HALLOWEEN - THAT SPECIAL TIME OF YEAR

There are several things that remind me of this time of year. Some personal, others just memories. And for the 3 or 4 people who actually read this blog, I think it's OK for me to spill my guts a little (a little Halloween lingo, there).

First, this is probably the first time I have dressed up for Halloween in years. 20 years ago, while married to my first wife, I dressed up as Batman. I was excited to rent the new expensive costume, taken from the new-at-the-time first Batman movie released earlier that year. I had always wanted to be Batman since I was a kid. Unfortunately, I didn't have the body to fit in that large rubber suit. I looked silly.

15 years before that, I remember being disappointed in the Batman costume my mother made me. I wanted it to be just like the Adam West uniform. The plastic half-faced costumes from the drug store just wouldn't cut it. So my mother, bless her heart, attempted to make a Batman mask out of a hoodie-type hat. Again, I was disappointed.

It showed my perfection from what I saw on the big screen was always going to be there.

But this date has other meanings. It was Halloween 4 years ago that I returned to Utah after living in Virginia for a couple of years. It was a difficult time. For those who never knew, I was married a second time for a few short months. I won't go into the details, many of which I have since forgotten.

It was a very short happy time that ended very abruptly. I was married for 16 years, thinking it was eternal. But it ended so sudden, and I was in a place I have never been before. Single and divorced. So when it came to dating, I did everything wrong.

While still living in Virginia, and licking my wounds from the breakup, I jumped into dating and met a woman from Dallas. We had much in common and found being around her fairly exciting. I enjoyed the attention that I wasn't getting 16 years earlier. I ran off and married her without telling anyone. Then I pulled up my roots in Virginia and moved to Dallas, a place where I had only visited a few times, with no family of my own, no friends, and no job. I relied heavily on her.

But without going into details, it ended very quickly. Not knowing anyone in the area, I spent a lot of time at a nearby park where I conversed for hours over the phone with family, friends, her. Wondering what the hell I had just done. I was very lonely and knew I had to do something. I packed my things, with my tail between my legs, I drove onto the freeway on my way back to Virginia. Not more then 60 seconds on the freeway, I get a call to interview for a full-time job producing videos for a blender company back in Utah.

A full-time video producer job? That was an answer to prayer.

It was October 31st, 2005 that I drove up to Utah, with nothing but a car, my computer, my clothes, and a hope that this company will hire me. Needless to say, I got the job, got an apartment and started life over. The months that followed were tough.

It was also October 31st 2006 that we released our first Will it Blend on YouTube, and start what would be known by the Wall Street Journal as "the most successful ad campaign in the history of the internet", changing my life forever, along side the wonderful woman that I am married to today.

It was also this time of year, 2007, that I went back to visit the ghosts of that weird, forgotten time, and drive across the country, picking up the remainder of my goods I left in a storage unit in Dallas. Again, I spent time in that park that brought me company while I cried two years earlier, wondering how to get back with that woman I fell in love with. This time a little more happier, and more aware of my direction in life. She is happier and I am happier. And even though there are things I could argue about, I have learned it is not worth it. What is most important is the happiness we both seek. I wish her well...

It is now October 31st, 2009. I have made a new film, back to being the same nut-job I was born to be. And for the first time in probably 20 years, thanks to the energy brought my my lovely wife, Stephanie, I dressed up for Halloween. I gave up on being Batman and decided to play his nemesis (After all, I got the hair for it).

The Adventures of Power

Stephanie and I met this guy last night named Ari Gold. I'm a little envious of is recent work. His new film "The Adventures of Power" is a comedy about air drumming (which is what I do in my car all the time). He actually filmed a big portion of the film in Utah and is now trying to get it promoted for showings. What I am envious of is his relationship to Rush. He got a cameo of Neil Peart in the film. Dang!

Anyway, I spent a while last night in a cafe talking to Ari about the release of his film and he will be showing it in Utah starting tomorrow at the Tower Theater in Salt Lake City. If you get a chance (all 3 or 4 of you who read this blog) come out and support Ari in his film.

THE ADVENTURES OF POWER at the TOWER THEATER

SLOWLY, BUT SURELY

That's what I remember always hearing when I was a kid. My mom would say that when I would complain about something not getting done fast enough. If I wanted to make fresh baked cookies, if I wanted Christmas to come, if I wanted to learn to drive, date or make money. It was always "slowly, but surely". And there's no coincidence that my mom's name is Shirley.

Anyway, I digress. I am finally back into the editing of the film. I have cranked out a few scenes and I'm part of the way there. I am trying to be open minded to how the film is going to look and feel, knowing good and well that it won't be exactly how I imagine. In many cases, it is actually better. And I can see cutting things out that don't belong that I wish could keep. But my audience makes the final decision. In all reality, the editing can't go fast enough. I love what I am cutting and want to see more... NOW!

The artwork above is a temporary poster that we are putting everywhere. Dan Hollister put it together, he has done a great job with all that we have done. The "Be Prepared" he added seems to have a double meaning in the film. Kinda cool.

There is some interest starting to draw, of which I will not make public at this time. I want to say that this film can be big, especially of it's topical nature, but I also shouldn't say that. I have been let down before. So I am going to be more realistic this time around, but with my heart hoping for more.

We still have some miniature effects and close ups to shoot, but all in all, we are 99 percent there. We will also be shooting some promotional still shots soon. I am going to have fun with that. I better get them soon or my cast is going to grow a foot taller.

Will keep you updated soon, those 3 or 4 of you who actually read this post.

POST-PRODUCTION... Are we there yet?

So things are kind of on hold. Funding is out and I am now raising some money. We are not over budget, just underfunded. I took a risk to get this film out on my own with what little money I had and am now in the middle of the "risk" part.

The film looks great! I have a new trailer that I show to people that is protected with a password, simply because I am using music that is great, but not mine. But all is well, otherwise. I am back to my day job at Blendtec and I'm daily going to people with money in a time when people are not ready to invest in anything. But that is kind of fun, actually. That just means that when the film is all done, I will have a large ownership of this film.

It's a fun movie with a heavy message. Mostly dealing with the loss of patriotism. (Oh, I am sooo sure that Sundance will take this.... not.) We are hoping to aim for a showing at the LDS Film Festival in January, even though there is no LDS themes at all in the film. Then, on to many other festivals and showings till later next year.

We shall see....

LAST EAGLE SCOUT WRAPS!

Wow... is all I can say. Many things changed for me on the making of this film. Not sure how to explain it. First off, I got so fatigued on this shoot that I fell asleep at 5pm on Saturday and didn't wake up till it was time for church the next day.

I also realized my limitations on film making and halfway through the film, I turned the cinematography over to Tahlee Booher, my long-time friend from college. I must say, with what I gave her to work with, she accomplished a lot. I officially decided to retire my Director of Photography status from film. I can occasionally shoot and will continue to do so for Blendtec, but otherwise, it wares me out. Plus I seem to be one of the older farts who can't seem to be up with the new production equipment fast enough because I am too busy creating stories and focusing on marketing.

I also have to give a lot of credit to my producer Danna Tanner, who held that production together with the scotch tape that I gave her. I am sure there were moments she wanted to strangle me for doing this or that. But all in all, we made it through.

Ironically, at the end of shooting, the bishopbric in my ward (church congregation) gave me a new calling... can you guess what it was? Scoutmaster.

We all laughed. My dad says that besides the bishopbric, the scoutmaster is about the busiest calling in the church. So many days outside of Sunday you have to work at it and pray for the support of the kids parents. I do love our boys. It's not a big troop and I have been scout master before. So it will be fun.

I was also amazed that I made it through the 4 week shoot. Everyone was awesome. I loved every actor and every crew member, it would not be fair to start naming names, but they know who they are. I was also sick everyday of the production. It was either fatigue or my throat hurt or sick to my stomach. Worrying about money, or time, this and that. Somehow things will turn out for the better when we get into post-production.

We have a preview circulating already that Dan Hollister has cut. He will be handling all our post. It's a great trailer, but we can't post it publicly because we have copy written music we don't have permission to use. It is mostly used to entice more investors and distributors.

That's the gig! If you are on Facebook, you will probably see the miriad of photos circulating. It is definitely an important film and will turn out well. Thanks to all, mostly my greatest crew member and cheerleader, my sweet wife, Stephanie.

FIRST WEEK OF SHOOTING

Started August 3, filming till the 29th. I am sick to my stomach, but I seem to keep moving with someone on my back picking me up. I think I am a naturally lazy guy, I admit it. I love to sit around and think up great ideas, but want to see someone else execute them.

In all reality, my crew have been awesome! I would start naming names, but don't have the time to do so. The actors are incredible as well. I think most people around feel something special that we are producing. Most people working with me will whisper in my ear "we've been needing something like this".

That is a great testament to me. But I do have to realize one thing.... I am not making films for film makers. They come to get the free showing at the premiere, get the free DVD for their reel. I am making this film for the audience that actually pays the bills. Who are seeking the entertainment they are willing to spend money on, and waste their time watching my vision. It is all about them. I hope I serve them well.

MEETING WITH RICHARD HATCH-BEGINNING FILMING

Stephanie had the chance to attend an acting workshop for two days with Richard Hatch. For Stephanie, on the acting side, it was an amazing experience. (I was busy trying to get a film ready, so all I could do is let them in the door of the Creative Media Group stage).

After it was over, they went to dinner. I went and got Parke and his friend and we joined them at Applebees's. Richard and I talked the whole time (I felt bad I hogged his time). I am not one that can go and schmooz with the "stars". I'm honestly not very good at that. But Richard was very easy to talk to and he was very interested in what I was doing. I told him about Will it Blend and The Last Eagle Scout. He liked films with political undertones in it, and we agreed with a few issues, like the bailouts.

He is also a big fan of independent film and loves to see people get creative. He is starting a new reality shot called "What the Frack", something like that. It follows the underbelly of Hollywood.

Anyway, the first day of shooting The Last Eagle Scout is tomorrow. I have been sick for days and weeks, trying to get this film off the ground. There is so much to do. But between talking to Richard Hatch and talking to my dad tonight have both been inspiring. My dad told me the sick feeling is normal for anyone trying to risk moving on to better things. He gives me the regular advise he has always giving me for years... be of good cheer.