This is a commercial, and you'll never guess for what.

Brilliant!

Amy Winehouse

Questlove on Amy Winehouse

Notes:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jawn

Thank you Amy. Really.

Birthdays and Visual FX Research

After Dinner Cheesecake while watching The Office

 When I was a kid, my family, especially my Dad, always made a big deal out of my birthday. I recall Tiki torches and makeshift Luaus, extreme catering with Filipino Food, large potlucks, cheesy birthday cakes, and themes ranging from Star Wars to Spiderman.

Yesterday I turned 36. And I didn't care one bit about what I did for my birthday. Long gone are those days that I craved a ton of attention, cake, toys, and parties. Now all I want to do is make this movie(s) happen. Even if that means working on it for my birthday.

I got my wish.

Not to say this wasn't a day without some sort of a celebration. My wife insisted we cook some classic Filipino food. Lumpia and Pancit. Never had it? IT'S DELICIOUS.

Takes a bit to prepare, but it's worth it.

We cooked, had a fine meal, afterwards we spent some time playing on the Wii, and then I got a great birthday present. I got to do what I always do, and have been doing for the past year. Work on my movie. I'm working on re-writes for Redd, preparing for shoots for the next few weekends, and started editing the next Monster Cops video.

In my head there isn't a minute to waste, and definitely not on something as trivial as my birthday. I have GOT TO GET THIS THING DONE.

But there was cake. My wife had stuck a candle in a piece of cherry cheesecake we bought the night before and brought to my desk as I worked, along with a nice cup of irish cream coffee. It was quite sweet of her.

But honestly, the best present I got tonight was really being able to spend time with my wife. I cherish every minute I have with her. It's always a party and a celebration when I'm around her, and I'm so very lucky to have that, and her. She's amazing.

Oh, I did watch a movie tonight. I got a bit of writer's block and I decided to scroll through Netflix Instant Watch to see what was on. Ya know, I understand people being up in arms about Netflix's new prices, but I'm so fascinated by how I'm able to scroll through a database of movies with my remote, hit a button, and watch something crystal clear on my large screen TV. I mean wow. We've come a long way from watching grainy video tapes you'd have to pick up from the store and watch on your square picture smooshing television.

I mean I'd love it if they could widen their streaming selection, but hey, I refuse to complain (too much) when I have a great wife, a roof over my head, and the technology at my finger tips that enables me to both watch and or create movies. I find it truly amazing and an utter blessing.

And you know what else is amazing? Gareth Edward's MONSTERS.

It's the movie I watched tonight. I heard alot of buzz about this last year. Now I know why. It's a brilliant movie. Now to be honest, this barely qualifies as a horror film, and just barely makes it in as a Monster Movie. The heart of this is a road trip movie, where two people grow closer as they experience the unexpected. It more closely resembles a love story and a character study then that of a full on creature feature. Not to say their weren't moments of eeriness. There were definitely some solid Giant Monster moments, very creepy stuff. But if you're expecting hardcore action like Cloverfield or ID4, you might find yourself bored. Me? I loved it. Great filmmaking, great ending, and as a fan of practical visual fx I thought it was brilliant. So many scenes you wouldn't think would have visual fx in it or recognize any kind of effect, and that's what makes it work so well.

One of the reasons I sought out a movie to watch, and was glad to have selected that movie, was because my brain is thinking about the visual fx for my own projects. I'm going to be trying to pull off some pretty neat and complex stuff before the year is out, and I'm trying to workout some of the best ways I can accomplish this. That means it's research time. Time to start looking at videos that stimulate my brain on the subject.

A few videos that have got me thinking about visual fx. Both for Monster Cops and for Redd. These are just the ones I happened to have perused this fine evening.


Ben 10: Alien Swarm VFX Behind the Scenes



Sweeney Todd - visual effects (behind the scenes)



Time Freeze Shootout - Behind the Scenes



Dead Land (VISUAL FX BREAKDOWN)



VFX Breakdown



Terminator Salvation Breakdown Video



The Troll Hunter (Trolljegeren) - SuperRune VFX Shot Breakdowns

Thinking About A Monster

We've got major shooting to do for REDD, but now it's time to also turn my attention to Monster Cops and some of the new Monsters that they'll be hunting.

Again, I find myself researching monster costume techniques. Here are a few of the videos I'm finding inspiration from.

I'm looking to build something HUGE!!!


Krampus



4 Legged Stilt Costumes - Handmade



Demon Werewolf Costume



Freakenstein



QUAD STILT SUIT test 5



QUAD STILT SUIT TEST #6



And thinking about the giant pumpkin guy for REDD


Unpainted hand carved pumpkin head for oversize costume



Hand carved pumpkin head for oversize costume



Backyard FX: Halloween Pumpkin King Costume, Monsters : BFX

You Are A Moneytrasher

CVS was awesome enough to buy the spot I made. They are currently using it on their YouTube Channel and Facebook Page.  Features Chris Plouffe blowing his nose on a twenty (not really), and my nifty little voice over.





Check it out here as well to see it in action on their FACEBOOK PAGE, along with 4 of my other Poptent Brethren's creations.

My 2011 Demo Reel (First Cut)

I plan to have much more to add to this in the next few months.

Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It.

I've made a total of 4 ads this past month for Poptent. Why? Because I'm addicted.

Here are the 4 ads I've created for Poptent and the brands that have hired them to get folks like me to make ads for them.


Client: CVS
Asignment Name: MONEYTRASHERS
Their creative brief was very specific. Make two segments, one that shows how people waste money, and the second that shows how people waste money by throwing out their CVS receipts. Apparently many CVS receipts can be used like cash on your next visit. I had no idea. But now I know, and after watching my as you should know as well.




Client: VIZIO
Assignment Name: ENTERTAINMENT FREEDOM FOR ALL
The objective, to create a video that would give the viewers a sense of urgency, a sense of emotion, to help drive them to see Vizio as more than just a brand, to see Vizio as a revolution. This is actually not completely what I had in mind originally, but the final product came out better than I imagined. I actually really busted my ass on this one. The editing and sound editing were a killer.




Client: BUILD-A-BEAR
Assignment Name: SMALLFRYS
Buildabear needed ads to announce the arrival of their new product called Smallfrys. They sent me a sample to use in the ad. It was a Penguin and it actually comes in a FRY BOX. How cute is that? I went in search of a cute kid to help me sell this ad, and I lucked out when I found Reagan Spiegel. Adorable, energetic, and the right amount of cheese.




Client: POPTENT
Assignment Name: GO GREEN
Poptent has started up this great idea. Have the creators make videos and ads based on one subject, select the best ones, and put them all together in smoething called the VIDEO MART, where companies can shop for ready made ads they can use. Here the topic is Go Green. And immediately I came up with an idea. Paid off too, this video was selected to go in the Video Mart. Got paid for it too.



I log on to my Poptent Profile, I peruse the assignments, I pick out which ones I click with and or have time for, I download the assets, look over the creative brief to see what the brand wants, and then I go to work on a tailor made video for specific brands.


It almost feels like I work for the Impossible Missions Force. I get a brief with mission instructions, I choose to accept the mission, and I execute said mission. Speaking of Mission Impossible, I AM SO VERY EXCITED ABOUT MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4.

Look I'm not a big Tom Cruise fan, but I do love JJ Abrams, and I REALLY love Brad Bird. JJ is producing, Brad is directing. I immediately assume it's going to be amazing. The trailer certainly seems like it is.



Ok, hopefully there will be a big enough break from making ads, long enough for me to get the rest of REDD casted, raise the money, and finish it in September. Also got Monster Cops episodes, and that new short film Firelight, which I'm honestly starting to re-think the title. We'll see.

Rule #7

Shoot first ask questions later.

It's a good idea when you shoot to keep editing in mind, but don't get bogged down by how something may or may not work in editing. When you're shooting, concentrate on shooting. Just get all the shots, even ones you think may not work in editing. Better to have it later as an option than not have it at all.

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If you do what you've always done ...

you'll get what you've always gotten.

I say that alot. Both out loud and to myself.

Today's pic is a poster from the movie Labyrinth. Why? Because I like it, that's why.

Makes me think of the kinds of movies that influenced me. The kinds of movies I'd like to make. And where I'm at right now.  I guess you could say I'm in sort of a Labyrinth. I know where I need to get too, but there are so many ways to get there it can be overwhelming. You never know what may lie around each corner you turn. Maybe you'll find a long passage that gets you further, maybe you'll reach a dead end, and sometimes you turn the corner and you find yourself stumbling into a pit of despair.

Technically I just described a maze.





For alot of folks Mazes and Labyrinths are interchangeable. But there is actually a difference between the two. Mazes have options, you have choices as to which way to go. Labyrinths usually rely on one true path. Nothing to solve really you just gotta keep walking.

I guess you could ask yourself weather you see life as a maze or a labyrinth. For some they feel like they have a destiny, and as long as they continue on this one path, they will reach their destination.

Others see life as a maze, with many options to choose from. Choose wisely, or you could spend much of your life trying to work your way out of an oubliette.

How do I see it? To be honest, I believe life to be much more complex and simple all at once. It's an odd creature this life, can't define it with one explanation, which allows me to give this answer.

It's both.

For me anyhow. My life is both a maze and a labyrinth. Both has twists and turns, both can seem complex, both can be fun, and agonizing at the same time. Such is life.

But do I choose my path, or is my path chosen for me?

For my life I believe I have but one destination, but as I said earlier, there is more than one way to get there, at least it seems. But I believe that choice is the path. A maze may lead you elsewhere, but as long as you never give up, as long as you keep trying, keep choosing, and make the choice to keep walking, there really only is one destination and one path to it. For my life at least.

Too many people don't choose, they stand still. Whether they're in a maze or a labyrinth, they refuse to choose, or to walk. And yet they complain about being stuck.

In my life I've found that choosing to walk, and to continue to make choices is the only path for me. I only lose the destination if I do nothing.

So what about you. Whether your life is a maze or a labyrinth, you must choose a path and you must walk a path.

Or you can continue to do what you've always done.

If I blog about it, maybe it will happen

It's a short film I've been thinking about for a while now. I'm going to commit myself to saying that I'll do this later this year.  Yes my plate is full, but something is telling me that I really need to do this one.

We'll see what happens.

The Dallas Mavericks

"This series proves that a TEAM is much bigger than individuals.” – Magic Johnson

The Dallas Mavericks have won their franchise's first NBA Championship

by beating the Miami Heat, 105-95.

Photo from Reuters

I am so very proud to be from Dallas right now.

I really miss my brother.

Shine a Light

The second feature film I've ever made is also the first installment of the MONSTER COPS franchise.

MONSTER COPS: THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL is back on DVD.

You can buy it on DVD for $12 or you can download or rent it to watch on your PC, HDTV, Bluray, XBOX, or Roku through Amazon Instant Watch.

And remember, $1 from every DVD sold will go to the American Cancer Society.

Click here to find out more about THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL.




It was originally on DVD back in 2007. In 2009 I pulled it off shelves because I intended to re-edit it and put out a newer version. Then I realized that I was being a bit too George Lucasy. The movie is perfectly fine the way it is. Recently I had been messaged by a few folks about how they could get a copy.  So here it is back on DVD. In all it's No-Budget glory.

It was the first step towards what I wanted Monster Cops to be. It lacked the kind of FX we have now, and it really could've used more Monsters. But I think it's good nonetheless. It's endearing, it's creative, and I'm very proud of the writing and the performances. And it still cracks me up how frickin funny it is.

With the newer episodes I had created (Shadow Company and Monsters Vs. Cops) I would get closer and closer to that full vision of what I wanted Monster Cops to be.  I'm hoping by late this year I can fully execute that vision with the newer episodes of Monster cops, and put that out on DVD in a Series 1 volume of episodes.

Redd is our other production, as you may know. Plugging along nicely I might add, but with my schedule getting fuller, we may need to extend shooting into Fall.

A winter release will probably be more likely.

I really can't wait to finish this one. It's going to be a great one.

If you haven't yet, check out the fight clip below.


April Crum as Redd fighting Bryan Sloyer as The Monk.



I'm extremely impressed with everyone's performances so far. It's been a blast to shoot. Still need to do a bit more fundraising for it, but I think we'll be fine.

I'm proud to say that the first 4 minutes of REDD on Youtube have reached well over 50,000 views. Hey, maybe it's not 1 million like I wanted, but at least it's alot, and the majority of the comments are positive, so YAY!

If you get a chance check out the front page at REDDMOVIE.COM, look for the comment box towards the bottom, and leave a nice comment about how excited you are to see the movie. Go on, DO IT!

The Yamaha Ad I made, NO ORDINARY PAPER BOAT, was top ten finalist for Yamaha. Earned me a Poptent medal. Quite proud.

Aside from the occasional breakdowns (ala last post) things are good.  And now I work to make them better and even better.

Today's lesson boys and girls? Keep moving forward. Don't dwell on your past accomplishments, move on to bigger and better ones.

Just keep swimming.

Further

It was bad last night. The thought that my brother was gone really hit me. Although he'd been gone for over a week now, the reality of it didn't truly hit me until last night.

I lost it.

I'm ok. I really am. It's just been a roller coaster of emotions. That combined with all the normal irritations that have been bothering me, and my tendency to look at all that depresses me when I'm already depressed. I'm not in a great place right now.

Alot of other things have been happening. And although it's taking it's toll on me, I think it's necessary. It's all forcing me to really look at what needs to be done, who I associate with, and how I go about things personally and professionally.

I was already in a very driven and determined state. I was already motivated to work towards my dreams and goals. I thought I couldn't push myself any further.

I was wrong. I don't think I've ever been here before. This feels different somehow. As vulnerable as I feel, as weak as I am right now, on some level I also kinda feel invincible.

Like nothing can stop me. Like if I can go through this kind of pain, and burn in this kind of fire, then what else could hurt me. I have nothing left to lose.

I don't know if this makes any sense. I don't know. Maybe I'm just talking out of my ass.

I do know that I am so very happy that I have my wife. I love her so much. I couldn't possibly go through any of this without her.

I have to work on this video slideshow featuring pictures of my brother Robert. But I can't bring myself to finish it yet. I can't look at all those pics just yet. Especially those old pics of me and Robert as kids. It's too hard right now.

I'm pushing forward though. Creatively and professionally. Still gotta work.

And so I push forward. With a heavy heart. I push forward.

I'm tired. Otherwise I'd continue to type about The Dallas Mavericks and why I'm really pushing for them to win the NBA Finals.

Another post perhaps.

Thank you, all of you, who've shown your support, given your condolences, and blessed me and my family with love, caring, and positive energy. I and we truly appreciate it.

Huge Electromagnet and Pit Balls.

Exactly what I would be doing if I had spare time.

Dallas Mavericks

Taken from Sports Day DFW.

Kuya

 

My brother passed away this morning.

My big brother. Robert Prejusa. I'm just so glad you don't have to fight this anymore.

I'm so sad I couldn't be there. But I am very happy I was able to come this past March.

Look, I know you were worried. About your family. About Tammy. About Matthew and Sarah.

I hope you can see now, there's no need to worry. They'll be fine. I'll do what I can to help them.

But they are strong and they will always have your love to warm them.

I know you're worried about Dad. So am I. But he's told me not too. He says he's ok.

Also, he has Mom there to keep him strong. He'll be fine.

And don't worry about our brothers Phillip, Noel, Dominic, and Dennis.

Like me, they have loving wives to support them, and a big family that they can count on.

Don't worry about Allan. I worry about him too sometimes, like I worry about everyone in our family.

But he is strong, whether he realizes it or not.

Allan, if you're reading this, you know you can call me whenever you need me right?

That goes for any of the Prejusa's. If you need to talk, you can call me.

And don't you worry about me. I'm ok. Well, I will be.

I have Juli. And as usual, I have my dreams and goals.

I told you. If you get better, then I'd finish this movie and you could make the premiere.

I guess you held up your end. I mean, honestly it's kind of cheating,

but I guess you're technically better now.

So I'll finish this, and you can see what I've been working on.

And I'll dedicate it to you. My Brother. My Kuya.

I always looked up to you.

Whether you realized it or not, you taught me so much.

You raised me just as much as Mom and Dad did.

You inspired me, and still do.

I will always be your little brother.

I know you know it, but I will say it here anyways. I Love You.

 

 

 

 

5 of the 7.

Re-post From Twitter.

My brother's condition isn't improving much. He's requested to stop treatment and head back home with hospice care. It's not what I wanted, or what any of us wanted, but he's had a long hard fight, and if he feels it's time, then it's time. He heads home Saturday. After that they say it'll be about a week and a half. Right now it's just about making him comfortable. Thank you all so much for your prayers and positivity. I appreciate it so much more than I can say here.

Just Keep Swimming

Have I used that title before? I think I have.

I'm a little Pixar inspired right now, well, actually I'm almost always Pixar inspired. I believe they are one of the few studios truly turning out great cinema and story telling right now. But I am more so than usual as I've watched the documentary THE PIXAR STORY for like the third time.

Pixar seems to really nail the essence of storytelling that I love in cinema. Something that I hope to really capture in my own movies. This is such a great documentary about the creation and evolution of Pixar Studios, and involves much talk about the making of Toy Story and Toy Story 2, and really delves into the creative process involved in telling great stories like they do.

Thank God for Netflix Instant Watch. Thanks to our brand spankin new Bluray Player, we're able to connect our big flat screen to the internet and watch anything off of Netflix Instant Watch. Technology just blows my mind.

It seems to be my only source of entertainment that I can squeeze into my hectic schedule. Well, that and my obsession with the Wii. I know, I know, everyone else has moved on to Playstation Move or XBOX 360 Kinect. Sue me, I'm not exactly a bit video game guy and as a newbie I'm blown away by the active fun of the Wii. I've even figured out a way to get a decent workout just by playing Wii Sports Resort.

My brother is ok, sort of. It's up and down right now. He can communicate. Some by speaking, but he can write notes perfectly well. I wish I could be there to see him, but I don't think I can make it back to Texas at least for a while. I am glad I was able to be there a few months ago.

That trip to Texas was an eye opener for me. I blogged about it once, and I wanted to get into more detail with another blog, but I've been too busy. Also, there was a sense of magic and mystic about that trip that I've been trying to hold on to, and I think I was partially afraid it would all go away if I spoke of it too much. Like making a wish, if I tell it, it won't come true.

I will say that I've been trying to hold on to those inspiring feelings, trying to combine it with the inspiration I already feel on a daily basis. Letting it fuel me and my work.

Speaking of work, REDD is moving along. I still need a few bucks, and I don't know where it's going to come from, but I'm gong to continue to get whatever footage I can. We shoot again this Friday and Saturday. I'm REALLY hoping we can get a good chunk of footage shot. I'm going to get back into more fundraising efforts soon for REDD, especially as we collect more impressive footage.

Been working on Ad jobs. Here's the latest Ad I shot for Yamaha Motors. Yes it involves paper crafts again. Seems to be my lucky charm.



Got a bunch more ads and projects to shoot, and this Saturday is going to be rather hectic. We've got the REDD shoot, The Dallas Mavericks are in game 3 against the Oklahoma Thunder (GO MAVS!), It's Judgment Day, AND Justin Timberlake is hosting Saturday Night Live. And if you have never seen JT host SNL, then you don't know what you are missing. FRICKIN HILARIOUS!

The following Weekend we're having a HUGE garage sale, in an effort to clean out clutter, make a few bucks, but for me really, it's about cleaning out that clutter.

Ok, now I have to think about making a commercial for DISCOUNT TIRES.

Oh and if anyone knows of a Cave area and an Air Conditioned Warehouse we can shoot in (in and around the Winston Salem area) please let me know.

We got him

To the men and women who fight to protect out country, To those families who have lost loved ones on 9/11, my love, my support, and my deepest respect go to you.

And I know this is the big news story right now, but I do want to say that I am thinking of those in the south who were hit hard by the storms. So much damage and still so many people missing. If you can, please make a donation to the Red Cross.

http://www.redcross.org/

We started shooting this past Saturday for Redd, and my brother is improving. I'll be posting more about all that later.

Feel free to head over to the official site for REDD.

http://www.reddmovie.com

Check out the blog or the photos section to see some of the new pics from the shoot. Like this one:

Working and Practicing

I am just blown away by the death and destruction in all of the towns hit by the tornadoes, especially in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Juli and I use to stop there when we drove cross country. We stopped and spent the night there, got dinner, and drove around half joking about how we should get a house there. It kind of became our 3rd home. 1st and 2nd going to NC and TX.

It's been heart breaking to see the footage of the devastation, and even more so to keep seeing the body count rise.

On happier news, my Brother is improving. Yesterday, April 30th, was his birthday, and I'm just so happy he's still around to celebrate it. He's got a ways to go, but it's looking good for him. Thank God.

And speaking of God, I get the feeling a bunch of people may have been a little freaked out about my last video on MAY 21st being Judgment Day. I think some folks see the title, and just don't watch it, and then make assumptions about me. When really it's a comedy piece, and I thought it was hilarious.

No I do not think that May 21st is judgment day. Yes the video I made kind of makes fun of that. Watch it, I think it's hilarious. But I guess it would help if you were a fan of 80's movies. Some very 80's references in that vid.

Yesterday, April 30th, we started officially shooting for REDD. And it's all coming back to me now. The tiring hours of rehearsal, dealing with the props,. the costume bits, the lighting, the camera, and dealing with the overall awkwardness of shooting outdoors. Thankfully the weather was nice, but I know it won't be like that alot of the time we are shooting this movie. I'm anticipating heat in the future.

I am terribly sleepy. I'm going to lay down now. I'll do a proper update later.