Click here to see the video.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Master Of The Macabre
I entered the Wolf Hunt video into Project Breakout's Master Of The Macabre, horror video competition. If you get the chance, please click on the banner below, register, and vote for Monster Cops. You get 15 votes a day, so if you wanna vote 15 times everday for Monster Cops, I'm not gonna complain.
Click here to see the video.
Click here to see the video.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
No Fate ...
but what we make.
Lemme tell ya, the possibilities are endless when you begin to understand how it all works. In any process, on any subject. If you know nothing about baking a cake, painting a protrait, building a house, writing music, or even making a movie, it all seems very complicated and even impossible when you don't know anything about it.
But when you start to educate yourself, when you see each step that needs to be taken, and understand why each step needs to be taken, when you familiarize yourself with the necessary tools, and understand what each tool is used for and why, then you begin to understand how the process works, and then learn how to be a part of that process, even causing it.
I'm in constant awe and wonder about what one can accomplish when you understand how a thing works. This week so far has been about further understanding (even remembering) processes.
One such instance is with After Effects. I'm learning more and more everyday, and when I learn and understand how a certain effect works, then I can further see how that can be applied to help put what I see in my head on the screen as a moviemaker. Very special thanks to all the people putting up tutorials on YouTube and very special thanks to Andrew Kramer with Videocopilot.net and his amazing tutorials for After Effects. Learned so much from his breakdowns. I and many other moviemakers are greatful for it.
Another instance is with Fruity Loops. I was so very used to writing music on piano or keyboards, and years ago all I had to work with was Fruity Loops Music Software. I was angry because I was unfamiliar with the software, and I constantly needed a traditional keyboard to sound out tunes in my head. At the time I had to sell my keyboards and I was using a demo of Fruity Loops, and if you know nothing about the software, it is rather complicated. Although I still need the occasional feel of a piano, Fruity Loops has become an invaluable tool in music creation. I've been able to truely understand how each tool works within the software, and finally see it for what it is, a truely powerful tool for music creation.
I just got done working on a track for the next Monster Cops episode, and I started laughing, thinking about back in the day, when I saw Fruity Loops as such a pain in the ass. It just couldn't do what I wanted it to. I saw it as an obstacle. A wall keeping me from creating. Now I undesrtand that it was not an obstacle and there are no walls. Only doors that need to be opened.
I recall when my wife wanted so badly to learn how to knit. It was 2004, and she was fascinated by the process, she had no idea how to start, how to learn. That Christmas I'd ger her a teach yourself to knit kit. with that and the help of some online tutorials we'd found online, she'd begin understanding the process of knitting. She would be frustrated at first, trying to understand the steps. I remember telling her how one day she'd be a knitting pro and we'd look back on these days and laugh, remembering when she didn't know how.
Now her knitting skills have surpassed my expectations. I mean I didn't realize how much more complexity there is to knitting. She's moved on to learn things I didn't know you could learn. She's knitted hundreds and hundreds of things, purses, scarves, hats, blankets, and she's considered by those who know her as an authority on knitting socks. The things she creates don't look handmade. They look like items you'd purchase in a store. Very professional. She's working form patterns that are complex and is working towards creating her own patterns. And now when she finishes a project, she'll look at me and say, "Hey, remember when I didn't know how?" And we'll laugh.
I understand now how there is no such thing as failure or obstacle. What we sometimes see as failure is actually opportunity. What we often perceive as obstacle is actually a chance to be creative. A chance to compose life, instead of opposing it. To create no fate, but what we choose to make.
Lemme tell ya, the possibilities are endless when you begin to understand how it all works. In any process, on any subject. If you know nothing about baking a cake, painting a protrait, building a house, writing music, or even making a movie, it all seems very complicated and even impossible when you don't know anything about it.
But when you start to educate yourself, when you see each step that needs to be taken, and understand why each step needs to be taken, when you familiarize yourself with the necessary tools, and understand what each tool is used for and why, then you begin to understand how the process works, and then learn how to be a part of that process, even causing it.
I'm in constant awe and wonder about what one can accomplish when you understand how a thing works. This week so far has been about further understanding (even remembering) processes.
One such instance is with After Effects. I'm learning more and more everyday, and when I learn and understand how a certain effect works, then I can further see how that can be applied to help put what I see in my head on the screen as a moviemaker. Very special thanks to all the people putting up tutorials on YouTube and very special thanks to Andrew Kramer with Videocopilot.net and his amazing tutorials for After Effects. Learned so much from his breakdowns. I and many other moviemakers are greatful for it.
Another instance is with Fruity Loops. I was so very used to writing music on piano or keyboards, and years ago all I had to work with was Fruity Loops Music Software. I was angry because I was unfamiliar with the software, and I constantly needed a traditional keyboard to sound out tunes in my head. At the time I had to sell my keyboards and I was using a demo of Fruity Loops, and if you know nothing about the software, it is rather complicated. Although I still need the occasional feel of a piano, Fruity Loops has become an invaluable tool in music creation. I've been able to truely understand how each tool works within the software, and finally see it for what it is, a truely powerful tool for music creation.
I just got done working on a track for the next Monster Cops episode, and I started laughing, thinking about back in the day, when I saw Fruity Loops as such a pain in the ass. It just couldn't do what I wanted it to. I saw it as an obstacle. A wall keeping me from creating. Now I undesrtand that it was not an obstacle and there are no walls. Only doors that need to be opened.
I recall when my wife wanted so badly to learn how to knit. It was 2004, and she was fascinated by the process, she had no idea how to start, how to learn. That Christmas I'd ger her a teach yourself to knit kit. with that and the help of some online tutorials we'd found online, she'd begin understanding the process of knitting. She would be frustrated at first, trying to understand the steps. I remember telling her how one day she'd be a knitting pro and we'd look back on these days and laugh, remembering when she didn't know how.
Now her knitting skills have surpassed my expectations. I mean I didn't realize how much more complexity there is to knitting. She's moved on to learn things I didn't know you could learn. She's knitted hundreds and hundreds of things, purses, scarves, hats, blankets, and she's considered by those who know her as an authority on knitting socks. The things she creates don't look handmade. They look like items you'd purchase in a store. Very professional. She's working form patterns that are complex and is working towards creating her own patterns. And now when she finishes a project, she'll look at me and say, "Hey, remember when I didn't know how?" And we'll laugh.
I understand now how there is no such thing as failure or obstacle. What we sometimes see as failure is actually opportunity. What we often perceive as obstacle is actually a chance to be creative. A chance to compose life, instead of opposing it. To create no fate, but what we choose to make.
What some folks call impossible, is just stuff they haven't seen before.
- Robin Williams, WHAT DREAMS MAY COME
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Internet is for Vanity
I'm not prone to post sruveys on my blog, but I do post them occasionally on myspace. Usually I do them while I wait for something to render when I'm editing. But I forgot that my current computer takes no time to render now, and I ended up just trying to finish this little survey/meme just because I was already 2 questions in. But I think the occasional survey is good, let's you get to know the poster/blogger.
One thing I do like about surveys, plenty of opportunity to test your comedy writing skills, for I hardly ever answer these things seriously. This one I tried to answer seriously, but the jokes started up. See if you can spot the Q's where I started to lose the serious bug.
Thanks for this one Britt.
1.
Do you still talk to the person you had your first kiss with?
I don't even remember who that person would be. Oh wait, yes I do. And no.
2.
What would you do with 1,000 plastic spoons?
Create a giant spoon monster!
3.
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
Whatever were the hits at the time. I remember a lot of Olivia Newton John, Hall and Oates, Human League, Lionel Richie, Soft Cell, Michael Jackson, Survivor. And of course KISS.
4.
What is the best thing about your job?
The Dark Knight
5.
Do you wish cell phone etiquette was required in class?
I wish cell phone etiquette was required everywhere
8.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
Next mission? The Price Is Right!
9.
Quote a song lyric?
we skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor, I was feelin kind of sea sick, but the crowd called out for more.
10.
Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
A bit of both.
11.
Do you own any furniture from Ikea?
I really don't think so.
13.
If you could be an animal what would you be?
Animal, ya know, from the Muppets.
14.
What state/country are you from?
Texas, U.S.A
15. Tell us about the last conversation/s you had.
My wife and I were discussing the ins and outs of Jurrasic Park and how Richard Attenborough always reminded me of Scrooge McDuck, after which my wife would continue to make Launchpad/Duck Tales refrences everytime she saw a helicopter in the movie.
16.
where do you see yourself in one month?
Watching Monster Cops: Dead By Dawn
17.
What is your favorite smell?
Coffee, Burning Cedar, My Wife
18.
What is your favorite sight?
Puppies, oh and strippers. Strippers holding puppies. And the orange/pinkish hue the sky turns right when the sun is almost down. It's like pumpkins and pink lemonade, like God painted the sky with technicolor and the feelings of both closure and new beginings. A reminder that the days are precious, the nights are wonderous, and the twilight exists as a celebration between the two, not only as transitions, but as a companion to help guide you through your memories made and of what dreams may come. But mainly strippers.
19.
Do you consider yourself bi-polar?
Not at all, straight up, I love polar bears.
21.
Have you ever done anything vindictive to your coworkers?
I don't really consider the people I work with coworkers. Mainly because there is no actual work to be done.
22.
Have you ever gone to therapy?
nope
23.
Have you ever played Spin the bottle?
No. But I have played throw the bottle in anger.
24.
Have you ever toilet-papered someone's house?
Dear God, yes. But it's been about 13 years.
25.
Have you ever liked someone but never told them?
What, you mean like in junior high? Then yes.
26.
Have you ever gone camping?
yes
27.
Have you ever had a crush on your sister's friend?
She doesn't have any friends. She's entirely too emo and self involved to have any kind of relationship with any kind of human being. She's been that way since she was born. Our whole family has had to put up with her dramatics, and we're all getting very sick and tired of it.
At least that's how I imagine it might be, if I had a sister.
28.
Have you ever been to a nude beach?
I've sailed passed one, does that count.
29.
Have you ever had sex on the beach?
no i dont really like schnapps
30.
Have you ever had a stalker?
Not since that horrible baking accident.
32.
Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?
Yes. It's the best.
33.
Have you ever gone to a party where you were the only sober one?
Story of my life.
34.
Have you ever been cheated on?
Yeah.
35.
Have you ever felt betrayed by your best friend?
not really
36.
Have you ever lied to your parents?
duh
37.
Have you ever been out of the US?
yup
38.
Have you ever thrown up from working out?
LOL. no.
39.
Have you ever gotten a haircut so bad that you wore a hat for a month straight?
I don't have any hair.
40.
Have you ever eaten 3 meals from 3 different fast food places in 1 day?
oh probably
41.
Have you ever gotten so wasted you cant remember the nite before?
Nope
42.
Have you ever spied on someone you had a crush on?
Ah the memories.
43.
Have you ever slept with one of your coworkers?
Not at my current job.
44.
Kissed more than one person at a time?
Back when I had three mouths, most definitely.
45.
Pot?
of gold.
One thing I do like about surveys, plenty of opportunity to test your comedy writing skills, for I hardly ever answer these things seriously. This one I tried to answer seriously, but the jokes started up. See if you can spot the Q's where I started to lose the serious bug.
Thanks for this one Britt.
1.
Do you still talk to the person you had your first kiss with?
I don't even remember who that person would be. Oh wait, yes I do. And no.
2.
What would you do with 1,000 plastic spoons?
Create a giant spoon monster!
3.
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
Whatever were the hits at the time. I remember a lot of Olivia Newton John, Hall and Oates, Human League, Lionel Richie, Soft Cell, Michael Jackson, Survivor. And of course KISS.
4.
What is the best thing about your job?
The Dark Knight
5.
Do you wish cell phone etiquette was required in class?
I wish cell phone etiquette was required everywhere
8.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
Next mission? The Price Is Right!
9.
Quote a song lyric?
we skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor, I was feelin kind of sea sick, but the crowd called out for more.
10.
Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
A bit of both.
11.
Do you own any furniture from Ikea?
I really don't think so.
13.
If you could be an animal what would you be?
Animal, ya know, from the Muppets.
14.
What state/country are you from?
Texas, U.S.A
15. Tell us about the last conversation/s you had.
My wife and I were discussing the ins and outs of Jurrasic Park and how Richard Attenborough always reminded me of Scrooge McDuck, after which my wife would continue to make Launchpad/Duck Tales refrences everytime she saw a helicopter in the movie.
16.
where do you see yourself in one month?
Watching Monster Cops: Dead By Dawn
17.
What is your favorite smell?
Coffee, Burning Cedar, My Wife
18.
What is your favorite sight?
Puppies, oh and strippers. Strippers holding puppies. And the orange/pinkish hue the sky turns right when the sun is almost down. It's like pumpkins and pink lemonade, like God painted the sky with technicolor and the feelings of both closure and new beginings. A reminder that the days are precious, the nights are wonderous, and the twilight exists as a celebration between the two, not only as transitions, but as a companion to help guide you through your memories made and of what dreams may come. But mainly strippers.
19.
Do you consider yourself bi-polar?
Not at all, straight up, I love polar bears.
21.
Have you ever done anything vindictive to your coworkers?
I don't really consider the people I work with coworkers. Mainly because there is no actual work to be done.
22.
Have you ever gone to therapy?
nope
23.
Have you ever played Spin the bottle?
No. But I have played throw the bottle in anger.
24.
Have you ever toilet-papered someone's house?
Dear God, yes. But it's been about 13 years.
25.
Have you ever liked someone but never told them?
What, you mean like in junior high? Then yes.
26.
Have you ever gone camping?
yes
27.
Have you ever had a crush on your sister's friend?
She doesn't have any friends. She's entirely too emo and self involved to have any kind of relationship with any kind of human being. She's been that way since she was born. Our whole family has had to put up with her dramatics, and we're all getting very sick and tired of it.
At least that's how I imagine it might be, if I had a sister.
28.
Have you ever been to a nude beach?
I've sailed passed one, does that count.
29.
Have you ever had sex on the beach?
no i dont really like schnapps
30.
Have you ever had a stalker?
Not since that horrible baking accident.
32.
Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?
Yes. It's the best.
33.
Have you ever gone to a party where you were the only sober one?
Story of my life.
34.
Have you ever been cheated on?
Yeah.
35.
Have you ever felt betrayed by your best friend?
not really
36.
Have you ever lied to your parents?
duh
37.
Have you ever been out of the US?
yup
38.
Have you ever thrown up from working out?
LOL. no.
39.
Have you ever gotten a haircut so bad that you wore a hat for a month straight?
I don't have any hair.
40.
Have you ever eaten 3 meals from 3 different fast food places in 1 day?
oh probably
41.
Have you ever gotten so wasted you cant remember the nite before?
Nope
42.
Have you ever spied on someone you had a crush on?
Ah the memories.
43.
Have you ever slept with one of your coworkers?
Not at my current job.
44.
Kissed more than one person at a time?
Back when I had three mouths, most definitely.
45.
Pot?
of gold.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
CALL FOR ZOMBIES!!!
When: Saturday, August 30th, 6:00 pm
Where: Northwoods Stables, Winston Salem, NC.
What?: Zombies for indie movie project MONSTER COPS.
We need people to play zombies. Yes that's right, the living dead. Slow (and some fast), moaning, flesh craved, zombified, walking corpses. So if you don't mind us putting some make up on you, or even have your head blown up then, by all means, come on out.
Notes: Wear clothes you don't mind getting messed up or bloodied, especially if you want to die or get shot. Our blood may stain some clothes. Please nothing with any print or logos.
There may be much sitting around waiting while we set up shots, so feel free to bring a lawn chair of some sort.
We'll be doing this whether it rains or not, so be prepared to get wet as well as bloody. Bring an umbrella if you like.
No pay, but there will be snacks and refreshments, and you will be credited, and you'll receive a DVD copy of the final product.
Address:
Northwoods Stables
5225 Murray Rd
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Feel free to google maps the address or click HERE. (opens in a new window)
Where: Northwoods Stables, Winston Salem, NC.
What?: Zombies for indie movie project MONSTER COPS.
We need people to play zombies. Yes that's right, the living dead. Slow (and some fast), moaning, flesh craved, zombified, walking corpses. So if you don't mind us putting some make up on you, or even have your head blown up then, by all means, come on out.
Notes: Wear clothes you don't mind getting messed up or bloodied, especially if you want to die or get shot. Our blood may stain some clothes. Please nothing with any print or logos.
There may be much sitting around waiting while we set up shots, so feel free to bring a lawn chair of some sort.
We'll be doing this whether it rains or not, so be prepared to get wet as well as bloody. Bring an umbrella if you like.
No pay, but there will be snacks and refreshments, and you will be credited, and you'll receive a DVD copy of the final product.
Address:
Northwoods Stables
5225 Murray Rd
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Feel free to google maps the address or click HERE. (opens in a new window)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
First Official Selection
MONSTER COPS: SHADOW COMPANY
OFFICIAL SELECTION
DARK CARNIVAL FILM FESTIVAL
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA
Got back a few hours ago from shooting Dead By Dawn. Just got the email a little while ago from the fest organizers. It's always exciting to know your movie is going to screen somewhere. Even more so when it's a fest. Honestly I was getting a little antsy, waiting for somekind of notification from a fest, so it's nice to actually get this news.
Horror icons Ken Foree and Tiffany Shepis will be there. It really looks like it's going to be a fun festival. Definitely going to try to make it out there. Very exciting.
Waiting
Waiting. It's a necessity in movie production.
I'm on set for Monster Cops: Dead By Dawn. I am currently waiting for the costumes and the make up stuff to get done. All the lights and electrical is ready to go, just waiting on the Vampires to get done with make up and for costume issues to get fixed, then we can knock this stuff out.I'm posting just to kill some time. Here are a few pics I just took.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Still Obeying The Master
It's been a while now since I've received the winnings from the HandK contest. The video ended up being showcased on joblo.com. Even got a great comment from one of the directors of HandK, Jon Hurwitz. Eventually the video would be one of the winners in both phases of the contest. I'm blown away. I made a simple tutorial on metacafe about making a rose out of a napkin. That video has also gone on to make a bit of money. I think about that paper rose video and this Obey The Master video, and I'm blown away by the idea that one can make money by making stuff out of paper, animating a Unicorn's head, and whispering odd quotes about punching a hamster. Cool. Odd, but cool.
I still continue to recieve messages and comments on youtube about the Obey The Master video, all of them talking about how much they love the video. And I am so very flattered. Didn't realize what would take me only one night to make and submit would reap me such great rewards and comments. So, thanks to everyone for their kindness. I'm glad my odd sense of humor paid off for something. And as strange a video as it is, I am quite proud of it.
I still continue to recieve messages and comments on youtube about the Obey The Master video, all of them talking about how much they love the video. And I am so very flattered. Didn't realize what would take me only one night to make and submit would reap me such great rewards and comments. So, thanks to everyone for their kindness. I'm glad my odd sense of humor paid off for something. And as strange a video as it is, I am quite proud of it.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
I can't believe it.
Isaac Hayes.
There are no words.
I am sad. That's really all I can say. It's a heck of a week, man.
One heck of a week.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/10/hayes.obit/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
Saturday, August 9, 2008
WTF?
Once again, I am truly shocked to find out that yet another well known, well loved artist/celebrity has passed away. I can't believe that I'm actually writing that Bernie Mac has died. Bernie Mac. BERNIE MAC!!!! What the hell is going on here?Always respected his comedy. He did the kind of routines that you would memorize and repeat back with your friends. He was a welcome and familiar face that would pop up on the movie screen. Great in Ocean's 11, completely underused in the following 2 sequels.
I honestly cannot believe he is gone.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2008-08-09-mac-death_N.htm?csp=34
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Building The MKX300
Finally got this segment done. Only took me 2 days, but somehow it felt like forever. Editing this video seemed to be more complicated than editing the actual episode. I think it was just due to trying to put all the right pics in order.
This gun was fun to make. It's amazing what you can do with what you've got or can get for cheap. The most expensive things on the gun is the camera, which I already had, and then the spotlight, which was about 30 bucks. Aside from that this gun cost about 30 bucks to make. Put a second one together minus the camera and spotlight for about 20 bucks more. And I'm putting together some new weapons using these same techniques for the next Monster Cops webisode.
This gun was fun to make. It's amazing what you can do with what you've got or can get for cheap. The most expensive things on the gun is the camera, which I already had, and then the spotlight, which was about 30 bucks. Aside from that this gun cost about 30 bucks to make. Put a second one together minus the camera and spotlight for about 20 bucks more. And I'm putting together some new weapons using these same techniques for the next Monster Cops webisode.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
I'M GEEKING OUT!!!!!!!!!
I just found out that they are making The Last Starfighter 2! HOLY SHIT!!!!!! And Nick Castle is involved. I'm gonna cry.
Not only that but at the last Comic Con footage for TRON 2 was revealed. Just watched the bootleg video here.
If you can't watch the embed, watch it here.
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/244767.html
The light cycles, the new graphics, and that's right bitches! JEFF BRIDGES!!!! I applauded when I saw him. It's not a remake fuckers, IT'S A SEQUEL!!!! The 80's are back bitches!
Ok I'm gonna go watch this like 300 more times.
Not only that but at the last Comic Con footage for TRON 2 was revealed. Just watched the bootleg video here.
If you can't watch the embed, watch it here.
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/244767.html
The light cycles, the new graphics, and that's right bitches! JEFF BRIDGES!!!! I applauded when I saw him. It's not a remake fuckers, IT'S A SEQUEL!!!! The 80's are back bitches!
Ok I'm gonna go watch this like 300 more times.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Dead By Dawn: Help!!!!
Ok so I've set up a google site sepcifically listing what else is needed for the production of Monster Cops: Dead By Dawn. Check it out here and find out how you can help.
http://sites.google.com/site/mcopsproduction/Home
I think I've got all 3 Vampire Brides covered, I'll find out today or tomorrow.
Thanks to Richard Gaither we may very well have some locations covered, as well as a coffin, and some fog machines.
We still need a bunch of stuff as well as some locations so check out the site and lemme know if you can help.
http://sites.google.com/site/mcopsproduction/Home
I think I've got all 3 Vampire Brides covered, I'll find out today or tomorrow.
Thanks to Richard Gaither we may very well have some locations covered, as well as a coffin, and some fog machines.
We still need a bunch of stuff as well as some locations so check out the site and lemme know if you can help.
88 Days left
So the Halloween Spirit continues to reign. The signs are everywhere and I'm feelin it. Helps that I went to Michael's in search of Monster making materials, only to find they were in the process of putting up their Halloween display. Of course I took pics. 
They also had one of the latest animatronic displays for this year. A headless bride holding her own head. Motion activated as usual. The body turns around, the head opens it's eyes and her voice can be heard inviting you to her wedding in a very eerie and ghostly tone. See the video below. Yes, of course, I took video!Sunday, August 3, 2008
It's just an illusion
By 1984 my obsession with movies was in full throttle. Indy, Superman, Rocky, Bond, they'd all gotten good hold of my attention. When 85 hit and movies like Back To The Future and The Goonies came out, my obsession exploded. So when the hits kept coming in 86 I was headed over the edge, right over the edge into the passions of moviemaking, a movie titled FX would put me there.
The story of a special fx artist hired by the government to help fake an assasination. Of course the fake assasination turns out to be a real assasination, and our fx guy hero is framed for the murder. Now on the run from the law, he must use his special fx genius to defend himself and get back at the people who set him up.
How the hell was I not going to love this movie.
By 86 I had already read Tom Savini's Grande Illusion front to back and had every fx diagram memorized, I had watched every ILM documentary I could find, I had created my earliest form of blood squibs (using ketchup, tylenol capsules, and a sling shot. Yes, it hurt), and was already working with latex and make up appliances (my parents were quite confused when I'd ask them for money so I could buy liquid latex and spirit gum, when other kids were buying action figures.) I was at the very beginning of learning how movie FX worked. So of course this movie was right up my alley.
I was propelled back into those old nostalgic feelings when I was flipping channels only to find that FX the Movie was playing. I caught the tail end. It all came rushing back to me. Everthing. The first time I saw this movie. How excited I was. How much cooler it made me feel wanting to work on fx and make movies. The thrill of learning how an fx shot worked. And the fun of learning the hard way how one 10 second shot is usually accomplished through hours and even days of tedious work.
A valuable lesson I learned when I was a kid, something that would prepare me for my work now. Today in fact.
Currently working on some fx stuff for a project. Learning new tricks everyday, every minute, aplying them to the old techniques. It's kind of a fun time right now. Feels like 85, 86, 87, all over again. And in the end that's kind of what I'm working towards. Achieving those old nostalgic feelings I felt when I was kid. Trying to capture that old magic, put it in my own work, and hopefully share it with the world.
OK enough delay. This blog was partially just to get a break from the long and tedious work of keyframes and compositing. 6 hours of work for a 5 second shot. Just like old times.
Back to work.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Upgrade
Yes Chris, you are correct. This is a MONSTER!
Thanks to Mr. Plouffe for helping me get everything squared away. This thing is kicking ass.
Thanks to Mr. Plouffe for helping me get everything squared away. This thing is kicking ass.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
You read the bible Ringo?
PUMPKIN
Not regularly.
JULES
There's a passage I got memorized.
Ezekiel 25:17. "The path of the
righteous man is beset on all sides
by the inequities of the selfish and
the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is
he who, in the name of charity and
good will, shepherds the weak through
the valley of the darkness. For he
is truly his brother's keeper and
the finder of lost children. And I
will strike down upon thee with great
vengeance and furious anger those
who attempt to poison and destroy my
brothers. And you will know I am the
Lord when I lay my vengeance upon
you." I been sayin' that shit for
years. And if you ever heard it, it
meant your ass. I never really
questioned what it meant. I thought
it was just a coldblooded shit to
say to a motherfucker 'fore you popped
a cap in his ass. But I saw some
shit this mornin' made me think twice.
Now I'm thinkin', it could mean you're
the evil man. And I'm the righteous
man. And Mr. .45 here, he's the
shepherd protecting my righteous ass
in the valley of darkness. Or it
could mean you're the righteous man
and I'm the shepherd and it's the
world that's evil and selfish. I'd
like that. But that shit ain't the
truth. The truth is, you're the weak.
And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But
I'm tryin' Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to
be the shepherd.
Pulp Fiction
Written by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avery.
Thanks G. I needed the reminder. So back to work then.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Halloween In July
I've always been a big fan of Halloween. And you already know this if you've seen my Halloween Nerd Vlog above. But I have to say that the past few years haven't been keeping me in that old Halloween spirit. Until today that is. Honestly it started with an email from an old friend from highschool I read a few days ago. She and I always shared the same kind of enthusiasm for Halloween. So reading her email made me a bit sad because I haven't really felt that old Halloween spirit in a while. It all came rushing back though. I decided to go to AC Moore. And yesterday all of a sudden felt like fall for a bit. The cold front, the clouds, felt very refreshing. Then I stepped into AC Moore and saw that they actually had their Halloween stuff out, right as you walk into the store.
So, of course, I took some pics.
Yes I'm fairly certain a few folks were disturbed by the stalk filipino gentleman enthusiastically taking pictures of Halloween decorations with his camera phone.
I'm pretty sure that my Halloween mood was preset by the fact that I had just bought The Dark Knight soundtrack and had been listening to it in the car all day.
So let's see. Projects to work on, working on Monster Cops: Dead By Dawn. Simultaneously will be working on a mock trailer for a movie called Archangel. I think I'll have to find time to fit in a new Halloween Video this year.
So, of course, I took some pics.
Yes I'm fairly certain a few folks were disturbed by the stalk filipino gentleman enthusiastically taking pictures of Halloween decorations with his camera phone.
I'm pretty sure that my Halloween mood was preset by the fact that I had just bought The Dark Knight soundtrack and had been listening to it in the car all day.
So let's see. Projects to work on, working on Monster Cops: Dead By Dawn. Simultaneously will be working on a mock trailer for a movie called Archangel. I think I'll have to find time to fit in a new Halloween Video this year.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Estelle Getty
I'm a huge, HUGE, Golden Girls fan. I think it's jut great comedy writing, and great performances from a great cast. So it saddens me to hear that Estelle Getty has passed away. And now I go to buy the Golden Girls boxset.
Emmy winner beloved for 'Golden Girls' role
Out of a great cast of females it's hard to pick out the funniest one. But Sophia certainly had some great lines.
Find more great quotes from the Golden Girls here.
Emmy winner beloved for 'Golden Girls' role
Out of a great cast of females it's hard to pick out the funniest one. But Sophia certainly had some great lines.
Sophia: When I feel bad, I have to take my mind off it. There's only one thing that does that to me.
Dorothy: Cooking a big meal...
Sophia: No, making love in a closet.
Rose [entering cheerfully]: Sooo, who's the luckiest girl in the history of the world!
Sophia: Well, it wasn't your mother.
Sophia: Blanche, a terrible thing has happened to you. But when life does something like this, there are a couple of things you got to remember. You got your health, right?
Blanche: Yeah.
Sophia: You can still walk, can't you?
Blanche: That's true.
Sophia: Great, go get me a glass of water.
Sophia [about her late husband Sal]: May he rest in peace till I get there.
Find more great quotes from the Golden Girls here.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Monster Cops: Shadow Company update
The short/episode that we've been working on for the past few months, Monster Cops: Shadow Company is finally completed. Edited to a final cut, QC'd (quality control, that's what that means. ;)) and is ready to be burned to DVD and submitted to screenings and fests. I hope to get copies to those involved. The overall short/episode is 24 minutes.
I'll be taking a small break from shooting, but then we go right into the next Monster Cops project, a 5 to 6 minute short called Monster Cops: Dead By Dawn. This one I hope to have monster filled as you may have geussed if you read previous postings on One Spartan.
Ooh I'm excited for people to see this last one. Even more excited to show you this next one.
I'll be taking a small break from shooting, but then we go right into the next Monster Cops project, a 5 to 6 minute short called Monster Cops: Dead By Dawn. This one I hope to have monster filled as you may have geussed if you read previous postings on One Spartan.
Ooh I'm excited for people to see this last one. Even more excited to show you this next one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)