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

[Ted Arabian]

Thanks man. It was great!!! And I'll definitely pass the word on to Diane.

I still have to open up her pictures and check them out. I'll pass along any that you guys might want.

cheers!

[Sad Max]

Wow, Dragon is an old friend from my very first years, living in Los Angeles.

Please tell him that Karl Martin says "hi" and wants to ride with him, some time...

[Blaine]

Wow, Dragon is an old friend from my very first years, living in Los Angeles.

Please tell him that Karl Martin says "hi" and wants to ride with him, some time...Will do, Karl. We still have to return all his great props. I think he just got back from Montana, yesterday.

btw, you set design guys do magic with some of the most unexpected items. There were painted "to go" boxes on the walls, along with a plastic trash can cut in half. You'd have never known if you didn't get a close look

[Sad Max]

Dragon is the only person I have ever met, whom I could accompany to a convention and find paintings of him, in the art gallery...

...a larger-than-life fellow, to be sure.

Any S/T news?

[artofsuntzu]

You Fat Monster guys absolutely ROCK! Thanks to EVERYONE for letting me contribute in whatever small way I could this weekend.

Mark, you truly are the Dude. Any DVX User who hasn't taken Mark up on his offer to visit Fat Monster Films must find a way to join whatever projects he does next. I am so glad that I got to meet all you guys. (I hope you, Tim, Blaine and group enjoyed my gift for your hospitality)

And you DVX crew, wow, you guys are talented AND damn funny. I'll never forget Luis's robot stories. Hey Luis, since there were already so many creative director-types on set, thanks to you for letting me practice more hands-on stuff as your grip. Your instruction was awesome. (and Ted, you're a true gentleman for letting me get in your way... damn you move fast)

I loved that first night at the Rancho...JRHud and Mark bring all types of cool to the room. Oh yeah, JRHudson, I've got the Illustrator stuff to send you when you start work on your ET review. (congrats on getting cineobscure on the front page of IMDB for your Raiders summary).

I could go on forever... I'll end with great job Tim as head-honcho on set.

Oh yeah, I can't believe how many posts you guys posted WHILE IN LA. Anyone visiting Fat Monster for the first time MUST bring a laptop, just to keep up with these DVX posts I'm STILL trying to read-up on.

Cheers,
Dudley

[siniarch]

Dudley and everyone else. It was such a pleasure working with you guys.

Sorry I didn't let anyone climb on the set, but the thought of any guys under my supervision falling and hurting themselves was too much to bear. (I rather it be me)

Also, thanks Ted for running around on set. (damn he was fast!!!)

Mike awesome work man. (give your back a rest when you get a chance)

MattSTL, you are friken funny your self man. great to meet you.

And everyone else, wow. so much fun.

[Mark Johnson]

Wow, Dragon is an old friend from my very first years, living in Los Angeles.

Please tell him that Karl Martin says "hi" and wants to ride with him, some time...

I spoke to Dragon this afternoon, Karl, and he really appreciated the shout out. He said we should see if you're free the next time we are going to Renegade to see if you can come by too. In fact, we'll be going by next week if you have the free time.

Mark

[Kyle Stebbins]

I'm sad that I couldn't make it to Palos Verdes. It's funny that the first two times I've visited I've stayed there for 90% of my nights yet, the last two times, I've called the Monster Pad my home.

I do miss the Elber's and hope that they haven't forgotten of me! It was great meeting everyone and I truly could go on and on (just like everyone else) about how great you all are.

Kickass trip, kickass people, kickass movie.

Dude, bro.

[Sad Max]

I spoke to Dragon this afternoon, Karl, and he really appreciated the shout out. He said we should see if you're free the next time we are going to Renegade to see if you can come by too. In fact, we'll be going by next week if you have the free time.

Mark

If I can, I'd love to!

[Mark Johnson]

Today Luis and Bosindy joined me in Valencia for a lunch meeting with Tim Abell (our lead actor) and Robert (Bobby) Miranda. This past weekend during our shoot we showed Tim our treatment for a feature film project we have been working on. Tim found the whole Fat Monster experience to be a good one and he was intrigued by the film concept enough to call Bobby on our behalf.

You've seen Bobby Miranda in a ton of films usually as a hit man of some type. He's in the climactic airport scene in Midnight Run and is one of the hit men in Sister Act to name a couple. He's currently getting ready to play the part of a killer in The Fifth Mafia with Joe Mantegna and William Forsythe - both close friends of his.

We set up lunch at the Hyatt in Valencia and had one of those afternoons that will be remembered a long time. Bobby and Tim regaled us with some hilarious stories from the movie sets they've worked on and we got some inside info on an Oliver Stone project that is in development. As film makers, it was fascinating stuff.

It turns out that Bobby went out of his way to share our concept with Bill Forsythe, who was completely enamored with one of the characters as well as the core concept of the project. We've all agreed to take another lunch meeting next week so that our Tim (Hyten) can join us in further discussions. (today Tim was too busy editing to come along). Sometimes its worth the traffic hassles to live out here after all. ...

p.s. ... yeah, that is moi, the dude, actually wearing a suit. ..

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

[J.R. Hudson]

You Fat Monster guys absolutely ROCK! Thanks to EVERYONE for letting me contribute in whatever small way I could this weekend.

Mark, you truly are the Dude. Any DVX User who hasn't taken Mark up on his offer to visit Fat Monster Films must find a way to join whatever projects he does next. I am so glad that I got to meet all you guys. (I hope you, Tim, Blaine and group enjoyed my gift for your hospitality)

And you DVX crew, wow, you guys are talented AND damn funny. I'll never forget Luis's robot stories. Hey Luis, since there were already so many creative director-types on set, thanks to you for letting me practice more hands-on stuff as your grip. Your instruction was awesome. (and Ted, you're a true gentleman for letting me get in your way... damn you move fast)

I loved that first night at the Rancho...JRHud and Mark bring all types of cool to the room. Oh yeah, JRHudson, I've got the Illustrator stuff to send you when you start work on your ET review. (congrats on getting cineobscure on the front page of IMDB for your Raiders summary).

I could go on forever... I'll end with great job Tim as head-honcho on set.

Oh yeah, I can't believe how many posts you guys posted WHILE IN LA. Anyone visiting Fat Monster for the first time MUST bring a laptop, just to keep up with these DVX posts I'm STILL trying to read-up on.

Cheers,
Dudley


Thanks Dudley ! You're a pretty cool cat yourself.

I'm still buzzing from such a great weekend. Fat Monsta !

I'd do it again in a second ! (And will.)

[Ted Arabian]

Oh yeah.... NOW I know who you were talking about, Mark!

Very cool... very cool.

I can't wait for this feature, Dude.

[Zak Forsman]

that is awesome. Forsythe is legendary.

[siniarch]

Well, what can I say. Man.......
What a meeting. We had such a great time and I believe that Mark, Bobby and I were on the same page as far as the film goes. And to see Bobby as excited as us was incredible.
Jim and Tim were also amazing and excited.
It is definitely "ON". The Ball is rolling and there is no stopping it.

[Zak Forsman]

i don't know when you guys plan to move forward on this feature but you may want to start talking with SAG. We (Sabi Pictures) received notification from them about the likelihood of a strike and advice that if we wanted to go into production after june 30th, that as an indie producer we should file a guaranteed completion contract now.

here is what they had to say...

"In case there is a delay or we are unable to reach an agreement by June 30th, the Guild is issuing guaranteed completion contracts to independent producers so that productions may continue or commence after that date."

[Mark Johnson]

Thanks Zak. In our meeting Bobby did bring this up. I was under the impression that the strike was moot and that an agreement had been reached. However, I learned that it was AFTRA and not SAG, who had reached a contract. Tim Abell said that most of the agents he knows are predicting and expecting SAG to strike.

[Mark Johnson]

You Fat Monster guys absolutely ROCK! Thanks to EVERYONE for letting me contribute in whatever small way I could this weekend. ...
Dudley

Dudley, I haven't had the chance to write you a proper e-mail but will do so soon. I just wanted to thank you here on the thread for making the long trip from Canada to join us. I was delighted to return to the shack to find your amazing presents (Dudley got us a particularly special photo album for the project and a bottle of 12-year Dewar's, which happens to be very special to me.) Blaine shares my taste for such elixir and its contents were seriously depleted during the wrap celebration.

We were so pleased to have you as part of the crew. You are a monster, indeed, and we look forward to the next time you are able to join us.

[bosindy]

you looked sharp Mark and every bit the part. It was a great meeting and the first necessary step for the Monsters.

I am down in lovely Santa Monica on a brilliant day. Man its easy to get used to this.




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

[Matty_g]

Everyone was seriously awesome to meet, and they worked their asses off.
I couldn't imagine doing this shoot without any of you.

[Tom Marshall]

I agree with everyone's sentiments. It was awesome to get to meet everyone this past weekend. There are too many names to name, but every single one of you made being part of this a lot of fun. I look forward to working with you guys in the near future... :beer:

Fat Monsta!

[Larry Rutledge]

Well I for one am GLAD I wasn't a part of the Fat Monster brouhaha. All these self-important people drinking wine and making movies. Who do you think you are? Don't you people have anything better to do than to crawl on your hands and knees and bow at the altar of "The Dude"?








:evil: :grin: :evil: :grin: :evil: :grin:

Ok, I admit it ... I'm jealous of all your fun and merriment (except the wine, I don't drink ... but lay a Pepsi on me and I'm all over it :) ).

Sounds like you guys had a great time and the set looks awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing what this massive brain trust pulled together :thumbsup:

[Blaine]

Mark and I returned Dragon's props to him today. He told us about an eighteen foot UFO he's getting...cool stuff that.

Tim's now chained to an editing bay for the duration. From what I've seen, the footage is pretty fucking amazing.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I cant wait to see this. I think you guys are setting a whole new level of unreachable production value for a DVXUser fest :-)

[Slimothy]

I cant wait to see this. I think you guys are setting a whole new level of unreachable production value for a DVXUser fest :-)

Our set was built by styrofoam containers, trash and plastic. Your sets were built by God. I am envious of you!

Thanks for the interest. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot about how production designers are frickin brilliant.

[Arrik]

Seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeething Hechanoo000ooova says the dude.

Someone tell the story about Matt and how he makes inappropriate comments about Asians. I was so offended....

[bosindy]

yo Hech, I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to you. It was great meeting you man! hope your 12 hunny got figured out. Got to get together on the east coast.

[Kyle Stebbins]

boss... give me your bottle dimensions.

[Sad Max]

We had a lot of fun and learned a lot about how production designers are frickin brilliant.

I have been wondering for a long time if there would be interest in an Art Direction/Production Design forum.

Anyone think that would fly?

[Mark Johnson]

Just a note to say that Raptor365, who is our lead VFX artist, is a bad-ass big-dog monster who has left us speechless with his latest renders. This guy has stepped up and elevated our short to interplanetary levels. I believe you sci-fi fans are going to really be stoked over our opening sequence. Raptor RULES!

[Mark Harris]

Ha ha, I love Raptor. That dude drunk-posts like nobody's business! :)

How is post coming overall? We are in the last tweaks of ours.

[Blaine]

I have been wondering for a long time if there would be interest in an Art Direction/Production Design forum.

Anyone think that would fly?I think it would be a great idea. It's an area that's sadly lacking in many of the things seen on the site. :thumbsup:

[Mark Johnson]

I have been wondering for a long time if there would be interest in an Art Direction/Production Design forum.

Anyone think that would fly?

This would be a great way to elevate film quality in this forum. I'd suggest combining this topic with issues involving location scouting too. I've seen people stymied or hampered by poor location/poor art direction so often. We would GREATLY appreciate this topic.

[Mark Johnson]

Ha ha, I love Raptor. That dude drunk-posts like nobody's business! :)

How is post coming overall? We are in the last tweaks of ours.

ha ha! We have come to love this guy and can't wait to hang with him in Canada or get him down here. We've got some stuff in the works and I think we are going to make it happen.

You're way overdue for a west coast visit, Harris. Jack Stanley's air mattress is open now. How about it?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

This would be a great way to elevate film quality in this forum. I'd suggest combining this topic with issues involving location scouting too. I've seen people stymied or hampered by poor location/poor art direction so often. We would GREATLY appreciate this topic.

Also including the ideas of costuming, which I've seen mostly ignored on here. Basically you could summarize the idea into a forum on "Production Quality", everything in production thats technical and has nothing to do with cameras, lighting or audio.

[Sad Max]

Locations are usually subsumed under Art Direction.

Costuming too, to varying degrees by show.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, I think an art direction forum would be great. Because as others have pointed out, many fest entries suffer from lack of it. But it doesn't take much to make a huge difference. Might be cool to see a tutorial on art direction with whatever you find in the room. Or with a $100 budget. Just to give some tips to low-budget types about how much can be done with very little.

[Mark Harris]

You're way overdue for a west coast visit, Harris. Jack Stanley's air mattress is open now. How about it?

As long as you de-loused it.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

They have. But don't pass a black light over it.

[Gord.T]

As long as you de-loused it.

I don't know about Jack but generally when I hop into bed the bugs run for cover.
----

Mark H. Yeah, I love your stuff. It just takes me a few beer to say something, then it's idiot time, lol.

---

Mark J (Dude). Man, what happened? Ya get laid last night? What's with the lead VFX shit? Whoa.

For the record folks Mark J is the head VFX artist. I work for him.
But it's cool when he gets almost as drunk as I do and posts...what now?

Great guy to work for and I appreciate the opportunity to work with him.

Can I finish my beer now, you let-the-cat-out-of-the-bagger guy?
Jeez.

[Mark Johnson]

I don't know about Jack but generally when I hop into bed the bugs run for cover.
----

Mark H. Yeah, I love your stuff. It just takes me a few beer to say something, then it's idiot time, lol.

---

Mark J (Dude). Man, what happened? Ya get laid last night? What's with the lead VFX shi*? Whoa.

For the record folks Mark J is the head VFX artist. I work for him.
But it's cool when he gets almost as drunk as I do and posts...what now?

Great guy to work for and I appreciate the opportunity to work with him.

Can I finish my beer now, you let-the-cat-out-of-the-bagger guy?
Jeez.

That, my friends, is spoken like a true MONSTER. .....

More later. Gotta go take Bosindy to a pub.

[J.R. Hudson]

More later. Gotta go take Bosindy to a pub.


Why you mock me Mark ?

[Blaine]

Gotta go take Bosindy to a pub.Would that be The Black Watch? http://www.geocities.com/chad_callaghan/Guinness.gif

[Mark Johnson]

Would that be The Black Watch? http://www.geocities.com/chad_callaghan/Guinness.gif

Indeed, sir. We just finished lunch at Maniac Mike's and are at the suite right now looking at Chris Real's new motorcycles (he has the fastest production cycle in the world inside and just got Honda's newest screamer as well - it has serial number 3) Pretty cool stuff. Now we're heading to the Watch for a pint or two.

[Mark Johnson]

Why you mock me Mark ?

Why, we are dedicating each flagon to your spirit, sir. It is with fondest regard and deepest admiration that we are enjoying these cereal malt beverages in your name.

[Zak Forsman]

why don't you guys get good and liquored up and join us on the red carpet later tonight?

[Mark Johnson]

Hey Zak, we know Luis is going and we wanted to as well, but we've got a forensic job we had committed to so we will be getting liquored up for it.

[Tom Marshall]

Indeed, sir. We just finished lunch at Maniac Mike's and are at the suite right now looking at Chris Real's new motorcycles (he has the fastest production cycle in the world inside and just got Honda's newest screamer as well - it has serial number 3) Pretty cool stuff. Now we're heading to the Watch for a pint or two.

Man, if I had a bike I'd be at the monster pad all the freakin' time...

Nothing like splitting traffic on the 210 at 150+ mph... :beer:

[Mark Johnson]

Stopped by the suite and Bosindy took Chris's new Honda VFR 800 out on the runway. Cause he was wearing sandals he didn't push it over 80 mph, but said it was a trip nonetheless.

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

[jpsheets]

Hey Mark,

I really enjoyed your love Fest entry and this one looks rockin' as well. Best of luck, I'm looking forward to see it!

cheers,

JP

[bosindy]

Chris is a totally cool guy and gracious host. He is also sporting a MV Agusta F4 1000 in his office. Which inspired him to change over to an Italian accent but which he couldn't start because the battery was dead. But what a badass bike that is.

[siniarch]

hey Zak, Jim the gf and I are going tonight. NO thanks to an invite from Matty (grrrrr) Let me know what the deal is as far as price, Red Carpet, etc.. (you can PM me. or email me.) Thanks.

[Zak Forsman]

hey Zak, Jim the gf and I are going tonight. NO thanks to an invite from Matty (grrrrr) Let me know what the deal is as far as price, Red Carpet, etc.. (you can PM me. or email me.) Thanks.

here's the newsletter...

http://sabillc.com/newsletter/issue_ifhy002.html

[J.R. Hudson]

Damn Zak

I might have made this trip; didn't know about it :P

[Robert Eldon]

Hey guys,

You're having waaaaayyyy too much fun here! And that's the way it ought to be. :) I know you're hearing this a lot, but really looking forward to seeing this. With all of the entries in this fest, I'm sure this is a 'Must Watch'! It's going to be fun to see them all.

Thanks for keeping us entertained and informed (sometimes TMI) during your production.

[Blaine]

Damn, Robert. You're in SoCal, how did you miss being at the shoot? :huh:

[Robert Eldon]

Damn, Robert. You're in SoCal, how did you miss being at the shoot? :huh:

Oh, I was there. I was that guy that everyone kept asking 'hey, who's that guy, do you know who that guy is over there?' :)

I was there in spirit and keeping tabs on your thread. Great job!

[Mark Johnson]

A number of people are missing, but here's a partial cast/crew picture:

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

[Jared Meyer]

I can't get over how cool that set is. Looks like Battlestar Galactica.

What's the story there? Did you guys really build the thing from scratch? Is it in a garage? A studio? Ignore me if you're waiting to reveal the gory details. Either way I hope you have a boatload of BTS. :thumbsup:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

stopping by for my daily dose of monster-hysteria
ps love the hair Tim

[Blaine]

What's the story there? Did you guys really build the thing from scratch? Is it in a garage? A studio? Ignore me if you're waiting to reveal the gory details. Either way I hope you have a boatload of BTS. :thumbsup:So you don't have to search the whole thread...

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1275495&postcount=857

[Mark Johnson]

I can't get over how cool that set is. Looks like Battlestar Galactica.

What's the story there? Did you guys really build the thing from scratch? Is it in a garage? A studio? Ignore me if you're waiting to reveal all the gory details. I hope you have a boatload of BTS for all the nitty gritty stuff. Can't wait.

Happy to oblige, Jared. I think I wrote about this previously in the thread, but it's worth repeating because I think it's important. This set is located in North Hollywood at Laurel Canyon Studios. Shortly after LoveFest finished I told Tim I wanted to do a sci-fi short. I asked him if he knew any spaceship sets as he has prowled the entire city looking at almost every sound stage available for shooting music videos (our bread and butter). He had looked at the Laurel Canyon green screen stage and recalled they had an entire second sound stage with spaceship sets.

I researched the place and made a call to find out day rates. As expected, I learned we could not afford the place if we had to pay their rates. However, I am a firm believer that almost everyone and every entity has a "persuasive point" that will allow you to get what you want as long as you think out of the box and are resourceful. We HAVE to operate this way. Fat Monster operates on a shoestring and we simply cannot afford to spend much money.

I've made it a personal passion and challenge to figure out how to get things for free or at least dirt cheap. The key, though, is that I insist that the other party feel that they have either gotten something in return or that they genuinely feel good about the transaction. This town is full of starving indie shooters who play the poverty card and think that sympathy will get them what they need. In the end, it may work once or twice, but quickly that gets old and most of the locations/providers in L.A. have heard that one too often.

Thus, I really study my "quarry" and work hard to figure out what makes them tick. For instance, we shot for four days on Whidbey Island north of Seattle and stayed at a 10-bedroom compound and not only got a piano donated, but got it towed to the beach for the Vienna Teng video all because I figured out how to convince the owner that being part of the shoot was a good thing for him. We had an entire airport donated for WTHL and a stunt plane/pilot as well as two fire trucks, an ambulance and fireman uniforms all for a tank of diesel. For this film we got "A"-list props/FX expert Dragon Dronet to help us gratis as well as Levie Isaacks ASC by figuring out how to make this shoot something they wanted to be part of.

I was a trial lawyer for 14 years and it was my job to study persuasive science because in each jury trial millions of dollars hinged on convincing the jurors to want to help our client. There is no real "magic" to our techniques but there are plenty of deliveries of floral bouquets to secretaries and staff, carefully crafted handwritten letters, and phone calls to people who may have some connection. Above everything, the most important factor is to get people to like you and feel they know you. Thus, I paid several visits to Laurel Canyon Stages just so I could get to know the players involved and figure out how to make them feel helping us was the right thing.

Some people may see our film and think we paid a huge bankroll. Nothing could be further from the truth. The people who flew in to help us paid their own way and we fed them cheap pasta at the monster shack and $6/head catering on the set. We got the spaceship sets donated to us along with the complete lighting/grip rental and merely had to pay for the stage hand ($300/day) and electricity with a small cleanup fee. We've made great friends and have already shot a paying gig (music video) on the green screen stage at a significantly reduced rate. Laurel Canyon WANTS to help us because they believe that we are a safe bet to be climbing the ladder as a production house and that we will remember them when we have a bigger budget and our choice of sound stages.

I believe firmly that the majority of people and companies can be "romanced" and "persuaded" to give you what you want either for free or at a huge discount. I noticed that Ted got a bunch of HazMat suits for his short the other day all because he approached the fire department with respect and seeking their expertise. By respecting their knowledge and experience he made them respect him and want to help his production.

If I could offer advice to fellow filmmakers I would suggest they either spend time developing "schmoozing" arts or find someone to partner with who is a natural in that department. Every single project we have shot since Tim and I started last September has been based on the premise that we will NOT pay full rate but we WILL make our providers feel they have received something of equivalent value in return.

Much more valuable to us than any location has been the hard working DVXUSER crew that chose to join us simply for the experience. Here's the list of DVXUSERs on our crew:

Mark Johnson (writer/producer/VFX)
Slimothy (director)
Blaine (line producer)
J.R. Hudson (1st AD)
Barry Green (co-producer)
Jack Daniel Stanley (writer)
bosindy (script supervisor)
MattinSTL (sound mixer)
Geoff R (D.I.T.)
Matty g (1st AC)
siniarch (gaffer)
Arrik (electric)
Kholi (2nd AC)
Edgen (composer)
Brad S. (sound design)
Tom Marshall (extra)
Ted Arabian (grip)
Raptor365 (visual fx)
artofsuntzu (grip)
Kyle Stebbins (grip/bts)
Scott Bullis (production coordinator)

We had many more DVXUSERs who stopped by the set simply to watch too. The reason we got this good reception is that we have worked on sets for the majority of these USERS as crew ourselves and have devoted ourselves to promoting the twin goals of LEARNING and ENJOYMENT on our sets. Yeah, we can seem like a frat party (FRAT MONSTER) but we're deadly serious about our shoots and about becoming better filmmakers. Anyone who has worked with us knows this and appreciates that we work hard on both counts.

The Dude

p.s.: I do recommend that everybody read "The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking" by the Polish brothers. I believe their attitude and their experiences are very important and useful to any indie shooter.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Wow Mark, that is a great post! Right now I'm reading 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' and your comments are very much in line with those concepts.

Btw, are you still practicing law?

[Slimothy]

Actually, me and Luis built that set on the Friday before we shot. Mark is always trying to steal my thunder.

[Mark Johnson]

Wow Mark, that is a great post! Right now I'm reading 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' and your comments are very much in line with those concepts.

Btw, are you still practicing law?

In 1993 I threw my clothes and recording gear in a U-Haul and got a tow-bar for my Miata and headed to California. I was going through a divorce and woke up one day and decided I wanted to start over so I fired my own attorney and signed the house, bank accounts etc. over to my ex-wife (who I always admired and liked even after we figured we couldn't stay married). It was either insanity or a cleansing experience, depending which of my friends you speak with. I haven't ever regretted any of it and it really started chapter 2 of my life.

I tried painting landscapes in Napa, consulted on movie and television shows as a legal expert (got to work for Sydney Pollack on The Firm) and I taught college courses - eventually becoming the chairman of the multimedia department of a small college in San Jose. I worked a summer for Apple Computer and MTV at the MTV Beach House on Long Island in 1994. I remarried and had a son, who is now 13 and wants to be a writer too. His mom and I divorced in 2000 but remain best friends.

So, its been a long journey. Through all of it I've been making little short films and have kept working on my writing. It wasn't until I met Tim Hyten, though, that I really felt like I had found the yin to my yang. He and I are an unlikely pair, but remain devoted to the same goals and truly believe we will eventually reach a higher ledge on this weird mountain. I can't say enough about him as a friend and as a business partner.

[Jared Meyer]

So you don't have to search the whole thread...

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1275495&postcount=857

Thanks Blaine! :thumbsup:



Happy to oblige, Jared. I think I wrote about this previously in the thread, but it's worth repeating because I think it's important. This set is located in North Hollywood at Laurel Canyon Studios....

Mark, that post is gold...Thank you! I'd pay to take a masterclass from you some day in the fine art of schmoozing :)

Couple times Tim has mentioned using burger containers and other bits and pieces to throw up on the walls of the ship...Was he kidding or did you guys really augment the set as well?

[Blaine]

The "to go" and "burger boxes" were already there.

[wesley]

wow, this looks like a winner. love the bts pics as well. It's great how you got so much done without spending a lot of money.

[Mark Johnson]

Mark, that post is gold...Thank you! I'd pay to take a masterclass from you some day in the fine art of schmoozing :)
Ha ha! That is a high compliment Jared. When Kyle made my crew tag the title given was "Schmoozemeister" and I happily accept that role for FM. I am very mindful that my tips and suggestions pale in significance when compared to some of the people who have practically written books of helpful advice and guidance here such as Adam Cultraro's production blog. However, if I can help any of you, my mates, become better cheap bastards then I will feel happy and fulfilled. I do hope you can join us for a FM shoot in the near future, Jared.



Couple times Tim has mentioned using burger containers and other bits and pieces to throw up on the walls of the ship...Was he kidding or did you guys really augment the set as well?
As Blaine said, those items are part of the set and one of the things that really makes me feel affectionate about the place is the incredible amount of wonky crap that has been thrown together. It is almost a metaphor for the whole Hollywood experience. If you look too hard the illusion evaporates and you realize that you are standing amidst old printer parts and discarded shipping containers. However, when the lighting gets set and the smoke machine is turned on your imagination transports you to a the deck of a space freighter and you become part of the conspiracy of magic that has fueled this town for decades. Truly, there have been few times more joyful and satisfying in my life as the times we have a crew working together to create an imaginary world for the enjoyment of an unknown viewing audience. I know that most people here share that feeling and it is why we do what we do.

[Mark Harris]

Happy to oblige, Jared. I think I wrote about this previously in the thread, but it's worth repeating because I think it's important. This set is located in North Hollywood at Laurel Canyon Studios. Shortly after LoveFest finished I told Tim I wanted to do a sci-fi short. I asked him if he knew any spaceship sets as he has prowled the entire city looking at almost every sound stage available for shooting music videos (our bread and butter). He had looked at the Laurel Canyon green screen stage and recalled they had an entire second sound stage with spaceship sets.

And lots more awesome stuff...


Great post Mark. I think what we need is to put our efforts into inventing a cloning device, so we can make more MJs to spread around.

Joe worked the angles to get many of the same for our shoot. And many of them (including our super pro gaffer) complimented us on how organized we were.

I've said it around here before. Another thing that makes people want to come help for little or nothing is if you look like you know what you are doing and are serious about your work and not just wasting their time.

You are a huge inspiration, dude.

[Mark Johnson]

Great post Mark. I think what we need is to put our efforts into inventing a cloning device, so we can make more MJs to spread around.

Joe worked the angles to get many of the same for our shoot. And many of them (including our super pro gaffer) complimented us on how organized we were.

I've said it around here before. Another thing that makes people want to come help for little or nothing is if you look like you know what you are doing and are serious about your work and not just wasting their time.

You are a huge inspiration, dude.

And you inspire me, my hirsute friend. I have watched you create the most amazing moods and characters over the past two years and I don't think anyone touches you when smokey grit is on the menu (well, I hope nobody touches you ... at least not your private parts, unless ... but I digress). You know what I mean. I still recall that all-too-brief time you came out here and how much you are the epitome of the denizens I like to hang with. I'm hoping we can figure somewhere in the midwest to meet and shoot something. Maybe your Ohio town or my Kansas one. Somewhere. For sure.

[Jason Ramsey]

Thanks, Mark....

Later,
Jason

[Mark Harris]

And you inspire me, my hirsute friend. I have watched you create the most amazing moods and characters over the past two years and I don't think anyone touches you when smokey grit is on the menu (well, I hope nobody touches you ... at least not your private parts, unless ... but I digress). You know what I mean. I still recall that all-too-brief time you came out here and how much you are the epitome of the denizens I like to hang with. I'm hoping we can figure somewhere in the midwest to meet and shoot something. Maybe your Ohio town or my Kansas one. Somewhere. For sure.

Well there is always next fest...I am actually dying to shoot in a small town rural locale. I never got it on for my LoveFest entry, but am super eager to do it.

Minnesota is about half-way, BTW, and I can attest that Joe Johnson is DA SHIZZLE.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Maybe your Ohio town or my Kansas one. Somewhere. For sure.

I vote Nebraska.

[Jared Meyer]

I do hope you can join us for a FM shoot in the near future, Jared.


Boy would I love to. Consider me on the list of prospective volunteers! :thumbsup:

[Norm Sanders]

So what I want to know is what will it take for this thread to sink down into the 1 star rating?! Too many do-gooders have fouled it up with 5 star ratings, and I'm now afraid that you guys may never hit the coveted 1 star mark.

Sigh...

[Norm Sanders]

Oh, and your cast/crew list? OMG. I'm in awe. 'nuff said.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Boy would I love to. Consider me on the list of prospective volunteers! :thumbsup:
Same here, I'll ride a Vespa out there if I have too
http://webpages.charter.net/hodakaguy/hodakaguy/IMG_3261.JPG

[Mark Johnson]

So what I want to know is what will it take for this thread to sink down into the 1 star rating?! Too many do-gooders have fouled it up with 5 star ratings, and I'm now afraid that you guys may never hit the coveted 1 star mark.

Sigh...

I was thinking that just this morning, Norm. We have neglected telling visitors we hoped to become a ONE STAR rated thread and have regrettably received some more five-star ratings, which has now rendered our dream of a single star equivalent to Hillary's chances of becoming the nominee. .....


Oh, and your cast/crew list? OMG. I'm in awe. 'nuff said.

Speaking of cast and crew, you are still the emperor in that department with your BERLIN posse. Gads, what a group and what a result. I hear that BERLIN is going to be in this year's Action On Film Festival in Pasadena in July. If your evenings are not all taken up with more important people might we schedule a party while you are here? We will definitely have the long-awaited Vienna Teng video finished by then and it would be cool to screen it and show people another side of your talents.

[J.R. Hudson]

I felt like a 12 year old walking on set for the first time; a true magic.

[Kyle Stebbins]

I felt like a 12 year old walking on set for the first time; a true magic.

I shared the emotion.

BTS wrap party video coming soon!

[J.R. Hudson]

Oh no

Keep it clean please Kyle !

[Kyle Stebbins]

Oh no

Keep it clean please Kyle !

:evil:

[Blaine]

I think that Rick Blaine summed it up well for all those that worked on this project:

"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.":beer:

It's either that or "round up the usual suspects..." :grin:

[bosindy]

We all may get a chance to work together sooner than anyone thought.:lipsrseal

[Blaine]

Are you saying, "it's on..."? :lipsrseal

[bosindy]

::lipsrseal:lipsrseal:lipsrseal

[Zak Forsman]

mark, i have something for you to look at. has a 2001 / Solaris vibe.

[Kyle Stebbins]

We all may get a chance to work together sooner than anyone thought.:lipsrseal

tell me more! i promise i'll bring nasal strips.

-- also, BTS clip is uploading. 71.3 mb of sheer honest truth and happiness. stay tuned!

[bosindy]

-- also, BTS clip is uploading. 71.3 mb of sheer honest truth and happiness. stay tuned!

I seem to remember having final edit on this thing

[Tom Marshall]

I just bought a bike!!! :beer: :beer:

I'm the proud new owner of one Buell 1125R bike...

http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/sportbike/1125R/

Here's some photos of the bike... not mine, but it's the same model -

http://www.motorcyclingblog.com/media/images/vijesti/070709001.jpg

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop-460x375/2008_Buell_1125R_5__cw.jpg

http://www.motorcyclists-online.com/moto-essais-articles/images/illus/Buell1125RTorSagenTest_02.jpg

http://www.metricthunder.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/bueii-540.jpg

:love4::love4::love4:

[Kyle Stebbins]

I seem to remember having final edit on this thing

you and a bunch of other people. link is coming in a PM, dont worry! =) im a man of my word.

sick bike, tommy!

kyle

[Kyle Stebbins]

FAT MONSTER WRAP PARTY (http://vimeo.com/1098586)

if that doesn't work for you... here is youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uB39jNfr00).

[Tom Marshall]

Thanks Kyle. Nice job on the video, man. :beer:

[Kyle Stebbins]

Thanks, Tommy. I'm diggin' that bike. Definitely gonna need to let me take it for a spin next time I'm out there.

-- I also might have just made the executive decision to enter TimeFest, myself.

Shit.

[totitefilms]

I'm jealous with you Mark. You have the most impressive cast in this fest :beer:

[Mark Johnson]

I'm jealous with you Mark. You have the most impressive cast in this fest :beer:

I hear serious rumors about a much more prominent cast than ours in another member's film ...... I'm just hoping it all is true.

Kyle, that video from the wrap party truly captured the spirit of the crew and the shoot. Made me want to have a Budweiser "I love you man" sloppy moment.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Great job kyle!

[Mark Johnson]

One of the very best things to come from our shoot this time has been our friendship with lead Tim Abell (Soldier of Fortune, Blackhawk Down). Tim has told us that our set was the most fun of any he's been on and, more importantly, our little DVXUSER crew was the most efficient of any as well. While acknowledging that we had issues with getting our shots set up, he said that there was no question that every person was willing to do whatever was necessary to get things done once the decisions were made (well, except maybe excluding Tommy's job as smoke wrangler, but I digress).

Anyway, Tim invited us (Tim and me) to come to a birthday party in Hollywood for Mark Sheppard, who plays Romo on Battlestar Galactica.
http://www.archivisuals.com/MarkSheppardParty/MarkSheppardHS.jpg

A bunch of cast and crew were there as well as Anna Belkna who stars in CSI: NY.
http://www.archivisuals.com/MarkSheppardParty/AnnaBelknap.jpg

Tim Abell introduced us around and really made us feel at home. He also made a point of telling people about our shoot and how much he looks forward to working with us again. It was great having various agents and producers come up to us to schmooze us during the party (they obviously figured, who the hell are these guys? I'd better not be the one in the room who gets left out on something.)

During the party Mark screened one of the upcoming new episodes of BG and it was really hot stuff.

Afterwards Tim and I spent time with Morgan Sheppard, who is a top notch actor I've enjoyed for many years.
http://www.archivisuals.com/MarkSheppardParty/MorganSheppardHS.jpg
My favorite role he has played was the part of Major General Isaac R. Trimble in Gettysburg.
He told us a great story about how there was a big argument over whether he should play the role (he is a Brit) and he was called in to perform before Tom Beringer, Jeff Daniels and Martin Sheen. It was hilarious and reminded me more like the stuff that happens on a Fat Monster set.

Anyway, Morgan runs an acting workshop on Tuesdays and he has invited Tim and I to come by next week and to bring a scene from our film that he'll have his actors perform. He'll critique them and let us have a discussion with the actors. Moreover, he says that when we have projects that have small parts we should call him and he will "cherry pick" his students to read for us. He was so refreshingly candid about the industry and about the need to focus on working as an actor as opposed to developing one's ego.

Afterwards Tim Abell, Georgia (his girlfriend), Fat Monster Tim and I had a nightcap at Spazios on Ventura Boulevard.
http://www.archivisuals.com/MarkSheppardParty/GeorgiaTimTim.jpg
Tim presented both of us with these ultra cool knives as gifts:
http://www.hdesert.com/images/product/small/delta_ranger_S.jpg
He said it was a "bonding" thing among men to exchange good knives. Way cool.

What a great evening.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

awesome man! Sounds like you guys are livin' the dream (so to speak) smoozin with the hollywood types and having awesome actors tell other peeps in hollywoodland that you're the shiz....I'm proud, in the fact that i can say "hey that Mark Johnson guy, he knows me, and he rubs elbows with the elite of motion picture"

Keep up the good work, and keep raising the bar for us DVXers who are just getting into the game!

Dustin R. Rogan

[Blaine]

I hear serious rumors about a much more prominent cast than ours in another member's film ...... I'm just hoping it all is true.Sid Hudgens says it's "Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush." :lipsrseal

[Norm Sanders]

Hey Mark, would definitely look forward to any kind of party with you guys! Also, fun BTS video, Kyle! I'm SOOOOOO envious that you guys had so many DVXuser's together, and I missed it!! :cry: Then again, I was on a cruise with my wife, so I can't complain ....

Oh, and yeah, BERLIN is so far in AOF. It'll be fun to see how many it gets accepted into ... soon I'll get to hopefully start putting all the little "Official Selection" things onto the site. :)

[bosindy]

FAT MONSTER WRAP PARTY (http://vimeo.com/1098586)

if that doesn't work for you... here is youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uB39jNfr00).


well done Kyle, funny stuff with Blaine

[Mark Harris]

At about 2:40 there are two shots of MJ pounding beers. I thought you said this was the wrap party, not the actual shoot...

[Kyle Stebbins]

At about 2:40 there are two shots of MJ pounding beers. I thought you said this was the wrap party, not the actual shoot...

BAAHAHAHA! :laugh:

[Mark Johnson]

Well, we've decided it's time to formally unveil the real name of our Time Fest entry. And for the occasion we are extremely pleased to present the poster for O2 designed by none other than Zak Forsman / SABI CREATIVE.

I have gone on record stating that I believe SABI does the most consistently beautifully designed movie posters of any group or entity. Go to their site and look at how immaculate and clean their designs are. Not to mention their film leader that makes my jaw drop each time I screen their trailers or films. Zak simply rocks. Completely.

http://www.archivisuals.com/O2_poster_sm.jpg

[ZFarms Productions]

Very Cool!!!

[jasonthewho]

Sweet!

[Mattykins]

wow guys, looking forward to seeing this thing. The BTS is insane.

Looks like you had a hell of a wrap party. Alas, my talent is not of age. But I cannot wait to see this thing.

[Kyle Stebbins]

zak rules

[Ben Sliker]

now that ... is a beautiful poster.

[Kyle Stebbins]

norm wrangles scripts.

i wrangle smoke.

BOOM!

[Brandon Rice]

Awesome poster guys, when arewe going to see some grabs?

[Zak Forsman]

did someone say GRABS?

http://premium1.uploadit.org/healimonster/millargrabass.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/376/403hilaryduffkissingmikbj0.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

did someone say GRABS?

http://towleroad.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/10/gb2.jpg

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Love the poster Mark/Zak! Awesomeness to the tenth degree!

upload almost done for the BTS video for my flick

Rogan

[Blaine]

Excellent poster, Zak...:thumbsup:

[siniarch]

Thanks Mark!!! Very funny!!!!!

[pia12254]

GREAT POSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man....wow....speechless....

[Slimothy]

Great poster Zak! That thing friggin rocks.

[Kyle Stebbins]

GREAT POSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man....wow....speechless....

Maybe Zak's your guy?? ;)

[Zak Forsman]

get your O2 banner while it's HOT!!!!

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/641/1212382268.jpg

[Blaine]

Done deal.

[Kyle Stebbins]

:nads:

i've just been fired.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I would but my sig is now full (senseless plug for bts interview)
*cough*

[Blaine]

:nads:

i've just been fired.It's Karma...:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) :slo-mo laugh:

[bosindy]

great shmoster

[Tom Marshall]

I agree. Killer poster.

[Zak Forsman]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/641/1212383947.gif

[Tom Marshall]

Zak, you've outdone yourself. :beer:

[Blaine]

That's effin outstanding, Zak.

[Mark Johnson]

That's what I'm talking about. ....

[Moojangles]

awesome poster/banner... Sci-fiiiiiiiii!

[Edgen]

hella ya! I'm lovin' the poster too. Now... Where's my locked Timecoded edit of the film so I can get started on this already?

time's running out... no... air... time....

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/641/1212383947.gif

This is just damn cool. I have the full PSD file now to create the actual poster and it has been awesome studying the layers Zak used.

We are getting this printed and will have it framed and hung next to our prized "THE HOST" and "CLOVERFIELD" posters!

[hunter richards]

What about this poster?
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/23459/1212391037.jpg%5B/IMG%5D


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/23459/1212391037.jpg




(sorry I couldn't resist.... seriously looking forward to your film!)

[Zak Forsman]

[I][B]What about this poster?

i think it stinks.

[Sid Barnhoorn]

Hi Mark,

Good luck with your O2 film. Great poster. Looking forward to this one! :-)

Cheers,

[Kyle Stebbins]

It's Karma...:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) :slo-mo laugh:

you have a point.

im not bowing down, just yet.

it's on.

[Simon Höfer]

Wow, awesome poster! Great job Zak!

Looking forward to this film :)



time's running out... no... air... time....

Yeah, this sounds familiar... :D Our titles are somehow similar, but the actual entries will be totally different, thats for sure.

[Mark Johnson]

Wow, awesome poster! Great job Zak!

Looking forward to this film :)



Yeah, this sounds familiar... :D Our titles are somehow similar, but the actual entries will be totally different, thats for sure.

When you posted your entry I was thinking "crap ... I wonder how similar our stories will be?" I think you're right that we're going completely different directions. Aint movie-making fun??

[Simon Höfer]

When you posted your entry I was thinking "crap ... I wonder how similar our stories will be?" I think you're right that we're going completely different directions. Aint movie-making fun??

Haha, I can imagine your thoughts. I just read my Tease again:

Tease:
Breathe in as long as you can! The waiting game begins... Limited space and air will unleash your darkest desires! Can you resist?And I can tell you that our shorts will be as different as ever can be :D

Your production quality/value is unbeatable and also one of my weak points, but I think I've got quite a unique story/entry. It should be an interesting watch :D And I learned so much!

Yeah, movie-making definitely is fun! Thanks for bringing so much life to these fests with your threads. Fat Monster is one of the reasons I wanted to enter. Keep on going :)

[Mark Johnson]

Simon, I have to tell you that your reverse imagery on your poster really intrigued me and when I saw your stills I was very interested to see that you have, indeed, used the clock with a background bisected between white and black. Naturally, I have been trying to imagine whether this will be symbolic or literal and it is to your credit that you haven't revealed anything more.

We were originally going to keep completely quiet about our entry and hoped to swear everybody to secrecy. However, I've always thought that our "monster" threads are the best way to get people interested in working with us so that doing a stealth entry would eliminate some of the excitement that adds to the fun for our crews. Also, I suck at keeping secrets and right now its all I can do to keep my promise that I will keep the actual grabs from the shoot under wraps. We need to have some mystery left!

Reading your post made me truly feel like our rather raucous threads do have a positive impact for the community. If any of our hijinks and silliness causes anyone to want to make movies then its a very good thing indeed.

I remember three years ago when I said, "what the hell" and started making a giant snake movie to enter the first Horror Fest. The old hands of the forum made me feel welcome and eventually Jack Stanley invited me out to shoot with him. Now to find myself with a functional production company and having Jack join us to shoot this time around is a slice of heaven.

I can truthfully say that two of the biggest life-changing factors for me have been 1) Panasonic's DVX and HVX cameras, and 2) this Forum. Without both factors I am certain that I would be sitting up in Northern California doing goofy shorts with a small circle of goofy friends as opposed to working with truly talented individuals in Southern California making a living and looking forward to big things.

I am sure the day will come when either we are in Cologne or you are in Los Angeles. When that happens I'll look forward to sharing a beer with you and remembering these "good old days" on the DVXUSER forum.

[Mobie540]

I remember three years ago when I said, "what the hell" and started making a giant snake movie to enter the first Horror Fest. The old hands of the forum made me feel welcome and eventually Jack Stanley invited me out to shoot with him. Now to find myself with a functional production company and having Jack join us to shoot this time around is a slice of heaven.

Being a complete noob that I am, I hope one day I can post something similar in a few years.

[Mark Johnson]

Being a complete noob that I am, I hope one day I can post something similar in a few years.

I'm sure you will! Just remember that 1) the real key is to shoot, shoot and shoot some more; and, 2) embrace the sh*tty movies that are inside you and don't be surprised when you make mistakes. You have to get them out by learning the hard way. We laugh at so much of the early stuff we shot but we truly can see how it all was absolutely key to improving.

Even on the O2 shoot when I set up a certain effects shot I did something really stoopid that has already caused me grief and embarrassment. Its one of those things that I will now always remember and won't repeat again.

Perhaps the biggest lesson for me has been being able to watch the people here who have been entering multiple fests and to see how they have dramatically improved their work just as we have. I'll especially be looking for your work now! So go make films!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

...
I remember three years ago when I said, "what the hell" and started making a giant snake movie to enter the first Horror Fest. The old hands of the forum made me feel welcome and eventually Jack Stanley invited me out to shoot with him. Now to find myself with a functional production company and having Jack join us to shoot this time around is a slice of heaven.

Likewise. Exciting and rewarding on my end as well. Had a lot of fun ... well, as much fun as I ever have ;)


...
I can truthfully say that two of the biggest life-changing factors for me have been 1) Panasonic's DVX and HVX cameras, and 2) this Forum. ...

Totally agree also and would add connections outside the forum. If you are lucky someone like you or Barry will take an interest in your work.

Here's a little photo I like to call the boys and their rabbis*
http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v287/139/68/1186925844/n1186925844_30062041_9875.jpg
*Rabbi - American slang for a senior official who exerts influence or patronage on behalf of a person (http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/cgi-bin/res.pl?keyword=Rabbi&offset=0).
Also, NYPD Blue - An individual's guide and guardian angel in the department (http://www.stwing.upenn.edu/%7Esepinwal/faq.html).


...Without both factors I am certain that I would be sitting up in Northern California doing goofy shorts with a small circle of goofy friends as opposed to working with truly talented individuals in Southern California making a living and looking forward to big things.
...
Your friends in So Cal are talented indeed. But they are also quite goofy :)

[Mark Johnson]

Your friends in So Cal are talented indeed. But they are also quite goofy :)

Indeed. That seems to either be a requirement or a side effect of working with the Monsters.

[Mark T. Aro]

Indeed. That seems to either be a requirement or a side effect of working with the Monsters.

Yep! Synergy MAN! We share in the Goofy Gene here at Hyperactive... I call it the FREAK GENE, but same difference! It is a wonderful thing when you are working with a group that truly loves what they do, it not only makes the product superior, but it makes the process truly enjoyable. The SIDE EFFECT.... When you go back to the day job, it is hard not to HATE IT, because the contrast (in my case) is so extreme.

Just wanted to say that I can't wait to see your film and I really dig the poster. I would love to talk shop with you VFX folks sometimes... there work is really nice.

TANGENT... :evil:
I assume that some of it is yours? Are you guys using all MAX for the 3D or what? I myself have been a 3DS/3DS MAX junkie since it's inception, but I am afriad that I may be jumping ship soon and rolling over to MAYA! For Many reasons, one being some of the new features and the fluid workflow that Maya has with Toxic. I have been a die-hard Combustion guy, but I have used AE CS3 more of late, but my next transition will most likely be into the Toxik realm and I just can't wait until my compositing and 3D software work better with each other than they do now.

TANGENT OVER... :evil:

Can't wait to see what you guys have cooking!:thumbsup:

[Mark Johnson]

Are you guys using all MAX for the 3D or what?

Our man Raptor365 is a C4D guru and We've split up the work load between C4D and Max. We use Maya for character work but find that our rendering pipeline is better in Max - at least as we have it set up here. Obviously, we'd move to Maya if we were going to be using Renderman or integrating with one of the major VFX houses. However, I must admit that Raptor's C4D renders are stunning and it's obvious that you can do completely pro work in any of the apps (Maya, Max, C4D, Modo, etc.)

[Dustin R. Rogan]

2) embrace the sh*tty movies that are inside you
I'll be pulling this movie within me out for everyone to watch

This is the lead character in my short movie..but smiley ball guy ----> :Drogar-SunGlass(DBG

ok really off to bed now...

Rogan

[Mark T. Aro]

Our man Raptor365 is a C4D guru and We've split up the work load between C4D and Max. We use Maya for character work but find that our rendering pipeline is better in Max - at least as we have it set up here. Obviously, we'd move to Maya if we were going to be using Renderman or integrating with one of the major VFX houses. However, I must admit that Raptor's C4D renders are stunning and it's obvious that you can do completely pro work in any of the apps (Maya, Max, C4D, Modo, etc.)

For sure... that is what has kept me in the MAX realm for so long, but the big thing for me is the ability to integrate more effectively with my compositing software. True at this point it is mute... but when I do transition to Toxik, I am hoping to take advantage of the Maya integration.

I just hate it!!!! It's the GRASS IS GREENER scenerio... but after speaking with someone in the know, it seems that there will always be a dividing line between the two platforms and some of the more recent advanced MAYA features will not make there way to MAX.

It is all a pain really! Okay... back to work... sorry for the rant...


:lipsrseal

[pia12254]

A quick question for Mr. Mark Johnson...a few posts back you were talking about how well you and Tim match up as far as a Directing/Producing/creative team. I've got some creative types I work well with but really have not found "The One"...you know, the person that is my perfect counterpart. The person that wants to schmooze and talk and negotiate and get things lined up and arranged and organized...and...and...yeah.

Anyway, I was curious as to how you guys got hooked up initially. What it was that made you each realize it could be a good partnership. And finally, how you guys proceeded towards actually forming a company and working together.

Any insight would be helpful! Hope this isn't too off topic.

Thanks!

[Jason Ramsey]

kick ass poster.

Later,
Jason

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

A quick question for Mr. Mark Johnson...a few posts back you were talking about how well you and Tim match up as far as a Directing/Producing/creative team. I've got some creative types I work well with but really have not found "The One"...you know, the person that is my perfect counterpart. The person that wants to schmooze and talk and negotiate and get things lined up and arranged and organized...and...and...yeah.

Anyway, I was curious as to how you guys got hooked up initially. What it was that made you each realize it could be a good partnership. And finally, how you guys proceeded towards actually forming a company and working together.

Any insight would be helpful! Hope this isn't too off topic.

Thanks!

Mark or Tim will elaborate but in the interim ...

They hooked up making shorts
"hey you wanna make a short" kind of thing and worked on other people's shorts together
They made a few that had more than a little room for improvement.
They got serious and began kicking ass.
Their personalities and strengths are a great fit for one another.
They are a company: "Fat Monster" - They have a cool living / working space. Their studio opens out onto a commercial office and mall area. But enter the building from the other side and it's a 3 story town home.

[bosindy]

Alright folks,

I am shooting something this weekend with the fat monster/dvxuser crew and I need extras for Saturday, business attire. I can promise one quite surreal experience and food. If you are in the LA area and would like to participate, please PM me.

Thanks

Jim

[J.R. Hudson]

Jim

Totally bummed I can't make this one (Spoke w/ Mark and Tim Saturday)

Gotta get my son from the airport. : /

[Mark Johnson]

A quick question for Mr. Mark Johnson...a few posts back you were talking about how well you and Tim match up as far as a Directing/Producing/creative team. I've got some creative types I work well with but really have not found "The One"...you know, the person that is my perfect counterpart. The person that wants to schmooze and talk and negotiate and get things lined up and arranged and organized...and...and...yeah.

Anyway, I was curious as to how you guys got hooked up initially. What it was that made you each realize it could be a good partnership. And finally, how you guys proceeded towards actually forming a company and working together.

Any insight would be helpful! Hope this isn't too off topic.

Thanks!

I appreciate your asking as I think it's an important issue for a lot of people. Back when I was practicing law I formed a couple small law partnerships and learned a lot about working with partners.

In my opinion, the most important issue is to learn what kind of person you can best work with and that means understanding yourself. For me, it requires finding someone whose talents are primarily different than my own. If you can imagine a Venn diagram, my circle would include writing, schmoozing, VFX and promotion. Tim's circle would include directing, editing, concept development and lighting. Where our circles overlap basically is in the area of business planning. We spend long hours discussing where we want Fat Monster to be in the next several years and generally agree on strategizing.

Because our creative sides are so distinctly independent we have a clear understanding of who is calling the shots and who is providing notes and suggestions at all times. Tim gives great script notes but always trusts me to have final say. Similarly, Tim encourages me to discuss any shots or setups with him on set or to comment on performances. However, we do so in private conversations and I always try to respect his authority as director on set.

This sort of understanding comes from knowing someone well enough and long enough to figure this stuff out. Its a lot like a marriage. You have a better shot if you've been with your prospective spouse long enough to understand her quirks and qualities under real life conditions.

Tim and I worked for several months together on a project and then holed up for a month in the same house while I did VFX and he worked on an edit. We then worked on a couple music videos together and a skateboard shop commercial so that we had a good understanding of our respective interests and aptitudes.

In addition to the talent stuff, we found we genuinely enjoyed hanging out. We also both agreed that we wanted to focus on filmmaking and neither of us had relationships or commitments. Getting an apartment together was essential because we knew we'd have to live and breath making films if we were going to really leverage our efforts. We often work late into the night on projects and even when we aren't working we're usually watching films on the big screen or discussing books on film.

I think it was important for us to work together on multiple projects and actually live together doing an edit/VFX project to have the confidence to put this together.

I don't think I could do this with someone whose interest is becoming a writer. I don't think it would work if we tried to share or alternate directing duties. We've carved out the areas that are our "own" and respect each other.

Finally, the bottom line is that we both believe the other has real talent. You don't want to do this unless you can go to sleep really believing your partner is your peer and equal. Otherwise, you will have to develop an alpha/beta arrangement. Notice that a lot of the filmmaking duos are brothers (Cohens, Polish brothers, Wachkowskis). They have natural peerage. I think the fact that Tim and I see each other as equals is a bit unusual because of our age differences. A lot of guys who mature have difficulty accepting younger associates as peers due to ego or authority issues. It just seems to work for us because we have such independent areas of interest/talent and because our personalities just seem to mesh.

It is hard to find "the One" for sure. However, I think that if you find someone with complimentary skills and who you can honestly consider an "equal" then you've got a shot.

[J.R. Hudson]

Mark

I'd love to find that one person who can support my directing while taking on other responsibilities

You two are lucky stoked

[Kyle Stebbins]

Mark

I'd love to find that one person who can support my directing while taking on other responsibilities

You two are lucky stoked

:happy:

[Tom Marshall]

Mark and Tim are a very powerful team. They fit each other like a glove. These guys have come a long way in such a short period of time. I'm most impressed...

I think another good piece of the puzzle is Blaine. He's an excellent producer and things always run quite smoothly as we've seen in the past, especially on the O2 set.

I think the important thing is these Monsters truly love movie making and in the end, that's what really counts, isn't it?

[Zak Forsman]

Mark and Tim are a very powerful team. They fit each other like a glove.
which one is the glove?

[Tom Marshall]

which one is the glove?

It had to be you...

[Mark Johnson]

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r129/AARIUS_Studios/SMELL%20THE%20GLOVE/StG_VistaPrint_Std_Postcard_2_final.jpg

[bosindy]

Jim

Totally bummed I can't make this one (Spoke w/ Mark and Tim Saturday)

Gotta get my son from the airport. : /

you will be missed but great reason not to.

[Brandon Rice]

Things are looking great guys, can't wait to see the finished product!

[Kyle Stebbins]

Jim - I emailed you the final design for the label. Let me know your thoughts.

[Mike Insane]

We should all be so lucky to find a counter part like Mark and Tim. I think a large part of the puzzle is the rest of the crew. Especially when you are at a stage where you can't pay people. As an outsider, visiting the O2 set I saw something that I haven't seen since I started out in films... happy people working their butts off for something they were passionate about. They were not there for the paycheck, they weren't there for the groupies or status. It was refreshing to be around that kind of passion.

[Zak Forsman]

kick ass poster.

Later,
Jason

Thanks.

[Mark Johnson]

We should all be so lucky to find a counter part like Mark and Tim. I think a large part of the puzzle is the rest of the crew. Especially when you are at a stage where you can't pay people. As an outsider, visiting the O2 set I saw something that I haven't seen since I started out in films... happy people working their butts off for something they were passionate about. They were not there for the paycheck, they weren't there for the groupies or status. It was refreshing to be around that kind of passion.

Mike, thanks so much for your observations. We're getting together what is going to be a totally smashing screening party that will really rock with you spinning tunes (Mike is a big-dog DJ here in Hollywood and has offered to make the L.A. TimeFest screening party a real one-of-a-kind event).

We are so grateful to have so many friends and to have made so many new ones. We are counting on you to be on the next shoot, bro! And just let us know when we can help you out, ok?

[Tom Marshall]

We should all be so lucky to find a counter part like Mark and Tim. I think a large part of the puzzle is the rest of the crew. Especially when you are at a stage where you can't pay people. As an outsider, visiting the O2 set I saw something that I haven't seen since I started out in films... happy people working their butts off for something they were passionate about. They were not there for the paycheck, they weren't there for the groupies or status. It was refreshing to be around that kind of passion.

I was there for the groupies... I figured there's be at LEAST one girl in a Hooter's outfit...

[Kyle Stebbins]

I was there to give hell to Blaine.

[Mike Insane]

Tom, "I was the groupie". :) The screening will have groupies there. For anyone who likes electronic music... house, electro, breaks, progressive, tribal etc... go to...

www.ninjaskillz.net You can access a ton of hour long mixes for free.

[Kyle Stebbins]

storms rollin through the midwest here.

shot a quick crappy little timelapse of the sky above our house getting assimilated by the darkness...

http://www.stebbinsdigital.com/Storm_Footage_Stebbins.mov

here are some photos...
http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v287/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30274828_4697.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v287/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30274829_4958.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v287/90/26/1318080032/n1318080032_30274830_5208.jpg

Nothing like lightning and tornadoes to bump up a thread.

[J.R. Hudson]

Dude

Bro !

[Mark Johnson]

Whoa Kyle! Awesome frames!!!!! God, the one thing I miss from the midwest are the thunderstorms. So nice to be reminded of the big old thunder-boomers that roll across the plains.

Kickass.

[Brandon Rice]

man, I ain't ever seen anything like that!

[Kyle Stebbins]

They sounded the tornado sirens tonight, everyone headed to their basements. I called a couple loved ones from the area and made sure they were okay. -- Then I headed outside and captured the beast! Lots of tornadoes around us, luckily Lincoln sits in a little geographical bowl, all that weather passes over us. I like to think of it as an earthly basement shelter. That's what is kickass.

Dude, brooooo.

[Tom Marshall]

Tom, "I was the groupie". :) The screening will have groupies there. For anyone who likes electronic music... house, electro, breaks, progressive, tribal etc... go to...

www.ninjaskillz.net (http://www.ninjaskillz.net) You can access a ton of hour long mixes for free.

hehe...

I want to hear some of your stuff, man. Mark says you're a killer DJ...

[Tom Marshall]

They sounded the tornado sirens tonight, everyone headed to their basements. I called a couple loved ones from the area and made sure they were okay. -- Then I headed outside and captured the beast! Lots of tornadoes around us, luckily Lincoln sits in a little geographical bowl, all that weather passes over us. I like to think of it as an earthly basement shelter. That's what is kickass.

Dude, brooooo.

Hey Kyle, how's your house, man? Last I heard your basement was about a foot or so deep in water.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Hey Kyle, how's your house, man? Last I heard your basement was about a foot or so deep in water.

Funny you mention it. Actually while I was out there our studio room, filled with all of our music equipment and instruments, was partially flooded and the carpet was soaked. We just recently fixed it all up and were able to have a band practice in it last night.

I'm off for Chicago this morning! I'm getting out of here before ROUND 2 of tornadoes hits the heartland tonight! Stay safe, Midwesterners!!

[Mark Johnson]

Fly safe, young Stebbins. Your people will be anxiously awaiting your return, singing their weather songs and shaking cornstalks angrily at the approaching thunderheads. You are a God to them as the one who flies on the great metal bird and is able to bring great tales of far away KAL-EE-FORN-YA. May you carry their hopes and dreams to SHEE-KAH-GOH and may you always keep in mind their huddling in squalor and ankle deep in floodwaters with your primitive instruments and skin drums. Oh fortuna! Keep young Stebbins intact and uncorrupted as he ventures to the canyons of SHEE-KAH-GOH. Keep his bladder light and his spleen untroubled. May he walk as a fat monster for all of his days.

[Tom Marshall]

I've heard that songs have been written about the great one named Kyle and that cave dwellers paint their caves with images of their god.

Scientists have confirmed that this painting is named a cryptic "DVX" and depicts their god amongst gods engraving magical images on devices that are capable of telling mythical and heroic stories for others to share...

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/17011/1212686419.jpg

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Silly Tommy. Somehow you have accidentally cut and paste this will known artifact into your server BACKWARDS.

When correctly displayed ...
http://frenchquarterfeatures.com/rawk.jpg

... one can clearly see the hieroglyph which is known as "DVX" for obvious reasons
http://frenchquarterfeatures.com/dvxrawk.jpg

:D

[jasonthewho]

Fly safe, young Stebbins. Your people will be anxiously awaiting your return, singing their weather songs and shaking cornstalks angrily at the approaching thunderheads. You are a God to them as the one who flies on the great metal bird and is able to bring great tales of far away KAL-EE-FORN-YA. May you carry their hopes and dreams to SHEE-KAH-GOH and may you always keep in mind their huddling in squalor and ankle deep in floodwaters with your primitive instruments and skin drums. Oh fortuna! Keep young Stebbins intact and uncorrupted as he ventures to the canyons of SHEE-KAH-GOH. Keep his bladder light and his spleen untroubled. May he walk as a fat monster for all of his days.

That's the funniest thing I've read in a long time

[Tom Marshall]

Silly Tommy. Somehow you have accidentally cut and paste this will known artifact into your server BACKWARDS.

When correctly displayed ...


... one can clearly see the hieroglyph which is known as "DVX" for obvious reasons


:D

Wow, nice job, Jack... I never even noticed that...

[Kyle Stebbins]

Sentiments are greatly appreciated. Mark, that was great. I'm going to design that into some sort of poster and will print that out and hang it somewhere in my room with your name proudly displayed underneath. -- Sadly we didn't take the "metal bird". We drove. "Metal hog"?

We're here, though, and since we are all about shameless promotion here I'll tell you that we are staying with a man by the name of Timmy Tamisiea who graduated from Second City Conservatory and got a BA at Marquette. He's a very funny guy and so is his brother... and they are both a real pleasure to be around. TOTALLY gracious hosts. Here is a link to a video they were hired to make for Skechers.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iQk5SfPoz1s&feature=PlayList&p=C5E60D9735934D89&index=0 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=iQk5SfPoz1s&feature=PlayList&p=C5E60D9735934D89&index=0)

Timmy is the one on the left when the two hosts come on-screen. Hilarious. Check them out. I look forward to talking with them more during our stay. They started an improv group out here called "We Have An Uncle Dick" and are apropos hosts as I am up here with my buddy Matt Spitsen (also a very funny local comedian) to visit the Chicago Improv Festival. We're also stopping by a Dave Matthews Band concert tomorrow. (Sweet) If you're interested in following my travels you can hit up http://www.kylestebbins.com/chicago

Hope you are all well! Back to your regular scheduled broadcasting!

What's the latest with O2? How is the edit, Tim?

[Mark Johnson]

All is basically going well except that we keep seeing Tommy's head pop up in most of the takes. Thus, we have an enormous VFX load here in tracking each frame and painstakingly removing Tommy from the shots. If you see any wonkiness in the final edit we can assure you that it most likely is an artifact from the Tommy-Removal effort.

[Mark Harris]

I keep expecting Kyle to be in this film, because the face in your banner looks like him to me...

[Blaine]

I keep expecting Kyle to be in this film, because the face in your banner looks like him to me...I'm sure Ana will be happy to hear that...:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[Tom Marshall]

All is basically going well except that we keep seeing Tommy's head pop up in most of the takes. Thus, we have an enormous VFX load here in tracking each frame and painstakingly removing Tommy from the shots. If you see any wonkiness in the final edit we can assure you that it most likely is an artifact from the Tommy-Removal effort.

You can't blame a guy for tryin... :beer:

[Kyle Stebbins]

I'm sure Ana will be happy to hear that...:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

Here's me trying to figure out whether I should be instulted, or if Ana should...

Either way, I do have a cameo in the film. Although I am behind a wall, peaking through a small hole, turning a red light on and off and blowing smoke through a crevice... I still feel like I MADE THE CUT!

About to head to the DMB show!

[Zak Forsman]

***waiting for the inevitable photochop of kyle in the poster***

[Mark Johnson]

http://www.archivisuals.com/Kyle.jpghttp://www.archivisuals.com/Kyle2.jpg

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

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

Holy crap, there is a strong resemblance!

[Mike Insane]

Wow you guys have way too much time on your hands!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I like band wagons....

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/26822/1212800817.jpg

[jasonthewho]

Dustin, you certainly win the prize for most cheezily photoshoped!

:)

[siniarch]

Mark, what is this TRP filter you speak of. Do you have it? I'm sure its a pretty processor intensive process but I was wondering If I could have it just in case I need it in the future.
thanks.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Dustin, you certainly win the prize for most cheezily photoshoped!

:)
going with the theme of the movies...and threw it together in like 5 mins

[Mike Insane]

Just sharing... here is a Sizzle reel from May 08 that I chopped up. I figured you guys might enjoy. http://www.vimeo.com/1116182

Back to your regularly scheduled programming

[Mark Johnson]

Awesome Mike. Loved it. Great sound track too.

[totitefilms]

http://www.archivisuals.com/Kyle.jpghttp://www.archivisuals.com/Kyle2.jpg

This looks like from the Abyss

[bosindy]

Mark,

big presentation tomorrow, how's the bar graph coming?:)

Jim

[Mark Johnson]

The bar graph will be uploaded before morning Jim. Doing VFX now but will not forget you.

[bosindy]

thanks man, looks great

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Aren't you guys like ... in the same house ... messaging each other on User ... :huh:

... which also has a PM feature :)

D'oh! :grin:

http://whitenarcissus.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/dancing-yanong.gif
(smack talkin' pwned dance)

[Postmaster]

If you look close enough, you can see that guy is clearly holding a camcorder.

[Mark Johnson]

Aren't you guys like ... in the same house ... messaging each other on User ... :huh:

... which also has a PM feature :)

Actually, the main monster crew moved to Luis's house yesterday because they commenced shooting Jim's project there and will be shooting in Long Beach today. I stayed behind because I'm flying up to San Jose to spend the weekend with my 13-year old (indoor skydiving this afternoon - woo hoo).

So, I've been trying to help out via the net while those guys are busting moves with a 2-camera setup.

Cool.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

.... (indoor skydiving this afternoon - woo hoo).

...

never heard of that ... pretty cool

[Jeff Anderson]

I stayed behind because I'm flying up to San Jose to spend the weekend with my 13-year old (indoor skydiving this afternoon - woo hoo).

Oh you guys are gonna enjoy the hell out of that! I havent been in a year or so but am really itching to get in a tunnel again soon. Make sure and get some pics!

[Mark Johnson]

Yeah, Jeff! We actually went for our first time last month and it was amazing. (its basically an inverted turboprop engine I guess). It was really funny how my little guy (who is smallest kid in his class) just floated like a leaf. Then when I got in the guy at the controls had to push the throttle down and fat old me slowly levitated. It reminded me of that Simpsons episode where the UFO puts a tractor beam on Homer and then has to use a second one and still barely can get him up into the craft.

Anyway, we are stoked to go again and I'll get a video clip of us.

[Jeff Anderson]

HAHHAA! Totally true about the tractor beam thing! Crazy how just a little bit of velocity change or body position change makes such a huge difference. I trust you've seen what some of the experienced tunnel rats can do in there? If not ask em to showoff and play a bit. Its unreal to watch... Very cool that you are sharing this experience with your son. And at such a young age to get to experience flight like that. Dont take him too often or he'll be hooked :)

[Mark Johnson]

HAHHAA! Totally true about the tractor beam thing! Crazy how just a little bit of velocity change or body position change makes such a huge difference. I trust you've seen what some of the experienced tunnel rats can do in there? If not ask em to showoff and play a bit. Its unreal to watch... Very cool that you are sharing this experience with your son. And at such a young age to get to experience flight like that. Dont take him too often or he'll be hooked :)

http://www.iflysfbay.com/


Yeah, those guys are amazing (see video on page).

[Dustin R. Rogan]

lol i looked it up on you tube...heres what mark kinda looks like doing the skydive thing ------> http://youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU

[bosindy]

If anyone has p2 cards they can bring down to long beach CA we will compensate you $100/card. more if it is a bigger cards. also interesting shoot so you can stick around if you would like. please pm me. thanks.

Jim

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

lol i looked it up on you tube...heres what mark kinda looks like doing the skydive thing ------> http://youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU
http://www.skifx.com/synth/sounds/wah-wah-wah8.wav

http://www.officenaps.com/jan_22_2007/voxwahwah_front.jpg

http://bp0.blogger.com/_63w9728YzZ8/R2iar-i7HwI/AAAAAAAAAtY/byBG3PbYcAs/s320/WahWah.jpg

http://www.wah-wahsupersonic.com/gif/logo.gif

[Dustin R. Rogan]

http://www.skifx.com/synth/sounds/wah-wah-wah8.wav

...

Link didn't work for me...(check pm mr. jack)

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

it's ...
http://home.ica.net/%7Espike/Quiet_Place/quiet.gif

must be ...



________________http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb67/Mod-Wolves/Avatars/crunchtime.gif




_

[Dustin R. Rogan]

http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/%7Eafleming/pictures/hard_at_work.jpg
Introducing the Fat Monster Instant Fest Winning Computer, now if only The Dude could figure out where the on button was....

[abalex]

can't wait to see it Mark!

[Mark Harris]

Ha ha, Jack the Ripper strikes again!

[DC]

Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing this. :) Luis and Jim have been saying very good things. :)

[Gohanto]

ANNOUNCEMENT PAGE

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

Congrats on getting an awesome pro DP for non-pay. Just curious (though I'm sure this is a rather dumb question) what are those hand wheels beneath the camera? Seen them on BTS a lot but not idea what they do.

[Matty_g]

It's a geared head.
Instead of a fluid head where you create the movement you spin the dials to move the camera.

[Barry_Green]

Congrats on getting an awesome pro DP for non-pay.
It wasn't non-pay, we did pay Levie for his work.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

It wasn't non-pay, we did pay Levie for his work.

Huh? Mark said somewhere in this ginormous thread that a Red rental exchange was made, but not actual pay.

[Barry_Green]

Huh? Mark said somewhere in this ginormous thread that a Red rental exchange was made, but not actual pay.
I don't know about that, but I do know that I wrote a check, so actual pay was involved. :)

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I don't know about that, but I do know that I wrote a check, so actual pay was involved. :)

Ah.

Speaking of that, in another thread, there was talk about the DVXUser fests following the lead of other competition oriented festivals and making it a rule that no one can be paid beyond expense reimbursement. Have you guys given that any thought?

[Barry_Green]

Ah.

Speaking of that, in another thread, there was talk about the DVXUser fests following the lead of other competition oriented festivals and making it a rule that no one can be paid beyond expense reimbursement. Have you guys given that any thought?
Why would we want to do that? What possible benefit would that involve? Heck, we paid everyone who worked on Little Mouth To Feed and Unawakening, and those weren't even in competition...

[J.R. Hudson]

I agree with Barry

[TimurCivan]

oh heck i didint know you guys were involved in this?!

[Barry_Green]

oh heck i didint know you guys were involved in this?!
Peripherally. Probably my main contribution to O2 was in bringing Levie in. This is Mark and Tim's film.

[Brandon Rice]

paying crew is a part of the process most of the time, so I think it's legit.

[Matt Sconce]

paying crew is a part of the process most of the time, so I think it's legit.

Yep, I agree

[sean90291]

Wow. I just opened this thread and now I see how ambitious the dvxuser projects have become. Man, the competition looks like it's getting steep. Like veryone else, this project is something I'm very interested in seeing!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

paying crew is a part of the process most of the time, so I think it's legit.

For features? Absolutely! For shorts? No, unless there is revenue potential.

[J.R. Hudson]

Peripherally. Probably my main contribution to O2 was in bringing Levie in. This is Mark and Tim's film.

Barry is humble as always. I found your contribution on set invaluable BG !


For features? Absolutely! For shorts? No, unless there is revenue potential.

I'm not following the logic Shawn ?

Are you suggesting paying people is bad ? :huh:

[bosindy]

Ah.

Speaking of that, in another thread, there was talk about the DVXUser fests following the lead of other competition oriented festivals and making it a rule that no one can be paid beyond expense reimbursement. Have you guys given that any thought?

well if we are gonna do that to even the playing field, lets make sure everyone has to rent the camera they use to.:)

[Slimothy]

For features? Absolutely! For shorts? No, unless there is revenue potential.

I think this is actually the problem a lot of times with young film makers. If there is NO money, and people are excited to get something done, awesome. But if you are able to compensate people for their time in any way, why wouldn't you? I don't think there is much revenue potential for 99% of shorts ever made. If you do a lot of shorts, I think you'll find less and less people coming out if you never pay.

[Barry_Green]

If there's concern about a level playing field -- there is *never* a level playing field. If nobody's getting paid, does that level the playing field? What about if one guy (who's not paying someone) is shooting on a Red? Doesn't that make it "unfair" against the kid who's shooting on an HV20?

There's absolutely nothing we can do about it. I certainly wouldn't EVER want to encourage or foster an environment where people don't get paid for working hard! If someone does work for you, they deserve to get something out of it -- it'd better at least be gas money, and ideally it should be at least $100/day.

I still find it entertaining that our top 3 winners last time were a simple short with no special effects and nothing fancy, just a few kids in a record store (shot on a Red); a huge production with production value coming out of its ears and professional actors (Where The Heart Lies); and the simplest of simple: two actors sitting on a porch swing (Remember When). And one of the top 10 finishers was a handheld almost-improv piece shot on a consumer camcorder (IFHY, shot Dogme-style on an HV20.) And another top 10 finisher had exquisite production design, gorgeous cinematography, and was shot on an EX1 (Winter Lilacs).

O2 is probably the biggest production ever undertaken for a DVX Fest. But I wouldn't be surprised if the winning film (or, if O2 wins, the second-place film) is yet another little character-oriented piece shot on a consumer camera.

If you want to level the playing field, the only way to do that is to grow your talent. Talent is the only thing that can level the playing field for you. Saying things like "I can't afford to pay, so nobody else should either" is just anti-community. It'd be like saying "I don't have a Red, so nobody else can shoot on one." Or "I don't know any decent actors, so nobody else can hire decent actors." Where does that lead? It leads to suckage. Whereas with the DVXFest as is, turning people loose and encouraging collaborations and growing our skillsets, it's leading to better and better films by better and better filmmakers.

Growing your skillset is part of how you get better; the other way is to grow your circle. If you don't have a Red, meet someone who does. If you don't know any good actors, go meet some. If you don't have any money, either make some, or befriend someone who has it. Those are all parts of the filmmaking game.

[bosindy]

Hey, when does Bullis sashay back into town? I am leaving this week.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Sheesh, my posts were taken the wrong way here. How'd I become the grinch so fast?

Barry, I wasn't complaining, it was a simply talking point. I agree with you that the festival is already level enough. I was one of the people giving 'Remember When' my top vote, I freakin love that film.

J.R. - Am I suggesting paying people is bad??? Why don't you ask me if I've stopped beating my wife? :-)

I could write a massive article on this one but I'll try to be as short as possible.

First, paying people is awesome. I sure wish I had spare money like others do. My Red? Half split with my dad, of my half I've only paid for half, the other half is a big f1cking loan. Why? Because Red doesn't rent that much! Its enough that we're doing okay, but not even close to breaking even. My other gear? over $10k in CC debt. I'm barely able to pay the gas & food required for Timefest, I'm really not capable of paying people. Just to pay my cast and crew minimum wage would blow out way over $1000, making it impossible. Not a sob story, just showing that because you're toting a Red doesn't equate to cash. Thankfully on TimeFest, Ken Kupelian is co-producing and splitting expenses with me.

Then there's the issue of fairness. I am out *shtloads* of money trying to make my films. I have zero revenue source except a day job outside the industry. If I were to make a feature movie, when I make that jump I'll hopefully have solid funding. But on these shorts, where the express purpose is to build skills, I think it is altogether fair that I shoulder the expense of the short and everyone else can shoulder the expense of their time contribution because we are all in this for mutual benefit. On my last short I thought I might have the tiniest amount of revenue potential so I did pay everyone a small amount. My DP, an industry vet with 30 years experience, flat refused my money and I loved him all the more for it. I wish I could pay every time, I can't, at this time. I am up front with my situation, I treat people kindly. Does that make me a bad person?

[Zak Forsman]

Here's what I think. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNry4PE93Y)

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Yeah Shawneous, I saw that you merely asked a question that was brought up elsewhere ... wanted to know if it had ever been discussed or considered.

Maybe the reaction you got was based on other comments you've made about Fat Monster sets (might as well give them first place) and a few other things? Dunno.

I think on the flip side no one is saying you're evil if you don't pay people at this level. For me it's a choice of making films and not paying people (yet) or not making films at all. That's changing but if I get an idea I'm not going to not do it because I can't pay people. I'm going to work with people that like working with me, get actors involved who are excited about the project and who need material for their reels, etc.

Barry and David payed people for Unawakening and A Little Mouth to Feed but I've never payed anyone for any of my shorts with the exception of a nude plus size woman who had to be chained to a table for 4 hours with a prosthetic on her face which made it very difficult to breath - and it was a non-speaking part, what possible benefit could she get from it, certainly not for her reel.

So no one's saying people shouldn't be paid for DVXuser shorts and no one is saying your the Devil if you can't do that right now. Some productions are just to small and if its all agreed on upfront, then it's no different than having a garage band where everyone's in it to make something cool, because they want to.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Here's what I think. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNry4PE93Y)
brilliant :thumbsup:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Yeah Shawneous, I saw that you merely asked a question that was brought up elsewhere ... wanted to know if it had ever been discussed or considered.

Maybe the reaction you got was based on other comments you've made about Fat Monster sets (might as well give them first place) and a few other things? Dunno.

I think on the flip side no one is saying you're evil if you don't pay people at this level. For me it's a choice of making films and not paying people (yet) or not making films at all. That's changing but if I get an idea I'm not going to not do it because I can't pay people. I'm going to work with people that like working with me, get actors involved who are excited about the project and who need material for their reels, etc.

Barry and David payed people for Unawakening and A Little Mouth to Feed but I've never payed anyone for any of my shorts with the exception of a nude plus size woman who had to be chained to a table for 4 hours with a prosthetic on her face which made it very difficult to breath - and it was a non-speaking part, what possible benefit could she get from it, certainly not for her reel.

So no one's saying people shouldn't be paid for DVXuser shorts and no one is saying your the Devil if you can't do that right now. Some productions are just to small and if its all agreed on upfront, then it's no different than having a garage band where everyone's in it to make something cool, because they want to.

Thank you Jack, I appreciate it.

As for my comments on O2/Fat Monster...I guess I'm not sure how it was perceived, but I have only the highest level of respect/admiration for this whole enterprise. In fact, I was telling Ken we should try to carpool down and bring an Oregon delegation to the next Fat Monster thing. You guys rock!

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

For features? Absolutely! For shorts? No, unless there is revenue potential.

*(not busting on you Shawn, just replying in my way)

IMO, if you can afford to pay anyone to work on your project it is best to do so. I at least offer everyone on my projects gas money. If I could affort pro people to help on my projects would do it in a second. Makes sense to me to pay someone that knows what he is doing. This is a convo I have had with my current sound man. When I do get to the point of doing a feature, he already knows I plan on attempting to hire a real soundman for the project. He is content to work in conjuction with that hired soundman and learn from said person. I am sure the crew on O2 have picked up some points from working with Levie.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Just rereading my post as you quoted it and wanted to add:

Paying people is good. Paying people is the right way. Paying people is what we should all be striving towards.

Just wanted to make sure that my "it's OK to not pay if you can't and you won't see any money off the thing because otherwise it woudl be impossible for most of us to make movies" position, was not interpreted as anti-pay. If you can pay you should.

[Mark Johnson]

I like turtles.

[Tom Marshall]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B-K4NGo2HE&NR=1

[J.R. Hudson]

Sheesh, my posts were taken the wrong way here. How'd I become the grinch so fast?

I was not looking at you in this way Shawn. :engel017:



J.R. - Am I suggesting paying people is bad??? Why don't you ask me if I've stopped beating my wife? :-)

I understand it but don't condone it. :Drogar-Mark-10(DBG)



First, paying people is awesome. I sure wish I had spare money like others do. My Red? Half split with my dad, of my half I've only paid for half, the other half is a big f1cking loan. Why? Because Red doesn't rent that much! Its enough that we're doing okay, but not even close to breaking even. My other gear? over $10k in CC debt. I'm barely able to pay the gas & food required for Timefest, I'm really not capable of paying people. Just to pay my cast and crew minimum wage would blow out way over $1000, making it impossible. Not a sob story, just showing that because you're toting a Red doesn't equate to cash. Thankfully on TimeFest, Ken Kupelian is co-producing and splitting expenses with me.

Then there's the issue of fairness. I am out *shtloads* of money trying to make my films. I have zero revenue source except a day job outside the industry. If I were to make a feature movie, when I make that jump I'll hopefully have solid funding. But on these shorts, where the express purpose is to build skills, I think it is altogether fair that I shoulder the expense of the short and everyone else can shoulder the expense of their time contribution because we are all in this for mutual benefit. On my last short I thought I might have the tiniest amount of revenue potential so I did pay everyone a small amount. My DP, an industry vet with 30 years experience, flat refused my money and I loved him all the more for it. I wish I could pay every time, I can't, at this time. I am up front with my situation, I treat people kindly. Does that make me a bad person?

But who has the money ? Some do obviously, and some are really effin good at networking and pulling in resources.

I didn't make a dime sans room and board on FAT MONSTA and couldn't care less; it was the opportunity to work with my main men Tim, Mark and Blaine that got me up to Laurel Canyon.

I got a small stipend on Barry and Jack's couple of shorts but if you saw what was going on BTS, you'd laugh. Full sets being built in BG's garage turned studio, movable walls rotated for reverse shots; and I'm talking slammed up drywall and wallpaper.

But the production value was epic indie style. The bed was a blow up bed with a quilt thrown over it. If you saw the frame Shaun and I built for the air mattress, I assure you, you would not have sat on that bed.

Anyone else remember the water hose in the garage at 5:00 am ?

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And as you bemoan the debt of the camera and equipment, I'm still using my original DVX100 and figuring out a way to get an entry level Arri Kit to teach myself lighting.

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You can have a huge films like The Aviator and its $110,000,000 budget and in sweeps a film like Sideways with barely 20% of that one and their both going toe to toe for the Oscar.

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I've always wanted DVXUSER to foster and spawn true filmmakers, that one day will look back and be standing at podium thanking us.

Paying is good.

but so is innovation and networking.