So I’ve been making a few tweaks here at the site in preparation to do a lot more writing here. I’ve been kind of reevaluating the purpose of this site, blog, whatever the hell it is. I came close to completely shutting it down about a year or so ago when I had my stalker experience. But, I still kind of like writing on it and think it does have some value, so I have decided to keep it going. I will try to keep in interesting during the times that I am between movies.
So what have I been up to? After about a year of living a very reclusive existence due to being eyeballs deep in Sex Machine responsibilities and other chaotic personal stuff, I’ve decided to get involved in some new things. Some of these are specific to Austin, but others involve moviemaking on a larger scale.
Here are a few things that I’ve been working on (that I can tell you about):
MicroCinema Scene. This is a long running site that was about to close it’s doors at the end of last year. I really didn’t want to see that happen so I volunteered to take over the day to day running of the site. So far, I’m pretty happy with the experience. I’m glad we’ve kept it alive, but I think we have also added some pretty cool new features. The site focuses on low to no-budget filmmaking. We cover everything from the latest in digital video technology to backyard zombie movies. The forums are starting to develop into a pretty vibrant community as well. So if you’re into making movies, or want to keep up with what is happening on the fringes – stop by and check out MicroCinema Scene.
Big Ol’ Tire Fire. BOTF is a sketch comedy group based in Austin, Texas. I was meeting with my friend Craig Staggs because I am going to need help casting a new project I’ll be starting on soon. He knows everybody, so I figured he could help point me in the right direction. By the time the meeting was over, he had unveiled his grand plan for a sketch comedy group with live shows that would incorporate video, animation and live sketches. One week later we had the first meeting and the first show is scheduled for June 22. All the video segments are done really quick and dirty – just a camera occasionally on sticks and occasionally with a work light aiming in the general direction of the subject. But it’s cool to do these quick, funny pieces and to think about composing a frame to make it as funny as possible, rather than just relying on editing or what is happening inside the frame.
Here are a few frame grabs from something we shot this weekend. It was rainy and overcast but we just decided to go for it. It may not look as pretty as I would like, but it’s VERY funny, it’s finished and it only took a day of shooting and editing. Starring most of the BOTF crew, all of whom will be famous soon.
Also: Polishing up 2 screenplays. Getting ready to start another micro-budget feature. Putting financing together for the followup to Sex Machine. Writing a grant application. Trying to have a lot more fun. Stay Tuned.
