Monday Morning Mayhem and Fox Television

It is a wet, rainy, gloomy day here in the Greater Los Angeles area. We are spoiled with such beautiful weather here, that when it rains for several days straight it gets a little depressing.

Though the other day Karen and I went for a walk in the rain. A few days later, my hooded sweatshirt would probably still be wet if I didn't run it through the wash. We walked around the mini rivers running down the hills where we live. I had droplets of fresh rain falling off my face. Our shoes were completely soaked. We were almost the victims of a car drive-by. You know, when there is a build-up of water on the street, and a car zooms through sending the water into the air. Well whoever was driving that car certainly wasn't shy with their intentions. It was a refreshing and invigorating walk.

I wanted to touch on a few things this morning before I get back to work. First, let me give a shout out to Brian and Carl who have signed on as 'Followers.' It is my hope that not only do I learn and grow from this blog but that others will gain from it as well. I am grateful to those who follow me on this journey.


I had mentioned previously that a video I had worked on appeared on Fox Television. Indeed, the footage that my good friends Daniel Sol and Frantz Durand videotaped and I edited turned into an internet hit and now years later has appeared on network television. Though this television version is recut and given play-by-play by a voice-over personality. Religious Freaks Gone Wild is being seen via Whacked Out Videos which is syndicated through Fox Television.

It was quite a thrill to get a phone call from Dan telling me to turn the television onto Fox. Literally the moment I turned the TV on, there was his face rolling around in bed. The recut version is just as funny as the one that is online. I don't have access to that version but if you haven't seen the original and you are curious...



The latest on where my first feature film stands is this. It is picture-locked. My sound-designer, colorist, and music composer are all now working on those aspects of the film. Once they all complete their work, the film will be complete. So still not quite there yet, but have never been closer.

In the meantime, I spent some time yesterday logging videotapes and came across at least one tape that I have the ability to edit (need an update on my computer and editing software). So I am now editing together a quick 'Behind the Scenes' video of Night Before the Wedding. Basically we had a small video recorder on set and I told the whole cast and crew they are welcome to pick up the camera and film whatever they want. I will post it here for you when it is completed.

Moments from now I will be posting an ad on Craigslist for a new Website Designer. Our official website is long overdue for a make-over. Finding a new Designer is one of my current priorities. I am also looking to find an Editor(s) who can help me edit other Featurettes that I don't have the ability to edit currently. I hate to admit it, but I am looking for volunteers on both fronts. Looking to arrange more of a barter agreement.

On tap for tomorrow, I will be helping a close friend shoot his first Short Film. He is set to produce and direct it. I am going to act as cinematographer. It is a funny and clever idea. I am looking forward to it. I really hope the weather clears up so we can have our entire shoot. Wish us luck.

Is 'Sundance Winner' a Marketing Challenge?

Gabourey Sidibe in “Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire.” Anne Marie Fox/Lionsgate

I wasn't going to post a blog today as I am doing my best to catch up on a variety of work that includes my search for a new Web Designer. Our original Web guy has dropped out and we need to find someone to revamp our Night Before the Wedding website. I mean I haven't even blogged on the fact that a video I worked on just appeared on Fox television a few days ago. It is the first time something I have directly worked on has aired on Network Television. (I'll come back and post about this soon)

That same night I had the opportunity to view a buddy's Pilot Presentation. He had about 100 people in the audience and we were all getting our first look at the finished product. I performed Second Unit duties. Basically I directed and shot segments for the pilot's montage sequence. I would love to share it with you guys but it is strictly for selling purposes only.

That's the quick update. Now, I just couldn't keep from posting a few thoughts on an article I read today pertaining to the largest amount paid to date for any 2009 Sundance Film. Of course with Night Before the Wedding approaching completion, I am following everything I can regarding independent film distribution. The article was written by Brooks Barnes and published in the New York Times. Here is the direct link to the article, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/movies/05push.html about Lee Daniels, Push, and his film's $5.5 million deal with Lionsgate.

At the heart of this article is this, that 'Push' is going to be a tough sell in the marketplace. I'll tell you this, I would love to have some of the 'problems' that this film has. Not only is it an Official Selection to Sundance 2009, it won not 1 award but 3 awards there, the Audience Award, the Grand Jury Prize, and a Special Jury Prize for Acting.

The film is based on a novel by Sapphire. To me this is another great plus. Those familiar with the book may have interest in seeing the film version. The story centers on an illiterate and obese African-American teenager in 1980s Harlem who is pregnant with her father’s child — for the second time — and is also abused by her mother.

As if the 3 awards weren't enough, the film is openly endorsed by the duo of Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry as stated in the article. Seriously, what else is there to be worried about? This fact alone is worth millions in ticket sales. Once again, this is another 'problem' I would absolutely love to have. If anyone can tell me how to get my film into Tyler Perry's hands or Oprah's hands, please let me know. I would love to have their ringing endorsements.

Bottom line, I don't want to hear that 'Push' is a tough sell. I don't buy it. This film will make it's money. It has a niche audience and then some. It has already won 3 awards from one of the most prestigious film festivals in all the land. It then has ringing endorsements from Oprah and Tyler Perry. On top of that it features Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz. This combination of ingredients makes it a much easier sell than what is being portrayed in the aforementioned NY Times article.

I welcome your commentary. Also if anyone has a link to the trailer to this version of Push, I would like to see it.