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.
Monday, April 28, 2008
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
Thursday, September 27, 2007
A Few Good Horror Flicks
Thanks to reading Fangoria and Rue Morgue magazines again I've found quite a few gems in the horror industry lately that I may have otherwise missed. I've been sort of out of the loop on non-mainstream releases for the past few years, but it's good to be back in the know. It sucks having to wait for dvd releases, but at least my city wasn't skipped over for the Hatchet release! What a great movie. Here are a few of the more noteworthy films that I've seen lately beginning with Hatchet but in no particular order:
Hatchet - Wow, was this movie awesome! A horror movie for horror fans for sure. It actually exceeded my lofty expectations. It was bloody. And it was funny. It was bloody funny, haha. The story itself was good (it was cool to see Kane Hodder as the monster again), the acting was good (Joel Moore impressed me), and the timing of the horror and comedy was GREAT. Adam Green's got what it takes. This is one of the best recent horror films I've seen. And definitely some good old fashioned American horror.
Severance - Fun flick! It's a dark comedy about a group of co-workers (of a weapons company) who go off on a team building weekend trip in the mountains of Eastern Europe only to find they are being hunted by a group of crazed killers. It could've been a little bit tighter in spots, but overall it was a well made movie. It's lighter on the gore than what I expected, but there is one scene that had me cringing right along with the cast. Humor, good acting, well defined characters and good plot make this one a fun time for dark comedy/horror fans.
Wind Chill - For a movie that takes place in such a small area (on a secluded piece of snowy road) and almost entirely in the confines of a (wrecked) car, I truly felt a sense of tension. It's a low budget but well written movie. And I liked it very much. I only rented, but a purchase would not have been a disappointment. It was well paced and for a movie to rely so much on its characters, was well acted, too. And I'm glad the writer didn't go for a cheap thrills ending. It made for a very moody ghost story.
Dog Soldiers - Werewolf movies are like Vampire movies. They usually suck. However, Dog Soldiers is definitely an exception. Anyone who likes werewolves and military-like settings should check this out. You'll enjoy the characters and appreciate the developed plot. Oh, and the werewolves are badass.
The Changeling - I'm embarrassed to admit that I had not seen this before until recently. But it's never too late, right? Great ghost story/haunted house movie. It's without a doubt one of the best ghost stories and does not get the attention it deserves. Well acted, well written, well paced and well directed.
The Host - Good movie. Cool monster. I was very impressed with the mix of sadness and humor and really liked the lead character. The bonehead in all of us can relate to this guy, lol. I didn't really understand why the need for an epilogue, but whatever. Maybe not the classic Jaws is, but I think The Host lived up the expectations I had for it.
Hatchet - Wow, was this movie awesome! A horror movie for horror fans for sure. It actually exceeded my lofty expectations. It was bloody. And it was funny. It was bloody funny, haha. The story itself was good (it was cool to see Kane Hodder as the monster again), the acting was good (Joel Moore impressed me), and the timing of the horror and comedy was GREAT. Adam Green's got what it takes. This is one of the best recent horror films I've seen. And definitely some good old fashioned American horror.
Severance - Fun flick! It's a dark comedy about a group of co-workers (of a weapons company) who go off on a team building weekend trip in the mountains of Eastern Europe only to find they are being hunted by a group of crazed killers. It could've been a little bit tighter in spots, but overall it was a well made movie. It's lighter on the gore than what I expected, but there is one scene that had me cringing right along with the cast. Humor, good acting, well defined characters and good plot make this one a fun time for dark comedy/horror fans.
Wind Chill - For a movie that takes place in such a small area (on a secluded piece of snowy road) and almost entirely in the confines of a (wrecked) car, I truly felt a sense of tension. It's a low budget but well written movie. And I liked it very much. I only rented, but a purchase would not have been a disappointment. It was well paced and for a movie to rely so much on its characters, was well acted, too. And I'm glad the writer didn't go for a cheap thrills ending. It made for a very moody ghost story.
Dog Soldiers - Werewolf movies are like Vampire movies. They usually suck. However, Dog Soldiers is definitely an exception. Anyone who likes werewolves and military-like settings should check this out. You'll enjoy the characters and appreciate the developed plot. Oh, and the werewolves are badass.
The Changeling - I'm embarrassed to admit that I had not seen this before until recently. But it's never too late, right? Great ghost story/haunted house movie. It's without a doubt one of the best ghost stories and does not get the attention it deserves. Well acted, well written, well paced and well directed.
The Host - Good movie. Cool monster. I was very impressed with the mix of sadness and humor and really liked the lead character. The bonehead in all of us can relate to this guy, lol. I didn't really understand why the need for an epilogue, but whatever. Maybe not the classic Jaws is, but I think The Host lived up the expectations I had for it.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
First Draft Blues
Actually, I don't have the blues, it's just the best I could do on short notice.
Whew! Who would've thought that writing a script for a 20 minute short would feel just as taxing as if I were writing a feature length script? Not me! But I'm not complaining. It's good practice working on a 3 act structure and character development regardless of its length.
The good news is that I am officially done with the first draft of Project: Bigfoot. However, there is still work to be done. Like adding more suspense and tension!!!
*cue scary music*
Whew! Who would've thought that writing a script for a 20 minute short would feel just as taxing as if I were writing a feature length script? Not me! But I'm not complaining. It's good practice working on a 3 act structure and character development regardless of its length.
The good news is that I am officially done with the first draft of Project: Bigfoot. However, there is still work to be done. Like adding more suspense and tension!!!
*cue scary music*
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