwork, fake movie posters, faux comic books, etc.

I'm quite anxious to talk about Bobby's Closet. Many people have messaged me about it. I know I haven't explained too much about the plot, and I'm glad so many of you are curious to know what this feature is about, and what it is I've been writing. I'm working on a VLOG that I hope to finish soon.

This Vlog will hopefully not only fill you on the plot, but the look and feel I'm going for. In preparation for it, I've been watching and listening to Back To The Future and it's sound track. Although Bobby's Closet could be classified as horror, and does contain monsters, I want it to have that magic that Back To The Future had. Also BTTF had that complex classification. Sure it's a comedy, but there are strong elements of Sci-Fi and suspense. Those last 15 minutes always keep me on the edge of my seat. And boy what a cool ending. Bobby's Closet is also a comedy, with strong elements of sci-fi and horror and adventure that will hopefully keep you on the edge of your seat.

There was that specific feel from a lot of those movies from back then, The Goonies, Close Encounters, Raiders, Ghostbusters, etc. They all had this charm, this essence, this kind of Magic. Movies nowadays are still magical, of course, but back then movies really made me feel like anything was possible. I'm sure it's mainly because I was an impressionable kid, and much of this is about nostalgia. But I think that's what it kind of comes back to. We end up spending much of our adult lives trying to recapture and relive our childhoods. Why? Because I think we miss that feeling we knew before we grew up. That feeling that told us that anything was possible, and magic was real.

I believe that anything is possible. That the happiest, grandest, most magical visions are yet to be experienced. Movies make me feel that way, and I want to make movies that make you feel that way too. That's exactly what I'm going to do with Bobby's Closet.

Wisdom

My Wisdom teeth. Never had em taken out. Every few years it seems like they wanna act up and grow, and give me over all pain.

That is what is happening now.

I am finishing up the final draft of Bobby's Closet, I am starting on the business plan, and planning out the full package, working on vlogs for it, and thinking about the official website, all in an effort to create buzz and start raising money to shoot this massive production .... all while I am in agonizing pain.

Ok, not exactly agonizing. When the ibuprofen wears off it's really just a throbbing ache/annoyance. But enough to be distracting. Good thing is, I am so driven to do this project that it's really not stopping me. But it is putting me in a very serious focused state. And also rather grumpy. I already don't want to do anything but work on Bobby's Closet, and now I'm ready to tear into anybody that stands in my way or distracts me. Which I guess is somewhat of a good thing, unless you're in my way and or distracting me.

I've been doing a lot of research as well. Preparing for the full workflow of producing another feature length film. I remember the struggles of working on my first two features. I remember the pains, and I understand much better now, what pains were necessary and what pains could have been avoided. It's the pains you go through that later give you that wisdom. It's that wisdom that I have now that gives me the confidence to do this project. There's a difference between knowing and REALLY knowing. I've been through this process enough times to know what needs to be done. Bobby's Closet will be made, and love it or hate it, the audience will see it.

Here's a video of Harold Ramis talking about Ghostbuster's 3. Not only is there insight into the anticipated sequel, but good old insight in general. There's wisdom in much of his words. Especially when he talks about making something with REAL people, and how some Hollywood movies start to look the same. What I'm trying to do with BOBBY'S CLOSET is to make something real that you can grab on to. To make something that doesn't look or feel like everything else. I'm trying to make something magical, amazing, adventurous, and overall with a true sense of REAL human emotion. Not another fx heavy blur of a project. Something the audience can REALLY connect with.



Thank you Mr. Ramis. Thank you for the Wisdom.

Baby Steps

It does get frustrating when you can see the final result so clearly.  I know exactly how to make this movie, how it should sound, look, feel, and how to make you love it. I'm just so anxious to get there.  But there are steps that need to be taken, and you can't miss one.

The Script.
Working on a 3rd draft. I have a better understanding of all the plot points and I hope to have a final draft that I'm satisfied with in July.

The Budget.
I have a preliminary budget breakdown. I actually have two. One for 125,000 dollars, and another for 60,000 dollars. This won't be finalized until the script is finalized. This is just an estimation to see how low I can go with a budget and still be able to make something high concept. I did 2 different estimations the 125,000 is what we will aim for, and is a number that will give us plenty of room to maneuver. the 60,000 is the bare minimum, it's the bare essentials to get the movie made, marketed and distributed.  Hopefully we can achieve somewhere in between.

The Funding.
This cannot be achieved without the Budget and the Script. But like I said, I hope to have the Script (and therefore the Budget) finalized in July. Then we put together a proposal, a website, some concept art, the cast, and anything else that will help exhibit what this movie is about, and then we can approach people and sponsors for money. I really have no doubts in raising money. It's about being able to show what the movie is about, show that it is something that is worth investing in, and show how the money will be made back. That's what the following is for ...

The Package.
The Package (AKA The Proposal) Is everything we just named above. Everything that can be achieved to display the true passion about this story. To show that this will be a great movie, made by great and talented people, and show how it can and will make money. Once you've got as solid of a package as you can, you can start approaching investors. Which is really all just about numbers.

The Numbers Game.
That's exactly what it is, a numbers game. Approaching as many people as possible about trying to get your movie funded. Now the lower our Budget the less money we have to raise, and the easier it will be to get money back to the investor. And the more investors we approach the more the odds are someone will say yes to writing us a check. I figure you may get 1 out of every 10 people to look at your Proposal. Which means you'll need to approach 100 people just to get 10 interested. Out of that 10 you'll probably only get 4 who will actually write you a check. If we can get those 4 to write us a check for 15,000 each, then we'll have our 60,000, and we're off to the races.

In the end it's about presistence of vision. It is what keeps the movie rolling. And it is what will get our movie rolling.  If we don't get the money to make this movie, it will be noone elses fault but my own.

So, off I go to work on the script some more, and then to look at the budget and see what we can cut down, or possibly get for free. If we can find a large indoor location, with power and air that we can use as a makeshift studio, and build a whole set on, that would save us a ton of money. So if anybody in the Winston, Triad, area of NC knows of anything, please let me know.

It often helps just to put the titles together, see how you want your movie to start.

Music is from Lady In The Water by James Newton Howard.

Phantasm II

I love it when fate gives you all the signs you need to keep you going. All I can think about lately is THE MOVIE. The feature film I'm going to shoot next. I keep refining the story over and over, and nothing else can get done (raising money, full casting, concept art) until the script is finished completely. It's almost there, trust me.

But as with all things creative, you do hit those stumbling blocks. Thankfully I've got angels on my side, and they like to throw little bits of inspiration at me to keep me going. This time around it was a video uploaded to YouTube. A video of a trailer for a movie that I used to worship.



I love this trailer. The Phantasm movies were a HUGE influence on me. The first one was very dated, very 70's, and a whole lot of fun. Years later into the 80's Phantasm II would finally arrive. This one was whole lot more fun and a much bigger adventure. Gorey at times, of course, but with plenty of action, and dark humor. I mean you just can't beat Reggie "The Ice Cream Man" Bannister. For me, him and his QUADRUPLE BARREL Shotgun are right up there with Freddy and his Glove, or Ash and his Boomstick.

I really love how this trailer starts off, the text, the voice over, and the end scene is great. I really needed to see this entire trailer to help me understand where I'm going with this script. A few holes needed to be plugged and I think this really did it.

I'm going to watch it again, and get back to writing, so we can get to raising money, and we can get to shooting.

Special thanks to BRINGBACKTHEEIGHTIES for posting this. Please check out his channel on YOUTUBE for more great videos and trailers.

Serenity Fight Scene

Here's the rehearsal fight featuring Bridget Riley, from the the movie SERENITY.




And here's the actual fight featured in the movie featuring Summer Glau.