Obstacles

I think the hardest thing about making a movie is holding on to that fire. It's not that the passion ever goes away. It's just that so many other things take place in life that make it hard to get back to that passion.

Again it's about Juggling things. But not just juggling, but juggling well. Really getting it all done. Putting as much of yourself into your work as you can. And all those other things you have to worry about when you're trying to achieve any goal, paying bills, worrying about your health, car troubles, etc. You have to try to keep up with all of that at the sametime.

This is all a part of the juggle. It's about trying to make that car payment, and keeping yourself healthy, while drawing up those production sheets. It's about making sure you've got all the birthdays covered, making sure you put in enough hours at the day job, make sure you reach your project deadlines, while thinking about what your lighting situation will be for a particular scene.

It is hard enough to have to do your own production design and props and costumes, but having to do all that while your trying to plan out what you're going to cook for the family that night, what groceries you'll need for that week, and whether or not you can get the laundry folded before you put in the next 3 loads. That's beyond juggling.

Of course much of this could be remedied by simply getting paid to make movies, but in order to get there you have to start with nothing. You have to work for free, in order to get to a place where you can work for yourself. The Midnight Special was the first step, the next Monster Cops project is another step, bringing us closer to working on a feature with a budget, or working on a web series with a budget, which ever comes first really.

But again you've got to do what you can to hold on to that fire. I'm convinced that's why so called "bad things" happen. It's the purpose of an obstacle. For something to get in your way, it should only fuel your fire. It's the unexpected bill, the unforseen car trouble, the shitty day job, and the people that tell you you can't do it. It appears to be the thing to bring you down, but it's fully designed to make you work harder for that dream.

So the next time something gets in your way, throws you off course, puts you down, or knocks you out, you use it as an excuse to get up and keep going. You embrace ambiguity. Welcome the fight. Instead of seeing an obstacle as just something in your way, see it for what it truely is. It is the thing that helps define you. It doesn't actually block your path, because when you go around it, it helps define your path. The rocks that were blocking your way are now the landscape that helps create the road way to your dreams.

In truth everything and everyone is actually conspiring to help you. So make your own path, fuel that fire, and keep juggling.

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
- Frank A. Clark

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.

Change before you have to.



In other words, don't wait for the plane crash.


And as you follow your own advice Mr. Prejusa, it would be a good idea to stay on track. So ...

- JB Video Project
- Bud Light Video Project
- Expo TV Ads
- Monster Cops
- H and K ads

In that order. And you're already behind on one of them.

XLNT ADS AMAZING PITCH 2

Xlnt Ads had this great idea to have a contest to see if they could find a really great pitch or trailer for a web series. And guess who got a runner up prize?

Yup, that's right, MONSTER COPS.

Monster Cops got a $500.00 prize as well as the possiblity to get sponsors to help fund future episodes. Awesome. Really I was just aiming for the $500.00.

See the XLNT Ads blog about it.

Check out the Video that was submitted yourself.

the love you take is equal to the love you make

Wanna make a movie? Learn to juggle.

From Wikipedia:

Juggling is a form of object manipulation. The most recognizable form of juggling is toss juggling, where the juggler throws objects through the air.

The word "juggling" derives from the Middle English jogelen to entertain by performing tricks, in turn from the French jongleur and the Old French jogler. There is also the Late Latin form joculare of Latin joculari, meaning to jest

Other definitions on the web:
- juggle: the act of rearranging things to give a misleading impression

- To keep (two or more objects) in the air at one time by alternately tossing and catching them.

- to engage in manipulation especially in order to achieve a desired end

But here's my favorite one, and the one that sums it up for me.

- Juggling is simply the manipulation of time and space to create the necessary patterns during a routine, or anything Else in life for that matter.

For me I'm equating the art of juggling with making a movie. And like learning to juggle (which I am still actually quite horrible at) you can't start out without dropping a few balls. (insert dirty joke here.)

And learning to juggle is frustrating. You hardly succeed in catching your "prop" in the beginning. And thus begins a series of endless moments where you drop things and then chase after them bent over forwards, your arm outreached, hand trying to grab it, as it rolls away from you. Not unlike learning to make a movie independetly and with no money.

You can't afford a production manager, or a prop master, or a location scout, or a script supervisor. Of course you can put the call out and find people willing to help you for screen credit and no pay, but in the end much of these things are so important to your production that you don't want to risk asking someone to take on a task and then not show up to do it. So you do it all, or as much as you can. And this is where it is very much like learning to juggle.

My first few attempts I was constantly dropping the ball. Not truely understanding that I needed to catch one thing, while tossing up another, and still keep my eyes on all 5 balls. It truely is about multiple manipulation of time and space. You've got to get the script done, coordinate meetings, schedules, costumes, locations, at the sametime, find time to cast extras, do rewrites, talk to the special fx guy, and then there's those pesky bills, day job, and everyday life and stuff.

When it comes to throwing balls in the air, I'm not so good. But when it comes to juggling the tasks of a nobudget indie movie, I've gotten the hang of it. You do something enough, you get use to it, you improve upon it, and you become better at it. And that's a good feeling. Like all things new to you, you reach that point where you start to get the hang of it. You find your footing, you're not so nervous about it, not so anxious, a little bit more at ease. You understand what goes first, what comes next, and how to keep the process in motion.

I finalized the script this week, and now I immediately move to script notes, actors meetings about dialogue, production sheets, cast reports, location reports, scene reports, and additional casting. And I feel good about it. Mainly because I remember when this was about the time I would drop the ball. I remember finishing the script, and then being happy about it, and then not knowing what the next step to take was. But now I get it. I understand this process more, and it may not be the same process other filmmakers, or other productions, but it's the process that works for me. It's how I know things get done for my movies, and it's working out well.

Haven't dropped the ball yet, and I don't think I'm going to. I may not be all that great at juggling, but I understand the concept. I understand what it takes to manipulate things in order to achieve the desired end. And when I've got my act together I hope that everyone will enjoy the show. And then I hope to jump right back into it all over again.

I hope one day I can make movies as good as this guy juggles.

"The beginning is always today."

- Mary Wollstonecraft

so true.

Production Update March 10th

After months of toiling with it, rewrites, re-rewrites, and re-re-rewrites. The script is finalized and ready to shoot. I still have a ton of people to contact. If you were one of the people I talked to months ago and you haven't heard from me in a while, I apologize, but I will get back in touch with you soon and let you know what is what.

And can you believe it, I'm still casting, but that notice will be out soon enough. In the meantime, I've secured most of the main cast, and the ones that I've been accesible to (meaning the ones that live near me) I've been doing some rehearsing with, trying on the gear, just generally getting use to folks, getting them get use to eachother, and getting them use to myself. Here are a few pics of what's been going down.

The completed MKX300 Gun Prop.

Side shot of the completed prop.

Brandon holding the weapon, while wearing a costume I mistakenly thought was a good idea at the time.

The incomparable Greg Romeo, playing the part of Carl.

Greg and Brandon.

Greg Romeo, Chris Plouffe, Will Atwood, Danielle Motley, Brandon White. Most of the main cast.

And when I asked them to pose sexy, this was the result.

More later.

Black Ops Patches

A bit on MSN I found. Here's a link for future research.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/118841?GT1=43001

"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."

- Aristotle Onassis

Sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Hello, I'm sick. Nothing major, just a sinus infection. Nothing so bad that it's life threatening, but just bad enough to be annoying and distracting. And just as I'm trying to finalize this script that needs to be shot ASAP.

But that is how it goes. I need to write and work on music and I'm too sick to do so. But that's ok because 5 documents crucial to the script have been deleted and so have their back ups. Also one of my cameras decided to die, leaving me with 2 cameras.

All is not lost. Oh poor Patrick now you only have 2 cameras and access to a few more. And as far as the script is concerned, I'll just take it as a sign that I need to rethink the direction I was going in. I've got the story down in my head, so no prob putting it on paper. Now if I can just stop being sick and regain my concentration.

But it could be worse. I could have problems that I hate.

Diablo steals the Oscar!

So very proud of you my dear.

Google "Diablo Cody wins an Oscar" if you haven't a clue as to what I'm talking about.

It's all coming back to me now

The actual trailer will be avaiable online soon. But if you can't wait, check out the bootleg now.

That feeling came back to me when I was watching it. That magic that makes you want to make movies. Like the first time you see the grand canyon, the statue of liberty, the kremlin, your first broadway show. Like being in church and being swept up in the spirit, like God was touching you.

This is my church.

I've gone back in time

There's huge buzz about the new Indiana Jones trailer debuting tomorrow. Check it out if you go see the Spiderwick Chronicles. It should be online shortly after that. I'm hella excited of course, but it's all so odd to me. All this talk about the next Indiana Jones, more talk about the next Batman. I came home the other day and saw back to back commercials for Knight Rider and American Gladiators.

I've certainle entered some sort fo timewarp. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to put on my members only jacket, slip on my reeboks, get on my schwinn, and meet up with some friends over at Mazzio's Pizza where we'll spend the next few hours playing Commando and trading Garbage Pail Kids cards.

Heaven's gonna need a bigger boat!!!

Thank you for all you've done. Thank you for the wonderful body of work. Thank you so very much Mr. Schieder.

I'm quite sad about this.

Writing Research for Monster Cops

Don't mind me. These videos are just notes for me to remember as I finish writing this episode of the next Monster Cops.

Monster Cops Vlog 020908

Visual FX Test 2808

Gunfights are mandatory in Monster Cops. But good gunfights are a requirement. In all honesty you can't beat the real thing. And when I say real thing I actually mean blank firing guns. I've used them in the past and they are just amazing. I am fascinated by the use of prop nonfiring guns and then later compositing gun fire over the footage, but with blank guns you get the same realism you'd get with the real thing. The smoke, the blowback, the shell ejecting, and just that overall feel and sound.

However I do have to run tests to look at my options, because putting the gun effects in after the footage has been shot costs me nothing. Now I do have blank guns, but some of these scenes call for more than one gun firing within a shot. So here I am testing it out, gun flash composites, nightvision filter, I even threw in a neat little blast just for the heck of it. Let's see the 20 second test shall we.



So what do I think. I think it's rather neato to watch, but I still think it's not up to par for what I want. First of all I haven't put in the shells being ejected and for me that's a big minus. I like to see the actual action on the gun and the shells pop out with each shot. I think some of the flashes look fine, but too long on the shots and they look too produced. The gun sounds are fine, seeing as how I recorded them myself from real guns. I like the nightvision, should fit in fine with our other nightvision footage. The blast really sucks. Heck I'm looking for perfection here and I haven't found it. However some of this in small spurts cut in with the actual blank firing gun footage should do fine. Vince DeNiro I wish I could afford ya. Perhaps when we do the feature.

In other news I'm actually finished with casting for this episode, but if you were looking to be cast, not to worry, I've got so many great resources and people now that I've just got to do 2 or 3 more, so I'm actually still casting for two more Monster Cops shorts. But more on that later.

Video blog coming up on locations, fx, casting, rehearsals, and all of the behind the scenes goodness that is Monster Cops.

Our tripod was a napkin and a coaster.

A great article from Studio Daily about some of the VFX work on Cloverfield.

Cloverfield Carnage
How Double Negative Smashed Up Manhattan
By Bryant Frazer

And an interview with Matt Reeves from Shocktilyoudrop.com.

The way Cloverfield was shot is a good example of how I want Monster Cops to feel especially with the monster and battle scenes, minus the puking factor of course.

Work For Yourself

Sometimes it feels like we all underestimate our own freedom. We get so use to the routine in our day to day lives that we condition ourselves to feel like this is all there is. That nothing could get as good as we've got it now. And that we have to settle for business as usual. I also believe that often, not always, but often, fate deals us a hand in life to get us all shook up so that we may reconsider where we our in context to what are dreams are or were, as compared to what we've settled for.

Think of the man who surrendered his dreams of being a painter for 30 years as a corporate exec, only to survive a near fatal plane crash. Because of his brush with death he rethinks his life and reignites the passion he once had for art. Other examples aren't so extreme but are just as powerful. The day in day out 9 to 5 job that you've settled for, the one that was supposed to be a stepping stone, a temporary exile to help you pay some bills while you pursue that dream of yours whatever it may be. The one that has now consumed you to the point that you're working beyond full time, and that dream has faded away. Then one day you get fired or layed off, and you realize that you need that job. Although it's made you so bitter and programed to the routine that all you do is dream of quitting, but yet you fear the idea of losing that job because you think you need it to pay the bills you don't want to pay but you think you have to because it's how you "survive" or "get by." But maybe losing the job was fate telling you to lose your inhibitions, that it's time for something new, or time for something you'd forgotten about.

And there is the extreme reaction. You get all gung ho. Decide you're tired of working for "the man" and you quit your job in the spirit of revolution, rebellion, and going for your dreams. But you end up sitting on your broke ass, not looking for a job, and failing at your dreams, because "shit" cost money. You know "shit". Instruments, amps, brushes, canvases, cameras, art school, cooking lessons, or whatever minutia you require to pursue whatever it was you needed to become that great cook, artist, rockstar, rapper, writer, filmmaker, etc. So you go back into the grind to try to get your "shit" together. Pay those over due bills, the back rent, or whatever money hungry slips of paper you were ignoring while you were "rebelling." And you get hammered down. You're back in the routine, and before you know it, cuz often times people never know it, you're settling for the day in day out again, and those dreams fall by the wayside. Heck, at this point a plane crash would do you great.

It's really become the norm. Everything above is typical of what goes on in the world. Granted there is a good percentage of people actually achieveing their goals and doing what they love, but there is a great percentage of people constantly in and out of the routine, always missing their opportunities. There are a percentage of people who do get the "plane crash" wake up call, get gung ho about going for the gold, then completely forgetting about the mission weeks later. I'm not writing this for them. Those people would never read this, and if they do they'll forget about it as soon as they breathe.

I think that in most cases a rebellion is in order. If you're stuck in your routine and you know it, and you want to get out of it to pursue your dreams, then the rebellious thing isn't to quit and say fuck you to the job. I think the thing is to keep working. Start saving, figure out what you need money for, cuz let's face it, everyone needs money for something especially your "shit". Work for it. Get caught up on the bills, get a nice savings for yourself going, and then start saving for your dreams. And once you've got enough to do your dreams, then take some days off and go for it until your dreams become what you do for a living. Sure it'll take months, maybe even a few years, but the alternative is for you to sit around and bitch about what you shoulda coulda woulda done for five years, or actually work for it and have something to show for it in the same amount of time or sooner.

The rebellion isn't in the defiance of the job or the routine, the rebellion lies in what everyone else isn't doing. I see alot of people that say they're going to chase after that goal and just quit their job to do it. Rebel against rebelling. The truely unorthodox method is discipline. The discipline to keep working while keeping your eyes on your prize. To have the discipline to set aside the money to do what you've always wanted to do. To "work for it". I know you work at that job that you hate, or it just gets on your nerves, but when it's all you've got and you're trying to get to somewhere or some dream, then it's a precious thing.

You have to have the discipline to work the job and keep it separate from your real life and your true dreams. It's not only giving you money, but it's part of the climb that makes reaching the top of your dreams all the more sweeter. If it's that bad then quit and find another one, but do what you can to make the routine your own. Your days off are your days off, your job is not your life. Stop thinking of it as working for someone else. If you've got a goal to work for then anything you do is actually you working for yourself.

You have the freedom to stop making yourself feel like all you do is "survive" or "get by." No matter what, do what you have to do to get your "shit" together. Don't wait for fate. Don't wait for the plane crash.

Move over Max Adams

As far as screenwriter chicks are concerned I've harbored a crush for years on Max Adams. I'm fairly certain that this crush has been moved over to the incredibe Diablo Cody. If anything, for the fuckin kick ass pen name.

Cody on Letterman.



Check out Diablo's myspace.

In all fairness please see Max's website: SEEMAXRUN.COM

Shocked

That last picture is of him in his greatest role. My heart goes out to his family.

Monster Cops VLog 011808

Working it.

Figured I'd post some pics of what's been going down for the past month or so. Next I'll post the first Monster Cops Video Blog.

I'm still in the middle of casting, but below are pics of some of the actors that have for sure been cast.

Brandon White, showing off in one of the new costume pieces.


The Adorable Nicole Nastazzio


Comedian Greg Romeo


Doug Hanks, who is also loaning us the use of his guns as well as gun expertise and a location to fire these guns at. Thank you so much Doug.


Danielle Motley has been cast in the much sought after role of Greenly. Yes Danielle I'm using your headshot, and yes I stole it off your myspace, get over it.

And if you're one of the many actors who were looking to audition for the role of Greenly I'm sorry, but I am still actively looking to fill other female roles and will continue to keep in contact with all of the actors who have been emailing me.

Others cast but not pictured:
John Burcham
Lisa Molenda
Will Atwood
Jamie Bertman
more to come.

Secured almost all of the locations. Special thanks to Kelly Emerson for giving us her ranch to shoot at, which has an amazing backwoods area. She also put me in touch with the person who can get us in to shoot at this massive warehouse in downtown Winston.


Kelly's been a real Godsend, she's also contributing some possible props/costumes as well as giving us an in to a Helicopter.

I've been hard at work at creating one of the prop guns for the movie. I felt the Monster Cops needed a specialized weapon, not unlike the Ghostbusters proton pack, or the Plasma Rifle from Aliens. I took my inspiration from Indy Mogul. Everytime I see empty bottles now, I just see gun parts. A full video on how I'm making this will be done later.



Here it is with a final paint job, but still without the final parts and accessories added.


Here's our Special FX guy William Stine working on the Werewolf FX. I'm not going to post too many photos of it just yet, don't want to completely give it away. William you're doing an amazing job.





Still going through casting, still looking at locations, alot is still up in the air, but so much has fallen into place. Can't wait to shoot this one.

Why so serious?

Yes I completed my list of things to do. With the exception of about 3 things. But I got what I really needed to get done out of the way. And I even found time to workout. And also we've got another screening for TMS.

Just when I thought we were all done with screenings, here comes another one. Yay!!!

FILM: "Midnight Special"
WHEN: Friday, February 01 10:00 AM
WHERE: Norhtern Lights Theatre Pub
3893 Commercial St. SE
Salem, Oregon 97302
HOSTED BY: Mid-Valley Video Festival
TICKET PRICE: $3

RSVP via the following link:
http://monstercops.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/10167

As part of there Horror Comedy screenings on Friday Nights. Should be fun. Wish I could be there. I've flown over Oregon once, but I've never actually been there. I did contemplate moving there once a while back.

I can stop drooling over The Dark Knight trailer. Check out (and download) the high quality trailer here. http://atasteforthetheatrical.com/deathtrap/default.htm

Here's the youtube embed:

You have to see with better eyes.

Well I think I have successfully cast at least two people for the next Monster Cops short. Although I feel I'm behind in my goal as far as meetings with people are concerned for this week, I think I've still gotten a lot more done then I really expected. And if all turns out well, then it seems I've achieved at least half of what I was looking for to help express my proper vision for Monster Cops. Can't wait to get this stuff on camera.

I've got a bunch of stuff I need to do before the week is over and even more before the year is up. Let's do the list and see if I get any of this done before I post again.

1. Email potential cast members and send out pages.
2. Email even more potential cast members and get them on board.
3. Touch base with everyone, cast and crew before January.
4. Meet with FX guy and begin Special fx and Make up tests.
5. Finish the rest of my video segments for Expotv.
6. Finish Christmas shopping (I know I suck.)
7. Cast the Werewolf.
8. Find your interior location.
9. Workout.
10. Solidify all your props, costume, and gear.
11. And you still don't have a sound person.
12. Clean the house.
13. Hello, Groceries!!!
14. Registration!!!
15. Website(s).
16. Don't forget about the screening in Oregon in February.

I am now going to attempt to mark things off the list. See you next post.

My Name Is Bruce

Well color me excited.

By Any Means Necessary

Funding a no budget production is really about spending your day job paycheck here and there. More memory for the computer, maybe you need a new camera, more tape stock, a piece of costuming, etc. It's 50 bucks here, 100 bucks there. And it really does eat up the paycheck especially after the normal bills, groceries, and lately because of gas prices. If only there was that little extra bit of cash to throw at the production monster. Some little side dough to help fund your no-budget vision.

The next Monster Cops feature is budgeted at $275,000.00. Suffice it to say I'll be doing some major fundraising for that one. But before that I'll be making at least one monster cops short film for no money, which really means out of my paycheck. Total Budget is about $1,000.00. I've got most of the equipment and props, but for what I need to accomplish I need much more, and I need to do some upgrading hardware and software wise. Which means a few chunks out of the paycheck week after week. Luckily I've found a great source of extra income to cover some of that needed funding.

I've posted about metacafe before, which has helped pay the occasional bill. If you're a video maker and you haven't heard of Metacafe's Producer Rewards, then you need to learn more about it. Especially if you have any tips or tricks or hacks about almost anything, make a video about it and you could start earning some bucks on Producer Rewards. Here's the one that's made me the most.


Paper Rose - These bloopers are hilarious

ExpoTV.com has been the real deal for me. With Metacafe you really have to have something clever, or something with a hot chick in it. With ExpoTV you just have to review something on video. Anything from house hold items, electronics, DVD's etc. I've been doing quite a few DVD reviews. I have an extensive collection so I've been going through stacks of DVD's and recording myself talking about it. ExpoTV is really trying to become the one place you can come to get decent feedback about any product, food, travel, excercise gear, you name it. They pay a certain amount for each video review you post depending on the product. You can make between $2 to $10 a video. And then you get 1 cent per view on top of that. They send you your payments monthly to your paypal account (if you don't have one get one.)

For each DVD review I do I make 5 bucks a video. You don't even have to do any fancy editing, but you do have to show a sample of the movie to give it a full review. Most people just talk to their webcams about the product and then they point their cameras at a nearby TV and show a clip of the movie. For me I have to edit. I enjoy making videos too much, and I always try to keep it close to professional looking and decent quality as possible. Always good practice to keep up with the moviemaking skills. I shoot mine on a high quality camera, I record sound with a lapel mic, I set up the lights, I edit the video including actual snippets of the movie or trailer, I use graphics, and occasionally my own original music. Here's an example below.

Beverly Hills Cop DVD Review



There's usually a cap on videos you can post. Right now it's at 75. So if you can clear 75 video reviews at about 5 bucks a piece, then thats an extra 375 bucks in your pocket. And I have a blast making these vids and it's helped fund this short film. Here's one of my favs.

300 DVD Review



And expoTV actually sent me an ExpoTV T-Shirt for my efforts on my Shaun Of The Dead DVD review. Thanks ExpoTV. Although the sound seems to be a bit off on this one. Oh well.

Shaun Of The Dead DVD Review



Do me a fav and check out my other DVD reviews on ExpoTV here. The more you watch them on site the more views and money I can make, and the more you can help me fund these indie movie projects. And give it a try yourself.

Motion Tracking Research

One thing I know I need to work on in doing much of the effects for Monster Cops is the Motion Tracking.

What is motion tracking?Motion tracking is also known as Match moving. Here's Wikipedia's Definition.

In cinematography, match moving is a special effects technology to allow the insertion of virtual objects into real footage with the correct position, scale, orientation and motion in relation to the photographed objects in the scene. The term is used loosely to refer to several different ways of extracting motion information from a motion picture, particularly camera movement. Match moving is related to rotoscoping and photogrammetry. It is sometimes referred to as motion tracking.

Some of the more popular programs being used for Motion Tracking are:
3DEqualizer
Voodoo Camera Tracker
Maya
RealViz MatchMover
Icarus (I hear it's discontinued, but still floating around out there)
After Effects

After Effects seems to be fairly popular, and is what I will be using the most for specific effects. Here are just a few videos from YouTube on the subject of Motion Tracking mainly with After Effects.

EDIT: Instead of posting every video, I've compiled them into one vodpod. Click on a thumbnail to view a vid. So much more convenient.


get your vodpod

I'll update more info as I come across it.

Live for something rather than die for nothing.

Many many things to juggle and sort through, doesn't help that I'm battling a sinus infection, not to mention the day jobs. But at least I like these problems. In the end it helps to look positively at the fact that it's often not about what you don't have, but about what it is you should be happy you don't have. I'm quite happy I'm getting so much response to the casting and crew call. I just hope I can use all of these resources to the best of my ability, and that I can keep on this streak of being contacted by people who want to help.

Knowing that there is support in this area is comforting. Keeps me sane, along with looking at catalogues and listening to Def Leppard. There's alot of downtime at work, which is sometimes excruciating, and since I don't have a working computer at the moment at the day job, I've been looking at gift catalogues, sharper image catalogues, ikea catalogues, etc. Not that I can afford much of the stuff I keep looking at. I just like seeing what's new in the world of technology and consumerism. And since I'm gearing up for a bit of a fight in continuing to make Monster Cops, I've been brushing up on my Miyamoto Musashi. The Book Of Five Rings.

It's amazing how much of what can be learned about Martial Arts, Military Science, Strategy, and Combat can be applied to not only business and life, but to making a movie as well. Particularily from The Earth Scroll where Musashi lists his rules to learning his art. This is from a translation by Thomas Cleary.

1. Think of what is right and true.
2. Practice and cultivate the science.
3. Become acquainted with the arts.
4. Know the principals of the crafts.
5. Understand the harm and benefit in everything.
6. Learn to see everything accurately.
7. Become aware of what is not obvious.
8. Be careful even in small matters.
9. Do not do aything useless.

It's good to look to the past to have advice for the future. But you don't live by advice, you take it with a grain of salt, you let it help you, guide you to make your own decision rather than have it make the decision for you. That's definitely something that needed to be said this week, this year, this life. I feel like I'm in a fight right now, and when I battle I make strategies, I plan, I research, then I strike.

I hope to strike soon. I hope to have something to show for it all. It's a heck of a thing to have this vision in your head you want to show people. It does no good to tell people about it. We're moviemakers dammit! We're made to show you. And I shall, we shall. I'm fighting to get there again.

"A Roman general in the time of Caesar had a motto - "If it is possible, it is done. If it is impossible... it will be done." And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what I live by."

That was from a movie called EVEL KNIEVEL (1971). Not exactly a great movie, but certainly about a great man, and certainly a great quote.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to do my best to get over this distracting sickness, get back to sorting through details, and continue my quest to improve upon Musashi's rules specifically 2,4, and 9.

Not much to say...

but very much to ponder.

There was going to be a post about casting, crewing, and eating fudge brownies, but alas, that's going to have to wait. Can't call the play while I'm in it.

Alot going on, going down, going forward. I knew I'd get some response to the casting and crew call, but it's starting to get very overwhelming. Wouldn't be so hard if I didn't have to juggle the day job. And on that front that may be changing. May be spending less time on that. Also been doing some video projects to help fund this short film.

And just for the record, here's how it's going down. I'll be doing 1 eight to ten minute short/episode for Monster Cops. Then I'm going to jump right into doing the next Monster Cops feature. Full steam, with the original script and story I had in mind years ago. This means major moves toward fundraising. The fundable page didn't work out, but I've found the funding elsewhere (the video jobs), and it's looking like I'll be able to get a hold of some free resources for everything else I can't pay for. I'm going to keep on the fundable page though, I'll just start it back up every 26 days. The holidays may very well be to blame for the lack in pledges. But I do thank those that have contributed, especially you Brit ;).

I have a feeling it'll be easier to fundraise a movie than a series, but the movie was always kind of the plan anyhow. One thing at a time. The agenda for an independent series will have to way about 3 years. I feel very confident in this fundraising plan, just a small hitch in it though, which I think I can rememdy. Won't say what it is, don't wanna jinx it. It's going to be fun and interesting.

Hoepfully I can get back on track with updating the website(s). This is dependent upon other people, but really no big rush, cuz I still have no idea what I want as a redesign. But it will come to me, and will be crucial in the funding/marketing.

Right now I've got some waiting, some pondering, some planning, and major editing to do on these video projects. I also need to gather some people together and start to form my crew.

I swear it would be helpful if I had an office. I think I have a lead on getting one, I just don't like what I might have to do to get it. No, no, I won't be sleeping with anyone, although that would be easier.

Wait! What the hell is that over there? Oh shit, is that Christmas coming this way. Well dammit.


I'm a bit anxious in juggling all this, but these are the problems I like having, my main goal now is to move into problems I like even better, that would be dandy.

SWAT Research

Yeah, yeah, it's research for Monster Cops. Next up, a real post about casting, crewing, fundraising, and the subtle art of eating a fudge brownie. For now, enjoy these SWAT related vids.

Indiana State Police ERT Breach


SWAT open fire on fleeing drug dealer


Swat Sniper Training


Mind Body & Kickass Moves - Taiwan SWAT Team



FBI SWAT


Socom Swat SF Tactical Training


swat training video

Cast And Crew Call

Winston Salem/Triad Area, NC.

Local Indie Short Film Series MONSTER COPS
Seeking Cast and Crew.

Monster Cops is a short series based off the Cult Comedy Horror Flick MONSTER COPS: THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, currently on DVD. http://imdb.com/title/tt1031258/

It's a mockumentary look into a secret government agency dedicated to hunting down monsters. It's Reno 911 meets Blair Witch. The Office meets Ghostbusters.

Looking for anyone interested in helping out as part of the cast or crew. Shooting in and around the Winston Salem, NC area. Experience is favorable but not required. Your first time out? No prob. We need as many people as we can get. We'll show you what needs to be done.

CAST:

Major Roles that still need to be filled are as follows:

GREENLY - Female. 20-30 years of age. Talkative psychic, very naive, yet suprisingly intuitive.
WEIR - Male. 20-30 years of age. Rookie Officer. Young but very much a soldier. Comedic Role.
JONES - Male 20-30 years of age. Detective. Wise Guy. Eats alot of donuts.
MILLER - MALE 20-30 years of age. Soldier type. Gets to fire off alot of bullets.
MACREADY - Male 20-30 years of age. Tough guy, Cop, Always handy with the one liners.
WEREWOLF - Male. Need a fairly tall, agile, well built, individual who won't mind running around, in a fur suit, snarling at people.

Also need any males or females interested in playing Police Officers, Military, SWAT, and Soldier type roles. Must be familiar with firearms or at least know how to hold a gun. Military or Police experience a plus. If you're a Paintballer, great.

Also looking to fill monster roles. Anyone interested in playing Vampires or Zombies, we're going to need a bunch of them. May require you to get a little messy, crawl on the ground, get blood or guts on you, and or fall over onto a mattress after your head has been blown off. Moaning, screaming, or hissing, may be required of you as well.

CREW:
We're looking for gaffers, grips, people to help pull cords, hold lights, as well as assist in some of the special fx sequences. No previous experience required. We'll tell you where to stand and what string to pull.

Make up artists. There will be much zombie and vampire make up to apply. Some previous experience in basic stage make up would be great.

Sound person. We need someone to help record sound on set.

No pay, as yet. Full credit and copy of final work, and we'll feed you. I swear you won't regret being a part of this production.

Contact Patrick at pumpkinking13@msn.com
If you've got a headshot and resume, feel free to email it to me.

Find out more about Monster Cops at http://MONSTERCOPS.COM

The Way Of The Squib

It's the one subject all no-budget indies have in common. Well, besides being broke. I'm talking about bullet hits, squibs, that nice little blood explosion from a persons body when someone gets shot in the movies. Since my first jump into this game it's always been a question asked by many and answered by so few. Well, that is until the last decade. Once again the internet pulls through, and more and more people are showing innovation as well as sharing it online.

The obvious method, and the method used by the big boys is the small explosive charge inserted into a blood filled condom, and then detonated by a remote control. The first time I really understood how this worked was when I was a wee child watching Fangoria's Scream Greats Video Magazine on Tom Savini. As a matter of fact I think it was one of only two video magazines they did. I actually found the opening to that video on YouTube. God this brings back memories.


I watched this so many times when I was a kid. Had every special effect memorized, went out and copied everything I saw Savini do from this video. As a matter of fact I still have my crappy VHS copy somewhere. But it was this video that really got me started on trying to figure out how to do my own bullet hits. And back then safety was a side thought. I did what so many of us did. Got a ziplock bag (cuz I couldn't get condoms at such a young age), made my own fake blood (out of cough medicine, pretty expensive blood actually), filled the bag, wired a battery to a firecracker, and shoved the firecracker in the bag.

I heard so many stories about people blowing themselves up, so I was pretty frightened as I stuck the wired bag to the fence in my backyard/testing area. I touched the other end of the wire to the battery. I thought for sure it was going to explode, but nothing happened. Turned out that the ziplock bag was too thick, the blood was too much, and the firecracker exploded with no effect because of it all. But I was convinced that this was the way to go.

Here's a clip, from back in the day, of Savini on Late Night with David Letterman.


I actually remember watching that when it first aired.

The explosive charge is all well and good if you've got everything prepared properly and had all your safety measures in hand, but when your a kid or an amateur moviemaker with no money, using any type of explosive is a risk not worth taking. I could have very easily blown an eye out handling a battery attached to a firecracker, any type of explosive is a risk.

Here's a video displaying one of the more riskier methods. I don't think I would risk doing it this way. Explosives, no matter how small the amount, are always a safety concern. I mean honestly, in this video, does this guy really want to put his life in the hands of a chopping board?


So doing the firecracker bit was a big turn off, on top of the fact that sometimes it just didn't work properly. There had to be a better way for no-budget indies. Once again, the internet comes through. In the late 90's the popular method became compressed gas, or compressed air. Genius. And one of the first places to put up a detailed tutorial on the matter is still up today, EXPOSURE.

The Complete EEFIT'S Guide To Filmmaking shows in detail how to accomplish a bullet hit with am pump-up sprayer and a garden hose. Check out EXPOSURE's Tutorial on Blood Hits here.

This method is the one widely used by many indies today. Here's Indy Mogul's Backyard FX spin on the same idea.


A few years back I did some test shots using the same method. Except I used an actual air compressor, which came in quite handy. I rigged up a small tube of blood to an old shirt that my wife was wearing, and then rolled camera as I preceeded to show my wife/zombie getting shot in the stomach. Why you'd shoot a Zombie getting shot in the stomach, I do not know. It came out quite well. Unfortunately she doesn't want anyone ever to see this footage do to her unfortunate hair style. LOL.

Nowadays I have my trusty pump garden sprayer (thank you Tabije.) The only real pain is having to pump the sprayer up, which is actually a nice little workout for your arms. Thankfully there are new and bloodier ways to create this effect sans air.

Here's RawrFilms/GageFX version of the pull string method first documented by Stu Maschwitz's The Guide.

Click To Play

I have yet to try this method, but certainly will on Monster Cops.

But that's not the only method out there. Found this video on YouTube, and I think it's the simplest and not too uneffective method out there. Embedding is disabled, sorry.

Ah yes Egg Shells. I think it's a great idea. I'll certainly be using all of the above, literally and can't wait to get started. Combined with some of my own ideas on creating bullet hits to the head, and some (not too much) CG work. I plan on making all of the Monster Cops bullet hits effective within the confines of the plot. After all, the effects are just one of the tools in storytelling, as it should be. The effects should never be the star of the movie, if it is then that's the first sign your watching a movie with no plot and all style. Which I think people have had enough of.

Still nothing like a good blood explosion. Remember though, safety first, plot first. Don't get killed for style's sake. Stay alive and tell a story.

26 days to go

Ok so something in me just said "screw it! go live already!". So I did. The fundable page is now active. Let's see what happens over the next 26 days. Hopefully I'll have $2,500 by November 23rd. If not, I'll probably just keep trying, while I go ahead and shoot what I can without the money.

And there is plenty I can get done before I need the money. As a matter of fact I've already got quite a bit accomplished. Much more than I expected. Already got some actors lined up, although I need more. Got the music ready to go. I wrote most of it as I was writing the script(s). The crew in Texas is aware and ready to do any shots that need to be done in Texas. I'm getting to know the local police and how I can work with them. I'm ready to build monsters. Ready to shoot what I need, and I've already been collecting stock shots that I might be able to use. I've got the budget run down ready. I've got everything DIY and no-budget in the works.

But it's that little bit of extra money that'll help put this over the top. I was nervous about getting the fundable page started. I actually had it done days ago, but I've just been saying "Wait til after Halloween." But the thing is, wait for what? Heck, it's now or never. So here it is:
http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2007-10-17.0793977063

And soon I'll be telling everyone and their grand ma's dog about this. So let's see if we can make this thing happen.

Building a Lycan

Thank God for the internet, Thank God for Halloween, and Thank God for INSTRUCTABLES. I'm constantly looking online for someone else out there interested in building a Werewolf costume, just to see if there are any tips and techniques I can pick up for my own Lycanthropic Endeavor (Yeah I said it.)

Not only have I found gryphern's tutorial on YouTube, but thankfully someone on Instructables.com has posted their how to on their Lycan. Thank you so much for this missmonster.

http://www.instructables.com/id/realistic-werewolf-costume/

This is a whole lot closer to the look I'm going for. Love the teeth and the claws for sure. The lessons here have really put me in the right direction. Saves me alot of experimentation (too late.)

Just in time too. I'm going through the budget and I've just hit the cost of Werewolf FX. Looks like I'll be saving some money.

Now if you'll excuse me I now go to look at this tutorial on making an infrared digital camera.

Fundable

First off I wanna say that I'm thinking of you California. My heart goes out to all the families, lost homes, and lost lives, as well as the men and women working to take care of the victims, and all the fire fighters out there.

I don't exactly remember the first time I had heard about fundable.com. But I had quickly learned that it was a great way to raise a small amount of funds, especially if you're attempting a short film. So I always planned on using it at some point. That time has come.

You set up a page, you set what amount you need, what it's for, and then you tell people about it. People can decide if they want to support you, make a pledge ($20 or more) via credit, debit, or paypal. You have up to 26 days to reach your target amount. If the target amount is reached then all pledges will be cashed in and money is collected. If the target amount is not reached, then all pledges disappear, and no one has to pay anything. Sounds like a great idea, and more than one short film has been made utilizing fundable.com.

I can't get this monster cops episode done without a bit of a budget. That was my problem last time. Too many no budget flaws getting in the way, too many compromises to the script. I cannot make that same mistake this time. I really need to display the kind of vision I have for Monster Cops, which means I'm gonna need some money. My target amount is $2,500.00. I've got the very basics to start with, and this money would actually help get the rest of the necessities to make this happen. Computer ram, hard drive space, props, FX, extra camera batteries, power supply, festival fees, and marketing, etc. I'll be utilizing much of my own money as well, as a matter of fact I already have, but this will definitely ensure things get done, and get done right.

I haven't gone live with the page yet. I'm actually quite nervous about getting it going. Once it's active, I have 26 days to raise the money. And I'll be telling everyone everywhere about the page, hoping to get all the pledges. So here's a sneak peek at the page.

Either way, this shoot has to happen, so I do have a contingency plan. And being the pessimistic optimist that I am, I'm hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. I'm preparing to go this alone completely if I have to, completely no-budget. I'll be somewhat alone with the money anyhow, so it's only fitting if this doesn't workout, but hey, I have to try.

Maybe I'll grow some balls next week and go live with it right after Halloween.

Yeah right. Or maybe I'll win the 5 grand from Our Stage this time around. It would be somewhat fitting if we won the finals, seeing as the final round is on Halloween.


But I seriously doubt it.

I gotta remember first though ... "Creativity First, Money Last." I know, I know, it's my own rule. I should really stick to it. Heck if Fundable doesn't workout, I won't have a choice.

And now for a quote I post about often, and most definitely in my situation (and perhaps someday I'll post what's really going on) this quote certainly applies.

You know in guerilla warfare, you try to use your weaknesses as strengths. If they're big and you're small, you're mobile and they're slow. You're hidden and they're exposed. Only fight battles you know you can win. You capture their weapons and you use them against them the next time. That way they're supplying you. You grow stronger as they grow weaker.

- Gene Hackman as Brill in ENEMY OF THE STATE

Online No-Budget FX School part 1

Goddamn this has been a bit of a rough week. Tuesday would make it 1 year ago. Quite a weird day. Didn't know what to expect, what would happen, or what I would be doing to make sure Juli was ok. Thankfully we've survived without a scratch, well, no visible ones anyways.

Since all seems well on that front, I can go back to worrying about this current project. Thankfully as I budget this Monster Cops episode, I find a few resources online that help narrow down my budget. In this episode there will be some fx work that I thought I would have to pay an arm and a leg for. Now I've got my own bag of no budget tricks, but it's so nice to see others sharing online. Here are a few vids I find very helpful, and will certainly be taking note of when working on my monster fx.

Indy Mogul's Backyard FX is pioneering some really great no budget techniques. I posted their previous tutorial on builging a BIG FRICKIN GUN. Now here are two vids on some low budget zombie make up tips. These are steps I've actually used in the past. I did monster makeup back in high school and in college utilizing spirit gum and cotton balls with some black make-up and fake blood. Here, Backyard FX takes those techniques even further.


Here's part two of their Zombie FX, this time with guts and an exposed brain.


In the next Monster Cops episode there will be a large Grim Reaper like character. I've decided on this because of my past experience building a Grim Reaper like character for my previous series, The Living Dead Girls. You can somewhat catch a glimpse of it towards the end of this old Living Dead Girls Promo.


I'll be doing a similar version, but I found this video that comes a little closer to what I'd like to do. This is somewhat similar to mine except this ones jaws move. Very impressive. Find out more about this at villagehaunt.com


I'm going to aim to make the eyes move as well. Also I'd like to make the extended hands move using this technique I found on Metacafe. This is something I've fiddled with in the past as well, but this guy really nailed it.

Simple Animatronics - The funniest videos are a click away

Finally I'd been fiddling with Werewolf costuming for a long time. I actually built a Werewolf for The Midnight Special, but most of those scenes just didn't turn out the way I wanted them to, so they were cut. But building from those old concepts and lessons I've learned since then, I'll be attempting werewolf fx again. These videos have taught me alot about which direction I'll be going in for much of the mask and digigrade silts. Thanks gryphern!

Digigrade Stilts


Articulated Mask


These new techniques combined with some old tried and true indie lessons o mine has definitely put me in the right direction, and definitely cuts down on my budget costs. Next up, news on fundraising.

What the ....

I know the banner changes when our position changes, but from what I read right now, we're in 4th place in the Comedy category. So when I don't try to get people to vote, is when we start winning. So I'm just gonna let this one go and see what happens. Winning another 100 dollar Amex Card and another Our Stage T-shirt is just fine with me. So I won't even tell anyone about this, no Myspace campaign, no Livejournal, nothing. Unless we get to number one on finals day, then I'll tell everyone and their dog.

it's just dust

I'd been watching the show Ghost Hunters on Sci-Fi since it first aired, but it was really in a "I'll watch it when I catch it flipping channels" kind of fashion. It wasn't til the past few months that I really started keeping up with it. Juli's gotten into it as well, and for the past month it's been Ghost Hunter's marathon around the house, what with it being on every so often on Sci-Fi and then us having purchased some of the DVD's.

Of course the fascination with the show is the paranormal investigations, but part of the appeal is that they don't go blindly looking for Ghosts. They go in very skeptical, and trying to debunk the findings. If someone claims they saw a shadow following them in their bedroom, they go into trying to find a real physical explanation for it first before just assuming that it was paranormal activity. It's more logical that a shadowy figure is created by car's headlights coming off the hill and shining in through the window at an odd angle. But if they find no explanation to debunk it, then they can start looking at a paranormal aspect.

The people themselves are very charming. The two lead investigators, Grant and Jason, are fun to watch. The back story of them being plumbers for Roto-Rooter by day and being paranormal investigators at night is interesting, as are the other members of TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society.) And the more you watch these guys in action, the more you realize how funny these guys are. I think that's part of the larger appeal of the show. This is real, these people are real down to earth people, and they're intelligent folks with a real passion for the paranormal and wanting to help people understand what they know about the paranormal.

It's at times scary, but it's also fascinating and even more still when they have a case where they don't find any paranormal activity at all. It's just entertaining and interesting to see how they come to their conclusions regardless of them finding a ghost.

So of course when we learned Jason and Grant would be making an appearance at Greensboro College, we had to go. I didn't know anything about what they would be talking about, I mean of course they would be talking about ghosts and the paranormal, but we didn't know if we'd actually get to meet them, if they'd be able to sign anything, or really what all would be going on. We just wanted to see them.


Box office wouldn't be selling tickets til 7:30. The show didn't start til 9. By the time we got there at 6:00 there was already a crowd. By 7:00 there was a line down the street for about a block. I didn't really realize how popular this show was until this night. We got into the theatre at 8:00 and the house was packed in no time. The auditorium sat about 800 people (so I was told) and there wasn't an empty seat in there by 8:30.

We met some very interesting people. Even a couple who came all the way down from Tenessee and a group of ladies who we were more than happy to help adjust their camera flashes for. I loved hearing the people around us. I get a kick out of how there were people scattered throughout the audience who were all of sudden some sort of expert on the paranormal. People all around us showing eachother pictures saying stuff like "this shadow here behind my head is obviously paranormal because it was bent weird and that edge right there is obviously a ghost's nose and my nose shadow doesn't look anything like that nose shadow."

The guys finally came out. Heard they came straight from the airport directly to the show. The crowd went wild. Seriously. These guys have got some major fans. And they don't disappoint. They came out and they were immediately everything from the show and more. They were smart, charming, and extremely funny. That's Grant, pictured just above.
And here's Jason. They did a powerpoint presentation on exactly what it was they did, and showed us some of the finer points of paranormal investigation, including pics, video, and many very interesting and funny stories about some of the other TAPS members. They really broke down their philosophies, their approach on investigation, and what they believe and do not believe.
I was pleased when they covered the topic of Orbs. I remember when I was much younger being fascinated by photos of orbs, wondering if any of it was paranormal or not. For Jason and Grant they believe that Orbs don't really have a place in paranormal investigation. If you watch the show then you're familiar with how the TAPS members easily dismiss most "Orbs" they may catch on video as "Dust". Because the truth is most orbs photos can be easily explained as something else, a refraction of light, incidental illusions, or ... well .. dust. In an investigation it doesn't hold much weight if there is any doubt in what you are seeing, and most Orbs are doubtful. They did say that they do put faith in the existence of plasma lights, but excuse it as just proof of natural energy.

They also spoke of some their scarier encounters. The video from the St. Augustine Lighthouse Investigation (creepy) as well as other video. And they showed off a few EVP's (even creepier). If you don't know what an EVP is, watch the show, Grant will explain it.

We did get to meet them afterward. They signed our DVD. These guys were really cool. I felt bad for them cuz I could tell they were tired, but I have to say it was really nice to meet them. And for Juli's sake too, I'm glad she got to meet them, I know she really wanted to.

In hearing them talk and really getting a feel for the crowd around me, it became apparent to me that there is somewhat of a paranormal revolution going on. Before it was always just curious fascination or even a novelty when it came to shows like this, or just paranormal shows altogether, but because of these guys, and because of their approach and belief in what they do, I'm beginning to understand that there is an understanding occuring between those who believe and those who want to believe and also between skeptics and unskeptics (YOU pick a better word!).

I know for myself I've never really had a Ghostly encounter, but I've had strange occurences, none I consider scary, but many I've always found inspiring and enilghtening. And for many others out there they are beginning to see the paranormal as something not to fear, but something to accept and behold. It's comforting to hear Jason and Grant talk, and realize what I've believed in for a while about this stuff, is what they believe in, and it's what many other people are starting to belive in as well.

I know none of that made any sense what so ever. Let's just say, I believe there is nothing to fear.

Well, as usual, I've got work to do. I think I've found a web designer I can work with, and someone who can keep up with all of the updating and what not, which takes a huge load off my back. This way I can just concentrate on making these episodes and not have to worry about all the website details.

Also I think I've very well found a camera person, as well as a few potential cast members. So let's pray I find no more flake outs. I don't have time for it.

If you'll excuse me, off I go to fundraise, and make a giant monster.