The 8 Sided Blog

A Personal Appeal from Tennyson E. Stead

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:46:00 +0000

Dear Friends of 8 Sided Films,

This e-mail is both the most rewarding update I have ever written, as well as an urgent appeal for help. Many people within our extended community have watched our team at 8 Sided Films continue to produce compelling entertainment on a shoestring, and to plant the seeds of a theatrical audience.

First, I am pleased to announce that our science-fiction web series THE STARMIND RECORD finished the festival circuit with two awards in hand. LA Web Fest awarded us Outstanding Achievement Awards in both Directing and Editing, both of which I was honored to accept in person.

Everything 8 Sided Films has done is part of a larger plan to build an audience and share our future with them. It is with profound pride (and no little amount of terror) that I announce that our future began about three months ago, and that our first theatrical release is now in heady development:

http://www.indiegogo.com/quantummovie

The film is Quantum Theory: When a defense contractor steals next-gen reality-bending quantum technology, the two sassy geniuses who invented it will stop at nothing to get it back!

Quantum Theory's producing team is a short-list of those collaborators who have brought the most value to my work, and who simultaneously have demanded the most from me - as well as one new member of the family in Quantum Theory's star, America Young. I've written volumes on her value as a performer and producer. Here, I will simply say that meeting her was like finding the other half of a codebreaking key.

We have our cast and crew. We have our movie theaters. For the first time in my film finance career, investors are asking me how they can get involved! The story we are telling is more fun than anything any of us have ever done. This is it.

Our biggest challenge is going to be making sure the audience shows up in numbers strong enough to drive the film's theatrical expansion, and our most immediate need is getting together the development money to meet our investors halfway.

Bringing our community together is the solution to both of these challenges. First and foremost, I'm asking everyone I know to share our IndieGoGo campaign: http://www.indiegogo.com/quantummovie If you can give something yourself to help us get started on our way, then we are immeasurably grateful. At the same time, I am asking you to share this website with your own community. Help us enlist new voices. That process, three years down the line, is what will make the biggest difference in theaters.

If you haven't already, I also ask you join the 8 Sided Forum: http://www.8sidedforum.com/?xgi=61xIBb1rZ0ixFO Come meet America and the unparalleled Danielle K. Jones, our stars on Quantum Theory! In fact, everyone I'm working with is there - and everything I've done revolves around sharing these excellent people with the world. Having you there will help, and every one of these people is worth knowing.

This is it. This is the big push, and I'm asking you to be a part of it. Please, spread the word.

Thank you.

Yours truly,
Tennyson E. Stead

Tennyson E. Stead on Film Courage!

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Karen and David gave me the chance this week to hijack their industry blog, and here's what I wrote:

WHY NOTHING IN FILM HAS CHANGED IN 1,000 YEARS & WHY ANYONE WHO SAYS DIFFERENT IS TRYING TO SELL YOU SOMETHING

"Tenny, you idiot! The technology of film is only 100 years old!"

Ha! Simmer down, sparky. SOME of the technology behind film is only 100 years old. Yes, I wrote this headline pretty much exclusively to get your attention - but what I said is true, and I'm sticking to my guns on this one.

Bear with me, because making an explosive point about the business of film is only part of what I promised to deliver unto the excellent folks at Film Courage. In addition, I've promised to make that point with anecdotes both specific and personal...

Read the rest on FilmCourage.com!

Whomsoever shares the Quantum Theory IndieGoGo... could RULE THE GALAXY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:44:00 +0000

So... Earlier today, I asked the interwebs for ideas about how to spread our IndieGoGo video (http://www.indiegogo.com/quantummovie) in a way that strengthened the community, rather than stifle it with spam and noise. "Interwebs, what kind of contest or game could possibly make this fundraise of ours any more exciting than it already is?"

The interwebs are silent.

My brain, however, was roaring defiantly into the sky. My fevered thinking was that I needed to do something so nerdy and goofy that the earnestness alone would win people over. This had to be something my cast would be excited to do, and it had to be something that reflected who we are at our core. More than anything, this contest had to be an opportunity for us to get to know our audience, and vice versa.

For all of these reasons, America Young and Tennyson E. Stead - the star and the writer/director of Quantum Theory - do hereby challenge he or she with the most Quantum Theory IndieGoGo referrals (http://www.indiegogo.com/quantummovie) to:

I'm talking LAN party, late '90's, Brood War Expansion drunk and belligerent StarCraft! Lemme ask you a question:

Do you think you can handle THIS?!!

How about THIS!!!

If our winner is in Los Angeles, they and their chosen champion (or possibly champions, depending on how this all shakes down) will join us at the North Hollywood OCTOCAVE for a night of beers, whiskey, trash talking and non-stop siege-tank violence! With the latest in cutting-edge freeware screen-capture technology, we will record the game - as well as commentary, interviews, and tactical analysis - for an epic blow-by-blow internet video recap!

Should our winner be from outside Los Angeles, we will exercise the virtual LAN capabilities of Windows 7, get real creative with Skype, and convene virtually upon the battlefield.

If you are serious about charging our bunker-turret-tank kill box, then please donate at least $1 to the IndieGoGo Campaign (http://www.indiegogo.com/quantummovie). This gets our IndieGoGo following your referrals, so we can see how many folks you sent our way. Even one dollar gets IndieGoGo on your trail. From there, use the links on our IndieGoGo page to make sure every referral is counted!

This is a silly contest, to be sure - but that was pretty much the appeal for us! We need more opportunities to get silly with you guys, and to get to know you better. Give us feedback! Let us know what you think! Based on what you suggest, we may well have other prizes for those who spread the word - but this is something America and I thought would be super fun to do.

So saddle the hell up! Anoint thy Templars! Beget thy hydralisks! Dropships coming in, five by five... and we are gonna get some!

An Important Request from Tennyson E. Stead

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:08:00 +0000

Dear Friends and Family, both known and unknown:

This is the message my friends and supporters have been waiting for me to send. This is the moment all my screenwriting, all my social media work, my years in the trenches of film finance, the fundraising, the theater, the short films and webisodes, the festivals, awards, and acclaim surrounding THE STARMIND RECORD, and all the amazing people who have rallied around these projects come together with a clear, focused intent.

Best of all, what we are creating is already capturing the imagination of our audience!

The film is Quantum Theory: When a defense contractor steals next-gen reality-bending quantum technology, the two sassy geniuses who invented it will stop at nothing to get it back!

Our script and the experience of our outstanding producing team have earned us a magnificent cast, the best production resources, growing social media support, and a crack at theatrical distribution! To make Quantum Theory an independent success in theaters, there are two things we need:

1. $200,000
2. The audience members to drive theatrical expansion

Crowdsourcing the money online is a GREAT first step to building the audience, so the success of our IndieGoGo campaign is critical. If you like our video:

If you like our video (and we think you will!) then we ask that you share it everywhere you can. On Twitter. On Facebook. Show it to your agent! Expanding our community is the only way to make Quantum Theory a success, and we need your help to do it!

Thank you for the support you have shown for both myself and my stories. Now is the time for the folks who support me to speak, and speak loudly. Please, watch our video. If it makes you laugh, if it charms you, if it makes you feel excited or curious.... tell people! Please, tell as many people as you can.

Thank you.

Yours truly,
Tennyson E. Stead

BREAKING NEWS: The Starmind Record at LA Web Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 07:04:00 +0000

So, there are some updates! Tentative, short-term plans are for:

SATURDAY, April 7
9AM: Screening block including THE STARMIND RECORD, in the Laguna Room
11AM: Panel discussion of "How we made our web series without asking for permission" including Tennyson E. Stead and Gerard Marzilli
6PM: Screening block including THE STARMIND RECORD, in the Laguna Room

SUNDAY, April 8
7PM: Red Carpet
8PM: Awards Ceremony

Again, these plans are tentative. 8 Sided Films cannot account for last-minute schedule changes to LA Web Fest programming, but we will be there to entertain any and all attendees!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Starmind Record at LA Web Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:16:00 +0000

Finally, we have some details about the LA Web Series Festival this weekend:

TODAY, Friday April 6 at 5PM, The Starmind Record will be screening with three other in-competition shows. This will be the first of two screenings this weekend, and the second is to be announced.

SATURDAY, April 7 at 11AM, Tennyson E. Stead and Gerard Marzilli will in a panel discussion on "How we made our web series without asking for permission".

SUNDAY, April 8 at 8PM is the LA Web Festival Awards Ceremony. Be sure and arrive early to negotiate the red carpet mayhem!

For tickets, the address, and other details, the website is http://www.lawebfest.com. If you're coming to any or all of these events, look us up!

Rock Over America Magazine Interviews Tennyson E. Stead

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:45:00 +0000

Mark Lewis asks Tennyson E. Stead what it is a director actually does, and discourse ensues!

CHECK IT OUT!

Rock Over America Magazine Interviews Gerard Marzilli

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Rock Over's Mark Lewis talks to Gerard about building a film company, putting up a show, and being an actor in modern America!

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Quantum Theory Interview 31

noreply@blogger.com (Irenicineri) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:35:00 +0000

DP Johnny Derango gets real about the film Quantum Theory and 8 Sided Films' fearless leader Tennyson Stead:

The Starmind Record at Hollyweb THIS SATURDAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:19:00 +0000

Dear Friends of the Record,

This Saturday, the Hollyweb Festival is bringing us together with web series creators from literally around the world to celebrate a new performance medium... and we hope you'll join us!

The event is being held at Dim Mak Studios (1643 Cosmo St., Hollywood) , formerly Cinespace, right there on Hollywood Blvd. Tickets are reasonably priced, and are available here: http://www.hollywebfestival.com/ticketsandschedule.html

Our screening block starts at 12 noon, and the red carpet unrolls at 8pm. If you're planning to make a day of it, join me for the first screening block at 10am! There will be awards, there will be a GREAT deal of drinking, and the people who set this up really understand the social nature of online entertainment. We're expecting to have a lot of fun.

Folks are coming from as far as Australia to attend this little shindig... and not just a few of them! Let's make sure the New Hollywood is there as well. Come on out with us, celebrate with us, and enjoy the show!

Yours truly,
Tennyson E. Stead

Quantum Theory Interview 30

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Actor Cesar Ramos discusses the role homosexuality plays in his character's life, and in Quantum Theory:

Geoffrey Wade Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Today, Geoff Wade ran a fantastic publicity photo shoot with the main cast of Quantum Theory. His communication with the actors was informed by decades of experience in the theater himself, and the images he produced are beautiful. Just as importantly, they match our technical needs perfectly.

There's more! Our shoot was thwarted by some very bad weather, and he conjured up a lighting solution on-the-spot. Geoff worked quickly and efficiently, and at the same time his attitude was always casual and friendly. His wife made us coffee, we had biscuits...

Basically, this was a perfect photo shoot - under conditions that would justifiably have allowed him to simply cancel on us. If you're looking for headshots, publicity stills, or an on-set photographer:

GEOFFREY WADE PHOTOGRAPHY! Officially endorsed by 8 Sided Films!

Quantum Theory Interview 29

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:59:00 +0000

Actor Cesar Ramos talks about working with the 8 Sided Ensemble, and what makes playing the character of Hector worthwhile:

Newzbreaker.com on THE STARMIND RECORD!

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:57:00 +0000

Click here to visit Newzbreaker.com!

Sci-Fi Web Series

THE STARMIND RECORD

Invades Los Angeles Festivals

New Web Series Flexes Dramatic Muscle

Accepting Invitations to Compete in Festival Circuit

Click here to view the trailer

LOS ANGELES (Mar 7, 2012) - 8 Sided Films announces the selection of their groundbreaking science-fiction web series, THE STARMIND RECORD for in-competition screening at the 2012 Los Angeles Web Series Festival. This follows a press release recognizing THE STARMIND RECORD as an official selection of the Hollyweb Festival one week earlier. In an internet culture obsessed with new storytelling conventions, THE STARMIND RECORD’s lean, dramatic approach stands out.

Series creator Tennyson E. Stead describes THE STARMIND RECORD as the story of two documentary filmmakers from Los Angeles who discover and investigate the presence of an extra-terrestrial intelligence.

“Great performance boils down to giving an actor something to do that’s so important, it’s all-consuming,” Stead said. “Then you deny them the resources to fulfill that mission at every turn. THE STARMIND RECORD is about stripping everything away but the conflict, because that’s what makes a great story,” he continued.

With an ensemble of classically trained actors, a handful of production collaborators, and nearly a decade of film finance experience, Stead has embraced stage repertory as a model for 8 Sided Films. “Making a web series allowed us to communicate with our audience without apologizing for budget. Folks in Hollywood forget this, but audience is the other half of the equation. There is no movie unless people are there to see it.”

“People see that we’re weaseling our way into movie theaters. They look at our audience and they say ‘Oh, that’s how they do it.’ No, you guys. That’s why we do it.”

Cast members include Gerard Marzilli (Criminal Minds, Dead in Love), Charlotte Gallagher (Unusual Suspects, Ripped Memories), and Matthew David McCallum, with guest star appearances from Ray Auxais (Parenthood, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Cesar Ramos (Sideways), and Lon Haber (Entourage, Brüno, Passions).

Tennyson E. Stead’s most recent credits include screenwriting duties on thriller XII, now in release from Unified Pictures.

Currently Stead and 8 Sided Films are in pre-production on sci-fi heist movie Quantum Theory, slated for production at the end of 2012. Quantum Theory stars actor and internet celebrity America Young, star of the Los Angeles stage Danielle K. Jones, and other members of the 8 Sided ensemble.

For more information on THE STARMIND RECORD, Quantum Theory, and 8 Sided Films, ask the cast and crew atwww.8sidedforum.com.

Quantum Theory Interview 28

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:37:00 +0000

Writer/director Tennyson E. Stead explains why Chelsea is the only main character allowed to play with reality-bending technology:

Quantum Theory Interview 27

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:57:00 +0000

Writer/director Tennyson E. Stead discusses what makes Quantum Theory the right movie with which to introduce the 8 Sided ensemble:

Quantum Theory Interview 26

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:44:00 +0000

America Young probes writer/director Tennyson E. Stead on the science behind Quantum Theory:

Quantum Theory Interview 25

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Actor and producer America Young outlines the creative challenges of performing in Quantum Theory:

"The Starmind Record" to Screen at the 2012 Hollyweb Festival!

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:05:00 +0000

For the last two hours, I've been debating whether to write this post as a blog entry or as a press release. On the one hand, the people behind The Hollyweb Festival have been very open and cooperative in their approach to building this event - to the degree that I won't be surprised to see supporting from folks who were not invited into the competition itself. This festival is, in the end, a triumph of Young Hollywood. My support for the organization comes from a profound, personal sense of respect and admiration.

On the other hand, take a look at the competitors! Several folks are coming to screen their shows from Canada, and several more are coming all the way from AUSTRALIA! Through their toil and effort, the producers of The Hollyweb Festival have collected entries from every corner of the world - and "The Starmind Record" has emerged among the top 54. I'm excited to see the other 53 shows, and I'm proud to be screening ours in good company.

The festival is on March 31, 2012 at Dim Mak Studios - formerly CineSpace - on Hollywood Blvd. We'd love to see you there, and tickets are available through the Hollyweb Home Page.

I'm hoping you'll come and celebrate with us. Certainly, I hope this inspires more people to watch the show, and I'm very much looking forward to meeting all the other web show creators. This is a fantastic day, and I feel exceptionally grateful to all those who made it possible.

Thank you, one and all!

DEADHEADS on DVD!

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:10:00 +0000

8 Sided Films congratulates a friend of the company, Andy Drummond, for bringing his critically lauded zombie comedy to DVD! Click the DVD cover to check it out on Amazon:

I confess that I have not had the chance to watch DEADHEADS yet myself, despite several festival screenings here in Los Angeles. What I do know is that repeatedly, DEADHEADS was exceptionally well-received. The guys behind this film are genre fans in the truest sense, in that they have a deep, passionate love for the conventions that defined the zombie genre before mainstream Hollywood got hold of it.

For his part, Andy Drummond is an Old Hollywood breed of producer. His interest in a project extends from his faith in the material and the people involved, rather than an external business model or the prevailing market trends. When he decides that a filmmaker can be held accountable for both the material and the audience they are engaging, he applies himself absolutely in service to that objective.

In this respect, I know DEADHEADS is as honest a film as you will find. I'm looking forward to seeing what directors Brett and Drew Pierce have done with it, and I hope you will join me!

Quantum Theory Interview 24

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:18:00 +0000

Actor America Young describes Quantum Theory's heroine, Dr. Chelsea Barrington:

Quantum Theory Interview 23

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:04:00 +0000

Director Tennyson E. Stead introduces Quantum Theory star America Young, and finds out what drew her to the film:

PRESS RELEASE: America Young to Lead Ensemble Cast in Sci-Fi Heist Quantum Theory

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:59:00 +0000

Actor and internet celebrity America Young partners with 8 Sided Films on Quantum Theory, a sci-fi heist comedy. Back-to-basics plan includes basing production value on performance and stagecraft, and leveraging fan support for platform release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

- Feb 07, 2012 -
Yesterday, 8 Sided Films publicly announced that actress and internet celebrity America Young will play the lead role of Dr. Chelsea Barrington in their upcoming science-fiction heist comedy, Quantum Theory. Film centers on two brilliant female scientists who develop next-generation reality-bending quantum technology, only to have it stolen by a powermongering defense contractor. Young stars alongside LA stage favorite Danielle K. Jones, as the pair of scientists responsible for snatching back their dangerous research. Cast will be joined by 8 Sided ensemble members Gerard Marzilli, Ray Auxais, Cesar Ramos, Shanna Beauchamp, Brian Abraham and Marta Portillo.

Young’s previous credits extend from the stage to the video game console and include “Goodnight, Burbank”, now on television, as well as her acclaimed web series “Geek Therapy”. Young’s stuntwork has been seen in many of Hollywood’s recent blockbusters, including Transformers 3. Her directing skills were most recently seen in the viral internet hit “Elf Sabers”, which delighted audiences worldwide over last year’s Christmas season.

When asked whether he had any intention of plying Young’s diverse skill set to other projects, Quantum Theory writer/director Tennyson E. Stead replied: “Of course!”

“8 Sided Films is a repertory film company,” explains Stead. “Companies like ours only thrive when artists work together to build a relationship with the audience. For us, America Young is a dream come true because she loves the same stories we do, and because she pursues her craft with the same reckless passion.”

“Beyond the quality of her craft, what makes her right for this role in particular is her sense of courage. America Young has accepted the monumental risk of Hollywood without compromising her goals or values - including the value she places on her own excellence. Including her goal of being the best that Hollywood has to offer. I don’t need to tell you how rare that is. That’s selflessness. That’s what the whole movie is about!”

With a financing and production plan that hinges on “crowdsourcing” through websites like IndieGoGo.com, production blogs, and eventually festivals and roadshows as a prelude to Quantum Theory’s theatrical release, audiences will have ample opportunity to meet America Young for themselves. This comprehensive approach to social media is necessary both to Quantum Theory’s microbudget approach to filmmaking, and to the content itself. Without pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into special effects and post-production, Quantum Theory’s appeal will hinge on the craftsmanship and appeal of the actors and the script. Without pouring hundreds of millions more into advertising, Quantum Theory will rely on grassroots labor for the exposure a film needs to achieve profitability.

Tennyson E. Stead is the writer of Unified Pictures’ upcoming thriller XII, and most recently wrote and directed the science-fiction web series “The Starmind Record”. Quantum Theory goes into production in the winter of 2012 in Los Angeles, CA.

To meet America Young, Tennyson E. Stead, and the cast and crew of Quantum Theory, visit http://www.quantummovie.com.

The 8 Sided Ensemble welcomes America Young!

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:44:00 +0000

For the last two months, I've been completely absorbed in the task of auditioning for the leading role in Quantum Theory. Our search has been both absorbing and exhaustive, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most accomplished actresses of our generation. Folks who follow have heard me talking about needing to find someone with the ease, wit and timing of Jack Lemmon, someone who produces because they refuse accept the role our industry has marked for them, someone who connects effortlessly with an audience...

Ladies and gentlemen, America Young is all these things and more:

Rather than sit here rattling off her resume (which you can find here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0949440/), I'd prefer to talk a little about the things I find so appealing about America personally. Quantum Theory, in many ways, is my own fantasy. This is a story about amazing people who love one another and love working together. Every day, these people break through the frontiers of human existence and discover new and incredible things. In fact, Quantum Theory is very much the story of 8 Sided Films... but that's a post for another day.

For now, the salient point is that the role of Chelsea demands an actress with whom I share trust and connection. Chelsea is the part of me that deserves success, she is the connective tissue that keeps the audience rooting... and the first thing you will notice about America Young is her smile. Without so much as a word, she is able to make you feel like you and she are working on the same team. She gives you confidence. It's a tremendous, inspiring thing.

Her love of acting is the second thing you'll notice about America Young. As a performer, America comes from the stage - just the same as the rest of us. She relishes every performance opportunity, she takes direction with complete commitment and attention, and she loves and respects the performers around her. I learned this in an audition, mind you!

Her love of storytelling is no less powerful than her love of performance - America is a skilled director, she's an experienced stuntwoman, and she's a big, big fan of genre. Her web series, Geek Therapy (http://www.comediva.com/geek-therapy-gq), has earned her acclaim online and in the mainstream media, including on CNN! ...and now you've caught me talking about her resume.

More to the point, I can talk with her about stuff like SkyChasers. Anyone who finds inherent value in teaching kids to be space commando dinosaur hunters is welcome here, and at the same time her sense of drama is very well-refined. Across the board, every project we are involved in can benefit from her creativity and passion - and the projects she is involved in are projects we would all be excited to help with. Her creative sensibilities make me want to write for her. Her skills make me see new opportunities for our ensemble as a whole. America Young is not just a cast member. She is someone who makes me excited for the future of my company and my collaborators.

I'm gonna be working real hard to keep her around, you guys. This one's a keeper.

There's one more thing I will say. None of this would matter if America Young's commitment or craftsmanship was any less profound than my own, Danielle's, Gerard's, Johnny's... but her craft and professionalism are consummate. Her skills are so well-developed and accessible that we were able to move past all pleasantries and start working together during her very first audition.

America Young is the kind of creative partner that comes along once in an age, and these are precisely the partnerships that form the core of 8 Sided Films. We are very, very lucky to have her.

America Young, welcome to 8 Sided Films! May they sing songs about this day!

Quantum Theory Interview 22

noreply@blogger.com (Tennyson Stead) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:13:00 +0000

Writer/Director Tennyson E. Stead talks about the challenges involved in preparing a script for production: