I have a rather larger to do list for the rest of the year. I've done this before, and I'm familiar with the drill. As much as I would love to get all of the projects done on my list before the end of the year, I know it's just not possible. We're almost into December. We'll have the weather to contend with soon. Most of my stuff is exteriors, and we don't have a studio at our disposal.
I know we're most likely going to be delayed on everything. Redd will most likely be finished by March. Monster Cops will probably not have a new episode til after New Years. And Bobby's Closet will probably be pushed to late summer, most likely because of problems with fund raising. And the sad part isn't not finding the funds to raise, it's having time to actually make the effort. Life just catches up to you and rearranges your schedule.
But this doesn't mean I won't try to get the list done. I've had some practice at this, and it all comes down to anticipating problems, and planning for the worst. We may only get one production day a week through January, which means I have to work to get each and everyday as productive as possible.
Yes this all changes if I can raise some money, get some studio space, and free up my work schedule. But no funds will be raised if I don't put together proof I can produce something truly cinematic to go with our killer business plan, and I'm having a heck of a time doing that since my work schedule and lack of studio space prevents me, which would be easy to remedy if we only had the money, which would be easier to get if I can .... yadda, yadda, yadda.
It's a vicious circle, and I could spend all day whining about it and how I'm trying my best.
John Mason: Are you sure you're ready for this?
Stanley Goodspeed: I'll do my best.
John Mason: Your "best"! Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and fuck the prom queen.
- The Rock (1996)
Point is, I know what I'm capable of, I know I can create something absolutely amazing (could I be any more impressed with myself?). I'm confident I can raise the money to make Bobby's Closet (and possibly even a feature length REDD.) But I've never been one to wait for someone else to give me the opportunity. I'm use to making my own opportunities. And even though someone might write me a check to get the studio space, pay the cast and crew, and make a cinematic masterpiece. Part of me likes the no budget low end.
Maybe I'm a masochistic. Maybe I'm addicted to movie-making poverty.
I think mainly I wanna make it on my own steam. And not just make it, but make it big. Not make it big as in some big studio gives me a big distribution deal. I mean I make something truly great, distribute and market it myself, and reap huge benefits from it. Millions of dollars from an indie movie with a low budget, enough to pay everyone that needs to be paid, raise a hell of alot of money for Cancer Charities, and have enough left over to make another one, and so on and so on. All with no permission from any studio of any kind.
I know I talk about it all the time, but it's completely possible. It's all in the business plan for Bobby's Closet. Go on ASK ME FOR A COPY! It's in there. The means to market and distribute are all available for anyone with a movie to sell. You don't need a distributor if you've got sites like Create Space or Filmbaby.
Marketing is all word of mouth. If you make a great product and get it in front of people through YouTube, festival screenings, even downloaded for free through torrent sites, then they'll be willing to put up the money to get a copy for themselves. And that's the key. Make something so good, that even though people steal a copy, they'll want to pay for it. Like the great Harry Anderson always said,
"If you put on a good enough show, they'll be more than happy to pay the price of admission."
The word spreads like wild fire, through YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. It's gotta be that good that people talk about it. The best advertising is word of mouth. If you've got the right amount of money you can supplement all that with a few print ads in the right cities, some TV time, pay per click ads on Yahoo and Google.
But you gotta make that amazing piece of cinema. You've got to create the product first.
And like I said, I'm not one to wait for someone to give me the opportunity. Part of me doesn't want the money (this is Patrick's sensible side, no no, he really does want the money). Part of me wants to see how far I can take this no-budget thing. I think we've done some pretty good things with no money. Fake guns shoot real with visual fx software, I made a book of the dead out of duct tape, built a Werewolf out of cardboard, created guns with orange juice bottles. Part of me wants to know what else I can do with no money and few production days.
The money makes it easier to create the magic, but easy isn't where the creativity is.
Yes, the money will give me the freedom from the day job, so I can have the time. But what can I do with what I've got. No money, minimum time, a decent camera, and a computer to edit on. How far can I take it? How big can I make it?
And I'm not talking about a Blair Witch or a Paranormal Activity. Yes those were great concepts and executions with documentary style formats. I'm talking HUGE. Cinematic. Can I make Gone With The Wind with no budget? Can I make something as good as a Hollywood Blockbuster or better with my crappy tripod and some duck tape.
You wanna know what I did this week? I built a camera crane out of cardboard tubes, an old tripod, and duck tape. SERIOUSLY! One thing I know I needed for REDD was big sweeping cinematic shots. I need a crane for that. So I made one with stuff I already had, it literally only cost me 6 bucks for the extra duck tape.
Those videos and tutorials are everywhere. Indy Mogul, Film Riot, and videos all over YouTube have people making expensive movie gear that would normally cost thousands, and they're doing it for hundreds and less. Dolly's, cranes, steadicams, etc.
But I want to go even further. I have to ask the question, "has anybody made a truly great cinematic experience that is completely mind blowing with DIY (Do It Yourself) gear. Can I make the Matrix or Die Hard or Pirates Of The Caribbean with DIY equipment. YES! I think I can.
I don't think I've ever truly tested myself. I don't think I've pushed myself hard enough. I don't think I've truly seen how far I can go or how big I can make this. And I think it's time I put my money where my mouth is. Someone told me once that I was truly driven in my goals of being a movie maker. I don't think I'm driven enough. I don't think I'm trying hard enough.
Don't give me any money, don't give me any people, but give me freedom, and I'll give you a movie that looks gigantic.
- Robert Rodriguez
And that's what I'm going to do. If you're reading this and you wanna give me money, great. I'll take it and I'll make something absolutely amazing that will make a bunch of money. But even if you don't, I'm going to do it anyway. And I'm going to do it with cardboard, duck tape, my trusty camera and computer and the few days a week I've got. I'm going to try harder. No wait, ya know, I think I've actually been trying too hard. I'm not going to try anymore. I'm just gonna do it.
Do or do not... there is no try.
- Yoda
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"It's all part of the plan"
;) Because it still seems like you don't completely get it yet.
Indie Movie Explodes on BitTorrent, Makers Bless Piracy
Today's Big Question: What Do You Give Away for Free?
Distribute Your Movie Yourself
Create and distribute your film or video
Using Social Networking to Market Your Film
Indy Mogul
Film Riot
Filmmaker IQ
Kevin Smith - Great Filmmaking Advice
In guerrilla warfare, you try to use your weaknesses as strengths. If they're big and you're small, then you're mobile and they're slow. You're hidden and they're exposed. Only fight battles you know you can win. That's the way the Vietcong did it. You capture their weapons and you use them against them the next time. That way they're supplying you. You grow stronger as they grow weaker.
- Brill "Enemy Of The State"
Friday, November 6, 2009
Remember, Remember the 5th of November
First off I wanna say how horrified I am at the events that have taken place at Fort Hood. It kinda hit home with me being from Texas and having family in the military. Thankfully I didn't have any family there today, but I do have friends there and I'm glad to say they're just fine. Still, I'm praying for all of our troops and their family and friends who are affected. It's hard enough what our troops have to go through over seas, it's even harder when something like this happens at on home soil, by the hand of who you thought was your fellow soldier.
It does help put things in perspective. Anytime, any place, anything could happen. In a New York minute, everything could change, so the song goes. It makes me thankful for what I've got and that I'm still breathing.
I'm not a soldier at war, or a cop on the streets. I'm not homeless. I don't live in a dangerous war torn region, or a place prone to horrible typhoons or powerful tornadoes. I've got all my limbs, a functioning brain, an amazing wife and family and friends that care and support me. I could bitch about the money I don't have, or how I can't do this or that because I don't have this or that. Instead I'd like to focus on how lucky I am, and what an amazing opportunity I have to do something amazing and create something great, simply because I'm alive, and I can do so with what I've got.
I'm alive and breathing. That's all I need to make something truly great happen. For me that great thing is that same great thing I've always dreamed and worked for, to make movies. To tell stories with images. And as cheesy as it sounds, to help inspire a bit of love, laughter, and wonder, to help maybe reduce the negativity that fuels atrocities like the one that occurred today at Fort Hood.
And I'm trying. Trying to take those steps toward making something great, something fun, something to take you out of your everyday, and put you in a place that will hopefully help give you that release from your so called reality.
It's a bit of a Fairy Tale I'm working on. I've posted before about this re-working I'm doing on the Red Riding Hood story. It's an action, horror, adventure, version with Red Riding Hood as the heroine. It's called REDD. That's April in costume holding a gun.
As soon as Halloween had past we dove right into it. Tuesday and Wednesday turned out to be quite productive. This past Tuesday I met with two of the actresses. April Crum will be playing the title character REDD, and Ashley Angelo will be playing one of the baddies. Immediately got through there costumes and set them on some fight choreography which they picked up quickly. Special thanks to April's Mom for being there to help me wrangle the girls and keep things organized.
Wednesday was a run through of the previous days fight scene, this time at the new location. A gorgeous stable and woods location compliments of Sterling and John Bollinger.
This was where I was able to get some test shots and figure out our lighting situation. Most of what I had envisioned was during the day, but scheduling is only really allowing shoots after dark, no thanks in part to the time change. Hey, whatcha gonna do?
Also got a look at Chris in his new Ninja outfit. Yes, this short will feature Ninja type warriors as well as Werewolves, Vampires, and Zombies.
Here's the first bit of test footage. April Crum in costume walking through the forest. Color grading and compositing with Sony Vegas. Going for that dream like feel, as if she was walking through a painting. Played with the score a bit as well with some help from ProScores and Acid.
Another test cut, trying out some visual fx in low light. April was lit with a single light. Cut again on Sony Vegas, Scored with ProScores and Fruity Loops, Gun flashes from Detonation Films. Use them for all your explosion/gun flash needs http://www.detonationfilms.com/
It's clear that in order to capture the look I'm aiming for at night, we'll need about 8 lights around 500 watts, as opposed to the 4 or 5 I was thinking. This is mainly because I really need to light the background. I want the forest setting to be somewhat of a character as well, especially at night.
We're going to have to fight to get those daylight shots. There are alot of scenes in golden daylight at dusk, especially the big Lycan Battle. Speaking of Lycan's Richard Gaither is helping out with the Werewolf FX, I'm currently putting one together. I'm confident we can really achieve the giant hulking beasts I see in my head.
The entire plan here is not only to really create something spectacular for no money, but to hopefully help display what we can do on a cinematic level, and not just on a guerrilla/documentary style shoot like Monster Cops. Hopefully this will help get more traction in funding my feature, Bobby's Closet. Overall I'm just anxious to show what kind of cinematic style movie magic we can achieve with our talent and the resources we have.
And now here's the final cut of Archangel. Submitted this one to the Assassin's Creed II Video Contest. Quite fond of the editing and audio mix I did on this one.
Would like to have done more on it, more fights, more action, but I'd rather have this mock trailer wrapped so we can concentrate on working on Monster Cops and making REDD as great as humanly possible. Hopefully we can include a final cut of Redd to go with the Monster Cops series 1 DVD next year, which will of course be used to help raise money for Cancer Charity.
It does help put things in perspective. Anytime, any place, anything could happen. In a New York minute, everything could change, so the song goes. It makes me thankful for what I've got and that I'm still breathing.
I'm not a soldier at war, or a cop on the streets. I'm not homeless. I don't live in a dangerous war torn region, or a place prone to horrible typhoons or powerful tornadoes. I've got all my limbs, a functioning brain, an amazing wife and family and friends that care and support me. I could bitch about the money I don't have, or how I can't do this or that because I don't have this or that. Instead I'd like to focus on how lucky I am, and what an amazing opportunity I have to do something amazing and create something great, simply because I'm alive, and I can do so with what I've got.
I'm alive and breathing. That's all I need to make something truly great happen. For me that great thing is that same great thing I've always dreamed and worked for, to make movies. To tell stories with images. And as cheesy as it sounds, to help inspire a bit of love, laughter, and wonder, to help maybe reduce the negativity that fuels atrocities like the one that occurred today at Fort Hood.
And I'm trying. Trying to take those steps toward making something great, something fun, something to take you out of your everyday, and put you in a place that will hopefully help give you that release from your so called reality.
It's a bit of a Fairy Tale I'm working on. I've posted before about this re-working I'm doing on the Red Riding Hood story. It's an action, horror, adventure, version with Red Riding Hood as the heroine. It's called REDD. That's April in costume holding a gun.
As soon as Halloween had past we dove right into it. Tuesday and Wednesday turned out to be quite productive. This past Tuesday I met with two of the actresses. April Crum will be playing the title character REDD, and Ashley Angelo will be playing one of the baddies. Immediately got through there costumes and set them on some fight choreography which they picked up quickly. Special thanks to April's Mom for being there to help me wrangle the girls and keep things organized.
Also got a look at Chris in his new Ninja outfit. Yes, this short will feature Ninja type warriors as well as Werewolves, Vampires, and Zombies.
Here's the first bit of test footage. April Crum in costume walking through the forest. Color grading and compositing with Sony Vegas. Going for that dream like feel, as if she was walking through a painting. Played with the score a bit as well with some help from ProScores and Acid.
Another test cut, trying out some visual fx in low light. April was lit with a single light. Cut again on Sony Vegas, Scored with ProScores and Fruity Loops, Gun flashes from Detonation Films. Use them for all your explosion/gun flash needs http://www.detonationfilms.com/
It's clear that in order to capture the look I'm aiming for at night, we'll need about 8 lights around 500 watts, as opposed to the 4 or 5 I was thinking. This is mainly because I really need to light the background. I want the forest setting to be somewhat of a character as well, especially at night.
We're going to have to fight to get those daylight shots. There are alot of scenes in golden daylight at dusk, especially the big Lycan Battle. Speaking of Lycan's Richard Gaither is helping out with the Werewolf FX, I'm currently putting one together. I'm confident we can really achieve the giant hulking beasts I see in my head.
The entire plan here is not only to really create something spectacular for no money, but to hopefully help display what we can do on a cinematic level, and not just on a guerrilla/documentary style shoot like Monster Cops. Hopefully this will help get more traction in funding my feature, Bobby's Closet. Overall I'm just anxious to show what kind of cinematic style movie magic we can achieve with our talent and the resources we have.
And now here's the final cut of Archangel. Submitted this one to the Assassin's Creed II Video Contest. Quite fond of the editing and audio mix I did on this one.
Would like to have done more on it, more fights, more action, but I'd rather have this mock trailer wrapped so we can concentrate on working on Monster Cops and making REDD as great as humanly possible. Hopefully we can include a final cut of Redd to go with the Monster Cops series 1 DVD next year, which will of course be used to help raise money for Cancer Charity.
Monday, November 2, 2009
From The Ashes
An amazing site. A ship built from the steel from the Word Trade Center, sailed into New York today. Beautiful.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Scary, but not the end
Halloween. Headache. The Kitchen. A Greek Moment. Poltergeist. A Priest. Thinking of the future. Regretting the past. Working to make things better. Supernatural. Not seeing Drag Me To Hell. Chris bought a Ninja outfit. Hot Cofee. Hot Shower. Cold air. It rained all day. Fingers crossed for Assassin's Creed. Day off, thank God. Crazy flaming candle. 13 Scarier Moments. TAPS. Chicken legs. Bread and Butter. Antioxidants. Jennifer. Ashley. Ghosts. Roger Rabbit. Your latest thought. Creative Visualization. There is no spoon.
You have to do better. You make your own future. No one else.
YOU make your own future.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
You have to do better. You make your own future. No one else.
YOU make your own future.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Big Picture
Seeing the sun shine through golden Autumn leaves. Feeling that cool crisp air. Holding hands with the woman you love. Walking through the park. Picking out pumpkins. Sipping apple cider. Just sitting in a car next to your beautiful wife and hearing that perfect song come on to help narrate that perfect moment. These were just some of the moments I experienced that added up to one great amazing day.
It really was a beautiful day. Some gorgeous fall foliage, the trees surrounding our house covered in light golds, dark browns, and dark greens. The lowering sun hitting it all just right. Not too warm, not too cold. Perfect day to get a few shots of Fall on the video camera. Something really amazing about seeing the leaves fall in Autumn. It's almost as wondrous as watching it snow in Winter.
Hit the local pumpkin patch. I love pumpkins and what's more I love seeing huge rows of pumpkins. The pumpkins were a bit pricey so we decided to wait and buy a couple later at the store. Strolled through the park for a bit. Gorgeous lake out there, saw the ducks swim, and tried to find what must've been an invisible teleporting frog. I swear I would hear it next to me, I'd look down, it would stop, then start up in another area.
Got some dinner, headed to the store to get groceries and pick a few pumpkins. The entire time listening to a nice little mix of modern pop hits and horror movie scores (we're odd like that.) At one point Harry Connick Jr. was on then the theme from Friday The 13th, which was particularily funny to hear driving through the huge wooded areas of the park. Went home, carved pumpkins, while watching Halloween and drinking apple cider. Then finished off season 4 of Supernatural then watched Ghosthunters.
Doesn't sound too adventurous, no. But when you're with the right person, everything can be a wonderful romantic adventure. And that's how it is with me and Juli. The simplest things can become amazing moments simply because you're with that special someone. Geez I could write for Hallmark.
It's fairly similar to making movies. You create those little moments that add up to one big picture that tells a story. Today our story is one of love and romance and sharing loving moments. It was about enjoying what great things Fall has to offer, and savoring those great things. I can only hope I can accomplish the same thing as a movie maker. Create wonderful moments that the audience can savor, and pushes them toward a bigger picture and compelling story.
I'm anxious to really get going on RED. Or rather REDD. This little Red Riding Hood re-do is still in limbo as far as how I want to title it. Samantics.
Already got the ball rolling on casting, costume, and special fx. I'm anxious to get going on test shots, which we will be doing next week, along with starting on fight choreohgraphy. Already done with the score. Here's a taste:
Created with Pro Scores, Acid, and Fruity Loops. I hope this helps convey the kind of feel and intensity I'm aiming for. I just hope it helps to enhance all those great moments that I hope will create an amazing picture for the audience to witness and savor. I'm just working toward that bigger picture, one great moment at a time.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Production List 2009 to 2010
So here's exactly what I'm working on right now. Yes, this is me blogging to help bring things to fruition. If I blog about it, so shall it be done. If it works, I'll blog about that 12 million dollars I'll earn.
- Monster Cops
My goal is to have at least 4 complete episodes at about 20 to 24 minutes each. 1 is online now, we're about to complete another one. We've shot half of the 3rd and just need to shoot and edit the 4th. I'll aim for 5 complete episodes, but 4 is more realistic. A Monster Cops Series 1 DVD release would be set for an early spring release if we get enough episodes completed. That 4th episode depends greatly on our werewolf FX. The 4th is a Werewolf episode and I don't want to do it if the Lycan is too entirely ridiculous.
This goes hand in hand with ...
- REDD
Redd is a short film. It's a gothic, horror, action version of Red Riding Hood, where the title character is treated more like an action hero and the big bad wolf is actually a big bad Werewolf. Also features much of what we've accomplished before with Monster Cops, Vampires, Zombies rising from the grave. Except in a more cinematic style. This is part short film, part mock trailer. Working on Werewolf FX now, which we can hopefully utilize in that 4th Monster Cops episode. I'm aiming to do something mind blowing on no budget. Really show what we can do.
This is really just me attempting to make something big budget movie style utilizing the resources we already have. I truely believe something great can be created with what you've got. Examples of great DIY moviemaking for no money are all over YouTube. So many talented folks out there. It's our turn to create something truly mind blowing. This is very much a big picture movie and will hopefully help in the fundraising for ...
- BOBBY'S CLOSET
The Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adventure, Monster movie. The budget for that is between 80 and 50 grand. Trying to raising money for it, and I hope to have it so we can start shooting in Spring/Summer of 2010. Definitely going to shoot this one on either a RED Camera or, I'm strongly considering a VDSLR Camera like the Canon 7D. Really go for that cinematic look. I've blogged about it before. This one is my throwback to the 80's. Back To The Future, Poltergeist, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Close Encounters. And as with all of my projects I want to utilize a percentage of any and all profits by donating it to Cancer Charities. So many causes and so much support to give. To entertain and to help. But first, we need our own budget to make this happen and continue to make it happen.
Going to try a number of fund raising ideas. Already have some inquiries from some possible investors, going to try crowd sourcing, sponsorship, and perhaps a good old fashioned bake sale. Already have a few details up on how you can help make this movie happen, and a few of the benefits of donating to this movie. Still have much work to do before we completely unveil the full plan. Along the way, we're doing concept art, preliminary casting, and location scouting. Check out the site when you get a chance. http://bobbysclosetmovie.com. I'll try to update the blog there as much as I can.
I'm very excited about all of these projects, alot of things seem to be falling into place. I hope we can continue to be lucky. Luck is preparation meeting opportunity. I'm prepared for this opportunity.
- Monster Cops
My goal is to have at least 4 complete episodes at about 20 to 24 minutes each. 1 is online now, we're about to complete another one. We've shot half of the 3rd and just need to shoot and edit the 4th. I'll aim for 5 complete episodes, but 4 is more realistic. A Monster Cops Series 1 DVD release would be set for an early spring release if we get enough episodes completed. That 4th episode depends greatly on our werewolf FX. The 4th is a Werewolf episode and I don't want to do it if the Lycan is too entirely ridiculous.
This goes hand in hand with ...
- REDD
Redd is a short film. It's a gothic, horror, action version of Red Riding Hood, where the title character is treated more like an action hero and the big bad wolf is actually a big bad Werewolf. Also features much of what we've accomplished before with Monster Cops, Vampires, Zombies rising from the grave. Except in a more cinematic style. This is part short film, part mock trailer. Working on Werewolf FX now, which we can hopefully utilize in that 4th Monster Cops episode. I'm aiming to do something mind blowing on no budget. Really show what we can do.
April Crum trying on her possible costume as the character Redd.
This is really just me attempting to make something big budget movie style utilizing the resources we already have. I truely believe something great can be created with what you've got. Examples of great DIY moviemaking for no money are all over YouTube. So many talented folks out there. It's our turn to create something truly mind blowing. This is very much a big picture movie and will hopefully help in the fundraising for ...
- BOBBY'S CLOSET
The Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adventure, Monster movie. The budget for that is between 80 and 50 grand. Trying to raising money for it, and I hope to have it so we can start shooting in Spring/Summer of 2010. Definitely going to shoot this one on either a RED Camera or, I'm strongly considering a VDSLR Camera like the Canon 7D. Really go for that cinematic look. I've blogged about it before. This one is my throwback to the 80's. Back To The Future, Poltergeist, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Close Encounters. And as with all of my projects I want to utilize a percentage of any and all profits by donating it to Cancer Charities. So many causes and so much support to give. To entertain and to help. But first, we need our own budget to make this happen and continue to make it happen.
Going to try a number of fund raising ideas. Already have some inquiries from some possible investors, going to try crowd sourcing, sponsorship, and perhaps a good old fashioned bake sale. Already have a few details up on how you can help make this movie happen, and a few of the benefits of donating to this movie. Still have much work to do before we completely unveil the full plan. Along the way, we're doing concept art, preliminary casting, and location scouting. Check out the site when you get a chance. http://bobbysclosetmovie.com. I'll try to update the blog there as much as I can.
I'm very excited about all of these projects, alot of things seem to be falling into place. I hope we can continue to be lucky. Luck is preparation meeting opportunity. I'm prepared for this opportunity.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Awake
Can't sleep. Currently on my wife's laptop while QVC's Halloween Spooktacular is on. I love that they're selling Halloween items. I'm really getting a kick out of the 5' Hanging Motion Activated Kicking Scare Crow. It's an evil pumpkin face on top of a scarecrow's body. It's leg's flail and it's eyes light up when you walk in front of it. Neat.
If our budget would allow it, I know Juli and I would buy every single Halloween item we saw.
On QVC, a guy in a giant monster monkey outfit just walked on to the set, has played with the scarecrow, and has now left. Weird.
Anyhoo. Juli and I love Halloween. Currently our bedroom is adorned with a string of pumpkin lights across our wall, and 6 different Halloween candle holders sit across the stand in front of our TV.
On QVC, an evil pirate man has now joined the monster monkey and they are now dancing. Ah, I see, this is apparently a new item they are now selling. Halloween Masks with Hat and Hair. I see a creepy pirate with a pirate hat and hair, and the monkey mask also has hair and is wearing a clown hat. I could very well be hallucinating all this.
Anyways. I cannot fully express my love for Halloween. Those that know me know how much I love it, and I love that Juli loves it just as much as I do. The other night we finally got to watch Trick r' Treat. Had the candles lit and everything. It was actually quite a neat site to see those lit up pumpkins and haunted houses in front of the TV as the opening credits rolled.
Trick r' Treat is not only a great Halloween movie, it's just an overall great movie. Well directed, well written, great performances, and very intriguing. It really does capture that Halloween spirit. It does indeed lean towards the eerie and demented. Although I was able to pick up on alot of the twists, there were a few moments I just was not expecting.
I may give a full review later, but for now I'll say it was a great experience to watch a movie that celebrated one of my favorite holidays. And it was quite refreshing to watch an original horror movie, and not one that's a reboot or a remake. Warner Bros. decided not to release this one in theaters a couple of years ago. Huge mistake in my opinion.
On QVC, 6' Animated Witches Airblown w/ Candy Dish Cauldron. It's a huge air filled prop of 3 cartoonish looking witches sitting around a cartoon cauldron. Their heads spin. Someone just unplugged it and they all collapsed. That looked kind of neat.
Anyway, it's sad that so many sequels and remakes get to theaters, and a great original movie like Trick r' Treat gets shelved for two years and then goes direct to DVD. Sad. Oh well, I am proud to own it. It now goes with my 3 other favorite Halloween movies, The Nightmare Before Christmas the original Halloween, and Sleepy Hollow.
PROJECT LIST UPDATES:
MONSTER COPS - Finish and premiere the next episode online on Halloween or soon after. Complete 2 more episodes and as many webisodes as possible before February. Distribute a Monster Cops DVD early next year that includes all 4 episodes and about 13 webisodes altogether, as well as a ton of DVD extras, vlogs, gag reel, etc.
HALLOWEEN VIDEOS - There are two Halloween videos. One is called The Long Halloween, pretty much my way of celebrating and paying triute to the holiday. The other one is called The Halloween Machine. Been working on that one for years, got the music for it done and everything, but every year it gets canceled, because it is time consuming and somewhat of a large undertaking. We shall see.
REDD - This is a short film that I've been mulling over for a long while now. I've just recently decided that it needs to be pursued fully. I'm trying to figure out how we can do this. If I can do it the way I see it in my head, it'll be mind blowing.
BOBBY'S CLOSET - It's in preproduction. I'm hoping we can shoot this by spring of next year. Still in the fund-raising stage. I hope to unveil the next part of our fund-raising strategy soon.
Ok, getting sleepy. QVC is back to selling clothes now anyhow.
If our budget would allow it, I know Juli and I would buy every single Halloween item we saw.
On QVC, a guy in a giant monster monkey outfit just walked on to the set, has played with the scarecrow, and has now left. Weird.
Anyhoo. Juli and I love Halloween. Currently our bedroom is adorned with a string of pumpkin lights across our wall, and 6 different Halloween candle holders sit across the stand in front of our TV.
On QVC, an evil pirate man has now joined the monster monkey and they are now dancing. Ah, I see, this is apparently a new item they are now selling. Halloween Masks with Hat and Hair. I see a creepy pirate with a pirate hat and hair, and the monkey mask also has hair and is wearing a clown hat. I could very well be hallucinating all this.
Anyways. I cannot fully express my love for Halloween. Those that know me know how much I love it, and I love that Juli loves it just as much as I do. The other night we finally got to watch Trick r' Treat. Had the candles lit and everything. It was actually quite a neat site to see those lit up pumpkins and haunted houses in front of the TV as the opening credits rolled.
Trick r' Treat is not only a great Halloween movie, it's just an overall great movie. Well directed, well written, great performances, and very intriguing. It really does capture that Halloween spirit. It does indeed lean towards the eerie and demented. Although I was able to pick up on alot of the twists, there were a few moments I just was not expecting.
I may give a full review later, but for now I'll say it was a great experience to watch a movie that celebrated one of my favorite holidays. And it was quite refreshing to watch an original horror movie, and not one that's a reboot or a remake. Warner Bros. decided not to release this one in theaters a couple of years ago. Huge mistake in my opinion.
On QVC, 6' Animated Witches Airblown w/ Candy Dish Cauldron. It's a huge air filled prop of 3 cartoonish looking witches sitting around a cartoon cauldron. Their heads spin. Someone just unplugged it and they all collapsed. That looked kind of neat.
Anyway, it's sad that so many sequels and remakes get to theaters, and a great original movie like Trick r' Treat gets shelved for two years and then goes direct to DVD. Sad. Oh well, I am proud to own it. It now goes with my 3 other favorite Halloween movies, The Nightmare Before Christmas the original Halloween, and Sleepy Hollow.
PROJECT LIST UPDATES:
MONSTER COPS - Finish and premiere the next episode online on Halloween or soon after. Complete 2 more episodes and as many webisodes as possible before February. Distribute a Monster Cops DVD early next year that includes all 4 episodes and about 13 webisodes altogether, as well as a ton of DVD extras, vlogs, gag reel, etc.
HALLOWEEN VIDEOS - There are two Halloween videos. One is called The Long Halloween, pretty much my way of celebrating and paying triute to the holiday. The other one is called The Halloween Machine. Been working on that one for years, got the music for it done and everything, but every year it gets canceled, because it is time consuming and somewhat of a large undertaking. We shall see.
REDD - This is a short film that I've been mulling over for a long while now. I've just recently decided that it needs to be pursued fully. I'm trying to figure out how we can do this. If I can do it the way I see it in my head, it'll be mind blowing.
BOBBY'S CLOSET - It's in preproduction. I'm hoping we can shoot this by spring of next year. Still in the fund-raising stage. I hope to unveil the next part of our fund-raising strategy soon.
Ok, getting sleepy. QVC is back to selling clothes now anyhow.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
"Perya" - a Canon 7D Short
The more research I do on this camera, the more and more I'm falling in love with it. This 3 minute short was shot on the Canon 7D. Amazing quality, great shots, great cuts, decent docu/short. And it's got Filipinos in it. What more do you want?
The Canon 7D, in short, is a still camera that can record in HD and in 24p. Since it's already set up for prime lenses, it gives you great quality video. I'm really leaning towards this camera for Bobby's Closet. With a few tricks in editing, this quality is comparable to a RED camera and is much much more affordable.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Slow Motion Zombie Hit
Thanks to Richard Gaither I actually got one of the shots I've always wanted to get for Monster Cops. The classic Zombie crawling out of a grave. We've done it a couple of times, but the above clip was the exact shot I was looking for. The right angle of seeing that creature claw out of the soil, then one of the Monster Cops firing a bullet into it's head. It's great when you can finally put together a shot you've had in your head for so long.
We shot this in Richard's backyard. He had put a long piece of plywood on top of two chairs. Cut a hole in the center. Draped some kind of fabric over the hole, then placed soil and shrubbery all over the wood. At the right angle we had a shot of the ground. Have a zombie claw it's way from underneath through the soil covered fabric, and you've got it. We put Brandon on a stool, aiming his prop gun. Richard rigged a tube through the forehead of the zombie mask. He squirted fake blood through the tube as I cued our zombie (Darin Chamberlin) to react and fall over.
In post, using Sony Vegas, I color corrected everything, and utilized brightness and contrast to make the footage pop look wise. On the final angle where the Zombie gets shot, I faked Depth Of Field utilizing a cookie cutter and gausian blur. I also added a bit of a glow, and then rendered everything into 24p HD to give it somewhat of a film look.
This was really fun to put together and I can't wait to utilize some of these tricks for other projects.
Hoping to have two more episodes up before Halloween and few more webisodes. Would love to have enough to put on a DVD and distribute just in time for Christmas. We'll give it our best shot. Might be a great way to help raise some money for Bobby's Closet.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Death Of Auto-Tune and the Birth of Great Music
I love music. I love when different styles of music collide. I'm always a big fan of when an orchestra or symphony can be added to any type of pop, rock, or hip-hop song. I also love when someone can take one type of song and reinterpret into something else, not just covering a song, but transforming and therefore enhancing a song. Among the gazillions of covers and remixes out there it happens rarely, but when it does it's amazing.
Here's an example of such a transformation and enhancement. This blows my mind and I listen to it often. This is Obadiah Parker (aka Matt Weddle) doing an amazing cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya."
The greatness of the original song is that the sound and tempo make the lyrics ironic. In this cover, the heavy meaning of the words come out, but then at the end the irony returns when he starts performing the audience call outs with the same deep sound. But that's just my observation. Aside from that, it's a really great cover. Be sure to check out http://www.obadiahparker.com
I absolutely love all the music coming out of TRUE BLOOD. I haven't gotten a chance to really get into the show like my wife has, but I have had the pleasure of listening to most of the music. This particular song is awesome on so many levels. G-Tom Mac covering "Cry Little Sister."
I love the Lost Boys reference and I love that this particular song has made a comeback on a great show about Vampires. I'm fond of that bluesy country sound and it fits this song so well. A new take on a classic and at the same time brings out the essence of the song.
And while I'm posting great music, might as well throw in the song I've been playing to death. I've already posted it once and I even used in the Archangel teaser. Elbow's "Grounds For Divorce" with the BBC Orchestra.
And here's the whole reason I was posting in the first place. Jay-Z's 9/11 tribute concert this past Friday was phenomenal. I wish I could've been there. From what I've read, and what I've seen, I heard it was an amazing concert and a heartwarming tribute. But this performance in general blew my mind. There were a number of stars that came out to perform with J, but when John Mayer came out to jam with J, I felt like it went up a whole other level.
This is an amazing combination of Hip-Hop, Pop, and Rock and Blues, all styles I absolutely love. Jay is an amazing rapper, and Mayer is an amazing guitarist. This sound is so big, it blows my mind everytime. Love this one.
As if I didn't already love Death Of Auto-Tune. Great song, now even greater.
I really miss being able to take the time to really sit down and make music. Here lately it's been on the fly, recording stuff for projects and ads when necessary. Not the same as taking the time to really create, produce, and record something from the heart. I'm hoping I can get to do that soon. I've got 4 notebooks filled with lyrics and songs I've written since about 1995. There's a couple of songs in there I've been dying to really record for a while now.
One step at a time though. Coming up the Vlogs, quite a few of them. No really this time. I'm editing one for Bobby's Closet as we speak, then one as an update on all the projects, and another as a response to a lot of questions I've been getting concerning my DIY Necronomicon video I made last year.
Here's an example of such a transformation and enhancement. This blows my mind and I listen to it often. This is Obadiah Parker (aka Matt Weddle) doing an amazing cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya."
The greatness of the original song is that the sound and tempo make the lyrics ironic. In this cover, the heavy meaning of the words come out, but then at the end the irony returns when he starts performing the audience call outs with the same deep sound. But that's just my observation. Aside from that, it's a really great cover. Be sure to check out http://www.obadiahparker.com
I absolutely love all the music coming out of TRUE BLOOD. I haven't gotten a chance to really get into the show like my wife has, but I have had the pleasure of listening to most of the music. This particular song is awesome on so many levels. G-Tom Mac covering "Cry Little Sister."
I love the Lost Boys reference and I love that this particular song has made a comeback on a great show about Vampires. I'm fond of that bluesy country sound and it fits this song so well. A new take on a classic and at the same time brings out the essence of the song.
And while I'm posting great music, might as well throw in the song I've been playing to death. I've already posted it once and I even used in the Archangel teaser. Elbow's "Grounds For Divorce" with the BBC Orchestra.
And here's the whole reason I was posting in the first place. Jay-Z's 9/11 tribute concert this past Friday was phenomenal. I wish I could've been there. From what I've read, and what I've seen, I heard it was an amazing concert and a heartwarming tribute. But this performance in general blew my mind. There were a number of stars that came out to perform with J, but when John Mayer came out to jam with J, I felt like it went up a whole other level.
This is an amazing combination of Hip-Hop, Pop, and Rock and Blues, all styles I absolutely love. Jay is an amazing rapper, and Mayer is an amazing guitarist. This sound is so big, it blows my mind everytime. Love this one.
As if I didn't already love Death Of Auto-Tune. Great song, now even greater.
I really miss being able to take the time to really sit down and make music. Here lately it's been on the fly, recording stuff for projects and ads when necessary. Not the same as taking the time to really create, produce, and record something from the heart. I'm hoping I can get to do that soon. I've got 4 notebooks filled with lyrics and songs I've written since about 1995. There's a couple of songs in there I've been dying to really record for a while now.
One step at a time though. Coming up the Vlogs, quite a few of them. No really this time. I'm editing one for Bobby's Closet as we speak, then one as an update on all the projects, and another as a response to a lot of questions I've been getting concerning my DIY Necronomicon video I made last year.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Archangel, Reupload
I decided to add one small bit to the Archangel teaser. Just wanted to add a small explosion to give it a bigger feel. Once again, all done on Vegas.
Teaser trailer for a movie that doesn't exist. Fake trailer for a movie about a hit man battling other assassins. Just an excuse to try out some filters, visual fx, and editing techniques.
Shot on Panasonic GS320
Edited on Sony Vegas
Rendered to 24p in HD format
Features Chris Plouffe as the main hit man. Also features Brandon White, Richard Gaither, Sarah Vroom.
Music is "Grounds For Divorce" performed by ELBOW and the BBC ORCHESTRA
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Archangel Teaser
Fake Trailer. An excuse to test out a few shots, editing techniques, filters, yadda, yadda. An assassin battling other assassins, the usual.
Shot with the Panasonic GS320. Edited on Sony Vegas.
Featuring Chris Plouffe, Brandon White, Sarah Vroom, and Richard Gaither. Much of it shot at Northwoods Stables.
Music borrowed from ELBOW and the BBC Orchestra "Grounds For Divorce" Such a great version, had to use it.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Don't you know what the night can do?
I'm blessed. When I need it, the right song comes on the radio. When I'm down, the right words are always spoken. And when I forget, there's something that always reminds me.
Special thanks to Chris Petite for showing his support for myself and for Monster Cops. And to David Koss for letting us use his studio those many years ago to shoot some scenes for the first Monster Cops movie THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, and for taking this awesome pic.
Special thanks to Chris Petite for showing his support for myself and for Monster Cops. And to David Koss for letting us use his studio those many years ago to shoot some scenes for the first Monster Cops movie THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, and for taking this awesome pic.
I made a movie with two crappy cameras and really great cast. Let's see what I can do with a much better camera and a really great cast.
Successfully cleaned out all the nonessential, now I can breathe and think clearly enough to get rolling on this untitled vampire movie. Although my wife has indeed given it a title, but I don't like it. Sadly, it's starting to grow on me. We'll see.
This week, more fund raising for Bobby's Closet. Now, working on details for the Vampire shoot this month.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
A Good Start
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.”
- A. A. Milne
He who fails to plan, plans to fail.
- Proverb
I always take the beginning of each month seriously. I think of how some much can be done in one month. 2 things I always think of around this time of year, Halloween, and Indie Movies. Of course that's what I always think of.
Today was planned out. It was about getting organized and planning for the festivities for the rest of the year. For Halloween I always want to do something to mark the occasion. For me the best way to do that is to make a video, record everything me and my wife do, work on projects like bake a Halloween cake, carve pumpkins, go to haunted houses, etc. Put it all together as a big tribute to Halloween. I've only really gotten that down once. This year I hope to do something to celebrate the season.
On top of that, I really want to make a movie. Monster Cops episodes and webisodes are a given of course, but I'm ready to make a feature again. Something to screen and put out on DVD. Bobby's Closet is in the fundraising stage, and might be for a while. I'm not shooting that one til we get the full budget, so we can do it properly. But right now, I've got a decent camera (just bought a wide angle lens for it) I've got the editing software, and I've got a ton of free or almost free resources. So I'm going to take my shot at doing the no budget thing once more.
The Midnight Special I successfully shot, edited, and distributed. The only downside to that, was the camera I used to shoot that movie was satisfactory. Now I have a tremendously better camera, not the cinematic style cam I plan on using on Bobby's Closet, but still high broadcast quality. We've got the stuff to make a movie now, so let's make a movie now. NOW!
I would love for this to be in the can and edited before the Christmas season, which means I have to shoot this late September, early October. Which means I need to get organized now. So that's what today was all about. But of course I had to stop by the Halloween Store. And yes, SPIRIT is open.
Now it wasn't all just me drooling over the masks and decorations, dreaming of creating my own Halloween Wonderland. I was actually looking at prices for make up and some costumes. Pricey as hell. But it was fun to look.
After that it was off to Home Depot to buy zip ties and pegboard.
This is all part of my plan to get everything as organized as humanly possible. The cords under my desk are a huge mess. So hard to clean and dust out. Thankfully I was able to use the zip ties and pegboard to get it all off the floor and organized behind my desk.
I have to get organized otherwise any large projects I enter into will just be a big mess. The next few days are all about organizing and getting started on this Untitled Vampire Movie. With the pegboard, I feel it's easier to breathe already. When it's all organized it'll be easier to focus, and therefore easier for me to create something that will blow your mind.
Next up, throw away anything and everything that is not necessary. I mean it, if I can't use it, if it doesn't help me make a movie, or accomplish any of my goals, then it no longer needs to exist. If I want to make something big, I need to make room for it.
You had to give it to him: he had a plan. And it started to make sense, in a Tyler sort of way. No fear. No distractions. The ability to let that which does not matter truly slide.
- Fight Club
- A. A. Milne
He who fails to plan, plans to fail.
- Proverb
I always take the beginning of each month seriously. I think of how some much can be done in one month. 2 things I always think of around this time of year, Halloween, and Indie Movies. Of course that's what I always think of.
Today was planned out. It was about getting organized and planning for the festivities for the rest of the year. For Halloween I always want to do something to mark the occasion. For me the best way to do that is to make a video, record everything me and my wife do, work on projects like bake a Halloween cake, carve pumpkins, go to haunted houses, etc. Put it all together as a big tribute to Halloween. I've only really gotten that down once. This year I hope to do something to celebrate the season.
On top of that, I really want to make a movie. Monster Cops episodes and webisodes are a given of course, but I'm ready to make a feature again. Something to screen and put out on DVD. Bobby's Closet is in the fundraising stage, and might be for a while. I'm not shooting that one til we get the full budget, so we can do it properly. But right now, I've got a decent camera (just bought a wide angle lens for it) I've got the editing software, and I've got a ton of free or almost free resources. So I'm going to take my shot at doing the no budget thing once more.
The Midnight Special I successfully shot, edited, and distributed. The only downside to that, was the camera I used to shoot that movie was satisfactory. Now I have a tremendously better camera, not the cinematic style cam I plan on using on Bobby's Closet, but still high broadcast quality. We've got the stuff to make a movie now, so let's make a movie now. NOW!
I would love for this to be in the can and edited before the Christmas season, which means I have to shoot this late September, early October. Which means I need to get organized now. So that's what today was all about. But of course I had to stop by the Halloween Store. And yes, SPIRIT is open.
Now it wasn't all just me drooling over the masks and decorations, dreaming of creating my own Halloween Wonderland. I was actually looking at prices for make up and some costumes. Pricey as hell. But it was fun to look.
After that it was off to Home Depot to buy zip ties and pegboard.
This is all part of my plan to get everything as organized as humanly possible. The cords under my desk are a huge mess. So hard to clean and dust out. Thankfully I was able to use the zip ties and pegboard to get it all off the floor and organized behind my desk.
I have to get organized otherwise any large projects I enter into will just be a big mess. The next few days are all about organizing and getting started on this Untitled Vampire Movie. With the pegboard, I feel it's easier to breathe already. When it's all organized it'll be easier to focus, and therefore easier for me to create something that will blow your mind.
Next up, throw away anything and everything that is not necessary. I mean it, if I can't use it, if it doesn't help me make a movie, or accomplish any of my goals, then it no longer needs to exist. If I want to make something big, I need to make room for it.
You had to give it to him: he had a plan. And it started to make sense, in a Tyler sort of way. No fear. No distractions. The ability to let that which does not matter truly slide.
- Fight Club
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Let The Celebration Begin 2009
It's Halloween.
Yes, yes, it's only September 1st (now 2nd), but for Halloween Fans like myself that only means it's the beginning of the true Halloween celebration. Although I've pretty much been celebrating Halloween since August 1st, and technically July 1st.
Let's get things started right, with BUNNIES!!!!
Yes, yes, it's only September 1st (now 2nd), but for Halloween Fans like myself that only means it's the beginning of the true Halloween celebration. Although I've pretty much been celebrating Halloween since August 1st, and technically July 1st.
Let's get things started right, with BUNNIES!!!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Fuck Me Gently With a Chainsaw
Apparently Heather's maybe resurrected as a TV show. As much as I'm sick to death of all the adaptations, remakes, and reboots, if Heather's has to come back I might prefer it as a TV series. Especially if you don't hold back on the murder, cussing, and dark humor the movie so gleefully celebrated. Slap this badgirl on HBO or Showtime and you'll have a decent series ala Sopranos, Sex In The City, or The Wire.
I have to admit I've become more of a TV hound than a movie goer. I don't watch too many flicks in theaters nowadays. Having worked in the movie theater industry for so long, I have become an elitist. I know how a movie should be shown, how it should be watched, and how a theater should be run.
For the past few years I've seen the decline of the movie theater experience, what with horribe cell phone etiquette, people who talk more than watch, and movie theater management that doesn't do anything about it. And after you pay for overpriced tickets to struggle through the incompetence you end up watching a fairly horrible and unoriginal movie.
Now it's not all bad, there have been some really great films to come out in the last few years, but many of them I choose to experience in my own home theater, away from the crowds. Which is a shame, because I use to love those crowds. I miss those old late night screenings, the excited crowd anticipating a great movie experience. If I were in Austin at the Drafthouse, or at any number of specialty theaters that still know how to show a movie and the crowds still know how to enjoy a flick I would be fine. But a normal friday night at the local cineplex with the kiddies on their phones, and folks who walk in late, not the makings of a great cinematic experience.
In the past 10 years I've found alot of the really great writing and great cinematic storytelling to be found on TV. The West Wing, Sopranos, Lost, The Wire, Heroes, House, The Office, Arrested Development, and many many other shows have evolved from normal TV dramatics to real heartfelt, thought provoking story telling.
If your someone I've talked to before about The West Wing, I've most likely talked about my favorite episode (I think I may have blogged about it as well.) The final episode of the second season. It's called Two Cathedrals. Such a well written episode, and an ending I thought I would only really see in a movie. Lost is another great example. The series has several great episodes, but the pilot alone rivals many big budget summer blockbusters.
I'll always love the movies. But the really great movie style stories are no longer just limited to the cinema. There are really great stories and visions yet to be expressed both in the theaters and on tv, and now also online through web series, and even through video games.
Maybe one of these days I'll find my way back to the theater. Right now I've got netflix and a decent home movie theater to tide me over.
Still working on BOBBY'S CLOSET, in the fundraising / preproduction stage. Also I'm planning on shooting a VAMPIRE movie in September. Oh how I'd love to have this Vamp Flick ready to go before November. We'll see.
Until then, I'm awaiting the wide angle lens I purchased, and am already working on the score for said Untitled Vampire Movie. I'm seeing pumpkins hitting the store shelves, the weather seems to be cooling down, and the local Halloween store is already open. I'm determined to make this a good Halloween, which I will wholly celebrate by making a movie.
More later on the Vamp flick and Bobby's Closet.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Grounds For Divorce
Elbow with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
I could listen to this all day. Actually I do listen to this all day. Especially this version.
The Patron Saint Of Indie Moviemakers.
Malone: OK, pal, why the mahaska? Why are you carrying the gun?
Ness: I'm a treasury officer.
Malone: Alright. Just remember what we talked about now.
[Malone walks away]
Ness: Hey, wait a minute! What the hell kind of policemen you got in this god damn city? You just turned your back on an armed man.
Malone: You're a treasury officer.
Ness: How do you know that? I just told you that.
Malone: Who would claim to be that who was not? Hmm?
The Untouchables. Written by David Mamet
I used to feel the need to define what it is I wanted to do. Moviemaker? Of course. Actor? You bet. Writer? Duh. But back in the day it was always, What am I first? Am I an actor that makes movies and writes music on the side? Am I a director that sticks himself in his own movies and just happens to do music.
The fact is the way I define myself now is I am an entertainer and creator. Too general? Sure. But I feel more comfortable with that generalization, because to define what I do and what my goals are is a wide scope. How exactly do I define a comedy show that involves short films, blues harmonica, and puppets? Oh and by the way I'm working on a Sci-Fi, Adventure, Fantasy, Monster movie about a Closet. I'm work on my web series Monster Cops, I love making shorts and vlogs, I write a lot of stand up comedy (which apparently no one will ever see), I make music, scores, write songs, play harmonica and sing, and I have very defined goals in each of those categories.
As far as making movies is concerned I cannot say that I am completely just a director. There are still many old schoolers and film schoolers out there who cannot grasp the movie maker as an auteur. Before my way of making movies is the way it is because I have no money. I cannot afford to follow the regular studio format of producing movies. But now, my different indie way of making movies is how it is because it is the most efficient and the most comfortable to me, just as much as it is because I hear it and see it. And when I say hear it and see it that means I know exactly what the look and feel is, I even know what the score is because I make music. It's more comfortable for me to say moviemaker than just writer, director, or composer.
Lately the phrase "building a movie" is used by me alot. I don't just write the entire script, and then story board it, and then shoot it, then edit it, and score it. I write a 10 page scene, I immediately write out what the shots are going to be, I storyboard that scene, immediately switch over to the music software to get the basic notes down of what that music is going to be in that scene, and then go back to writing again. I find that I'm not wearing many different hats for long periods of time, I'm really wearing one hat doing everything at once, because I'm building the movie as a whole. I score as I write as I plan shots. I always hear many of the old schoolers talk about how they have no idea what the score will be like, or how they didn't realize what kind of movie it was going to feel like until they heard the score, or finally saw it edited. That's fine if you have a revelation of what a product might be that you may not have realized, but how do you not already have some idea of what you are making and what it's going to feel like when you start.
There is a sense with many movies that were made just because they were following guidelines. It's why so many movies don't work. They find a script, rewrite it, hand it over to an editor who may not have ever read the script, and then hand it over to a composer who has a completely different take on the movie. And it's like a crap shoot as to whether you'll have a solid movie. Now not to completely dog the traditional method. It's sometimes a good thing to have a director with a vision hand it over to a seasoned editor and then scored by a passionate composer, all with different takes on the feel. Some of the greatest movies were made that way, and perhaps someday I can collaborate on such an effort. But what I'm talking about is the pattern some movies fall into where it's just lazy filmmaking. If you're not doing it with passion and drive then what is the point?
For me it is a step further than just passion and drive. It does stem from being forced to do things on my own, and because I've gotten use to it. But I think it's really because the movies I want to make are always pretty much complete in my head. I know it, hear it, and see it completely from an audience members point of view, and I have the ability to accomplish those goals thanks to the affordable technology of today.
So aside from my little rant about my way of moviemaking, what this is really all about is truely defining what it is I am within my goals. Nowadays it's really not that important to me to truely define anything other than what the true essence and final vision for any given project is.
If someone would just give me a shot, I could really make something that will blow you away. But I can't wait for that shot. I believe you have to give yourself your own shot. Let's not wait for something great to happen. Let's make something great happen. Let's create our own opportunities. And you can do that, because in the end, you are, just as we all are, a creator.
Ness: [looking at a gold chain Malone is holding] What is that?
Malone: Ah, I'm among the heathen. That is my call box key, and that... is my St. Jude medallion.
Ness: Saint who?
George Stone: Santo Jude. The patron saint of lost causes.
Malone: And policemen.
Ness: Well, which are we, gentlemen - policemen, or lost causes?
The Untouchables. Written by David Mamet
Friday, August 21, 2009
Lethal Weapon
As always, when I'm not writing or editing, I am surfing the web for remnants of my childhood. I stumbled upon the Lethal Weapon 4 trailer, which of course requires me to blog about the Lethal Weapon series.
The Lethal Weapon series was one of my biggest influences. 1 and 2 were huge to me. 3 was a bonus, and in the late 90's when 4 came out, it seemed like it was the last glimpse of all that old school 80's fun. It was really the last time I saw that kind of magic on the big screen. It was such a great combination of action, comedy, and drama. The end of Lethal Weapon 2 always makes me tear up.
Lethal Weapon was chock full of greatness. It all started with Shane Black's amazing screenplay for Lethal Weapon 1. The chemistry between Gibson and Glover, the snappy dialogue, the wisecracks, Donner's great action direction. Can't think of too many movies lately that make me feel the way the Lethal Weapon series made me feel. 4 was my least favorite, but it was still very much a Lethal Weapon movie with every bit of charm and charisma that I miss so much in movies today.
This trailer really captured that feel, that magic, and that fun. Plus I love Chris Rock and Jet Li.
I have to say though, at the time I was very much into John Woo and Hong Kong cinema, which had an overall different vibe than movies like Die Hard or Lethal Weapon. Specifically I was in love with the gun cross. If you were a fan of action and gun play, you were like me and you absolutely loved the gun cross, a staple used in so many John Woo movies.
So when Lethal Weapon 4 came out and I watched the scene posted below, I totally freaked out. It was absolutely amazing to see director Richard Donner put in a Hong Kong action move in a scene with two of my favorite action characters, Riggs and Murtaugh, against Jet Li as well. Honestly the best part of the movie for me. I still watch it in awe. It's like my worlds collided and I was quite happy with the impact.
The above clip also features that final fight between Jet, Riggs, and Murtaugh. Great scene, very well done. I always complained that Riggs was downplayed quite abit in his fighting ability in this. He's Special Forces, he used some great moves in the first movie against Gary Busey, so I was a little disappointed watching him throw wide swings and not being able to keep up with Li's character, but I digress.
After the fight scene, we see a great example of the kind of empathy and drama that Lethal Weapon gives you. Riggs drowning, Murtaugh searching for him, eventually saving his life. The score by the always amazing Michael Kamen always helps (I could and probably will do an entire blog on Michael Kamen alone). But the Lethal Weapon series in general is a great example of that unique complexity I love so much. So many people can easily throw this series in the buddy cop, mindless action category. The truth is amidst the action and shootouts, there were real characters here that we root for and care for. Riggs and Murtaugh had a connection, they had heart.
In a movie that could easily have been one action set piece after another, we actually find great humor, some solid dramatic feeling, and a unique charisma. It's action with heart and soul. And that's the kind of stories I want to tell. Those are the kinds of stories and movies I lean towards. Again I have to go back to my usual examples. Back To The Future is more than just a comedy. The Iron Giant is so much more than a cartoon. The Goonies is so much more than just a kids adventure. The Abyss is more than just some underwater scifi flick. These movies pay respect to the categories they are filed under, but when you watch them, when you experience them, there are deeper layers there to experience.
If you go back and really watch the Lethal Weapon series, you may be surprised to find some real heart warming drama in what you'd think was just an action movie. It's something more than what it seems.
And that's what I'm trying to make. Something much more than what it seems.
I remember when the poster for Lethal Weapon 2 came out. Even Warner Brothers Marketing knew to acknowledge that special magic that Lethal Weapon had. They even put it on the poster.
I want that kind of magic in my movies.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Smile Pretty and Watch Your Back
Forgive the title of this blog post. I don't think it actually has anything to do with anything in this posting. It's lyrics from an Ani Difranco song, which I was just listening to. I would've used other lyrics had I actually been listening to music that had lyrics, but the majority of my shuffle is movie scores. Hey, it's what happens when I'm writing. I just happen to throw in some Ani Difranco, also some Nine Inch Nails, Tupac, and Billy Joel, but Ani seems to be the one that pops up the most.
The script for Bobby's Closet is complete. Has been for a few weeks now. The business plan is also complete. So what are the next steps? Here we go:
- Explain to everyone what Bobby's Closet is.
I've started work on the official site that will help explain the concept and plot. Feel free to check it out here http://www.bobbysclosetmovie.com The site is very preliminary, not much on it, but I hope to have more art, vlogs, and blogs up very soon.
Here's the basic plot in case you're just that lazy to click the above link.
PLOT: There is an ancient box that contains mystical powers. Powers to open doorways to other dimensions, and bring to life anything that is not within our reality. When this box is placed inside a closet containing sci-fi and horror movie memorabilia, movie monsters begin to come to life and enter the real world, threatening our reality. Using Sci-Fi Movie weapons and their movie trivia know how, it's up to 2 Movie Geeks and 1 Female Vampire Hunter to stop the monsters, and close the box inside Bobby's Closet.
- Preliminary Casting.
We've got all three principal parts cast. Chris Plouffe will be playing JERRY. Brandon White will be playing AL. I actually wrote both parts with them in mind. I've gotten to know their skills and talents working with them on Monster Cops. We've had a few readings and they've been nailing them. I think I've made some wise choices in casting so far. I also wrote the part of psycho killer LAWRENCE POTTER for Richard Gaither. Gotten to know him working on Monster Cops as well, I know he is more than up to the task. I most recently cast our female lead. April Crum will be playing the vampire huntress JADE. She did an amazing job in her audition, she really nailed the lines and some of the fight choreography. Excellent job on her part. This movie is going to be quite fight heavy, and her previous martial arts experience is a plus.
We'll be doing more preliminary casting soon. I hope to have the majority of the movie cast before we even get complete funding in place.
- Get going on the Concept Art.
Both Brandon White and April Crum are skilled artists. I'm having them work up some concept art to help display the look and feel of this movie. We need to convey how this movie combines fantasy elements with horror elements. Show off the look of the Vampire Hunter Jade, what Bobby's Closet looks like, and really show off what alot of these futuristic military weapons will look like in some of these battle scenes.
Raise The Money!
The full business plan is complete and so is the script. We are about to start really seeking out sponsors and investors as well as begin crowd sourcing. And by crowd sourcing I mean offering up presales and perks to those willing to pay. For example for 40 dollars not only will you be one of the first to get a DVD copy of the movie, you'll also get a credit in the film, access to free merchandise (shirts, posters, etc.), and you'll have a chance to win prizes and props from the movie. We'll come up with other perks as well, but crowd sourcing is a newer and great way for alot of indies to get the funding they need. The full budget that needs to be raised is $50,000.00. Let's hope this works out for us (fingers crossed).
I hope to have a full budget in the next few months. It would be great to get started in October. Nothing like shooting a horror movie in October. I'm fully prepared to wait as long as it takes to get the money together, but we'll do what we can to get it together and shoot this thing soon.
There's actually another feature film that I am currently writing. The name of that one is VICTIMS. It's a bit more in the Horror Genre, but does include quite a bit of thrills, action and humor. The budget for that one is not quite as large as Bobby's Closet. So it's a possibilty we could shoot that one first. We'll see what happens. I'll work on that script as I prep for Bobbby's Closet and raise the necessary funds.
I posted on the Monster Cops blog about the delay on those episodes since I am working on The Victims script and fundraising for Bobby's Closet. But I do hope to have a Monster Cops episode and a few webisodes up before Halloween. I've actually gotten quite a few messages about MC, and I am flattered and happy to know so many people are paying attention to Monster Cops. Thank you all so much.
I know I've been posting about these upcoming Vlogs, but I've even been too busy to do that. But I know I've got one coming up soon. Thanks to everyone for their support and all of their questions.
Wish me luck on fundraising. More on that later.
A full cast list will be posted soon for either feature, but if anyone is interested in auditioning and you're accessible to the Winston Salem area of NC, please email me your headshot, resume, and any links to videos of your work.
Holy crap, I forgot I put some Cheap Trick in this shuffle, sweet.
Sorry, here's my email: pumpkinking13 @ msn . com
Much more later.
- P
The script for Bobby's Closet is complete. Has been for a few weeks now. The business plan is also complete. So what are the next steps? Here we go:
- Explain to everyone what Bobby's Closet is.
I've started work on the official site that will help explain the concept and plot. Feel free to check it out here http://www.bobbysclosetmovie.com The site is very preliminary, not much on it, but I hope to have more art, vlogs, and blogs up very soon.
Here's the basic plot in case you're just that lazy to click the above link.
PLOT: There is an ancient box that contains mystical powers. Powers to open doorways to other dimensions, and bring to life anything that is not within our reality. When this box is placed inside a closet containing sci-fi and horror movie memorabilia, movie monsters begin to come to life and enter the real world, threatening our reality. Using Sci-Fi Movie weapons and their movie trivia know how, it's up to 2 Movie Geeks and 1 Female Vampire Hunter to stop the monsters, and close the box inside Bobby's Closet.
- Preliminary Casting.
We've got all three principal parts cast. Chris Plouffe will be playing JERRY. Brandon White will be playing AL. I actually wrote both parts with them in mind. I've gotten to know their skills and talents working with them on Monster Cops. We've had a few readings and they've been nailing them. I think I've made some wise choices in casting so far. I also wrote the part of psycho killer LAWRENCE POTTER for Richard Gaither. Gotten to know him working on Monster Cops as well, I know he is more than up to the task. I most recently cast our female lead. April Crum will be playing the vampire huntress JADE. She did an amazing job in her audition, she really nailed the lines and some of the fight choreography. Excellent job on her part. This movie is going to be quite fight heavy, and her previous martial arts experience is a plus.
We'll be doing more preliminary casting soon. I hope to have the majority of the movie cast before we even get complete funding in place.
- Get going on the Concept Art.
Both Brandon White and April Crum are skilled artists. I'm having them work up some concept art to help display the look and feel of this movie. We need to convey how this movie combines fantasy elements with horror elements. Show off the look of the Vampire Hunter Jade, what Bobby's Closet looks like, and really show off what alot of these futuristic military weapons will look like in some of these battle scenes.
Raise The Money!
The full business plan is complete and so is the script. We are about to start really seeking out sponsors and investors as well as begin crowd sourcing. And by crowd sourcing I mean offering up presales and perks to those willing to pay. For example for 40 dollars not only will you be one of the first to get a DVD copy of the movie, you'll also get a credit in the film, access to free merchandise (shirts, posters, etc.), and you'll have a chance to win prizes and props from the movie. We'll come up with other perks as well, but crowd sourcing is a newer and great way for alot of indies to get the funding they need. The full budget that needs to be raised is $50,000.00. Let's hope this works out for us (fingers crossed).
I hope to have a full budget in the next few months. It would be great to get started in October. Nothing like shooting a horror movie in October. I'm fully prepared to wait as long as it takes to get the money together, but we'll do what we can to get it together and shoot this thing soon.
There's actually another feature film that I am currently writing. The name of that one is VICTIMS. It's a bit more in the Horror Genre, but does include quite a bit of thrills, action and humor. The budget for that one is not quite as large as Bobby's Closet. So it's a possibilty we could shoot that one first. We'll see what happens. I'll work on that script as I prep for Bobbby's Closet and raise the necessary funds.
I posted on the Monster Cops blog about the delay on those episodes since I am working on The Victims script and fundraising for Bobby's Closet. But I do hope to have a Monster Cops episode and a few webisodes up before Halloween. I've actually gotten quite a few messages about MC, and I am flattered and happy to know so many people are paying attention to Monster Cops. Thank you all so much.
I know I've been posting about these upcoming Vlogs, but I've even been too busy to do that. But I know I've got one coming up soon. Thanks to everyone for their support and all of their questions.
Wish me luck on fundraising. More on that later.
A full cast list will be posted soon for either feature, but if anyone is interested in auditioning and you're accessible to the Winston Salem area of NC, please email me your headshot, resume, and any links to videos of your work.
Holy crap, I forgot I put some Cheap Trick in this shuffle, sweet.
Sorry, here's my email: pumpkinking13 @ msn . com
Much more later.
- P
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Mystery Box
I saw this a while back and I've actually watched it several times since then. J.J. Abrams speaking a TED (Technology, Entertainement, and Design). Alot of what he says here I believe in. Great presentation, and what a great story about the Mystery Boxes. This made alot of sense to me when I first saw it, but very much so now, since I seem to be working very closely with a Mystery Box myself.
Directed by John Hughes
Amazing Video Tribute created by Paul Proulx.
Really captures Hughes brilliance as a writer and a director.
Really captures Hughes brilliance as a writer and a director.
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)
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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.
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