FAT MONSTER FILMS presents "O2" ... Every. Breath. Counts.

[Brandon Rice]

mmm sounds SO good Geoff... making me hungry.

[Mark Harris]

Hmmmm, methinks they are trying to build some mystery. I have heard some rumors about this project...maybe they are getting all hush hush to build the excitement...

[Geoff_R]

Rumor has it that they discovered a crack in the earth's surface somewhere out in Rancho Cucamonga and are busy securing the location from the natives whom dwell thousands of feet underneath us in a world lush with creatures never seen before on the earth's surface. One only hopes they brought a camera to document this experience.

[Mark Harris]

Rancho Cucamonga is about where I grew up. We often referred to it as the "Earth's crack."

[Mark Johnson]

Sorry for the hiatus guys. We've had a bunch of shoots going on and we (Tim, Bullis and me) barged our way into Luis Sinabaldi's suite at the Venetian for NAB. Had a great time there and saw some amazing stuff.

We have been working damn hard on our entry and the effort has been paying off. We have locked down our principal location after a harrowing and stressful series of negotiations. We had to shift our primary shoot dates to May 24-25 (Sat/Sun before Memorial Day) due to being pushed out by two big-dog studios who had both money and clout (which trumped my charm). However, we are confirmed and we are trying to ascertain how big a hit this has cost us for the crew (Dempsey and Hechanova are casualties for sure and we are holding our breath as we get word from the rest).

On the other hand, in the pleasant developments department, we're pleased to report that we've signed Nick Popaditch to be our on-set sound operator. Nick became famous as the tank commander known as the "cigar marine" whose photo was transmitted all over the world when Saddam's statue was toppled. Nick was wounded in the battle of Fallujah and is now a talented sound man and also administrator for the Marine's Wounded Warrior Career Foundation. Some of you may also know that our own Barry Green teaches cinematography for the Wounded Warrior foundation. Fat Monster is going to work with the foundation and use graduates on as many of our shoots as possible.

We also are very pleased to announce that we are going to have Tim Abell for one of our lead roles. Jerry Bruckheimer cast him in “Soldier of Fortune, Inc.” as Benny Ray Riddle, a former Marine scout/sniper recruited by the pentagon to work as part of a covert team. Tim followed with a roles alongside James Caan and Daniel Stern, in Jason Bloom's award winning “Dead Simple“ a.k.a “Viva Las Nowhere” and in the much acclaimed “We Were Soldiers” starring Mel Gibson. http://www.timabell.com/biography.php

We also are delighted to announce that we've signed Ana Alexander, who many of you will recall as the lead from our Love Fest entry Where The Heart Lies. Ana has numerous film credits and has guest starred in numerous television productions including CSI Miami, Las Vegas, Two and a Half Men, Reno 911, Sleeper Cell and many others. http://www.anaalexander.com

More announcements soon ...

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Marky Mark!

Welcome back. I've been follow NAB online when and where I could. I kept waiting to find you jumping in front of some lens but no luck. (Though I swear I hear your laugh on the Dennis Wood interview with FreshDV!!!)

Looking forward to chatting with you again!

-Ted

oh! updates sound good! Congrats on grabbing the talent and the new crew. Very cool. Sorry about the casualties.

[Mark Johnson]

Thanks Ted. I think the coolest thing I saw at the show was a souped up SEGWAY with a steadicam rig built into it. It was simply amazing to see the operator moving all over the place at up to 12 mph using only his body to guide the thing and with rock solid images. Whoa. They said one of the L.A. rental houses had bought one so maybe we'll get a chance to play with one soon!

[Mark Johnson]

I thought you guys would appreciate seeing some of the roles Tim has played to date. He's really a superb actor and a terrific guy.

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

Additionally, here's the bio and some pix of our co-star Ana Alexander:

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

[Mark Harris]

Are you serious? He was "Jedi Jesus?" I frickin' WORSHIPPED "Jedi Jesus!!!!"

[Mark Harris]

Where the heck is Blaine????

[Mark Johnson]

Where the heck is Blaine????

Blaine spent the morning with us doing some pre-production and tomorrow afternoon we're shooting tests with him for an effects shot that will affect a major scene in the film. I shall pass on your concern for his wellbeing.

[Mark Harris]

noice. Excited to see what you cats cook up on this one...

[Beat Takeshi]

Sorry to hear about the location hit. That sucks. From the comics you guys made with the pics I was anticipating something big, really big. Hope you can recover from that.

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

I probably met Tim Abell here in Dallas. I was volunteering for the Deep Ellum Film Festival when the Soldier Of God group was there. They brought in about 6 or 8 people, all very nice and gracious.

[Mark Johnson]

We're extremely honored and pleased to announce our propmaster:

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

[Ted Arabian]

Damn... what the hell are you doing fussing around with a little ol' dvxuser fest???? Sh*t! You are going balls to the wall!

GET OUT OF THE WAY! Here comes FAT MONSTER!

Best to you dudes!

[bosindy]

Glad to see this still chugging along towards awesomeness!

[Mark Johnson]

Thanks guys!!! In spite of the crappy traffic, there are SOME advantages to living in La La land!

[Ted Arabian]

I guess!

[Blaine]

He's baaaaaaack... :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[Mark Johnson]

Things are moving smoothly for us and preproduction is going very well. Did some VFX tests last night with Blaine and Tim with very good results. The outcome was important to determine whether we could pull off a scene in the short and it looks like we're good to go now.

This is going to be a SAG Indie contract shoot and Blaine's developed quite a good working relationship with the guys over on Wilshire (Blaine - we still have to fax over that stuff so if you're reading this give me a call and consider coming over tonight. We can have a glass of Dewars as we watch the papers fax away!)

After our little scare over being bumped out of our main shooting set location by one of the big boy studios we are all locked down and ready to go for May 24-25th. I went by today and paid the security deposit and signed the paperwork so we're all set.

After looking over the many entries it is apparent to me that everyone is bringing their "A" game and this promises to be the best fest yet by far. Rumor has it that the voting this year will be in two tiers with the first vote narrowing down the field to a final ten that will be subject to a second round of voting. IF this turns out to be the case, FAT MONSTER intends to host a screening of the finalists here in Los Angeles at a cinema. I mention this now to get some of you thinking about making a little jaunt to the West Coast for a vacation this summer that will coincide with the event. We'll give you a couch or at least some comfortable floor space and a plate at our table if you can make it. We can guarantee one hell of a party so be thinking about it and as soon as I can confirm the voting format we'll start putting it together.

[Blaine]

(Blaine - we still have to fax over that stuff so if you're reading this give me a call and consider coming over tonight. We can have a glass of Dewars as we watch the papers fax away!)Just dropped by FAT MONSTER and dropped the paper work (and e-files) off with Tim. It'll go out today.:thumbsup:


IF this turns out to be the case, FAT MONSTER intends to host a screening of the finalists here in Los Angeles at a cinema. I mention this now to get some of you thinking about making a little jaunt to the West Coast for a vacation this summer that will coincide with the event. We'll give you a couch or at least some comfortable floor space and a plate at our table if you can make it. We can guarantee one hell of a party so be thinking about it and as soon as I can confirm the voting format we'll start putting it together.Sounds like a party to me.:beer:

[ZFarms Productions]

I'll be out that way at the end of June. From like the 27 or 28th till July 6th, if the offer's still good Mark.

[Arrik]

FATMarkSTER,

FATMikeSTER here givin you a heads up to check your email. Get back at me when you have some time.

[Mark Johnson]

FATMarkSTER,

FATMikeSTER here givin you a heads up to check your email. Get back at me when you have some time.

Woo Hoo! 2nd Unit Man Mike Hechanova has shot some FAB footage and plates for our project! You da man Hechman!!! GREAT STUFF. I'm sending you an e-mail in a sec.

[Mark Johnson]

Fat Monster is shooting the second I HATE KATE video tonight at Laurel Canyon Stages. We've got most of the usual suspects on crew: Tim Hyten, Blaine Golden, Geoff Reisner, Matt Garrett, Luis Sinabldi, Ian Gumpel and Sam Falconi:

http://www.archivisuals.com/LCstages01.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

Sweet! The first one was well done.

[Mark Johnson]

Some shots from tonight.

Tim and Geoff confer over framing:

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

Geoff gives direction to Ashley:
http://www.archivisuals.com/GeoffAshley.jpg

Geoff is operating the "A" cam - HPX500
http://www.archivisuals.com/GeoffHPX.jpg

Matty is operating an HVX200 as a "B" cam and Luis is operating a second one as a "C" unit:
http://www.archivisuals.com/MattyLuis.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

HPX! Nice! How is that workin?

[Mark Johnson]

Way cool, man. Regarding the HPX, we have two 16 gig cards in it, so you can shoot for a good long while without offloading. It's got great low-light sensitivity and it looks like we're getting real sharp and even backgrounds to pull keys from.

[Mark Johnson]

Tim, who has had considerable experience receiving them, shows Ashley how one applies a hard slap to the face. ...
http://www.archivisuals.com/TimAshley.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

While Fat Monster California has been paying the rent by shooting music vids, Fat Monster New York (Mike Hechanova) has been shooting footage for our TimeFest entry! I'm delighted to receive some BTS from Mike's foray into the canyons of Manhattan. Note the last pic which had the simple caption: "Drunk Fat Monster NY Chicks" ... Gotta Love It!

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

[Arrik]

Pleasure to be a part of the experience.

I look forward to see what your talented team does with the footage. I'm sure marie elena and erin will be happy if any of their footage makes it to the final cut.

[Brandon Rice]

Way cool, man. Regarding the HPX, we have two 16 gig cards in it, so you can shoot for a good long while without offloading. It's got great low-light sensitivity and it looks like we're getting real sharp and even backgrounds to pull keys from.

awesome!

[Mark Johnson]

Here's a frame from Mike's shoot in Manhattan ....

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

[Arrik]

The girls are so happy to hear your compliments, Mark. They want to fly out for the screening if you have one! But, I told them "no" because I wont be able to go.

I'm a hater.

[Mark Johnson]

The girls are so happy to hear your compliments, Mark. They want to fly out for the screening if you have one! But, I told them "no" because I wont be able to go.

I'm a hater.

Awww! Send 'em out Mike! We'll take good care of them and turn them into celebrities!!! Tim even says he'll make space in his bed for 'em!

[Beat Takeshi]

I like the way you are all dressed up on a shoot with all girls.

[Beat Takeshi]

Some shots from tonight.


Geoff gives direction to Ashley:
http://www.archivisuals.com/GeoffAshley.jpg



Oh, I though he was saying he dropped his contact lens and could she bend over and pick it up...

[Arrik]

Awww! Send 'em out Mike! We'll take good care of them and turn them into celebrities!!! Tim even says he'll make space in his bed for 'em!

NO WAY. Last thing I need is Mr. Hyten stealing my thunder.

[Mark Johnson]

Hyten is harmless. Believe me.

[Slimothy]

NO WAY. Last thing I need is Mr. Hyten stealing my thunder.

Seriously. That's a very reasonable concern.

[Brandon Rice]

Any grabs from the shoot last night?

[Mark Johnson]

Any grabs from the shoot last night?

We'll get some of the raw frames up shortly, Brandon. Running three cameras generated an astounding amount of footage and we're slogging through the process of logging it all and bringing it into FCP. At least this time the footage doesn't have to be flipped.

This project is obviously going to be pretty intensive with regard to post since it's all going to have to be keyed. We're going to go ahead and buy another 8-Core MacPro so we can get a decent work flow going on this stuff.

The label is really hot to trot to get this finished because they're planning a big release in just a month or so.

[Brandon Rice]

Awesome! Looking forward to stuff on this one... I enjoy the before/after info on the effects and stuff.

[Kyle Stebbins]

While you're at it, send a Mac Pro my way, eh!?

I'm just about finished negotiating the purchase of an HVX at the moment.

I already feel behind the times ;)

[Mark Johnson]

Stebbs, man, I haven't seen you around here in a long while. Whassup? Have you been able to do any more work on your music-based short?

[Tomas Riuka]

what's up guys? so you're shooting :) we're doing our shooting next 5 days, starting from tomorrow!

post some grabs!

[Mark Johnson]

what's up guys? so you're shooting :) we're doing our shooting next 5 days, starting from tomorrow!

post some grabs!

Hi Tomas. No, we're still in preproduction. The stuff we're shooting right now is for paying clients. Our TimeFest shoot will be May 24-25th.

Nice to hear from you. Glad to hear you're getting the camera out, man. Go kick some butt!

[Mark Johnson]

Preproduction is humming smoothly so far. We just added some significant support for the VFX tasks and we should bme able to release a full crew list very soon.

Today we (Tim, Bullis and me) are going to visit the Corrado set. They are shooting today at the Gower Lofts in Hollywood where Fat Monster has often shot music video sequences. In fact, way back on the NUDE video shoot we drug over about two dozen wooden chairs that we had picked up from a Mexican restaurant going out of business and we didn't get around to moving them so they've kind of become permanent fixtures at the Gower Lofts. Matty G and Siniarch (Luis) report that Corrado is using them. That figures. The Fat Monster chairs are doing better in Hollywood than we are!

[Mark Johnson]

I had a good conference with our propmaster, Dragon, from Renegade Effects, today. He's going to hook us up with what he describes as "some very cool hand props" and he's invited Tim and me to come by Renegade this coming week to make some decisions and look at some gadgets. He's also going to loan us his two personal smokers for the shoot (one handheld and the other a biggie). Finally, he's coming through on one of our most critical items and told me that he's been building it for the upcoming WOLVERINE film but that he'll get it finished in time for us to use on our little movie. How cool is that? All of this came about because of a personal referral to Renegade Effects from the scheduling manager of Laurel Canyon Studios who put in a good word for us and set things up so that Dragon was willing to do us this favor.

I think I've mentioned before that the Fat Monster credo is "we depend upon the kindness of strangers and happy accidents to get by" and this shoot is certainly no exception. When we developed this project we knew we wanted to shoot it on a set at Laurel Canyon and we were aware that there was no way we would be able to afford it if we had to pay their rates. I consider myself a grandmaster schmoozer and I told Tim that I'd figure out a way for us to shoot there. To his credit, Tim never questions my schemes and is willing to jump off a cliff if I tell him there will be a net by the time he gets to the bottom.

Anyway, I made plans to drop by the facility with some frequency so that I could get to know the scheduling manager. Eventually, I picked up on a few items that I realized we could be of help with and I scheduled a meeting with her to discuss scheduling a shoot. I was up front with her and told her I knew that every indie producer in the city must hit her up for cheap rates and discounts. I explained that while we, of course, operate on shoestring budgets like other small production outfits, we also have a very good track record of finding ways we can help our clients, vendors and partners so that we give back as much as we get. I had already worked up a couple possible areas that I felt Fat Monster could be of service and I ran through these with her and gave her a written packet with supporting info on each item.

I was a trial lawyer for 14 years so that I'm fairly well versed in the art of persuasion and reading people (witnesses, jurors, judges etc.) I was able to pick up a couple reactions on her part that eventually led me to the key I needed to really get her interested in cutting a deal. Without going into details here, I learned that she has a pet personal project that she's been wanting to develop. This was on a Friday and I asked her to give me the weekend to put some proposals together. On Monday I had a whole new presentation for her and the result was that we worked out a trade-out whereby we are going to be allowed to shoot at the facility only for the cost of a Stage Manager and the cost of any high-amp power we use. We're getting two full shooting days and, on top of that, we're been allowed in for a pre-light session on Friday. If we had to pay the rate sheet this would have been close to $10,000!

I decided to mention this because I've been so inspired by the priceless information that Adam (Taormina) has been providing on his Corrado thread (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=126339). I'm assuming most of you are following it daily, but if not, you owe it to yourself to read it from the top. Anyway, I think too many people fail to really work the angles that are available to them. When we made Threading the Needle we got the use of an airport, a stunt pilot and plane and an ambulance, firetruck, fireman costumes and a commander's vehicle all for free (well, we did buy a tank of diesel fuel for the provider of the emergency equipment). On Where the Heart Lies we had incredible locations donated to us that would have cost thousands of dollars if we had to find them through traditional resources. Tim and Blaine shot Thou Shalt Not at the same diner that Tarentino used in Kill Bill and I think they paid $150 total.

The point is that IF you are willing to devote some time to understanding persuasive appeals you can achieve all sorts of results by acquiring goodwill.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Monster post with a monster lesson, Mark man. Very cool news.

We've been playing phone tag for most of the day today, I will try and give you a call this evening. If not, I will discourse with you tomorrow while I'm on my way to a town about 30 minutes away where I applied for graphic design school. I'm off to go run off all the weight I gained stuffing my face on your sets ;)

Talk to you soon.

[Mark Johnson]

And we are delighted to announce that our DP will be award winning cinematographer Levie Isaacks, ASC. Levie has an incredibly broad body of work that includes major films such as Dead Men Can't Dance, The Dogfighters, The Nature of the Beast, Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Children of the Corn II, Leprechaun, The Guyver, Black Magic Woman, City Life etc. He also is well known for his work on network television including Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Malcolm in the Middle, Target Earth, Dawson's Creek and Tales from the Crypt.

http://www.lepconnie.com/pics/lep/bts/lep1bts048.jpg

[smashedburrito]

Nice!

[Slimothy]

yea buddy...

[Simon Höfer]

You are kidding, are you?

[Mark Johnson]

You are kidding, are you?
No. Levie is signed up to shoot and we are all stoked. More announcements to come.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Unbelievable! Fat Monster struck again!

Seems like Ted's ladder would be an apropos metaphor for the growth of your production company these days. It really seems like you guys have been climbing a giant ladder, rung by rung... and moments like this jolt you ahead about 10-20 rungs!!!! AWESOME!!!!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

wow! I'm envious. Excellent DP!

[ZazaCast]

WOW... congrats to you!

...and here I am trying to teach my cat how to run the camera because I'll be lucky if I can get a pimple-faced high school drama student to 'act' for me while I write the script, set the lights, run the sound, DP, direct, roadie everything to location, find & negotiate the locations, do makeup, cater, talk my Father into playing a part, talk my daughter out of wanting to play a part, transfer & edit, create the score & sound EFX and master the project all in the next few weeks...

...but really, I'm sure you're going to need all the luck you can get.

Can't wait to see the post announcing that Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter & Meg Ryan will be appearing in the film.

Have to go so I can run an extention cord from the house next door to power the aircraft landing lights I stole from the airport to light the night scene...hope they won't miss them!

FYI - I wouldn't fly into Albany in the next few days....

[Bryan]

Wow nice! You guys need any PAs? Haha.

[Kyle Stebbins]

WOW... congrats to you!

...and here I am trying to teach my cat how to run the camera because I'll be lucky if I can get a pimple-faced high school drama student to 'act' for me while I write the script, set the lights, run the sound, DP, direct, roadie everything to location, find & negotiate the locations, do makeup, cater, talk my Father into playing a part, talk my daughter out of wanting to play a part, transfer & edit, create the score & sound EFX and master the project all in the next few weeks...

...but really, I'm sure you're going to need all the luck you can get.

Can't wait to see the post announcing that Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Holly Hunter & Meg Ryan will be appearing in the film.

Have to go so I can run an extention cord from the house next door to power the aircraft landing lights I stole from the airport to light the night scene...hope they won't miss them!

FYI - I wouldn't fly into Albany in the next few days....

:thumbsup: Best post I've read in a LONG LONG LONG time! It's a spirit like yours that keeps me motivated, mate! AWESOME

[Kyle Stebbins]

came across this. thought you might enjoy it mark man. futurama.

note the hypnotoad.

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v249/150/56/17211470/n17211470_35156402_6396.jpg

[traviscool]

WOW... congrats to you!

...and here I am trying to teach my cat how to run the camera because I'll be lucky if I can get a pimple-faced high school drama student to 'act' for me while I write the script, set the lights, run the sound, DP, direct, roadie everything to location, find & negotiate the locations, do makeup, cater, talk my Father into playing a part, talk my daughter out of wanting to play a part, transfer & edit, create the score & sound EFX and master the project all in the next few weeks...



...Have to go so I can run an extention cord from the house next door to power the aircraft landing lights I stole from the airport to light the night scene...hope they won't miss them!

FYI - I wouldn't fly into Albany in the next few days....

I'm in that same boat to some degree.

[Blaine]

We had a good pre-prod meeting tonight and filled in a lot of blanks. Everything's on schedule for a great shoot.:thumbsup:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

can't wait to see this one!

and can someone translate or find my decoder ring for the damn title...

[Mark Johnson]

We reserved today solely for our TimeFest entry and we made the most of the time (pun intended). We began by meeting at Laurel Canyon Studios where we were able to get a lot of valuable work done on the set we'll be shooting on. Tim, Bullis, Blaine and I were able to get measurments, block out scenes and made some preliminary decisions regarding camera positions. We later were joined by our sound designer - uber talented Brad Semenoff, who really provided some good insight that should help us during production to insure the best possible sound.

We then drove to North Hollywood where we had an appointment with our PropMaster and Wardrobe specialist Dragon Dronet at Renegade Effects. All I can say is that if any of you are sci-fi fanboys you would have found yourself as close to heaven as you will get on this mortal coil. Dragon showed us into their conference room, which was furnished on all four walls with hundreds of props, costumes and artifacts from major films:


http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/DragonPix/Weapons.jpg

This man is a legend in the business and his work has spanned decades. We saw stuff from some of our very favorite films and our jaws were permanently open from the moment we arrived.

Dragon treated us as though we were studio heads and gave us a full tour of the facility. The man has no ego and we felt as though we had been hanging with him for years. He gave us hours of his time even though we know he is completely swamped with work needed for G.I. JOE, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, HEROES, LOST and a full schedule of personal appearances.

http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/collage.jpg
Tim and I playing with props at Renegade

What was really cool was that Dragon encouraged us to pick up, touch and play with anything we were interested in. He told us all sorts of stories from his shoots and gave us some great inside Hollywood gossip.

However, what was best of all was when he got out our script and we could see that he had annotated it with his own notes and breakdown. He gathered us around the table and said the following:

"Boys, I'm going to give you some really bitchin' stuff and all I ask of you is that if you break it, try to pick up ALL the pieces. I built it and I can put it together again as long as I have the pieces. So, you go have fun and play with my toys and don't worry if anything breaks. Just bring back the damn pieces! ... Oh, and I'm going to build that hero costume you need and have it ready for you to pick up the Thursday before you shoot. Just trust me. It's going to look kickass!"
Believe me, after seeing everything in that shop, we have no doubts whatsoever!

For more pics from the visit to Renegade we put up a roll of photos on our site HERE. (http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/html/gallery.html)

[Blaine]

Just to echo what Mark said, Dragon was an INCREDIBLY gracious guy. In a business full of egos, it was refreshing talking to someone like him. I'm looking forward to watching Batman: Dead End tonight...thanks, Dragon.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, our make-up guy Crist (http://www.myspace.com/metamorphosismakeup) was the same way. Straight up Mensch through and through, even though he was way above our pay-grade. Love working with people like that.

Sounds like it's coming together nicely, guys.

[Blaine]

Yeah, after today, it really does feel like it's coming together. :happy:

[Mark Johnson]

Yeah, our make-up guy Crist (http://www.myspace.com/metamorphosismakeup) was the same way. Straight up Mensch through and through, even though he was way above our pay-grade. Love working with people like that.

Sounds like it's coming together nicely, guys.

A REALLY nice page with some incredible work, Mark. That's so tight that you got that level of assistance on your project. Extremely cool. I'm truly excited to see your opus, Harris.

[Mark Harris]

Oh I'm excited to see yours. Rumor mill is going full-tilt on the bad-assedness you guys have in store for us.

[Brandon Rice]

Wow dudes! Awesome pics! I see some amazing props there!

I cannot wait to see this! :)

[Slimothy]

Thanks Brandon and Mark. This has been a pretty fun ride and we're up for the challenge. Always trying to step it up.

[Brandon Rice]

Always trying to step it up.

That's what counts! :beer::thumbup:

[disjecta]

Hey, I just saw this thread. Are you guys makin' a movie or something? Seems like a lot of hullabaloo...

[Mark Johnson]

Hey, I just saw this thread. Are you guys makin' a movie or something? Seems like a lot of hullabaloo...

No, its wilderness footage. We hear that's where the easy money is.

[jeremytuttle]

"...if you break it, try to pick up ALL the pieces. I built it and I can put it together again as long as I have the pieces. So, you go have fun and play with my toys and don't worry if anything breaks. Just bring back the damn pieces! ... "

Ha ha, that's great. Sounds like a good guy. Wow, you guys are really making things happen with this. Can't wait to see it.

[disjecta]

No, its wilderness footage. We hear that's where the easy money is.

You heard wrong :engel017:

[Mark Johnson]

Mark, I have to confess that I gravitated toward nature and landscape motifs because I am, by trait and heredity, a misanthrope. Moreover, in addition to maintaining a comfortable distance from humanity, I find my skills do not have to be top-notch or my work fastidious in this market. There will always be older women with a penchant for ducks to keep my liquor cabinet stocked and my closet filled with the stylish garments I am known for.

Steven, your candor is refreshing and appreciated.

[disjecta]

What the? :eek:

[Mark Johnson]

What the? :eek:

Get down here and shoot with us Disjecta!

By the way, Master Tim is making significant progress on the Vienna Teng video. It's looking good indeed.

[disjecta]

I imagine myself sometime in the future (say 40 years) in the geriatric ward with drool seeping from my pursed lips. Another email comes in from the Fat Monsters saying that the Vienna video is almost complete.

I squint to read the words on the screen and then begin slamming my fists on the keyboard until I am forcefully removed in a straight jacket.

5 years later - The Vienna video is officially released only minutes after a I have administered a self-lobotomy.

Vienna herself has long abandoned the music business and now resides at a Tibetan monastery in the south of France. Although the edit is great, she is detached from it and the only thing that is heard in the distance is the sound of one hand clapping.

[Mark Johnson]

The clarity of your vision is both astounding and frightening. What troubles me is that it fails to mention the long tenure I will have had as Hef's successor at the Playboy mansion before expiring in the grotto.
"He had a good looking corpse, that one did."

[disjecta]

Sorry about that...

All a while both Mark and Tim have let themselves go...so consumed by producing top notch material that they have completely ignored their bodys' need for health and nutrition. Fast food is the order of the day. Soon, in certain Hollywood circles, the company has been nick named "Fat Bastards".

Mark lays around eating grapes and hamburgers all day at the Fat Bastard Mansion with Hef's former bunnies. The allure to the Mansion is dangerously threatening to Hef because he has found that not only has he lost his marbles but he has also lost most of his bunnies. He expires of a broken heart.

Johnson's slobbering laugh can be heard for miles but he sadly expires of a massive coronary before he can truly make it known to the world that he is the true heir to the Playboy mogul.

In the meantime, Tim has been arrested for directing traffic on a busy intersection in LA while screaming profanities at passers by. His condition is so serious, he no longer recognizes the world he lives in or the person he has become. Although he is walking around in his own filth screaming at people, in his mind, he is directing Tom Cruise in his latest feature and sipping champagne with the beautiful co-star. Life is good inside Tim's head.

[Mark Johnson]

Although Tim is walking around in his own filth screaming at people

God, talk about prescience! That is straight from last night, man!!!!

[Mark Johnson]

Luis Sinibaldi, the fattest monster of all, has been shooting B-cam on the Corrado set these past couple weeks and they were in need of some more P2 cards so Tim and I were happy to loan them a couple 8 giggers and got to hang out on the set yesterday. They were shooting at a little bistro on Sunset and we learned a bunch of great stuff from that incredible crew.

Here's some iPhone snaps from the day:
http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/luis.jpg
http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/luistim.jpg
http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com/corradobistro.jpg

Over the lunch hour I made the quick trip to North Hollywood where I dropped off our latest revised script for our TimeFest entry to Dragon Dronet at Renegade Effects. Dragon told me he was so pumped up by our visit on Tuesday that he took the whole day off to work on our props! It was so amazingly cool to see all of the items laid out on his workbench.

Also, at the end of the day we got a call from Dragon who told us that his good friend and writer Jimmy Diggs (http://www.courtjones.com/house_of_diggs.html) (Star Trek Voyager; Deep Space 9 etc.) is producing an episode of Stark Trek Phase II and he (Dragon) is going to play the villain (a badass alien starship commander who he describes as sort of a cross between a Klingon and a big cat). Anyway, Dragon said he was impressed with what he's seen of us so far and he talked to Jimmy about having Fat Monster help with the part of the shoot that will be taking place in L.A. in late June. George Takai from the original series is involved and they project over 30 milliion downloads of the 45 minute episode on the net when it is finished.

Needless to say, we told Dragon we are "in" and we're really looking forward to it. Dragon told me that he and his wife remember very well how important it was for them to make networking connections when they were trying to scratch out a foothold in Hollywood and he's happy to help us. What a great guy.

[Mark Harris]

Oh I heard about your "script changes" Sniff, sniff.

Man, you guys have all the fun. I want to come to LA and play with you!!!!!

[Mark Johnson]

Yo Mark. We would give you one of the few beds if you can make it out here to shoot with us. Ever since we went through those beers at the Black Watch pub when you came out here last time we've been Jonesing for more Harris. Isn't there any way you could snag a cheap ticket and come out for Memorial Day?

[Mark Harris]

Yo Mark. We would give you one of the few beds if you can make it out here to shoot with us. Ever since we went through those beers at the Black Watch pub when you came out here last time we've been Jonesing for more Harris. Isn't there any way you could snag a cheap ticket and come out for Memorial Day?


Hmmm, not a bad idea. My dad lives down the block from you guys anyway. Let me see what I can do.

edit: Er...gf's birthday that weekend. Not gonna happen.

M

[Kyle Stebbins]

-- I'll take his spot.

[Mark Johnson]

You got it Kyle if you can get a ticket. PM me if you can make this happen man.

[traviscool]

It's looking great Mark, I am quite excited to see this.

[Mark Johnson]

Uncharacteristically for us, we've pretty much kept our mouths shut for this project. However, now that we are less than two weeks from shooting and just over a month from the finish line it seems appropriate to start sharing a little more.

Blaine, Tim, Bullis and I were able to work out some preliminary camera positions and blocked out some shots at the sound stages where we're going to be filming. Here's a quick snap Bullis shot of us on one of the sets:

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

[Mark Johnson]

And here's the man from Bullis Home World himself:

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

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

3,2,1 ...

[Ted Arabian]

My stomach hurts.

[Mark Harris]

I heard about this, but you are still leaving out one important detail.

Damn, now I really want to go out. Hmmm, my options are, miss my GF'S birthday and be single when I get back, or get single before I go...

Edit: Well I'm not being entirely fair to her. She told me she would not mind if I missed her B-Day, if it would be good for me to go. But when I looked, plane tix are kind of out of my range at the moment. Dang.

[Mark Johnson]

We'll give you floor space and feed you, Mark. You just have to get the plane tix and pay for booze if (when) we go through what's in the house. Come on out man!

[smashedburrito]

Wait a second...I never gave you guys permission to film in my dorm room...

Seriously, sets look great guys.

[Blaine]

Those shots came out great, Mark! :thumbsup:

[Brandon Rice]

Wow! Intense set guys!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Thanks again Mark for your help with my short! To say I'm looking forward to this film...is totally an understatement!!!

[Simon Höfer]

Set looks great! Hope everything works out. But actually I've got no doubts. Your threads are truly inspiring.

This fest I am also gonna finish my entry :) Shot it on saturday. Of course I am no competition at all for you :D Last fest you raised the bar really high already. Looking forward to this one!

[Mark Johnson]

Simon, I have no doubt that your entry will kick butt. That's great that you wrapped your shooting.

We are still trying to get out of the harbor.

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

[Simon Höfer]

Simon, I have no doubt that your entry will kick butt. That's great that you wrapped your shooting.

We are still trying to get out of the harbor.


Thanks Mark! Right now continuity is really annoying me. Man, why didn't someone tell me in the first place that filming is so hard ? :D

Good luck for your navigation!

[Mark Johnson]

We have our crew in place and believe we have all the necessary bases covered. We are particularly gratified to have several DVXUSERs flying in for the shoot. Friday May 23rd will be a pre-light session with Levie Isaacks ASC and we will be shooting all day Saturday and Sunday (24th-25th) at Laurel Canyon Stages in North Hollywood.

We are delighted to have a team experienced with shooting on the RED ONE (Geoff Reisner, Matt Garrett and Kholi Hicks). We're hoping to have a truly good looking short as we will be shooting 4k and will be using the very nice ZEISS cinema primes (16mm, 24mm, 40mm, 50mm and 85mm) that Matty G. rode to victory with in the last fest. Many many thanks to Sam Druckerman at Red4kLA.com for assisting us.

The script has been tightened up considerably in revision 11 and I particularly want to thank Jack Daniel Stanley and Barry Green for their notes and guidance.

We are trying hard to learn from the many mistakes that we have made in the past and continue progressing as film makers and as a production company.

One pledge we will make is that Fat Monster will ALWAYS have its doors open to DVXUSERs and we welcome any of you to join us on our shoots here in Los Angeles at any time. Accommodations are spartan but the camaraderie is always good with egos properly deflated. Our casa is your casa (and if things get too crowded we'll spill over to Luis' place).

CREW LIST (in no particular order)


Tim Hyten - Director
Mark Johnson - Writer/Producer/VFX
Levie Isaacks ASC - DP
Blaine Goldern - UPM
Scott Bullis - Production Coordinator
Dudley Christian - BTS/Stage Supervisor
John Hudson - 1st AD
Matt Garrett - 1st AC/ OP
Geoff Reisner - DIT/Post Production Supervisor
Luis Sinibaldi - Producer/Key Grip
Kholi Hicks - 1st AC/OP
Nick Popaditch - Sound Recordist
Jim Demo - Grip
Mike Hechanova - Script Supervisor
Justin Durban - Score
Gord Taylor - VFX
Kyle Stebbins - Production Design & Graphics
Brad Semenoff - Sound Design
Dragon Dronet/Renegade Effects Group - Props/Wardrobe
Brian Harley - PA
Sam Falconi - PA
Marina Mestaz - Makeup
Henry Rodriguez - Stage Manager


p.s.: We will be adding a few more members from the U.S. Marine Wounded Warrior Career Foundation but have not received a final list. We'll update accordingly when we get that info.

[Tomas Riuka]

can't wait to see what you guys come up with...

we're working hard to shorten our movie :D we got 7.5 minutes, so cutting is inevitable. post some screenies from your shoot!

[Slimothy]

CREW LIST (in no particular order)


Tim Hyten - Director
Mark Johnson - Writer/Producer/VFX
Levie Isaacks ASC - DP
Blaine Goldern - UPM
Scott Bullis - Production Coordinator
Dudley Christian - BTS/Stage Supervisor
John Hudson - 1st AD
Matt Garrett - 1st AC/ OP
Geoff Reisner - DIT/Grip
Luis Sinibaldi - Key Grip
Kholi Hicks - 1st AC/OP
Nick Popaditch - Sound Recordist
Jim Demo - Grip
Mike Hechanova - Script Supervisor
Justin Durban - Score
Gord Taylor - VFX
Kyle Stebbins - Production Design & Graphics
Brad Semenoff - Sound Design
Dragon Dronet/Renegade Effects Group - Props/Wardrobe
Brian Harley - PA
Sam Falconi - PA
Marina Mestaz - Makeup
Henry Rodriguez - Stage Manager



Jesus! Are all those people coming!!!??? Why can't I just make films in a cave in the desert? Everybody wants to be all professional.....

[Slimothy]

Wow! Intense set guys!

Yea, it was hard work but when you're finished building something like that you feel like you've really accomplished something.

[Tom Marshall]

We have our crew in place and believe we have all the necessary bases covered. We are particularly gratified to have several DVXUSERs flying in for the shoot. Friday May 23rd will be a pre-light session with Levie Isaacks ASC and we will be shooting all day Saturday and Sunday (24th-25th) at Laurel Canyon Stages in North Hollywood.

We are delighted to have a team experienced with shooting on the RED ONE (Geoff Reisner, Matt Garrett and Kholi Hicks). We're hoping to have a truly good looking short as we will be shooting 4k and will be using the very nice ZEISS cinema primes (16mm, 24mm, 40mm, 50mm and 85mm) that Matty G. rode to victory with in the last fest. Many many thanks to Sam Druckerman at Red4kLA.com for assisting us.

The script has been tightened up considerably in revision 11 and I particularly want to thank Jack Daniel Stanley and Barry Green for their notes and guidance.

We are trying hard to learn from the many mistakes that we have made in the past and continue progressing as film makers and as a production company.

One pledge we will make is that Fat Monster will ALWAYS have its doors open to DVXUSERs and we welcome any of you to join us on our shoots here in Los Angeles at any time. Accommodations are spartan but the camaraderie is always good with egos properly deflated. Our casa is your casa (and if things get too crowded we'll spill over to Luis' place).

CREW LIST (in no particular order)

Tim Hyten - Director
Mark Johnson - Writer/Producer/VFX
Levie Isaacks ASC - DP
Blaine Goldern - UPM
Scott Bullis - Production Coordinator
Dudley Christian - BTS/Stage Supervisor
John Hudson - 1st AD
Matt Garrett - 1st AC/ OP
Geoff Reisner - DIT/Post Production Supervisor
Luis Sinibaldi - Producer/Key Grip
Kholi Hicks - 1st AC/OP
Nick Popaditch - Sound Recordist
Jim Demo - Grip
Mike Hechanova - Script Supervisor
Justin Durban - Score
Gord Taylor - VFX
Kyle Stebbins - Production Design & Graphics
Brad Semenoff - Sound Design
Dragon Dronet/Renegade Effects Group - Props/Wardrobe
Brian Harley - PA
Sam Falconi - PA
Marina Mestaz - Makeup
Henry Rodriguez - Stage Manager
p.s.: We will be adding a few more members from the U.S. Marine Wounded Warrior Career Foundation but have not received a final list. We'll update accordingly when we get that info.


Looks like everything is covered...

[bosindy]

giddyup! see you all on the 20th.

[Mark Johnson]

We are more than pleased to announce that we have signed Eric Trosman to play the part of Andrey Andropov:

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

Here are a couple excerpts from his reels:

(AMERICAN REEL)
http://www.archivisuals.com/Trosman01.jpg (http://media.breakdownexpress.com/video/2006/33/1981A60E-C09F-38A7-9F813A193B2C17F2.mov)

(RUSSIAN REEL)
http://www.archivisuals.com/Trosman02.jpg (http://media.breakdownexpress.com/video/2006/33/19822197-C09F-38A7-9F3DF5C020E0D234.mov)

[Mark T. Aro]

... Amazing location! :furious3: Holy CRAP! VERY COOL LOCATION! :evil:

[Tom Marshall]

We are more than pleased to announce that we have signed Eric Trosman to play the part of Andrey Andropov:

Wow, that's pretty fucking cool... :beer:

[siniarch]

Jesus! Are all those people coming!!!??? Why can't I just make films in a cave in the desert? Everybody wants to be all professional.....

If you want to make films in a cave, I do believe "al qaeda" is hiring.

But seriously, if you need a cave, let me know.

[Blaine]

Yeah, I think this one's available...
http://www.seeing-stars.com/Images/Places/BatCaveEntrance'.jpg

[disjecta]

Hey Johnson....

....oh nevermind.

[J.R. Hudson]

Simon, I have no doubt that your entry will kick butt. That's great that you wrapped your shooting.

We are still trying to get out of the harbor.

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


:cheesy::cheesy:

[Jared Meyer]

This is looking INSANE guys....That set has had me drooling for the last ten minutes. Cannot wait to see this.

[Mark Johnson]

Woo hoo! We've finally gotten the last role (Scott Harrison) cast and the part will be played by Len Anderson, who happens to be the top solo pilot for the Blue Angels!

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

[jeremytuttle]

And here's the man from Bullis Home World himself:

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

That's a great set. Our buddy Brian Thompson co-directed an Angels & Airwaves up there. Talk about adding to your production value with this place. I love the beams of light.

[J.R. Hudson]

Kind of rushed through this; but I got inspired.

NOBODY TALKS ABOUT FAT MONSTER .

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/282/1210792251.jpg

[ZFarms Productions]

Kind of rushed through this; but I got inspired.

NO BODY TALKS ABOUT FAT MONSTER .

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/282/1210792251.jpg

Nice :thumbsup:

[Mark Johnson]

The First Rule of Fat Monster: Don't send any photos to John Hudson ...

Seriously, that's the sh*t. HA! Hudson we are pouring a special shot for you Friday night, man.

[Slimothy]

Kind of rushed through this; but I got inspired.

NO BODY TALKS ABOUT FAT MONSTER .

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/282/1210792251.jpg

Dude,
That is frickin awesome, lol. I'm going to post that on our studio door.

[Mark Johnson]

I gotta show everybody what a friggin' good match Hudson did with this. You rule in PhotoShop man:

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

[J.R. Hudson]

LOL

Awesome ! Shots are good

I havent drank since Saturday; they call me the sacrificial one.

[Mark Harris]

I always thought those roles were reversed though...either way, the homo-erotic subtext matches perfectly. :evil:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Holy crap! Someone kick these guys out of this competition :-). Who gets an ASC member to DP a DVXUser fest entry?? WTF? Game over, give these guys 1st place! :-). Now my goal is just to come in second,.

[Mark Johnson]

I got a nice note from Len Anderson today after he received our script and project package. Tim and I had told him about DVXUSER and TimeFest. He was enthused and said he's always down to help out on indie projects:


Hey Mark,

Had a long day at the base waiting for the jet to get fixed. Thanks for sending along the info and letting me be part of it. The script looks great! I cannot wait to meet the crew and cast. Tell the west coast guys in your filmmaking community to keep me in mind if they have parts in their projects that I could help out with.

Upside down in a Blue jet today.... Life is good.

Len

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

[Zak Forsman]

YEEE-HAAAAWWW!!!!! Jester's Dead!!!!!!

[Ted Arabian]

hee hee.... that is AWESOME, Mark!

[Kyle Stebbins]

sick nasty.

[conrad_johnson]

I hate you guys....:2vrolijk_08::2vrolijk_08::2vrolijk_08:

[Mark Harris]

I got a nice note from Len Anderson today after he received our script and project package. Tim and I had told him about DVXUSER and TimeFest. He was enthused and said he's always down to help out on indie projects:


Hey Mark,

Had a long day at the base waiting for the jet to get fixed. Thanks for sending along the info and letting me be part of it. The script looks great! I cannot wait to meet the crew and cast. Tell the west coast guys in your filmmaking community to keep me in mind if they have parts in their projects that I could help out with.

Upside down in a Blue jet today.... Life is good.

Len

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

Yeah, but can he "Thread the Needle?"

[Mark Johnson]

Yeah, but can he "Thread the Needle?"

That reminds me about posting that Rob Harrison, our stunt pilot from Threading the Needle, crashed at an air show in Modesto California this past weekend. He was doing barrel rolls low when he apparently caught a wingtip on the runway. Miraculously, he survived with his main injuries being broken ankles.

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/295210.html

Rob is a prince of a man and has been a good friend of mine since I came out to California so you can imagine that its been a roller coaster of emotions when we first heard of the crash and weren't sure of his condition.

He's been a big supporter of indie film making and a friend to many DVXUSERs. Hopefully he'll be able to fly again some day.

Mark

[Kyle Stebbins]

Yeah, but can he "Thread the Needle?"

valid.

[Kyle Stebbins]

That reminds me about posting that Rob Harrison, our stunt pilot from Threading the Needle, crashed at an air show in Modesto California this past weekend. He was doing barrel rolls low when he apparently caught a wingtip on the runway. Miraculously, he survived with his main injuries being broken ankles.

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/295210.html

Rob is a prince of a man and has been a good friend of mine since I came out to California so you can imagine that its been a roller coaster of emotions when we first heard of the crash and weren't sure of his condition.

He's been a big supporter of indie film making and a friend to many DVXUSERs. Hopefully he'll be able to fly again some day.

Mark

Oh my god! I'm so glad to hear that there were no major injuries. Still really scary news... Rob was very very cool and so talented. -- He put up with a lot of shit having to act and fly for a film crew =)

[Mark Harris]

That reminds me about posting that Rob Harrison, our stunt pilot from Threading the Needle, crashed at an air show in Modesto California this past weekend. He was doing barrel rolls low when he apparently caught a wingtip on the runway. Miraculously, he survived with his main injuries being broken ankles.

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/295210.html

Rob is a prince of a man and has been a good friend of mine since I came out to California so you can imagine that its been a roller coaster of emotions when we first heard of the crash and weren't sure of his condition.

He's been a big supporter of indie film making and a friend to many DVXUSERs. Hopefully he'll be able to fly again some day.

Mark

Wow, I'm glad he got out of it with so little injury.

[Brandon Rice]

That reminds me about posting that Rob Harrison, our stunt pilot from Threading the Needle, crashed at an air show in Modesto California this past weekend. He was doing barrel rolls low when he apparently caught a wingtip on the runway. Miraculously, he survived with his main injuries being broken ankles.

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/295210.html

Rob is a prince of a man and has been a good friend of mine since I came out to California so you can imagine that its been a roller coaster of emotions when we first heard of the crash and weren't sure of his condition.

He's been a big supporter of indie film making and a friend to many DVXUSERs. Hopefully he'll be able to fly again some day.

Mark

OMG! When I read the "crashed" part, my heart dropped... glad to hear he's ok... he's a great guy!

[Mark Johnson]

I will pass on best wishes to Rob from all the DVXUSERs who were part of the TTN set. He appreciated all of you and really enjoyed being part of the project.

[conrad_johnson]

Even the ones who weren't part of the TTN set!!!!

[Mark Johnson]

Even the ones who weren't part of the TTN set!!!!

Absolutely. Rob liked to peruse the thread and enjoyed the camaraderie here.

Rob was an ideal fan of this place. He was in awe of every short I showed him from drama fest. (he even still thinks TTN was a masterpiece, which shows you how accepting he is indeed!) Bless his heart, he just loves the concept of movie-making and was like a kid to have the chance to be in one.

Thanks for all your kind words for him and his recovery.

[Jared Meyer]

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


lol, Nice Photoshop job John. :thumbsup:

But who the heck is Mary Johnson?

[Mark Harris]

lol, Nice Photoshop job John. :thumbsup:

But who the heck is Mary Johnson?

All right, I'm going to reveal their big surprise on this one. The reason this one is such a big deal is Mark Johnson is producing, writing, and doing VFX all while undergoing his "operation." He's pulling what's become known in the business as a "Wachowski."

[Mark Johnson]

It worked for Wendy Carlos so what the heck.

[Slimothy]

Holy crap! Someone kick these guys out of this competition :-). Who gets an ASC member to DP a DVXUser fest entry?? WTF? Game over, give these guys 1st place! :-). Now my goal is just to come in second,.

Don't give us 1st Place, give us first dibs on your mom's liquor cabinet!

We'll need it for the two days of shooting we have planned. My motto has always been "double vision is always better than single vision." Shots throw themselves at you when you're hammered.

[Zak Forsman]

My motto has always been "double vision is always better than single vision."

that's what I call collaboration!

[HorseFilms]

Shots throw themselves at you when you're hammered.

You are so very correct. It was my birthday yesterday and I made the mistake of leaving the house. I can't believe that I'm still alive.:)

This project is looking awesome, by the way.:beer:

[Kyle Stebbins]

Shots throw themselves at you when you're hammered.

I think there are more things being thrown at you than just shots when you're hammered, Tim.

Which reminds me, I'll be seeing TEAM FAT MONSTER and all of their crew on Memorial Day weekend! Can't wait to get back out to the west coast and chill at FM headquarters again!!! Thanks to Mark Johnson for making this happen. This shoot is going to be incredible.

I'll be toting an HVX, a Canon Rebel, and my MacBook to document the occasion. I look forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting many new ones while I'm out there. It's going to be AWESOME.

[Mark Johnson]

Bring that new HVX Stebbs. How many Cali visits has this been for you?

[Brandon Rice]

How many Cali visits has this been for you?

too few that's for sure... hope our paths cross sometime soon Kyle

[Kyle Stebbins]

Bring that new HVX Stebbs. How many Cali visits has this been for you?

HVX, Rebel, and MacBook, Mark man. All three are along for the ride.

I think this my fourth trip out to hang with you Fat Monster guys, and each time gets more and more fun (and exciting).

From hot tubbing at the apartment, threading needles, remaining in extremis... and, well, insulting waitresses at Chilis (Tommy...) -- trips out to see Fat Monster have always been a blast. -- Not to mention, having you stay with us for New Years this past year was sweeeeeet. Can't wait to have you back, man.

We're going to rock this fest.

[Kyle Stebbins]

too few that's for sure... hope our paths cross sometime soon Kyle

Me, too, Brandon man. We've got a lot to talk about!

[Beat Takeshi]

DAYUM. Hot tubbing? Now thats some hospitality. All I can offer is a spray in the fire hydrant. :P

http://www.untitledname.com/archives/upload/2005/6/bronx-summer-open-fire-hydrant.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

Me, too, Brandon man. We've got a lot to talk about!

yeah dude... hope you got my text a few weeks back

[Tom Marshall]

HVX, Rebel, and MacBook, Mark man. All three are along for the ride.

I think this my fourth trip out to hang with you Fat Monster guys, and each time gets more and more fun (and exciting).

From hot tubbing at the apartment, threading needles, remaining in extremis... and, well, insulting waitresses at Chilis (Tommy...) -- trips out to see Fat Monster have always been a blast. -- Not to mention, having you stay with us for New Years this past year was sweeeeeet. Can't wait to have you back, man.

We're going to rock this fest.

Haha! I was laughing so hard when you said that. We need to hang out again, man! So you're going to be here next weekend?

[Mark Johnson]

Today we had a "pre-pre-light session" on the set with Levie Isaacks, Luis, Matty, Blaine and Tim. Tim and Levie blocked out camera positions and discussed lighting (we've got a list of stuff now we have to pull together).

Also, we were delighted to have Logan Leistikow drop by the set today. Logan truly has it going on and is involved in a seriously hip project called "The Yellow Mic." check out his site at: http://www.loganlproductions.com/home.html

The guy is going places so Fat Monster has him on the "to be schmoozed" 'A' List.

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

[Kyle Stebbins]

I just watched the "Big Knockers" episode on Yellow Mic! F#*%IN HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!! -- That actor is BRILLIANT!

Tom: We'll definitely make a point to get out to some restaurant and insult our waitress in some way, shape, or form again. Chili's is easy... that place sucks! ;)

Kyle

[Mark Johnson]

We have someone special from NY joining us next week Tommy. I think we need to take him to the traditional Fat Monster Hollywood Hooters preproduction meeting...

[Mark Harris]

Why did Jack delete his post?

[J.R. Hudson]

We have someone special from NY joining us next week Tommy. I think we need to take him to the traditional Fat Monster Hollywood Hooters preproduction meeting...

:love4: :love4: :love4: :love4: :love4:

[bosindy]

We have someone special from NY joining us next week Tommy. I think we need to take him to the traditional Fat Monster Hollywood Hooters preproduction meeting...


I hope that is not the only surprise guest you plan to take there.

[Ted Arabian]

Jim, you're not a surprise guest.... you are a PRIZED guest! :beer:

[Mark Johnson]

Demo you be da man! We gotta seat reserved for you fo' sho! I talked to Luis today and we're going to swing by his place too. A visit to L.A. is not complete without seeing casa Luis and his famous herd of semi-domesticated cats.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Why did Jack delete his post?
Haha, I thought it was maybe not so PC for a mod.

[Mark Johnson]

Haha, I thought it was maybe not so PC for a mod.

And here I am clueless. No probs as I have a feeling I can get the story out of JDS with a little persuasion. :happy:

[Ted Arabian]

Good. Then you can pass it on to me!

[Kyle Stebbins]

yo tambien.

[Tom Marshall]

We have someone special from NY joining us next week Tommy. I think we need to take him to the traditional Fat Monster Hollywood Hooters preproduction meeting...

Right on. I'm still the best looking one of all you mother fuckers, so I'm not worried about any competition with the Hooters honeys... :beer:

(I kid!)

:love4: :love4: :love4: :love4: :love4:


I hope that is not the only surprise guest you plan to take there.

It looks like John and Jim want to hit the Hooters too... figuratively, of course... :engel017:

[Mark Johnson]

Ok, we have our first out-of-town crew member in town today:

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

[Mark Harris]

What the F*&^%K happened to your hair? Man, I guess it HAS been a while since we've met up.

[Mark Johnson]

I just got my hair cut a week ago. What's wrong with it Harris? I think I look great.

[Mark Johnson]

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

[Brandon Rice]

Dude... is that who I think it is?

[Ted Arabian]

I like the hair cut, Mark. But I don't know about Billis'.... makes him look younger or something! :)

Hey Tim!

Hello VIP guest!

[Tom Marshall]

Billis?

[Mark Harris]

I just got my hair cut a week ago. What's wrong with it Harris? I think I look great.

Not YOUR hair.

[Barry_Green]

Dude... is that who I think it is?
DUDE! No WAY!

You are totally bringing out the star power on this gig.

Who would have thought we'd get Joe Pantoliano ("aka Joey Pants") from the Matrix in a DVX Fest film?
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/31/1211231511.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

ah come on... we all know who THAT is!

[Simon Höfer]

Prominent people in town :D This is shaping up nicely!

[Jeff Anderson]

Wow you guys have really got alot going on with this one! Makes me want to come out and attend the FatMonster School of Filmmaking. Can't wait til we get to watch all of these.

[Postmaster]

OHMYGAWD! You got Tim Abell, that beauty Ana Alexander, Eric Tosman, that Ace Anderson, the Dragon prop Whiz and now THAT!

You guys suck! :D

Can´t wait to see your entry.

Good Luck!

Frank

[Mark Johnson]

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

[ZFarms Productions]

hahaha! that's hilarious!

[siniarch]

Just way too much time on your hands. Or maybe I just gooff off too much. ?

Welcome to LA Jack.

[Simon Höfer]

First comic like story in a long time... and a good one :D

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

I am humbled by the gracious hospitality, erudite conversation and perspicacious wisdom exuded by Mr. Johnson and the boys. Truly I shall return to Gotham a better man and a stronger fellow for it. Oh, thou corpulent leviathan ... thou obese beast ... you adipose ogre! Fat Monster I salute you and I lay the full panoply of my powers at your disposal!

[Brandon Rice]

Hey Jack, welcome!

[Matt Sconce]

The EPIC Battle is coming........
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10327/1211241598.jpg


hahaha. I am looking forward to seeing the film! I love that many of us are collaborating. Best of luck!:2vrolijk_08:

[Mark T. Aro]

The EPIC Battle is coming........
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10327/1211241598.jpg


hahaha. I am looking forward to seeing the film! I love that many of us are collaborating. Best of luck!:2vrolijk_08:

This is what Matt does with his spare time when he doesn't have anything to do at work.... Disturbing!

[Mark Johnson]

Ha. Ha!!!! Hilarious!!! It is ON!!!

[Mark Harris]

I am humbled by the gracious hospitality, erudite conversation and perspicacious wisdom exuded by Mr. Johnson and the boys. Truly I shall return to Gotham a better man and a stronger fellow for it. Oh, thou corpulent leviathan ... thou obese beast ... you adipose ogre! Fat Monster I salute you and I lay the full panoply of my powers at your disposal!

Does any of that mean you went to Hooters?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Ok, we have our first out-of-town crew member in town today:

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

I'm so lost, can someone give me a L-R rundown on who this is? It's hard matching this to Avatars! ?, Jack, Mark, Blaine?

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

The ? is Simothy (Tim Hyten)

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.archivisuals.com/monster2.jpg

[Geoff_R]

Tim, I didn't know you were asian...I guess you are pretty cool now. And now for the most important question of your life...Would you rather...

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Does any of that mean you went to Hooters?
Mostly it means I left my account logged on to DVXuser and left the computer unattended :thumbsup:

[Ted Arabian]

Hee hee..... funny stuff, guys. Love the "battle!"

Bullis... Sorry about the Billis! Operator error not a forgetful mind.

[Kyle Stebbins]

That picture of Blaine is PRICELESS.
I'm going to print it out and place underneath it the following caption:

Blaine Golden is watching.

I plan to hang it up in public restrooms.

Also, let's not forget to VOTE (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=135745)

[Mark Johnson]

We are beyond delighted to report that the incomparable MATT GETTEMEIER will be our sound man on set this weekend. Matt is flying out from Saint Louis to join us and many of you are already aware that he and Barry Green have just released "SOUND FOR FILM AND TELEVISION" - an incredible training DVD available HERE (http://dvxuser.com/articles/dvxshop/SoundDVD/).

To say Matt is a consummate operator is an understatement. Our set presents a number of difficulties that we are now extremely relieved to be able to throw in Matt's lap. With BRAD SEMENOFF handling our post sound design, we are confident this film is going to sound truly great.

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

[J.R. Hudson]

It's a DVXUSER Nation !

[Kyle Stebbins]

No joke. This is going to be nuts.

[Mark Johnson]

Jack Rulez. ... 4:30 a.m. and he is still refusing to sleep.

[Jeff Anderson]

Wow who isn't working on this thing?

[Ted Arabian]

Sh*t! You have Matt coming out, too???

damn.... I gotta book a flight!

[Kyle Stebbins]

Sh*t! You have Matt coming out, too???

damn.... I gotta book a flight!

Do it, Ted man. It'd be awesome to see you again! -- I'm just worried about where I'm going to sleep during this whole thing!! The Fat Monster pad is going to be PACKED with dvxusers. Sheeez.

[Ted Arabian]

Sleep? Fat Monsters Sleep????

[Mark Johnson]

Today's airport run brings us ....


BOSINDY!!!!!!


Yes, with a full carry-on of SOX swag, we have the legendary and beloved man himself joining the Monsters for this shoot!

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

[Ted Arabian]

I know that mug! Guinness, right! :grin: Have a blast, Jim!

[Simon Höfer]

Have fun over there, wish I could come!

[Barry_Green]

It's a DVXUSER Nation !
That's kind of the idea. :thumbsup:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Lol, sheesh, someone change the title of this thread to 'The DVXUsers All Stars Dream Team' :beer:

[Brandon Rice]

Cool!

[Larry Rutledge]

Wow who isn't working on this thing?

Me :crybaby: ... they hate me because I'm beautiful :grin:

[Mark Johnson]

Me :crybaby: ... they hate me because I'm beautiful :grin:

But you are such a beautiful man ... on the inside.

We are so grateful to have such a large and wide-ranging contingent of USERS coming out to crew. FAT MONSTER depends on the kindness of strangers and friends and, thus, we take very seriously our obligation to make our shoots real opportunities to learn and network. it's our true hope that every crew member this time will seriously consider coming out again to shoot with us in the future based on the experience they have this weekend.

As many of you know, Fat Monster has always had a standing offer to give board and grub to DVXUSERs who wish to come shoot with us and the "visiting USERs" program has been really successful in the past. This time we had a huge number of former "alums" along with a lot of new faces interested in helping out. I believe we've got DVXUSERs arriving every day from now to Saturday along with our usual L.A. partners in crime.

Obviously, Fat Monster is very much committed to making the best film we can. However, we truly believe in the principle that we all benefit tremendously by anything that helps this community thrive. Thus, whether or not our production is well received is actually secondary to the relationships we've forged and the networking that has resulted from this effort.

We are going to be shooting music videos, commercials and feature films for a long time to come. We will most definitely use the services and talents of members of this community in those projects. We're very aware that Adam Cultraro and Brandon Rice brought several USERs into their feature film projects. Its been a win-win situation for all concerned.

Two years ago I worked with JDS in Brooklyn and as a direct result of that shoot I got hooked up with Sam Falconi and his posse who now live in Hollywood and have crewed with us on several projects. As a result of the DVXUSER fests we've worked on we now have a fully functional local crew who are loyal and dependable. This shoot promises to bring new members into the Monster House that we know we'll be working with for years to come.

I believe this is what Barry Green really hopes will come from these fests. When people help each other they grow as film makers and get more than the experience. Every film made is an opportunity to become more professional. Every project we help on is an opportunity to learn. We learned SO MUCH from the Corrado set and we know that Adam's next film will be bigger, badder and even more important as a learning tool for all of us who are watching him.

Not to be maudlin or trite, but we know very well that whatever we produce will be the result of a lot of talented people coming together. Fat Monster is the catalyst but DVXUSER is the true energy source and muscle behind this production.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

now if only I had a time machine to take me there...

[bosindy]

Today's airport run brings us ....



Yes, with a full carry-on of SOX swag, we have the legendary and beloved man himself joining the Monsters for this shoot!


yes its true, after consulting with two priests and a rabbi; as well as convening a panel of leading scientists at M.I.T, I have been cleared to come out and work on Fat Monster's latest opus. Thanks for having me!

Jim

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Jack Rulez. ... 4:30 a.m. and he is still refusing to sleep.

and it had been 42 hours since I slept at that point ... I crashed at 4:31.

[Tom Marshall]

So when is Hooters?

[Mark Johnson]

We've juggling schedules Tommy. You'll get a PM later today!

[Blaine]

This thing is turning into a monster...A FAT MONSTER!:beer:

[Kholi]

So let me get this straight: Geoff_R, Luis_S, Matty_G and Kholi all on the same set AGAIN? I guess you guys weren't planning on getting ANY work done in the first place.

Please, don't forget the donuts.

[Mark Johnson]

So let me get this straight: Geoff_R, Luis_S, Matty_G and Kholi all on the same set AGAIN?

How many USERS does it take to screw on a base plate? Apparently four.

[Blaine]

How many USERS does it take to screw on a base plate? Apparently four.Bwahahahaha...:cheesy:

[MattinSTL]

and it had been 42 hours since I slept at that point ... I crashed at 4:31.

Honestly everybody... this dude does not require sleep. I can vouch for that personally.

If you want to come up with some cool fest ideas, script them, and then see it through... it's simple... use all the time you had been using for sleep... to work on your project. :thumbsup:

I'm already dreading the return to normal life after this weekend... :beer: This has got to be the pinnacle event since I joined the forum... coinciding with the DVD release and all. It's going to get really surreal over the next few days.

[Kyle Stebbins]

I'm already dreading the return to normal life after this weekend... :beer:

It's gonna be RIIIGGGHHTTTEEEOOOUUUSSSSS.

But not quite as righteous as Bullis.

[Slimothy]

Honestly everybody... this dude does not require sleep. I can vouch for that personally.

If you want to come up with some cool fest ideas, script them, and then see it through... it's simple... use all the time you had been using for sleep... to work on your project. :thumbsup:

I'm already dreading the return to normal life after this weekend... :beer: This has got to be the pinnacle event since I joined the forum... coinciding with the DVD release and all. It's going to get really surreal over the next few days.

Can't wait to meet you Matt. This guy friggin rocks!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

So will this be exhibition only or full compete?

[Mark Johnson]

The monsters in residence have returned from the hot tub while JDS continues to work inside. He's an animal. We currently await the arrival of BOSINDY tonight who texted earlier today a harrowing connection involving bad weather in New York. Fortunately, he's en route and on time.

We believe by the time Sunday comes we'll have about 20 DVXUSERs who will have either crewed or stopped by the set. Since there is a pretty decent net connection at the studios where we're shooting we plan to have at least some behind-the-scenes footage and stills posted from the set. We're shooting 12 hour days on both Saturday and Sunday. We'll put up a page on the Fat Monster Films site (www.fatmonsterfilms.com) that will also have a web cam operating in addition to the uploaded clips/stills. Should be a lot of fun and we'll be having some interesting content to share with you all, I promise.

[Mark Johnson]

So will this be exhibition only or full compete?

We are going to give it our best shot, Shawn. We were ecstatic with placing third in the Love Fest and, frankly, we know this Fest has a record number of entries from all over the world so that we'd be thrilled if we place again.

In all sincerity, we're mainly happy to be here shooting with the best crew we've assembled to date and to have the chance to have so many USERS come to the set.

I might add that we are all talking about your epic and the incredible lengths you're going to get those awesome landscapes. Good luck to you and your team. I'm sure that you'll agree that this has been a great experience and a chance to grow no matter what the outcome of voting.

[Beat Takeshi]

We believe by the time Sunday comes we'll have about 20 DVXUSERs who will have either crewed or stopped by the set. Since there is a pretty decent net connection at the studios where we're shooting we plan to have at least some behind-the-scenes footage and stills posted from the set. We're shooting 12 hour days on both Saturday and Sunday. We'll put up a page on the Fat Monster Films site (www.fatmonsterfilms.com (http://www.fatmonsterfilms.com)) that will also have a web cam operating in addition to the uploaded clips/stills. Should be a lot of fun and we'll be having some interesting content to share with you all, I promise.

Live web cam? Thats hot. You should place them at different locations so the viewer can switch between them.

[Mark Johnson]

Aram, we have more than once mentioned your name. With both Bosindy and Arrik out here soon I am sure your name shall not only be mentioned, but you'll probably be drunk dialed during the wrap party.

Wish you were here. We shall, though, put on The Brooklyn Way at full volume tonight in your honor.

[bosindy]

my head hurts.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

We are going to give it our best shot, Shawn. We were ecstatic with placing third in the Love Fest and, frankly, we know this Fest has a record number of entries from all over the world so that we'd be thrilled if we place again.

In all sincerity, we're mainly happy to be here shooting with the best crew we've assembled to date and to have the chance to have so many USERS come to the set.

I might add that we are all talking about your epic and the incredible lengths you're going to get those awesome landscapes. Good luck to you and your team. I'm sure that you'll agree that this has been a great experience and a chance to grow no matter what the outcome of voting.

Thanks for your comments! You've assembled an absolutely stellar team of pros that blows away any previous DVXUser fest team, you've got #1 already, my goal is just to place :-). I'm super looking forward to this, you're first on my watchlist!

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks for your comments! You've assembled an absolutely stellar team of pros that blows away any previous DVXUser fest team, you've got #1 already, my goal is just to place :-). I'm super looking forward to this, you're first on my watchlist!

#1 already? ...hmmmm.... Well, one thing is for sure. You Fat Monster guys are generating a lot of excitement! I love the team spirit and wish you guys were closer to cali so I could jump on board and have some fun.

[Mark Johnson]

Bosindy steps into the Fat Monster Photo Booth with a disoriented Tim:

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

[Mark Johnson]

... Well, one thing is for sure. You Fat Monster guys are generating a lot of excitement! I love the team spirit and wish you guys were closer to California so I could jump on board and have some fun.

Um, Matt. Last time I checked Los Angeles was still in Cali! :happy:

[Matt Sconce]

What? You guys are in LA?? I am so out of it I thought you were in NY! Cool! Maybe I can swing down sometime!

[Mark Johnson]

We'll promise to make a trip to Fresno in return, dude! Seriously, if you put together that big screening event we're going to get a carload and come up.

[Matt Sconce]

Awesome we'll see what we can do!

[Barry_Green]

You've assembled an absolutely stellar team of pros that blows away any previous DVXUser fest team
Hey hey hey hey... I dunno, I think the "Little Mouth To Feed" and "Unawakening" teams (me, JDS, David Jimerson, John Hudson, Herman Witkam, and ... who was that other guy? Oh, yeah, Macgregor!) were pretty darn good. :thumbsup:

(of course, considering that most of that team is going to be on this film too, you may still have a point)


you've got #1 already, my goal is just to place.
That's the wrong way to think about it though. If there was some magical formula for success, and a great team ensured success, there never would have been an "Ishtar." (paraphrased from I forgot who.)

Or, like in the NCAA basketball tournament, there's a reason they actually play the games -- you never know what surprises will come out.

So I don't want *anyone* feeling discouraged. Enter the fest. Every fest we have, there's always some awesome surprises.

I mean, last time around, Mark put together a fantastic team and a great film ("Where The Heart Lies"), yet it only came in 3rd. 2nd place was taken by Jason Ramsey who shot a tiny little poignant piece by himself.

So yeah, let's have some excitement, let's have some fun, let's get teams working together (not just for the fest, but building careers together) but nobody should be handing over the trophy just based on the roster... everyone should enter their best film and let the best film win.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

but nobody should be handing over the trophy just based on the roster... everyone should enter their best film and let the best film win.

if that were the case we're in the running...cuz we got jasonthewho, amazing work here guys just glad he came to Waco. I actually love learning (even though he doesn't know he's teaching me)

[sfoster]

I personally think my "red camera" shot film "No Time (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=128675)" is going to come in first! I mean I have an awesome crew. Plus the quality of the "red camera" is stellar!

[siniarch]

I agree with Barry on this one. No one should hang it up just yet, in fact it should be the opposite. If someone has an incredible crew, then it should inspire others to work extra hard to produce a better film.

In my opinion "I F&@$ hate you" should have been in the top 3 last time around. That was shot on an HV20 with a 35mm adapter I believe, but the image or camera or tools were not what made the film. It was the story that got me. The breakup, the song, etc.. It was beautifully shot and told.

I am torn about how these fest are run. On one hand, I love having the post and seeing how things progress along. I and I hope everyone learns from these threads. On the other hand, I don't like the idea of the voting being a popularity contest. If the films were anonymous and everyone would just have to vote purely on which one was best we would probably get a much better sense of which one was a better film. But marketing is also part of the real world and popularity is as well. So perhaps its best to leave it as is, which will be the same way it would work at any other fest.

[Mark Johnson]

I believe that all monitors should be completely anonymous and then people would buy the ones that actually looked the best for the greatest value instead of making purchasing decisions based on slick marketing gimmicks like naming your product after a carcass.

[Beat Takeshi]

Aram, we have more than once mentioned your name. With both Bosindy and Arrik out here soon I am sure your name shall not only be mentioned, but you'll probably be drunk dialed during the wrap party.

Wish you were here. We shall, though, put on The Brooklyn Way at full volume tonight in your honor.

LOL, where Brooklyn at, where Brooklyn at!!!
I would love to come hang one day and help out but I might beat you guys at the drunk dialing since I'm on muscle relaxers and codeine at the moment. Pinched a nerve lifting too much stuff on a shoot last week. Bos and Arrik are two really great guys and have a great sense of humor. Shooting with them is nothing but fun. Even when I made Arrik shoot a mile a minute last week I never knew he was pissed we were not shooting the shots like we should but one of the actresses had to leave so I tried to get in as much as I could. Tomorrow he gets all night long to make up for it though and get the shots the way they should be gotten.

[sfoster]

Just thought I'd mention that my "red camera" and crew are
http://www.witprod.com/images/crew.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

1000th post .... woo hoo.



Just thought I'd mention that my "red camera" and crew are
Love the camera and even more the crew!!