So, I've left this blog unattended the last couple of months, as us Mad Ones have been busy. Jaysen has been working on some expansive screenplays, and we have finished "principal shooting" on the first 30 minute installment of the "Gospel According to Booze, Bullets, and Hot Pink Jesus." (part 1 of a trilogy) Filming went incredibly well for that, and we are excited to see what our editors can do with the footage.
My team has finalized nicely for this year's 48 Hour Film Project. Our dear friend, Jesse Knight, has pledged his talents to our group, so that's a definite "coup" in my favor. Jesse brings a calm level-headed demeanor to that set, and I always rally around his calm when facing the "eye of the storm." My cast has been set for months, and my crew has finally all coalesced as well. One of my Production Assistants, Brittany Carroll, has offered us a giant list of possible shooting locales, as her father is a big player in the Greensboro real estate market. Talk about a wonderful addition to the team.
I have been listening to "Wicker" by the Josh Phillips Folk Festival for the last week, and find myself really hoping we pull a genre that can use his music. He was so gracious to give me permission, I really hope that we can spotlight his album accordingly...
So, with most of my details mangled and strangled, not much left to do but plan menus, pull a good genre, and hope for a productive, amazing weekend of filming. Cause if we don't do it, someone else will... I really hope that it's StumbleMuse who amazes and wows people this year...
In an entirely unrelated note, but one which will cause examination later, my partner-in-crime for the Mad Ones, Jaysen Buterin, has been asked to Judge the 48 this year... So, my partner is a judge... I hope our film is Amazing, and rises above any speculation from any other film teams...
But we'll see...
We got the Cast... the Crew... the Locations... the Music... Now I just need some luck when pulling our genre on the 11th.
Until then, my fingers are crossed.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
On Spreading Yourself Too Thin
I have been blessed with a remarkably smooth run so far this year, but that should be the case, considering how early I started working on this project. One of my defining qualities would be my gregarious personality and enthusiasm. I started planning in June of last year, but left several casting issues for 2010. I figured that would be a good time to tackle the last aspects of the Project.
I garnered commitments from Will Shuford, who has worked on several Mad Ones Films projects, and from Tom Barker, who I find to be the best actor in Greensboro. With my "guys in line," I knew I could focus on finding female talent. I had spoken with two dear friends over the last few months about helping me with the 48. These two ladies, Julie Welch and Jen Bowman are both stunning ladies with great personalities. They will be great additions to our team, but I have never seen them ACT before. I know they can pull off "normal" roles, but what happens if we end up shooting an "exorcism" scene? I begin looking for a couple of aces to have up my sleeve...
A young lady named Lilly Nelson directed me in a short play last fall, and after a bit of research on her part, has agreed to be in my 48 this year. Another one of my directors, Rachel Downey, wants to be in my 48, but claims to be a true Director type, more than an Actress...
And then... There's my Girlfriend. An original Mad One. Thankfully, she will be Patient...
So, I now have about 5 actresses...
Film de Femme anyone?
I garnered commitments from Will Shuford, who has worked on several Mad Ones Films projects, and from Tom Barker, who I find to be the best actor in Greensboro. With my "guys in line," I knew I could focus on finding female talent. I had spoken with two dear friends over the last few months about helping me with the 48. These two ladies, Julie Welch and Jen Bowman are both stunning ladies with great personalities. They will be great additions to our team, but I have never seen them ACT before. I know they can pull off "normal" roles, but what happens if we end up shooting an "exorcism" scene? I begin looking for a couple of aces to have up my sleeve...
A young lady named Lilly Nelson directed me in a short play last fall, and after a bit of research on her part, has agreed to be in my 48 this year. Another one of my directors, Rachel Downey, wants to be in my 48, but claims to be a true Director type, more than an Actress...
And then... There's my Girlfriend. An original Mad One. Thankfully, she will be Patient...
So, I now have about 5 actresses...
Film de Femme anyone?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Pre-Planning and Team Building
After producing "Z-Day" (with Jaysen, Jennie Prince and Andy Kahn) in my second 48 (2006), I became "addicted" to the 48 Hour Film Project process. That weekend was such a roller coaster, punctuated by scrapped footage and the heart attack that came from shooting an "alternate" (but Better) ending on Sunday at 2 pm, 5 hours before scheduled delivery. When we completed that weekend, we had a film that made up for its lack of polish and sophistication with a charming sense of zaniness and fun. The film won an Honorable Mention award for screenwriting (thanks to Nisha and Ed for creating this second layer of awards... I wish we did that Every year) and we found our new passion for our weekends.
I begin Pre-Planning earlier and earlier every year it seems. I think I learned the value of good planning on a film set from Ken Randall, who always suggested conference calls and the like prior to a 48. I found that such planning sessions made us far more focused that first night of a 48, and that's a critical time that can also be a time for some Fun amongst the production staff. IF you have planned ahead. We would strategize last minute details, make sure we had our locations (as far as we could tell) lined up, craft services arrangements made, and any sorts of other business. After the 2009 48, I switched into "pre-production" mode (for the 2010) at the Awards Ceremony. I had already pitched the team idea to Mike Cordes before we had even left the theater that night... He agreed, and the first piece of the puzzle was in order.
It's currently early February, and I've got all my critical positions filled, minus a sound expert, a lighting director, and a key grip. It might be nice to have some flashy computer whiz on the team, but I already have graphics and the like covered. Anyway, these are all positions that can accentuate the "polish" of a movie, but might not even be needed, minus a key grip of course. So, having planned this far ahead, I feel pretty good about the direction of the team.
Now... I'm just waiting for the Date...
I begin Pre-Planning earlier and earlier every year it seems. I think I learned the value of good planning on a film set from Ken Randall, who always suggested conference calls and the like prior to a 48. I found that such planning sessions made us far more focused that first night of a 48, and that's a critical time that can also be a time for some Fun amongst the production staff. IF you have planned ahead. We would strategize last minute details, make sure we had our locations (as far as we could tell) lined up, craft services arrangements made, and any sorts of other business. After the 2009 48, I switched into "pre-production" mode (for the 2010) at the Awards Ceremony. I had already pitched the team idea to Mike Cordes before we had even left the theater that night... He agreed, and the first piece of the puzzle was in order.
It's currently early February, and I've got all my critical positions filled, minus a sound expert, a lighting director, and a key grip. It might be nice to have some flashy computer whiz on the team, but I already have graphics and the like covered. Anyway, these are all positions that can accentuate the "polish" of a movie, but might not even be needed, minus a key grip of course. So, having planned this far ahead, I feel pretty good about the direction of the team.
Now... I'm just waiting for the Date...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
StumbleMuse Films
Mad Ones Films are the brainchild of my partner-in-crime, Jaysen Buterin and feature the talents of several aspiring filmmakers from across the state. The pieces that Jaysen writes have a definite cinematic congruence, as if our films seem to be "in conversation" with one another. I am very proud of the work we have done as Mad Ones and so thankful that Jaysen befriended me and suggested this film making endeavor some 4 years ago. I wouldn't be doing this without Jaysen's inspiration and devil-may-care determination, and it is a reflection of his talents that I am even making "film" in the first place. Although he claims to have "retired" (at least temporarily) from the 48 Hour Film Project with the completion of last year's film, I feel that the competition is an excellent exercise for filmmakers. I relish this opportunity and make plans earlier and earlier every year.
For the last two years in the 48, we have worked with longtime Mad One and fellow collaborator, Ken Randall, to produce films under the team moniker of "GreenPax." Ken has "executive produced" (i.e. paid) us for two years under this new team name and this has proven to be a successful endeavor. GreenPax films have won an award every year it has participated in the 48, with us winning "Best Costumes" for "Dues of the Heart" in 2008 and "Best Use of Prop" for "The Czech is in the Mail" in 2009. However, I have felt the need to branch out, start my own team for the 48, and to have some creative input on the making of our film. I have "produced" for 4 years in the 48, and this is a job I am well-suited for. I relish the "pre-planning" elements of team-building, schedule wrangling, and communication, so this was a natural fit for my talents. However, I find myself wanting to try a new job this year, so taking the Director's mantle seemed like a good plan, now that I had "apprenticed" for four years as a Producer. With Jaysen focusing his efforts on other "less frantic, less time-sensitive" projects, I felt the time is ripe for me to take the reins for a 48 Hour film.
I wanted a new team name, and after thinking about it off and on over the last few months, I came across a metaphor that seemed evident... As one who is always "stumbling" over his words, his feet, and his history in pursuit of that elusive "muse," I decided to name my team StumbleMuse Films.
Most of the 48 Hour Filmmakers ramp up team building efforts in March, April, and May. However, most of my core positions are filled, with a couple of isolated "experts" to add to the fold. I got an incredible piece of news when Josh Phillips and the Folk Festival agreed to let me use their songs for the 48. Fresh off Jam Cruise and gaining increased exposure in the music world, I am thrilled to have such a musical luminary providing songs for our movie. My dear friend and Apple whiz kid, Mike Cordes, has agreed to shoot and co-direct the film, while award-winning playwright, Tommy Trull, has joined my team as screenwriter. We have some great pieces in place for this year's 48, and I look forward to using this blog to chart the path, development, triumphs and tribulations of StumbleMuse Films.
For the last two years in the 48, we have worked with longtime Mad One and fellow collaborator, Ken Randall, to produce films under the team moniker of "GreenPax." Ken has "executive produced" (i.e. paid) us for two years under this new team name and this has proven to be a successful endeavor. GreenPax films have won an award every year it has participated in the 48, with us winning "Best Costumes" for "Dues of the Heart" in 2008 and "Best Use of Prop" for "The Czech is in the Mail" in 2009. However, I have felt the need to branch out, start my own team for the 48, and to have some creative input on the making of our film. I have "produced" for 4 years in the 48, and this is a job I am well-suited for. I relish the "pre-planning" elements of team-building, schedule wrangling, and communication, so this was a natural fit for my talents. However, I find myself wanting to try a new job this year, so taking the Director's mantle seemed like a good plan, now that I had "apprenticed" for four years as a Producer. With Jaysen focusing his efforts on other "less frantic, less time-sensitive" projects, I felt the time is ripe for me to take the reins for a 48 Hour film.
I wanted a new team name, and after thinking about it off and on over the last few months, I came across a metaphor that seemed evident... As one who is always "stumbling" over his words, his feet, and his history in pursuit of that elusive "muse," I decided to name my team StumbleMuse Films.
Most of the 48 Hour Filmmakers ramp up team building efforts in March, April, and May. However, most of my core positions are filled, with a couple of isolated "experts" to add to the fold. I got an incredible piece of news when Josh Phillips and the Folk Festival agreed to let me use their songs for the 48. Fresh off Jam Cruise and gaining increased exposure in the music world, I am thrilled to have such a musical luminary providing songs for our movie. My dear friend and Apple whiz kid, Mike Cordes, has agreed to shoot and co-direct the film, while award-winning playwright, Tommy Trull, has joined my team as screenwriter. We have some great pieces in place for this year's 48, and I look forward to using this blog to chart the path, development, triumphs and tribulations of StumbleMuse Films.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The Birth of a Filmmaker
As a 30 something year old seeking solace from the workaday routine, I became invested in a local competition that has spurred a love for "indie film production" and sparked a personal renaissance in both my personal and public lives. The premise of the 48 Hour Film Project is both simple and enormous in scope, all at the same time. Groups of area filmmakers will pre-register for a weekend of filming where they will have 48 hours to write, shoot, edit, and deliver a 4 to 7 minute film. This film will be in the genre that the team "pulls" from a hat at the Kickoff event, and will feature a required character, line of dialogue, and prop that all teams in the city share for their respective films.
I first participated in the 2005 48 Hour Film Project in Greensboro and served as the lead actor for a little film called "Three Little Furies and a Golden Lock." Although the film was marred administratively by the folks running the team (in other words, they failed to sacrifice Ego and coalesce as a team, which is So Important in the 48), I did feel a certain thrill participating in the contest and the film was blessed with some incredible locations. Although I wince when I get the rare occasion to see that film, I am still struck by some of the cinematographic moments we captured. That's one beautiful thing about the 48... Even the "bad films" can have excellent moments, while the best ones are often far from perfect.
After an intense weekend of filming and people manipulation, I was speaking with a a good friend of mine (Jaysen Buterin) about the contest, and we decided we would produce a film for the 2006 competition. Such was the genesis of "Z-Day" and Mad Ones Films, and we have been hard at work ever since. In the space of 3 years, we have produced a 45 minute featurette called "The Devil's Tramping Ground" and approximately 11 additional "shorts." We took most of 2009 off so Jaysen could write scripts for a trilogy of 30 minute films, but have ramped up production in 2010 with the addition of new teammates and new ideas for films.
I plan to use this blog to chart the conception, development, pre-planning, and actual weekends of filming and screenings for the 2010 48 Hour Film Project. That gives me about 5 months to bore the hell out of the Internet. Thanks for taking the time to join me...
I first participated in the 2005 48 Hour Film Project in Greensboro and served as the lead actor for a little film called "Three Little Furies and a Golden Lock." Although the film was marred administratively by the folks running the team (in other words, they failed to sacrifice Ego and coalesce as a team, which is So Important in the 48), I did feel a certain thrill participating in the contest and the film was blessed with some incredible locations. Although I wince when I get the rare occasion to see that film, I am still struck by some of the cinematographic moments we captured. That's one beautiful thing about the 48... Even the "bad films" can have excellent moments, while the best ones are often far from perfect.
After an intense weekend of filming and people manipulation, I was speaking with a a good friend of mine (Jaysen Buterin) about the contest, and we decided we would produce a film for the 2006 competition. Such was the genesis of "Z-Day" and Mad Ones Films, and we have been hard at work ever since. In the space of 3 years, we have produced a 45 minute featurette called "The Devil's Tramping Ground" and approximately 11 additional "shorts." We took most of 2009 off so Jaysen could write scripts for a trilogy of 30 minute films, but have ramped up production in 2010 with the addition of new teammates and new ideas for films.
I plan to use this blog to chart the conception, development, pre-planning, and actual weekends of filming and screenings for the 2010 48 Hour Film Project. That gives me about 5 months to bore the hell out of the Internet. Thanks for taking the time to join me...
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