WILL IT BLEND TOUCHES ON GLOBAL WARMING

Tom found his skis in the garage, but realized that with all this Global Warming, there was no more need for skis.

Ok, ok.  We have tried as an internet sensation to keep out of political stands and party affiliation. In all reality, some of our staff are mixed on the topics when it comes to politics.  But as far as Global Warming is concerned, we all agree.  

Especially living in Utah and having two record cold and snow winters in a row (and I can't wait for it to be over), I think we can take Global Warming for what it is... a religion.  In my sweet humble opinion, there is more physical proof there is a God then the notion that we are effecting the weather.  

Sure weather changes, but that's life. Get over it.  The only thing you can do to make it through "climate change" is built a bigger house, drive a car that can handle the weather and wear the appropriate clothing.  

I couldn't wait to do this blend.  It took a while because skis are not easy to blend, but what you saw is what really happened.  I admit to taking out a few metal pieces on the sides to allow the blend to speed up, but finally we did it.

Watch the video.

Quoted in Mormon Times Article

Yours truly spent 4 days at the LDS Film Festival.  Ironically, I find it more inviting for me then going to Sundance, which happens around the same time.  Possibly because the theater they show all the films at are a mere 2 block from my house.  

Also, I enjoy meeting people who made the films and actors who performed in them (which was the main focus for me this time around, as I am finishing up casting for The Last Eagle Scout).  I have noticed more and more non-LDS themed films appearing.  Not that it is a bad thing, or even a good thing.  I look at LDS Cinema as simply this.... evolving.

Some people have complained about the quality of LDS Films (including Dutcher himself) and have bowed out of the genre.  My feeling is that (1) percentage wise, how many Hollywood films are just "great".  You could probably compare the same percentage of LDS films to the number of Hollywood film.  Second (2), I feel that we are simply evolving into newer uses of the medium.  

As an example, my new film, The Last Eagle Scout, is not LDS themed at all, in fact, it is more political and social.  But because my beginnings of feature film directing started in this genre, as well as many of my actors and crew participate in LDS Cinema, it could be categorized as an LDS Film.  

I think for LDS Cinema to survive, or at least to grow, it will need to "crossover".  This is what I talked about in this article in the Mormon Times.  I didn't know I was being quoted, but it was just fine for me.  What I also added, that wasn't quoted, was that if we are to make films with a larger outreach, we need to learn to "sing and dance" the message.  I think as Mormons, we are afraid to "sing and dance" the message because for some, it might lead to something immoral. Yet, we are the same society that will not blink an eye at buying the latest Indiana Jones, Star Wars or Batman films.  

If we are to make films that attract the audience, we need to "look" like the ones that are being bought.  

Mormon Times Article

Hoooray for Hollywood... Jerks.

As much as I love movies and many of the people who work hard in the business, I sometimes can't stand the self-righteous sphincters who think they are all that.  For a group of people who are for equality and justice for all, some of them are the most un-equal people I have ever met.

In a time where we are hot after the CEO's of big companies (pre-bailout era) who would dare take a 10 million dollar bonus for running a large company.  Yet you don't see congressional hearings on how much Tom Hanks or George Clooney makes per film (20 million dollars for a mere couple months of pampered work).

Don't get me wrong, I think if you can legally find a way to make a lot of money in your profession, by all means go for it.  Just make sure when you point fingers, you level the playing field.

I remember the days where I thought it was glamorous to work on "Touched by and Angel" or "Dumb and Dumber" (we're talking early-mid 90's, I was a grip).  But I also remember the days when I had to sit on one side of the make-shift cafeteria during lunch while the talent sat on the other side, or their trailer.  And we were not allowed to talk to them.

My Hollywood days ended about 12 years ago on a long night of filming up Strawberry Lake in Utah on a film starring Gary Busey (don't remember the name).  I was working doing lighting for both the film itself, and in interview with the "stars" on Hollywood's Greatest Stunts.  It was nighttime and the interview had to be far away from the set.  I set up the interview and Gary finally showed up.  He had his sunglasses on, two chick by his side, and a cigar in his mouth.  For a moment, it was only him, his ho's and me. 

 

He looked at the chair... then looked around (at everyone but me), then asked "where's my chair?"  He repeated the question over and over, again looking everywhere but at my face, asking absolutely no one "where's my chair".

If I were a Hollywood wantabe, I probably would have said "oh, yes, Mr. Busey, I'll go find it for you, oh yes sir, what ever you say". But instead, because it was late and I was tired and had enough, I simply said, "get your own damn chair" and walked off.

And that was the last Hollywood film I ever worked on....

Gary, again looking every where but at me, repeated, "who is this guy!"  I was never fired.  It was a late night, I was doing double duty and we were all tired.  But I simply quit.

So there are two events this week that shows tolerance from the Hollywood establishment. 

First is Ashton Kutcher, who made that "pledge" to our illustrious president that he would make life a better day... then two weeks later, yelled at his neighbors' workers for hammering on the roof at 7:30 am.  (I don't have a link, but you will have to search the video).  

Then, just today, was released an audio clip from Batman actor, Christian (ironic) Bale (the sound man must have left the tape running), mouthing off to the Director of Photography.  I must warn you, it is foul.  But I don't care who you are, no one deserves that kind of treatment.  

Here is the clip.  Again, WARNING, it is foul.  The f-bomb about 37 times.

It brought me back to my Hollywood days.... and why I'm not there anymore.