MY Productions

The Good Samaritan is coming together

2012-01-24T20:45:00.000-06:00

Hello All,

I hope that the beginning of the year is treating everyone well. I thought it might be about time to send out another update on the progress of The Good Samaritan. So here we go.

Just this week our Composer, the wonderfully talented Brian Satterwhite, completed the score for the film. It is absolutely beautiful, it helps set the tone of the film perfectly and bring insight to the characters and story. I am very pleased with it. As each piece has come together on our little film it has been building towards becoming a full fledge movie and when the music went in, for me it did exactly as I’d hoped. It brought everything together and made it one cohesive piece. I’m proud to call this my film.

Now, our Sound Mixer, Gopal, is adding the finishing touches on the sound mix and mixing in the music so very soon we will have all the audio aspects complete. Yea!

Then we move into the final steps of color correction and finalizing the titles and end credits and then we will be done with Post Production. I look forward to that day but I will miss it as well.

If all goes according to schedule we will just make our first film festival deadline and then a whole new adventure begins.

Jason Newman and The Good Samaritan Crew

For more information about The Good Samaritan please check out our website: www.my-productions.com

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T17:25:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and I hope that this year is a good one for everyone. Let's make it a great one!

Officially The Good Samaritan is in Post Production

2011-11-30T20:20:00.000-06:00

Hello All,

Just thought I'd send out an update for all our followers of The Good Samaritan short film. The film is now officially in the middle of Post production. Jon Lindgren, an awesome editor and good friend, did a wonderful job cutting together our first rough cut. Then he handed it over to me and I've been putting my mark on it. I think we're getting very close to picture lock. Today Elizabeth and I met with a guy that will be doing our titles for the opening and end credits. It was a ton of fun sitting talking about all the different ways we can make an impression with the titles. I am very excited to see how they turn out.

I hope that everyone has visited our new website and is enjoying our the new desgin. I think its pretty spiffy if I don't say so myself. Anyway, I'll keep you posted as we move a long through post. Please keep checking here or our website blog for more updates.

The Good Samaritan's Kickstarter Campaign - please pledge!

2011-10-03T11:13:00.002-05:00

It has begun and we really need your help. We've just launched our very first fundraiser on Kickstarter, an awesome website that helps artists find supporters for their unique art. I've wanted to try it out for a long time and this was the perfect project to try with. I am very excited to give it a shot.

Most of you who come to this blog know how much I love film and making movies. That it's a true passion of mine. You also know it's been a while since I've made a short. But that isn't to say I haven't been dreaming of getting back behind the camera everyday. Writing has had to take a front seat and though I love writing my really deep down passion is directing, being on set under pressure, working with my actors, and capturing it all on film, that's when I feel most a home.

So, with all that said I'd like to ask you to please help. I'm not very good at asking so you'll have to excuse the lack of finesse here. This is your chance to be apart of something very special and only you can help. It's pretty easy, either you can pledge, any amount will make a difference and/or you can re-post the link below on your twitter / facebook / website / groups etc. or email it out to family, friends, co-worker, cellmate - anyone you can think of, because the name of the game is get the word out. Someone you might not think would be interested might just secretly wish he or she could be apart of the filmmaking process.

I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart and Alice thanks you. Click on the link below and it will send you straight to the funding page where you can learn more about the project and help make this project a reality.

The Good Samaritan Campaign

Introducing The Good Samaritan's Cast

2011-09-30T16:06:00.000-05:00

And we're off. I am excited to announce we have completed casting for The Good Samaritan short film. Please allow me to introduce to you our two leads.

Mikaela Krantz as Alice

Jason Newman as Nick

They are both wonderful talents and I am so happy to have them on our project. I look forward to collaborating with them both.

Remember to check back there will be more announcements to come and the launch of the Kickstarter campaign.

Okay that's all for today.

The Good Samaritan Announcements

2011-09-30T15:08:00.001-05:00

On Wed. we shot the funding video for The Good Samaritan's Kickstarter Campaign, which will launch in a few days, it was tons of fun, Mikaela did an awesome job and Alice has been born. The video will be posted here, on Kickstarter, and later on our company website. So check it out when you can.

Production dates locked, crewing up and scouting locations, things are moving along pretty nicely. I think other then being on set directing this time in pre-production is one of my favorites.

Okay, I think that's it. Oh remember to check back soon there will be another announcement - Our cast!

See you soon.

The Casting Call

2011-09-09T11:07:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite parts of being a director is working with actors. When I start the casting process I actually get pretty excited for the casting calls. I know most times it's hell for an actor. But I do my very best to make it fun and relaxed for all of us. To give us a chance to play. The amazing thing about casting calls is the great opportunity to see so many different fresh perspective of the characters. I've walked away from many casting session being totally blown away at the new insight I found by just playing around with an audition. Sometimes with just an added adjustment whamooo we've created a whole new angle for a character or molded an outragously funny performance. It can be such a creative experience and many times it's out of those moments I find just the right person for the role. In my opinion, there's nothing that can really replace that first one on one moment with an actor and the material.

Here we go again...

2011-08-26T10:30:00.002-05:00

Great news! The Good Samaritan is moving in to preproduction. We're holding a casting call this weekend which I'm very excited about. Looks like we've got some real talent coming in. After that we'll be launching our very first Kickstarter Campaign. We have most of the money we need to move forward but there is that little bit more that will take us from good short to great short. So, keep an eye out and help us achieve great.

If all goes according to plan, we'll shot for two days at the end of Oct or early Nov. - Let's hope this heat will break because the short takes place primarily outside. Another reason to wait until Oct / Nov to shoot - and post-production will take us through to Decemeber. So, by January 1 we should have a completed short ready to hit the festival and online markets.

I'd like to take a second to thank everyone that has helped us get to this place. To those that helped with the script to those that have jumped on board to get this thing made. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I look forward to sharing the process here with all of you. Check back next week.

Nicest Nerdy Surprise

2011-06-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

I don't know if many of you have met your heros or people that have inspired you. I'm been pretty lucky and have met several of mine. On Wed evening I had the opportunity to meet for a second time, Simon Pegg, a brilliant actor and writer and one of the men responsible for Clombies. Which I mean by that his film inspired me which lead to the idea which lead to writing the script. So you could say if he and Edgar hadn't written Shaun of the Dead there most likely wouldn't be a Clombie(s), at least in it's current state.

Anyhoo, Simon has written a book and was here to do a book signing. He was great, super nice and very chatty which makes these things a lot easier. I've done my share of signings and many times the person doing the signing does little to no talking without being prompted. So, you have to be clever and come up with some unique way to get them talking. Simon was different. But then I shouldn't be surprised, he's a different kind of guy in the first place which is probably why he has such a drawl. He is very approachableness and fun and tried to put everyone at ease, which is very rare in these situations.

Simon Pegg at Bookpeople

Now you might be asking "why do you bring this up?" Yes yes, get to my point. My point is you never know when or where your inspirations will come from and most times it will come when you're not looking from a source you would never expected. Which leads you to create something you never thought you might do. I suggest taking it by the horns and running with it, but that's just me. But if you get a chance to meet that source, by all means go and meet them. You might just get inspirated again. Happened to me.

So, my point, be inspired, meet source of inspiration, be inspired again and find out that source is one cool nerd. There ends the point.

And if you do meet your inspirational source and their anything less then they must not be a pale, ginger, englishman who happens to be Simon Pegg. Check out his book "Nerds Do Well"

May I introduce Alice.

2011-06-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

I'm excited to announce our new short, "The Good Samaritan". We'll move into Pre-Pro at the end of the summer with Production beginning in Sept. It's a fun and clever 5 minute short with one of my favorite character I've written. She's a smart one. After I completed writing on the script I knew that Alice (the extra awesome character) would have more stories to tell. Well she does...looks like there will be a feature in her future. The process of outlining this new feature script has begun. Keep you're fingers crossed and keep a look out for Alice. I think you'll like her.

Over the moon for Super 8

2011-06-13T12:23:00.001-05:00

On Friday I did something I love to do and haven't done in a while, I went to an afternoon movie. And as it turns out it wasn't for just any old movie it was for a Steven Spielberg movie (well Produced but still...).

Steve Spielberg is one of my biggest influences from my childhood other than John Hughes. At one point I wanted to be just like him and make movies like he did. I was young and Steven hadn't yet evolved in to the epic filmmaker he is today. He just did simple little movies with huge heart to them. Movies I still love to this day. Movies I still aspire to make and also keep an eye out for. Presently, I really don't usually go into a movie with very high expectation...they really do seem to have lost the heart in film...but this one I was hopeful...Spielberg and J.J. did not disappoint.

"Super 8" truly could be mistaken as a film from the early days of Spielberg. J.J. caught the same sensiblity, same style, same feel, the same heart, and that same inspiring feeling that was left in me as a child. I felt it all that day wehn I left the theater.

And it came with a double whamming. It reminded me of those films that made me want to be a filmmaking and make those kinds of movies but the kids in the film reminded me of how I was at that time. Trying to write a script, trying to film something with my friends - willingly or humoring me, dreaming of making the most awesome movie that everyone would want to see it. Dreams of a child. Those dreams have carried me to where I am today, still trying to write the best possible script to which will make the most awesome movie that everyone will want to see and not be disappointed.

"Super 8" reminded me why I am who I am and to which I'd like to thank Steven and J.J. for making a most awesome film. Anyone who loves the early Spielberg fare should most definitely go see "Super 8".

That's just my two cent.

Co-writing, why didn't I do this soon?

2011-06-10T08:00:00.004-05:00

Last year around this time I wrote about an idea I had for a script. I was very excited. I may have even mentioned a character named Henry. Well, if I did or didn't I'm again very excited to announce that as of three weeks ago, Monica, my writing partner and I finished the first draft of our Teen Com-Rama, the "Untitled Henry Project."

Writing with a partner was a new experience for both of us. But I believe it was one of the most fun I've ever had writing a script. It was awesome to run ideas past each other there in the moment of developing a scene. I think all writers should give it a try, it may not be everyone's cup of tea but you just might find gold. I look forward to the re-writing process and moving on to a new project wtih Monica.

In the future, I know you'll hear much more about old Henry and his adventures.

Disappointment but still a silver lining

2011-06-08T16:49:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

Sorry it's been so long but I plan on being more active. (I think I've said that before. But I mean it this time. Really I do...)

I'm sad to announce that "Lightin' Dreams" has been put on hold. That very popular song we wanted, well it never happened. Tried a million different things to get permission, just wasn't going to happen, not for a short film of 3 minutes. Makes me a little cross and want to use it anyway but what can you do. Well you can do what one of my favorite people told me - gave me the best advice. Get a musician to write a song for you. It's cheaper, you have more control, and in the long run it's better for you're pocket book. So, for the time "Lightin' Dreams" is on hold and once we have a song written, it'll get put on the schedule. It's the way of things.

Back with more news...

Happy 2011 - Let's Get Busy!

2011-01-06T14:32:00.000-06:00

It's a new year and with that new plans. Last year saw us struggling to find money for Clombies and looking for another feature script of the low budget persuasion. Well, we still haven't locked down the money we need for Clombies but it's just a matter of time and as most filmmaker will tell you the first script you try to get financing for ends up being the third or fourth film you make. So, Clombies will gets it's chance to shine. On the front of the feature script search, we have gotten a little farther down the road but a change of plan has come about...

As an Independent Filmmaker these changing of plans happens quite often. Driven by one thing or another. My drive? I really am beginning to miss directing, being on set and shooting. So, after a wonderful holiday showing of our previous shorts it lead to an idea. Let us continue to develop our feature projects but why not make a short or two. I love short films and enjoy very much the process. So, I got right on it and before the turn of the new year I finished a 3 minute short script called "Lightnin' Dreams".

It's based on a memory of mine from childhood and from what I understand after sharing the idea with a few friends its more of a universal idea than I would have believed. The short of it is - it's about a little girl who loves to pretend and perform. That's all I'm going to give you at the moment, it is only 3 minutes long.

What I will share is that it's driven by a popular song, so this week I've been learning how to gain permission to use copyrighted music. The process is a lot easier than I thought it would be but still has it's own challenages. We need two clearences. The first from the publisher and second from the record label. The publisher was easily found and they had a request form on their website. So, we're now just waiting to hear back from them. The second has been much more difficult and may take a lot longer to work out. The record label was sold and is now under a much large company. So, we'll see how that pans out. Our fingers are crossed that the fees won't be crazy expensive but in reality they probably will be and we might have to change the song altogether. But that is doable, since we haven't shot it yet. Also since I've never had to do this, license a song, it's a good learning experience, will help down the line with budgetting and understanding the timeline it takes to get it done. Once in feature work this experience will be especially useful and help keep to a tight schedule.

So, we're super excited for the new year and with fingers crossed we'll have a few short films to keep an eye out for and by year end a low budget feature script ready to roll in to Pre-Productions. Thank you for all of your support and please stay tuned.

Comments are always welcome, let us know what you've been up too and share your thoughts on shorts, features, the year 2011, or how last year treated you.

Happy New Years - let's make 2011 a busy year.

Shooting films with DSLR Cameras

2010-08-16T13:12:00.000-05:00

I know this is new, I think I even know at least one filmmaker in Austin that about a year ago was putting together a DSLR kit. Don't know what happened with it but I do remember hearing about it. What do you guys think of digital still cameras being used to film movies and TV shows? Though it isn't new, I’ve seen a lot about in the last week or so. Three or four articles have come across my desk as well as a few blogs and I even saw on the afternoon news a piece on an episode of House being shot on the Canon 5D.

Under a post about this subject on Facebook there was a link to a young filmmaker in the UK, he had a link to his short film teaser trailer that was shot on the Canon 7D and it looks awesome, check out the link. http://deadlyillusions.wordpress.com/

What I'm most interested in is hearing what experiences people are having, the differences and similarities it has with shooting with a HD video camera, is there any problems within the post workflow and in general what are the problems people have encountered and other than the obvious benefits what good surprises have filmmakers found? Is this something Indie filmmakers are using or staying away from. Please leave your stories, comments, ideas in the comment area. I’d love to hear from people on this subject.

Collaboration

2010-08-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

In the filmmaking world collaboration is how the film gets made. The writer, director, producers, DP, all your key department heads, actors, editors…everyone is apart of it. But what happens when one of these people gets on a power trip and thinks they know better then the rest, you usually end up with some upset and dispassionate people that are trying to make a film they don’t care about anymore. It’s probably the biggest fear of most filmmakers, someone telling them what to do and how to do it and it all going against how they work or how they see the film. Sometimes that fear is realized and other times it isn’t. I know as I’ve been planning my films that that does begin to creep in. How could it not? I mean a lot of times you hire people because either they are your friends or they were recommended by a friend. Then you’re completely blindsided when they behave in a way that you weren’t expecting or wanting. Or you get a producer who’s all about team playing then decides that he doesn’t like things in the script because they are to much of this or too much of that. What would his mother think? So, how do you guarantee that this won’t happen on your set? Well, sorry to tell you, you can’t, but you can do your very best at cutting it off before it takes too much of a hold. Sometimes you have to fire someone, other times you have to sit down and really find out what’s going on and other times you just have to tell them to shape up or get off the project. This is the nature of the work. Everyone has an idea and they want their idea to be loved and used. When it’s not and they can’t accept it they push and try to force it upon you, especially if it’s someone in power. The best thing is to make everyone feel their ideas are wanted but that not every idea will work for this particular film and there for will not be used, they’ve been heard but that in the end it’s your decision as director or producer. Now, if you’re the director and not the producer then this needs to be established from the moment the partnership or hiring happens. Do you and producer both agree on the same vision and direction for the film? If not, problems will happen. The director needs to have the producer some what on his side, if they are totally opposing one and other then everything I said above more than likely will happen. Just remember there is no guarantee but you always have the power to sit down and try and work it out, if that doesn’t work, you might have to fire someone or you might have to walk away. The power is in your hands don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, this isn’t your only chance at making a film, remember that. Sometimes it’s just not the right combination of people, because it all comes down to the collaboration.

Learning from the Past

2010-07-30T11:44:00.000-05:00

As a director, I think it’s important to learn as much as I can about my craft. So, usually I have at least one if not two books going on about filmmaking or directing. I find value in theory and hearing how other directors work. In the book I’m currently reading there has been a great deal of focus on several movies I’ve never seen. So, a few weeks ago I decided I’d start having movie nights just for me. The films would be movies that were classics, ones that I had missed at the theater or movies I just have never gotten around to watching.

The film that initiated my movie night was The Godfather. Now I know many of you might be surprised, but don’t be. I’ve never been interested in mob movies, haven’t ever seen Good Fellows either. But the directing book made so many references to it that I thought, hell I need to see it, to get the full understand of what this guy is talking about. It turns out I liked it. It’s not as much of a mob movie as say The Sopranos, it’s more about family, a particularly powerful Italian family. It was beautifully shot, the story is strong, and the characters are developed so well that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Probably the only thing that I didn’t like is the length of the film. I am glad that I decided to watch it and it has helped make my reading that much richer for doing so.

I followed The Godfather with Citizen Kane. Citizen Kane is a favorite of mine, I haven’t seen it in several years and again the book was referencing it quite a bit. I thought it would be a good film to follow The Godfather. I knew what to expect, I knew it wasn’t a very long movie, and I knew I loved watching Orson Wells as Kane. So, that following Friday I sat down and watched this classic. There were several scenes I had totally forgotten about and scenes I can still hear my film professors dissecting and pointing out how inventive Wells had been with his shots. When it comes to this movie, there is so much I love about it but the best part for me is observing Wells act. When he’s on screen my eyes are drawn to him, even if it’s Joe Cottons or another actor’s moment in the scene. As a filmmaker, I just think about, how young Wells was, 26 years old, how driven he was and what he accomplished, it motivates and inspires me every time I see it.

My last movie night was two weeks ago, I was visiting a friend and we decided to watch Sixteen Candles followed by Some Kind of Wonderful. Now if you don’t know me that well one thing you’ll quickly learn is I love John Hughes movies. I grew up on his films and as a filmmaker he is one of my greatest influences. One day I’ll make a film that has that John Hughes’ feel. I enjoy Sixteen Candles the most out of all of Hughes films. I think that’s because it’s he’s first directing job and you can tell. There are obvious problems throughout the film but in the end it doesn’t matter. The viewer most times accepts it and allows the film to carry you through. It’s a very simple story and the characters feel more like friends then characters in a movie. For me, watching it is like inviting an old friend over for dinner. After Sixteen Candles we moved on to one of Hughes later films and one in which he didn’t direct but produced. During this viewing of Some Kind of Wonderful I realized how disjointed this film really is. I will always enjoy it but there are some major story problems in this film that you kind of have to ignore and go with the flow. I recently picked up a book about John Hughes, the brat pack, and their movies. There’s a whole chapter all about Some Kind of Wonderful and the problems they had making it. One of the major problems was they really didn’t get the script in ship shape. It had started out in a more comedic tone, then it started to get dark, then back to comedy then a mesh of comedy and drama and finally they settled on more of a drama. The thing is this was not an original idea it was basically a retelling of Pretty in Pink, which unfortunately for Some Kind of Wonderful, wasn’t as good or as solid. The one thing I love about John Hughes and his films is the honest of the characters. No matter how simple or messed up the story gets, in a Hughes film you get real, normal, everyday characters that you can relate to and feel they are being completely honest to you the viewer.

Now, the funny thing about all these movies is that they each have something in common with the script I’m currently writing. See I’m working on a script that is a character driven piece, which usually isn’t my thing. I like to write more event driven scripts. But this idea came to me after visiting England and I really liked it but it’s outside my comfort zone. In a very weird and I guess subconscious way I’ve been seeking out help, looking for stories that are similar or have an element in them that is similar to the story I’m trying to hash out. The script is definitely in the Hughes like tone and style. There are plenty of manipulative characters and situations like in The Godfather and my main character has a very similar journey as Kane’s. I had all of these elements already down before I started my movie nights, so, it’s interesting to me how this has fallen together. Its showed me, what past filmmakers can teach us present day filmmakers, if we’re just willing to have a movie night just for ourselves.

Hunting....for rabbits?

2010-07-23T11:49:00.000-05:00

Reading isn’t my strong point. I read slowly so it takes me a long time. In the last few weeks I’ve read over 12 scripts. I’m amazed at what talent is out there and don’t quite understand why we are getting so many bad films when there are fresh new scripts out in the world. But I forget it’s more about money sometimes then making a great film. Anyway, most of the scripts have been good, pretty commercial which is great, always want to get a script that can be sold but unfortunately most are not that original, which makes it easier for me to put it down and move on to the next. It’s hard to write something original since everything has been done one way or another. But it’s even harder to write something that feels original but really might not be…and that’s the golden script. As a filmmaker, you think I want something different, something people haven’t seen but you still want them to connect and have that feeling of familiarity, even if it’s just a passing moment. As a screenwriter, I myself love commercial films but even I tend to question my scripts, because in the end I want my story to stand out and be original. If you can find a way to take something people have seen a million times and turn it just slightly into something different, something original then you’ve accomplished that level of familiarity thus some form of originality. So, the hunt continues for at least two scripts for us to produce and for me to direct. I really am looking forward to that moment of finding just the right script. Every time I begin a new read hopes of instant connection and total immersion are present. Then on the other side of course is my excitement to move forward with making a film, getting the business plan and budget together, start thinking about casting and locations and such things. I have hopes we’ll find a script soon and be able to shoot something next summer. Fingers crossed.

My own writing is coming along well. Outlining and character development is in full swing. This is probably the most structured part of writing for me. Laying all the plans out, making sure everything has a purpose and a through line. Getting to know my characters on a deeper level and it always happens, discovering that one character that raise into a more important role than I had imagined. This is the hardest part of writing for me, picking my brain for all the details of the story and developing believable, realistic characters that are unique in their own way not a copy of someone else’s creation, it’s hard and sometimes I totally fail at it but if I get through it, it is the most rewarding. I’m happy with what’s evolving in the stories thus far and look forward to the day of sitting down and giving each character their voice. But at the moment I have to be patient and work out all those minor and major details. Question, I’ve always been interested in how other writers develop their stories. What steps do you take to build and create your stories? I’d love to hear your process.

A word on “Clombies”, we are still in the fundraising game, it’s just a matter of time. With picking up two more projects I feel the odds will to be better for “Clombies” and I am dedicated to making sure that when “Clombies” is made, we do it right and give it all the advantages we can. It’s a small horror film that done right will be great. So, no matter how long it takes to make it, it will be done and done right.

Signing off for today, have some rabbits to round up, have a great weekend and we’ll speak again soon.

Dreaming of tomorrow

2010-06-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I just got back from watching the USA play against Slovenia. What a game! It's the first time for me to watch the cup with a group. A friend of mine invited me out last week to watch the game and boy have I been missing out. I have never in my life, unless working on a movie, been up so early and in a bar. Very strange but lots of fun. The crowd was excited and there was a lot of energy in that room. The boys played great the second half and I'm on a soccer high.

So, now I'm home trying to get back to work and filled with positive energy. I've been working on two script ideas in the last few days. It's been a while since I've had the writing bug. Really hadn't had any good ideas that I wanted to sit down and work on. Then out of the blue (not really the Europe trip helped to change my prepective) these two ideas came to me. Well, that's not totally the truth either. The whole truth is that someone finally said the right thing in the right way to make me realize that having more then one project going at one time is a very wise and helpful way to build momentum. (Thanks Jon) So, with these wise words, which I should say, my mother had said the same thing back in December to me. (Thanks Mom!) Which I should have listened then, I'm a little slow. Anyway, my mind has been opened, "Clombies" is still moving forward, still looking for money, still being preped, but while that continues to move forward...slowly...we're working on developing a few new projects. I've meet with one screenwriting friend and that was very exciting and I look forward to see what he bring back. I've also been on the search for scripts. Which now I have a handful to sit down and read this weekend (thanks to all my writer friends or aquaintances) With all this creative energy running around it seems my mind has relaxed - stopped constantly thinking of "Clombies" and my super cool character Doug - and let a few new characters pop up. To introduce them now would probably be to premature, but let's just say, the two leads are intriguing and have got my imagination working overtime. I can't wait to officially have their coming out. It'll be a while of course, development of the story and of character take time...so I'll be patient as I hope you will as well. I will conseed this much, both script ideas are in the youth genre, one drama and one comedy. I was raised on John Hughes, and to make a film like his, would be a dream come true. So, it makes me very excited that they both fall into this genre. Just have to make sure I let the script be what it is and not try to force it into something it isn't.

When I started the search for scripts I was telling everyone I wanted family scripts, since they are the hot new genre right now... My sister and partner pointed out that family is a very broad genre. If you look at what was made in the 80s and 90s, there were alot of different types of family films, now when you look what's out there, you wouldn't think so. They only really make one kind of family film, so no wonder families are crying out for more content, diverse content. But to make a family film just for the sake of making what's hot, isn't my style. So, I started looking around and realized I have some very talented people around me and I should be open to more then one genre. Also, I've done a lot of research on successful first time directors (that is: directors that were actually in the same boat as I am, not someone who has never directed but knows a ton of famous people because they work with them everyday. But first timers that actually started from scratch) most of their films have been small, personal, moving stories that show off the director's talent as a storyteller. So, instead of putting requirements on genre, the requirements now are: strong story, it can be made in the ultar-low budget range and finally and probably the most in important, that I connect to it. Can't make a good film, if I'm not feeling it.

So, I might regret this, but I'll go ahead and put it out there. If you got a script, you think it's good, can be made very cheatly - that means not a lot of locations, small cast, nothing blows up or car chases etc, then get in touch. I'd like to at least take a look at your synopsis or treatment. If it sounds like something I could get behind, I'll let you know. Today is the day to make things happen.

Have a great one you guys. Celebrate, our USA boys did a great job this morning. And we should be so proud of them and how they are representing us in the Cup.

Cannes Film Market

2010-06-09T15:39:00.000-05:00

When I had planned on going to Cannes it had been to just check things out and have a fun memory for this years birthday celebration. But what I walked away with was a renewed drive, inspiration and a sense that making movies was where I needed to be.

Now granted Cannes did not provide all that. It was actually the traveling we did before arriving in Cannes. We had many adventures in England and Normandy before taking the long train ride across France to the Riveria. We met some wonderful people and even crazier Brits then I have ever met before. Which now really fuels my love for the English. This trip, though I did get exactly what I had planned on getting while in Cannes, provided my a huge push out of my rut and back into living.

So, we're now back...working full force on fundraising for Clombies...but it's not the only project in the mill. Now, we're looking high and low for some new scripts to produce. We're in the market for family scripts - which can mean a family comedy, family adventure, teen comedy / drama, etc. I love the family genre, pretty much all of our shorts have been family films...and it's doublly awesome because family films are hot right now and probably will be for the next three years. So, if you got a family script let me know. Also we're interested in faith based script and life stories...script that you walk away from feeling good and hopefully.

Now, you might be asking how was Cannes? Was it all that it is advertised as? Well, it is definitely a place where deals are being made. And for a filmmaker who wants to get aquainted to sales agents and distributors...it's the best place for that. I would say if you are serious about making films you should go. I would recommend going more at the end of the market because the sales agents and distributors aren't as busy. It gives you a chance to walk around and talk to anyone you like. If you have a project that you're working on, bring some of your marketing material and tons of cards. This is your oppurtunity to make people aware of your project. People who can help you later down the line. And do not be intimidated by it, it's just a film festival, the only difference is, it's in France on the Riveria. But in the way things work, it's like every other festival out there.

Okay, I think that's it for now. I promise to be more timely with the next blog, don't I say this everytime, but I mean it, I will be back, soon. Keep checking in and if you're a writer let's talk, I need to know more writers.

Until next time

SXSW Day 2

2010-03-13T22:47:00.002-06:00

Hello all,

This post will be a short one, I promise, I'm exhausted and really want to head for bed earlier then last night. Yes, that's what I said, we made tonight an early night simply because both Elizabeth and I were very tired from our day. So, with that out of the way, here's what happened today....

Went to a few panels, networked with a few folks, and I had my first mentor session. If you're not familiar with this, they are 10 minute one on one meetings where you can sit down with...in this case a distributor...tomorrow they will have mentor sessions with producers, writers, and more distributors. Anyway, it's one of the reason I thought it would be good to attend this year. I was right, it was a good idea. The distributor I sat down with was great. We talked about the comedy horror genre in terms of how it sells in the UK (by the way, he is a UK distributor) It sounded like we've made a good choice on our genre. He was very positive about how comedy horror is received there and therefore sales there. We also talked about bankable actors for the UK, he suggested we find a seasoned brit actor or perhap one of many up and coming younger brits. He also thought that a notable European actor would help the sale for more then just the UK but for Europe. We've thought for a while that "Clombies" would do pretty well in the foreign market, and after today I feel like we are on the right track with that thinking. I have to say that this has been the best part of the festival for me thus far. It was a very positive experience and when I walked away I felt even more excited, if that's possible, about our film. I also walked away with his contact info, so if I have anymore questions I now have someone more in the know to ask. Very cool. Tomorrow I have another distributor mentor session, so we'll see how that one goes.

To round out our day, we finished up downtown and headed over to the Alamo S Lamar to catch the doc, Greenlit. It was pretty good. It's about a film that decided to be a green production. We've thought about trying to be a green production, or at least take some measures to be more green. I think some of our ideas can be pulled off just by watching what they did on their film. If you get a chance and your interested in seeing what it might take to go green, check it out. Here's their website with the trailer on it. Greenlit website.

Okay, I think it's time to wrap up, so, until later. Happy time change everyone.

SXSW 1st day

2010-03-13T01:33:00.002-06:00

Hey all,

Just a quick late night entry...Elizabeth and I decided to go to SXSW this year. It's funny, we've both lived here for more than 10 years and I think the last time I went to SXSW film was like 5 to 8 years ago and the last time Elizabeth went there wasn't a film festival yet, just music. So, you can imagine that we're both pretty shell shocked by how large the festival has grown.

We didn't make it down to any panels today, mostly because there really wasn't much going on. But we did have two films and a party we wanted to attend. The first film was Erasing David, awesome awesome Doc. We both had a chance to chat with David the filmmaker, who was the subject of the film. The film deals with databases of all our information. If you have ever wondered how much information was out there about you, you should definely watch this film. It's kind scary really. David told Elizabeth that the film was available for VOD on Amazon. So, I check amazon and here it is, check it out if you like. Erasing David VOD link. Also, David said that they are showing at the Boston International Film Festival, so anyone from Boston go check it out. It's worth seeing. Now, the line for this film was long, the wait wasn't to bad...and we did obviously get in because how else would I be telling you these stories. But overall the experience of going to this film was pretty good.

After the film, we headed over to the Kick Ass party...the line to get in was around the corner but it didn't take long to get in and once in we went straight upstairs, it was not as crowd as downstairs and the bar had really no one waiting, nice. We stayed, had a drink and ran into a few friends. Then we headed off to our next film Tucker and Dale VS. Evil, it was showing over at the Alamo Ritz. We were there an hour early and you would not believe the line...it went all the way down the block, around the building and down the street to the ally. We waited a while but then decided we could wait and see it later in the week.

So, overall for the first night of the fest, we had fun, met a few people, saw a really good film and stood in line. This was not really surprising, because as I said SXSW is a big festival and lines are were you meet people, at least that's my experience. I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the weekend into the week pans out.

Probably the most surprising thing was what we found at the Driskel Bar, we stopped by and man oh man was it stupid crazy in there. Tons and tons of people, you could hardly move. We didn't stay - surprise surprise, that kind of crowd makes me crazy. So, note to self, Driskel not on my list of places to go to this week.

Tomorrow we're off to our first set of the panels. Looking forward to doing that, I missed Austin Film Festival last year, so this will fill that void in me. Also one of the biggest reason for signing up was it's providing us a great opportunity to talk about our the project, "Clombies". You knew this would come up, since it's all I like to talk about these days. But it's really exciting to see what kind of questions people ask and just to get face to face feedback is awesome.

If you're at SXSW keep an eye out for us, would love to meet anyone that read this blog.

Anyway, I probably should sign off, I mean I did say this was going to be short...not so much, huh?

Clombies' first poster art

2010-03-11T16:25:00.003-06:00

Hey Gang,

Thanks so much to those of you who gave us some input on the synopsis. I think we've worked out a pretty good one and soon we'll announce the official launch of the new site then you can judge for yourselves on the brand new synopsis.

So, while you wait I thought it would be cool to show off our first of many poster art that will grace our website. That's right, first of many, you will need to keep your eyes peeled for new content as always but also for new imagines, poster art, and design elements. This will keep things interesting and as I said in the earlier post we're starting out simple but in time the site will have alot of different things to offer. So, without farther ado:

First poster art for Clombies' website

I think it's awesome. All the website design is thanks to a wonderful company in Midland, Texas called Via Media http://www.viamedia.cc/, run by Jon Lindgren. If you need someone who knows what they are doing and does a great job, check them out. He gets what we're doing because he himself is a filmmaker, you should check him out.

Would love to hear what you guys think, leave a comment below with your thoughts.

To give nothing away or give it all away, that is the quesiton...

2010-03-10T13:10:00.001-06:00

Okay, the subject line might be a bit confusing...I promise I'm not giving all of my possessions away. What I'm trying to do, is to figure out just how much information to put in our synopsis. Okay, wait, maybe I should start at the beginning rather then to jump right in to the issue. Here's what's going on...

Elizabeth and I have started the ball rolling on the creation of the Clombies' website design and launch. It's going to be pretty simple and clean at first, considering the film hasn't been made yet and there isn't much to put up. Really the only thing we want up right now is a synopsis and an investor's area. The site will grow as we get farther into soft-prep and pre-pro, but until then we're going to keep it simple. The designs for the poster art have been awesome, we've seen several different directions for the art to go and they are all really good, the great thing about Clombies is it has a few different angles that you can choice to promote from. But that also creates problems because it means you have several different fanbases and you have to decide if you want to focus on one or two of the fanbases or as they say, throw the baby out with the water, and try to hit every fanbase. So, the problem is, we don't want to give away every twist right here at the beginning but we also don't want to miss any opportunity to draw as many fans to the film...so the dilemma is what is too little and what is too much?

Any of you have an opinion on this? Things that you might have noticed? Or is there maybe a standard for website synopsis'? Probably not, like most things in film you just have to figure out what's right for your project and go with that. Anyway, E and I plan on working on the synopsis today...Among other things I need to get done. What do you think if I test out the synopsis E and I come up with with you guys...are you willing to help a girl out?

Inspired by my fellow filmmakers

2010-02-12T13:44:00.001-06:00

Okay, so in the last week or so my team and I have been pretty relentlessly looking for financing for Clombies. It's frustrating when you put that much time and effort in and get nothing back. One lady said me to the other day, that the networking you do today and continue to do, you'll begin to reap it's benefits in three month. Now that's great but man, that's an incredibly long time for someone, who like myself likes things to move fast. But don't dispare I'm also not one to quit and neither is my team, so don't worry, this film will be made. It must be made, it's an awesome little story. I would tell you more about it here but I want to wait until we get the website up. It'll be much more fun I think for you guys to be able to look around and find all you can about the film for yourselves.

And on that note, I would like to talk about a film from the UK that is getting some buzz on twitter and the web. Their website is pretty busy so don't let that put you off, but if you're a zombie fan I highly recommend going over and checking out Indywood Project. I'll post at the end of this blog their website address. I just ran across them the other day on twitter and they are highly motivavte to raise funds through crowd funding. I think that's awesome. It's something that we've thought about doing and are actually in the process of brainstorming and figuring out exactly how to approach it. These guys have a nice choice of packages to donate under. The site has given me lot to think about. What do you guys think? Would you donate to them if their film was you sort of film? What would make you donate? What are the kinds of things that interest you that would keep you coming back? These are the questions I really want to get answers to...because if you are in our fan base then I want to make sure you feel apart of the process we're going through. So, please leave a comment or email me through http://www.my-productions.com/. I'd like to know what you guys think of crowd funding and about this whole internet community of film producing.

Another filmmaker that I think you might really get a kick out of is Jane Morgan. I found her and her husband's fund raising adventure over on kickstarter.com. You should check out Jane's blog. I will include her blog link as well as the kickstarter funding page. I hope her the greatest success, she's definitly got the passion, you can feel it through their video promo.

Okay, I guess that's kinda what's on my mind today. Still working, still searching, and still moving towards the start line. I hope you all have an awesome weekend and please leave you're thoughts and questions.

Indywood Projects:
http://www.indywoodproject.com/

Jane Morgan:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/morgan/november-1st-a-short-film-help-the-morgans-mak
Sweet Jane's Blog:
http://lightscameradiapers.blogspot.com/

Drum roll please....

2010-01-27T15:36:00.000-06:00

Hello All,

I know I know I've been away, way to long. But finally I'm back. And I'm here to make an announcement and to give you guys an update on Clombies. But first, the big announcement.....are you ready???

Finally, we have our very first DVD compiliation, that includes three of our award winning short films, available for purchase online. Amazon's CreateSpace, a place where artist can get their work out, is selling it for us. Currently, it's going for the low price of $12.95...(we're still testing the price so if you notice it change...that's why.) The three shorts included on the DVD are our most current films, Blue Suede Wings -our most recent and most complished film, it had an awesome year and a half film festival run and picked up a few awards along the way. It's also the first of our work to play outside the US. It is also where we met Zach Hopkins, who has become a great asset to our company. Then there is 2 White Kids with Problems - this film was made in 48 hours for the Alamo Drafthouse 1st annual Bloodshot challenage. It won the audience choice award and then went on a short festival run. This is also the first film that I did not write. Once a Storm rounds out the DVD, this film is based on a true life experience I had back in college while I was traveling back to school after the Christmas Holidays. Of course, creative linesce was taken, but it still reminds me of that crazy night. OAS was the first film that we shot on 16mm film and it looks beautiful, we truly had an awesome team on this film. So, there you have it, we are very excited to have it out there and hope that everyone enjoys it. We would love to hear what you think about the new collection.

Now on to Clombies. In the coming weeks you will (hopefully) start to notice more of a web present for our current project. We are working with a wonderful marketing / web guy from Midland on a website for the film as well as graphics for a facebook fan page and other social media markets. I'm probably the most excited about this because this is the time when we start to find our fans, people who love this kind of film, these are my people. I can't wait to share the story and characters with them and see what they think. It's so exciting and at the same time so fun. Anyway, I'll will definitely let everyone know when that goes live.

We are still busy fundraising, it's been slow going but I think in the end that's to our advantage. Each day it seems we learn a little more and a little more. I have no doubt at the right time the money will drop and when it does we'll be ready to go.

Okay, I think that's it for now...and I promise I won't be gone for so long next. See you all soon.

The link to our DVD. https://www.createspace.com/278051

Looking to the future

2009-12-14T18:22:00.001-06:00

I'm very excited for the new year that is ahead of us. 2009 has been all about business and getting everything lined up for when that wonderful thing call money drops. We've perfected our business plan, our stradegy, and definitely our budget, we revised, then revised again, then once again revised. We're as ready as we can be, at least until we get feedback, then the changes will begin again.

With all this time spent on the business side the creative side has been waiting quietly. So, every chance I get I like to sit down and read through the script. It's a way to remind myself what all this effort is for, this new education in business. I can see how people can get lost in the details and numbers of it all, looking forward to the future, asking all these question that really has nothing to do with the creative storytelling of filmmaking, like what kind of return can this film have? Which revenue stream is it best suited for? Who is our audience and how do we find them? And suddenly they find themselves overwhelmed and ready to chuck it all. I haven't gotten that far down the rabbit hole, but I can see how easy it could happen...at least to a writer / producer or writer / director / producer. Having to split your time between writing, visulizing the story and stradegizing how to make money back, that definitely makes a girl's head spin. I know it's helped me to take these little excursions back into the world that I love, to spend time with those characters that I know so well, those wonderful characters that I can't wait to introduce to you all, it's kept me focused, and reminds me why I'm so passionate about this project. And so I move forward, keep learning, keep searching and keep pushing.

So 2009 was the year of learning and 2010, what will come is unknown, it could be...the year the money drops, the year of standing on set, the year of dark editting suites... or and this is the way I like to think it'll be the year of one step at a time.

I'll keep you post.

When you need help ask for it...

2009-12-04T17:03:00.001-06:00

...but don't just blindly hand things over, you have to take the time and learn as much as you can. Finding people who can help you along the way is very important. We've been working the last several monthes on our budget with the help of this great lady, Megan. She's awesome and she's taught me alot about budgetting and thinking in budgetting terms.
But the process has been long and arduous, we started out doing a budget with all the bells and wistles - well maybe not all of the bells but in the low budget world we definitely had alot. It was great...but as time has moved forward and I really put myself to task on our distribution strategy, it came to lite what's going on in the marketplace now. For Indie's it's pretty tough. The budget we had was wonderful but the harsh reality was recoupment was very unlikely at that level. We had to cut it down.
So, Megan did it, came back with a much lower budget and now I've sat with it many a night working, rearranging, rethinking and I believe we are there. Of course, I've probably missed something, but I can dream it's all good, right? Now, it's time for me to hand it back to Megan and the other producers and see what they think of my handy work. I'll let you know how I did...but just for luck, could you cross your fingers for me.

So, what I'm trying to say is if you are desparate to make your film but you don't know anything about producing or business, I highly recommend before raising any money, go get yourself educated, find people who have done it before, ask questions, ask for help, learn about what's happening in the world of independent film and where your film can find a home. Because this isn't about making just one movie, I hope. I hope that like me, you're just getting started and with that you've got many many more movies in you...if that's the case make this one count. Don't you think?

Research, not really my cup of tea

2009-11-21T18:37:00.003-06:00

Have you guys heard about social media marketing? I don't think I was really aware it until a few monthes ago. When it happened to me, well I sure it has happened to me many more times before but I just wasn't aware, and it's probably happened to you many times as well. So, it goes like this, you're online, messing around facebook and you see a friend of your's has shared an article or a trailer to a new movie and you click on it to check it out. You like it or not, you've just experienced social media marketing. I find it very fascanating...and a great way to get the word out about your product, your blog, or like us our movie, Clombies.

It seems simple enough, you post up interesting things and someone likes what they see and thinks "hey I think my friend Bill would really like this" or they just think "everyone I know should hear about this." And away it goes, right? Well, for those that use the web for more then just email and Facebook, they probably would have a pretty easy time getting their message out there...for me, not so much. I love the web, but I really don't spend that much time on it. At least not much surfing.

So, when we started working on our distribution plan we went to an expert in the field. She's great, if you need any enlightment on distribution you should pick up her book "Guide to Independent film distribution" by Stacey Parks, it's a very honest and straight forward look at film distribution for Indie filmmakers. Anyway, after she looked over our film and our plan, she told us that traditional distribution would work but that we should really consider the new hydrid distribution strategy. We didn't really know what she was talking about. So, she explained that we should still plan for a traditional distribution plan, do the film circuit and try to find a distributor that way, but also we could do our own distiribution along the way online. But we didn't need to wait for the film to be finished, actually that could slow things down if we waited until the film was finished. The thing is we want to find our audience now and hopefully they will be excited to go on this journey with us.

Well, it sounded awesome to me...I don't think I thought it was going to be easy, by any stretch of the imagination but I don't think I realized that in reality the web is a very big place.

So, I've signed us up for a few sites that can help drive traffic back to our website, blog, and in the future our Fan page on Facebook for Clombies. But just like with any marketing stragegy, you have to have a plan. And when it comes to a plan you have to do research - so research as I said before really isn't my cup of tea, but because this whole idea of actually reaching beyond Austin, Texas...reaching beyond the US, to be able to reach people in Australia for example is just amazing to me. So, research will be done and I will make it through. Because how much fun will it be see someone clear on the otherside of this planet asking to see our film, and if we're lucky and do a great job at this social media marketing, they may be demanding it at their local theaters. Now what could any Indie filmmaker want more then to have an audience demanding to see their film.

MY Productions New Project

2009-11-18T23:19:00.004-06:00

Hey All,

Sorry it's been so long since I've been over here, but we've been busy working on our newest project, Clombies. It's our first feature film. We're finally stepping out of the shorts world, thanks to BSW, and heading into the wonderful world of longer shooting schedules and larger cast and crew. Let's see, the film is a comedy/horror, more comedy then horror, but don't get me wrong there is horror to be had and good fun gore. Later down the line we'll reveal more of the story. Actually, a synopsis will be found in a repost of a blog from our website, so just check out the blogs for 2009.

So, why do I say repost, well we have a blog attached to our new website, but it's very different from blogger, which has been hard to get use to. I love using blogger. So, while we work out which blog to use I'll be double posting on the website and here. This way you won't miss out on any exciting news about us and the new project. Also, it means that I'll be reposting several blogs that were written earlier this year. So, please take a look at them all - luckily they were all written in this year so it isn't years and years ago. Thanks for checking in on us every once in a while and just so you know, keep coming back. I am back and I will be posting. Please also go check out our new re-designed website. It's pretty cool.

See you soon.

Long time, how about an update?

2009-11-17T15:45:00.001-06:00

It's been a long time, right? I know it's been a while but I'm happy to say that what's been keeping me away is our fund raising efforts on our new feature Clombies. If you don't know about Clombies, it's a comedy horror that I wrote about two year ago and have been rewriting up until this summer. Though it's a comedy horror and very commerial it holds on tightly to the indie spirit which makes it different from the traditional Hollywood films. And I just have to put it out there that I just love the lead character in this film.

Anyway, as I stated before we're currently raising funds for this film.

Please excuse this very quick plead for help and cash:
If you know anyone who is looking for a unique and fun investment opportunity send them our way, donations are greatly appreciated and if you really want to get involved contact me and we'll let you know what you can do...okay, here ends the sells pitch.

How about a quick synopsis?

Clombies is the story of an average guy who returns to his hometown to profuse his undying love for his high school crush. But he quickly gets derailed when he discovers an unexplained and unusual epidemic happening in town, it leads him to team up with a rag-tag band of offbeat characters to save the town before the chaos spreads and in the end helps him discover who he truly is.

The film is more of a comedy than a straight horror but there will be lots of tense moment, good scares, truly bloody moments and some funny gore. I'm very excited to get this on film but even more so to start finding our audience. So, keep you're eyes peeled for our fan pages on myspace and facebook, they should be up by December. And if anyone has suggestions of other places on the web to draw attention to our film, please tell me or even better yet go ahead and do it yourself and start talking up the film, direct people to our fan pages and to MY Productions website and/or to our blog, which I promise is going to be much more active.

On that note, I will take my leave and promise to speak with you all very soon.

First Location Scout trip

2009-07-11T16:55:00.002-05:00

The setting of Clombies is in a small West Texas town. Initially, before the script was even written we were thinking of using Kermit, Texas. But as the script was developing I found myself picturing places in my hometown of Midland. When it was all said and done it was obvious that the Midland / Odessa area would be our first scouting location.

The first week in July Elizabeth and I went out to Midland / Odessa. The Texas Film Commission was so kind to help us out by sending one of their scouts, Lindsey. She was a great asset to have, not only did she get us into places but she also has 4 years of experience, a great eye, and good suggestions. Which are invaluable when looking at potential locations.

We spent two full days scouting with Lindsey then had two and a half days on our own. We saw a lot of Midland and Odessa. They both have tons to offer with many possibilities. Which is great, because if one location doesn't work out there are alteratives. We look follow to our next visit and the process of locking down specifc locations.

As I start to process everything we saw and the people we met. It is obvious to me that not only is this area perfect for the look of Clombies, but that the people here are right for Clombies. This was quite a successful first visit.

Great script read through

2009-03-14T15:03:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago Elizabeth and I drove up to Dallas for our first script read through for Clombies. Our friend and business associate Zach Hopkins put it together for us. He found all very professional actors and a great location to hold it. I don't know if I have said it enough, but thank you Zach. You did a great job and the casting was spot on.
Of course, with any kind of read through, I'm always a little nervous because it's a true test of the script and the characters, was it all on the page or not. I am very proud to say, the script was solid. There were a few places that needed adjustments and maybe a line of dialogue didn't play or just needed to be tweeked. But these were all minor things. Overall, the script played, the characters came off like I intended and the laughs were there. It was tons of fun listening to everyone read. The actors really got into it and brought it alive. It's what a good read through should be.
I am so impressed with the talent that was in the room that day. Thank you all for giving up your Saturday, we truly appreicate it.

Camera Test for Clombies

2009-03-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

We've been working with Hawgfly (Meredith and Carolyn) a special effects and regular make-up company, on designing our special effects make-up for The Clombies. Meredith, Carolyn and I have been meeting pretty regularly in the last two months to discuss and formulate a look for the film. Through Febuary I organized the actual shoot, gathering crew, getting a little wardrobe, figuring out how it all will come down. At times it got pretty overwhelming and crazy but luckily we've done this enough times, so we got through it.
Now, the reason for the test was to get a look at the special effects make-up and see how it will play on HD. We have two different creatures to deal with. They are similar but definitely different. The fx team did a great job. The make-up looked great and from the test we could see what was working and what wasn't. Meredith, Carolyn, and I will meet and discuss what fixes are needed and what stays. The fx team worked super fast and I really am impressed with how the fx make-up turned out. Thanks, Meredith, Carolyn, Lindsey, Lacy and Mikela. You all did an awesome job.
When we started this test we were going to test with just the Sony F900 but the DP really was impressed with the Red One camera. So, we decided to shoot with both cameras. Standing there on set I could see why people are impressed by the Red. But I was impressed with the Sony's look as well. They actually aren't very different in look. I think time and a few more tests will only tell which camera we end up using. Before I wrap up, I'd also like to say, I was very impressed with all of actors. They all showed up, put on the make-up, sat around a long while and never complained. When it was time for them to get up and get in front of the camera, they brought it. All of them. They made the shoot fun for me. I love directing actors, even if it's just a little direction here and there. With their performances, the make-up actually came alive. So, I'd like to thank, Karen, Rosie, Michael, Derek, and Matthew for their patiences, their time, their energy, and their performances. You guys were great.
So, to wrap up, it was a good shoot overall, worked with fun and professional people and most importantly we're one more step closer to being prepared for the big show.

Blue Suede Wings is available for purchase

2008-12-19T11:45:00.003-06:00

MY Productions would like to announce BSW is now available to purchase on our website www.my-productions.com. We had a great run on the festival circuit and some interest from distributors but in the end, we decided we would do better with self-distribution. So, get your copy now. It's only $10 dollars. You get the film, the trailer, a behind the scene featurette and loads of photos.

A new project is in the works, so there will be more news to come.

Festival run comes to an end with honors

2008-03-23T16:52:00.007-05:00

Hey everyone,

Sorry it's been so long since the last post. But we've got great news! BSW won Best Coming of Age film at the Beverly Hills short festival. We are so proud to have received such a distinguished honor. The festival was incredible. We were so happy that our DP, Dan Parsons and his wife, were able to come out to the screening. This was actually Dan's first time seeing the film completed. I don't think he was disappointed. It looked awesome on the huge screen at the Beverly Hills Fine Arts Theater. Laura and Daniel, the directors of the festival, truly know how to put together a wonderful and fun festival. If you're looking to submit to festivals, I highly recommend the Beverly Hills short festival as well as The Big Easy short festival and the Tupelo Film Festival.

Winning this award was wonderful and extra special because it comes at the end of Blue Suede Wings very exciting festival run. We are so proud of how well BSW has done and we thank all those who have supported this little film by screening us.

We were very excited a few months ago about a possible distribution deal but in the end it just wasn't a good enough deal for BSW or ourselves. So, it looks like we will be self-distributing. In the next few months BSW will be available for purchase on www.my-productions.com. So, be sure to keep an eye on that. I'll also post here when it comes available.

I hope everyone is doing well, working hard and getting their projects out there. Thank you all for helping us make Blue Suede Wings. It has been a wonderful adventure.

Festival Update

2007-10-15T17:28:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

It's been a while but the good thing is that we've been super busy with the film. Hopefully, by the end of the week we'll have all the new screening info up on BSW so you can see what's been going on and where we've been. We have a few new festivals we're going too. So, check out all the info. I'll put their websites at the end of this blog.

In just a few weeks all of us are heading off to LA for the FAIF-IFF. It should be a ball. If you know anyone in the LA area or are going to be there yourself please come out to the screening -- would love to have a packed out theater. You can get tickets online here: http://www.ticketbiscuit.com/IndieFestUSA/IndieFestUSA.aspx?Page=http://www.ticketbiscuit.com/IndieFestUSA/EventListPage.aspx

Some other very exciting news to be told, Soon No Country for Old Men will be released and based on the trailers looks like Zach Hopkins, one of our leads in BSW, will be making the final cut. You should definely go see No Country for Old Men. Here's a link to apple's website where you can check out the trailer. In one of them there is a full on shot of Zach. He looks great. Can't wait to see the film. http://www.apple.com/trailers/miramax/nocountryforoldmen/

The film festivals that are coming up:

Oct. 19th to 25th -- Indie Memphis Film Festival: Soul of Southern Filmmaking
http://www.indiememphis.com/festival.html
Schedule not posted yet

Nov 9th to 11th -- Poppy Jasper Film Festival
Screening on Nov 9th at 9pm
http://www.poppyjasperfilmfest.org/index.html

Nov 8th to 11th -- Asheville Film Festival (Asheville, NC)
Screening on Nov 9th at 7-8:30pm
http://www.ashevillefilmfest.com/

Nov 15th to 18th -- Big Easy Short Festival (New Orleans, LA)
Screening on Nv 17th at 3:30pm
http://www.bigeasyshortsfestival.com/

So there it all is. Hope this fills you in and I'll keep you updated. It's great that BSW is having such a great run.

EIFF Awards Nominations announced

2007-08-15T14:44:00.000-05:00

I am very excited to announce that BSW was nominated as Best Narritve Short Film at the Everglades International Film Festival. I'm so sorry we can't make it to the festival because it actually looks like it's going to be a really fun festival. But our thoughts will be with them at the end of Sept. especial on Sept 29th when the awards are announced. If you want to check out their website or see who else is been nominated please do so. Their websites is http://www.amritsa.com/noms07.htm .

It is a great honor to be nominated and we wish everyone good luck. Two of the films in the running with us Monica and I saw at the CIFF festival earlier this year. They were both cool films and the filmmakers were great. Good luck to everyone.

LA Shorts Fest 2007

2007-08-15T14:31:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

We have been accepted in to another festival, The LA Shorts Fest 2007, which is coming up on us pretty quickly. The dates for the festival are Sept. 5th - 17th. We will be screening at the AMC Burbank Town Center 6 in Burbank, CA. on Sept 6th, 2007 at 3:00pm. I will be attending the festival for a few days. Looks like it'll be a fun festival of all shorts, which makes this our first shorts festival to get into. Very excited about that. If you're in LA or have friends in the area please encourage them to come to the screening. There is more news to come...keep checking back.

For more info on the festival: http://www.lashortsfest.com/

Festival Updates!

2007-07-30T16:03:00.001-05:00

Hey all,

Have a few updates on the festival seen. First, INDIE Fest Chicago ended up canceling. They lost their screening theater and weren't able to find a new home for the festival. We were pretty disappointed but it's the way it goes. Anyway, we have our fingers crossed that another festival in Chicago will screen our film. Sorry to those of you I know in Chicago. I promise we'll get it there soon. We also wish Indie Fest the best of luck.

Another change has come with the FAIF Festival. They too had lost their location at the Mann's Chinense Theater but fortunite enough they were able to partner up with another festival Indie Fest USA and we will be showing at the end of Oct. Here's their website for more info http://www.indiefestusa.com/. The festival takes place at AMC 12 theaters in Downtown Disney, (in Disneyland, very cool) from October 26th to November 2nd. Screening schedules have not been post as of yet.

That's all the festival updates I have for now. We've got alot of things in the works right now so keep checking back here.

Blue Suede Wings to be screened in Austin

2007-07-19T10:20:00.001-05:00

Hey All,

A little short notice news for today. BSW will be screening at the FAM Festival this weekend. It's a new festival here in town in it's second year, it benefits Big Brother and Big Sister. The schedule is below. We're showing on Friday night during the short international for all ages, 6pm to 8pm. Directions are below. You can also check out their website at http://do512.com/event/2007/07/20/fam-2007-film-art-and-music-festival. Hope to see you there.

About FAM

The FAM Fest: Film, Art, and Music Festival was born when a small group of filmmakers, artists, and musicians got together and wanted to throw a good party. After the success of last years FAM Fest we have decided to make it bigger this year. It will include more artists, photographers, musicians and video installations, and will include a full night of international short films from as far away as Germany, Ireland, and a few from the United States. This years festival will benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Texas. The point of this festival is to give an opportunity for people from all styles and genres to show their talents. This year at FAM 2007 we have a very eclectic and talented group of artists and it shall prove to be one heck of a show.

Friday, July 20

3:00 p.m. - The FAM Gallery opens. Entry is free from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - International Short Film Festival (all ages)

8:10 - 9:00 p.m. - Intermission. A variety of music videos will be played, giving people an oportunity to look at the gallery and have a drink.

9:15 - Midnight - The second portion of the International Short Film screenings. (Fairly Mature Content)

Midnight - 1:00 a.m. - Mixer/Gallery

Saturday, July 21

1:00 p.m. - The FAM Gallery opens.

3:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. - Gallery and Musical performances.

Rachel Loy

Jabarvy

about:blank

Aaron Franz

Gia Mai Qua

and many more...

Cost

$15 Friday

$10 Saturday

$20 Both days

Location

The Pump Project Artists Complex

702 Shady Lane

Austin, TX 78702

Directions

From North or South Austin, take 183 and exit at 7th Street

Go West on 7th Street

Go Right/North on Shady Lane

Look for the bright orange building on your left- there is a automotive shop on one side of the building and the gallery is on the right.

Another screening schedule posted

2007-07-04T12:14:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

I have another screening schedule to let you know about. The Gloria Film Festival has posted their schedule you can check it out here: http://www.gloriafilmfest.org/festival.php?num=2#anchor4.

This festival is also screening a short film called Sadie Turns Seven. It played with us in Tupelo and was sooooo cute. If you go to Gloria FF it's screening in our program.

Real to Reel screening schedule posted

2007-07-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Just wanted to let everyone know that the screening schedule for the Real to Reel Film Festival has been posted. You can check it out here: http://www.ccartscouncil.org/realtoreel/real2007.htm. Looks like it's going to be a fun one.

Keep checking back, more information to come.

Real to Reel Film and Video Festival

2007-06-28T11:39:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Well I have great news, we just got word that we're playing at the Real to Reel Film and Video Festival. It takes place July 18th to July 21st in King Mountain, NC. You can check out their website for more information. http://www.ccartscouncil.org/realtoreel/real2007.htm. They haven't posted the screening schedule as of yet but it should be up soon.

Really looks like a fun festival and in a beautiful part of our country. If you know anyone in the area please encourage them to go to the festival and check out the film. I'm not sure if we'll be able to attend since we've got several other festivals going on at the end of July beginning of Aug already. But we'll see once the schedules are up.

EIFF screening schedule

2007-06-27T14:02:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

The Everglades International Film Festival screening schedule has been posted. You can check it out here http://www.amritsa.com/eiff/screenings.htm. Looks like we'll be playing on Friday, Sept. 28th, 2007. All the films are screening at The Everglades Country Resort Dargle. They start the films at 10am...we're playing third in our section.

Come back soon, we've got alot more news to post.

Moondance Semi-Finalist

2007-06-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

I am very proud to announce that we made the semi-finals at the Moondance Film Festival. You can check out the whole list of finalist and semi-finalist on their website http://www.moondancefilmfestival.com/01-Home.html.

We are very honored to have made it into the semi-finals. Unfortunately, semi-finalist are not shown at the festival but it is wonderful that BSW was recognized. This is the short film that could. It just keeps on keeping on.

Everglades International Film Festival SA 2007

2007-06-19T16:49:00.000-05:00

Hey All,

Another film festival has accepted us. I truly wish we could go to this one. Looks like alot of fun. It's in Dargle, South Africa from Sept 24th to 29th. It's our first foreign festival and by the looks of it, in a very beautiful location. Really wish we could attend, but alsa we can't make every festival. So, for anyone out there from the area I hope you can make it out and hey let us know how it goes and what you thought. For more info on the festival check out their website. http://www.amritsa.com/.

Zach's made the Coen Trailer

2007-06-18T13:44:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,

I have some really fun news. While we were shooting BSW one of our leads, Zach Hopkins (Beau) landed a part in the new Coen Brother's film No Country For Old Men. He plays a deputy at the beginning of the film and is murdered by the lead baddie. Anyway, I just saw the trailer for the first time and there is Zach. It doesn't show his face but it's him. Blond hair and all.

Between the time we shot in March to our re shoots in May Zach had been out to Santa Fe, NM to do his part. He had some very fun stories about working with the Coen's and it really made me excited for him. Now that the trailer is out I'm more then ready for the film to come out and for people to see what a awesome actor Zach is. I really hope this opens many doors for him. Though, I hate to see such a nice guy get got in such a horrible way but it looks to be a very intense scene.

At the moment the trailer can be seen on Variety.com. http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=VideoBC&bcpid=987390441&bclid=1021004993&bctid=987200355

More festival news

2007-06-16T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Seems like it's announcment time for festivals. Just received an email congratulating us to The Gloria Film Festival in West Valley, UT. It takes place Aug. 1st - 4th, right after the Chicago fest which is kinda cool. Looks like we'll be pretty busy at the end of July beginning of Aug. For more info check out their website at http://www.gloriafilmfest.org/festival.php?num=2#anchor2. They have posted the films that will be shown but a schedule is not up yet. As always please past the word around if you know anyone that lives in or around the West Valley area. We'll continue to keep you post as more info comes available.

Screening at Indiefest

2007-06-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Hope you all are doing well. We're doing good here. Things are still rocking with BSW. We were accepted to a new festival. We will screen at Indiefest 2007. It's held in Chicago IL July 26 - August 2, 2007. You can check out their website http://www.indiefestchicago.com/ for more information. They will have film screening info up soon. We're all very excited about heading off to Chicago. If you have anyone you know living in the area please let them know about the showing.

Also in May, Blue Suede Wings appeared at two film markets in Europe. The Short Film Corner Market which takes place during The Cannes Film Festival and at The Oberhausen International Film Festival Market. At The Short Film Corner BSW was viewed by several distributors. So, we'll see if anything comes out of that. It was very cool to know that little BSW played at Cannes.

I'll keep everyone up to date as things come in. Hope you all are doing good and staying busy.

Award Winning Short

2007-05-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hey All,

I just received word from Houston Worldfest that Blue Suede Wings was awarded a Silver Remi Award. This was a great surprise and we are very honored to receive this award. If you want to learn more about the Remi or Worldfest check out their website http://www.worldfest.org/. We are now officially an award winning short. How cool is that? Way to go BSW!

Home from the Tupelo Film Festival

2007-05-23T18:28:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Well, Elizabeth and I are back from Mississippi and what a good time we had. The Tupelo Film Festival was a great festival and the people were so kind and friendly. Haven't had someone say thank you so much as when we were there. I want to thank Pat and the rest of her festival volunteers for making us feel so at home and apart of the family. The screening was great, had a good audience, and one guy really was enjoying himself. Could hear him laughing and at one point even say, "Oh no." We were very happy with the way things went. Our parents were there as well. Drove all the way from Midland, Texas to join us. This was their first time to see the film up on the big screen and with an audience none of us knew. I think they quite enjoyed it.

I do have a story to tell on us. After BSW showed we stayed around and watched a few other films then decided to go grab a bite. Unfortunately, we ended up missing our group Q&A while we were gone. When we walked back into the theater door all the volunteers started to come up to us. "Where did you disappear too?" "We looked all over for you?" Even one volunteer had come looking for us downtown and she almost found us if only she'd come two more store down. Thankfully, Pat got us into the next Q&A and all was fine. But I know she was thinking, "those Yeager girls."

So, to wrap up...We had a great time. The screening was fun, the other films were good, and they feed us great food and treated all us filmmakers like family. It was a festival I highly recommend to all my fellow filmmakers. You will have a great time and this festival really celebrates the great accomplishment of completing a film.

Going To Tupelo Mississippi

2007-04-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

I'm very very excited to announce that we have been accepted at the Tupelo Film Festival, in Tupelo Mississippi. For those of you who aren't familiar with Elvis, this is where he was born. So, it means alot to me that we are getting a chance to show there. The dates for the fest are May 17th to 19th. We're showing on Thursday May 17th at 1:35pm over at the Lyric Theatre. You can check out the festival website for more info and see the schedule at http://tupelo.net/filmfest/. This one is going to great fun because not only are we being screened and getting to go to Elvis' hometown, my folks will be joining us. I'm so honour that they will be there and take part.

So, as always if you know someone in that part of the country or want to join us yourself please do so...the more the merrier.

We might even take a little road trip up to Memphis to see Graceland...now wouldn't that be fun!

Please keep checking back I'm sure we'll have more info after this weekend.

CIFF was a great success

2007-04-23T14:14:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

Just got back from Calinfornia...well late last night Monica and I flew in. We had a great time. We were very excited to meet up with another Austin filmmaker, Rowdy Stowell. He's feature Mexican Sunrise screened on Friday. It was very cool. I really enjoyed it and am so proud of Rowdy. He did an amazing job and it was his first feature. You rock Rowdy. Also, I was really impressed by the actors. I know I worked on the film and was there to watch every move these guys made but they really did give their all and it's up on the screen. Great work Rowdy. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to screen at another festival. It was kinda nice having another Texas filmmaker around.
Now on to our screening... it was a great success. We had an awesome audience that happened to be filled with lots of kids and parents. They laughed so many times it just made me and Monica a little misty. I wish that you all could have been there. The Q & A went off without of hitch. Actually, I think we might have had one of the best Q&As of the festival. Lots of questions about the actor's and where the story came from. They seemed to really get it and enjoy it. After the Q&A I was approached by a woman. Her son, who was attending NYU, was having his very first showing later that day and she said that he was very nervous about the screening since he has never shown to an unknown audience and he wasn't sure it was going to go over well. I told her that most filmmaker's have nerves about screening but in the end didn't we make them to be seen by an audience. She smiled and said I'll tell him that. I think it's true that we all get nerves at our screenings because what we really are hoping is to get an audience that gets it and loves it. I think we had an audience that really got it.

So, now we're preparing for our next festival which is in just a few days. The Austin Women's Film, Music and Literary Festival starts up April 26th. We screen on the 29th over at the Carver Theater at 3pm. I hope some of you can come out. Anyway, keep your eyes peeled...more new to come.

Official Selection at the 2007 FAIF INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

2007-04-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

I am so excited to announce we are going to Hollywood! We are an “Official Selection” at the 2007 FAIF International Film Festival. The festival that has all it's screenings at the famous Mann’s Chinese Theaters in Hollywood, California. The dates are September 13th - 19th, 2007. Here's their website for info about the festival http://www.magicalfilmfest.com/index.html and you can view a tentative festival schedule here http://www.magicalfilmfest.com/45.html . The actual screening times for BSW is not up yet being as it's quite early for that. But check back in July for the official schedule and of course you can check here, BSW's screening page and MY Productions website. If you know anyone in the LA area encourage them to come out. Be sure to let me know if you can make it or if friends will be attending. This is so super cool.

BSW is going to the County Fair

2007-04-02T18:42:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

I am proud to announce that BSW will be participating in the San Diego International Children's Film Festival's Summer SunScreen series taking place from June 10-July 4 at the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. What's cool about this is that over a million people attend the fair and we'll be with several other films being play everyday. It makes me really excited to know that so many will get a chance to see the film. Many that might not attend a film festival or rent a short film DVD. So, if you know someone in the San Diego area please let them know. Here's the website http://www.sdchildrensfilm.org/ They currently have just a blurb about the Summer SunScreen with a contact number.

Info. about the films and filmmakers have been posted on the Austin Women's Film, Music and Literary Film Festival website. http://www.blowinupaspot.com/Frames/FRAME-WELCOME.htm. It looks like BSW will play on Sunday April 29th at the 3-6pm Matinee Screening and Q&A. Hope to see you all there.

Well, that's it for now. Will keep you updated as things come in to me. Until then...

Austin Women's Film, Music, & Literary Festival

2007-03-22T18:15:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Some more exciting news to announce. Received an acceptance email today from the Austin Women's Film, Music, and Literary Festival. The Festival runs from April 26th thur April 29th. We'll have just gotten home from California and had a few days rest. That couldn't have been planned any better. Anyway, you can check out their website at http://www.blowinupaspot.com/Frames/FRAME-WELCOME.htm . They should have info up soon about screening times and such. You can also check on BSW for times and dates. I'm very excited about this showing because this is our first Austin Festival. I hope this means that we'll see alot of familiar faces in the crowd. Let me know if you'll be making the screening.

As always keep checking back here for the most up to date info. I promise there will be more to come.

Screening schedule has been posted

2007-03-19T15:13:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Just wanted to let everyone know that Calinfornia Independent Film Festival has posted the film schedule. So, if you know anyone who lives in the San Fran area please let them know and encourage them to come out and see our film. Of course, if you would like to come we would love to see you there. Be sure to let me know if your coming. Here's the web address to check out the schedule. http://www.caindiefest.com/gpage1.html We're showing on April 21st Sat. morning from 10am to 12pm in the Children & Family screening over at the Vine Cinema...Debi Derryberry, the voice of Jimmy Neutron, will be hosting our screening.

Also, Blue Suede Wings has been submitted to IMDB and hopefully in the next few weeks to a month it will appear. Be sure to check and make sure you made the credits and if not please feel free to add yourself.

I think that's it for the time being. We have a few things in the works so keep your eyes peeled here. Also, I'll be posting about the film festival experience very soon.

Oh and something that some of you will be interested to know is that Mexican Sunrise Rowdy Stowell's feature that many of us worked on will be screening as well at CIFF. I was very excited to see that and look forward in seeing the film, since I was unable to make the screening here in Austin. I hope some of the MS folks make it up to the fest. Congrats Rowdy!

That's it for now. Check back soon for more thrilling info.

Announcing our first film festival acceptance!

2007-02-13T15:02:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone,

Well I'm very happy to announce that I just received our first acceptance letter from The California Independent Film Festival in Livermore, California. The festival runs April 18th thru April 22nd and takes place in the Valley wine country. You'll be able to get a screening schedule here on Blue Suede Wings but also keep your eye on the CIFF's website as well. Their site address is http://www.caindiefest.com/index.html. It's a bit early for them to have information up but keep checking back. I'm very excited to make this announcement and hope some of you will be able to make the festival.

Happy New Year and 2nd screening

2007-01-21T16:33:00.000-06:00

I know it's been a while from the last post, but be assured that we've been working very hard sending out BSW to festivals and looking for a distributor. Hopefully, in the next few weeks we'll start hearing things.

I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that we all have a wonderful and exciting new year ahead of us.

The party and 2nd screening this weekend was great fun. It was nice to see you all and hear how everyone has been so busy. If you are in the crew and haven't gotten your copy of the film please email me and we'll get that to you.

I've been ask several times when or if we will be selling copies of the film. We will but since we're just beginning the festival circuit we need to wait and see how things progress. Keep your eye on the website for news and available copies to buy.

Successful Premiere Screening

2006-11-18T10:32:00.000-06:00

For our very first blog I wanted to thank everyone for coming out to the premiere last weekend. I believe it was a great success. It was great to see you all and to see and hear your reactions to the film. That part of the night was amazing! It was a wonderful experience to finally share the film with the cast and crew and all our friends and family. I'll try and keep this blog up to date with info and with the going ons of the film and the festival experience as it happens. Feel free to leave comments or email me with questions. Also, if any of you would like to share you experience working on the film or with me please send it to me. I'd love to have different people share their thoughts on this blog. Again, I would like to thank everyone for coming out and for all the support everyone has given us throughout this process. For those who could not make it, keep your eyes peeled, I believe Monica may be planning a smaller get together to show it again. Thanks everyone and I'll keep you posted.

2006-10-30T23:25:00.000-06:00