EXTREME INDIE BLOG

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FILMMAKER (EP. 2)

2012-01-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FILMMAKER: EPISODE 2

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FILMMAKER (EP. 1)

2012-01-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FILMMAKER: EPISODE 1

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FILMMAKER: BEGINS!

2012-01-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

...see you MONDAY, JANUARY 09 2010 ;-)

INTERVIEW: TOREY BYRNE

2011-11-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

One of the leads actors in CRAWL - TOREY BYRNE - was recently interview by www.BattleRoyaleWithCheese.com about CRAWL!

Check out her interview HERE

Torey in action in CRAWL

MAKING A THRILLER/HORROR MOVIE - CRAWL DAY 412

2011-11-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

BE SURE TO BECOME A FREE MEMBER OF

CRAWLMOVIE.COM

FOR EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS OF THE MOVIE CRAWL

MAKING A THRILLER/HORROR MOVIE - CRAWL DAY 367

2011-05-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Check out some of the latest CRAWL video updates taken from the CRAWL set location at HARDCORE INDIE STUDIOS below!

You can watch the LIVE feed now - just click:

HERE

David P. Baker and Oklahoma Ward on Rex Sikes Movie Beat

2011-04-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Introducing Nicole Alonso talking about HARDCORE INDIE

2011-03-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

www.hardcoreindie.com Friends and INDIE FILM supporters - we need your help - IF YOU BELIEVE IN INDIE FILMMAKERS TAKING CONTROL OF THE INDIE COMMUNITY - PLEASE BACK THIS PROJECT - HERE IS THE LINK TO OUR CAMPAIGN: http://kck.st/eVHmwS WE THANK YOU DEEPLY FOR SPREADING THE WORD

xoxo

Nikki

FILMMAKING: Casting for Your Film

2011-03-25T22:46:00.001-07:00

We just held a casting call for our short film "The Farm" which I am working on with Ghost Walk Productions, LLC. This was the first time any of us have conducted an audition session and it went very well. We also received compliments from the actors on how we went about doing it, and I am going to share that with you.

Most of our advertisment was word of mouth through Facebook. We had made some connections with local actors (Cleveland, Ohio area) and once we started posting the casting call on FB the news spread through the local actor network. Actors who know and work with other actors keep in touch to let each other know about casting calls and projects as they learn of them. We also advertised on the company websites and a few other places but I believe by far the word of mouth on Facebook was our biggest benefit. We had responses from up to a couple hundred miles away.

We were calling for only experienced actors and it was stated right up front "No Pay." Any funds made from this film will be to fund other projects. We will promote the actors as much as possible through several websites and Facebook accounts, references, and the film will be exhibited in Film Festivals. It is another credit for the actors, another clip they can show for reference for new jobs, and more experience for growth. We even had a SAG (Screen Actor's Guild) actor who auditioned. Her reasoning was looking for something that is really creative and refreshing to add to her "reel" and she said Independent films offer this. This is something other than what she had been getting in television and corporate film, according to her. At the time of her audition she was even preparing for a New York stage performance of a play.

We had to ask at a number of locations but we found a hotel that offered the use of a conference room for an advertisement banner on our company website. This is where having 50,000 followers and over 10,000 hits a day comes in handy. They even provided a pitcher of ice water and cups.

At the auditions were 4 of us. This was comprised of myself (Director), Casting Director, Art Director, and a Production Assistant. The Production Assistant sent in the next actor when it was time, answered some of the actors questions, timed our audition durations and notified us by text that we had 3 minutes left, and entertained the actors with her fun personality while they waited. She engaged them in conversation as she was just as enamoured to be in their presence and learn about them. This really helped the time to go by for the actors as they waited.

There are a hundred different ways to conduct an audition with different schools of thought as to why it should be done a certain way. Our principles were based on our perception of what we were looking for. Your's may be different and just as correct. Go with what makes the most sense for you.

We wanted to see what kind of performance the actors were capable of. When actors are filmed they have received the script, have memorized the lines, practiced with an acting buddy, and rehearsed with their co-actors. They are familiar with the part and are prepared to perform this character. As such, we wanted our actors to perform a monologue which they were already comfortable with and felt enabled them to exhibit their abilities.

At many auditions the actors are handed a page of a character they have never heard of and know nothing about and are told "Ok, go," and they have to make quick judgments about the character they are portraying and snap into a performance that is more of a test than an exhibition of how well they can act, as opposed to when they are cast in a roll, have had time with a script, and know what they are doing. We feel if we were casting people for an improv type film this typical type of auditioning would be fine, but we are not there to give them a test. We are there to see what kind of actors they are, and what they are like with familiar material, like they will be performing in our film.

We sat down with each actor and took about 5 to 7 minutes just talking with them. We explained why we are doing auditions this way and what we were looking for. This notion was well received and our conversations helped to relax the actors too. It was also fun to talk with them and learn a little something about them.

Then it was time to record their performance. I had marked an "X" on the floor at the opposite end of the room with masking tape for them to stand, or place a chair, on. I had a shotgun mic mounted on a tripod near them and aimed well. A 160 LED light on top of my camera helped to fill in their face, even though the lighting in the room was pretty good. Their monologue was to be between 1 and 3 minutes.

After their performance I might ask them how they came to choose this piece to perform. Those can be very interesting stories and are quite varied. Remember, beyond getting the info you are looking for people like to talk most about themselves. That makes them very comfortable and the additional information may be very valuable, and more than if you had asked specific questions. This was also the time we got compliments on what we were doing. Of course some actors will try to butter up the casting staff, but you can tell when that is happening. It was nice to get some sincere appreciation for our method. The last thing the actors wanted to know was when they could expect to hear back from us. We told them when and that it would either be by a phone call, an email, or both.

After the first 3 actors we developed a pattern. The next day we had it finely tuned. The pace went well with scheduled auditions and we also had room for walk-ins. We also had a couple people stop by just to drop off their information and headshots to be an extra, which we also called for. The first day we ran over 2 hours from the time we were expecting to finish. Part of that was because of learning that time goes fast during enjoyable conversation, and also because of the number of walk-ins we had the first day.

So that is how we conducted our first ever auditions. We all feel it went well and we were able to record what we were looking for. I hope this helps you out with your auditions. Remember, the most "right way" is the way that makes the most sense to you. Once you figure out what that is look into ways of accomplishing that process, ask others who may have been there already, and of course do a little research on the internet. There are also plenty of books with chapters on how to conduct auditions. Read them too and borrow from several methods. Just make sure when the audition is over that you have all the info about the actor that you want to pick them out of a crowd.

- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of the site, and don't forget to follow the blog on "THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM." Thank you!

HARDCORE INDIE: KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

2011-03-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

TO DONATE/SUPPORT THIS PROJECT - PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR

KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

MAKING A THRILLER/HORROR MOVIE - CRAWL DAY 327

2011-03-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL ATWWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM and Become a member for free on the website for more inside information and screening tickets ;-)

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMENIDIE FILMS

THANK YOU SO MUCH ;)

OKLAHOMA WARD

http://www.twitter.com/oklahomaward

http://www.twitter.com/bellanikki85

MAKING A THRILLER/HORROR MOVIE - CRAWL DAY 320

2011-02-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM and Become a member for free on the website for more inside information and screening tickets ;-)

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMENIDIE FILMS

THANK YOU SO MUCH ;)

OKLAHOMA WARD

http://www.twitter.com/oklahomaward

MAKING A THRILLER/HORROR MOVIE - CRAWL: DAY 314

2011-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM and Become a member for free on the website for more inside information and screening tickets ;-)

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMENIDIE FILMS

THANK YOU SO MUCH ;)

OKLAHOMA WARD

http://www.twitter.com/oklahomaward

ACTORS TIP: Preparing for CRAWL (3)

2011-02-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

Watch as I share my journey preparing for my role in CRAWL.

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM and WWW.CRAWLMOVIE.COM

Become a member for free on the website for more inside information & screening tickets

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMEINDIE FILMS!

http://twitter.com/bellanikki85

THANK YOU MUCH ;-)

MAKING A THRILLER/HORROR MOVIE - CRAWL: DAY 307

2011-02-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM and Become a member for free on the website for more inside information and screening tickets ;-)

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMENIDIE FILMS

HERE IS A LINK TO LARRY JORDAN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.larryjordan.biz

THANK YOU MUCH ;-)

OKLAHOMA WARD AND NICOLE ALONSO

http://twitter.com/oklahomaward
http://twitter.com/bellanikki85

MAKING A HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE - CRAWL: DAY 291

2011-01-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM & Become a member for free on the website for more inside information & screening tickets ;-)

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMENIDIE FILMS

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FILM COURAGE INTERVIEW WITH OKLAHOMA WARD AND NICOLE ALONSO BY CLICKING HERE:

FILM COURAGE INTERVIEW

http://twitter.com/oklahomaward
http://twitter.com/bellanikki85

THANK YOU MUCH ;-)

OKLAHOMA WARD AND NICOLE ALONSO

FILM COURAGE INTERVIEW

2011-01-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

LISTEN TO OKLAHOMA WARD AND NICOLE ALONSO ON THE LA TALK RADIO SHOW: FILM COURAGE BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGE BELOW:

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO TUNED IN AND FOR ALL THE SUPPORT! STAY INDIE, STAY STRONG, KEEP MOVING FORWARD AND KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE INFO ON THE THRILLER/HORROR MOVIE CRAWL.

THANKS,

OKLAHOMA WARD AND NICOLE ALONSO

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO VOTED!

2011-01-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

We would like to give a special thank you to the following people - without whom - we never would have gotten the opportunity to be on Film Courage.

Michael Dittman

David P. Baker

Allen Cutler

Tresa Gates McGhee

Robert M Lindsey

Petra Cahill

Brittanyka Ann Todd

Parthiban Shanmugam

Andrea Rueda

Roxanne Hall

Jocelyn Miller

Wolf Kopp

Wayne D. Wasion

Jessica Good

Angela Leep-Gowdy

Sharon Whitley

D.L. Wilson

Ron Carter

Eric Stuyvesant

Steve Olander

Ann M. Doria

Jacquelyn Roberts

Craig Chartier

Trailer Wars

Molly DeBettencourt

Melody Khalifa

Hillary Spratford

Jeanine Neal

Shanna J. Digsby

Schwam Soprano

Shirley Ward

Liz Kopp

Robert Glenn Plotner

Ed Vigdor

Jen Judkins

Leia Billings

Marie Shaw

Nick Kopp

Danielle Rukki

Lynette Taylor Brown

Mia Von Doom

Eric Meek

Jessica Seaman

BJ Worth

Paul Reeves

Isare Lee

Megan Baylies

Jessi Renzi

Wally Milner

Kelly Willis

D.A. Sebasstian

Vanessa-May Dolphin

Mike Skatz Scasserra

Richard Purves

Ramona Maramonte

Neva Galvez

Lauren Ashley Grygo

Amy Van Risseghem

Graham Aanestad

Michael Craig

Dyana Aives

Brett Carr

James Tarpley

Adrienne Eige Grygo

Germaine DeLeon

Karlene Zamora-Billings

Homer Ward

Clay Heery

Michael Frye

Claudia Corey

We wanted to make sure to give a special thank you, because without interaction and word of mouth - independent filmmakers and independent films would not survive. We greatly appreciate the effort!

To check out our interview tomorrow at 12:00 PST - please visit http://www.filmcourage.com and look for the same picture posted at the top of this blog. It is on the top left of the site - just click on LISTEN LIVE directly under that picture.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer on the show - please submit them HERE.

Thanks Again,

Oklahoma Ward and Nicole Alonso

MAKING A HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE - CRAWL: DAY 284

2011-01-21T18:23:00.000-08:00

Discussion about upcoming Film Courage interview on Sunday, January 23rd.

Film Courage Link: http://www.filmcourage.com

Also included - exclusive first look - sneak peek footage of the feature film The Isolation of Subject #136.

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM & Become a member for free on the website for more inside information & screening tickets ;-)

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMENIDIE FILMS

http://twitter.com/oklahomaward
http://twitter.com/bellanikki85

THANK YOU MUCH ;-)

ACTORS TIP: Preparing for CRAWL (2)

2011-01-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Watch as I share my journey preparing for my role in CRAWL.

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM and WWW.CRAWLMOVIE.COM

Become a member for free on the website for more inside information & screening tickets ;-)

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMENIDIE FILMS

http://twitter.com/bellanikki85

THANK YOU MUCH ;-)

ACTORS TIP: Prearing for CRAWL

2011-01-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

Watch as I share my journey preparing for my role in CRAWL.

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM & WWW.CRAWLMOVIE.COM

DAY 279: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2011-01-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

The ONLY lighting used in this footage is being held by the actor.

FOLLOW THE MAKING OF THE HORROR/THRILLER MOVIE CRAWL AT WWW.OKLAHOMAWARD.COM & Become a member for free on the website for more inside information & screening tickets ;-)

REMEMBER - SUPPORT/INTERACT INDEPENDENT FILMS - FOR YOU/the PUBLIC is/are the LIFEBLOOD for the SURVIVAL of #EXTREMENIDIE FILMS

http://twitter.com/oklahomaward

THANK YOU MUCH ;-)

DAY 241: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-12-10T04:33:00.000-08:00

Phase 1 of building the movie set for CRAWL is complete - now it's onto getting the set and props for the movie completed.

Please remember - be sure to sign up as member and have your friends sign up - it's free - and - it shows your support of Independent Films - which can only survive with you/the publics interaction - for you/your spreading of the word - is in fact the on and only lifeblood of success for Independent art/creativity.

Get #EXTREMEINDIE BABY!!!

DAY 235: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-11-28T07:16:00.000-08:00

Here ya go friends - a new update on our progress....

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BE SURE TO VISIT WWW.CRAWLMOVIE.COM for the 24/7 ;-)

THNX my true friends ;-)

O.W.

DAY 221: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-11-12T03:38:00.000-08:00

Yup - here ya go my friends ;-) BE SURE TO VIEW THE SURPRISE AT THE END OF THE VID!

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BE SURE TO VISIT WWW.CRAWLMOVIE.COM for the 24/7 ;-)

THNX my true friends ;-)

O.W.

ACTORS: This is what happens when....

2010-11-03T03:56:00.000-07:00

Simply put... this is what happens when you send an actor to scout a film location..... lololol

RIP OKLAHOMA WARD

2010-10-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

DAY 208: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-10-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

Pre-production for the GROUNDBREAKING ORIGINAL ACTION-PACKED THRILLER HORROR movie CRAWL just got more exciting - wanna know why....

...........................we will be one of the VERY FIRST MOVIES FILMED WITH THE:

Follow the Making of CRAWL and watch for MANY updates and test footage with new NIKON D7000!

DAY 205: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-10-15T04:06:00.000-07:00

Pre-production is slamming forward on the exciting GROUNDBREAKING ORIGINAL ACTION-PACKED THRILLER HORROR movie CRAWL. Financing and Investors are just about all ironed out - just a few more interviews/meeting and all parties brought on board will be decided upon and thus construction break ground quickly. Currently we are looking at Jan/Feb for a shooting date - which leaves precious few days left for Nicole and I to tie up all ends of pre-production - a huge task - but one that will be met.

Don't forget to become a member of our site here - it's free - and remember - Independent Films/Art - and Artists critical life-force/survival/lifeblood is: interaction and word of mouth/support - from you the public.

Any and all support is tremendously appreciated.

I mean that.

Enjoy the update below - and I look forward to sharing the TENSION-FILLED HORRIFIC CHARACTER-DRIVEN THRILLER movie CRAWL to a venue near you soon - so you may get your SCREAM ON!

O.W.

DAY 192: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-09-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

MORE SOON MY FRIENDS - BE SURE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SITE - AND STAY READY - SOON THE ADVENTURE BEGINS FILMING!!!

FILMMAKING: Musclin' - My Short Film - Part 5

2010-09-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

I hope you are enjoying Oak's video updates as much as I am! I don't know about you but I just eat this stuff up. It's the grit that it takes to make a movie that you don't often get to see, or know about.

I am proud to say I have my first video update ready on my film Musclin'. I talk about the story theme, points about the look of the movie, a website I am currently building, and more!

- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of the site, and don't forget to subscribe to the blog THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM. Thank you!

DAY 186: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-09-14T03:40:00.000-07:00

As the filming of the movie CRAWL approaches - tons more needs to be done - here's Day 186 of the Making of CRAWL - and within days a new teaser will be posted - with actual footage of the making of the teaser released to members of this site only ;-)

Enjoy ;-)

Have a GRAND creative one my #EXTREMEINDIE ppl! More soon!

O.Ward

FILMMAKING: Musclin' - My Short Film - Part 4

2010-09-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

So now comes some fun, designing the poster for the movie. It needs to have enough in image and words to get aross the the correct idea of what the movie is about and also has to provide enough intrigue to make the person looking at the poster feel the NEED to see this movie. The film has a few elements that should cause it to appeal to a great number of people. Here is the poster as it stands after 7 incarnations...

Hopefully you can click on that and see it larger.

I am not going to give those 3 elements just now because I do not want to taint anyone's views of what this poster says to them. What I want is YOUR HELP. Please let me know what this poster says to you, what it says is the big issue, if it says anything about that to you at all. Here's some more questions I would like to know your answers to:

Do you see/read anything that makes you want to see this movie?
Do you see/read anything that makes you NOT want to see this movie?
Does it look professional?
Do you believe you get what the movie is obviously about?
Do you get any sense of context of the story?

After I get a few responses to these questions, some input, I will then divulge the 3 elements of this film that I believe will cause it to appeal to a wide audience. Though I appreciate people being nice and being polite to me that will not help me with this poster. I'm looking for objective opinion and creative criticism. These will enable me to make sure I have a poster that is the best it can be. Thank you!

And by the way, can you identify the two cars in the poster?

- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of the site, and don't forget to subscribe to the blog THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM. Thank you!

FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHT: LINKS OF THE DAY

2010-08-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

FILMMAKING: Props and Where to Get Them Cheap

2010-08-26T21:18:00.001-07:00

When you are going to shoot your film you are going to need props. You might need something from the 1970's, or maybe a military item, uniform, or weapons. Maybe you need garage equipment that looks like it has a lot of use on it. What about old family pictures or vintage pictures of people that might be of a historical reference in your story? Do you need something you can get cheap because you are going to destroy it in your film? Whatever you need there is a one stop place where you will likely find it. Maybe not this week but maybe next week. I am talking about the large, permanent flea markets!

For my short film, Musclin', I need a pair of vintage glasses from the 1920's. How much would you expect to pay for a rare item such as this? I got two pair of these glasses, in their original cases, for $12.

I also needed a vintage pad lock. At the same flea market I got an attractive, vintage lock with it's key, and functioning perfectly, for $4.

I have been going to a few flea markets for a few years now and I am amazed at what I find, as well as how much things can be had for. Oddly enough it wasn't until recently that I thought of thinking of these flea markets as storage houses for movie props. You can find amazing items, some real junk, and also a lot of memories from your childhood. Sometimes, depending on your needs, that real junk can be the most valuable gold for your movie.

Need a real rotary table-top phone? $12, and it works. How about some lamps and knick knacks for room ambiance? If you need military medals for your film they are at the flea market. Maybe you need a computer and monitor to beat with a baseball bat. You can find them cheap enough at the flea market.

Almost anything you may need for your film can be found at the flea markets. Here's a list of some more jewels I have seen:

Used shovels, pitch forks, spades, rakes, and post hole diggers.
Lamps, flashlights of all eras, lanterns, fixtures, and ornate chandeliers.
Board games, slot machines, pinball machines, tennis rackets, and golf ball returners.
Bicycles, exercise equipment, skateboards, roller skates, and treadmills.
Fishing poles, tackle boxes, fishing nets, anchors, life jackets, and boat seats.
Costume jewelry, custom jewelry, vintage jewelry, hats, purses, and stoles.
Boom boxes, receivers, DVD players, VCR's, Betamax, and Commadore 64 computers.
Cell phones, walkie talkies, mobile CB's, CB base stations, and CB antennas.
Pocket knives, hunting knives, swords, machetes, throwing stars, and throwing knives.
Rifles, shotguns, semi-auto pistols, revolvers, scopes, crossbows, long and compound bows.
Erector set, Lincoln logs, hot wheel track, cases, and cars, vintage trains and accessories.

This list is pretty long but only scratches the surface of what you can find at a flea market. Most likely, whatever you need for a prop for your film, you can find it there.

If you need military items another great source for them are gun shows which are held periodically at local fairgrounds and other locations. Sometimes it will be a gun and knife show. Here you can usually find some of your weapon needs. I am not advocating the use of real, functional guns, but you can also find guns that will never function properly again and use them for props, and buy them at a greatly reduced price. You can find all kinds of gun scopes to give your prop gun just the right look. You can even buy pieces of guns to be used as "something technical" in some other prop you may make for your movie. I got a set of real, wood, original Mauser C96 pistol grips to use on my die cast replica I have of this gun which I used to make a Han Solo DL-44 blaster from the original Star Wars movie. The original grips on the replica gun are plastic.
Another source of gun props are what are commonly referred to as "Air Soft" guns. These are plastic guns which shoot 6 mm plastic BB's. Many of these guns reproduce the look of the real gun exactly. I am using a Walther P99 version of the plastic BB gun and it looks identical to the real thing! It needed painting in order to make it not look like plastic, but otherwise all of the features of the real gun are accurately reproduced in this "toy."

For yet another source of movie props I recommend Estate Sales. Look to see if there are any auction houses or estate liquidating companies in your area. As an example, here in Northeast Ohio is a company called "Anthem Auction." You can get on their email list and they will send you notices when they are going to be liquidating the contents of a home. Their listing for each location includes numerous photos of the items that will be available. Sometimes they are sold at auction on the premises, sometimes it is just like a house sale. Whatever the case, it can be a great opportunity to pick up some more props for your film, and far cheaper than if you were to buy new, or even rent the prop.

So, these are the places I look to when I need movie props. It's cheaper than renting them in many cases, helps to locate several props at one stop, enables me to find rare, scarce, or otherwise difficult items, and really adds the feel to the film I am shooting. George Lucas made Star Wars look different by giving everything a "used" look. All the items at the flea market provide that look, instead of something shiny and new.

One last thing. You may even find equipment to shoot your film with at the flea markets. I see numerous tripods, work lights, and bucket light fixtures. I even got my Azden SGM-1X shotgun microphone, with isolator fixture, for $50 at a flea market. I saved $100 on that mic. Good hunting!

-Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of this site and don't forget to follow the blog THE MAKING OF A HORROR MOVIE. Thank you!

MOVIE FAN CHAT: The Girl Who Played with Fire, Dexter etc...

2010-08-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Well after seeing The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, we went to see the Girl Who Played With Fire. Now as I wrote before, I have read the books and I can tell you, the Fire one drove me up the wall. I was so upset over the events in the book I could hardly stand to read for very long at a time. I knew things would probably turn out okay but everything just kept piling up against our heroine, who is under the huge looming threat of being forced to live in an institution and her life controlled completely by "Big Brother". If any book would scare you about government officials having control to run your life to "take care of you", this series would do the trick. So I went with a lot of anticipation of build up tension while watching this movie.
It was good, I do like this actress, Noomi, but the terrible suspense of the book was not in the movie. I know many things cannot be transferred from written pages to visual time of movie, but I still think some of this terrible suspense could have been transferred. The huge prejudice of the policemen in the book was terrifying. The overwhelming hatred by one particular officer, who was willing to do anything to bring her down to her knees and even killing her, and who used the press (who was having a field day crucifying the suspect. This particular officer even put suspicion of this press leak on a fellow "female" officer, as he hates women so much. None of this was in the movie, so even though we had the unfeeling "zombie like" killer, and the cold unfeeling father of our heroine who could easily kill his own children, the movie did not convey the overwhelming odds against the girl kicking the hornet's nest. Thank goodness for friends who believed in her!! Otherwise Noomi was doomed for sure, and the movie did show that it didn't turn out well for her in the end. Can't wait to read the third book and see the third movie in the series. Then we have the American version coming up!!! Can't wait to see that too. In the meantime, so see both current movies, Dragon Tattoo, and the Hornet's Nest. You will enjoy I'm sure.

Guess everyone has seen the controversy over the Dodge tv ad using a monkey in the ad. I recognized Dexter's voice in their commercial so I had paid some attention to the ads. Then the monkey turned into invisible and I was a little surprised at the quick change. Then read that some group protested the use of a real monkey in the ad possibly causing more kidnapping of little monkeys in Africa and thus, the invisible monkey. What a world!!!

Speaking of which, we will have Dexter back soon I think. Can't wait to see the story after last season's ending. How did anyone come up with the idea of making a serial killer the main character and hero of a series!!! And how did we all fall under his spell???? What a world!!!!

Till later. Shirl

FILMMAKING: Why You Need to Attend Film Festivals

2010-08-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

On August 6, 7, and 8, 2010, I attended my first film festival, "The Indie Gathering International Film Festival" in Westlake, Ohio. I wasn't screening a film for competition but a 4 minute "experimental art video" I edited was being shown complimentarily by Ray Szuch, the event organizer. Who said there aren't any great humanitarians anymore?

EVEN if there is no other reason for you to go to a film festival, like you can't find a movie that interests you (this is hypothetical as there is no way this can happen), and you don't have anything showing there yourself (which happens.....too often...), there are still lectures and seminars that are given by people that have been successful and are there to help you become successful too.

Some of the seminars require an extra fee, and are most likely worth it. This seminar can be a workshop that can take hours and involves hands on learning from the pros. Lectures can be given by an individual or panels at no extra cost. Here's some examples of lectures that I attended. I couldn't attend them all and some of them were not beneficial to me as a filmmaker, such as the lectures geared towards actors.

One lecture I attended was on filmmaking from a Producer's perspective. This lecture hit on topics such as starting a different company for each film so that any unforseeable negative impacts do not also infringe on any other films you may make. The importance of release forms, location contracts, and all other legal permissions and releases of liability was stressed and examples given of "this would never happen" occurances happening. The speaker, Johnny Wu, also hit on what are considered "background images" that do not require releases when used in your movie and what situations require a release form for the use of a business sign, personal image, or other recognizeable image that appears in your movie. There is a legal distinction and this explains why you can make a pan of Time Square in New York City, and why you cannot use a medium shot of a McDonald's sign if you hold on the sign, without written permission to use this image.

Another lecture was on Guerrilla Filmmaking. This is a low or no budget filming method that enables you to get those shots you need while maybe not necessarily going about it the way everyone (authorities, property owners, etc.) may prefer. One example was a shot of Cleveland that was needed to set mood. It had to be taken in Magic Hour lighting of the sun, and encompass just the right angle of downtown. This was achieved by suddenly stopping their car on a bridge, placing cones around the car, setting up the tripod and camera, taking 2 minutes to get the shot, and leaving. The speakers noted that those orange cones seem to be "police repellants" and none stopped to see what they were up to since they were "properly equipped" for making a stop on the side of the bridge, complete with "safety cones." Another filmmaker mentioned buying a couple security uniforms from ebay and dressing two friends in them for a shoot in Cleveland. The filmmaker was able to shoot in the middle of the Town Square for 10 hours by having the two "security guards" posted at two corners of the square, pacing back and forth as if providing security for the shoot, and police car after police car went past and never slowed or questioned anyone.

There was an attorney present to speak about legal matters in the film industry and field questions anyone had. Hey, free legal service!

Another lecture was about lighting. This was actually a demonstration of lighting 3 different actors in 3 different settings. The principle of 3 point lighting was explained and demonstrated as well as creating candle light with a gel and the fingers from a stage hand, or hands as it were, literally. William Johns also explained how he built some of his own inexpensive lighting fixtures and reflectors.

Another reason to attend festivals is for the networking opportunities. There are few places where you will ever be around that many film people of all walks, experience, and backgrounds. These are people that can give you some advice, provide other contacts you may need, and maybe even help you with your next project. While I was attending this festival with the creator of Ghost Walk, for whom I am Director of Photography, we met Tiffany Apan. She is a wonderful singer who was exhibiting a music video at the festival as well as having a table set up to market her CD's and promote herself. Her voice and style have a perfect "gothic" sound that would compliment our story very well. A song had already been in the works for promotion of the project and we found our singer at the festival!

So, my advice is to attend as many film festivals as you can. You will make connections that will benefit your career, learn a lot about filmmaking from those whom have already had success at it, see some great films possibly from all over the world that you may not otherwise get the chance to see, and come away with a better understanding of this crazy thing called the Film Industry.

- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of this site, and don't forget to follow the blog THE MAKING OF A HORROR MOVIE! Thank you.

DAy 172: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-08-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

As we prepare during pre-production for the set building to break ground - all engines are full steam on for costumes, props, and final storyboard editing - camera shots to be completed before set build begins. Have fun with the new update - we will be featuring key supporters in all future videos - we have an ocean of everyday supporters - be patient and your name will appear in our video blogs as our way of saying thank you and letting you know how important your support is for us and all indie films. Thank you - enjoy - the next update will be very soon and please remember to have all your friends become a member of the site - it helps us tremendously.

MOVIE FAN CHAT: Shutter Island, Date Night, Kick-Ass and more...

2010-08-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Shutter Island. Just watched last night and liked some things, didn't like others. Where was this island situated? In the worst weather area of the world for sure! From seeing inception previews, the deep resonant sound portraying fear and impending doom was recognizable and works for sure. I became a little irriated at the main character's guilt ridden memories and was ready to commit him myself for that alone. Leonardo is not my favorite actor so sometimes I have to overcome my dislike of his facial expressions to remember the character he is portraying. Of course by the end I was not sure what to believe. I remembered the eye contact between "Albert" or the federal marshall?? and various insane patients on the grounds. It was definitely directed at him. And the note specifically for him. Also the amused looks and actions of the staff regarding the doctors present previously. All of this supported the idea he was a patient, etc. But the whole premise was a little silly. I can't imagine any facility allowing that much license and use of all the patients to create an atmosphere for one patient. But it kept me watching to the end. I would have liked a definite ending as to which was true but that's not the trend these days.

Watched Date Night the other night and that was a complete waste of time. Could have been a funny cute movie but it wasn't. The only funny part was the reaction of parties when cars became stuck together. Otherwise, pathetic. I knew better but was hoping for a miracle. A funny movie!!!

Kick Ass was a surprise to me. I actually enjoyed it for a quirky action film. Nickolas Cage is always a blast. He can act so much the nerd pyschopath. I liked the wanta-be hero and the tough little girl. I liked the bad guy's son who longs to be accepted by tough dad but ends up liking the good guys. All in all, a neat little movie!!!

Not much out there right now. I am looking forward to seeing inception, even if it does have Leonardo in it. lol Special effects in previews look awesome. Even though it had excessive violence and the usual shoot em up solution to problems, I will never forget the first time awesome look of the Matrix action clips. Great visual effects!!!

One of my favorite tv shows, Madmen, has started and its great to see all my favorite characters again. Love Dad but hope he gets his act together and quits acting like a real heel. One of the great things about this show is its vintage time. The scene about Don finding out about his good friend and wife of the man whose identity Don stole was great and revealing. He discovers she is the only one who doesn't know she has terminal cancer. The doctor has discussed it with everyone else but her. I had forgotten there was a time when doctors did this. They decided who should know and who shouldn't know about a terminal illness. Forget about patient rights. Hard to believe in this day and time. I love Peggy in this series. The scene with her climbing on her desk to spy on Don was hilarious!! And the cliques everyone believed back then, even the women against women: such as, Peggy must have slept with Don to get the job position she had in the business. And this by a secretary who had slept with the boss.

Isn't the young boy who lives down the street from Don's ex-wife and kids a real creepy kid???? He scared me the first time I saw him in the series and now even more. Be careful what you say in front of this young man!! You may get more than you bargained for! Does Don's ex hate him or what!!! And what a saint her new hubbie is. Wonder how long that is going to last. So many twists and turns in this series, as in all good stories. Can't wait for Dexter to start.

Certain reality shows are great fun. I still love Project Runway, and Design Star, and the newest one, Art Works or some such title. I really enjoyed this one! Maybe because I paint myself and could really connect to the contestants. What an opportunity for these young artists to meet with very influential art promoters, gallery owners, and well known artists in New York. Love Chopped too. Makes me a wreck with the short time period and the usually horrible ingredients but enjoy the show. Aren't those judges really nasty or what???

Being a bit old-fashioned, I still love Survivor and Amazing Race. Can't help myself, just love em!

Till next time.

SHIRL'

DAY 163: MAKING A THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-08-12T04:06:00.000-07:00

So far - so good on the pre-production route for the filming of the movie CRAWL. The heat here is still over 100 during the day - but that won't stop Nikki and I from building the set of the movie within the AC filled warehouse - which - if you watch the video blog below - you will learn lots more about ;-)

Please be sure to become a MEMBER of the site - and if you are already a member - please get at least one friend to sign up - it literally is the lifeblood for Indie FIlms - and - helps so much with gaining screening for the finished movie ;-)

Stay tuned for more updates as the approaching date for filming the THRILLER/HORROR MOVIE: CRAWL is fast approaching!

Thank you much:
Oklahoma Ward

DAY 157: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-08-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Moving forward in pre-production - almost have control central set up/edit bay. A special nod in this video to filmmaker David P. Baker (@davidpbaker) and a glimpse of our unique DSLR camera. It's a hotter than hell video....

DAY 154: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-08-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick update from the state we are going to do our filming in - Oklahoma: so far we have looked at over 15 warehouses/buildings to film in - currently - right before we make the final decision on what building we choose - we are also looking at building a a brand new 30x60x14 foot warehouse with a level concrete floor and bathrooms and edit bay - if we do this - we will be offering the warehouse for Indie filmmakers and Indie projects - for very cheap - and I do mean #extremeindie cheap! For now - Nikki and I are working furiously getting the space for the edit bay up and running - waiting on the AC guy to instal the AC for/becasue it's 107 degree HOT currently - and you all know how G5s react with extreme heat! Here's some footage for you to view of our search for buildings - more updates coming soon as we continue counting down towards filming the movie CRAWL ;-)

Be sure to become a member of the site - becoming a member is free and it helps support independent films/movies - and we all want that lol ;-)

Oklahoma Ward

FILMMAKING: Musclin' - My Short Film - Part 3

2010-07-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

Today, July 31, was to be my first day of principle photography as it was the first time everyone on my cast and crew, all volunteers, could get together on the same day at the same time. Everything was ready, and I had everything I needed, except for the weather. The story takes place on a sunny day and today was not that.

Not all was lost as I now have, as mentioned, all that I need, and time to tweak what was "just good enough for now." Here is how I prepared for this shoot.

In preparation for the shoot I did not have the fortune of having a storyboard program, nor even the time to draw it by hand. However, I do need some sense of what the shots will be, how they will be set up, how to light the shot, and how best to position the camera and get as many of the shots from that position that will be taken, before moving the camera and setting it up again. This is really important during those intercut over-the-shoulder conversations. This is also necessary to maximize efficiency.

What I did was create a "Shot List." This is a list of all the shots I will be taking, the camera position, movement, the angle, distance, and a note of the action for reference. I have never learned or even read HOW TO DO THIS but I came up with a plan that seems to make it easy for me.

The first thing I did was go through the script of the scene I was shooting. I printed a copy of the 5 pages of that scene so that I could write Production notes on the script for each shot. After reviewing all my notes and revising them (You have to get away and come back to spark better ideas) I then wrote them all down on a sheet of paper in the order they occur with the perspective, distance, movement, and minimal dialog reference so that I could relate the notes of the shot I just wrote about to what was happening in the scene. There is a method to my madness. Allow me to elaborate:

First, I wrote down the number of the shot as it occured in order of the scene as if projected. Then I wrote down what type of shot it was, such as OTR for "over the shoulder," LA for "low angle," etc. Then I wrote the perspective; who's shoulder it was from, what the camera was looking at. Then some dialog reference, and some camera movement, if any.

After I wrote each shot I also noted in the column before the number of the shot if it was to be done with the camera on a tripod, stabilizer, or hand held, which would be on the stabilizer but the stabilizer would be held rigidly.

The last thing I did was designate each shot with a camera set-up using letters. This would tell me that while I had the camera in configuration "A," I could get all of these shots. Then when the camera was in position "B" I could get all of the shots labelled "B." Then I could move onto shot "C," and then get 4 more shots in position D before going to position "E" to get the intercut shots that will be mixed with the "D" shots.

Of course if there were to be certain shots taken in a particular position and then another shot that would appear 2 minutes later from that same position I would not shoot the later one at the same time. That could confuse my actors, and me, as to exactly how everyone was standing in order to shoot the next shot that would occur before the later shot. I don't want to throw continuity to the wind.

I didn't get to do this in time but now I do have the time. I will take THIS list and organize it so that all of the letters, and therefore shots, are in the same groups so that I don't have to search across a page to see what all shots I need to take from a certain position. All the A's will be together, followed by all the B's, then all the C's, etc. This should make for a smooth workflow.

I also cobbled together a mic boom pole from a video Indie Mogul posted on Youtube. It utilizes a 9 foot painter's pole with a plastic threaded end for a roller handle. A hole is drilled into the end and a double sided lag bolt is screwed in. On one end is the wood screw type threads, at the other is regular machine screw threads. A nut is then screwed down against the plastic end and secures the screw in place. I then screwed on a flash bounce head that swivels and also has a female hotshoe type foot. Into this I can secure the isolator that came with my Azden SGM-1X shotgun mic. There it is, my boom pole. I sanded the red and white finish with steel wool to remove the shine and painted it flat black so that it looks like a piece of filmmaking equipment instead of a painter's pole.

I fashioned my own camera stabilizer. I will be writing a future article about that. It is still in the prototype stage and it is steady enough for the shots I was going to shoot today. I also learned that switching brands of tape (I have a mini DV camera) can throw off the balance.

I made sure I had all my batteries and they were all charged. I had extension cords, lights, and props all ready. I made a list of everything I needed to take as surely I could not remember it all while trying to consider all things.

I had written an email to a local newspaper to see if they would be interested in covering the shoot. This can come in handy when speaking to Producers, Distributors, and Agents to show you can draw attention, and you have. Unfortunately I did not remember to contact them until Friday evening, so I believe my notice was too short. Well, when you're doing it all something is going to slip through the cracks.

There are small things you have to take into consideration. My AP said he had an XLR cord we could use on my mic. I thought "Great, I won't have to spend the money on a cord this week." I had already spent money on equipment that will be part of my repertoire. Last night I had a thought about it; how long was his cord? My boom was to be 9 feet long, plus length to be strung to the audio recording camera. I gave him a call and he said "8 feet." Well, I am glad I called. I ran out and picked up a 25 footer.

I had masking, electrical, and duct tape because I don't have any gaffer's tape. At Big Lots I picked up a roll of "Caution Tape" for about $3.50.

So yes, I was surprised how well prepared I was for this shoot. I was hoping to have pictures and videos to show you from the shoot but that will have to wait until a later date.

One last thing. If you are going to use a prop gun on a set in the public, be sure to let the local law enforcement know. I called up the Police Station in a small, rural town and told them there would be a prop gun at an ice cream shop in town where I would be shooting video. The officer said "Thanks for letting us know." So far I have had great cooperation from the local Police.

-- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of the site, and don't forget to follow the blog THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM! Thank you!

MOVIE FAN CHAT: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2010-07-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I love the books, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Girl Who Played With Fire, so naturally I wanted to see the movies. So last night I saw Girl with Dragon Tattoo. Of course I know everything can't be transferred from book to big screen but they did a pretty good job. Funny how your mind's image of the characters sometimes doesn't match the movie's pick of characters. I thought the main character, dragon girl, was a pretty good match except I thought she would look younger in the face due to the constant reminder in the book of how young she looked. But I liked the look the movie gave her otherwise. I found the most interesting part of the movie was when she was on the screen. Also in the book we watched her keep her vigil on her evil government parole officer. I thought the movie did a good job on the rape scene and its horrible violence. They did give us a glimpse of bad times in her past but just to tantalize, not to clarify.

Blovist, the misaligned journalist/reporter, and his subsequent unexpected reporting job, followed the book pretty much. I pictured Blovist somewhat older and more staid than he was in the movie, but liked his characterization anyway. Maybe it was because I knew the outcome, etc. but thought the movie dragged a little on this segment of the story. The evilness and the mystery of this strange family group he was working with came across very well. They did cut out the interaction between Blovist and the one sister on the island. Also the movie didn't go into Blovist strange love relationships with his co workers, etc. The scenes where Blovist had been captured by the evil serial killer was very good and filmed very well I thought.

I understand an American version is being filmed. Can't wait to see it also and see who they pick to play the parts. Love to compare same story, different movie makers. I am glad I read the books first and I'm looking forward to the Girl Who Played with Fire. The book kept me in horrible suspense and agony. Be interesting to see if the movie does the same.

Also saw the premiere of Mad Men's new season. Will write something on this later. Until then, see ya.

Shirl'

DAY 145: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-07-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

....and finally - on our way to the movie set location!

...next - renting the warehouse for the set build and setting up the edit studio ;-)

Be sure to become a member here - extremeindie excitement coming down the road friends ;-)

Oklahoma Ward

FILMMAKING: What George Lucas Did to Me - Part 2

2010-07-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

While I was a teenager I of course built models of X-wings and Tie Fighters. I wanted to work in a prop department but other than interest and ambition I knew I didn't really have anything to offer. I got married in 1985 and we had one child right away. My life was now committed to a family life and all the responsibilities that entails. My dream of making movies was put on the back burner while I worried about getting a paycheck. It was shortly after the crash of the economy in 1982 and keeping a job was not easy. I was laid off from 4 jobs in the 1980's alone.

I still researched movie making though and I even worked on several stories. I didn't know anything about script form but I organized my writing in a way that made sense to me. I wrote a couple car movies and one about a demon that wants to go good. None of these got finished, but I still have the writings.

In the early 1990's I started working at Ford. While I was working on the assembly line I got a notion for a story and after defining a few key elements I watched this whole story unfold in my mind over the next 8 hours of my shift. I wrote down the key scenes and then wrote in the filler. This rough draft is finished except for one scene. Again, not in proper script form but I could rewrite it that way now. My story telling was more refined and creative.

Also while at Ford I passed the apprenticeship test and started training as a Toolmaker in the machine trades. This provided me with something I could offer a prop shop; machining skills. The very first thing I made after learning how to make a cut on a lathe was Luke Skywalker's lightsabre from "The Empire Strikes Back." I machined it out of aluminum and copper just like the original. I hadn't even learned how to use the lathe to it's capacity yet, but I knew how to make a cut, and the freedom to make a Star Wars prop as a "learning tool" was all I needed!

About 1998 I spent 9 months at a replica prop forum working with some other guys trying to figure out exactly what Han Solo's blaster looked like in the close-up of him withdrawing his blaster in the Cantina scene in the original Star Wars. I did a screen capture of my VHS movie on my computer that I had installed a WinTV card in to do so. It became famous at the forum and was known as the "Lucasberg Capture," my user name. I even machined a prototype of what I thought the scope mount, the part at issue, looked like. My prototype proved to be wrong, but now I knew.

Ultimately I machined my own scope mount, grill, and muzzle that I used on a die cast replica of a C96 Broomhandle Mauser, along with a real scope. I even soaked the muzzle in a chemical for turning aluminum black, when it says not to do so, in order to make it look like it was burned from hot laser bolts. It smoked and smoldered in the chemical. I think it looks great.

The scope is not 100% accurate, so if anyone has a Compac Superscope I would be very interested! I have also, since this picture was taken, fitted real wooden Mauser grips on the gun.

What next? Darth Vader's lightsabre in the first film was made from an M.P.P (Micro Precision Products) 1930's flashgun. Think of the old press cameras in the black and white movies, with the tall shiny post on the side that had a huge reflector on top for the flashbulb. That post on the side held the batteries for the flash as well as housed the electrical connections. Remove that reflector and you have a lightsabre! Of course the prop department added a few bits to give it more character.

A real M.P.P flashgun was almost impossible to come by, and certainly more than most could afford, only because other Star Wars geeks were looking to get their hands on one. They were made in England but they were a copy of the Heiland flashgun made in the US. I got a 2 cell (2 battery, as opposed to the correct size, longer 3 cell) Heiland flashgun, cut the bottom half off, and added a chrome sink tube to make it longer. The tube was held in place by the clamp in the middle that would clamp the flashgun to the camera. I did not put the Heiland screw-on cap on it because it was inaccurate. Instead, I machined an M.P.P. cap out of aluminum. It's not actually a cap but rather a plug that pressed into the sink tube. I machined it though so that as you look at it you cannot tell it is not screwed on.

The ultimate prop, to me, would be a Stormtrooper blaster. Well, in the movie they were made from a British Sterling MK4 L2A3 submachine gun. It is not legal for me to own a machine gun so I bought a "demilitarized" one.......that means cut to pieces. When the pieces arrived I thought "How the heck am I ever going to get this thing back together?!

Well, what I did was machine a sleeve to reassemble the pieces onto. I TIG welded everything and performed 8 detriments to the gun so it could never be used again, and I won't go to jail. The scope is a real World War II tank scope, just like the ones used in the movie. The aluminum fins are kind of a hybrid of the variations between the first 3 original movies. It is what I remember it to be though, even if it is not screen accurate.

Ultimately, this gun was used by a prop shop in California from which a mold was cast and hard rubber replicas were made. I got one of the first pulls of my gun from the mold as well as a hard rubber replica of an MG-34, which was also used by the Stormtroopers.

I've also made a Luke Skywalker lightsabre from the original Star Wars movie from the same kind of flashgun used in the movie; a Graflex 3 cell flashgun.
Enough about propmaking.
In 2004 my car arrived from Australia. I am building a replica of the Mad Max Interceptor with it. I got a great idea for a back story to the car from the movie. This inspired me to learn proper script form. I got several books on writing screenplays, downloaded a free writing program, and went at it. It took a year and a half before I pronounced it finished. I registered it with the Writer's Guild of America and I also have a copyright on it. I've also got a second script in rewrite.
In 2006, with my kids being grown now, I decided to get a camera and start shooting "something" to learn how to use the camera and how to use the editing program. With computers making editing so possible I saw that there was no reason I could not pursue my dream of making movies! My work being posted on Youtube even caused the owner of a really elaborate project to recruit me to be his Director of Photography.
I started with an old, used, professional level Super VHS camera. Now I have an HD digital camera. I am also acquiring an editing program that is a step up from typical, home use, beginner programs. I shot some things for fun, then made a few videos for contests, and now I am in the process of shooting my short film, Musclin'.
So, this is what George Lucas did to me, all because I went to see his movie back in 1977. If I did not see Star Wars I don't know that I would have done all that I've written about. How was I to know?
- Steve Olander
Don't forget to become a member of this site, and don't forget to follow the blog on THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM. Thank you!

DAY 144: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-07-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Jumping over the last hurdles of
getting to the film set. Beware the alien finger at the end of the video....

Gotta love the indie filmmaker life!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 143: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM CRAWL

2010-07-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

The trials of moving across states for the filming of the movie CRAWL - part of being indie is doing it all yourself. Nikki and I working hard packing up studio and trying to get on location to start building the set for the movie filming this summer.

For the next week or so of vid blogs - the quality will be a bit rough as there will be no finetuning on the G5's - going straight from iPhone to YouTube. Lean and mean indie style baby ;)

YouTube Video

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blindness...

2010-07-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Well it seems yesterday is supposed to be our last day of rain until fall. And horribly hot this coming week. If today is any indication, they may be right! Last night I watched a movie on tv which I had never heard of, etc. and even though it had a lot of problems, it kept me to the end. Blindness, the movie. Directed by the same man who directed City of God, which surprised me no end.

Julianne Moore was the main character in the story. Seems the world was suddenly infected with a mysterious illness, which suddenly with no warning would render the victim totally blind. When it first develops, the people in charge decided to round up all the blinded victims and put them in a concentration camp due to the highly infectious disease. Julianne's doctor husband has become blind so he is condemned to the camp. When the van and all the suited guards come for him, Julianne joins him even though she is not blind.

The camp is of course pretty close to hell on earth. Thousands of blind people with nothing to do but sit and wait for their food allotments to be delivered. Armed guards, gates and fences surround them. Any who protest or try to get out are gunned down. Julianne is in a special hell as she can see all the filth, desperation, and conditions of their surroundings. And her husband is resentful that he is pretty well dependent upon her.

As in all concentration camps, everyone, regardless of their past, their standing in the community, their possessions, are now reduced to a mass of humanity, of all colors, races, gender, etc. And since it happened in a flash, so to speak, there was no chance to try and recover from the shock of sudden blindness. Also since it seems to be an unknown disease, and highly contagious, they become like the lepers of old. Ostracized and outcast from society.

Groups of people are put into wards, with food being doled out to the wards for distribution to the inmates. Naturally one of the wards has a demonic moron leader who finds a loaded gun and after shooting a few rounds, terrifies all. He decides to take all the food and distribute as he sees fit. First he asks for any valuables in exchange for food, then he tells each ward to send their women to him and depending on their performance, food will be sent back with them. Things are going downhill fast and then the bully kills one of the women by beating her to death. Julianne has kept her eyesight a secret from all except her husband. Being able to see what is going on, and the man in charge of this terroism, she finds a pair of sissors and ends up killing the bully. His cohorts know something is wrong with him but, of course, can't see what is happening and who did it. One "yes man" of the bully is an older man, who was blind before the epidemic and thus, has more perception of what is going on around him by sounds, etc. He recognizes her voice but doesn't know what she looks like.

The ward with Julianne and husband has a meeting and decides they are going to fight the evil ward leaders and get their rightful allotment of food, as well as no more mistreatment of their women. The ones who decide to fight join together and led in front by Julianne head for the bad ward. Meanwhile a meek woman in the ward runs ahead of them and quietly sneaks up behind the "yes man" and while he is yelling, "who's there?", she sets fire to a hanging cloth behind him and the evil ward erupts into flames. Julianne and her group turn back and goes to the outside enclosure and are able to open the gates and escape to the outside world. I did not understand where the guards disappeared to, but thought maybe they had developed the disease too and there were no people left to guard the blind, being blind themselves.

So now our adventure is in the city, which is of course pure chaos. Packs of dogs are eating the dead on the streets, people are hunting desperately for food while stumbling through the streets. Supermarkets are stripped of all foods and goods. Julianne and her group find shelter inside a building temporarily and Julianne and her husband go out to find food.  They find a grocery store and Julianne tells her husband to stay outside. She goes in but soon realizes there is no food left, as desperate people stumble through the store, hunting for food. While everyone is stumbling and falling around the store, Julianne sees stairs going down below. She goes down a huge flight of stairs and finds a wealth of food. Loading up as much as she can in two bags (guess she had them with her??) and goes back upstairs.  She tries to go outside to her husband but the people inside hear her and start trying to stop her and see if she has food. She screams and her husband stumbles in and together they fight their way outside and start for their group.

They find their group and lead them to another building upstairs to an abandoned former apartment.  During all this, rain starts coming down and everyone is ecstatic about this. They all stop what they are doing and proceed to bask in the rain. I didn't quite understand this. Has it not rained for a long long time? At first I even thought maybe the rain would be some sort of healing surprise but no, they just all loved the rain. Meanwhile our sturdy group goes out to balcony and take showers in the rain. They gather rain and wash some of the others inside the apt. They pour wine and eat food with candlelight. The next morning as Julianne is making coffee, one of the men in their group is sitting at the counter, and when Julianne sets a cup of coffee for him, he suddenly realizes he is able to see. Everyone is ecstatic about this. Julianne steps out to the balcony, looks at the sunrise and smiles as the picture ends.!!!

As you can see, there are many, many, many questions about this movie. I cannot believe the same person who directed City of God directed this movie. There were a few momentous scenes, such as the tenderness of the women who carried their dead companion from her fatal beating back to their ward and wiped the blood from her and covered her. The compound scenes well depicted the grime and hopelessness of their situation (a faint remembrance of the concentration camp of District 9). But the scenes outside in the city was very puzzling. When Julianne finds the cache of food, there appears to be hanging salami, etc. which she eats. How long have they been there and why have the packs of dogs not found them? I could see canned goods, but how would meat last? Maybe there was a door between the dogs and the food but wasn't sure. And another thing, while sitting in despair and watching the dogs eat dead people, a lone dog and a big one too boot, comes to Julianne. I was worried about this but she just sat there. The dog ends up licking her on the face and goes home with her. What, this was a better than average dog? And I guess dogs weren't affected by this disease. Only animals in the film so I guess all the rest had long disappeared.

As I said, never heard of this movie before, and yet, I watched it. Had to see what happened. Hmmm. Anyone else seen this one?

Shirl'

FILMMAKING: What George Lucas Did to Me - Part 1

2010-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

I was only 13. How could I have known? I thought I was just going to the movies to see a new, exciting film that looked real cool in the commercials on TV, especially that gold robot. Little was I to know that a man named George Lucas was about to shape my life, and I would never be the same again.

Watching this movie was NOTHING like watching any movie I had seen before. It had the feel of a real place instead of a sterile movie environment like other space movies where everything was new and shiny. There were rusting and damaged spacecraft, broken down robots, dirt was in all the usual places of things that have been around, and only the bad guys were wearing real, proper space uniforms. This was a place I could believe in......and I did.

With the new motion control that was created to make the spaceships fly their movement was nothing like I had seen before. There was no indications of strings because, as I found out later, there were none. Chewbacca's mouth looked like it was part of a real face because it jutt out from it but it moved as if it were controlled by the actor inside the costume, and had everything a mouth should have instead of what you usually see on a mask. I knew I was in new territory.

After seeing Star Wars 5 times I had to know how everything was done. I quickly learned about Starlog magazine. It had a much different look and feel back then than it does now. There were great interviews with the people who made the movie, like Special Effects artist Dave Johnson, John Dykstra creating Motion Control camera equipment, Rick Baker who made a lot of the masks and costumes for the characters in the cantina scene, Kenny Baker who was inside R2-D2, Anthony Daniels, and more. There were great behind the scenes pictures too. These are images of my actual magazines from back in the day, which I still have, along with others I bought off of a friend. Click to see the images actual size.

I also learned about a new company, Industrial Light and Magic, that Lucas created in order to develop much of the technology used to be able to shoot Star Wars.

That was it. Something inside me "snapped" and this was what I wanted to do. I wanted to make movies.

For the next several years I read all issues of Starlog (I STILL have them), read Cinemagic magazine, a magazine for home filmmakers with our Super-8mm film cameras. There was neat information on how to do some special effects, camera direction, filmmaking pointers, and blurbs about other people's projects.

At 16 I met another Stars Wars nut, Terry. He and I hit it off immediately. The next thing we knew we were attending a Star Wars convention in Cleveland, Ohio, in costumes which we made ourselves, and we even did leather work to make the belts and blaster holsters. After the convention we started on our own space epic. This was after The Emprire Strikes Back had come out.

On top of a ping-pong table that laid on top of a pool table, we set up "shop." We were creating our own model spacehips by "kitbashing," where you use parts from a number of models (cars, ships, tanks, jets) to create a new piece of equipment, in this case spaceships. We also created a large "mothership" out of pine and balsa woods. Terry was building a balsa wood city. It met an unfortunate demise when he took it home to work on it and the rabbit that his girlfriend gave him for Easter ATE it! To my knowledge, this was the first city consumed by a bunny. Below is an instamatic picture of the wooden mothership under construction and also a drawing of a set to include painted backgrounds and molded hills.

I did pyrotechnic experiments with black powder. I put a small pile on a piece of wet carboard that had a small hole in it. I then covered the black powder with baking powder (baking soda is not white enough) and then lit a match and stuck the flame up through the hole in the wet cardboard. The black powder flashed and put up a tiny mushroom cloud. How cool! The baking powder was burnt as if hit by a laser strike. Yeah, we were on our way.

Sometimes we worked on the project after getting off from my dishwashing job and Terry's pizza making job at 2:00 AM. We would work in the basement of my parent's house until he had to go home to get ready for church in the morning.

We even shot an "experimental reel" of special effects. We built balsa wood buildings, scored the sides so that they would splinter, and then blew them up. First we blew one up with a firecracker. When we watched it on screen, the building was there, then it wasn't. No "high speed" cameras for us. We also tried putting a small pile of black powder on top of the firecracker, covering part of the fuse so that it would light first. We figured we would get a fireball and THEN the explosion. The timing did not work that way. The black powder flashed, the building lifted up and then settled back down, then the firecracker made it disappear again.

Oddly enough, this is a missing reel of film. Neither Terry or I can find it anywhere, even back then. We suspect Industrial Light and Magic felt we were getting too close and they stole it.

Wanting to make movies but not wanting to go to college, or moving from Ohio to California, meant I would not be making movies, or working for George, anytime soon. What I did do, though, was to continue to research filmmaking from then until now. I read books of all kinds, watched and studied many movies, and when DVD's came out I watched the making of the films and watched the films with the commentary with insight from the movie's Director, SFX technician, sound men, and others involved in the making of the film. The internet has also proven to be an invaluable source of info.

In the 1990's I started making my own replicas of the props from the Star Wars movies, mostly the same way George's were made. This is where I will begin Part 2, which will also include my involvement in writing screenplays, getting them copyrighted, and starting my filming career.

- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of this site, and don't forget to follow the blog on THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM! Thank you!

Persons Unknown, The Book of Eli and more...

2010-07-08T23:50:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a really unusual rainy rainy summer here! First it was blazing hot for weeks, then the rains came. What a year! Anybody else keeping up with Persons Unknown? We are, due to the fact that there is nothing else out there right now. Not Lost by any stretch but its interesting enough to keep us coming back. We now know a traitor in the midst and someone has been eliminated!!! Killed, in other words. Sounds like Daddy of the victim is involved with the baddies too!! The victim's death is being hidden from the rest of the group still trapped in the "village."
In fact they are being fed false tv footage to make them think she is alive, well, and happy visiting with her father. Why, we can only guess. To keep them more docile if they think they may have a chance to survive and get back home?? And the new character who was dropped off in town to take the place of the one removed. Turns out she's a "street savvy" girl who was being executed in Texas when she was mysteriously snatched and dropped off in town. When she wakes up, she's a mean mommy!!! Doesn't trust anyone and evidently means to beat up, or kill anyone who gets in her way. But when trapped in the bank vault with our heroine of the series, they end up bonding and watching each other's back.

Meanwhile our "planted" double agent so to speak, has fallen in love with our heroine, and is fighting the "unknowns" in charge to save her. He has turned rebellious against the "big plan", whatever that is. According to the ads, this series is only for the summer, so guess we will find out what's going on as time goes by. I do like the street savvy girl's looks. Interesting looking character. And the plain looking girl who has already told us she is a habitual liar, she appears to be more observant than most of the other characters. She is already suspicious of our double agent. No one else seems to suspect him. Hmmm. We'll see what goes on.

Book of Eli: Saw this since last talked to all and I'm trying to decide if it made any sense or not. Do I really believe a blind man could survive this holocaust world? I don't care how good he is, is this even remotely possible??? In these types of plots, I am always puzzled as to how the top bad guy or woman keeps all the bad asses in line. And how does the Bible represent so much power possibilities? We certainly don't pay much attention to it in this world, why would we in that world.

Talked to other people who have seen this movie and also The Road. Some like The Road better, others, the Book. Both were frightening to me but The Road seemed to have more down to earth problems. It was a little hard to imagine one man in the Book being able to fight off all those bad guys. In the Road, hiding and running seemed to be the mode of survival, although starving to death in the Road seemed to be the inevitable end. I know the ending seemed to make the point of a few decent people still out there trying to band together and care but the optimistism wasn't exactly high in my opinion. Both stories brought up the problem of cannibalism and I guess that would be inevitable. In the Book there were tell tale signs of the people who decided on this path, their hands shook or something. Quite frankly in that world my hands would probably be shaking all the time but not from cannibalism, just fear and worry. In the Road, you just had to find out the hard way who was a cannibal and who wasn't.

I was reminded also of Mel Gibson in Road Warrior. That was a shocker when it first came out and it still can grab your attention. The villains are bad guys in this film. Kids, women, and helpless trapped men were all just great fun to them. You had the impression the world was not quite as devastated as in the Road and Book, but still pretty bleak. Wouldn't be making many road trips in Road Warrior for sure. Gasoline was the big pot of gold they were all looking for, which sounds like our present world, doesn't it? In the other stories, food seemed to be the dire need.

The Book and its importance of the Bible, or literature, was the saving grace for the future. If anyone remembers The Postman, letters became civilizations' item of hope. As I said earlier, I didn't see too much hope in the Road.

Well on other things. Saw a bit of Inside Daisy Clover the other night on tv, after all Robert Redford and Natalie Wood are fun to look at. Believe me, even their looks couldn't keep me watching this mess! Talk about every clique in the book!!!

Saw a little bit of A Face in the Crowd. Movie made an impact on me when I was young. Scared me to think we were all just stupid people being manipulated by the media or entertainment factor. Great vehicle for Andy Griffith to star in. Hard to believe anyone could be attracted to his Lonesome Jones character but who knows human nature. Sometimes made you wonder if our Mayberry Sheriff was as nice as he appeared to be!!! lol

Thats it for now. Talk to you later and looking forward to the filming of your new moive, CRAWL.

-SHIRL'

ACTORS TIP: It's getting closer...

2010-07-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

We officially started moving out of the edit studio as of yesterday - and I couldn't help but get giddy at the thought of what's happening - we're packing to head off and film a movie! I can't wait to get to Oklahoma and start building the set and start getting to physically be "in" the world I'll be living and acting in.

Now, this may sound strange - but besides physically - I've already started making small changes in my personality and my lifestyle to start feeling more like the character in the movie I'll be playing:Tank - and it's so freeing! See, all my life I've been the type of person who cared a lot what people think of me. I'd never leave the house with my hair a mess or without my makeup on. I always had to be presentable - and I guess it was my way of feeling accepted. Even going to the gym - which didn't happen often back then - I would make sure my clothes were just right - my hair - tight in a ponytail with hairspray so I didn't have any wispy hair sticking out. I felt that if I didn't look good - people would judge me. Make fun of me - or - I don't know. Anyway - point being - it was this inner fear of just being myself and being ok with that which I lived with.

Needless to say - when I learned a bit about the character I would be playing - I knew I couldn't have ANY of that fear lingering in my personality. Tank is confident and strong. That's what I needed to be. That's not to say that Tank doesn't come with her own set of issues - but that's for me to internalize and handle the way she would.

So - I started making changes. I remember the first day I did it - I was going to the gym - I woke up at 4 a.m. (and let's be honest here - who looks good at 4am? NOT ME!) and instead of taking 30 minutes to make sure my pants weren't wrinkled - my shirt looked good with my pants and my hair wasn't a mess - I just threw on some pants and a baggy I love NY shirt - tossed my hair in a messy bun and walked out the door. All the way to the gym I was anxious about it - thinking I looked horrible. Once I got there - I realized something - no one was looking at me funny. No one was laughing. No one was pointing - instead - they all just went on working out and being focused on themselves. All of that stress and worry for nothing! It was such a freeing moment for me - and I haven't looked back since.

Suddenly I had found this new - confidence - in myself and the people around me. Now - when I'm getting ready - if I don't have time - or even if I just don't feel like putting make up on - I just go. And you know what - people are just as nice - just as accepting as before. I even made some new friends at the gym! :)

There is a point here... this just goes to show that there is so much more involved in acting than just memorizing the lines and pretending to be someone else. For me - if I didn't feel it - that would come across on screen and I would seem fake - or that I was just "pretending" to be confident - and I didn't want that. I know some people say actors are crazy - and I'm not saying you need to go out and kill someone to play a killer, or take drugs to play a drug addict - but you do have to find a way to relate to that state of mind of the character - and make that part of you internally as an actor - feel the character. I feel a good role can teach you something - not only about your craft - but also in your personal life, therefor making it possible to give a genuine performance. I still have a long road ahead of me - and a lot of preparation to do - but hey - one step at a time. And this was a big step for me.

On a personal note - I think this could help people in their every day lives - even if you aren't an actor - just doing something that you are afraid of - or anxious about - can change your whole outlook on it. Suddenly you'll be wondering to yourself why you were so afraid in the first place.

That's all for now - thanks for reading! :)

-Nicole

DAY 110: MAKING THE THRILLER/HORROR FILM: C R A * *

2010-06-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Day 110 - and all things are moving along fast in pre-production. As Craig flew up and over from Austin to LA packing along with him the camera we a considering using - we decided to tackle the questions we had about using this new Indie darling - the 5D. Here is the result of the test footage - shot at 2am in the morning - with minimal - and most of the time - no artificial light.

Well - tons more pre-production info and more test footage/camera discussion coming very soon - and look out for the official thriller/horror movie site page - the official name of the movie - kickstarter campaign - auditions - music video - viral campaign - set build - artwork - all coming soon my friends - and most of all - THANKS for the support ;-) I mean that. Now - back to making a kickass scary movie for ya'll to enjoy ;-)

Oklahoma Ward

FILMMAKING: A Slick Way To Fund Your Project

2010-06-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

In this post you will learn about a method of funding your feature film, short film, trailer, documentary, or whatever creative project you may have. You can gain funding without bending to an investor because this method is not about investors. You will have to do some work to garner pledges, but it's for something you love and are passionate about, so you are doing this already. It's called Kickstarter.com .

Kickstarter.com helps you to raise funding for your project, whether you are a filmmaker, musician, designer, writer, athlete, adventurer, illustrator, promoter, or other type of creative, kickstarter.com has helped many of these projects gain the funding needed.

The way it works is by creating an account, putting up info about your project, entering the amount you need to raise, make rewards available for pledges of certain amounts (tangible or intangible), and then promote yourself. You can raise more than your goal if your goal is met early.

To make things fair for everyone it is an "All or Nothing" proposition. Either you raise the full amount of your goal or you get nothing, which also means the people that pledge money to your cause will only be funding a project that will be fully funded, or their pledge will not be collected. Pledges are paid with a credit card and are charged as soon as the goal is met, and not before. You also specifty a deadline, up to 90 days, to raise these funds.

So why do this at kickstarter.com? Because they have been around, have credibility, notoriety, and clout. The fee for their service is 5% of funds raised, only for fully funded projects. Otherwise you pay nothing if you don't meet your goal.

I learned about kickstarter.com through the organization for which I am Director of Photography. Take a look at the "Ghostwalk" project page and see the layout with the project description, rewards for pledges of certain amounts down the side, a place for a trailer or other video or poster of your project, ways to promote the project through social media, and a running tally. Some of the rewards are significant with a copy of the shooting script, the opportunity to be present during shooting, dinner with the cast and crew members, signed artwork, and all the way to an Associate Producer credit for those with the pockets for it!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostwalk/ghost-walk-movie-trailer

We at Ghostwalk are looking to raise $6,000 to shoot a trailer of the first movie. The project entails 3 movies, 3 books, internet content, and live events. There are three Producers that have taken extreme interest in the project but need something to see. At least one of the Producers is currently "very hot." The Ghostwalk story is as complex, if not even more so, as the Harry Potter series. Amazingly rich with characters, a Victorian era story with elements of intrigue, supernatural, spiritual, and societal that have never been combined before, historically accurate in Victorian northeast Ohio with actual historical locations. The entire crew is a committed and passionate group of volunteers all hand picked by Rocky Karlage, the creator of this incredible phenomena. The story is inspired by actual experiences with a reoccuring apparition that has been witnessed several times over the past 40 years, but that is just a small part of the story.

Though we are all voluteers it does not mean we are a motley crew. Renowned horror artist Billy Tackett has created several Ghostwalk logos. Graphic novel artist Tony Vardon has contributed to hash out the look and feel of the story as well as stepping up as Art Director. Artwork by Monica Trica has been graciously licensed to Ghostwalk as well. Paula Pollacchi has taken time from her professional occupation as a Video Editor to create some incredibly animated composite images with the conceptual artwork in the making of the Ghostwalk Art Video, which I edited.

If you'd care to learn more about Ghostwalk, the story, the developmental artwork, the crew, and the characters in their world we'd love to have you at our site! Just click the banner below, and prepare....

Take a look through www.kickstarter.com and see if it is for you. It has certainly been the way for many others!

- Steve Olander

DON'T forget to become a member of this site, and don't forget to follow the blog on THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM. Thank you!

MOVIE FAN CHAT: Breaking Bad, The Tudors and more...

2010-06-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! Talk about a teaser ending last night on BB. Jesse, Jesse, Jesse!!! Didn't think you were ever going to pull that trigger. And then I think, why am I egging on a unprovoked killing of a relatively innocent man. I know, I know, he was making meth and surely knew the possible consequences but still, he wasn't threatening Jesse. Do you think I will be waiting next season with bells on?? You betcha! Questions abound. Will chicken man take revenge on the scumbag attorney? Will chicken man threaten Walt's family? Guess the kitchen homey meals with chicken man ended last night, right? I loved the old flashback of Walt and wife contemplating the purchase of a home and expecting first child. Walt says, "Why can't we go overboard on price, things will only go up from here." What innocent dreams and optimism we humans harbor.

The Tudors. Henry is getting older and much more feeble. The Queen is walking a perilous path on a narrow walkway. Do you think any of us today would stick by our religious or moral convictions in the face of the possible horrible consequences of that time? Both men and women can exhibit great courage at times, can't they? Just watching the horrible tortures and deaths is hard for me, can't even imagine the real deal.

As stated before, does this series make you think twice about any possibility of losing our precious protection in law of this country? Those laws which we casually yell about and which probably help many a criminal go loose, those laws are for us.

Understand Madmen will be starting new season soon. I'm sure Dexter will be following sometime. Big Love must be in there somewhere.

Till tomorrow.

SHIRL'

MOVIE FAN CHAT: This and that...

2010-06-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hello again. Not much to report on. Having seen much since the last time. Watched SYTYCD, both the notifications and the first show. I'm not too happy about 6 guys and only 5 girls. What's the Deal? I'm surprised none of the girls haven't complained about this. Is there going to be two winners this year, one guy and one girl, or just one winner, which gives the guys a little edge here. What's the deal, Nigel???? Also not too crazy about the experienced top former dancers dancing with the new contestants. Hopefully it will be better in future but watching the various dances, it was very hard for the viewer to pick out the current contestants from the others on the stage while dancing. Added was the difficulty of seeing the dancers against the background lights which in effect back-lit the dancers but obliterated almost everything but their silhouettes. Great for artistic effect but hard to do any judging. But overall it is great to see the fabulous dancing and routines.

Selling New York is fun to watch and amazing to me. The prices of some of these homes/apartments is staggering. I wish the program was longer than 30 minutes at a time. Just gets started when its time to go. Hope they follow up on some of the homes still available at end of program. New Yorkers are great about their enthusiasm for walking and climbing stairs!! Gorgeous Big spaces available in the middle of the city, with fabulous views of the city. Multitudes of windows....with outdoor space galore too. Money seems to be able to buy anything.....I know, I know, can't buy love, but everything else seems to be game.... I envy the investor groups who are buying up brownstones to renovate into family home units. If I were younger, and had lots of investment money, that would be fun and exciting I think. And the Hampton places......unbelievable homes with ocean shores outside the windows. How lucky those people are who can afford these gorgeous homes. My mind staggers at the $25 to 28 million dollar prices. By the time the show ends we are looking at 1.5 million condo apts in the city as hardly more than basement bargains. What a world!

Then there is Millionaire Listing show with three young agents who sell in California which I love too. Interesting to see the difference between their properties and clients, etc and the New York crowd. Older crowd in NY, younger more casual group in California. Looks a little like old money versus new money. New York crowd wants big kitchens with family and entertainment top on the list. California groups wants big space for all the recording equipment and entourage space. All the rest of us in between just want a nice home with all the amenities. But its great to see all the diversity.

I see The A Team and Karate Kid remakes are coming out soon. Glad to see Chan working on different story line. I always loved his great personality that jumped out from the screen. Don't anyone tell me he's a bastard really, it would break my heart. I was never an A Team fan of the tv series, mostly because I wasn't crazy about the lead guy, George. But the movie with new actors might be fun for summertime no brainer action film. And who can resist the Karate Kid story. We all want to see the bad guys, young or old, get their just comeuppance.

Well until another movie viewing, or another tv show...

SHIRL'

FILMMAKING: Musclin', My Short Film: PART 2

2010-06-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

To update the progress on my film, the unexpected set-back of everyone's schedules has been a positive event in disguise. This has given me the time to acquired the Canon HV30 high def camera I mentioned in my last post, in new condition, for $400 off the regular retail price. I've also secured permission to shoot at the ice cream stand.

I got the camera from, where else, ebay. You have to read the auctions carefully to know which camera is a good buy. It has a "CINEMA" mode that produces a film camera look, and along with a 24p (24 frames per second) frame rate, just like film, it produces an absolutely amazingly rich look with vibrant colors. There are many videos on Youtube and Vimeo that have been shot with this camera with amazing results. I recorded myself cleaning up a rowboat I am putting up for sale just to have something to play with and see how I can make it look.

I met with the owner of the ice cream shop that I feel is a geat location for the confrontation between the Hero and the Villain in my story. As soon as I mentioned I was making a short film to enter into festivals, and I thought their humble shop would make a great scene, she got a HUGE smile on her face. She was very interested in their business being in a film, and also the opportunity for publicity. Her daughter, who works the window, asked if she could be the one to give the food to the guy. I said "sure", since it is what she does anyways. She has "work experience."

I stopped by the Sheriff's Office and though I was expecting something like a small Police Station I instead found a hole in the wall with a locked door. I'll have to give him a call on the phone.

I stopped by the gas station I want to use and spoke with the manager. She gave me the business card of the VP of the company that owns the station. I will be calling her tomorrow on my day off.

I have made changes to the script about 4 times since it was "finished." Oklahoma Ward has made comments in this blog about how it seems even though a script is finished, it is never really finished.

So now I am designing a crude, but effective, camera stabilizer for the Canon HV30. I have drawn another design for one but I don't have the time to do all the engineering and prototyping before shooting this film. Though that design is much more sofisticated the "quick" design should be as effective as I need it to be while shooting "Musclin' ".

I also need to write up a contract between me and the ice cream shop owners. I explained this to her so that there would be a complete understanding of all the terms and conditions. I have sample contracts which I can just make changes to in order to better fit my circumstances. This is needed to assure my free use of their business, their business sign, and their permission forever to use the footage at my discrection, in every current and future medium, indefinately. I also have contracts for individuals. This also falls under that "cover your butt" topic I had in another post.

Slowly but surely progress is happening. I just recovered from a computer glitch that put me out for over a week, but there was no upside to that, unlike the scheduling set-back.

- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of the site, and don't forget to follow the blog THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM! Thank you.

MOVIE FAN CHAT: Daybreakers, Justified, Reasonable Doubt and more...

2010-06-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we watched Daybreakers the other night, not knowing what to expect, and it was interesting to say the least. Sometimes the plot got a little confusing but overall it was different from most vampire movies. There was some gory looking over the hill vampires, who turned into scary monsters even to the general population of vampires from lack of real blood. But the movie didn't depend entirely upon scary distorted makeup to carry the movie. Oddly just watching vampires in suits and ultra sleek settings, drinking their cocktails of blood, bloody coffee and so on was hardest of all to watch for me. Same in District 9. That cat food in the cans being gobbled up by the aliens and half alien was very hard to watch. I had to tell myself its not real blood in Daybreakers and not real cat food in District 9. Funny how small images can really get to you.

There were several other items thrown in the movie for both the electric car lovers and the vintage hot movin cars so dear to most men's hearts. One thing was not used in the film, sex. There were no naked women or sex scenes. We had the big brother effect, Sam Neill's group, (the overall vampire population and their police goons), the mutated cannibalistic underground vampires (enemies of all they met), the sympathetic vampire (Ethan Hawkin) who did not choose to become vampires but had been tricked or forced into vampire status, a very small pocket of real humans, and at least one human (DeFoe) turned vampire, turned back into human. I would have loved to see the script being written on this one.

Also watched Reasonable Doubt the other night with Michael Douglas, etc. So so movie but at least it was better than tv that night. This is a terrible time for tv. Always interesting to see big time actors' path after they reach an age where they can't get the big roles anymore. But their name at least helps the movie to be picked up and watched. And these movies help the young actors who are trying to make a name for themselves.

Well I'm sure everyone who is a fan watched Justified last night. They have successfully set up the next season for new bad guys and new challenges to Raylan. Was this the end of Boyd too? We are led to believe he will not survive, his loss of faith, his loss of father (however bad he was), his loss of friends and followers, his wounds, and his fight with the baddie who is getting away. Will be interesting to see if Boyd appears next season.

We were also led down the path to more relations between Raylan and his ex wife, now leaving her second husband. Not my choice but who knows. The bad girl, told by Raylan again to leave the area, agreed to do so this time with conviction but who knows. After all who is left to harass her now? If she leaves it is because the series wants to bring in a new love interest for Raylan. I was surprised that Boyd attacked his father without a better plan to protect himself and his congregation. Did he not know his father would come with guns blazing? I kept expecting a surprise attack from the ground or trees from Boyd against his father during the beating scene. But at the end I realized the plot had to have Boyd join Raylan against Boyd's father and the bad guys. I thought the episode was a good one and it kept me going all the way. Looking forward to a next season.

The Good Wife was another rerun. When are they going to show the finale or did I miss it? I like this series and especially the heroine of the series. In fact I like most of the people in this story except, of course, her convicted husband, now out with an anklet. I like the story of the lawyers and assistants, as well as the addition of law cases thrown in. Hope this series continues next season.

Well I will be glad when Toy Story III is out on tape. Don't laugh but that has been one of my favorite animated series. Shrek I was good but haven't really followed the rest, even though it seems to be a popular series of films.

By the way, did anyone watch the pilot on tv: Persons Unknown. Out of desperation and after much switching around, we started watching the pilot on NBC the other night. Kind of interesting story, even though I kept wondering if they were trying for the mystery of Lost. The premise of people being kidnapped while unconscious and all dropped into some unknown town located no one knows where. I can tell you its not another Lost pilot by any stretch but it did offer some tempting watching. We've been introduced to various personalities, some which are typical stereotypes: the yelling gun pointing bully, the soldier, the cool head guy, the attractive mother, the older nurturing/nurse figure, the yelling wanta be leader, and various non faces. The strange kinda weird additions are all the Orientals in the chinese restaurant. What's this about?

Also we have the sub plot of the reporter looking into the disappearance of one of the abducted women (probably the lead woman in the group) and her small child who was left behind. The child is being raised now by grandmother, and who we learn was not a good mother to her own child (the abducted woman). During the episode we are shown evidence of this scene being watched by someone, as well as the town and its new inhabitants. Who are the watchers? Aliens, evil humans, evil governments, or who?

We know some mind games are going to be played as suggested by the scene of fortune cookies being given to our victims. Many read their fortune cookies but some didn't, using the excuse of only numbers, or so on. Later our group is met by an unknown desk clerk who has assigned hotel rooms to each. At the closing of the show, the abducted woman with small child left at home, looks at her hidden fortune cookie and it reads: Kill your neighbor and you will be free. Hmmm.

Will they all be turned against each other for favors? Will our abducted mother choose to kill another innocent victim to obtain her freedom? Or at least try? Only time will tell about that and how this series develops.....

SHIRL'

MOVIE FAN CHAT: Trailers - what you want is..!

2010-06-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

We are bringing another question to you - the fans - because we are listening to what you think and want!

Entertainment Discussions View Results

MOVIE FAN CHAT: Breaking Bad, Justified, Tudors, The Road...

2010-06-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

Well I don't know what everybody else thought but I thought Breaking Bad was awesome!!! Did Jesse show his courage and convictions by standing up to the chicken man and his Mafioso sidekick! I was worried to death about this plan to use the streetwalker to poison the two street thugs, THEN when Jesse was picked up by the two bad guys and driven to remote location, I really thought his time was up! Especially after the serious talk about "no half measures" to our hero. I thought Jesse was a goner for sure. Then when he is taken up for the meeting with all present and realizes he has been sold out by his "partner", did you feel the anger and disgust and the fight to control himself. How did you like the handshakes forced upon him with the two thugs. But if that wasn't shocking enough, then the killing of the 11 year old boy and young brother of Jesse's current girlfriend!

Did the chicken man mean this to happen when he told his two street thugs "no more kids!"? And the last segment of this week's showing was show stopping to me!!! Jesse's desperate drug taking attempt to get his courage up to kill the thugs himself on the street, knowing he would be killed. His walk toward them and their readiness with guns to defend themselves when out of the blue Walt's car appears and runs down the two thugs. And then, while Jesse is standing in total unbelieving shock, Walt gets out of the car, and very very deliberately and cooly kicks one of the thug's gun away, walks over, picks it up and shoots him in the head!!! Looking up at Jesse, Walt says "Run" and the scene ends. What a ride through ups and downs.

Walt's constant worry, constant hesitation, constant inability to make a decision, and his constant tries to avoid confrontation was wiped away instantly when he finally fights his conscience to the surface and makes a decision to act!! Of course now we are all stunned at the possibly consequences of going against the cold methodical chicken man. What is going to happen to Walt and Jesse??? We cannot wait to find out.

Also let's jump back to his brother in law, Hank, and family. Is his wife fighting tooth and nail, and using sexual powers of a woman to bring him back to his fighting self?   By fighting I mean his fight to get his health back and return to life with some backbone courage. What a mate to have! I love the way in this series we learn a lot about all the characters in the story. Courage, deceit, sacrifice, and self preservation surfaces in all of them. For instance the courage and fight of Hank's wife is wonderful but we also see her fear and deceit about where the money is coming from, etc. being diverted away from Hank's inquisitive questions to his nephew. We all know Hank will find out about this phony story about Walt's gambling making tons of money and he is not going to buy that story!!! Will that revelation be part of the stimulus to get Hank out of bed and fighting for his health back, as well as his wife's pushing?

And what about Walt's wife and her insistence in laundering the drug money Walt is making? What a switch there!!  I can't wait to see how this works out. Guess she has forgotten all about her boss and lover. All that money makes a difference, doesn't it?

Well, can't wait to see how this series develops. It would be a little hard to keep the series going without Walt and Jesse (although Jesse could leave and the series still survive but then who would get our hero into hot water?) and all the rest of Walt's family, so we know somehow Walt gets out of this latest sinkhole! Jesse we don't know. Great series but nerve wracking!!

Justified: This series has gradually grown on me. Raylan drives me crazy with his weakness for women but then I'm a woman and probably don't understand that. lol I did like the cleaned up and prettier look of Ava Crowder in this episode. Don't like his ex wife's hop into Raylan's bed behind hubby's back. But Raylan went along with it.....evidently can't help himself....hmmmm. Boyd Crowder...what is he doing? Does he want to be killed by his mean daddy or doesn't Boyd want to kill his dad. And does Boyd really want to wipe out drug dealing in his neighborhood? Murder and mayhem doesn't seem to bother him, why drugs?? Is this just another part of his reborn act or what? I really like this actor. Loved his church scene. Crazy.....   Hope this series continues to go up and keep stories interesting. Will see what develops.

The Tudors: Well I have enjoyed this series very much. Interesting on many levels, sex, politics, religion, backstabbing, murder, schemes, diseases of the times (we just want to scream, hygiene!!, hygiene, hygiene!!!) Old King Henry is getting older, sicker, and more demented regarding his personal desires for revenge, power, and land. We know from history this story has to go this way but hate to see this rapid decline. And what about all those vengeful religious leaders! They just love burning people at the stake!! Now they have their eyes on the new Queen. I did like the one's lines when he learns the Queen has appointed her own personal religious leader (as he believes in religious reform), ..."And I thought the Queen was supposed to be intelligent!" Have to agree with that statement....we know the Queen is aware of all those previous Queens being beheaded, etc. and that Mary, the King's oldest daughter, is a stanch Catholic, so what does she do immediately when she becomes Queen. Start promoting religious reform!!

Mary has made her passionate promise to restore the old church when she becomes Queen and ruler of England. This to her oldest and staunchest ally, the emissary from the Emperor, who has gout so bad he is literally crippled (we want to scream, quit eating all that rich food!). Elizabeth, the second daughter of King Henry and Anne Bolyn, whose mother started the reform of the church, as we know from history is the one who outlasts and rules the land, Our present Queen wants to keep Elizabeth on the path to the reform of the church and asks this of Elizabeth's personal tutor (and of course, asks in secret and that it be kept a secret. Starts out with "I know I can trust you!") What planet were these people from?

And doesn't the Duke who is one of the King's oldest friends (as close as any friend of the King can be) just get better looking as he ages?? Of course he doesn't show his age too much on this series. Now he has brought home a french maiden who he captured on the battlefield and has fallen head over heels in love with. I know his wife has ignored him for years and doesn't love him any more, but still. Bringing home another woman to the homestead doesn't seem too wise.

Rain this morning, starting with a storm. But supposed to have heat heat heat and sunshine this afternoon. See you later.

SHIRL'

MOVIE FAN CHAT: The Road and more...

2010-06-07T04:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we watched the Road last night. I had read the book as mentioned earlier and I have to say the book was very intense and frightening to me. I did not have the same feeling during the movie. There were good scenes and the backgrounds were good. But I didn't like the overly sentimental music during the tender scenes. In the book I was scared the entire time they spent in the "stocked cellar or bomb shelter". It was a godsend but also a trap if caught there. The boy's apparent non fear of the horror around them, such as sadistic rapists, murderers, and cannibals, make me a little angry. I know we should look for goodness in the world but hey, consider the circumstances!!!
I understood the boy wanting to give food away but his complete disregard to be quiet when hiding from the "bad" guys drove me crazy. He and his dad argued so loudly while hidden upstairs while the cannibalistic family was in the house with them seemed very unrealistic. Also in the book it emphasized the hunger and the thinness of the two travelers. They didn't appear that skinny to me in the movie. I know you can't starve a child for the movie but they could have made their faces more gaunt like. Also the ending of the movie varied from the book. When the father dies in the movie, they are not aware of the "family" nearby. In the book the father and son meet the "family" before the father dies. Thus, in the book the father dies knowing his son will be watched over, as much as humanly possible, by the new "family." In the movie I had to ask myself, would I leave my young, obviously yet unprepared son to live by himself in this horrible new world of starvation, loneliness, terror and possibly terrible torture and death to wander down the road alone? Or would I take him with me, being death of course? We all know through history parents or parent has killed a child or children rather than leave them alone and defenseless in the face of impending doom. We all hope we would never have to make this terrible decision but when this has happened, we have not completely condemned the parent. I guess each situation requires its own decision. In some cases such as the Japanese mothers who threw their babies over the cliffs and then jumped after them to save their children and themselves from the horror of being captured and tortured by American troops (what they had been told by their superiors), the mothers who did not kill themselves and their children made the right decision. But we all know there have been cases when the survivors and their children suffered horrible tribulations and death. So, as I said, a tough tough decision we all never want to make.

Also during the movie my husband kept saying, why are they going down the road? Where are they going? Good question, where were they going? And why? Did they think there was a better place somewhere down the road? Had they heard something in the past to suggest a better place somewhere? I knew they were going south in the hopes of warmer temperatures but there was no mention of a better place somewhere. Also what was the uplifting of the earth when all the big trees where falling all around them? For a wild minute I thought shades of the latest War of the Worlds when the underground machines appeared from the earth. I assumed it was just the big trees falling over and their roots upturning the earth but it didn't appear that way. Not sure of that scene.

SHIRL'

MOVIE FAN CHAT: 2012, S.Y.T.Y.C.D etc...

2010-06-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well as you can see we didn't have much to watch last night so we rented 2012. Figured it would just be good old fun to watch all the special effects. Well, as it was just my husband and I, it worked. I know it was corny, unrealistic, and just plain crazy but it was hypnotic watching all those building, rows of houses, and huge sinkholes going off on cue. Then in the middle of all the chaos we received a call from a friend who said, Did you see the Special Bulletin just a few minutes ago? We said no, what was it?

Seems our local news broke the story that a series of sinkholes had just happened on a major highway between Peoria and Lewis and the whole area was being shut down, etc. They didn't know yet if anyone had been hurt but would reveal more later. We said huh? and looked at each other. Was this a joke? But how did our friend know we were watching a disaster movie? Then we thought, the beginning of 2012!!! Gave us an eerie feeling for a few seconds. So we shut down the movie and turned to the news. Seems the one sinkhole (not a series of them) was about 12 ft by 27 ft and going. Turned out one car fell into hole but was pulled out, no one hurt. And also found out later that it was an area being bored underneath for a pipe, etc. So we signed a sigh of relief and went back to watching the whole world falling in. Shades of a plot for a movie, interruptions by Special Bulletins! Didn't Orson Welles already do that???

So after watching the world fall apart, we watch So You Think You Can Dance auditions. Always fun to watch and amazing too. Not just some of the fabulous talent but the ones who only think they can dance!!! Amazing to see the talent we have across the country.

We checked out The Road and Elephant King. The book, The Road, was great. Curious to see how they handled the movie. Probably not as good but thought I would try it. Some of us watching have not read the book so we'll compare the two viewpoints. Elephant King I don't know but the story didn't look bad. Have found some great little gems that way. Cold Souls for one. So until later. Have saved Justified for tonight.

SHIRL'

MOVIE FAN CHAT: HARDCORE HORROR FAN QUESTION!

2010-06-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Years ago I watched as a horror film was finished and the heads of the studio made the director re-cut 15 minutes of the movie - claiming that if he could not explain within the additional footage a backstory on the alien - they did not want the movie because horror fans demand to always know the story behind/about the alien/monster or villain. The director fought to not include the footage - but finally gave in for the studio heads didn't budge on this.

We decided to bring this questions directly to horror fans. Please be honest and think back on your favorite horror movies - Vote - and feel free to explain your answer below in the comment section too!

Thank you for your help and opinion! We are listening.

In a horror film - do you need to know the backstory... » ProProfs Polls
Tags : horror movie survey

DAY 092: MAKING THE HORROR FILM * * A * *

2010-06-02T03:28:00.000-07:00

  DAY 092 of pre-production on the movie we are filming this summer: where does all the time go - well - it goes by with all the work. So far - the script - storyboard - and the research on camera/camera formats/camera codecs - and - distribution requirements/paths and strategy - have eaten up all the time. That is what it takes if an actual valid distribution path is desired for your movie. If a valid path to distribution - which involves any type of theatrical run - is not your goal - this article is not for you - continue making movies my friend and following your path for what you want for your movie ;-) But if a "valid limited and/or major theatrical" distribution path is something you want - here is what I can share - when I sat down with my distribution person - they asked me one simple question - and it's one you should ask yourself BEFORE you make your movie - what do you want - my answer

to the distributor was such - I want a limited art house theatrical run - they said - it will take a year to year and a half to gain an audience following large enough to warrant that type of investment. Now - who is going to do that - do all that work to gain an audience - not them my friend - you are.

  Making a movie and just throwing it out there may have worked five to ten years ago - but not today. Why is that - why is not making a movie enough anymore. Simple - market saturation. Just five years ago simply making a movie may have been enough to garner a look at your product by the people who control a movies path - those pesky money investing people who guard and handle distribution - not today.

  Why - well - five/ten years ago - actually making a movie was a huge financial technical money eating feat. And don't toss Robert Rod'z at me - the REASON he garnered attention was the fact I am actually stating - people were stunned he could do it for the money he did - that's why they looked at his product. Not anymore. Not today. With the ability of making a movie via computers/editing programs and cameras - now so affordable - everyone and anyone - can and is - making a movie. And while I am very happy that those tools are finally available for all those people who in the past were not able to make a movie due to lack of funds - on the flip it has created - what I call - a movie crap pool. What do I mean by that - well - 85 to 95 percent of the movies being made right now via the true indie - have-no-money-but-have-a-youtube-account-and-a-camera-and-computer - have no chance whatsoever of ever garnering a theatrical run distribution deal - for one simple reason - they don't know what they are doing or talking about - or taking seriously - the path to distribution. They are throwing together movies and tossing them out to festivals - getting in some backyard barnyard festivals - spending their money for posters and such - and then - those very same movies are sitting in their dvd players in their living room - collecting dust.

That's not even to say that some of those movies are not even that bad - in fact - some are pretty damned good. Some - not most. And even those very rare good ones - those movies are being viewed by uncles and relatives and a few good friends - but not you and I and him and her. ( And before you jump on the - well how do you know train - because I was one of those - thought I knew how it worked ppl - had a meeting with reality - put my big boy pants on and talked with Hollywood - met with ppl who actually handle distribution - paid for a professional valid consultation with Peter Broderick via advice I received from Ted Hope - Peter, very frankly told me how it works - and how he loved my movie - but distribution is not about how great your movie is - rather - where is the fan base? )

  See - distribution is the key holder - they control the game - and while you may shout about how we need to take control of distribution - as an Indie Filmmaker - and change the playing field and so and so and on and on - here's the thing - distribution takes MONEY. It's all about the money. Big money. Valid distribution companies have to pay BIG money to get your film out to the people. That my friend takes a lot of money. A lot. Quickly here's the thing to consider - take yourself for example - post a blog - post a video on youtube - post anything - how many views can you get? 100? 1000? Maybe. Let's say you get 5000 views - real views - not computer generated views - if I were to walk down the street and take the name of your product/video/blog and ask 1000 random people about your vid/film/product - are they going to be able to name it? Will they know of it? If they don't - you have failed to do what valid distribution companies are doing - for they have to get your product in/on the minds of millions of people - they have to motivate those people to interact with your product - they have to motivate people on a mass scale to - get off the couch - out of the house - travel to your product - and PAY to see it - and/or - rent it. You try getting more than twenty people to do that. Have you? Have you seriously tried to get 100 people to take the time - for free - to comment on a blog. To click on a link to your movie trailer - and if you can't motivate just 10,000 people to do that - how in the hell are you going to get those people to pay to see your product.

  Here's a thing to consider told to me by a top distribution consultant - the only people that are actually "possibly" going to pay to see anything you have done - are the people who actually take the time to interact with what you have out there. If people won't take the time to post a fast "great" comment - why do you think they will get in a car and travel to see your movie - or - to fill out a rental form to rent it. Something to consider filmmakers. That's what valid distribution companies have to do - get people motivated to interact with your product - how do they do it - they spend BIG money on ads/TV/Internet/Radio/Trailers/DVDs/Magazine/Teaser promos, interviews etc - they engage creative distribution paths - etc - in hopes of bombarding the general public - gaining awareness - creating a mass desire to see your product - pay to interact with your product - getting your products name on the lips of people walking down the street.

  Now - back to the Indie world - how does the Indie filmmaker plan on getting those distribution people to take notice of their product - out of all the 1000's of other Indie films being made - how does the Indie Filmmaker plan on getting distribution people to go - lets buy this movie and plop down tons of money and time to gain audience awareness? The next question is - why would a distribution company want to do this? Why not spend their money on a movie that has some stars in it? Would not that make their investment an easier sell - create a better return for their time and money? Wouldn't they have to spend less time and money getting the attention of a mass audience? Which is the smarter investment for them - well c'mon - the safer bet for their investment is fairly clear - if you are being honest.

So where does all that leave us - the Indie Filmmaker - well - leaves us here: looking at the very real huge hill we Indie Filmmakers have to see clearly - gaining the smallest of distribution attention is work. It's hard. It's tough. Now - the path to distribution will be a lot easier if a few things are spent focused on before filming the movie. A plan for distribution must be formed and put in place. A real plan/path - not one based on theories or hopes of getting into festivals and such - a true grounded multi-route path - one that has research and plans in place to be followed and implemented. Audience interaction must be nurtured and worked on and respected. Filmmakers must spend time engaging their audience - not just other filmmakers - for it is the audience who will support your film - not so much other filmmakers who are busy working on thier project. Now - this of course is besides the fact you must have a completed/color correction/sound that is crisp/dialog that can easily be heard.. (if dialog sound is not crystal clear - everything else is a mute point. Let me repeat that - everything else - all the best laid plans and work and research will be out the window if the audience can not clearly hear what the people in your movie is saying) ..screened and re-cut film - that has listened to it's audience filled out questionnaires - considered the comments - readjusted the movie - fixed what is not working via the audience gripes.. (you do realize even Steven f'n Speilberg does this - right. You do realize - the audience is the best wall to bounce off what and where your film is working and not working - right? I love when a director says to me - I don't care what the audience thinks - I'm making this movie right here - fine - great - have fun watching your movie at home with you friend - cause if you do not respect your audience - your audience wont respect you.) Anyway - after all that simple work of creating a completed film - because that's not really all that hard - is it lol - distribution is still a beast that must have been handled and worked on during the whole process of making your movie - or - your movie - is going onto youtube and getting around 500 views - and maybe - just maybe - John and Suzy will offer you a distribution deal that might get you into a DVD rental company in Idaho. Maybe. But not likely.

  Lastly before I wrap up and get back to work on my pre-production - in no way do I see all this as a gloom and doom for the Indie filmmaker - actually - what I see is positives. I see that if the Indie filmmaker actually looks at what he/she is facing - the hill they have to climb - the actual reality of where and what they need to do - they can do it. They can put a plan together and create a product/movie/art that can break through to the other side - make some money - gain a following - and fund another project - with - and let me repeat this - with a lot of hard work AND a real professional distribution path laid out and followed. It's not just making a movie anymore - it's us becoming our own studio - it's making the movie/ handling Promotion and Marketing/completing all the contracts - most importantly - building an army of followers/audience - creating a need/want for your product. Creating interaction - on all levels - between the audience and your film. Because if you don't - if 700 views on your films trailer - if 24 comments on your movie blog post - if that's all you have - even if you have a great grand movie - that ain't gonna be enough to get you anything other than a viewing on your TV in your living room with a few friends talking about how great the movie is. And if that's all you want - great - but if you want more - if you want a theatrical run - even a limited one - if you want valid distribution - you better take the time to form a plan - and put that plan in motion - even if it means a year or more of pre-production distribution planning to do so.

  Now it's time for me to get back to work on my movie - and equally important - my distribution path! ;-)

  My next meeting with my distribution company is to go over the story of the movie - what camera we are using - when we are filming - trailers - storyboard etc - it's within the the next week - yup - that's right - I'm sharing all this information with my distributor so they can help form ideas NOW - before filming - on how we can market this - gain awareness - gain an audience - so we both can benefit from the end result - the movie itself.

  I'm just sayin'
Oklahoma Ward

MOVIE FAN CHAT: Crazy Heart, It's Complicated and more...

2010-06-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hope all had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!! We did. Didn't do much but enjoyed all the same. We rented Crazy Heart and Its Complicated. Enjoyed both. Jeff Bridges did a brilliant job as the main character. A very intimate portrayal of the life of a singer on the road, or at least a "has been" once popular but now broke singer who drinks too much, but still travels the circuit, only now it is carnivals, old bars, and fairs, etc.

Jeff Bridges has always been a favorite actor of mine. He was never as big as the "in" crowd but he was consistent with his roles and with his mastery of the acting world. He varied his roles and he always seemed to give it his all. Can't ask for much more than that. Colin Farrell was good in his role too. There is something dirty and mean looking about him. Not that he is but his persona suggests it all the time. I never am able to see him as compassionate or kind. He may be, but I would be leery. Its Complicated was a nice movie to watch during a weekend holiday. Little silly but fun to watch. I was glad Meryl ended up with the right guy!! At least the one I had picked out.

You know, the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona with Javier Bardem? That was a love story I loved. Of course you can't beat the setting, Barcelona and surrounding areas, and the story was great. Different but that is what I liked about it. Crazy people who like love, sex, and getting to know one another. Hope to see more like this. Of course Woody Allen was involved and I hate that but can't deny I like his movies, or at least most of them. I swore I would not help make him money due to the marriage to his step daughter but can't help myself. I like his movies.

Until Tomorrow!!

SHIRL'

ACTORS TIP: Longevity....a lost art?

2010-05-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

Back in the day - it seems like once you "made it" as an A-list actor - you were golden. You had a career that would last and people couldn't wait to see your films. Hell - most of the greats are still making films and winning awards (Meryl, De Niro, Clint Eastwood etc.) But today - longevity is a lost art. With all the media outlets to learn about our favorite stars - we can access information about them at any given time - and when a star 'takes off' it seems there is a feeding frenzy that happens with fans and the media and they are shoved in our faces 24 hours a day - no mystery. We can find anything from what their favorite food is to how they spend their weekends - all with the click of a mouse. Hollywood stars weren't always as accessible - and I think the mystery is what kept people interested and always wanting more.

I think in a way - this has destroyed the longevity of young Hollywood. They are thrown in our faces so much that we get sick of them. We're all about it while they are hot - but once their 'run' ends - we are ready to move on to the next. Who is the Meryl Streep of our time? The Robert De Niro? The James Dean? The Audrey Hepburn? The Marlon Brando? These icons will always be remembered and still draw in audiences to this day. Are we going to have icons like that - or is today's society so fast paced and 'on to the next' that icon's are a thing of the past?

As an actor myself - this is scary. I think most actors have this dream of making it - but then what? It seems like one false move (or movie, rather) can mean then end. There is always someone younger - prettier or more handsome to take your place. So what will make you last? Your looks? Fat chance! (No pun intended). Talent? You would think talent would trump all this - but that doesn't always seem to be the case. So what then? Luck? How can you possibly pick a great script/role every time?

Another factor that I believe adds to this is... Independent Film's are having a hard time getting out there. Back in the day - actors had the opportunity to pick these gritty, character driven roles to show audiences their "stuff". But the whole Indie Film industry has completely changed. You can't be Joe Blow, who makes a small independent film and get it into Sundance. It's just not gonna happen. 

A perfect example is Kristen Stewart - I use her because she is so hot right now with the whole Twilight phenomenon.  She did several great films before Twilight - but I never really heard much about her before the Twilight franchise sky rocketed. Now she is all over the internet and in the tabloids and magazines...but even with her mega-Twilight fame - not a lot of people went and saw 'The Runaways'. Some would argue it's because it was rated R and her Twilight fans couldn't get in - which could be - but I tend to think not. Since when did an R rating stop a die hard 16 year old fan from getting into a movie? It didn't stop me! Are you saying that if the next Twilight film were rated R - that would stop these young fans from getting in? Especially in today's times - do they even 'card' at movies anymore? It will be very interesting to see what happens with her career once Twilight is over. Will those die hard fans still support her and all her films? Or will the next 'big thing' come along and divert their attention?

You know - it's almost as if the movie franchise's themselves have taken the place of the stars. People will follow a franchise regardless of who's in it. 

In the end - what I'm really asking is.... What does it take to have longevity in this business as a young actor? 

MOVIE FAN CHAT: Top 3 Horror Movie Must Have's

2010-05-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning and a beautiful sunny day ahead of us. I was going to do this yesterday but got diverted so will start again.

The three scary elements in a horror movie: Suspense, first of all. Suspense is agonizing to me and I react very strongly to it. Music or sounds also contribute greatly to the suspense. Since I don't watch or go to many gory horror movies, I can't say about that aspect. Some of the present horror movies like the Saw series seem to be more about how much torture, blood and gore can be spilled. The idea of Elm Street series was so scary to me I didn't watch them. But the Audition was terrifying and very suspenseful and full of mystery. Psycho was so scary, the suspense, the terrifying image in our heads of some wild, murderous maniacal insane old woman was overwhelming but there was mystery too.
The shower scene was terrifying and shocking at the time, but I also was terrified when the private detective walked up the stairs toward the partially open door to the (what we thought was the insane mother). The suspense was overwhelming and sure enough, it finished with our wildest fears. So by the time the sister started down to the basement where we knew the old woman was, fear and suspense were rampant. The music or sounds used in this film were perfect to the horror and suspense. Alien created almost monumental suspense with darkness, horror of the unknown monster, and the isolation of the people in the space ship. Dawn of the Dead created horror and suspense by people trapped in a world of man eating zombies. All these and more created huge suspense, which is a primal element of horror movies.

Next, I would say our human fear of the unknown element. Scraping noises, unknown sounds, images of shadows, thumping noises, the suggestion of painful death, the unknown animal or alien lurking about, all contribute to horror. The unknown is very scary. But it has to be done right, sometimes it works, sometimes not. I remember "The Haunting". Very very terrifying book but several movies did not capture this on film. Then "The Turning of the Screw". Terrifying. Why the difference, I'm not sure. Maybe because in the Screw, the children are killed and we don't expect that in a movie by spirits, etc. The build up by words, stories, and warnings contribute much to our build up of suspense and fear. This can be seen in movies that are not even "horror" movies. The Inglorious Bastards build up of the guy with the bat. We, like the intended victim, sees nothing but a dark tunnel and hears this clanging noise approaching and it was a great gimmick. The fear built up by the noise and the unknown approaching. When people talk about fearful things, they make a powerful suggestion to our fears, which are fed and increased by the talk.

I also love a killer or villain who doesn't give you clues along the way that they are the killer. The surprise element is great if it is done right. Or at least for some portion on the movie. After you realize who the baddie is, then there is the fear for all innocents who fall in their path. Audition kept the killer as a secret for a while. You knew someone was going to be really bad but you weren't sure who. Then when you did know, you dreaded who the next victim would be. No Country for Old Men didn't keep the bad guy a secret but it worked anyway. The dread of what soul would accidentally meet with this robot like killer was awful. And they added suspense by the killer giving the possible victim a quarter throwing chance to avoid death.

What I don't like is dummies who when they realize they are faced with a maniac then start screaming "You're crazy!!". Just the kind of remark to drive nutso right over the edge. Also when everyone is terrified in the story about killer, monster, ogre, alien, or whatever, and trying to band together to survive. Then some bimbo either wanders off or while everyone else is asleep, hears a noise and goes to investigate!!!! Sure, dummy, open that door and see what is on the other side!!!

Will think about this and probably add some other ideas later.

Just a fan of movies and tv,

SHIRL'

MOVIE FAN CHAT: LOST, 24 and MORE....

2010-05-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

24 So I guess everyone watched the last of 24. I thought it was very good last night. No happy ending but at least Jack is alive, even though exiled and the Russians and US after him. Not too bad. lol It was sad not being able to watch previews of the upcoming shows. Hate to see the program end. Jack is one tough cookie, isn't he? If they do make a movie I assume they will pick up on the ending of the tv series. Will be interesting to see the old President's recovery from his self inflicted wound and whether he will be brain damaged or not. I'm sure whatever brain is left will be as devious as the undamaged one. He is one crafty, mean, liar isn't he? And no qualms about killing a co-conspirator either. Looking forward to more on 24 in whatever method is used.

Lost. Well I loved seeing all the clips from the beginning to the end. I didn't understand all of the ending, maybe none of it, but I still love my characters on this show and will miss it dearly. Even though many great scenes were re-shown from the past, there were many great ones that didn't get shown. One of my favorites was when John Locke had been shot and fell into the pit of skeletons of former executed people. John was left for dead and he and we believed he was going to die. Then the boy, like an angel from above, appears at the edge of the pit and says, "Get Up, John, and Walk Away" or something like that. And John does. I loved that scene. I loved all the tender moments between our characters when they were literally at their wits end, and they clung to each other for support and compassion. I loved their ability to sacrifice themselves for others. I loved their constant bewilderment at what was going on, and their constant struggle to survive and return to their former lives. I loved their ability to adjust to the living conditions around them, and their fight to maintain some shred of humanity and ritual in their lives. In some ways, Jacob, who was supposed to be so good, seemed uncaring and aloof from his selected people. If he was a supreme being, he seemed a lazy one. He seemed inert almost. On the other hand, the evil side, who later became John Locke, always seemed involved and constantly struggling to succeed. He was evil, murderous, and lied to everyone, but he never stopped fighting for supremacy. Interesting to see the difference between the good and evil sides of nature.

So, regardless of how the show ended and whether it was purgatory or heaven or real or unreal, I don't care. I loved Lost and will savor my memories of this show for a long time.

FILMMAKING: Covering Your Butt

2010-05-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

So I am going to make a short film featuring the 1966 Mustang that I built for my wife. We paid cash for the car, it's titled and registered in her name, and I worked on it countless hours rebuilding it, replacing parts, and customizing it. My DNA is on the car in the form of skin and blood from my knuckles. I even created some new cuss words while working on it. So why the heck would I need to check in with Ford Motor Company for permission to use our own car in the film?

This post is about legalities that we need to consider when making a film that, as unreasonable as they may seem, we have to think about and check up on to make sure we are not violating anyone's trademark, copyright, or other rights.

Back in 2006 the Ford Motor Company mortgaged most of their assets in order to raise enough money to restructure the company. Popularly quoted articles usually mention that this includes the famous "Blue Oval." As part of the agreement of mortgaging these assets Ford Motor Company is required to dilligently defend the trademarks that have been used as collateral. As a result, you really need to be following the trademark laws to the "T".

In 2008 a Mustang club was going to make a calendar of the member's cars. When Ford read about this on their forum they were contacted and told that this was not allowed because they would be violating Ford's trademark on the Ford and Mustang names and logos if used to make a profit by selling calendars with these logos pictured in them, even though the members owned these cars. Particularly, the "running pony" emblem of the Mustang is trademarked and it cannot be reproduced in images for the sake of profitting from them.

In the end the club was allowed to make the calendars as long as they were only paying manufacturing costs to produce the calendars for themselves. However, the manufacturer that they had lined up to make the calendars chose not to make them for the purposes of elliminating any possible legal issues with Ford.

So I contacted Ford via email. I was referred to their "Team Detroit" organization (http://www.teamdetroit.com/). I told them I was looking to make a movie with a 1966 Mustang in it to enter into film festivals. I was not looking to sell the film, just exhibit my abilities and hopefully get noticed, and maybe win a prize. They were very helpful. They informed me that as long as I wasn't making anything that was defaming the Ford or Mustang names, or otherwise painting them in a very ill light, it was fine to make a movie with the car in it. I had also asked if I needed to mask any logos and was told I did not need to.

This email is now archived and I am holding onto it for legal purposes. It's nice to have it in writing.

Normally, I never would have given this a thought. However, my involvement at automotive message boards made me aware of this situation and it came in handy for me to know so that I could inquire about this issue. So before you just plod on ahead with your project, think like a lawyer and look to see if there are any issues you need to look in to. It might keep you from breaking your budget with an unexpected legal fee.

- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of the site and don't forget to follow the blog THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM! Thank you.

ACTORS TIP: Male Nudity...what's the big deal?

2010-05-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

I've noticed lately that more and more movies/television shows (and I'm not talking porn here) are showing male nudity - and while it is happening more frequently - it seems this is still not considered "acceptable" or "normal" - while female nudity is perfectly fine. Why is that?

In a film - you see a woman's breast/butt or.. even more - it seems widely accepted by audiences as "art" or an artistic expression or commonplace. However - when a male is shown nude from the waist down - back or front - it seems more often than not - people find this offensive or get embarrassed.

I am guilty of this myself from time to time. I remember the first time I saw full frontal male nudity in a film - I was taken aback by it - of course moments before the "package" shot - female breasts had been bouncing across the screen and I had displayed very little reaction. Have we become desensitized to female nudity because it is so common? What is it about male nudity that is so off putting to viewers? The male body is just as much an expression of art in my opinion - just as natural a body part - so why the shock factor?

What about in Forgetting Sarah Marshall? Was anyone else shocked when he dropped his towel and they panned back? I know I was! lol But had that been a woman - I may not have had the same reaction. Instead I may have rolled my eyes and thought - well typical - gotta throw in some boobs.

What about horror films - a large percentage of horror/slasher films feature female nudity. It almost seems like it's a necessary component for some. I recently watched the newest Jason flick and actually started counting how many times they were going to show a naked woman - needless to say - it was a lot. But how would you have felt if it was a man? Couldn't the killer sneak up on a man in the shower and slit his throat and as he falls out - his package flops about as he is grasping onto the curtain nude? What is the difference?

I truly want to hear your opinion on this topic. Do you have a different reaction with/to male nudity than female nudity? If so - why? Or why not?

As for myself - I really can't say. Perhaps it's because it's not as common. While I don't have a problem with it (and think it should be acceptable)- I am still taken back when it happens because I'm not ever expecting it - where as I am always expecting it with the woman. If a sex scene starts to happen in an R rated film - I'm almost more shocked if they DON'T show some part of the females body - ain't that something!?

The reason I bring this up is this - as an actor - a female actor - obviously, eventually I may be faced with that decision - and I've been asked before - would you consider nudity for a role. For me the answer is simple - it depends on the role. I'd have to read the script and feel very comfortable with the people involved. Believe it or not - some have criticized me for this - and what I want to say is... "Would you be asking me this if I were a man? Would it even matter?"

Male actors can go their whole acting career and never have a nude scene - even the gorgeous male actors - and if they eventually do - it seems no one makes a big deal about it. But take Halle Berry who held out - and when she first decided to expose herself - it was a huge deal! And then she did Monster's Ball where she was buck naked in a graphic sex scene and people looked past all that - focused on a grand performance - and she won an Oscar for it. Well deserved too. Now, let's turn that around - let's take - say - George Clooney or Brad Pitt - what would your reaction be if they came out in a film with a graphic love scene and it showed full frontal nudity. Could we as the audience see past that - appreciate their performance - deem it "Oscar worthy" - or - would it be so much of a shock that people couldn't get past the huge dong bouncing around on the screen?

So you tell me guys... Male Nudity...what's the big deal - or is it just a small issue?

Nicole Alonso

MOVIE FAN CHAT: "Official Rejection" Review

2010-05-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

I bought this movie the minute I finished watching the trailer. As an Indie FIlmmaker early in my career, looking to hit the festivals, I figured this movie would provide a lot of great info about the adventure, and it also looked great for some laughs. I was not disappointed!

The movie starts out addressing our usual expectations and dreams of how we will win over the festival circuit. Right away we are given an eye opener that "It's not that." At one time the large festivals were the place to break open onto the film scene and that is how the dreams are perpetuated. In "Official Rejection" the reality of the large festival scene is explained how it truely is today and several notions are explained as to how things got that way.

We follow, among others, Scott Storm's efforts to get his film "Ten 'til Noon" into the smaller festivals that are offered around the world. Sometimes heart breaking, sometimes victorious, but most of the times pretty funny, if you are not Scott Storm. Luckily he is able to laugh at his own tribulations. It's better than crying.

With great insight from major players in the Indie Film industry, such as Kevin Smith and Chris Gore, we get a taste of how it used to be and how it is now. We get a behind the scenes flavor of what goes on within a festival among the judges and other officials while selecting entrants and winners.

This film is a "must see" for any independent filmmaker looking to hit the festival circuit. It dispells many of the myths, lays out what you need to be prepared for, and also provides many laughs to keep you locked in to the film, as if the wealth of information was not enough. If ever someone were to hold your hand through the process, this film is about as close as you will get. And if you notice those kinds of things, the editing is great as well. A big "thank you" to Paul Osborne for making this reality check, fun ride, and information available!

- Steve Olander

Don't forget to become a member of the site and don't forget to follow the blog THE MAKING OF A HORROR FILM! Thank you.

MOVIE FAN CHAT: Clint Eastwood, Big Love and more....

2010-05-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

Your news letter is great! Enjoyed very much. Today is a beautiful sunny day and looks like more coming. Well wasn't much to watch on tv this week as Survivor is gone, Casey is gone from American Idol and I'm pretty sure Lee will win so that kind of dulls the next performance. So we got out the rest of Big Love and started watching it again. What a mess they get themselves in! We're in the middle of the third season and the big trial is about to begin. Rhonda has gone back to Roman (don't know which of these two I would trust the least!!!) and can't wait to see how that goes. Wanda just tried to kill herself, is this woman crazy or what? Although at least she knows what she is doing is wrong. And how about Momma!!!

Is she really going to go through with killing her horrible dreadful husband??? Of all the people on this series (Bruce Dern) is probably the most disgusting, nasty and mean spirited character on the show. Momma is pretty bad but I almost can't blame her for doing away with the old geezer. I like Roman's first wife, she may be from the compound but she is not naive about it. Talk about straight talk to your kids! No worry about psychological effects on their children with Roman and his wife! Of course all the kids are basket cases but that is beside the point. Bill is wooing Ana for his fourth wife and so far I like her. I can't believe she is considering this polygamy life but that is the basis of the story after all. And what has happened to Bill and Barbara's daughter? We have learned she is pregnant, has been accepted into an out of state University, and stopped seeing the father of her child who loves her. Sounds like she has learned all the values of her family! And what a family it is....

Saw some interesting news in our local paper. Mentions the premier of a pair of films grounded in the depiction of American Indians in cinema. One documentary film, "Reel Injun", examines this, and the other, "Pearl", a film about Pearl Carter, a Chickasaw woman who as a teen was taught to fly by Wiley Post, and reportedly became the youngest licensed pilot in US in 1928. This latter movie was produced by the Chickasaw Nation, headquartered in Ada, OK. Film stars Elijzh DeJesus, a teen actress from CA. Several Chickasaw actors were also cast, and it was filmed in OKC, El Reno and Gutherie area.

Clint Eastwood and Wes Studi take part in "Reel Injun", and it played following a ceremony honoring Wes Studi, an Oklahoma actor who was in Last of the Mohicans, Geronimo, Dances with Wolves, Avatar, and tv including Saving Grace, just to name a few of the many many filmes he has been involved in. Another guest speaker will be Sterlin Harjo, a Tulsa filmmaker, a Seminole-Creek Indian. His films include Four Sheets to the Wind and Barking Water. These premiers and talks are at the Circle Cinema here in Tulsa, Ok. A great movie house which shows old and contemporary movies. Tulsa is lucky to have the Circle Cinema and its supporters.

Well, I guess I had better get busy with the rest of my life today. Thanks for the great newsletter!

SHIRL'

MOVIE FAN CHAT: HORROR MOVIE MUST HAVE THIS...

2010-05-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

Movies. So many genres. Some people only like one category - maybe two. I like them all. It's true. Name one category - any - and I can name a movie within that genre that I love.

This brought me to a fascinating conversation the other night about horror films. As I and the person went on for a time chatting about what movies we loved within the horror genre - this topic came up - if you looked at making a horror film - like making a salad - knowing that there is all types of salad out there - but are all still labeled a salad - what three ingredients do you personally HAVE to have in your salad - or - more to topic - in your horror film.

The person I was talking with stated this: Blood. A beautiful girl. Lots of killing. Well, lol - that list is different than mine - but - I have to respect his list after I laughed it off at first - why must I respect it - because I went back over my list of films that make up my best horror films - and in at least half of them - his list was present within those movies.

The whole conversation got me thinking as I tweak and make final plot changes while I also I churn out the storyboard for my upcoming horror film filming this summer - what are your top three ingredients that make your horror film. What three plot points is a "must have" within your horror film that makes it a grand experience for you?

I'm jus' sayin'
OKLAHOMA WARD

MOVIE FAN CHAT: American Idol, The Good Wife and more...

2010-05-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well, last night was American Idol, which as we all know Simon pretty much said who would or should win. Casey is at the bottom I am sure. His confidence seems to have been shaken up quite a bit. Has anyone heard who might take Simon's place next year? Will be interesting to see how Idol goes when that happens.

The Good Wife was good. She has made enemies, some due to her husband's past sins, and some from jealously and envy. She appeared to be tougher last night and that is good, she is going to need some toughness. Hubby is now free and his life will be more intrusive on her and family. She is committed to help out with the campaign on his political career, even thou she didn't want to. But she wanted to keep her job and needed the help and clients. Previews look like hubby is going to throw business her way. Like this series and hope it continues to improve even more.

LOST. Well I don't understand about Jacob. Is he dead or alive. I thought he had been killed. And didn't the guardianship decision go awfully fast? I keep wondering if there will be more than one guardian on our island. Hurley says he's glad its not him but wonder about some of the others. And how, since Jacob didn't give any instructions, does one defend against the black smoke? Wow, has Ben reverted back to his own devious and killer self? Is he leading the bad guy on? Does Ben think he can kill him? After all Ben supposedly killed Jacob, what about John? Lots of questions still to be answered at the season's end.

Didn't get to watch Justified last night. Company came and I'm saving for tomorrow. Did watch Glee. I still like this series but some are better than others. Last night was so so to me.

Will check in later.

SHIRL'

MOVIE FAN CHAT: 24, LOST AND MORE...

2010-05-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well Sunshine at last! Great to see the sun again. I know its supposed to rain tonight but at least we have a good day! So back to the fantasy world of tv and movies. 24.....Jack has gone over the edge and doesn't plan to return. Or that is what he says. Is this season the very last or is there one more season before the series ends? It was an exciting show last night and for a minute I thought Iron Man had dropped in to help him but turned out to be Jack with an Iron Mask. I would venture to say the last two shows has seen more killings than I can remember.
And what was Jack thinking to give the important data to the young reporter? Surely he knew she would be caught and the info confiscated. Of course I figured that was the end for the exposure of the cover up but then Jack got new material by planting the recorder on the old President. Good thing!! Of course that may not save Jack's bacon either. Can't wait to see what the surprise ending will be. Who is going to bite the dust? Someone said the series was ending so they could go to the big screen. Hmmmm.....think it might not be as effective but who knows!! Sometimes that works and sometimes not. Look at the X files. And tonight....

LOST! Can't wait to see what is going to happen tonight! Who, what, and why will be eagerly awaited. Who will live, who is who, who is still alive or dead, and who ends up with the pretty girl!!! I love the bad boy but from last week's episode, I fear it will be the holy doc who will get the girl. I like Jack but sometimes his stoic manner gets on my nerves. But whatever, love will prevail regardless of common sense. I hated to see who died last week, some of my favorite people, Savid, Jin Soo and Sun Hwa. But who do I not like as characters on this show. Looking forward to the show.

Now what is going on in our world? I had heard that Dexter had cancer but was surviving and being treated. Now I read that Spartacus has cancer and is being treated. These are young people!! Very scary. Hope that both of these actors recover soon.

Until tomorrow...

SHIRL'

ACTORS TIP: INSPIRED

2010-05-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

As of today - still no script in hand. As I wait impatiently - I have been reading this blog written by a female marine that I have found fascinating to say the least.

Her name is Akinoluna - at least that is the name she posts under. She writes a lot about her experience in boot camp and what the hardest part was. She writes about the fact that the women were separated from the men in boot camp and about the horrible sand fleas! If you are at all interested - here is a link the her blog: http://www.akinoluna.com/

This blog has been extremely helpful so far in able for me to get "insider info" from a female who went through it.

I've also been taking in a bunch of movies with strong female leads. Here are a few that I've watched and found to be great character studies for my upcoming role:

(I think it's obvious why this movie has effected me regarding the character I'm about to play)

(This whole series is always fun to watch - but I especially love watching Milla kick zombie ass!)

(3 words... Linda Hamilton Arms. BOO-YA baby!)

I'll continue watching great movies with kick ass women, as well as doing my research.

What are some of your favorite movies w/kick-ass women? Suggestions welcome - I'm hungry for all the information I can get.

MOVIE FAN CHAT: METH LABS, SURVIVOR AND MORE...

2010-05-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hello again. Didn't check in too much this weekend. Constant rainy days getting me down! But supposed to be some sun today....Well I guess Everyone who watches Survivor watched Survivor this weekend.   Russell just doesn't get it, does he? He can fool all during the actual game and keep lying to people, and say nasty things behind their back but the melt down of accusations and truths that come out during the last pleas for the money does him in every time.
If Jerri didn't hear that Russell considered her a patsy, she would have voted for him to win I'm sure. And J.T. even admired Russell strategy during the actual game playing, even after being shot down. Only when all are together and they learn about Russell's disgust for them, do they actually say, Wait a minute, am I going to help this nasty jerk win a million dollars???? Personally I wasn't too sure they wouldn't vote for him anyway. I thought someone would say, hey the other two have had their million, why give another million to them? But emotions ran very high during this game and there is no doubt, THE VILLIANS WERE THE WINNERS!!!   Hmm, no wonder crime always pays... The rest of us victims have to tell ourselves we are better than the villians in the long run.... Sure hope in the big picture that turns out to be true!!! I remember when Survivor first started and critics and the like were saying, This won't last long, people will become bored with this. Sure...... You know Britain actually started this series before our Survivor but they played it differently. Their game was actually about the physical ability to survive the challenges. Well forget that, you need strong policitical abilities now to survive. Of course it helps to win the immunity challenges but not necessarily. Sandra didn't win many challenges. Now I do agree she worked hard to survive Russell and his harem before the merger and she tried hard to convince the Heroes (how stupid could they be.....evidently pretty stupid!!) that Russell would get rid of them one by one and could'nt be trusted, and yet be careful enough to aoid Russell's wrath. We all know what that led to.....instant removal from the game. AND she was the only one who found the immunity idol and kept it to herself!!! I am constantly amazed at the ones who find the idol and instantly run to tell someone!! Many times they gave it to someone to hold for them!! BUT that is the fascination with Survivor.....we are constantly surprised at human nature. It was interesting to see how some of the veteran players, Rob, Jason, and others, had matured and mellowed somewhat. Jason lost all his firey strength. But the girls didn't! They were in there fighting tooth and nail to survive and win. Rob had mellowed into almost a nice guy, almost a father figure. Rupert is lost from the beginning but he did have the grace (and the only Hero to do so) to admit he was a fool not to have believed Sandra and get rid of Russell. Oh well, can't wait for the next one!!

Breaking Bad....Good as always. What was the suicidal drive down the highway.....was it regret and guilt over the turn of his life, the attack on his brother in law life and his acceptance of all this for money and excitement of crime? And what about Skyler? Is she beginning to see why Walter entered this life of crime, after seeing the overwhelming problems of her sister and brother in law? Is she going to accept Walters criminal activities? And did Walter sign his upcoming death warrant when he told the chicken man, Gustavo, he had everything figured out? And Jesse!!! Has he lost his mind? Does he not realize the seriousness of going against, or stealing from the Meth Mafia??? I know Walter doesn't want Jesse killed (at least I think that is why he took Jesse back into the fold) but is Jesse's erratic behavior going to bring down the whole house of cards?? And the sneak preview of next week!!!! My gosh, what is going on??? Looked like a physical attack on Walter by Jesse. At our house we can't hardly wait to see next week. Nothing can turn out good on this series but what a ride to the end!!!

Watched The Tudors and keep trying to remember if wife number six is the last one? Did he marry six in all or eight? I think it is six. Have to say, this looks like a very mild marriage compared to all the passion Henry has shown in the past. Henry must really be feeling his age.....and he doesn't have much more time as Elizabeth becomes Queen around the age of 17 I think. Looks like another war with France is coming up. Last week's episode was really hard to watch. I knew the Queen, and her new lover, and the old lover were in trouble and believe me, Henry made good on that prediction. The old lover, who obviously didn't have a brain in his head, was tortured and killed very painfully and brutally. A lenient punishment is with the old chopping axe by a sober axeman. Otherwise you are looking at dragging chains for months, or partially being hung and then drawn and quartered. This after much chopping off of fingers, toes and whatever and hideous tortures. Hope those boys enjoyed that lovemaking!!!! Of course we have the religious factor constantly dragging in heretics for "questioning". You know how that goes.   Extreme torture until you confess to anything. This show does make a really good point for Miranda and all our safety stops. Otherwise you are looking at really bad treatment of anyone suspected of breaking a law. And going back to the new possible bride, she is waiting for her elderly sick husband to die and had picked out a new husband. He introduced her to Henry to ask for redemption of old political ties, and that did it. Henry took one look and decided she would be his next bride. So he ships the boyfriend far far away out of the country. Hope this wife has enough sense Not to get involved with her old boyfriend after she becomes Queen.

No, Nikki, I haven't gotten into Fringe. I'm like you with Lost. Didn't get started so would have to check out series and start from beginning. I'm already into Dexter, Madmen, Justified, The Tudors, Breaking Bad, Spartacus, Blood and Sand, and Damages plus some reality shows. And I still love movies!!! And there are some new mini series being advertised that look pretty interesting.

Time to run. Will check in later.

SHIRL'

DAY 075: MAKING THE THRILLER FILM *****

2010-05-14T04:16:00.000-07:00

DAY 075: As I sit in the edit studio I open emails that ask the same two things a lot - what is the horror film you are making about - and - what is the horror movie you re making about lol - well - that information is coming very very soon - as is the official page for the movie and the TITLE reveal of the

movie. The main thing I can promise is thus - it's original - not seen a horror film with this particular subject and or setting - which is very exciting - and yet - does create some very very deep discussions on how we are going to shoot the movie in this particular location - and prepping the actors for what their body is going to have to go through to physically be able to handle shooting in this location - it's going to be a blast!

What is happening at this very moment - well - more storyboarding - more script tweaking - audition dates being penicled in - cameras to be used being discussed - scheduling last meeting with Peter Broderick in L.A. before heading out to the midwest for five months to build the set for the movie and film it - scheduling meeting with Larry Jordan to discuss camera and on set computers to allow for on site rough editing - loving watching Nicole getting ripped for her lead part in the movie: she gonna' tussle and maybe she lives - maybe she dies - what we do know - she ain't goin' down for the count without a fight!

AND

Lot's more coming soon my friends - now sign up and become a member of the site here - get the inside pics - movies and behind the scenes footage of Nicole as she shaves her head for the lead role - as the set is being built - and tons more!

I'm jus' sayin'
OKLAHOMA WARD