Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
When It's Cooking, It's Cooking.
So happy there are so many production opportunities coming up. At least ones that I feel. Assignments, contests, and video production jobs always come up, but I can't really seem to work on them unless I'm feeling it. This new Old Spice assignment over at Poptent totally hit me, and I had a ton of ideas. First off, they already have a great campaign, with ads featuring Bruce Campbell and Neil Patrick Harris, as well as having a solid comedic tone overall, I knew which way to take this project.
The ad I wrote was actually about 60 seconds long. I assumed when I got into post, I could work the magic and cut it down to the required 30 seconds. No such magic. Sometimes the editing just can't help the script. But I was able to cut together a different kind of commercial using the footage, and use the rest of the script (along with other ideas) to make a couple more ads. I really feel this assignment and hope it ends up paying well, but as always with any assignment or contest, it's about the fun first. If I didn't get an idea that I knew I would enjoy making, then the ideas wouldn't be worth doing. Plus it all adds on to the old portfolio, which will do nothing but help any shot at raising money for the feature film.
Here's the final ad entitled Residue Evil: Part 1 "Happenings". I wanted Brandon to play it like something was haunting him, in this case a generic deodorant the causes white clumps of residue.
This is titled Part 1 because I hope to have a Part 2 and 3 to this Residue Evil saga, basically paying homage to different genre's of Horror films. In this case this is very much a haunting. Wish we would have added in a few more supernatural type moments (Deodorant Floating, Deodorant spelling out DIE on a mirror), but overall I think it's alright. Getting good feedback so far, and in the end I just want to make you laugh, if not chuckle, while learning about the product, which I must say is pretty nifty.
Also got another video opportunity that I'm very excited about, because this one immediately gave me an idea that I'm very excited about doing. Definitely one I hope I can pull off the way I see it in my head. Again, so happy I'm getting assignments that I'm feeling creative wise.
Of course all this dealys Monster Cops for a few weeks, but it's cool. I need to let this episode sit for a while, the script I wrote for it wasn't sitting right with me, and this'll give me sometime to sort it out, as well as possibly get some new gear and guns, and get that giant monster up and ready for it.
Tomorrow, more work on HHM, the new project, work on details for Residue Evil part 2 and 3, work on the feature film. Somewhere in there there is working out and cleaning the house.
The ad I wrote was actually about 60 seconds long. I assumed when I got into post, I could work the magic and cut it down to the required 30 seconds. No such magic. Sometimes the editing just can't help the script. But I was able to cut together a different kind of commercial using the footage, and use the rest of the script (along with other ideas) to make a couple more ads. I really feel this assignment and hope it ends up paying well, but as always with any assignment or contest, it's about the fun first. If I didn't get an idea that I knew I would enjoy making, then the ideas wouldn't be worth doing. Plus it all adds on to the old portfolio, which will do nothing but help any shot at raising money for the feature film.
Here's the final ad entitled Residue Evil: Part 1 "Happenings". I wanted Brandon to play it like something was haunting him, in this case a generic deodorant the causes white clumps of residue.
This is titled Part 1 because I hope to have a Part 2 and 3 to this Residue Evil saga, basically paying homage to different genre's of Horror films. In this case this is very much a haunting. Wish we would have added in a few more supernatural type moments (Deodorant Floating, Deodorant spelling out DIE on a mirror), but overall I think it's alright. Getting good feedback so far, and in the end I just want to make you laugh, if not chuckle, while learning about the product, which I must say is pretty nifty.
Also got another video opportunity that I'm very excited about, because this one immediately gave me an idea that I'm very excited about doing. Definitely one I hope I can pull off the way I see it in my head. Again, so happy I'm getting assignments that I'm feeling creative wise.
Of course all this dealys Monster Cops for a few weeks, but it's cool. I need to let this episode sit for a while, the script I wrote for it wasn't sitting right with me, and this'll give me sometime to sort it out, as well as possibly get some new gear and guns, and get that giant monster up and ready for it.
Tomorrow, more work on HHM, the new project, work on details for Residue Evil part 2 and 3, work on the feature film. Somewhere in there there is working out and cleaning the house.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
80,000 dollars
I'm working out the budget for the next feature film I plan on shooting, and I've whittled it down to about 80 grand. Originally it was at 500,000. Then I cut it down to 350,000.
But due toe certain events in the past week, I was inspired and remembered a few old tricks that would allow me to cut the budget down even further. 80,000 is where I'm at now. Minimal cast (sorta), just enough crew. FX heavy, of course, but that's not a problem for me and some of the folks I know. Jesus, look at what we've done with no money.
So a full fledged effort is underway to raise the money, that started tonight. Looking good so far, in that no one has said no. Granted no one has said yes yet, but we'll work on that. It'll be easier once the script, budget, business plan, cast, crew, and website are all completed. It's Thursday June 11th, and I'm aiming to have the money and be in production by October, if not before the end of the year. A bit ambitious, yes, but this one's got a good vibe to it. If anything we'll be shooting by next spring. I hope to have the full script, budget, business plan, and website in 2 months.
This particular movie is completely separate from Monster Cops. Different feel (sorta), different style. Monster Cops is documentary style and I'm very much married to that particular feel for each episode/short/movie. I'm prepping a script and budget for a new Monster Cops feature film, but it is estimated at 500,000 to 350,000 dollars. Low budget yes, but still alot of money.
This new flick is more of a cinematic style, a full fledged feature film. Estimated at 80,000 dollars, still alot of money, but 80,000 seems alot more possible to raise then 500,000. We shall see. I don't like talking about scripts before they're completed, but I will say that this movie is like (allow me to reference some of my fav movies and tv shows) a combination of Arrested Development, Evil Dead, Weird Science, and The Shawshank Redemption.
Got started on the first Old Spice Commercial tonight. Most of the dialogue and inserts are done. Now we've got to get the monster ready, and then it's all about filling in the action shots. It's going to be alot to cram into a 30 second spot. I'm anxious to edit it all together. Matter of fact I'm loading footage now, and will edit the first bit of it tonight. I've got 2 more to complete, and possibly even a 4th and 5th.
Also did some work on my coveted HHM project. Haven't really told anyone about it. I'll have this particular video and website out for everyone to peruse well before Halloween, most likely in August, preferably in July. Can't wait to get the full project out for people to see.
But due toe certain events in the past week, I was inspired and remembered a few old tricks that would allow me to cut the budget down even further. 80,000 is where I'm at now. Minimal cast (sorta), just enough crew. FX heavy, of course, but that's not a problem for me and some of the folks I know. Jesus, look at what we've done with no money.
So a full fledged effort is underway to raise the money, that started tonight. Looking good so far, in that no one has said no. Granted no one has said yes yet, but we'll work on that. It'll be easier once the script, budget, business plan, cast, crew, and website are all completed. It's Thursday June 11th, and I'm aiming to have the money and be in production by October, if not before the end of the year. A bit ambitious, yes, but this one's got a good vibe to it. If anything we'll be shooting by next spring. I hope to have the full script, budget, business plan, and website in 2 months.
This particular movie is completely separate from Monster Cops. Different feel (sorta), different style. Monster Cops is documentary style and I'm very much married to that particular feel for each episode/short/movie. I'm prepping a script and budget for a new Monster Cops feature film, but it is estimated at 500,000 to 350,000 dollars. Low budget yes, but still alot of money.
This new flick is more of a cinematic style, a full fledged feature film. Estimated at 80,000 dollars, still alot of money, but 80,000 seems alot more possible to raise then 500,000. We shall see. I don't like talking about scripts before they're completed, but I will say that this movie is like (allow me to reference some of my fav movies and tv shows) a combination of Arrested Development, Evil Dead, Weird Science, and The Shawshank Redemption.
Got started on the first Old Spice Commercial tonight. Most of the dialogue and inserts are done. Now we've got to get the monster ready, and then it's all about filling in the action shots. It's going to be alot to cram into a 30 second spot. I'm anxious to edit it all together. Matter of fact I'm loading footage now, and will edit the first bit of it tonight. I've got 2 more to complete, and possibly even a 4th and 5th.
Also did some work on my coveted HHM project. Haven't really told anyone about it. I'll have this particular video and website out for everyone to peruse well before Halloween, most likely in August, preferably in July. Can't wait to get the full project out for people to see.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
MC VLog Zombie Day May 16th
The great Zombie shoot we had on May 16th and all it's gory glory. http://monstercops.com
Fighting
I hate how the weather sometimes puts me in this daze, like I don't want to do anything. MUST FIGHT IT!
I'm going to work out a bit to wake me up. Then eat something. Then we'll see how I feel. But TONIGHT I Must:
- Upload new vlog to Vimeo and Facebook.
- Update Monstercops.com accordingly.
- Make major headway on HHM.
- Work on MONSTER COPS MOVIE script.
- Work on Best Buy Ad.
Somehow, if I blog about it, it makes it more official and perhaps I'll actually get it all done.
Let's see how far I get. As usual, this will probably spill over into Thursday.
I'm going to work out a bit to wake me up. Then eat something. Then we'll see how I feel. But TONIGHT I Must:
- Upload new vlog to Vimeo and Facebook.
- Update Monstercops.com accordingly.
- Make major headway on HHM.
- Work on MONSTER COPS MOVIE script.
- Work on Best Buy Ad.
Somehow, if I blog about it, it makes it more official and perhaps I'll actually get it all done.
Let's see how far I get. As usual, this will probably spill over into Thursday.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Nesquik Happy Place
Conceived, Shot, Produced, and Performed by Chris Plouffe and Brandon White. Edited by Patrick A. Prejusa. This video is not in anyway actually associated with Nesquik.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
$70 Zombie Movie winning audiences
This is how you do it. Congrats to the filmmakers. Show em how it's done.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/05/21/Colin/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/05/21/Colin/index.html
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Something Amazing
Inching my way towards a complete episode. The last one (Shadow Company) I really loved, but I need more horror. More Monsters, more Cops, and definitely an AHA moment. To borrow a phrase from Oprah. The AHA moment which I also call the Two Cathedral's moment. Two Cathedral's is the name of one of my favorite West Wing episodes. The end of that episode was very much an AHA moment, or more like a WOW moment.
That's what I want in this episode. I do indeed want to continue to make episodes and webisodes, and we will, even for no money. But I want this to be a final example of what I'm aiming for. I want this episode to really hit a home run. And what is that home run exactly? You should be wowed by what is accomplished with such a low (no) budget. And when the end titles hit you should say to yourself "Wow, that was amazing."
The deal with no budget means you are at the mercy of everyone's schedule as well as every part of life that you can't solve with a bit of money. If we had a budget, of course, we could pay everyone and buy things we need, as opposed to wonder about people's schedules and rig something together. Don't get me wrong, it's a blast to create from nothing, I do love it. But the thrill of doing something from nothing does at times collide with the storytelling process. I know what I want story wise, but I can't just make it happen with no money. I have to take a look at what I've got, can get, or might get, and write around it. Which means the end of this episode may not be exactly what I envisioned.
It's a compromise I've written about before. Writing around what you've got. Yes we are a talented group. Yes we can make alot happen. But we are still at the mercy of how reality evolves your creation. Alot of it is planned, but much of it is planned improvisation. Which often does alter that Wow moment. But you do your best and forget the rest.
Stress is a part of the problem. I've had to explain to someone recently, who didn't fully understand this process. They ask, Why was it so hard? Why couldn't I just get it done? Like all of creation, it takes time. I envy the sculptor who has only a rock and a chisel, or even clay and their hands. As a no budget moviemaker it's way more than that. I'm not just the director and writer, two jobs that require full attention. Besides that I have to be the production manager, the fx supervisor, the casting director, the editor, the mixer, the costumer, the caterer, the transportation, the prop builder, the composer, the marketer, the pr, the light designer, web master, PA, AD, DP, DOA, SOS, NWA and the list goes on. All of it with no money, and on a limited schedule.
I do indeed have people who help me. Thankfully every once in a while I will have someone else who can worry about the make up, squibs, fx. Everyone on set is always willing to help carry something, hold something, move something. You know who you are and I thank you. And as much of a big help that is, there are still many hats on my head. It's stressful, it's insane, and it'll make you wanna pull your hair out, have you seen my head?
So why do I do it. Because I believe in that WOW moment. I believe I can hit that home run. I believe I can make more than one person say "Wow, that was amazing." And in the end that's all I really want, just to show you something amazing.
We need more amazing in the world.
Zombie Day
WANTED: ZOMBIES
WHEN: Saturday May 16th at 6:00pm
WHERE: Northwoods Stables, Winston Salem, NC.
DIRECTIONS: Google Maps this address
Northwoods Stables
5225 Murray Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Looking for anyone and everyone to play a zombie. We'll put you in make up. But if you wanna come dressed and ready to go, even better.
Wear something you don't mind getting messed up, you may be getting bloody and falling to the ground since we're going to kill most of you.
This will be used in Monster Cops Episodes and Webisodes.
Monster Cops is an Action/Comedy/Horror/Web/Short Film Series about a secret goverment agency dedicated to killing monsters. For more info on Monster Cops check out the official site http://monstercops.com
For more info visit:
http://www.monstercops.com/page.php?page=ZOMBIE_DAY
Any questions feel free to contact Patrick A. Prejusa at pumpkinking13@msn.com
WHEN: Saturday May 16th at 6:00pm
WHERE: Northwoods Stables, Winston Salem, NC.
DIRECTIONS: Google Maps this address
Northwoods Stables
5225 Murray Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Looking for anyone and everyone to play a zombie. We'll put you in make up. But if you wanna come dressed and ready to go, even better.
Wear something you don't mind getting messed up, you may be getting bloody and falling to the ground since we're going to kill most of you.
This will be used in Monster Cops Episodes and Webisodes.
Monster Cops is an Action/Comedy/Horror/Web/Short Film Series about a secret goverment agency dedicated to killing monsters. For more info on Monster Cops check out the official site http://monstercops.com
For more info visit:
http://www.monstercops.com/page.php?page=ZOMBIE_DAY
Any questions feel free to contact Patrick A. Prejusa at pumpkinking13@msn.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hail
Dream Dictionary Hail:
Hail:
A series of misfortunes lie ahead that could place your present goals in jeopardy. Look to the other symbols in the dream to judge which goals they are, or how to avert the misfortunes and save your projects.
Source: Astrocenter, http://astrocenter.astrology.msn.com/msn/DreamDictionary.aspx
Dream Interpretation
Hail, hailstorm
Hailstorms in the dreams are always a sign of dissatisfaction or a warning about family disputes or material losses. If you got caught in a hailstorm, disputes with your relatives, family members or people around you are inevitable. Observing a hailstorm from a distance signifies material losses in the near future or separation.
Source: Dream-Land, http://www.dream-land.info
Christian Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Hail
Hail: Soldiers of Christ; wonders; power; judgment that can only come from God; wrath; glory; chastening; to have a barrage of something hit one as an onslaught of something that can be distressing. (Is. 28:17; Hag. 2:17; Rev. 8:7; Ps. 18:12; 147:17; Job 38:22)
Currently listening to VAN HALEN - "When It's love."
Hail:
A series of misfortunes lie ahead that could place your present goals in jeopardy. Look to the other symbols in the dream to judge which goals they are, or how to avert the misfortunes and save your projects.
Source: Astrocenter, http://astrocenter.astrology.msn.com/msn/DreamDictionary.aspx
Dream Interpretation
Hail, hailstorm
Hailstorms in the dreams are always a sign of dissatisfaction or a warning about family disputes or material losses. If you got caught in a hailstorm, disputes with your relatives, family members or people around you are inevitable. Observing a hailstorm from a distance signifies material losses in the near future or separation.
Source: Dream-Land, http://www.dream-land.info
Christian Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Hail
Hail: Soldiers of Christ; wonders; power; judgment that can only come from God; wrath; glory; chastening; to have a barrage of something hit one as an onslaught of something that can be distressing. (Is. 28:17; Hag. 2:17; Rev. 8:7; Ps. 18:12; 147:17; Job 38:22)
Currently listening to VAN HALEN - "When It's love."
Saturday, May 2, 2009
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