SLOWLY, BUT SURELY

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

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

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

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

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

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

POST-PRODUCTION... Are we there yet?

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

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

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

We shall see....

LAST EAGLE SCOUT WRAPS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST WEEK OF SHOOTING

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

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

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

MEETING WITH RICHARD HATCH-BEGINNING FILMING

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

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

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

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

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.

WILL IT BLEND Goes to Moscow

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)