While it's all behind the scenes, something very important happened last night.
8 Sided Films hired Joe Lastowski as our Director of Social Marketing.
What does this mean? For one thing, it means you're probably going to meet Joe in your internet travels. For another, it means I'm going to get a lot more filmmaking done. Writing all the Sam Bailey blogs, keeping up on all the actors' web updates, the web research... It was keeping me from the script. No more.
Delegating responsibilities before I understand them myself has always been something for me to work on, and yesterday was a landmark day in that regard. Frankly, I feel more relieved than I have in months. Thank God for this.
For his part, Joe is the single most able-bodied person I know when it comes to enlisting the participation of others on a grassroots level. He loves it, when it's about something he feels passion for.
More than anything, Joe is passionate about movies. As it happens, he's also a skilled writer. There is nobody I trust more with the reigns to our Sam Bailey viral marketing, and we are exceedingly lucky to have him.
Thank you so much, Joe! Welcome aboard!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Welcome, Christie Insley!
www.christieinsley.com
Writing about Christie Insley seems almost perfunctory. Her forceful personality is the kind our business usually associates with comedy, so distinct and recognizable that it might as well be trademarked. Over the next ten years, expect her attitude and bearing to be celebrated and imitated by countless others in the media.
What I'm saying here is that Christie Insley's rise to stardom is inevitable. When something comes along as obvious as this, I'll certainly use it to my advantage... but I'm not racing to get there first. There are enough guys trying to make Christie into the next Sarah Silverman, or perhaps the next Linda Hamilton. Me? I like surprises too much.
So what surprises me about Christie Insley?
First of all, she's incredibly smart. Her cocky, snarky tough girl image is so perfectly fetching that most people don't take the time to realize how incredibly observant and bright she is.
That's layer one. She'll show that to anyone with the brains and the patience to look.
There is a deeper side to Christie that directors will understand, but that agents and managers never will. As a performer, her tough girl shtick isn't just a marketable image. Much more importantly, it's a measure of how supported Christie wants to feel. Give her the confidence and strength that she presents herself with, and she literally blooms before your eyes. Give her that structure, support, and safety, and suddenly she becomes vulnerable and open to whole new worlds. Then, she can take the REAL risks!
Bravery like hers can touch the sky, if only someone will give her a lift. That's not something you find in the marketing materials. There's no race to show that side of Christie, but there it is. Begging to be expressed.
Everyone wants her to make them laugh. Everyone wants her to stomp their heart out in high heels, and to look great doing it. Everyone wants to see her doing pull-ups in a sweaty jumpsuit. So when everyone wants something, how does the media respond?
Right.
In the midst of all that sound and thunder, some bastard is going to swoop in and catch a performance that changes everything. Suddenly, the world looks past the sit-com, action film sheen that the industry is using Christie's natural charisma and gorgeous looks to buff into their production slate, and that's when the world realizes: GODDAMN, CHRISTIE INSLEY CAN ACT!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am that bastard.
To all those racing to get the best of Christie Insley, good luck. Hope you love second place.
To Christie Insley, welcome. We promise to celebrate, inspire, and nurture your courageous, adventurous heart.
To the rest of you, I'll simply say this: Sign her mailing list, bitches!
www.christieinsley.com
Writing about Christie Insley seems almost perfunctory. Her forceful personality is the kind our business usually associates with comedy, so distinct and recognizable that it might as well be trademarked. Over the next ten years, expect her attitude and bearing to be celebrated and imitated by countless others in the media.
What I'm saying here is that Christie Insley's rise to stardom is inevitable. When something comes along as obvious as this, I'll certainly use it to my advantage... but I'm not racing to get there first. There are enough guys trying to make Christie into the next Sarah Silverman, or perhaps the next Linda Hamilton. Me? I like surprises too much.
So what surprises me about Christie Insley?
First of all, she's incredibly smart. Her cocky, snarky tough girl image is so perfectly fetching that most people don't take the time to realize how incredibly observant and bright she is.
That's layer one. She'll show that to anyone with the brains and the patience to look.
There is a deeper side to Christie that directors will understand, but that agents and managers never will. As a performer, her tough girl shtick isn't just a marketable image. Much more importantly, it's a measure of how supported Christie wants to feel. Give her the confidence and strength that she presents herself with, and she literally blooms before your eyes. Give her that structure, support, and safety, and suddenly she becomes vulnerable and open to whole new worlds. Then, she can take the REAL risks!
Bravery like hers can touch the sky, if only someone will give her a lift. That's not something you find in the marketing materials. There's no race to show that side of Christie, but there it is. Begging to be expressed.
Everyone wants her to make them laugh. Everyone wants her to stomp their heart out in high heels, and to look great doing it. Everyone wants to see her doing pull-ups in a sweaty jumpsuit. So when everyone wants something, how does the media respond?
Right.
In the midst of all that sound and thunder, some bastard is going to swoop in and catch a performance that changes everything. Suddenly, the world looks past the sit-com, action film sheen that the industry is using Christie's natural charisma and gorgeous looks to buff into their production slate, and that's when the world realizes: GODDAMN, CHRISTIE INSLEY CAN ACT!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am that bastard.
To all those racing to get the best of Christie Insley, good luck. Hope you love second place.
To Christie Insley, welcome. We promise to celebrate, inspire, and nurture your courageous, adventurous heart.
To the rest of you, I'll simply say this: Sign her mailing list, bitches!
www.christieinsley.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Join us on the 8 Sided Forum!
http://www.8sidedforum.com/
This weekend, I had a massive brain hemorrhage and founded a social networking site! Why would I do such a massively crazy, time-comsuming thing?
My idea was this:
New technology and the new economy have made the collaborative, community-based ethics of theater more relevant and meaningful to the business of media than ever have been before. In every practical way, we are a repertory film company.
What am I getting at?
Whereas audiences and actors have traditionally mingled at the theater, today we have social media. Films have come full circle.
For the longest time, media has grown more and more impersonal. With the advent of social networking, filmmakers have the ability to reach their audience personally, where they live. Instead of you going out to a theater, having a nice evening out, and meeting the actors and craftspeople behind the movie, you can meet them at your own home anytime you like.
The 8 Sided Forum (http://www.8sidedforum.com/) is our theater, and the doors are open! Wander in anytime and ask anything! Make friends. Get to know us. While we may not be able to respond to every message, you can always find us there. Going forward, this will be our home online. Each and every one of us will be active on the site.
Most importantly, you're always welcome.
In fact, friend me up! You can find me at http://www.8sidedforum.com/profile/TennysonEStead!
Welcome to http://www.8sidedforum.com/.
I think we might be fundamentally changing how movies get made.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Malkovich produced Juno?
Here's a great Variety interview, right here.
"If you're going to maintain any kind of passion in this business, you have to make your own way. Otherwise you're bound to be doing things that interest other people much more than yourself."
There are few people in this business who don't respect John Malkovich, but I had no idea he was as creative on a business level as he evidently is! Being totally honest, I was fooled by the calm detachment of his on-screen persona. Having read this article, I have to say... while we have different aesthetics and different goals, John Malkovich is definitely the kind of filmmaker I strive to be.
"If you're going to maintain any kind of passion in this business, you have to make your own way. Otherwise you're bound to be doing things that interest other people much more than yourself."
There are few people in this business who don't respect John Malkovich, but I had no idea he was as creative on a business level as he evidently is! Being totally honest, I was fooled by the calm detachment of his on-screen persona. Having read this article, I have to say... while we have different aesthetics and different goals, John Malkovich is definitely the kind of filmmaker I strive to be.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
BEST SPAM EVER!
This was too funny to me not to pass along...
-----Original Message-----
From: Hui Bin [mailto:huibin_29@yahoo.cn]
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 11:27 AM
Subject:
I have a good business for you
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
On the Producers as Crooks Stereotype
Good producers love exciting, challenging, and delighting people - the production teams and the audience both, in fact. That's why they do what they do.
Crime is, I assume, motivated more by desperation. Then again, I don't know any criminals!
Crime is, I assume, motivated more by desperation. Then again, I don't know any criminals!
Will it matter?
Many folks out there seem to think that writing a screenplay is about balancing your need to express yourself creatively AGAINST the needs of the market. Is giving the people what they want the opposite of giving yourself what you want? Do you have to sacrifice your creative principles to be successful?
To me, a movie is about establishing connections between people - and that starts with the screenplay. On the one hand, the screenplay forms bonds between the various people on the cast and the crew. Even more importantly, it is the foundation of the connection between the filmmakers and the audience.
While money is a consequence of that connection, there is something larger going on.
To me, a screenplay is ultimately for the audience. Considering what the audience wants or expects is critical, whether or not you choose to play it safe with those expectations. When a producer looks at the commercial viability of a script, considers the creative merits, and decides whether or not to proceed, what they're really asking is this:
"Will it matter?"
Write scripts that matter to people, and you will succeed - both commercially and creatively.
To me, a movie is about establishing connections between people - and that starts with the screenplay. On the one hand, the screenplay forms bonds between the various people on the cast and the crew. Even more importantly, it is the foundation of the connection between the filmmakers and the audience.
While money is a consequence of that connection, there is something larger going on.
To me, a screenplay is ultimately for the audience. Considering what the audience wants or expects is critical, whether or not you choose to play it safe with those expectations. When a producer looks at the commercial viability of a script, considers the creative merits, and decides whether or not to proceed, what they're really asking is this:
"Will it matter?"
Write scripts that matter to people, and you will succeed - both commercially and creatively.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
BOB FUNK on DVD!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
At last, the story of Bob Funk's sardonic journey from hysterically embittered boozer to helplessly optimistic friend of the working man comes to DVD! Get yours, dear friend:
Click for AMAZON!
Click for NETFLIX!
Thanks to those who came out to see Bob Funk in theaters! For those who don't know, this movie is packed with comedy power. Stephen Root is at his oblivious best! Rachel Leigh Cook, Eddie Jemison, Oscar Winner Amy Ryan, and a cornucopia of amazing talents came together to make a film that nobody wanted to stop shooting. Just being a part of it was a huge pleasure, and it definitely shows on screen.
At the same time, Craig has crafted the single most honest look at alcoholism I've ever seen on film. Bob's tragedy is not played strictly for laughs, although it is hysterical. His life doesn't play as emotional porn either, although it is at times disgusting and wretched. In the end, this movie tells the truth. This is no ordinary film.
In the interest of transparency, let me add that I am one of the owners of Bob Funk. Every DVD we sell supports my own film projects, and that support is something I am endlessly grateful for.
Lastly, I have to mention the dialogue. With the exception of Brothers Bloom, Bob Funk is the most quotable movie of the last decade. For that alone, it's not to be missed.
For all these reasons, F#( K TOUGH FOR ME! Get your copy of Bob Funk while it's hot, gawdammit!
At last, the story of Bob Funk's sardonic journey from hysterically embittered boozer to helplessly optimistic friend of the working man comes to DVD! Get yours, dear friend:
Click for AMAZON!
Click for NETFLIX!
Thanks to those who came out to see Bob Funk in theaters! For those who don't know, this movie is packed with comedy power. Stephen Root is at his oblivious best! Rachel Leigh Cook, Eddie Jemison, Oscar Winner Amy Ryan, and a cornucopia of amazing talents came together to make a film that nobody wanted to stop shooting. Just being a part of it was a huge pleasure, and it definitely shows on screen.
At the same time, Craig has crafted the single most honest look at alcoholism I've ever seen on film. Bob's tragedy is not played strictly for laughs, although it is hysterical. His life doesn't play as emotional porn either, although it is at times disgusting and wretched. In the end, this movie tells the truth. This is no ordinary film.
In the interest of transparency, let me add that I am one of the owners of Bob Funk. Every DVD we sell supports my own film projects, and that support is something I am endlessly grateful for.
Lastly, I have to mention the dialogue. With the exception of Brothers Bloom, Bob Funk is the most quotable movie of the last decade. For that alone, it's not to be missed.
For all these reasons, F#( K TOUGH FOR ME! Get your copy of Bob Funk while it's hot, gawdammit!
Where are all the great female roles?
Name one female best actress performance as strong as Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood? Just one, in the last ten years! Best actress awards routinely break my heart, because the winners, while talented, rarely deliver to the same degree that the best actor winners regularly do.
It's not the women. It's the scripts.
Here's how I see it: performance is really the only environment where it can be safe and good to stress-test a person's character. Taking a woman to her emotional limits on film can show the world how strong she is.
But then you have to be right there for her. She has to know she's safe.
What's hotter than a woman, an actor, pushed to the sweaty extreme of her capacity for understanding, emotion, and growth? Watching an actress push right up to her limits, and past them, to completely give herself to the moment... that's what separates the women from the girls, right there. To take those big, big risks, to surprise herself and everyone else, and then to collapse into the safe place you've kept for her so she can come back to herself a stronger, more whole person...
How can male directors resist this relationship? That's what I don't understand.
Then again, the great ones can't. Autumn Sonata? Liv Ullman's best performance in a Bergman film. Woody Allen. Fellini. Tarkovski's Solaris, in which Hari practically tears her own guts out. And on and on...
Maybe the problem is that taking those risks goes against everything men are taught about women. Either women are strong, independent freedom fighters or they're the delicate fairer sex. Right? RIGHT?
On the one hand, I think directors and producers are afraid of damaging the woman. On the other hand, I think they're also afraid the woman will prove to be far stronger than the conflict of the story. Who wants to find out their deepest fears and biggest hang-ups are actually stupid little nothings - in public, no less?
Isn't it always about fear? And isn't fear always a two-way, damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario?
You've got to trust the woman actor unconditionally, and then you have to support her unconditionally. That's how you do it.
With men, it's actually not that way. Men are more predictable, and therefore safer to other men. We relate to each other conditionally. Totally conditionally. I trust you to do this one thing, and I'll give you what you need to get the job done.
With a woman actress you're going to get more than you bargained for, and that scares people. Instead of trusting and loving our actresses unconditionally, we write them very specific, very safe rolls. Here, lady. Here's an emotional range in which you can work. Keep it safe, will you?
In American Cinema, we have very few Haris. Very few Liv Ullman performances.
That's the price we pay for cowardice.
CNN on Entrepreneurism
I liked this article about how recession breeds innovation: http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/22/news/economy/hired_selfemployment/index.htm?cnn=yes
Your Monopoly
Over the last several months, I've read post after post on the process of getting a studio or a representative to take young writers under their wing. Basically, this town is full of folks who are looking for someone to manage their success. That's the dream, right?
Who doesn't want a nice, comfortable nest where we can create to our heart's content? Other concerns, like money, are best left to the people who have a passion for those issues.
Except for one thing. Film is a collaborative art.
Movies aren't made on conveyor belts. They're not mass-manufactured, with each person doing their job before the movie slides on down the line.
No, these people are working together, sharing ideas, debating issues... Movies take shape in the space between the creative people who make it. Bridging the distance between one another is the shared responsibility of everyone on the production team.
At their core, movies are about the connections between other people.
So why is everyone in such a hurry to have someone else build those connections for them? Success finds the people who take on that responsibility themselves.
Yes, I've written several spec scripts. Yes, I hope to sell many of them.
At the same time, I've started the work of developing comic properties. Right now I'm producing one film with the support of social media, and another film that is beginning it's life as a play. In the process, I'm bringing together the artists and craftsmen that will be collaborating with me and contributing to my success when I build that safe little nest for myself.
On the one hand, this work gives me a lot more creative and financial control. These are the projects that can really make me and my team the good money.
At the same time, it's these projects that keep commanding the attention of people in the industry. All my queries, all my networking - they're meaningless next to my power to actually launch projects. By far, the most important tool in filmmaking is the ability to unite people around a common goal.
In the end, the person doing that work decides what movie you're making. That truth is both inevitable and completely fair.
If you really believe your ideas have value, why look for the person to bring people together around them? Why make them into someone else's idea, when you can inspire others to add and contribute to the seed you've planted?
That's what success in film is all about, and the only way to achieve it is to think outside the box. Make a web series. Produce a movie. Get your comics out there. Use some of the energy and effort you spend auditioning, querying and hustling to build connections with the people who love making your stories, and then build connections with the people who love seeing them realized.
In the end, it's the audience that matters most. Go after them, and everything else will fall into place. When you have the crowd's attention, the agents and producers will be beating down your door. At that point, will you really care?
Like I said, it's about people.
With that in mind, let me encourage each and every one of you to check out Sam Bailey and my other projects at www.8sidedfilms.com. Sign up for the Sam Bailey mailing list, and you'll follow my own process of bringing these amazing people together to reach an audience.
While you're there, take a look at some of the tools I'm developing to get Sam Bailey into the marketplace. Check out our contests, as well as opportunities to get your name into the credits of the film!
Financing independent films has taught me that while painters and novelists can afford to take the business side of things lightly (for now), filmmakers certainly cannot. The more you interact with other people, the more important it becomes.
Then again, maybe you don't want to deal with people. If that's the case, film might be the wrong business for you.
Remember that you are the only one who has access to your ideas. Don't give that access away lightly. If your ideas are really worth something, make the most of it.
Who doesn't want a nice, comfortable nest where we can create to our heart's content? Other concerns, like money, are best left to the people who have a passion for those issues.
Except for one thing. Film is a collaborative art.
Movies aren't made on conveyor belts. They're not mass-manufactured, with each person doing their job before the movie slides on down the line.
No, these people are working together, sharing ideas, debating issues... Movies take shape in the space between the creative people who make it. Bridging the distance between one another is the shared responsibility of everyone on the production team.
At their core, movies are about the connections between other people.
So why is everyone in such a hurry to have someone else build those connections for them? Success finds the people who take on that responsibility themselves.
Yes, I've written several spec scripts. Yes, I hope to sell many of them.
At the same time, I've started the work of developing comic properties. Right now I'm producing one film with the support of social media, and another film that is beginning it's life as a play. In the process, I'm bringing together the artists and craftsmen that will be collaborating with me and contributing to my success when I build that safe little nest for myself.
On the one hand, this work gives me a lot more creative and financial control. These are the projects that can really make me and my team the good money.
At the same time, it's these projects that keep commanding the attention of people in the industry. All my queries, all my networking - they're meaningless next to my power to actually launch projects. By far, the most important tool in filmmaking is the ability to unite people around a common goal.
In the end, the person doing that work decides what movie you're making. That truth is both inevitable and completely fair.
If you really believe your ideas have value, why look for the person to bring people together around them? Why make them into someone else's idea, when you can inspire others to add and contribute to the seed you've planted?
That's what success in film is all about, and the only way to achieve it is to think outside the box. Make a web series. Produce a movie. Get your comics out there. Use some of the energy and effort you spend auditioning, querying and hustling to build connections with the people who love making your stories, and then build connections with the people who love seeing them realized.
In the end, it's the audience that matters most. Go after them, and everything else will fall into place. When you have the crowd's attention, the agents and producers will be beating down your door. At that point, will you really care?
Like I said, it's about people.
With that in mind, let me encourage each and every one of you to check out Sam Bailey and my other projects at www.8sidedfilms.com. Sign up for the Sam Bailey mailing list, and you'll follow my own process of bringing these amazing people together to reach an audience.
While you're there, take a look at some of the tools I'm developing to get Sam Bailey into the marketplace. Check out our contests, as well as opportunities to get your name into the credits of the film!
Financing independent films has taught me that while painters and novelists can afford to take the business side of things lightly (for now), filmmakers certainly cannot. The more you interact with other people, the more important it becomes.
Then again, maybe you don't want to deal with people. If that's the case, film might be the wrong business for you.
Remember that you are the only one who has access to your ideas. Don't give that access away lightly. If your ideas are really worth something, make the most of it.
RECIPE: Chili Tomato Bisque
Again, I bear witness to an outcry for delicious, healthy foods amongst the women of the internets... and I must answer it!
Ladies, I give you CHILI TOMATO BISQUE!
This recipe makes four servings.
Into the blender, you must place:
1 YOUNG COCONUT, meat and water
2 large handfuls RAW CASHEW
1 handful RAW WALNUTS, dry
4 ORGANIC ROMA TOMATOES
2 large gloops RAW AGAVE NECTAR
2 large gloops RAW HONEY - and make it a flavorful one!
1 RAW BAJA CHILI, red
1-3 RAW THAI CHILIS, red, according to taste
1 TSP CELTIC SEA SALT
1/2 LIME, squeezed (juice only)
Blend these items until creamy, adding cashews, honey, and salt to taste. If you want a more hearty, East Coast fall flavor, add some more walnut.
Once you have a sweet, spicy cream soup, place:
3 FISTFULLS BABY SPINACH
...into a saucepan, with a quarter to a half of your soup mixture.
Stirring regularly, warm the soup to roughly 85 degrees, watching closely to avoid steaming or boiling. Once the soup is warm, serve immediately.
Ladies, I give you CHILI TOMATO BISQUE!
This recipe makes four servings.
Into the blender, you must place:
1 YOUNG COCONUT, meat and water
2 large handfuls RAW CASHEW
1 handful RAW WALNUTS, dry
4 ORGANIC ROMA TOMATOES
2 large gloops RAW AGAVE NECTAR
2 large gloops RAW HONEY - and make it a flavorful one!
1 RAW BAJA CHILI, red
1-3 RAW THAI CHILIS, red, according to taste
1 TSP CELTIC SEA SALT
1/2 LIME, squeezed (juice only)
Blend these items until creamy, adding cashews, honey, and salt to taste. If you want a more hearty, East Coast fall flavor, add some more walnut.
Once you have a sweet, spicy cream soup, place:
3 FISTFULLS BABY SPINACH
...into a saucepan, with a quarter to a half of your soup mixture.
Stirring regularly, warm the soup to roughly 85 degrees, watching closely to avoid steaming or boiling. Once the soup is warm, serve immediately.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Online Marketing for Actors!
Over the last two months, I've had producers and advertising companies contacting me about the viral marketing work I'm doing with Sam Bailey and with my amazing cast of actors. These ad professionals can give me feature after feature on the services their organizations offer, of course. When I ask them for the benefits specifically to my viral campaign, they're stumped!
In addition, I do up a pretty nice actor's page in Flash 5. Depending on the demands, your actors website costs you only $300!
Getting both the website and the consultation is $400 - less than the price of most custom web design!
As part of the package, I'll give you a business card design that's consistent with the look of your webpage for a consistent, professional networking presentation!
To see samples, you can check out the following:
http://www.8sidedfilms.com/
http://www.gerardmarzilli.com/
http://www.johnnyderango.com/
For more information, folks are welcome to contact me directly at tennyson@8sidedfilms.com. Referrals will result in discounted pricing for both you and your friend, so tell as many people as you can.
Believe me, I won't have time to offer services like these for long!
Get your web marketing started now, or get left behind. E-mail me at tennyson@8sidedfilms.com, and I'll make it easy and fun!
Apparently, I'm leaving the pro's in the dust! Seems I really am among the first to start figuring out how social media plays into traditional media.
Now, I'm offering actors the same tricks and tools that are positioning Sam Bailey to become one of the great breakout success stories in independent film! Your personally tailored web marketing consultation is just $250!
In addition, I do up a pretty nice actor's page in Flash 5. Depending on the demands, your actors website costs you only $300!
Getting both the website and the consultation is $400 - less than the price of most custom web design!
As part of the package, I'll give you a business card design that's consistent with the look of your webpage for a consistent, professional networking presentation!
To see samples, you can check out the following:
http://www.8sidedfilms.com/
http://www.gerardmarzilli.com/
http://www.johnnyderango.com/
For more information, folks are welcome to contact me directly at tennyson@8sidedfilms.com. Referrals will result in discounted pricing for both you and your friend, so tell as many people as you can.
Believe me, I won't have time to offer services like these for long!
Get your web marketing started now, or get left behind. E-mail me at tennyson@8sidedfilms.com, and I'll make it easy and fun!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Perfect Sleep on DVD!
Find The Perfect Sleep on:
AMAZON
NETFLIX
BLOCKBUSTER
This was the very first movie set I worked on, as well as the first film Unified Pictures produced. With the benefit of several years of hindsight, what we accomplished is nothing short of a miracle.
Four months ago, The Perfect Sleep opened in theaters to massive critical acclaim and modest box office success. To all those who saw the film in theaters, thank you! To those who have been waiting for the DVD to see what Unified Pictures has been up to, here it is!
In his debut film, Jeremy Alter weaves an epic, pulpy tapestry of blood-stained honor and tortured romance, dyes it gun-metal black and drapes it over your basic samurai story. Years ago, a nameless assassin left town because the woman he loved was ensnared in a web of enemies and family ties that forbade their passion. When the bad guys come calling and leaving town won't cut it anymore, he decides to kill everybody!
In many respects, The Perfect Sleep is a risky, risky film. To my incredible delight, those risks served up a unique, fun, layered, delicious slice of genre. Congratulations to Jeremy, Anton, Keith, and the rest of my amazing friends on The Perfect Sleep!
Now, finally, you get to see it! Here's the links:
AMAZON
NETFLIX
BLOCKBUSTER
This was the very first movie set I worked on, as well as the first film Unified Pictures produced. With the benefit of several years of hindsight, what we accomplished is nothing short of a miracle.
Four months ago, The Perfect Sleep opened in theaters to massive critical acclaim and modest box office success. To all those who saw the film in theaters, thank you! To those who have been waiting for the DVD to see what Unified Pictures has been up to, here it is!
In his debut film, Jeremy Alter weaves an epic, pulpy tapestry of blood-stained honor and tortured romance, dyes it gun-metal black and drapes it over your basic samurai story. Years ago, a nameless assassin left town because the woman he loved was ensnared in a web of enemies and family ties that forbade their passion. When the bad guys come calling and leaving town won't cut it anymore, he decides to kill everybody!
In many respects, The Perfect Sleep is a risky, risky film. To my incredible delight, those risks served up a unique, fun, layered, delicious slice of genre. Congratulations to Jeremy, Anton, Keith, and the rest of my amazing friends on The Perfect Sleep!
Now, finally, you get to see it! Here's the links:
Make no mistake - good movies are possible because of your support. Thank you for supporting The Perfect Sleep, and enjoy the show!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
8 Sided Ensemble welcomes Elizabeth Southard!
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2836099/
Last night, I met with an actor who I've seen perform twice now: once on stage, and again at the recent Sam Bailey reading. Her relaxed, natural bravery suggests a degree of experience and craftsmanship far beyond her years, and her incredible humility leaves that gift wide open and accessible to ambitious, foolhardy punks like myself.
Most of the performers we've brought into Sam Bailey and Heartsgaard are people I've known, loved, and worked with. What ties us together is a common feel of what is true and real, as well as shared sense for fantasy and fun. Probably, it's the same with every creative community.
Elizabeth is new to our merry band, and she gets us. We're smart in a smoky kind of way. We're a little bit ribald, a little bit edgy and a little bit classy. We love extreme creative risk, and we support each other and build the foundations that make those risks possible.
We always know one of our own, because they're the people who know us for five minutes and immediately start stretching the risk muscles. Feeling safe and feeling challenged at the same time... Some people respond to that by giving their absolute best. That's when our family gets a little bit bigger.
Since she met us, Elizabeth has given us the very best of herself and demanded the best from us. As we sat down and talked over the work we're going to have to do as an ensemble to bring Sam Bailey to the world, she laughed at her own hesitation and filled up a notepad with new information. By the time she left, she had completely equipped herself. I'm exhausted, and she was ready for me to get on with the next big challenge!
Look... That's not just professional. That's gifted. Here is an actor who has found the elusive balance between critique and intuition, who wisely built a house there, and who has already finished unpacking her stuff.
When people approach a problem a certain way, you can rest assured that they approach the rest of their lives in the same manner. Elizabeth Southard, you've chosen us to share your delightful, grounded, steady soul with. For that, we are exceptionally fortunate and overwhelmingly grateful.
Last night, I met with an actor who I've seen perform twice now: once on stage, and again at the recent Sam Bailey reading. Her relaxed, natural bravery suggests a degree of experience and craftsmanship far beyond her years, and her incredible humility leaves that gift wide open and accessible to ambitious, foolhardy punks like myself.
Most of the performers we've brought into Sam Bailey and Heartsgaard are people I've known, loved, and worked with. What ties us together is a common feel of what is true and real, as well as shared sense for fantasy and fun. Probably, it's the same with every creative community.
Elizabeth is new to our merry band, and she gets us. We're smart in a smoky kind of way. We're a little bit ribald, a little bit edgy and a little bit classy. We love extreme creative risk, and we support each other and build the foundations that make those risks possible.
We always know one of our own, because they're the people who know us for five minutes and immediately start stretching the risk muscles. Feeling safe and feeling challenged at the same time... Some people respond to that by giving their absolute best. That's when our family gets a little bit bigger.
Since she met us, Elizabeth has given us the very best of herself and demanded the best from us. As we sat down and talked over the work we're going to have to do as an ensemble to bring Sam Bailey to the world, she laughed at her own hesitation and filled up a notepad with new information. By the time she left, she had completely equipped herself. I'm exhausted, and she was ready for me to get on with the next big challenge!
Look... That's not just professional. That's gifted. Here is an actor who has found the elusive balance between critique and intuition, who wisely built a house there, and who has already finished unpacking her stuff.
When people approach a problem a certain way, you can rest assured that they approach the rest of their lives in the same manner. Elizabeth Southard, you've chosen us to share your delightful, grounded, steady soul with. For that, we are exceptionally fortunate and overwhelmingly grateful.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Story of Sam Bailey's Life
http://theyoungestlookingmanonearth.blogspot.com/
In the life of Sam Bailey, arcane mysteries and the pulp of endless adventures come face to face with the practical realities of the world we live in. As a character, Sam is so deeply fascinating because he's so real.
Actor Aaron Lyons is himself no stranger to wonder, and that's a piece of what makes him ideal for the role of Sam Bailey. As part of Aaron's preparation, he's applying his sense of poetry and magic to a chronicle of Sam's life and times.
Sam's lived a life full of intriguing secrets, and some of them will be addressed in the film. Those who are sensitive to spoilers should proceed with caution. For the rest, Aaron's ongoing blog offers a deep, soulful, intriguing look into the youngest looking man on Earth! Check it out, and spread the word!
http://theyoungestlookingmanonearth.blogspot.com/
Friday, June 12, 2009
Dialogue as Action
When writing dialogue for your characters, give me characters who use words as tools.
When someone says "GIVE ME THE GODDAMN MONEY!" they're not conveying their urgent mindset, they're trying to get the goddamn money!
Characters use dialogue to convince one another, to trick one another, to seduce one another, or for the other ACTIONS their goals demand.
They don't care about BEING understood, BEING heard, BEING sexy, or BEING anything else. Why? You should have made stakes and the urgency way too high for them to waste time BEING anything!
Dialogue is not an excuse to get passive. Use action to tell your story at all times - even when that action is speech.
If your characters have time to shoot the bullcrap, elevate what's at stake. If they reach their objective too quickly as a result, make the objective that much harder to reach!
When someone says "GIVE ME THE GODDAMN MONEY!" they're not conveying their urgent mindset, they're trying to get the goddamn money!
Characters use dialogue to convince one another, to trick one another, to seduce one another, or for the other ACTIONS their goals demand.
They don't care about BEING understood, BEING heard, BEING sexy, or BEING anything else. Why? You should have made stakes and the urgency way too high for them to waste time BEING anything!
Dialogue is not an excuse to get passive. Use action to tell your story at all times - even when that action is speech.
If your characters have time to shoot the bullcrap, elevate what's at stake. If they reach their objective too quickly as a result, make the objective that much harder to reach!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The 8 Sided Ensemble welcomes Shawn MacAulay!
Last week, I spent an evening with one of the most versatile, committed actors in Los Angeles, going over the details of how Sam Bailey, Heartsgaard, and the 8 Sided Ensemble works. Like anything else, Shawn applied himself to our little digital revolution in motion picture marketing with enthusiasm and mindfulness.
Most of you probably know Shawn MacAulay. I myself met him about six years back, in an Open Fist production of "The Devils... While Shawn proved notoriously easy to get to know and we bonded on a number of issues, that wasn't the moment I realized what a gift he is as an actor.
Shawn's "type" is the Woody Allen character, nebbish and manic. When I saw him in the lead of "Tender," wherein he stole the show as a motorcycle executive lothario on the streets of London, I began to see the big picture...
Liberated from his own wheelhouse, Shawn MacAulay become one of the bravest actors I've ever seen. His courage bolstered and heightened the rest of his performance, and the character he was portraying snapped to life on the stage. At the same time, Shawn has an introspective nature that begs to be filmed. Watching Shawn embrace a new character is an experience that will, time and again, break your preconceived notions of what actors can do. Big or small, his choices constantly surprise me. At the same time, Shawn has an innate sense of truth.
When you're working so far outside the box, it can be hard to tell what's real and what's not. Somehow, Shawn MacAulay just knows.
Shawn will be playing the role of Greasy Steve in Sam Bailey, and the role of Reggie in Heartsgaard. Welcome!
Most of you probably know Shawn MacAulay. I myself met him about six years back, in an Open Fist production of "The Devils... While Shawn proved notoriously easy to get to know and we bonded on a number of issues, that wasn't the moment I realized what a gift he is as an actor.
Shawn's "type" is the Woody Allen character, nebbish and manic. When I saw him in the lead of "Tender," wherein he stole the show as a motorcycle executive lothario on the streets of London, I began to see the big picture...
Liberated from his own wheelhouse, Shawn MacAulay become one of the bravest actors I've ever seen. His courage bolstered and heightened the rest of his performance, and the character he was portraying snapped to life on the stage. At the same time, Shawn has an introspective nature that begs to be filmed. Watching Shawn embrace a new character is an experience that will, time and again, break your preconceived notions of what actors can do. Big or small, his choices constantly surprise me. At the same time, Shawn has an innate sense of truth.
When you're working so far outside the box, it can be hard to tell what's real and what's not. Somehow, Shawn MacAulay just knows.
Shawn will be playing the role of Greasy Steve in Sam Bailey, and the role of Reggie in Heartsgaard. Welcome!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Right Place, Right Time
In my online travels, I came across an argument about whether success in film is primarily luck or perseverance... Notions like the nature of talent were being bandied about, and the gist of it all was that there are those who believe whether or nor you succeed is an issue beyond your control.
I see talent as just one of the components of luck - perseverance is another. Luck is the combination of opportunity and preparation.
Talent factors in under opportunity, right? Diligence factors in under preparation. Don't mistake luck for chance. Luck absolutely plays into success. By creating our own luck, we leave chance out of the equation.
Cultivate the kind of moist, dark environment that success can't say no to, and she'll sneak in and lay eggs all over it.
While the specific eddies and currents we get caught up in on Glory River are completely a matter of circumstance, the overall idea that success is based on chance is a fairy tale, and a popular one.
Know why it's so popular?
For one, it gives those who don't have the motivation or commitment to find success the anesthetic of knowing that failure has nothing to do with their own choices, and everything to do with a world that never gave them a chance.
Here's the bottom line: Nobody I know who is successful believes that success is based on chance. Everyone who I know is broke believes it is. Of course, you can argue that the successful people want to believe they earned it, and that the broke people all have it right.
Even if that's the case, it seems a pretty hefty price to pay for being right! Doncha think?
I see talent as just one of the components of luck - perseverance is another. Luck is the combination of opportunity and preparation.
Talent factors in under opportunity, right? Diligence factors in under preparation. Don't mistake luck for chance. Luck absolutely plays into success. By creating our own luck, we leave chance out of the equation.
Cultivate the kind of moist, dark environment that success can't say no to, and she'll sneak in and lay eggs all over it.
While the specific eddies and currents we get caught up in on Glory River are completely a matter of circumstance, the overall idea that success is based on chance is a fairy tale, and a popular one.
Know why it's so popular?
For one, it gives those who don't have the motivation or commitment to find success the anesthetic of knowing that failure has nothing to do with their own choices, and everything to do with a world that never gave them a chance.
Here's the bottom line: Nobody I know who is successful believes that success is based on chance. Everyone who I know is broke believes it is. Of course, you can argue that the successful people want to believe they earned it, and that the broke people all have it right.
Even if that's the case, it seems a pretty hefty price to pay for being right! Doncha think?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
RECIPE: Cinnamon and Honey Shake
Due to Facebook demand, I'll be posting a few of my raw food treats on the 8 Sided Blog. This one goes out to the lovely ladies of Los Angeles, and to Enci and Christina in particular:
CINNAMON AND HONEY SHAKE
Put into a big ole blender the following items:
1 Young Coconut, Meat and Water (the kind in the white husk - visit www.rawfoodmedia.com for instructions to open)
2 Big Handfuls Raw Cashews
At least one BIG GLOOP Raw Cold-Packed Honey, AT LEAST! (Piick one with a robust flavor too!)
2 Pinches Celtic Sea Salt (or other quality grey, unrefined salt)
Several Vigorous Shakes Organic Powdered Cinnamon
...and blend until it's super nice and creamy. If you want to make it creamier, add more cachew and honey. Then season to taste!
Once that's done, add ice cold filtered water or ice, and blend out the mixture until it's appropriate for drinking. Bottle it up, and you've got a delicious healthy shake that will keep your eyes bright and your tummy full! This recipe makes 3-4 pints, depending on how thick you make it and how meaty your coconut turns out to be.
Enjoy!
CINNAMON AND HONEY SHAKE
Put into a big ole blender the following items:
1 Young Coconut, Meat and Water (the kind in the white husk - visit www.rawfoodmedia.com for instructions to open)
2 Big Handfuls Raw Cashews
At least one BIG GLOOP Raw Cold-Packed Honey, AT LEAST! (Piick one with a robust flavor too!)
2 Pinches Celtic Sea Salt (or other quality grey, unrefined salt)
Several Vigorous Shakes Organic Powdered Cinnamon
...and blend until it's super nice and creamy. If you want to make it creamier, add more cachew and honey. Then season to taste!
Once that's done, add ice cold filtered water or ice, and blend out the mixture until it's appropriate for drinking. Bottle it up, and you've got a delicious healthy shake that will keep your eyes bright and your tummy full! This recipe makes 3-4 pints, depending on how thick you make it and how meaty your coconut turns out to be.
Enjoy!
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