Here is a great meme sent to me by my good friend Joe Sparrow. As you all know I am developing a film dealing with this subject. Please post this where you can, Twitter, Facebook and please repost.
Hey all, I hope you are well. I slugging away on the research on my feature. There is so much reading involved. Dear lord. But you know you need to research the subjects you’re writing about. Yes, it takes time but you will write a better screenplay, book, or article. Also you are less likely to get called out for getting it wrong. And for me that would be the worst thing that would be said about my work.
So I would say that bringing awareness to the subjects of the sex slave trade and combat veteran’s issues is my main goal with my film. I was talking to a guy the other night and I told him that the average age that a prostitutes enter the business in 13. He was shocked. With my film I want to educate Americans of a horrible truth. The more awareness on this subject the better.
So I realized I do not write enough. I really need to delicate more time to it. I have 3 blogs: this one, my personal blog and a social and political one. I have lots to say and enjoy doing them. I also think that I can contribute to the filmmaking and art community.
Hey, a very good site to go to concerning screenwriting is TheScriptlab.com
Here is their twitter https://twitter.com/TheScriptLab
Also here is a free PDF from them The Encyclopedia Of Screenwriting. Screen Writing
Back to the grid. I am doing my research for my film that I have written about on here. It gets hard sometime. I am a vet. I know a lot of my brothers and sisters suffer. Especially those who did directly or indirectly do the killing. It can be a motherfucker. Plain and simple. And it hurts. The film I am doing is a lot about pain and painful things; however, they things that need to be discussed. We as a country tend ignore issues like combat vets issues and the sex trade. It makes people uncomfortable when we talk about them. Well guess what America, that is America, regardless if you choose to except it or not. And trust me, these things will fester and grow. And there will be a point where we will have to pay more than we had too.
What kind of filmmaker do you want to be? You can be a fluffy filmmaker that doesn’t take on any real subject. Tampa is full of them. We are the city of fluff. If you are into one dimensional film, Tampa is where you want to be. But then there are a few people who are trying to say something and using film as a medium to say it. I have a lot to say and find I have many tools of saying them, whether it be film, a series, a painting, theater or whatever is at my disposal . But I’m out there using them, and so should you.
What kind of filmmaker or artist, do you want to be? Do you have things you want to say and discuss. For me, art, film, and whatnot is just tools for me to communicate things I want to talk about. The series I am developing is about topics I want dive into and explore subjects that I find interesting and relative, and also showcase good music and talented artist. Go do the same. There are so many ways to express yourself and so many ways to get it out there in front of people. that you really have no excuse not be working on something. I know I have don’t.
Ok, here’s what’s on my agenda for film this week: write 5 post here, dive into my screenplay books, start reading My War by Colby Buzzell, something I think you all should read. Work on the outline for the feature I am working dealing with the sex trade and veteran issues, and do character development on characters for the series and finally work on the business plan with my cousin for my production company. 6 things.
I have slacked on my all the stuff for way to long, and that is unexceptionable. Right now I am in a transformational stage in my life, and I want to be successful and help others. I challenge you all to pick threes things that you want to do creatively and do them. If you have suggestion on something you want me to write about, let me know, for I would love to take on subjects that you are interested in. And please, keep me honest and hold me accountable for these goals. I need to be pushed.
And finally, may you all have a productive week.
I just wanted to update on the short I am doing on sex slavery, I have decided I need this to be a feature length film. As many know I have been working on this film for 2011, and ooohh there is a lot to the development story of this film which will come out soon, but I was really struggling with the basic plot of my film, and then, after having a conversation with a Tampa filmmaker Marcus Kempton, the plot came to me. At first it was a short, but the deeper I got into the process the more clearer it became that this needs to be a feature. In this film, I am also going to get into the subject of what it means to be a soldier that, did multiple tours in combat, what it is like to adjust to civilian life. I almost have tagline done, and I am outlining and writing the synopsis. I am really excited.
I am reading Dexter Filkins’ book “The Forever War” as part of my research for my series. I am looking into what I need for Pitchfest out in LA. Hopefully I can get what I need to go and get sponsorship. I can’t can’t afford to go. And hey, I know it is a long shot that this will make it to a Network., but I got to try and see what can happen. I already have support in my community and people that I trust. Really Excited
I have forgotten about the crowdfunding site https://dana.io/ I think you should look into, and, I will write about it in the next few days.
As always, feel free to contact me.
Ok, so I was asked to join and produce a project; which I had strong reservations about doing. I am not going to go into the details, but I saw huge red flags go up and now have decided to be a consultant rather than a producer. However, good news, through that process I came up with a film idea for a short film regarding the sex trade; which, as some of you know, I have been developing for a feature film. Yes, it is heavy subject, but it is something I feel passionately about. So I will be writing and directing it. I will need your help to get it made. I will need you to spread the word about it and when the time comes, need you to kick in some money.
On the other fronts of my lackluster attempts at being an artist, I bought 4 lbs of wheat paste so that I can start working on mixed medium pieces. Also got 3 tubes of paint: black, white and red. I am talking to some editors to edit Jamie Lowe’s”De Flip Side” and I just got a copy from Jonny Cromwell book, “82 Days”; which I am going to start reading and strategizing for a release. And of course I have the series that I am developing. Which is an intensive endevour.
I also want you to check out this new crowdfunding site https://dana.io/. I am going to do a review on it this week, and they seem like really cool people that you should look up on Twitter and Facebook and say hi. They are really nice people.
If there is anything you want to discuss hit me up. I would love to hear back from you all.
So it occurred to me yesterday while driving, I haven’t written what my series is about as far as a treatment or synopsis. You would think it would be obvious, however everything has been in my head and I have been doing research for it. I have talked and bounced off ideas with trusted people. I found someone who will be responsible for music. Constantly working things out in my head and taking notes, but never wrote the thing out. So I am going to be writing the synopsis and treatment. Now this is terrifying for me and here is why. I have always ran away from writing even though I am a writer at heart. So I am crash coursing it and will tell you what I learned. I also have to crash course into screen writing. Something I have been very intimidated by, which is is why I have found screenwriters instead of writing it myself. With this project I have to write it, at least at the beginning, because there is a certain theme and tone I am trying to convey.
So what else I am doing? I am working with an author who has put out a book that I am going to have edited and then release it. I also am looking into a film which I will produce. I have always wanted to be a publisher and here is my chance. I am currently looking for a editor so if you are an editor please contact me. I think it is a great opportunity to become an independent publisher and a great way to put out great literature and non fiction publications.
So is there anything you guys want me to talk about? Write me and let me know. I would love to look into something for you. Oh, one more thing, I am going to be writing about subjects other than film here like the creative endeavors that I am taking on. I am going to start making artworks again as well as to get into photography which is what I started doing in 97. I started studying fine art photography in the summer of 97. After that I got into sculpting and painting. I really enjoyed doing that and have been wanting to get back into. I think you should always be moving and creating. For me there is so much out there to get into: Art, film, writing, theater, and whatever. It is exciting. Why should you limit yourself. I am a filmmaker and creator of content. To me having no limits on what I can do makes the most sense to me. I say go out and try different things and see which one sticks.
Til next time.
So I am developing a series that is to be shot here in the Tampa Bay Area. My plan is to shop it to networks and if that doesn’t happen then I will turn it into a web series. I have shared t the idea to some people and I have gotten a lot of good feed back. I have a ton of research and work to do but it is very exciting for me. The series will have many niche groups and will be substantive as you might except from me. I love a ton of books to read and the list gets longer. Plus, I read slow so yay for me. I believe many will groups will enjoy the series while others will hate it. But I have a lot of things to say and it will be honest.
So as for the film on sexual violence and sex trafficking, it is on hold while Semone is off studying at the American Film Institute Conservatory. I am starting to talk about these issues in my blog Notes From Outpost 187. Doing this I raise awareness to the subject and build an audience for the film. An Audience that will be with me through funding, production and release. I am talking on a very serious subject, and making the film and getting it distributed will be a challenge, so I need to start working on building an audience now. Not to mention, I might be able to find people who will back the film financially.
So I have a stack of films I need to watch. I have 9 films from the library and I haven’t gotten to any of them. I have a bunch from Akira Kurosawa who is my favorite director. I am hoping to knock out as many I as I can this weekend and throughout next week. We will see.
I also am going to be diving into writing. It is something that I should have been doing years ago. I will be, of course, writing here but in my other blogs. I feel I need to be a writer first and for most. Yes, this means I have to get good at it; as well as my grammar, which I know is lacking. And that is being very kind to myself.
Ok so you all have a great weekend.
Peace, Love and Nappiness
That is right, tomorrow is the Grey Room Crowdfunding Kickoff Party. We will begin our Indiegogo campaign and you are invited.
We are having out party at The Hub. 719 N Franklin St, Tampa, Fl, which is the greatest bar, like a real bar, in the world. Be aware that there drinks are very strong so do not slam them. Anyways, We are having this party to A. Bring attention to our Crowdfunding campaign B. To just give people a reason to have a good time and to bring closer our community and C. To bring attention to ourselves and build our audience and build our Brand.
We will have have the cast and crew of Grey Room: Linda Roser, John O’Keef, Leon Salem Kathrine Michelle. Lydia Edwards, Jeannine Fiallo, Brandon Hyde, Tony Tartaglia, Lakiasha Olds, William Wright. They are great people who work very hard and are talented . We will be showing our out Pitch video and trailer.
Please come out. This is our first event and we will more. I like getting together and hanging out with good people like you.
My journey into film 