Another Film Maker

President Obama Was Right

2010-07-31T19:43:00.001-05:00

I'd vote for a clone from Ronald Reagan's DNA tomorrow. I must say though Thank You President Obama for saving the domestic auto industry. Good Job!

I got the point that the president was out and about surveying his work visiting Detroit this week. The Big Three are leaner with healthier balance sheets shed of over burdening union health care costs and over capacity from a glut of factories. In fact people are being hired back. 900 new jobs announced today from Chrysler’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant which was schedule to close in 2012. Instead it will stay open adding a shift. Cars are being sold today at higher transaction prices, no longer needing deep discounting because of over production to satisfy a union contract. Sure sitting over coffee we all might come up with ways to have done things differently but he showed leadership, he made the hard choices. Chrysler, Ford and GM are stronger and with it the manufacturing sector of our economy.

None of that could have been said if these companies were sold off in pieces, some heavy equipment off to China, the rest as scrap. That is most likely what would have happened, even to Ford which survived on its own borrowed cash reserves. When GM and Chrysler sink those jobs are not the only ones lost, next a wave of parts suppliers are gone. The same ones a barely surviving Ford uses. Then go the businesses who survive on factory and supplier employee paychecks.

Under normal circumstances large financial institutions fund the chapter 7 bankruptcy process. Considering where the banks were at the time no private institution could have done it. The process would have dragged on forever. That left the government quick rinse bankruptcy.

Elections have consequences. Obama “saved the unions”. While McCain would have probably been harder on the UAW and more corporate friendly he would not of let the auto industry fall off the cliff either. Even a mythical Bush third term would have seen The Big Three saved to some degree.

Elections have consequences. Maybe the UAW got a better deal. So be it Chrysler was saved, GM was saved. In the end I believe history will prove we’re better off for it, history will probably prove president Obama made the right decision.

Somebody Forgot to Tell these Guys the War is Over

2010-07-24T17:40:00.001-05:00

Well I have been at Ali Base/COB Adder for a month and finally got some time off. My intention was to blog about my day and the new normal, except normal took a day off too.

I work a swing shift at the weather office. In the chair at 3pm local time finish my workday at 11pm and I’m off to lunch. This sets me up with an East Coast kind of schedule. I like being up and about the same time Denise is. I go to bed at 5am normally I wake up around noon. I didn’t like being woken up at 9am yesterday for accountability, that means something is going on. I really don’t like being woken up an hour later and told to report to the armory in my uniform. I don’t like being in a close quarter’s line half a sleep with un-brushed teeth and the accompanying funky breath waiting for an M16. Farley, one of the guys I work with took being woken up better he was pretty chipper.

Back in my room to get some sleep while I shelter in place. My watch alarm goes off at the same time as the Giant Voice. Sleep will have to come tomorrow, sleep is overrated anyway. I grab my bag of toiletries, a little desert-camo pattern gym bag I got in Kyrgyzstan the shoulder strap makes it easy to hang anywhere. I pop open my door so I can head to the shower. Dang, Giant Voice says alarm red “this is not a drill”. Back to sheltering in place watching my shower minutes ticking away, eventually I entertain my self doing the pee-pee dance. Almost 3pm better get dressed. Normally I meet my boss in the parking lot, he shuttles us back and forth to work in the Ford F150 but he’ll knock on my door when we go alarm green. Almost 3:30 there is the knock on the door he asks if I’m ready. On the ride in I find out the base got shelled, 107 millimeter types.

I’m tired and funky but there is fresh Starbuck’s ground in the office fridge. We have running water and I have a tooth brush. I’m fine in one piece and the biggest thing I can complain about is missing a hot shower. I find out three people suffered some minor injuries but all will be well. Hot fresh coffee in hand I think about the Air Force and Army personal outside the wire, those people make it possible for me to concentrate on a weather forecast, Hot and Dry. Those folks humping it in the heat everyday in full battlerattle are my heroes.

I learned more about the attack today but really said all I can about it. No I don’t think Johnny Jihad is reading my Facebook page but while these guys aspire to some 7th century life style they are good at using modern technology to further their gains. An unclassified puzzle piece here and there then eventually they can get a full picture. Loose lips sink ships the WWII saying goes. Still I can’t help wonder, don’t AQ-I get it? The war is over in this theatre. We are packing up, trucking and flying our people and equipment home. We are turning over this very base to the Iraqi’s while I’m here. I’m told I’ll even be training Iraqi’s how to write crappy weather forecasts soon.

I think I’ll get a hair cut tomorrow.

Day Three of Fat Camp: Blog is Back

2010-06-20T13:28:00.002-05:00

Well my blog is back because I want to share my adventure with you all and what's on your mind at Facebook is not always enough.

Day three of Fat Camp aka Ali Base Iraq, I’m settling in. Since Ali Base is dry cigotch have become cigoffee with real Cubans. Sadam smoked Cubans. We have a cool place called 6Pazzi think of Panevino expect the wine is alcohol free…stop snickering. In deployed locations I’m all about the best “facilities” I found much better showers only a short walk away from the place I had been using, which had me wondering did a real human being design these showers? Really the way one had to contort one self to wash cracks and crevices, I'll leave to TMI. We live in units called CHU’s pronounced chews. Mine is all clean and dusted with everything hanging or in a drawer, feels like a nice college dorm room without the loud music down the hall.

Tommorrow is the Right Start brief where various base officials come on stage and say "welcome" then tell me things that as an experienced military member I already know. Two hours I'll never get back.

That is all, carry on.

Drummers Wraps

2006-12-19T21:49:00.000-06:00

Production on The Passing Drummers has wrapped that cast and crew will make up most of my cast and crew. Over all I found the shoot a pleasurable experience and really look forward to seeing the final result. There where some rough patches amongst some and I’ll be reaching out to smooth things over and keep enthusiasm for Battlestar Galactica: The 14th Colony high. The last day of shooting included some green screen work, giving me an opportunity to conduct some limited testing.

Auditions for Battlestar Galactica: The 14th Colony are at The Gaslight Theatre, 221 N. Independence Ave, Enid, Oklahoma on January 27th from 11am-3pm. While some roles have been cast most have not, I’ll welcome help on props, set and locations as well. Some costumes are already available and work for some cast members should begin in February. Most cast members will be measured and costumes made for them, their shooting will begin in March. The script is basically done with some tweaking of dialog and scenes going on but we are ready to get busy. The FX team continues producing amazing model and animation work.

December Update

2006-12-05T14:10:00.000-06:00

This month is filled with joy and fun every year with all the holiday activity. It will also mark some significant events for the film production. The current play I’m performing in Miracle on 34th Street will close on the 10th. The current film I’m working on The Passing Drummers will wrap next weekend if the schedule holds and there are no more delays.

The wrap party is scheduled for the 17th during the party a few copies of the script will be passed around and a few actors who I’m confident will be cast will be allowed to take the script home. I will also be announcing the mid January audition dates for the film at the wrap party.

Two possible sources for building the Viper cockpit are shaping up.

The script is very close to being done although another edit is not out of the question. With that being said I’m sure all who check the site regularly are impressed with RJ’s CGI work. Well he is also quite the writer giving the story some depth and twists not in previous versions of our story.

The State of the Production: October Update

2006-10-15T17:11:00.000-05:00

I apologize to the FX team for this taking so long, this post is over due. First let me say right away this project is marching forward, we will produce an impressive original series Battlestar experience. Now the so called bad news, I’m disappointed I was not more realistic about the production timeline. Things are taking far longer to get done but progress is being made. The first time home buying experience and moving has been a major distraction. The production schedule on The Passing Drummers film has been pushed into early December. The cast and crew of Drummers are my cast and crew and since Chris Sneed was ready to go so his film started first. Costume issues have been a major concern but now a plan is in place. Going from the extended trailer to a full episode requires a new script. It is with the script I must apologize; for keeping the FX team “in the dark” I’m sure it must be frustrating.

The Passing Drummers shoot will wrap in early December that is when casting of 14th Colony will be completed. The cast will be sent home with the script for the holidays.

Final Draft has been loaded on to my machine my jumbled story notes will be a script before taking off for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.

Two fine ladies from our Gaslight Theatre community here in Enid will replicate costumes for me starting in January. The uniforms will take about two months. Shooting with the Cylon and the few costumes I already have will begin in late January.

Short trailers will be released over the next few months to keep the fanbase engaged.There are still issues and projects that need work, volunteers are always welcome. Thanks for your interest and keep an eye out Battlestar Galactica: 14th Colony in 2007.

September Has Been a Real Disappointment

2006-09-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

September has been a real lousy month for progress on the film. The big distractions have been buying and moving this being my first home buying experience, and working on The Passing Drummers. Also a GI Joe field exercise last week which had me sleeping under the stars. Work on the film continues but I imagined I’d be further along now. I have not spoken with my regular collaborators recently. While I get to scan the forums with a cup of coffee here and there I have a lot of messages to return. I figure all that should change next week.

The plus side is working on The Passing Drummers is gleaming all sorts of ideas and money is flowing out of my accounts with items being bought.

ADAMA LIVES!

2006-08-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

ADAMA LIVES!

That is some of the good news to come out of the Burning Clown Productions’ Artic Blast promotion/networking party…

During a recent read through for the film I am working on; The Passing Drummers. I was reunited with a very well respected gentleman and actor. Let’s call him Tom he was cast in the role I auditioned for. I was then given a much smaller role and that is good news all the way around. Tom is much better suited to the role and I get to spend more time behind the Canon XL-2. During the read through I kept looking over at Tom. Staring at his features and listening to every line he delivered. It hit me there is Adama.

I had no intention of casting an Adama I was to cast a generic battlestar commander to be named later. There is a major weight in deciding for someone to play the famous role so perfected by Lorne Greene. Only the most cynical elitist could really try and demean what Lorne Greene brought to that role. For the many Battlestar Galactica fans who consider them selves purists, the very people I making this film for, I do not cast this role without heavy consideration.

Tom is a retired USAF pilot, instructor pilot and former squadron commander. Tom is a fine actor and stage director. The only one to write his character’s back ground story for The Passing Drummers. I had mentioned I was doing a film and had a role in mind. He watched my presentation and was impressed. He immediately talked about liking Battlestar Galactica, watching every episode when it aired. How it was popular amongst the USAF pilot community. He understood that Battlestar Galactica wasn’t pretending to be anything it wasn’t; it was epic adventure and fun. He mentioned his pilot days in the Air Force, how Apollo and Starbuck really had embodied the military plane jockey. He talked about the many layers of Lorne Greene’s portrayal of Adama, military commander, man of faith and having his own children serving aboard his warship. Yet his was pleasantly surprised it was the role of Adama I wanted him to play.

I won’t ask Tom to do a Lorne Greene impersonation, it wouldn’t be right for either actor. I know he will give the character preparation and dignity. I now have to write a little more for a character who initially only thought would bark out a few commands before and during a battle.

The not so good news…

Part of my presentation was having the Six Foot Chrome Dude dressed to impress. It was a night mare, the mannequin is too fit…read skinny it can’t fill the suit properly. The feet did not fit in the boots, a hand came off allowing the forearm chrome to hit the floor. Children managed to get grubby finger prints on the head. He will need work.

The Canon XL-2 rests comfortably having not had its knobs fondled yet. I’m studying my new camera hard and should play with it tomorrow. For now I’ll get back to working the script hoping the Lords of Kobol will send me someone to help with the Viper cockpit. The recent Charlie Award winning set designers decided they where no longer interested.

More Changes for the Film

2006-05-28T21:04:00.000-05:00

The holiday weekend and Shakespeare have not allowed me the time to work on the script as I had planned. Here are some big changes for the project. I’m going to flesh out the story to a full episode. Originally the project was to be an extended trailer popular in the fan film genre. Erik is going to send me some fleshing out of his own. We’ll send notes back and forth as needed but nail down the script by July. Pre-production work will continue and the production is not being slowed down. We’re just getting more epic baby!

To summarize:

We’ll release probably two or three trailers this year, then finally a full episode length story.

Location, Location, Location

2006-05-17T11:45:00.000-05:00

The Oklahoma filmmaking guide lists “ghost towns” to shoot in, I went to check one out near Fairview where I also planned to shoot in a coffee shop. The “ghost town” was a big disappointment being some run down homes that people still live in. Worse the coffee shop was closed, not for the day but gone an empty storefront. All hope is not lost, I have another “ghost town” to see this weekend, and the description was promising. If Erik has his way I won’t be using a coffee shop at all. Seriously a disappointing day but far from crisis.

Mentioning Erik, we had a productive phone call and script tuning is happening. We haven’t nailed all concerns yet but we’re making progress. A fifth draft of the script will probably be followed by a sixth quickly.

The green screen meeting went well, with very little loose ends. Andy received his green screen just yesterday and we drove around today checking some studio locals.

I’m still planning on the Canon XL-2 purchase this weekend.

Clifford Hoeft Interview

2006-05-15T16:35:00.000-05:00

Clifford Hoeft runs a cool web site that is devoted to the independent film sub-genre of fan films. http://www.cliffordhoeft.com/home.html I don’t know how much traffic he gets but pay him a visit if you read this blog. He added a Battlestar Galactica directory. I’m including the interview for his web site here.

I’m meeting with Chris and Andy tonight to discuss Green Screen and studio issues. The latest and revered member of the production team continues to slander me with the Ron Moore card, this is going to get old fast.

My mother and uncle are still in town. Aghast, my mother speaks of moving here.

The interview:

Battlestar Galactica fans have long been campaigning for a continuation of the original/classic series, how does your film fit into this and will it feature any of the major characters from the original?
JR: Our film takes place about 25 years after Hand of God the original series cliff-hanger. The Rag-Tag is still searching for Earth. A friend once described the idea of recasting familiar characters in a fan film as a kick to the knads. We’ll reference some of them but they will not appear.
What impact do you hope that your film will have on promoting the cause for a continuation?

JR: Any such impact will be like hitting the Lottery but I still buy my tickets twice a week. I hope with this film people will say “yeah, I want to do that”. Then with a much bigger team we’ll do something insanely big, hopefully that project will wind up on a long list that a producer of DeSanto quality can throw at Universal or anyone else with deep pockets. A why you should do this list.The title "The 14th Colony" obviously raises a lot of questions, is this an off-shoot of the lost 13th Colony or are you adding a new colony to the Galactica mythos?

JR: We are not adding a new colony. Off-shoot, I like that let’s go with that.With your continuation following on from "The Hand of God" what is your opinion on the age of the Earth transmission seen in that episode, was it a relatively recent transmission from a nearby system or an ancient intergalactic transmission?

JR: There has been some heated debate on that issue with this film. The issue is causing us to make some changes to the last draft of the script. Part of the great Battlestar Galactica mystery is when the Rag-Tag fleet will arrive. We’re making some changes to keep that flame alive.What level of technology has Earth achieved in your realization of the Battlestar Galactica story?

[I’ll skip this one Clifford based on my answer above.]Did Adama follow through on his agreement to release Baltar after the destruction of the Basestar? Does he (or more likely his allies given his age) return in your story to cause problems for the Colonials?

JR: YES, although it does not impact our film or is even mentioned Adama doesn’t lie and keeps his word. Will the Eastern Alliance feature in your film?

JR: We’re in talks right now with Eastern Alliance representatives about participating in the film.Will the events of the 1980's Galactica series have any bearing on your production?

JR: No, it never happened. There is one event in Galactica: 1980 that was written for the original series that event happens in our timeline.Does any of the conceptualization for the failed DeSanto/Singer bid for a Galactica continuation feature in your film?

JR: We’re of the type on the production team who shed a tear when thinking of what DeSantostar Galactica could have been. We’ve poured over all the material available at www.cylon.org and I was privileged to see a presentation of Tom DeSanto’s back in 2003 I believe where we got more than a passing glimpse. So the sharp eye should keep watch for Battlestar DeSanto homage’s. How long has production been running and when do you expect to release the final film?

JR: The FX house run by RJ has been busy about a year with preproduction work. I’ll just be getting off my duff now on the live action shooting. We hope the film will be complete in time for fans to watch by Christmas.The final film is rumored to be in the form of an extended Trailer, if it is well received what is the chance of it developing into a complete episode?

JR: I won’t close the door on that just now, we’ll be shooting some intentional “deleted scenes” but a complete episode of 14th Colony is unlikely. We have some really-really fantastic writers in the original series fandom. With out the production limitations we’re facing now I’d like to shoot one of their stories. Then maybe a couple of more.How many people are working on the production and how difficult has it been to manage the workflow with crew members based in four countries?

JR: RJ set up a great system for the FX guys to share and upload files, so my guess is easy. The live action stuff is being shot by a small team in Oklahoma with an even smaller team in Florida working hard on other shots. Where is the most interesting location that filming took place?

JR: On the Oklahoma end The Gloss Mountains. I’ll have to ask Erik if he wants to give up his location in Florida occasional Dick Cheney stays there.What has been the most rewarding aspect of creating "The 14th Colony?"

JR: I don’t really know yet seeing how we’re just getting started. We have had some reactions to the early pre-production sneak peak that pump the team up. It’s all about the fans this time.Do you have any plans for future films based in the Battlestar Galactica universe?

JR: That really depends on this film being a success or not. If we motivate masses to share the passion then I’ll show up with camera, costumes and set pieces. If not then no, I’m an independent film maker who will have to move to projects I own. There is too much money, time and sweat in these fan films to continue to go it alone. There are at least two other games in town going on as the cliché says. The Callisto team will be making a big leap. So this should be a good year for Battlestar fan films.

The Ron Moore Card and Run People Freda is Comming to Town!

2006-05-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

There is movement behind the scenes on my Battlestar Fan Film about the script. I’m not a huge fan of my script but there are elements I enjoy. I also wrote it keeping in mind the reality around me, the time, money and resources available. There are folks on the production team who have real issues with my script. While I will make the tough call I don’t want to be dictatorial about the film. I’m willing to work with in certain parameters concerning the script. We recently brought on board someone who is considered a giant amongst Battlestar fans. He doesn’t like talk like that, he considers him self a regular Joe. He is wise and crafts a great message concerning where we are as fans. He is a major CGI talent, a great writer and the force behind The Exodus audio series of Battlestar Galactica stories. He doesn’t like my script, read distain. A lot of great points where brought up but I still disagree with most of them. To my surprise there was even over the top hyperbole…he played the Ron Moore card. Yes, claiming Ron Moore was more faithful to Battlestar than my story. That is funny.

My mother is coming into town for a few days…a few to many. I love my mother dearly and she me. She has always been supportive of any creative endeavor I had. The truth is tough we get along great in short bursts. I live in Oklahoma tornado alley, Freda is her own force of nature. All kidding aside I look forward to giving my mother a big hug and showing her how Denise and I live. So even with my mother and uncle in town I hope to continue at least some work on the film.

Andy, who is a friend I have written about is also a filmmaker and on my team. Well Andy threw a touch down, he scored a 9X30 Green Screen. That is big folks! That is helping keep my film under the salary cap. Other films we do in this town will also benefit from this major upgrade in the equipment stash. We’re also meeting Monday about studio space…cool.

I’m loosing weight folks. I’m working the plan and the plan is working. I like to think of my as an actor, so I’m probably a narcissist. The truth is any time I weigh over 195 I’m bummed. Last July I ballooned up to an unbelievable 240lbs I’m now down to 215lbs since working it hard late in March. It’s important to my film that if I going to portray a military character, never mind in real life I am a military character, I must look the part. I’ll most likely be wearing the Cylon suit. Cylons don’t have beer guts.

The May Fan Film Update

2006-05-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

The First Look Pre-Production Trailer is getting good reactions and we are pleased the fans are digging it.

My issue of Fan Films Quarterly arrived, a recurring theme is about how finances derail most fan films. I’ll probably give my own view on the subject later else ware on this blog.

I met with Burning Clown Productions the small independent film company in Enid Oklahoma. We have worked together in the past and I’ll be a part of their new film The Call of The Passing Drummers. Although Battlestar Galactica: The 14th Colony will be shooting at about the same time we feel there will be room in the scheduling to get both done. Yes, expect to hear more about that.

I started rehearsing for King Lear this years Shakespeare in the Park selection. I’ll also being seeing actor friends on Friday at my welcome home party. Although I have almost pre-cast one major role I’ll soon be getting a vibe at who will be auditioning.

I’ll be getting my Canon XL-2 package this month and working pre-production lists I could not work on while in Korea.

I'm Home and a Press Release

2006-04-29T11:35:00.000-05:00

Although Korea was nice I'm thrilled to be home with my wife. I'm thrilled it's NFL Draft Day. I'm thrilled my film has a press release.

Some Still Believe
April 28, 2006

Battlestarfanfilm.org, a website organized by a team of Classic
Battlestar Galactica Fans, gave the Battlestar fan community the first look at
its upcoming fanfilm, The 14th Colony, due out later this year. Two
versions of the first trailer were released on the team's website today.

"The trailers were assembled to show off at the fan film showings at
Denver's Starfest" said John Rogers, the film's director and producer.
"Last weekend, attendees at Denver's Starfest got the very first look at
the trailers, and we also gave our own team a sneak peek at them. The
results of these advance showings were very gratifying--but it's time to
allow the rest of the Battlestar fan community a look at what we've
been working on these past few months. Our entire team has been really
excited to get to show off some of the work they've been doing."

Among the two versions of the trailer is a special extended edition,
which provides a glimpse into the pre-production artwork and elements in
the project.

"We also wanted to show support for the rest of the Battlestar Fan
community, so we asked Daniel of Battlestarfanfilms.com to make the first
announcement on his website," continued John Rogers. The two websites,
though not affiliated, are both dedicated to the advancement of fanfilms
in the Battlestar Galactica setting.

"With this trailer, we really wanted to thank the Galactica fans for
their support, and to promise them that there is more yet to come. Our
team is composed of very talented people, and to have them be a part of
this is a real privilege," John added.

"Keep watching. We're just getting started."

The trailers can be viewed at www.battlestarfanfilm.org and will require
the latest version of Quicktime to view.

Battlestar Galactica is the property and trademark of NBC/Universal.
Battlestarfanfilm.org and 14th Colony are non-profit projects created for
personal use and self-educational purposes. Neither
Battlestarfanfilm.org nor any projects created by Battlestarfanfilm.org are affiliated
with NBC/Universal. No challenge to trademarks is contemplated or
intended.

Enough: My Border Program

2006-04-01T06:11:00.000-06:00

I’m actually happy with all the news coverage lately about illegal immigration because far too long I thought it was just me, O’Reilly, Lou Dobbs and Tancredo. First know this half my family is Puerto Rican so my opinions are not racist. Is Latino a race??? The issues for me are security, the economy and a nation’s right to control immigration.

I am no supporter of amnesty, we did that once during the great days of Ronald Reagan. It was probably a mistake then and we can’t keep granting amnesty every twenty years. We also can’t expect to deport 11 million people, it can’t be done and would cause harm to our economy a shock to the system. A head of lettuce costing $25. So I support away to make honest hard working illegals right with the law. Register with the government, pay a fine, gain a workers permit or green card and get on the back of the line for citizenship. We can’t let these illegals get over those who work the system the right way. Next get some of these brilliant economists together to figure out how many of these people we need for these jobs I won’t do. Bump up the number each year for Mexicans and others accordingly and THAT’S IT ENOUGH.

Plug the damn border, build a fence, a wall, and post the National Guard if necessary. Come up with stiff penalties for employers who continue to hire illegals and for those illegals who don't register with the program. We can’t deport the 11 plus million nor do we really want to. Most of the Mexicans crossing the border are hard working family folk and we need many of them. If we give them a chance to legalize, we can then work on the deporting the much smaller number of bad apples.

We screen legal immigrants for:

Disease, most of which where eradicated here.

Criminals

Terrorists

Ability to support them selves

So lock the border tight, get economists to figure out how many Mexicans our economy needs and up the numbers accordingly.

How Do I Explain Ron Moore?

2006-03-11T21:08:00.000-06:00

How do I explain to my wife the great pot of coffee I am enjoying reading the boards this morning? (Sunday Morning Korea) http://www.cylon.org/phpBB2/

We at The Cylon Alliance are just a few angry Dead Enders whose numbers is so small we don’t matter. Yet during the west coast dinner hour on a Saturday evening a big time show runner, Hollywood producer and writer is at The Cylon Alliance making statements. He’s not out with his wife “Terry” celebrating his grand 90 minute finally with David Eick or smoking cigarettes with Doctor Bashir at a party. He’s there laying the record straight with us, the stuck in the 70’s crowd who don’t care or believe anything he has to say.

How do I explain that to my wife who doesn’t know the BBoard culture? Will she believe it? Why should she?

Swinging Momentum

2006-03-04T02:40:00.000-06:00

I haven’t been posting lately, sure I have been busy but even when busy I found time to post. True, not a whole lot is happening on the film front for me. Although the SFX guys are getting work done and Andy is thinking up solutions for green screen shooting. There is still no official news on the 2008 Dodge Challenger. That leaves inside the beltway politics and these are gloomy days for the Bush team.

I was just starting to feel good about the momentum shifting back toward the GOP and the Whitehouse, so much that I had a post in mind. It was just a few short weeks ago where the president was hammering the democrats over the NSA wire tapping. The American public wasn’t buying the Dems “Domestic Spying Scandal”. Then the Veep has a hunting accident and the Whitehouse press corp. has a melt down illustrating how silly the left is.

Then came…

[img]http://cagle.msnbc.com/working/060221/cagle00.gif[/img]

You have to admit that is the image that came to mind when you first heard about the port deal. I have been reading and listening, even knowing all that I do now about the port deal it still doesn’t pass the smell test. Yet the pragmatist in me says there is no problem here, there is even a chance to set a good example and to show appreciation to an ally in the war on terror. Two gents who I respect immensely are on opposing port camps. Jimmy Carter agrees with President Bush…I feel cold, lonely and afraid.

The port deal has truly dragged the president’s approval numbers into the dumpster unlike the bull shit polls of the past few months. The idea that Bush is a lame duck that the GOP is going to lose congress does not inspire me to write.

Of course there is plenty of time for Howard Dean to say something stupid before November…ahh the magic of shifting momentum.

As March Approaches an Update

2006-02-24T23:44:00.000-06:00

I have not blogged in a while, frankly being home on vacation blogging was far from the front of my mind.

As we get into the third month of the year the FX team continues to amaze me. Models and meshes continue to make progress and CGI set pieces are starting to boarder on jaw dropping.The Viper helmet arrived with serious issues, the supplier is very good about customer service so the exchange is in process. I’m awaiting a decision from The Gaslight Theatre about using space for my green screen shooting. Some major real life distractions are out of the way so I’ll be getting some good work done on a prop/costume list, story boarding and the 5th draft of the script which will call for another great CGI FX shot. I continue to anticipate more content to the film's web site will be added soon: www.battlestarfanfilm.org

For example these two photos here. The one on the left is the Viper model before the color and texture was added. The second photo is a scene that will appear in the film.

The Joy of the Editorial Cartoon

2006-02-09T12:01:00.000-06:00

Its been a long while I almost forgot how much fun they where. I really should buy a drawing table and give editorial cartoons a shot. Of course its more about wit and less about pencil skill.

http://cagle.msnbc.com/working/060208/payne.gif

Post Superbowl

2006-02-06T10:57:00.000-06:00

Good game, it looked great on HD, blown calls and ho-hum commercials. The NFL drought begins…it always sucks. My film should keep busy till next season. An expensive costume piece arrived…real disappointment. I’m giving the supplier a chance to make it right before I really complain here. Making a lot of film related phone calls while I’m in the states for a couple of weeks. So I should be blogging some progress over the next few days.

Exporting Democracy

2006-01-27T22:48:00.000-06:00

Be careful what you wish for, right? Despite this “political earthquake” as a policy supporting free democratic elections over friendly despots is still better in the long run. What kills me is the debate…DEBATE over whether the United States should continue sending aid to the Palestinians governed by Hamas. Let me be blunt I don’t care about starving babies, lack of medicine, clean water or what ever the horror the Palestinians will suffer with out USA aid. If Hamas doesn’t change its position on Israel, renounce violence and terror then let them all live with the consequence of their free decision.

The Palestinians and their Hamas government should not be treated as some American entitlement community. We’ve got our own welfare state in the Bronx, we don’t need a welfare state half the world away armed with suicide bombers.

Automobile Patriot

2006-01-27T06:53:00.000-06:00

I’m all jazzed about the new Dodge Challenger concept. I hope Dodge will still be around for me to buy one in 2007-2008. Truth is Chrysler is in better shape than Ford or GM but the news away from the auto shows is pain for The Big Three. As I’m getting ready to buy my first new car my automobile patriotism seems more important than ever.

I’ve never owned a foreign car and probably never will. Yes, all my Mopars where pre-merger. Yet the Buying American when the subject is automobiles is different now. The global economy and NAFTA has made it Shades of Buying American. The things I look for is the car built in The United States? If not where Canada or Mexico? Where are the parts from? Is it an American company being that the corporate HQ is in The United States? Where and what market was it designed for? My tastes certainly gravitate toward The Big Three, I like V8 engines and rear wheel drive.

Imports are building V8, RWD coupes. Imports have design teams and factories in the USA employing Americans. Toyota is making inroads with NASCAR. Can we say lines are blurred?

Patriotism is still a factor in deciding what car I’ll buy but being an automobile patriot is not as clear as it used to be. Of course my one purchase won’t kill or save the domestic auto industry.

My new Dodge Challenger will be bitching!

Better than Super Sunday

2006-01-22T13:56:00.000-06:00

All right, its 5am here in Korea and instead of a few pitchers of beer with wings and friends at Hooters I’m brewing coffee and watching the game in my dorm room. This will still be better than Super Sunday…

This is it! Two games that mean everything instead of one. It’s about the games, not the commercials, not the warm snacks, not hooking up with some broad at a party, not about waking up on someone’s living room floor at 2am…these are things I’ve heard of. It’s about football, its about four squads putting up or going home losers. The games are often better than Super Sunday where for some bad mojo one team appears to have left its game at the hotel.

Well Mountain Man Jake the Snake is taking the field…so it’s Denver and Seattle on February 5th.

EDIT: I am death to a football team. Two weeks ago I predicted a win for the Pats...The Steelers smothered the Mountain Man. I stick to my Seattle prediction.

George Bush Not a Tyrant, Nazi or Terrorist

2006-01-18T10:23:00.000-06:00

The list of the worlds 10 worst dictators came out again this morning…to my surprise George Bush was not on the list. Surely Harry Belafonte and Cindy Sheehan could not be wrong!

I went back to look through the lists of previous years and sure enough found former number three man Saddam Hussein. I say former because he was removed from the list in 2003 thanks to the invasion that toppled his regime and his subsequent arrest. Another perennial Top10 despot Libya's Moammar Gadhafi the same year renounced the development of weapons of mass destruction in a bid to improve relations with the United States. He saw George Bush was serious thus the United States was serious; he witnessed the beat down handed to Saddam. A new world order? I’d wager he probably regrets his decision. Why? Because George Bush is weakened, his political capital spent fighting off the treasonous Democrat Left who can’t see the forest for the trees. Instead of reasoned debate over the war on terror the Left must destroy George Bush and in doing so weaken the United States. What good does that serve if the Democrats have nothing left to govern?

Kim Jong-Il is still on the list down from number two he is now sitting at number three. Iran is making dangerous power plays over nuclear weapons. Both regimes are comfortable knowing that the United States is no position to do much about either. In both foreign capitols they know our commander in chief is only as strong as the support he has of the American people. Support seriously degraded in the quest to destroy George Bush.

So far the American people are proving smarter than the left over the “NSA Eavesdropping” the next chapter in cutting the president down at the knees. My worst fear is that another major event be it terrorism or Iran will hurt our nation. In turn the Democrat Left may see its worst fear in the president being so empowered their voices are no longer heard…it didn’t have to be that way.

Back from “Camping” with the Army

2006-01-14T00:54:00.000-06:00

I back in my comfortable dorm room equipped with a recliner, TV/DVD player, merlot, finishing Space Above and Beyond and The Shield season one. The less I say about my “camping” trip the better, cold-cold, tent fire, power outage and trench foot covers it.

This week I’ll be securing some props for the fan film, a Viper Pilot helmet and another Blaster Pistol.

I am almost pissed at reaching the end of SAAB. I could fill a page on how the show is connected with Battlestar Galactica both the classic series and the new Sci-Fi channel Bull $hit. The thing that angers me is that SAAB like Battlestar the original series was really just settling in and about to expand the story in an exciting way. Television networks seem to axe the space opera way too early just as everything is clicking toward the end of season one. The great Firefly is another example. SAAB needed a second season, unfortunately that will never happen. The DVD set is complete but the extras blow…just some network promo spots.

Now The Shield, I want to say I don’t like it. I prefer my dark ‘n gritty cop show to be NYPD Blue although I saw none of the last few seasons. I prefer my conflicted cop who crosses the line to be Andy Sipowitz. Break it down simple, I love New York City and think California is crazy. The guys at the 19th Precinct occasionally cross the line, Mackey’s crew is law enforcement with S.O.P’s written by the Soprano family. I don’t like The Shield….I’m dying to know what happens in season two to Mackey and his crew. I’m so conflicted and just hope Andy will lend me the DVD’s.

Wow, started Deadwood its like darker gritter Firefly with out space craft and the cussing is in English.

NFL playoffs this weekend!

A New Year

2006-01-03T06:35:00.000-06:00

I was so ready for 2005 to end. This will be an exciting year and so good to be home with my wife. This New Year is when talk ends and film making happens. I’ll get the Canon XL-2 with accessories, a green screen, costumes, props and scout locations. I’ll cast actors and shoot scenes. Then when 2006 is getting long in the tooth and I’m looking toward getting rest the film will be done.

I’ll be lighter and leaner.

More juicy tidbits about the new Dodge Challenger will sprinkle car magazines every month.

I’ll go to New York City shake hands with my father and hug my mother in Sopranoland.

I’ll show Denise New Orleans and Midland Texas…don’t ask about Midland.

I will take the stage with Enid’s Gaslight Theatre.

…I’ll wish I got more preproduction done in Korea during 2005.

The Short Film Calling Card

2005-12-28T03:37:00.000-06:00

I just read a great article on Yahoo News that would interest nearly every struggling independent film maker. The short film as a calling card has lost its punch especially the fan film/spoof. With High-Speed internet, DV Cameras and software becoming much more reasonably priced there is flood of shorts out there. No longer will a well done fan film get you noticed. Even if you do get noticed it probably won’t mean a job….ask the crew of Star Wars: Revelations. Read for your self.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051221/tc_nm/internet_dc

I have basically put Still Lloyd on hiatus to gear up for Battlestar Galactica: 14th Colony my fan film. I don’t own the property so I can never profit from 14th Colony. I am not making the film as a calling card. I do however plan for it to be seen and make an impact. I am part of great number of people who feel slighted. People who feel a major studio made a major mistake in handling a property that could have been the next huge franchise. A wise man pointed out that all of our negativity complaining was wasted energy. We where challenged to make something positive out of all that negative energy. When you really believe in something sometimes you have to step forward and make an impact, to lead and show the way. That is what I am doing with 14th Colony. If it is a calling card it is to reach out to like minded enthusiasts. To prompt them to make their own Battlestar Galactica films. Something else a Tom DeSanto type producer can point to when Universal rethinks the untapped potential of my favorite story.

As for calling cards to get into the industry I still believe one must make an original feature length film and get noticed at a festival. If that ever happens for me…great. My goal is just to make films and enjoy watching them with who ever sees them.

Christmas Minor Movie Miracle?

2005-12-27T19:43:00.000-06:00

The cold I caught really kicked my ass with the sneezing, head ache and body ache. So I thought exposing my self to my co-workers for Christmas game day was a bad idea. I needed something to do in my dorm room here at The Hump. So I thought about the special edition of Ben-Hur I bought a few months back and haven’t sat down to watch yet. Ben-Hur with its nine Academy Awards is one of those films that as a former film student I’m embarrassed to admit never seeing. I knew nearly nothing about it, an epic sword and sandal flick starring Heston with a famous chariot race scene. So I was amazed when Christmas afternoon I put the disk in and the film opens with the three kings finding baby Jesus in the manger.

This is old school big Hollywood epic and still holds up very well today considering what new school CGI Hollywood epics have done recently. I found following the story of a character just on the periphery of Christ an engaging film. The amazing chariot race scene is not hype and I see where Lucas got his best Phantom Menace scene from…that and a little NASCAR. The film is long, back in the day it was getting your monies worth, but never really slow and certainly not boring. It was heartwarming and emotional a classic must see film.

No film is perfect, the fleet of Roman ships looks fake by today’s standards. Old school Hollywood couldn’t muck up actresses enough to make the leprosy totally believable.

Off topic but through the film I also realized how much Hitler riffed the Roman Empire’s look for his Thousand Year Reich.

With soooo much free time on Christmas day I believe Ben-Hur will become a new Christmas tradition at my house. I still have a second disk of juicy extras to watch.

Week 15: The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

2005-12-20T03:53:00.000-06:00

This year I’m in two fantasy football leagues and its play off time. Winners go on and pretenders pack it in till next year. In one league I continue to sit atop the throne having clown pounded the competition. A league in which I discovered the joy of Carson Palmer throwing to Chad Johnson. In the other league the one I’m more emotionally invested in I proved you can lose it all with LaDainian Tomlinson. Steven Jackson a most promising young back from the Rams became a late season bust. My team was weak in receivers and Trent Green became my only quarterback option…I was done but it gets worse. I spent the season in the top three, mostly at number two. The East Rutherford HEMI had a 9-4 record. I get clown pounded by the 6-7 Blitzburgh Steel, the score 70-17. How does 6-7 get one in the play offs??? Alas, as of this venting its over I need to get ready for next week.

The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat: Part Two
After getting married a little over a year ago I became quite the fat bastard. Well, as it should be the Air Force expects its members to be physically fit, war is tough business. The Air Force has a test to measure such fitness and before getting married I was an example of fitness. By August 1st I had ballooned up to 240lbs. and score a pitiful 45 points on the test. It takes a minimum of 75 to pass. Three months later I dropped some weight, some time off my run and scored 56. I tested today not expecting to pass and feeling little pressure to do so…I was looking for a 65. I knocked three inches off my abs getting me twenty points and another minute off my run. Passing the test became a real possibility. I blew right past that goal of sixty five scoring a 74. That’s right I failed by one point…I’m still celebrating tonight by eating what ever I want, opening a bottle of wine and watching season four of the Jack Bauer Adventures known as 24.

…BTW vice president Dick Cheney bitched slapped Terry Moran all over the place on Nightline.

It has been a good day!

President George W. Bush Hits It Right Out of the Park

2005-12-19T01:49:00.000-06:00

Our president, my commander in chief is neither Ronald Reagan nor the communicator William Jefferson Clinton is. I often cringe when he speaks believing he would have been better suited to the days before television. Tonight he delivered the nearly perfect speech from the oval office. This is the speech the American people needed to hear, why the Iraqi front was justified, why pulling out now is surrender, fatalistic and dangerous to our American way of life. He admitted operations in Iraq have not been perfect and mistakes where made. He stuck it to the Liberal Democrats who can only criticize but provide no solutions.

He should have made speeches like this sooner and more often. Incase you missed it: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

The treasonous Liberal Defeatist Democrats ought to shut their mouths…they won’t.

John Gibson Hits It Right Out of the Park

2005-12-18T08:10:00.000-06:00

The people who really tire me, who piss me off…well beside Howard Dean are the people who woke up on 9/11 and rolled over hitting the snooze button. These are the same clowns who have amnesia about Iraq. John Gibson said it, clear so even stoned Libs could understand…we won.

“Here's the correct interpretation of events in Iraq Thursday, spoken in English but not run through the dull and dry translator software of official Washington, D.C.
… The real meaning of Election Day in Iraq: We won. We won. We won. We won.”

Enjoy: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,178882,00.html

Not Much New and Terry Moran

2005-12-02T13:37:00.000-06:00

I haven’t posted to my blog since Thanksgiving…frankly because not much is going on. I’m trying not to fill my blog with political rants when film news is slow because I seem to get angry. War is serious business.

On the fan film front RJ is plugging along with the FX team and cool things are happening. I finished the 4th draft of the script and will leave it alone for a bit. While RJ and I are fans of the original source material I’ll be getting feedback from some not as emotionally connected. My dear friend Mike and “Cousin” Norm have joined along with Andy as my Inner Circle at the film’s web site. Mike who has done film editing as a profession and Norm will be my objective eyes from across the country. Andy who is in Oklahoma will be the objective hands on guy.

I’m glad the Dems are spinning their wheels unable to get traction for their anti-Bush/anti-Iraq rhetoric. Which leads me to Terry Moran who is a partisan hack pretending to be an objective journalist. When Peter Jennings was still alive anchoring ABC’s World News Tonight I was a viewer. Terry Moran was the White House correspondent. His reporting was so blatantly anti-Bush the blood vessels in my head pulsed. He’d be the master of the slanted question/editing if it weren’t so obvious. Now he is part of the post Ted Koppel Nightline which I am giving a chance. Tomorrow he’ll host a “groundbreaking” town hall segment with “normal” Iraqi citizens. I want to watch…I know the anti-American spin will make me scream.

Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T03:18:00.000-06:00

It’s quiet in the office, just the way I like it. It’s another holiday and I’m working alone. I dim the lights, relax and follow my shift checklist. A little CNN International playing in the background, I feel worldly and sophisticated. It really doesn’t bother me working Thanksgiving Day half way around the world, because I reflect on so much that I have to be thankful for.

My health, it affects every other aspect of life. I’m grateful to be healthy…I still need to lose a few pounds.

My family/friends back in the United States who remind me almost daily I’m not forgotten.

Being an American, even with all the strife of the new post 911 reality. I appreciate the rights and freedoms granted me by our constitution. Our way of life and ability to make the most of ourselves.

RJ, my special effects producer, he is making this fan film happen while I’m over in Korea.

Daimler Chrysler, releasing a new Dodge Challenger concept vehicle for the auto show circuit. It is almost everything we Challenger fans could have imagined. They got it so right and this concept is close to the production version I’ll be driving in 2008.

Of course what I am most grateful for is my wonderful wife Denise. She is so loving and warm, I can so easily get a spark of youthful enthusiasm from her. She shares my desire to live life by travel, taste and sound. She encourages me, she is supportive of my hobbies and desires to be creative. I’m so grateful to have her back in my life, my partner in adventure.

Back at The Hump on The ROK

2005-11-19T01:19:00.000-06:00

I have been back to Camp Humphreys for almost a week. I haven’t done or accomplished anything except deal with jetlag. I’m watching the president on television give a speech I was supposed to see live. Unfortunately they closed Osan Airbase early…ah well I have a neatly pressed uniform for work on Monday. I’m glad the Whitehouse is finally fighting back the lies and amnesia of the Washington DC Left. For the American Left 911 was a wake call, then the Left rolled over and hit the snooze button. Going back to playing politics as usual bordering on treason. They can’t run from their words even uber leftist Ted Kennedy voted for the Iraqi resolution. Give 'Em Hell George!

On the fan film front I’ll start draft two of the script this weekend. RJ my special effects producer continues with his team to show some great work. He and I are also exchanging notes on the Teaser script for the 40-50 second trailer that will precede the film.

I already miss Denise but tell her I’m just missing the warm Oklahoma temperatures. The famous Korean winter has begun…bah I wear shorts in February in upstate New York.

You Can Take the Sky Away from Me: Serenity

2005-11-16T03:55:00.000-06:00

I didn’t see Serenity till November 1st upon arriving back in the United States. My wife who had seen the film did take me right away. Fact is I also went the next day seeing it twice in 24 hours. The first time I was soooo tired from my nearly 20 hours of flying from Korea. We where warned about poor picture quality of the print from the box office girl. What stunned and angered me was the death of Wash, the lame repeating of his leaf on the wind line and his death. It then appeared later in the film Whedon would kill everyone off.

The flowing day we drove another two hours in another direction so I could see Serenity in another theatre avoiding the lousy print. Still angry at the death of Wash. I enjoyed the film much more and picked up on more…sleep can help that way. Still angry at the death of Wash.

Serenity was full of action, smart, plenty of Reavers, a deep secret of this amazing universe revealed and flat compared to almost any episode of Firefly. Had I never seen Firefly I would have left the theatre thinking Serenity was the best science fiction film of the year blowing Sith away yet gimmicky. In Firefly Whedon silences the Gunsmoke critics in Serenity he tries hard but fails. River Tam has never been the focus for me. At the end of season one I would have ended the River Tam story arc. Perhaps Whedon feels she is the catalyst. I found River compelling as a tortured psychological weapon but not some kind of physical beast with Terminator killing ability…silly is how it played out.

I would have had River die while she killed off the Reavers. After the Miranda secret was out she no longer serves any purpose. Keep Simon onboard as the doctor…oh yeah don’t kill off Wash. Three other small points, I wouldn’t have had all the actors loose weight and get new hair cuts. Where was the great theme song? Also my wife is the bigger dork, I may have seen Serenity twice in 24 hours but she has seen Serenity three times in total.

…yes I will buy the DVD.

Home

2005-11-10T13:20:00.000-06:00

I have been home for over a week, funny calling Oklahoma home. I enjoy every minute with my wife. She has been great about letting me plan what ever I want to do. In the first 24 hours that I was home we have seen Serenity twice. We’re packing in seeing people and time is going by fast in the evenings. I have been making calls with people involved in the fan film…we even have a web site for the film now: http://battlestarfanfilm.org/ I have also seen my friends latest Indie film Locker. Most importantly I got to spend my one-year wedding anniversary with Denise. I’m already leaving soon with more calls to make and new evening social spots to visit…I’ll get in another movie probably Jarhead. So next week back at the Hump on the ROK I’ll update progress on the fan film.

Fan Film First Draft to FX Guru

2005-10-25T05:34:00.000-05:00

All right boys and girls children of All ages this is fun. I turned in the first draft of the script to my FX producer and he did not laugh or tell me to slag off. A good sign, thank you RJ. In fact the coolest thing I heard all day was let the imagination run wild. RJ the FX producer is aware that what I think is feasible on this first effort was the major drive that shaped the screen play. He’s read it and says don’t hold back, his team will be able do much more. So I expect the second draft to have some changes. I think it’s the live action side of the house…my side I don’t have as much confidence in but then again I still have an ace up my sleeve…Andy.

Andy the one man film making task force, if I time this right and he is available things will click.

I spend a lot of time at work running fan film production details through my head. Don’t tell the boss. I smile most times lately like today…check with me when cameras roll to see how my mood is. There will be a lot happening this year. I won’t be as tight lipped as Tom DeSanto…no I have no illusions of grandeur thinking I’m a Tom DeSanto. I won’t be as open as Ron Moore letting everyone scrutinize every aspect of the production. Can’t let my plans for Adama the hermaphrodite get out in public. I will continue to keep people in the loop here and eventually elsewhere.

The next step is talking to folks, like on the phone while I’m back in the states. Work on the second draft and the fun stuff conceptual art. YEAH!

Just Some Things

2005-10-23T05:49:00.000-05:00

I'm out camping with the Army again. So just a few catch up items. I finished the first very rough draft of the fan film script. I went hiking today and Korea is beautiful in the fall...fugly in April. The mountains look great with the changing color leaves...in April mountains what mountains. The thought that lingers most in my mind all day long is that soon I will see my sweet wife...I have missed her so much in six months. We'll have to weeks and celebrate our on year anniversary together.

Fan Film Update

2005-10-15T20:01:00.000-05:00

First and quickly Still Lloyd is on the back burner for right now. In November I’ll be home for a visit with my sweet Denise and we will revisit Still Lloyd getting some work done. For now Planning and Staging for Fan Film continues.

There has been a lot of talk lately in Battlestar Galactica (1978) circles about fan films and continuation. I have decided to give people a chance to step-up and back their words. I have spent too much time worrying that it all must be carried on my back. http://www.colonialfleets.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12126 Since it’s my wallet making this happen I retain the role of Executive Producer and all final decisions will be mine.

I’m extremely pleased to announce that RJ Andron is the FX producer for my fan film. He will be my main and first point of contact for issues FX related. He will put together the FX team. He will run the team, who does what, where and when.

Cylon Solution is coming together so I am very pleased. My Cylon will be jaw dropping although I am sure some will call for my head on a pike. I will explore the idea of a small second unit in California to shoot with the Eric Melson Cylon.

The following are the mission statements of this project from them I will not stray.

Mission Statement: My goal really is starting around the beginning of 2007 we see the Next Chapter in Battlestar Galactica Fandom. A couple of fan made shorts that people start buzzing about. Threads about ideas, people hooking up and wanting in on the fun.

WE making the Battlestar Galactica films and telling the stories the studio won’t give us.

WE leaving our mark among genre fans doing some really great work that folks download and spread.

Perhaps start an underground phenomenon that spurs on the following chapter after that. Some day we’ll all look back at Big Al Col. Charybdis’ film as our Kobol. http://www.battlestarcallisto.net/downloads.htm

Originally Posted by Dawg
We do that by coming up with short, original work starring ourselves and our talents. We do what the Star Trek and Star Wars fans did - there's a thriving culture of fan films in both of those universes. We need to reach that same level. They did not start with Walter Koenig in a guest-star role, they started with fans in cheap costumes with 8mm cameras and Beta video recorders.

Man of International Crime…Serenity

2005-10-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

Korea is not only The Land of Morning Calm it is also rife with the theft of intellectual property. China gets all the bad press about bootleg DVD’s, CD’s hell even their automobiles are rip-off designs. Well Korea is an appendage hanging off China and bootleg DVD’s are everywhere…bootleg NFL jerseys too. For years while you go to the fridge for another cold Sam Adams or take a piss before settling in there is a red screen at the start of every DVD. The text reads about piracy and Interpol coming to get you. As much as I loathe bean counting suits in Hollywood that lack imagination I support the studios stance against piracy. I did not purchase or view bootleg copies of Sith or Batman Begins even though I could barely walk with out tripping over copies of them everywhere. AAFES had them on the big screen within days to weeks of the American openings. No such luck with Serenity. A film that this child of Star Wars anticipated more for than Sith.

Serenity is the big screen film based on the excellent short lived FOX Network series Firefly. IMO it is the best science fiction series of all time. There are times it challenges Battlestar Galactica (1978) for my emotional energy. If I ruled the entire ‘verse the Battlestar Galactica continuation film would find The Rag-Tag Fleet bumping into the crew of Serenity…with the Reavers being slaughtered by Cylons not far behind. Let me not regress any further into geekdom. The network suits bungled Firefly and missed a great opportunity, it was gone after thirteen episodes three of which never aired. The DVD box set couldn’t stay on store shelves. I own two one for the wife to continue enjoying back at the Oklahoma home stead and one for me here. So Firefly got a chance to live on as Serenity.

Yesterday I scowered the village of Osan searching for a bootleg copy of Serenity against my own moral standards. These DVD stores look like porn shops with the painted windows because even in Korea bootlegs are illegal...wink-wink. Alas not to be found, I’m told to check back next week. Why was I ready to commit this crime and risk detention from Interpol? Because despite a great number of excellent reviews the film is doing poorly at the box office. The film is not scheduled to open on American military bases anytime in October. I’m flying home to see my sweet Denise the first two weeks in November. There is a good chance Serenity may no longer be in the cinema. If it plays in Korea while I’m gone…arguhhh I’ll scream. So while I ask friends as a personal favor to see the film I thought perhaps I should check it out. I console my wounded integrity knowing that if and when I find the bootleg it will be a temporary holder for the spot on my DVD shelf where the official Serenity release will some day sit.

I hope word of mouth gets out and Serenity does well the future of Sci-Fi films will be impacted if it fails.

Iraqi Film Festival

2005-09-30T02:33:00.000-05:00

I was taking a break from writing the first draft of Battlestar Galactica: 14th Colony…yes Fan Film now has a title. When I happened upon a story of an Iraqi film festival, the article title pointed out that war is clearly on the filmmaker’s psyches. Iraq has almost constantly been at war with somebody since 1980.

I spend a lot of time worrying about how I will pull off the fan film. The expense, the special effects, editing, sets and costumes, finding enough people in Oklahoma to help pull it off are heavy on the mind. This article reminded me how easy I’ve got it. Remember that much of Iraq is Bedrock with sickos looking to blow up Barney and Fred while walking down the street. I was happy to read that these artists where now able to tackle issues that under Saddam they could not for fear of death. I was sorry but not surprised to read how dark and foreboding the films where. These films don’t project rosy good times.

I hope I can find these films on the web somewhere with at least English sub-titles. As a filmmaker and active duty military member I am curious to see Iraq through the short films.

Sept 17th

2005-09-17T03:15:00.000-05:00

I’m back from my latest camping trip with the Army in time to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the original airing of Battlestar Galactica at 8PM. For me it is still the most special television event. The series had flaws mostly due to being rushed into a full blown series when it was planned as a mini-series with TV movies of the week to follow. It was also much more than a cheap carbon copy of Star Wars. Thanks to the incredible special effects of John Dykstra it had a similar look but far different characters. It also told a very different story.

Although there is a new show on the Sci-Fi channel of the same name it is an unnecessary far radical departure to the epic story I enjoyed 27 years ago. That is why I and others are doing fan films to tell the stories of Galactica in the original series style. While on my “camping trip” with the Army I got an e-mail I had eagerly waited for. I hope to finally have my Cylon solution.

Tonight I will go back to the inspiration source material over a fine glass of Merlot.

The Ugly Truth of Katrina: Lake Nagin

2005-09-05T15:08:00.000-05:00

About the only phrase I am sicker of hearing besides “He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk” is “now is not the time to be pointing fingers”. Well I have donated $450.00 and currently live half way around the world so there is nothing else I can do for the victims of Katrina. Louisiana Democrats and The Times-Picayune have found time to point fingers and they are figuratively at Ground Zero.

Keep in mind New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin's annual salary is $110,000. Keep in mind every political leader in Louisiana knows of the New Orleans Hurricane/Levee situation from at least their first day of political life. Keep in mind the National Guard is under state control in this type of domestic situation.

“the people trained to protect our nation, the people whose job it is to quickly bring in aid were absent. Those who should have been deploying troops were singing a sad song about how our city was impossible to reach”, the Editor of The Times-Picayune in an open letter to the president.

“We're angry, Mr. President, and we'll be angry long after our beloved city and surrounding parishes have been pumped dry. Our people deserved rescuing. Many who could have been were not. That's to the government's shame”, Editor of The Times-Picayune.

Which government Mr. Editor, perhaps Mayor Nagin’s?

“Mayor Ray Nagin did the right thing Sunday when he allowed those with no other alternative to seek shelter from the storm inside the Louisiana Superdome”, again the Editor.

He did the right thing? Better than helping them evacuate? He failed his poorest citizens horribly. He told them to evacuate the city - and then gave his city's poorest residents no way to do so. There where about 100 military personnel and police in the dome. Why didn’t the governor order in more?

“No expense should have been spared. No excuses should have been voiced. Especially not one as preposterous as the claim that New Orleans couldn't be reached”, again the Editor.

Why is the experience of Mississippi so different? Because like the tsunami last year the water was gone almost as fast as it came. Right after Katrina hit and made its way North the proud citizens and news media celebrated New Orleans dodging the bullet. It wasn’t some 24 hours later that the Levee broke. That is when things got real bad. What was mayor Nagin and governor Blanco doing? All the self righteous in Louisiana are angry at President Bush because he didn’t ride in with the 82nd Airborne right away.

Meanwhile at the Congressional Black Caucus the race card is being played.

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), said "To the President of the United States, I simply say that God cannot be pleased with our response…We cannot allow it to be said that the difference between those who lived and those who died in this great storm and flood of 2005 was nothing more than poverty, age or skin color."

After that press conference all the typical democrat talking heads where on the 24 hour cable news outlets echoing the sentiment although not with the eloquence of Representative Cummings. To be fair some on the left looked to be in pain sticking to the talking points and none where as stupid as Kayne West.

"We already realize a lot of the people that could help are at war now fighting another way and they’ve given them permission to go down and shoot us." Added idiot celebrity West, "George Bush doesn't care about black people."

You want the ugly truth of why video footage of New Orleans looked like Haiti last week. New Orleans is a poor and violent city whose population is 68% African American. We should be shocked that we see black faces on the television? I saw white people stranded too. There was a Vietnamese woman looking for her family and displaced Hispanics. No surprise for New Orleans I saw unhealthy over weight people. Mostly I saw poor people who could not get out. So why Mayor Nagin did I see this?

Where were the New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority’s 364 buses?

Louisiana State Rep. Karen Carter said "Buses! And gas!"

“Every official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency should be fired, Director Michael Brown especially”, claims The Times-Picayune Editor.

What does mayor Nagin do to earn that $110,000 a year? Maybe the firing should start with Nagin better yet why doesn’t he fall on his sword.

Fan Film Update: Phone Calls

2005-09-04T14:11:00.000-05:00

First a quick thought about Still Lloyd the romantic comedy, right now I am waiting on some inspiration and research material I ordered. I will revisit Still Lloyd in October.

I had to make some phone calls back to the states because I felt like I was spinning wheels with Fan Film. The more looking around and reading I did the more intimidating the project was becoming in my mind. I felt I needed some answers as questions started forming fast and furious in my head. I’m confident I can shoot actors, I know that part of the work. I did not feel I had a good grasp on what is possible on the FX side. I couldn’t even commit to what story I was going to tell.

I spoke to a few guys for a few hours and got some answers. Of course as I hung up the phone more questions developed. Importantly though commitments where made. So now I know I’m not working alone. I feel better and believe Fan Film will at least hit the minimum goals I set for it.

There is a very expensive costume piece that will most likely be needed it is code named The Prop. I may have found a solution that will be much more affordable and in my eyes superior to the original piece. I await an e-mail from someone who I hope is still a fan and have not dropped off the earth. The e-mail address came from an article written 1999 so I’m not holding my breadth.

Katrina

2005-09-01T14:47:00.000-05:00

For those of you that are unaware I am an Air Force weather forecaster. The Department of Defense trains its entire staff of weather personal at the Air Force Weather School on Keesler AFB in Biloxi Mississippi. I lived in Biloxi for a couple of years, the Air Force sends me back on occasion for more training. I fell in love with Naw‘Lins when I took my first days of vacation there right after Basic Training, while living in Biloxi I ran over to Naw’Lins every time I needed my New York City fix.

It is strange and heart breaking to see the devastation but as a profession I’m glad the forecasters got it right. Much of the pain being felt right now is because people didn’t evacuate when told to. Because as a profession that feels the responsibility to aire on the side of caution, to present the worst case circumstances, people have begun to believe they can stick it out. Ask residents who live on the Gulf Coast they used to wear surviving Hurricanes as a badge of honor and courage. That may change now but Mother Nature won’t. It may be another thirty years god willing but another storm of great magnitude will return. When the forecasters and civic leaders’ advice people to leave they will and lives will be saved.

Looters: I’m not sure where I first heard it “looters will be shot”. It’s a policy probably as old as prostitution and not a bad idea. I’m aware that many of the poorest had no way to leave or escape. I have no problem with people getting the bare necessities for sustaining life. I’m not thinking about the proverbial man stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family.

Think about every major and minor urban center it has its own nefarious types. Criminals, the drug dealers, rapists and violent thieves most don’t don their best bling-bling hop in the hooptie and evacuate. When dark falls they prey on the weak, scared and the unprotected, they thrive in chaos. When the word gets spread they can take a round to the head for looting they will stop. For sure one less scumbag on the street. No one in Naw’Lins needs a new plasma screen or twelve boxes of Nike’s to feed his family. If this sounds a bit harsh keep mind local jails where emptied, some of these people are on the street looting gun stores!

I’ll be donating two or three hundred dollars this week and soon as I can confirm my account balance. That’s right I bank in Biloxi and the web site is only partially up.

“Due to Hurricane Katrina, some of our web services are temporarily unavailable.
We apologize for any inconvenience.We are working to restore our call center. We have issued a temporary number: XXX-XXX-XXXX which will be answered soon.
You may, however, still apply for a loan by clicking the link below". That is classic heh-heh.

I’m not complaining I have got it good my family and friends have not been hurt by Katrina. Pray to what ever god you worship for those have been and still suffer Katrina’s effects.

Bush’s Bullshit Energy Bill

2005-08-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

Now don’t get crazy thinking I some Blood for Oil Idiot, people who know me will be surprised because I’m thought of as some unpaid Bush Stooge. President Bush’s energy bill is a bust, an empty shell of what was promised. Maybe some day, some of the more long term solutions will be felt like when President Hillary Clinton runs for re-election. It does nothing for short term gasoline relief.

I don’t expect or want gas taxes to go down, lawmakers will have to grab money out of my pocket some other creative way and that is when law makers are scary. More oil from domestic sources like ANWR or the Gulf would help. The biggest help and IMO the easiest way to get gasoline relief is MORE REFINING CAPACITY. The Bush bill provides nothing for enticing investment in new refining capacity. Nor does it open ANWR for drilling. So while environmental wack jobs complain Mon Fuhrer Bush is killing the planet with his energy policy they lose nothing and gas prices won’t come down.

From http://www.whitehouse.gov/ "America must have an energy policy that plans for the future, but meets the needs of today. I believe we can develop our natural resources and protect our environment."
– President George W. Bush

Q: “I was just wondering when the gas prices will go down? Also, I heard Mr. President talking about the oil in Alaska that we will use.”?

A: Samuel Bodman Secretary of Energy: “Unfortunately, Ryan, there is no magic bullet that will bring down gasoline prices…let me assure you that if the President had a magic wand that could lower prices, he would do it! The high prices we’ve been experiencing have been symptoms of our country’s larger energy problems. These problems – from inadequate infrastructure and refining capacity to a regulatory structure that has discouraged needed investment – have been a long time in the making. They will take some time to get sorted out”.

So why not get started on the solution now? Why wait for Congress later? Is there a better time to push through your energy bill than owning the Whitehouse and both houses of Congress?

What is really behind this? I’ll be pissed if DCX cancels the new Dodge Challenger…I’ve waited my adolescent and adult life for a new HEMI powered Challenger. Is it too much to wish that I can afford the gas?

Next week I’ll bag on Bush’s Bullshit Illegal Immigration Bill

Fantasy Football: Only a Fool Will Take Owens

2005-08-27T06:53:00.000-05:00

Ten days and still biting my tongue on Cindy Sheehan, I keep starting to post but Yodda says not give into anger. Fantasy football is all consuming these days and that is not hyperbole. I am cramming for my draft and I don’t like that. Normally I plan my draft strategy over the span of weeks. Preseason usually reminds me to get started. A good draft is much more than a list of guys I liked last season. I will only have my self to blame for a lousy draft. I think my tardiness might be because I can’t seem to catch the preseason games here in Korea with the wacky broadcast times. I remember enjoying ABC’s Tuesday Morning Football while in Saudi Arabia.

Why get amped up for Fantasy football? It a fun way to enjoy the season, in the right league you can even win some cash. The money is secondary really, I haven’t been in a cash league for a few years. Fantasy Football gives you the chance to play coach, leave Monday Morning Quarterbacking to the casual fan. In nearly every game you’ve got something on the ride.

Now Terrell Owens needs to shut up almost as badly as Cindy Sheehan. I can’t sympathize for a guy who signed a contract for over forty million just a year ago crying for more. Shut up Owens and do your damn job, catching footballs and doing crunches. I’m reading glowing reviews for the Eagles last game. Reading crap about how Owens and McNabb don’t need to talk and hug because they are communicating on the field by completing passes…where it counts. That is all fine and good when you are completing passes and winning games but when losses come and they will the stormy quarterback/receiver relationship will become a distraction. Any one drafting Owens is a fool he will press the Eagles self destruct button…fans in San Francisco will laugh in their Lattes.

What does this have to do with filmmaking? Nothing but a distraction this week. I do have some Fan Film phone calls to make tonight.

Charlie Awards Coverage in the Vance Air Scoop

2005-08-17T00:43:00.000-05:00

Nice to know the home unit has not forgotten me. The base newspaper back at Vance in lovely Enid Oklahoma is doing some Charlies coverage. The Charlie Awards is The Gaslight Theatre’s annual chance to recognize some good work from the previous season of shows. Looks like I have been nominated…inside scoop I may have won something. So Sergeant Mills of the Vance Air Scoop had some questions.

How/why did you get involved in acting in the first place?

I was a lousy football player in high school. My school was doing a great classic Broadway comedy and I thought it would be a fun way to meet girls. When I got on stage finished my opening monologue there was thunderous applause. Something I never got sitting the bench on the JV football squad. I experienced a connection with the audience that was most intoxicating and never looked back

Why is acting at the Gaslight Theatre a good thing?

A couple of reasons the personal and the professional. It gives me a chance an outlet to continue something I became very passionate about through High School and College. Each production is a group of diverse people, we start with a bare stage and all work together every aspect of putting on a live performance. Two months later there are full sets, costumes, lighting and sound. When the audience leaves entertained there is a great sense of accomplishment. The Vance community has always played a significant part at Gaslight, another opportunity to make a personal investment into the Enid community that does so much for us.

Since you are at Korea now, what is going to happen if you win (how will you get notified, get the award, etc.)?

Why E-Mail of course, it’s a wonderful thing!

How do you feel about the nomination/who will you thank if you win?

It feels great. I recently married my High School sweet heart and relocated her from New Jersey to Enid just a couple months before leaving for Korea. To give her and her son some stability I chose Vance for my follow on assignment so Enid has really become home. When you’re away form home it’s always nice to know the folks are thinking about you. I’ll attempt to write up a few humorous remarks for my wife Denise to read while accepting my award…should I win. As for whom I will thank, The Gaslight will just have to wait for the awards ceremony.

Bookcase

2005-08-14T07:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven’t been to my blog in a while for a few reasons. It’s real busy at The Hump lately and I’m working a lot. I’ve also been very angry and wounded every time I hear about dead Marines, I start to post but fume over Cindy Sheehan. I’m trying not to rip her a new asshole, so I don’t post. The most significant reason I probably haven’t posted, no progress to report.

That stops for now. Why? I built my bookcase…well followed instructions and put it together. Why is that important? Because out of sight, out of mind. I have plenty of reading material I need to get to, most of it film making related, promotion material and some insight to who the Korean people are. With the books tucked away into a drawer it was too easy to toss in a DVD…research I would tell my self. So the bookcase is up progress will live again.

As for research I have been watching the fan film series Star Trek: Hidden Frontiers. I had gleamed a little that might be useful but mostly want to fire their tailor.

Number 19 The GOAT caught a pass today for six yards…lord I hope this gets better.

Back from Camping with the Army

2005-07-28T21:51:00.000-05:00

About forty percent of Air Force weather assignments are with the Army. It’s something that goes back to 1947 when the Army Air Corp. became its own entity. Where ever there is Army aviation the Air Force will provide weather support. Here in Korea I support the Army which means the occasional camping trip and times of more restrictive or limited internet access.

Over the last two weeks I thought a lot about Fan Film. Thinking mostly about special effects which put me on a roller coaster, high and low thoughts about whether it can be done.

Last night I had my first glass of wine in two weeks…no drinking while camping. I also threw in a DVD, the Dawn of the Dead remake…once again two hours I spent thinking Hollywood is devoid of imagination. I watched Shaun of the Dead the night before my camping trip a rare gem amongst all the remake crap...four beers on the Six-Pak scale.

Batman Begins Cool Spaceship/Scary Monster Button

2005-07-12T04:26:00.000-05:00

The film was nearly everything I wanted and unlike Sith did not disappoint. I have waited for this film since I was a child. I’m fan but no push over I hated Tim Burton’s 1989 version although both Keaton and Nicholson were impressive. It wasn’t till 1997’s Batman and Robin when I realized Burton’s ’89 film was brilliant. Point being I began to believe that my vision for Batman would never happen. In Batman Begins it nearly has.

What makes the Batman a great super hero is his mortality. His discipline for self improvement and training to a point where he becomes super human, he then of course takes the form that strikes fear in criminals. He is ridding the streets of people who don’t deserve to breathe free air. All in a way we wish we could. Batman Begins give us all Bruce Wayne’s preparation in a 007 way with grand landscapes and cool gadgets. With the exception of some minor moments it’s not overly stylized like Burton’s film. This film has a sense of reality also missing from the critically acclaimed ’89 effort. Two great secondary characters with excellent performances by Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine. Once again Gary Oldman morphs into his role, his Jim Gordon is right off the comic book page with out camp. Liam Neeson is outstanding to point he out strips the material. Had Neeson’s character been slightly more fleshed out Christian Bale would have had a hard time owning the film, which of course he does. It’s difficult to not keep comparing Begins to Burton’s film but the 1989 movie set the new standard for the caped crusader. Bale like Keaton was a thrill to watch and portrayed a vulnerability that Batman needs to have. Keaton’s came by being nearly forty and built like Mr. Mom. Bale’s comes through his performance. The film moves along without having to dumb everything down. Although we get beat over the head with Bruce Wayne’s childhood anxiety over bats. The cinematography is appropriate for the story of the dark knight. The choice of covering another villain was smart and well done. We’re just not ready to toss Nicholson’s Joker into obscurity. The Scarecrow was chilling and done with a great special effect but then there is Cillian Murphy.

Gripes are minimal, I’d like the fight scenes with Bat’s easier to see. Murphy plays Doctor Crane…a doctor but the nearly 30 year old actor doesn’t look old enough to drive never mind undergrad and med school. He sure is purty though I almost wanted to kiss that purty mouth. Speaking of purty, Katie Holmes is almost forgettable.

From the Six-Pak scale easily earns five beers.

On the fan film scene:

A talented dude commented on how people who don’t create CGI don’t realize how difficult it can be. He reminded people he didn’t have a Cool Spaceship/Scary Monster Button on his P.C. I thought that was funny, I also thought it is about time maybe I learn some CGI creation my self. So I downloaded a free version of Truespace3…how am I doing? Frak, I can’t seem to even work the tutorial.

Fan Film Research a Tasty Nugget

2005-07-03T05:40:00.000-05:00

Fan films can cost thousands of dollars. They are just the kind of thing wives love to know their husbands are spending money on. Some research over a pot coffee has dug up the following gem of information.

We in no way make money from this show and all volunteer our time and effort to bring these shows to the internet. However, we can accept donations for specific items such as housing and airfare.

Sweet, sure more research will need to be done but it’s nice to know I won’t have to live in a cardboard box when it’s done.

The Democrats Will Now Truly Lose Their Minds

2005-07-01T12:19:00.000-05:00

I await the latest Dean Scream. The Dems lunacy is about to reach new heights I only hope this speeds up their implosion. Sandra Day is retiring and our knuckle dragging cowboy president can not be allowed to appoint a judge to The Supremes.

I’m tired of the treasonous liberal wing of the democrats and their anti-war propaganda. Which doesn’t help them get elected but helps Al-Jazeera give our military a hard time but I’m used to it. I laugh at the flawed logic that the Saddam regime had no connection to terrorism.

I laugh as the Dems rant on about wanting to drive Karl Rove out of Washington. I laugh, did they really think the American people would equate Karl Rove’s true statements about ultra liberals like Move On with Dick Durbin putting his foot down his throat? Karl Rove accurately described the Liberal Mouth Piece/Money Machinery’s soft stance on terrorism. Dick Durbin equated our hard working service personal with war criminals. Sure he only meant to dis the Bush Administration. Then someone whispered in Dickey’s ear “following orders is not an excuse”…ooppps!

Submarine captain Ted Kennedy will be especially funny.

What won’t be funny is the trashing of a very hard working accomplished jurist. What the next nominee and their family must endure won’t be funny. We’ll once again wonder why good people put them selves through this…to serve the greater good.

Why? Why will this nominee endure hardship? Abortion, the left is afraid because the unthinkable is now remotely possible the over tuning of Roe. I don’t believe it will happen but again I never pictured a world with out the Soviets. There was a time I believed in “abortion on demand”, there was a time I smoked pot and didn’t pay taxes either.

Happy Implosion Democrats! Relax the girls in Red states will always be able to take a bus to Blue states for abortions.

Fan Film to Be an Optioned Piece

2005-06-22T21:22:00.000-05:00

I’m still having issues with the re-working of the Fan Film treatment. When I really rather be writing for Still Lloyd which can’t be farmed out. Battlestar Galactica doesn’t need my own written work there are a great many stories all ready out there. I will go through the stories of the top five most respected fan fiction writers. I will give them the opportunity for me to “option” their story for a slick three minute trailer. Giving them and their story a wider audience.

Just like “real life” they write the story. I adapt the story for film. Work on story boards, locations, casting, shooting and editing.

New Dodge/Fan Film/New Project

2005-06-21T16:59:00.000-05:00

Hello folks, Hijinks and Buffoonery amongst the bright lights of Anjung-ri have kept me away. A lot of saying goodbye and celebrating “last night on the pen”. So just a few quick thoughts of late.

The new Dodge Challenger:
I am a passionate patriot automobile enthusiast. What does that mean? It means I don’t look across the pond for my automobile excitement. Over priced Euro-Trash bores me, the “super-cars” with six figure prices. So of course the muscle cars of 1965-1975 are held in high esteem. One of the greatest and unfortunately latest to the party was the Dodge Challenger, I have owned a few. After the American auto malaise of the seventies and eighties Detroit woke up and by 1995 embraced performance again. More importantly this time quality, safety, fuel economy and handling where part of the package…thanks Japan for kicking the big three in the nuts. Although the Camaro/Trans Am are gone for now performance has returned with the second reemergence of the muscle car. The new GTO and outstanding Mustang GT are joined by MOPAR getting back to the RWD V8 car game with the COTY 300 Hemi-C, Magnum and Charger. Nothing has sparked as much heated debate since Starbuck lost his knads as the Charger being a four door sedan. Enthusiasts want a coupe, a sexy Mustang fighter. It has been announced this week we will get it. The Dodge Challenger will return. I believe it will be my first new automobile.

The fan film:
I am temporarily bogged down in my ability to rework the concept yet keep certain elements. Here is what I am aware of, three projects not including what some new folks I came across are up to. One is a short like a trailer, much is shot and it is currently waiting on the FX side to come in. The second is mine also a trailer to stir up interest. I’m in the earliest stages of reworking the treatment and probably a year away from shooting. The third is in the early script writing stage, this one is more of an episodic effort each an hour long.

I’m not locked in to shooting my own written material. I’d be thrilled to direct and shoot someone else’s script. For me the goal is getting something worth seeing done. Of course the more time I put in to writing my own thing the more committed I’ll be to shooting that written material.

Enid Indi-Film Scene:
The Burning Clown appears busy back in Enid shooting, editing and a new project genesis with a possible role for me to play from the other side of the world?

Reworking the Treatment for Fan Film

2005-06-15T04:29:00.000-05:00

Their is a lose core group of folks working on some classic Battlestar Galactica fan film efforts. We are known as Purists because we don't recognize the current Sci-Fi channel series. I passed along my fan film treatment to a hand full of my fellow Purists and the silence is deafening. I did get some polite critiquing from one and some well thought out point by point critiquing from another but for the most part silence. Tells me I need to get back to work. Truth is I also was taking things in an unexpected direction mostly over budget and special effects. Well we're already getting enough of that from Ron Moore at the Sci-Fi channel. So I am going to back and revisit many elements and go for a more traditional direction.

Comedy Is Hard

2005-06-12T02:44:00.000-05:00

Comedy Is Hard...to write.

Visiting the Still Lloyd film treatment reminded me how hard comedy can be. Performing is easy, for me anyway. I have the timing and can bring comedic characters to the audience, the good times I had with Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum or Over the River come to mind. Easy, performing someone else's work...writing comedy is a bitch.

I enjoy a good visit to the comedy club and often think I would enjoy doing stand up. It's got to be harder than just memorizing some jokes. If I could find someone who writes good comedy but has no stage charisma and fears performing that person I could collaborate with. They write the bulk of the material I give input and bring it to the audience.

I may have to employ some collaboration on the Still Lloyd screenplay because...well comedy is supposed to be funny.

Sin City

2005-06-11T03:18:00.000-05:00

I heard Jessica Alba wanted to remove her top for this film. She was playing a strip club dancer but the rumor is her father said no to protect her career. Too bad because this film needed help a topples Jessica or less disjointed screenplay...really either would have been nice.

I went in with high hopes I love what Frank Miller did with Batman. The film has the best cast since Ollie Stone's JFK. The trailer looked great this held great promise but did not deliver. That is not to say it was all bad. The mostly black and white with subdued color cinematography worked perfect for putting a graphic novel on screen. The characters are shot in angles that look like comic book framed panels. The CGI was seamless with the rest of the dark graphic novel look. Bruce Willis is the stand out performance and most of the cast has lines that are laugh busting.

The problem is in a film not meant to be taken too seriously, this is a comic book anthology film, there are not enough laughs. The film is too chatty with the voice overs and too liberal with the bullet count. Don't mistake me for some anti second amendment type its just when anybody other than Superman gets hit with thirty shells its more than a flesh wound. I just lost any sense of danger too early in the movie. The film also felt disjointed trying to combine these separate story together...maybe that is what happens with two guest directors.

By Request: New to Korea

2005-06-04T23:58:00.000-05:00

My new home/office for the next year is Camp Humphreys. It's near the medium sized city of Pyeongtaek and adjacent to the town of Anjung-ri in the Republic of (South) Korea, which is often referred to as the ROK. It is located 55 miles south of Seoul the capital. Camp Humphreys, or "The Hump" as it is affectionately known, is home to the busiest overseas airfield. This means long busy days for the weather forecaster.

I don't want to sound like The Ugly American but my first impression was the unique odor when disembarking the plane. It is hard to describe not quite feet 'n cheese but close. It took some getting used to. I still have to deal with the odor of urine coming from the fields a few times a week. To be fair this is not totally unique to The Hump there where days around agricultural areas of Watertown NY, bums in New York City before Rudy, and pissing my self at William Paterson College.

Anjung-ri is where the weather crew gets its drink on. By day its shops with over priced crap, knock off NFL apparel and pirated DVD's. By night it's one saloon, bar, night club after the other. I've yet to see a good Irish pub...surprising. There are bars that cater more to specific regions of America so no one needs to feel home sick. For example if you are a Yankee there are places to hang with NY or Boston d'cor. Texans have a few choices with great music, if you're from Oklahoma...well some people just have to get over their Texas envy. Political correctness has finally caught up with Anjung-ri there are no Russian or Korean ladies of the night promising, "hey G.I. me love you looong time". Which is good since human trafficking is morally repugnant and I am a happily married man. Hi Honey! Anjung-ri is where I've had the most contact with Koreans off The Hump. They tend to speak English and don't mind you can't speak Korean or English after a few rounds of soju...smiles a plenty. The Man is everywhere during the hours of darkness, the MP's keep the soldiers from pummeling each other when they get bored.

Pyeongtaek is the place I see from the windows of the bus on my way to Osan Air Base or Seoul. Unlike Anjung-ri the housing and infrastructure doesn't appear to be crumbling nor does it seem overly crowded. I like watching people work the "rice patties" and they will farm any piece of land with out concrete on it. It's great to see at night because it's full of neon and they seem to get the most out of having the lights accent the architecture. The highway through Pyeongtaek is modern and seems really new. Some of the cars are small beyond comprehension...I expect 20 circus clowns to get out 'em.

My impression from my few visits to Seoul is a city I can't wait to explore. It's large, clean, modern and intimidating when one does not speak the language. My goal is to learn enough Korean to spend the day in Seoul as tour guide for my compatriots. The food stand grubage is good for those with a sense for adventure but I have had very little exposure to Korean food thus far. The electronics are no bargain when you consider the buttons and owners manual are all in Korean. Did I mention pirated DVD's, it's like buying a Rolex on the streets of Manhattan. I did find some Battlestar Galactica mintures.

The most exposure I get to Korean folks is the employees on post. The language barrier prevents me from asking all my annoying questions...so I just shut up and buy the bicycle. The Koreans seem to be a quiet, polite and proud people. I look forward to learning the language and getting the most out of my time here, more importantly exchange ideas on a personal level...FUN!

Thunder Storms

2005-06-02T04:45:00.000-05:00

Thunder storms rolled over and hung around Anjung-ri on my day off. At 7pm I was still wallowing in my own filth. The day was not a total wash though. I donned my robe, jammie bottoms and slippers to get some laundry done. It was a good time to catch every pundits view on the outing of Deep Throat. More importantly I also got some preproduction writing done.

More notes on Still Lloyd to share with my wife for a ladies input.

The beginnings of the treatment for Fan Film. I ponder my bank account and wonder how I'll finance it.

Tomorrow is sunshine so I'll be out and about...looking for season two of 24.

Why This Blog

2005-05-28T03:33:00.000-05:00

To share my thoughts and progress on the independent film projects I'm involved in. I will also from time to time express my thoughts on cars, wine, and geo-political events. This blog will mostly keep me on track and organize my thoughts on Fan Film and Still Lloyd.

Fan Film is the non-title for a Battlestar Galactica fan film that is way-way pre-production. It is a fan film project based on the true and real classic series. Simply I am no fan of the current Sci-Fi Channel offering with the same name.

Still Lloyd is the non-title for a romantic comedy that is about as far along as the fan film project

...everyone has to start somewhere.

This blog idea was inspired by another small town film maker and friend. We have got something good started in Enid Oklahoma.