Thank you for making movies that made me want to make movies.
Thank you John Hughes.
John Hughes dies age 59.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
John Hughes
I really can't believe it. You were a big influence on me and so many others. Your movies helped me through some tough times, and pretty much helped define the 80's. Without your work I would be nothing. I learned alot about comedy, about pathos, and certainly about life, all through your writing, directing, and producing.
Thank you for making movies that made me want to make movies.
Thank you John Hughes.
John Hughes dies age 59.
Thank you for making movies that made me want to make movies.
Thank you John Hughes.
John Hughes dies age 59.
Don't You (Forget About Me)
This one's for John Hughes. You made my teenage years so much cooler, and the 80's one of the greatest decades ever. I won't forget. I promise.
Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)
Shared via AddThis
Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)
Shared via AddThis
Monday, July 27, 2009
Magic
First off I'd like to congratulate April Crum. She is officially cast as the VAMPIRE HUNTER JADE in the feature film Bobby's Closet. She is also a very talented artist, and we'll be utilizing her talents in that regard as well. This movie is going to require alot of artwork, fake movie posters, faux comic books, etc.
I'm quite anxious to talk about Bobby's Closet. Many people have messaged me about it. I know I haven't explained too much about the plot, and I'm glad so many of you are curious to know what this feature is about, and what it is I've been writing. I'm working on a VLOG that I hope to finish soon.
This Vlog will hopefully not only fill you on the plot, but the look and feel I'm going for. In preparation for it, I've been watching and listening to Back To The Future and it's sound track. Although Bobby's Closet could be classified as horror, and does contain monsters, I want it to have that magic that Back To The Future had. Also BTTF had that complex classification. Sure it's a comedy, but there are strong elements of Sci-Fi and suspense. Those last 15 minutes always keep me on the edge of my seat. And boy what a cool ending. Bobby's Closet is also a comedy, with strong elements of sci-fi and horror and adventure that will hopefully keep you on the edge of your seat.
There was that specific feel from a lot of those movies from back then, The Goonies, Close Encounters, Raiders, Ghostbusters, etc. They all had this charm, this essence, this kind of Magic. Movies nowadays are still magical, of course, but back then movies really made me feel like anything was possible. I'm sure it's mainly because I was an impressionable kid, and much of this is about nostalgia. But I think that's what it kind of comes back to. We end up spending much of our adult lives trying to recapture and relive our childhoods. Why? Because I think we miss that feeling we knew before we grew up. That feeling that told us that anything was possible, and magic was real.
I believe that anything is possible. That the happiest, grandest, most magical visions are yet to be experienced. Movies make me feel that way, and I want to make movies that make you feel that way too. That's exactly what I'm going to do with Bobby's Closet.
I'm quite anxious to talk about Bobby's Closet. Many people have messaged me about it. I know I haven't explained too much about the plot, and I'm glad so many of you are curious to know what this feature is about, and what it is I've been writing. I'm working on a VLOG that I hope to finish soon.
This Vlog will hopefully not only fill you on the plot, but the look and feel I'm going for. In preparation for it, I've been watching and listening to Back To The Future and it's sound track. Although Bobby's Closet could be classified as horror, and does contain monsters, I want it to have that magic that Back To The Future had. Also BTTF had that complex classification. Sure it's a comedy, but there are strong elements of Sci-Fi and suspense. Those last 15 minutes always keep me on the edge of my seat. And boy what a cool ending. Bobby's Closet is also a comedy, with strong elements of sci-fi and horror and adventure that will hopefully keep you on the edge of your seat.
There was that specific feel from a lot of those movies from back then, The Goonies, Close Encounters, Raiders, Ghostbusters, etc. They all had this charm, this essence, this kind of Magic. Movies nowadays are still magical, of course, but back then movies really made me feel like anything was possible. I'm sure it's mainly because I was an impressionable kid, and much of this is about nostalgia. But I think that's what it kind of comes back to. We end up spending much of our adult lives trying to recapture and relive our childhoods. Why? Because I think we miss that feeling we knew before we grew up. That feeling that told us that anything was possible, and magic was real.
I believe that anything is possible. That the happiest, grandest, most magical visions are yet to be experienced. Movies make me feel that way, and I want to make movies that make you feel that way too. That's exactly what I'm going to do with Bobby's Closet.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Incident
Nothing to see here. Just me obsessing over LOST. Season 5 ended months ago, and I'm going through withdrawals. I'm posting the cold open and the last scenes, just so I have a place to watch them over and over again, as I search for clues and insight into the enigma that is LOST.
January can't come fast enough, if the season does indeed start up by then.
I don't have the heart to post Juliet's end scene. It's so disturbing to me. I really love Juliet. I swear there better be a decent resolution for her.
January can't come fast enough, if the season does indeed start up by then.
I don't have the heart to post Juliet's end scene. It's so disturbing to me. I really love Juliet. I swear there better be a decent resolution for her.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Back and Forth
I'm secretly a soldier in the Dr. Steel army. Love this song. And Nurse Gen is adorable.
Just wish there were more episodes from this web series, but then again, I'm sure someone else is out there saying the same thing for Monster Cops. Hey, we do what we can with the time and money we've got. When you're a no budget indie, it's always Back and Forth.
DR.STEEL'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Just wish there were more episodes from this web series, but then again, I'm sure someone else is out there saying the same thing for Monster Cops. Hey, we do what we can with the time and money we've got. When you're a no budget indie, it's always Back and Forth.
DR.STEEL'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Trailer Round Up
A few trailers I saw recently that really impressed me.
I love Patton Oswalt. One of my fav Stand Up Comedians, loved him in King Of Queens, loved him in Ratatouille. Here he takes a dramatic turn in a movie with a great concept.
BIG FAN
Ricky Gervais is fucking brilliant.
THE INVENTION OF LYING
What if everyone in the world were Vampires? Great premise, and it just looks amazing.
DAYBREAKERS
I love Patton Oswalt. One of my fav Stand Up Comedians, loved him in King Of Queens, loved him in Ratatouille. Here he takes a dramatic turn in a movie with a great concept.
BIG FAN
Ricky Gervais is fucking brilliant.
THE INVENTION OF LYING
What if everyone in the world were Vampires? Great premise, and it just looks amazing.
DAYBREAKERS
Wisdom
My Wisdom teeth. Never had em taken out. Every few years it seems like they wanna act up and grow, and give me over all pain.
That is what is happening now.
I am finishing up the final draft of Bobby's Closet, I am starting on the business plan, and planning out the full package, working on vlogs for it, and thinking about the official website, all in an effort to create buzz and start raising money to shoot this massive production .... all while I am in agonizing pain.
Ok, not exactly agonizing. When the ibuprofen wears off it's really just a throbbing ache/annoyance. But enough to be distracting. Good thing is, I am so driven to do this project that it's really not stopping me. But it is putting me in a very serious focused state. And also rather grumpy. I already don't want to do anything but work on Bobby's Closet, and now I'm ready to tear into anybody that stands in my way or distracts me. Which I guess is somewhat of a good thing, unless you're in my way and or distracting me.
I've been doing a lot of research as well. Preparing for the full workflow of producing another feature length film. I remember the struggles of working on my first two features. I remember the pains, and I understand much better now, what pains were necessary and what pains could have been avoided. It's the pains you go through that later give you that wisdom. It's that wisdom that I have now that gives me the confidence to do this project. There's a difference between knowing and REALLY knowing. I've been through this process enough times to know what needs to be done. Bobby's Closet will be made, and love it or hate it, the audience will see it.
Here's a video of Harold Ramis talking about Ghostbuster's 3. Not only is there insight into the anticipated sequel, but good old insight in general. There's wisdom in much of his words. Especially when he talks about making something with REAL people, and how some Hollywood movies start to look the same. What I'm trying to do with BOBBY'S CLOSET is to make something real that you can grab on to. To make something that doesn't look or feel like everything else. I'm trying to make something magical, amazing, adventurous, and overall with a true sense of REAL human emotion. Not another fx heavy blur of a project. Something the audience can REALLY connect with.
Thank you Mr. Ramis. Thank you for the Wisdom.
That is what is happening now.
I am finishing up the final draft of Bobby's Closet, I am starting on the business plan, and planning out the full package, working on vlogs for it, and thinking about the official website, all in an effort to create buzz and start raising money to shoot this massive production .... all while I am in agonizing pain.
Ok, not exactly agonizing. When the ibuprofen wears off it's really just a throbbing ache/annoyance. But enough to be distracting. Good thing is, I am so driven to do this project that it's really not stopping me. But it is putting me in a very serious focused state. And also rather grumpy. I already don't want to do anything but work on Bobby's Closet, and now I'm ready to tear into anybody that stands in my way or distracts me. Which I guess is somewhat of a good thing, unless you're in my way and or distracting me.
I've been doing a lot of research as well. Preparing for the full workflow of producing another feature length film. I remember the struggles of working on my first two features. I remember the pains, and I understand much better now, what pains were necessary and what pains could have been avoided. It's the pains you go through that later give you that wisdom. It's that wisdom that I have now that gives me the confidence to do this project. There's a difference between knowing and REALLY knowing. I've been through this process enough times to know what needs to be done. Bobby's Closet will be made, and love it or hate it, the audience will see it.
Here's a video of Harold Ramis talking about Ghostbuster's 3. Not only is there insight into the anticipated sequel, but good old insight in general. There's wisdom in much of his words. Especially when he talks about making something with REAL people, and how some Hollywood movies start to look the same. What I'm trying to do with BOBBY'S CLOSET is to make something real that you can grab on to. To make something that doesn't look or feel like everything else. I'm trying to make something magical, amazing, adventurous, and overall with a true sense of REAL human emotion. Not another fx heavy blur of a project. Something the audience can REALLY connect with.
Thank you Mr. Ramis. Thank you for the Wisdom.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Residue Evil Part 2: THE MONSTER
The third and final ad for the Old Spice Everclear assignment.
Monster created by Richard Gaither. Destroyed by Chris Plouffe. The Monster was played by Darin Chamberlin.
Monster created by Richard Gaither. Destroyed by Chris Plouffe. The Monster was played by Darin Chamberlin.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monster Vs. Cops Cold Open (Rough Cut)
This is the cold open for the next Monster Cops Episode titled MONSTERS Vs. COPS. It's about 5 minutes and is a rough cut, missing some shots, also parts of it will be reshot. The complete episode will be about 20 minutes long.
For more please check out http://monstercops.com
Baby Steps
It does get frustrating when you can see the final result so clearly. I know exactly how to make this movie, how it should sound, look, feel, and how to make you love it. I'm just so anxious to get there. But there are steps that need to be taken, and you can't miss one.
The Script.
Working on a 3rd draft. I have a better understanding of all the plot points and I hope to have a final draft that I'm satisfied with in July.
The Budget.
I have a preliminary budget breakdown. I actually have two. One for 125,000 dollars, and another for 60,000 dollars. This won't be finalized until the script is finalized. This is just an estimation to see how low I can go with a budget and still be able to make something high concept. I did 2 different estimations the 125,000 is what we will aim for, and is a number that will give us plenty of room to maneuver. the 60,000 is the bare minimum, it's the bare essentials to get the movie made, marketed and distributed. Hopefully we can achieve somewhere in between.
The Funding.
This cannot be achieved without the Budget and the Script. But like I said, I hope to have the Script (and therefore the Budget) finalized in July. Then we put together a proposal, a website, some concept art, the cast, and anything else that will help exhibit what this movie is about, and then we can approach people and sponsors for money. I really have no doubts in raising money. It's about being able to show what the movie is about, show that it is something that is worth investing in, and show how the money will be made back. That's what the following is for ...
The Package.
The Package (AKA The Proposal) Is everything we just named above. Everything that can be achieved to display the true passion about this story. To show that this will be a great movie, made by great and talented people, and show how it can and will make money. Once you've got as solid of a package as you can, you can start approaching investors. Which is really all just about numbers.
The Numbers Game.
That's exactly what it is, a numbers game. Approaching as many people as possible about trying to get your movie funded. Now the lower our Budget the less money we have to raise, and the easier it will be to get money back to the investor. And the more investors we approach the more the odds are someone will say yes to writing us a check. I figure you may get 1 out of every 10 people to look at your Proposal. Which means you'll need to approach 100 people just to get 10 interested. Out of that 10 you'll probably only get 4 who will actually write you a check. If we can get those 4 to write us a check for 15,000 each, then we'll have our 60,000, and we're off to the races.
In the end it's about presistence of vision. It is what keeps the movie rolling. And it is what will get our movie rolling. If we don't get the money to make this movie, it will be noone elses fault but my own.
So, off I go to work on the script some more, and then to look at the budget and see what we can cut down, or possibly get for free. If we can find a large indoor location, with power and air that we can use as a makeshift studio, and build a whole set on, that would save us a ton of money. So if anybody in the Winston, Triad, area of NC knows of anything, please let me know.
The Script.
Working on a 3rd draft. I have a better understanding of all the plot points and I hope to have a final draft that I'm satisfied with in July.
The Budget.
I have a preliminary budget breakdown. I actually have two. One for 125,000 dollars, and another for 60,000 dollars. This won't be finalized until the script is finalized. This is just an estimation to see how low I can go with a budget and still be able to make something high concept. I did 2 different estimations the 125,000 is what we will aim for, and is a number that will give us plenty of room to maneuver. the 60,000 is the bare minimum, it's the bare essentials to get the movie made, marketed and distributed. Hopefully we can achieve somewhere in between.
The Funding.
This cannot be achieved without the Budget and the Script. But like I said, I hope to have the Script (and therefore the Budget) finalized in July. Then we put together a proposal, a website, some concept art, the cast, and anything else that will help exhibit what this movie is about, and then we can approach people and sponsors for money. I really have no doubts in raising money. It's about being able to show what the movie is about, show that it is something that is worth investing in, and show how the money will be made back. That's what the following is for ...
The Package.
The Package (AKA The Proposal) Is everything we just named above. Everything that can be achieved to display the true passion about this story. To show that this will be a great movie, made by great and talented people, and show how it can and will make money. Once you've got as solid of a package as you can, you can start approaching investors. Which is really all just about numbers.
The Numbers Game.
That's exactly what it is, a numbers game. Approaching as many people as possible about trying to get your movie funded. Now the lower our Budget the less money we have to raise, and the easier it will be to get money back to the investor. And the more investors we approach the more the odds are someone will say yes to writing us a check. I figure you may get 1 out of every 10 people to look at your Proposal. Which means you'll need to approach 100 people just to get 10 interested. Out of that 10 you'll probably only get 4 who will actually write you a check. If we can get those 4 to write us a check for 15,000 each, then we'll have our 60,000, and we're off to the races.
In the end it's about presistence of vision. It is what keeps the movie rolling. And it is what will get our movie rolling. If we don't get the money to make this movie, it will be noone elses fault but my own.
So, off I go to work on the script some more, and then to look at the budget and see what we can cut down, or possibly get for free. If we can find a large indoor location, with power and air that we can use as a makeshift studio, and build a whole set on, that would save us a ton of money. So if anybody in the Winston, Triad, area of NC knows of anything, please let me know.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Back Lot
Come on help this guy out. He's got charisma.
This is fairly close to some of the same routes we'll be taking when we start fundraising. His budget is way lower than ours. His is $3,500. And I have every confidence he can make that happen. If the script and story is good and he keeps this kind of drive, he'll do it.
Check out this guy on indiegogo http://www.indiegogo.com/thebacklot
As for OUR current estimated budget for the feature, we're pretty much at $100,000. We MIGHT be able to pull it off for $73,000. I'm going through the script right now to see what we can cut or modify to get it back down to about 60 to 50,000. But that's later.
Right now I gotta make sure we're prepped for the reading Saturday, and I need to figure out just how many commercials we'll be shooting in the next few weeks. We probably won't get back to shooting Monster Cops til closer to August, but we will see. And I am still working on getting a new Vlog up for http://monstercops.com as well as getting the first segment done on HHM. I don't know how that project will go now that I'm hip deep in the feature.
This is fairly close to some of the same routes we'll be taking when we start fundraising. His budget is way lower than ours. His is $3,500. And I have every confidence he can make that happen. If the script and story is good and he keeps this kind of drive, he'll do it.
Check out this guy on indiegogo http://www.indiegogo.com/thebacklot
As for OUR current estimated budget for the feature, we're pretty much at $100,000. We MIGHT be able to pull it off for $73,000. I'm going through the script right now to see what we can cut or modify to get it back down to about 60 to 50,000. But that's later.
Right now I gotta make sure we're prepped for the reading Saturday, and I need to figure out just how many commercials we'll be shooting in the next few weeks. We probably won't get back to shooting Monster Cops til closer to August, but we will see. And I am still working on getting a new Vlog up for http://monstercops.com as well as getting the first segment done on HHM. I don't know how that project will go now that I'm hip deep in the feature.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Phantasm II
I love it when fate gives you all the signs you need to keep you going. All I can think about lately is THE MOVIE. The feature film I'm going to shoot next. I keep refining the story over and over, and nothing else can get done (raising money, full casting, concept art) until the script is finished completely. It's almost there, trust me.
But as with all things creative, you do hit those stumbling blocks. Thankfully I've got angels on my side, and they like to throw little bits of inspiration at me to keep me going. This time around it was a video uploaded to YouTube. A video of a trailer for a movie that I used to worship.
I love this trailer. The Phantasm movies were a HUGE influence on me. The first one was very dated, very 70's, and a whole lot of fun. Years later into the 80's Phantasm II would finally arrive. This one was whole lot more fun and a much bigger adventure. Gorey at times, of course, but with plenty of action, and dark humor. I mean you just can't beat Reggie "The Ice Cream Man" Bannister. For me, him and his QUADRUPLE BARREL Shotgun are right up there with Freddy and his Glove, or Ash and his Boomstick.
I really love how this trailer starts off, the text, the voice over, and the end scene is great. I really needed to see this entire trailer to help me understand where I'm going with this script. A few holes needed to be plugged and I think this really did it.
I'm going to watch it again, and get back to writing, so we can get to raising money, and we can get to shooting.
Special thanks to BRINGBACKTHEEIGHTIES for posting this. Please check out his channel on YOUTUBE for more great videos and trailers.
But as with all things creative, you do hit those stumbling blocks. Thankfully I've got angels on my side, and they like to throw little bits of inspiration at me to keep me going. This time around it was a video uploaded to YouTube. A video of a trailer for a movie that I used to worship.
I love this trailer. The Phantasm movies were a HUGE influence on me. The first one was very dated, very 70's, and a whole lot of fun. Years later into the 80's Phantasm II would finally arrive. This one was whole lot more fun and a much bigger adventure. Gorey at times, of course, but with plenty of action, and dark humor. I mean you just can't beat Reggie "The Ice Cream Man" Bannister. For me, him and his QUADRUPLE BARREL Shotgun are right up there with Freddy and his Glove, or Ash and his Boomstick.
I really love how this trailer starts off, the text, the voice over, and the end scene is great. I really needed to see this entire trailer to help me understand where I'm going with this script. A few holes needed to be plugged and I think this really did it.
I'm going to watch it again, and get back to writing, so we can get to raising money, and we can get to shooting.
Special thanks to BRINGBACKTHEEIGHTIES for posting this. Please check out his channel on YOUTUBE for more great videos and trailers.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Old Spice Infomercial
My second ad for Old Spice Ever Clear. I hope to get 2 more done and submitted. Enjoy.
Toy Story 3
So excited. Normally teasers for movies that you're excited about are disappointing, because they show you nothing. That's what they're supposed to do. Show you nothing and get you all excited about something. It's an announcement that it's on the way. But this one was pretty nifty. I love Pixar.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Serenity Fight Scene
Here's the rehearsal fight featuring Bridget Riley, from the the movie SERENITY.
And here's the actual fight featured in the movie featuring Summer Glau.
And here's the actual fight featured in the movie featuring Summer Glau.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Conan gets his ass kicked.
I thought this was nifty. Late night feels a bit better with Conan back. I love that he's on the Universal lot.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
When It's Cooking, It's Cooking.
So happy there are so many production opportunities coming up. At least ones that I feel. Assignments, contests, and video production jobs always come up, but I can't really seem to work on them unless I'm feeling it. This new Old Spice assignment over at Poptent totally hit me, and I had a ton of ideas. First off, they already have a great campaign, with ads featuring Bruce Campbell and Neil Patrick Harris, as well as having a solid comedic tone overall, I knew which way to take this project.
The ad I wrote was actually about 60 seconds long. I assumed when I got into post, I could work the magic and cut it down to the required 30 seconds. No such magic. Sometimes the editing just can't help the script. But I was able to cut together a different kind of commercial using the footage, and use the rest of the script (along with other ideas) to make a couple more ads. I really feel this assignment and hope it ends up paying well, but as always with any assignment or contest, it's about the fun first. If I didn't get an idea that I knew I would enjoy making, then the ideas wouldn't be worth doing. Plus it all adds on to the old portfolio, which will do nothing but help any shot at raising money for the feature film.
Here's the final ad entitled Residue Evil: Part 1 "Happenings". I wanted Brandon to play it like something was haunting him, in this case a generic deodorant the causes white clumps of residue.
This is titled Part 1 because I hope to have a Part 2 and 3 to this Residue Evil saga, basically paying homage to different genre's of Horror films. In this case this is very much a haunting. Wish we would have added in a few more supernatural type moments (Deodorant Floating, Deodorant spelling out DIE on a mirror), but overall I think it's alright. Getting good feedback so far, and in the end I just want to make you laugh, if not chuckle, while learning about the product, which I must say is pretty nifty.
Also got another video opportunity that I'm very excited about, because this one immediately gave me an idea that I'm very excited about doing. Definitely one I hope I can pull off the way I see it in my head. Again, so happy I'm getting assignments that I'm feeling creative wise.
Of course all this dealys Monster Cops for a few weeks, but it's cool. I need to let this episode sit for a while, the script I wrote for it wasn't sitting right with me, and this'll give me sometime to sort it out, as well as possibly get some new gear and guns, and get that giant monster up and ready for it.
Tomorrow, more work on HHM, the new project, work on details for Residue Evil part 2 and 3, work on the feature film. Somewhere in there there is working out and cleaning the house.
The ad I wrote was actually about 60 seconds long. I assumed when I got into post, I could work the magic and cut it down to the required 30 seconds. No such magic. Sometimes the editing just can't help the script. But I was able to cut together a different kind of commercial using the footage, and use the rest of the script (along with other ideas) to make a couple more ads. I really feel this assignment and hope it ends up paying well, but as always with any assignment or contest, it's about the fun first. If I didn't get an idea that I knew I would enjoy making, then the ideas wouldn't be worth doing. Plus it all adds on to the old portfolio, which will do nothing but help any shot at raising money for the feature film.
Here's the final ad entitled Residue Evil: Part 1 "Happenings". I wanted Brandon to play it like something was haunting him, in this case a generic deodorant the causes white clumps of residue.
This is titled Part 1 because I hope to have a Part 2 and 3 to this Residue Evil saga, basically paying homage to different genre's of Horror films. In this case this is very much a haunting. Wish we would have added in a few more supernatural type moments (Deodorant Floating, Deodorant spelling out DIE on a mirror), but overall I think it's alright. Getting good feedback so far, and in the end I just want to make you laugh, if not chuckle, while learning about the product, which I must say is pretty nifty.
Also got another video opportunity that I'm very excited about, because this one immediately gave me an idea that I'm very excited about doing. Definitely one I hope I can pull off the way I see it in my head. Again, so happy I'm getting assignments that I'm feeling creative wise.
Of course all this dealys Monster Cops for a few weeks, but it's cool. I need to let this episode sit for a while, the script I wrote for it wasn't sitting right with me, and this'll give me sometime to sort it out, as well as possibly get some new gear and guns, and get that giant monster up and ready for it.
Tomorrow, more work on HHM, the new project, work on details for Residue Evil part 2 and 3, work on the feature film. Somewhere in there there is working out and cleaning the house.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
80,000 dollars
I'm working out the budget for the next feature film I plan on shooting, and I've whittled it down to about 80 grand. Originally it was at 500,000. Then I cut it down to 350,000.
But due toe certain events in the past week, I was inspired and remembered a few old tricks that would allow me to cut the budget down even further. 80,000 is where I'm at now. Minimal cast (sorta), just enough crew. FX heavy, of course, but that's not a problem for me and some of the folks I know. Jesus, look at what we've done with no money.
So a full fledged effort is underway to raise the money, that started tonight. Looking good so far, in that no one has said no. Granted no one has said yes yet, but we'll work on that. It'll be easier once the script, budget, business plan, cast, crew, and website are all completed. It's Thursday June 11th, and I'm aiming to have the money and be in production by October, if not before the end of the year. A bit ambitious, yes, but this one's got a good vibe to it. If anything we'll be shooting by next spring. I hope to have the full script, budget, business plan, and website in 2 months.
This particular movie is completely separate from Monster Cops. Different feel (sorta), different style. Monster Cops is documentary style and I'm very much married to that particular feel for each episode/short/movie. I'm prepping a script and budget for a new Monster Cops feature film, but it is estimated at 500,000 to 350,000 dollars. Low budget yes, but still alot of money.
This new flick is more of a cinematic style, a full fledged feature film. Estimated at 80,000 dollars, still alot of money, but 80,000 seems alot more possible to raise then 500,000. We shall see. I don't like talking about scripts before they're completed, but I will say that this movie is like (allow me to reference some of my fav movies and tv shows) a combination of Arrested Development, Evil Dead, Weird Science, and The Shawshank Redemption.
Got started on the first Old Spice Commercial tonight. Most of the dialogue and inserts are done. Now we've got to get the monster ready, and then it's all about filling in the action shots. It's going to be alot to cram into a 30 second spot. I'm anxious to edit it all together. Matter of fact I'm loading footage now, and will edit the first bit of it tonight. I've got 2 more to complete, and possibly even a 4th and 5th.
Also did some work on my coveted HHM project. Haven't really told anyone about it. I'll have this particular video and website out for everyone to peruse well before Halloween, most likely in August, preferably in July. Can't wait to get the full project out for people to see.
But due toe certain events in the past week, I was inspired and remembered a few old tricks that would allow me to cut the budget down even further. 80,000 is where I'm at now. Minimal cast (sorta), just enough crew. FX heavy, of course, but that's not a problem for me and some of the folks I know. Jesus, look at what we've done with no money.
So a full fledged effort is underway to raise the money, that started tonight. Looking good so far, in that no one has said no. Granted no one has said yes yet, but we'll work on that. It'll be easier once the script, budget, business plan, cast, crew, and website are all completed. It's Thursday June 11th, and I'm aiming to have the money and be in production by October, if not before the end of the year. A bit ambitious, yes, but this one's got a good vibe to it. If anything we'll be shooting by next spring. I hope to have the full script, budget, business plan, and website in 2 months.
This particular movie is completely separate from Monster Cops. Different feel (sorta), different style. Monster Cops is documentary style and I'm very much married to that particular feel for each episode/short/movie. I'm prepping a script and budget for a new Monster Cops feature film, but it is estimated at 500,000 to 350,000 dollars. Low budget yes, but still alot of money.
This new flick is more of a cinematic style, a full fledged feature film. Estimated at 80,000 dollars, still alot of money, but 80,000 seems alot more possible to raise then 500,000. We shall see. I don't like talking about scripts before they're completed, but I will say that this movie is like (allow me to reference some of my fav movies and tv shows) a combination of Arrested Development, Evil Dead, Weird Science, and The Shawshank Redemption.
Got started on the first Old Spice Commercial tonight. Most of the dialogue and inserts are done. Now we've got to get the monster ready, and then it's all about filling in the action shots. It's going to be alot to cram into a 30 second spot. I'm anxious to edit it all together. Matter of fact I'm loading footage now, and will edit the first bit of it tonight. I've got 2 more to complete, and possibly even a 4th and 5th.
Also did some work on my coveted HHM project. Haven't really told anyone about it. I'll have this particular video and website out for everyone to peruse well before Halloween, most likely in August, preferably in July. Can't wait to get the full project out for people to see.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
MC VLog Zombie Day May 16th
The great Zombie shoot we had on May 16th and all it's gory glory. http://monstercops.com
Fighting
I hate how the weather sometimes puts me in this daze, like I don't want to do anything. MUST FIGHT IT!
I'm going to work out a bit to wake me up. Then eat something. Then we'll see how I feel. But TONIGHT I Must:
- Upload new vlog to Vimeo and Facebook.
- Update Monstercops.com accordingly.
- Make major headway on HHM.
- Work on MONSTER COPS MOVIE script.
- Work on Best Buy Ad.
Somehow, if I blog about it, it makes it more official and perhaps I'll actually get it all done.
Let's see how far I get. As usual, this will probably spill over into Thursday.
I'm going to work out a bit to wake me up. Then eat something. Then we'll see how I feel. But TONIGHT I Must:
- Upload new vlog to Vimeo and Facebook.
- Update Monstercops.com accordingly.
- Make major headway on HHM.
- Work on MONSTER COPS MOVIE script.
- Work on Best Buy Ad.
Somehow, if I blog about it, it makes it more official and perhaps I'll actually get it all done.
Let's see how far I get. As usual, this will probably spill over into Thursday.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Nesquik Happy Place
Conceived, Shot, Produced, and Performed by Chris Plouffe and Brandon White. Edited by Patrick A. Prejusa. This video is not in anyway actually associated with Nesquik.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
$70 Zombie Movie winning audiences
This is how you do it. Congrats to the filmmakers. Show em how it's done.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/05/21/Colin/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/05/21/Colin/index.html
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Something Amazing
Inching my way towards a complete episode. The last one (Shadow Company) I really loved, but I need more horror. More Monsters, more Cops, and definitely an AHA moment. To borrow a phrase from Oprah. The AHA moment which I also call the Two Cathedral's moment. Two Cathedral's is the name of one of my favorite West Wing episodes. The end of that episode was very much an AHA moment, or more like a WOW moment.
That's what I want in this episode. I do indeed want to continue to make episodes and webisodes, and we will, even for no money. But I want this to be a final example of what I'm aiming for. I want this episode to really hit a home run. And what is that home run exactly? You should be wowed by what is accomplished with such a low (no) budget. And when the end titles hit you should say to yourself "Wow, that was amazing."
The deal with no budget means you are at the mercy of everyone's schedule as well as every part of life that you can't solve with a bit of money. If we had a budget, of course, we could pay everyone and buy things we need, as opposed to wonder about people's schedules and rig something together. Don't get me wrong, it's a blast to create from nothing, I do love it. But the thrill of doing something from nothing does at times collide with the storytelling process. I know what I want story wise, but I can't just make it happen with no money. I have to take a look at what I've got, can get, or might get, and write around it. Which means the end of this episode may not be exactly what I envisioned.
It's a compromise I've written about before. Writing around what you've got. Yes we are a talented group. Yes we can make alot happen. But we are still at the mercy of how reality evolves your creation. Alot of it is planned, but much of it is planned improvisation. Which often does alter that Wow moment. But you do your best and forget the rest.
Stress is a part of the problem. I've had to explain to someone recently, who didn't fully understand this process. They ask, Why was it so hard? Why couldn't I just get it done? Like all of creation, it takes time. I envy the sculptor who has only a rock and a chisel, or even clay and their hands. As a no budget moviemaker it's way more than that. I'm not just the director and writer, two jobs that require full attention. Besides that I have to be the production manager, the fx supervisor, the casting director, the editor, the mixer, the costumer, the caterer, the transportation, the prop builder, the composer, the marketer, the pr, the light designer, web master, PA, AD, DP, DOA, SOS, NWA and the list goes on. All of it with no money, and on a limited schedule.
I do indeed have people who help me. Thankfully every once in a while I will have someone else who can worry about the make up, squibs, fx. Everyone on set is always willing to help carry something, hold something, move something. You know who you are and I thank you. And as much of a big help that is, there are still many hats on my head. It's stressful, it's insane, and it'll make you wanna pull your hair out, have you seen my head?
So why do I do it. Because I believe in that WOW moment. I believe I can hit that home run. I believe I can make more than one person say "Wow, that was amazing." And in the end that's all I really want, just to show you something amazing.
We need more amazing in the world.
Zombie Day
WANTED: ZOMBIES
WHEN: Saturday May 16th at 6:00pm
WHERE: Northwoods Stables, Winston Salem, NC.
DIRECTIONS: Google Maps this address
Northwoods Stables
5225 Murray Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Looking for anyone and everyone to play a zombie. We'll put you in make up. But if you wanna come dressed and ready to go, even better.
Wear something you don't mind getting messed up, you may be getting bloody and falling to the ground since we're going to kill most of you.
This will be used in Monster Cops Episodes and Webisodes.
Monster Cops is an Action/Comedy/Horror/Web/Short Film Series about a secret goverment agency dedicated to killing monsters. For more info on Monster Cops check out the official site http://monstercops.com
For more info visit:
http://www.monstercops.com/page.php?page=ZOMBIE_DAY
Any questions feel free to contact Patrick A. Prejusa at pumpkinking13@msn.com
WHEN: Saturday May 16th at 6:00pm
WHERE: Northwoods Stables, Winston Salem, NC.
DIRECTIONS: Google Maps this address
Northwoods Stables
5225 Murray Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Looking for anyone and everyone to play a zombie. We'll put you in make up. But if you wanna come dressed and ready to go, even better.
Wear something you don't mind getting messed up, you may be getting bloody and falling to the ground since we're going to kill most of you.
This will be used in Monster Cops Episodes and Webisodes.
Monster Cops is an Action/Comedy/Horror/Web/Short Film Series about a secret goverment agency dedicated to killing monsters. For more info on Monster Cops check out the official site http://monstercops.com
For more info visit:
http://www.monstercops.com/page.php?page=ZOMBIE_DAY
Any questions feel free to contact Patrick A. Prejusa at pumpkinking13@msn.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hail
Dream Dictionary Hail:
Hail:
A series of misfortunes lie ahead that could place your present goals in jeopardy. Look to the other symbols in the dream to judge which goals they are, or how to avert the misfortunes and save your projects.
Source: Astrocenter, http://astrocenter.astrology.msn.com/msn/DreamDictionary.aspx
Dream Interpretation
Hail, hailstorm
Hailstorms in the dreams are always a sign of dissatisfaction or a warning about family disputes or material losses. If you got caught in a hailstorm, disputes with your relatives, family members or people around you are inevitable. Observing a hailstorm from a distance signifies material losses in the near future or separation.
Source: Dream-Land, http://www.dream-land.info
Christian Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Hail
Hail: Soldiers of Christ; wonders; power; judgment that can only come from God; wrath; glory; chastening; to have a barrage of something hit one as an onslaught of something that can be distressing. (Is. 28:17; Hag. 2:17; Rev. 8:7; Ps. 18:12; 147:17; Job 38:22)
Currently listening to VAN HALEN - "When It's love."
Hail:
A series of misfortunes lie ahead that could place your present goals in jeopardy. Look to the other symbols in the dream to judge which goals they are, or how to avert the misfortunes and save your projects.
Source: Astrocenter, http://astrocenter.astrology.msn.com/msn/DreamDictionary.aspx
Dream Interpretation
Hail, hailstorm
Hailstorms in the dreams are always a sign of dissatisfaction or a warning about family disputes or material losses. If you got caught in a hailstorm, disputes with your relatives, family members or people around you are inevitable. Observing a hailstorm from a distance signifies material losses in the near future or separation.
Source: Dream-Land, http://www.dream-land.info
Christian Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Hail
Hail: Soldiers of Christ; wonders; power; judgment that can only come from God; wrath; glory; chastening; to have a barrage of something hit one as an onslaught of something that can be distressing. (Is. 28:17; Hag. 2:17; Rev. 8:7; Ps. 18:12; 147:17; Job 38:22)
Currently listening to VAN HALEN - "When It's love."
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Mark and Stephanie
They got married yesterday, and I missed it. I am so sad Juli and I couldn't be there. I know you guys wanted us to, it just wasn't in the cards. All that aside, we are so happy for you guys.
That pic was taken in our old apartment, which I miss. I really loved that apartment.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Shinken
"You're not taking this very seriously are you? Otherwise you would be much further along than you are. You'd be closer to your goals."
Ya know, it's the same shit everywhere.
We've got to do something different.
Ya know, it's the same shit everywhere.
We've got to do something different.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Monster Cops HorrorFest Screening
MONSTER COPS: SHADOW COMPANY
Screening at StarFest/HorrorFest
Sunday
April 19th
11:00 am
Denver Colorado
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Monster Notes
Some examples of what I've seen that closely resemble what I have in my head. This ones for you Richard.
Mind you, if we could pull it all off for no money, then great. Later in the year we should try to build something as big as these things.
This is pretty close to what I had in mind. Bulk wise.
Amazing. Huge. If we could pull this off, great, but I think we understand the logistics of the materials we have. Perhaps later in the year.
The height of this one is very impressive.
The Lava Rock Monster
And of course the Stone Golem.
Now I'm just posting for the heck of it.
Mind you, if we could pull it all off for no money, then great. Later in the year we should try to build something as big as these things.
This is pretty close to what I had in mind. Bulk wise.
Amazing. Huge. If we could pull this off, great, but I think we understand the logistics of the materials we have. Perhaps later in the year.
The height of this one is very impressive.
The Lava Rock Monster
And of course the Stone Golem.
Now I'm just posting for the heck of it.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
An amazing sunset Wednesday. I was driving when the sun caught me. It looked particularly spectacular that day. Driving towards it, as it went down, over the hill, the trees in the distance framing it. No one else was on the road, and it felt like this amazing spectacle was being performed only for me. It was quite literally breathtaking.
An amazing full moon tonight. Songs Of Love and Devotion, blaring. Music I hadn't really, REALLY listened to in over a decade. I turned it up as I drove, put the windows down, sped through the dark of night, watching the fullest moon I'd seen in a while dancing through the branches along this dark country road. It made me remember things I needed to remember.Someone's fire place is a blaze, and it almost smells and feels like fall going into winter.
Exactly what I needed. What a great week so far.
Michelle, my dear, I got your email. I miss you dearly, and I am so very happy you and Mike are pregnant again. I'll email you as soon as I can.
An amazing full moon tonight. Songs Of Love and Devotion, blaring. Music I hadn't really, REALLY listened to in over a decade. I turned it up as I drove, put the windows down, sped through the dark of night, watching the fullest moon I'd seen in a while dancing through the branches along this dark country road. It made me remember things I needed to remember.Someone's fire place is a blaze, and it almost smells and feels like fall going into winter.
Exactly what I needed. What a great week so far.
Michelle, my dear, I got your email. I miss you dearly, and I am so very happy you and Mike are pregnant again. I'll email you as soon as I can.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I hate this day, but I love this movie
Just realized this is the same post I made last year. Thus a tradition was born.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Back In The Saddle
Writing the next Monster Cops episode. Or I should say re-writing. Cuz there is no such thing as writing, only re-writing.
Back in the saddle, trying to condense my 45 minute concept into 20 minutes, while trying to put in just the right amount of action, horror, monsters, and comedy. So here I go. I'm going to spend the next 30 minutes trying to edit down the 17 pages I've already got down. Hopefully in 30 minutes I will have 10 pages, or better yet 8.
Starting .... NOW
Ok so I successfully cut it down to 8. And I even had time to eat a bowl of cereal.
Yay me. Now I have to sleep and see if I can complete this tomorrow. Also still gotta work on Flappy Dog, Vlogs, and the Business Plan since I will seriously be raising money and approaching sponsors for Monster Cops.
Back in the saddle, trying to condense my 45 minute concept into 20 minutes, while trying to put in just the right amount of action, horror, monsters, and comedy. So here I go. I'm going to spend the next 30 minutes trying to edit down the 17 pages I've already got down. Hopefully in 30 minutes I will have 10 pages, or better yet 8.
Starting .... NOW
Ok so I successfully cut it down to 8. And I even had time to eat a bowl of cereal.
Yay me. Now I have to sleep and see if I can complete this tomorrow. Also still gotta work on Flappy Dog, Vlogs, and the Business Plan since I will seriously be raising money and approaching sponsors for Monster Cops.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Difficult Is Necessary
It's not traditionally worth it if there isn't a bit of a struggle. Ya wanna get to the next floor, well you're going to have to take the steps. And it shouldn't matter how out of breath you think you'll be when you get there, just get there. If that is indeed where you wanted to go.
I know it seems impossible at times, but I've learned to embrace the seemingly impossible. If you can do that then you can do anything. What you resist persists, and what you look at disappears. If you can look it in the eye, then it's not going to be a problem. Just another step in the direction where you're trying to go.
It's a struggle right now, sort of. Some would call it that. I call it a step. It's easy to look past all the dramatics of the so called struggle, when you know where it is you're trying to get to. I can see it. I could always see it. Sure I've lost my path at times, but I always knew where I was, and how to get back on track. Not once have I ever faltered in keeping my eyes on the prize. I know the direction. I'll get there.
Right now my biggest supposed struggle is time. More time to work. More time to create. More time to do the things I need to do to get where I need to be. This week has been a big struggle with it. But I know what to do. The first step is to realize that everything that is occurring is in my control. If I don't have enough time, it's because I'm not spending it wisely. I have let it get out of control. Yes there have been events out of my control, but it all comes down to what you do have control over, and that's how you react to those events out of your control.
It's about action as much as it is about reaction. You act to set things in motion, but if things get out of hand, then it becomes about how you react to it. I've reacted poorly this week, and because of that a lot of time has been wasted. It all goes hand in hand. Time management and the discipline of action/reaction. I have to master how to control my reactions, especially when you are reacting to surprise and spontaneity.
Remembering that we all get the same amount of time helps. We all get 24 hours in a day. It's all about how you spend it. Every second counts. They add up to minutes, that add up to hours, that add up to days. It's obvious yes, but it's so obvious that we often forget and we let time slip away. We let those wasted days build into weeks, then months, that add up to years in a life spent wondering where all that time went and how your goals and dreams slipped away. Don't let it happen.
Managing your time and the actions/reactions you make in that time is a discipline indeed. And if it's difficult, good. If you're out of breath doing it all and getting to that goal, it'll be worth it. Better to get through that struggle and be a bit out of breath then out of time.
I know it seems impossible at times, but I've learned to embrace the seemingly impossible. If you can do that then you can do anything. What you resist persists, and what you look at disappears. If you can look it in the eye, then it's not going to be a problem. Just another step in the direction where you're trying to go.
It's a struggle right now, sort of. Some would call it that. I call it a step. It's easy to look past all the dramatics of the so called struggle, when you know where it is you're trying to get to. I can see it. I could always see it. Sure I've lost my path at times, but I always knew where I was, and how to get back on track. Not once have I ever faltered in keeping my eyes on the prize. I know the direction. I'll get there.
Right now my biggest supposed struggle is time. More time to work. More time to create. More time to do the things I need to do to get where I need to be. This week has been a big struggle with it. But I know what to do. The first step is to realize that everything that is occurring is in my control. If I don't have enough time, it's because I'm not spending it wisely. I have let it get out of control. Yes there have been events out of my control, but it all comes down to what you do have control over, and that's how you react to those events out of your control.
It's about action as much as it is about reaction. You act to set things in motion, but if things get out of hand, then it becomes about how you react to it. I've reacted poorly this week, and because of that a lot of time has been wasted. It all goes hand in hand. Time management and the discipline of action/reaction. I have to master how to control my reactions, especially when you are reacting to surprise and spontaneity.
Remembering that we all get the same amount of time helps. We all get 24 hours in a day. It's all about how you spend it. Every second counts. They add up to minutes, that add up to hours, that add up to days. It's obvious yes, but it's so obvious that we often forget and we let time slip away. We let those wasted days build into weeks, then months, that add up to years in a life spent wondering where all that time went and how your goals and dreams slipped away. Don't let it happen.
Managing your time and the actions/reactions you make in that time is a discipline indeed. And if it's difficult, good. If you're out of breath doing it all and getting to that goal, it'll be worth it. Better to get through that struggle and be a bit out of breath then out of time.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Horror Film Festival Round Up 2009 part 1
Because more than one person asked. Here is a list of just a few Horror themed film fests coming up that you can and should submit to.
In order of Deadline. Entry fees listed are either earlybird or regular dealine for short films only, so check the sites themselves for any later deadlines and fees for feature length or otherwise.
And to further help your fest entries, you've got to sign up at
http://withoutabox.com
I think I may have gone crazy submitting to all those fests with out the help of Withoutabox.com. And it comes with great perks too. If you submit through Withoutabox you may be eligible for an IMDB page.
Spooky Movie: The Washington, D.C. International Horror Film Festival
April 17th
Short Film
$25.00
http://www.thespookymovie.com/
Dear friends of Monster Cops. And I'm not just saying that because they helped get Monster Cops screened several times in a few different venues. They are very indie friendly.
TERROR FILM FESTIVAL
April 21st
Short Film
$40.00
http://www.terrorfilmfestival.net/
TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL
April 24th
Short Films
$30.00
http://torontoafterdark.com/2009/
FANTASTIC FEST
May 6th
Short Films
20.00
http://www.fantasticfest.com/
FREAKSHOW FILM FEST
May 15th
Short Film
$35.00
http://freakshowfilmfest.com/
International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival
May 22nd
Short Film
$40.00
http://www.horrorscifi.com/
CHICAGO HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
July 1st
Short Film
$25.00
http://www.chicagohorrorfest.com/
THE NEW YORK CITY HORROR FILM
September 15th
Short Film
$30.00
http://www.nychorrorfest.com/
Again these are just a few. I can't reiterate the importance of signing up on Withoutabox.com DO IT!!!!
In order of Deadline. Entry fees listed are either earlybird or regular dealine for short films only, so check the sites themselves for any later deadlines and fees for feature length or otherwise.
And to further help your fest entries, you've got to sign up at
http://withoutabox.com
I think I may have gone crazy submitting to all those fests with out the help of Withoutabox.com. And it comes with great perks too. If you submit through Withoutabox you may be eligible for an IMDB page.
Spooky Movie: The Washington, D.C. International Horror Film Festival
April 17th
Short Film
$25.00
http://www.thespookymovie.com/
Dear friends of Monster Cops. And I'm not just saying that because they helped get Monster Cops screened several times in a few different venues. They are very indie friendly.
TERROR FILM FESTIVAL
April 21st
Short Film
$40.00
http://www.terrorfilmfestival.net/
TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL
April 24th
Short Films
$30.00
http://torontoafterdark.com/2009/
FANTASTIC FEST
May 6th
Short Films
20.00
http://www.fantasticfest.com/
FREAKSHOW FILM FEST
May 15th
Short Film
$35.00
http://freakshowfilmfest.com/
International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival
May 22nd
Short Film
$40.00
http://www.horrorscifi.com/
CHICAGO HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
July 1st
Short Film
$25.00
http://www.chicagohorrorfest.com/
THE NEW YORK CITY HORROR FILM
September 15th
Short Film
$30.00
http://www.nychorrorfest.com/
Again these are just a few. I can't reiterate the importance of signing up on Withoutabox.com DO IT!!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Context
In the end it's how everyone sees the bigger picture. So you've got that going for ya. But there's nothing wrong with trying to build a masterpiece out of tiny masterpieces. It's a headache, but hey, if it's what you gotta do then go for it.
Remember, there is nothing without the first step, and the first step is thought. Then thought on paper, and action guided by the written thought. Everything else will fall into place, even those little nit picky things you can't seem to stop nit picking over.
I mean you honestly usually end up doing what you said you were going to do in the first place. So just keep doing that.
Remember, there is nothing without the first step, and the first step is thought. Then thought on paper, and action guided by the written thought. Everything else will fall into place, even those little nit picky things you can't seem to stop nit picking over.
I mean you honestly usually end up doing what you said you were going to do in the first place. So just keep doing that.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
It's Raining In Indian Wells
These are the times that try men's souls. But hey, when is it not. Interesting week, tiring week, A very funny week. It's the stuff comedies are made of.
I haven't had time to workout, not getting enough sleep, not getting a refund, we've gotta pay taxes instead, just got our medical bill and it's HUGE (that's what she said). But it is not without a few revelations and insights. I'll keep that close to the vest. What's a roller coaster ride if there ain't no ups and downs, right?
As for the taxes bit, that's due to my earnings from my video work last year. Because of that, I'm rather proud to pay. Means I was making a decent living doing what I love and I refuse to feel bad about that. I see it as a great sign, and has inspired a whole new tutorial on the ins and outs of being a video/movie maker.
Main idea, save all your receipts. Anything and everything you've had to pay for to help you make your product, I don't care if it's paper clips or your camera. Save those receipts. It'll help you later if you end up making a good chunk of money from your production. The more receipts you can itemize, the better chances you'll get a decent return.
My problem last year is that I got entirely too good at making videos for nothing. I had no receipts for anything because I didn't need anything to make the product. The only thing I needed was my computer. The computer I was using at the time I had for about 6 years, and I did not have the receipt for it. I now have a new computer and you bet your ass I have the receipt for it.
All the productions that I've worked on that will make money this year, I have the receipts for, all organized according to which production and what it was used for. I bought fur for a Werewolf, receipt saved. I bought a hard drive to hold footage, receipt saved. Anything and everything used for production, video tape, microphones, pizza, beverages, extensions cord, hand cuffs, hookers, blow. You name it, I saved for it. (That last bit was a joke, by the way.)
Other updates:
- Added some of my music to patrickprejusa.com
- Bluray is the work of the Devil.
- Updated the about section at monstercops.com
- Working on my Flappy Dog commercial.
- Planning a huge Zombie Shoot. HUGE (that's what she said)
- I need to stop saying and typing "that's what she said." But it's so hard. (that's what she said)
- Monster Cops: Shadow Company will be screening at Horror Fest in Denver, Colorado in April. Yay!!!!
I haven't had time to workout, not getting enough sleep, not getting a refund, we've gotta pay taxes instead, just got our medical bill and it's HUGE (that's what she said). But it is not without a few revelations and insights. I'll keep that close to the vest. What's a roller coaster ride if there ain't no ups and downs, right?
As for the taxes bit, that's due to my earnings from my video work last year. Because of that, I'm rather proud to pay. Means I was making a decent living doing what I love and I refuse to feel bad about that. I see it as a great sign, and has inspired a whole new tutorial on the ins and outs of being a video/movie maker.
Main idea, save all your receipts. Anything and everything you've had to pay for to help you make your product, I don't care if it's paper clips or your camera. Save those receipts. It'll help you later if you end up making a good chunk of money from your production. The more receipts you can itemize, the better chances you'll get a decent return.
My problem last year is that I got entirely too good at making videos for nothing. I had no receipts for anything because I didn't need anything to make the product. The only thing I needed was my computer. The computer I was using at the time I had for about 6 years, and I did not have the receipt for it. I now have a new computer and you bet your ass I have the receipt for it.
All the productions that I've worked on that will make money this year, I have the receipts for, all organized according to which production and what it was used for. I bought fur for a Werewolf, receipt saved. I bought a hard drive to hold footage, receipt saved. Anything and everything used for production, video tape, microphones, pizza, beverages, extensions cord, hand cuffs, hookers, blow. You name it, I saved for it. (That last bit was a joke, by the way.)
Other updates:
- Added some of my music to patrickprejusa.com
- Bluray is the work of the Devil.
- Updated the about section at monstercops.com
- Working on my Flappy Dog commercial.
- Planning a huge Zombie Shoot. HUGE (that's what she said)
- I need to stop saying and typing "that's what she said." But it's so hard. (that's what she said)
- Monster Cops: Shadow Company will be screening at Horror Fest in Denver, Colorado in April. Yay!!!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Try
Going to bed here in a bit, but I wanted to note a few things.
- Great shoot Sat. night. Definitely need to do it again, this time with more zombies.
- I get better ideas when I keep with the workout, physical activity is very much connected to brain function.
- I have 3 VLOGS coming up. When I will finish them, no one knows.
- I think I'm almost done with rewrites. Had kind of a revelation. Kinda.
- I remember the motivating question, "Why aren't you trying your very best." And I ask myself that often.
- Good night.
- Great shoot Sat. night. Definitely need to do it again, this time with more zombies.
- I get better ideas when I keep with the workout, physical activity is very much connected to brain function.
- I have 3 VLOGS coming up. When I will finish them, no one knows.
- I think I'm almost done with rewrites. Had kind of a revelation. Kinda.
- I remember the motivating question, "Why aren't you trying your very best." And I ask myself that often.
- Good night.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Zombie Night, Again.
You can never have too many zombies.
Gearing up for the shoot tonight over at Northwoods Stable. Going to shoot zombies, literally. Working on the current 23 minute episode MONSTER COPS: ZOMBIES and I realize we just don't have enough zombies heads being popped with bullets. So tonight is going to be all about the blood squibs.
Gotta pack up the gear, load up all the props, pick some munchies and drinks, and then head out the the stables, where hopefully we'll have some decent zombie carnage. And then hopefully get it all done in less than 3 hours, because I still have a ton of other stuff to do tonight as well.
Thank God for clear weather Saturdays. Let's hope we have more of em.
More later.
Gearing up for the shoot tonight over at Northwoods Stable. Going to shoot zombies, literally. Working on the current 23 minute episode MONSTER COPS: ZOMBIES and I realize we just don't have enough zombies heads being popped with bullets. So tonight is going to be all about the blood squibs.
Gotta pack up the gear, load up all the props, pick some munchies and drinks, and then head out the the stables, where hopefully we'll have some decent zombie carnage. And then hopefully get it all done in less than 3 hours, because I still have a ton of other stuff to do tonight as well.
Thank God for clear weather Saturdays. Let's hope we have more of em.
More later.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Jerry Dandrige is a Vampire
Trying to sort out all these details is kicking my ass. No shoot tomorrow. I really need to take the next two days to do rewrites. Saturday looks clear weather wise so I need to take advantage of it and shoot exteriors. I need to call some folks about interior locations. I need zombie extras. I need to settle all the zombie props and costumes as well as make sure I've got squibs and fx ready to go. And I still have the several other video assignments and projects that need attention.
I need to settle down and relax for a bit, then I'll have a better perspective on things. So I will go cook something nice, and then watch something to calm me down. A Nightmare On Elm Street perhaps. This movie always makes me feel at home. Elm Street, Real Genius, and Fright Night. Yes, I'm from the 80's.
But which shall I choose.
Hmmm. Ya know, I just got back my Fright Night DVD's from a friend who borrowed them for an extended period of time (no hard feelings John, really.) So I will now enjoy Fright Night.
They just don't make em like that anymore, but gimme time I'm working on it. ;)
I need to settle down and relax for a bit, then I'll have a better perspective on things. So I will go cook something nice, and then watch something to calm me down. A Nightmare On Elm Street perhaps. This movie always makes me feel at home. Elm Street, Real Genius, and Fright Night. Yes, I'm from the 80's.
But which shall I choose.
Hmmm. Ya know, I just got back my Fright Night DVD's from a friend who borrowed them for an extended period of time (no hard feelings John, really.) So I will now enjoy Fright Night.
They just don't make em like that anymore, but gimme time I'm working on it. ;)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Building a Zombie
Yes, cool title. OMG! Patrick are you about to post a blog about how you're building a ZOMBIE!? Are you about to reveal all the steps that come with putting together a zombie mask/costume, utilizing cheap or free items? Kinda like you did with the MKX gun. A gun made out of bottles!!! And now this dude is gonna show us this neat Zombie Thing he made out of chewing gum, duct tape, and some old CD's. WOW!!!!
Yeah, that's not happening.
Not quite there yet. I am literally at the beginning stages of my zombie mask and I still don't even know if it's going to work. Been planning it all day (and all of last year) and I'm just now putting together the steps to put it all together. I don't even know what to call it. A mask/head piece/costume/mumu? I dunno.
I'll let you know how it's going.
Other than that:
Today I:
- Got up in the early morn to video the winter wonderland that is NC.
- Went to work for a few hours, then closed early.
- Slipped on ice.
- Spent way too much on groceries.
- Made dinner.
And now I have to:
- Continue work on the zombie head thing.
- Gotta write Monster Cops pages.
- Burn more DVD's for a client.
- Workout.
- Think about a VLOG.
- Claim land for spain.
- Check out Fallon's first night.
Yeah, that's not happening.
Not quite there yet. I am literally at the beginning stages of my zombie mask and I still don't even know if it's going to work. Been planning it all day (and all of last year) and I'm just now putting together the steps to put it all together. I don't even know what to call it. A mask/head piece/costume/mumu? I dunno.
I'll let you know how it's going.
Other than that:
Today I:
- Got up in the early morn to video the winter wonderland that is NC.
- Went to work for a few hours, then closed early.
- Slipped on ice.
- Spent way too much on groceries.
- Made dinner.
And now I have to:
- Continue work on the zombie head thing.
- Gotta write Monster Cops pages.
- Burn more DVD's for a client.
- Workout.
- Think about a VLOG.
- Claim land for spain.
- Check out Fallon's first night.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Late Night With Conan O'brien
I have totally missed Conan's last week. But thankfully I've been able to catch up with it on HULU.com.
I remember the very first episode of Late Night without David Letterman with a then unknown Conan. I remember how odd it felt not having Johnny Carson around, Leno taking over, Letterman leaving for CBS, and Late Night being hosted by some guy named Conan I had never even heard of before. It was like my world was being rearranged. I had grown up with the late night schedule of Carson then Letterman. Seeing it change in such a weird way was just mind blowing. Conan eventually became my favorite in late night.
I have my reservations about Jimmy Fallon. I think he has great potential, for both greatness and for mediocrity. He's made me laugh so many times in the past, but just as many times he's displayed an irritating immaturity to his craft. The last few years of SNL were filled with flubbed lines and breaking character. Nothing was more annoying than a Jimmy Fallon / Horatio Sanz sketch. You knew they were going to screw it up some how. I can only hope that we can see the great side of Jimmy Fallon on Late Night. If Timberlake can make a surprise appearance and they can do The Barry Gibb Talk Show, then I'll be alright with it.
I am going to miss Conan in New York. Had this specific feel to it that was quite classy. New York feels different from L.A. But then again The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson had this classy feel to it. With Conan taking over, maybe we can finally get rid of that cheesy mediocre atmosphere from Leno's Tonight Show, and bring it back to something substantial, and actually funny.
Here's a segment from Late Night with Conan that I absolutely love. It had me in tears. Let's hope The Tonight Show will be as good if not better. I'm sure it will.
EDIT: (March 2nd) Just got done watching the entire last episode of Late Night with Conan. I nearly teared up at the end with everything Conan had to say. Really felt it. And now there is no doubt that The Tonight Show will be amazing.
----------------
Now playing: Hans Zimmer - The Might of Rome
via FoxyTunes
I remember the very first episode of Late Night without David Letterman with a then unknown Conan. I remember how odd it felt not having Johnny Carson around, Leno taking over, Letterman leaving for CBS, and Late Night being hosted by some guy named Conan I had never even heard of before. It was like my world was being rearranged. I had grown up with the late night schedule of Carson then Letterman. Seeing it change in such a weird way was just mind blowing. Conan eventually became my favorite in late night.
I have my reservations about Jimmy Fallon. I think he has great potential, for both greatness and for mediocrity. He's made me laugh so many times in the past, but just as many times he's displayed an irritating immaturity to his craft. The last few years of SNL were filled with flubbed lines and breaking character. Nothing was more annoying than a Jimmy Fallon / Horatio Sanz sketch. You knew they were going to screw it up some how. I can only hope that we can see the great side of Jimmy Fallon on Late Night. If Timberlake can make a surprise appearance and they can do The Barry Gibb Talk Show, then I'll be alright with it.
I am going to miss Conan in New York. Had this specific feel to it that was quite classy. New York feels different from L.A. But then again The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson had this classy feel to it. With Conan taking over, maybe we can finally get rid of that cheesy mediocre atmosphere from Leno's Tonight Show, and bring it back to something substantial, and actually funny.
Here's a segment from Late Night with Conan that I absolutely love. It had me in tears. Let's hope The Tonight Show will be as good if not better. I'm sure it will.
EDIT: (March 2nd) Just got done watching the entire last episode of Late Night with Conan. I nearly teared up at the end with everything Conan had to say. Really felt it. And now there is no doubt that The Tonight Show will be amazing.
----------------
Now playing: Hans Zimmer - The Might of Rome
via FoxyTunes
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monster Cops: Tree Hugger
Yet another short webisode for Monstercops.com This time Bryce "encounters" a tree. 3 min 35 sec.
The footage of Bryce (Mark Tabije) was shot years ago on a night a certain special fx guy did not show up. We improvised a few scenes instead. The footage of Cutter and Windows (me and Chris Plouffe) was shot just last week. Really trying to combine both Texas and North Carolina casts. Alot of what Mark did was improv'd with a little bit of directing from me. For the most part this is all do to Mark just being a really funny guy. I also like the way Chris says "He has good form."
Coming up. More short Webisodes but this time it would be nice to actually include a few MONSTERS to go with our comical cops. Wouldn't you agree?
The footage of Bryce (Mark Tabije) was shot years ago on a night a certain special fx guy did not show up. We improvised a few scenes instead. The footage of Cutter and Windows (me and Chris Plouffe) was shot just last week. Really trying to combine both Texas and North Carolina casts. Alot of what Mark did was improv'd with a little bit of directing from me. For the most part this is all do to Mark just being a really funny guy. I also like the way Chris says "He has good form."
Coming up. More short Webisodes but this time it would be nice to actually include a few MONSTERS to go with our comical cops. Wouldn't you agree?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The love is gone
There is no more spark. The gas has run out. I've got no drive for it.
Today I was going to work on my second Callaway Golf Ad for Poptent. But I just don't see it happening. I had it in my head and it seemed like a great idea, but I'm just not feeling it anymore. I never want to work on anything I'm not 100 percent into. I've worked on so much crap in the past and projects that didn't stimulate me, that I'm at a point now where if I don't feel it, then I don't do it. Even if it is for paying jobs. If my only motivation is the paycheck then it's really not worth it to me.
Money comes and goes, and yes these are "tough times" apparently, but I'm not so strapped for cash that I'll just do anything creatively despite how I feel about it. I've passed up plenty of projects in the last few years, paying projects, simply because my heart just wasn't into it. A certain monster movie comes to mind. A few years back, very wealthy man who was into this particular monster, wanted to hire me to shoot his script about said monster. Getting paid to direct is always the goal for me, but not when the script is this bad. Try watching Meatballs and Aliens back to back in reverse, while listening to a Toby Keith album and you'll get the basic feel of this script.
It's why I stopped doing weddings and depositions. Weddings are lovely, but to shoot one is such a pain. Dealing with carzy Brides and Moms, haggling with the photographer for the best spot, and then having to relive the entire thing over and over in editing. Depositions are worse, because it's just point and shoot for long drawn out dialogue about mind numbing details. Depositions are almost as bad as shooting a catholic wedding. Long and boring. Very much like watching Titanic, in reverse, with the sound off. (I don't know where I'm going with these "watching in reverse" references, just bare with me.)
So I try to choose to work on things that I am passionate about. I've got a few VLOGS that I'd like to produce. I've got Tadcast, Jim Beam, and Stella Artois submissions to think about, as well as the usual Poptent Assignments. But right now, I just want to work on Monster Cops.
I'm quite happy with the great feedback I've been getting for the vids being posted so far, so I'm anxious to get a ton more shorts/webisodes up. And I'm anxious to get the next 4 10 to 20 minute episodes up and out to venues and fests.
There is one particular webisode I want to do, but it sorta breaks my rules. I'm very big on originality. Meaning everything I make, I make. I shoot it, I cut it, and I compose all the music. Sure we'll pay an homage to something, make references, and borrow classic comedy bits, but for the most part the material is original, especially the music. I always cringe when I watch video contest submissions where the rules strictly prohibit the use of copyrighted material and there's a video using music from The Dark Knight or Pirates Of The Caribbean. I make my own music and I never want to use anyone else music unless I can pay for it.
Now if you're doing a spoof or a vlog where you're not making any money off it, then I think it's perfectly fine and falls under Fair Use. But for shorts trying to compete or make money, it's a big no no. With that said, I have this great idea for a Monster Cops webisode that features a very popular copyrighted song. I want to see it happen so badly I'm considering actually producing it. Sure YouTube may take it down, and we may not be able to sell it on the DVD, but it's just one of those things that's just gotta be done. At least it'll be online for folks to see. It should survive Vimeo, Metacafe, and Myspace and you'll definitely be able to see it at Monstercops.com.
I shall ponder this some more. Gonna go work on a Monster Cops Short and check on my pot roast, then I think I shall get on the recumbent bike. LOL. Recumbent. I dunno why that word makes me laugh.
----------------
Now playing: Craig Armstrong - PM's Love Theme -Craig Armstrong
via FoxyTunes
Today I was going to work on my second Callaway Golf Ad for Poptent. But I just don't see it happening. I had it in my head and it seemed like a great idea, but I'm just not feeling it anymore. I never want to work on anything I'm not 100 percent into. I've worked on so much crap in the past and projects that didn't stimulate me, that I'm at a point now where if I don't feel it, then I don't do it. Even if it is for paying jobs. If my only motivation is the paycheck then it's really not worth it to me.
Money comes and goes, and yes these are "tough times" apparently, but I'm not so strapped for cash that I'll just do anything creatively despite how I feel about it. I've passed up plenty of projects in the last few years, paying projects, simply because my heart just wasn't into it. A certain monster movie comes to mind. A few years back, very wealthy man who was into this particular monster, wanted to hire me to shoot his script about said monster. Getting paid to direct is always the goal for me, but not when the script is this bad. Try watching Meatballs and Aliens back to back in reverse, while listening to a Toby Keith album and you'll get the basic feel of this script.
It's why I stopped doing weddings and depositions. Weddings are lovely, but to shoot one is such a pain. Dealing with carzy Brides and Moms, haggling with the photographer for the best spot, and then having to relive the entire thing over and over in editing. Depositions are worse, because it's just point and shoot for long drawn out dialogue about mind numbing details. Depositions are almost as bad as shooting a catholic wedding. Long and boring. Very much like watching Titanic, in reverse, with the sound off. (I don't know where I'm going with these "watching in reverse" references, just bare with me.)
So I try to choose to work on things that I am passionate about. I've got a few VLOGS that I'd like to produce. I've got Tadcast, Jim Beam, and Stella Artois submissions to think about, as well as the usual Poptent Assignments. But right now, I just want to work on Monster Cops.
I'm quite happy with the great feedback I've been getting for the vids being posted so far, so I'm anxious to get a ton more shorts/webisodes up. And I'm anxious to get the next 4 10 to 20 minute episodes up and out to venues and fests.
There is one particular webisode I want to do, but it sorta breaks my rules. I'm very big on originality. Meaning everything I make, I make. I shoot it, I cut it, and I compose all the music. Sure we'll pay an homage to something, make references, and borrow classic comedy bits, but for the most part the material is original, especially the music. I always cringe when I watch video contest submissions where the rules strictly prohibit the use of copyrighted material and there's a video using music from The Dark Knight or Pirates Of The Caribbean. I make my own music and I never want to use anyone else music unless I can pay for it.
Now if you're doing a spoof or a vlog where you're not making any money off it, then I think it's perfectly fine and falls under Fair Use. But for shorts trying to compete or make money, it's a big no no. With that said, I have this great idea for a Monster Cops webisode that features a very popular copyrighted song. I want to see it happen so badly I'm considering actually producing it. Sure YouTube may take it down, and we may not be able to sell it on the DVD, but it's just one of those things that's just gotta be done. At least it'll be online for folks to see. It should survive Vimeo, Metacafe, and Myspace and you'll definitely be able to see it at Monstercops.com.
I shall ponder this some more. Gonna go work on a Monster Cops Short and check on my pot roast, then I think I shall get on the recumbent bike. LOL. Recumbent. I dunno why that word makes me laugh.
----------------
Now playing: Craig Armstrong - PM's Love Theme -Craig Armstrong
via FoxyTunes
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monster Cops: Phone Call
Monster Cops Short. 1 min. 47 sec. A conversation about killing monsters is interrupted by a phone call. Patrick A. Prejusa, Brandon White, Chris Plouffe, and Danielle Motley.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Let the midnight special shine a light on me
The signs are everywhere and I can't ignore them. I've been reminded full force of things from the past and it gives me clarity when working on the future.
Credence Clearwater Revival's classic song "Midnight Special". I listened to it constantly when working on the first Monster Cops script, The Midnight Special.
It was this song and 2 others.
Whodini's Classic of Hip-Hop "The Freaks Come Out at Night"
And the one that really inspired me when working on Monster Cops (and still does to this day): The Hollies classic "Long Cool Woman"
It's these three songs I had put on a repeat over and over the entire time I worked on The Midnight Special. To me these songs captures a strong part of the spirit that is Monster Cops. CCR's Midnight Special had that down home rock and blues tone that you really don't associate too much with horror and monsters. Which is why I found it well suited for Monster Cops. It was the feel of how the Cops operated while under the strain of hunting creatures. Cool and groovy, a tone you wouldn't put with hammering stakes in to Vampire hearts. That's the tone of Monster Cops.
The Freaks Come Out at Night was a song that felt right over images of patrol cars looking for, well, freaks. Cops on patrol, investigating strange situations hunting zombies and ghouls. Like driving through neighborhood streets on Halloween Night, seeing costumed creatures roaming around. Plus it was an old school song that did remind me of that Halloween feel, only because it would always end up on someones Halloween music mixtape along with Thriller, The Halloween Theme, and Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes.
And finally Long Cool Woman was always a favorite of mine. Definitely my fav song from The Hollies and in my top 10 of classic rock songs. This song always felt like great background narration for some undercover cop closing in for the arrest, or DEA agents on a bust. Desipte what it's lyrics may define it as, to me this was the action theme for Monster Cops. The bouncy rock rhythm and feel of CCR's Midnight Special but with a harder edge and faster pace. Rock and Blues for Cops on the move, and that's Monster Cops. Burnt out and blue on the job, cracking jokes about the bust, and all the while the Vampires burn and the Zombie heads explode.
Odd, strange, quirky, funny, and thrilling with monsters and guns thrown in.
All this means that I'm nowhere near done with Monster Cops. There is that specific feel and vision I'm going for and I feel like if I can really nail it, it will really be something great. Not that I wasn't already aiming for that, it's just tonight has been very motivating, and a little inspiring.
Still have many many other videos to work on of course. The video work never goes away, but I do hope to get on the ball with Monster Cops and get as much of my vision out there as possible, more shorts, more episodes, much, much more Monster Cops.
Credence Clearwater Revival's classic song "Midnight Special". I listened to it constantly when working on the first Monster Cops script, The Midnight Special.
It was this song and 2 others.
Whodini's Classic of Hip-Hop "The Freaks Come Out at Night"
And the one that really inspired me when working on Monster Cops (and still does to this day): The Hollies classic "Long Cool Woman"
It's these three songs I had put on a repeat over and over the entire time I worked on The Midnight Special. To me these songs captures a strong part of the spirit that is Monster Cops. CCR's Midnight Special had that down home rock and blues tone that you really don't associate too much with horror and monsters. Which is why I found it well suited for Monster Cops. It was the feel of how the Cops operated while under the strain of hunting creatures. Cool and groovy, a tone you wouldn't put with hammering stakes in to Vampire hearts. That's the tone of Monster Cops.
The Freaks Come Out at Night was a song that felt right over images of patrol cars looking for, well, freaks. Cops on patrol, investigating strange situations hunting zombies and ghouls. Like driving through neighborhood streets on Halloween Night, seeing costumed creatures roaming around. Plus it was an old school song that did remind me of that Halloween feel, only because it would always end up on someones Halloween music mixtape along with Thriller, The Halloween Theme, and Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes.
And finally Long Cool Woman was always a favorite of mine. Definitely my fav song from The Hollies and in my top 10 of classic rock songs. This song always felt like great background narration for some undercover cop closing in for the arrest, or DEA agents on a bust. Desipte what it's lyrics may define it as, to me this was the action theme for Monster Cops. The bouncy rock rhythm and feel of CCR's Midnight Special but with a harder edge and faster pace. Rock and Blues for Cops on the move, and that's Monster Cops. Burnt out and blue on the job, cracking jokes about the bust, and all the while the Vampires burn and the Zombie heads explode.
Odd, strange, quirky, funny, and thrilling with monsters and guns thrown in.
All this means that I'm nowhere near done with Monster Cops. There is that specific feel and vision I'm going for and I feel like if I can really nail it, it will really be something great. Not that I wasn't already aiming for that, it's just tonight has been very motivating, and a little inspiring.
Still have many many other videos to work on of course. The video work never goes away, but I do hope to get on the ball with Monster Cops and get as much of my vision out there as possible, more shorts, more episodes, much, much more Monster Cops.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Ryan Started The Fire
I love The Office and Billy Joel. So this fan made video was definitely up my alley.
Thanks to @rainnwilson for the tweet.
Thanks to @rainnwilson for the tweet.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
I was going to try to put together 3 minutes worth of Archangel to submit to Bigstar.tv anyhow. I've been trying to upload it all day. It keeps giving me an error message.
I'm entirely too sick to deal with it. My ear is stopped up, my nose is runny, I've got a sinus headache and a cough.
No Bigstar contest this month. Or any month as long as my comp and their uploads don't agree with eachother. Not gonna make that midnight deadline.
I'm going to bed.
I'm entirely too sick to deal with it. My ear is stopped up, my nose is runny, I've got a sinus headache and a cough.
No Bigstar contest this month. Or any month as long as my comp and their uploads don't agree with eachother. Not gonna make that midnight deadline.
I'm going to bed.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Putting It All Together
I've been busting my ass trying to submit to as many Video Contests and Assignments as possible. I was pretty successful last year making videos for XLNTADS/Poptent, as well as Metacafe, and ExpoTV. So far this year I've submitted and got Honorable Mention for the Acer Aspire One Netbook Contest. Finished and submitted my ad for Callaway Golf Diablo Promo. Currently I'm working on another Callaway Golf Ad and thinking about Tadcast.
I was working on submitting my Archangel action trailer to Bigstar.TV's Action Short Contest, but it's due this Saturday and I'm a minute short. So I won't be making that one happen.
My apologies to Chris Plouffe. He's been a major supporter of my work and he's lent us the use of his office so many times. The last time we shot we ended up breaking his window. We were going to fix it, but apparently it wasn't fast enough for the owners. They've told him to move out by next week. Chris, I am immensely sorry we got you kicked out of your office. Indie Movies successfully destroys yet another location. Again, so sorry Chris. I feel bad about it.
I am working on those contests above as well as others. Also writing a couple of shorts and working out a possible feature. And as usual, I've been working on my baby, MONSTER COPS.
The main goal as it stands is to just keep producing as many shorts (5 minutes of less) and episodes (10 minutes or more) posting them at monstercops.com, and just continue to get the word out about it as I try to get my vision for it produced. I feel strongly about it, and if I had the right budget I know I could produce an amazing feature film out of it AND get it distributed.
I've got the entire process and agenda mapped out on how to produce, distribute, and market a feature film for less than $400,000 and make the money back. So lemme just pull that out of my ass and we can get to work on it. But seriously, I know it's a rough economic landscape right now, but I also know I still see alot of people out there still spending money. Perhaps raising money for an indie film may not seem feasible, but I know it's possible. But all I can do right now is work on making monstercops.com as great as I possibly can. Keep producing good material, getting it out in front of people, and hoping that people like what they see and will want more. Like old Harry Anderson use to say:
So that's where I'm at right now. Working the day job, working on making more videos for money, and working on Monster Cops. So far so good.
Here's the semi-new intro for Monster Cops. It's actually the old vid recut to include some new shots and old clips from The Midnight Special. To me it's a little bit closer to what I see Monster Cops as. Action, Horror, RealityTV, mixed with Comedy. I'm hoping to achieve more and more of those things with each short and episode.
I was working on submitting my Archangel action trailer to Bigstar.TV's Action Short Contest, but it's due this Saturday and I'm a minute short. So I won't be making that one happen.
My apologies to Chris Plouffe. He's been a major supporter of my work and he's lent us the use of his office so many times. The last time we shot we ended up breaking his window. We were going to fix it, but apparently it wasn't fast enough for the owners. They've told him to move out by next week. Chris, I am immensely sorry we got you kicked out of your office. Indie Movies successfully destroys yet another location. Again, so sorry Chris. I feel bad about it.
I am working on those contests above as well as others. Also writing a couple of shorts and working out a possible feature. And as usual, I've been working on my baby, MONSTER COPS.
The main goal as it stands is to just keep producing as many shorts (5 minutes of less) and episodes (10 minutes or more) posting them at monstercops.com, and just continue to get the word out about it as I try to get my vision for it produced. I feel strongly about it, and if I had the right budget I know I could produce an amazing feature film out of it AND get it distributed.
I've got the entire process and agenda mapped out on how to produce, distribute, and market a feature film for less than $400,000 and make the money back. So lemme just pull that out of my ass and we can get to work on it. But seriously, I know it's a rough economic landscape right now, but I also know I still see alot of people out there still spending money. Perhaps raising money for an indie film may not seem feasible, but I know it's possible. But all I can do right now is work on making monstercops.com as great as I possibly can. Keep producing good material, getting it out in front of people, and hoping that people like what they see and will want more. Like old Harry Anderson use to say:
If you give em a good enough show, the people will be more than happy to pay the price of admission.
So that's where I'm at right now. Working the day job, working on making more videos for money, and working on Monster Cops. So far so good.
Here's the semi-new intro for Monster Cops. It's actually the old vid recut to include some new shots and old clips from The Midnight Special. To me it's a little bit closer to what I see Monster Cops as. Action, Horror, RealityTV, mixed with Comedy. I'm hoping to achieve more and more of those things with each short and episode.
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