The Cheezy Blog Spot of Kels Goodman

The Last Eagle Scout: The First Showing

2012-01-23T22:28:00.001-08:00

The LDS Film Festival is quickly approaching and I am "almost" ready to show THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT. It's kind of funny. Today I was told by my sound mixer that I will get the last reel of audio mix on Thursday night... the showing is Friday night. So needless to say, I am a little scared.

I had a flashback of the first showing of HANDCART, one of my earlier films I did about 10 years ago. I showed an incomplete film on Pioneer Day, which is when I originally wanted to release the film. So I think the audience was disappointed. I still remember an "unrendered" shot appearing on the big screen and thinking "man I should have just waited."

Now, for TLES, I have waited, instead of rushing a film to the big screen just because of a date of significance. But I think I have waited too long on this one. And now that I am ready for this first showing, at least I have pushed my post crew to "get'r done".

This showing is not actually a "premiere" of the film. That will happen the Wednesday or Thursday before releasing to some theaters. I just wanted to have the festival be a beginning date to start with.

I am excited because I will use that festival date to kick off the merchandise I will be selling on the film. I want to practice making money in other ways with the film. I find marketing fun. I've got shirts, hats, a backpack, all with our logo. I am also excited about the comic book version of the film. That was very cool to see.

So we have a showing this Friday and Saturday. Then off to CPAC in Washington DC, very interested in seeing that.

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I FEEL LIKE IM GOING TO "BLOW UP"

2012-01-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

We were fooling around at Blendtec (don't do that too much, I promise) and Spencer Taggart showed us this cool app on the iPhone using "Hollywood explosions". You basically roll a few seconds of video and choose your demise. It is the funniest thing I have ever seen. My son, Parke got the same app and between him and my step daughter, Kristina (on her iPod touch, spoiled kids) they were blowing up the dog, the other kids, me. It was hilarious.

It is how I have felt the past few weeks. My schedule is now getting very booked between TLES opening up and Blendtec, I asked Steph tonight when our next break was. I am praying for spring break to get here.

On a technical geek side, I have been feeling that the editing software I have been religiously using for the past 12 years, Final Cut Pro, will be coming to an end. One thing I hate is change. Not that it is stopping, but the recent version released this past summer shows that they are going to a more consumer side (for all those "filmmakers" on YouTube). Problem is today's filmmaker is more a tech wizard brat kid who can point, shoot and edit... but really can't tell stories. Just make pretty pictures.

Sorry for getting off the topic. Point is... I will be switching to a new software. So my assistant, Kyle and I will be going to NAB this year (in April) with a mission to find what will be our new edit platform.

Again, stop changing things!

Why am I so busy!!!

2012-01-09T21:19:00.001-08:00

It's all good stuff. In fact, it's pretty exciting. Right now, I am finally getting special effect shots from my friend Bruce Holt for THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT, barely making in time for the LDS Film Festival... barely. And same with the music and final sound mix... A little on pins and needles to finishing this film. But I finally have some faith (that is if Christian doesn't take me out of the program before hand.)

Then there is the LDS Film Festival itself... I am on the committee and I continue to gather sponsors and organize. It's kind of fun actually.

On top of that, I am producing 3 music videos with Jeremy Hoop, who has provided music for the film. Those will be pretty cool and I hope to have them playing by the time the festival starts.

Also, we are starting an on-line store called "The Trading Post" on the website where we will sell TLES goods (hats, shirts, a backpack) all saying "I've seen The Last Eagle Scout". Plus, I finally saw renditions of the comic book and I was really excited. It's neat to see my work in another rendition.

Now on to Blendtec. Even though I would love walk away from Blendtec and just make movies, I have realized that I have built something long lasting there where I can't see myself leaving anytime soon. I have earned some ownership in the company now. Plus, so many new things coming up, I am very lucky to have gotten that job over 6 years ago. Amazing to think I have been there this long.

I will be going to New York to film a smoothie shop right there in Penn Station, where the busiest blenders are hard at work. Supposedly, they make 3000 smoothies a day down there and have had good experiences. So we will be filming a personal interest video there, watching our blender in action. Plus, around the same time, we were nominated for some award for best new product (Twister Jar). So I might be going to that event in New York at the same time.

Then, I have heard that the TV show "The Office" will be featuring a new character who is real anal, and this character will always be making whole foods in a blender there at the office... and guess which blender they are featuring? Need I say more. I heard we are on another show, but can't remember which.

Who would think I would have this much fun and receive this much recognition from a blender company. Good times.

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2012-01-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Blendtec will hold its Open House of the third wing of the building. It is loaded with extra features, such as a Doctors and Dentist office, a cafeteria and a meat locker (not sure what to do with the meat locker, but I can tell you that when it's the end of the world, Blendtec is the place to hang.)

Here is a video we produced for the new Total Blender Designer Series Blender. Check it out.

Healthy Junk

2012-01-02T07:27:00.001-08:00

That is what I used to call it. Since those bike rides to the local Maverick Market on the hot summer days of South Texas in the late 70's and the early 80's do I remember buying a huuuge 32 ounce Pepsi and a 3 Musketeer's bar that would become an addiction I still hold to this day.

I remember going to the local Rialto Theater in Downtown Harlingen, Texas to see the double feature of Superman the Movie and Love At First Bite, I was introduced to the extra large 32 ounce soda, and the 7-11 later dubbed it "The Big Gulp". Eating junk is what made me happy.

Today, I start a 7 day smoothie fast, something I am solely testing for myself. Parke, my son, has offered to go along with it, but my motivation is really watching my mother improve from her cancer fighting diet.

As you might recall, I helped her around the first week in November, along with Robyn, the Green Smoothie Girl, to check in and adapt to the new lifestyle at the Oasis of Healing in Mesa. I watched what they were doing and tried to soak in what my ADD would allow me to.

What my mother has been part of is a juice fast, even though it's not totally a "fast" per se. She still does eat some things. But some people will fast with juice only to cleanse out the toxins in their body. The juice usually consists of lots of greens, apples, etc. My fast will be a little bit different as it will be more fruit based. For a while, I made smoothies every day as part of my breakfast, loaded with grapes, pineapple, oranges, cantaloupe, and lots of spinach. But I quit for a while, mostly because of time to buy the stuff and make it. That is going to have to change.

Why am I doing this? I don't have a diagnosis of cancer, but I would like to not have the diagnosis in the first place. I saw my mother for Christmas and she looked incredible. She has lost 35 pounds, she no longer has to take Prilosec, (which I have to take as well), she no longer takes her blood pressure medicine and she just plain feels good. I personally need that.

So as for myself, I just want to test this out. I could lose a few extra pounds, I could use some energy... well Ok, I could use a LOT of energy right now. Too much going on.

The other "health" thing I just did was get bifocals. If you see the picture in the previous day's entry, you will see that I now have a new black rim and thicker glass. Bifocals take a little getting used to. I guess my age is showing.

I'll give you a hint... I was born the same year one of the James Bond movies came out. (I know, that really narrows it down.)

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New Years Day... and the death of the Incandescent Light Bulb

2012-01-01T09:51:00.001-08:00

This picture was taken last night just hours after getting my new bifocals. Can't believe I now have my "old man" glasses. I can't reveal my age, but as a hint, I was born the same year Israel changed it's borders (little political junkie moment there).

This year will be interesting. Still have not released THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT yet, but that time is soon coming. It's a little difficult because it has been soooo long. Especially for a film that is not that large in scope. It's only large in message. Having a day job has made it difficult, but I gotta keep both trains running.

Stephanie finally got the understanding to my pains when I told her its like "being 9 months pregnant for a whole year". I finished editing the film back in June, but everyone else (music, effects, etc) have been slow. Some of it is my fault. I would keep telling my post-guys "it's coming, it's coming" for like a whole year.

Anyway, the LDS Film Festival is approaching in 4 weeks and I am, thinking it is showing there, but never really heard from Christian yet as to whether he will show this political/social monstrosity or not. CPAC is currently looking at showing the film at their convention in February.

TLES is honestly the first of its kind. A social commentary that leans to the other side. When you see social commentary films of today it is usually having to do with race (whites are usually the bad guy) or big business (rich are the bad guys) or gender (the poor picked on gay guy) or the environment (evil humans picking on the poor little animals) or the Iraq War. And in many cases, these social commentary films are in the form of light-hearted entertaining pieces, many geared toward the kids.

My focus is on how political correctness runs our lives. I am tired of walking on egg shells and plan on saying it "like it is" more often. Today marks the first day that the incandescent light bulb will be banned. I personally don't care about which bulb I use, I just want the dang light. But what I care about is the concept that it took false environmental science to get us to this point. So what other false data will run our lives in the name of "saving us from ourselves"?

As far as TLES, in about 4 weeks we will have a completed film and some spiffs to boot. The whole objective is to make TLES somewhat of a movement. TLES represents a people or an idea, to live of the ideas of the past that were simple... respect, honesty, love of God and country. So the phrase "I've seen The Last Eagle Scout" will be not only seeing the film, but catching on the vision of living a more honest life like that of a Boy Scout.

I am planning a host of film gear such as shirts, hats, a backpack, bumper sticker and a comic book of the film. On the website will be a "trading post" where you can purchase these items, or we will sell them at places where we will show the film.

This will be an interesting year. I wish the best for all of you.

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Me and Elaine Murphy

2011-12-18T13:16:00.001-08:00

Five years ago, my new wife and I move in to a new home and re adjusted to our new life of having 5 children together. Luckily, it was in familiar territory, it was near the older neighborhood I used to live in 11 years before that (during my previous marriage).

In the Mormon Church in Utah, that means I still live in the same regional congregation. Same stake, different ward. Fortunately, my new wife at the time had no problem mingling with the same people I had mingled and bonded with years before (with a two year hiatus in between), in fact, I think Stephanie became more friends with my friends then I was. What a blessing.

In my new new ward, I became a home teacher to a woman, Elaine Murphy, who is home-bound because of her health. She has an interesting history and I have had such a joy in becoming acquainted with her. She was a missionary using her nurse abilities to serve in Tonga. I have a place in my heart for the islands because of my study of Niue Island near by. She became the dean for the College of Nursing at BYU.

When we go to see her, she is always beaming with gratitude, and her sweet voice strives to recall things of the past that are slowly becoming a mystery to her. Yet I know in the life beyond she will be met by many who she influenced in her life and her memory will be refilled again with the wonderful things she experienced in her life.

I usually take my son Parke to home teach with me, giving her a short lesson, catch up on what her family is doing and an offer to help when we can. And even Parke, the impatient teenage that he can be (just kidding, Parke) has grown a certain admiration for this little lady. But for Christmas, I decided to bring my lovely wife, Stephanie, who, I feel, has the same type of heart as that of Elaine Murphy, and make home teaching a wonderful experience.

Test, test

2011-12-11T22:30:00.001-08:00

This is a test to see how this new blogger works from my iPad.

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THANKSGIVING AND BEYOND...

2011-12-07T09:01:00.001-08:00

Just so you know, I might be moving my blogspot to another name. Not yet, but I will let this blog know. I am trying to find a simpler way to make blogs from my iPad and this account seems to be problematic in hooking up with my e-mail. It's complicated.

Anyway, just got back from Vegas (over a week ago). My mother went home for the week from her cancer treatment center in Phoenix for Thanksgiving. My dad, who I think can't live without mom, was missing her. So Steph and I drove down to see both my sisters and my parents. It was warm (it's 30 for a high now in Utah... winter has arrived).

It was a wonderful time. My mom looked great. She continued to watch what she ate, even during Thanksgiving. My sister Connie, who made the whole meal, made a dish just for her. I am proud of my mom for taking the steps she needs. I sit and think if Steph or I was diagnosed, I don't know if I could change the eating habit, but I would certainly not take chemo.

I then got to see my sister Pam for a bit. Her son, who has autism, is a good kid. And one thing he has done well is play the drums. So she got him a drum set for Christmas. I had fun putting that together and playing on them for a short while.

Steph, my dad and I took a little road trip down to Hover Dam to see the new bridge they built. I remember taking trips passing the dam. It took forever because the road was a single lane. There is now two ways to get through the dam and the engineering is remarkable.

Now that I am home, business is on. Steph and I are remodeling part of our home. I have totally repainted the bed room we are moving into. We moved Stephanie's girls around, giving them their own room. So we took their room and repainted it totally. It looks great and nice to see what can be done. I just wish I had more time to get it done faster. I don't like living in the middle of messes.

The Last Eagle Scout is almost done. Just got a few effect shots today and waiting on the music. Oh, these artists... they work on their own time (I know, I am just as guilty). Hoping to make the first showing at the LDS Film Festival. Then, on to other places (LA, Washington DC, Dallas to name a few). We shall see. I am eagerly writing a sequel.

Phoenix part 2

2011-11-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

I have been here for about 4 days and it has been interesting. In the above picture is Robyn Openshaw, otherwise known as the Green Smoothie Girl. She has been studying under Doctor Lodi at the Oasis of Healing while mom (on the right) checks herself in. It has not been easy for mom, a 76 year old woman having to change her eating habits in order to save her life from the ovarian cancer she was diagnosed with 2 years ago. She went through 3 rounds of chemo and it did nothing but make her feel crappier.

So we are now here where mom is handed a green drink every morning and a smoothie later in the day. They do give her some kind of something to eat for dinner, but I wouldn't have the patience. Some of it is actually not bad, and I think this is the best thing for her right now. I am learning as much as I can in the case that Steph or I get in this situation. NO chemo, I am dead set against it.

We have met a number of people with illnesses that are serious, cancer and leukemia. One woman in particular, Christine is a beautiful 40 year old woman with a family of 4 children and she runs several business. When she found a lump in her breast a few months ago, she chose to come here rather then go through chemo or radiation. It has made her come closer to her family and to God.

The doctor gave us a great speech about his mission. Dr. Lodi is an interesting fellow and he definitely IS on a mission. I will not be surprised his life will be made into a movie. He told us tonight how he has no friends because he lives what he believes. He feels doctors are living a lie (not all intentionally) and quit his own practice to focus on helping people with cancer naturally. In his personal life, he has a fiancee who is dying of cancer herself and will not go the natural way, but is on chemo. But she's dying of the chemo. So his mission has become personal.

Robyn has been checked in as if she was a cancer patient herself, so she is doing pretty much everything that my mother is doing. She understands much more how this all works (plus she is very adaptive to the food and green smoothies and juices they are providing). She has been learning a lot and I am honored to be here filming all of this.

Oh.. and I miss my wife. Love you Steph.

More later...

Phoenix with my Mom

2011-11-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Kind of a long day. Today is the start of a new journey for my mother. She has been fighting cancer for the past two years and made a turn around that was basically timely. I am still working on the whole story, but here is the scoop:

I have been doing a TV Pilot show for the Green Smoothie Girl, Robyn Openshaw. While in post now, (which I am looking for a good voice over talent to cover) Robyn came to me about a new documentary about the effect on cancer while eating raw foods. She started meeting with these cancer treatment centers that fight cancer naturally in hopes of getting to the meat of the problem.

All at the same time, my mother has been doing chemo for the past two years with little or no results. Actually, she was told her numbers were good at one time, then told she was going to have to get used to it for the rest of her life. Then, she heard the doctor accidentally talk about medicine that would be given to a younger patient. She confronted the doctor and they had no answer. In other words, there was rationing going on. (Like I said, still piecing the story together).

Now my mother has had enough and is going to take Robyn up on her challenge to meet with the place called An Oasis of Healing in Phoenix. I decided to be a part of this documentary on my own merit. I flew to Vegas this morning and then drove down to Phoenix with my mother and we are now in a condo. My mom will be here for about a month, with no idea what she is getting into. I will be here for a week as well as Robyn, filming and researching. I also brought the editing system down with me to see if I can finish The Green Smoothie Girl Makeover TV Pilot while I am in the mind-set (Blendtec has been keeping me busy. A new blender is on the way. Will be for another Blog post).

So I will keep this blog updated on the events of the day. I have shot a little video so far, mostly of myself on the iPhone talking about the drive down.

FALL AGAIN...

2011-10-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

This time of year always brings a number of anniversaries. And this year new ones will be created. It was Halloween of 2005 that I came rolling into Utah after living in Virginia for two year with a series of emotional challenges.

Divorce comes to mind, but also comes a renewal of life. I came to Utah in my car with only the things I could carry (namely, my computer, my clothes, etc). The following day, I had a meeting with a blender company to see if we were a "fit" for me to work for them as the video producer. I had a great meeting and was hired 10 minutes later. Then, I left to find a place to live, right across the freeway, and just like that... life started over for me.

Knowing that I had much to explain to the hundreds of friends I had left two years earlier, I didn't run to any of them for quite a while. In fact, when I first came back the night before my interview, I got a hotel instead of the many options I could have taken.

But after a little pain, things got better and I moved on. A year later, brave enough to meet with women again, I met the love of my life, probably the sweetest woman I have ever known (even after now being married to her for 5 years). We work hard to still be "boy friend, girl friend".

Another landmark for this time of year. It was 5 years ago November 2 that I posted the first WILL IT BLEND episode. What started as a joke and a "let's see what happens" to the new venue called Youtube, had turned into a phenomenon that we have had to work hard to control. After 130 episodes, 300 million views on youtube and the website, many awards and being used as a prime example in college text books, not to mention the growth the company has seen from the success of this web series, we were just recently named by Ad Age magazine as the most successful campaign in the history of Viral Marketing. It has definitely raised my level of confidence and ability to execute other things in my life. In my opinion, it is time to move on. In Tom Dickson's eyes, it has only begun. Huh...

The Last Eagle Scout is now scheduled to have a premiere at the LDS Film Festival, but I have had to hold back that news because things keep interrupting the final parts of post-production. I am told we are well on our way, so when I feel it to be right, I will announce it. My dream is to premiere it at the LDS Film Festival, which is the last week in January, then release in three markets the week or two after, Salt Lake City, L.A. and Dallas (the home of the Boy Scouts). We are now also looking at Washington DC and others.

While I was healing from the hernia operation, I took advantage of the percocet-induced time I had and quickly wrote the sequel to The Last Eagle Scout. Amazingly enough, I wrote the whole story late one night. There is so much happening in this country that concerns me that I just took the next chapter to the next level. More controversial, more action and faster paced.

We shall see what happens. But for now, the photo below speaks the truth.

"Don't have a hernia about it!"

2011-10-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

I remember as a kid saying that kind of dialogue, encouraging people to not worry about what ever they are worrying about. Looks like I did that myself. Eat my words.

I have been carrying a hernia about a year or more. Not sure why. I was going to the gym pretty regularly and lifting weights, could have been that. Or, just the stress of having a merging family about the house (who I love very much). In either case, I got it, and I needed to do something about it.

In this photo, I am noticing how lucky I was to have a dial that controls how warm it is in my crotch. A little air vent that puffs up my belly with warm air. Plus, I think I was high as a kite in this photo and about to go out for an hour or so. Didn't remember the operation at all. Love that!

Now I am home recovering, trying to recoup all of my thoughts and on-line marketing as I prepare for the release of THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT. The LDS Film Festival is around the corner (January 25-28) and that might be my release time. Still making sure. Waiting on music and effects. And I am eager to start writing the sequel. Or what ever film is in me.

As you can tell by my writing, I am high on the good stuff. This is an excellent time to write, when I am high on medication. I have been watching other films, getting inspired.

While this is going on, I now also have to worry about my mother. Her tumor has grown bigger (ovarian cancer) and Connie (my sister) and I are feeling like mom has been lied to about cleaning out her cancer. So we are going to do this naturally.

Let me back up. I have been doing work with Robyn Oppenshaw, otherwise known as THE GREEN SMOOTHIE GIRL, on a few projects in cooperation with Blendtec. She has a new one where she is dealing with healthy eating curing cancer. She was looking for a few subjects who would go to one of these high run, natural cancer treatment centers. I was able to get my mom on that list. So in November, I will be spending a week with her (and camera in hand) and following what they do for her in helping cure her cancer.

Obviously, this will not be a cure-all, but I will say it will probably be much better then the crap she keeps getting with chemo. That stuff is terrible. This documentary will probably be controversial in that Robyn is on a mission to uncover the cancer epidemic.

I will keep updating on this blog what I see. But as for my mother, this journey is now personal.

Ahhh, Fall.

2011-10-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

I Love it when Fall comes. Parke and I were looking at our iPhone temperatures over the next few days (we have a camp out on Friday). Either we have been spoiled with the 80 degree weather we have been having or something is wrong because we are about to get a major change in the weather (possible snow as low as 6000 feet by Wednesday). Ick!

Over the weekend we had no younger kids to attend to, so Stephanie and I decided to play. Play!? Yes, something I haven't done in a while. I figured before it gets cold and depressing, we should take advantage of the warm weather.

Friday night, Steph and I decided to try out Parke's scooter I got him and rode to the movies. First we went to the cupcake store (my new guilty pleasure, gotta love the red velvet cake) and bought a few treats to sneak into the movie theater. I accidentally left the key on the scooter (battery died), so we ended up rolling the scooter to the theater (good thing it was across the street).

We went to see COURAGEOUS. I have been very impressed with Alex Kendrick films (Fireproof, Facing the Giants, Flywheel). Especially with his focus on the message. You notice that his films have not always been the best technically, but his message rings true (and each film has profited financially). I actually was able to contact Alex and tried to get him to play a small roll in THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT. He respectably declined, saying he was too busy doing Courageous, which I totally understand.

So the question is, in comparison to LDS Cinema, why is it that his films, which are half good, really preachy and sometimes bad acting, can do well. Where as most LDS films, which are always worried about being "too preachy" and looking good technically, can't do well financially? I still remember film after film, people from LDS Film would always blame LDS Cinema's failures on being "too preachy" or "not good enough technically", "not enough money" or "bad acting". Alex Kendrick has suffered all of these, and yet the Lord continues to bless him with the finances to keep making movies.

My number one answer (besides audience reach, etc) is one word... spirit. When I watch the behind the scenes of all his movies, you hear the discussion go with the way of God. "This is God's movie" or "The Lord helped us" or you see them praying between takes.

In LDS Cinema, I am afraid the focus has always been on "me". My performance, my movie, my vision, and very little "God" involved in the making of LDS Films. That is just my opinion. I am just as guilty of this. As I have made THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT, I have tried to focus on message and the Lord helping me (even though this film is not LDS Cinema stuff). I am still dealing with The Constitution and freedom, both gifts from God, and I have had to be on my knees alot, repeating in my mind that that the Lord is in charge.

The next morning, my assistant at Blendtec, Kyle Jacobson, just finished his first short film he produced. It was a sweet film about a boy who falls in love with a woman who writes on a white board. The film starts out with him just goofingly writing "Hi" on the board. Then, the board writes back "hello". After a while, he keeps writing messages to someone that isn't there and builds a romantic relationship with the person writing. It is a cute concept and I personally think he can make it into a feature film, but we shall see.

Back to the weekend, Steph and I rode trax to downtown Salt Lake City. It was Conference weekend, but we didn't have tickets. We just wanted to see the camaraderie that usually comes with downtown SLC. We went to Deseret Book and saw TC and the cast of 17 MIRACLES signing autographs of the film on DVD. It was good to see him again, it has been years. He is one of the best guys to work with/for in film and he deserves all the success he has gotten on 17 MIRACLES.

So now, I look at the weather and realize that our camp out this weekend might end up being an early Klondike. I just realized that I am going into the hospital on Wednesday for a hernia operation. No worries. Just a day in the life.

TRIP TO L.A.

2011-08-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Steph and I took our 4th trip to LA in the last 2 years since we are part of something I cannot discuss. But every time we go, I realize two things: 1) how much I would never want to live here and 2) how many friends I either already know or have made going there.

The other thing I noticed this last trip was how much freakin' movie advertisements there are... everywhere. Getting into the marketing part of THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT, I am looking at how much everything has got to cost and I can see millions of dollars in ads (buses, billboards, cabs). Tons of creative ways to let me know that the Smurfs are now on the big screen, or this new Harry Potter movie is "the end".

I went to a few events to promote THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT, and have drummed up enough grass-root support to justify a theater opening in LA. So we will officially open in SLC and LA. Dallas will have to wait, but will probably be the second or third week.

Speaking of Drumming, we got to see our old friend Alfonzo Rachel, who takes on a small role in TLES as a guard at a booth at the Mexican border. He is also a drummer, so he played in a band with Gary Graham, who we also have become friends with. I remember Gary in Star Trek playing a vulcan ambassador on the Enterprise series.

Another new friend we made was Lloyd, a friend of my colorist George. Lloyd just finished his independent feature, can't remember the name of it at this writing (sorry about that, Lloyd). But he held a showing in LA and supposedly got a good response. I wish him the best.

We also got to talk more with Bill Whittle, who is a producer with a new company Declaration Entertainment, a film company that is producing some new material with some similar patriotic themes at THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT. The first is called THE ARROYO. We wish him the best with his projects as well.

It was a little different since this was kind of like a "party", I did get a chance to hang a few 8 foot banners on TLES, pass out material and talk about the film on the microphone. I got a ton of good response after I talked. (I just hope the guys who were drunk remember me).

Trip To Dallas

2011-07-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

I recently went to Dallas on a business trip for Blendtec. We are associated with a chef back in Utah named Todd Leonard. He is a big fan of Blendtec and he was going on a national championship with the ACF . So it was a perfect fit that we should sponsor him. He is an awesome chef!

I also took the opportunity to take my sweet wife. Stephanie had never been to Dallas, except for midway points flying to South Padre Island.

I have high school friends there, so my first choice was one of my best friends, Bob and his wife Lori. Bob is a drummer, I learned drumming from him. Bob has practiced his art for years and I would choose him first over anyone. So we had musical flash-backs of entire albums of Rush, The Police, Yes and The Cars. He says he would want to start a Cars tribute band because he feels they had a lot of music that had been under exposed. I agree.

Steph and I spent most of our time at the Gaylord Texan (love the name). We went to the Grapevine Historical district, and we also looked for a theater that would take The Last Eagle Scout, which is one of three cities I am opening in: Salt Lake, Dallas and LA.

Dallas also has some ghosts that I have had to conquer. The last time I was here, I was packing up things from a storage unit from a short-lived marriage that changed my life forever. Yet it was so short, I have since forgotten most of it's moments. I have attempted to write these down for the time when I will need to recall the events. But while here, I chose not to visit those ghostly locations, even though there was time to do so. I chose to look ahead and focus on the work at hand, namely my film, my friends, and watching my wife riding the mechanical bull at the Gaylord.

WILL IT BLEND - JUSTIN BIEBER

2011-06-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

This was one we (I) wanted to do months ago. We sometimes are behind the curve on these videos. But as we are planning the next few months of WILL IT BLEND videos up till our 5th anniversary in November, we are getting a little better about looking ahead and seeing what is hot.

We have recently gotten comfortable blending a new Apple product or the latest video game, but we have had to be a little more creative. Just for a teaser we have a big one coming up in November, of which I can't talk about, but it is probably one of our most requested blends ever.

But back to the Justin Bieber video. I have a new assistant now at Blendtec, Kyle Jacobson. He is a 21 year old kid who is really looking to get into the film business. He came on board after I met him at the LDS Film Festival back in January and he insisted on helping me.

Finally, I gave him the challenge and he started working with me on the Green Smoothie Girl Makeover TV Pilot Blendtec had me producing. Then he just came and worked for free over a two month period. I try to tell him everything I know about the film business... like don't waste your money on film school. Just work with someone in the business for free for a while and you will figure out what you want to do.

Finally, my boss Julie just come up to me and said "why don't we just hire him". And so we did...

So as Kyle and I were purchasing the Justin Bieber crap at the various stores, Kyle would tell the cashier that I had been "waiting for this (video, CD, doll, etc) for a long time, making me look like a Justin Bieber fan. Then, each time I would just cringe and try and defend myself, as if I was accused of being gay, or wear pink or something like that.

So what is this hatred people have for Justin that makes things like blending him such a fascination? The same with hating Rebecca Black or Sarah Palin. I think there is more "hype" on the end of haters then the actual truth. I think there are good marketers that successfully create the "ew" aspect of hating people and things.

I actually saw Rebecca Black sing the National Anthem on Good Morning America and she actually did pretty good. Granted, the song was written poorly, but it wasn't intended for major release. It was an independent recording. I am sure it was just to get Rebecca to practice her art of recording (from what I understand).

Just like I read many of the comments on the WILL IT BLEND videos and laugh because of how far from the truth people make certain things of the show. I strive to be careful before I make judgment on people. It is too bad we are now in a society where people can create a poor image of someone in mere days or even hours.

NOMINATED FOR UTAH ENTERTAINMENT CHOICE AWARDS

2011-04-28T09:53:00.001-07:00

Not very good at accepting awards. My main goal in life is to produce good material and get people to think (and make a living). But it has never been my goal to win awards.

But I received a message from someone on Facebook telling me congratulations for being nominated for the 2011 Utah Entertainment Choice Awards, I think mostly for my work on WILL IT BLEND. Between Blendtec and I, we have received many awards for WILL IT BLEND and I am glad for that. But I am hoping to move on and be known for something else. It's the old Leonard Nimoy is Spock syndrome.

But one thing I have accepted and that is that all film making is marketing, no matter what form it is. I am hoping that for the release of THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT that I will have learned a thing or two about marketing that I didn't learn on the other films I made, mostly from the things we did right on WILL IT BLEND.

The other thing I am not good at is schmoozing. I am very lucky to be in a better position then I have been in the past to where I don't need to pander to people for money for a movie or a my next video production job (knock on wood). Stephanie is way better at talking to people, getting to know them, and actually caring for them (not being fake).

In other news, the GREEN SMOOTHIE GIRL pilot Robyn and I have been shooting has been going well. As a reminder, we picked 3 women locally who chose to change their lives through healthy eating. Kind of a "makeover" show. At first, we were doing 3 episodes with each group of people, but as the drama has unfolded, we might make this a 2 hour pilot that won't be a traditional reality show. More on that in the future...

NEW ARTICLE ON TLES

2011-04-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

As we get closer to release time for TLES, we will start our viral campaigning. Here is an article I wrote for Big Hollywood.

WILL IT BLEND - THE iPAD 2

2011-03-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

We had fun with this one. I wrote around the keynote speech that is always given before the release of a great new Apple product. We hired my old friend Alan Peterson (who plays Ron Erassmessen in The Last Eagle Scout) to be Steve Jobs again (returning fresh from his appearance in the blending of the iPhone 4).

Then we went to the Scera Theater to film the speech in front of no audience and a fake screen in the background. I had just come back from Las Vegas by plane and was a little late. We had very little time and my new assistant, Kyle, was awesome in getting all the equipment there before I showed up.

Then Tom, being the engineer he is, had to make sure we could break and blend the thing. Luckily, we had done it before. We actually shot the blending back at the Will it Blend set in front of a black back drop because we only had the Scera Theater for 3 hours and we only got through the opening. So we filmed everything before and everything after the blend. But you will notice you never see the blending and Steve Jobs in the same shot.

The great thing is I am now mostly shooting with 2 cameras now (sometimes 3) all in High Definition. (thanks Blendtec).

Quickly, the reviews from everywhere have enjoyed something a little different from the normal Will it Blend. Mostly love the Steve Jobs appearance. Enjoy the madness.

PINE VALLEY, UTAH

2011-03-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

It has been along since I have entered a post on this blog. I have spent most of my time on Facebook, mostly with business. I have many thoughts and hope to catch up on some.

This cabin is one of the things on my mind. My parents moved to Vegas a few years ago from Virginia to live near my sisters and call it quits. But my dad's brain continues to function like it's 35. He's always has something he wants to do. I imagine I might be the same. I hope.

Pine Valley is a place in Utah where even many long-time Utahn's might say "where is Pine Valley". Look it up on Google. It is down south between Cedar City and St George. I was surprised how green it was with all the pine trees and beautiful surroundings, being in a desert.

My parents got the tip from on old friend from Virginia who now lives in St. George and my dad moved on it quickly. First he bought a small house, about 5 bedrooms (if you think that is small). Ok, maybe I should say average size. Whatever.

I call it small, only because of what my dad did several months later. The picture you see here is a newer cabin he bought after the other house (keeping them both). Using the house for our family use and this cabin for rental. His thinking was that Pine Valley was a nice small get-away with the one country store and no stop light, and families coming up for family reunions... yet no place to rent or stay.

So he just closed on this cabin with a steal-of-a-deal. This 10 bedroom, 10 bathroom, 10,000 sq ft house was for only $650,000. The previous owner put more then 2 million in it and then toppled over. It still has work to do in it, but it is a beauty.

I just walked through it with my sister and my lovely wife and it was fun watching the ladies imaginarily decorate it. They had tons of magazines with pictures of homes, hoping to find some kind of match. It was definitely a dream-builder for Steph and I as we eye a new home in the coming years where we can call it for a long while.

It will be up for rental this summer, hoping to cater to families who are looking for a different kind of experience.

Ho Ho Hospital Holidays

2010-12-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

Interesting events have transpired. Every year, my lovely wife, Stephanie, and I trade with the ex's on who gets the kids for the holidays. This year, we had no kids for Christmas. So our plan was to leave on a plane for Vegas on the morning of the 23rd. The two days before, Stephanie complained of stomach pains. She has suffered these pains for years, and we figured they would go away.

The night of the 22nd came and I already warned my parents what was going on. The next morning we skipped the flight, thinking we would maybe just go to the clinic and then surprise my parents the next day by just driving down. The weather was improving, we could stay an extra day on the back end of the trip, it seemed a perfect plan. The doctor would just give Steph some pills and we can go on our merry way... right?

Instead, the day of the 23rd started with a trip to the clinic, with a result of her white blood cells being a little too high. So we were ordered to another place for a CAT scan. After a few more hours there, it was revealed that Stephanie's gall bladder was about three times too big and that she was ordered to immediately go to get surgery. So we moved to Utah Valley Regional and started our new life in our 2 square-foot apartment. Steph went into surgery and I sat for hours, not ready to eat, couldn't start a book. Maybe got through a game of solitare on my phone. That's about it.

She came out and it went well, pulled out a few stones. But the doctor told me there was more in another part (don't remember what it's called, the place where stones would pass... you know, that place). I stayed with her till late at night and finally went home... alone. I slept in the next morning and missed Steph going in for the second operation, going to get the other stones. They were supposedly not easy, and they had to cut their way in. Poor girl.

When I met her the next morning, she was in a lot of pain. They continued to pump her with morphine. Still more pain. Finally, she has been able to sleep at the time I am writing this. She also hasn't been able to eat. They won't let her till she passes the gas she has inside. So it has been more then 36 hours since she has eaten.

And now I wait... on Christmas eve.

Seems like I remember several Christmas eves being this eventful. In fact, it came to me that 20 years ago, in this very hospital, my oldest son, Forrest, was born. And again, on Christmas eve, I went home empty handed and alone.

I have had other great Christmas eves. This has just been an interesting turn of events. And has given me a lot of time to reflect on the many things about to happen this next year. The Last Eagle Scout is the big one. The day before Thanksgiving, the hard drive to the film crashed, causing a major delay in it's release. I was able to retrieve about 95 percent of the film, but still have work ahead of me.

Also, I am looking at re-releasing Handcart this year, as well as produce a documentary on Will it Blend. Blendtec also has some big things planned this next year, including a possible big-budget infomercial. We shall see.

I also plan to keep people more up-to-date on things on this blog as well as The Last Eagle Scout blog.

Merry Christmas

WILL IT BLEND-DOCTOR WHO

2010-11-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Another blend came along last week in the form of Doctor Who. This is actually our friend David, who is known as Sebastian J Brook on the Doctor Who on-line site. It started as a fan site back in 1997, but it is the biggest Dr Who fan site in the world, to the point where it is sort of the official stop for Dr Who fans.

As a kid, I remember Doctor Who, but rarely watched episodes. The connection I did make was my neighbor from across the street, Tara Carstensen. Her and I were friends from the time I moved to Texas from Virginia in 1977, I was 10 years old. I started to get into Star Wars and Star Trek, and our friend, Rudy, started the Star Trek fan club down there.

South Texas was not exactly a hub of Science Fiction at the time, but there were those few fans who were faithful. Tara gained way into Doctor Who with the advent of cable television and she was on her way. She had curly hair, so she let it grow out to look like the Tom Baker Dr Who, so that is what I remember. She always walked around in the signature hat and scarf, knowing good and well that others around her (in South Texas in the early 80's) had no idea what she was trying to look like.

The only connection I had was I loved making movies. I was never a Trekkie in a sense where I spoke Klingon, but I became more and more a fan as the years went by.

So to dedicate to my friend Tara Carstensen, here is WILL IT BLEND-DOCTOR WHO.

WILL IT BLEND-OLD SPICE (LIVE)

2010-10-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

So this morning I got up at 5:30 so Parke and I go on our workout (Blendtec has a gym, and we are usually there alone for the first little while). I get on my laptop and load the new WILL IT BLEND with a parody of the Old Spice ads.

As I spoke in my last entry, I was not very big on doing this one. One of the reasons is that for many people, the Old Spice ads are old and "done", but for many others it is still fresh in their minds. So making the video was rather fun and also very busy. It took longer then most, mostly because of the eye-popping effects (which were still cheesy, but fun).

As viral as things go, only hours after posting the videos and were were already a talk on many web sites' minds. Here are a few link to places that already had us up and we have only been up for about 6 hours.

I am not expecting you to go visit all these, most are crap and I don't really pay attention. Plus I have never heard of any of these sites. But it goes to show you how viral works.

ComeAtMeBro-Tech News

Cast TV

Others

WILL IT BLEND-OLD SPICE

2010-10-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

We just had to do it!

I wasn't really a big fan of it at first (as usual, always the skeptic). But as time went on, we decided to make a WILL IT BLEND based on the Old Spice ads that have been riddling the internet like crazy.

What also caught on was the BYU parody of the commercial. The students at BYU made a commercial advertising the Harold B Lee Library using the Old Spice gags. They actually did a great job and it has gained a ton of views. Then, I was home teaching a family and they said that their daughter knew the guy who was the actor in the BYU ad. Simultaneously, our new marketing director at Blendtec, Spencer showed us being in the top of the list of viral campaigns (Old Spice being number 3).

His idea was to work with the other viral campaigns and raise ratings. So I decided to pipe up and get this guy from the BYU ad, Stephen Jones. At first I wasn't sure, he seemed a little cocky. But as I worked with him, I really got to like him and and he does a great job.

Also, with the re-innovation going on outside my office, it was a perfect time to possibly build a full-on set for the new WILL IT BLEND. I spent days building a break-away wall, a table that slides and a chair that breaks apart (you can see my assistant Ann Ross standing with an electric saw cutting the wicker chair in half). It actually turned out to be great.

In one part of the gag, I had two dollies on one track, one for my camera, the other for the actor to float over to the Will it Blend set (you'll have to see it). We also do an effect where an iPhone appears on his hand and then blends into his hand and turns into dust. It was a good thing it is close to Halloween! I found a hand and spray painted it green, so I can pour the iPhone remains onto basically "nothing", then add it to his real hand later.

I am currently editing the stuff and it will probably be on-line this Tuesday. This Will it Blend has allowed me to be the most creative I have been in a while.

BUILDING A NEW STAGE AT BLENDTEC

2010-09-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

I guess the company found the need for me to have an updated facility with the success of WILL IT BLEND and our on-line presence. What is happening is the WILL IT BLEND set will remain, but next to it will be a new set for other uses.

You see, the reality of it is this.... the WILL IT BLEND set, seen by millions, seen on national television and bla, bla, bla, was really only in the small Blendtec lunchroom. Nothing fancy a-tall. There was constant fun with people popping their heads in while we were filming, wondering if it was clear enough for them to come get a Diet Coke. But no longer...

The new set throws out the lunch room (there is a considerably bigger one on the other side of the building, but we have to walk allll the way there). I am the one that pays the biggest price. I got soft since my office was the only one right in the lunch room. I could just sneak my Chef Boyardee Ravioli's to the microwave without getting a lecture from anyone en route telling me how bad they are for me and "if they could get me some Koolaid with that".

But now, this new set will be a full working kitchen. Our nutritionist Liz Brown, who just moved here from Lewisville, Texas (been there, done that) to come work for Blendtec, is preparing a major on-line cook book of recipes using the blender, as well as produce a ton of recipe videos we are about to film. We've done a few recipe videos already, but we will be doing this on-going.

I helped design the set so that it would be filming friendly, and Liz will be using this for all her testing, so the kitchen will be fully operational. The only problem now is... I will be taste-testing all the food, since it is right outside my door. (It's a good thing Parke and I are working out every morning).

LABOR DAY FUN

2010-09-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

Over Labor Day, the family and I went to two places. First we went to Pine Valley, Utah. Where is Pine Valley you ask? In the 20 years I have lived here, I didn't know either. Until my parents, who now live in Las Vegas, tried to find a place close by where they can get out of the heat.

They proposed buying a home there and giving it to the kids. I jumped on that and we now go down about every month or two. (More on Pine Valley in another blog).

We spent 3 days there with Stephanie's kids and Parke and I. It was a little learning experience, driving with the kids. I have gotten spoiled with the two boys I have (Parke now 16 and Forrest almost 20) not having attention spans that are the length of a 30 second commercial.

But it was fun. Then after that 3 days, we dropped Parke off in Orem, then proceeded to Island Park, Idaho and Yellowstone for 3 more days. It was great to see the wild life with Stephanie's family (I mean the wildlife out in the forest, not in our car).

With all the 20 plus hours of driving, Stephanie's kids enjoyed going through almost the entire Battlestar Galactica 1978 series on DVD. It helped going through the long roads without getting too bored.

I will post more photos on a new facebook album.

WILL IT BLEND - Top Viral Ad of All Time

2010-09-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

According to MSNBC, (my favorite network... not) has released an article on successful viral videos ads. We have been lucky to be chosen as number one.

Take a look.

LONGEST PINEWOOD DERBY TRACK

2010-08-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Tom (Dickson, of "Will it Blend" fame) came running up to me telling me I HAVE to spend my Saturday on August 28th with him at the Pinewood Derby Track. I was not excited to spend my Saturday at "work", but realized since we are currently without some key marketing employees, including a marketing director, I better fill in.

What I witnessed was at Rio Tinto stadium in Sandy, Utah, the longest Pinewood Derby track in the world. An average Pinewood Derby track is about 40 feet. The previous recored was about 268 feet. Tom's track was measured at 336 feet. The local BSA Chapter, Utah National Parks Council, did the work to get Guinness Book of World Records to record this event.

My objective was to set up artwork signage that represented Blendtec and videotape the event. Scouts were invited from all over Utah to try out their car on the track. I noticed for most of the cars, the real competition was can it even make it through the whole race.

Some "kids" (I use that term loosely, since many of the fathers probably pitched in and helped) came with the official weight and design that make it legal to participate (5 ounces). Many came with altered cars (motors, etc) and obviously would not count, but were allowed to test the track anyway.

The only drawback was the wind was terrible. My hat kept falling off. Speakers that were hanging on stands were falling. The tents were toppling over. It was also a cool image next to the conssession stand when the napkin box fell over and there was a whirl wind of napkins in the air. I think next year Blendtec is thinking of using Energy Solutions Arena (formerly the Delta Center) along with a longer track to help with not interrupting the air flow of the cars.

Here are a few links. We made it on KSL, Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribune and other publications.

WILL IT BLEND on "The View"... whoopteedoo

2010-08-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ok that didn't sound very convincing. It could just me my "outsider" mentality toward things. I have been known to be a sour-puss toward "popular" events. I guess I look at the eternal perspective things. Part of why I don't like reality shows. They make celebrities out of beautiful people that just sit around in coffee shops and bitch about the environment, or whatever shallow topic is cool to complain about that week.

Ok, ok, not ALL reality shows are like that. But you know what I mean. So when the opportunity came for me to provide footage and information about our popular viral website, I was a little hesitant.

On the day"The View" asked me for footage from WILL IT BLEND, they just had their biggest show ever last week when Barak Hussein Obama was on, and the ladies lovingly asked their softball questions about "the issues" in their shallow-topic manor. So how could I resist...

I got a call from what sounded like a kid who might have been an intern... simply because he was nice. He told me that the Executive Producer of The View "specifically" asked for WILL IT BLEND. As I was returning the information along with the overnight shipment of videos, I sent an e-mail to this young man known as "The Tape Coordinator" for The View. I just told him that if a credit is given on the screen to credit "Kels Goodman/Blendtec".

What I didn't know was that I was CCing (that means copying to another address) the Producer and another crew person from the show, both were ladies. All of a sudden I got an e-mail back from the producer in bold:

No!… we are only crediting the websites…that’s what the seg is about… websites…so we will credit willitblend.com….if pple want info on it they can log onto your website.

I wasn't sure, did that sound like anger? It did to me.

Well I was this close (holding two fingers close together) to saying "Ok, no credit, no video" (after all, isn't that was famous people do?). I already knew by this time that our segment was going to be lame. But I remained optimistic, after all, the Executive Producer "specifically" asked for Will it Blend videos, right?

Then, I got another e-mail from the other lady on the copy list:

Just want to make sure the tape will come tomorrow or Monday morning the LATEST...

That one didn't seem too bad. But after the first one, I figured the ladies at The View were ganging up on me. Just like that poor intern "tape coordinator". (Now I remember why I hate working on live events) My only thought was that he is a young guy trying to "make it" in the biz, and the only way he can is to be castrated by a couple of powerful producer/decision makers.

Just like the castration that was done to Will it Blend when it finally made it on the show. A whopping 53.5 seconds of pure viral goodness. Yeah, we got on and yeah we got talked about. (They showed the iPhone 4 being blended.) The ladies brought on guests who were "experts" in viral material, one who talked about WIB was a guy from the show G4 (don't know where it plays).

He really downplayed WIB (we were last on the list, you can tell we were "squeezed" in). I emailed facts about WIB, but he got it all wrong. He made it sound like Tom Dickson just messed around one day and made this hot blender and decided to film it blending all kinds of things. I tried to tell them it was a campaign for the blender that has already been around for years. A real blender you can purchase. And that the result of WIB was a dramatic increase in sales. But obviously, he missed that.

The ladies all sat around saying "who would want to watch that". Only Whoopee had the balls to say that "some of these video are actually funny". (Joy concluded with, "and many are not"). Leave it to Joy for the final word.

Anyway, my conclusion from this whole event was this: Filmmakers shouldn't make films for filmmakers, for they never pay the bill. Meaning, who gives a crap what programmers and decision-makers say. They may be the one's who get it in the theater, get it on TV, get it on the radio. But it's the everyday people who make the final decision on what works and what doesn't.

There is much more to learn about the entertainment industry.

MINIATURES AND DIGITAL FUN!

2010-07-28T08:18:00.001-07:00

It looks like we are delaying the release of The Last Eagle Scout, but not for too long. Things have been crazy and with a few recent showings of the film to closed groups, we have found some changes we would like to make.

With that in mind, we have to opportunity to make the film better and close any gaps we have seen. We also got into finishing some special effects that were not done yet. Clark Schaffer has been patient enough with us in his busy schedule to come finish this scale model of the Knight Building that sits in the city center of Downtown Provo.

We filmed all around the building a chase scene between Cliff and Zeke. It was pretty fun. When I see Clark work, I get a sense of all kinds of things I would want to do with effects and miniatures. I can see a "high" coming from making effect films.

The Knight building has a little significance in my life. It's where I had my office while making Handcart 8 years ago. It is where the first of my favorite sub franchise began, Gandolfos. It is also the building named after the father of my dad's old business partner, Glade Knight, who founded Southern Virginia University (ironically, the mascot of SVU is "The Knights").

It is also the home of the oldest elevator in Utah (as seen in the film). Excited to finish this film.

Vacation and Candida

2010-07-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

What is Candida you say? You would think it is another country, or a foreign fruit. Actually, I call it "you-can't-eat-a". I'll explain why.

First, let me say, we had a great two weeks. Stephanie, Parke, Truxton (a friend of Parke's) and I went down to South Padre Island, TX for the first week. The last few times we have gone down, it was either business or too short of a trip. This time I made a point of doing nothing but playing. I could and I did! I had been spending the last few months stressing over finishing up "The Last Eagle Scout" as well as Blendtec stuff, blending the last two Apple iJunk (I admit, I got my own iPad and iPhone 4) and everything else going on.

We went down, stayed at a condo, and did everything from the Schlitterbahn, to ATVs, to parasailing, to watching dolphins and eating lots of sea food. It was a great time. It was also good to see my brother Tom, his wife Melinda and my niece Lori. We also went to my 25th high school reunion. It was a smaller, yet older crowd then last time... plus, I came with a different woman, so a lot has changed. But it was a good experience.

In the midst of it all, Stephanie started to get sick. She got a stomach ache that she could not fend off. It was happening after every meal. Her tummy has been an issue since we have been married, so I seemed to be part of the problem. She finally pieced together she had candida. It has something to do with too much yeast in her body (fun).

The second week of vacation (not really a vacation) I spent at scout camp. We went up to Mount Timpanogos and camped at Timpanookee camp ground for the week and had our own camp (since I am the scout master). It was a great experience.

While I was away, Stephanie consulted her friends who went through the same situation and finally started a diet she has to live by for three weeks. It is a strict diet... I mean, strict! No sugar, no bread, no fruit. "How do you live with that?" I asked. You just have to be creative.

I found that out when I realized that I had to live the diet also. As long as we are husband and wife (very husband and wife) I have to eat the same crappy things that she has to eat.

Actually the truth is, the things I normally eat are what's crappy. What I have to eat on this diet are actually really good for you, but very restrictive. You live off of it strictly for 3 weeks then re-introduce other foods slowly, lasting 3 months. It sucks! Try spending your day eating eggs for breakfast (just eggs, no cheese, no butter on the pan, no bacon, no toast) with water. Then for a snack cucumbers, broccoli, spinach and cashews. You can have meat, but nothing on it. Mostly chicken, beef and seafood. Try eating a dry, non-marinated chicken. And it can't be the quickie pre-processed stuff.

I have also lost some weight on this diet. Not because of the food, but the lack of desiring to eat it. I have to have my cheese, sauce and dressing. My junk food and Sobe (I don't drink soda anymore, unless there's nothing else). I saw my belt buckle go to the next hole.

With all this, I know that it is no fun seeing Stephanie in pain. And Stephanie would probably do the same thing for me, bless her heart. We have both been fairly weak and depressed over this situation. I especially have found myself with little energy. But, we mostly look at it as a challenge and often laugh about it, especially when one of us says "what's for dinner tonight", it usually causes us to burst into laughter. That's my Stephanie. I love her so.

BEEN A WHILE...

2010-06-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have been drowned in work, between working for Blendtec, finishing up The Last Eagle Scout and taking on a few other things, I haven't had time to sit and think... which is what I usually do before writing a blog.

First, I have finally accepted the fact that The Last Eagle Scout will not officially be released in September. Still more to do and the time will not allow it. That's what happens when you produce things on such a tight budget.

Second, I have finally gone to see the film RUSH: BEHIND THE LIGHTED STAGE. I have gained a new perspective of one of the hardest working bands I have ever known. The same 3 guys for the past 30+ years and still making albums with the highest level of musical excellence and not selling out. It was also amazing to see all the bands that were inspired by Rush. The whole story focused on this band that focused more on music and not on what happens after the concert. It made me look at my work as a filmmaker and see where I can improve and strive for a little more excellence.

Third, my mother has successfully gone thought the chemotherapy to help get rid of the cancer she had. She is obviously on the watch-list, but that evil chemo is past us for now. In the meantime, my father bought another home. This time, a summer home in the mountains of Pine Valley, Utah. Didn't know where the heck that was when they told me. It's so they can get out of the heat in Vegas and not drive too far (about 2 hours away). I guess as siblings we will part-own the house. Stephanie and I have not seen the house yet, Parke, Forrest and us will be going down for Father's Day to see it for the first time.

Distribution... I am having that dilemma as to how to release this film. (I am already looking at the next project, so I am thinking ahead). I can't publicly say what exactly I am planning (my producer Danna doesn't even know). But I am going to look into as many options so as to stay away from the DVD moratorium as long as possible. Don't mind a DVD release, but it can't be dead on arrival. It needs to have some life. Will get back with ya....

Finally got new carpet in the house and tile. Looks like a different house. Steph has been such the trooper making the house look great. She went to Pier 1 Imports and (another store, I can't remember the name) and bought me a bunch of film related art work for the walls. Things like a couple of old film reels, big sized tickets, popcorn boxes and other paintings with film "stuff" on it. It looks great and I love that she celebrates my profession. I hope to do the same for her.

Later this summer is a trip to South Padre Island (for my 25th high school reunion, can you believe it) and scout camp. And lot's of Orem Owlz baseball.

NEW LAST EAGLE SCOUT AD

2010-05-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Around June 1, Utah County begins the Freedom Festival, which is one of the most patriotic events you will ever see in the US. It is a series of events that happen that lead up to the 4th of July.

They have a beautiful magazine that comes out around the same time with all the events listed. I bought a full page ad to advertise The Last Eagle Scout film. I might get crap for it, don't know. I tested the ad on Facebook and besides some technical things, people overall liked it.

Getting close to done. Just finished a scene with Richard Hatch from Battlestar Galactica, which was awesome. He played a role I was saving for someone important, the scout leader during Cliff's Board of Review. Otherwise, pretty much most everything is in the can.

MEETING MARGO KIDDER

2010-05-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

As a kid, one of my favorite films was "Superman: The Movie" in 1978. I was 11 and I still remember going to the Plitt Cinemas in Harlingen, Texas excited for the films release. It was toward the end of what I felt was the grand days of the movie theater, where a new film opening was an event and people stood in a line around the building to get a taste of Hollywood's latest.

In those days, there wasn't the answer of "I'll just wait for it to come to video". You saw it in the theater, or cross your fingers as seeing it edited for television. Otherwise, you missed it! And I remember "Superman" having an overture at the beginning and an intermission in the middle, just like the old days.

I think I saw "Superman" 11 times in the theater. I remember going over to the music store and seeing the big glossy double album of the Superman soundtrack lined up, costing a whopping 9 dollars. It would have been the closest thing I could see in having "Superman" in my home.

For years I kept the nice Superman ring they sold at the theater as well as the Superman pin. I actually still have the pin to this day. I also still have my Superman lunchbox from the film. It holds my Superman collector cards.

So now you could understand my excitement when I heard that Margot Kidder (Lois Lane in Superman) was going to be acting in a film at BYU. I guess Brigham Young has some new program where films are produced through an outside source to allow students to have a more "real world" experience with film making, something I wish we would have had when I was there 20 years ago. Somehow, they were able to get Margo to come play a role in a film I think is called "Robbing the Dead".

Ann Ross, a friend of Stephanie and I, told me about it and got me to come on set for a short while. I wish I could have spent more time there, I literally only got 5 minutes with her. But she was very sweet and obviously not prone to the "leave me alone, I'm Margo Kidder" syndrome. But she did seem older then she really was. I don't know if she had some stress or smoking or what, but I looked up that she is only 61, but looks like she is 71.

She was impressed with the BYU facility. Interestingly, after I left, I remembered the old film in 1977 produced by The Church right there in the same location called "The Phone Call" which starred Marc McClure, who was also Jimmy Olsen in the same Superman series.

I can check that off of people I hoped to meet before they pass on. Now on to William Shatner.

RUSH!!! Yes... I'm a nerd.

2010-04-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

So I find out that RUSH is coming to Salt Lake City on a "Time Machine" tour. Usually RUSH doesn't tour unless they have a new album. But for some reason, someone convinced Neil (the drummer) to keep going (they've got to be pushing 60). Either way, I found that out and sent a text to my wife stating that "there is a God". (I already knew that, but figured it fit the situation.)

I was just wondering lately if they would come out with a new album so we could see them. But the process would go like this: I would read a little blog about Neil, Getty and Alex deciding they might record new material, thus a new album. That would be a few months. Then, they would go in and record... there's another few month, maybe 6. Then, they would start the promotion of a new album... another 6 months. Then, the album would be released and they would announce their tour, but Salt Lake would be toward the latter half of the tour. So I would go ahead and buy tickets... 6 months in advance.

Get the picture? I will have waited 2-3 years from the time Neil thinks of new material till I actually get to see them. I guess that is the price you pay for greatness. They used to come out with a new album almost every year. But I am sure age and popularity have allowed RUSH to "take their time" as well as keep the quality of the music up to the level they always demand.

I have a personal connection with Neil Peart. I don't know him personally, wish I would. But in October of 2005, I was getting divorced... a second time. It was probably the lowest point in my life. I won't go into the details, but I had lost a lot, in material goods, time with my kids and my sanity. I sadly left my wife at the time from Dallas, where I was living, back to Virginia. I would then turn right back around and drive all the way back to Utah.

While I drove back to Virginia with my tail between my legs, I had just bought a book written by Neil Peart called "Ghost Writer". Since Neil writes every lyric for Rush, his writing is usually fairly incredible. The book was an account of his loss in life, and the 14 month motorcycle ride he took to heal himself. In the matter of six months, Peart lost his wife to cancer and his daughter, his only child, in a car wreck.

I remember reading, while I took my short and painful, but thoughtful, drive across the US, feeling some similarity to what he was going through. Obviously, not near his loss, but a loss none the less. I especially felt a kinship when, in his book, he recalled watching television aimlessly while taking care of the paperwork of his family's recent death (going by memory here). He watched a PBS documentary on the Mormon Pioneer Wagon Train west (this was in 1997). While watching, he remembered the lessons learned on the trail that some die and some live, and it was not up to us to decide. Not sure what exactly he got out of the documentary, but it somehow turned his mind to get on his motorcycle and drive all across Canada and the US over a 14 month period.

Ironically, at that same time, I was working on the Mormon Trail Wagon Train as they re-enacted the 1847 trail Brigham Young took, celebrating the 150 year anniversary, and producing a documentary on the event. Who's to not think that he was actually watching some my work. Who knows.

I know that Peart can sometimes seem to have an agnostic view toward life around him. I am not so sure what his true beliefs are, and in a way, I prefer to keep it like that. But I do respect him as possibly the most accomplished drummer in the world and a wonderful human being.

One dream before I leave this life is to meet the man. I know that sounds silly, but I gotta have my dreams.

WILL IT BLEND iPAD - NUMBER 1 VIDEO ON YOUTUBE TODAY!

2010-04-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

It isn't even that great of a video, but the marketing and curiosity killed this cat known as the iPad. It has been a while that we have had a hit like this. Usually, when a new Apple product comes out, we blend it and get a ton of views on YouTube (iPod now at 5.7 million, iPhone at 8 million and the iPhone 3G at 4.3 million views). As a whole, we are now at 200 million views.

I have to admit, I didn't think it would generate this kind of showing. But Ray proved me wrong. Will It Blend is basically George (marketing) Ray (web guy) and me (video producer). Ironically, George left the company last week to go work for an organization that produces Barbecue grills, Ray gave his two weeks notice yesterday (to go work for George) and I am still here. Many other changes are happening at Blendtec, but I am personally not worried.

In fact, this Will It Blend could be our last. I'm hoping. We are working on a new series that will be more on the "selling" side of the blenders. So it would be great to go out of Will It Blend with a bang.

Ray and I started a new separate series (that is also already over, since Ray left, the jerk) called Inside Blendtec. It is just some silly and fun behind the scenes of what we do at Blendtec. We did one on us buying the iPad. Pretty funny.

At this point of this writing, the new WILL IT BLEND iPad has reached 1.3 million views after only 24 hours on line and is the number one video on YouTube today. Kind of cool.

WILL IT BLEND - iPAD

2010-04-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

OK, ok, ok... yes we had to do it!

Ray and I stood in line for a few hours on Saturday morning (that was a hard wake up) and purchase an iPad... just so we could blend it. It turned into a media circus. We stood in line with over a hundred other people, many of whom looked like it was one of the few times they stepped out of their mothers basement (in between levels).

But there were a few responsible people there. We were there because we were paid to be. It was actually pretty fun. Ray, who doesn't own an apple product and won't, acted like he was part of the gang. It's only because 5 minutes before opening, there were about 40 Mac employees at the Salt Lake store who ran around the building clapping, cheering, acting excited (a little better then the employees who "act" like they get excited at a Monday morning Walmart employee meeting... er, I mean, "team member" meeting).

We just played along, and Ray gave hugs to employees as if his life just changed for the better. Like, his life can go on, now that he has an iPad (that he is going to destroy later that day.) In the midst of that, he went on the be on the front page of the Local section of the Salt Lake Tribune. I also was interviewed on the Deseret News and this morning on Salt Lake's country station K-BULL and it was pretty funny.

So does the iPad blend? You will have to see and find out.

MAN, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

2010-03-11T16:39:00.001-08:00

It's not like I have anything to do. Trying to finish up this film is a challenge, but I am having a great time. Usually, by now, when doing a feature, I will be sick of a film. But this time is different. I guess since I pretty much have all creative control and so many more tools to use than I did before.

I just finished a scene with Johnny Biscuit (he looks WAY better than me in this photo). He plays a talk show host who spews negative things about the scouts in a time of fury. I will be filming others, mocking talks shows and comedy shows, showing how a piece of bad press can spew the negativity of public opinion to the point where someone is guilty before even having their day in court. Part of the theme of The Last Eagle Scout.

The film is starting to grow in popularity (which means I better make a good film, all eyes are watching). I have a Facebook page and a few fans. And I get some hate mail already. There is even an anti-Last Eagle Scout page, if you can believe that. So I must be doing the right thing. I don't let it get to me.

Stephanie and I are working day and night right now. I still have my day job, Steph is trying to finish a new children's book, and I am editing and throwing in new shots as I see them. Luckily I got my own camera now, so I can make that happen. Much has been happening and I can tell life might be changing for me in the next 9 months. Not sure. But I can't talk too much.

Also been going to the gym. Been steady for about 6 weeks now. I am starting to lose my gut I got after being remarried 3 years ago (that's right, blame it on the marriage). I go with Parke every morning at 5:30 (that's the hardest part) to run and lift weights. My saggy boobs I was starting to get are now starting to not be so saggy (say that 10 times real fast).

We've been very blessed. And as things are happening, I continue to see others struggle. It hurts because I know, I have been there. I wish I could bring millions of dollars of work to Utah to keep all my friends afloat. One friend in particular is losing her house. That is hard.

There doesn't seem to be one great answer, but what I can do is help people with optimism. I give what I can with work and goods, but in the end, each person needs to take their own risks. Plus put more faith in the Lord for their needs.

SURVIVING THE KLONDIKE

2010-02-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, that's not such big news, but it is for me. These are photos of actually two Klondikes we did, one a few months ago and the other just this past weekend. My troop is not very big, about 7 kids total, but their energy is enormous. (The photos in the middle are my son, Parke. Then me coming back from the Klondike, I'd had enough).

My assistant Scoutmaster, Jed, also has a great love for the scouts. He makes me look good by helping them with knots and camping, things I haven't mastered. I think much of scouting is for the adults as well.

I have done about 2 other Klondikes before this year as a leader and was a wimp. I ended up sleeping in my car both times. But I was only assistant Scoutmaster at the time. Now I felt obligated to live up to what the boys themselves go through. So on these recent Klondikes, I slept in the tent and it snowed both times in the middle of the night.

We actually camped at Camp Maple Dell, which is where we filmed all camping scenes for THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT. It was weird going back to the same place but now having to lug everything around in a sled.

At this past Klondike, the boys had competitions where they did speed knot tying, guessed first aid needs, measured their scout spirit, built fires, raced snow sleds and mapped out compass courses. The council that put this on was awesome and you can tell the great spirit of scouting was alive and well.

2010 LDS FILM FESTIVAL

2010-01-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

Steph and I spent hours watching films and visiting with friends from years past. If I had more time, I would give all the details, maybe I will soon. But for now, just letting you know, it was great to see everyone and talk about their projects. It was also great to see the desire of "young bucks" step up to the plate and make films, using the latest technology. I think as long as the technology doesn't lose way to story telling, I have been guilty of that very thing.

Christian Vuissa performed well, as usual, as master of ceremonies and keeping people satisfied and desiring more. It was too bad we couldn't have The Last Eagle Scout done to show, even a rough cut. But I was able to speak about the film in a forum and show the preview and get feed back. Most people were stunned (either that, or pissed). BTW, I am already getting hate male for the type of film I am making. That's a great sign.

LDS FILM FESTIVAL 2010 STARTS

2010-01-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Again, every time this year, we get to spend 4 luxurious days and nights at the Scera theater and watch new material from the LDS community. It is usually pretty exciting mostly because I get to meet with a lot of good friends, some I haven't worked with in a while (mostly because of my job).

I like to see what they are doing. But Stephanie has been more of the social nut then me. She actually keeps up with them more than I do. That is probably why she has almost 800 people on Facebook, twice more then me. That's OK.

Also during this time, we participate in the 24 hr competition. Christian Vuissa, the organizer of the festival, hands us a theme, a line of dialogue, and a prop... and a three minute limit, all in 24 hrs. I notice a lot of my long time friends don't participate. I think they feel they are just too good because it is more for people getting into the biz. Or maybe they are just too busy. Or maybe, they don't like to stay up all night (like I just did... ugh).

Either way, hypocritically, I will probably stop doing them myself as well. I guess working at Blendtec, I can get a little "creatively cramped". You can only get so creative producing blender videos. So I feel like I gotta do something.

Plus, my son and wife look forward to it every year. This will be our 4th year as a family, my 5th in attending. BTW, I will be speaking at one of the presentations. Friday at noon. I will be talking about marketing (Will it Blend) and the latest project (The Last Eagle Scout). Good times! I will probably video tape it and you can get a good laugh later.

SEALED TO MY LADY

2010-01-17T22:25:00.000-08:00

It has been three years waiting, but we finally received our permission from the First Presidency to be sealed. So we gathered with family and friends to make that a reality.

For those of you who aren't part of my religion, this is part of the eternal plan, we believe our marriage to not end at death. But it is not easy to just walk in and do it. A sealing is a life-long commitment and beyond.

I was very tired that day. First, the day before, I participated in a 24 hour film festival competition where we write, shoot and edit a short film in 24 hrs. I had come home at 7 am that morning from working on the project. The sealing wasn't taking place till 2:30. So I thought I would get some sleep... that didn't happen. I had too much to do, and the busy body that I am, I couldn't sit down.

We had a potluck afterwards with many others. It was a wonderful evening and plus it was a time for us to reflect upon how many friends we actually have.

For now, my back and arm still hurt. I am working on getting feeling back in my arm. It has been numb because I have a pinched nerve on my neck and I am trying to work it back into place. I think I am getting old.... well, not too old.

WEB SITE UP!!!

2010-01-15T08:24:00.001-08:00

The Last Eagle Scout now has an official website with more photos and videos available. Ray, my man, made this for me and it is the beginning of more things that will be added to it through time. We are now focusing on finishing the film and hoping to make the best product possible. Pass it around.

NEW BLOG!!! also SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

2010-01-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

As THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT starts to pick up steam, we will be pulling out all the social media punches over the next little while. We have a new website lasteaglescout.com which will be updated in the next day or so. We now have a facebook, youtube and twitter account. And we have a new blog.

Since I have left this blog to become a more personal blog (for all 2 or 3 of you who actually read this), I have started a newer blog strictly for THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT film release. You can currently see the newer explosion video we made. It's pretty fun!

Also, I have just been informed that I will be speaking at the LDS Film Festival next Friday (Jan 22) at about 12 pm. I will be talking about Will it Blend for a moment, but focus more on The Last Eagle Scout. So if you're looking for a good snore (or some good comedy) come on out!

EXPLODING FUN!

2010-01-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a little video that is the start of a series. Behind The Scenes of us making The Last Eagle scout. We get to blow up miniature buildings tomorrow. This was a test. It was obviously too much gas and gun powder. We will run 4 cameras at high speed and explode 2 or 3 buildings that we did in the film. There will also be some CGI work on the explosions as well. FUN!

YES... I'M RETARDED!

2009-12-30T11:11:00.000-08:00

Ironically, this is a poster from my film, "The Last Eagle Scout". It hangs in the fictional school walls of Petty County High School (PCHS). It is a fake organization I created for the film that basically tells you what you can or can't eat, drink, dress, etc... all for you good. (Kind of an eerie foreshadowing of our possible health care take over).

But in this widely read blog, (that's all 3 of you) I will not be talking about the film, or the film business in this entry.

Ok, I am not SO retarded, but I do have neck and back problems that have accrued two weeks ago. Went to the chiropractor today and got results that state that my neck is out of alignment and I have a pinched nerve. That is why my back has been hurting for the last two weeks and my right arm has gone numb through Christmas.

I couldn't think of why this would happen, but then I was reminded that I was in a car wreck 3 and a half years ago and totaled Stephanie's car. (It needed to be totaled. What was funny was that I was switching cars with her at the time and told a friend as I got in to drive it that I should run it over a cliff and get her a new one... right before the accident!) I digress.

That is the only time we can pinpoint any "damage" done to my back. Three years of gradual decline in my neck has now caused me to go through therapy for the next... who knows how long.

I don't hate doctor's, I just hate the process of my life getting interrupted with "getting better". Just give me two aspirin and let me get back to work. I feel for those who have long term issues they have to deal with. It becomes a part of their life.

My mother just got diagnosed with ovarian cancer. So her life has to slow down and get that taken care of. She just finished a big operation that keeps her from doing things for about 5 weeks. I will be going down tomorrow to take my turn in taking care of the household.

My second ex-wife, Heather, had a rod inserted all up her back when she was a teenager. It always seemed slightly scary to me to see the remnant's of the surgery and a reminder of her limitations. What a trooper. I, myself, would probably have just voted for the pain and some medication, and let me be on my way.

But, for now, the pain on my back and deadening arm has forced me to succumb to the time for me to heal. I can't hardly play the drums! (At least there are no big concerts coming up yet.)

Holiday/End of the year.

2009-12-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful holiday. Blending two families, especially with the different age ranges, is always a chore, and we usually have to keep the events fairly separate. But in this case, we decided that instead of opening a ton of presents, our present would be doing something different. I have never been snowmobiling before (I am usually a sunny, beach person, myself... I hate the snow).

We went to the Homestead for a few days. On Christmas morning, Santa showed up with snow clothes, just in time for us to be able to protect ourselves from the 0 degree weather we experienced while snowmobiling at 10,000 feet at Daniel's Summit Lodge. What a great experience. We rode about 25 miles in. Parke and Forrest were in front, Stephanie was in the middle with her daughter, Kristina, and I took the caboose with Emily and Michael.

It was interesting being so high in such a cold state. It was like I was on another planet and I don't dare take off my gloves or helmet. Plus we were above the clouds and the wind was blowing the fresh snow along side the ground. Very alien!

I will have to say that Stephanie was a crazy driver. For never having ridden a snowmobile, she often surprises me with an animal inside. I, on the other hand, have been carrying a bad back for about 2 weeks now, thinking it would go away with a simple massage or two. In fact, the opposite has been happening. My whole right arm has been going numb. So as I drive the snowmobile up the hill, my arm continues to be in pain. Needless to say, I have had to spend my nights in the hot tub... doctors orders.

All in all, it was a very successful trip. The kids got along (as well as kids get along) and we learned to appreciate new things in life.

When I returned, my good friend, Alan Peterson, sent me this link. Another badge of honor for the very successful Ad campaign known as Will it Blend. We were awarded number 8 of a decade of famous viral videos from Salon Magazine. (I guess that's great coming from an organization that thinks that "Yes We Can" should be awarded number 1... what ever).

Read here.

THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT-TRAILER

2009-12-13T23:13:00.000-08:00

You can now FINALLY see the trailer on-line. We are not finished yet with the website. But we are close. We are looking at Jan 1 for the web site and September for the release of the film.

Much more work to do.

UPDATE: I am noticing that this video widescreen is going off the page. You may need to go to the youtube site and watch it in all its glory. You will miss half the picture.

BEEN BUSY...

2009-12-09T10:19:00.001-08:00

Yup! Trying to get everything done! That's why those 2 or 3 of you who actually read this blog haven't heard form me for a while. I am sure I am not the only one. But right now I am preparing a website that will show a bunch of photos and information on The Last Eagle Scout.

You see here a sample poster that I simply built in Word. It has already changed and it will not say "from the guy who did Will it Blend". That is for this blog only. (Plus, I was only fooling around).

I have passed everything over to "the professionals" (i.e. Ray) to get the ball rolling. I also have our ever-faithful grip (from the production) Holly Tucker on the prowl to assemble the film. She will have a rough cut hopefully by Christmas. Then after the holiday, Dan Hollister, Danna Tanner and I will go in and make the adjustments and add the effects, etc.

Clark Shaffer is now building the miniature buildings that we are going to explode in a few weeks (excited about that). I have ordered After Effects to take care of some of the smaller effects. I hope to have a full cut by February. We shall see...

Then, we will look at doing some test showings in March or so in places that know nothing about the film (thinking of Denver and Dallas for starters). I remember sitting through a test screening of The Work and The Glory in Richmond, Va. and learned a lot from that experience.

I am putting off release till September, for several reasons. The main reason is that release of an independent film is best in the winter (Jan-March) and the fall (late August-October). I am still hoping for a decent distribution deal from someone, but I hear that times have changed since I released Handcart 8 years ago. The days of making a film, getting it into a film festival and getting picked up are not at fruitful. The internet has much to do with that. So I must take my skills of producing the most successful ad campaign on the internet (Will it Blend) and use them on this film.

HALLOWEEN - THAT SPECIAL TIME OF YEAR

2009-10-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-06T14:31:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-09-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-31T15:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

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.

WILL IT BLEND HITS 200,000 SUBSCRIBERS - LAST EAGLE SCOUT STARTS

2009-07-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

As of this weekend, we reached 200,000 subscribers on our YouTube channel of Will It Blend. We also are over 200 million views, or so. I have lost count and quit counting for time's sake. But the influence of the program has been all over the world, as you can see in this video.

I must warn you, this video a little FOUL. It is some mid-eastern version of South Park or something. I have never heard of this cartoon and don't remember giving permission for them to use Will It Blend footage. But it is an honor (I guess) to be featured in other people's work.

By the way, in one week from today, we start to film my next movie, "The Last Eagle Scout". I sure hope I can pull this off. I am actually a little scared and excited at the same time. We had a cast/crew BBQ last Saturday and really enjoyed every one's company. Must give the credit to my producer, Danna Tanner for her idea and work on getting that together.

We estimated about 70-80 people showed up (we have 60 speaking roles in the film, so it was well attended). I think many participants gained the spirit of what I am trying to do in making this film. There is definitely going to be a turn in American Cinema as things in our country are simultaneously going sour.

Let's hope we can make a difference.

WILL IT BLEND Goes to Moscow

2009-07-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Will it Blend man himself, Tom Dickson, attempted talks with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Tom said that Medvedev was a big fan of Will it Blend and his favorite video was the Bic Lighters because of how Tom looked in the end (obviously a pun toward how he would like to see all Americans in the end, blown up by bic lighters).

But Tom was able to cool the waters with the Russian Prime Minister by giving him a Blendtec Total Blender. He stated that this gift was WAY better then the crap Obama gave him, and that he would be happy to sell all his nukes... on Ebay (Why not, that's where Palin sold the Alaskan corporate jet).

All kidding aside, I guess Tom will be going to Moscow to perform Will it Blend Live. We will probably be producing an announcement video for YouTube. So I couldn't help but to make this great work of art (I did the head, Jonathan did the blender.)

Will it Blend continues to live... (click on the photo to see closer view)

SCOUT FILM-WAREHOUSE SCREEN TEST

2009-06-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

I was fooling around around the Blendtec warehouse (and that is where some of the best ideas come, is from fooling around), knowing that I have just a few weeks left before shooting my new film.

We have scooters in the warehouse at Blendtec and I wrote in a chase scene for The Last Eagle Scout that reminded me of that last Batman movie. I by no means have that kind of budget, but feel that I can pull some things off. So here is a test of me strapping the camera to the scooter and riding around the warehouse.

It is BORING, I am going to warn you now, but it is posted for a select few people to see it. Figured you might get a kick out of it.

IN PRE-PRODUCTION... WORKING WITH THE BSA IN DALLAS

2009-06-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

The headquarters for the Boy Scouts of America is located in Irving, Texas and so I met with them and we talked about my film, The Last Eagle Scout. At first, they were a little taken back by the storyline. Then, they persisted to know whether I was a participator in scouting at all. I told them that I was Mormon and served with the scouts in one calling or another in the scouting program for the past 12 years.

They said they held high regard for the church, especially during the turbulent times in court 8 years ago. They officially chose not to support my project, but told me that they could not stop me from making my film. Their only concern was that I represented the scouts with dignity. I hope to do that.

Obviously, the BSA are not in the film business. I realized that when I sent them a script all marked up with all the references to the BSA, but they didn't even have time to read it. My contact did say that if they watch the film and like it, they may think differently about supporting it. To this, I totally understand.

So off to pre-production we go. We officially have 2 months till shoot time. I am nervous as I can be. But eager to make this the best film I can. I will do my best to take out the "pop" and focus on the filmmaking.

Our crew will be small so as to be able to move fast. But the cast is large for an independent film. 60 speaking parts, several hundred extras, 23 shooting days and a lot of Advil. Wish me luck.

MY LIFE WITH STAR TREK (NERD!)

2009-05-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am pretty lucky that my birthday usually lands near the early summer, blockbuster movies. This year, I had a little party at the new Cinemark theater in Orem with a few close friends, watching the new Star Trek movie. (I would have invited all of you, but I was paying for it). This new theater is all digital and has a party room. It had movie memorabilia all around, cake and ice cream, and my faithful friend Paul Green got me all 4 Star Trek movie glasses from Burger King (whohoo!).

Yes, I am a nerd. I like Star Trek for the endless story possibilities, interesting characters and also ways to instantly see other societies that may never exist and how they solve problems.

I never got into learning Klingon or memorize the stardate of each episode. But I mostly got into Star Trek when I was 14, I was aimlessly looking at the phone directory of our church congregation and noticed someone with the last name "Roddenberry". I couldn't figure for the life of me where I have seen that name before.

Finally, while watching a re-run of Star Trek, I noticed the producer at the end of the credits read Gene Roddenberry. I went to church and asked Tom Roddenberry if he was related. He was his cousin and he knew him well enough, being that he grew up with him, to just call him out of the blue.

Since I was already cementing my love for film by this age, I made up a reason for needing to talk to Gene. I had a film class I was taking in High School (the only one ever in my part of South Texas), and I decided to do a paper on him.

To set this up, this all happened in 1982, right before Star Trek II was being released.

So, a date was set for me to receive his phone call. I got home from school and the phone rang. Weirdly, it was a woman named Susan Sackett. The reason it's weird is that besides being Gene's assistant, she went on to write many episodes of The Next Generation.

Gene came on the line and all of a sudden I was tongue tied. It took a few minutes for me to remember why I was actually calling him. Finally I got my composure and got to the basic questions, how he started, what did he do besides Star Trek, how do you like your eggs.

I asked about the rumor going around that Spock is going to die in this film. He said it was true, that Nimoy wanted to move on. In fact, he went into how he wanted to make 5 or 6 movies, kill off or retire each crew member, but then have them replaced. Then he would start the TV show over again with new people that the audience could appreciate.

This is 5 years before The Next Generation, and obviously all that didn't happen. Fans were mad that Spock would die, Star Trek II became a big hit and (the rest you can either figure out or read on-line).

Since that phone call, I received several Star Trek things with Gene Roddenberry's signature on them, as well as a costume off of the rack of the first Star Trek film. Gene definitely loved his fans.

From that experience, growing up in South Texas, where film making was far from present, a seed was planted in me that continues to grow to this day. I will always have a space for Star Trek (no pun intended).

Photos of Opponent to Gay Marriage found TOPLESS - (thanks to Iowahawk)

2009-05-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this and couldn't pass up putting this on my blog. I have to thank a blogger known as Iowahawk for putting this on his site.

I figured it spoke volumes to the hypocrisy of those on the left who continue to trash Miss California for her opinion. It is a typical example how media destroys people if they don't like them.

OLD NEWS - NEW THOUGHTS

2009-04-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

I was thinking back about the events that have transpired since the Miss USA runner-up gave her honest answer to Perez Hilton about her opinion on gay marriage. I have a personal issue with this, so I figured I would weigh in.

First mistake was Perez Hilton asking the question. I always thought that these pageants are supposed to be political-free and bring people together for a common cause, "world peace" we can all agree on. Evidently, Perez felt that talking about gay marriage was going to "bring people together". He should have known better.

Second, why use Perez Hilton as a judge? Who is Perez Hilton anyway? Is he related to Paris Hilton? Is he an actor? Has he been in any films? Has he written some thought-provoking book? Some people these days, I wonder just how they get famous.

Thirdly, there are many in the gay community that feel that his "rant" afterwards was out of line and was even a set back in their mission. I can understand that and let me explain.

Personally, I feel that there is no problem giving gays the same marriage opportunities as any heterosexual human being. They are God's children too and I am sure he loves them just the same. The problem with changing the idea of marriage and granting the same rights to gays is what you just saw in Perez Hilton (as well as many of the people protesting outside the church temples). Look at how mad gays can get sometimes. Look at the hatred and "take-overness" that can seem to come across when trying to make things "equal".

I personally have a hard time "loving" someone that is forcing me to love them. I know that's a stretch, but you know know what I mean. Long term changes in society take time and need to be understood by all.

I can see more now what the church was doing by giving their two cents in the matter in November. There were church members that were concerned that giving gays the right to marriage would then force the church to marry gays in the temple, thus closing temples. Then there were those on the other side of the issue that would say "that would never happen".

Now look at the protests afterwards. Are you telling me that with as angry as the gay community gets they won't try to force the church to perform marriages? Look at how they reacted. You give them an inch, they will take a mile. THAT is what I am afraid of.

You work so hard to be tolerant that you get in trouble in the process. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

"ARE YOU SURE YOU PRODUCE WILL IT BLEND?"

2009-04-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

When the new BYU Magazine, the magazine for alumni, came out with an article about "Will it Blend", there were numerous people who emailed, called or text me asking if I even had anything to do with "Will it Blend" (because even though I am an alumni, I am never mentioned).

So I figured I'd set the record straight...

I was hired around the same time as the marketing manager, George Wright, was hired, to produce training and promotional video material for the company. About a year into our employment, George saw Tom blending a 2x4 as part of the strength and endurance test of the blenders. George obviously saw this as an opportunity to show the power of the blender.

He came to me and asked me to videotape the blending of several crazy things. From there, I jazzed up the proceedings by making it into a "game show" feel, with the campy music, the funny titles, etc. Together, we would come up with funny lines, find new funny things to blend and bring the show to it's highest level. But you have to admit, half of what makes the show popular are the things I do to it.

The toughest part for me is the credit that is being spread (or lack thereof). George is the nicest guy in the world and a great boss to work for. He is always upbeat and positive, a trait that I have always worked to gain, falling short sometimes. But I also know he has an agenda to push himself in the light.

I don't blame him at all. I would probably do the same thing. And I feel that has been a great step for Blendtec. Anything to make Will it Blend popular, is only good for Blendtec and us keeping our jobs.

Why am I commenting on the BYU Magazine article? George has done countless interviews, speeches and podcasts, mostly focusing on marketing and the like. Because I am too busy trying to keep the videos coming, I don't have time to keep track of all the articles, but I will say from all I've seen, I am almost never present.

The articles will always go like this: "All it took for George Wright, marketing manager, was $50, a great product, a video camera and a great idea... that is what started Will it Blend". (Oh, by the way, I'm the video camera.) Honestly, I shoot, direct, edit and in most cases write the material for every Will it Blend (now at 100 episodes).

And let's not forget Ray Hansen, our original web "master". He came up with a lot of the jokes and was there for most of the filming for these great "masterpieces" of transmogrified art.

Yet, I have been left out of any trips to national television shows (Jay Leno, Today Show, QVC Etc), I have been excluded from any interviews (Wall Street Journal), I am hardly ever mentioned for the pieces I created that have become the most successful ad campaign in the history of the internet, earning a 700 percent increase in blender sales.

Don't get me wrong, I love George, I love Tom, always will. Love my job. I am trying to be humble about this, but it has become difficult. For the 3 or 4 people who actually read this blog, thanks for letting me vent. I will go back to work now.

HOMELAND SECURITY WARNING!

2009-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Don't really know what to make of this "warning".

Department of Homeland Security has now sent out a notice to all police authorities to look out for extreme right-wing groups causing violence in the US. They have included people who oppose abortion, illegal immigration, and don't like the current president imposing more governmental control. It has categorized people with Christian view who "buy guns" and "store food". They have also gone as far as including recent war veterans as a list of possible dangerous people.

Honestly, all those issues are not right or left issues, just common sense. But they have become politicized with a specific party. (I honestly can't stand the Republican Party right now.) Shouldn't we just be on the lookout for anyone who causes these atrocious acts?

Besides the war vet and owning a gun... I guess I kind of fall in that category. Does that mean if I express my opinion, I am a threat to Homeland Security?

I wonder what damage I would do to the security of this nation... hmmm.

Write my opinion on this blog

Make a film that speaks how I feel

Have a conversation about raising taxes

Watch Fox News (especially Red Eye, my new favorite show)

Put a flag up on my yard

Food storage (Oooo)

Pretty dangerous. I hate even the thought that my opinion could eventually get me into trouble. I understand that there are loonies in this world, but that would include right or left (ie, Peta), but for the government to single out these groups, in my opinion is fairly scary.

In fact, I would venture to say that the ones that are extremists are the ones in the White House right now. We are slowly (yet quickly) taking the steps that we were warned against in electing this clown and his bunch. Socialism is now on the way.

Funny how during the election talking about socialism was laughed at and "silly". Now, in a new poll, only 56 percent of Americans would choose capitalism over socialism. (What about the other 44 percent). Socialism doesn't seem that bad.

I think we have become numb to the topics and favor flash over substance. One-liners over real reading and studying of the topics.

It has always been my theory that this is the reason people of the left rule Hollywood and the television media and conservatives rule talk radio. When you spend 3 hrs a day talking about things, you can actually get to the truth of issues, with very little flash.

If you "sing and dance" the issues, it doesn't matter if it is right or wrong, just simply how it "feels" at the time you watched it. That is why most people who voted for Obama didn't exactly know "what" they were voting for, they just wanted a change. Yet when Palin came on the scene, no one fought against her principals, they voted against how she looks, or how she came across. That's it!

This is why liberals can't make it in talk radio. They have tried and failed.

Enough ranting, thank you for letting me indulge myself in my opinion. After all, it is my blog, dang it.

WILL IT BLEND at BYU MAKES 100, WIB DVD and THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT

2009-04-09T08:22:00.001-07:00

First, I want to mention that we had just produced our 100th Will it Blend. (Now I can produce the show with my eyes closed.) That might be it for a while.

This time, Cosmo the Cougar came out and we produced a Will it Blend for Brigham Young University (where all of us graduated, ironically). It will not be seen through our regular channels, but will be posted on our website under "friends of" and where ever BYU decides to put it (I think the Alumni section, BYU Magazine).

Now, I am working on a DVD that will feature all 100 videos, including episodes that were not released through our regular channel, one's that were more for companies such as Novell and Alteris. The DVD will also feature a documentary I am producing about the start of what some are calling "the most successful ad campaign on the Internet."

Article after article, interview after interview denotes the success of Will it Blend to Blendtec and the use of the new social media. I, myself, find the story behind the show more interesting then the videos themselves. The series, now at about 200 million views, has driven sales up for the Total Blender by 700 percent, which is amazing in this economy.

We will still be producing an episode here and there, and I will still be working for Blendtec for as long as they need me. But now I get into pre production mode on my next film, The Last Eagle Scout. This will probably be a landmark turn for me, now that Will it Blend has helped pull me out of the doldrums of life and showed me that I can accomplish anything.

I have been writing The Last Eagle Scout for about 6 years and was about to film it 4 years ago, but divorces and relocation created pitfalls and challenges that I never new existed. Making films (not the crap you see on YouTube, but the real thought-provoking motion pictures) takes a lot out of you. So you need to have all your ducks in a row before going through that again.

The Last Eagle Scout will actually be my 4th feature film I have produced (3rd I have directed). I hope to take the mistakes I have made from the earlier projects and make sure to do them all over again (just kidding).

This film follows a boy in the not-so-distant future who presumes himself the last kid receiving his eagle. Political correctness has crept into every facet of society, mandating every move we make. Boy Scouts becomes one of the last great American institutions that gets eliminated by popular opinion and the media... except for the Last Eagle Scout.

Fights ensue, protests are had, buildings are blown up (man, I am just sweating at the idea, I have to shoot all this). But what fun we will have as we start filming in August. Our objective is to get people to talk... talk about the difference between what is logical and what is absurd... hopefully in a "sing and dance" fashion that our numbed minds have become accustomed to.

Will they blend?... That is the question.

UPDATE ON QVC APPEARANCE!/VISITING MY DAD

2009-03-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

Talked to Jeff in... well, where ever QVC is filmed (I am not at the event, too many things to do here at base camp). Looks like Tom and the Will it Blend team (minus me) will be on (starting tonight) at 12 midnight, 8 am, 9am, 12 noon, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 11pm. These are eastern times, so if you are in Utah (like many of us) it's minus 2 hours.

Also, I will be going to Las Vegas this weekend to celebrate my father's 80th birthday. Wow. It is not actually till May 5th, but he will be doing his "world tour" driving from Vegas to South Padre Island, Texas, to Richmond, Virginia and back, during his birthday.

His mission story is still on the docket to produce into a film. We will pay more attention to that after The Last Eagle Scout, which we are scheduled to film in August.

WILL IT BLEND on QVC

2009-03-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

On April Fool's Day, QVC will be getting a noise full of crazy blends from the blender man himself, Tom Dickson. QVC has asked him to come show off the blender and we will be selling them on the QVC channel for the whole day.

I hear the schedule is fairly brutal. First he appears at midnight, morning of April 1, then at 8am and on an off all day till 11:00pm. I think about 7 appearances. But of course, they will be showing my work by playing scenes from Will it Blend.

I will not be at the appearance, but I will be crossing my fingers that everything blends. (Sometimes it doesn't on live TV, probably why I hate live television).

WILL IT BLEND - GOVERNMENT BAIL OUT

2009-03-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we filmed the latest Will it Blend, dealing with the Stimulus Package and the government bail outs. We were a little concerned that we would be crossing ground that people might not like. But I think it is apparent that most people are not in favor of the situation. Opinions are flying right and left, mis-information is all over the place and reactions are poor. This administration seems to handle the situation like a circus on the Jerry Springer Show. What's new. We'll just keep on blending.

BLENDING WITH THE BISCUIT

2009-03-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Stephanie and I filmed our new Will it Blend that has to do with the recent government bailouts. My friend, Johnny Biscuit stopped by, which was cool for everyone. He and his woman, Sue, filmed us making the latest Will it Blend epic, keeping to his on-going videolog of his travels. I filmed a full Will it Blend with Johnny blending, what else... biscuits.

Biscuit is on an eternal traveling tour where he lives more on the road. He is an awesome and talented comedian and we always wish him well in his endeavors. For more on The Biscuit visit his site.

We will have video soon of his Blending of Buttery Blendtec Biscuits.

BIG LOVE... BIG DEAL

2009-03-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

I went to my local Mormon Chapel last night to watch the fine youth of our ward give speeches on what they believe in. It was a speech festival and it was good to see the future of our church express their thoughts and feelings.

As I perused the hallway on my way to the chapel, I saw a print out of the churches stand on the recent issue about our temple ceremony being re-enacted on "Big Love".

For those who don't know, it is a sacred ceremony that enhances our understanding and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An irreverent way of putting it (and I can be fairly irreverent), it's a lot like a couples' sex life. You sort of know what's going on, but you don't discuss it in public, except under the most sacred of circumstances.

It's sacred, not secret. You can read much of it in the Old Testament. But a lot like sex, Hollywood holds nothing back to glamorize something sacred. Typical "genius's" who feel in order to "tell the story" they need to "show it all".

Basically The Church's response to the matter (in my natural man's language): "Big deal". Or maybe it was more like "bring it on". Or something like that.

In fact, The Church said nothing to the producers of Big Love (one of whom is Tom Hanks... get the connection. His recent bull crap rant against the church for Prop 8). Yet it is ironic that they would produce this episode, talk about it, and turn around and apologize... (yet they keep the episode as it is: that is called an un-apologetic, apology).

But what are they exactly apologizing for?

The LDS Church didn't even say anything about it before the apology. This is a lesson to learn about marketing. Make a wave where no wind is present. The only way to do that is to paddle your own boat. (Thanks, I made that up myself).

I think The Church has handled this issue with class and dignity. In this document, they gave recent examples of (1)Mitt Romney and Lawrence "tolerant-sphyncterboy" O'Donnell's rant against Mormons being racists, (2)being portrayed on South Park (who at the church office building watches South Park) and (3) our wonderful appearance (yet non-appearance) on many cable shows during the "stand-off" at a polygamist ranch in Texas.

The Mormon Church went on to say that members are going to do what they do, but as for the church, they will remain silent. I have to admit, I am having a hard time following that advice.

Some days, I would love to just use my gifts that God gave me and start rants against the likes of Tom Hanks, Lawrence O'Donnell and others. But I know we have to be civil and strive to be as the Savior.

If you remember, two weeks after the election, I went to San Francisco to YouTube Live and spent a day rehearsing Will it Blend next to the leaders of the TV show Mythbusters. They were fans of Will it Blend and were very gracious and fun.... until we told them we were from Utah. I would have loved to argue with them about the truth of the election, but I had to protect Blendtec and Will it Blend from the thousands of left-leaning YouTube stars who all claim to have a hand in electing Brarak Obama. (But it's the Church's fault for passing Prop 8, see what I mean?)

I guess we will see our youth grow up into what could be more "intolerance" in a so-called "tolerant" society. I will imagine they will be very strong or they will be very weak. Just like the parables where the Savior showed us this type of separation, always starting with "The Kingdom of God is like unto..."

Ah, the fun of being Mormon in these latter days.

SOUTH PADRE WEBSITE - LIVE

2009-03-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

FINALLY, the video series we have been working on is live. Well actually, we have a few more videos to finish, but you can learn more about South Padre Island, Texas, through this viral campaign that we put together. Scott Christopher hosts this series as we visit all of the fun and interesting things you can see and do on the island. Plus we talk about how the island is still very undeveloped and open for business.

WILL IT BLEND TOUCHES ON GLOBAL WARMING

2009-02-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-02-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

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.

WILL IT BLEND - Live on 2 morning shows in California

2009-01-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

As usual, I was not there (no hint of jealousy), but here are two low-res videos of our appearance on two local Fox affiliate stations in California, one in San Diego and the other in Sacramento.

LDS FILM FESTIVAL - CASTING

2009-01-26T12:40:00.001-08:00

As the LDS Film Festival ends, it was amazing to see the evolution of LDS Cinema and where it looks like it is going. It was fun to see good projects like "Food Boy" and Rob Diamond's "Once Upon a Summer". I hope all filmmakers can successfully get their films distributed and can move on to other projects.

As for me, other then the fun we had with the 24 HR Film Competition (which we were disqualified, because I had gone past the limited 5 people per project rule, my fault) I had nothing to offer this year. I spent the whole festival searching for actors on my next project. We also watched some of the actors that I tested during the auditions in other roles. It was pretty inspiring.

My wife, Stephanie, producer Danna and my son Parke and I all walked away from watching 20 films, inspired and challenged with the film we are about to produce. I wish I could explain it, but time will have to tell on that one.

THE BISHOPS OFFICE IS ON YOUTUBE!

2009-01-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

The quality is still not the caliber I want it to be, but I can't seem to figure YouTube's new HD system. But here is the film. Enjoy the Cheeze!

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH BISHOPS OFFICE

2009-01-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

Sorry, but be patient with us as we figure why the image of The Bishop's Office is so crappy on YouTube.

AL GORE CAN BE A PAIN IN THE ICE!

2009-01-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a funny photo from Alaska. Someone carved a 5 ton ice statue of Al Gore shivering in the snow. The story behind it is a local business man is inviting Al Gore to Fairbanks to discuss his theories on Global Warming in record cold temperatures. Of course, the wussy won't show. Read here

THE BISHOPS OFFICE is now available on YouTube!

2009-01-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

This was a film we wrote, filmed, and edited in 24hrs for the LDS Film Festival for the 24hr competition. I notice the video resolution is not all there, we will repost it soon. but until then, check out the Cheeze!

The 24 hr Film Marathon

2009-01-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Steph, Ray and I produced, wrote and edited a short film in 24hrs (the 24hr Film Marathon, part of the LDS Film Festival). Our entry this year was a mock on The Office, called The Bishop's Office. Stars yours truly (showing my lack of talent behind the lens) and Ray and Steph, also Parke and Forrest pitched in with award winning performances. Ray's friend Doug Barlow helped with the music and his acting abilities as well. All in all, it was fun and that's what matters. I will post the final in a day or so.

YOU GOTTA LOVE TOM HANKS

2009-01-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a dumbass comment from America's favorite actor. Enjoy.

THE NEW HOLLYWOOD LINE UP OF FILMS FOR 2009

2009-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

I laughed so hard, I couldn't catch my breath at this article. Usually I wouldn't tie into something like this, but I couldn't help it. It is a new site called "Big Hollywood". If you can stomach the politics in it, you might find this funny.

Movies are your Best Entertainment Value

THE LAST EAGLE SCOUT AUDITIONS... Whew!

2009-01-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the third, and possibly final, day of auditions for The Last Eagle Scout. I will do probably some one-on-ones for a while, but for now, we pulled from a really good crop of talent from numerous agencies that worked well with me, such as Knightstar (thanks Liz), TMG (thanks Vicki), Craze, Focus, McCarty as well as some independents.

There is some great talent out there, I feel, just waiting for some kind of role or roles for them to be a part of. Saturday alone, Danna Tanner and I waded through nearly 60 people all day long. I tried to spend time having each read a full scene or two, and mostly pairing up with other people to see how they looked, reacted, etc.

Danna was especially awesome because, if it wasn't for her, I would have been a wreck. Constantly, there were at least 8 to 12 people in the lobby waiting to read. So big thanks to Danna and to those who waited for possibly hours to come and read.

Danna had worked with me nearly 20 years ago on a short film called "Three Marbles" which I shared credit with others as my student film. So it has been nearly 20 years. I forgot how efficient she was (all that ADD being put to good use).

WILL IT BLEND MAKES ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINES BEST OF... EVER!

2009-01-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

Just got a link that shows Will it Blend as the best use of YouTube for marketing ever. We were up there with the "Got Milk" Campaign, Nike and others. Read the Link.

CHRISTMAS IN VEGAS - FILM AUDITIONS

2008-12-29T10:24:00.001-08:00

Stephanie and I had no children for Christmas. So we celebrated Christmas early and went to Las Vegas to see my parents and my sisters. We also saw one of my brothers who flew in from Houston and then ran out to Utah to see his kids. While in Vegas, we helped my parents take care of things around the house, plus hang up pictures on their empty walls. They have lived in this house for just over a year and are still unloading from the big move from Virginia.

While there, we also got to see our friend Matt Lewis, who is possibly the best Elvis impersonator there is, as well as a very talented individual. He was the star of our film "Tears of a King" and headlines the Legends show in Vegas. I still don't know when Tears is coming out. I had no date to report to Matt. We filmed the movie over 2 years ago. I think we are still working out legalities over music.

Anyway, we are also starting on auditions on what could be my most challenging project ever. "The Last Eagle Scout" is a film I wrote and will produce and direct with my own money. I know I am crazy, but I feel with the changing political climate we are experiencing (all is Political Climate Change or Political Warming), it is time for this story to be told. It is more then just boy scouts. Auditions continue on Jan 10.

Have a happy new year!

WILL IT BLEND - IPHONE APP

2008-12-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

Hey, now Will it Blend is available as an app for the iPhone. It's pretty cool looking. My friend, Rob Perry, constructed this application that allows you to watch specific Will it Blends at the push of a button (as if you haven't had enough of the most powerful blender). If you have iTunes you can check out the link here.

Christmas Photos

2008-12-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Couldn't help but to put this photo up. Here is my sweet wife, Stephanie, with her three children, Kristina, Emily and Michael. What hams!

For the past two years, as Steph and I have taken pictures (her bridals, last year's Christmas photos, our wedding photos) I have taken them myself. I even take the ones that have me in them (can you believe that). I usually use a timer and sit myself in front and take a guess.

I still have photos of my sons, Forrest and Parke to take for Christmas. Hopefully by the end of the week.

Democracy wins!… oh, except for Proposition 8

2008-12-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

The opinion on this blog is in no way the same of those within Blendtec or Will it Blend (that they'll admit). To protect Will it Blend, I posted this and then removed it, but I feel I needed to show this somehow. Of course, the 2 or 3 people who actually read this blog will pose no threat.

So here’s the thinking… if you don’t get what you want, vote on it. Then, if it’s not in your favor, bitch and moan till you get your way.

That is how I feel when it comes to Proposition 8. Even though I don’t live in California (and I could actually care less), I will possibly be a target myself because I am a Mormon and because I work in the entertainment industry.

Now the black-listing begins. It first started when you were a Hollywood elite and you chose not to vote for The Anointed One. Now it’s that you voted for Prop 8 and are a Mormon. I feel for Scott Eckern, a Mormon, and artistic director of the California Music Theater, who was recently black-listed for supporting and donating to Prop 8. So he stepped down. So did Richard Raddon, director of the Los Angeles Film Festival. Now there is talk of boycotting the Sundance Film Festival.

As we went to San Francisco a few weeks ago, we had to be careful to not say we were from Utah. We revealed it once to the Mythbusters and the first thing out of their mouth was "Utah, eh... good job on that prop 8".

It is really sad to me that these celebrities who I have watched and loved on TV for so long are standing outside the temples protesting.

I guess we will have to start black-listing Donny and Marie Osmond, Glenn Beck (oh wait, he’s already black-listed from the get-go), Larry King (married to a Mormon, guilty by association actually works here) or Gladys Knight (oh wait, she’s black, that doesn’t count)….. No mention of the fact that 70 percent of the African American population actually voted for prop 8, where is the outrage on them.

We will then have to black-list David Archuleta as well. Or will he deny the situation? Will he leave the church for his career? Will he speak out against?

Hopefully he won’t be like the other spineless members of the church who are “in the church but not of the church” when it comes to the entertainment industry. Just a member enough to star in the latest Halestorm film, but not enough to be “told what to do by grumpy old men who are out of touch” just so they can star in a big Hollywood production.

But only because there happen to be members of the Mormon faith who forked out most of the money for the advertising of Prop 8, the whole church gets the shaft from protestors.

What are they mad at? Is it the money? Where is the outrage at the fact that Obama outspent McCain 4 to one? Where is that outrage? Where are those protestors?

It is obvious that these people are either uninformed, or just hate the church as a whole. Or do they just love to get off of work and chant random things? If we are going to talk about unfairness, how about the unfairness of my ancestors being kicked out of the country for their beliefs. Where is my retribution? Where is my apology? Where is my check?

I actually am in favor of gays having some kind of union they can call their own, just not marriage. Don’t come pushing me and others aside like a bully. Gays have many rights and privileges. In fact, in many cases, they get the hand up because they are gay.

It is ridiculous to see the protests, the vandalism, the burning Book of Mormon. Is this Missouri all over again?

It is amazing to see those who believe in tolerance and love, not hate, there sure has been a lot of hate coming from that side. So much for your example.

I ask the gay community to go back to the drawing board and get over the fact that the voting was fair and honest and… over with! Blame the people who voted!

And for those who are Mormon and in the industry… buckle up!

YouTube Live: People we met.

2008-11-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

If you are familiar with YouTube, you might notice other celebreties from YouTube, such as LisaNova, What the Buck, Barats and Bereta, Free Hugs and Funtwo. I was especially excited for Funtwo because I was a fairly humble guy who amazingly plays Canon on his guitar. He got to perform with Joe Satriani. It was an awesome set.

YouTube Live! Mythbusters

2008-11-24T09:39:00.001-08:00

I think besides Tom Dickson, I felt I was the oldest guy there. YouTube put on their first live show in San Francisco. Of course what would a YouTube event be without Will it Blend. We met many people who produce and post videos with a large series of fans. These are people you probably wouldn't know, but because of our involvement with YouTube, we knew. Tom Dickson did great doing a skit with Chad Vader, (A series about the not-so successful brother of Darth Vader). The things blended well and the audience loved it. You can see the video here.

The best experience was meeting members of the Mythbusters, Adam and Jamie. Through our mutual friend Kristin who works for Discovery, we were able to talk to the guys several times during the rehearsals. Come to find out, Adam is a fan of Will it Blend (I have it on video to prove it, will post later when I edit it). That was cool. They also said that they go through a blender a month in their shop. So we have offered to supply them with blenders. They have also invited us to their shop if we are ever in town again.

WILL IT BLEND VISITS GOOGLE

2008-11-21T10:15:00.001-08:00

George, Stephanie and I stopped in and recieved wonderful treatment at the Google Plex just outside of San Fransisco. George did most of the talking, he's the man. I simply looked pretty and answered a few questions (the strong silent type, ya know). The atmosphere at Google is amazing. I think I was the oldest one there. They have cafeterias where the employees eat for free. We were invited and they had chefs making fresh sushi (coudn't resist). Not the normal hamburgers and pizza you would see in a high school cafeteria. It almost felt light a college campus. Technology everywhere. We arenow waiting for our rehersal for YouTube live. I have an in with Discovery and we have a chance at meeting the Mythbusters here. Cool!

WILL IT BLEND ON YOUTUBE LIVE!/GOOGLE PLEX

2008-11-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

I am taking Stephanie with me to San Francisco to the YouTube Live event (that is if we don't get booed, for some funny reason). We are going with George and Tom to do a skit with Chad Vader, who also has a large presence on YouTube. I will be taking my new laptop with me, so we will take pictures and load photos while we are there. George and I are also speaking at Google, which is near by. We will be touring the location where "it all happens" and speak at the Google-plex. I hear it is a pretty high tech environment and no one there is over 30. (I also heard they keep a 40 year old around just to legitimize their business). Look for us live on YouTube Saturday Nov. 22 at 8pm eastern.

Missing Blog...

2008-11-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

I had sent an e-mail to many friends about a current topic, but have since pulled the blog I made. If you wish to read the blog, and find out why I pulled it, contact me directly. For now, I will put up a nice picture of me and Steph standing by a sunrise at South Padre Island.

NEW PHOTOS-WILL IT BLEND AT GOOGLE AND YOUTUBE LIVE

2008-10-24T09:45:00.001-07:00

George and I agreed that we were rock stars and needed to start looking like rock stars (nothing to do with my drums). So here are new photos of G.W. and I (creators of the most successful ad campaign in the history of the internet-by several magazines, don't know where). But we are going to San Fran in November to be part of YouTube live as well as give a presentation to Google at their Googleplex to talk about how cool we are. I understand the Mythbusters will be there along with a bunch of internet stars like Lisa Nova and Ask a Ninja.

WHAT DOES 'WILL IT BLEND' AND 'HAPPY DAYS' HAVE IN COMMON?

2008-10-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today at Blendtec we filmed an informational video with Cathy Silvers. Cathy was best known in her reoccurring role as Joanie's best friend, Jenny Piccalo on the TV Show "Happy Days". She owns a company known as Healthy Living in Southern California and works with Blendtec in introducing her own blender line. We also did a piece where she did a Will it Blend with Tom. She was fun and we wish her well.

WILL IT BLEND ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL

2008-10-17T14:09:00.001-07:00

If you didn't see the program on The Discovery Channel, now you can see it on YouTube. Someone has already posted it. It looked pretty cool.

The weather is starting to cool. But I am sure with all this Global Warming, I shouldn't worry about needing to turn on my heater.

SOUTH PADRE VIDEO SHOOT-HAPPY CANADIAN THANKSGIVING

2008-10-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

While I am in editing on my videos for South Padre, Garladdy (Gerald Hartley) sent me some photos of us on Padre. The first is me with my mouth open (thanks) and second is me and the guitar master himself, and the third is me and "My Little Artist", Stephanie. I would like to wish Gerald, Randy, Jealan, Crystal and all my Canadian buddies (including Neil, Getty and Alex) a happy Thanksgiving.