DOC: Art of the Bag - a Speed Bag Story

Checkout my production blog for current & past updates and more video!
http://artofthebag.zazacast.com/?page_id=2

Had another successful shoot the other day with Matt Santiago (man, can this guy hit!). I needed a really good representation of Punchdrumming for that segment of the film and he did not disappoint. One thing I know is that even with the overwhelming amount of time, energy and money I'm putting into this project, none of it seems like 'work'. Find something you enjoy....and make it happen....life is short my friends.


DSC_0779_sm_zps58573d95.jpg


Because Punchdrumming is all about hitting to music, creating a unique 'second drum' part to the song, everything had to be tight in sync...and I wanted total
control of the 'Bag sound' in the final mix. This was a two camera shoot (HMC150 & AF100 w/Nikon glass) so my easy solution was to add a 16 beat count in to the tune (it has to be RIGHT on the beat) and put it on my iPod. I then had Matt get the feel for 4 beats, clap his hands for the next 8 beats, then be quiet for 4 beats....and the tunes starts. It was then easy to sync the takes. We ran through the tune multiple times, changing camera angles and adding a bit of handheld too. I had a mic on the platform, another back about 5 feet & also used the on-camera mic (just for the sync). It work perfectly.

I've been using a 'tweaked' scene file of Barry's and have been able to match the cameras nicely (I think). Film is still on target for a Summer of 2013 release...wish me
luck! :laugh:
 
Had a great 50 minute preview cut screening at " SPEEDB.A.G. IV" ... they all loved it. (now I know I'm on the right track) Got a few more important interviews and now working on the final cut! I'm a little behind schedule, but the input from the screening and the final interviews will make all the difference.
 
Man, I haven't been here in months! I didn't know you were making such progress. I'm going to jump over to the blog asap!
 
O.K., so as I wrap-up this film, I have some interesting news. Matt Santiago (you can see in the pictures in previous post...and video of him punchdrumming), was hired to appear in a national Gillette TV commercial! Seems a few of the video I shot & posted (along with others) went viral and the producers took notice. He was contacted through the SpeedBagForum, they flew him out to LA for a week and shot this really cool spot. Chances are you'll be seeing this during NFL games. Congrats to Matt...this might just be "The Year of the Bag"!

 
Joe, I've been so busy with work, side projects & parenting I have not had time to comment or view this thread like I should.

But believe me, what I've seen (such as the trailer) is awesome and I can't wait to see the finished product.

I've got a standard punching bag in our basement, may have to add a speed bag!
 
Scott F said:
Joe, I've been so busy with work, side projects & parenting I have not had time to comment or view this thread like I should.

But believe me, what I've seen (such as the trailer) is awesome and I can't wait to see the finished product.

I've got a standard punching bag in our basement, may have to add a speed bag!
Click to expand...

Thanks Scott...and yes, you should get a speed bag, it's great for you & a lot of fun.
 
"Art of the Bag" now available on DVD!

"Art of the Bag" now available on DVD!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ZazaCast Films releases new feature length documentary
“Art of the Bag - a speed bag story”


MEDIA RELEASE (December 5, 2013): ZazaCast Films (Voorheesville, NY), releases feature-length documentary
on the history of the speed bag and its ties to the Capital District area.

Focusing on Alan Kahn, author of “The Speed Bag Bible” and known as the ‘Speed Bag King’, you will hear his
inspirational story and see some of the most talented speedbaggers and punchdrummers in the world explain
why the speed bag is so addictive. Men and women alike, of all ages and abilities have found what is called
‘Bible-Style’ punching to settle the mind, build the body and be an all-around fun activity... an addiction that is good for you!

Beginning with the invention of the rubber punching ball (or what is now known as the speed bag or speed ball)
in the late 1800’s in Troy, NY, the film documents the history of it’s development over the years. From the days of
‘Fancy Punching’ Vaudeville acts to today’s bible-style punchers it is still one of the best methods for developing
hand speed, timing and eye-hand coordination.

Alan Kahn explains how he was first introduced to the speed bag and what led to his life’s mission of creating a
language or notation that anyone could read, understand and use to learn the various techniques and combinations
that are known as ‘Bible-Style’ punching. Vintage footage along with in-depth interviews of the most advanced speedbaggers
and punchdrummers of today, add insight into the Art of the Bag.

www.artofthebag.com

# # #
 
Okay, finished it!!


Art Of The Bag


The material and the story are awesome. I was blown away by the history of it and the brotherhood behind it.
The people's stories were all so similar and it makes you think they're really on to something and if we want to be on to something, we better get a speed bag too! Lol.
The punch drumming with the guy was great - Santiago, with the music video? That was shot very well and the different angles and slow motion were spot on!
Great VO at the end.
Great credits.

This is a great product you have here and you should be able to find a national audience on TV with it. To my knowledge nothing has ever been done on it. This looked like the work if an entire film crew with a budget, so I commend you for all of the countless hours and hard work you put into it. Everything is very, very pro!! Congrats!!! For all the work you out into this and everything you've been able to do with, I have to tip my hat to you. To do this pretty much all by yourself is absolutely amazing to say the least.

People and dvxusers, you have got to check this out! This documentary is not only entertainingly educational, but a lot fun too. If you've ever wanted to hit a speed bag or learn how to hit one, you've got to see this!
 
Marlon Ladd said:
Okay, finished it!!


Art Of The Bag


The material and the story are awesome. I was blown away by the history of it and the brotherhood behind it.
The people's stories were all so similar and it makes you think they're really on to something and if we want to be on to something, we better get a speed bag too! Lol.
The punch drumming with the guy was great - Santiago, with the music video? That was shot very well and the different angles and slow motion were spot on!
Great VO at the end.
Great credits.

This is a great product you have here and you should be able to find a national audience on TV with it. To my knowledge nothing has ever been done on it. This looked like the work if an entire film crew with a budget, so I commend you for all of the countless hours and hard work you put into it. Everything is very, very pro!! Congrats!!! For all the work you out into this and everything you've been able to do with, I have to tip my hat to you. To do this pretty much all by yourself is absolutely amazing to say the least.

People and dvxusers, you have got to check this out! This documentary is not only entertainingly educational, but a lot fun too. If you've ever wanted to hit a speed bag or learn how to hit one, you've got to see this!
Click to expand...

Thanks so much Marlon....most appreciated & glad you enjoyed the film!
 
“Art of the Bag: a speed bag story”
Special screening at the Rosendale Theatre, Rosendale, NY


MEDIA RELEASE (January 31, 2014): ZazaCast Films presents a public screening of the documentary film “Art of the Bag: a speed bag story”, on March 11th at 7:15pm at the Rosendale Theatre (http://rosendaletheatre.org/ ). Tickets are $7 ($5 for members).

If any DVXUser's are in the area & attend, I look forward to meeting you!
:thumbsup:
 
Thank you Martay for checking it out!
If you find yourself in Rosendale, NY tomorrow night, stop by the Rosendale Theatre for the films premiere @7:15pm.
This will be quite the event! (and I can't wait to see the film on the big screen)

:happy:
 
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