Another friend of mine is trying to get the word out on this game show she is working on. It's called WHATTA YA THINK?!
They're having audtions for it May 1st in Fort Worth. Here's what she had to say about the show:
Contestants Needed for “Whatta Ya Think?!” TV Game Show In Fort Worth.
Think you are a pretty smart cookie? A brainiac? Find out how smart you are and also how to stay smart by auditioning for the Veria networks’ game show, “Whatta Ya Think?!”.
This isn’t about trivia, 5th graders or luck. Our questions are based on brain research and how to keep our minds sharp. “ Whatta Ya Think?!” contestants solve math, visual and language puzzles while viewers play along at home.
We are looking for high energy, telegenic people from 18-80 who enjoy healthy competition and a healthy lifestyle who want to continue learning and staying sharp throughout their lifetimes.
Gabriel and the Green Eyed Monster truck will be returning home this Wednesday, April 30th for that last stop on the tour. There will be a FREE screening at the Studio Movie Grill in Addison at 7:30PM. So if you're in the DFW area and haven't seen it yet, or want to see it again, come out and bring your friends.
Also, GEM is now featured on UNT's homepage. It's an all new article, so go and read it. It'll be there through Wednesday.
Sorry for the short post. Still writing my ass off trying to get my screenplay and all other materials ready for May 1st deadlines. Not much time left. I'll write all about it later.
Gabriel Barboza, writer/director of the indie horror film "Green Eyed Monster," has launched a NEW $500 Video Puzzle that anyone can play. He's calling it PROJECT: VIRAL. Below is the video explaining it and the actual video puzzle.
Gabriel is trying to get as many people to play as possible. We're trying to see if we can make the video go "viral," spreading it to as many people as we can. So share the video with friends and family, people who like puzzles and/or just want to win $500.
If you have a digg, del.icio.us, or another sharing account, please add the video to it.
Ollie Johnston, the last of the Disney "Nine Old Men," died yesterday. He was 95. If his name isn't familiar to you, his work no doubt is. He helped create many of the Disney classics; such as, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Bambi," "Fantasia," and various others. His name is usually coupled with Frank Thomas who passed away in 2004.
I first became aware of the two when I rented a movie called "Frank and Ollie" a few years ago. It's a documentary about the pair of animators. I recommend watching it. It gives you an appreciation for the artistry that goes into creating an animated film. I used to have a copy of it on VHS, but I donated it to my high school art teacher. I'd like to watch it again.
If you own Pixar's "The Incredibles," towards the end of the movie, during the big battle, there are two old men sitting on a bench commenting on the action -- Frank and Ollie.
Here's the deal -- I "finished" a screenplay that I plan on submitting to a few screenwriting competitions. Sundance Screenwriting Workshop, Nicholl's Fellowship, Final Draft's Big Break, and Austin Film Festival's Screenplay contest. In addition, I'm going to use it to apply for the Texas Filmmaker Production Fund. The thing is that it's not as easy as just writing a script, filling out an application, paying the fee, and mailing it off. Not that writing a script is easy by an stretch. And I guess some competitions are like that, but others demand more. I have to write a 2 page synopsis of the script, a cover letter, and resume/bio just to enter the Sundance Workshop. Doesn't sound that difficult, but trying to summarize a 120 page script into just 2 pages -- double spaced -- isn't exactly easy.
And trying to sell myself and the script in letters and bios and resumes...? Well, that's not that easy either. Especially right now. There's a moment when you first finish a script when you feel accomplished, triumphant, joyous... Then the doubt starts creeping in. Is this good? Will people like it? Did I just waste 4 years of my life? (That's when the idea first came to me. I've really only been writing it on "paper" for a few months.) In other words, your self-esteem takes a big hit. What's worse is that I gave the screenplay to a few close friends to read and give me feedback, and I still haven't heard from any of them. Not that I think that means it's so bad that don't want to tell me. And I know they have lives, and it's hard to set aside a couple of hours to sit and read... But still, everyday that passes, I just feel more and more stuck. I can't really do anything else to the script until I get feedback. I've read it so many times, it doesn't mean anything to me. I can't see the forest for the trees. So I don't know if it's good or bad. But I know it needs work in places. And that's what kills. Knowing that I'm running out of time (deadlines are May 1st), and there's nothing to fix. I know I'm going to have to probably just submit what I have, knowing there are flaws and just hope that it's good enough.
There's just a lot of pressure on me right now. My funds are all but dry, I don't have a job, I've got student loans to pay every month, and I'm about to drop about $200 on these contests that may not yield any results worth mentioning. But I have to do it. I have to. I have to make this movie. I know that. I need to make it. And having a little prize money or recognition would certainly help. But what if it's all for nothing? It'll hurt to be sure, but I've dealt with the rejection that comes with the business even this far down the ladder.
I attended the Austin Film Society's workshop on the TFPF a couple of days ago. I went last year, but didn't really have anything to apply for. This year, I had my script. Of course, even with just a script, I pretty much have to come up with my entire budget and production schedule before June 2nd. (I'm not even planning on shooting until the summer of '09!) Something I've never done. I think my most expensive movie to date was about $200. I know people put thousands of dollars into their short films, but I've never been able to commit to that. I just couldn't see the point. If I'm going to raise that kind of money, I'd rather put it towards a feature. And I've suffered somewhat for that choice. None of my shorts have really taken off. "Anniversary" doing the best by screening at a couple of small film festivals and on IFC.
But I guess, I shouldn't blame budget for that. The stories are what they are. Still, I think there's a strange stigma when it comes to budget. Have you ever tried to ask an indie filmmaker how much their budget was? They skate around it like they were Nancy Kerrigan or something. Most never want to declare it. Probably for the fear of someone saying "You spent that much on that?" It's going to be an interesting application process that's for sure.
The workshop was hosted by Brian Poyser. A filmmaker himself. He had his movie Dear Pillowscreened at last year's Lone Star International Film Festival. He also won an award. He's a cool guy. I talked to him briefly after the workshop. Only four filmmakers showed up (that's including me, and two were partners). So, we got what boiled down to one-on-one treatment.
This is just a big pile of words, but I'm okay with that.
West and Clear posted a video I edited for the 2007 Prairie Fest. This year's fest is a little more than a week away, so they're trying to promote it.
The Green Eyed Monster truck broke down again in Arizona. Looks like it's the starter. Gabe'll get it fixed, but it's going to cost.
I'm watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Five points to the person that can link it to the title of this blog.
There are two new videos to watch in case you haven't seen them already. The first is Gabriel's latest vlog. He talks about heading west by his lonesome. And the second is an interview we did at Texas Fear Fest 2. We didn't think it was posted anywhere, but I guess it was uploaded at the end of March. Enjoy.
"So the "second leg" of the tour is officially in motion and I'm in Albuquerque, NM. There were a few changes and cancellations that threw me off a little but I'm here at the New Mexico State Fair promoting Green Eyed Monster. I love New Mexico."
"The mountains are amazing. People around here probably think I'm an idiot for staring at them so much but I can't help it. I grew up loving books like: MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, CALL OF THE WILD, THE RIVER, HATCHET, etc. etc. So I keep imaging what the mountains are like on foot. I had a great view from my table all day today so when it got slow I just looked passed the crowds and up toward the mountains. I hate it every time I realize I'm a dork."
"...two Pueblo Indians who were selling homemade necklaces and bracelets next to me. These guys proved to be the most interesting part of the day (at the flea market anyway). We talked about all kinds of things and they also told me about a few Native American legends that sounded really cool. They even invited me and my wife out to their reservation during the annual FEAST DAY in August. They mentioned hiking in the wilderness, mountainside horseback riding, and really wanted to talk about old stories and superstitions that they felt belonged in a movie."
"When I left the truck would not start. The battery was dead...JUMPSTART DIDN'T WORK. The truck still didn't start and there I was again.: alone, the truck wouldn't start, and I didn't have a clue why. So I did what anyone would do. I TRIED EVERYTHING. I pulled out a hammer and crawled under the truck and started POUNDING at the starter. Then I tightened the cables on the battery as best I could. I even went to the fuse box to check things out...after doing all of this I got into the truck and crossed my fingers. IT STARTED."
Now, before you start jumping to conclusions, let me say that me not going boils down to one very basic thing: MONEY. Or more specifically, the lack there of.
It was something that Gabriel and I knew was a possibility from almost the very start. Money was on our minds before, during, and after the trip. This whole tour was an unknown animal to both of us. We didn't know what to expect. And that's pretty much what we got: the unexpected... mostly in the form of expenses. Tires, gas cap, locks, gasoline, coffee, three squares, tools, Internet, showers, banners, mailings, traffic tickets... it all added up. When we got back, we discussed the possibility of Gabriel having to go it alone for the second leg of the tour. He was counting on a check from someone that owed him money to help with the West Coast leg, but it didn't come through. At least it didn't come through in time. We didn't blog about it because we were trying to stay positive and hoped that the money would get in. When it didn't, we made the tough choice of breaking up the band. Gabe couldn't afford to take me, and I couldn't afford to pay my own way.
It has its pros and cons to be sure, but it was the best solution considering the circumstances.
So Gabriel is on his way to New Mexico, and I'm here working on my script.
I will continue to blog. I'll repost highlights from Gabe's blog. I'll blog for him if he can't get to a WiFi spot. I'll post about my own project. So, keep checking in.
And there is some more good news. We had another interview with the NT Daily today, and they will be publishing the article tomorrow. So, for those of you in Denton, pick up a copy. And for those of you that don't, not to worry, it will also be posted on their website. I'll link it tomorrow.
I'm sure there will be more good news to follow. I'm working on getting a screening in Fort Worth while he's gone. I'll keep you posted.
I had a lot of fun on the first leg of the tour (I'll never forget the experience) and wish Gabe the best of luck on the second leg. Please keep supporting Gabriel, Green Eyed Monster, and the Tour. He needs it more than ever now.
Okay, this isn't really movie related, but any chance I get to promote this band, I do it.
GIRL IN A COMA is an all girl rock band from San Antonio that's signed to Joan Jett's Blackheart Records. I discovered them a year ago and have been a big fan since then.
Here's some footage of one of their concerts that I shot:
"Clumsy Sky"
"Celibate Now"
Anyway, the reason for this post is that their album "Both Before I'm Gone" is on sale on iTunes for $5.99 right now as they're the Next Big Thing. So if you like what you hear, do yourself a favor and buy their album. And on a personal note, all three girls are extremely nice. They've chatted with me at several shows and did me a HUGE favor while I was on the road. I didn't blog about it before since it was a secret, but now I can talk about. My gf's birthday fell while we were on the road, and so I wanted to make sure and get her something truly special for missing it. I contacted GIAC, and even though they were on tour at the time as well, they put together a gift basket for me and got it ready in time for her birthday. She flipped over it.
So check them out online, vote for them on Yahoo! Music, and definitely check them out live. I've seen them more than a few times and I've never been disappointed by a performance.
Above are some photos that I've yet to post from the tour. Thought I'd put them in a slideshow for everyone.
Lots to talk about...
If you haven't seen "Burden of Dreams," the doc about Werner Herzog making "Fitzcarraldo," I highly recommend it. It's one of those my-film-is-falling-apart-and-I'm-losing-my-mind films.
Kim and I went to the Arts Goggle last Friday. We didn't get to spend a lot of time there, but we did walk around a bit and ended up meeting the guys from West and Clear. Kim kinda geeked out. She reads their blog everyday. I think she's much more impressed by local folk that she has given the status of celebrity in her own mind. She does it with chefs, bands, bloggers, etc. Anyway, they were nice guys.
We ate Lebanese & Italian food that night at Chadra. Neither of us had been there before, and because of the Arts Goggle, they had a special buffet so you could try everything on their menu. I have to say, fantastic food! I really loved their Heavenly Chicken. I can't describe it to you and do it justice. Kim's favorite food critic wrote about it in an article called "No Sharing in Heaven." You should read it. I also had the Almond Soda; very good.
I interviewed with the NT Daily. It's UNT's newspaper. It was a 40 minute phone interview about "Green Eyed Monster" and the tour. They're going to interview Gabriel as well, of course. We'll keep you posted as far as when they run it.
Spoke with GEM's cinematographer on the phone the other day. He was really impressed with the current press of the movie. Hopefully, the screening in L.A. will be as good as the Austin one, so he can see it blown up and looking good.
We went to the Speak Easy Saturday night to see Darth Vato and Pablo and the Hemphill 7 perform. Really, I went to see Darth Vato since I've emailed their bass player a few times about writing. They're a great live band. Definitely check them out.
Finished my screenplay. And by "finished" I mean that I'm ready to show it to a handful of people before I do some final polishing. I'm hoping to submit it to a few screenplay competitions and raise money to produce it.
We went to AFI Dallas last night to go see "Blood On The Highway" at the Magnolia. It turned out that it was sold out, but you could still get in the "rush line" and hope to get seated. We were numbers 11, 12, and 13. Well, after waiting more than hour they let in the first 10 people. One of the volunteers there told us they thought they'd be able to let in 5 more people. We waited... Someone on the walkie said they could seat 4 more people... Are you sure...? Yes... Wait... No, we're sending people back. So, we didn't make it in. But I'm glad Barak's film did so well. We ended up seeing "La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon)." It was good. Sentimental though. I think Gabe can still make his and it wouldn't be the same thing.
