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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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