Finally !!!

Yesterday we completed the final Dirt Nap pickup shots. We worked for almost eleven hours and visited five locations over the course of the day. Yes, we even visited the famous "PLANET BURRITO." The whole film is in the can and any corrections we needed to make were made. There was one unexpected fatality; a camera lens cap was left on the roof of a truck which then fell off and was subsequently run over for two hours by traffic. I am actually surprised that after days and days of moving gear only one thing was damaged, go figure. We are mere days from finishing this project and then what can I say, "On to the next one." I am still deep in the 'budget hole' and would welcome any and all donations from anyone willing. I am sitting on a small surplus of Dirt Nap Caps and Dirt Nap T-shirts. Any donation made will get something till the supplies run out. Don't miss out, this stuff may be priceless one day and then you can say "I knew him when..."



J. Allen

Rad FX motion logo for Dirt Nap.

Just so you can see - wanted to do a simple motion logo for the opening of Dirt Nap.

New Work and Old Friends

Ok, I completed shooting even more footage for Dirt Nap. A little 'Steel Table' scene will be sneaking into the film. After all, what good is a kitchen scene without a stainless steel table. It was quick but not painless and I did run into two old friends that I had not seen in a while. They both informed me that if I did not at least give them an honorable mention that they would drag me through the mud so here they both are, enjoy.

J. Allen

And the beat goes on, the beat goes on ...

Two more hours of footage in the can. How should I say "Very Different" being in a Food Stop shooting the soda machine scene, ice and the cashier greeting Mike as he enters the store. You see I was there shooting this stuff from 11-1PM. Only five people walked in and I had the complete run of the store. For anyone trying their hand with lights or working under fluorescent lights and trying to light a person so they don't look like Undead, I came up with an easy memory jolt for myself. Two huge lights with diffusers at four feet, four huge lights at eight feet and sixteen lights at thirty two feet. Oh, and when you are not a coffee drinker like me and have to opportunity to drink free cappuccino while on set at mid-night, DON'T DO IT!
I couldn't get to sleep till after three a.m. and now I feel like an old shoe. However, the more devious side of myself came out when one lady walked in and asked what we where filming and I replied, "Shooting an episode of Cheaters, are you interested?" To which she replied, "No" and walked out rather quickly. Being bad feels so good.

J. Allen

Back to the future

What my humble partner is trying to say here is that nothing could ever go wrong and we are working on an Oscar winning film! LOL! Ok, well it may be our first film, and it may or may not be "a hit", but it will be successful in the knowledge we gained, the people we met, and the fun we had doing it. And of course we hope it entertains you and makes you laugh and cry and scream, and allows us to make more films.

Happy Halloween and back to future!

-Arlo

P.S. This year is the 25th anniversary of Back To The Future - one of my all time favorite movies!

Almost Halloween

Not much going on here in Dirt Nap haven. We are still waiting for our actors hair to grow back out so we can shoot the last few minutes of footage. While I am waiting, Arlo is busy editing all the exisiting footage and so far we are at twelve minutes of playable film. Not bad considering I was afraid it would come up short. I am told that Arlo is also putting together the gag real and the beind the scenes section which makes me wonder. I am not really sure if I want to see myself trying to direct for my first time. With my luck there will be a shot of me pointing in two different directions at once yelling, "Go that way!." It's all good fun though. To help get this film put to bed I am doing some fill shots on my own in an attempt to get a finished product to show people. Yeah, I know there are teenagers who put up a new YouTube video every week where some kid gets hit with a tennis ball and falls to the ground in pain, but I am artist!!! Now if only I can get that documentary gig in Canada, I wonder ???

J. Allen

Birth x4

It has been a while since I wrote a little something in here. I have been waiting for Arlo and Chad (the star) to have time to finish the Dirt Nap project. With nothing but time on my hands I cleaned out the garage. I was surprised when I found two small white eggs under the wood next to where I park my car. I also found two more small white eggs where the garage door meets the foundation. I grabbed a jar from the pantry, put some dry grass in it and placed the four eggs inside then I waited. A week goes by and nothing. Well on Monday the first two baby lizards hatched. Then today the second pair hatched. So I took some pictures, tried to film the little ones then released them into the garden. I never would have thought I was a lizard wrangler. Here is a picture of the first one born. The other three looked identical to this little one too.

J. Allen

Flash Flood !!!

Today I paddled from Fort Worth to Dallas and it took me about 2.5 hours to do so. I heard on the radio that Texas had received a good 5-6 inches of rain and the ground was soft. Ok, well that makes sense as water is wet and dirt mixed with water makes mud. It does not take a genius to know this but apparently the weathermen think we are idiots. These same weathermen go on to explain how telephone poles and electrical poles are falling over due to the ground being so saturated. Alright, enough; I do not for one second believe that a telephone pole is buried so shallow as to just fall over if the first six inches of dirt get wet. All summer long these same weathermen complain that we need a good long wet rain to really penetrate the ground, yada, yada, yada. Now if these alleged poles are really buried shallow enough to just fall over when wet then it is high time to start firing some useless workers who cut corners when possible.

Before I forget, Arlo edited the first two minutes of Dirt Nap and it looks pretty good so far. I am still on the fence as to how long the finished film will actually be but it will be over ten minutes for sure. I am hoping for 15-20 minutes. We will know more when we film our missing segment.

J. Allen

Score one for Dirt Nap!

We have a composer who is working with us to score the film: http://mariolanderos.com - take a look.

We're going through the creative process to get an idea of what the right flavor of music should be. I'm still working on the rough cut of the film, but once it's locked for the final cut we'll really get moving.

Clipping Along

Arlo has been busy throwing some rough cuts together. I still can't decide if we will have enough footage to hit ten, fifteen or even twenty minutes but time will tell. On the audio front we have located a person who seems willing to produce an actual score for Dirt Nap. I am very curious as to how this will turn out. The direction we had been trying up to now was contacting the owners of certain songs and asking about using them in this non-profit film. So far each person or business has wanted thousands of dollars to use the song with the crazy limitation of Texas only, twelve months, no internet and only one film festival. I don't agree so I simply won't do business with them.

J. Allen

Edit, cut, splice, review

There is lots of editing to do and many sound fx to gather to get the film complete. We still have to shoot a missing scene that was skipped the first day but it is a small car scene and should not be difficult to add in later. I have a small raw trailer posted at http://www.zombiesquadron.com/downloads.html so feel free to download it and give it a watch. Yes, I do know the trailer is vague and does not give away any secrets but that is how I plan on getting each of you to watch the entire polished film. On a side note, I was asked a couple of days ago what was the hardest part of the film. That is an easy question, the heat. At one point during the second weekend I think it reached 104 with 110 heat index. Next time I think I will have an air conditioned trailer follow us around (wink).

More to follow.


J. Allen

What's a wrap ?

Having just woke up from a nap I realized that shooting the film is over. Well it was actually over as of Sunday at eight pm. There are a few scenes to film once more and a couple of scenes that we just did not have time for but the film is mostly complete. Sound and editing are next up and much needed rest for our tired bodies and aching bones and I mean that is the most literal sense. I learned quite a bit about making a film and I would not have the slightest hesitation in sitting on a panel talking to new directors about to take the plunge for the first time. Heck, I wish I knew someone like myself who could have pointed out a few things but would I really have listened? The real trailer is being made right now and we will have it up very soon, the footage you will see is right out of the film and I hope you enjoy it.

J. Allen

Round 2 (ding, ding)

We are geared up for round two and see some holes we need to fill and a few pickup shots that will need to be addressed but otherwise we are doing well for our first film. This weekend should be easier as there is no special fx work needing to be done so we won't sit around waiting for four hours. Plus, we shot a few extra scenes as time allowed to give us some breathing room for this weekend. For those of you who really read this blog and actually keep up with the story so far, this weekend will have some 'fun' built into it. You will all just have to wait and see.


Later

J. Allen

Half Down and Half to Go

Fifty percent of the film is in the can. So far I really like the morning light that we have been working with as it adds a softness to the overall effect of the film. Now jump to the end of a two day shooting spree where we were up for 24 hours. Strange things begin to happen to your body, feet burning with every step, eyes are worn out, zero energy and spines feel like a solid rod of steel. I am just now getting back to normal. It is hard on the crew as well as the actors but every single minute I was learning something. I have read too many stories, and heard first hand accounts of horrible film projects where people are abused by the directors. I am constantly worried about the time table and having to push hard enough to get through it all but at the same time I was really worried for our main character Mike (Chad) as he went through some tough scenes. From minute to minute I felt like a ping pong ball of emotions and sure there is ton of stress but this is the very first time in my life that there is no manager, supervisor or VP giving me the orders. It is a hard line to walk when you wake up one morning and know that there is a plan connected to a timeline connected to people connected to an end goal. Mastering the control or use or the ability to balance all of that in my mind is what a director ultimately needs to understand. I'll give all I have to get this project finished as that is the least I can do for all the people who are right there beside me. Side Note: To my wife, my crew, my actors and all the fans. Should you see me stressed out or about to collapse the magic word is "muskrat", just blurt it out when you think I need it, I will know exactly what it means.

J. Allen

Production weekend photos...

We just finished our first major week of production - whew!

Check it out on our FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/radfx

Back from the beyond...

I have rested up and I thought I would not need to post anything more for a few days but I can't help myself. I have just burned through a ream of printer paper, I can barely walk through my computer room with all the film gear everywhere and I have two dead flamingos casually thrown in the corner. On the positive side of things the bug bites have almost healed. I am heading over to double check the film sets on Friday and drop of some of the gear so I won't kill my back. I have to stop and wonder if this is what Spielberg or Cameron or even Shyamalan have had to go through because if someone would have shown me the business plan on day one I would had a few things to say and a ton of questions to get answered. In all honesty I feel like I have been driven over by a truck. But it is almost game time and I intend to bring my A game.


J. Allen

Much Needed Break

After driving all around town and searching high and low for those last elusive movie props, I decided to take a small break, a breather. With just four days till the serious filming begins I feel a small beast trying to get out of his cage. Is it fear, nervousness, apprehension or just the sheer monumental size of this task I and my team are about to undertake? Yeah I know I have planned everything down to the last detail. I have tried to cover my bets but you never know what will come around the next corner. There is nothing left to buy, build or find. So with that said, there is only one thing left to say.

Lights,

Camera,

Action!!!



J. Allen

Props to the great 'Dirt Nap' project

Here is a sneak peak about what 'Dirt Nap' could possibly be about.

Don't forget to check the RAD FX Studios Facebook for recent on set pictures.

J. Allen

Edit, Edit, the camera hums so we just let it

Well it is a few days later and I now count over 50 bug bites on my legs. The first batch of footage was reviewed and it is 95% good. We have more than enough footage to work with and now we head on to the August 14th shoot date. The Texas temp is still sticking to around 105 but we won't be shooting in that heat any more. Nothing but mornings and evenings and mostly inside work from this point on.

J. Allen

Yes, we have film !

Yes, we have film. After five straight hours of shooting we have film in the can. FootMart (check) and wooded area (check). Please keep in mind that this is Texas and the high temp for yesterday was 105. We were doing pretty well at the Food Mart in the air conditioning but then we moved outside to shoot the gypsy scene and were promptly set upon by mosquitoes and chiggers. Our Line Producer Mark actually was taken down by a pesky critter that was the size of a small bird. Something long and green decided that Cam A's tripod was a tree (it was either a Walking Stick or a Preying Mantis). I think dehydration was the biggest enemy during those ninety minutes but good thing we had an ice chest with water to keep us on our feet. Lot's of lessons learned here. More to follow.


J. Allen

Dumpster Diving

I just got back from the Food Mart, well let me go back in time for you and give you the play by play. I wake up, I have three missed calls from Alicia, I call Alicia back and find out she lost her passport and in three hours her plane leaves back to England. With my hair sticking up in all directions and mind you I have not shaved in a week I throw on a pair of dirty shorts and t-shirt right out of the dirty clothes hamper and jump in the car and drive to the Food Mart. Keep this image in your head as it gets better. I hop out at the Food Mart and proceed to walk around the parking lot looking for the passport, I then go inside the Food Mart and decide to go through the ladies room trash, it is early morning and there is nobody in there so I help myself. After looking in the women's trash I look in the men's room trash, I then do a quick walk through of the store and head back home. Having doubt's I turn around and head back to the store again and decide to dump out the trash can in the ladies room floor to make sure the passport is not in it (only a penny was of value in there) then I put it all back, repeat the same thing for the men's room, the Chicken Express trashcan (I find the film props from yesterday in this one) and the outside trashcan. Nope nothing there, I even have the manager open his safe and look and see if by chance the passport was put in there (nope, nothing but money). On the way back home I get a call from Alicia, she found her passport under the car seat of her sister's car, how it got there I have no idea and neither did she. I know, I know, some of you will say I am a decent guy for doing all that and some of you will think that I am suppose to do it because I am the director and she was my actress, but once you dumpster dive for someone I think you get the friendship badge. (wink)

J. Allen

Nap VLog 01 - August 1, 2010

Thought I'd give video logging a shot, maybe it will help to keep everyone update on our activities with Dirt Nap.

Cheers!

Roll the film !!!

I just got back from meeting our latest actress 'Leila". That is her stage name and that is all I am going to share at this time. Due to time issues we will be shooting two segments on August 2nd, 2010. Our cast and crew is now fifteen people. Wow, who would have thought that fifteen people would be helping us. For those of my cast and crew who actually stop by and read this blog I offer my sincere thanks for agreeing to help make one of my dreams come true.

J. Allen

Good Things and Bad

First the good stuff. We have cast our Nosey Rosey (Shain Clark) and our Food Mart customer (Alicia Harper). We have also located and confirmed our Food Mart location and it is actually called a Food Mart which is kind of funny.

Now the bad news. I went to the golf course to double check everything and I find out the manager I had spoken with had up and quit. I was about to become very worried but then I spoke to another person and he was aware of the film project and agreed to let me have the same day and time to shoot. No worries then.

Latest News !!!
We will begin shooting on August 2nd at Food Mart. This was a necessary change as Alicia has to return to England before the actual August 14th date.


J. Allen

Open Auditions this Saturday !!!

Ok everyone, the last set of open auditions is this Saturday and are being held at the North Richland Hills Library, Texas, 11:30 to 4:30 and we are looking for our Nosey Rosey character (older female) and a Quicky Mart customer (anyone up to age 25 give or take). We start shooting in 24 days. The entire crew is ready to hit the streets and make Dirt Nap a reality.

Show up or tell a friend to show up and take a shot, you never know.

To answer one question I was asked, "Yes, this is not your average 20 minute short film." This project is being created with premium hardware, software and special fx. One person told me that I did not need to use good equipment for a short and my answer was, "Who said I was only doing one project." With that said, there is a second project in the future and it very different from this one. I will close this blog entry by borrowing a saying.
"Like a fine wine, I only get better with age."

J. Allen

Wall of Honor

After sitting on the floor for several hours organizing the shooting days, my back began to feel like it had an iron bar in it. Then I noticed a big blank wall in my house and POOF!
So here is the picture of the days that we will shoot. Before I began to plan the days I had to take into consideration that 1)People have real jobs on Monday to go to so we can't work too late on Sunday night 2)We are trying to not keep moving the gear across town 3)Use the actors while the sun is in the sky 4)Special FX guy is only available on one day. So with all this in mind I created my battleplan.




Jallen

Special FX

We have locked down a special fx artist. This will really add a ton of value to the project. With this in mind we are asking any and all who read our blog and posts to make a donation. We have dozens of Dirt Nap t-shirts to give away. To get one of our awesome shirts just donate 25 dollars or more. Remember, the larger the donation the more swag you get. Just 37 days till the shooting begins and we need to have all the bills paid.




Jallen

The Talent

Mike - Will be played by Chad Michael Dennis
Mike's Friend - Will be played by Derek Jackson
Homeowner - Will be played by Cory Werthen
Nosey Rosey - still open
Customer - still open
Exterminator - Will be played by Ronnie Rivers
Dirt Delivery Guy - Randy Leal

The top three actors have some experience and may be found on IMDB.
Fort Worth Texas is where the entire film will be shot at various locations.
We are currently on schedule for a four day shoot.



Jallen

Counting Down

Golf Course - Check
Houses - Check
Convenient Store - (looking)
Nosey Rosey - (looking)
Customer - (looking)

The official countdown has begun. We are booked for a four day shoot on the weekends of August 14th and 22nd. The crew is growing in size which I never would have thought was going to happen.

Final preparations are getting solidified and I am worried as would be any new parent who's dream is about to be born into reality.


Jallen

Zombie Video

We have gotten several thousand hits on our Zombie Walk video that we created during the Dallas Horror Convention. To my surprise I have been getting quite a few emails about the youtube version. That is because the youtube version is NOT the original video and was chopped and posted by someone and NOT by us. Here is the link to the original in all its glory. Yes, this is the one with the original music.

http://www.zombiesquadron.com/downloads.html

Just copy and paste the whole line into your browser and download either the Windows (WMV) or the Quicktime version of the video.



Jallen

New blog layout/design

Ok, so the time has come to update the blog design. Hopefully everyone can see all the gadgets properly now, and we'll continue to make improvements in the near future. If you have any comments, please send them our way! We always love to hear from our friends.

2nd set of Auditions on July 24th !!!

After reviewing the test footage, Arlo and myself decided we would pick a Lead Role (Mike). As it turned out we liked two others so much we expanded one role that was just an extra and we decided to go ahead and cast Mike's friend which we were not really ready for yet. So that is three roles filled. However, we are still looking for that perfect Nosey Rosey as we did not find anyone that was a 100% match. We will also be looking for a convenience store customer. Our Nosey Rosey will still need to be an older female between the age 40-65, the convenience store customer has been changed to anyone between the age 10-25. If twins would like to try out, please come on down.

More info will be shared later.

Jallen

Audition Day

First day of auditions went well. We are now reviewing the test scenes to get a feel for the actor\camera synergy. A second round of auditions will be coming up soon as there a few more roles to cast. Details will follow but the North Richland Hills Public Library will be the same location.

Jallen

Open Auditions !!!

Open Auditions for Indie Short Film “Dirt Nap”
Location of film will be Fort Worth, Texas
This is a Non-Paying Role
Audition Date: 6-19-2010

Audition Time:
11:30am-4:30pm EXTRA TIME HAS BEEN ADDED

Audition Location:
North Richland Hills Public Library
9015 Grand Ave.
North Richland Hills, Texas 76180


Role # 1 (Lead Role) Mike

Mike hates his door to door sales job but he does it every day to pay the bills. Arriving home he is tired, beat down and a nasty surprise is waiting for him. (old loose tie, wrinkled shirt, hair slightly messy, visually beat down, very used briefcase)

Seeking one Caucasian male for this role age 25-35.
Please bring fifteen seconds of your own dialogue.
You will also be given a sample scene on site to perform.
Dressing in character is welcomed.

-

Role # 2 (Supporting Lead) Nosey Rosey
Nosey Rosey can’t stand her neighbor across the street. But this time she has a surprise waiting for him when he gets home. (hair in curlers wrapped in scarf, moo moo, reading glasses, coffee mug, house shoes, the very image of the lady we feared as a child)

Seeking one Caucasian female for this role age 40-60.
Please bring fifteen seconds of your own dialogue.
You will also be given a sample scene on site to perform.
Dressing in character is welcomed.

Auditions are almost here !

I contacted my local rec center. They say they will rent me a room for $40 an hour but I am thinking of trying to find a cheaper or even a free place to hold the auditions. More camera gear is on the way. I ordered an actual light that goes on top of the camera and a super light mic to save weight when in those tight situations, now if UPS will just move a little faster I can actually have the stuff in 3-5 days and not 3-5 weeks.

Jallen

ZEN

Yesterday I went location hunting. I think I may have found the perfect 'Yard of the Month' for the film. Now I just have to get permission from the owners. Also, I am trying to secure a free public room nearby to hold the auditions for the film. On a different note I had a ZEN moment today. I was looking at the grass out in the yard from my kitchen. There are billions and billions blades of grass on this planet but not one of them is perfect. If it was perfect then there would be only blade on the whole Earth. But nature keeps trying over and over and over and over again. Now compare this to my life, I have made hundreds of mistakes and will make hundreds more before I die. But I tell you this, the next time I feel bad about making mistakes in life I will remember all the grass and how many times nature got it wrong. Or perhaps the mistakes are 'meant' to be there.

Jallen

WWW.ZOMBIESQUADRON.COM

Since moving the web page ZombieSquadron.com over to GoDaddy it has really picked up some steam. The statistics show over 1000 hits and most of those to the zombie walk movie that is posted there. That is awesome since the video is not even our major work. I just hosted the zombie walk video there as it was both a test of the cameras and some fun on a Saturday.

I hope everyone enjoys what we are about and more is to follow.

Jallen

Fresh Footage

I have finished editing the Texas Zombie Walk footage. If you are interested in seeing some of our work that we completed for fun and learning then head on over to the following site.

http://www.zombiesquadron.com/downloads.html

I suggest you download the LARGE version of the file. Set your volume to a decent level and hit the play button. I hope everyone enjoys it.



Later
Jallen

I'm Bacccckkkkkkk

Well I have been absent for a few days. I took a SOHK crash course in Adobe Premier and cut the Zombie Walk footage up. I am trying to find a nice suitable place to post it as it is rather large at 3 1/2 minutes but what can I say, it's a work of art or a work in progress.
We did learn quite a few things about shooting live footage and having editing tools around really helps pump up the footage. Stick around, I will find a place to nail up the video.

Jallen

Frightmare, Zombiewalk and Dirt Nap Mixer

I have finally harnessed the strength to pull myself out of bed after a chemical induced coma. A bad diet over the last three days coupled with soda, fried bread and beer will practically kill me at my age. Yet, here I am drinking water all day and I feel like a new person. Saturday morning the RADFX crew arrived on scene to film the DFW Zombie Walk. This was my first Zombie Walk and my first live field test for filming anything and everything. I got to see first hand Evil John work his magic and really get gory on some people. His special effects are top notch. We had no problems getting access to everything as we had these really nice FILM CREW badges courtesy of one Jallen (what a super fellow and smart too.) It is amazing what 'Proper Badges' can get you when you have a seventeen pound camera on your shoulder and a faux reporter sticking a mic in your face. (wink, wink) Props to Trish !!! After the Zombie Walk I proceeded to wander the dealers room inside the Frightmare where I had the privilege of speaking to Jarlath Conroy (Day of the Dead), James Hampton (Teen Wolf), William Katt (Greatest American Hero) and Julian Sands (Warlock.) I spent an hour watching Evil John Mays doing head wounds on people. He averaged about fifteen minutes per wound but some were so horrible that I had to wonder if he clubbed people in the head with an axe when no one was watching. That evening up in the hotel room on the sixth floor the first official Dirt Nap mixer commenced and I spent the next few hours telling the plot of the movie and explaining the ideas and designs behind it. The teaser that was shown was cut together very well by Arlo. We even have official Dirt Nap t-shirts for sale if you are interested. Not knowing what to expect but going into it with an open mind and heart full courage, I learned that everyone there is just a person. It doesn't matter what side of the table you are on. It was a great experience for me and I took a few words of wisdom to heart and will keep them with me. "There is only one director, so make your movie the way you want it." I will do just that. In time I hope that one day I will be sitting behind one of those tables and some young person asks me how I got started making movies. I can only imagine the response I would give at that time but it might start with the words "I was not doing what I love so I..."

Check out these links:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/radfxstudios#p/a/u/0/kN9iNgSzwkQ
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/RadFX?v=app_2392950137#!/video/video.php?v=1279953234654
StumbleUpon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1FQDfN/www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DkN9iNgSzwkQ



Jallen

T-Minus

One day left. We have put the petal to the metal and some scrambling is being done but nothing to worry about. The mic extension poles are still MIA but those are not needed yet. The finishing touches are being put on the teaser which will be shown at the room party. Storm clouds are blowing in but this is just Mother Nature's way of testing our seriousness to the cause. The new cameras totally rock and the new lens on each one totally kicks ass but the entire camera now ways seventeen pounds, without the tri-pod attached! I did decide to go and get a Rola Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier. With all the camera gear stowed in the truck there was no place to carry an ice chest. Well, back to work, I will post more soon.

Jallen

Props are Up or Down ?

These are just a few of the props that will be used in the actual film. First though, these props will be displayed in the Dirt Nap party room this Saturday at Frightmare. I must apologize as there was a garden gnome next to the mat but when I turned around to get the camera the little guy had run off. Oh well, he's around here somewhere.

Enjoy

Jallen

Zombie Walk Soon

In just five days the Zombie Walk will be here. In the spirit of the event I have made up some signs to generate some discussion or heat on what will be a fine Saturday morning.

Also, this morning we finished shooting the Dirt Nap trailer. It should be posted soon. I hope you enjoy the pic, which sign is your favorite?

Jallen

Bug Fixed

Arlo fixed the blog comment thing today. Now everyone can make a post. Sorry if posts were not showing up.

Jallen

Dolly Madness

After two hours of cutting, drilling and sanding; the camera dolly is now complete. I just hope that when someone stands on the thing it actually holds together. I added extra wood to the bottom for strength and support but now the dolly comes in at just under seventy pounds.

On a different note, both cameras arrived and they are neatly packed in their very cool camera bags. I am still waiting on the mic poles and the lens for each camera. The days are counting down rather quickly and the Zombie walk will be here before I know it. I had a quick meeting with Trish (friend and volunteer) who will be reporting the news as the Zombie walk commences. We should get some awesome footage out of this.


Jallen

Great News

First let me say that I posted a new pic of myself. My previous pic made a small child cry so I was forced to take it down. Besides, it was a Halloween Zombie pic of myself from years ago. As I was changing the picture out I saw that I was not displaying my email address. With that now fixed and capable of being read I fully expect more emails now. One email a week is just not making me feel the love.

The final shipment of gear is on its way and is destined to be here on the 27th. It will be close but I think we can swing the Zombie Walk being shot with the new awesome 500's. Good thing too, as I was starting to freak out.

I went out and bought a receipt book and a new printer cartridge the other day but forgot to mention it. Now I am really prepared for all those donations that people are going to make at the 'Dirt Nap' mixer, hint-hint.

If you happen to see a guy at the Texas Frightmare Weekend wearing a green cap that says Dirt Nap say hi.

Jallen

Swag

On Saturday me and Arlo finalized the design of the Dirt Nap caps. We used one of those embroidery stands that you find in a mall. While we were there a radio station called 'The Wolf' was doing auditions for the show called 'Glee' about thirty feet away. One interesting thing I saw was Channel 4 had a reporter and camera man at this event. Sitting on the camera man's shoulder was a Panasonic AG-HPX500PJ. Now if this camera is good enough for Channel 4 News then it should work pretty well for our purpose. About four hours later we were walking out of the mall with a bag full of caps and another realization that I actually can't stand most TV related shows.

Jallen

It's Here, It's Huge, It's all mine, mine, mine.

Fifteen days and counting till the Dirt Nap party. I feel the wheels of change beginning to roll.

The first huge, gigantic, enormous, Panasonic AG-HPX500PJ camera arrived and so did the bag and mounting plate. OK, I might be exaggerating a little as it is the same size as the old 300 model but this one can hold FOUR, count that four P2 cards in this bad boy. And you know what that means? It means that we can shoot everything and then choose the best shot out of all the footage. I must say that assembling the camera then slapping on the battery pack and putting the whole thing in the bag is very nice. I was hoping that I would not have to haul around a cardboard box and then at the site whip out said box and set everything up. Just a little more patience is required on my part to get the rest of the 'better gear.'

Arlo is busy creating the opening and end of our Dirt Nap project. I took a look and it makes perfect sense to me. Dirt, grass, more dirt, are we seeing a pattern here? To head off something before it starts; I was pitching the film to a local tattoo shop. I get through my thirty seconds and the guy looks at me and asks if this is one of those art films where a pile of dirt is filmed or watching grass grow? No, it is not. This film is straight out of my imagination based on a short story. It has all the classic elements that make a film interesting. We have the good guy who is the main character, the enemy, a peak into the characters life, anger, a close call and revenge. Now who would not give fifteen minutes to check this out? I promise, this has never been seen before.

Jallen

Brainzzzzzz............

Yesterday I spoke with Richard Alvarado who is organizing the zombie walk on May 1st. He told me that zombie protesters and also the Dallas Derby Devils will be there to participate with the rest of us. Both myself and Arlo will be there to show our support by filming this fine event. Please show your support and join in, the walk is free after all. Besides, how many of you can actually say that you watched over two-hundred zombies walk and skate by?

The new camera gear is finally showing up after a few tiny issues. Don't forget that we need your support. If donations are not your thing then send me an email and share a positive word, I could use it. If you have never made a movie before let me be the first to tell you that it is not as easy as one would think. At least once a day I feel like I am about to freak then I real myself back in and work one thing at a time. I am making excellent business contacts here in Texas while honing my craft. Shooting footage is so far the easiest thing to do, it's the driving that sucks.

Jallen

Texas Frightmare Weekend - Dallas

I was asked over the weekend by my UPS friend what is the Frightmare thing? Texas Frightmare Weekend is the Premier Horror Convention. There are going to celebrity guests, film screenings, panel discussions and let us not skip my personal favorite ZOMBIES !!! Can you honestly say that life would be fun without some walking dead shambling around mumbling "Brainzzzz" while groping for you covered in black ooze. This is the first time I will be going to Frightmare but I have planned on attending all three days. Also, on Saturday night, at the Sheraton on May 1st, 2010 RADFX will be showing our very own teaser for Dirt Nap. I am so freaking nervous it makes my stomach churn. But if I can somehow get the chance to meet George Romero or John Carpenter it will be worth it. If any of you are going to Frightmare Weekend then I suggest you stop by the Dirt Nap hotel room for a drink and give us your support. You never know, one day you may be sitting in theater saying to yourself, "I knew that guy when ..."

Jallen

The Road Less Travelled

Today I took to the streets and started handing out Dirt Nap Press kits. The goal was to generate positive interest in the film and maybe find a person or two who would like to donate. I focused on small business and I learned one important thing. You would not believe how many signs there are that boldly declare 'No Soliciting.' But that is OK, because I know that if one person tells two people and two people in turn talk to four that eventually many will find out about this project.

To kick it up a notch I have decided to offer a special bonus gift to any who donate at the 250 dollar level or higher. Nope, don't ask for details because I'm not gonna tell.


Jallen

Countdown

The countdown has begun. Just 26 days till Texas Frightmare Weekend. I must say that I very excited and also very worried and stressed about having a good teaser created by then. The exchange with the cameras is almost complete and the swag for our donations is working out great. I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas.

Jallen

We're on a roll now !

The second mic blimp hairy cover (dead cat) arrived via UPS a few minutes ago. Now all I need are the two mic poles to get here. The dolly wheels from PaintedSheep also arrived in the mail, so at some point we will be building the dolly for those smooth panning shots. A donation was made by Carl and Moralee Wendtland. Big Thank You for that. Every bit helps.

For all those Dirt Nappers who come back to check on us from time to time, please tell your friends to check us out and join our blog or find us on twitter.

Jallen

Gear News

Ok, the HPX300's are on their way back to the store and the HPX 500's are waiting to be delivered to us. The two mic poles have still yet to be delivered but that won't hold us back. Also we are still minus one blimp wind screen fur cover and that is on the way. On the plus side the trailer is getting longer and will be posted soon. Music is pretty much nailed down and I am almost ready to start passing out press kits to get even more people interested in this film. Last night I did pick up all the Hi-Res pics from my artist Andrew and I even got to keep the actual movie poster that he designed. So far I am spending about 3-4 hours every day on this project and I am beginning to understand why big time Director\Producers have little to no time for hobbies.

More to follow
Jallen

Props to the Dirt Nappers

Just throwing out a thank you to the first two people to show their support by making a donation.

Kristi Hutson and Margaret Kaplan, thanks for believing in the Dirt Nap Project.


Jallen

Dirt Nap Music

Well good news fellow Dirt Nappers. I have gotten permission from Joe Canzano an acoustic punk guitarist. He has been kind enough to give me permission to use any of his music for free for this short film. Here is his website: www.outpost100.com where you can check out his music for yourself. A big THANK YOU Joe. Things are really starting to click on our end here at Dirt Nap Headquarters.

More to Follow

Jallen

Sneak Peek

Not to give too much away as this is a suspense thriller, here are few carefully selected story board pics to wet your appetite. Before anyone asks for a hint all I will say are two words. 'Red Herring'

Enjoy

Jallen

Ask me and I will answer.

I read an email early this Saturday morning from a person who was curious about this blog and our twitter page. The question was, "Is this a real movie that you are making and how do I make a donation if I would like to?"

The answer is "YES !!!" this is a real short film that is really being made by both me and my friend Arlo. We have planned so far about 15 minutes of actual footage. We will be adding to the final DVD the actual storyboard artwork by my artist Andrew Mangum along with the movie poster he is drawing. We will also be including other extra items on the final DVD.

To make a donation to project "Dirt Nap" there is a Pay Pal donation button on this page to use. The bigger the donation the more swag you get. What most people don't know is that I paid for the gear from my own pocket. Unfortunately there are a few things that we still need. Now the film can still be made with the two cameras, the lenses, the two mics, the P2 cards, the editing software and the dedicated PC. But let me just say I will be eating ramen noodles for a while. So I am now asking with my hands out, give us a helping hand.

Jallen

Minor Hardware Issues

Ok, we have had some minor bumps but who doesn't in this business. The HPX300's are going back and we are now getting the big brother the HPX500's. This will up our expenses by about 25% but that is why we are asking everyone to pitch in and help us out. We are still waiting for one blimp screen cover to arrive. The new mics truly do sound great after doing a few sound checks. The teaser should be available soon, it just needs some more effects tweaking. In an effort to always give you something to remember us by here is a little poem to help generate some donations.

-While sitting in my bathtub
Thinking up my greatest works
I really hope that one good film
Brings just a few good perks
Think, plan, strive, do
Sounds like a real strong start
Don't forget the financing
Or it will break your heart
Love what you do else you should quit
But always keep firm hold
We won't say no to the kind that clinks
But we love the type that folds-



Jallen

Please help make "Dirt Nap" a reality!

We now have a donation account set up with PayPal (top right of the page) and would love to have your help in making our short film "Dirt Nap" a reality. Below are the contribution levels and what you will receive in return for your donation:

- Contribution Tiers -
1000 dollar level: Associate Producer Screen Credit, DVD, Official Dirt Nap Cap, IMDB credit, Personal Interview and Photo with Directors

500 dollar level : Associate Producer Screen Credit, DVD, Official Dirt Nap Cap, IMDB credit

250 dollar level: Associate Producer Screen Credit, DVD, Official Dirt Nap Cap

100 dollar level: Screen Credit, DVD and Official Dirt Nap Cap

50 dollar level: Screen Credit plus DVD

25 dollar level: Screen Credit

Texas Frightmare Weekend

Just to share some news that the twitter site mentioned. Texas Frightmare Weekend is on April 30th through May 2nd. Both myself and Arlo will be there. But the really cool thing is that there is a Zombie Walk occuring on May 1st. We have setup a nice little filming appointment so we can document this event and share it with ya'll. Then later that night at Sheraton Hotel the official 'Dirt Nap' mixer will be thrown by us. The reason for this is to get our name out there in the film industry, show the 'Dirt Nap' teaser once it is complete and of course, beg for donations. More details will be shared as the time gets closer.

Jallen

Gear, Gear and more Gear

Yesterday the internals for the mic blimps arrived and today I got a quick peek at the story boards for Dirt Nap. But I think I should go back to the beginning and tell the story.

There I was working an IT contract, we went to eat BBQ as a team and this new guy Arlo mentions he writes screenplays, is into movies and has even created a teaser film for the internet. I tell him that I write screen plays too and perhaps we could talk later. A few days later me and Arlo go to lunch and bounce around some ideas we have come up with on our own. I mention I have short film idea 'Dirt Nap' and if I had some help I could produce it. Before you know it, we are researching camera types roughing out a budget and picking out accessories. I price everything out and email my want list off to every major equipment reseller I can find. (This was harder than I thought as I have learned that camera equipment is so flippin expensive that nobody wants to cut you a deal) Then I found my sales guy Joel at FullCompass.

Now comes the long wait as the gear arrives one box at a time. We ran into a few snags but the biggest drawback was the Panasonic AG-HPX300PJ cameras. These cameras use interlacing and thus when you actually move the camera too fast or a car drives through the frame too fast a strange effect called Rolling Shutter (limitation of 3mos) which actually skews the playback. But on the plus side we are trying to exchange the cameras for two of the Panasonic HPX500-EFP which uses a CCD technology. All the rest of the gear is here and in hand and is 100% compatible with the HPX500 so we shall see what happens.

Later
Jallen

"Dirt Nap" Synopsis

Mike’s life sucks.

He lives alone, eats junk food and works a job he hates. Returning home he finds yet another home owners association notice on his door. Having had it with people sticking their noses where they don’t belong, particularly the lady across the street with the ‘Yard of the Month’ sign boldly displayed, he begins to fume. If only he had a shovel…

Time to get my feet wet

Hello world ! (inside joke) My name is Jason or Jallen as the internet knows me. I am the other half of RAD FX. I was finally convinced by the powers that be to take the plunge into the online world of blogging. I was reluctant at first as I had held out for what seems like forever and I hate giving ground on something. I hope I actually have something worthwhile to say when the time comes for me to say it. Don't be shy to ask questions or make a comment, these are just a bunch of ones and zeros after all.

Enjoy
Jallen

Offical Film Title

"Dirt Nap" - its not what you might think!

Yep, that's the name, and here's a rough idea for a logo.

Teaser trailer coming soon...

Equipment arrives (mostly)

Woohoo! Second HPX300 and tripod arrives!! Just waiting for battery packs and media...

Dentures anyone?

Here's a first test of casting teeth for the main character's replacement teeth:















They're just a little shallow, but the quality is pretty good. Next go round will take care of that.

New cameras

Check this bad boy out - we're in the process of picking up two of these and will be shooting soon!! Soon, soon, soon!! We're all very excited about the project and can't to start sharing daily or weekly results.





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Its a new year, time for some new direction!

Happy new year! (ok, better late than never eh?)

So we've made some friends, new partners in this business of dreams and illusions. Rad FX Studios has a new project - a real honest and actual project. Script written, we'll call it, "purple farm", for now - until we have a preview to release.

So for the first update on this project, we have a script of our own origination, story boards are being drawn up, the effects scenes are being planned out and materials purchased (alginate, plaster, silicone, etc. - my favorite!), new business cards have been designed and ordered, and we're looking at purchasing a couple Sony NXCAM NX5U cameras and equipment (see http://www.sony.com/nxcam)

And since this will our first real go at a fully produced short film, we'll probably need some help funding the project and will accept contributions in return for credits, product placements, etc., and will be submitting the completed project to as many film festivals as possible around the U.S. (for starters).

So please follow along and I hope to get some behind the scenes photos and videos up shortly so you can see some of the progress.

And on behalf everyone at Rad FX, we look forward to contributing to this wonderful and crazy industry and hope to make a positive mark on society while having a good time doing it!!

Cheers!

Arlo Ihrig
Rad FX Studios