Friday, July 13, 2007
Don't Stop Believin
Today was one of those days where you remember something that you never really forgot in the first place. The movie never ends. ;)
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Our Stage
If you haven't been over to OURSTAGE, feel free to check it out and see what all the hubbub is about. The trailer for MONSTER COPS: THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL is in the contest loop and you can vote for us to help us win some much needed exposure as well cash. Go there and find out how.
Monster Cops is one of their featured trailers in their recent online video. Check it out here:
http://ejblog.ourstage.com/2007/07/10/the-daily-spam-w-julie-pham-new-channels/
Thanks to Julie Pham for getting us more exposure.
To Reach The Future You Have To Let Go Of The Past
Lord knows I've done that, and such advice has been helpful, but now I find myself coming round full circle. It's the past that has reinspired me. In working on preproduction for this current feature I find myself stuck. Not exactly writer's block, just having the basic essence of the idea of the movie slip away a bit, usually due to, ya know, life.
But I find myself going through old VHS tapes I forgot I had. One of them a tape from my very very first feature, VAMPIRE KILLER, aka Dark Angel: Vampire Killer. It actually had a few other titles but I won't go into that. This tape had rehearsal footage, screen tests, and test shots. What really got me excited was watching how some of us including myself were so into rehearsing. Specifically me and two other people, Billy and the star of the movie Bree, were working on the choreography of a fight scene that never actually made into the final film.
So inspired at the time, so passionate, it all came rushing back to me. The way some of us worked, how dedicated and just how frickin into it we were. Running test shots while going over kicks and punches. Billy really had some solid acrobatic skill which really paid off in some of these fight scenes and Bree being a dancer really added alot of flow to the fight. And I was coming up with some great stuff including this gag with a broken tennis racket that I'm definitely going to put into this current movie. The feedback I was getting from the two fighters was just great, it seemed to all come together, and all of this occuring on my parents front yard about 13 years ago. Perhaps one of these days I'll put the damned movie on DVD with special features and behind the scenes stuff.
It got me going through other tapes of projects I had done. Old shorts, videos and projects I had edited, really seeing how I've evolved as a moviemaker and how my passion for it all has never really gone away. It got me out of the rut I find myself in now with this current movie. I have certainly let go of the past to reach for my future, but in reflecting on the past I find myself steps closer to the future.
So far things are going as planned for this project. All snags and difficulties that I was expecting are occuring, but since I was expecting them, no biggie. This whole moviemaking journey is a heck of a trip.
But I find myself going through old VHS tapes I forgot I had. One of them a tape from my very very first feature, VAMPIRE KILLER, aka Dark Angel: Vampire Killer. It actually had a few other titles but I won't go into that. This tape had rehearsal footage, screen tests, and test shots. What really got me excited was watching how some of us including myself were so into rehearsing. Specifically me and two other people, Billy and the star of the movie Bree, were working on the choreography of a fight scene that never actually made into the final film.
So inspired at the time, so passionate, it all came rushing back to me. The way some of us worked, how dedicated and just how frickin into it we were. Running test shots while going over kicks and punches. Billy really had some solid acrobatic skill which really paid off in some of these fight scenes and Bree being a dancer really added alot of flow to the fight. And I was coming up with some great stuff including this gag with a broken tennis racket that I'm definitely going to put into this current movie. The feedback I was getting from the two fighters was just great, it seemed to all come together, and all of this occuring on my parents front yard about 13 years ago. Perhaps one of these days I'll put the damned movie on DVD with special features and behind the scenes stuff.
It got me going through other tapes of projects I had done. Old shorts, videos and projects I had edited, really seeing how I've evolved as a moviemaker and how my passion for it all has never really gone away. It got me out of the rut I find myself in now with this current movie. I have certainly let go of the past to reach for my future, but in reflecting on the past I find myself steps closer to the future.
So far things are going as planned for this project. All snags and difficulties that I was expecting are occuring, but since I was expecting them, no biggie. This whole moviemaking journey is a heck of a trip.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Indiana Jones 4 not "cheating" with CG
Frank Marshall talks about Indy 4.
Marshall and Spielberg wanted to shoot the fourth "Indiana Jones" movie in the same style as the first three.
"Steven is very aware of the process and we're not cheating with CG (computer graphics) at all," Marshall said. "It keeps the B movie feel."
Read the entire article from the New Haven Register
Marshall and Spielberg wanted to shoot the fourth "Indiana Jones" movie in the same style as the first three.
"Steven is very aware of the process and we're not cheating with CG (computer graphics) at all," Marshall said. "It keeps the B movie feel."
Read the entire article from the New Haven Register
To The Back Wall Of The Theater
You have to be able to take yourself to that other place.
D.A.R.Y.L. Trailer
The Last Starfighter (fanmade trailer)
The Monster Squad Trailer
Real Genius Trailer
Fright Night Trailer
Fright Night 2 Trailer
Die Hard Trailer
Die Hard With A Vengeance (Beethoven Trailer)
D.A.R.Y.L. Trailer
The Last Starfighter (fanmade trailer)
The Monster Squad Trailer
Real Genius Trailer
Fright Night Trailer
Fright Night 2 Trailer
Die Hard Trailer
Die Hard With A Vengeance (Beethoven Trailer)
Keep Moving Forward
You have to be able to take yourself to that other place.
I'm working on a screenplay, my next movie. And I don't really like talking about writing other than posting in blogs and such. Of the random people at work who somehow pass by me and ask me what I'm working on, I just switch the screen to a free cell game and say "nothing." Many of them assume I'm still in school and I'm working on a paper. The others that know me as a filmmaker know not to bother me, but just can't help coming up behind me and staring at the screen, which I hate. I switch back to that free cell game and wait for them to leave, they apologize and then leave me alone.
It's a very basic pharse, "I'm writing a screenplay." It's akin to those other phrases that get tossed around alot everywhere especially in close company and in blogs. "I'm working on that novel" "I'm writing a song" "I'm writing a screenplay" The fact is I am working on a screenplay, but so much more than that. I'm making another movie.
And I haven't talked much about it to anyone. That's because I'm a believer in the birthday wish syndrome. Like a birthday wish made when the candles are blown out, if you tell someone about it, it will not come true. So although I will, coming soon, communicate more thoroughly about this current project to garner more support from the general public, I will not reveal exactly what the plot is until everything is in it's place. Some of the things that I am working towards in this preproduction phase is location scouting, pre-vis storyboarding, conceptual artwork, the score, casting, marketing and distribution agenda, and of course the screenplay.
So bare with me as I type this out, this mainly for my own edification and to better help me sort it all out, not that I don't already have all this written down in a billion other applications. As with most blogs o' mine, this is me talking to me.
1. Get comfortable. Change your shoes, your shirt, get a comfortable chair, whatever it takes. I can't write in the heat. Gotta be a comfortable temprature for me to concentrate. I need the right music, or at the very least the right SILENCE. And there has to be pleasant scents in the room or no scent at all. There's this guy at work who likes to smoke clove cigarettes by the exit door nearest me. It seeps in and kills my senses. I told him to stop. He thinks I'm an asshole now, I don't care, because if he doesn't stop then the script stops and my movie stops. UNACCEPTABLE. If people have to think your an asshole for you to finish your work, then let them think your an asshole. Plus, who the hell smokes cloves anyways.
2. If you get blocked don't fight it. IF YOU GET BLOCKED DON'T FIGHT IT. If for some reason you can't get your self to write anything down and you just go blank, let it happen, go do something else, go for a jog, eat some fruit, get into a fist fight. Get oxygen (not the network), get the adrenaline flowing a little, eat something smell something hear something you're not familiar with. Do something else other than sit there and get frustrated and angry over how you can't write anything. If you fight it you will lose and then you'll end up feeling like shit and then you'll just give up and never finish.
3. If you're writing crap, just keep writing. The best advice I ever got was from William Froug from my favortie book on screenwriting ever. If you have a problem with what you're writing then write it out. If you think you're headed in the wrong direction or if you think you're writing utter shite, just keep writing. Nine times outta ten you're very being knows what you want more than you do, so just keep writing and you may find that it's leading you to where you didn't realize where you wanted to be. And even if you don't like where it ends up at least you got the crap out of the way and can now start fresh. Just get it all out on the page. This is part of the reason I have to handwrite my treatment first before I even touch the keys.
I'm working on a screenplay, my next movie. And I don't really like talking about writing other than posting in blogs and such. Of the random people at work who somehow pass by me and ask me what I'm working on, I just switch the screen to a free cell game and say "nothing." Many of them assume I'm still in school and I'm working on a paper. The others that know me as a filmmaker know not to bother me, but just can't help coming up behind me and staring at the screen, which I hate. I switch back to that free cell game and wait for them to leave, they apologize and then leave me alone.
It's a very basic pharse, "I'm writing a screenplay." It's akin to those other phrases that get tossed around alot everywhere especially in close company and in blogs. "I'm working on that novel" "I'm writing a song" "I'm writing a screenplay" The fact is I am working on a screenplay, but so much more than that. I'm making another movie.
And I haven't talked much about it to anyone. That's because I'm a believer in the birthday wish syndrome. Like a birthday wish made when the candles are blown out, if you tell someone about it, it will not come true. So although I will, coming soon, communicate more thoroughly about this current project to garner more support from the general public, I will not reveal exactly what the plot is until everything is in it's place. Some of the things that I am working towards in this preproduction phase is location scouting, pre-vis storyboarding, conceptual artwork, the score, casting, marketing and distribution agenda, and of course the screenplay.
So bare with me as I type this out, this mainly for my own edification and to better help me sort it all out, not that I don't already have all this written down in a billion other applications. As with most blogs o' mine, this is me talking to me.
LOCATION SCOUTING
Shooting will be here in North Carolina, because that's where I'm at right now. I have still yet to find out the specific filming laws here but I don't forsee what I want to do a problem since more and more indie films are being shot here. Also if permits are required I've already budgeted that in. Most permits and paper work usually max out around 2 to 3 grand and such, so not a problem if I'm ready for it. I am looking for warehouse space for base of operations, and something I can turn into a studio so I can anticipate having to build sets. I'd really like to avoid using the School Of The Arts backlot here for reasons passing understanding. I anticipate weird weather, and it will be handy to have a studio to fall back on if I need to, plus I'm already planning for alot of indoor shooting and prebuilt exteriors. Already been taking many many photos for the sotryboarding process as well as locations I would like to use.
PRE-VIS STORYBOARDS
Like regular storyboards but somewhat animated on video with added soundeffects, utilizing digital photos and drawings. Something to really bring to life those shots I want. The key here is to show the movie before it's actually made to get everyone on the same page.
CONCEPTUAL ART WORK
Again necessary for the Pre-Vis, but also important for to describe in detail the particualr type of technology being used in the storyline. Already looking at using KRE8 Effects (http://www.kre8-fx.com/) they've been doing work on the upcoming TRENCHES. They're work looks akin to what I'm trying to accomplish, some really great work.
THE SCORE
As always I'm doing the score. Already got some key elements of the score produced, but the rest will have to be done with an orchestra, or at least with a very good set of keyboards with orcehstrated sampling, preferably a yamaha psr-3000. The music software I use right now is Fruity Loops and it does a tremendous job, especially with everything I've been learning over the past year, it does sooooo much, but it's still a pain for me to compose using a point and click mouse, I need keys.
CASTING
It's always good to have your cast in mind, even if you can't afford Tom Hanks, if it helps you finish the script then go on and imagine Tom Hanks in the role. But thankfully the kind of celebs I have in mind are more than in my price range and are only popular among those familiar with the sci-fi/horror genre. Already got my list going, got some very familiar faces on it, and I have everyone's contact info and agent info. Only need 4 key roles to fill.
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION AGENDA
This is just the basic rundown of how the entire production will go down, and what happens after the final cut. How it will be seen, where it will be seen, how the theatrical release may go and how the DVD release will go. Spells everything out to a T and explains how money will be made back and how much of it will go to charity.
SCREENPLAY
The great thing about writing a screenplay you're going to shoot is that you don't have to adhere so closely to the the screenplay format. Although in honesty, I've forgone most of those rules a long time ago, due to the fact that most of those format rules are hardly obeyed by anyone anymore, just the basics. Scene Headings left, Action left to right, Character and dialogue center, put page numbers top right of page. Other than that I'm just trying to be clear and concise without being too uptight, I mean come on, as long as you and your crew understand what's going on, no need to put CUT TO before every scene heading.
1. Get comfortable. Change your shoes, your shirt, get a comfortable chair, whatever it takes. I can't write in the heat. Gotta be a comfortable temprature for me to concentrate. I need the right music, or at the very least the right SILENCE. And there has to be pleasant scents in the room or no scent at all. There's this guy at work who likes to smoke clove cigarettes by the exit door nearest me. It seeps in and kills my senses. I told him to stop. He thinks I'm an asshole now, I don't care, because if he doesn't stop then the script stops and my movie stops. UNACCEPTABLE. If people have to think your an asshole for you to finish your work, then let them think your an asshole. Plus, who the hell smokes cloves anyways.
2. If you get blocked don't fight it. IF YOU GET BLOCKED DON'T FIGHT IT. If for some reason you can't get your self to write anything down and you just go blank, let it happen, go do something else, go for a jog, eat some fruit, get into a fist fight. Get oxygen (not the network), get the adrenaline flowing a little, eat something smell something hear something you're not familiar with. Do something else other than sit there and get frustrated and angry over how you can't write anything. If you fight it you will lose and then you'll end up feeling like shit and then you'll just give up and never finish.
3. If you're writing crap, just keep writing. The best advice I ever got was from William Froug from my favortie book on screenwriting ever. If you have a problem with what you're writing then write it out. If you think you're headed in the wrong direction or if you think you're writing utter shite, just keep writing. Nine times outta ten you're very being knows what you want more than you do, so just keep writing and you may find that it's leading you to where you didn't realize where you wanted to be. And even if you don't like where it ends up at least you got the crap out of the way and can now start fresh. Just get it all out on the page. This is part of the reason I have to handwrite my treatment first before I even touch the keys.
I'll talk more about this project later, but right now I've got 40 more pages of rewrites before I start putting together the rest of the package.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
An interview with ... well ... me
Here's a small excerpt from my interview. Click the link below to read it in it's entirety.
"The Office" Meets Zombies, Werewolves and Vampires
An Interview with Patrick Prejusa, Director of "The Midnight Special"
By Kelly Keltner
"Hollywood is crap. I could make a better film than they could."
A lot of people are guilty of saying this exact line, but just how many people actually attempt it?
Not many. It's usually those that have a love of film and respect the medium that go on to make successful films. The ones who grow up loving both the good films and the "bad." A guy like Patrick Prejusa.
When I first "met" Patrick online a few years back, he was still working on his film, "The Midnight Special." Day after day he juggled filming his masterpiece with a real life job, his marriage and life's own nasty setbacks. Today, however, he finally has something to show for it all: a finished film.
Read the whole interview here.
"The Office" Meets Zombies, Werewolves and Vampires
An Interview with Patrick Prejusa, Director of "The Midnight Special"
By Kelly Keltner
"Hollywood is crap. I could make a better film than they could."
A lot of people are guilty of saying this exact line, but just how many people actually attempt it?
Not many. It's usually those that have a love of film and respect the medium that go on to make successful films. The ones who grow up loving both the good films and the "bad." A guy like Patrick Prejusa.
When I first "met" Patrick online a few years back, he was still working on his film, "The Midnight Special." Day after day he juggled filming his masterpiece with a real life job, his marriage and life's own nasty setbacks. Today, however, he finally has something to show for it all: a finished film.
Read the whole interview here.
Friday, June 22, 2007
When did noah build the ark ...
BEFORE the flood.
I've heard everyone say it. People I've worked with, people I've worked for, everyone has said in one way or another, "I'm tired of working for other people."
I think the main goal with most people I've heard say that, and definitely the main goal for me is to be in charge of yourself. To live your own life. Or as I've just read in this blog post by Tina Parcell I’m getting tired of placing my welfare in the hands of others.
I've felt that statement from a number of people for a very long time, especially from myself. I'm glad to post that I am (and have been) taking the steps towards not only making my dreams come true, and reaching my goals, but also putting my own welfare in my own hands. I'm excited to do so, and am confident that I'll be getting there very soon.
But like everything it all starts with change.
I've heard everyone say it. People I've worked with, people I've worked for, everyone has said in one way or another, "I'm tired of working for other people."
I think the main goal with most people I've heard say that, and definitely the main goal for me is to be in charge of yourself. To live your own life. Or as I've just read in this blog post by Tina Parcell I’m getting tired of placing my welfare in the hands of others.
I've felt that statement from a number of people for a very long time, especially from myself. I'm glad to post that I am (and have been) taking the steps towards not only making my dreams come true, and reaching my goals, but also putting my own welfare in my own hands. I'm excited to do so, and am confident that I'll be getting there very soon.
But like everything it all starts with change.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Quo Vadimas
Well first off, special thanks to Dametria who was nice enough to nominate our movie on THE MOVIES MADE ME DO IT. Go HERE, register, sign in, and vote us UP!
We've also got a screening coming up in Charlottesville, VA, at The Gravity Lounge. CLICK HERE for more info.
I'm having problems updating monstercops.com, so I'm unable to update the screening page. Still says we've got that screening up at Balticon in May. Would've loved to have been there. Actually I'd love to have been at any of the screenings, but it's the penalty you pay for being a broke ass, no-budget moviemaker. It kills me, because in my opinion that's the best part, really getting to see that live audience react to your movie. See them laugh at the right parts, or even at the wrong parts. Get the real feeling of what you've laid out for the audience. One of these days. Heck I may catch the Dallas screening in September, that's looking like more of a possibility. Would be nice to see home for a bit as well.
I'm just glad the movie has been able to be on the big screen in different cities thanks to cooperative scifi conventions, indie screening events like The Lone Star Film Society in Fort Worth, Texas. Thanks to fests that love our movie like The Spooky Movie Film Fest in Virginia who has been able to give us exposure at other screenings as well, and thanks also to Brave New Theatres helping revolutionize how movies are distributed to the audience.
The movie is on DVD thanks to the wonderful service provided by CUSTOMFLIX. They have been an indies dream come true helping us sell the DVD through our own shop as well as on AMAZON.COM. They helped get us into the IMDB.COM. We've sold quite a few copies already and I have yet to REALLY market the movie.
Juli's doing so well. It's been close to 8 months since Brenda died and I'm happy to say the sadness has lessened. It hasn't gone away, don't think it ever will, but I'm getting passed it and Juli is coming to terms with it, which is my main concern. I'm so proud of her. Not just because she's shown great strength in dealing with her mom dying, but for other achievements like, her knitting has improved. Don't know if I've posted about it before but she knits, she loves knitting, and I recall a time when she didn't have a clue about knitting. Now she actually has a job where she teaches people how to knit. Very advanced stuff too. Stuff I didn't even know you could knit. I'm just amazed at what you can create with just two sticks and some yarn, not unlike no-budget moviemaking. She's also stepped back into painting as well, although the knitting has been distracting here. I'm just so amazed at how far she's gotten. Her mother would be proud, is proud.
So, all seems to be fine. So, what now? Where are we going?
Well, continue the marketing build up for the movie, meaning, get more screenings, post more bulletins, get as many people to know about the movie as possible. All of this building towards my little marketing ploy coming up closer to October and the Halloween season. I've got press releases to put out over the next few moths, getting in contact with the different media outlets related to the different genres having to do with the movie, asian american press, indie film press, horror, scifi, etc. We've gotta get the word out about raising money for Cancer Charities. So much contained in this little horror comedy or rather comedy horror. I've also got Video Blogs coming up that will fill the very empty Video Blog Section on monstercops.com.
But aside from the continued marketing of the movie, where exactly will I be headed next. I'm very much not done with Monster Cops, as I've said before I very much see it as a series, and a much improved version over The Midnight Special, meaning I'd need the money to really do what I wanted to with the franchise, like really show you some monsters and scares amidst the comedy and action. But my specific plan for what I have in mind on distributing this series is a little unorthodox, and there's no way I can do it without funding. And raising funds is much easier to do with a movie rather than an unorthodox series.
So I've dug back into the past and brought forth a storyline that I will turn into a feature. It's what I've been busting my ass on for two weeks now. Working on the script, trying to get together the conceptual drawings, and all the other necessary hubbubsp?) that go with pitching a movie. Hopefully before mid July I'll have the full pitch and package put together and online.
But as far as where I'm headed. Right back into production. Doing another feature and as planned The Midnight Special was my no-budget feature, so this will be my low-budget feature. I can't go back to no-budget again. Because The Midnight Special was no-budget the structure, the plot, the overall idea suffered. I didn't get to do what I really wanted and I had to settle for just trying to capture the essence of it. Don't get me wrong, I love my movie, I love The Midnight Special, but in my opinion it lacked a certain amount of horror and suspense. And I've been aching to really show what I can do so much so that I actually tried to put something together here last month and it just didn't work. When it's not a paying show people don't show up, locations disappear, and all the normal hassles of movie making are quadrupled. This one's gotta be a paying show, so a fundraising we will go.
That's where I'm at and that's where I'm headed. The process starts over again. Screenwriting, storyboards, and fundraising. The movie is everything I love in a movie, comedy, horror, action, thriller, drama. I won't discuss my timetable cuz I don't want to jinx it, but hopefully with past experience I can avoid most of the moviemaking trappings and pittfalls and make room for new ones. It's going to be interesting.
In other news, PIXAR does not disappoint. Brad Bird, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joe Ranft, Pete Docter and everyone at Pixar, I owe much to you guys keeping my spirits up. And in helping me remember to Keep Moving Forward.
'Just keep swimming'
The Stranger: Do you feel responsible for the show failing?
Dana Whitaker: The show didn't fail. The man I work for, a guy named Isaac Jaffee... he took a chance on me, and I didn't rise to meet his... expectations. And there are people who work for me who needed me to be a better field captain. The *show* didn't fail. But I do feel responsible, and that's gonna have to be all right with you.
The Stranger: You know what would make you feel better right now?
Dana Whitaker: Really, nothing.
The Stranger: You don't want to hear what I think would make you feel better?
Dana Whitaker: I really don't.
The Stranger: In the three day history of our relationship, have I been wrong about anything?
Dana Whitaker: Look...
The Stranger: Dana, I'm what the world considers to be a phenomenally succesful man, and I've failed much more than I've succeeded. And each time I fail, I get my people together, and I say, "Where are we going?" And it starts to get better.
Sports Night Episode 22 "Quo Vadimas"
Written by Aaron Sorkin
Directed by Thomas Schlamme
We've also got a screening coming up in Charlottesville, VA, at The Gravity Lounge. CLICK HERE for more info.
I'm having problems updating monstercops.com, so I'm unable to update the screening page. Still says we've got that screening up at Balticon in May. Would've loved to have been there. Actually I'd love to have been at any of the screenings, but it's the penalty you pay for being a broke ass, no-budget moviemaker. It kills me, because in my opinion that's the best part, really getting to see that live audience react to your movie. See them laugh at the right parts, or even at the wrong parts. Get the real feeling of what you've laid out for the audience. One of these days. Heck I may catch the Dallas screening in September, that's looking like more of a possibility. Would be nice to see home for a bit as well.
I'm just glad the movie has been able to be on the big screen in different cities thanks to cooperative scifi conventions, indie screening events like The Lone Star Film Society in Fort Worth, Texas. Thanks to fests that love our movie like The Spooky Movie Film Fest in Virginia who has been able to give us exposure at other screenings as well, and thanks also to Brave New Theatres helping revolutionize how movies are distributed to the audience.
The movie is on DVD thanks to the wonderful service provided by CUSTOMFLIX. They have been an indies dream come true helping us sell the DVD through our own shop as well as on AMAZON.COM. They helped get us into the IMDB.COM. We've sold quite a few copies already and I have yet to REALLY market the movie.
Juli's doing so well. It's been close to 8 months since Brenda died and I'm happy to say the sadness has lessened. It hasn't gone away, don't think it ever will, but I'm getting passed it and Juli is coming to terms with it, which is my main concern. I'm so proud of her. Not just because she's shown great strength in dealing with her mom dying, but for other achievements like, her knitting has improved. Don't know if I've posted about it before but she knits, she loves knitting, and I recall a time when she didn't have a clue about knitting. Now she actually has a job where she teaches people how to knit. Very advanced stuff too. Stuff I didn't even know you could knit. I'm just amazed at what you can create with just two sticks and some yarn, not unlike no-budget moviemaking. She's also stepped back into painting as well, although the knitting has been distracting here. I'm just so amazed at how far she's gotten. Her mother would be proud, is proud.
So, all seems to be fine. So, what now? Where are we going?
Well, continue the marketing build up for the movie, meaning, get more screenings, post more bulletins, get as many people to know about the movie as possible. All of this building towards my little marketing ploy coming up closer to October and the Halloween season. I've got press releases to put out over the next few moths, getting in contact with the different media outlets related to the different genres having to do with the movie, asian american press, indie film press, horror, scifi, etc. We've gotta get the word out about raising money for Cancer Charities. So much contained in this little horror comedy or rather comedy horror. I've also got Video Blogs coming up that will fill the very empty Video Blog Section on monstercops.com.
But aside from the continued marketing of the movie, where exactly will I be headed next. I'm very much not done with Monster Cops, as I've said before I very much see it as a series, and a much improved version over The Midnight Special, meaning I'd need the money to really do what I wanted to with the franchise, like really show you some monsters and scares amidst the comedy and action. But my specific plan for what I have in mind on distributing this series is a little unorthodox, and there's no way I can do it without funding. And raising funds is much easier to do with a movie rather than an unorthodox series.
So I've dug back into the past and brought forth a storyline that I will turn into a feature. It's what I've been busting my ass on for two weeks now. Working on the script, trying to get together the conceptual drawings, and all the other necessary hubbubsp?) that go with pitching a movie. Hopefully before mid July I'll have the full pitch and package put together and online.
But as far as where I'm headed. Right back into production. Doing another feature and as planned The Midnight Special was my no-budget feature, so this will be my low-budget feature. I can't go back to no-budget again. Because The Midnight Special was no-budget the structure, the plot, the overall idea suffered. I didn't get to do what I really wanted and I had to settle for just trying to capture the essence of it. Don't get me wrong, I love my movie, I love The Midnight Special, but in my opinion it lacked a certain amount of horror and suspense. And I've been aching to really show what I can do so much so that I actually tried to put something together here last month and it just didn't work. When it's not a paying show people don't show up, locations disappear, and all the normal hassles of movie making are quadrupled. This one's gotta be a paying show, so a fundraising we will go.
That's where I'm at and that's where I'm headed. The process starts over again. Screenwriting, storyboards, and fundraising. The movie is everything I love in a movie, comedy, horror, action, thriller, drama. I won't discuss my timetable cuz I don't want to jinx it, but hopefully with past experience I can avoid most of the moviemaking trappings and pittfalls and make room for new ones. It's going to be interesting.
In other news, PIXAR does not disappoint. Brad Bird, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joe Ranft, Pete Docter and everyone at Pixar, I owe much to you guys keeping my spirits up. And in helping me remember to Keep Moving Forward.
'Just keep swimming'
The Stranger: Do you feel responsible for the show failing?
Dana Whitaker: The show didn't fail. The man I work for, a guy named Isaac Jaffee... he took a chance on me, and I didn't rise to meet his... expectations. And there are people who work for me who needed me to be a better field captain. The *show* didn't fail. But I do feel responsible, and that's gonna have to be all right with you.
The Stranger: You know what would make you feel better right now?
Dana Whitaker: Really, nothing.
The Stranger: You don't want to hear what I think would make you feel better?
Dana Whitaker: I really don't.
The Stranger: In the three day history of our relationship, have I been wrong about anything?
Dana Whitaker: Look...
The Stranger: Dana, I'm what the world considers to be a phenomenally succesful man, and I've failed much more than I've succeeded. And each time I fail, I get my people together, and I say, "Where are we going?" And it starts to get better.
Sports Night Episode 22 "Quo Vadimas"
Written by Aaron Sorkin
Directed by Thomas Schlamme
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
No doubt the precogs have already seen this
I remember when motion sensors were built in to specific games soon after Game Works was introduced at the Grapevine Mills mall. You could move around and control the dinos in that game where dinos fight other dinos. I remember getting a little excited about that, but then losing interest when I realized that you didn't actually have to move your body, you could just wiggle your finger and control the game. And even that wasn't even any form of precise control. Still a fascinating idea.
I like the idea of physical interactivity with technology (that sounds bad). I like Dance Dance Revolution (Although I suck at it). I like that you're doing more than just sitting on your ass and hitting buttons. I like the concept of Nintendo's Wii. Something I have yet to try, but am anxious to give a shot. But beyond gaming my obsessions lie closer to the realm of moviemaking (duh). So as far as physically interacting with technology (I need to quit saying that), you bet your ass I found the technology in MINORITY REPORT mind blowing.
Not only did I love the plot, the direction, the music, the movie itself, but seeing Tom Cruise's character manipulate those images in that fashion was a HUGE bonus. I thought, "That's exactly how I want to edit a movie." I mean I tend to get very physical when I'm creatively passionate (or is that passionately creative?), I'm in the middle of writing or editing and I have to get up and move around. I get excited about an idea and I have to pace or dance or wave my arms around. And how cool would it be to express myself physically while editing a movie. To be able to physically grab an image with my hand and place it right where I want it.Ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't already heard, that technology is coming. Check out what Microsoft has unveiled last month in this video from popular mechanics.
popularmechanics
Pretty cool huh?
I now know what the walls of my dream house will look like. All we have to do now is wait for the comercial availability of something more than just a coffee table, give us gloves to put on that allow us to manipulate images and video from a distance, and I'll be all set. I would be able to edit where ever I wanted in my house and my wife would constantly be changing the wall paper.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Bruce Campbell's Tips on Directing
In 2005 shortly after I had wrapped shooting on Monster Cops: The Midnight Special, Bruce Campbell came to Dallas as he was on his Man With The Screaming Brain tour. You bet your ass me and my wife went. We got his autograph at Barnes and Noble (he was promoting Make Love The Bruce Campbell Way) and then saw him present his movie at the Magnolia in Dallas. It was a blast. The featured pic is of my wife as we had just caught Bruce after the screening.
Earlier in the day, at his book signing at Barnes and Noble, as he was signing my Boomstick Edition of Army of Darkness, Bruce asked me what I did. Like the silly little fanboy I am I geekily said "I'm an independent filmmaker." He replied, "Well Patrick, get to work." And then he smiled as he handed me back my freshly autographed DVD. This would've been less comical if he hadn't immediately followed that up with "And don't touch the ink, cuz it doesn't dry very fast."
I've met Dennis Hopper, got autographs from all of The Kids In The Hall, except for Bruce McCulloch he wasn't there for some unknown reason, Bruce Campbell was the first one to make me feel a little star struck. The Evil Dead movies were a huge influence on me because it was the kind of movie I wanted to try to make and also because understanding how Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Robert Tapert started out, made me really relate to them as filmmakers. Bruce always felt like one of the guys that made it big and made it the way the rest of us could make it. And here I got to meet him.I find myself perusing Bruce's Official Site and I find one of his blog posts interesting and quite useful for all us indies. I repost it for you here. It's entitled:
JOIN THE CLUB, BE A DIRECTOR
1. Communicate, communicate, communicate!
Actors must be aware of your intentions - even how you are photographing them (to some extent) so that they can serve you and the film better. The same goes with all of the department heads - they must know what you want, or else they cannot give it to you.
2. Don't get all wrapped up in Storyboards, cool shots, lenses, etc. any more than your story demands.
Don't forget things like blocking, characters, and MOST IMPORTANTLY - a working script that doesn't suck!
3. Getting 40 set-ups in a day isn't always the goal. It isn't a contest - 40 shots of what? And how rushed do you have to be to get that? How about 20, really good, planned out shots? making the film shouldn't be a zoo, unless your producers are idiots.
4. Don't neglect the proper shooting process. First thing in the morning (and at the beginning of each new scene to be shot), clear the set, work with the actors to establish/sign off on blocking, then show the scene to all concerned departments, then get the actors out of there and line up with stand-ins and light - then bring the actors back in and shoot. It sounds horribly basic, but so many people forget/never know the correct procedure.
5. Work your little, doughy ass off!
See the original blog post HERE
See his official site HERE
I eagerly await his current movie MY NAME IS BRUCE
DIY Movie Fund Raising: The Internet
Edit 6/10/07
The internet has brought upon the DIY Indie Movie Maker much opportunity. Opportunity to market, distribute, and here lately, opportunities to raise funds. I now share with you some of my research in ways to fund your indie movie. Fair warning, you gotta be prepared. You've gotta have that finished script, you've gotta have a prepared cast and crew list, you've gotta know your budget, how, when, and where you are making this movie, and how you plan on getting it seen and make your money back.
note: I haven't tried any of these sites yet, so proceed with caution. If anyone has tried any of the below listed or have any further info feel free to comment and let me know. Always good to avoid scams. As the great Peter Vincent said on more than one occasion, "Forewarned is forearmed."
FilmTies
http://www.filmties.com
Social networking combined with indie funding. They raise money through advertising revenue for indie filmmakers.
Fundable Films
http://fundablefilms.com/
A place where filmmakers can gain monetary support and valuable feedback.
Indie Fliks
http://www.indiefliks.com
Offers accredited investors movie investing opportunities, and the connections that count in the rapidly growing independent movie market.
Movie Money
http://www.movie-money.us/
Bringing filmmakers and investors together. Especially with this one, you're eventually going to be dealing directly with investors, so you better be ready and you better know your shit.
IndieGoGo
http://www.indiegogo.com/
Where people don't just choose the movies to watch, they choose the movies to make.
Examples of movies trying to fund their movies online.
A Million Dollars and a Movie
http://www.amilliondollarsandamovie.com/
Buy a square or click on ads and help this guy raise money to make his movie.
The Indywood Project
http://www.indywoodproject.com/index.php
Another site selling off squares. Llyod Kaufman, Ken Russel, and JR Bookwalter are apparently already attached to the project and looks like they've already sold quite a few squares.
A Swarm Of Angels
http://aswarmofangels.com/
A groundbreaking project to create a movie for 1 million and give it away to over 1 million people using the internet and a global community of members.
Fund My Movie
http://www.workprint.com/fundmymovie/
Hey, ya never know.
Please Fund My Film
http://www.pleasefundmyfilm.com/
You know the drill.
Drink Me Pictures
http://www.drinkmepictures.com/
A great way to spend 10 bucks.
Cinema Shares
http://www.cinemashares.com/index_fullscreen.html
Buy stock in the movie FUNGI.
Make A Movie Happen
http://www.makeamoviehappen.com/
They've raised over $300,000.00
The 1 Second Film
http://www.the1secondfilm.com/
A film anyone can produce for $1.00
I'm posting this as well as the previous post about advertisers funding indies, for my fellow indies but also as a note to myself, because I am about to embark on my own fundraising efforts for a production I am currently finishing up the script for. More details to come.
The internet has brought upon the DIY Indie Movie Maker much opportunity. Opportunity to market, distribute, and here lately, opportunities to raise funds. I now share with you some of my research in ways to fund your indie movie. Fair warning, you gotta be prepared. You've gotta have that finished script, you've gotta have a prepared cast and crew list, you've gotta know your budget, how, when, and where you are making this movie, and how you plan on getting it seen and make your money back.
note: I haven't tried any of these sites yet, so proceed with caution. If anyone has tried any of the below listed or have any further info feel free to comment and let me know. Always good to avoid scams. As the great Peter Vincent said on more than one occasion, "Forewarned is forearmed."
FilmTies
http://www.filmties.com
Social networking combined with indie funding. They raise money through advertising revenue for indie filmmakers.
Fundable Films
http://fundablefilms.com/
A place where filmmakers can gain monetary support and valuable feedback.
Indie Fliks
http://www.indiefliks.com
Offers accredited investors movie investing opportunities, and the connections that count in the rapidly growing independent movie market.
Movie Money
http://www.movie-money.us/
Bringing filmmakers and investors together. Especially with this one, you're eventually going to be dealing directly with investors, so you better be ready and you better know your shit.
IndieGoGo
http://www.indiegogo.com/
Where people don't just choose the movies to watch, they choose the movies to make.
Examples of movies trying to fund their movies online.
A Million Dollars and a Movie
http://www.amilliondollarsandamovie.com/
Buy a square or click on ads and help this guy raise money to make his movie.
The Indywood Project
http://www.indywoodproject.com/index.php
Another site selling off squares. Llyod Kaufman, Ken Russel, and JR Bookwalter are apparently already attached to the project and looks like they've already sold quite a few squares.
A Swarm Of Angels
http://aswarmofangels.com/
A groundbreaking project to create a movie for 1 million and give it away to over 1 million people using the internet and a global community of members.
Fund My Movie
http://www.workprint.com/fundmymovie/
Hey, ya never know.
Please Fund My Film
http://www.pleasefundmyfilm.com/
You know the drill.
Drink Me Pictures
http://www.drinkmepictures.com/
A great way to spend 10 bucks.
Cinema Shares
http://www.cinemashares.com/index_fullscreen.html
Buy stock in the movie FUNGI.
Make A Movie Happen
http://www.makeamoviehappen.com/
They've raised over $300,000.00
The 1 Second Film
http://www.the1secondfilm.com/
A film anyone can produce for $1.00
I'm posting this as well as the previous post about advertisers funding indies, for my fellow indies but also as a note to myself, because I am about to embark on my own fundraising efforts for a production I am currently finishing up the script for. More details to come.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Ad Cash For Indies
Recent article from the L.A. TIMES.
Advertiser cash flows to indie film projects
Companies seek a bond with audiences beyond product placement.
By Lorenza Muñoz, Times Staff Writer
June 1, 2007
Advertisers have long linked up with Hollywood by placing their products within films or trotting out stars as their official sponsors. But some companies are now going a step further, investing directly in movie productions in the hopes of striking even deeper connections with film audiences.
In what could be the latest trend in the financing of independent films, Unilever brand Dove has agreed to invest $3 million — about one-fifth of the budget — into "The Women," the first theatrical movie by Diane English, the creative force behind the hit television series "Murphy Brown." Gatorade, the sports drink maker, quietly put up $3 million for the production of "Gracie," a story about a girls soccer team that is coming out this weekend.
"With low-budget movies you have to have different ways to create marketing efficiencies and leverage your ability to fund them," said Andrew Shue, producer of "Gracie." He said the seed money from Gatorade enabled him to raise an additional $7 million from a hedge fund. "This is absolutely something in the future for these kinds of movies that are smaller budget and under the studio threshold."
Independent studio Lions Gate has been discussing potential producing partnerships with several corporations.
The investments are crucial for independent producers struggling to cobble together funding for their movies. National brands can give smaller movies a broader marketing appeal and can often give them the aura of a bigger studio movie.
Some Hollywood executives, however, are skeptical that corporate financing will grow into a broader movement. They point to the experience of PepsiCo Inc.'s Mountain Dew, which invested nearly $4 million in the snowboarding documentary "First Descent." The film grossed only $988,368 in worldwide ticket sales, although Mountain Dew was less interested in making a box-office profit than reaching a specific demographic: snowboarders.
"I don't see any signs that it's a significant trend," said Steve Gilula, chief operating officer of Fox Searchlight. "But it is interesting to see another source of funds flowing into filmmaking."
Some talent agencies, however, see an opportunity. ICM has hired a former marketing executive to look for potential deals to marry brands with the agency's clients.
"When it's a perfect fit, it isn't a stretch, it is organic," said Lori Sale, head of global branded entertainment for ICM, who put Dove and English together for "The Women." "It's very much matchmaking: What does the brand do for the movie? What does the movie do for the brand?"
Typically, the major studios partner with corporations to market big-budget movies, as DreamWorks Animation did with McDonald's for "Shrek" and as Sony Pictures did with NASCAR for "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."
But in today's increasingly fragmented market, with digital video recorders enabling viewers to skip TV commercials, advertisers are desperate to find new ways to reach people.
"Three million dollars is not a big deal for these people," said Claudia Caplan, chief marketing officer of Mendelsohn Zien Advertising in Los Angeles. "Everybody is trying to find new ways to reach consumers."
The companies view investment in niche movies as a way to promote a lifestyle, rather than a brand. Dove, for instance, plans to launch a marketing campaign for "The Women" that plays off of its "Campaign for Real Beauty," which garnered attention in 2004 with innovative ads featuring real women of all shapes and sizes in their underwear.
"The movie will give us an opportunity to reach women in a real way," said Kathrine O'Brien, Dove's marketing director. "It addresses the challenges that women face in society today."
English plans to create a director's blog for the Dove website, http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com . In addition, she will make a short film for the site that will chronicle the making of "The Women" featuring the movie's stars and crew.
With "Gracie," Gatorade saw a way to increase its reach with young girls, the target audience. "Consumers get turned off when film or TV shows become too commercial," said Dustin Cohn, director of strategic innovations for Gatorade and Propel, a fitness water. "We didn't want to say 'put X amount of drink shots or X amount of branding in the movie….' We did not get involved in the film to make a film. It is about leveraging an asset to help communicate our support for women in sports."
The sports drink manufacturer has produced 9 million 15-packs with a picture of the movie's lead, Carly Schroeder. The packs also have information to receive an instructional soccer video featuring soccer stars Mia Hamm and Landon Donovan.
Neither Dove nor Gatorade demanded product placement in the films in return for their investments. However, the soccer players in the movie will be drinking Gatorade, Shue said. "She wasn't going to be slugging down milk," he said. And three Gatorade executives will receive a producing credit.
English has not ruled out the possibility of inserting a Dove product into the film if it fits seamlessly into a scene. A remake of the 1939 classic comedy, "The Women" is set in contemporary New York and stars Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith and Candice Bergen.
"I was being very, very careful about this," said English, who also wrote the screenplay. "I didn't want to be put in a position where the product was running the show. Their campaign is about reaching out globally to women and girls about self esteem and empowerment and that is what we are saying in our movie."
Although the company will not get a producing credit, Dove is entitled to a certain percentage of the profit once the $15-million investment in the movie is recovered.
Advertiser cash flows to indie film projects
Companies seek a bond with audiences beyond product placement.
By Lorenza Muñoz, Times Staff Writer
June 1, 2007
Advertisers have long linked up with Hollywood by placing their products within films or trotting out stars as their official sponsors. But some companies are now going a step further, investing directly in movie productions in the hopes of striking even deeper connections with film audiences.
In what could be the latest trend in the financing of independent films, Unilever brand Dove has agreed to invest $3 million — about one-fifth of the budget — into "The Women," the first theatrical movie by Diane English, the creative force behind the hit television series "Murphy Brown." Gatorade, the sports drink maker, quietly put up $3 million for the production of "Gracie," a story about a girls soccer team that is coming out this weekend.
"With low-budget movies you have to have different ways to create marketing efficiencies and leverage your ability to fund them," said Andrew Shue, producer of "Gracie." He said the seed money from Gatorade enabled him to raise an additional $7 million from a hedge fund. "This is absolutely something in the future for these kinds of movies that are smaller budget and under the studio threshold."
Independent studio Lions Gate has been discussing potential producing partnerships with several corporations.
The investments are crucial for independent producers struggling to cobble together funding for their movies. National brands can give smaller movies a broader marketing appeal and can often give them the aura of a bigger studio movie.
Some Hollywood executives, however, are skeptical that corporate financing will grow into a broader movement. They point to the experience of PepsiCo Inc.'s Mountain Dew, which invested nearly $4 million in the snowboarding documentary "First Descent." The film grossed only $988,368 in worldwide ticket sales, although Mountain Dew was less interested in making a box-office profit than reaching a specific demographic: snowboarders.
"I don't see any signs that it's a significant trend," said Steve Gilula, chief operating officer of Fox Searchlight. "But it is interesting to see another source of funds flowing into filmmaking."
Some talent agencies, however, see an opportunity. ICM has hired a former marketing executive to look for potential deals to marry brands with the agency's clients.
"When it's a perfect fit, it isn't a stretch, it is organic," said Lori Sale, head of global branded entertainment for ICM, who put Dove and English together for "The Women." "It's very much matchmaking: What does the brand do for the movie? What does the movie do for the brand?"
Typically, the major studios partner with corporations to market big-budget movies, as DreamWorks Animation did with McDonald's for "Shrek" and as Sony Pictures did with NASCAR for "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."
But in today's increasingly fragmented market, with digital video recorders enabling viewers to skip TV commercials, advertisers are desperate to find new ways to reach people.
"Three million dollars is not a big deal for these people," said Claudia Caplan, chief marketing officer of Mendelsohn Zien Advertising in Los Angeles. "Everybody is trying to find new ways to reach consumers."
The companies view investment in niche movies as a way to promote a lifestyle, rather than a brand. Dove, for instance, plans to launch a marketing campaign for "The Women" that plays off of its "Campaign for Real Beauty," which garnered attention in 2004 with innovative ads featuring real women of all shapes and sizes in their underwear.
"The movie will give us an opportunity to reach women in a real way," said Kathrine O'Brien, Dove's marketing director. "It addresses the challenges that women face in society today."
English plans to create a director's blog for the Dove website, http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com . In addition, she will make a short film for the site that will chronicle the making of "The Women" featuring the movie's stars and crew.
With "Gracie," Gatorade saw a way to increase its reach with young girls, the target audience. "Consumers get turned off when film or TV shows become too commercial," said Dustin Cohn, director of strategic innovations for Gatorade and Propel, a fitness water. "We didn't want to say 'put X amount of drink shots or X amount of branding in the movie….' We did not get involved in the film to make a film. It is about leveraging an asset to help communicate our support for women in sports."
The sports drink manufacturer has produced 9 million 15-packs with a picture of the movie's lead, Carly Schroeder. The packs also have information to receive an instructional soccer video featuring soccer stars Mia Hamm and Landon Donovan.
Neither Dove nor Gatorade demanded product placement in the films in return for their investments. However, the soccer players in the movie will be drinking Gatorade, Shue said. "She wasn't going to be slugging down milk," he said. And three Gatorade executives will receive a producing credit.
English has not ruled out the possibility of inserting a Dove product into the film if it fits seamlessly into a scene. A remake of the 1939 classic comedy, "The Women" is set in contemporary New York and stars Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith and Candice Bergen.
"I was being very, very careful about this," said English, who also wrote the screenplay. "I didn't want to be put in a position where the product was running the show. Their campaign is about reaching out globally to women and girls about self esteem and empowerment and that is what we are saying in our movie."
Although the company will not get a producing credit, Dove is entitled to a certain percentage of the profit once the $15-million investment in the movie is recovered.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Horror Junk!
I've never had so much fun getting a bad review. These guys crack me up!
I absolutely agree with much of what they're saying about the non-existant horror element. Not to worry guys, I'm working on it. Check these guys out at horrorjunk.net
I absolutely agree with much of what they're saying about the non-existant horror element. Not to worry guys, I'm working on it. Check these guys out at horrorjunk.net
Monday, June 4, 2007
Sunday, June 3, 2007
I won't lie
it's a struggle. It's a struggle to be truely independent. To be truely DIY. When it comes to marketing the movie (Monster Cops: The Midnight Special) I assume full responsibility of EVERYTHING. I have to do all of the marketing. The emails, the press releases, the individual press releases tailor made for specific genres, crowds, and publications. Getting the word out about the different screenings, communicating with all the fests, cons, and venues about each screening. Keeping the website updated. And Myspace is a whole other thing by itself. Communicating with people through Myspace, keeping up with bulletins, and advertising on Myspace. I create the fliers, the posters. I mail them out, along with all the Press Kits, and DVD Screener Copies. And all this in between working that day job. I'm trying to do the job of an entire marketing department.
At the same time I'm planning out the next production. What am I doing next? What do I need to do to help supplement the advertising and marketing? Will I be working on a Monster Cops Webisode next or am I going straight into planning on raising funds for the next Monster Cops movie. Part of the marketing agenda is to create video blogs to help let people know just what all this Monster Cops business is about. And here I am scrounging for time to work on that.
There are times I find myself stretched thin. Honestly in these past few weeks especially I'm tearing my hair out. It does get to me. I do look forward to having a budget and being able to pay people to actually show up and do a job. I'm tired of relying on other people and being let down. All of us indies go through it. But I'm starting to feel like I've been through it more times then necessary. I'm ready for professionals. Or at least people that want to be there. People who are as enthused about doing this as I am. And the thing is the people you work with sometimes are enthusiastic, they want it like you do. But when you aren't paying, the bills, the jobs, school, and everything else you aren't providing take precedents. And you can't be mad at them for it, it's just how it is. I should know, I have a day job.
But I'm willing to bust my ass for my vision. And I can't expect other people to bust their ass for my vision. At least not without a paycheck.
Until I can get to that money and that crew, I have to do things on other people's time, and do as much of this MYSELF as possible. Honestly I'm getting cranky not having produced anything in a while, and trailers and origami tutorials don't count. Gotta work on stuff to practice, to hone my chosen craft, and to help with the marketing. So right now in this very post, I promise, by hook or by crook, I will have produced something worth while before this month is over.
But hey, I can't be too down. The movie is available on AMAZON.COM and we are officially listed on IMDB.com.
At the same time I'm planning out the next production. What am I doing next? What do I need to do to help supplement the advertising and marketing? Will I be working on a Monster Cops Webisode next or am I going straight into planning on raising funds for the next Monster Cops movie. Part of the marketing agenda is to create video blogs to help let people know just what all this Monster Cops business is about. And here I am scrounging for time to work on that.
There are times I find myself stretched thin. Honestly in these past few weeks especially I'm tearing my hair out. It does get to me. I do look forward to having a budget and being able to pay people to actually show up and do a job. I'm tired of relying on other people and being let down. All of us indies go through it. But I'm starting to feel like I've been through it more times then necessary. I'm ready for professionals. Or at least people that want to be there. People who are as enthused about doing this as I am. And the thing is the people you work with sometimes are enthusiastic, they want it like you do. But when you aren't paying, the bills, the jobs, school, and everything else you aren't providing take precedents. And you can't be mad at them for it, it's just how it is. I should know, I have a day job.
But I'm willing to bust my ass for my vision. And I can't expect other people to bust their ass for my vision. At least not without a paycheck.
Until I can get to that money and that crew, I have to do things on other people's time, and do as much of this MYSELF as possible. Honestly I'm getting cranky not having produced anything in a while, and trailers and origami tutorials don't count. Gotta work on stuff to practice, to hone my chosen craft, and to help with the marketing. So right now in this very post, I promise, by hook or by crook, I will have produced something worth while before this month is over.
But hey, I can't be too down. The movie is available on AMAZON.COM and we are officially listed on IMDB.com.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day
To the men and women serving all over the world. I thank you so very much for the job you do and the sacrifices you have made for my freedom. Thank you on this memorial day.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Contest Roundup 23
Updated May 31st, 2007
Ok so it's not actually the 23rd time I've posted a Contest Roundup, but it sure feels like it. As usual these are posted by order of dealine. Deadlines are in ( ).
If I hear of more contests within the next few weeks, I will update this post, otherwise I'll just post Contest Roundup 32.
Acceptable TV
(Rolling Deadlines)
http://acceptable.tv/
Briobox $50,000 Contest
(Rolling Deadlines)
http://www.briobox.com/index.php
OurStage Video Contest
(Monthly Deadlines)
http://www.ourstage.com/go/vidopp
IGFDN Vegas DVD COntest
(Soon)
http://www.igfdb.com/news.php
Nintendo Short Cuts
(June 6th, 2007)
Create a three-to-five minute film incorporating Nintendo
http://www.nintendoshortcuts.com/
John Woo's Stranglehold
(June 25th, 2007)
Write, produce, and direct your own short film tribute to John Woo of no more than 2-1/2 minutes.
http://www.myspace.com/strangleholdgame
Bytecaster Video Presentation Contest
(June 29th, 2007)
http://www.bytecaster.com/contests/presentation/index.aspx
Mr Clean Scenes
(June 30th, 2007)
http://www.mrcleanscenes.com/mrclean/en_US/mclanding.do
XLNTads Contest
(June 30th, 2007)
http://www.xlntads.com/contest/
Comedy Central/Atom Films Test Pilots
(July)
Your TV pilot can download you five grand and maybe even your own development deal. Your pilot must be between one and five minutes in length and be a maximum file size of 100 MB.
http://www.comedycentral.com/events/test_pilots/index.jhtml
Heinz Top This TV Challenge
(August 6th)
http://www.topthistv.com/
One Minute Film Festival
(September 1st, 2007)
http://www.minutefilmfest.com/2007/home.htm
Ok so it's not actually the 23rd time I've posted a Contest Roundup, but it sure feels like it. As usual these are posted by order of dealine. Deadlines are in ( ).
If I hear of more contests within the next few weeks, I will update this post, otherwise I'll just post Contest Roundup 32.
Acceptable TV
(Rolling Deadlines)
http://acceptable.tv/
Briobox $50,000 Contest
(Rolling Deadlines)
http://www.briobox.com/index.php
OurStage Video Contest
(Monthly Deadlines)
http://www.ourstage.com/go/vidopp
IGFDN Vegas DVD COntest
(Soon)
http://www.igfdb.com/news.php
Nintendo Short Cuts
(June 6th, 2007)
Create a three-to-five minute film incorporating Nintendo
http://www.nintendoshortcuts.com/
John Woo's Stranglehold
(June 25th, 2007)
Write, produce, and direct your own short film tribute to John Woo of no more than 2-1/2 minutes.
http://www.myspace.com/strangleholdgame
Bytecaster Video Presentation Contest
(June 29th, 2007)
http://www.bytecaster.com/contests/presentation/index.aspx
Mr Clean Scenes
(June 30th, 2007)
http://www.mrcleanscenes.com/mrclean/en_US/mclanding.do
XLNTads Contest
(June 30th, 2007)
http://www.xlntads.com/contest/
Comedy Central/Atom Films Test Pilots
(July)
Your TV pilot can download you five grand and maybe even your own development deal. Your pilot must be between one and five minutes in length and be a maximum file size of 100 MB.
http://www.comedycentral.com/events/test_pilots/index.jhtml
Heinz Top This TV Challenge
(August 6th)
http://www.topthistv.com/
One Minute Film Festival
(September 1st, 2007)
http://www.minutefilmfest.com/2007/home.htm
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Call For Entries
Washington, D.C.'s Horror Film Festival ~ YEAR LONG EXPOSURE!
Friends of “The Spooky Movie” on MySpace can pay the following discounted fees for their shorts or features:
$15.00 – First Look (June 8)
$20.00 - Early (July 6)
$25.00 – Deadline (August 3)
$30.00 – Extended (August 24)
The 2007 Spooky Movie Film Festival is looking for horror, sci-fi, fantasy, fan films, thrillers, slashers, monsters, chillers, comedies with a morbid or odd bent, grindhouse, and even documentaries and animated work. Shorts and feature length - indie, underground and experiments! Send them on in!
THE 2007 SPOOKY MOVIE FILM FESTIVAL
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