NOMINATED FOR UTAH ENTERTAINMENT CHOICE AWARDS

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...

Ho Ho Hospital Holidays

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

MINIATURES AND DIGITAL FUN!

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.

BEEN A WHILE...

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

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.

MAN, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

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

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.

LDS FILM FESTIVAL 2010 STARTS

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.

WEB SITE UP!!!

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.

EXPLODING FUN!

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!

SLOWLY, BUT SURELY

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

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

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

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

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

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

POST-PRODUCTION... Are we there yet?

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

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

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

We shall see....

LAST EAGLE SCOUT WRAPS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEETING WITH RICHARD HATCH-BEGINNING FILMING

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

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

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

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

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

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.

SCOUT FILM-WAREHOUSE SCREEN TEST

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

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.

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

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.