Do you like your reading filled with dark and twisted visions? I sure do! If you share a taste for demented short tales then "All the Pretty Girls" by Mary Goff should put a wicked grin on your face. Click here and get your copy today. It's available in both paperback and e-book versions. Don't forget to drop by myspace.com/gabbygoff for info on where to find more.
It's twistedly tasty! Don't say I didn't warn ya.....
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
D-Pad Junkies gets a facelift
After 4 years, DPJ gets a new look! We've done away with our homepage gaming portal and we are going strictly to a forum. With Craig and I concentrating on making movies we don't have the time to keep the homepage updated. But we never intended to give up our baby, either! And especially not the loyal group of friends we've made over the years. But we're not only about the games. We dig movies, music, and books, too (and tons of other non-media stuff!). So check us out. And.... Get. Your. Fix.
www.dpadjunkies.com
www.dpadjunkies.com
Thursday, July 17, 2008
iPhone
I don't know how I ever managed without this thing! I was lucky enough to get a 3G iphone 6 days after its July 11th launch. My husband, however, was one of the geeks who stood in line to buy one that Friday. He was the first in our small city to get one. Persistence pays!
The 3G is great, but what really sold me on the phone are the apps. There are apps for everything! Finance, checking miles per gallon, writing notes (that also sync to an online account), games galore, social networking, etc. And tons of them are FREE! The apps coupled with everything else this little beauty does makes it a winner in my book. Even despite having to switch to the dreaded AT&T network to get it. Grrrrr.
I was already a Mac user and am happy to say the iPhone fits into the Apple lifestyle perfectly.
The 3G is great, but what really sold me on the phone are the apps. There are apps for everything! Finance, checking miles per gallon, writing notes (that also sync to an online account), games galore, social networking, etc. And tons of them are FREE! The apps coupled with everything else this little beauty does makes it a winner in my book. Even despite having to switch to the dreaded AT&T network to get it. Grrrrr.
I was already a Mac user and am happy to say the iPhone fits into the Apple lifestyle perfectly.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
50 Movies I Want To See
Everybody loves lists, and here's one more! I've seen a TON of movies, mostly horror, that would equal the length of Earth's diameter if I were to make that list. So, here's the next best thing. Here are 50 movies that I haven't seen, probably should see, and hope to see eventually. There really is no rhyme or reason behind these picks. Some are old, some are new, some aren't even available yet. And since I started making this list, I've seen a few of the movies. Hey, naming 50 that I haven't seen was tough (and took longer than expected)!
In alphabetical order:
1.) American Zombie
2.) The Bird with the Crystal Plumage
3.) Botched
4.) Brutal Massacre: A Comedy
5.) The Call of Cthulhu
6.) Cannibal! The Musical
7.) The Cat O’Nine Tales
8.) Cat People
9.) The Crazies
10.) Curse of the Cat People
11.) Dagon
12.) Dead and Breakfast
13.) Death Race 2000
14.) Deep Red
15.) Don't Torture A Duckling
16.) Frankenhooker
17.) The Funhouse
18.) The Haunting '63
19.) Haute Tension
20.) Hollywood Boulevard
21.) House of Wax '53
22.) I Walked with a Zombie
23.) Inferno
24.) Inside
25.) Lizard in a Woman's Skin
26.) Manhattan Baby
27.) Midnight Meat Train
28.) Mirror Mirror
29.) Mirrors
30.) Mother of Tears
31.) Nightmare City
32.) The Psychic
33.) Repo! The Genetic Opera
34.) Robot Monster
35.) The Ruins
36.) The Signal
37.) Silent Movie
38.) Spider Baby
39.) Teeth
40.) Tenebre
41.) The Terror
42.) Them
43.) Thinner
44.) The Tingler
45.) Tourist Trap
46.) Two Evil Eyes
47.) Vampira: The Movie
48.) Vertigo
49.) Village of the Damned (1960)
50.) ZA Zombies Anonymous
In alphabetical order:
1.) American Zombie
2.) The Bird with the Crystal Plumage
3.) Botched
4.) Brutal Massacre: A Comedy
5.) The Call of Cthulhu
6.) Cannibal! The Musical
7.) The Cat O’Nine Tales
8.) Cat People
9.) The Crazies
10.) Curse of the Cat People
11.) Dagon
12.) Dead and Breakfast
13.) Death Race 2000
14.) Deep Red
15.) Don't Torture A Duckling
16.) Frankenhooker
17.) The Funhouse
18.) The Haunting '63
19.) Haute Tension
20.) Hollywood Boulevard
21.) House of Wax '53
22.) I Walked with a Zombie
23.) Inferno
24.) Inside
25.) Lizard in a Woman's Skin
26.) Manhattan Baby
27.) Midnight Meat Train
28.) Mirror Mirror
29.) Mirrors
30.) Mother of Tears
31.) Nightmare City
32.) The Psychic
33.) Repo! The Genetic Opera
34.) Robot Monster
35.) The Ruins
36.) The Signal
37.) Silent Movie
38.) Spider Baby
39.) Teeth
40.) Tenebre
41.) The Terror
42.) Them
43.) Thinner
44.) The Tingler
45.) Tourist Trap
46.) Two Evil Eyes
47.) Vampira: The Movie
48.) Vertigo
49.) Village of the Damned (1960)
50.) ZA Zombies Anonymous
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
life imitates art imitates life
This is weird.
It's arguable which comes first, life imitating art or art imitating life, but regardless, this is weird. I was reading The Coroner's Report in a past issue of Rue Morgue when I came across a very interesting story. Not just that the story itself was interesting, but that a couple of months ago I had written a short script outline for the same thing! Freaky.
To think that my mind is warped and demented is one thing, but I'm not sure which is more disturbing. That I would come up with such a twisted story or that an idea I had is twisted enough for some sicko to actually do.
Either way, I think it's pretty damn cool. Heh...
It's arguable which comes first, life imitating art or art imitating life, but regardless, this is weird. I was reading The Coroner's Report in a past issue of Rue Morgue when I came across a very interesting story. Not just that the story itself was interesting, but that a couple of months ago I had written a short script outline for the same thing! Freaky.
To think that my mind is warped and demented is one thing, but I'm not sure which is more disturbing. That I would come up with such a twisted story or that an idea I had is twisted enough for some sicko to actually do.
Either way, I think it's pretty damn cool. Heh...
Monday, June 16, 2008
DOB - Day 7 of Principle
June 13, 2008
Nothing like shooting a horror movie on Friday the 13th! *cue spooky music*
Other than having to cut it short due to some heavy thunderstorms that came through, it was pretty uneventful. Our still photographer slash "audio guy" didn't even break out the camera for this shoot, so I don't even have anything to show for it. I'm not sure anyone even enjoys reading these blog updates because not much goes on, lol! It doesn't matter, really. I mainly write these blogs for my own personal satisfaction. One day I'll be able to look back at these and see how far we've come.
Anywho, we did manage to get two scenes shot. One outdoor during the magic hour and one indoor. Lighting went well. Craig is getting much more comfortable, I think. He should; his lighting is looking better and better.
We finished one indoor scene just in time to check the weather and see that we were about to get hit with a terrible storm. We quickly packed up and left. The last place I wanted to be during a storm was a trailer. I'll never forget this Friday the 13th, not only because we were filming, but because Craig and I drove home in a horrendous downpour in head-on 40+ winds down a dark highway. What normally takes a little over an hour lasted an eternity. Not fun.
Until next time!
Nothing like shooting a horror movie on Friday the 13th! *cue spooky music*
Other than having to cut it short due to some heavy thunderstorms that came through, it was pretty uneventful. Our still photographer slash "audio guy" didn't even break out the camera for this shoot, so I don't even have anything to show for it. I'm not sure anyone even enjoys reading these blog updates because not much goes on, lol! It doesn't matter, really. I mainly write these blogs for my own personal satisfaction. One day I'll be able to look back at these and see how far we've come.
Anywho, we did manage to get two scenes shot. One outdoor during the magic hour and one indoor. Lighting went well. Craig is getting much more comfortable, I think. He should; his lighting is looking better and better.
We finished one indoor scene just in time to check the weather and see that we were about to get hit with a terrible storm. We quickly packed up and left. The last place I wanted to be during a storm was a trailer. I'll never forget this Friday the 13th, not only because we were filming, but because Craig and I drove home in a horrendous downpour in head-on 40+ winds down a dark highway. What normally takes a little over an hour lasted an eternity. Not fun.
Until next time!
Monday, June 9, 2008
DOB - Day 6 of Principle
June 7, 2008
Re-Shoot
Another outside night shoot under our belts. I can tell summer is almost here. It's hot and muggy even at midnight and the bugs are in full force. Tonight was a re-shoot from day 3. Craig and I both agreed that while the performances were fine, our lighting and framing was horrible. This is a key scene in the movie and it had to be up to par.
We did a little rearranging of the scene and wound up getting some good stuff. Much better than the first go 'round. The performances were even better and the lighting looked fantastic! Lori Mills had some emotional moments and she nailed it. It should come across nicely in the final edit.
All in all, I believe it was worth it to re-shoot. There is still a little section to re-shoot, but we'll get to that in a couple of weeks. The final edit will benefit for sure. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Re-Shoot
Another outside night shoot under our belts. I can tell summer is almost here. It's hot and muggy even at midnight and the bugs are in full force. Tonight was a re-shoot from day 3. Craig and I both agreed that while the performances were fine, our lighting and framing was horrible. This is a key scene in the movie and it had to be up to par.
We did a little rearranging of the scene and wound up getting some good stuff. Much better than the first go 'round. The performances were even better and the lighting looked fantastic! Lori Mills had some emotional moments and she nailed it. It should come across nicely in the final edit.
All in all, I believe it was worth it to re-shoot. There is still a little section to re-shoot, but we'll get to that in a couple of weeks. The final edit will benefit for sure. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
the greatest feeling as a writer
I imagine fame and fortune would be fun, at least for a little while. But I had something happen to me during one of our shoots for Degree of Blood that could give those two aspects a run for their money.
One of our actors came up to me during filming to discuss her character's motivation. She was to have a small exclamatory piece of dialog in a frantic scene. After building up to that moment, she felt that it would be out of place for her character to react in the way the script was written. Her feelings were by no means derogatory toward what I had written. Quite the opposite, in fact. She totally "got" her character. So much so that changing a slight reaction within the scene would help continue to build upon the moment (and the rest of the scene) and her character's hysterical behavior.
I didn't need any convincing; she was completely right. Expressing in words how I felt at that moment isn't possible. It was "cool" to say the least. Just imagine putting a lot of work into crafting something, something that comes to life thanks to the actors, and have one of them come to you because he/she understands what you've written and wants to build upon that. As a writer, I can't imagine anything cooler. As the writer and director of Degree of Blood, I can honestly say that the movie could be a total flop and I will still have that wonderful memory.
One of our actors came up to me during filming to discuss her character's motivation. She was to have a small exclamatory piece of dialog in a frantic scene. After building up to that moment, she felt that it would be out of place for her character to react in the way the script was written. Her feelings were by no means derogatory toward what I had written. Quite the opposite, in fact. She totally "got" her character. So much so that changing a slight reaction within the scene would help continue to build upon the moment (and the rest of the scene) and her character's hysterical behavior.
I didn't need any convincing; she was completely right. Expressing in words how I felt at that moment isn't possible. It was "cool" to say the least. Just imagine putting a lot of work into crafting something, something that comes to life thanks to the actors, and have one of them come to you because he/she understands what you've written and wants to build upon that. As a writer, I can't imagine anything cooler. As the writer and director of Degree of Blood, I can honestly say that the movie could be a total flop and I will still have that wonderful memory.
Monday, June 2, 2008
re-shooting blues
Doing things over again goes against everything I believe in, but sometimes I just have to. And this is one such time. I've decided to re-shoot a certain pivotal scene in Degree of Blood. Not my favorite thing to do. I hate to 'waste' a night of shooting something we have already shot. But I do believe it's for the best. It's a pivotal scene and one that can't be half-assed. This is my directorial debut and I certainly don't want to completely blow it.
Fortunately, the actors involved are understanding, and that means the world to me. Their performances were fine, great even, so it's not because of them. Our lighting, framing, and direction simply lacks the punch that the scene requires. We're on schedule to re-shoot the scenes this weekend, which actually works out quite well. Our two leads are tied up with other things anyway, which helped ease my decision.
Filmmaking is such a huge effort. Not just on my part but all who are involved. And I greatly appreciate everyone's support.
Fortunately, the actors involved are understanding, and that means the world to me. Their performances were fine, great even, so it's not because of them. Our lighting, framing, and direction simply lacks the punch that the scene requires. We're on schedule to re-shoot the scenes this weekend, which actually works out quite well. Our two leads are tied up with other things anyway, which helped ease my decision.
Filmmaking is such a huge effort. Not just on my part but all who are involved. And I greatly appreciate everyone's support.
DOB - Day 5 of Principle
Friday, May 30, 2008
Bugs, bugs, bugs! Oh my goodness there were tons of bugs! That's what you get when you shoot by a pond during the Spring/Summer. Despite the bugs, the actors were in good spirits and I greatly appreciate their patience.
The scene we shot had to be tweaked a bit due to rotten wood on the deck we were using, but I think it turned out ok. The worst part of the night was having to pause every few minutes to wait for the airplanes. We learned that our location is in a flight path for the FedEx planes, joy joy.
Even though James wasn't in any of the scenes we were shooting, he decided to join us. And of course we put him to work documenting the shoot with the handycam. I don't think he minded. Thanks, James!
We still have quite a bit to do, but it's coming together. Craig's lighting is really improving, too. He took the time to create some nice shadows for these scenes and it really paid off. And having Roger around is an advantage. He and Craig work so well together; they are definitely in sync.
Bugs, bugs, bugs! Oh my goodness there were tons of bugs! That's what you get when you shoot by a pond during the Spring/Summer. Despite the bugs, the actors were in good spirits and I greatly appreciate their patience.
The scene we shot had to be tweaked a bit due to rotten wood on the deck we were using, but I think it turned out ok. The worst part of the night was having to pause every few minutes to wait for the airplanes. We learned that our location is in a flight path for the FedEx planes, joy joy.
Even though James wasn't in any of the scenes we were shooting, he decided to join us. And of course we put him to work documenting the shoot with the handycam. I don't think he minded. Thanks, James!
We still have quite a bit to do, but it's coming together. Craig's lighting is really improving, too. He took the time to create some nice shadows for these scenes and it really paid off. And having Roger around is an advantage. He and Craig work so well together; they are definitely in sync.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
DOB - Day 4 Principle
May 25, 2008 - Memorial Weekend
Today was the first time we have had all of our actors together on set. Since it was a holiday weekend, Craig and I chose to bring out BBQ for everyone. It's just a small token of our appreciation for everyone's help. Lord knows we couldn't get this done without our actors and crew. Thanks, everyone!
The shoot wasn't an ideal one, unfortunately. The air conditioner in the trailer we are shooting in was out. A 90 degree day in Memphis in a trailer with little cool air does not make for a comfortable time. However, we all pulled through it just fine. We got a couple of scenes shot - never enough for my tastes - and I learned how difficult it is to decorate a set. This is not a job for me. My own house is barely decorated!
Lighting set ups didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped, either. Filming in the small trailer makes for difficulty with getting things placed in the right spots. All things considered, Craig looked great.
Pics courtesy of Roger Cotton. Enjoy!
Update: 8-22-13
All pics of Degree of Blood have been removed. We changed domains where the pics were stored and since the movie was never finished, I didn't see a reason to re-upload them.
Today was the first time we have had all of our actors together on set. Since it was a holiday weekend, Craig and I chose to bring out BBQ for everyone. It's just a small token of our appreciation for everyone's help. Lord knows we couldn't get this done without our actors and crew. Thanks, everyone!
The shoot wasn't an ideal one, unfortunately. The air conditioner in the trailer we are shooting in was out. A 90 degree day in Memphis in a trailer with little cool air does not make for a comfortable time. However, we all pulled through it just fine. We got a couple of scenes shot - never enough for my tastes - and I learned how difficult it is to decorate a set. This is not a job for me. My own house is barely decorated!
Lighting set ups didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped, either. Filming in the small trailer makes for difficulty with getting things placed in the right spots. All things considered, Craig looked great.
Pics courtesy of Roger Cotton. Enjoy!
Update: 8-22-13
All pics of Degree of Blood have been removed. We changed domains where the pics were stored and since the movie was never finished, I didn't see a reason to re-upload them.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
DOB - Day 3 Principle Photography
May 17, 2008
Our third night of principle photography didn't come without its hurdles, but it sure was fun! We had originally planned to shoot this particular exterior scene 2 months ago when the foliage had not grown in due to the spring rain. However, due to some unforeseen issues it got postponed. When we arrived on location Craig and I were both shocked at the state of the area. Weeds, vines, grass, etc. had overgrown the area around this pond we were to use. Three weeks ago, at our second shoot, this area still looked clear enough to use. At first we toyed with the idea of a re-write, but I wasn't too thrilled with that idea. Craig, being the loving husband he is really stepped up. He and Dolan Mills (Nathan) each grabbed a pair of shears and went to cutting. Before we knew it, they had the area cleaned out enough to make it work. I owe a huge thanks to both of these guys for tackling the hurdle.
For this shoot, we got to mix it up with Degree of Blood's three other actors. Lori and Dolan Mills and James McElyea all did a fantastic job. In fact, Lori Mills (Alison) did such a great job in one of her scenes Craig actually stopped the camera. Lori's character was to stumble and fall, and Lori did a very convincing fall. I bit my tongue from yelling "Cut!", but Craig had already stopped camera. I took a step forward to where she was on the ground and waited an extra second to see if she was ok. Thankfully, it was only acting and she wasn't hurt at all. It should look great in the final film! Now I've got to teach my cameraman to always keep rolling! Real pain and injury is always better than fake. Everyone knows that. Haha! Great job, Lori!
Both Lori and James played their parts well and projected their voices nicely, too. Dolan is the lucky actor who also gets to play our monster. So, he got to don the costume for the first time. Let me tell you, he did a frighteningly good job! I won't dare spoil anything regarding the monster, so you'll have to wait for the dvd.
Sadly, our professional photographer, Roger Cotton, was not in attendance. The following pictures were taken by yours truly and it shows. We missed you, Roger!
Update: 8-22-13
All pics of Degree of Blood have been removed. We changed domains where the pics were stored and since the movie was never finished, I didn't see a reason to re-upload them.
Our third night of principle photography didn't come without its hurdles, but it sure was fun! We had originally planned to shoot this particular exterior scene 2 months ago when the foliage had not grown in due to the spring rain. However, due to some unforeseen issues it got postponed. When we arrived on location Craig and I were both shocked at the state of the area. Weeds, vines, grass, etc. had overgrown the area around this pond we were to use. Three weeks ago, at our second shoot, this area still looked clear enough to use. At first we toyed with the idea of a re-write, but I wasn't too thrilled with that idea. Craig, being the loving husband he is really stepped up. He and Dolan Mills (Nathan) each grabbed a pair of shears and went to cutting. Before we knew it, they had the area cleaned out enough to make it work. I owe a huge thanks to both of these guys for tackling the hurdle.
For this shoot, we got to mix it up with Degree of Blood's three other actors. Lori and Dolan Mills and James McElyea all did a fantastic job. In fact, Lori Mills (Alison) did such a great job in one of her scenes Craig actually stopped the camera. Lori's character was to stumble and fall, and Lori did a very convincing fall. I bit my tongue from yelling "Cut!", but Craig had already stopped camera. I took a step forward to where she was on the ground and waited an extra second to see if she was ok. Thankfully, it was only acting and she wasn't hurt at all. It should look great in the final film! Now I've got to teach my cameraman to always keep rolling! Real pain and injury is always better than fake. Everyone knows that. Haha! Great job, Lori!
Both Lori and James played their parts well and projected their voices nicely, too. Dolan is the lucky actor who also gets to play our monster. So, he got to don the costume for the first time. Let me tell you, he did a frighteningly good job! I won't dare spoil anything regarding the monster, so you'll have to wait for the dvd.
Sadly, our professional photographer, Roger Cotton, was not in attendance. The following pictures were taken by yours truly and it shows. We missed you, Roger!
Update: 8-22-13
All pics of Degree of Blood have been removed. We changed domains where the pics were stored and since the movie was never finished, I didn't see a reason to re-upload them.
Monday, April 28, 2008
DOB - Day 2 Principle Photography
April 26, 2008
I was very pleased with our second night of shooting. We were all much more comfortable in our respective roles which helped move things along more smoothly. I felt as though I gave more efficient direction and our actors looked more relaxed, too.
Valerie Campbell and Jeff Glatstein have a definite grasp on their characters and it shows. I appreciate how prepared everyone was. Craig Morris ran his (homemade!) steady cam for some of the shoot, which consisted of a walking segment. Those shots are always fun and they turned out well.
Check out some pics from the shoot courtesy of Roger Cotton.
Update: 8-22-13
All pics of Degree of Blood have been removed. We changed domains where the pics were stored and since the movie was never finished, I didn't see a reason to re-upload them.
I was very pleased with our second night of shooting. We were all much more comfortable in our respective roles which helped move things along more smoothly. I felt as though I gave more efficient direction and our actors looked more relaxed, too.
Valerie Campbell and Jeff Glatstein have a definite grasp on their characters and it shows. I appreciate how prepared everyone was. Craig Morris ran his (homemade!) steady cam for some of the shoot, which consisted of a walking segment. Those shots are always fun and they turned out well.
Check out some pics from the shoot courtesy of Roger Cotton.
Update: 8-22-13
All pics of Degree of Blood have been removed. We changed domains where the pics were stored and since the movie was never finished, I didn't see a reason to re-upload them.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
DOB - Day 1 Principle Photography
April 18, 2008
Principle photography on Degree of Blood has begun! Cast members Valerie Campbell, Jeff Glatstein, and Jessica Glatstein were in attendance. Fortunately, we didn't have many obstacles to over come on this first night. Camera placement in the tiny room we were shooting in was challenging, but in the end I think Craig Morris (our Director of Photography) succeeded.
Our resident Still Photographer (among other titles!), Roger Cotton, snapped several shots to document the shoot. Here is a small taste. Enjoy!
Update: 8-22-13
All pics of Degree of Blood have been removed. We changed domains where the pics were stored and since the movie was never finished, I didn't see a reason to re-upload them.
Principle photography on Degree of Blood has begun! Cast members Valerie Campbell, Jeff Glatstein, and Jessica Glatstein were in attendance. Fortunately, we didn't have many obstacles to over come on this first night. Camera placement in the tiny room we were shooting in was challenging, but in the end I think Craig Morris (our Director of Photography) succeeded.
Our resident Still Photographer (among other titles!), Roger Cotton, snapped several shots to document the shoot. Here is a small taste. Enjoy!
Update: 8-22-13
All pics of Degree of Blood have been removed. We changed domains where the pics were stored and since the movie was never finished, I didn't see a reason to re-upload them.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I'll make my own damn movie
After a tip from a friend, I found myself a copy of Lloyd Kaufman's book, "Make Your Own Damn Movie" and am very happy I did. Not so much a how-to book, but rather an offering of insights and anecdotes, "MYODM" goes through the various phases of making an independent movie. Kaufman and co-authors, Adam Jahnke and Trent Haaga, give tips (but mostly hilarious first hand experiences) from everything from script writing to distribution and everything in between.
Kaufman begins the journey while shoveling rat turds in the basement of the Troma building. Evidently the smell made him nauseous enough to reflect on all of his accomplishments and decided to offer the world, or perhaps just Troma fans, his enthusiastic take on the independent film business. He ends with an equally hilarious dream about suicide - something he, thankfully, did not do. And I assume that he's having too much fun to actually partake in suicide... at least in real life.... no matter how difficult he paints the picture of filmmaking.
One can't help but laugh at his profane rantings (the footnotes are not to be missed!) and his self-deprecating attitude, but its Kaufman's charisma and genuine love of what he does that solidifies this man as a true veteran filmmaker and someone who deserves the chance to speak.
Upon finishing "MYODM", I quickly bought the "Make Your Own Damn Movie 5-DVD Box Set" companion piece. More than anything, it proves Kaufman's genuine attitude toward independent films and filmmakers. It offers great behind the scenes looks at everything from special f/x to interviews with other filmmakers to how to properly record audio.
Kaufman doesn't sugarcoat anything; he plainly states the heartache that goes into filmmaking, but he also describes its rewards. One such reward he describes is that of TromaDance; a film festival for true independents the he obviously takes much pride in. If there is one thing I took from "MYODM", it's that if I have the inspiration to make a movie, there is nothing that should stop me. And that's the best advice a 30-year veteran could offer to someone like me who's just starting out. I will make my own damn movie.
Thanks, Uncle Lloyd.
Kaufman begins the journey while shoveling rat turds in the basement of the Troma building. Evidently the smell made him nauseous enough to reflect on all of his accomplishments and decided to offer the world, or perhaps just Troma fans, his enthusiastic take on the independent film business. He ends with an equally hilarious dream about suicide - something he, thankfully, did not do. And I assume that he's having too much fun to actually partake in suicide... at least in real life.... no matter how difficult he paints the picture of filmmaking.
One can't help but laugh at his profane rantings (the footnotes are not to be missed!) and his self-deprecating attitude, but its Kaufman's charisma and genuine love of what he does that solidifies this man as a true veteran filmmaker and someone who deserves the chance to speak.
Upon finishing "MYODM", I quickly bought the "Make Your Own Damn Movie 5-DVD Box Set" companion piece. More than anything, it proves Kaufman's genuine attitude toward independent films and filmmakers. It offers great behind the scenes looks at everything from special f/x to interviews with other filmmakers to how to properly record audio.
Kaufman doesn't sugarcoat anything; he plainly states the heartache that goes into filmmaking, but he also describes its rewards. One such reward he describes is that of TromaDance; a film festival for true independents the he obviously takes much pride in. If there is one thing I took from "MYODM", it's that if I have the inspiration to make a movie, there is nothing that should stop me. And that's the best advice a 30-year veteran could offer to someone like me who's just starting out. I will make my own damn movie.
Thanks, Uncle Lloyd.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Announcing: "Degree of Blood"
Our next film project will mark my directorial debut and it is one that I am very excited about. It is a film that was conceived from the notion of making a Bigfoot movie. One day I was brainstorming the idea of "a man in a suit" and from that, Degree of Blood was born. (Yet, there's no Bigfoot! haha) It was written during the summer/fall of 2007.
Pre-production has already begun and filming will commence this spring ('08). I'll try to update this blog with photos and progress. In the meantime, enjoy the poster and teaser trailer!
Written and Directed by: Valarie O. Morris
Produced by: Valarie O. Morris and Craig Morris
Director of Photography: Craig Morris
Edited by: Craig Morris
Pre-production has already begun and filming will commence this spring ('08). I'll try to update this blog with photos and progress. In the meantime, enjoy the poster and teaser trailer!
Written and Directed by: Valarie O. Morris
Produced by: Valarie O. Morris and Craig Morris
Director of Photography: Craig Morris
Edited by: Craig Morris
Saturday, February 23, 2008
"LEGION" -- our first short
So, I finally have a blog. Never thought I would. It's kinda neat, though, because it is allowing me to showcase my work. Speaking of work, I thought I'd say a few more things about Legion. If for no other reason to have various thoughts all in one place.
Legion - 2007
Directed by: Craig Morris
Written by: Craig and Valarie O. Morris
We've all made home movies. You know, those crappy videos we made with our brothers and sisters because we got our hands on our uncle's gigantic VHS video recorder? Yeah, I've done that. And they do look like crap. I had no editing machine back then and was too lazy too hook up two VCR's to edit. But man, were they fun to make!
Legion was my first official entry into the world of filmmaking. Even though I didn't direct this first short, I learned more from producing it than I could ever express and am forever grateful for the opportunity. Legion was a vision that Craig had that when he shared it with me, I fell in love with. I've always wanted to make movies. Now, not only did I have someone just as passionate to make them with but also the means to make it look less like a kid's home movie. Or at least that was my hope.
Legion's sole purpose was to get us both experienced with the whole process: directing, lighting, producing, editing and writing. We didn't focus as much attention on the writing as we probably should have because we really wanted to work out the kinks in the other areas before putting a lot of effort into creating a three act script. In other words, we wanted to see if we could handle the technical and logistic side of filmmaking first. Fortunately, we feel we can.
One other aspect that I got to experience was acting. I played two roles: a newscaster (Connie Miller) and the alien creature. Playing a newscaster was difficult. Much more difficult than I imagined. It's obvious I am no actor, but Craig tells me that staring into a camera (which I had to do as part of my character's job) is difficult and that I should consider trying again in a future movie. I'll have to write myself a good role and then I may try again. However, if I could play our monster in every movie, I would jump at that opportunity! As a monster kid, and even still today, I was always fascinated with who played the monster, so to experience that was awesome! It also gave me a newfound appreciation for the physical activity actors put themselves through. However, bruised knees and sore muscles will not stop me from playing the part of a monster again!
Legion was shot on a Canon HV20 in its "24p" mode, lit with $6 aluminum work lights from Wal-mart, and edited with Final Cut Studio 2. Non-actors, consisting of family members and myself, starred in the short. Family members and friends also acted as our crew. My thanks to everyone who participated.
"Technically", I think Legion is an OK short. I hope you'll watch it and maybe leave some feedback. Please stay tuned for our next project, one that I will be directing. I can't wait!
Here are a few production shots.
The Director
We had a crane!
Setting Up
Cheap Lighting!
Cast & Crew
The REAL Cast & Crew
Legion - 2007
Directed by: Craig Morris
Written by: Craig and Valarie O. Morris
We've all made home movies. You know, those crappy videos we made with our brothers and sisters because we got our hands on our uncle's gigantic VHS video recorder? Yeah, I've done that. And they do look like crap. I had no editing machine back then and was too lazy too hook up two VCR's to edit. But man, were they fun to make!
Legion was my first official entry into the world of filmmaking. Even though I didn't direct this first short, I learned more from producing it than I could ever express and am forever grateful for the opportunity. Legion was a vision that Craig had that when he shared it with me, I fell in love with. I've always wanted to make movies. Now, not only did I have someone just as passionate to make them with but also the means to make it look less like a kid's home movie. Or at least that was my hope.
Legion's sole purpose was to get us both experienced with the whole process: directing, lighting, producing, editing and writing. We didn't focus as much attention on the writing as we probably should have because we really wanted to work out the kinks in the other areas before putting a lot of effort into creating a three act script. In other words, we wanted to see if we could handle the technical and logistic side of filmmaking first. Fortunately, we feel we can.
One other aspect that I got to experience was acting. I played two roles: a newscaster (Connie Miller) and the alien creature. Playing a newscaster was difficult. Much more difficult than I imagined. It's obvious I am no actor, but Craig tells me that staring into a camera (which I had to do as part of my character's job) is difficult and that I should consider trying again in a future movie. I'll have to write myself a good role and then I may try again. However, if I could play our monster in every movie, I would jump at that opportunity! As a monster kid, and even still today, I was always fascinated with who played the monster, so to experience that was awesome! It also gave me a newfound appreciation for the physical activity actors put themselves through. However, bruised knees and sore muscles will not stop me from playing the part of a monster again!
Legion was shot on a Canon HV20 in its "24p" mode, lit with $6 aluminum work lights from Wal-mart, and edited with Final Cut Studio 2. Non-actors, consisting of family members and myself, starred in the short. Family members and friends also acted as our crew. My thanks to everyone who participated.
"Technically", I think Legion is an OK short. I hope you'll watch it and maybe leave some feedback. Please stay tuned for our next project, one that I will be directing. I can't wait!
Here are a few production shots.
The Director
We had a crane!
Setting Up
Cheap Lighting!
Cast & Crew
The REAL Cast & Crew
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
