WHERE THE HEART LIES ... Johnson, Hyten, Golden & Bullis

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/WTHLnewPOSTER.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Geoff Reisner has talent beyond what words can express. I'll simply let a small sample of raw frames (reduced in size) show you what I mean:

http://www.archivisuals.com/grabs.jpg

http://www.archivisuals.com/grabs2.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Ok, guys. We're in and THIS TIME we got smart and got Blaine on board at the start of the damn fest instead of the last week. We're going to try to learn from past mistakes and put in the due diligence and pre-production work. We had a script meeting last night and have a basic outline finished with a committment that Blaine and I will finish a working script by Thursday. We're off!

[Slimothy]

Diggity.

[bosindy]

GREAT! looking forward to seeing what you guys cook up.

[Mark Harris]

Two whole days on the script, guys? You don't think that's a little overboard? :)

[Mark Johnson]

Hey Harris! Get your butt out here! We're going to be casting hot actresses for a really dope lingerie scene. We could use your assistance!

[Mark Harris]

I do look good in lingerie...

[bosindy]

I have never mentioned this before but I am very good at casting. BTW your poster just ate my computer screen.

[cinealma]

Hey, we've got our first title!

Good luck on the project, guys.

:beer:

[Mark Johnson]

BTW your poster just ate my computer screen.

Speaking of things eating, we watched THE HOST last night. SH*T that is the best monster film I've ever seen. If you ain't seen it, netflix it dudes.

[Mark Johnson]

Our script is flexible to adapt to whatever crazy requirements are imposed in the rules. Rumor has it that we have to use a talking condom in the story.

[Robbie Comeau]

Good luck. The poster caught my attention, along with the title. Awesomeness!

[Mark Harris]

Rumor has it that we have to use a talking condom in the story.

Oh wait, I already have a movie like that!

[Mark Johnson]

Good luck. The poster caught my attention, along with the title. Awesomeness!

Hey thanks! We were really surprised to find that title hasn't been used in anything major that we could find on first blush. Lots of "Lies of the Heart" and "Where the Heart Is" type of stuff but nada on "Where the Heart Lies" at least with a couple quick google searches.

[Slimothy]

Two whole days on the script, guys? You don't think that's a little overboard? :)

lol, it's actually a script we've had ideas for since drama fest. Just a bit of wrenching and it should be pretty cool.

TIm.

[Mark Johnson]

Ok, fixed the oversight of not having DVXUSER Scott Bullis on the poster. As anyone who has worked on stuff with us in the past knows, Bullis is always a key player in our productions. I tried to edit the title of our thread to add Bullis but I guess that's not possible, huh?

[Simon Höfer]

Really looking forward to this movie! We get the chance to see a hopefully polished piece of work from your side. Even though the last one was in a rush, it still has been quite good. So this must become a masterpiece :)

lala :)

[Mark Johnson]

Tell me when I should delete the link to this poster. Some people maybe do not like it.

Good God, don't touch that link! This thread is going to go out of its way for content like this!!!!

I actually saw this and loved it. I find it hard to believe that Giger really did much consulting on it, though.

[Brandon Rice]

Mark...

:thumbsup:

[Larry R]

Looking good :thumbsup:

Ok, fixed the oversight of not having DVXUSER Scott Bullis on the poster. As anyone who has worked on stuff with us in the past knows, Bullis is always a key player in our productions. I tried to edit the title of our thread to add Bullis but I guess that's not possible, huh?

I modified the title and added "Bullis" to it for you.

[Mark Johnson]

Larry, you are such a prince! Can't say enough about all you've done to make these fests run smoothly.

Thanks for allowing us to add Bullis to the team lineup. Welcome to the Bullis Homeworld.

[Scott Bullis]

Thanks Gents ! Much appreciated.

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/alittlebite.jpg

We'll be having a script meeting at Hooters Hollywood next week if any of you L.A. based DVXUsers wanna come hang out. Tommy, can we count on you joining us per usual? And, Kholi, how about getting your ass over for a change, too?

[Mark Johnson]

First BTS! - We've got a couple dvx cameras here and Tim and Bullis are checking one of them out:
http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/timbullis.jpg

[Simon Höfer]

You are fast!

[Mark Johnson]

Nomis, get your butt over here and come shoot with us. Cologne is just a 747 and a nap away from Los Angeles. We've got a bed for you and enough spaghetti to last a week. Tim will even pick you up at LAX, so book them tickets now.

[Simon Höfer]

Nomis, get your butt over here and come shoot with us. Cologne is just a 747 and a nap away from Los Angeles. We've got a bed for you and enough spaghetti to last a week. Tim will even pick you up at LAX, so book them tickets now.

You cannot even imagine how much I would like to do that :) Unfortunately there is a small lack of money and I have to go to university :cheesy: (BTW The cheapest flight I could find in a hurry is 430Euro [627$])

I will probably come back to that offer in a couple of years :D

[Mark Johnson]

I declare now that your bed and board at Fat Monster Films will be here for you when you are ready or Hyten will be rendered a eunuch. By God, I swear it.

http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/heartlies.jpg

[Tom Marshall]

Wow, you guys are getting an early start on this one... definitely count me in. :beer:

[Mark Johnson]

TOMMY! Hooters next week, man. I'll bring "the shirt".

http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/nautilusheart.jpg

[Larry R]

Wow, you guys are getting an early start on this one...
Don't worry tommy, they'll still be doing their final compression render at 5 minutes to the upload cutoff :grin:

[Mark Johnson]

Don't worry tommy, they'll still be doing their final compression render at 5 minutes to the upload cutoff


http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/timauthority.jpg

[Simon Höfer]

There havent been any updates for quite some time now. How is it going?

I hear some rumors about a potential lead actress.


I declare now that your bed and board at Fat Monster Films will be here for you when you are ready or Hyten will be rendered a eunuch. By God, I swear it.


I will remember that :thumbsup:

[Mark Johnson]

I hear some rumors about a potential lead actress.

We have an offer outstanding and hope to have an announcement soon!

You know, just once I'd like to have someone come in and say, "who do you have to sleep with to get ahead around here?" I've always been ready to answer that question, but never get asked it.

[Brandon Rice]

Wow... things are rolling in here, good luck guys! :)

[Blaine]

I guess I'm going to have to get a riding crop to keep the guys on point. :thumbsup:

[Mark Johnson]

I guess I'm going to have to get a riding crop to keep the GUYS on point.

What about our lead actress? I believe she needs to have a little whipping applied, Blaine. You know what they say. "spare the rod ..." and all of that.

This is going to be a bondage and SM-friendly production. ... Did I just hear Tommy go "boo-yeah!"?

[Blaine]

What about our lead actress? I believe she needs to have a little whipping applied, Blaine.Oooo...I'm getting tingly all over...:-Love(DBG):

[Tom Marshall]

What about our lead actress? I believe she needs to have a little whipping applied, Blaine. You know what they say. "spare the rod ..." and all of that.

This is going to be a bondage and SM-friendly production. ... Did I just hear Tommy go "boo-yeah!"?

Hey, if that's the case, I'll pick up the tab... :beer:

[Mark Johnson]

Hey, if that's the case, I'll pick up the tab...


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195003014.jpg

[hoopman]

This thread shows promise of becoming another TTN monster. Maybe the shirt will reappear again!

[Mark Johnson]

Maybe the shirt will reappear again!

You mean this one?

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195004926.jpg

[Blaine]

Well, we now have a RAW first draft. :beer:

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195065416.jpg

[x-angel]

this is going down hill fast....

[Justin Kuhn]

Well, we now have a RAW first draft. :beer:

From the looks of this thread I wouldn't expect anything but the rawest of raw, sir.

You know what I'm talking about. You know.

[Mark Johnson]

From the looks of this thread I wouldn't expect anything but the rawest of raw, sir.

This is definitely not your father's DVXUser thread. We strive to make Family Guy seem high brow.

And, of course, its all in good fun and with tongue in cheek. Everyone knows that Mark Harris is an attractive gentleman ....

[Blaine]

this is going down hill fast....Hell, we were never UP hill. We start out at rock bottom and begin to DIG!

[Mark Johnson]

Nicely put, Blaine. ... Have been working on the rough script. We made real progress until Tim got hammered about 1 a.m. last night.

[Blaine]

We made real progress until Tim got hammered about 1 a.m. last night.So he got into the Jack :grin:

[Slimothy]

Things are a bit foggy.....

I need more DVXuser's phone #s so I can drunk dial more randomly.

The same people are getting boring (I think?)

If they're not getting bored, I'm sure they're getting mad.

Last night was fun. Thanks for the single barrel Blaine. Helped me sleep a bit....at 4 a.m.

[Mark Johnson]

On a more serious note, we are very pleased to announce that this morning we received notice that JULIE HORNER has accepted the role as LISA LOWE in WHERE THE HEART LIES. Julie appeared most recently in THE UNAWAKENING by JDS and his "dream team" crew: (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=115403)
Julie was also the bride in the music video we produced for the band NUDE: www.fatmonsterfilms.com (http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195069717.jpg
The Lovely Ms. Horner

[Simon Höfer]

Spot on, now we are talking seriously!

[Mark Johnson]

Hoping to cash in on the cheap asian labor available through Tim's relatives, we have commissioned a series of promotional items for our film, beginning with:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195072850.jpg

[x-angel]

In all fairnes...the main actress of "I didn't know" will sleep with the director and actor every night.

(I'll give you a second to put this together)

[Mark Johnson]

the main actress of "I didn't know" will sleep with the director and actor every night.

A whole new concept for rehearsals and script meetings. :)

[Tom Marshall]

Just make sure you get it in writing... :beer:

[Mark Johnson]

We are very pleased to announce that Where The Heart Lies will be shot by DP Steven Parker - see his reel here: http://www.foveanpictures.com/foveanreelmed.html

Steve shoots all over the world and has a specialty in narrative film so we are particularly enthused to have him shoot our little piece. Steve's IMdb page is here:
(http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0662635/)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195156550.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

We are also extremely pleased to also announce that Justin Durban has agreed to score Where the Heart Lies.

Most members of this forum are very aware of his work in prior fests (Edgen) so you are aware at how excited we are to have him on board.

Justin's IMDb page is here: http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=Justin+Durban

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195156968.jpg

[bosindy]

When are you guys shooting?

[Mark Johnson]

When are you guys shooting?

We're shooting in January. Why don't you come out and shoot with us?

[bosindy]

Very tempting, I may take you up on it. Let me see how things progress on a few things and I'll get back to ya. I hope to have the shooting for mine done in December and if it all falls right who knows.

Thanks for the invite.

[Brandon Rice]

We are also extremely pleased to also announce that Justin Durban has agreed to score Where the Heart Lies.

Most members of this forum are very aware of his work in prior fests (Edgen) so you are aware at how excited we are to have him on board.

Justin's IMDb page is here: http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=Justin+Durban

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195156968.jpg

Nice! Great guy, and HUGE talent!

He'll do you proud!

[Mark Johnson]

Justin's score for your short was gorgeous, B-man. When we talked with him, though, he said, "that was nothing. Your score will make Brandon's sound like elevator music." .... just kidding. You guys should be very proud of what you put together.

Also, B-man, congrats on your announcement last night on dvxtalkradio.com. Why don't you take some of that new money and sponsor a really great prize for this fest? huh?

[Mark Johnson]

Very tempting, I may take you up on it. Let me see how things progress on a few things and I'll get back to ya. I hope to have the shooting for mine done in December and if it all falls right who knows.

Thanks for the invite.

You may be interested in knowing that the climate can be slightly better in So Cal in January than it is in Mass :) Seriously, we would be so stoked if you can come out to join us. Tickets are pretty cheap if booked ahead and we'll pick ya up at the curb and take good care of you til you have to go back. Do seriously think about it!

[Brandon Rice]

Justin's score for your short was gorgeous, B-man. When we talked with him, though, he said, "that was nothing. Your score will make Brandon's sound like elevator music." .... just kidding. You guys should be very proud of what you put together.

Also, B-man, congrats on your announcement last night on dvxtalkradio.com. Why don't you take some of that new money and sponsor a really great prize for this fest? huh?

hehe thanks...

yeah, that money's going to pay people back... lol

:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195181952.jpg

If you find yourself wondering what a bottle of Tim's urine looks like you may wish to check out our Fat Monster Films blog (http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/fatmonsterblogger.html) I will allow Tim to provide the fascinating back story behind why.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195182965.jpg

[Chris Messineo]

The comic book style posts are awesome.

[Beat Takeshi]

Yeah, I was about to say that and was thinking it would be cool to have them move with .gif files

[Mark Johnson]

Yeah, I was about to say that and was thinking it would be cool to have them move with .gif files

Cool idea. I haven't fooled with animated .gif files in awhile.

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.archivisuals.com/truestory01.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

I've got some spare time here at the Wichita Airport so I'll relieve the boredom with a post. My plans for an early Thanksgiving holiday were wrecked when we got a call hiring us to work on the case involving the big oil spill in San Francisco Bay. Thus, I'm flying back from a visit with my folks in Kansas and tomorrow morning will be on the bay with Bullis shooting footage of the vessel involved (which apparently is still in place at the point of collision with the Bay Bridge).

Anyway, I had to drag my carcass out of bed super early to make the 2-hour drive to the Wichita airport. En route the sun came up and I snapped this pic with my iPhone. It reminded me that one of the things I do miss about old Kansas are the spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The whole landscape is as flat as a table and slow-moving weather patterns in the fall make it prone to sweeping cirrus and altocumulus clouds that really show off the magic hour.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195404051.jpg

[Drew Ott]

Is that really an iPhone picture? It looks way better than what I've seen.

The auto shutter created ridiculously blurry pictures in every situation when I tested its camera.

[Robbie Comeau]

That's a great picture. Looks nice!

[Tom Marshall]

Nice shot, Mark...

Speaking of Magic Hour, I took this photo a few years ago while driving from Florida to California -

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/17011/1195444226.jpg

[Blaine]

Dinner at Omaha Jack's with Johnson and Bullis tonight. They're off tomorrow for the colder climes of the north (California, that is.) :beer::beer:

[Mark Johnson]

Is that really an iPhone picture? It looks way better than what I've seen. The auto shutter created ridiculously blurry pictures in every situation when I tested its camera.

Yes, that's the iPhone. I agree that the camera is too low-res and has poor auto shutter. However, if you live within its limitations you can get some neat stuff since it is so easy to grab and snap with. I rested it on the dash as I was driving to keep it steady enough to get that shot.

TOMMY, that's a gorgeous image! I love it and thanks for posting it.

Oh, and I got some shots of Bullis and Blaine tonight that will resurface here in the near future.

[Tom Marshall]

Dinner at Omaha Jack's with Johnson and Bullis tonight. They're off tomorrow for the colder climes of the north (California, that is.) :beer::beer:

I feel so left out...

[Blaine]

I feel so left out...That's what comes from not being in the center of activity here in the INLAND EMPIRE. There you are out in the boondocks of North Hollywood...:cheesy:

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195492053.jpg

[Luis Caffesse]

It means that the top half of his face looks exactly like John Lithgow
:thumbsup:

[cinealma]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195492053.jpg

Glad to see he's wearing the right jersey.

Is that a "32" I see on there, my man? :beer:

[Blaine]

Glad to see he's wearing the right jersey.

Is that a "32" I see on there, my man? :beer:You better believe it! :beer:

[bosindy]

I

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195404051.jpg


Great thing about Kansas and Nebraska is you can tie the steering wheel down and take a nap.

[x-angel]

Great thing about Kansas and Nebraska is you can tie the steering wheel down and take a nap.

You can do that going from San Antonio to El Paso as well.

[Luis Caffesse]

You can do that going from San Antonio to El Paso as well.

Sure, but why go from San Antonio to El Paso?
I could see going from El Paso to San Antonio...but the other way?
:)

[Tom Marshall]

Sure, but why go from San Antonio to El Paso?
I could see going from El Paso to San Antonio...but the other way?
:)

I've made both trips and they both suck... :Drogar-Angry(DBG):

[Blaine]

Well, I'm happy to say I'm FROM El Paso. I couldn't imagine going back and living there. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[Slimothy]

Glad to see he's wearing the right jersey.

Is that a "32" I see on there, my man? :beer:

Blaine, I'm the Ninja of the group!

Mark is cookin up the final draft of the script, it should be complete this week and it's all down hill from there, right? :P

[Mark Johnson]

Blaine, I'm the Ninja of the group!

Mark is cookin up the final draft of the script, it should be complete this week and it's all down hill from there, right? :P

I wouldn't call it the "final draft" but I did send you guys my suggested revisions. I expect that by the weekend Blaine and I should be able to put together something close to final

[Larry R]

Just now catching up on the thread ... sorry to hear I missed you guys the other day. As you may, or may not, remember I work in Pleasanton. Just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the G.G. Bridge.

Oh well, maybe next time. :) Love that sunrise shot, BTW :thumbsup:

[Scott Bullis]

Yeah, what Larry R said, "East Bay" baby !

[Mark Johnson]

Larry, I did forget you were right next door. Say, there's a steakhouse there close to you that is among my favorite in the world. Can't remember the name, but surely you do. Perhaps we can meet there soon?

Today Bullis and I were on San Francisco Bay shooting footage for the big oil spill case that you may have read about. Here's some frames from the HVX:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195627368.jpg

We were working from a very nice yacht under motor power most of the day. On the way back to Alameda the engine shot craps and we were adrift. We raised sail but there was almost no wind whatsoever. Fortunately, our client found a stash of beer and an old bottle of Mumms champagne. It took us until after 7 p.m. to finally get back to the marina but we did have a good time.

[Mark Johnson]

Here's a couple shots from the iPhone on the way back to the dock:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195629413.jpg

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195629438.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you wherever you are. ... I find myself in Topeka, Kansas at my sisters house for a traditional day of turkey and football with family. ... Enjoy yourselves wherever you happen to be.

[hoopman]

Cool pics in this thread. Thanks for posting.

[Tom Marshall]

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you wherever you are. ... I find myself in Topeka, Kansas at my sisters house for a traditional day of turkey and football with family. ... Enjoy yourselves wherever you happen to be.

Happy Thanksgiving! :beer:

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

hey I thought I had subscribed / posted to this thread before ... hmm ... oh well, let me rectify that ...

... http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/7195/1195776486.jpg

...

heheh ... nice photoshop ... I've been home for a while now though it didn't feel like it till about 4 days after we got Unawakening up ... then I was like "who is this lovely person sleeping next to me whose been bringing me TV dinners and ho ho's for the last month ... oh snap! I live with her." :cheesy:

Really looking forward to what you guys come up with, with both oars in the water this go around :beer:

[Mark Johnson]

Really looking forward to what you guys come up with, with both oars in the water this go around

Thanks J.D. This is a good time to thank you and your team for turning in two spectacular works this last go-through. We've already spent considerable time discussing some of the editing work as well as the camera work in both "Mouth" and "Unawakening." The process is a good reminder that nothing really comes easy and very little "good" occurs from pure chance. So, yes, we are willing to candidly admit that we lacked both time and pre-production the last time and we're extremely enthused with where things are so far given our new "Jack Stanley-inspired-work-ethic." I don't want to sound too cloying and sycophantic, so let me just close by saying you suck. :)

[Slimothy]

Just now catching up on the thread ... sorry to hear I missed you guys the other day. As you may, or may not, remember I work in Pleasanton. Just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the G.G. Bridge.

Oh well, maybe next time. :) Love that sunrise shot, BTW :thumbsup:

Yea, we should all meet up. Go grab some lunch and some drinks. Maybe even some other dvxusers might be down as well?

We'll let you know the next time we're up there.

[Mark Johnson]

We are fortunate to be able to shoot several of our scenes at this beautiful location overlooking Santa Monica Bay. The mansion has incredibly high ceilings with a loft from which we will be extending a jib so that we can get some specifically planned overhead shots.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195960312.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Although our shooting dates are not until late January, we intend to use as much time as possible to work on preproduction. We will be using 3D previsualization to assist us in working out both the camera setups and the actual pacing of the short. Toward that end, we will be building a 3D actor for each of the principal cast members. So far, we have only cast Julie Horner and below is the work in progress for building her virtual double:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195961083.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

I am a big fan of FrameForge as a storyboarding tool. The current version allows you to bring in the virtual actors you create with FaceGen, which can then be posed complete with expressions as low-resolution versions inside FrameForge. Below is the first pass at building the dining room set. Note the information automatically generated for camera focal length, field of view and lens height above ground. You can also easily add limitations such as the maximum height of a jib or tripod so that you are forced to only set up shots that you physically are capable of getting on set.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195961536.jpg

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

cool location - is think you mentioned some friends of yours had a cool pad like that - is that it?

I've heard of face gen and thought it would be cool for a virtual stunt double, I don't really do anything in 3D yet.

The thing I like about frame forge, which I have not used, is the ability to mock up different focal lengths ... as opposed to just sketching which I prefer for the most part due to its immediacy and organic feel.

[Mark Johnson]

cool location - is think you mentioned some friends of yours had a cool pad like that - is that it?.

Yes, and when Ted was out shooting Threading the Needle with me for DramaFest most of the crew stayed there. It's an amazing place and I've always wanted to shoot a few scenes there.

The thing I like about frame forge, which I have not used, is the ability to mock up different focal lengths ... as opposed to just sketching which I prefer for the most part due to its immediacy and organic feel.

I completely agree that a pad of paper and pencil is the best way to start. However, once you've sketched out a storyboard I think FrameForge can be a real asset to refine your setups. Once you get used to the interface you are basically moving your camera with familiar dolly, pan/tilt, zoom and crane controls with immediate feedback on screen. I think it can be particularly useful in confined spaces once you have it calibrated to match your camera so that you can realistically figure out what you can shoot with the glass you have.

Also, a new member here (artofsuntzu) has an entry called WISH here that he is using 3DMax for as a storyboarding tool. I'm really interested to follow his experience too.

[Mark Harris]

Hey Mark, that fish tank looks about as done as it was when I was there. :)

[Kyle Stebbins]

Man it's been awhile since I've been on the boards.

This looks like a great project, Mark. Excellent choice to finally shoot in the Elber's home. The views are nothing short of spectacular.

Also excited to officially see Bullis on the front page. It's about time he gets some real recognition. Can't wait to come out there to help out!

[tmnt]

That is one sweet house. Must be nice having ceilings like that which allow any shot and lighting you want. I can only dream...

[Mark Johnson]

Hey Mark, that fish tank looks about as done as it was when I was there. :)

Ha ha! Good eye, Mark! Actually, those pics are taken from when you WERE out here. Currently there is no fish tank there at all and it is just open space between dining and living room (which actually will be useful for shooting from the living room).

Man it's been awhile since I've been on the boards. Also excited to officially see Bullis on the front page. It's about time he gets some real recognition. Can't wait to come out there to help out!

Yeah, Kyle. We're still working out the shooting schedule but hope very much you can join us for this one. Bullis is in rare form these days.

That is one sweet house. Must be nice having ceilings like that which allow any shot and lighting you want. I can only dream...

The big problem, of course, is the wall-to-wall windows. Our opening scene is in the dining room at night and we should be able to avoid window reflections (and also can shoot from outside because there are nice balconies). We have a scene written for the next morning and we'll have to see how much of a problem shooting daylight interiors here will be.

I actually was involved with some of the small aspects of designing this house back in 2000. I just looked and found some of my original 3D renderings (see below). It is kind of neat to recall how we were able to redesign several of the features after being able to see them in 3D.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1195966301.jpg

[tmnt]

The big problem, of course, is the wall-to-wall windows. Our opening scene is in the dining room at night and we should be able to avoid window reflections (and also can shoot from outside because there are nice balconies). We have a scene written for the next morning and we'll have to see how much of a problem shooting daylight interiors here will be.

Wouldn't you just blue gel the tungsten lights?

[Mark Johnson]

Wouldn't you just blue gel the tungsten lights?

During the DramaFest we were privileged to work with D.P. Kevin Halverson who gave us quite an education regarding the problems of shooting daylight interiors. Basically, the biggest problem is the huge disparity between luminance outside (in sun) and indoor lighting. If you elect to raise the candlepower inside to permit decent exposure of the outdoors through the windows you need a truly serious amount of wattage (read expensive) that is hard on actors and can be difficult to manage. Alternatively, you can apply neutral density film over the glass of the windows (difficult for large areas and again expensive). Kevin explained to us that cinematographers cringe at the blown out windows and bad contrasty lighting that characterizes daylight interiors shot improperly and I have begun to pay attention to this myself. These fests are, above all, learning experiences so this is precisely the kind of challenge that becomes a valuable piece of experience.

There is a really nice commentary on John Carpenter's "In the Mouth of Madness" DVD and he describes how they shot a daylight interior in an office building for that film that was instructive. Basically, if you have a budget to support N.D. film or even replacing the glass windows with N.D. glass you are home free. Otherwise, you have to be resourceful or really amp up your lighting so that your windows aren't white holes.

I'm hoping, though, that the nature of this location with such HUGE glass frontage may allow us to treat it truly as equivalent to an exterior if we can shoot with the sun in an advantageous position. On this project we are again fortunate to be working with a really top drawer D.P. (Steven Parker) so I have high hopes that he'll be able to advise us as to how and when to shoot the daylight scene.

[tmnt]

Ah right, I see. You can't schedule to shoot early morning/late afternoon? I'm assuming it must be a long scene.

[Brandon Rice]

Mark, this project is looking great! If you need some killer BTS production shots, and I'm free, you know who to call! :)

[artofsuntzu]

Without doubt, your work with 3d programs is masterful, and I don't mind stating the obvious.

I'd have to agree with you 100% when you say that setups are improved when you go beyond sketches.

Has the virtual 'rehearals' offered instances where you are inspired to adjust the story/script?

Also, beyond blocking decisions, I'm curious about editing decisions that can be examined inside FrameForge (or whatever): do you find it effective at all to play with the scenes in virtual-real-time when comparing the emotional impact of a scene's pacing compared to the script's expectations?

Anyway, beautiful FaceGen and location, too.

[Chris Messineo]

That location is awesome!

[Mark Johnson]

Has the virtual 'rehearals' offered instances where you are inspired to adjust the story/script?

Also, beyond blocking decisions, I'm curious about editing decisions that can be examined inside FrameForge (or whatever): do you find it effective at all to play with the scenes in virtual-real-time when comparing the emotional impact of a scene's pacing compared to the script's expectations?

We're feeling our way through all of this ourselves and we hope to have some insight and real information on these issues by the time we shoot in January. The biggest obstacle has always been time and in the past we've found ourselves late in the game and able to use 3D as a limited tool for some specific setups. This go-round, though, we are starting early and making it a priority to get both the script and our virtual sets completed far enough in advance to allow us to explore some possibilities.

We have a couple of scenes that really will depend on pacing and flow, so that being able to do some mockups complete with scratch dialogue and simple edits may be very useful in figuring out how to shoot efficiently. I'm also thinking that being able to give Justin a rough animatic may help him make some scoring decisions.

We'll keep posting our work in progress and behind-the-scenes stuff and hope to see some on your thread too.

[Mark Johnson]

Hey Chris,

I somehow had never visited moviepoet.com. Forgive me for being clueless. Now that I've visited (and registered) I am totally enthused and excited to get my activation e-mail. This represents the very best of what the net is (just as this forum does) and I want to thank you for putting in the effort and time to create the site.

[bosindy]

Looking good man, are you making use of the pool at that location?

[Kyle Stebbins]

One can only hope. That pool is like icing on the cake. The view alone is stunning...

I'll never forget when I looked out the basement bedroom window at 2am and saw a burly little man sitting in the hot tub drinking a beer. I thought it was a stranger who broke in. Turns out it was just Johnson, avoiding sleep as usual.

[Slimothy]

Looking good man, are you making use of the pool at that location?

We wish, lol. I'm afraid it might be a bit cold, but it usually doesn't stop Blaine from jumpin in his skivvies and taking a dip.

[Mark Johnson]

But we have been known to use the hot tub ...

Hey Tim, change your banner.

[Kyle Stebbins]

http://photos-032.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v59/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30084332_4549.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v60/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30086855_842.jpg

a couple shots of the brilliant masterminds themselves.

[Mark Johnson]

Hey thanks Kyle. Speaking of our location and the pool, do you remember this night looking over Santa Monica Bay there?

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196024947.jpg

[Kyle Stebbins]

hell yeah! that was the first night i got to meet you and bullis. that was probably the most fun trip i've had out there yet. no plans, no work... just hang out and enjoy life. also, meeting david was a trip. i havent seen him since! hope he's still doing great with the ladies. -- i dont need to worry about that, im sure.

it's a beautiful view!

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v54/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30077193_4901.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v54/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30077194_5181.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v54/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30077195_5450.jpg

Then of course... who could forget having to ditch the unsaid items and changing a tire in the middle of nowhere? Bullis and I joined forces to put on the spare, while Johnson was busy flagging down help by taking off his shirt and shining laser pointers into the windshields of passing cars.

Shit, I think we spent the night in jail didn't we? It's been so long I can't even remember...

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v56/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30077431_1527.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Kyle, I had forgotten the infamous blown tire adventure! God, we were lucky to get the damn thing off the hub as I recall. Hey, can you send me some of those night shots? I don't have those and I want to put the skyline in the background of our 3D storyboarding. Cool!

[Kyle Stebbins]

i think most of my photos got corrupted when i switched over to mac for some reason... i'm going to try and plug my hard drive into a pc and see if it works there.
otherwise, i won't be able to send you the full rez photos...

[Mark Johnson]

i think most of my photos got corrupted when i switched over to mac for some reason... i'm going to try and plug my hard drive into a pc and see if it works there.
otherwise, i won't be able to send you the full rez photos...

Understood. However, even if you can't retrieve the full-res versions, please send me any low-res ones you have as I can use them.

[Kyle Stebbins]

aye cap'n.

[Mark Johnson]

I had a chance to do a little more setup with FrameForge3D and thought some of you would be interested in it. One feature it has that I like is that you can import your script and then easily associate it with your shots. I suppose there are many different workflows depending upon your personal organization, but I find that it works best for me to work through the script in a rough linear fashion and then go back later to work on different setups. You can create different versions of your scenes and move them in and out of the storyboard editor pretty easily.

This version has improved output so that you can actually generate animated camera moves if you want. You can also output the storyboard in all sorts of formats including an HTML version. I tried that just to see what it looks like and it generated all the html and image files so that you simply upload it to your server and then anyone you choose to share it with can go through the storyboard by clicking the "next shot" button. You'll notice that it also includes the associated script as well as a "blueprint" view of the set that shows the camera positions with actors/objects. Pretty cool. Click here to see the first few shots: http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/wthi/shot_00001.html

Oh, and also, it is nice to be able to have the frame formatted for whatever aspect ratio you are going to shoot with. We haven't decided yet, but may shoot 2.35:1 this time and it will be nice to do some preliminary framing using accurate set dimensions.

[cinealma]

Hey, you guys are crazy! :2vrolijk_08:

You definitely win the pre-pro award. That overhead shot looks peachy. Are you guys going to be moving the camera in that shot?

[Mark Johnson]

Hey, you guys are crazy! :2vrolijk_08:

You definitely win the pre-pro award. That overhead shot looks peachy. Are you guys going to be moving the camera in that shot?

We have a Kessler Crane that we are going to hang over the loft and pivot down for the shot. We haven't measured for sure how much distance lies between the loft and the table but I took this shot just leaning over the loft railing so I think the crane should work out perfectly:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196056913.jpg

[cinealma]

We have a Kessler Crane that we are going to hang over the loft and pivot down for the shot. We haven't measured for sure how much distance lies between the loft and the table but I took this shot just leaning over the loft railing so I think the crane should work out perfectly:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196056913.jpg

Bang! That's awesome. Did you guys script the shot before the location or did the location give you the shot? Either way, that's one nice set-up.

[Kyle Stebbins]

It's a very cool loft. However, I'm over 1500 miles away and still feeling nervous about dangling the HVX from that height.

Dennis and Suzanne are going to love it. It's so great that they are supportive of your creative endeavors, Mark. They are two wonderful people. When I first set foot in the house, I was concerned that the owners would maybe be too preoccupied with their own wealth that I wouldn't even get a 'hello' out of them... but au contrair. All of those concerns were shattered when I shook Dennis' hand. He's a very successful, easy going, smart man who would bend over backward for you. The same can be said for Suzanne.

I hope I get to see them over break. -- Lovin' this thread.

Oh, and Tim... let's send a bottle of champagne to the dude bro that was partying next door to your house/production suite in rancho cucamonga. Let's include a note that says, "Bash this over your empty skull you corn-screwing USC fan."

[Mark Johnson]

Did you guys script the shot before the location or did the location give you the shot? Either way, that's one nice set-up.

A year ago when Tim and I were having beers on the balcony I mentioned to him that I really wanted to shoot something here. There are so many great opportunities in this place. Anyway, my friends, Dennis and Suzanne, let me use the loft as a bedroom/office when I stay there so I started thinking about shot possibilities way back then. The crane shot over the dining room table was always my favorite simply because how often will you get a setup like that? So, for a year I had that shot in mind but no plot or plan. When LoveFest was announced I remembered the story idea that is the subject of Where The Heart Lies and immediately I thought of this particular crane shot. Everything flowed from there and I realized it was the perfect opening for this particular story.

[Tom Marshall]

Wow, this thread's been BUSY lately! Good to see you're getting started early with the pre-production. That's so important.

I agree with Frameforge being a good storyboarding tool. I'm using Cinema 4D to construct my virtual sets and then adding "virtual" actors from Poser. This lets me create lighting situations too...

Can't wait to join in on the project. :beer:

[artofsuntzu]

Click here to see the first few shots: http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/wthi/shot_00001.html
I like shot three with the Tilt at -0.6°. So now with these applications I guess you can justify screaming at the camera operator for getting the shot at only -.5° :)

[Simon Höfer]

It's a very cool loft. However, I'm over 1500 miles away and still feeling nervous about dangling the HVX from that height.

Didnt they hang the camera over the edge of the bridge tied to a boom pole for IN EXTREMIS? :D

[Mark Johnson]

Didnt they hang the camera over the edge of the bridge tied to a boom pole for IN EXTREMIS? :D

Ha ha ha! YES! And it was a pretty crappy boom pole too! I remember thinking at the time that maybe I should have attached a safety strap or something. This shot will be a pice of cake in comparison.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Didnt they hang the camera over the edge of the bridge tied to a boom pole for IN EXTREMIS? :D

Mark was in San Fran doing all that dangerous, risky business while us midwesterners put our heads together and built a green screen set for Tommy. I'll never forget the hilarious prank we pulled on Tim.

"It says we've only got 45 more miles to go. That's right, isn't it?"

[Slimothy]

Mark was in San Fran doing all that dangerous, risky business while us midwesterners put our heads together and built a green screen set for Tommy. I'll never forget the hilarious prank we pulled on Tim.

"It says we've only got 45 more miles to go. That's right, isn't it?"

lol... tricky bastards.

We had a great script meeting last night. It's coming a long great and everyone is getting pretty damn happy with it.

We have one more meeting and we should have a locked script.

[Mark Johnson]

Hey Tim,

Nice banner.

[Blaine]

Hey Tim,

Nice banner.Yeah, Tim. Get with it.:thumbsup:

[Mark Johnson]

As Tim said, we are very close to a shooting script after a long knock-down-drag-out script session last night. We need to give special acknowledegment to Bosindy, who read our script and provided some extremely useful notes that we incorporated into the current version. Jim knows his craft and I really urge anyone interested in screenwriting to register at his site www.moviepoet.com (http://www.moviepoet.com). Some great resources there that people here should take advantage of.

[bosindy]

Mark, thanks for the props and glad to help. It is a strong script and the small tweaks were just the result of fresh eyes.

The movie poet site is Chris Messineo's site, not mine. I am not involved in that site. (although I have checked it out and think its a great idea)

[Mark Johnson]

Mark, thanks for the props and glad to help. It is a strong script and the small tweaks were just the result of fresh eyes.

The movie poet site is Chris Messineo's site, not mine. I am not involved in that site. (although I have checked it out and think its a great idea)

Ah, I was told that was your site, so my apologies to Chris. It is an amazingly cool site and I'm glad to plug it anytime I can.

[Blaine]

Yeah, last night was a fun rewrite...:beer:

[Kyle Stebbins]

your script is no corsairs!

[Mark Johnson]

We are extremely pleased to announce that GEOFF REISNER will be the D.P. for WHERE THE HEART LIES. ... The original D.P. for the project, Steven Parker, has accepted a feature film assignment for the period in January when we will be shooting and we could not be happier to find Geoff available and willing to helm the camera. Most members here are very familiar with his work, including the beautiful frames he shot for WELCOME TO THE PARTY in the most recent festival. You can check out Geoff's production website and his myspace page with the links below:

www.RAWIMAGEFILMS.com

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=29816747

WELCOME ABOARD GEOFF!!!!

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196153952.jpg

[cinealma]

Hey, good job in landing Geoff Resiner. From the stuff I've seen on this site, he shoots some really nice stuff. :thumbsup:

[Mark Harris]

yeah, geoff rules. Good choice.

[Mark Johnson]

Appreciate the supportive comments, guys. We've been reviewing some of Geoff's footage in other projects and we believe his style is a perfect match for the scenes in our short.

Tim got out casting notices yesterday as well, so we should be able to audition talent for our unfilled roles soon. Blaine has some ideas on a couple locations that we'll be pursuing in the next week and hopefully we will be fully-slated as far as our crew, cast and location committments.

This festival does seem to be shaping up with some very interesting entries and some real talented folks. There have been some rumors that the prizes are being set with, supposedly, Barry making a RED ONE the second place prize (a dinner for four in Cleveland with Mark Harris is reportedly the first place award).

[Mark Harris]

Funny, I heard the first prize was a lapdance from Blaine...

[Tom Marshall]

That's the consolation prize.

[Chris Messineo]

Hey Chris,

I somehow had never visited moviepoet.com. Forgive me for being clueless. Now that I've visited (and registered) I am totally enthused and excited to get my activation e-mail. This represents the very best of what the net is (just as this forum does) and I want to thank you for putting in the effort and time to create the site.
Thanks a lot for the note and even more for taking the time to check out the site.

My number one inspiration was DVXUser and tremendous effort Jarred and the moderators put forth out of their own good will for the benefit of everyone.

There are so many wonderful screenwriters and scripts out there. I hope I can have a small part in helping them meet some filmmakers and get their scripts made.

[Chris Messineo]

It's a part-time job keeping up with this thread. :)

I just saw you have Geoff as your DP. I thought he did a phenomenal job with the look of Brandon's last film. With all your prep work and amazing locations, I can't wait to see the final look of your film.

[Blaine]

Thanks for checking in, Chris. From the way things are shaping up I very excited to be involved on this project. The first hurdle was to make sure we had a complete story to tell and that we could tell it in the six minute time limit. I think we're there. Next, we've got some locations to check out. I've got a couple I discovered while doing pickup shots on last years' horror fest entry. I'll be taking Mark and Tim to see them on Thursday...I hope.

[Chris Messineo]

The first hurdle was to make sure we had a complete story to tell and that we could tell it in the six minute time limit.
I totally agree and from reading many of these threads it sounds like there is a lot of focus on story for this fest and that would be awesome.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Geoff DOES rock. I sold him my M2 adapter so it will be very interesting to reunite with it again! =) A very talented guy. Geoff, have you gotten your degree from Colombia yet? Last I knew, I think you were still pursuing your grad...

but i could be way off.

congrats on getting geoff. thats great news!

[Mark Johnson]

Yeah, Kyle, we had a nice long conversation with Geoff the other night during which he said, "that damn Kyle. This M2 has been dropped off a rooftop or something. There's tire treads on the side of the achromat and the ground glass is held together with magic mending tape."

Hey, seriously, I am sitting with Dennis and Suzanne right now watching their new big big big HD projection system. They are both ecstatic at the prospect that you may be able to join us to shoot here. They requested another piano duet so we better start practicing some new material.

[Brandon Rice]

Hey Mark, don't forget your homeboy B.rice.

[Mark Johnson]

Yo Brandon. How could I forget you? Besides, you seem to be one of the few shooters with a distribution deal on this board. Also, you need to give me the inside story on how you got Geoff to shoot those great images. Rumor has it that he works best under threats of physical violence or emotional blackmail.

[Luis Caffesse]

I need to move to California - you guys sound like you're having way too much fun out there.

[Mark Johnson]

I need to move to California - you guys sound like you're having way too much fun out there.

Luis, we gotta mattress and an old blanket for ya if you can get out here! We may have something of a rep as the bad boys who drop the ball at the finish line but I don't think many people have as much fun on set as we do and we have sort of a tradition of DVXUSERs flying in to drink our beer and help with the shoot. Get yo ass out here!

[Brandon Rice]

you need to give me the inside story on how you got Geoff to shoot those great images. Rumor has it that he works best under threats of physical violence or emotional blackmail.

HA HA, not quite...

Geoff's a professional... seriously, he is fantastic. He is on my radar for DP, if we get a feature off the ground here soon :)

You guys will be so happy working with him! Definitely!

[Tom Marshall]

Mark... Hooters! Set up a time, brotha... :beer:

[Kyle Stebbins]

Yeah, Kyle, we had a nice long conversation with Geoff the other night during which he said, "that damn Kyle. This M2 has been dropped off a rooftop or something. There's tire treads on the side of the achromat and the ground glass is held together with magic mending tape."

I gave him a good deal.

Hey, seriously, I am sitting with Dennis and Suzanne right now watching their new big big big HD projection system. They are both ecstatic at the prospect that you may be able to join us to shoot here. They requested another piano duet so we better start practicing some new material.

Agreed. I think we should work up a piece called Gaspard Le Nuit.

Nothing is impossible!

Always excited to see Dennis and Suzanne.

[Mark Johnson]

Mark... Hooters! Set up a time, brotha... :beer:

We be seriously looking at tomorrow (Thursday) as a high likelihood T-man. We are coordinating a couple things but have not forgot you ... nor the Hooters girls!

Tim also shared with me the submissions in response to his casting notice and, damn, a prodigous number of nubile twenty-somethings want to play the part of the young intern in the short. We probably need to have you help us cast that part, Tommy.

[Geoff_R]

Yo Brandon. How could I forget you? Besides, you seem to be one of the few shooters with a distribution deal on this board. Also, you need to give me the inside story on how you got Geoff to shoot those great images. Rumor has it that he works best under threats of physical violence or emotional blackmail.

Brandon is quite intimidating...I'm not sure many people on these boards are aware that Brandon is eight feet tall. He's taller than Jarred, and when Brandon gets angry...pain ensues.

Geoff, have you gotten your degree from Colombia yet?

Not yet, it's being held hostage :) I still owe them a little bit of money...I'll send Ethan Hunt to retrieve it. He owes me one...

[Kyle Stebbins]

Brandon is quite intimidating...I'm not sure many people on these boards are aware that Brandon is eight feet tall. He's taller than Jarred, and when Brandon gets angry...pain ensues.

I heard he once slashed Maniac Mike's tires and put rat poison in his ground beef.
We all thought you were a good christian like the rest of us, B-Rice. What gives?


Not yet, it's being held hostage :) I still owe them a little bit of money...I'll send Ethan Hunt to retrieve it. He owes me one...

Get Blaine drunk and ask him for money. Or at least offer to drive his vette home and don't return it. Then it's all smooth-sailing from there!

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196268859.jpg

[Kyle Stebbins]

sorry i couldnt get those pictures to you, mark. -- let me know if you'd still like me to try. i've been busy with the end of the school semester.

[Mark Johnson]

No problem, Kyle. I would still like to have whatever night skyline shots you have at whatever resolution. No hurry, but next time you are in PhotoShop you can reduce them to JPEG low-res and e-mail them as an attachment if you like.

Thankee.

[Kyle Stebbins]

id love to learn how you made that hollywood walk of stars photo. nicely done.

[Mark Johnson]

id love to learn how you made that hollywood walk of stars photo. nicely done.

1) Take photo of Douglas Fairbanks handprint/footprint tile
2) Remove Mr. Fairbanks' signature and handprints with clone tool in PhotoShop
3) Use pen tool in photoshop to draw new signature and then stroke the path with opaque paintbrush
4) Look up "skeleton hand" on Google Image Search and copy stencil
5) Paste stencil skeleton hands on pavement and fill with same dark color as signature
6) Apply layer style "inner emboss" to signature and stencil skeleton hands. Adjust thickness and light angle to match sun on original

Here's the original photo:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196284440.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

We are extremely delighted to announce that Matt Garrett (Matty G to those of you who know him here) has signed on to be AC for Where The Heart Lies.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196290582.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Official Where the Heart Lies preproduction meeting will be held tomorrow at our satellite office: Confirmed attendees includes: Mark Johnson, Tim Hyten, Blaine Golden, Geoff Reisner, Matt Garrett and Tom Marshall. We sincerely hope that any of you DVXUSERs in the area will feel free to come by and have some nachos or wings with us. We won't make you crew or wear the shirt, we promise.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196299174.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

Have fun guys :)

[Mark Harris]

Official Where the Heart Lies preproduction meeting will be held tomorrow at our satellite office: Confirmed attendees includes: Mark Johnson, Tim Hyten, Blaine Golden, Geoff Reisner, Matt Garrett and Tom Marshall. We sincerely hope that any of you DVXUSERs in the area will feel free to come by and have some nachos or wings with us. We won't make you crew or wear the shirt, we promise.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196299174.jpg

Dude, HOOTERS is like a strip club. Without the good parts. I'll be there when you guys are serious about your, um, meetings.

[Mark Johnson]

Dude, HOOTERS is like a strip club. Without the good parts. I'll be there when you guys are serious about your, um, meetings.

Hey dude, WE'RE the good parts. Besides, a couple of the actors/actresses who have responded to submissions may be stopping by and we don't want to be COMPLETELY low rent. Trust me, Harris, the day you are getting off a plane out here we shall make special arrangements to accomodate you and, um, your ... prurient interests.

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196323366.jpg

[Simon Höfer]

Bwahaha, man I just love your stories :D

[Larry R]

I haven't studied French in a LONG time, so that was a fun little exercise. Not too difficult to translate, but I'll give some others a chance to plug their way through it :)

[Mark Johnson]

I haven't studied French in a LONG time, so that was a fun little exercise. Not too difficult to translate, but I'll give some others a chance to plug their way through it :)

:) thanks Larry. And, hey, the contest prize is serious and would probably be useful to someone here. Its devoted to writing scripts less than 30 pages and is written primarily for new scriptwriters. I am cleaning out some of the stuff in our library and giving stuff away to friends so I figured it would be fun to put this here as the "prize". So, if someone wants it brush up your French or use one of the on-line translators and post a plausible translation!

[artofsuntzu]

Hey, that's a nice gesture. You guys know how to motivate a team. Isn't the English translation of the French word, "Mark Johnson" actually "artofsuntzu"? Or maybe that's just our Canadian-French dialect. :)

[Larry R]

Or, if you ask real nice, I might be persuaded to share my attempt at a translation :evil:

[Slimothy]

Or, if you ask real nice, I might be persuaded to share my attempt at a translation :evil:

pm it to me Larry.

[Luis Caffesse]

Here's my attempt:

The first Man that I met was called Blaine Golden.

I believe he tried to speak French but I couldn't understand him too well.
It was something about two girls and a cup...

Then a beautiful Chinese man named Tim Hyten grabbed my ass.

But my favourite was Mark Johnson!!! I am in the love with him. I want to have his babies.

[Larry R]

Well, Luis, you got the same translation I did ... so we must be right! :)

I am cleaning out some of the stuff in our library and giving stuff away to friends If you have any old DVX or HVX camera's in that library, you can send them my way :grin:

[Luis Caffesse]

Well, Luis, you got the same translation I did ... so we must be right! :)


I guess we're using the same 'Mark Johnson' decoder ring that was sent out with the collectors DVD edition of In Extremis
:)

http://blog.oregonlive.com/thebeerhere/2007/07/large_PFring10.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Ah, yes gentlemen, you are correct! Now, technically Luis is the winner because my rules required posting on the thread. However, Larry sent the translation first after Tim told him to PM it. SO, we are going to award Luis his choice of EITHER 1) Writing Short Scripts by William Phillips OR 2) How to Shoot A Feature Film for Under $10,000 by Bret Stern and send the one he does not choose to Larry. Congrats Gents and THANKS FOR PLAYING!

[hoopman]

Ok, I was going to post my shot but I don't know french and I was using BabelFish. I thought I was probably missing something and was looking for another translator but apparently not. What's the reference to two girls and a cup?

[Luis Caffesse]

WOO HOO!
:thumbsup:

Larry - do you already happen to have either of those books?

[Larry R]

Nope, feel free to choose whichever you prefer.

[Luis Caffesse]

Alright then - I choose.......
http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/subject/images-popular/writing-short-scripts-110.jpg

because i probably have a better chance of writing a short script than I do of spending 10K on a feature right now.
:)

[hoopman]

Good choice, Luis! Larry gets the sh*tty one now. :)

[Luis Caffesse]

Good choice, Luis! Larry gets the sh*tty one now. :)


Hahhaahahahahah

[Larry R]

Sweet! Either would be fine with me. Thanks guys!!

http://www.puretna.com/pic/smilies/thankyou.gif

[Mark Johnson]

This was so much fun we'll do another one in the near future. However, it has started a huge argument between Mr. Hyten and myself as to whether Melissa Theuriau is as hot as I say she is. Also, Mr. Hyten and his low-rent former drummer were responsible for the burned corneas and nightmares that resulted from my unsuspecting viewing of "two girls and a cup." JEEZ, thanks a lot Tim!

[Beat Takeshi]

Geoff is one of the better DPs here. You should have a great looking film.
Good Luck.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Also, Mr. Hyten and his low-rent former drummer were responsible for the burned corneas and nightmares that resulted from my unsuspecting viewing of "two girls and a cup." JEEZ, thanks a lot Tim!

I gagged after 30 seconds of the video, shut it off, and immediately went for a brisk, cold jog.

That barely helped.

-- Two girls and a cup is the worst video in the history of viral media.

[Luis Caffesse]

This discussion should probably change direction fairly quickly.

[Mark Johnson]

Geoff is one of the better DPs here. You should have a great looking film.
Good Luck.

Thanks Aram. Praise from you is a big deal to me (I love your stuff, man). We consider ourselves very fortunate to have Geoff come slum with us.

[Mark Johnson]

This discussion should probably change direction fairly quickly.

Yeah, I am feeling very bad that Young Stebbins has now been polluted. He was always such a nice kid, too. Damn that Hyten. He treats the internet as a toy and refuses to accede to the responsibility imposed by the medium. Why, I would not be surprised if he ends up doing something crazy such as looking for pornography on line. :cheesy:

Yeah, let's change direction real quick here!

[Slimothy]

Did anyone read about the porn star that disappeared from Kansas?

[Luis Caffesse]

Nope.
And no one is going to read about it here either.
:thumbsup:

[Kyle Stebbins]

Did anyone read about the porn star that disappeared from Kansas?

I did indeed, today actually. Mark hails from Kansas.

Anyway, what's the latest with WTHL?

Mark, sent you a pm

[Slimothy]

Just got back from a pretty fun meeting over at Cooters. We had a good crowd and I finally got to meet Geoff. He's a great guy and I can see why Brandon liked working with him so much. I swear to god he doesn't have a gun in my back right now....

I'm sure Mark will have some pics or something from the evening.

[Mark Johnson]

Nice banner there Tim.

It was, indeed, a great evening in the bowels of Hollywood. Per usual, we met at Hooters directly across from Grauman's Chinese Theater and caught the happy hour specials. Our member from the Boston district, Bosindy, sent us a greeting via PM after downing "6 Jameson straight and about 5 beers," which was read in spite of numerous interruptions by the similarly fueled Blaine.

Afterwards most of us made a meandering quest to find the hovel of Stuart Ortiz, who makes his living cutting trailers and directing on the side. Tim's drunken direction-shouting eventually found us at the Shoe Pavillion somehow. Like Hobbits, we travelled on foot from there and somehow ended up at Mordor, I mean, Stuart's.

Mr. Ortiz dazzled us with his latest project in which he has somehow made one of the most godawful films appear to be both clever and watchable - elements wholly missing from the original reels - by using editing that implies a plotline that simply is not there! Red Stripes were passed around, Tim pretended to be aloof and Tommy slunk away into the corner to pluck an unplugged Fender Strat. Midway through the festivities, Matt McDermitt stopped by and screened his latest music vid for a singer named Zarina from Khazakhstan. He apparently had a budget in the neighborhood of three hundred G's and it was impressive.

Designated driver Matty G. helmed the Prius home and now I need to go get my Starbucks fix.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196440411.jpg

[bosindy]

Looks like a lot of laughs, sorry I missed it. Although there looks to be an appalling amount of water being drank.

[Charlie Anderson]

I gagged after 30 seconds of the video, shut it off, and immediately went for a brisk, cold jog.

That barely helped.

-- Two girls and a cup is the worst video in the history of viral media.
I l aughed pretty hard at that, ironically enough I didn't find it revulsing at all...granted I was drunk when I saw it...oh well

[Luis Caffesse]

Sounds like you guys got alot of work done on the film
:)

I wish my meetings were that much fun.

[Kyle Stebbins]

yes, that is a strange amount of water.

charlie: i imagine that if one were heavily intoxicated, 2girls1cup would be hilarious.

[Slimothy]

Sounds like you guys got alot of work done on the film
:)

I wish my meetings were that much fun.

We do our best. I did, however manage to find out Tommy's real age. Can you believe Mr. Marshall can grow a full beard at the age of 22!? I'm still working on under-arm hair.

[Tom Marshall]

I try to have people believe I'm younger than I am. It helps when picking up the "barely legal" - I mean - younger females...

[Mark Johnson]

Made it through the L.A. rain up here to San Jose for the weekend. Tim, send me your new g-mail account so I can put it in my address book. Tommy, you were looking good last night and it was cool to see you wailing on the strat.

[Mark Johnson]

Made the late night run to Los Gatos last night where my ex lives with my 12-year old son, David. Although I live permanently in Southern California now, I spend weekends in Northern Cali to be with my son. To be honest, I much prefer Northern California to the south, but most of our forensic clients are down south and, of course, the opportunities to develop a production company are much greater in the L.A. basin as well.

In any event, I'm sitting here at my most favorite coffee house in the world in Los Gatos waiting for the Christmas parade to start (it's a big deal up here and my boy's karate studio is entry 157 in the damn thing.) At least I have good coffee while waiting for the interminable procession of high school bands, ballerinas and drill teams to pass by.

I realize that a lot of people are fiercely opinionated about their coffee joints but I have to say that this place has about as perfect a combination of elements as exist anywhere (at least according to my taste). Their roasting is superb and varied with a very good collection of beans from all regions. They have free internet and lots of mismatched furniture as well as a long brick wall upon which they regularly display local art (and there is an astonishing number of extraordinary artists in Los Gatos).

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196534871.jpg

When I lived here I was invited to join a small group of artists who met every Monday evening to have a three-hour figure drawing session. We would each kick in a few bucks each week to pay for a different professional model. It was really great to be able to keep my drawing/painting chops in shape because almost all of my work is strictly digital and most artists will agree that regularly drawing the human form is the best practice. Since we are hard-wired to recognize human features, drawing realistic figures is one of the harder disciplines to master. Here's a few of my sketches from those Halcyon days when i could devote time to traditional media:

http://www.archivisuals.com/Figure_Drawing/TATTOO.pct.jpg
http://www.archivisuals.com/Figure_Drawing/TWO_MODELS.jpg
http://www.archivisuals.com/Figure_Drawing/a_MODEL.pct.jpg
http://www.archivisuals.com/prager.jpg

Anyway, I was the least talented of the group and some of the artists were really amazing. One of my favorites was John Pugh, who I admired (and still admire) very much. John paints Trompe l'oeil murals all over the country (wall paintings that appear to be three-dimensional). One of my favorites of his work is a little mural right here in the Great Bear coffee shop. John comes here often and he noticed a girl who he thought bore a resemblance to the woman in Manet's painting The Bar at the Folles Bergeres. John asked her to pose and he did an homage to Manet by putting the girl in a little alcove here at the coffee house where she perpetually appears ready to serve patrons.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196535371.jpg

By the way, the male in the reflection is Bill Trieglaff, who was a famous regular here at the Great Bear. As I sit here today almost fifteen years from when I first started coming here I am amused at the new characters who populate the place and I am bemused at the many things that have remained the same almost as though 1992 was yesterday.

So, forgive me for turning this thread into a blog, but I had the time and wanted to share this wonderful place with you all in the hopes that at least some of you may find yourself in San Jose to make the short drive down to Los Gatos to visit the Bear.

[Brandon Rice]

I always love your stories Mark, and that's a good one... that picture is quite incredible...

[Mark Johnson]

The parade was a hoot. You gotta love Californians, who always throw in a fair amount of whacked-out content anytime there's a public gathering. My favorite was this group. I never did figure out who they were or what they were about, but they were all wearing pajama bottoms and wielding these elongated gourds of some sort. They had obviously worked hard on choreography but did not have the talent to pull it off. That only added to the spectacle as far as I was concerned. Pretty funny and they were obviously having a great time.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196557758.jpg

Here's my little guy brandishing his blades called "Kama":

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196557927.jpg

It was a great day that we topped off by hitting the Cheesecake Factory and picking up the new Futurama DVD "Bender's Big Score." He and I are huge Futurama fans so we're going to pop a bunch of corn and get a bunch of beer (root variety for him) and see what Matt Groening has cooked up for this continuation of the series!

VIVA THE HYPNOTOAD!

[Tom Marshall]

Made it through the L.A. rain up here to San Jose for the weekend. Tim, send me your new g-mail account so I can put it in my address book. Tommy, you were looking good last night and it was cool to see you wailing on the strat.

Thanks, Mark. I'm very tempted to pick up my rock 'n roll script and do some major rewriting...

[Kyle Stebbins]

It was a great day that we topped off by hitting the Cheesecake Factory and picking up the new Futurama DVD "Bender's Big Score." He and I are huge Futurama fans so we're going to pop a bunch of corn and get a bunch of beer (root variety for him) and see what Matt Groening has cooked up for this continuation of the series!

VIVA THE HYPNOTOAD!

Mark, did you watch the special 22-minute episode of Everybody Loves Hypnotoad? It's in the special features.

Also, I learned the loud, ominous sound the toad makes was actually a filler sound clip that was originally placed there to remind the makers that they needed to replace the sound. The clip was called "Angry machine". I think that's hilarious!

Anyway, Los Gatos is a wonderful place. I'll never forget when we had to track down Edna Rays. Nothing quite like TsingTao, eh? It'd be tough to top that 1st trip out there. I had a blast.
kyle

[Mark Johnson]

Kyle, when we saw the "full length episode of Everybody Loves Hypnotoad" on the extras list both David and I went nuts. The hypnotoad is one of our favorite creations of the series so we immediately put on the episode after watching the feature. At first we were going to try and actually watch the whole damn thing in real time but got more sensible after 10 minutes. We scrubbed through it to find the commercial breaks and laughed our asses off. If I was forced to change my avatar here I would go for a pic of hypnotoad.

Today Bullis came down from Oakland and we went to the Tech Museum to see BodyWorlds 2 (pretty amazing and quite entertaining as Bullis had lots of strange commentary to offer as he studied the cadavers). We saw an iMax film and then wandered to the nearby movie theater to catch a film. Only thing showing at that time was Enchanted and David summed it up as we left, "Dad, that was too much of a chick flick can we see something with guns and explosions next time?"

After dropping David off at his mom's I spent the rest of the evening finishing Behind the Seen, the chronicle of Walter Murch's editing of Cold Mountain with FCP. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys details of the craft of filmmaking. Its a good reminder of how many diverse elements and personalities come together to create a major motion picture.

[ZFarms Productions]

Can't wait to check this out! Best of luck to ya!

[Kyle Stebbins]

Today Bullis came down from Oakland and we went to the Tech Museum to see BodyWorlds 2 (pretty amazing and quite entertaining as Bullis had lots of strange commentary to offer as he studied the cadavers).

That's just the car's opinion.

[Mark Johnson]

It was tense for awhile at the BodyWorlds 2 exhibit because the security guards tried to detain Bullis. Apparently there was some confusion as to whether he was a cadaver in spite of his protests to the contrary. You gotta admit that the sight of Bullis wandering among the exhibits would be a little disorienting.

[Mark Johnson]

Hey dudes and dude-ettes. Nothing has made me smile as much in the past week as the news that none other than the famous/infamous Kholi has agreed to join us on set to shoot BTS footage as well as generally helping us control Blaine's outbursts and periodic rages.

I, for one, have come to really appreciate Kholi as a good friend and we out here on the western front are blessed to have him amongst us. Our coolness factor just went up 213% and the average I.Q. may be approaching triple digits now!!!!!

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196728833.jpg

[Rangerman]

Wow this thread has an insane amount of posts so far, I'm pretty sure you knew that, but that's funny and cool at the same time. Nice figure drawings you have there Mark, very tough discipline to learn. I"m interested to see what you guys are gonna make. Good luck.

[Luis Caffesse]

Now you've got Kholi?
I can't tell if you're putting together a crew, or a small army of DVXUsers.
Is a coup in the works?

The DVXUser radical splinter group presents..."Where the Heart Lies"
:thumbsup:

[Mark Johnson]

Wow this thread has an insane amount of posts so far, I'm pretty sure you knew that, but that's funny and cool at the same time. Nice figure drawings you have there Mark, very tough discipline to learn. I"m interested to see what you guys are gonna make. Good luck.

Welcome to the thread, Tim. It's really great to see you on line.

Guys, I'm happy to introduce you all to Tim from Utah who I met a few months back when he was visiting L.A. Tim's interested in developing his chops as a filmmaker and he's definitely got some CG skills as well. I had encouraged him to check out DVXUSER and here he is ... and he also has a script that he's considering trying to shoot for Love Fest.

It's great to see new blood here and it reminds me again how much I wish I was twenty-something myself. Instead, here I am, an old fart living vicariously through Hyten's exploits while hoping to catch one of his many sleazy chicks drunk or otherwise incapacitated while he's making a beer run. ... Where's the damn Rohypnol when you need it?

[Mark Johnson]

Now you've got Kholi?
I can't tell if you're putting together a crew, or a small army of DVXUsers.
Is a coup in the works?

The DVXUser radical splinter group presents..."Where the Heart Lies"
:thumbsup:

Luis, we need this many people simply to serve as a buffer zone between the actors and the unpredictable antics of our guru, Blaine. Though widely recognized as a genius, Blaine is also considered to be "the 21st-Century's Brian Wilson on steroids." He both inspires and repels us. ...

[Kyle Stebbins]

Mind if I helm the cattle prod? I am Nebraskan.

[Chris Messineo]

Mark, I love the pictures and your artwork. Thanks for sharing it.

[Mark Johnson]

Mind if I helm the cattle prod? I am Nebraskan.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10478/1196818418.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Mark, I love the pictures and your artwork. Thanks for sharing it.

Chris, thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Its been awhile since I've shared personal artworks. I need to get back to drawing naked ladies again. :)

[Kyle Stebbins]

Not to be crass... but is that a cattle prod or a sex toy? Read the descriptions!!

Hmm...

Anyway. I really enjoyed the artwork, too, Mark. I didn't know (but sort of figured) you had talent and training in a more traditional form.

You're an inspiration, as usual. -- Let's play some piano.

[Chris Messineo]

This thread is a blast.

I just wish I was in Cali and could hang out with you guys a bit.

[Robbie Comeau]

I hope DVXuser is around when I'm older, cause im moving to LA. :)

LOOK OUT

r

[Mark Johnson]

I hope DVXuser is around when I'm older, cause im moving to LA. :)

LOOK OUT

r

Dude, Toronto is just a cheap plane ticket away from us. Figure out a weekend you're free after the first of the year and come out and hang with us! We've always got a free couch or sleeping bag for DVXUSERs and we'll show you the gritty underbelly of L.A. and maybe even figure out something to shoot while you're here.

Just grab a couple BLUE RODEO albums and hit the road. Tell everybody its career research or some other bogus tripe and come hang!!! SERIOUSLY!

[Kyle Stebbins]

Do it.

[Mark Johnson]

Kyle, do you have shooting dates set yet? If there is any way I can possibly get out there to assist I intend to do so.

[Jason Ramsey]

Mark.... you and your giant fest threads. You are definitely the king of hype :)

I haven't posted in here yet, so I just wanted to stop in for a minute (before I get sucked in too:) ) and wish you guys good luck, and tell you that I'm looking forward to it.

Later,
Jason

[Mark Johnson]

Thanks for stopping by Jason. I'm really looking forward to your film now that you've shared some info with me. Just noticed the banner, too, and really like your image choice.

I'm off to Virginia tomorrow morning for a forensic shoot. Gonna have to get Tim's butt out of bed to take me to LAX and that's probably the biggest challenge of the trip.

[Zak Forsman]

matt garrett and I wrapped our lovefest shoot yesterday...I officially release him to you! Best of luck, gentlemen!

[Slimothy]

matt garrett and I wrapped our lovefest shoot yesterday...I officially release him to you! Best of luck, gentlemen!

I talked to Matt today and he said you guys had a blast. Can't wait to work with Matt and have fun editing your short Zak.

Tim.

[Mark Johnson]

I talked to Matt today and he said you guys had a blast. Can't wait to work with Matt and have fun editing your short Zak.

Tim.

Oh, we're editing Zak's short? Cool. I can't wait to have fun editing your short, too, Zak.:grin:

[Kyle Stebbins]

Oh, we're editing Zak's short? Cool. I can't wait to have fun editing your short, too, Zak.:grin:

Gramma grammar grammar.
You lawyer, you.

Virginia, huh? That's quite a jaunt across the country. Be sure to wave hello when you fly over the midwest!

As for shoot dates, nothing permanent. Working on that this week, though. You'll be the first to know. -- Also, has anyone here seen No Country For Old Men? I'm curious to hear reactions to it (and it's surprise ending!)

kyle

[Mark Johnson]

There's a thread here with a lot of discussion regarding the film. I went to see it with Blaine and Tim shortly after it opened. We absolutely loved the film but were somewhat bemused with the ending. Subsequently we've gotten more comfortable with the conclusion, but still feel that it was the weakest portion of what otherwise was almost a perfect film. I know there's been some spirited debate over the ending but I'm curious now to see how it and the rest of the structure compare with the novel's construction. I guess I've got to go to Border's. .....

[Blaine]

There's a thread here with a lot of discussion regarding the film. I went to see it with Blaine and Tim shortly after it opened. We absolutely loved the film but were somewhat bemused with the ending. Subsequently we've gotten more comfortable with the conclusion, but still feel that it was the weakest portion of what otherwise was almost a perfect film. I know there's been some spirited debate over the ending but I'm curious now to see how it and the rest of the structure compare with the novel's construction. I guess I've got to go to Border's. .....Me, too...or Amazon

[Kyle Stebbins]

Alex and I had a long discussion about it. We ran into an older gentleman outside the theatre who had seen it four times, just to try and figure out the ending.

The conclusion that Alex and I reached was vague, but provided a bit of closure.
I suggested that the theme of the movie was greed. Greed seemed to play a pivotal role in the film as every character seemed to really WANT something they didn't really need. -- The most obvious symbol of greed in the film was the bag of money. However, did you notice that the boys who walked past Llewelyn on the U.S. and Mexican border wanted more money for the jacket and the beer? There is a prime example of greed. Another one I caught was when Anton bought the button up shirt off of the little boy in the end. The boy originally didn't want any money, but eventually accepted it and argued with the other boy about who got what share.

Then Alex brilliantly concluded that sheriff Ed found the bag of money in the vent at the crime scene and kept it for himself so that he could retire. It goes to show that even the town's finest can be greedy and selfish.

To take it a step further, I assumed that the ending left the AUDIENCE wanting more. I wanted to see Anton get an air-pressurized stick of metal blasted through his forehead... but I didn't get my wish. I WANTED to see Anton lose... but I wasn't given that pleasure. Perhaps this is a deeper, bolder example of the movie's theme.

Either way, I thought the ending was brilliant and thought-provoking. Props to the Cohen brothers for putting everything on the line. They knew they risked losing several moviegoer's respect and went ahead and did it anyways.

Your thoughts? -- Also, I'll refer to the thread on the boards that was made specifically for this movie from here on out. I don't want to tarnish this thread any more than I already have (especially with that 2girls1cup garbage).
Peace and love.

kyle

[Luis Caffesse]

Here's the "No Country" thread:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=110788

Alot of good discussion going on there.
No that there isn't here....

:)