allieciné

I think back to the 80s and early 90s… my sisters and I were big into movies and had a huge collection of tapes (VHS) in drawers.  They were mostly recorded movies and shows off of the television.  We watched them over and over.  I know my parents wouldn’t let us watch scary movies – or at least they would attempt to keep us from watching.  ”No way!” to Friday the 13th, Halloween, Chucky, Gremlins, etc.  However, movies like Howard the Duck and The Peanut Butter Solution, Dark Crystal, Interview with a Vampire and Labyrinth were okay – though watching them now as an adult I wonder how these movies slipped past my parents. Other films I did see: Poltergeist I, II, and III, The Exorcist, Silence of the Lambs, Pet Sematary, It, Tremors, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Death Becomes Her, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, Frankenstein, The Craft, Fear, Scream….  You get the picture.

So what draws me to Love in the Time of Monsters?  Well, it’s a great script for one (thanks to long time friend, Michael Skvarla).  Second, the leads are women and they rock.  Third, the themes of the movie are sacrifice, courage, forgiveness, and Zombie Bigfoots.  (Okay Zombie Bigfoots isn’t a theme but it should be!!)  Fourth, the amazing people we’re pulling together for this film.  It’s guaranteed to be fantastic. 

Introducing the director, Matt Jackson, a good friend and dedicated filmmaker – I’m so excited to watch him on this journey!  Andy Gunn – Producer and ring-leader – I worked with Andy and Matt on Background(ed) about 4 years ago and after numerous awards and festivals I’m happy to be making another film with them.  

Our Cast: So far we’ve got Kane Hodder – the guy who has played Jason in the last four Friday the 13th movies.  Kane is also our stunt coordinator and he’s bringing along a bunch of his best stunt guys to play a handful of other key stunt performing roles in the film.  We’ve got Doug Jones – the guy who has played a million creatures (okay a million is a slight exaggeration) such as Fauno in Pan’s Labyrinth and Abe Sapien in Hellboy.  The rest of our cast is growing – more juicy details to come in the near future.

Then we’ve got behind-the-scenes guys and girls with credits such as Thor, Hatchet, The Avengers, Transformers, Jeepers Creepers, and Dragon Age.  Every day we are joined by more and more skilled and gifted people.  And the best part – as if that wasn’t enough, they are all damn cool, down to earth people and I’m excited to spend a few weeks up in the redwoods with them all.  We may never return.

So just to recap: Love in the Time of Monsters is oozing awesome.

What now?  Stay in the loop, of course.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.  Also, subscribe to our Blog.

Here we are, time to jump into Replaced Series pre-production!  We have less than a month to plan our shoot dates and I can’t wait!  We are so lucky to be working with such a talented cast and crew and to have so many resources at our disposal!

Firstly, I wanted to announce the newest members of our cast, Brian Majestic and Dave Reaves.  Brian is a co-star on the recently released GOLD: Night of the Zombie King series.  Dave Reaves has been filling his time on the set of Criminal Minds in SWAT gear!

What are our biggest tasks at the moment? Locations, Picture Cars, Wardrobe and the possibility of shooting an additional scene or two.

Locations:

We are looking to shoot in Orange County.  Why?  Firstly, our creator, Heath Vinyard, and DP, Jorge Bicer, live in the OC and secondly, permits are a lot cheaper there than in LA.  We are scouting for alley ways and industrial areas – think good chase scene locations.  Our interior locations are locked down already – offices are easy to come by.

Picture Cars:

We are in need of unmarked cop type cars as well as one cop car with lights.  I have a few people looking into this for us and so I’m confident that we’ll be able to pull this off.

Wardrobe:

Dealing with cop and US Marshal uniforms are both fun and expensive if you’re renting them from a rental house.  We’ve opted for a combination of both – make some of the items and rent the things we can’t make.  Arts and crafts time!

Additional Scenes:

There is an additional location that we can shoot if we are able to come up with the dough and the access.  This additional location will add a huge amount of production value to the show as well as introducing another character – which is yet to be cast.  If we can secure an awesome actress for this role as well as the money to lock down this location, it’ll be a go!

Replaced is set to shoot the first 2 episodes March 25 – 27.  We are actively looking for investors and distributors who are interested in seeing the entire show produced.  Please contact Allison Vanore for more information.

Check out my interview on the Replaced website… here’s a short excerpt form the interview:

How did you become involved with Replaced?

I met Heath over a year ago at a lunch that was inspired by a Twitter conversation.  A few of us were discussing how to market and promote our shows online.  Bernie Su and Matt Meeks had amazing insight as to how they were promoting their shows and so we all decided to meet for lunch to discuss.  At the lunch: Bernie, Matt, Jamie Fishback, Jonathan Nail, Heath Vinyard and myself.

Continue reading….

Events this week:

All Week

The International Academy of Web Television (IAWTV) is currently offering open enrollment for prospective new members.  For more information and to apply, click here.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

8:00pm – 11:30pm

Hosts: Michael McCarthy Presents

Event: Web Series Unplugged

Dinner & Drinks at 8pm.  Films start rolling at 9pm.  Two screens! 21 yrs and up only.

El Cid

4212 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029

Cost: $8 cover

Thursday, December 9, 2010

7:00pm – 10:00pm

Hosts: Digital LA

Event: Holiday Party

W Hollywood

Cost: $10 plus other fees / Registration Required

7:30pm – 10:00pm

Hosts: @AsylumSeries

Event: Asylum World Premiere Screening

Cinespace

Cost: FREE / Tickets (click here)

If you know of an event, are hosting an event or would like to submit information for next week, please email us here.  Thank you for contributing to the event list!  If there are mistakes above, please contact us here and provide the revised information.  Thank you!

Events this week:

Thursday, November 18, 2010

5:30pm – 11:30pm

Host: NewFilmmakers Series

Event: Directors Screening Series & Filmmaker Lounge!

You will have the opportunity to meet the directors of each film, the actors and other crew + participate in a live audience Q&A. There are pre-receptions and after parties for each program with live music by DJ Shy and DJ Don P.

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles at Sunset Gower Studios

Cost: $6

7:30pm

Host: IAWTV

Event: Producer’s Group

Postponed to December 16, 2010

8:00pm – 11:00pm

Host: Digital LA

Event: lalawag Relaunch Party, presented by Valley Girl and Digital LA

W Westwood

Cost: FREE

8:00pm – 10:00pm

Host: Co-presented by Flaunt Magazine and Pollution Studios

Event: What’s Up, Docs? Screening of The Invention of Dr. Nakamats

The Cinefamily

611 N Fairfax Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Cost: $12 (click to buy tickets)

Sunday, November 21, 2010

5:00pm – 8:00pm

Host: HOLLYWOOD SHORTS

Event: November 21 Screening – Short Film Program #2

Films by George Hickenlooper, Allison Craig, M. Keegan Uhl, Sean Gannet & Andrew Wilding

CINESPACE

Cost: FREE (click here to RSVP)

If you know of an event, are hosting an event or would like to submit information for next week, please email us here.  Thank you for contributing to the event list!  If there are mistakes above, please contact us here and provide the revised information.  Thank you!

Events this week:

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

7:00am – 8:30pm

Host: NewTeeVee & GigaOM

Event: Television Reinvented

Mission Bay Conference Center

San Francisco, CA

Cost: $595

Register Here

Thursday, November 11, 2010

7:00pm

Host: IAWTV

Event: Member Meeting re: Awards Show

Blip.tv
2501 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90404

7:00pm – 10:00pm

Host: Mental Eclectic and Film Method

Event: Shorts ‘N Spirits Showcase Los Angeles

Where: Video Symphony

266 E. Magnolia

Cost: $5 presale or $10 at the door

Film Line Up:
-PREMIERE: Pretty The Series ep 3 season 2 (Steve Silverman)
-Cub (Scott Baker)
-The Fool: Bacon or Pig (John T Trigonis)
-The Fool: cig (John T Trigonis)
-4 Cups of Joe (T. Reed)
-Unemployment of Danny London ep 1 (Doug Ciwak)
-The Sword of Matin 2 (Matin Atrushi)
-Destiny’s Stop (Dave Beeler and Tom Konkle)

Thursday 11/11 – Sunday 11/14

Valley Film Festival

CAP Theatre
13752 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(Parking: Metered & permitted, with limited free parking)

Friday, November 12, 2010

5:00pm

Screening of Deceivers at the Valley Film Festival (see above)

Saturday, November 13, 2010

1:00pm – 3:00pm

Host: Stay Tuned TV-net

Event: Richard Walter, Head of UCLA Screenwriting Speaking Engagement

LA Valley College

5800 Fulton Ave, Sherman Oaks in Monarch Hall

Cost: FREE

If you know of an event, are hosting an event or would like to submit information for next week, please email us here.  Thank you for contributing to the event list!  If there are mistakes above, please contact us here and provide the revised information.  Thank you!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of “Hopelessly in June” for an amazing end of production! We have such a great support system and invaluable resources – couldn’t have done it without you all!

Executive Producers, Jerry Mosley, Vincent Brantley & Jay Vetter with Lead Actress, Carolyn Neff

Our last days of production were our biggest yet! We had such talented actors join the team: Peter Jason, Stuart Pankin, Keith David, Ella Joyce, Ed Asner, Johnny Gill and Tiny Lister. Thank you all for allowing us to take our film to the next level and show people we really know what we’re doing.

For many of us this is the largest project we’ve taken on and completed to date and so it’s a huge achievement all around. We were able to celebrate with a champagne toast at the end of our biggest day surrounded by friends, family and colleagues in a beautiful space in San Pedro, CA.

Our post team is already underway cutting, recording, mixing and scoring. It won’t be long until we can share “Hopelessly In June” with all of you!

What I ask is that you tell your friends and family about this film. “Like” it on Facebook and follow in Twitter. This way you’ll be in the loop when we announce when and where you can see the film!

Thank you again to all who have supported us along the way.

Allison Vanore
Producer, “Hopelessly In June”

by Allison Vanore, Producer of “Hopelessly in June”

There’s nothing better than a well oiled machine.

These two weeks in August are really the busiest and most important weeks of our entire production. With a sudden influx of talent and resources, we are kicking it into gear and pumping out the film in a few big days on set!

Really it all comes down to preparation. All of my work is done before we even set foot on set (for the most part). If we’ve done our job preparing then it goes smoothly. What this preparation means is having all of my duties complete. A peek at my “to do” list… [more here]

Writers are a breed unlike any other.  They are usually the first glimmer of light, the first spark of imagination, the first stroke of a pen, the first click of a key in any project.

Personality

I don’t feel like there is a specific type of personality for a writer – they come from all backgrounds and with varying imaginations.  I know writers who are very big on research and technical information while I also know writers who are about discovering something completely odd or something unimaginable.  A writer must be dedicated to their craft and must find the way writing works for them.  I know for me, when I write, it’s not until I’ve worked out the story and the ideas and the characters all in my head before I even put pen to paper.  Yes, a pen.  I write everything free-hand.  It’s only for the second draft that I’ll type it onto my computer.  Transcribing allows me to edit while I type.  For other writers, it’s all about outlines, character background, timelines, and research before writing anything in script format.

Prep

Once the script is handed over to a Producer, Director, or Executive Producer, the writer needs to be open to suggestions, changes and additions.  A writer is usually just thinking about the story and the characters and the world that is created can be anything on paper. However, as a producer I see a script differently.  The first things I think when I read a script are…

• Is it innovative and well written?
• How many characters?
• How many locations?
• Are there special effects required?
• Are there visual effects required?
• Is it set in present time or is it a period piece or future/sci-fi?
• Is it marketable?

All of these items, except for the first, are a big deal when you talk in terms of money and logistics.  If you come to me with a script that takes place in one apartment with two characters and no effects then it’s going to be much easier and faster to pull off then a vampire period piece with 10 main characters and 100s of extras.  That said, a two character drama might not be as marketable as a vampire movie (at least now, in 2010)… so it all depends on what your abilities, goals and resources are.

Production

Once production starts, changes to the script need to remain minimal however as the actors get into the script with the director, this is the time that the writer needs to be willing to see, hear and adjust.  One thing I recommend is having a table read as production starts so everyone, including all key production personnel can hear the script read out loud.  We recently did this for a project I’m in pre-production on.  We had our Director, Writer, Executive Producer and Art Director all in attendance to hear the script.  What this does is make it real for everyone.  It allows you to imagine it on a different level – it’s the words coming to life.  A sentence that is genius on the page may not read the way you intended or a line you deemed serious could come off extremely funny.  It is that moment that a writer needs to recognize that changes will happen and you can either be a part of it or not – we hope you are.

Tips for a Screen Writer

If you are making edits, let your film crew and cast know.

The worst thing to do as a writer is to constantly make changes without letting anyone know.  I have worked on a handful of films where the writer is making changes up until the day of the shoot.  This becomes a problem for everyone if they aren’t aware that changes are coming.  Actors need time to prepare their lines (at least 48 hours) as well as all other key crew are affected by changes.  If you change: INT. OFFICE DAY to EXT. PARK BENCH DAY because it shows more of a bond between the characters that they spend time together outside of the office, this affects Art Department, Grip and Electric, Location, Transportation, and other set logistics.

Stay involved in the production.

Don’t consider your job is over when you hand a script over to a production team.  You should be a part of the process – it will only make the film better.  Even in the editing process, if you are able, you should be in the loop.

Listen and watch your team.

Whether it’s a table read or a rehearsal, listen to the words and watch the body language and choices of the actors.  If something isn’t working and the Director is having a hard time making a section work, make suggestions and adjustments.  Keep that communication open.

Recent Writers I’ve Worked With

Elias Benavidez writer of A Note to Etienne

Jonathan Nail writer of “S.O.L.O. The Series”

Boris Kievsky & Konstantin Lavysh writers of “Purgatory, Inc.”

Marty Blackshear & Vincent Brantley writers of Hopelessly in June

Over the next few weeks I’m going to talk about the different members of an indie film crew and what I feel is important for these individuals to possess. It’ll be the do’s and don’t's and I’ll even feature some of my favorites and a few true stories!  From Make Up Artists to Production Assistants… it will all be here: From a Producer’s Perspective.