Special Thanks 2010

Twenty-Ten was yet another year of huge growth and major changes. From moving into my own place, starting Old Abbot, crafting several music videos, Directing/Producing the 48 Hour Film Project/Red Bull Flugtag/Reel 2 Real, and helping The Wangnoo's commemorate their Wedding vows top my list of this year's doings. Indeed, this year was one epic and necessary ride, and so the saga continues.



I've got many thank you's to shoutout this year, but not nearly as much as were given to me throughout the year from those around me. Well here it goes, Justin Aarestad, Nicki Andert, Tony Angeles, Nathan Armstrong, Dan Behrens, Teddy Berg, Alana Bloom, Brandon Boulay, Alex Bowes, Margo Cavis, Justin Cooke, Beth Van Dam, Andre Durand, Clayton Ebeling, John Edel, Jesse Feltz, Bre Füss, Joey Giovelli, Steve Goldschmidt, Frank Gores, Johnny Griese, Samantha Hanus, Joseph Harris, John Hensen, Ben Hippely, Mike Hjelden, Thomas Hoekstra, Brian Hoskins, Kay Hussein, Blaine Irvin, Ashley Janssen, Justin Johnson, Keith Kadinger, Ben Katz, Jordan Keating, Vashti Knazze, Jon Krivo, Kassandra Langum, Michael Latterll, Drew Lerdal, Frenchy Lunning, Jade Mantis, John McCaffrey, Lyle Miller, Shane Nelson, Neil Niederkorn, James Norgard, Mccrae Olson, Mikhail Phiri, Phillip Porter, Nalini Ramer, Todd Randall, Harrison Reeder, Jonny Sadeh, TJ Schwingle, Bethany Sias, Randy Smith, Justin Staggs, Daniel Steinberg, Ben Thompson, Taylor Trygstad, Abraham Wangnoo, Lindsey Wangnoo, Aaron Winter, Jake Young, Joseph Young, Muja Messiah, Richard “Thrillhouse” Oxley, and Black Hulk Hogan along with the Twin Cities Rockabilly Crew. To anyone I may have missed I'd like to send that much more gratitude and appreciation. To everyone who help with the magic this year, I send my love and eternal thankfullness.



Above in it's entirety is the Winner of Best Picture at last year's Filmanthropist Project. A Thank You From The Heart, which was the first film I shot using my Sony HVR-Z5U. Lastly, with 2011 big things will come in small packages. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

Arcanum Boni Tenoris Animae

"Sure, right now! You're darned tootin'!"

Seventeen inches of snow, the collapse of the Metrodome roof, and subzero temperatures. Indeed, just another Winter here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and like any Minnesotan I know the sage continues!



I'm hittin' the home stretch in editing Jaded Rzeign's Get Wit It Music Video. Some color correction, editorial decisions, and timing tweaks are what remain. Also, I've been working with some fine folks on hammerin' out the first season of Antwone Adams scripts. A web series I'll be premiering to you all next year!



I've got a few more things to blog about before the years is out, so stay in the loop, everybody! Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

A Caelo Usque Ad Centrum

REEL 2 REAL [TV SHOW]

Hi, everybody! It took some troubleshooting and lots of rerenders to get the show streaming on the intrawebs, but we did it! It took seven hours, but we did it. It's done! Let us never mix or mux different video formats ever again. Enjoi the show folks!





I’d like to thank everyone on the cast and crew who help make the show run so well and smooth during the production phase. In no particular order shoutouts go out to: Richard “Thrillhouse” Oxley, Steve Goldschmidt, Jonny Sadeh, Tony Angeles, Joseph Young, Jon Krivo, Thomas Hoekstra, Nalini Ramer, Keith Kadinger, Margo Cavis, Neil Niederkorn, Blaine Irvin, Lyle Miller, and Mikhail Phiri. We nailed it, thanks everyone!



Yes… But we've got to do it from different angles! Again and again, and again and again and again! I’m currently working on a music video for Jaded Rzeign, moving into my new house, got a job, watching The Simpsons on dvd with and without commentary! Lastly, I’ve been writing something for the kids that’s been swirling in my head for some time. More fun, big news, and updates on the way. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

Acta Est Fabula Plaudite

“I don't use a pen. I write with a goose quill dipped in venom.”

The last month has been crazy. Got myself a job in the field of videography at Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area, moved into a place of my own, started my final semester of College, met the Sony EX1-R and dug ‘em, got to know an awesome Dame, found a talented Rap Duo to craft a music video along side thanks to a High School friend, also got hired on by Wide Eyes for some EPK package work, and last but not least I shot a high-definition and non-keyed version of Reel 2 Real. Everything came up Millhouse and the footage turned out buttery.



I had the Master of Ceremonies from the Red Bull Flugtag Jonny Sadeh host the show this time as well. He was the only talent I had in a studio for the show.



All of the reviews were shot ENG style on location. For the feature films reviews with Steve Goldschmidt and Tony Angeles I went with a theater, which in this case was the school’s auditorium.



On the Getz/Gilberto LP review I went with one of my favorite spots to tune-in and then tune-out. An automobile, known as Jon Krivo's Lexus. To wrap it up his final take is out front of a local record store.



When it came time for the video game review of Super Street Fighter IV I went Eastwood and shot it in my basement circa AVGN, and I think you’ll all like the twist at the end.

I’ll be wrapping the show up next week, and will post it soon after for you all to see right here. Now, with all these lines in the water I’ve got lots of things to do and get ready for. Major Updates are on the way. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

Ab Uno Disce Omnes

TAY MAC TAY AFTERNOON [FILM]

Taylor Trygstad sessions the old warehouse spot in his hometown.



We filmed this past Saturday around the warehouses in our hometown near where we all grew up. Special Thanks goes out to Taylor Trygstad who was not only was the subject of the film, and an all around murderous on a BMX bike, but he's also surgical with the beats as he was the composer for the film as well. Muchos Gracias! I hope you all enjoy it as much as it was to film and edit. On the horizon this coming Friday is round two of Reel 2 Real which is now going to be in HD! Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.
Bibo Ergo Sum

STANDARD THOMPSON - FIREWORKS [MUSIC VIDEO]

From Standard Thompson's all new LP More Noise For The Broken Hearted comes Fireworks. We shot it over a weekend in early June. You can read Don't be afraid, my Son. No one is more powerful than God for the whole story.



I'd like to thank Justin Staggs, Randy Smith, TJ Schwingle, Alex Bowes, Ben Thompson, Joseph Harris, Johnny Griese, Frenchy Lunning, and Beth Van Dam. Also, the guys from the band Mike Hjelden, Aaron Winter, Dan Behrens, Jordan Keating, and Drew Lerdal. Lastly, on September 4 at 9pm you can peep the video with the band, myself, and others at the The Fine Line Music Cafe. More big things on the way. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

Per Angusta Ad Augusta

MINNEAPOLIS [in] BLACK & WHITE [FILM]

Summertime in the city of Minneapolis



This Summer as I biked around the city I took my camera along with and took pictures of my hometown. What was just going to be a photo album soon began what you see here. Special Thanks to Taylor Trygstad for killin' some spots for the project. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did shooting and editing it. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

Felix Qui Potuit Rerum Cognoscere Causas

"You can tell this by watching him play some drunks in the park?"

Searching for Bobby Fischer is another film that had a major impact on my youth, and my craft. I first saw the film back in 1994 on VHS with my parents who had rented it for themselves for the weekend. Perhaps it was the cover I saw at the store, but something made me sit with the Family and watch despite the fact it was for old people. Much like when I joined them to the theater to see Forest Gump with their friends on some kinda double date, but I didn't care about being the fifth wheel I needed to see the film on the silver screen. Much the same happened again, as I was shopping at F.Y.E. and saw the DVD of Searching for Bobby Fischer, and within a split second it was in my hand.



Age nine, I am watching the film for the first time, and like a sponge I'm taking it all in. I see much of myself in the story of young Josh, as his pursuit and passion overtaking him. Without knowing it at the time this film much like Radio Flyer would greatly effect the way I see the world through the prism of my mind's eye, and the camera's lens. Age twenty-five, I am watching the film for the second time, and this time the full effect is hitting me just how much the film has influenced my perception of cinema and shaped me as a filmmaker. Teaching me to "play by the gut, and bring her out."



The film is about real life Chess Masters Bobby Fischer and Josh Waitzkin, and was Directed and Written by Steven Zaillian. Based on the book by Fred Waitzkin played byvJoe Mantegna, Joan Allen played his wife Bonnie, and Max Pomeranc steals the show as their son Josh whom several are grooming to become the next Bobby Fischer. Also staring Laurence Fishburne, Ben Kingsley, Laura Linney, Dan Hedaya, and William H. Macy as a Tunafish loving Father. The acting is superb all around, but for me the crew behind this magical film always stood out for me.



In my eyes the most important credit of the entire motion picture would have to be Conrad Hall, ASC the Director of Photography. His work as I realized some sixteen years later as I watched the film for the second time in my life was the single biggest influence on my composition tendencies. The scene above really struck me, as the architecture of the curved half-wall, and camera's subtle dolly movement focus your attention on Vinnie played by Laurence Fishburne. Free and yet trapped. Conrad's tendency to underexpose is something I've also found very ascetically pleasing and something I've taken to my own work. Steven Zaillian's misdirection and sense of the human spirt, as well as the amazing editing of Wayne Wahrman, A.C.E. also left major mark on me. Namely it the chess battle sequences in which quick cuts not only work, but are used to perfection. Nothing to cover-up, only to enhance.

"Look deep, Josh. It's there. It's twelve moves away, but it's there. You've got him."



On the production side of things. Above is a quick look at me shooting the Red Bull Flugtag in Saint Paul, Minnesota back on July 24, 2010. On the way is a little Noir Blanco from the city, to myself, and soon you. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

Luctor Et Emergo

RED BULL FLUGTAG [FILM]

Jonny Sadeh hosts the Saint Paul Red Bull Flugtag including the World Record shattering flight of 207 feet by Major Trouble and the Dirty Dixies in front of 90,000 people. You can also view the film on YouTube, and be sure to check out Old Abbot's brand new channel.



Another smooth production from Old Abbot and Media Storm, everything just clicked and the production had a nearly flawless almost effortless feel and flow. I love it so, and for that I've got a few folks to thank on the cast and crew. Your tireless efforts and skills often with a smile, joke, and a tummy full of Red Bulls are what made this all possible, well that and the fact some folks are crazy enough to test Earths laws for themselves. Naturally.



Brian Hoskins our awesome Producer and all-around Magic Mojo Man who got us those epic media passes. Thank you, Hosk's. Both, Cinematographers Daniel Steinberg and Joseph Young, as well as Cameraman Justin Aarestad for nailing all those buttery shots and reminders of gravity's power. Thank you, JoJo, Dryberg, and Justin. Also, Jonny Sadeh are Master of Ceremonies, for without him we would have had little if any real story to tell. Thank you, Jon. Last but not least, Richard Oxley or Executive Producer for his faith and support. Thank you, Ox. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

A Caelo Usque Ad Centrum

THEM DAMNED YOUNG LIVERS - ALL HELL [Music Video]

Well here it is everybody! Them Damed Young Livers' All Hell music video from their all new LP Psalms of Ill-Repute. We shot it a few months ago in Saint Paul before one of the bands' shows. Hit it!



The premier of All Hell at Dusty Pixels was a hell of a time even with the crazy storm that came trough as we were wrapping things up. Cats and dogs. The house party on the opposite side of Powederhorn park near my place later that night was a great time as well even with the gut rotting chinese food that made my tummy an unhappy camper. The beer hit the spot however. If you want you can also peep the video on Youtube if you're a square.



I was a Gaffer and Grip on the shoot. I would like to thank everyone with the Twin Cities Rockabilly Crew, Black Hulk Hogan, Director - Alex Bowes, Director of Photography - Brandon Boulay, Assistant Camera - Andre Durand, Grip/Gaffer - Ben Katz, and DJ Grip/Editor - Ben Thompson. We tore down the joint, and by the end of it all the house smelled of sweat, cigarettes, urine, and beer. I got say it was a hell of a party that we somehow managed to shoot a music video among all the madness and mayhem, all be it controlled much like a professional wrestling match. Truly it was the best way to capture the essence of the band's life on the road. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam

All Hell @ Dusty Pixeles

WHO: Them Damned Young Livers, Director Alex Bowes, Director of Photography Brandon Boulay, Ben Thompson, myself, and tons of Twin Cities Rockabilly fanatics. That's who.

WHAT: We'll be viewing the band's newest music video All Hell from their all new LP Psalms of Ill-Repute. I helped make it, and destroy a house in the process to clear space for the Schroeder Restaurant's parking lot. What a dream, come watch the mayhem.

WHERE: Dusty Pixels record store [2443 Hennepin Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55405]

WHY: Professional Wrestler Black Hulk Hogan who also stars in the video will be at the premier as well. Now, you're sold I'm sure.

WHEN: Saturday, July 17, 2010 @ 7:30pm




Had my nose in Motion Picture and Video Lighting and Street Fighter: The Complete History as of late. Saw the winner of Best Director and Best Picture at the 1941 Academy Awards beating out Orson Wells' Citizen Kane the John Ford opus How Green Was My Valley. A masterpiece of perfection. Timeless due to it's ability to express the human condition, and what it means to live and die. Before the All Hell premier I'm stoked to see Christopher Nolan's Inception, looks like an epic shift in things. Even here, stay tuned.

Cave Nil Vino

"When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey; and when I drink water, I drink water."

Don't Go Catchin' Feelin's ('Cause It's Only A Game) is now on YouTube at 1080p worldwide thanks to our tech guru Daniel Steinberg. He's got a brand spanking new blog where he rants and gives his thoughts on technical aspects of Film and Video production. Tell the kids, the secret(s) are out. Enjoy and tell a friend, and don't give me that I would but business. We all know it's a reel confidence builder.



I've been taking a lot of pictures of the city of Minneapolis in monochrome, planning a couple summer productions, and working on a script I've had on my brain for a while now, the secret is out. I'll also let this one out as well. I cried when I watched the Angry Video Game Nerd's short film The Dragon in My Dreams. In it James Rolfe AKA Angry Video Game Nerd tries to explain why it is he makes motion pictures. He comes damn close to explaining why it is us filmmakers do what we do. Honestly, it really stirred something in me. Peep it, I hope it does the same for you.



Been reading Joseph Campbell's The Power of Myth, and Grant Morrison's Batman The Black Glove. Listening to Drake's Thank Me Later LP as well as Die Antwoord's $o$ LP. The Music Video for Enter the Ninja by Rob Malpage, SASC is the best I've seen in some time. In the world of major motion pictures I've made time for John Q, Antoine Fuqua's Brooklyn's Finest, Planet Terror, in ShawScope I witnessed the elemental powers do battle in the timeless Chinese Super Ninjas, and yet another John Ford masterpiece The Quite Man with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Same URL, some other time, stay tuned.

Adaequatio Intellectus Et Rei

"Well, there are some things a man just can't run away from."

With the end of June came another Music Video shoot. This time it was for the all female rock band Vanity Theft The song and video should hit along side their new EP this Fall. I was hired on by Director of Photography TJ Schwingle for this Omni-Fusion Media Production.



The shoot began Monday morning at the Northrup King Building, and went on 'till about 4am in the morning Tuesday, and that was only round one. Round two, started around 11am Tuesday and went on 'till a little after 4pm Tuesday, and sadly she was a wrap yet again. Shane Nelson, the Director of the production likes himself a small and tight crüe much like yours truly on shoots such as this. Someday, when the funds provide for a larger willing and talented crew, and yes cast as well, perhaps. Monday was setup as well as the day to get the bands performance shot. We began with the master shot of the band rockin' out all together, and then we walked the lens in and got close-ups of each member doing their thing using the amazing Red One camera with some buttery prime lenses.



We then did individual setups for each member to perform the song in their own way. The final setup of these was struck at about 3am on Tuesday. The awesome news was the shoot was returning here to tomorrow for the rest of the shoot, so we only had to get everything onto the taco carts and lock them in safe rooms, for the night along with the security detail at the NKB. After getting a bit of much needed shut eye, everyone returned Tuesday morning and by 11am production was in a full roll forward. We began getting all the pickups for the video. I don't want to spoil things so take what you want from the picture above. Enjoy, some little ones sure did, yummy in the tummy. All in all this was yet another awesome music video shoot, I must say it really helps when you're learning and working with some of the best. Thanks to everyone I met and got to know on the shoot.



Recently I've been reading, All Star Batman and Robin, Wolverine Old Man Logan, All Star Batman and Robin, In The Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing, and yes I'm still rereading the American Cinematographer Manual. On the old Kinetoscope I've recently been rehooked on the theatrical shorts of Tom and Jerry by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1940 to 1958 a total of hundred plus shorts in all over three volumes, comic gold. Also, Flags of our Fathers, Foxy Brown, and Meet Me in St. Louis. Lastly, I just picked up the Criterion Edition Blu-ray of John Ford's Stagecoach in it's original aspect ratio of 1:37:1, also in the special features was an early Ford silent picture from 1917 Bucking Broadway staring his early muse Harry Carey. I'm one happy, boy to say the least. Big things on the way. Stay tuned, with a camera. Happy 234th Birthday America!


Nemo Saltat Sobrius

DON'T GO CATCHIN' FEELIN'S ('CAUSE IT'S ONLY A GAME) [FILM]

A down and out rapper finds a reason to run the game.

This past weekend went as smooth as butter, no egos, no gossip, no bologna. Simply the creation of a Film we all firmly believe in, and each having faith in the process in the way(s) that they needed to craft movie magic. So started my third round of the 48 Hour Film Project.



The bell rung Friday when we picked up the equipment from Cinequipt including the Red One. From there we went to Aquilo Studios and met up with John and 'G' to sign the location release, discuss the rules of the house, as well as the layout out of distro for the joint. Form, Northeast Minneapolis we made our way down 35W to Bloomington our pre and post production house. We got things together, and waited to head over to Walden Entertainment about a mile away.



As I stood in line to pick our genre with Hoskins I felt a bad moon rising with my hands, so I had Hoskins reach in after I rubbed his head for luck. Good thing, we drew Buddy Film! I knew instantly the story and characters for the film. The one Justin Johnson and I had talked about the night before for mockumentary. The story of a down on his luck rapper. Even the title song was already in my head. So, I made some calls and got things in place with my lead actor Jon Krivo and Taylor Trygstad who created the main title track we used in the film. The character of Paul Williams a Chef, the prop of a pair of pliers, and the line of dialogue "What do you want to know?" round out our elements for our film.



We grabbed some seats out front of the house and brainstormed out our main plot points for the film. I called the actors to set things up with them for the next shooting day. Meanwhile, Daniel and Joseph worked on the Red One 4K HD workflow and things looking stunning under tungsten bulbs. As the sun went down and after some breaks and rethinks we began to write our script, and by about 2am it was done for the most part.



I woke up at 5am Saturday, and went over the script and changed a few things as well as cleaned up a few things. I was a happy boy with this blue print in my hand. We got our equipment together and headed back over to Aquilo Studios arriving around 8am to shoot the studio and rapping scenes. We were wrapped and struck at Aquilo by around 3pm and head back to the house to shoot the scenes of the Rapper at home. After some ten hours we wrapped principal photography on the film at around 1am. We cooked the footage, and got it on the timeline. I went to bed and once again got some three hours of shut eye.



With Sunday morning I woke up at 5am and began the rough edit of the film which was done by about 8am in the morning. Hoskins and Joseph went to pickup our opening title shot, and soon returned with awesome footage which wrapped the production side of the film. Another great feeling was to give Steinberg hours to color correct and to his beautiful and subtle tweaks to the film. By about 5:30pm we were getting her ready for submission which we did the first time around 6:20pm and again with a better compression around 7:15pm. We headed back home and got some rest. We returned things to Cinequipt come Monday morning. I scored us some Arri swag from Jeff, and now just like I promised him, Daniel has his own Arri hat to wear on set. We all then went home to get even more rest and recoup. Nothing could have felt better.



Then came Wednesday, and the World Premiere of the film at the Riverview Theater. The film went over great, and I've got some good feelings about this one. Check it out for yourselves and let us know what you think of the film.

Shoutouts to everyone who's help, support, and skills made this all happen. John Edel, 'G', John Hensen, Brian Hoskins, Justin Johnson, Jon Krivo, Michael Latterll, James Norgard, Mccrea Olson, Jon Sadeh, Daniel Steinberg, Taylor Trygstad, Teddy Berg, Joseph Young, and last but not least Richard Oxley. My eternal thanks to you all. Stay tuned, much more on the way.

Corrigenda

Don't Go Catchin' Feelin's @ Riverview Theater

I love it when a plan comes together, and that's just what happened this past weekend when we crafted yet another 48 Hour Film Project Film. Everyone, and everything just came together to nail this one. I can't thank you all enough for you time and efforts we made magic, and yet I'll try once again. Thank you. Come one, come all and show your love and support as well at the World Premiere of Don't Go Catchin' Feelin's ('Cause It's Only A Game) at the Riverview Theater, full info below.

WHO: Media Storm / Old Abbot

WHAT: The 48 Hour Film Project Screenings

WHERE: Riverview Theater, [3800 42nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55406]

WHY: We made a Film and submitted it on time

WHEN: Wednesday, June 23rd at 7pm

HOW: Eight bucks gets you in to the show

Crescit Eundo

"Don't be afraid, my Son. No one is more powerful than God."

With the warm weather and bonus time I've been biking around the lakes of Minneapolis. Also, takin' some pictures, makin' some pictures, and watchin' some pictures on the side. Most recently I've watched Rain Johnson's Brick, the classic Step Brothers, and Robert Rodriguez's El Mariachi.



This past weekend I was hired on by Moving Walkway Productions to help out on the Fireworks Music Video for the band Standard Thompson. Friday night was loading and lighting time at Aquillo Studios. It went buttery smooth and we got done a bit early which is always nice with a shoot the next morning. With Saturday came time for the band's performance in front of a green screen. The guys we're great. An, indy band with a billboard band's energy and unity.



Once, Justin Staggs the Director called wrap the real fun of roadying all of the stingers used on the studio side of the shoot began. Another surgical job, and as Beth Van Dam one of the Producers for the Music Video noted we may just have left the soundstage cleaner then we found it. Wax on, wax off.



Then came, Sunday and the twenty hour day that fallowed. All-in-all the shoot again was like ice, mostly. The day side of the shoot was the classic country love story, and even with the clouds coming in and out as well as a little spell of rain. We got ourselves some glowing shots in that tall grass. The only real SNAFU was on my head, when I was refueling the generator gas spilled out off the gas can and got itself in the air intake. Dead, at least for a few minutes. Thank, the film Gods she started up after a little tinkering. The saga continued, and the Horror Film side of the Music Video was shot through the night. I even got my hands bloody in the picture, as I was the hand/arm double for the actor . I don't wanna spoil much, but I'll say this when you see the bloody hand print, that's my first hand model credit. A bit after four in the morning we had shot our final shots with the lycanthrope, and by five in the morning everything was struck and I was driving down 212 back towards the heart of the city. Minneapolis, home sweet home.



Back on the topic of the Aquillo Studios. I spoke with John who runs the joint and asked him if Media Storm/Old Abbot's entry in this years 48 Hour Film Project could use the versatile space as the principal shooting location for our film, and he said, "Yes". When I asked him for a quote on the place he told me "nothing" due to the fact it's a student project! Fella's I'd say we're golden.

Lastly, Peep a peek at Them Damned Young Livers' All Hell Music Video from their Sophomore album PSALMS OF ILL-REPUTE. Release Show(s) are at KCMO Riot Room on July 10th, and then July 16th at Minneapolis Club Underground. See ya' then, perhaps before. Stay Tuned


A Bene Placito

WAR AT PEACE [FILM]

This film is dedicated to my Grandfather, Father, Brother, and all who have served the Untied States of America Armed Forces. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank you, and God Bless.



Memorial Day, a holiday for us as a nation to take time out from doing what we as Americans do best, and remember those who served the United States of America Military. All of whom have, and will no doubt make sacrifices, some making the ultimate sacrifice to insure our liberty, and very way of life for this generation, past generations, and future generations.

"We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others."
~ John F. Kennedy ~

E Pluribus Unum

"Michael! Open your eyes! This is the life we chose, the life we lead."

School's out for summer! Well sorta kinda...


(Courtesy of Minday and Brian Johnson at Hope Feathers photography)

I'm in the midst of edits on two soon to be released projects. The first will have it's world premiere here [via Vimeo] shortly, and that's all I've got to say about that right now. The second is the Wedding of Mister and Miss Wangnoo who just happen to be my housemates and awesome friends. Thank you's and congratulations go out to Abraham, Lindsey, their Families, and everyone who was involved in the beautiful and joyous day. One more congratulation goes out to the newlyweds who are now expecting the greatest of all blessings. The gift of life! One love.

As President of Media Storm, a self-driven student group made up of IDVP [Interactive Design & Video Production] students from Hennepin Technical College. One of my many goals is to request funds for competitions that we are involved with. A bit of a crash course in Producing Motion Pictures in some ways. Big smiles, everyone. With the request for five grand made and approved things are chooglin' along. This past Spring, Clayton Ebeling and Samantha Hanus went golden as they took state, and are now going to the National SkillsUSA contest in Kansas City, MO. Now, payed in full. I wish the both of them the best of luck. Let's make it two years running with IDVP and HTC on top again. I must say I love my 'job'!



With roughly four grand left after covering the trip for SkillsUSA the plan is for Media Storm and Old Abbot Films to craft an entry for the 2010 48 Hour Film Project in Minneapolis, MN. This will be Round 3 for myself at the helm of a film for the project. The first time we used a Sony HVR-Z1U, in 2009 we used a Sony HVR-V1U, and now we'll be using a Red One. Looks like my Sony HVR-Z5U will be relegated to behind the scenes camera. In a couple weeks here we'll be shooting a dummy or test film so we can learn the workflow and overall camera operations for this powerful bad boy. I sorta know how that one kid at Toys 'R' Us who finally got his Power Wheels DeLorean [The one from Back to the Future Part II] felt. Soon, our hands will be playing with the big boy toy of our dreams. Shouldn't hurt the résumés too much either. Thanks again to Grand Poobah Richard Oxley.

On the silver screen I've seen Iron Man 2 and [Gladiator 2] I mean, Robin Hood. Both films were well put together, with a few actors and actresses truly shinning and raising the quality and enjoyability of the pictures. However, both of 'em clocked in at some two plus hours, they felt bloated, in need of fat cutting, and character development to boot. At home I've recently [re]watched The Road, Spartacus, Dog Day Afternoon, Road to Perdition, and Kick-Ass. Outside the world of celluloid, and into the the world of silicon. Super Street Fighter IV is still spinning in my PS3 tray. My mains are Sagat, Guy, and Master [Abbot] Gouken. I just hope with Marvel vs Capcom III next year I finally get to fight as Mike Haggar. Sorry, 'Gief but your alternate just isn't enough. Also, been falling asleep to the sweet game play and sharp dialogue of Rockstar Games' ode to Sergio Leone and Spaghetti Westerns as a whole Red Dead Redemption. Thus far they've done it again, and yes someway somehow even better! The story is epic and characters are dead on! They come off as almost believable. Unlike, most games where at best characters come off as possessed mannequins or at worst talking corpses. Either way with horrible lip sync and just as terrible voice acting on top of that. As I play, I begin to care about the folks and the stories of the dying Wild West circa 1911 America. Jus' need myself a semi-automatic Colt model 1911. I'll settle her for sure than.



Thirty years ago, and before my time. The Empire Strikes Back hit theaters, and years later I would see it on VHS thanks to my Brother Jay. I know it to be the best of all the Star Wars films the quintessential second act played to perfection and frozen in carbonite. Not even a crazed Lucas and his Special Editions decades later could muster much damage [yet] against Director Irvin Kersher's vision. Much like the studios did back in the golden age of Hollywood. A system, George worked in spite of and despite of in his youth. I've got something up my sleeve, or in this case on my DVD shelf. Here's a clue to tide you over: Lucasfilm LTD. and ABC studios were involved and it's hard to tell who was more lost in the production(s). Stay Tuned.

Respice Adspice Prospice

"For you, Sir. From the Yankee War Department."

Well it's official they now pay me to go to school! As I said earlier it's getting close to the Minneapolis 48 Hour Film Project and well we were in needed of funding. So, as I like to do I went and got it. To date I've asked and got $23,000 from the Student Life Board at Hennepin Technical College. Our plan is simple, and yet a bit complex. We'll be shooting this film on a RED One Camera with a 4K workflow using good old Final Cut Studio. To put this in context peep the diagram below.



What we've used in our previous endeavours have been in either 720p [blue] in the case of the JVC GY-HD110u, or at best in 1080p [green] with my Sony HVR-Z5U. With the Red One we'll be shooting at 4K [pink] which is what they've used to shoot the major motion pictures District 9 and Gamer. *turns into six year-old boy



With my eyes on the Master Sword in the stone, I pause and present you all with a scene I shot and edited form a larger fragmented film from Vanessa Horrocks. Feedback and comments and very much welcome. Stay tuned

Dei Sub Numine Viget

MAYDAY: In The Heart of the Beast [FILM]

Since the spring of 1975 the In the Heart of the Beast Theater has thrown the Annual Mayday Parade in the Powderhorn Neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This year's theme was Roar!. I took the good old Sony HVR-Z5U to the parade and what's above is the result.



The goal was to recreate something straight out of the 1960's with that 16mm home camera feel. I wanted capture the moment and mood of the festival, and make you feel apart of it all. I was merely a conscious observer of the experience. Honestly, the old music video A Whiter Shade Of Pale by Procol Harum was by far the biggest influence. As always your thoughts and comments are very much welcome.

A Thank You From The Heart was selected to take part in the The Best Films from the The 28th Annual Minneapolis- St. Paul International Film Festival this Sunday, May 9th at Saint Anthony Main Theatre which is just of Main Street Southeast in Minneapolis. The film also got my name credited on IMDb as a Cinematographer. I hope to see some of you at the screening the weekend. Thanks, for all your support!

When I'm not on the hustle I'm often watching films. Again, I watched The Big Sleep this time however it was the 1945 prerelease version of the film, I'd been watching the 1946 theatrical release of the film for years. The cut is a more raw and straightforward, but I must say I've really come to love the '46 cut of the film. Also, The Girl Next Door, as homage to the 136th Annual Kentucky Derby Seabiscuit, and as an homage to my life in celluloid Nine. Lastly, fresh from the Sapphire Series of Blu-ray films comes Saving Private Ryan. Even with the Spielberg clichés and the fact he was also "Directing" Jurassic Park: The Lost World at the same wtime. This film captures the hell that was D-Day, and is War. Somethings, somethings never change.

Per Volar Sunata

"I don't believe in surrenders. Nope, I've still got my saber, Reverend."

What started in Mid-June when I was a kid has since moved up to the first weekend in May. It's the Blockbuster Summer Season! Hey, Batman Forever only left me slightly jaded. Jon Favreau returns to the helm with Iron Man 2 starring Robert Downey once again. I just hope he can keep that unblockbuster feel the first film had for the most part. Yeah, the final fight was a scam and surely rushed through production. Still for the first time I gave a crap about the drunk rocket-footed Bruce Wayne. Whoops, I mean Tony Stark. In the "new" Robin Hood The duo of Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe return, and I'm just thankful Bryan Adams didn't. I have faith in this one. He gave us BLADE RUNNER, enough said. With Jonah Hex I get Josh Brolin and Megan Fox in one spot! Acting and eye candy, I can't lose! So very stoked for Toy Story 3 and Christopher Nolan's Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio! I'm sucker for Paul Rudd so Dinner for Schmucks makes the list for sure. Low on the list, but still with promise comes the buddy cop comedy The Other Guys with Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, and yes Samuel L. Jackson. Joinin' 'em are Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables starring Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Mickey Rourke. I know I'll discuss 'em as they hit the silver screen. Keepin' my mind open for all these films and a couple others. Can't wait to see 'em and decide. No, not you, A-Team!



Just got my hands on Super Street Fighter IV, and I must say the game is epic in every way. Only building upon it's predecessor. As of this blog my mains are Ryu, Ken, Guy, Gouken, and I dabbling a bit with Cody. Metsu Hadoken!



On the celluloid side of my life. Peeped on the Shaw Brothers classic that's often imitated never duplicated The 5 Deadly Venoms. Also, on Blu-ray Akira Kurosawa's Sanjuro and Yojimbo from the Japanese monster house that did so much more than just Gojira [Godzilla] Toho studios. These films sing with an authentic, simplistic, and yet elegant ebb and flow much like those of John Ford of which yet again I watched his masterwork The Searchers. John Wayne performance is awe inspiring and in some ways chilling in his animalistic drive for revenge. Lastly, the noir by which others are judged The Big Sleep starring Humphrey Bogart and the stunningly beautiful Lauren Bacall.

It may surprise you but I also read books, and as of late I've gone through Why We Make Mistakes by Joseph T. Hallinan and the very pithy George Lucas's Blockbusting: A Decade-by-Decade Survey of Timeless Movies Including Untold Secrets of Their Financial and Cultural Success. Both were those change your way of viewing/thinking kinda books. I recommend both highly.



Over at the Gone to the Undead Blog I've gone and posted our teaser trailer which I also present to you here, but for the full scoop hit the link. The Minneapolis 48 Hour Film Project returns June 18th-20th and I can't wait to meet the challenge and insomnia! Stay tuned.

Repetitio Est Mater Studiorum