Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I hate this day, but I love this movie
Just realized this is the same post I made last year. Thus a tradition was born.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Back In The Saddle
Writing the next Monster Cops episode. Or I should say re-writing. Cuz there is no such thing as writing, only re-writing.
Back in the saddle, trying to condense my 45 minute concept into 20 minutes, while trying to put in just the right amount of action, horror, monsters, and comedy. So here I go. I'm going to spend the next 30 minutes trying to edit down the 17 pages I've already got down. Hopefully in 30 minutes I will have 10 pages, or better yet 8.
Starting .... NOW
Ok so I successfully cut it down to 8. And I even had time to eat a bowl of cereal.
Yay me. Now I have to sleep and see if I can complete this tomorrow. Also still gotta work on Flappy Dog, Vlogs, and the Business Plan since I will seriously be raising money and approaching sponsors for Monster Cops.
Back in the saddle, trying to condense my 45 minute concept into 20 minutes, while trying to put in just the right amount of action, horror, monsters, and comedy. So here I go. I'm going to spend the next 30 minutes trying to edit down the 17 pages I've already got down. Hopefully in 30 minutes I will have 10 pages, or better yet 8.
Starting .... NOW
Ok so I successfully cut it down to 8. And I even had time to eat a bowl of cereal.
Yay me. Now I have to sleep and see if I can complete this tomorrow. Also still gotta work on Flappy Dog, Vlogs, and the Business Plan since I will seriously be raising money and approaching sponsors for Monster Cops.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Difficult Is Necessary
It's not traditionally worth it if there isn't a bit of a struggle. Ya wanna get to the next floor, well you're going to have to take the steps. And it shouldn't matter how out of breath you think you'll be when you get there, just get there. If that is indeed where you wanted to go.
I know it seems impossible at times, but I've learned to embrace the seemingly impossible. If you can do that then you can do anything. What you resist persists, and what you look at disappears. If you can look it in the eye, then it's not going to be a problem. Just another step in the direction where you're trying to go.
It's a struggle right now, sort of. Some would call it that. I call it a step. It's easy to look past all the dramatics of the so called struggle, when you know where it is you're trying to get to. I can see it. I could always see it. Sure I've lost my path at times, but I always knew where I was, and how to get back on track. Not once have I ever faltered in keeping my eyes on the prize. I know the direction. I'll get there.
Right now my biggest supposed struggle is time. More time to work. More time to create. More time to do the things I need to do to get where I need to be. This week has been a big struggle with it. But I know what to do. The first step is to realize that everything that is occurring is in my control. If I don't have enough time, it's because I'm not spending it wisely. I have let it get out of control. Yes there have been events out of my control, but it all comes down to what you do have control over, and that's how you react to those events out of your control.
It's about action as much as it is about reaction. You act to set things in motion, but if things get out of hand, then it becomes about how you react to it. I've reacted poorly this week, and because of that a lot of time has been wasted. It all goes hand in hand. Time management and the discipline of action/reaction. I have to master how to control my reactions, especially when you are reacting to surprise and spontaneity.
Remembering that we all get the same amount of time helps. We all get 24 hours in a day. It's all about how you spend it. Every second counts. They add up to minutes, that add up to hours, that add up to days. It's obvious yes, but it's so obvious that we often forget and we let time slip away. We let those wasted days build into weeks, then months, that add up to years in a life spent wondering where all that time went and how your goals and dreams slipped away. Don't let it happen.
Managing your time and the actions/reactions you make in that time is a discipline indeed. And if it's difficult, good. If you're out of breath doing it all and getting to that goal, it'll be worth it. Better to get through that struggle and be a bit out of breath then out of time.
I know it seems impossible at times, but I've learned to embrace the seemingly impossible. If you can do that then you can do anything. What you resist persists, and what you look at disappears. If you can look it in the eye, then it's not going to be a problem. Just another step in the direction where you're trying to go.
It's a struggle right now, sort of. Some would call it that. I call it a step. It's easy to look past all the dramatics of the so called struggle, when you know where it is you're trying to get to. I can see it. I could always see it. Sure I've lost my path at times, but I always knew where I was, and how to get back on track. Not once have I ever faltered in keeping my eyes on the prize. I know the direction. I'll get there.
Right now my biggest supposed struggle is time. More time to work. More time to create. More time to do the things I need to do to get where I need to be. This week has been a big struggle with it. But I know what to do. The first step is to realize that everything that is occurring is in my control. If I don't have enough time, it's because I'm not spending it wisely. I have let it get out of control. Yes there have been events out of my control, but it all comes down to what you do have control over, and that's how you react to those events out of your control.
It's about action as much as it is about reaction. You act to set things in motion, but if things get out of hand, then it becomes about how you react to it. I've reacted poorly this week, and because of that a lot of time has been wasted. It all goes hand in hand. Time management and the discipline of action/reaction. I have to master how to control my reactions, especially when you are reacting to surprise and spontaneity.
Remembering that we all get the same amount of time helps. We all get 24 hours in a day. It's all about how you spend it. Every second counts. They add up to minutes, that add up to hours, that add up to days. It's obvious yes, but it's so obvious that we often forget and we let time slip away. We let those wasted days build into weeks, then months, that add up to years in a life spent wondering where all that time went and how your goals and dreams slipped away. Don't let it happen.
Managing your time and the actions/reactions you make in that time is a discipline indeed. And if it's difficult, good. If you're out of breath doing it all and getting to that goal, it'll be worth it. Better to get through that struggle and be a bit out of breath then out of time.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Horror Film Festival Round Up 2009 part 1
Because more than one person asked. Here is a list of just a few Horror themed film fests coming up that you can and should submit to.
In order of Deadline. Entry fees listed are either earlybird or regular dealine for short films only, so check the sites themselves for any later deadlines and fees for feature length or otherwise.
And to further help your fest entries, you've got to sign up at
http://withoutabox.com
I think I may have gone crazy submitting to all those fests with out the help of Withoutabox.com. And it comes with great perks too. If you submit through Withoutabox you may be eligible for an IMDB page.
Spooky Movie: The Washington, D.C. International Horror Film Festival
April 17th
Short Film
$25.00
http://www.thespookymovie.com/
Dear friends of Monster Cops. And I'm not just saying that because they helped get Monster Cops screened several times in a few different venues. They are very indie friendly.
TERROR FILM FESTIVAL
April 21st
Short Film
$40.00
http://www.terrorfilmfestival.net/
TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL
April 24th
Short Films
$30.00
http://torontoafterdark.com/2009/
FANTASTIC FEST
May 6th
Short Films
20.00
http://www.fantasticfest.com/
FREAKSHOW FILM FEST
May 15th
Short Film
$35.00
http://freakshowfilmfest.com/
International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival
May 22nd
Short Film
$40.00
http://www.horrorscifi.com/
CHICAGO HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
July 1st
Short Film
$25.00
http://www.chicagohorrorfest.com/
THE NEW YORK CITY HORROR FILM
September 15th
Short Film
$30.00
http://www.nychorrorfest.com/
Again these are just a few. I can't reiterate the importance of signing up on Withoutabox.com DO IT!!!!
In order of Deadline. Entry fees listed are either earlybird or regular dealine for short films only, so check the sites themselves for any later deadlines and fees for feature length or otherwise.
And to further help your fest entries, you've got to sign up at
http://withoutabox.com
I think I may have gone crazy submitting to all those fests with out the help of Withoutabox.com. And it comes with great perks too. If you submit through Withoutabox you may be eligible for an IMDB page.
Spooky Movie: The Washington, D.C. International Horror Film Festival
April 17th
Short Film
$25.00
http://www.thespookymovie.com/
Dear friends of Monster Cops. And I'm not just saying that because they helped get Monster Cops screened several times in a few different venues. They are very indie friendly.
TERROR FILM FESTIVAL
April 21st
Short Film
$40.00
http://www.terrorfilmfestival.net/
TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL
April 24th
Short Films
$30.00
http://torontoafterdark.com/2009/
FANTASTIC FEST
May 6th
Short Films
20.00
http://www.fantasticfest.com/
FREAKSHOW FILM FEST
May 15th
Short Film
$35.00
http://freakshowfilmfest.com/
International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival
May 22nd
Short Film
$40.00
http://www.horrorscifi.com/
CHICAGO HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
July 1st
Short Film
$25.00
http://www.chicagohorrorfest.com/
THE NEW YORK CITY HORROR FILM
September 15th
Short Film
$30.00
http://www.nychorrorfest.com/
Again these are just a few. I can't reiterate the importance of signing up on Withoutabox.com DO IT!!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Context
In the end it's how everyone sees the bigger picture. So you've got that going for ya. But there's nothing wrong with trying to build a masterpiece out of tiny masterpieces. It's a headache, but hey, if it's what you gotta do then go for it.
Remember, there is nothing without the first step, and the first step is thought. Then thought on paper, and action guided by the written thought. Everything else will fall into place, even those little nit picky things you can't seem to stop nit picking over.
I mean you honestly usually end up doing what you said you were going to do in the first place. So just keep doing that.
Remember, there is nothing without the first step, and the first step is thought. Then thought on paper, and action guided by the written thought. Everything else will fall into place, even those little nit picky things you can't seem to stop nit picking over.
I mean you honestly usually end up doing what you said you were going to do in the first place. So just keep doing that.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
It's Raining In Indian Wells
These are the times that try men's souls. But hey, when is it not. Interesting week, tiring week, A very funny week. It's the stuff comedies are made of.
I haven't had time to workout, not getting enough sleep, not getting a refund, we've gotta pay taxes instead, just got our medical bill and it's HUGE (that's what she said). But it is not without a few revelations and insights. I'll keep that close to the vest. What's a roller coaster ride if there ain't no ups and downs, right?
As for the taxes bit, that's due to my earnings from my video work last year. Because of that, I'm rather proud to pay. Means I was making a decent living doing what I love and I refuse to feel bad about that. I see it as a great sign, and has inspired a whole new tutorial on the ins and outs of being a video/movie maker.
Main idea, save all your receipts. Anything and everything you've had to pay for to help you make your product, I don't care if it's paper clips or your camera. Save those receipts. It'll help you later if you end up making a good chunk of money from your production. The more receipts you can itemize, the better chances you'll get a decent return.
My problem last year is that I got entirely too good at making videos for nothing. I had no receipts for anything because I didn't need anything to make the product. The only thing I needed was my computer. The computer I was using at the time I had for about 6 years, and I did not have the receipt for it. I now have a new computer and you bet your ass I have the receipt for it.
All the productions that I've worked on that will make money this year, I have the receipts for, all organized according to which production and what it was used for. I bought fur for a Werewolf, receipt saved. I bought a hard drive to hold footage, receipt saved. Anything and everything used for production, video tape, microphones, pizza, beverages, extensions cord, hand cuffs, hookers, blow. You name it, I saved for it. (That last bit was a joke, by the way.)
Other updates:
- Added some of my music to patrickprejusa.com
- Bluray is the work of the Devil.
- Updated the about section at monstercops.com
- Working on my Flappy Dog commercial.
- Planning a huge Zombie Shoot. HUGE (that's what she said)
- I need to stop saying and typing "that's what she said." But it's so hard. (that's what she said)
- Monster Cops: Shadow Company will be screening at Horror Fest in Denver, Colorado in April. Yay!!!!
I haven't had time to workout, not getting enough sleep, not getting a refund, we've gotta pay taxes instead, just got our medical bill and it's HUGE (that's what she said). But it is not without a few revelations and insights. I'll keep that close to the vest. What's a roller coaster ride if there ain't no ups and downs, right?
As for the taxes bit, that's due to my earnings from my video work last year. Because of that, I'm rather proud to pay. Means I was making a decent living doing what I love and I refuse to feel bad about that. I see it as a great sign, and has inspired a whole new tutorial on the ins and outs of being a video/movie maker.
Main idea, save all your receipts. Anything and everything you've had to pay for to help you make your product, I don't care if it's paper clips or your camera. Save those receipts. It'll help you later if you end up making a good chunk of money from your production. The more receipts you can itemize, the better chances you'll get a decent return.
My problem last year is that I got entirely too good at making videos for nothing. I had no receipts for anything because I didn't need anything to make the product. The only thing I needed was my computer. The computer I was using at the time I had for about 6 years, and I did not have the receipt for it. I now have a new computer and you bet your ass I have the receipt for it.
All the productions that I've worked on that will make money this year, I have the receipts for, all organized according to which production and what it was used for. I bought fur for a Werewolf, receipt saved. I bought a hard drive to hold footage, receipt saved. Anything and everything used for production, video tape, microphones, pizza, beverages, extensions cord, hand cuffs, hookers, blow. You name it, I saved for it. (That last bit was a joke, by the way.)
Other updates:
- Added some of my music to patrickprejusa.com
- Bluray is the work of the Devil.
- Updated the about section at monstercops.com
- Working on my Flappy Dog commercial.
- Planning a huge Zombie Shoot. HUGE (that's what she said)
- I need to stop saying and typing "that's what she said." But it's so hard. (that's what she said)
- Monster Cops: Shadow Company will be screening at Horror Fest in Denver, Colorado in April. Yay!!!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Try
Going to bed here in a bit, but I wanted to note a few things.
- Great shoot Sat. night. Definitely need to do it again, this time with more zombies.
- I get better ideas when I keep with the workout, physical activity is very much connected to brain function.
- I have 3 VLOGS coming up. When I will finish them, no one knows.
- I think I'm almost done with rewrites. Had kind of a revelation. Kinda.
- I remember the motivating question, "Why aren't you trying your very best." And I ask myself that often.
- Good night.
- Great shoot Sat. night. Definitely need to do it again, this time with more zombies.
- I get better ideas when I keep with the workout, physical activity is very much connected to brain function.
- I have 3 VLOGS coming up. When I will finish them, no one knows.
- I think I'm almost done with rewrites. Had kind of a revelation. Kinda.
- I remember the motivating question, "Why aren't you trying your very best." And I ask myself that often.
- Good night.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Zombie Night, Again.
You can never have too many zombies.
Gearing up for the shoot tonight over at Northwoods Stable. Going to shoot zombies, literally. Working on the current 23 minute episode MONSTER COPS: ZOMBIES and I realize we just don't have enough zombies heads being popped with bullets. So tonight is going to be all about the blood squibs.
Gotta pack up the gear, load up all the props, pick some munchies and drinks, and then head out the the stables, where hopefully we'll have some decent zombie carnage. And then hopefully get it all done in less than 3 hours, because I still have a ton of other stuff to do tonight as well.
Thank God for clear weather Saturdays. Let's hope we have more of em.
More later.
Gearing up for the shoot tonight over at Northwoods Stable. Going to shoot zombies, literally. Working on the current 23 minute episode MONSTER COPS: ZOMBIES and I realize we just don't have enough zombies heads being popped with bullets. So tonight is going to be all about the blood squibs.
Gotta pack up the gear, load up all the props, pick some munchies and drinks, and then head out the the stables, where hopefully we'll have some decent zombie carnage. And then hopefully get it all done in less than 3 hours, because I still have a ton of other stuff to do tonight as well.
Thank God for clear weather Saturdays. Let's hope we have more of em.
More later.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Jerry Dandrige is a Vampire
Trying to sort out all these details is kicking my ass. No shoot tomorrow. I really need to take the next two days to do rewrites. Saturday looks clear weather wise so I need to take advantage of it and shoot exteriors. I need to call some folks about interior locations. I need zombie extras. I need to settle all the zombie props and costumes as well as make sure I've got squibs and fx ready to go. And I still have the several other video assignments and projects that need attention.
I need to settle down and relax for a bit, then I'll have a better perspective on things. So I will go cook something nice, and then watch something to calm me down. A Nightmare On Elm Street perhaps. This movie always makes me feel at home. Elm Street, Real Genius, and Fright Night. Yes, I'm from the 80's.
But which shall I choose.
Hmmm. Ya know, I just got back my Fright Night DVD's from a friend who borrowed them for an extended period of time (no hard feelings John, really.) So I will now enjoy Fright Night.
They just don't make em like that anymore, but gimme time I'm working on it. ;)
I need to settle down and relax for a bit, then I'll have a better perspective on things. So I will go cook something nice, and then watch something to calm me down. A Nightmare On Elm Street perhaps. This movie always makes me feel at home. Elm Street, Real Genius, and Fright Night. Yes, I'm from the 80's.
But which shall I choose.
Hmmm. Ya know, I just got back my Fright Night DVD's from a friend who borrowed them for an extended period of time (no hard feelings John, really.) So I will now enjoy Fright Night.
They just don't make em like that anymore, but gimme time I'm working on it. ;)
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