80's Influence and Bobby's Closet

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.

If you've tried to call or text me. I've apparently left my cel at home. I'll contact you later. Or you can email me.

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

Trick R Treat

So very excited!

'Trick R Treat' DVD Trailer @ Yahoo! Video

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.

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.

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.

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

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!!!!

DCI BLAST

Wow.

After hours.Late dinner at Brixx. Tonight feels like Halloween. Its so cool.

So, House returns September 21st.  I was misinformed. I blame my wife.  ;)

Fuck Me Gently With a Chainsaw

Yes, yes, the title alludes to that classic high school murder flick HEATHERS. Great movie. Written by Daniel Waters. Where the hell is Daniel Waters? Dan, if you're out there drop me a line bud. Miss you dearly we need good writers desperately.

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.

So much to look forward to. House returns this Monday. Yes, I am excited. I think they have a real opportunity to throw House into some comical/dramatic situations ala One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest.

And as much of a tightwad I am about money, I'm anxious to shell out some bucks for some upcoming DVD releases.  One of my horror fav's from the 80's is finally heading for DVD. NIGHT OF THE CREEPS.

 Also the long awaited Halloween movie TRICK R TREAT heads to DVD as well.











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.

Visual Effects: 100 Years of Inspiration

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

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.

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

Todays lesson, napkins are important and never underestimate the power of the audience.

No one said this was going to be easy.