Here's my video for the Callaway Golf Promotion. They're trying to promote their new driver called the Big Bertha DIABLO.
They wanted to stick with the theme of "Release Your Inner Diablo." So I decided to take it literally. I immediately thought of an Exorcism scene, capped off with a cheesy punchline.
Irreverent? Yes. Corny? Most definitely. But I just had to see how it would turn out. Chris Plouffe as the Priest, Sarah Vroom as the possessed girl, and me, Patrick as the corny looking Monk at the end. Additional production help from Brandon White, Richard Gaither, and Darrin Chamberlin on lights, wind, and paper.
The actual words of the exorcism were mostly taken from a Supernatural episode with a few words thrown in from Chris.
I am quite proud of the opening shot of the skyline with clouds and lightning. Those were two public domain photos, one of Long Beach, the other of a cloudy sky. I animated them using Sony Vegas. The final shot of the golf club was a still of the Diablo club cut out using After Effects and placed on video of papers being dropped on the floor. Lightning and pan and crop done in Sony Vegas.
We'll see if it goes anywhere, but as always, it was fun to do, which makes it worth it either way.
So Christian Bale flipped out on some lighting guy on set. Apparently it was quite a rant. The media got hold of the audio and has been having a field day with it. Personally I like Christian Bale and I don't know the full circumstances behind the rant. I am intrigued as to how crystal clear this audio is.
Anyhoo. The interweb will never let you down when it comes to creativity. In this case, a nice little techno remix using Bale's F-bomb filled Rant. I love this song. It's stuck in my head.
So as expected, I did not win the Aspire One Contest. Just wasn't getting the views, and comments. But I am glad that the top 3 videos that won, were some that I liked a lot and I felt actually deserved to win.
And as a nice gesture, my video was featured as an Honorable Mention. Although there are no prizes for honorable mention, it is a great honor just to have my work recognized. So thank you so much to ACER for the opportunity to compete. I live for video contests! And congratulations to all the winners and my fellow honorable mentionees. I felt everyone got what they deserved, especially those that worked hard and used true creativity for their videos.
There's been a few comments this week, just things here and there that I've been told, that I don't quite agree with. I don't like being told what to do, no one does, and I certainly don't like being interrupted when I'm in the middle of discussing one of my projects. Especially when this same person asked me to explain the project. I like it even less when I'm interrupted in the middle of explaining a project by someone who is telling me what I "should" do.
I understand people have ideas, but if I've got an idea that I've decided to commit to actually shooting and producing, then I'm pretty solid on what it is I'm going to do and I need no further feedback. If you're part of the crew wanting to advise me on the lights and you just happen to be in the lighting department then that's fine, give me your feedback. But if you're feedback has nothing to do with your department, or even worse, if you're just someone I barely know trying to butt into production, then it's unacceptable.
Thing is, I am a control freak. When I decide on a story or an idea for a project it's most likely because I see the full vision for it. I don't like it when people try to intentionally get me to change that vision. It's going to change all on it's own when you bring in the actors, and you look at the set, and when you edit it together, the original vision evolves, and it should, and that's completely natural. When someone else decides to step in and tell me what needs to be changed solely because they had a "neat idea", that's different. That's tampering with what I've ALREADY PLANNED! Don't tell me what my vision should be.
This is why I have a hard time collaborating with other writers. I hog the vision. When I come up with something to create, it's usually because I've gotten so passionate about what it is I see in my head that I NEED to be the writer and director and editor and composer. It's because I know, and feel, and understand EXACTLY what the spirit of the story is. I have no room for someone else to just butt in and say, "Ooh what you should do is..."
No.
Now when it comes to doing some improv on set, then that's fine. Improvising is great, and you get a lot of really great material comedy wise, but it's all placed within the context of the base vision and stays within the established essence of the story. It does not detract from the story of the script.
I have no patience for people who ask me to tell them what my vision is and then proceed to tell me what it should be. This is why I hardly tell people what's going on. You'll get a script if you need to get a script. You'll know the end result if you need to know, otherwise just wait til I'm done cutting footage and you can watch the final cut like everyone else.
I hate posting negatively, but I believe that your blog should be there for the occasional venting. So this is me with my venting hat on.
I use to talk about what my ideas and scripts were. I don't now. Because there is no need to. You'll see my ideas once I make them happen. Also because I end up talking to people who just talk. The talkers are the ones who have ideas, but will never do anything with them. They just wanna hang out all day and never shoot anything. This is why I do alot of projects on my own or with minimal help. Thankfully I'm working with some fairly smart people who are motivated. But these past few days I've gotten cornered with a couple of people who are talkers, and I made the mistake of describing one of my projects when asked.
There's this old tale that I never ever remember all the details of, but I believe it was something of an old Buddhist parable. About an old man and a young man drinking tea. The old man pours tea into both cups and they proceed to drink. The Old mad drinks his tea, while the young man proceeds to talk, ALOT. As the Old man finishes his tea he pours himself another cup and then sets the tea pot down. The Old man drinks his second cup. The young man get's upset and says "Why haven't you poured ME a second cup?" The Old man says "How can I pour you tea, if you have not emptied your cup."
I know I just totally butchered that story. But the essence of it always stayed with me. The talkers talk and they complain when the rest of the world has moved on without them. They're too busy complaining about not getting there second cup, when they haven't even enjoyed or even appreciated their first one.
And I do bump into these people. Ugh.
Their existence is necessary, though. Like all things that are opposite of you and your goals, they are their to help define who you are, and who you are not.
"The path of the righteous is set on all sides by the inequities of the weak and the tyranny of evil men."
- Jules 4:20
Let the talkers and the morons and the general stupid people in your life help define the fact that you are none of the above. Let them outline your greatness and while they complain about their full cups, you can sit back and enjoy your ability to empty your own and receive even more.
Of course I have to comment on what is being called a Miracle on The Hudson. It's great incident, great story, great way to kick off the new year. This entire story just chimes with hope and heroism. For the most part, as far as we know from the news so far, this was fairly simple. The plane hits a flock of birds, the engines fail, the plane goes down into the water. Not exactly movie of the week material, but I'm sure they'll find a way to milk it into one. The bigger picture is really about how the pilot put the plane down and how the crew got everyone off of the plane swiftly and safely, with everyone alive and intact.
Much praise on the news today for the pilot and the crew. And so far there is an overall good vibe in the air about it all. Good vibes are certainly something the world needs more of. I'm a great believer in the power of mass consciousness and I hope we get more "good vibe stories" of heroism and heart to help contribute to that.
On a side note I would like to say that I think Brian Williams on NBC is the coolest anchor on the planet. I just like the way he reports. He actually used the phrase "went into the drink" when describing the plane going into the water. That's just some cool shit right there. If this guy gave a poetry reading, I'd be there. Let Brian Williams do the vagina monologues. It'll be a hit.
And on a way more somber note. Ricardo Montalban has passed away. I grew up watching him on Fantasy Island. He was so cool on that show. And my hopes are dashed that he would ever reprise his role as Khan on Star Trek. Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan is one of my favorite movies. I always thought the conflict between Khan and Kirk was amazing. And Motalban had such great dialogue, God he hated Kirk so much. FOrgive me, my Trekkieness is showing.
Wrath Of Khan
Fantasy Island Intro.
OMG! This brings back memories.
I was very sad to find out he had passed away. R.I.P. Ricardo Montalban.
Now that I think about it. Sometimes when I watch LOST, I get thie Fantasy Island feel every so often. Especially watching that above clip, there are certainly elements of Lost in there, at least that's what my Spidey senses are implying. Yeah, I said Spidey senses!
And now because I don't do them often. Here's a your typical, vanity, all about myself, celebrate me, type survey. I wonder if they call it a Meme, because these things are usualy about ones own self. Hmmm. I will attempt to answer this one semi seriously, as I hardly ever answer them seriously at all.
Who will alway's tell it to you like it is, no matter if it's going to hurt or not?
Juli
Do you want your phone to ring at the moment?
What?
Hate is a strong word but do you really hate anybody?
Nope
Are you easily confused?
I don't understand.
If the last person you dated said they were in love with you, what would you say?
Seeing as how that last person became my wife, I think I'd say I was in love with them back.
When was the last time you wanted to punch someone?
It was right after Johnny had swept my leg. Damn you Kobra Kai!
Are you someone who worries too often?
Why, should I be?
Do you want to get married and have kids one day?
Married, Check. Kids, working on it.
Do you believe your ex thinks about you?
I don't quite know who would qualify as my ex. I'm still married.
Whats currently bothering you right now?
Well, that whole Global Warming thing is getting annoying.
What are you currently hearing?
CNN Headline News and MSNBC in the background. Lil Sonny New King Of The Blues Harmonica coming from the computer.
When were you last outside?
2 hours ago. It's 1:30 am right now. I was out there looking for my testicles as I'm pretty sure they had frozen off.
What was the first thing you thought this morning?
That's not my underwear.
Are you afraid of the dark?
Only when there's a crazed axe murderer waiting in it.
Are you currently frustrated with a boy/girl?
I don't know, I'll pass you a note after P.E. and tell you all about it then.
Have a best friend?
I have extensive tech support yes. And a wife. ;)
What did you last eat?
Broccoli, as usual.
Who was the last person to text you?
Brandon.
Who was the last person you had a phone conversation with for more than 2 minutes???
Crystal
When is your birth?day???
July, 16th, 1975
Have you ever gotten a sunburn so bad it hurt to move?
I'm Filipino, so no.
Ok so I'm going to stop answering this now, because 1) It's it's quite crap, and 2) My writer's block is gone.
So back to studying Exorcism rituals and Sword history. Didn't realize how tough making a golf commercial was going to be.
I was just Twittering (or rather Tweeting, but really I prefer Twittering, it's fun to say outloud) about how Jott and Sprout are both going from a basic free service to a paid service. And I don't mind at all. Everyone's gotta get paid for their services and I will gladly pay for what I use. Jott I use every so often, for blogging from my phone or leaving notes for myself. Sprout is a service that allows you to create flash content with ease. I actually rely on Sprout quite heavily for much of my marketing, I use it on my blog, and throughout monstercops.com.
I can't imagine a world without Sprout, so I will most likely be paying for their services come February. Jott not so much. And I'm both glad and overwhelmed a little about so many sites I use switching to get paid. I completely understand it, but man it fell hard. I guess everyone got together and decided to start charging after the New Year started. Soundsnap.com is another site I've used for Sound effects and foley support for much of my video work, and it too is now taking away the free service. Now you can download 5 soundeffects a month for free, after that you gotta pay.
Even Brightcove has giveen up there basic and free services. And I was using them to post high quality videos extensively as well. Now I'm sticking to high quality and free video upload sites like Vimeo. And thankfully YouTube has enabled HD quality as well (although you can't embed HD yet, or can you, someone fill me in.)
Like I said, I understand it, and I don't mind it, I was even expecting it, just wasn't expecting to have to pay for it all at the sametime.
I just glanced at the date on the box of sugar free cookies I was eating, and realized the date expired. I bought these today. Neat. (sarcasm)
Anyhoo. Not complaining about the monetary system, just overwhelmed. Sprout I will gladly pay for. Jott I don't really need or use. Soundsnap.com I actually don't need, I just really liked how easy their site was to use. From now on if I need sound fx support I can still use The Free Sound Project. Wait. Lemme check and see if they're still free.
Yup still free.
And I've switched from Brightcove to Vimeo with some help from Vodpod.
Ok, I'm gonna go puke up some cookies, and get back to editing EVERYTHING.
Oh and thank you to all of you who have commented, viewed, and rated my videos. I really appreciate the support. Thanks guys.
Improving my animation skills. Got this upcoming project that I've got a great idea for. Just need to understand the process a bit more, apply it to what I already know. Here are a few YouTube vids that give me a bit of inspiration in figuring out how I can achieve what I see in my head.
samurai jack opening theme song
Psyop Animation for MTV HD
Note to self: Full concepts can be achieved by simple shadows and minimum color. In fact using singular colors to signify specific items may enhance the artistic effect, and drive home the point of the overall piece.
The Tranquillity of Shadows
Note To Self: Flow can be understated as long as it is displayed. It may not be necessary to completely follow through to achieve sfumato.
Shadow Animation
Note To Self: Less is more. 2D expansion may even help you achieve 3D flow.
So here we are, back in the contest saddle again. This time it's for Acer's Aspire One Netbook Contest. A prize package that includes cash and a Netbook of course.
You do the usual, look over the rules, figure out what you can and can't do, then come up with an idea. Acer's basic idea is just make a vid/ad about the Aspire Netbook and get as many views, ratings, and comments as humanly possible.
For some reason the Alien Conspiracy idea popped into my head and I figured it would be fun to play with animation again.
Threw together a bunch of drawings and graphics mainly using Inkscape and MSpaint and did all the animating in Sony Vegas. I did all the voices and most of the sound effects. So I hope everyone likes it.
As I said, it's all about the views, the ratings, and the comments, so if you wanna help, check out the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anq2rVoBLbM and watch and rate highly.
Most folks are either still partying or going to bed after partying. Almost everyone seems to be celebrating the new year. Me? I'm on Soundsnap.com looking for laser sound effects. I'm working on a commercial. Let's call it my way of celebrating the new year. By getting to work.
Not wasting anytime. I've got alot planned for this year and for the years to follow, and I need not waste time celebrating. My work is my celebration. Although I know I am missing a certain Phillipino New Years celebration going on in Texas. I do wish I was there.
But I'm here, and I'm ready to get cracking. Right now I'm working on my commercial submission for Aspire's Laptop Promotion. This ones going to rely on the votes and views of the general public so I'm hoping what I'm putting together will be funny to the people, or at the very least cute.
Ooh, I think I may very well have found the laser sound I'm looking for. I love Soundnap. If you're looking for free sound effects check out http://www.soundsnap.com
Soooo many videos I wanna work on, as well as so much to do with Monster Cops.
I started a new YouTube Channel. I've had other ones in the past, but this one is brand new, featuring almost all of the videos I've made and am going to make. Before the other channels had a whole mess of stuff I didn't care for. Random uploads for uploads sake. This one will be privy to videos of my own creation and not just random playing with the camera type stuff.
So glad YouTube has caught up to HD uploading. Now the sites I use for uploads are YouTube, Vimeo (I love Vimeo), Metacafe (Really only because of the producer rewards program, that paper rose video has helped pay some bills), and of course PopTent.
And here's a little something I put up on YouTube. This is the trailer for my first feature film, VAMPIRE KILLER. Shot on everything, and when I say everything I mean everything except digital or hd. Started this back in 95, shot on Super 8, 16mm, Super 16mm, VHS, 8mm. Basically whatever I could get my hands on. Transfered all the footage to 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch video, and then edited on analog decks. Years later I would finally get to transfer everything to a computer and reedit the movie on Final Cut Pro. Here it is, Vampire Killer Trailer.
The tag line that refers to this movie not really being about what it seems aludes to the fact that the actual film has two different plots, one in black and white about the Vampire Killer, the other in color about an FBI agents interrogation of an indie moviemaker (me). And at the end of the film the two plots collide.
It's always good to look back to see what you've done. Compare it to what you're doing now, see how much you;ve grown, or rather how much you need to grow. Here's a taste of the mock trailer based on a script I wrote a while back. Here's an upload from Vimeo, this is the first cut of Archangel.
This is the first cut of the footage we've shot so far for a fake trailer/short called ARCHANGEL. Based on a script I wrote years ago. I don't know if it's a movie I'd actually want to produce myself, but right now it'll be great to try out some action movie making separate from Monster Cops, as well as try out some new tools in after effects.
The actual trailer will probably look different from this and will feature different music. Right now I'm using an old track I produced a while back called "Tequila." I hope to add way more action and tweak all the fx shots, a few of those muzzle flashes I'm not satisfied with.
Here I'm using the heck out of Chris Plouffe who plays our hero, and Brandon Weir who basically dies in every shot. Choreographed and shot the fight scene in one night, and I'm actually quite fond of the pizza cutter as a weapon.
Ok, I'm actually going to try to sleep now. Got a big year ahead of me.
I'm constantly fascinated with "new media" and the evolving uses of webisodes, web series, and online content. Dr. Horrible is a great example of someone established in the industry successfully creating and distributing content online. Joss Whedon hit a homer with it for sure. Writer/Director James Gunn is working on short series content called PG Porn, which is a dark comedic series that pokes fun at porn movies. Other artists use web/new media to highlight social issues. Darryl Hannah's Love Life showcases Darryl Hannah's love for all things green and explores developments in green culture and highlights the varied ways one can save the planet.
Another such piece of web content, that just recently caught my attention, comes from Amy Poehler, and as much as I would have loved for her to do a comedy based web series, her current project is much more important. Smart Girls At The Party celebrates the creativity, the fun, the brilliance, and the overall awesomeness of young women. Poehler interviews and showcases different young women who are passionate and creative. Each interview is shot like it was Larry King or rather Charlie Rose, but instead of celebrities you get REAL important people, kids. In a time when young women have role models like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, its great and refreshing to see content that, as Poehler puts it, “celebrates extraordinary girls who are changing the world by being themselves”. I think that kicks ass.
Edit (12/15/08): Amy Poehler, you will be greatly missed on SNL.
Carrie Fisher. One of my biggest crushes and certainly my longest. Always respected her, not only for being Princess Leia, but for being a smart and funny author. She will forever be on my favorite list of writers. Her wit is sharper than ever.
I love her anecdote about Cary Grant.
And this quote speaks volumes to me.
"You're only as sick as your secrets."
Picture post. Put up the tree while drinking Apple Cider with Christmas Vacation on in the background. God I love that movie.
I'm glad to see my wife happy decorating the living room in the house she grew up in. This was the same living room we saw her mom pass away in. I thought for sure at the time that none of us would want to even set foot in the living room after that night. Thankfully the healing set in and the grief went away, and instead of pondering the negative, we celebrate the positive. Each Christmas has gotten better and better, but still not the same without Brenda.
Now I've got to see about actually putting some presents underneath the tree.
I can't sleep. So I get online and what do I find out? Forest J. Ackerman has passed away.
He did what most of us wanted to do for a living. He was a professional fan of all things Sci-Fi, Horror, and Fantasy.
This was the man that coined the phrase "Sci-Fi."
I always enjoyed seeing stories about him on TV because they would always show his museum full of movie memorabilia. The "Ackermansion" was a HUGE collection of all things Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Spocks ears, Drac's original cape.
He was such an enthusiastic lover of the Sci-Fi / Horror Genre that it would make the geekiest of geeks fall in love with it all over again. The man knew how to be a fan. He made me proud to love monster movies. His magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland, was really the first Monster Magazine, long before Fangoria. He really did make me proud to love this genre.
I'm sad that I'll never get a personal tour of the Ackermansion. But mostly I'm sad that I'll never get to meet him.
So in accordance to the rules set forth by Mr. Marcellus, since he tagged me and all, I have to reveal 7 things about me. So here we go.
1) In 1993 I was held up by airport security in St. Petersburg, Russia, because the X-ray showed that I had some sort of specialized military handgun hidden in my bag. Several Russian Military gaurds surrounded me, followed by Airport Security, all of them armed to the teeth, hands on their weapons, ready to shoot me down or beat me with clubs. They all laughed when they realized it was a video camera. All guards and personell left giggling at the situation, as the gaurd at the end of check out asked in a thick Russian accent: "How much is camera?" I shoved the camera into my bag and replied, "It's not for sale." I walked away.
2) I play blues harmonica, and for the past 2 years have slowly been learning to play classical harmoninca.
3) When I have writers block or when I am in deep thought about solving a problem, I do magic tricks.
4) My first concert was going to see Tiffany at Six Flags Over Texas. The, then unknown, New Kids On The Block opened for her.
5) I am taller than both Dennis Hopper and Jackie Chan, both of whom I've had the privilege to stand next to.
6) My first feature length film was a black and white horror drama called Vampire Killer, and no one will ever see it, unless you are one of the unfortunate souls who has a copy of it. I apologize.
7) I have a major obsession with anything and everything about weaponry and combat, especially it's history.
For many Sfumato is the Italian term for a painting technique which overlays translucent layers of colour to create perceptions of depth, volume and form.
Sounds like movie making.
Da Vinci himself described sfumato as "without lines or borders, in the manner of smoke or beyond the focus plane"
Certainly this can relate to movie making.
I know the word Sfumato from Michael J. Gelb's book How To Think Like Leonardo DaVinci. There he lists Sfumato as one of Da Vinci's 7 principals. "A Willingness to embrace ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty."
Now that definitely sounds like movie making to me.
Sfumato, for me, has evolved from just an art technique, into a way of life. To embrace uncertainty. As stated in Gelb's book, to literally go up in smoke. The artistic technique refers to using brush strokes to blend tones together. No harsh lines means a more realistic blend of colors, giving you a better expression of realism. The best example is the Mona Lisa. If we didn't know any better we'd almost think it was a photograph. The paint blended together to recreate reality.
In a way this is what I'm trying to achieve with Monster Cops. It's pretty easy to paint vampires and zombies with harsh lines. Monsters in general lend themselves to a more comic book type world, where the art work can be expressive in it's well defined lines. Just the idea of a Vampire or a Chupacabra does not blend in well with reality. It sticks out, because it's not the norm.
But with Monster Cops I'm trying to blur those lines in order to create a perception of depth. In order to recreate reality. It's practice with each episode, with each shoot. The question always being, how would this play out in reality. If we were REALLY dealing with zombies, vampries, werewolves, etc., how would this secret government agency react? How would we see it on video realistically? What is the most realistic way we can achieve this with the budget we have?
It is practice. It is trial and error. And I'm learning. The first Monster Cops project was The Midnight Special. With it I felt close to the look and feel I wanted, but not really there. With the Shadow Company episode I feel we hit the mark slightly. A good start, but we can do better. I do feel we're on the right track. In the end it is about the essence of your story. What is it we are trying to achieve with Monster Cops? What exactly is that vision?
It's a realistic look into a group of Government Monster Killers. The action, the thrills, and the horror of the investigation and the hunt for creatures of the night, mixed with humor and pathos.
In other words, Cops meets The Office meets Blair Witch meets Monster Squad,
An action, comedy, reality tv show, with realistic depth.
And how do we achieve that depth? How do we blur those lines to recreate reality? By embracing ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty.
Yup, that's definitely movie making.
Working on the scripts for the next few episodes. Shooting starts back up this Saturday, but with the cold weather, we are relegated to indoor shots. We'll see how it works out. I'm confident we'll have one more episode up before January.
Most likely going to add a cast and crew call page soon.
Ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty? Where are you guys? Come here, gimme a hug.
Unfortunately I did not take any pictures of my dinner with the guys. Ate at Chilli's then hung out at Starbucks with Chris and Brandon. Met up with the wife later, she hadn't eaten yet, so we went to Olive Garden. Doing my part to keep all the corporate franchise stores alive.
We were surprised to find all this stuff outside the waiting area of Olive Garden. I understand having some coffee or a drink while you wait...
but there was a McDonald's bag, an empty bag of chips, and an empty Pringles container. Damn.
Such a random thing to hang on the wall of an Italian Restaraunt.
No this isn't me having a pity party, nor is this me trying to buck myself up. This is me being real. The year is almost up and I'm only semi satisfied with the work I've done this year. I'm only semi satisfied with that Shadow Company episode of Monster Cops.
Nothing in particular, just everything in my creative control. I know some folks seem to like it, but this is me being my harshest critic. I scold myself because I know what I am capable of and I have yet to even come close to putting my full potential on the screen for you to see.
So I travel towards finishing what I can before the years end, to see if I can even come close to what I seek. I know it's a part of that eternal struggle in life, to continually seek to improve upon ones work. To always aim to the next level. For me I don't even feel as if I've even hit any sort of level. That Monster Cops episode is child's play compared to what I have in me.
No offense to everyone who participated in it's creation. I feel that everyone did an amazing job, and we put together a good episode. But for everything on my part, I know I can do better. As a writer, editor, producer, and director, I feel I've just barely been scratching the surface. I wish I could show you what is in my brain. One day I will.
And it's not about the money either. I don't like hearing comments like, "well if you had more money then maybe this would be better." This is not about pushing yourself financially. Perhaps a few bucks will make things a bit easier. It doesn't change the fact that this is about pushing the creative envelope not the financial one. Hollywood throws money at problems all the time, and often times to no avail. Indies can bitch about not having any money all day long. As long as you have a camera and a means to edit, then you have absolutely no excuses. There is always a way to tell the essence of your story, I don't care how much money you don't have.
Your obstacles and limitations should be your strengths not your weaknesses. I know this and still I waste my time trying to "raise money." I need to raise my creativity. I need to refine my editing skills and improve upon my direction, not worry about weather or not I've got enough tactical vests to go around, or how much the price of blank ammo costs. All this is nothing without that creative spark. It's not about what you don't have, it's about using what you've got.
And even with nothing I should still be able to blow your mind. Nothing should be able to hold back the ability to tell a story. Absolutely nothing. Even at the bare minimum I should still be able to give you a great show. This is what I need to strive for. Excellence at no cost, but with great expense of personal ability. To create with full force of mind and soul.
Maybe I'll never be satisfied. But I have to try.
Time to step it up. Time to work harder and more efficiently. I need to make production days count, with tons of preplanning ahead of time. Time to do more, time to do better.
I'm better than what I have accomplished this far.
This is pretty much the worst show on television right now. I've tried to make it through 4 different episodes, and I just can't do it. They had the opportunity to remake the franchise into something brilliant, but I think it's just as cheesy as the original, just minus the fun. Flat writing, bad direction. Yup, this one is pretty mediocre.
And that's all I have to say about that.
I'm thinking about ending every post now with that phrase. Good idea? Probably not.
Unfortunately, I will NOT be at the Screenwriting Expo next week in L.A. And of course two of my favorite screen writers of all time will be there together to hold an exclusive session on writing. Aaron Sorkin and William Goldman. SORKIN and GOLDMAN!
Looks like I may be doing quite a bit of traveling next year. Texas in January then to Washington on the 20th. Atlantic City most likely in March, and then back to Texas in April. If I'm lucky I can add Park City, Utah in January. But since I've missed Park City every year for the past 6 years, why break the streak? If I'm really unlucky I'll be in L.A. before summer for a few weeks. I really don't like L.A. No offense to my L.A. peeps, but you know it just ain't my scene. Great place to visit. As long as it's a short visit. I'll stick around for your sake Beks, but only for production reasons.
I'm not as adventurous when it comes to traveling. Not like I use to be. I think it's mainly because I'm focused on the project at hand, and right now that doesn't really require alot of traveling. I am determined to make as many out of town screenings as possible. Nothing like watching an audience full of strangers watch your work. Something I haven't done since 2001.
I'm on Twitter now. I find it beneficial to rattle off random updates in short form, especially when I'm working on scripts. Right not I'm working on 3 MC episodes, 1 short, and next years Feature Film. Don't even ask me about it cuz it's going to change, it always does. Thankfully I'm not as sick as I was, and I can concentrate more steadily. But in my short bursts of stoppage, I do sound off on Twitter now, or I post here, or on my super secret (but not really) LJ.
I'm also trying to keep up with learning about New Media, how the new PR techniques apply to New Media, and examining different business models. This whole entertainment landscape is changing everyday, especially with regards to the internet as it applies to the DIY Moviemaker. Tell you what, wanna keep up with it yourself, then keep an eye on Scott Kirsner's blog CINEMA TECH as well as Lance Weiler's THE WORKBOOK PROJECT. Both sites that will definitely help you stay ahead of the game, or at least keep up with it.
But no matter what new media I observe, no matter what new marketing, tech, model, idea, strategy, etc. The old adage still applies. If you put on a good enough show, people will surely pay the price of admission. Marketing becomes easier when you've got a good product. It's an easy sell when it's something they wanna see.
I just thought this was brilliant. I didn't get to see it when it broadcast and actually from what I heard this years emmy's were pretty horrible, but I adore Ricky Gervais and Steve Carrell and it was great to see them play off eachother here. John Stewart and Stephen Colbert, added bonus.
Yup, this is what I do when I reach a block in writing. So expect more tonight.
I am sad to find out that Michael Crichton has passed away. Bestselling author of many books that have become movies, Timeline, Sphere, The 13th Warrior, Westworld, Andromeda Strain, Congo, Jurassic Park, and many others. He was also involved with projects like Runaway, Coma, and Twister. He also created the hit TV show ER.
He took SciFi to whole new level. I remember when everyone I knew was reading Crichton. Your vision, your tales, your creativity has been a grand influence on so many, myself included.
Exciting because it's going to be a historic day in what is already a historic campaign. It's going to be neat to watch how it all unravels.
Crappy because I'm sick. I've been sicker. But I'm sick enough to not be able to do anything truely productive, yet still not sick enough to not do the day job, of course. It's cool, I heal fast. I was just really looking forward to calling everyone, getting things organized, and get the rest of these shots done for the next two Monster Cops episodes.
Speaking of Monster Cops, apparently Brightcove, the video platform I use to stream video on MONSTERCOPS.COM, will stop there Brightcove.tv platform (which was free), in order to concentrate on their Brightcove Business platform (which is not free). I totally understand this move, and I should have seen it coming, thing is I don't think I can afford to pay for Brightcove just yet. Great timing since I just posted the first Monster Cops episode. Oh and thanks to everyone for their kind comments about the episode, glad you all liked it.
Anyways, it's disappointing because I really love the quality and how easy Brightcove is to use. Oh well. I know their are other video platforms that can be used, just gotta find one that has equal quality and affordability (meaning free.)
Ooh I wonder if PopTent would let me upload a 24 minute short.
All that aside, I urge everyone to go out and rock the frickin vote. Doesn't matter who you vote for, just go and VOTE!!!!
Samuel L. Jackson lands role as Sho'Nuff in The Last Dragon remake. Samuel L. Jackson is preparing to take on the villainous lead role in a remake of kung-fu cult classic The Last Dragon. Jackson will star as Sho'Nuff in the remake of Berry Gordy's 1985 classic centring on the story of tough street kid Leroy Green's quest to become a martial arts legend.
Bosses at Columbia Pictures, who are the helm of the remake, have signed Jackson up to play the legendary baddie role made famous by late actor Julias Carey.
And Jackson can't wait to bring the character back to the big-screen, telling the Hollywood Reporter, "I'm a huge fan of the original and look forward to bringing Sho'Nuff into the 21st century."
The original The Last Dragon, starring Taimak, The Cosby Show star Keshia Knight Pulliam and William H. Macy, grossed $26 million (GBP16.2 million) at the U.S. box office.
- imdb.com
You've got to be effin kidding me.
As fed up as I am with the remakes, I think I'm a little bit excited about this. I don't think you could have picked a better role for Sam J. The Last Dragon is one of those movies that just cannot be described. It was 1985 a year that is very special to me. A year when some of the coolest movies ever made would totally influence my soul. The Last Dragon is one of the more unique, goofy, oddball, and might I add KICK ASS movies of not only that year, but of the 80's period.
Mowtown meets Kung Fu. You can thank this movie for bringing DeBarge into popularity with there hit "Rhythm Of The Night." And then of course El DeBarge's solo hit "Who's Johhny" from the movie Short Circuit. Oh my god this is all bringing back so many memories. I just had to get this when they put this out on DVD a couple of years ago.
I am surprised that they mention William H. Macy and Keisha Knight in the above article. It's not like they had big roles. Why not also mention Chazz Palminteri as one of the Thugs. I can only hope that this movie will be just ass ridiculous and cheesy as the original. I expect more modernized and improved Kung Fu, but you can't possibly make this movie completely serious with a character like Sho'Nuff. I mean here's a picture of the guy.
A part of me is a little disappointed about the remake. Mainly because The Last Dragon was always somewhat of an underground thing. It was like an injoke with the cool kids. Only the truely elite lover of the 80's knew and appreciated this movie. It was like people who were fans of (dreadful) movies like Garbage Pail Kids and Howard The Duck. Not everyone I knew had even heard of The Last Dragon and if I mentioned it and you knew what I was talking about, then you were in the cool club. But you couldn't just know about it, you had to know how "The Glow" song went. Or you know what the answer is when I say "WHO AM I?" (SHO'NUFF!). Or perhaps you had a crush on Vanity like I did.
YOu bet your ass I was hot for her!
Or you've told someone more than twice to "Kiss my Converse".
This movie paid tribute to Bruce Lee's classic yellow jumpsuit long before Kill Bill. See a pattern?
OMG! I hope they use Ernie Reyes Jr. Does anybody remember the TV Show Sidekicks?
No? Holy crap I feel 33.
Ooh! I just found this on YouTube.
I've always been fond of the pull back shot when Sho says "Why don't anybody that wants me to sit down and shut up, come down here and make me?" The camera pulls back as Sho's peeps fall into place and Enter The Dragon plays behind them. I always really loved that shot.
Here's the beginning of the movie. I swear to God this beginning song I've had stuck in my head since I first saw this movie in 1985.
