One of the major components in what's going to make The short film REDD impressive is how the creatures look. Specifically the Giant Wolf Beasts.
The creatures vary in the actual feature script. We'll see some zombies, vampires, demon like creatures, but since it's a spin on Red Riding Hood, then it's the Wolf Beasts that must be our heroine's "Stormtrooper."
I'd like to show that there are all manner of Wolf Beasts in this dark and evil forest, quadrupeds, bipeds, wolf-men, wolf-women, smaller wolf like creatures, and giant beasts of all kinds. Right now, for the short, I can really only express one kind and I want it to be the biggest, and most menacing.
I've posted some of these pics before on my progress. Built the head out of cardboard, duct tape, and faux fur, and fashioned the giant claws out of giant monster gloves I bought on sale, and stuffed them with paper and cardboard.
Then I did some test shots with Brandon White so I could get a feel for how I needed to fashion the rest of the body.
And here are shots of Richard Gaither being goofy next to April Crum. I needed to get a live perspective on how tall the head would be next to April. It already towers over her without Richard being on the stilts.
It's just that pesky body and torso I need to get around. One thing's for sure, we'll have a complete Werewolf before December.
Really this post is just so I could lay out what I've got so far, and really look at what needs to be done.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Cookies by Douglas Adams
Cookies by Douglas Adams (author: "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy")
This actually did happen to a real person, and the real person was me. I had gone to catch a train. This was April 1976, in Cambridge, U.K. I was a bit early for the train. I'd gotten the time of the train wrong.
I went to get myself a newspaper to do the crossword, and a cup of coffee and a packet of cookies. I went and sat at a table.
I want you to picture the scene. It's very important that you get this very clear in your mind.
Here's the table, newspaper, cup of coffee, packet of cookies. There's a guy sitting opposite me, perfectly ordinary-looking guy wearing a business suit, carrying a briefcase.
It didn't look like he was going to do anything weird. What he did was this: he suddenly leaned across, picked up the packet of cookies, tore it open, took one out, and ate it.
Now this, I have to say, is the sort of thing the British are very bad at dealing with. There's nothing in our background, upbringing, or education that teaches you how to deal with someone who in broad daylight has just stolen your cookies.
You know what would happen if this had been South Central Los Angeles. There would have very quickly been gunfire, helicopters coming in, CNN, you know. . . But in the end, I did what any red-blooded Englishman would do: I ignored it. And I stared at the newspaper, took a sip of coffee, tried to do a clue in the newspaper, couldn't do anything, and thought, what am I going to do?
In the end I thought, nothing for it, I'll just have to go for it, and I tried very hard not to notice the fact that the packet was already mysteriously opened. I took out a cookie for myself. I thought, that settled him. But it hadn't because a moment or two later he did it again. He took another cookie.
Having not mentioned it the first time, it was somehow even harder to raise the subject the second time around. "Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice . . ." I mean, it doesn't really work.
We went through the whole packet like this. When I say the whole packet, I mean there were only about eight cookies, but it felt like a lifetime. He took one, I took one, he took one, I took one. Finally, when we got to the end, he stood up and walked away.
Well, we exchanged meaningful looks, then he walked away, and I breathed a sigh of relief and sat back. A moment or two later the train was coming in, so I tossed back the rest of my coffee, stood up, picked up the newspaper, and underneath the newspaper were my cookies.
The thing I like particularly about this story is the sensation that somewhere in England there has been wandering around for the last quarter-century a perfectly ordinary guy who's had the same exact story, only he doesn't have the punch line.
(Excerpted from "The Salmon of Doubt: Hitchhiking the Galaxy One Last Time" by Douglas Adams)
This actually did happen to a real person, and the real person was me. I had gone to catch a train. This was April 1976, in Cambridge, U.K. I was a bit early for the train. I'd gotten the time of the train wrong.
I went to get myself a newspaper to do the crossword, and a cup of coffee and a packet of cookies. I went and sat at a table.
I want you to picture the scene. It's very important that you get this very clear in your mind.
Here's the table, newspaper, cup of coffee, packet of cookies. There's a guy sitting opposite me, perfectly ordinary-looking guy wearing a business suit, carrying a briefcase.
It didn't look like he was going to do anything weird. What he did was this: he suddenly leaned across, picked up the packet of cookies, tore it open, took one out, and ate it.
Now this, I have to say, is the sort of thing the British are very bad at dealing with. There's nothing in our background, upbringing, or education that teaches you how to deal with someone who in broad daylight has just stolen your cookies.
You know what would happen if this had been South Central Los Angeles. There would have very quickly been gunfire, helicopters coming in, CNN, you know. . . But in the end, I did what any red-blooded Englishman would do: I ignored it. And I stared at the newspaper, took a sip of coffee, tried to do a clue in the newspaper, couldn't do anything, and thought, what am I going to do?
In the end I thought, nothing for it, I'll just have to go for it, and I tried very hard not to notice the fact that the packet was already mysteriously opened. I took out a cookie for myself. I thought, that settled him. But it hadn't because a moment or two later he did it again. He took another cookie.
Having not mentioned it the first time, it was somehow even harder to raise the subject the second time around. "Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice . . ." I mean, it doesn't really work.
We went through the whole packet like this. When I say the whole packet, I mean there were only about eight cookies, but it felt like a lifetime. He took one, I took one, he took one, I took one. Finally, when we got to the end, he stood up and walked away.
Well, we exchanged meaningful looks, then he walked away, and I breathed a sigh of relief and sat back. A moment or two later the train was coming in, so I tossed back the rest of my coffee, stood up, picked up the newspaper, and underneath the newspaper were my cookies.
The thing I like particularly about this story is the sensation that somewhere in England there has been wandering around for the last quarter-century a perfectly ordinary guy who's had the same exact story, only he doesn't have the punch line.
(Excerpted from "The Salmon of Doubt: Hitchhiking the Galaxy One Last Time" by Douglas Adams)
Labels:
Cookies,
Douglas Adams,
funny or die,
Ponderous
Thursday, November 4, 2010
All The Right Moves
It's become apparent that a change needs to be made. Not quite sure what, but something has to be rearranged or just completely eliminated. This must be done in order for me to move forward.
I've been taking the necessary steps to organize (as always) and optimize so I can continue to be productive, (could I possibly sound anymore like a tight ass?), but I know something drastic needs to be done to really jump start the momentum.
Of course I am getting over a cold, so I guess getting rid of my sore throat would probably be a good step forward.
I've been taking the necessary steps to organize (as always) and optimize so I can continue to be productive, (could I possibly sound anymore like a tight ass?), but I know something drastic needs to be done to really jump start the momentum.
Of course I am getting over a cold, so I guess getting rid of my sore throat would probably be a good step forward.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Red October
So much going on, and it's October as well. Thankfully we've been able to take the time to enjoy the October/Halloween activities. Visited some Haunts, Pumpkin patches, enjoyed the Dixie Classic Fair.
Now we're heading into the final week of October. I'm wishing I was able to attend the Rally To Restore Sanity. Also wish I was able to go see my Rangers play live in the World Series. But I'll settle for the occasional Horror Movie night with my wife as I keep an eye on these great events.
And work as well. Never a time to stop working. Much going on. Working on that Documentary still, working on some reels, and I may be editing a feature film. Also Monster Cops may have some potential distribution, so the pressure is on to get a few more episodes finished.
And of course there is my beloved REDD. Which I've worked into a feature script, if the money men decide that's the direction they would like to go in. The feedback I've been getting on the footage posted so far has been great. And it seems to be generating exactly the kind of interest I was hoping. If I can create the close to 8 minutes I see in my head, it will definitely be an exciting project to promote.
The feature version of REDD will be even better. But right now I need to be in kind of a zen mode as far as future projects. Expect anything, prepare for everything. There seem to be alot of promising things on the horizon, but I know how that can all change in a heart beat.
We're back to shooting REDD November 8th. Still got a Werewolf to finish for it, as well as the rest of the footage from the ensemble cast.
Ok, I need to shoot a wine commercial now.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
REDD Test Cut
First cut of some of the footage we've shot for REDD. Trying out some cuts, some color grading, and experimenting with the score. April Crum is our title character, our bad ass Red Riding Hood. Also features Richard Gaither, Amanda Elizabeth, and Ron Rice throws the knife. Nice shot Ron.
Canon T2i
Canon EFS 18-55mm Lens
Nikon 180mm Lens
Fotodiox Adapter
DIY Slider
Sony Vegas Pro 9
Pro Scores and Sony Acid
Much more footage to shoot. Finishing up April's stuff Monday. And as soon as we get the Werewolf finished we may have one more day with her. Still have the other leads and supporting cast to shoot, a Werewolf transformation, some Vampires, Zombies, and then some explosions to work out. This short should be done by December and will be about 8 minutes long. May do a 15 minute version for festivals, and I've worked out a script for a feature length version, if we somehow get the money for it.
Canon T2i
Canon EFS 18-55mm Lens
Nikon 180mm Lens
Fotodiox Adapter
DIY Slider
Sony Vegas Pro 9
Pro Scores and Sony Acid
Much more footage to shoot. Finishing up April's stuff Monday. And as soon as we get the Werewolf finished we may have one more day with her. Still have the other leads and supporting cast to shoot, a Werewolf transformation, some Vampires, Zombies, and then some explosions to work out. This short should be done by December and will be about 8 minutes long. May do a 15 minute version for festivals, and I've worked out a script for a feature length version, if we somehow get the money for it.
Labels:
550D,
Canon T2i,
DIY Moviemaking,
DSLR,
Indie Film,
Red Riding Hood,
Redd,
Short Film,
Sony Vegas
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Redd Ghost
First official day of shooting on Redd with the star April Crum. Got behind schedule due to some issues with the sun going down entirely too fast, and me not being prepared for extra lighting while using new and more powerful lenses. But lessons learned, and we'll be back at it on Monday. I swear I'm so anxious to get these action shots of April in full costume. The photos below should show how bad ass she looks in full regalia.
If you're not aware, Redd is my short/mock trailer, about a post apocalyptic world and a village under attack by evil creatures and wild wolf beasts coming from the nearby dark forest. Our heroin appears to save the day and fight off the evil. My little spin on Little Red Riding Hood. A little more gothic, horror oriented, and definitely more action and adventure.
I'm hoping that this little 6 to 8 minute short/mock trailer will really display some cinematic power utilizing the Canon T2i and alot of our DIY Moviemaking resources.
Some of the props need touch up work, and I definitely need to repaint her giant gun at the end there. Oh yeah, and I should get the Werewolf costumes together shouldn't I.
I swear if I can get this done before December, that would be awesome.
Labels:
Canon T2i,
DIY Moviemaking,
DIY Props,
Red Riding Hood,
Redd,
Sony Vegas
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Quick Reel 2010
Been working on a site for WTW Productions. Wanted to have some sort of demo available, so I threw this together. It will of course improve and lengthen the more footage we get in with the T2i. But a neat little start so far.
Labels:
DIY FX,
DIY Moviemaking,
Indie Film,
Indy,
WTW
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Adapt, Improvise
Made a few moves to try to get back on track. Sort of made my own canvas, if you will. Point is, my comp is still out for a few weeks, but I've found a way to edit on my wife's laptop. So, not a screeching halt, more of a slow burn, but at least I can move forward.
Good thing too, because I was anxious to test out the test shots from Tuesday. Here's a few of those shots in a very short, quick edit. Using Sony Vegas, here's my run at the "Sin City" Effect. The entire short won't be like this, but parts of it will. Amanda Elizabeth is standing in for April Crum. April will be down next Wednesday for her shots.
Good thing too, because I was anxious to test out the test shots from Tuesday. Here's a few of those shots in a very short, quick edit. Using Sony Vegas, here's my run at the "Sin City" Effect. The entire short won't be like this, but parts of it will. Amanda Elizabeth is standing in for April Crum. April will be down next Wednesday for her shots.
Labels:
Canon T2i,
DIY Moviemaking,
Rebel,
Redd,
Sony Vegas
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Too Powerful
I'm sitting in this lounge chair, listening to John Mayer on VH1, drinking very cold coffee, as I write this. I'm in a very somber mood. Maybe it's the coffee, but I'm sure John Mayer isn't helping.
Ok, I've changed the channel and Kevin Hart is doing stand up on Comedy Central. That's a little better.
Hmmm, nope. Still somber.
Well, my computer had died again. Once more and I get a set of steak knives. Not really. Apparently I will get a new computer. So at this point it would be beneficial for me to have this thing die again in the two
weeks it'll take for Best Buy to fix it. So perhaps I'll have a new computer by mid November.
Ok, Kevin Hart just did a bit that totally cracked me up. It's about him watching a guy trying to lift weights at the gym. Youtube it, it's hilarious.
Anyways, I am again on my wife's laptop. I did test shots for Redd yesterday as well as started shooting a few scenes for it. But I can't do anything with the footage. The downside of having to share this Laptop with her is I have no editing on it, and it will not allow me to install any editing software.
So yeah, somber. Even if Kevin Hart is cracking me up.
As usual, there are lists of things for me to do. But I'm not motivated to do anything right now. I need breakfast, there's laundry, I have to prepare for tonight as I am going to shoot some footage for the
documentary I'm working on.
Ok, in order to prevent me posting depressing, I'm going to eat some breakfast and I'll get back to this.
(Patrick has breakfast)
Alright, breakfast done. I now have hot coffee. Much better now. Still a bit of struggle to get some work done, but that's only because it's harder to do without my computer.
I have this idea that these complications are supposed to happen. I've got this really great camera now and no computer to work with. I was gearing up, practicing, preparing, to make something really great, and if I had kept on with both a camera and a computer, then maybe I'd be making something amazing too soon.
Perhaps I'm not allowed to be too powerful. If I had all the resources I needed, maybe that wouldn't be prudent for the planet, for surely I'd have world domination in my pocket within months. Maybe I'd be too powerful for my own good. Maybe I need to be stuck. Maybe I need to stay at one level.
Or maybe I'm a conducter without a symphony. A sculptor without clay. So what's an artist do without paint brushes. Well, technically I have paint brushes and paint, just no canvas. So what to do.
I can wait for a canvas, cuz maybe I'm supposed to. Or I can make my own canvas.
Ok, I've changed the channel and Kevin Hart is doing stand up on Comedy Central. That's a little better.
Hmmm, nope. Still somber.
Well, my computer had died again. Once more and I get a set of steak knives. Not really. Apparently I will get a new computer. So at this point it would be beneficial for me to have this thing die again in the two
weeks it'll take for Best Buy to fix it. So perhaps I'll have a new computer by mid November.
Ok, Kevin Hart just did a bit that totally cracked me up. It's about him watching a guy trying to lift weights at the gym. Youtube it, it's hilarious.
Anyways, I am again on my wife's laptop. I did test shots for Redd yesterday as well as started shooting a few scenes for it. But I can't do anything with the footage. The downside of having to share this Laptop with her is I have no editing on it, and it will not allow me to install any editing software.
So yeah, somber. Even if Kevin Hart is cracking me up.
As usual, there are lists of things for me to do. But I'm not motivated to do anything right now. I need breakfast, there's laundry, I have to prepare for tonight as I am going to shoot some footage for the
documentary I'm working on.
Ok, in order to prevent me posting depressing, I'm going to eat some breakfast and I'll get back to this.
(Patrick has breakfast)
Alright, breakfast done. I now have hot coffee. Much better now. Still a bit of struggle to get some work done, but that's only because it's harder to do without my computer.
I have this idea that these complications are supposed to happen. I've got this really great camera now and no computer to work with. I was gearing up, practicing, preparing, to make something really great, and if I had kept on with both a camera and a computer, then maybe I'd be making something amazing too soon.
Perhaps I'm not allowed to be too powerful. If I had all the resources I needed, maybe that wouldn't be prudent for the planet, for surely I'd have world domination in my pocket within months. Maybe I'd be too powerful for my own good. Maybe I need to be stuck. Maybe I need to stay at one level.
Or maybe I'm a conducter without a symphony. A sculptor without clay. So what's an artist do without paint brushes. Well, technically I have paint brushes and paint, just no canvas. So what to do.
I can wait for a canvas, cuz maybe I'm supposed to. Or I can make my own canvas.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Leftovers
I've used the Canon T2i for a couple of commercials. The leftover footage has been a great opportunity to really try out HD quality in editing. Here are 3 videos featuring most of the footage that I did and did not use for the last few ads I shot. All shot on the Rebel in 720 / 60p, Post, Slow-Mo, and color grading in Sony Vegas Pro 9.
Basement Namaste
Features Sterling Bollinger. Music by Bond.
A Workout In The Park
Features Amanda Elizabeth. Music by Thomas Newman from Scent Of A Woman.
Slow Motion Light and Fog
Features Richard Gaither. Music by Brian Tyler and Klaus Badelt from Constantine.
Basement Namaste
Features Sterling Bollinger. Music by Bond.
A Workout In The Park
Features Amanda Elizabeth. Music by Thomas Newman from Scent Of A Woman.
Slow Motion Light and Fog
Features Richard Gaither. Music by Brian Tyler and Klaus Badelt from Constantine.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Amazing 1 and 2
Fila spots I shot on the Canon Rebel T2i. Normal Kit Lens. Natural light. Post and minor grading in Sony Vegas Pro 9. First one features Amanda Elizabeth and the second one features Sterling Bollinger.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Waiting For The Cool
Here's a freeze frame from the footage we shot at Midway Wicked Woods for their ad. Yes I had a blast playing with light and fog. Been wanting to do those shots for a while now. Richard Gaither is in the mask, my wife is holding the door, you can see her hand to the left of Richard.
As always in this roller coaster of life, there are some unexpected twists and turns. I'm working extensively on this documentary. Can't really give out the details just yet, but it's fairly in-depth and very compelling. What's more, it's not my baby, I'm simply lending my storytelling and documentary experience to the project and taking on much of the camera work and editing, but it is a project that I'm excited to be working.
I've been doing some ad work here and there. I recently finished the ad for Midway Wicked Woods, and I'm about to jump on a few other ads for Poptent. All this along with my computer being out for two weeks really pushed back my original plans. But I somewhat expected it.
I have no idea when the Monster Cops DVD will be ready. In all honesty it may not be until next year. So many scenes I was hoping to knock out, I just can't get around to because of all the other work I need to do. Now that I have my computer back, I'm inching my way through editing the scenes we have shot.
I won't lie. It's not all because of work. Alot of my time is being taken up by the new camera. Special thanks to Chris Plouffe and Richard Gaither, who helped in acquiring this camera. It's been a Godsend, and the footage it has produced has been amazing. You can see examples of it in the last two videos I posted, especially in the Midway Wicked Woods ad.
But I've been learning. Reading, researching, testing, shooting everything with that camera, not only learning the ins and out of the camera and shooting video on it (especially proper exposure, ISO, shutter settings, etc.), but also experimenting with different editing techniques in combination with different shots. Trying out slow-mo on 720/60. Understanding the proper renderings to maintain the highest quality when shooting in 1080 24p.
I was ready to bite the bullet and shoot a feature film with my 3CCD Panasonic, but now that I have the Canon T2i, the possibilities of shooting a feature the way I actually see it in my head is closer to becoming a reality. The Midway Wicked Woods Ad was a good example of that. A friend of mine saw the video and messaged me to tell me that I really needed to shoot a horror film.
So that's what I've been planning. Yes I'm still working on Monster Cops, yes I'm working on a Documentary, and yes I have client work to do, but my mind has been set on doing a feature for several years now, and now I'm more excited about it then ever.
If you've been following this blog for a while now, you know how badly I'm ready to display my feature film chops. You also know about all the scripts starting with Bobby's Closet, the feature I still plan on doing, when ever I can get together the $150,000 to do it. Then I went lower with Creep, my detective horror flick that was set around $20,000. Then when the investors fell through, and the resources changed, I went back to the idea of shooting something for no money at all and only using my 3CCD Panasonic. Which is when I came up with the Docu/Horror/Feature, Real Vampires. Which was set at total ZERO budget.
But now that I have the Canon T2i, things have changed. Real Vampires could be done on it, but I'm wanting to stray away from the "Found Footage/ Shaky Cam" style of shooting. I REALLY want to make something truly cinematic. So it's somewhat back to the drawing board. I do indeed have a plot, but I need to match it to my resources, and then try to get the budget as low as possible. The lower the budget, the easier it'll be to raise the money. Then I've just got to find the money. You know, that old chestnut.
The only other thing I'm plotting is my beloved short film REDD. We'll start shooting in October, but really I'm waiting for it to cool down tremendously. Finished up the props for the short, just gotta work on the Werewolf costume, and get everything scheduled. Everything else is just waiting on the weather.
I've already gotten messages from people who seem to be really impressed with the Midway Ad. I'm hoping REDD will do an even better job of showing what we can do, and what this camera can do.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Midway Wicked Woods 2010
2010 Ad for the Midway Wicked Woods Haunted Trail in Statesville, NC.
Shot on Canon T2i in 720 at 60. Post and grading in Sony Vegas Pro 9.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Spirit Halloween Store (Canon T2i)
First outing with the Canon T2i (550d). Spirit Halloween Store Winston Salem, NC.
Used the kit lens, 18-55mm. Shot in 1080 24p. Auto ISO.
Post and grading in Sony Vegas Pro 9.
The evil baby at the end cracks me up.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Your best is not good enough
Been quite busy, as the below micro blogs can attest to. Although there is quite a bit I didn't get to blog about. So much going on, and I am not complaining. I will say, I am enjoying the hell out of this new camera. Can't wait to really unleash it's power.
.LOG 9/2/2010 - 9/10/2010
THURSDAY
10:41 PM 9/2/2010
On the wife's laptop. My computer suffered yet another hardware crash. Can't wait to find out what the exact problem is. I'm scheduled to get it back September 18th. I just ordered the Canon Rebel T2i. That should arrive on September 14th. Until then I need to do my best to work on client's projects to the best of my ability without my desktop. I've got work to do for a new client starting next week. I can't edit any Monster Cops footage right now, but I do have props to work on, pages to write, and more scenes to finish shooting. Also I need to prep for REDD. Right now I'm looking into putting up a preliminary site for my new business venture.
FRIDAY
9:24 AM 9/3/2010
Just got up. Just did a lite workout. Now drinking cold green tea, while I make out my To Do List for the next few days. As usual, cleaning up around the house, cleaning and washing the cars, props, and trying to schedule shoot dates.
3:02 PM 9/3/2010
Taking a break from working on props. Doing laundry, getting groceries, and then back to props.
11:13 PM 9/3/2010
Made spaghetti for dinner. Cleaned the kitchen, scrubbed the stove. I spent most of the evening in the kitchen cleaning and I still have towels to fold. Tried to work on props for a bit, but I'm lacking some materials, mainly duct tape, felt, and some adhesive, also I'm a little tired. Drinking a protein shake, maybe I can get some energy back so I can concentrate on a few more tasks before I head to bed.
SATURDAY
10:25 AM 9/4/2010
Little late start to the day. Slept in for a bit. Making breakfast now.
12:47 PM 9/4/2010
Working on props. Scrounging the several boxes and containers for the right materials. Surely I have enough in here to finish something today. In a bit. I get to work on the Werewolf.
8:00 PM 9/4/2010
Almost done building the Vampire Killing Kit Prop. Lacks a few items in my opinion. Going to work out in an hour. Then try to catch up online before diving into the Werewolf costume.
SUNDAY
3:30 PM 9/5/2010
Babysat my nephew for a few hours, played cards, hangman, went outside and played catch as well as a game we like to call "Pass the Rock". That had me laughing quite hard. Now I'm catching up on emails. Later I may be able to work on the Werewolf. Right now, heading out with the wife, get some food, do some grocery shopping, and possibly pick up some more prop materials.
7:45 PM 9/5/2010
Had fun heading out with the wife. Groceries and what not. Now I am anxious to get to work on props as I hae duct tape to play with.
MONDAY
4:52 PM 9/6/2010
Finished up the Vampire Killing Kit. It could use a few more tweaks, but it's camera ready for the most part. Started work on the Basket for Redd. All it's lacking are a few more weapons and several hand guns. Built the frame for Redd's final weapon and I'm about to get into the Werewolf body. Right now I'm enjoying a bit of The Office marathon on TBS with the Wifey.
TUESDAY
7:00 AM 9/7/2010
Breakfast, then I have to head out for errands and meet up with a client for a couple of hours.
3:44 PM 9/7/2010
Had a great meeting with a client today. Ran some errands, had lunch at Hero House, got some groceries, and now I'm back on prop duty.
WEDNESDAY
1:03 AM 9/8/2010
Had a very tasty italian take out dinner with the wife from Mario's. Worked on props the rest of the night. Worked out, had a protein shake, while I watched some TV. Monique had Chubb Rock on. That totaly brought me back to High School. Letterman had Katie Holmes on, who I was rather surprised to see how she's totally grown to be so smokin hot. They showed a clip from a movie that she's starring in with Anna Paquin. I thought I was going to explode seeing those two in a scene together. But I digress. My arms feel like jello. I'm heading to bed. I'm expecting a package tomorrow.
11:06 AM 9/8/2010
Canon T2i has arrived.
5:36 PM 9/8/2010
More grocery shopping, laundry, client projects, and research, of course I have no time to play with the new cam. LOL. However in my research I found this bit of trivia:
After meeting the late Superman (1978) star Christopher Reeve at the 1979 Academy Awards, Wayne turned to Cary Grant and said, "This is our new man. He's taking over."
I think that's awesome. I've got a meatloaf in the oven and need to start on brussels sprouts soon.
THURSDAY
1:06 PM 9/9/2010
Built a DIY slider. Total cost $17 and change. So far it works very well. Just saw the trapped Chilean Miners are able to watch soccer. Glad they are not only surviving, but doing very well. My prayers to them, as well as anyone suffering from the Colorado fires and the freak storms in my beloved DFW, Texas. I'm pulling for everyone. Literally.
FRIDAY
2:31 AM 9/10/2010
Going to bed a little late tonight. Today was spent completing and modifying the DIY Slider, working on the REDD Gun Prop, and the usual, cleaning, and laundry. Went for a nice walk later in the evening with the wife. Tomorrow I'm back on test footage with the T2i, the Slider, as well as looking over client footage and finishing up some client's projects.
11:10 AM 9/10/2010
Got up round 9. Started working on client projects, looking for a decent embeded video player. Had brunch, now I'm doing that whole multi tasking thing.
6:36 PM 9/10/2010
Spent some time at the Spirit Halloween Store shooting with the T2i. It was major fun. I'll be returning every week.
.LOG 9/2/2010 - 9/10/2010
THURSDAY
10:41 PM 9/2/2010
On the wife's laptop. My computer suffered yet another hardware crash. Can't wait to find out what the exact problem is. I'm scheduled to get it back September 18th. I just ordered the Canon Rebel T2i. That should arrive on September 14th. Until then I need to do my best to work on client's projects to the best of my ability without my desktop. I've got work to do for a new client starting next week. I can't edit any Monster Cops footage right now, but I do have props to work on, pages to write, and more scenes to finish shooting. Also I need to prep for REDD. Right now I'm looking into putting up a preliminary site for my new business venture.
FRIDAY
9:24 AM 9/3/2010
Just got up. Just did a lite workout. Now drinking cold green tea, while I make out my To Do List for the next few days. As usual, cleaning up around the house, cleaning and washing the cars, props, and trying to schedule shoot dates.
3:02 PM 9/3/2010
Taking a break from working on props. Doing laundry, getting groceries, and then back to props.
11:13 PM 9/3/2010
Made spaghetti for dinner. Cleaned the kitchen, scrubbed the stove. I spent most of the evening in the kitchen cleaning and I still have towels to fold. Tried to work on props for a bit, but I'm lacking some materials, mainly duct tape, felt, and some adhesive, also I'm a little tired. Drinking a protein shake, maybe I can get some energy back so I can concentrate on a few more tasks before I head to bed.
SATURDAY
10:25 AM 9/4/2010
Little late start to the day. Slept in for a bit. Making breakfast now.
12:47 PM 9/4/2010
Working on props. Scrounging the several boxes and containers for the right materials. Surely I have enough in here to finish something today. In a bit. I get to work on the Werewolf.
8:00 PM 9/4/2010
Almost done building the Vampire Killing Kit Prop. Lacks a few items in my opinion. Going to work out in an hour. Then try to catch up online before diving into the Werewolf costume.
SUNDAY
3:30 PM 9/5/2010
Babysat my nephew for a few hours, played cards, hangman, went outside and played catch as well as a game we like to call "Pass the Rock". That had me laughing quite hard. Now I'm catching up on emails. Later I may be able to work on the Werewolf. Right now, heading out with the wife, get some food, do some grocery shopping, and possibly pick up some more prop materials.
7:45 PM 9/5/2010
Had fun heading out with the wife. Groceries and what not. Now I am anxious to get to work on props as I hae duct tape to play with.
MONDAY
4:52 PM 9/6/2010
Finished up the Vampire Killing Kit. It could use a few more tweaks, but it's camera ready for the most part. Started work on the Basket for Redd. All it's lacking are a few more weapons and several hand guns. Built the frame for Redd's final weapon and I'm about to get into the Werewolf body. Right now I'm enjoying a bit of The Office marathon on TBS with the Wifey.
TUESDAY
7:00 AM 9/7/2010
Breakfast, then I have to head out for errands and meet up with a client for a couple of hours.
3:44 PM 9/7/2010
Had a great meeting with a client today. Ran some errands, had lunch at Hero House, got some groceries, and now I'm back on prop duty.
WEDNESDAY
1:03 AM 9/8/2010
Had a very tasty italian take out dinner with the wife from Mario's. Worked on props the rest of the night. Worked out, had a protein shake, while I watched some TV. Monique had Chubb Rock on. That totaly brought me back to High School. Letterman had Katie Holmes on, who I was rather surprised to see how she's totally grown to be so smokin hot. They showed a clip from a movie that she's starring in with Anna Paquin. I thought I was going to explode seeing those two in a scene together. But I digress. My arms feel like jello. I'm heading to bed. I'm expecting a package tomorrow.
11:06 AM 9/8/2010
Canon T2i has arrived.
5:36 PM 9/8/2010
More grocery shopping, laundry, client projects, and research, of course I have no time to play with the new cam. LOL. However in my research I found this bit of trivia:
After meeting the late Superman (1978) star Christopher Reeve at the 1979 Academy Awards, Wayne turned to Cary Grant and said, "This is our new man. He's taking over."
I think that's awesome. I've got a meatloaf in the oven and need to start on brussels sprouts soon.
THURSDAY
1:06 PM 9/9/2010
Built a DIY slider. Total cost $17 and change. So far it works very well. Just saw the trapped Chilean Miners are able to watch soccer. Glad they are not only surviving, but doing very well. My prayers to them, as well as anyone suffering from the Colorado fires and the freak storms in my beloved DFW, Texas. I'm pulling for everyone. Literally.
FRIDAY
2:31 AM 9/10/2010
Going to bed a little late tonight. Today was spent completing and modifying the DIY Slider, working on the REDD Gun Prop, and the usual, cleaning, and laundry. Went for a nice walk later in the evening with the wife. Tomorrow I'm back on test footage with the T2i, the Slider, as well as looking over client footage and finishing up some client's projects.
11:10 AM 9/10/2010
Got up round 9. Started working on client projects, looking for a decent embeded video player. Had brunch, now I'm doing that whole multi tasking thing.
6:36 PM 9/10/2010
Spent some time at the Spirit Halloween Store shooting with the T2i. It was major fun. I'll be returning every week.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Scrambling to figure out what I can do project wise, now that I am without a computer for a few weeks. Only so much I can do on my wife's laptop.
I am looking forward to finally getting a Canon T2i, hopefully the camera will arrive by the time I get my computer back.
Need to schedule some shoot dates for Monster Cops, work on props, and figure out what else I can do to be productive for now.
I am looking forward to finally getting a Canon T2i, hopefully the camera will arrive by the time I get my computer back.
Need to schedule some shoot dates for Monster Cops, work on props, and figure out what else I can do to be productive for now.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
.LOG 8/24/10 - 8/28/10
The following are all micro blogs from Tuesday August 24th to Saturday August 28th. I was utilizing the .LOG hack on notepad. If you're not aware. Open up notepad type .LOG and then save it to your desktop. When you open it back up it'll update with your current time and date. This has become handy in just keeping up with little notes through out the day. I'll be doing this every so often, updating every 4 or 5 days.
8:41 AM 8/24/2010
Got up at 7:30. Just had a protein shake, now I'm trying to figure out what needs to be done today. I'm certain editing will be involved. Oh yeah, and I guess I should finish up this client's project.
9:30 AM 8/24/2010
Currently editing footage as I re-write the vampire Killing scene, while researching the best way to create this specific prop. Realized that the plot has changed slightly due to scenes I couldn't shoot at the office, so I'm renaming the Dead By Dawn episode to MONSTER COPS: Vampire Killer. Which I realize signifies some sort of closure for me as well as a sort of a rebirth. Vampire Killer was the name of my first feature film and it featured a young blond Vampire Killer named Kate Rand. This Monster Cops episode is now called Vampire Killer, and it also features Kate Rand, now being played by April Crum. This Monster Cops storyline concludes the previous storyline in that first feature, as well as resurrects that character into this world. I'm hoping to include Kate Rand in many more Monster Cops adventures.
2:52 PM 8/25/2010
Just had a meeting with a new client, hopefully I can get a bit more work in to pay the bills. Drinking a protein shake right now, then off I go to meet with a potential actor I can work with. Also got a call from another client today, apparently someone really important is impressed with my work. So, good day so far.
8:03 PM 8/25/2010
After the meeting with the actor, who is super neato by the way, I headed to the grocery store(s) as per my instructions from the wifey. After my excursion, a very cool, almost cold, breeze hit me. This was the first indication that FALL was around the corner. I got a little excited about it. Right now the cool weather means I can do exterior shots with much more comfort. We just got done with dinner, now I'm about to clean up a bit, fold some laundry, then tend to some issues concerning some clients, make some phone calls, emails, and get back to editing.
10:25 PM 8/25/2010
Finished a quick workout 30 minutes ago. Now I am going through edits, and taking care of updates on Monsters Vs. Cops IMDB page. Soon a shower, some dishes, and then sleep.
9:37 AM 8/26/2010
Up round 7:30 am. Quick breakfast and right into some editing. Working on some visual fx and cutting together segments. Gotta keep my eye on laundry at the same time. Also trying to coordinate some possible shoots at a couple of the local haunted houses.
10:40 AM 8/26/2010
Listening to Night Of The Living Podcast while editing video. I'm really getting a kick out of doing post visual fx work. I know I will have succeeded when no one notices that this scenes was composed in Photoshop and Sony Vegas Pro.
5:19 PM 8/26/2010
Round 1pm had to head out to run an errand. Met up with the Wifey and we had lunch. Then I went to check on the total price of a Canon T2i as I am hoping to acquire one soon. Went to the grocery store, got a call from a client as I was shopping. Apparently I need to work on a few videos before next week. Hopefully it'll turn out the way I need them too. Now I'm about to get started on some editing, and catching up on some emails.
6:16 PM 8/26/2010
Protein shake, trying to understand what types of SD CARDs are best for the T2i.
3:51 PM 8/27/2010
Got a late start to this Blog today. Been editing all day, and now we're coming up on that special combo of cleaning, editing, and doing laundry. Later tonight is Taco night. Wooo Hoo!
4:41 PM 8/27/2010
Folding laundry and about to attempt a new way to fold fitted sheets.
8:23 PM 8/27/2010
Taco dinner done. Back to editing. Currently editing the Chimera Talk scene in the conference room. It's really annoying the hell out of me. It's my camera movements. Obviously I had alot going on that day, because the camera work is all over the place. I'm barely getting the right shots. I need to get my shit together.
9:19 PM 8/27/2010
Was reminded today is the anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughn's death.
9:29 PM 8/27/2010
About to come to a stopping point on editing. Next a workout, a protein shake, shower, then possibly more editing, as I listen to some Stevie Ray Vaughn.
1:28 AM 8/28/2010
Going to bed in a bit, but right now I'm doing some quick research on Forced Perspective.
8:41 AM 8/24/2010
Got up at 7:30. Just had a protein shake, now I'm trying to figure out what needs to be done today. I'm certain editing will be involved. Oh yeah, and I guess I should finish up this client's project.
9:30 AM 8/24/2010
Currently editing footage as I re-write the vampire Killing scene, while researching the best way to create this specific prop. Realized that the plot has changed slightly due to scenes I couldn't shoot at the office, so I'm renaming the Dead By Dawn episode to MONSTER COPS: Vampire Killer. Which I realize signifies some sort of closure for me as well as a sort of a rebirth. Vampire Killer was the name of my first feature film and it featured a young blond Vampire Killer named Kate Rand. This Monster Cops episode is now called Vampire Killer, and it also features Kate Rand, now being played by April Crum. This Monster Cops storyline concludes the previous storyline in that first feature, as well as resurrects that character into this world. I'm hoping to include Kate Rand in many more Monster Cops adventures.
2:52 PM 8/25/2010
Just had a meeting with a new client, hopefully I can get a bit more work in to pay the bills. Drinking a protein shake right now, then off I go to meet with a potential actor I can work with. Also got a call from another client today, apparently someone really important is impressed with my work. So, good day so far.
8:03 PM 8/25/2010
After the meeting with the actor, who is super neato by the way, I headed to the grocery store(s) as per my instructions from the wifey. After my excursion, a very cool, almost cold, breeze hit me. This was the first indication that FALL was around the corner. I got a little excited about it. Right now the cool weather means I can do exterior shots with much more comfort. We just got done with dinner, now I'm about to clean up a bit, fold some laundry, then tend to some issues concerning some clients, make some phone calls, emails, and get back to editing.
10:25 PM 8/25/2010
Finished a quick workout 30 minutes ago. Now I am going through edits, and taking care of updates on Monsters Vs. Cops IMDB page. Soon a shower, some dishes, and then sleep.
9:37 AM 8/26/2010
Up round 7:30 am. Quick breakfast and right into some editing. Working on some visual fx and cutting together segments. Gotta keep my eye on laundry at the same time. Also trying to coordinate some possible shoots at a couple of the local haunted houses.
10:40 AM 8/26/2010
Listening to Night Of The Living Podcast while editing video. I'm really getting a kick out of doing post visual fx work. I know I will have succeeded when no one notices that this scenes was composed in Photoshop and Sony Vegas Pro.
5:19 PM 8/26/2010
Round 1pm had to head out to run an errand. Met up with the Wifey and we had lunch. Then I went to check on the total price of a Canon T2i as I am hoping to acquire one soon. Went to the grocery store, got a call from a client as I was shopping. Apparently I need to work on a few videos before next week. Hopefully it'll turn out the way I need them too. Now I'm about to get started on some editing, and catching up on some emails.
6:16 PM 8/26/2010
Protein shake, trying to understand what types of SD CARDs are best for the T2i.
3:51 PM 8/27/2010
Got a late start to this Blog today. Been editing all day, and now we're coming up on that special combo of cleaning, editing, and doing laundry. Later tonight is Taco night. Wooo Hoo!
4:41 PM 8/27/2010
Folding laundry and about to attempt a new way to fold fitted sheets.
8:23 PM 8/27/2010
Taco dinner done. Back to editing. Currently editing the Chimera Talk scene in the conference room. It's really annoying the hell out of me. It's my camera movements. Obviously I had alot going on that day, because the camera work is all over the place. I'm barely getting the right shots. I need to get my shit together.
9:19 PM 8/27/2010
Was reminded today is the anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughn's death.
9:29 PM 8/27/2010
About to come to a stopping point on editing. Next a workout, a protein shake, shower, then possibly more editing, as I listen to some Stevie Ray Vaughn.
1:28 AM 8/28/2010
Going to bed in a bit, but right now I'm doing some quick research on Forced Perspective.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Forced Perspective Research
Thinking through some possible FX scenes.
LOTR Forced Perspective
LOTR Forced Perspective Moving Camera
Forced Perspective Shots
Giant Robot FX Test
Movie Magic Episode 5 - Forced Perspective
The Keeper Of The Cardboard Key
LOTR Forced Perspective
LOTR Forced Perspective Moving Camera
Forced Perspective Shots
Giant Robot FX Test
Movie Magic Episode 5 - Forced Perspective
The Keeper Of The Cardboard Key
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