HDkilledFILM.
Burnin' down the House
Wow!!! custom title!! I'm jelious...
"Corrado" - A production blog
- Thread starter taormina
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Luis Caffesse
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taormina
Hates to Rent
Whew - what a day. First off, pics of the grip truck.
I haven't taken too many since it is unfinished,, and will post more when done.
On the left side, you can see the rack I built for the C stands. It holds 14 stands. Directly forward of that is a slot that holds 10 gobo arms. I designed the C stand rack to support the stands when at a location. So you undo those straps, and the stands sit neatly by gravity.
My dolly is hanging on the left wall supported by two junior plates. I thing I will thread the junior pins and put wing nuts on there to secure the dolly.
Further forward, you can see my light rack. The lowest level contains the HMI ballasts. They sit inside framed wood depressions so they drop in and are secured on 4 sides without any straps. They just pop right in.
Above that is tungsten (not all the lights are in the truck), and the top level is HMIs. It also doubles as a work bench.
Forward of that is a gel rack. On the right you have all of your grip bins, then behind that a distro rack with room for cables. You can just see where another rack is in the process of being built that will house electrics. Aft of that my Matthews grip cart will live, and that rounds out the whole truck for now.
I haven't taken too many since it is unfinished,, and will post more when done.
On the left side, you can see the rack I built for the C stands. It holds 14 stands. Directly forward of that is a slot that holds 10 gobo arms. I designed the C stand rack to support the stands when at a location. So you undo those straps, and the stands sit neatly by gravity.
My dolly is hanging on the left wall supported by two junior plates. I thing I will thread the junior pins and put wing nuts on there to secure the dolly.
Further forward, you can see my light rack. The lowest level contains the HMI ballasts. They sit inside framed wood depressions so they drop in and are secured on 4 sides without any straps. They just pop right in.
Above that is tungsten (not all the lights are in the truck), and the top level is HMIs. It also doubles as a work bench.
Forward of that is a gel rack. On the right you have all of your grip bins, then behind that a distro rack with room for cables. You can just see where another rack is in the process of being built that will house electrics. Aft of that my Matthews grip cart will live, and that rounds out the whole truck for now.
Attachments
Cliff Wildman
WildMember
that was the most unsexy thing that has ever gotten me this excited
ok, strike that... it's sexy :thumbsup:
looking forward to the fully loaded pics.
keep it up taormina, this informative and an inspiration.
ok, strike that... it's sexy :thumbsup:
looking forward to the fully loaded pics.
keep it up taormina, this informative and an inspiration.
taormina
Hates to Rent
So today was interesting.
I showed up at the mansion at 12 noon, and was met by my location scout Angela. There was a pack of producer types standing in the driveway, and she told me that they were from some Americas' top model thing, some reality show. They had the place booked for the next month.
I toured the premises and the place was perfect in every way. Remember: Unless you've written the story with a location you already know in mind, you will have to change the story to suit the location.
In my case, I wrote the mansion as a two story location; this one is a big bungalow. But it works out better that way. I won't even bother to do a rewrite; we'll just make the story work the way it is where it is. I couldn't believe my good fortune.
I told her I'd take it, would write a check right there. Then the cops showed up.
It turns out one of the neighbors had seen the fifteen or so producers on the driveway and called Tarzana's finest to go investigate. The officer wanted to know if there was any filming was taking place - no there wasn't, just a bunch of movie guys hanging around. The owner of the home (not home at the time) has a history of aggressively filming on his premises, sometimes with a permit, sometimes not.
The officer told me that there was a city council meeting last week, and he was there. The whole street turned out to protest the filming there, and the homeowner was represented only by Film LA, who came out to support him.
After this debacle, I told them I would hold on the location until I could get in touch with Film LA and ensure I could get a permit. The officer swore on a stack of bibles that if I had a permit there was nothing the neighbors could do and that I would be allowed to be there.
Oh, but there is much neighbors can do to ruin a shoot, especially if they are militant enough to come out en force to a town hall meeting with pitchforks and torches. They could run lawnmowers, leaf blowers, play the drums, set off fireworks, anything to ruin my shoot.
I also noticed the home was for sale, which even in this sagging economy, could sell before two months.
So unless I get tall assurances from a few people, incl. the owner, I'm going to move on.
Apartment.
We then went to gunfire heights, my favorite apartment complex. I can't tell you how perfect this place was. We were met by the building's owner, who was enthusiastic about his $2500 per day. I was glad he was there, I almost felt as if my scout was bullshitting me into thinking that the tenants would love to have a loud movie production present.
He affirmed all of it. I said to him point blank:
"There will be men with automatic weapons in this hallway. Do you see how much it echoes already? It will wake the dead, my friend."
Says he in his thick Jewish accent:
"Is during day, right?
"Yes"
"Then is alright."
Ok, man, whatever. And I also said I would need two of the apartments in the complex, to which he asked me to just pick two, and he would arrange it. I was to pay each tenant a spiff for their participation.
Now I own rental property, albeit here in Dana Point. And I know you cannot just make arrangements to use it without the tenant's permission, certainly not just barge in. We have laws here , you know!!!
He didn't seem to care. His tenement was a little on the .......seedy...side and I don't think we will have any troubles filming there.
So that place is a go!!!!!!!!!
I showed up at the mansion at 12 noon, and was met by my location scout Angela. There was a pack of producer types standing in the driveway, and she told me that they were from some Americas' top model thing, some reality show. They had the place booked for the next month.
I toured the premises and the place was perfect in every way. Remember: Unless you've written the story with a location you already know in mind, you will have to change the story to suit the location.
In my case, I wrote the mansion as a two story location; this one is a big bungalow. But it works out better that way. I won't even bother to do a rewrite; we'll just make the story work the way it is where it is. I couldn't believe my good fortune.
I told her I'd take it, would write a check right there. Then the cops showed up.
It turns out one of the neighbors had seen the fifteen or so producers on the driveway and called Tarzana's finest to go investigate. The officer wanted to know if there was any filming was taking place - no there wasn't, just a bunch of movie guys hanging around. The owner of the home (not home at the time) has a history of aggressively filming on his premises, sometimes with a permit, sometimes not.
The officer told me that there was a city council meeting last week, and he was there. The whole street turned out to protest the filming there, and the homeowner was represented only by Film LA, who came out to support him.
After this debacle, I told them I would hold on the location until I could get in touch with Film LA and ensure I could get a permit. The officer swore on a stack of bibles that if I had a permit there was nothing the neighbors could do and that I would be allowed to be there.
Oh, but there is much neighbors can do to ruin a shoot, especially if they are militant enough to come out en force to a town hall meeting with pitchforks and torches. They could run lawnmowers, leaf blowers, play the drums, set off fireworks, anything to ruin my shoot.
I also noticed the home was for sale, which even in this sagging economy, could sell before two months.
So unless I get tall assurances from a few people, incl. the owner, I'm going to move on.
Apartment.
We then went to gunfire heights, my favorite apartment complex. I can't tell you how perfect this place was. We were met by the building's owner, who was enthusiastic about his $2500 per day. I was glad he was there, I almost felt as if my scout was bullshitting me into thinking that the tenants would love to have a loud movie production present.
He affirmed all of it. I said to him point blank:
"There will be men with automatic weapons in this hallway. Do you see how much it echoes already? It will wake the dead, my friend."
Says he in his thick Jewish accent:
"Is during day, right?
"Yes"
"Then is alright."
Ok, man, whatever. And I also said I would need two of the apartments in the complex, to which he asked me to just pick two, and he would arrange it. I was to pay each tenant a spiff for their participation.
Now I own rental property, albeit here in Dana Point. And I know you cannot just make arrangements to use it without the tenant's permission, certainly not just barge in. We have laws here , you know!!!
He didn't seem to care. His tenement was a little on the .......seedy...side and I don't think we will have any troubles filming there.
So that place is a go!!!!!!!!!
taormina
Hates to Rent
Next stop was to Sizemore's agent to pay for the deal and sign the contract.
Now his agent told me he needed a small deposit, and the rest after filming. I, however, chose to pay in full.
Why? Because I want to make sure that he feels a personal obligation to show up.
Don't get me wrong, Tom Sizemore has two of the finest agents an actor could ask for. They are honest, straightforward, courteous, and likable. I simply wanted to avoid the situation where a better offer came in and he decided to forgo my production.
Tom has cleaned up nicely since coming out of jail. He has been punctual, energetic, repentant, and eager to prove himself. Once he completes my movie and the other one he is on now (as a lead), I am told that studios will then make him offers which could go back to the $1M per feature he was making before this whole shitstorm started a year and a half ago.
So my timing is good for hiring him right now - I could otherwise never afford him.
So I get up to the agency - all marble, gorgeous views from the top floor (28 stories up), and I'm immediately ushered into the conference room.
I felt kind of under dressed - this is a suit and tie place apparently, but am at ease since I am the customer in this situation.
I had reviewed the contracts previously, and there they were sitting there with a fresh signature from Tom himself. I had earlier stated that I wouldn't hand over the dough without him signing them, and there they were.
So we consummated the deal, and I chatted with the two agents for about half an hour. They were pretty curious about me . Although I had spoken with them on the phone a bunch of times, this convo was personal.
The senior agent said that in order to get Tom to be in the project, five people at the agency had to read and approve the script. And then it went to Tom.
I was amazed to hear that everyone loved it. Then the senior agent said:
Agent: "And who's your agent?"
Me: "I don't have an agent"
Agent: "Well I read 8-10 scripts per week, and yours was good. We'll sign you on literary right now."
Me: "I don't want to write for other people"
Agent: "Well how about as a director?"
Me: "What could you possibly do for me on that level seeing as I only want to make my own films?"
Agent: You need to direct some TV, man. We could get you to direct some episodes of CSI or something, then you can get in the DGA. Those things are easy - 10 day commitment, $38K, just show up do your **** and leave. And it won't interfere with your feature dreams. Just one here and one there."
And that really got me thinking. Maybe I could pull that sideshow off.So I told him I would think about it. And I think I'm going to do it. I'll just tell him to pimp me out AFTER Corrado has filmed. Weird, I don't even watch TV.
I think I feel quite honored; the Agent only reps four other directors, and I know he liked the script, but for the life of me I don;t know what he really sees in me seeing he hasn't beheld an ounce of my work (other than the script)
There are tiers of agencies. At the top, you have Creative Artists, United Talent, Endeavor, Gersh and then William Morris, really in no particular order, but I'd have to say CAA is on top.
Then your Tier Two agents are places like Special Artists, Paradigm, and I'd say Tom's agent is a solid tier 2 agent, so maybe I shouldn't be picky. What do you guys think?
Anyways, I have been invited to go have lunch with the agent and Tom so I can get to know him better. It was their idea, not mine. Still exciting though!
Now his agent told me he needed a small deposit, and the rest after filming. I, however, chose to pay in full.
Why? Because I want to make sure that he feels a personal obligation to show up.
Don't get me wrong, Tom Sizemore has two of the finest agents an actor could ask for. They are honest, straightforward, courteous, and likable. I simply wanted to avoid the situation where a better offer came in and he decided to forgo my production.
Tom has cleaned up nicely since coming out of jail. He has been punctual, energetic, repentant, and eager to prove himself. Once he completes my movie and the other one he is on now (as a lead), I am told that studios will then make him offers which could go back to the $1M per feature he was making before this whole shitstorm started a year and a half ago.
So my timing is good for hiring him right now - I could otherwise never afford him.
So I get up to the agency - all marble, gorgeous views from the top floor (28 stories up), and I'm immediately ushered into the conference room.
I felt kind of under dressed - this is a suit and tie place apparently, but am at ease since I am the customer in this situation.
I had reviewed the contracts previously, and there they were sitting there with a fresh signature from Tom himself. I had earlier stated that I wouldn't hand over the dough without him signing them, and there they were.
So we consummated the deal, and I chatted with the two agents for about half an hour. They were pretty curious about me . Although I had spoken with them on the phone a bunch of times, this convo was personal.
The senior agent said that in order to get Tom to be in the project, five people at the agency had to read and approve the script. And then it went to Tom.
I was amazed to hear that everyone loved it. Then the senior agent said:
Agent: "And who's your agent?"
Me: "I don't have an agent"
Agent: "Well I read 8-10 scripts per week, and yours was good. We'll sign you on literary right now."
Me: "I don't want to write for other people"
Agent: "Well how about as a director?"
Me: "What could you possibly do for me on that level seeing as I only want to make my own films?"
Agent: You need to direct some TV, man. We could get you to direct some episodes of CSI or something, then you can get in the DGA. Those things are easy - 10 day commitment, $38K, just show up do your **** and leave. And it won't interfere with your feature dreams. Just one here and one there."
And that really got me thinking. Maybe I could pull that sideshow off.So I told him I would think about it. And I think I'm going to do it. I'll just tell him to pimp me out AFTER Corrado has filmed. Weird, I don't even watch TV.
I think I feel quite honored; the Agent only reps four other directors, and I know he liked the script, but for the life of me I don;t know what he really sees in me seeing he hasn't beheld an ounce of my work (other than the script)
There are tiers of agencies. At the top, you have Creative Artists, United Talent, Endeavor, Gersh and then William Morris, really in no particular order, but I'd have to say CAA is on top.
Then your Tier Two agents are places like Special Artists, Paradigm, and I'd say Tom's agent is a solid tier 2 agent, so maybe I shouldn't be picky. What do you guys think?
Anyways, I have been invited to go have lunch with the agent and Tom so I can get to know him better. It was their idea, not mine. Still exciting though!
mentatDUKE
Veteran
Wow. Congratulations. Imagine what some TV experience could do for your filmmaking goals. Didn't Cassavetes make studio pictures to fund his indie films? I'm sure he made a lot of contacts through the studio system that in turn aided his side priojects. I think you should consider it. Especially if you get to do cinematic television like Prison Break, House or CSI. It'd be a great way to pay dues on someone else's dime.
Nick Royer
Well-known member
This is one of the best threads I've read here on DVX User. You should turn this into a book when you're done with the film.
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ninjaturtle414
Member
This thread is awesome. You're awesome.
Congratulations on everything so far!
It's threads like this that make me wish I lived out West. Maryland is such a bore.
Congratulations on everything so far!
It's threads like this that make me wish I lived out West. Maryland is such a bore.
ilauzirika
Boring Senior Member
Great thread when is the book coming out:laugh:?
seriously, good luck you deserve it after all the effort.
seriously, good luck you deserve it after all the effort.
Michael T
Well-known member
I think that everybody here needs to buy your movie on DVD just to give back a little for all of the wonderful info that you have shared with us about this project. Tell me the price and how to get it and I for one will buy it as a little payback for your generosity.
I use to be a carpenter in a former life and still have all my tools and will be getting a truck like yours soon. So I would love to see more picture of the finished box. A place for everything and everything in a place.
This is a great thread. The best. I can't wait to see the movie!
Thanks to you for sharing.
Thanks to Berry as well.
I use to be a carpenter in a former life and still have all my tools and will be getting a truck like yours soon. So I would love to see more picture of the finished box. A place for everything and everything in a place.
This is a great thread. The best. I can't wait to see the movie!
Thanks to you for sharing.
Thanks to Berry as well.
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taormina
Hates to Rent
Hey Thanks, I'm going to post more pics of the grip truck as soon as it's done. I was actually planning to give the DVDs away for DVX people. I figure when this thing gets picked up for distribution, it'll be someone else's problem and I should get a couple hundred DVDs as promo. I'll most certainly negotiate that contingency.
Contingencies are my specialty!
I would honestly never consider selling a book or DVDs one by one to recoup investment. I'll be happy to give them to anyone who wants to watch.
Contingencies are my specialty!
I would honestly never consider selling a book or DVDs one by one to recoup investment. I'll be happy to give them to anyone who wants to watch.
Jeff Anderson
Custom Title!
Wow this is a fantastic thread - good luck with all of this and the TV stuff should you decide to do it. Heck I'd do it. Good experience, meet some new faces. I'm having grip truck jealousy by the way. My minivan of Pelican cases is in the corner crying...
taormina
Hates to Rent
Hilarious! Still, you have to remember that the grip truck even when built out will cost me less than $2500 - about half the price of an HVX and a tiny fraction of the equipment that it carries.
I think the grip truck is pretty accessible to basically anyone that wants one.
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