Tuesday, January 29, 2008
In Business TV.com Launches
Coming in two Weeks
Music Mondays. I've gotten more and more excited about Flix Fridays, and now I'm adding a second theme day, Music Monday. Every other Monday, starting in two weeks, there will be a new song added to the blog playlist.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Preview for Friday Flix
I just posted the preview for this upcoming Friday Flix. Check it out, and, as always, leave comments.
Look at all the old Friday Flix by clicking the link at the top of the page.
Look at all the old Friday Flix by clicking the link at the top of the page.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
New Reviews
Check out my Blog extension Conscientious Craft for my new reviews of Into the Wild and I'm Not There
Saturday, January 26, 2008
New Retrospective on New blog extension
Check out my new Daniel Day-Lewis retrospective on my new blog extension Conscientious Craft:Reviews
It's a compilation of small reviews from several films I watched lately all featuring the actor Daniel Day-Lewis.
It's a compilation of small reviews from several films I watched lately all featuring the actor Daniel Day-Lewis.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Aftermath Wraps
Production wrapped today on the student short The Aftermath. I was there for the first shot and the last shot, and am exhausted. As for my part, there were parts where I felt the shoot was going really well, and part where I knew I was on a student's set.
To begin with, I wanted more time with the script before shooting. I've adapted my approach to acting and it is now more extensive and involved, but this process was hindered by the lack of a script. That stated, I now know more about cocaine use and treatment then I ever have, I have made contacts for drug rehab, and have researched a limited but broad amount of the stock market and hedge funds. This was one role where my Dad could have helped me tremendously, but unfortunately, he was out of the country for the entire process.
Preparation aside, the actor I played opposite of was so generous and present, I couldn't help but be honest. I really liked working on this film because of the actor playing Alan.
As for the production crew, the set was interesting because of the seemingly relaxed and improv feel, but underneath the director seemed to want a strict and organized set. There will probably by no continuity in the final product, but there was enough coverage from each angle that this could be minimal.
Alot of the time the actors, especially myself, joked around and added lines to each scene, it wasn't until the production reached the final scene that the director told us the film is based on a true event; albeit loosely.
Despite small production problems, I felt there was one area in which the film suffered tremendously. Unfortunately, as far as I know, the girls featured in the film have small parts. Each one of the girls showed alot of promise, and they were cute. It's always sad when I see people who have more talent then is being featured, hopefully they will go on to work much more in the near future.
As I find out more about the production wrap I will update, possibly even a cast list towards the premier.
To begin with, I wanted more time with the script before shooting. I've adapted my approach to acting and it is now more extensive and involved, but this process was hindered by the lack of a script. That stated, I now know more about cocaine use and treatment then I ever have, I have made contacts for drug rehab, and have researched a limited but broad amount of the stock market and hedge funds. This was one role where my Dad could have helped me tremendously, but unfortunately, he was out of the country for the entire process.
Preparation aside, the actor I played opposite of was so generous and present, I couldn't help but be honest. I really liked working on this film because of the actor playing Alan.
As for the production crew, the set was interesting because of the seemingly relaxed and improv feel, but underneath the director seemed to want a strict and organized set. There will probably by no continuity in the final product, but there was enough coverage from each angle that this could be minimal.
Alot of the time the actors, especially myself, joked around and added lines to each scene, it wasn't until the production reached the final scene that the director told us the film is based on a true event; albeit loosely.
Despite small production problems, I felt there was one area in which the film suffered tremendously. Unfortunately, as far as I know, the girls featured in the film have small parts. Each one of the girls showed alot of promise, and they were cute. It's always sad when I see people who have more talent then is being featured, hopefully they will go on to work much more in the near future.
As I find out more about the production wrap I will update, possibly even a cast list towards the premier.
Monday, January 21, 2008
NEW Blog Extension; Movie Reviews
Since several readers have stated they are having trouble finding my creative content among the movie reviews, I have created a blog extension handling only movie reviews. Check it out Conscientious Craft . I will post here when I have posted a new review, but you can check that sight also to see past reviews.
The Aftermath Script
Here is a link to the script of The Aftermath which will begin shooting this Tuesday 1/22/08. I will be playing the part of mark. If you read it you will notice the film is a short so shooting wraps midnight 1/23/08. I'll leave posting through the two day production, but if you want to know everything I know right now; check the script out.
The Aftermath
The Aftermath
Friday, January 18, 2008
SAG the MOVIE; the Cartoon
The SAG the Movie; the Cartoon is finished. Check in out. Leave Comments. I'm not going to say much more about the project right now, but I will leave comments in a few days, so most people see it without knowing anything about it.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Casting: The Aftermath
Tonight I got cast in a new film titled The Aftermath playing the part of Mark. The production is a student film with NYU film school. Mark is the best friend of the lead. I'll post more information as it becomes available.
I usually don't get too excited about Student Films, but this is my first casting of 2008, and as we all know, This is my year!
Here's a twist in the casting, this is the first time in my life that I'll depict someone older than myself. Mark is over 30.
I usually don't get too excited about Student Films, but this is my first casting of 2008, and as we all know, This is my year!
Here's a twist in the casting, this is the first time in my life that I'll depict someone older than myself. Mark is over 30.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
YAY!!! Music
Here's just an update about a new feature on my blog. I now have some of my music hosted on the imeem.com player you can find pasted to the right on the screen. I only have a few songs up there now, and they've all been around awhile, but now that I've found an easy way to host them and gotten more comfortable with recording check for updates every week or so. Enjoy listening and Leave comments so I know what you think.
Just a quick note. The Blog$ theme uses adult language, I didn't write it, but I recorded it for a show I host.
Just a quick note. The Blog$ theme uses adult language, I didn't write it, but I recorded it for a show I host.
Monday, January 14, 2008
There Will Be Blood
This is not the greatest movie of all time, but it is really really good. There are a lot of reasons go see this film, but leaving, despite all else, I knew I had seen something fresh and new. It's odd to say a movie can be fresh and new because, like all other films, it's a period, almost three hours, of people talking, living, etc in a frame, but thinking over the film it stuck out as having a different, unique approach to all these standards; there were long periods of silence, without seeming to be silent, a fantastic score, risky committed acting, very little blood, and fantastic cinematography.
HITS
Daniel Day-Lewis There's a reason this man can retire to become a cobbler in Italy for five years and still be an A-list actor. He breathed unique delivery into each scene he was in as well as seeming incorporating everything happening in the world of the film at that time. He took chances and made bold choices, he stood out.
Score There was a notable underscore because the backing music was a character all by itself. It, like the rest of the film, took chances. It was jarring and experimental, but fit and involving.
Silence I didn't know if this would classify as directing or script, but since both belong to P.T. Anderson, and this is his film, I'm giving the silence it's own category. This film took time. It wasn't rushed it arrived when it was needed. I think this speaks to its somewhat limited release, it expects to be wanted; it doesn't try and rush an audience in and out with a good aftertaste.
Misses
Paul Dano It isn't completely fair to blame Dano for his problems, he was brought in because the previous actor couldn't work opposite Daniel Day-Lewis and he was opposite Daniel Day-Lewis. BUT, he didn't have the depth that was needed in certain scenes. Several times the counterpoint between Daniel Plainview, Day-Lewis, and Eli Sunday, Dano, seemed more like a ox battling a fly, almost comic. This was a great script, but a very challenging script and I think the scenes that worked the least are both the actor and the directors fault.
Abundance of Short Scene The longer scene gave time to let the colors the actors and director were working with spread out and evolve. The short scene sometimes seemed locked in, mechanical. There were still interesting, but they stood in such a contrast to the scene where the actors could stretch out they seemed harder, more alloted that organic.
Thinking back over possible misses, I keep coming to the end of the film and every time and blown away by the take Daniel Day-Lewis took on the final line. In a place where it could have all fallen apart, it was bolted together by relying on the innovation that flowed through the whole movie.
I liked this movie, I've only seen it once, but I will probably enjoy it more and more as I re-watch it.
One piece of advice, don't read the script before you go see it.
HITS
Daniel Day-Lewis There's a reason this man can retire to become a cobbler in Italy for five years and still be an A-list actor. He breathed unique delivery into each scene he was in as well as seeming incorporating everything happening in the world of the film at that time. He took chances and made bold choices, he stood out.
Score There was a notable underscore because the backing music was a character all by itself. It, like the rest of the film, took chances. It was jarring and experimental, but fit and involving.
Silence I didn't know if this would classify as directing or script, but since both belong to P.T. Anderson, and this is his film, I'm giving the silence it's own category. This film took time. It wasn't rushed it arrived when it was needed. I think this speaks to its somewhat limited release, it expects to be wanted; it doesn't try and rush an audience in and out with a good aftertaste.
Misses
Paul Dano It isn't completely fair to blame Dano for his problems, he was brought in because the previous actor couldn't work opposite Daniel Day-Lewis and he was opposite Daniel Day-Lewis. BUT, he didn't have the depth that was needed in certain scenes. Several times the counterpoint between Daniel Plainview, Day-Lewis, and Eli Sunday, Dano, seemed more like a ox battling a fly, almost comic. This was a great script, but a very challenging script and I think the scenes that worked the least are both the actor and the directors fault.
Abundance of Short Scene The longer scene gave time to let the colors the actors and director were working with spread out and evolve. The short scene sometimes seemed locked in, mechanical. There were still interesting, but they stood in such a contrast to the scene where the actors could stretch out they seemed harder, more alloted that organic.
Thinking back over possible misses, I keep coming to the end of the film and every time and blown away by the take Daniel Day-Lewis took on the final line. In a place where it could have all fallen apart, it was bolted together by relying on the innovation that flowed through the whole movie.
I liked this movie, I've only seen it once, but I will probably enjoy it more and more as I re-watch it.
One piece of advice, don't read the script before you go see it.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Blog$, my hosing gig, Theme Song
After much heming and hawing; I have two opening themes prepared for presentation to the good people at InBusinessTV.com. The concept and the lyrics belong to the InBusinessTV people, but I am the voice on the tape. Here are the links to the two versions. WARNING: Adult Lyrics contained within.
Electric Blog$ Theme
Acoustic and Electric Blog$ Theme
I'll try and find some place to post them where there is no need to download the music to hear it.
Electric Blog$ Theme
Acoustic and Electric Blog$ Theme
I'll try and find some place to post them where there is no need to download the music to hear it.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
SAG teaser
It's been a few days since I have posted anything, but I've been busy working on my first animation short. I'm proud to say that all the animation is now complete and all that's left to do it add the voices. I'm really excited about the completion of this project, but worried about its reception. We'll see, we'll see. Now, I don't want you to get too excited, but I'm posting a short teaser, its the first few seconds of the piece. There is more to come from me, but this is the first of a few projects that I am completing right now.
I hope you enjoy this, and feel free to leave comments about what you think the plot of this cartoon might be about. I promise you won't be able to guess.
I hope you enjoy this, and feel free to leave comments about what you think the plot of this cartoon might be about. I promise you won't be able to guess.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Punch Fight
Here is a piece of Urban art I worked on with Robert Blasko. If you like it leave a message, ask for a high def quality.
Brief Thought on Legends of The Fall
I am a late comer to this particular film, as it was released within my lifetime, a rather large success, and nominated for several actors. This being so I don't feel the need to discuss the merits of this film; the acting is great, the story is huge and exciting as it is upsetting. However, the thing that impacted me the most watching a thinking about the film was a single, small scene and the versatility of the story.
Of the two, I'll begin with the story. I think everyone who watches this film, based on their age, sex, and/or upbringing, will see a different story and find a different ending; this is due to a combination of the casting as well as the direction. I personally saw a movie about a tough, rugged man who lived by being able to control everything around him by being the toughest, but was ultimately brought down by the truth that one man cannot control everything. That's right, I'm a guy and I focused on the story about Brad Pitt, trust me, that's not an easy thing for me to admit. However, at the same time, there is an abandoned woman stuck somewhere between a Juliet-esk lost love and a sexual mistress, a brother who cannot fit in either in the wilderness or in town but could find success in either but without love, an Indian chief who must make his tribe, and the list goes on; even without the separate story lines the focus of the film differs from person to person based also on who they think is the most interesting actor, Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt, Aidin Quinn, etc.
As far as the scene that stuck with me after the film, there is a part where a policeman shoots Tristan's wife. Following a brawl with the cops, Tristan walks to his wife and carries her away. Watching this moment I thought immediately about how hard it would be to let my girlfriend go in a similar situation. This scene stated alot about love, and I think it was only heightened when, in the commentary, the Director and Brad Pitt, who played Tristan, asked each other where Tristan was walking to. It might be better that there is no particular destination, but, like the story, the destination is probably invented anew by every viewer based on who they are. I really wanted to find a picture of this scene, which I thought would be impossible, until I realized it is both on the movie jacket as well as in the official movie poster.
Friday, January 4, 2008
ATONEMENT
The title is in all caps because it is definitely that sort of heavy, english drama. This movie was really good, but I'm not sure I liked it. I want to go ahead and state that the acting was great, stoic and contained in true English acting form. Besides that, due to the confusing nature of the film there was only one high point and one low point.
High:
Story I don't want to say that I have never seen a story like this on film, but I will say it was very fresh to me, and, if not a new story, a very new look at it. The story is simple. So simple in fact that, although it never dragged, I did leave wondering how it lasted two hours.
Misses:
Production For such a simple story and such restrained acting, the way in which it was filmed is so distracting. The process is not without merit, but it definitely makes it something you have to think about after the film or makes you enjoy the film more the second time you see it. The problem with that being, I know the story now and don't care to ever see it again; it's like an inside joke that someone you don't know talks about constantly and finally explains to you as you are leaving but who cares because you don't know them in the first place.
That was my overwhelming reaction to the film as a whole.
I will add that at the very end of the film, there is an interview with the main character, played by Vanessa Redgrave, which is heartbreaking. Vanessa Redgrave is so amazing in her ten minutes on the film that it will stay with you for several days (I think). However, it is odd because, watching it, I really wanted it to be real and it's not at all; this was a point at which I hated the artificiality of film.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
There Will Be Blood
Everyone has been talking about how amazing this movie is going to be when it comes out. If anyone is as excited as I am; you will be thrilled to read the script at least if you can't see the movie yet.
http://www.mediafire.com/?5sei03heycl
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Be Kind Rewind Live Store
I am not a part of this, nor will I actually be able to visit, but this is awesome. Michel Gondry has set up a real store in New York to work as promotion for his upcoming Be Kind Rewind movie. What makes this promotion extra awesome is guests will be able to enter the store and shoot their own films; there are event 15 mimi-back lots which visitors can use. I think this movie will be great, but this type of promotion is really something special.
When asked about this particular promotion Gondry stated that he was offered a partnership with Blockbuster to due ads and posters etc, but turned them down stating that his movie is about the indi-video stores fighting for space against video store giants and it seemed wrong to use a promotion against the ideas of the film.
When asked about this particular promotion Gondry stated that he was offered a partnership with Blockbuster to due ads and posters etc, but turned them down stating that his movie is about the indi-video stores fighting for space against video store giants and it seemed wrong to use a promotion against the ideas of the film.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)