Anthony E. Cabral & ACE Films

Sundance 2012 – Day 8

2012-02-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

As I continue to get caught up on my Sundance Blogs, here is Day 8! I wanted to make sure I made it to a screening of the film ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ Dir: Colin Trevorrow. I’d been hearing a lot about it and wanted to make the screening. Well, low and behold I got up later than expected and by the time I got to the Eccles Theatre, there were NO more Volunteer tickets and the wait list had already been cut off. I was a highly attended screening, and it was the THIRD screening at that. So the Buzz was out and it looked like I was just SOL. Well, right as I was about to give up, a man just offered up one ticket! YAY! I was in! Now the film is about a reporter and two interns looking into a classified ad for someone seeking at partner to time travel with them. I’ll leave the rest of the details out; you really need to see this film. It’s fun, humorous and has a great twist at the end. Mark Duplass of the Filmmaking Duo has a great performance as the man seeking a time travel partner. This one was fun and obviously well written, as it did win the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award.

Also, screening with ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ was the short film ‘Bear’ Dir: Nash Edgarton. It’s about a man with great intentions of a Birthday surprise for his girlfriend and how those plans can go horribly wrong. Truly a dark comedy with laughs at tragic moments, but amazingly well done. It was a great companion to ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’.

Next, I raced over to the Prospector Square Theatre for Shorts Program 3. The program contained 6 very different short films. Here is the list: (Now, I’m going to give the descriptions directly from the Sundance Website)

‘Dol (First Birthday)’ Dir: Andrew Ahn - A gay Korean American man yearns for a family life that is just out of reach.

‘The Fort’ Dir: Andrew Renzi - On a rainy day, a young boy builds a fort in the woods when a man appears and offers to help.

‘Frozen Stories’ Dir: Grzegorz Jaroszuk - The two worst employees of the supermarket are ordered to find a goal for their lives.

‘L Train’ Dir: Anna Musso - Sunny is a self-regarding teenager fighting her way through an inner-city blizzard—again. Suddenly, she encounters someone who forces her to consider an altruistic, though perhaps absurd, action.

‘Rolling on the Floor Laughing’ Dir: Russell Harbaugh - Two grown brothers return home for their widowed mother's birthday, only to find themselves competing with a strange man for her affection.

‘Surveillant’ Dir: Yan Giroux - It's another quiet summer day in Park Dufresne. The neighborhood youth loiter until a new park monitor appears for his first day of work. Two universes clash, and a territorial struggle begins.

Now, of all three Shorts Programs I screened this year, this one appealed the least. I hate saying that, as so many wonderful films screen at Sundance, but these just didn’t get me as motivated as the other two shorts programs did. I guess these shorts seemed a lot more traditional, more film school feel; I’m really not totally sure what it was. They still were Sundance worthy, so I give them mad props!

From there, I was originally heading back to my condo to get some writing done and change for my shift. I ended up waiting at the transit center for a connecting bus, when I ran into a friend who said “Hey, I’m going to see ‘I’m Not a Hipster’ right now, you should come!” And low and behold, something just said “GO!” So, I went. Now, ‘I’m Not a Hipster’ Dir/Scr: Destin Daniel Cretton was in the NEXT Category. It was about a struggling singer/songwriter dealing with his sisters coming to town with their dad to pay their last respects to their Mother, and spread her ashes other the ocean. The story looks at the struggles of both family and the indie music scene. It also has an amazing soundtrack of original songs. It’s gritty, raw and very real. I could see so many elements of myself or friends in the characters and easily believed the story. SO WELL DONE. I highly recommend this film. I’d buy a copy to keep in my collection, as well as the soundtrack… And that’s saying something.

So, Three Screening all back to back, raced home, quick change and off to my shift. Our two screening tonight are at 9:00 PM ‘The Pact’ Dir: Nicholas McCarthy. We showed this earlier at midnight. And at Midnight tonight we have ‘Grabbers’ Dir: Jon Wright.

Now, I didn’t watch ‘The Pact’ the first time we screened it because it is a horror film and a little much for my taste. But last time I didn’t comment about the short film that preceded the feature. The Short Film is ‘Once It Started It Could Not End Otherwise’ Dir: Kelly Sears. It’s a short made up of yearbook photos moving across school building photos and images and gets darker and more gruesome with both music and bloody imagery. Interesting, but just not my cup of tea.

Now, the Midnight Film tonight, ‘Grabbers’, is a monster comedy about aliens attacking Erin Island, a small fishing village off Ireland’s coast. The reluctant authorities realize there is only one way to not have their lives sucked out by the monster… Get VERY DRUNK! I thought it was very cute and funny. In the same vein of ‘Shaun of the Dead’ or ‘Hot Fuzz’, this Irish Monster comedy keeps the drinks and laughs coming, even as the monster tries harder and harder to kill everyone. If you want a monster movie with a few laughs, I highly recommend this one!

OK… There is Thursday (Day 8)! I’m working to get each and every day of Sundance 2012 caught up on. I know I can do it.

Sundance 2012 – Day 7

2012-02-07T19:39:00.001-08:00

So, today began my second big push to be productive at screening films while at Sundance this year. I started my morning off with a Press and Industry screening of ‘Ethel’ Dir: Rory Kennedy. The film looks over the life of Ethel Kennedy, her relationship with Bobby, their 11, yes 11, children, and how she handled the Kennedy life in politics. It was actually an interesting documentary. I wanted the chance to see a doc about one individual person. I have been considering a doc about my brother for a while, which I haven’t totally forgotten about. I guess I thought this might be a little inspiration and motivation. And, it kind of was. Be sure to look for ‘Ethel’ when it airs on HBO later this year.

I followed that up immediately with a quick bite to eat and the Press and Industry Screening of ‘The Words’ Dir: Brian Klugman & Lee Sternthal. Now this was an interesting film about a writer played by Dennis Quad reading two sections from his new book entitled ‘The Words’ about a writer, played by Bradley Cooper, dealing with the origins of his hit novel. It really was quite a story within a story, and sometimes within another story. I know right, how do you keep them all straight, but in this film, it really well written and produced, so you stay on track without getting lost. The film was in the Premiere Category of films, so it should be coming to theater or at least a cable channel near you soon. I recommend you check it out.

For those who are curious about the P&I screenings I got to go to, it’s one of the perks of being a volunteer. Now, it is only on a space available basis, but if I’m early for what I REALLY want to see, I can usually get in.

After leaving the Holiday Theatre I ventured over the New Frontier at The Yard. There was an Adobe Presentation I wanted to attend, but because of the run time of the screening, I didn’t make it in time. However, I was about to take in several exhibits at the New Frontier. Now, since New Frontier moved out of the Main Street Mall across from Egyptian Theatre, I really haven’t been able to experience it as much or as often I have in years past. There were several interactive exhibits, but several took a while for the interaction, and I passed. One did stand out to me. ‘Evolution (Megaplex) Artist: Marco Brambilla was a 3-D Media Installation with a scrolling mural of images from classic films throughout the ages, but only a character or single image, and IN 3-D! It was quite amazing. And also quite fun to see how many films you could notice as the mural scrolled by before repeating itself. Another ‘Hunger in Los Angeles’ Artist: Nonny de la Peña was an Immersive Game Environment, basically a live action 3-D video game. I wasn’t able to stay and wait my turn, because there was a line, but it sure looked interesting. I’m actually kind of upset I missed the chance.

After my visit to The New Frontier at The Yard, I headed home to get ready for my shift that night. Our two films tonight were: at 9:00 PM ‘This Must Be the Place’ Dir: Paolo Sorrentino; and at Midnight was ‘Black Rock’ Dir: Katie Aselton. I was actually about to screen both of these film while on my shift, so here goes.

‘This Must Be the Place’ is about a former Goth rock musician played by Sean Penn who must confront his fears to deal with the death of his estranged father. He in turn decides to take up his quest to get retribution from the Nazi soldier who humiliated him in a concentration camp. The film is a very interesting look at one man realizing it is never too late to discover who you really are, and how you can help others along the way. As odd as the film is, it is quite good.

‘Black Rock’ is a female thriller about three girls who travel to a remote Maine Island for vacation, and a little soul searching, only to run into the wrong group of guys. When innocent advances get taken too far, the girls must fight to defend themselves and try to make it off the island alive. This is the second film from Aselton, who also happens to the wife of actor/producer Mark Duplass. Quite a change from her first film, this one shows women being more empowered, sometime aggressive, especially when their life is on the line. As much as there were a few parts that were somewhat predictable, others really caught me off guard. The film looks beautiful, the locations in Maine are quite breathe taking, and the action isn’t too bad either. I enjoyed the film, and think it is definitely worth seeing. I’m glad it was picked up for worldwide distribution. Keep your eye out for it!

OK, there is Wednesday! I know I’m WAY behind now, but I’m fighting to get caught back up. My time as you can see by the length of this Blog was quite full for several days, and once back in Baton Rouge, I was right back to work with little sleep. So, I’m going to get caught up as fast as possible. Sorry for the delay everyone, but I promise, they are all coming! Talk to you tomorrow.

Sundance 2012 – Day 6

2012-01-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Still fighting off the sniffles, I woke up later than expected. I wanted to get over and see Shorts Program 3, but that didn’t happen. I am working to still fit it into the rest of my screening schedule though.

Now, I was able to meet up with friend, producer and manager, Jeffery Silver. Jeffery was one of the producers on ‘The Philly Kid’ which I worked on in the Spring of 2011. We were able to sit down, catch up and he asked about what I had on the table for 2012. He loved my two short film ideas, which really helps me stay motivated to get our crowdsfunding campaign up and running sooner than later. So please be on the lookout for that.

Later in the afternoon, I was able to meet up with another friend and colleague, Tony Nawrocki. Tony was my 2^nd AD on ‘The Frontier Boys’ in early 2010 up in Charleviox, Michigan. He and I have actually been able to catch up here and there in passing, but this time we were able to catch a screening together. It was the 6:00 PM Egyptian Theatre Screening of ‘Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie’ Dirs: Tim Heidecker & Eric Wareheim. OK, this is one of those movies that will either be loved or hated; it’s funny or it’s not; and quite often, goes WAY TOO FAR! But it’s definitely Tim and Eric’s style and within those parameters, they do NOT disappoint. I will admit, there are a few parts that grossed me out and I felt went too far… But, that’s just my 2 Cents.

Tonight’s two screenings on my shift were at 9:00 PM ‘Kid-Thing’ Dir: David Zellner and at Midnight ‘Wrong’ Dir: Quentin Dupieux. Now, I didn’t get to watch ‘Kid-Thing’, but the short before it ‘Don’t Hug Me, I’m Scared’ Dirs: Joseph Pelling, Rebecca Sloan, I did get to watch. It was interesting and cute with a VERY dark an unexpected ending. You’ll have to watch it get what I mean. I’m not spoiling it! Then at Midnight, I actually got sucked into the film and went ahead and watch it, well the majority, minus popping out to handle something or the other. ‘Wrong’ is an interesting film, all around. Now, it’s in the World Dramatic category, but shot in English and in California, but the director is French. The story about a man living his odd life while searching for his lost dog, as a lot of weird twists and oddities go on around him that are hard explain. It is truly an ODD film. I’m really not sure how to react to it. It wasn’t bad, actually quite good, just ODD.

OK. There is Day 6! I think I’m pretty well caught up. I’ll write Day 7 later today. Thanks and don’t for get to comment!!!

Sundance 2012 – Day 5

2012-01-25T17:53:00.001-08:00

So, I had to take this Monday as a personal day. I had some errands to run. And since I woke up not feeling good and missed a panel I wanted to see, I just figured… Get myself taken care of. So between the post office and store, I took care of myself and some things I needed to get done, including stocking up on medication. YAY! NOT!

Now medicated, I felt better for my shift. Monday’s films I worked were the 9:00 PM Screening of ‘Can’ Dir: Rasit Celikezer and the Midnight Screening of ‘John Dies at the End’ Dir: Don Coscarelli. I know, broken record, I wasn’t able to watch the films, so I can’t give you any honest feedback about them. But it is was fun to meet Paul Giamatti.

OK, let’s see if I feel better tomorrow.

Sundance 2012 – Day 4

2012-01-25T02:24:00.000-08:00

So, today was another day that was hard to get out of bed and get the day started. Today was also the day I realized that the pillows on my bed were most likely feather pillows, which of course, I’m allergic to. FUN! NOT!

I missed some panels I was looking at, but I was able to make it to Dolly’s bookstore on Main Street for a book signing of the book: ‘Selling Your Film Without Selling Your Soul’ by The Film Collaborative, Jon Reiss & Sheri Candler. I was excited because Jon Reiss is also the author of ‘Think Outside the Box Office’ which is an amazing resource. Now, Jon had already taken off (it was believed to go to the Film Independent Party) but I was surprised to discover who The Film Collaborative really is. I met Orly Ravid Co-Executive Director and she was very nice. She even offered the possibility to blog for them sometime in the future. YAY! The surprise to me was the other Co-Executive Director, Jeffery Winter. Jeffery used to work for the Sundance Film Festival assisting with panel discussions and the digital dialogues at the New Frontier which I loved so much. (HINT: Sundance bring back the Digital Dialogues!) It was great to catch up with Jeffery and see where life has taken since Sundance.

Now, I did have to take off from there to head back up to the Egyptian. I offered to help with the special Collective Screening of ‘Reality Bites’ Dir: Ben Stiller. Yes, this is the 1994 film and yes, I said Ben Stiller. I was interesting to hear some of his thoughts after the film during the Q/A / Chat they had. I had to miss the tail end because I assisted with Mr. Stiller leaving the Egyptian once the Q/A was completed.

After that I grabbed a bite to eat and went in at 8:30 for my shift. Our two films this night were: at 9:00 PM ‘Mosquita y Mari’ Dir: Aurora Guerrero and at Midnight ‘Shut Up And Play the Hits’ Dirs: Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace. Once again, I wasn’t able to watch either due to work I had to attend to.

OK… There is Day 4. I’m getting caught up now…

Sundance 2012 – Day 2

2012-01-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

So as the first full day of Sundance 2012 gets underway, I planned to jump out of the gates strong.

I started my day with a screening of ‘Hello I Must be Going’ Dir: Todd Louiso. This is one film I was making it a point to see. The lead actress, Melanie Lynskey, is the real life wife of one of the cast members on ‘Breakout Kings’, Jimmi Simpson. The film is a coming of age film of sorts about a divorced woman falling for and having a romance with a younger man. It was really an amazing film. It had great performances from the entire cast and really captured Melanie’s character as she went from giving up on life to picking herself back up, while dealing with her family and insecurity about what to truly do with her life. There is even a great cameo by Jimmi himself.

Next, I raced over to the Yarrow Theatre to catch Shorts Program 2. Much like Shorts Program 1, Program 2 has a very diverse and quite impressive grouping of short films:

- ‘ ’92 Skybox Alonzo Mourning Rookie Card’ Dir: Todd Sklar The short is about two very different brothers dealing with the loss of their father, sometime in very immature ways. It’s a great comedy/coming-of-age (if I can call it that) film with honest moments between both brothers, which I can relate too all too well. Also, the film was shot in Branson, MO with a friend or two working on the crew! YAY!

- ‘The Arm’ Dirs: Brie Larson, Sarah Ramos, Jessie Ennis A very cute story about a community dealing with the loss of a teenage girl and the boy who was known to be her boyfriend. Very creative tale of how context from text messages can be taken WAY too far!

- ‘The Black Balloon’ Dirs: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie Amazing tale of one balloon’s journey to find companionship. Impossible to describe balloon choreography! Is that what it would be called? Great visuals with a cute story. I still wonder how they did some, ok just about all, the things they did.

- ‘Girl’ Dir: Fijona Jonuzi An interesting short about a young man who invites an older woman over to party with his young friends one night. The relationships are interesting and it definitely leaves you wondering exactly what happens that night.

- ‘Henley’ Dir: Craig MacNeill A creative tale about a young boy who finds entertainment, and a little profit, in bringing roadkill to his father, the owner of the roadside motel they own and live at. This film definitely plays a little on the dark side making you wonder just how far this young boy will go. Great performance for a young, new talented actor.

- ‘OK Breathe Auralee’ Dir: Brooke Swaney An interesting tale about a woman dealing with her desire to have a baby. There was interesting visuals with a little supernatural feel, as well as interesting chemistry between the lead actress and two men she desires.

- ‘The Return (Kthimi) Dir: Blerta Zeqiri A simple yet quite unnerving tale about a woman reunited with her POW boyfriend/husband. As they cope with the struggles each has been through, it’s hard to tell who has had it worse. Simple, yet impactful.

Also, while I was entering the screening, I ran into a friend and former Sundance volunteer, Heather Kasprzak! I found out that her and her boyfriend, Tyler Dixon, are finalists, AGAIN (YES, I SAID AGAIN), in the Doritos Superbowl Commercial Competition! YAY! So please go vote for their commercial ‘Dog Park’ at:

http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/?finalist=16959

I truly hope we all can cheer her and Tyler on to win the competition this year! So please visit the link above and VOTE for ‘Dog Park’!

Next, I took advantage of a late notification of a special panel at the Sundance Filmmakers Lodge! The panel, ‘The New Social Pollinators’, which covered using the Internet and social networking to help get projects off the ground, seen and moving forward. The panelists were Alex Carloss (YouTube); Bob Moczydlowsky (Topspin Media); Yancey Strickler (Kickstarter); and moderator Wendy Levy (Tomorrow Partners). It was amazingly informative about how to use these resources and those similar to cross social networks and benefit a project. I’m glad I caught the notification and was able to make it there!

Now, today was also the first shift I had at the Egyptian Theatre. We had two great and packed screenings. At 9:00 PM we had ‘Violeta Went to Heaven’ Dir: Andres Wood and at Midnight we had ‘The Pact’ Dir: Nicholas McCarthy. ‘The Pact’ is the feature film version of a Short Film from Sundance 2011 of the same name. Now, I regret to inform you that because I had a lot to handle in my shift I was not able to screen either film. Some Midnight shows I can, and others I can’t. These I couldn’t.

OK… there is Day 2 at Sundance 2012. More to come as the Festival rolls on!

Sundance 2012 – Day 3

2012-01-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

I’ll admit, today I let myself start off a little lazy. I actually couldn’t drag myself out of bed until shortly after Noon. There were a couple panels on distribution and crowdsfunding I wanted to attend, but it wasn’t my sleeping in that caused me to miss them. I actually headed to the Egyptian Theatre to assist the daytime crew with the Time Warner ‘Power of Story’ Panel. The panel was moderated by Soledad O’Brien from CNN and panelists were Nick Fraser, commissioning editor for Storyville; Sheila Nevins, President of HBO Documentary Films; and Robert Redford himself. As you can guess, I was there to assist with Mr. Redford’s arrival and Departure. After the panel, I stuck around and assisted the Theatre until my shift began at 8:30 PM. Our shift tonight was very smooth. We had two screening on our shift: the New Frontier Program film ‘An Oversimpification of Her Beauty’ Dir: Terence Nance at 9:00 PM and The Park City at Midnight Film ‘Excision’ Dir: Richard Bates, Jr at Midnight. Both films were packed with fun audiences and entourages.

OK, gonna work to regroup myself and get back on track tomorrow. Talk to you then.

PS - Yes, I know I still need to finish and post Day 2. It was actually a very busy day. I'll get it up ASAP. Sorry for the Delay.

Sundance 2012 – Pre-Fest & Day 1

2012-01-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

So, I’ve been in Park City since Monday! Apparently, they have been having a snow drought. One of the first days it’s snowed here was right as I arrived. We did get a good amount today, but it’s still FAR from what I’m used to seeing.

Now, most of the first few days was filled with our regular training sessions and getting the theatre ready for the fest to start. But I did make it to one of the Volunteer Screenings. I was able to see ‘Monsieur Lazhar’ by director Philippe Falardeau. The French Canadian film, in French, was a rather beautiful character drama about people recovering from traumatic experiences. The film is also Canada’s Oscar Submission for Foreign Film. The film had a simple, yet subtle tone that showed how difficult the loss of a loved one and the struggle it takes to move on with your life can truly be. There was a choice to keep colors subtle as well as camera movements and shot choices. I do wish them the best of luck with their Oscar Submission.

Now, Thursday was the kick off press conference at the Egyptian and my team always gets tasked with assisting the press department in making it run smooth as silk. And of course, we did not disappoint. Now, one funny moment was right as Mr. Redford arrived and came inside, he grabbed a wig off the counter that the Egyptian Theatre just happened to still have sitting there. Quite funny as he put it on and turned to those around him and said, “No touch ups, I think I’m good to go!” I couldn’t help but laugh myself. And NO, no pics, I know FAR better than that… just a great memory for me!

That night, there were screenings at three theatres and volunteer screenings at another. I chose to kick off my official (non-volunteer) screenings this year with Shorts Program 1, which ironically was playing at the Egyptian Theatre.

Shorts Program 1 was made up of SIX amazing short films, all vastly different in nature:

‘Fishing Without Nets’ Dir: Cutter Hodierne An amazing film about Somali Pirates from the perspective of the pirates. Totally fictional film, but with an amazing documentary feel.

‘Las Palmas’ Dir: Johannes Nyholm An adorable short film about a baby girl acting like a baby in a grown up world, where the grown-ups were actually puppets smaller than the baby was. Cute & Hysterical!

‘A Morning Stroll’ Dir: Grant Orchard Amazing Animated piece looking at the simple act of a man getting passed by a chicken on the street over three vastly different timeframes, with amazingly different looks, feels and animation styles!

‘Random Strangers’ Dir: Alexis Dos Santos A cute love story which stems from Chatroullete, and shows how close two people can get without even being physically together. Very creatively shot!

‘Tooty’s Wedding’ Dir: Frederic Casella A crazy look at how attending the wedding of an old flame can go wrong for one British couple. Very cute, funny and well produced. It had a feature film feel.

‘Una Hora Por Favora’ Dir: Jill Soloway A cute look at a woman who picks up a Mexican day worker who gets more than he expected, but the point comes when she must drop back off. Very smart look at a woman going after what she wants, but hysterically loses herself in the process, only to be right back where she started.

Now, I know my reviews where rather short. If you all would like me to write longer reviews of the films I screen this year, please let me know. I’d be happy to write full reviews and post them individually, but I want to hear your comments and feedback first.

OK, there is Pre-Fest and Day 1 in a nutshell. Day 2 has been busy already, and now I must head off to our first official Midnight Shift! I hope to post Day 2 recap later tonight or tomorrow morning. Until then…

2012 – Fast Out of the Gates

2012-01-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

So, I know it’s overdue, and I apologize to you all, my friends. I have actually been so busy since the start of the year; I’ve basically been playing catch up since the year began. Quick update on what I’ve been doing so far, and I feel funny saying so far, it’s only January 19.

After ringing in the New Year with my brother Bill at his amazing bar 1839 TapHouse in Columbia, MO, I headed straight back down to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Yes, I’m still working as a Production Assistant on the A&E TV Show ‘Breakout Kings’! It’s actually the first time I’ve had such a full time gig right at the beginning of the year. I am very blessed and thankful!

Of course, right now I’m in Park City, Utah for the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Yes, I was able to get 2 weeks off from the show to keep my amazingly long streak going with Sundance. This is my 13^th year working Midnights at the Egyptian Theater! Seriously, 13 years!

Now, I’m already planning out my schedule during the film fest and it’s getting very full. I do plan to return to something I did a few years ago. I’m going to write a blog per day, recapping and highlighting my adventures, the films I screen and the panels I learn from. So be sure to check back daily.

Now, I know I promised info about what I have planned for this fast paced New Year. Basically, I do plan to seek out as much work as I can find. However, I am also planning to produce and direct two shorts this year. I promise to give you all more information about the films and the team I plan to use in the coming days and weeks. Also, I’m going to be posting my fundraising campaign online very soon. Basically, I’m going to crowdsfund my short films. More details on that in later post as well. For now know this, you can help my projects come to life! And I look forward to all your assistance.

OK, back out into the wilds of Park City I must go. Today we kicked off Sundance 2012 with the Press Conference at the Egyptian Theatre. I’m sure you all will see news coverage of it tonight. I’m actually going to attend tonight’s screening of Shorts Program 1 at the Egyptian. I figure I should see what other short filmmakers are doing in their shorts, so that I can help make mine better. Tomorrow, I’ll recap Short Program 1, as well as talk about the French Canadian Film ‘Monsieur Lazhar’, which I screened in a volunteer screening.

Ok, talk to you all tomorrow!

Giving Thanks 2011

2011-11-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

So with it being Thanksgiving for 2011, I thought I would take a moment and express what I’m thankful for this year. Now, there are two main things I’m thankful for: The work I’ve been fortunate to get AND my amazing family and friends!

Now, I’ll list out what I’ve been working on this year in a moment, but more important than all the work, is how awesome the people I have in my life are. I’ve been fortunate to see my relationship with my family get a little stronger. With my parents and my brother, I’ve felt more love and support recently than I have in a long time, as well as support for my chosen career path. Also, I’m more than thankful for my awesome friends. They keep me sane when my world falls apart, they keep my smiling when I’ve fought off the tears, and reminded me to stay strong when things get stressful… They are amazing!!! Plus, there are my friends who share work with me! Whether it be forwarding me job info, hiring me for work, or working side-by-side on set, you all make what I do the best career in the world! I truly love and cherish those I call MY FRIENDS! I do NOT take any of you for granted! Thank You All!!!

Now, this year has been busy. Each year the work load get a little larger, the number of projects gets a little longer, and the projects get bigger! God, I love what I do!!! So here is a list of what I’ve work on this year, pretty much in order:

I attended the 2011 Sundance Film Festival as Egyptian Theater Manager
Redneck Wedding –(Fredericktown, MO)–CMT/Pink Sneakers–TV Show– PA
Innova Commercial – (STL, MO) – Visual Story Group – Commercial – 1st AD
Touchstone Electric Cooperatives – (STL, MO) – Bus 9 – Commercial – PA
Best Thing I ever Ate 5 – (STL, MO) – Food Net/Authentic – TV Show – PA
Damiou Music Video – (STL, MO) – Beautiful Beef – Co-Producer
I attended the Tom Malloy Film Financing Seminar
Vampyras – (Columbia, MO) – MU Films – Feature – 1st AD
The Philly Kid – (Baton Rouge, LA) – After Dark Films – Feature – 2nd AD
Final Witness – (Springfield, IL) – ABC/Lincoln Square Prod. – TV – 2nd AD
The Drunk – (Terre Haute, IN) – Tanoos/Fleschner Prod. – Feature – 1st AD
Call Me on Tuesday – (Sauget, IL) – Kalinga Prod. – Feature – 2nd 2nd AD
The Bathroom Door – (STL, MO) – Inspired Productions – Short – 1st AD
Truth Music Video – (STL, MO) – Beautiful Beef – Steadicam Op
Breakout Kings –(Baton Rouge, LA)–20th Cent. Fox/A&E–TV Show– Set PA

WOW… What a GREAT YEAR! And Breakout Kings will be shooting through February 2012, so I’ll be working on the show for a while, and still be heading to the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. So even now, I can say 2012 looks to be a GREAT year as well!!! I’m even planning a few of my own productions! Lots on the horizon!

Thank You All! I love you all and the support you shown me this year! Stay in Touch and let me know what you’ve been up to! I’d love to hear from everyone! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Oh yeah, and the Cardinals won the World Series!!! 11 in '11!!!

September… Seriously!!!

2011-09-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

WOW! Where does the year go? It’s the beginning of September. Feels like I just posted my June blog yesterday. But sadly, it was 3 months ago. Let’s play a little catch up.

So, since last we spoke, I have completed both the ABC TV Show ‘Final Witness’. The episode I worked on should be episode 2 and should air in early 2012. Next, I got back in mid August from Terre Haute, Indiana where I worked on the Feature Film ‘The Drunk’. So, for the year there has been a couple days here and there on a couple TV shows and commercials and 4 larger projects (‘Vampyras’; ‘The Philly Kid’; ‘Final Witness’; and ‘The Drunk’) AND IT’S ONLY NOW SEPTEMBER!!!

What’s next: Shooting start just after Labor Day on the Feature film ‘Call Me on Tuesday’ right across the river in Illinois. I knew the project was coming up, and worried I would have a conflict. Because another project pushed back, I was able to jump on board. I’ll be serving as the 2nd 2nd Assistant Director and look forward to the challenge.

On a personal note, I have had a rough couple weeks and would like to take a second to thank all my friends who have helped me keep my head straight. No details, but my girlfriend broke up with me and I haven’t taken it so well. Thanks to all of you have helped and listened.

Now for the rest of the year, It’s All GO, NO QUIT! Not sure what’s in store after this current film, but I keep catching wind of other projects… I’ll be sure to let you know, once I know! Thanks everyone! And be sure to let me know what you think, either with a comment here, on Facebook, on Twitter or a direct Email! I love to hear from everyone! Talk to you all again soon.

Mid-June Update

2011-06-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

So, I am working on being more active at blogging and keeping me friends, fans and followers updated as to what is going on. Well, here goes…

It has only been about two week that I’ve been back in St. Louis. I was a little upset that the class I was supposed to teach was cancelled. Thank you to all of you who contacted me about it as well. I greatly appreciate your caring. But, that door not opening has allowed for two other doors to open.

First, I will be heading to Terre Haute, Indiana to be First Assistant Director on a feature film. I will be leaving shortly after the 4th of July for Tech Scouts and Pre-Production. We are schedule to start shooting one month from today, so I’m getting that excited/scared feeling. It’s normal for me.

Next, something that has been planned for a while is I’ll be helping my friend Russ Bellew with his short film, ‘Purity’, the 1-3 of July. Russ, sorry I’ve been so hard to get a hold of, but rest assured, I’ll be there as much as I can to help. It sucks to say, but sometimes, the paycheck ends up taking priority. Damn need to pay bills! We’ll talk soon and I know make a great, and rather creepily odd, short film.

As great as that is, I just got confirmation that I’m book and working on a TV show next week! I can’t say too much right now about it, but it is a new show for ABC. I’ll be Second AD on the shoot in Springfield, Illinois. I leave earlier this week than expected because I was requested to attend all the tech scouts and be more involved in Prep than originally expected. It’s going to be challenge. There is a lot to shoot, not a lot of time, but I know we can pull it off. When I can give you all more details about the show, I surely will.

But I just feel so blessed to have as much work as I do. I have friends who can’t find jobs, or hate the ones they have. I keep getting calls and referrals. The gig on the TV show was a referral from two people I would have never expected, and to both of you, I am greatly and humbly appreciative. It might only be June, but so much has happened this year so far, and the great news is that there is still so much to come. So be sure to keep your eyes open for news in the future about another film I’m working to get locked onto. Also, I will be posting my crowdsfunding entry on Indiegogo.com in the coming days to help raise production money for the two short films I plan to direct at the end of August. Yep, that’s right! I’ll be jumping in that directors chair myself, but I have to raise the money to shoot first.

Thanks everyone and stay tuned…

One Door Not Fully Opened…

2011-06-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today was supposed to be the start of a new adventure. Today was supposed to be the beginning of a filmmaking class I was supposed to teach. The class would have been at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and been twice a week for six weeks. I was eager and ready for the chance to instill the passion for filmmaking that I have and help new filmmakers begin their own journeys. However, the class did not get enough enrollments on the schools end, and was cancelled. I would have promoted the class and helped encourage people to sign up, but I was waiting on confirmation that everything was signed, sealed and delivered before I opened my mouth about it. I’ve had too many opportunities fall through and by opening my mouth too soon I look foolish. So I sat back and let this one roll on. Well, sadly, it didn’t happen. The possibility is there for another class in the future, probably next summer. I can’t commit to the fall or spring semesters because I move around frequently from project to project. This class was nice, short and sweet: six short weeks. Look like this is one adventure I’ll have to wait on.

There is other news on the way… so check back…

June 1… Really? Where did 2011 go?

2011-06-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I have been busy. So busy that I’ve been neglecting my blogging and getting you all caught up on what I’ve been doing. I thought I would take a moment before today ended to give you a little info.

I’m currently finishing up work on the feature film ‘The Philly Kid’ in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I’m the 2nd AD on this show. Previous to this film, I was the 1st AD on the feaure film ‘Vampyras’ in Columbia, Missouri. It was the fourth feature film produced by Mizzou. There is a lot of amazing student talent that came out of that crew! I look forward to working with a lot of them again. I’ve also served as a Production Assistant on ‘Redneck Wedding’, ‘Best Thing I Ever Ate’, and a Bus 9 Produced Commercial shoot; 1st ADed a different commercial ; and assisted a colleague in producing a couple music videos either by loaning equipment or being right there on hand for him. Plus, I was able to attend the Tom Malloy Film Financing Seminar in March. You know me… Never stop learning! Of course, I started the year with Sundance, but you already knew that.

It has been an amazing year so far for work! And, I have had the great pleasure of not only working and making a living doing what love, but also being able to help teach and mentor quite a few people along the way. There is big news in very near future, but until everything is signed on the dotted line, I don’t want to jynx anything. But when I can, I’ll let you know.

Well, I hope that helps get you all caught up. I look forward to being back in St. Louis this coming weekend. I’ll be back to my side job at Bobby’s Place Sports Bar in Valley Park, MO while I’m in town. So be sure to drop by and see me starting next week. With some time planned to be home for a while, I’m finally going to get the ball rolling on a few things I’ve been pushing off until I got the time. Well, it looks like that time is now… Details to come.

WE MUST TAKE ACTION NOW!!!

2011-01-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

I just read a letter posted to the STL Media Wire Group on Google written by our colleague Mike Ketcher and felt I must stop my Sundance activities for a moment and post it for you all to read. What he says is painfully real and shows that we must stand up and act NOW to save our industry in Missouri. Please read the letter below and take some type of action. I know that I will be sending E-mails and attending the Missouri Motion Media Association's Legislative Day on February 1. I encourage you all to do the same.

You all know I love Missouri and I'm willing to fight to save production in our Great State. I would always much rather work on projects from home, than have to travel in order to find work. Do I love the travel and the ability to see the world while working on film projects? Of course I do. But I would always rather do work in the state I was born and raised in. The state I call home. The state I truly believe, if we all work together and help the industry grow, could be one of the most versatile for Film, Television and Video production. Here is Mike's letter and PLEASE take action NOW and defend our industry in Missouri! Thank you!

Also, PLEASE copy, repost, resend or forward the information below to any and everyone you think should know it. The more of us who stand up and support our industry, the better chance we have of saving it.

GOV. NIXON BENT ON DESTROYING FILM INDUSTRY IN MISSOURI

Here are two disturbing articles from today's St. Louis Business Journal. Gov. Nixon has betrayed the film and video industry workers and small businesses. He's shown his true hand here by offering Paramount a low-ball deal -- a deal he knew they would not accept -- that will likely send a major film to New Orleans, instead of St. Louis. The action by the governor will mean a loss of millions, if not tens of millions, of dollars to the St. Louis economy this year -- and it's not just the film workers that will suffer. It's the hotels, rental cars, restaurants, bars, dry cleaners, and many other businesses that will lose out.

He's also shown himself to be a two-faced liar; having said just two years ago how much he supported the film industry and the film tax credit in the state.

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2011/01/21/nixon-holds-up-tax-credit-for-st.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2011/01/21/final-act-for-missouri-film-credit.html

What's more: The governor, in his January 19 State of the State address recommended a ZERO funding level for the Missouri Film Office. No state -- even economic basket cases like Illinois -- is making such drastic cuts in its support for the film industry. Out of the 40 states that offer film tax incentives, Missouri has the lowest-capped tax incentive there is at $4.5 million.

The industry, in fact, needs a higher cap to compete and draw more business. Jay Nixon is out to destroy an entire industry in the state, only two years after two multi-Oscar nominated films were shot here.

TAKE ACTION...

If you're unhappy about this, here's how you can contact the governor's office and let him know what you think, either electronically, by phone, or by e-mail.

Office of Governor Jay Nixon
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-3222

Media Inquiries
Phone: (573) 751-0290
Email: media@mo.gov

You can also make sure to attend the Motion Media Industry's Legislative Day in Jefferson City on Tuesday, February 1. Here are the details, including signing up for the bus that will be going:
http://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=0eedb70f917638cf51197d6b4&id=5a76de3195&e=625f410f5e

Kickstarting 2011 by Sundancing!

2011-01-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

Well, this year seems to be slipping away so quickly. So much is happening. So much is on the table to happen. And, So much is yet to be discovered, developed or thought up. I’m excited.

Well, I should probably make sure I don’t neglect one important thing, the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. For 12 years now, my vacation and Summer camp has been to volunteer for the Sundance Film Festival as the Midnight Manager at the Egyptian Theatre on Main Street. I’m here in Park City and ready to get my year started right.

There is a lot of new developments I’ll unveil as the year goes on, but for now, Let me give you my day by day Voyages at Sundance. Check back daily for more details and reviews from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Once I’m back in St. Louis, I’ll begin to unveil my other plans as they roll out.

For now, Happy Sundancing! Tomorrow I’ll get Opening Day (Thursday January 20) and Day 1 (Today, Friday January 21) uploaded for you.

It’s going to be a great year! I’m glad you can join me for the adventures!

2010: The Year in Review

2010-12-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

What can I say about 2010? It has probably been one of the craziest years of my life. Possibly, one of the best and most educational! Now, I know I leave my personal out of my blogs, and that isn’t about to change now, but let’s just say with my illness in February, which sucked, on the seriously bad down side, I also had a pretty damn good up side in my personal 2010.

And now, the big stuff! Looking back, I’ve worked in 4 States: Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and Louisiana. In those four states, I’ve worked on 6 Features, Reshoots for a Feature, 4 Short Films, 1 National Cable TV Program, 1 Commercial, plus produced the trailer for an up-coming Feature. Here’s the list as it breaks down:

The Frontier Boys – (Charlevoix, MI)-Grooters Productions – Feature Film – First AD
Joint Body –(Alton, IL)–40 West Productions – Feature Film – 2nd AD
Mil Mascaras: Venganza Azteca –(Columbia, MO)–Tritium Films – Feature Film –1stAD: Reshoots
Left Alone – (Chicago, IL) – Dark Yard Films – Short Film – 1st AD
All You Can Dream – (Grand Rapids, MI) – All You Can Dream, LLC – Feature Film – 1st AD
Using – (Bloomington, IL/Chicago, IL)–Phenom Features – Feature Film – Production Supervisor
The Bloodfest Club – (East Alton, IL)–Crunchy Cool Films – Short Film – 2nd AD
L’Ecole Culinaire Commercial – (St. Louis, MO)–Charter Cable – Commercial – PA
5 to Die For – (St. Louis, MO)–Food Network/Follow Productions – TV Program - PA
Witches Playground – (Alton, IL)–Dead of Night Films/ACE Films – Trailer – Producer
Zombie Hamlet – (Baton Rouge, LA)–Zombie Hamlet, LLC – Feature Film – KEY PA
The Door – (Baton Rouge, LA)–Upload/The Door Movie LLC – Feature Film – 2nd 2nd AD
Untitled Christmas Short – (St. Louis, MO)–Pascal Creative/ACE Films – Short Film – Producer, Actor
Surprise, Surprise – (St. Louis, MO)–Pascal Creative/ACE Films – Short Film – Producer

Now, I don’t believe that I left anything off, if I did I apologize and will update it IMMEDIATELY, just let me know.

I’m just so proud of the fact that I have worked so much this year. Rounding the days a little, my math puts me having worked on set or in the production office for prep or wrap over 135 Days this year. That is pretty impressive. The most I’ve ever pulled off. I really felt like my career, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, was working in film. Something I have been on the fence about for while.

Yes, I still work in the bar industry. So must give respect to my friends, the amazing staff at Bobby’s Place in Valley Park, MO. They have been amazingly understanding as I came and went this year, always being supportive of me chasing my dream, and more to the point this year, LIVING MY DREAM!

And a huge Thank You to all my friends and colleagues in the Film Industry who have shared their amazing knowledge with me, and continue to call me for work. I truly love you all. And to a special group, My Jedi Council, I thank you for referring me for jobs and giving me the chance to really prove myself even more this year. I hope I continue to make you proud, while you continue to teach me more each and every day.

Thank You Everyone for an AMAZING 2010 and I look forward to what 2011 has in store!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

So, what am I thankful for… Where do I start?

I am Thankful for my family who want to see me succeed, even if they don’t always know how to show me they are behind me. I am Thankful for the Friends who take the time to listen to me ramble, because God knows I do. My friends also take the time to support projects I’ve worked on, which makes me feel a LOT more important than I really am. I NEED to and could NEVER stop being Thankful for my amazing Network of Colleagues, some are closer to me as Friends and some further, but all of them have allowed me the chance to work so much this year. Which leads me to the fact that I am Supremely Thankful to be working so much, especially in such crazy economic times. Sure, I’m not going to be rich anytime soon, and need keep working to pay off what few debts I have, but I have worked more this year in my Career industry than any previous year so far. It’s hard to believe, but this year I have worked on 10 projects, in 4 different States, over the course of 9 Months, soon to be 10. I am very fortunate and Thankful for everything I’ve received this year and Grateful to those who brought me the opportunities. It sets the bar pretty high for 2011, but I’m sure this is only the beginning. Thank You All!

September Already???

2010-09-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

Is it really September already??? Where the Hell did 2010 go? It is flying by and I’m not sure what has happened to all my time…

Well, I never planned to neglect my Blog for as long as I have. In my defense, I have been a little busy. In fact, I have been busier this year, than ever before. Let me try and catch you all up to speed with what has gone on this year so far…

Of course, January had me traveling back out to Park City, Utah for the Sundance Film Festival. It’s hard to believe this was my 11^th year working Sundance. I know I posted most of my adventures, but my reviews still need to go up.

February just might have been one of the worst months I have had physically. I came down with some really bad flu bug, and was down for about two and half weeks. In that time, by laptop died, needing to be re-formatted. I had to start over and reload software. There was A LOT of catching up I had to do in order to recover from that. To round out the month, I got food poisoning which lasted the last 3 days of the month. That will teach me to eat late at night from a gas station.

Now, March came in fast and hard. With a last minute phone call, I was whisked away to Charlevoix, Michigan for the month to work on the Feature Film, ‘The Frontier Boys’. After my 11+ hour drive I jumped straight into my job as 1^st Assistant Director. It was certainly a challenge as my first day was day eight for the shoot. I had a lot of catching up to do, but we had an amazing cast and crew to help everything finish on schedule.

While in Michigan, I had a few offers come my way, but I decided to return home and work on a film shooting in Alton, Illinois, ‘Joint Body’. It was Brian Jun’s (‘Steel City’, ‘The Cover Up’) Third Feature Film. After a little crew juggling, I served as the 2^nd Assistant Director. I got to work with several friends and colleagues, and return home to sleep in my own bed every night. The down side was I had about an hour drive every day, if not longer. It was a quick, short shoot, but took me through April after a few down days.

May seemed to slip away. I had a few weeks of down time. I spent my weekend working at Bobby’s Place (my friend’s bar) and trying to regroup. I did travel to Columbia, MO to work on the re-shoots for my friend Aaron Crozier’s feature film, ‘Mil Mascaras: Aztec Revenge’. It was only a few days of shooting, but definitely fun. I served as the First AD on the re-shoots. Plus, this got me down to Columbia, MO where my brother owns a new bar, 1839 Taphouse. If you get a chance, drop in and check it out.

June took me back out of town. I started in Chicago, working as 1^st AD on the Short Film ‘Left Alone’ with Cinematographer Pete Biagi and several friends and colleagues. The shoot was predominantly nights, but a lot of fun, except for the serious storm we had to avoid getting blown away by. The day after wrapping the short, I left for Grand Rapids, Michigan to 1^st AD the Feature Film ‘All You Can Dream’ with several of my Michigan colleagues. The film was a true challenge, but I survived. All I’ll say is NO more pigs!

I made it back to St. Louis for the 4^th of July, but didn’t have much down time. Within 72 hours of getting back to St. Louis, I was off to Bloomington, Illinois to take a job as the Production Supervisor on the Feature Film ‘Using’. My Key Set PA from ‘Leading Ladies’ a year prior was serving as First AD and asked me to come help him smooth the production out. The project was built as an apprenticeship project so about 2/3 of the crew were students and recent graduates, while 1/3 of us were working professionals helping teach while we worked. I was amazed at how quickly the crew learned and how great we all worked together. Now, the shoot had a number of challenges, but we saw it through, even with two days of shooting in Lincoln, IL and a week of shooting in Chicago.

August was supposed to be a month to work on some of my own projects while regrouping and collecting myself. Well, I did get to focus on my own projects for a bit, but I did serve as Second AD on the short film ‘The Bloodfest Club’. It is the precursor to the feature of the same name, and the next major project of Crunchy Cool Films (Hooch and Daddy-O). It might have only been two day of shooting, but we all had a lot of fun. Especially for me, getting to ride a 4-wheeler almost all Sunday.

And now, we are into September! What does this month hold in store for me? I can admit I have received word of a few possibilities, but I’m still in a slight holding patter while things get worked out. And of course, if you have not heard, I am set to produce a few projects, including the werewolf Feature Film, ‘Hallow Pointe’, with Bobby Ray Akers, Jr. directing. I’ll be sure to post more often and keep you all up-to-speed with how things continue to move forward.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check back for more news… The way things are shaping up, there will be some good stuff ahead…

Thank God It's March!

2010-03-01T23:28:00.000-08:00

So, February was probably one of the worst months of my life. I won’t bore you will all the little details, but here are some of the highlights of the shenanigans:

Got back from Sundance on January 31 and by February 3 was starting to get seriously sick. I’m pretty sure it was the flu. Which one, I don’t know, but still the damn flu. And I had my flu shot.

Next, just as I recovered and was ready to get back to work, my computer decided it was finally done. After all the years of service and at least one previous owner, my poor laptop died. I was smart enough to start transferring files off as I saw the end coming, but sadly not everything was saved. In my world, even one file lost is too much. Now I did go have my laptop checked out, formatted and the operating system reloaded. It just set me back because I had to reload ALL my software, which required calling each company and having my licensing codes reset so I could reactivate all the programs… YEAH! The major fact that sucks is that I still have not managed to re-sync my iPhone to the “new” computer. I just hope I get that figured out ASAP, and without having to erase that as well. THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN!

And the last big ass kicker was ending the month with a terrible case of food poisoning. That really sucked and was incredibly painful!

Now, there were other little things throughout the month, but no need to bore you…

I know you are itching to know what I’m up to now in March. Well, aside from cranking out a few copies of a DVD for client, I have been packing all day because I’m rolling out tonight… That’s right! Michigan here I come! Over the weekend I got offered my first Feature Film of 2010, ‘Frontier Boys’. I’ll be serving as the First Assistant Director. THANK YOU AGAIN MATT CORRADO!

Now, I will be back in St. Louis at the end of the month, but for now… I have to go. A long drive awaits me! Oh yeah, and please don’t think I forgot about my Sundance wrap up blog and the reviews of the films I saw during the fest, as well as a few new sites I’m launching. Now that my computer is back and running, I will get everything caught up… But as the saying goes: When it rains, it pours! So stay tuned, everything will be going up soon!

Final Few Days of the Film Festival…

2010-01-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

So, here are my events from the final few days of the film fest. I admit I got a little relaxed in these final days, but can you blame me? All work and NO rest will kill anyone.

Thursday: Once I was up and moving I headed over to the Holiday Village Cinema. They were transitioning from primarily only holding press and industry screenings to all 4 screens running public screenings. And after the Next Generation Filmmakers panel, I wanted to make sure I caught at least one of the Next Category films. So I screened ‘Bass Akwards’ from writer/director/star Linas Phillips. It screened with an animated short film ‘The Art of Drowning’ from director Diego Maclean.

After the screening I raced back to Main Street with the goal of attending the second YouTube Presentation. However, the listing was completely a misprint. It was the day before and at a different venue, which I even went and asked about. I wasn’t a waste of time, I was able to see more of Main Street and hang out for a bit in the Filmmaker Lodge. Plus, I did learn A LOT at the previous YouTube Presentation that I didn’t feel totally cheated.

After the schedule debacle with the YouTube Presentation, I simply headed home, had little dinner and got ready for an interesting night. Now, my shift started off not exactly as I planned. I can not get into details, but I will say I am tired of incident reports. The upside of the night was out Midnight Screening: ‘Tucker & Dale vs. Evil’ director/co-writer Eli Craig and starring Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden and Jesse Moss.

Friday: So I slept in a bit… I do get home after 3 AM every night. So when I got up and moving, I had to make a decision while I ate breakfast. Which movie did I want to try and see? There was a Doc (‘Smash His Camera’ by Leon Gast about the Original Paparazzo, Ron Galella), a Next Category Film (New Low from writer/director/star Adam Bowers) and Dramatic Competition film (Happythankyoumoreplease from writer/director/star Josh Radnor). I chose to try and see Happythankyoumoreplease, but by the time I got all the way out to the Racquet Club Theatre, it was too late. It was such a crowded show, I never stood a chance.

I headed back to Main Street, grabbed a bite to eat and headed to my shift at the Egyptian. Now, our shift started with a private screening for HP, one of the presenting Sponsors of the Sundance Film Festival. So our 9:00 PM film was smooth. Now, our Midnight Screening was fun. The Friday Midnight Screening was ‘Louis CK: Hilarious’. It is a stand-up routine directed by and starring comic Louis CK.

Saturday: Now this was not really a day to relax. I did laundry, packed, cleaned and got ready for our Annual Midnight Team Dinner. I was a very productive day and a great day for all of us to spend time together, tell stories, laugh and enjoy some AMAZING food. Thanks to “Iron Chef” John Ho, with help from our New Box Office Girl, Dena, for all the AMAZING food we had. I’m still curious why we always make so much.

Now our final shift at the Egyptian started with ‘Tucker & Dale vs. Evil’ being the 9:00 PM film. So it started off fun. The Final Midnight Screening was Rodrigo Cortes’ film ‘Buried’ starring Ryan Reynolds.

That pretty much sums up the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in this and the previous blogs, but I will still take time tomorrow to write a recap of the entire festival including how many panels and screenings I attended, as well as list off the award winners for 2010. I’m always amazed at how fast it goes by, but also how much I learn and grow!

Sundance 2010 Mid-Week Two

2010-01-29T14:56:00.001-08:00

So I am past my half-way point here in Park City for Sundance TwentyTen, but that doesn’t mean I’m slowing down. Here is a look at Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

Tuesday: I wanted to get up very early and attend the ‘Meet the Documentary Funders’ program. I attended it in past years and it can be informative. However, this year, I wasn’t crushed that I missed it. I am focusing more on narrative filmmaking, rather than documentaries, so it wasn’t terrible that I missed it.

I did make it to ‘The Next Generation’ panel at the Filmmaker Lodge, which was moderated by John Cooper, Director of the Film Festival, himself. The panel was made up of the filmmakers whose films are in the NEW Next Program of the Film Festival. The Next Films were made creatively for less than $500,000. I feel it is a brave you new outlet for Sundance that will help up-and-coming filmmakers, like myself, have an outlet for our films. It was amazing informative to hear these filmmakers talk about their ups, downs, challenges and rewards while making their films, as well as what they learned along the way.

After the panel, I made my way to the Eccles Theatre and screened ‘Welcome to the Rileys’ directed by Jake Scott, son of director Ridley Scott, and stars James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart and Melissa Leo. This film, along with ‘The Runaways’ will never have you looking at Kristen Stewart the same any more. They are both very mature roles.

Tuesday’s Midnight Movie was ‘High School’ directed by John Stalberg Jr. and starring Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis, Matt Bush and Colin Hanks.

Wednesday: I got up and headed back up to Slamdance for another panel/fireside chat. Today’s panel was on Production Insurance and Legal issues filmmakers should know. The panel was made up of 2 distribution executives (one from New Video and one from Magnolia), an Entertainment Attorney and an Entertainment Insurance Specialist. It was actually very hands on as they spend the entire hour responding to the concerns of the few filmmakers in attendance. It was very informative. I even rekindled an idea I pushed off the table a long time ago.

I followed that up by attending the YouTube Presentation at the New Frontier on Main. I really didn’t know what to expect. The panel was an explanation and demonstration of the ad revenue and monetization methods on YouTube, including their new rental model and Filmmakers Wanted portal. It was very interesting to see how easy it is to use and what features are available. It definitely will open new avenues of distribution for the future.

Now that might seem like a busy day already… NO… I raced off to the Racquet Club Theatre to screen ‘Get Low’ from director Aaron Schneider. The film stars Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek and Lucas Black.

I finished the night at work. The Midnight Screening for Wednesday was ‘The Violent Kind’ written and directed by The Butcher Brothers starring Cory Knauf, Taylor Cole, Bret Roberts, Christina Prousalis and Tiffany Shepis. Sadly it was not the first screening of ‘The Violent Kind’, and some of the cast, including Tiffany Shepis had already left Park City. Tiffany is going to be in an up-coming production I have on the table. The Feature was preceded by a short film, ‘Still Birds’, from director Sara Eliassen. I was not able to screen all of ‘The Violent Kind’, but I was able to see the entire short. I’ll post my review of the short along with all the other reviews.

Well, that should get my caught up through Wednesday. I do want to hear from you all. Should I post my review here as soon as I can OR should I wait and post them on my NEW film review website, which will be going online shortly after I return to St. Louis? I look forward to your comments.

Still Moving Through Park City…

2010-01-29T02:36:00.001-08:00

So, my time keeps getting eaten up and I never seem to stop and get my adventures written down fast enough for you all. Let me catch you all up…

Sunday: I slept in a bit, but did make it to the Eccles Theatre to screen ‘The Runaways’ directed by Floria Sigismondi starring Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, and Michael Shannon. ‘The Runaways’ is based on the book ‘Neon Angel: The Cherie Currie Story’ by Cherie Currie about the all girl band The Runaways which brought Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, as well as Lita Ford, into the spotlight.

That night we had a few hiccups at the Theatre, but nothing I can, or will, discuss here. Just rest assured, I, along with my amazing midnight team, handled everything magically. The midnight show Sunday night was Adam Green’s ‘Frozen’, which stars Emma Bell, Shawn Ashmore, and Kevin Zegers, about three skiers who get left on a ski lift.

Monday: Now this was a very difficult day… Do I work or play??? I attended a Non-Sundance panel at the NY Lounge on Main Street, which was put on by Variety 411 and Entertainment Partners. The topic of the panel was State Tax Incentives for Film Production. I learned about the panel through a free offer to watch it as a webinar, but I enjoyed it more in person. The panel is available to watch online still if anyone is interested. Contact me and I’ll get you the link.

Next I raced up to the Slamdance Film Festival for one of their panels, or fireside chats as they call them. I was actually a seminar on Panasonic cameras and codecs, and how to better use and understand them, as well as some demos of the differences between different cameras. Now, I admit, I was drawn to the panel more out of hope to hear about the new 3D camera from Panasonic, which was not there, but I did make a great contact. The speaker, Bernie Mitchell, is a tester and consultant for Panasonic and we exchanged information after we chatted a bit about my plans if I can test/play/use one, or more, of the new 3D cameras later this year for a couple of projects. He was genuinely interested and I look forward to what will come from this great new relationship.

Now, I was torn about today because in order to build my new friendship with Bernie and the chance to chat about the 3D camera, I was not able to go to the music café and see Richard Marx or LeAnn Rimes perform live. But work first, play later, right?

The Midnight Screening for Monday was ‘7 Days’ by Daniel Grou (aka Podz) starring Remy Girard, Claude Legault and Fanny Mallette.

OK… I’m going to wrap it up for now… There is A LOT here I know, and this is only Sunday and Monday. I’m going to write Tuesday and Wednesday’s adventure later today, so I can have them up ASAP. Check back soon, and I am also writing all my film reviews for the films I’ve screened while here. I’m debating on whether I should start posting them here now OR wait until I get back to St. Louis and start my NEW film review website. Give me your input, I love hearing what you think.

Opening Weekend of Sundance TwentyTen

2010-01-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

OK, I’m going to get caught up on Blogging from Sundance! Here is a recap of my events and happenings over the first few days of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Thursday – My amazing midnight crew and I assisted the Press Department and Special Events with the Opening Day Press Conference which featured Robert Redford and New Festival Director, John Cooper. I spent most of my time assisting with my Redford’s arrival, stay at the Egyptian and departure. After the press conference, there was a special photo shoot and interview with both Robert Redford and Kenneth Cole. Kenneth Cole supplies all the volunteer’s jackets for the film festival. After all that fun, my team assisted resetting the theatre so that it would be ready for Shorts Program 1. For the first time in a long time, one of the opening night screenings was held at the Egyptian Theatre. One of the dayside teams of volunteers actually ran the theatre for the screening, but I stayed to assist with Mr. Redford’s arrival for his introduction to the screening. I concluded the day by attending the Opening Night Party. All I can say is it was SO crowded! And, WHO were all those people?

Friday – I actually slept in a bit. I planned to head to the New Frontier on Main for a few seminars, only to find out the schedule was not exactly what was posted in the program guide. I did venture out and see what was happening on Main Street, where different venues are, and grab a bite to eat. I actually ended up assisting the teams at the Egyptian Theatre a little early… I am a bit of a workaholic. We rounded out the night with our first midnight screening of 2010, ‘Splice’ from director Vincenzo Natali and staring Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley.

Saturday – Now today, I got out there… I started the day with the World Premiere of the film ‘Winter’s Bone’ by director Debra Granik and stars Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes. Important fact, ‘Winter’s Bone’ was shot in Southwestern Missouri, just East of Branson. I followed that by racing over to The Sundance House for ‘The Next Generation of the 3-D Experience’ presented by HP. The panel included experts from HP, DreamWorks Animation, Disney, Sony, independent filmmakers and the NBA. It was interesting to hear where 3-D has begun to be tested, where some next steps are being taken and what new educational tools are being developed to help teach filmmakers to use 3-D to their advantage and the benefit of their projects.

Now, I followed that panel up, by racing back to the Eccles Theatre for another screening. This time I screened The Duplass Brothers’ (Jay and Mark Duplass) new feature film, ‘Cyrus’. ‘Cyrus’ stars John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, Marisa Tomei and Catherine Keener. After that screening, all that was left was to head up the Egyptian Theatre for my Midnight Shift. The Saturday Midnight Screening was ‘The Perfect Host’ by director Nick Tomnay and stars David Hyde Pierce, Clayne Crawford and Helen Reddy.

OK, now that I’ve gotten you all caught up on my adventure so far, be sure check back for my continued adventures and film reviews.

Park City or Bust… For the 11th Time!

2010-01-18T03:06:00.001-08:00

So, as I finalize my packing, freak out over what I’m forgetting, and decide to take a moment to think… I realize, I haven’t written anything since the very beginning of the year.

Quick catch up… I am taking each day One Day At A Time! I have not smoked all year… I know… It’s only day 18, but still… I haven’t slipped once. That is better than last year. Also, I have walked my neighborhood (about one full mile) at least every other day. I might even be a little ahead of that right now. I’m building up to jogging and more serious workouts. I feel that becoming a reality when I get back to St. Louis.

Now, I’m about to depart for the airport to head West to Utah. It is hard to believe that this is my 11th year working for the Sundance Film Festival. 11 Years! Damn… Really? I plan to take advantage of everything I can this year and really make strong connections, build upon existing relationships, and learn more as a filmmaker, while doing what I can to advance the projects I am working on.

Also, a HUGE Thank you to my friends over at The South Butt clothing line. They have supplied me with a jacket and beanie with both my logo and theirs to help both of our promotion efforts. I am also looking forward to returning to St. Louis and working with them on some upcoming video projects.

Well, I’m off… Be sure to stop by as I’ll be posting my daily blogs from Sundance, as well as a few movie reviews along the way. I’m excited…

First Blog of 2010

2010-01-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

As I pondered on what I should make my New Year’s Resolutions for 2010, I kept falling back to one basic principle: Live Each Day, One Day at a Time, and Maximize That Day!

I know it seems simple. I will be putting up my goals for 2010 tomorrow, and they all fall back to this one philosophy that I will put into action this year.

I have some amazing friends in this world who have helped open my eyes to what I am doing and what I am capable of achieving. Reaching goals I never thought I could is part of the plan for this year. Is it possible? You’re damn right it is!

I know that with my own desire to change and make myself a better person I will achieve this goal. And sometime that extra reinforcement from my friends around me is not only helpful and appreciated, but needed. So Thank You in advance for all your help throughout 2010 as I focus on becoming the Man I truly can be!

2009 Resolution Wrap-up

2009-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

So looking back at what I wrote in January, I lost focus in some areas and changed focus in others. Here is a recap of my 2009 New Year’s Resolutions:

1) Fix my financial situation
2) Quit Smoking
3) Be More Productive
4) Get in Shape
5) Clean and Organize my House

Now, how did these hold up? Well, I surrendered my house in 2009 and moved back to the parents’. That saved me a lot of money upfront and helped me get outstanding bills paid off, while not accruing more bills. I actually did quit smoking, that is until I gave up my own house. I was pretty productive during 2009. Now, not always in the ways I planned, but I have never had as productive a year yet. Physically, I didn’t loose too much weight, but I do believe I lost something. My pants are a bit looser on me these days. And finally, I moved my house, but didn’t get it completely organized first. I still have a lot of cleaning, sorting and organizing of my personal belonging to do.

Now, I know I won’t draft up my 2010 New Years Resolutions for at least another 48 hours, but I’m sure they will pretty similar, if not identical. I just think some of the smaller details will change, and supporting resolutions will be reevaluated. So be sure to check back and see how I plan to make some serious strides in 2010 to bring out the best in who I really can be.

2009, Most Productive Year Ever!

2009-12-21T05:40:00.000-08:00

What a year 2009 has been Professionally! I have been fortunate to work on 13 productions and 2 different radio shows. Not all of the productions were in St. Louis. I was able to travel and work in Omaha, NE; Baton Rouge, LA; Champaign, IL; and Decatur, IL. I’ve also served in a variety of capacities from Producer to First Assistant Director to Set Production Assistant. It just always depends on the project. I am truly grateful for all the work I’ve gotten, experience I’ve gained and the new friendships I’ve built.

Of course, I continued to work for both the Sundance Film Festival (year 10) and the St. Louis International Film Festivals (year 7). I was also able to attend the Theatrical Premiere of ‘Streetballers’, which I served as a Co-Producer and Additional Photography on, in BOTH St. Louis and Los Angeles. ‘Streetballers’ is also available on DVD now!

This has truly been my most productive year EVER and the future does not seem to be slowing down either. But I’ll get into that later. For now, here is a look at the projects I’ve worked on this year:

Play Dead – (St. Louis, MO) – Inspired Productions – Short Film
– Grip/DIT/Glidecam Operator/B-Camera Operator

Finding Virginia – (Decatur, IL) – Pounded Pavement Productions – Feature Film
– First Assistant Director/Associate Producer

The Great Big Entertainment Show – (St. Louis, MO)– KCFV-FM – Radio Program
– Co-Host

Mothman – (Baton Rouge, LA) – Sci Fi Channel / LAMP – Feature Film
– Second Unit: First Assistant Director /Key Set PA

The Making of a Truly 100% Independent Film – (STL, MO) – MSK Films/ACE Films – Documentary
– Producer

Leading Ladies – (Champaign, IL) – My Pet Piranha Productions – Feature Film
– First Assistant Director

Shakindat by Playboy Ro – (St. Louis, MO) – Ravenworks/ACE Films – Music Video
– Producer/Co-Director/Editor

Paranoia – (St. Louis, MO) – Russell Bellew – Short Film
– Glidecam Operator

Up in the Air – (St. Louis, MO/Omaha, NE) – Paramount Pictures/Montecito Pictures – Feature Film
– Set Production Assistant

Celebration by Verse and Gator Macc featuring Andrea – (St. Louis, MO) – Photo-Kicks – Music Video
– First Assistant Director

Soldier by Jena featuring Andrea – (St. Louis, MO) – Photo-Kicks – Music Video
– First Assistant Director

Belas Artes Mulitcultural Center – (St. Louis, MO) – Commercial
– Videographer

Improving St. Louis/Mayor Slay Campaign – (St. Louis, MO) – ACE Films – Commercial
– Producer/Director/Videographer

Win-Win St. Louis Mayoral Project – (St. Louis, MO) – Thing 1, Thing 2 Productions – Commercial
– Assistant Director

The Morning Jolt – (St. Louis, MO) – KCFV-FM – Radio
– Co-Host

THR’s Filmmaker Roundtable: Cameron, Jackson, Reitman, Tarantino, Bigelow and Daniels

2009-12-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

The Hollywood Reporter recently conducted a round table interview with some of the biggest directors of the year, including Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker), James Cameron (Avatar), Lee Daniels (Precious), Peter Jackson (The Lovely Bones), Jason Reitman (Up in the Air) and Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds). THR released a few segment where the filmmakers discuss a couple different topics, including whether they consider themselves insiders or outsiders, their most diffcult scenes to shoot, and what they would do instead of directing. I would love to see the complete round table. Take a look and tell me what you think

Are you an insider or outsider:

Difficult Scenes to Shoot:

What Would You Do instead of Directing:

Seriously? December, already?

2009-12-02T00:57:00.000-08:00

I was staring up at the full moon tonight and realizing that it is really December. Seriously? December, already? Yep! With it being December I felt I should get back on track, all be it a little behind schedule, but better late than never, right?

Over the course of December, I plan to look back over 2009 and give a wrap up for various parts of the year, a look into the projects I have worked on, and how this year stacks up to those in the past. Also, I will give an honest assessment of my New Years Resolutions for this year, how I did, where I need improvement and begin to look at what I plan for 2010.

I also know that I have not been as vigilant about uploading photos, as I have in the past. Photos really are one of the best ways to show everyone what is going on in my little world. So I will also transfer photos between social networking sites and upload remaining photos I still have on my camera, computer and phone.

Overall, 2009 has been a challenging and exciting year. I look forward to sharing these recaps with you all over the course of December. By the time the next full moon arrives, on the last day of the year, I will have recounted my blessing and events of 2009 and be ready to tackle the challenges of 2010. I look forward to sharing those with you as well.

Thank you to each and every one of you who has supported me, not only through 2009, but throughout my life. You all mean so very much to me and I hope that I can begin to show you all my appreciation over the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Farewell to Famous

2009-03-04T16:33:00.001-08:00

Yep, that’s right. I’m saying Farewell to Famous… Avenue that is. As of Monday, February 23 I NO longer live on Famous Avenue in St. Louis. I, like so many others have given in to the economy and moved back to my parents’. OK… I know there was several of you out there who thought I should have moved A LONG time ago, but now is not the time for any ‘I told you so’s. With work slowing to damn near a stand still and not having a roommate, I just could not afford my two-story house. It is sad and I feel like I have lost a huge part of my life. I lived there for over three years and that house has A LOT of very wonderful memories.

Now, however, I will focus on getting myself financially stable, getting out of debt, and consolidating myself. DAMN, so I have a lot of stuff. I was making huge strides in cleaning un-necessary paperwork and other stuff out of my life prior to moving, but I just ran out of time. So I have to take time and continue the purge, one plastic tub at a time.

Also, I know it isn’t cool to be my age and living in my parents’ basement, but rest assured this is only a temporary situation. I plan to work as much as I can, pay off all my bills and save as much money as I can. Plus, while living here I can jump on projects anywhere in the country with little worry about my stuff or any bills. Once I am financially stable, I’ll either jump into my own place back down in St. Louis City or make that huge leap out to one of the coasts. Yeah, it sucks, but I need to work and make more money; and if I have to do it, I have to do it.

Also, I know this Blog is coming about a week and half later than I expected. This move and everything leading up to it has had me very frazzled. As I get situated, I am trying to get myself back on track. All these living situation problems fell in my lap only a few days after I returned from Sundance. I still do plan to post a wrap up blog for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. I’m sure there are a lot of you that wonder why I didn’t post daily like I did the past two years. It was a crazy year and I should have that post up in about a week.

Thanks to all of you who helped my physically move. I do GREATLY appreciate it. Also, thanks to those of you who have given me all the verbal support you have. Your inspiring words are helping me not feel like a failure, which is a little hard to do right now. I’ll make sure I get more frequent updates written, including my Sundance wrap up. Thanks again and I’ll talk to you all soon.

Kicking Off Sundance 2009

2009-01-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

So, I will be once again giving you all my daily updates of how the 2009 Sundance Film Festival goes for me.

I arrived on Monday, which was an adventure in itself. I got to the East Terminal in St. Louis, which is normally easy to get through security at. There is primarily only one airline that uses that terminal, Southwest, so lines are always shorter. Not when I got there. I actually got through security a few minutes past the flights departure time. But for some unknown reason the plane was still at the gate. To make a long crazy story short, they put the jetway back out and opened the door back up, just for me. Whew! Barely made that one.

Since arriving in Utah, I’ve pretty much been training and getting my theater, the Egyptian on Main Street, ready for the festival. Once again, I am the Midnight Manager with my AWESOME team returning to back me up as usual. We actually were the team that worked (assisted the Press Department) on Thursday with the Opening Day Press Conference. It was nice to see Mr. Redford and hear what he had to say about the Film Festival’s 25th Anniversary.

Thursday Night I spent finishing up final touches on the Theater. It’s amazing how little things can take so long to get worked out. I did make it over to the Library Theater to see one of the Volunteer screenings. I was able to see ‘Lymelife’ by director Derick Martini. The film starred Alec Baldwin, Rory Culkin, Kieran Culkin, Jill Hennessy, Timothy Hutton, Cynthia Nixon and Emma Roberts. No the stars were not at the volunteer screening, but the film was great. I will write a review later and post it for you all to read.

The bad thing about Park City this year is that for some reason is that AT&T has TERRIBLE connections this year. I’ve heard from a few locals that problems on their network started in Park City around Christmas. It’s bad. I’ll have full bars and cannot make or receive calls or texts until minutes or hours later. It is REALLY killing me. Hopefully it will not cause me too many problems or cost me any important and timely information.

Well, I am part of the way through Day 1 (Friday, January 16, 2009), so I’ll post what happens today, later tonight or, most likely, tomorrow. Have a great night and I’ll talk to you all later. And if you are in Park City, please stop by the Egyptian Theater on Main Street any night after 10 PM and say “Hello”.

2009 Supporting Resolutions

2009-01-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

To help me meet and achieve my New Year’s Resolutions I have come up with some supporting resolutions. By trying to meet these resolutions I should be able to accomplish my 5 primary resolutions.

1) Fix my financial situation
A) Work each month to get the collections off my credit score.
B) Rebuild my credit by securing viable credit building sources and accounts.
C) Build a savings account.
D) Sell anything with a value that I don’t use anymore, but could make money on.

2) Quit Smoking
A) Take each hour of each day one at a time.

3) Be More Productive
A) Practice at least once per week for at least one hour on my Glidecam.
B) Watch at least one segment of a training video once per day, preferably more than one
segment or a full training video.
C) Update my website at least once per month, after fully updating it to be current and
complete.
D) Build and upload new websites on domains that I own and update them at least once per
month.
E) Write one Blog per week.
F) Write something every 48 hours. Whether it is a Blog, narrative, draft of a script or
outline for a project, just write something every 48 hours.
G) Read at least 25 pages or 1 chapter of one of the production books in my library every 48
hours.
H) Build a least one project per week, preferably using tips and tricks from the training
videos I watch.
I) Shot something, no matter how small, per week.

4) Get in Shape
A) I plan to exercise at least 5 days per week. Primarily I’ll start with my simple jumping
jacks, sit-ups and push-ups. Maybe I’ll upgrade to a gym later this year.
B) Walk my neighborhood at least 5 days per week.
C) Eat more regularly, and slowly eat better. Also, cut seriously back, if not cut out, fast
food all together.
D) Stretch each morning to increase my flexibility.

5) Clean and Organize my House
A) Pick up, through away and take out the trash more often. Now, I’m not a TOTAL slob,
I’m referring to draft print outs of paperwork or old paperwork, boxes and packaging
from equipment that just haven’t been thrown away yet.
B) Go one section of one room at a time. And work to get a complete room cleaned before I
move on.
C) Set and keep one cleaning day per week. This is the day when I can make big strides in
one day.
D) Clean out one box/tub of paperwork or whatever is in it per week.
E) Sort all my paperwork and file everything away. Sorting bills and paperwork by
year and job will make a HUGE difference and make things easier to find later, if I need
them.
F) Do my Laundry and dishes at least once per week. Easiest would be on my cleaning
house day each week.
G) OK, don’t laugh at this one… But, once a room is cleaned, I plan to dust it once per
month, if not once per week.

Now, I honestly plan to start all of these this weekend. It is only January 3rd, so I’m not too far behind, if at all. Also, some of these will get put on hold when I’m out of town or working on a film. The reason some will get put on hold while on a film set is just because there will so little time once I return home. But, I don’t plan to create excuses for why things are not getting done. If I screw up and slack off, I’ll admit it. I think that by taking things one day at time, I WILL be able to accomplish all my goals.

Tomorrow I will post a few projects I have on the table, as well as what leaps of faith I am planning to take this year. So be sure to come back and check those out.

New Year’s Resolutions for 2009

2009-01-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

So, I’m going to try and put together my list of New Year’s Resolutions. I’m going to try and keep them realistic. I am going to try and achieve them slowly over the entire year. I’m also going to list how I plan to accomplish each goal.

1) Fix my financial situation

To regain my financial independence and get out of the all the holes I’ve fallen in, I’m going to work as much as possible. I have an interview on January 6th with the City of St. Louis and STL TV for a Video Production Specialist job. Also, based on the STL TV job and what hours I would be working, I’m going to pursue a job on the Jason Reitman/George Clooney movie coming to St. Louis, as well as all the film projects I can throughout 2009. I will also continue to work several nights a week at a couple nightclubs/bars. That will continue until I have too much other work scheduled. I believe by the end of 2009, I could really have my financial situation, credit score and cash-on-hand status in a MUCH better place.

2) Quit Smoking

As of the stroke of Midnight I stopped smoking. I admit that I had one smoke after I was home for a short while, but none since then. So I’m trying. I’m going to take it one day at a time. I believe that by focusing on going one day at a time and really wanting to quit, I should be able to quit this year. I’ll be honest, I might cave and have one here and there. I am only human, but I’m going to try.

3) Be More Productive

I am going to make a conscious effort to make at least one positive step forward each and every day professionally. Whether it is getting something shot, edited or taking the time to watch a training course, I want to do something, no matter how large or small, each and every day. I will have a few supporting resolutions that can serve to fill this goal.

4) Get in Shape

OK, so I slacked on this one today, but I plan to exercise at least 5 times a week, if not every day. I’m not planning on jumping up and running to the gym, that might come later. I’m planning on simple sit-ups/crunches, jumping jacks and push ups. Also, walking my neighborhood will be a normal part of my exercises. I’m going to build up to running, but that will take a little while. If I take each day, one day at a time, I’ll be able keep my eye on this goal and achieve it.

5) Clean and Organize my House

It is no secret that I am a bit of a pack rat. I need to go through what I own and purge what I don’t need or use anymore. I feel if I go one room at a time, one section at a time, I can make big strides as the year moves on. Then, if I decide to move, either across St. Louis or across the country, I’ll be better prepared, condensed and drag less garbage with me. Plus, I’ll have a better looking house.

OK, for now those are the big resolutions for 2009. Tomorrow I’ll be listing my supporting resolutions and the Leaps of Faith I plan to take this New Year. Please assist me in accomplishing my goals and I’ll do what I can to help you accomplish yours.

2008! What a YEAR! But, Where did it go?

2008-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

Is it me, or did 2008 seem to go by WAY too damn fast? It seems like I was just returning from California a couple of months ago and then BANG the year is over.

As most of you know, the last few hours of any year is when I like to regroup, recap and recount just what the hell actually happened over the past 12 months. Over 2008 there was ups and downs. And when I mean ups and downs, they were REALLY up and REALLY down. The downs were personal, and those I will not get into here. On the positive side of 2008, let’s look back at what projects I’ve worked on over the past 12 months:

PrimeTime with Mark and Tone (Radio Show) – Co-Host (on 89.5 FM – KCFV) (Continued through Mid-May)

The Thacker Case (Feature Film) – Key Set Production Assistant – Illinois Unit (Shot in Alton, IL)

2008 Sundance Film Festival – Volunteer Theater Manager – Egyptian Midnight Team

The Switch: Liberate Your Brand – Freelance Productin Assistant / Camera Operator (continued throughout 2008)

Baggage (Feature Film) – 2nd 2nd Assistant Director (Shot in Chicago, IL)

Confined (now called: The Awakened) (Feature Film) – Key Set Production Assistant, 2nd Unit 1st Assistant Director (Shot in Cool, CA)

Pinks: All Out/All Outtakes (Television Program) – 2nd Unit Production Assistant (Shot in East St. Louis, IL and Around St. Louis, MO)

Morning Rounds (Short Film) – Glidecam Operator, Grip/Electric, Actor (Shot in St. Louis, MO)

The Doubtful Martyr (Short Film) – 2nd Unit Gaffer and Boom Operator (Shot in St. Louis, MO)

The Switch: Liberate Your Brand – Directed One Live Production

The Morning Jolt (Radio Show) – Featured Guest (on 89.5 FM – KCFV, and starting Fall ’08 online at www.stlcc.edu/kcfv and the KCFV iTunes Radio Station)(Continued the rest of 2008)

Charter “Cable Theft” Commercial – Production Assistant

Microsoft/Energizer Corporate Video – Production Assistant

Rock of Love: Bus (Television Program) – Production Assistant

Legacy of Shadows (Documentary) – Glidecam Operator, Consultant

KCFV 2008 Election Night Coverage – On-air Host (on 89.5 FM – KCFV, and online at www.stlcc.edu/kcfv and the KCFV iTunes Radio Station)

2008 St. Louis International Film Festival – Venue Captain – Tivoli Theater

Bedlam Street (Feature Film) – Glidecam Operator, Grip/Electric

Stiletto Kittens (Short Film) – 1st Assistant Director

Christmas Stalking (Short Film) – Director of Photography

So that was two radio shows plus election coverage, two national television programs, two film festivals, four short films, four feature films, and countless other freelance projects. I can honestly say that this has been a MONUMENTAL year for me. I have come so far and still have so much room to grow. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year so wonderful. I look forward to 2009 being even better.

Check back tomorrow, when I’ll post my New Years Resolutions and plans for 2009. Thank you again! Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

MY DEMO DVD IS ONLINE!

2008-12-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

That’s right! It’s finally happened. You all have been asking for it and when it would be available. That day has arrived!

I was able to load my Demo DVD to my website. Please head over and check it out. Then leave me a comment and let me know what you think. You can see my Demo DVD at:

http://www.acefilms.com/

Then, Click on the Samples Page. There are 8 videos online, and the interface is a Flash video that is exactly the DVD Menu. So it is easy to navigate. Here are list of the videos available:

1. Film - The Demo Trailer for ‘Streetballers’ – produced before the film was shot
2. Film - The Short Film ‘A Fire Set on Fire’ – From the 2005 48-Hour Film Project
3. Music Video – ‘Lean Back’ by Varcity
4. Music Video – ‘That Fire’ by Arty J
5. Music Video – Project Steadfast
6. Other Projects – Envy Me Long Promo Video
7. Other Projects – Audaphobia Television Program – One Episode Open and Close
8. Other Projects – Big Brothers, Big Sisters Event Footage

I will be more than happy to answer any and all questions about the videos. All 8 videos were shot using my Panasonic DVX 100 Cameras, and I shot most of the videos. I had a small amount of help from Jason Osborne on the ‘Streetballers’ Demo Trailer and I shot part of ‘A Fire Set on Fire’, plus I shot all the GlideCam footage in the film. I did run one of the cameras for the Project Steadfast Video, with two other operators on the other two cameras. I also edited everything except the first 3 videos.

Be sure to jump over to my website and take a look at my Demo DVD and tell me what you think. I look forward to hearing your comments.

Week of Ups and Downs

2008-12-06T13:37:00.001-08:00

I got back on set this week. I worked as the First Assistant Director on a short film, ‘Stiletto Kittens’. It is the Senior Overview Project for Erin Marie Hogan. I’ve worked with Erin and her boyfriend Nick on several projects over the past few years, and it was a pleasure to work with them again. Also, I was able to work with several other local crew members who I’ve worked with in the past. It was definitely nice to get back on set and do what I love to do.

The down side of this week is that I found out that the board at St. Louis Community College is not going to consider my application to become a part-time instructor at the Florissant Valley Campus because I do not have a Masters Degree. Even a friend, who asked me to apply for the job, doesn’t agree with the schools decision. My experience of over a decade should amount for something. Especially in a field like video production that requires more hands on experience, than book smarts. So it doesn’t look like I’ll be teaching in 2009.

All I can do is wait and see what the last few days of 2008 hold in store for me. I do have BIG news coming tomorrow, and, of course, I’ll be doing my Year in Review at the end of December. So check back.

Improving Life and Sad Deaths

2008-11-16T23:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been meaning to post a blog for sometime now, but have been quite tied up. Aside from still struggling to get back on track financially, I have had a pretty good week or so. But when things go well, something is bound to come crashing down. Damn Murphy’s Law!

Well, on the up side, I was able to get back onto a film set and work a day on a small, no-budget film in St. Louis entitled ‘Bedlam Street’. There are some stills from the shoot in my photo galleries. I was brought on the shoot because I know the AD, Tim Gorry, who is also the GM of KCFV where I do my radio work. I also know actor James Gianoulakis who helped put in a few good words. I came on the film for one day so far to do some Glidecam/Steadicam work and assist with other aspects of the production including assisting the Gaffer with G/E. I hope to be able to get a few more days on the shoot, but only time and my crazy schedule will tell. I truly do miss being on set all day long.

Also, the St. Louis International Film Festival is going on through the 23rd at multiple venues around St. Louis. I worked on three films screening. I was a Co-Producer on ‘Streetballers’, which had a SOLD OUT screening yesterday at the Tivoli; I worked the reshoot for the ending of ‘The Doubtful Martyr’, which screens during St. Louis Filmmaker Showcase Shorts Program 1 on Thursday night at 5 PM at the Tivoli; and I worked the second unit/exterior shoot on ‘The Thacker Case’ up in Alton, IL, which screens on Friday night at the Tivoli. Aside from the screenings for these films, I am working 4 other nights at the Tivoli for SLIFF. I worked the Opening Night this past Thursday and Tonight, Sunday. I still have Monday night and Wednesday night, both at the Tivoli. So I encourage you to come by, say “Hi”, and catch one of the shows screening.

Another big thing in my world, I have decided to push forward on a short film I recently came up with. I have to work a few details out for a location and some resources I need at that location, but I have faith I could be shooting between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I even had a long meeting with the actress I plan to use, and she is excited about the film.

Overall, the past week has been pretty uplifting. Of course I could use more money coming my way. In fact, I even got news about how that might become a reality soon as well. Things have definitely been looking up.

Now for the bad news… As you know, Murphy’s Law always screws with things. Well, I got news Saturday that my Dad’s Sister in Brazil lost her husband. My dad’s Brother-in-Law, my uncle passed away either Friday or Saturday. I don’t have any specific details. Then tonight on my way to the Tivoli to work for SLIFF, I got a phone call asking about a friend posting on his MySpace page. I made one phone call to get details and got the sad truth… A friend, Daniel Rivera, whom I had seen at Mandarin, where he worked, the night before while attending a SLIFF function, died late Saturday night, early Sunday morning. I worked with Danny at Club Buca and Bar 101. I don’t have details other than it was a car accident. Now, I am extremely frightened, because as you know, deaths usually happen in 3s. So I’m afraid of who might be number 3. As a show of respect to Danny, I have changed my profile photo to a special photo created by a friend to honor Danny. I will leave it on the memorial photo for at least Monday, November 17, 2008. I will most likely repost it when I learn more details about services and so forth.

Rest In Peace, Both of You! And DAMN MURPHY’S LAW!

Live on the Radio and Internet Now!

2008-11-04T06:32:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 4, I’ll be live on the radio. I’ll be on KCFV 89.5 FM. It is the Low Power station broadcasting from St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. It has about a 10 to 15 mile radius around North St. Louis County.

I’ll be on The Morning Jolt from about 9 AM until 12 Noon. Then I’ll be commenting on election night coverage from about 6 PM all night long. We are expecting to broadcast until about 1 or 2 AM. We’ll mixing commentary with updates on election results.

Now, you all know that KCFV has a limited broadcast radius, but that doesn’t stop you ALL from hearing the broadcasts. The station now broadcasts online. You can hear KCFV on either of the two following places online:

http://www.stlcc.edu/kcfv (Click the Listen Live link)
on iTunes (find KCFV under radio)

So please take some time and listen to the show. Whether you are at work or sitting at home, listen to the show. Then, please take a moment and let me know you listened. I would love to get your opinions, as well as just know who got hear me on the radio. Plus, it allows me to show the station who is listening to the show, either on-air or online.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing your feedback about the show.

MY Movies

2008-11-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well, in this edition of the MY List, I don’t plan on doing too much venting. I actually want to put out a list of all the projects I’ve worked on over the last year and what their status is:

Up-and-Coming Screenings:
‘Streetballers’ – Screens again during the St. Louis International Film Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2:30 PM at the Tivoli Theater

‘The Thacker Case’ – Screens during the St. Louis International Film Festival on Friday, Nov. 21, 7:15 PM at the Tivoli Theater.

‘The Doubtful Martyr’ – Screening during the St. Louis International Film Festival on Thursday, Nov. 20, 5 PM at the Tivoli Theater

No Screenings Scheduled:
‘Pinks: All Out/All Outtakes’ – Aired on Speed Network on Sept. 11
‘Baggage’ – Screened October 25 in Los Angeles.

Films Still in Post-Production:
‘Jim’ – Post-Production
‘Edgar Allan Poe’s Ligeia’ – Post-Production
‘Confined’ (AKA: The Awakened) – Post-Production
‘Morning Rounds’ – Post-Production
‘Charter Commercial: Cable Theft’ – Post-Production

Still in Production:
‘AKA Bongos 3’ – Still in Production around the US
‘Legacy of Shadows’ – Still in Production around St. Louis

Aside from the previous projects which I worked on, I do have a few of my own. I won’t give out too much information about them because most are still in development. Once they begin shooting, I’ll start giving out details about each one. Some of the projects are creative projects and some are aimed at being income producing projects.

On the creative project side, most are short films. Some very simple and I hope to be able to get one or two produced over the next few months. The others are rather detail oriented and still being developed. On the other side of production, I am working on a few project ideas that I intend to sell as an extra source of income. Some of the incoming producing projects I am pushing forward are:
- A training DVD project
- Shooting music artists, musician, comedian and bands performing

If you get to see any of the projects I have worked on, please post a comment and let me know. Thanks and I look forward to hearing your responses.

MY Muse

2008-10-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

In this installment of the MY List, I am going to get into MY Muse, or my creative inspiration.

Now, I don’t think it is any one person who I see as MY Muse. I know it helps when I have a girlfriend because I bounce ideas off her more often. Good or Bad, whoever I call my girlfriend usually hears all my crazy thoughts. But, being single now, I try and bounce my ideas off specific friends. It’s no offense to anyone, but I bounce idea off certain people over others. I just choose to bounce ideas of friend who can give me feedback and help me develop them.

Now where does my inspiration come from? ANYWHERE! And that is NO exaggeration. I could be driving, sitting in a meeting or seminar, working a non-film related job, ANYWHERE. These are just a few of the places I have been sparked by inspiration. Once I come up with an idea, I just sit back, talk to myself (Yes, I really do that), and try to build the ideas up into a viable project.

Now, I have some good ideas I am developing. Some are simple and some are more complicated, but none have started shooting yet. I have also been focusing lately on projects that can bring some money in and help me in that very needed category. As much as I won’t get into too much detail about the films I am developing right now, the next installment of The MY List is MY Movies and I already have an idea of what I’ll discuss and what information I’ll let everyone know.

I think the problem I have in this category is finding the motivation to jump up and get projects off the ground and start shooting. Now, several of the projects I have on the table are fairly simple. I could produce them with minimal requirements outside of what I already own. I just lack the “get up and go” to do it. Some of my problem is procrastination, like I discussed in my last Blog. However, a lot of that procrastination in my creative ventures stems from fears I am dealing with.

Now, I know I have two typical fears: Fear of Failure, but also Fear of Success. Yep, two big fears that are entirely normal. I am afraid that what I produce won’t be good enough. It’s that natural doubt in my abilities that holds me back most of all. Having a childhood where I was filled full of doubt doesn’t help either. Next, my fear of success can seem silly, but it stems from the question of “if my work is good enough and I move to the next level, will I be good enough to keep moving forward?” Now I am striving to do everything I can to overcome my fears, and as I work them out, all the support from my friends is truly helping the fears dissipate. THANK YOU ALL!

I do love to hear your comments and support. Your words of encouragement help keep moving forward and in the right direction.

MY Motivation

2008-10-27T18:14:00.001-07:00

Well, I don’t think it is a secret that I procrastinate. I know the next topic is MY Muse, so in that Blog I’ll get into more creative problems I’m having. But right here, I’m going to try and vent some of the frustrations I have over not being able to get things started or finished. Whether it is physical, emotional, or financial, I just seem to manage to put things off for any number of reasons. I don’t know if it is fear, procrastination, apathy, or something else.

I have putting things off to art form now. Whether it is taking the trash out, sending an E-mail to a friend or possible job, doing my laundry or dishes, and sometimes eating, I can put things off. And with it being winter and running the heat inside now, I have a tendency to doze off and sleep more often than I should. It sucks. When I get too warm, I get sleepy.

No I do believe it is CLASSIC procrastination, and truly only sometimes laziness. Like writing a paper in high school or college, I can find something else to distract me. And sometimes distract me to a furious deadline when things get rushed. Now, don’t get me wrong. I get things done. Sometimes at the last minute, sometimes late, but they DO get done. And I’m told what I do is pretty damn good, even when rushed, but I am trying to do better and take my time, the way it should be.

Now, I greatly appreciate all my friends who keep me going. My friends keep my head up when it falls; keep me moving when I stop; and reassure me when I doubt myself. One element in my life that helps is when I have a Girlfriend. Usually, having a girlfriend makes me smile, reduces my stress, and keeps me more positive. Being single always adds a little extra stress and a lot more reliance on my friends to keep my head up.

Now, I know I can handle things on my own. And I don’t need a parent standing over me telling me what to do. But it always helps when you have a positive voice reassuring you that you are doing the right thing; following the right path; and making correct steps forward. It’s amazing how small, simple words of reassurance can have great affect on making things move forward.

I am trying to get a few things moving in my life. Here are some of the things I’m working on:
- Reduce/Cut Back/Quite Smoking – Yes, I know it is a second attempt, but as of today, Monday, October 27, 2008, I am on 2 full days of not smoking. I’m trying.
- Working out/Exercising/getting in shape – Well, I have been walking my neighborhood. I don’t have the money to join a gym, but in the future I plan on it. Right now, I’ll keep walking and soon I’ll start other exercises at home.
- Cleaning/organizing my house – I have done minor things, but I need to make bigger strides. Not having a job, I should have more time to get more cleaned, and so I’m trying to get off my couch, but it so comfy.
- Getting/finding a job – This is something I have been trying to move on. I organized a freelance list for St. Louis. Now is the task of getting my resumes and cover letters out to all those companies. A few have gone out, but the majority will go out tomorrow afternoon.

Overall, I’m trying to keep my head up. I’m trying to move forward. And any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. So please post your comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

MY Friends

2008-10-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

To start my friends are probably one of my greatest assets. They build me up, back me up, keep me on the level, and sometimes they keep me grounded in reality. They are my shoulder to cry on, those I like to drink and party with, they are biggest and oldest fans. I guess I would have to say my friends make me who I am.

To all my friends, I owe you all a huge debt of gratitude and countless “thank you”s. I know I’m bad about returning, and often making, phone calls and sending E-mails, but I am trying to do better. Also, don’t be afraid to drop me a line either by phone or via E-mail. The road does go both ways.

Now, I take pride in trying to be a good friend. I always attempt to make myself available to listen to friends when they have problems, and I’ve heard them all. I’ve calmed down friends from break-ups, job losses, and the shear stupidity of humanity. As much as I am there, I know there are more friends who don’t always ask. NEVER be afraid to ask for help, regardless of what you need. If I have the time and availability, I’ll be there for you, my friends. On the other side of the coin, I’m not sure if the same is true in reverse. I always seem to have a hard time finding someone who cares enough to listen to or help me when I really need someone. And why is it that regardless of how broke or financially stable I am, I seem to be ALONE more often that not. You know, even if I have to say “NO”, I still like to get offers to do things and go out.

One thing that does piss me off is how so many friends are FAKE. They want to be your friend based on what you can do for them, get for them or who you know. Sure I know that happens more often that not in the industry I chose for a career, but I actually think it was worse working in the nightclub/bar industry. It is just sad how just because you change or loose a job, all of a sudden friends just evaporate. And I don’t mean those “Friendly Aquaintances” who just talk to you at the club/bar. I mean friend who call you to go out on nights off, come over for late night dinner, and even invite you to their house/apartment parties. It is just sad how some of those friends can so quickly turn their back on you.

And I hate loosing those I consider good friends. I know that even I will weed out those who I feel I should not keep around me, for what ever reason. Usually, I will cut out those who cause me personal harm, stab me in the back or hurt me in some other way. But it is when I loose friends for absolutely no reason, when they stop returning phone calls and ignore E-mails, I know I have a problem and get sad. I know it is part of life, friends do come and go, but it still hurts. Once someone is a friend, especially those who I feel are “good friends”, or more, I like to keep those people around.

I've come to find out that friends are VERY few and far between. I am making attempts to rekindle a few lost friendships, but usually to dead ends. I do miss my old friends, all of those that I've lost.

But more important are those that I still have by my side, I truly love and cherish those I have and hold so dear. You make me smile and laugh, you encourage and invigorate me, and you help me, not only see, but strive to be the man I need to be. Thank you all.

If you have a comment or response to my posting, please write it. I would love to hear what you have to say. Don’t be shy. Take a minute or two and just write a quick response. Thank you all for being there for me and I do hope to hear from you all.

Proud to be a Bear, just at Mizzou today

2008-10-24T17:50:00.001-07:00

So for those of you who don’t know, I did attend Southwest Missouri State University, now named Missouri State University. However, today I drove from St. Louis to Columbia, MO for a filmmaking seminar at Mizzou (University of Missouri – Columbia). It also happens to be Mizzou’s Homecoming weekend, so there is an HUGE abundance of school spirit all over the place, which is while I’m a little fanatic about being a BEAR, not a TIGER.

The seminar featured sound designer turned true independent filmmaker Kelley Baker. Kelley had done Sound Design on a lot of Gus Van Sant’s movies, including ‘Good Will Hunting’, but desired to more out of his film industry career and focused on making his own movies his way. Now known affectionately as “The Angry Filmmaker”, Kelley had a lot of really good advice for aspiring filmmakers to keep in mind when trying to make their own films. I actually learned a little and had some of creative juices stirred up. Hell, I even came up with an idea for a Short Film while in his seminar. I’ll write more about that once I have something more developed. It’s a pretty easy idea and I should be able to pull a script together in next week or so. After the seminar, I go the chance to chat with Kelley for quite a while and actually feel that I made a great new contact in this crazy industry.

Now, I’m just sitting at Tropical Liquers, sippin on a slushy drink, occasionally getting to chat with my brother Bill. I haven’t forgotten about the MY List blog I need to write, and will try to get it cranked out later tonight for you all.

Well, I’m gonna run. Thanks for stopping by. GO BEARS!

The MY List…

2008-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

As I drove around St. Louis today, I thought of a special Blog series that I am going to start and run with for the next couple days, maybe a week. It's the MY List. Most specifically a couple of topics very important in my world at this point in time:

My Friends
My Motivation
My Muse
My Movies
My Money
My Future

Those are most of the topics I plan to write about over the next few days. I'm going to pick one topic and write about it each day. This is just my way of getting some personal feelings and emotions off my chest.

I'll probably start with MY Friends. That will be probably be written tomorrow, so be sure to check back and read it. Then, I am planning on writing one new Blog per day as I go down the list. Now, I might add an additional topic here or there, but I won't take any away. I'll write about at least those six topics.

Once you've read them, I'd love to hear your feedback. So please write and post a comment letting me know what you think, how you feel, or any advice you have for me. Also, if you have any topics you think I should write about, please let me know. A lot of you out there know me well enough to know what I really need to get off my chest. If you ask, I'm pretty sure I'll write about it. I have a few things I'll keep to myself, but most things can and will be discussed.

It's been ROUGH couple of months and October has REALLY SUCKED for me. So I have a lot to get off my chest while I keep looking for a new job. Any offers? I'm listening!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back each day as I write about a new topic on the MY List.

What an EH October!

2008-10-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

So it has been too long since I’ve written a blog and caught everyone up to date on what I’ve been up to. Hmmm… Where should I begin?

First, I had a few freelance gigs in September. There were a couple of quick corporate shoots and a Charter Cable commercial, where I met and worked with Erik Estrada. There is a picture with Erik from set in my photo gallery if you haven’t seen it yet. Also, I worked on a national reality TV show. I really can’t say which one yet, but I will say it was definitely an adventure. I also helped the Paranormal Task Force of Missouri start shooting their documentary, ‘Legacy of Shadows’, which is about Zombie Road and the surrounding area. I should have some pics from that shoot online very soon.

I’m getting set to go back to Springfield for Homecoming at Missouri Sate. I’m trying to finish up a short video for my fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, which shows a little of the history of our chapter over the past 59 years. Now, I would like to have been a lot more motivated and had a longer video, but it’ll be OK.

As for my motivation, I have been quite sedated. I haven’t wanted to do much of anything. My focus and concentration have definitely been missing these past few weeks. I believe it to be a combination of things. It’s kind of a cross between a lack of work, shortage of money and still dealing with some personal things in my life.

So now I’ve identified the problems I’m having, and as a good student of success, let me see if I have the solutions. For my lack of work, I am finishing up a Freelance List for the city of St. Louis and surrounding area. Once completed, I will have a list of almost every production company in St. Louis that hires freelance production personnel. And yes, I will have submitted my resume to them all. I will be making the list available to friends and colleagues who ask. Also, some great, close friends and colleagues and I are applying to as many feature films as we can. The more we apply to the better chance we have of getting one, or six. Oh yeah, I also was offered an AMAZING opportunity that will be fall back plan for the spring. As things move forward, I’ll give you all the details then.

Next, my shortage of money is kind of an illusion. I actually have a decent sized accounts receivable right now, but I NEED the money to be received. Plus, I know that with the freelance list and my ‘day job’ at the bar I work at, money will be getting better, all be it slowly.

And finally, all I’ll say about my personal situation is that I’m quite lonely. Too much time to stop and think about the past has me in a bit of a tail-spin. I greatly appreciate my friends who have listened to me and tried to help. I know I can be quite stubborn. I’ll make it, I think… And that’s all I’ll say about that. Anyone who wanted more specific details, feel free to write or call.

Well, I have to get back to work now. Thanks for listening, or I guess you were reading. I really am trying to be better and post more often. Talk to you all again soon.

Back on the Radio

2008-09-10T19:53:00.001-07:00

That’s right Boys and Girls! I will be back on the radio tomorrow morning. I will be a guest on The Morning Jolt with Stytch and Sketch from 9 AM until Noon. The show can be heard in North St. Louis County on KCFV 89.5 FM. I am hoping to have the show available as a podcast early next week, so anyone who can’t listen live can still hear the show.

I will speaking about film and video production in St. Louis, as well as be part of the discussion about 9-11 and its effects on the entertainment industry. It should be a great show and I encourage you all to make time to tune in, even if only for a little while. And if you do catch some of the show, please let me know what you think. I will also be forwarding all comments to Stytch and Sketch as well.

I’m excited about being back on the radio and I hope you all can share in the excitement too by tuning in.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-09-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true. Last Friday, September 5 was my 33rd Birthday. I actually had to work that morning shooting video on a freelance gig I get fairly often. I slept most of the afternoon. I know… I’m a bum, but I stayed up the night before after working at Bar 101 so that I could get to the gig in O’Fallon on time. I did go to dinner with my parents at a Brazilian Restaurant in Chesterfield. Then, I went out with a friend and met up with a couple others. I won’t bad mouth anyone or anything, but I will say things did not go as planned. A friend tried to hook me up with a free bottle for my birthday. (Which was AWESOME in my opinion) It just turned out that her co-workers were not as nice, or as honorable, so no bottle came my way. My buddy and I ended up spending twice as long playing Roulette than we actually did in the nightclub.

As for the rest of the weekend, I kind of let it go. I didn’t do much. But, I did watch the season premiere of Entourage. I’m glad it is FINALLY back on HBO.

Now that my birthday and the weekend have passed, it is time to BUST MY ASS and find what work I can to get back on track. Over this week I will be contacting and submitting my resume to as many productions houses in St. Louis, and away, as I can. I need to get on any and all the freelance lists I can. Any input, ideas or referrals are GREATLY appreciated. I HAVE to find more work and make more money. I actually got a call today to work tomorrow, Tuesday, on a Commercial, so things are looking a little brighter. Now let’s see how long we can keep things moving along.

On my own projects, things have been changing significantly. Projects from the back burner are moving up, others I no longer work on at all. But I’ll save all that information for a future blog. Thanks for dropping by and a HUGE thanks to all those who wished me a Happy Birthday! It really does mean a lot. I’ll talk to you all again soon.

Summer ’08 Comes to an End

2008-08-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

As Labor Day weekend begins, it is only fitting to take a look at the Summer of 2008 and evaluate how it has been. WOW, did this Summer SUCK! I actually refer to it as the drought of ’08. This has been one of the worst years for Film Production in St. Louis in about FIVE years. No Projects came through. I take that back, one did, but it’s budget was SO LOW, that the day before shooting began, I was let go because my tiny paycheck was too high.

It started off great though. I returned from working on ‘Confined’ in California in May and with several freelance gigs set up, it seemed to be rather promising. But the freelance jobs tapered off, and I surrendered and went back to working at a bar/nightclub. I work at Bar 101. The environment is pretty good. NO where near as stressful as Club Buca was. I started at the South St. Louis County Bar 101, until they opened the new Bar 101 in Soulard, which opened on August 21. So I’m working as often as I can to get all my bills caught up. It shouldn’t be too hard, but without any serious income, it will take A LOT longer than I would like.

I also am keeping my fingers crossed that a feature film some friends are producing has all their funding come through. That way they can shoot in September as planned. That would be nice. I have been assured a position on that crew and that would REALLY help me out.

I am also beginning to look outside of St. Louis for work. I know you all know my strong desire to help build a production community in St. Louis, but I have to pay my rent. I have been getting prospects through some friends I have worked with on other projects, and we should know about a few soon. I have also begun to look at other possible avenues of production, including podcasting, web design and a few others. My steps have been slow, but I hope to be moving forward shortly after Labor Day.

On a few positive notes, I did work on a couple shorts this Summer. None of my own, but still a little extra experience always helps. I even acted in one of them. Yeah, Me… ACTING. Who knew? Oh, and from the small role I played in ‘Holiday Baggage’ in Chicago, I have my first acting credit on the IMDb. So, two acting roles this year isn’t that bad. Also, steps are still being made for two documentaries I’m helping with.

But the big film on my plate is the Documentary I’m producing and directing, ‘Small Town Boy, Real American Hero’. We have spent a few days here and there getting more footage and several interviews for the film. I anticipate big moves over September and October for the project. I’ll keep you all updated as things move forward.

Well, there it is. I think 2008 has been a MONUMENTAL year for me so far, just this Summer SUCKED. Thanks for dropping by and be sure to keep September 5 marked on your calendar. It is a VERY important day. Be sure to ask if you don’t know why. Talk you again soon.

Motivation and Procrastination

2008-07-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Yeah… I know I’m fighting a battle to find work and get the work I have on my table finished. I am just really struggling to find motivation and fight off my damn procrastination. I wish that motivation was bottled up like Vitamin-water and I could just chug it down. Sadly, it isn’t. I just need to stay focused and off the damn couch so that I can get things accomplished. Prior to getting sick at the beginning of the month, I was REALLY motivated. I was cranking along. Learning the Adobe software I have on my computer thanks to Lynda.com and beginning to see the results in the projects I have at hand. However, somewhere throughout July I went *BLAH* again. It sucks. I need to get back on track and get the few projects I have on the table finished so that I can move on to new and bigger projects. Do me a favor and feed me all the motivation you all can so that I can stay on track. Thanks to all of you who already do, and an early thanks to those who will take the time to write me a comment or message and help kick me in the ass and stay on track. I got to run. Talk to you soon.