Marvel Entertainment is being honored by the home entertainment industry in this week's issue of Video Business.
The software for the digital magazine allows you to flip the pages from the upper right hand corner. Take a look at their first animated premiere DVD, Ultimate Avengers due out in February, 2006.
There's also a nice article regarding Universal's plans for more D2DVD franchise movies.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
There Are Those Days...
You know when you're wrestling with a story?
Hell, who am I kidding? Wrestling is when there are two competitors. In this case, Story and his cronies have you tied to a chair and they're beating the crap out of you. Character, theme, structure, format - the whole gang - are getting in their licks.
Punch! You're pissing blood.
Kick! There goes a rib.
Crack! Your jaw just broke. You're spitting teeth (and blood).
Another kick! Your balls are in your throat.
And you can't really tell what's going on 'cause the pain is blinding. You can barely see out of your one good fuckin' eye 'cause the other, it's swollen shut. Fact is, your whole face is one big fuckin' punching bag of a bruise, and if this shit keeps up you're going to curl up in a fetal position and wallow in your own feces.
And you think, When is the ref going to call this fight?
Then you realize that there is no referee.
No bell.
No audience cheering.
Nothing.
You're stuck in a dark, wet room all by your lonesome. You and Story and his pals.
And right now, you are Story's bitch (and he's reaching down to unzip his fly).
So as much pain as you're in, as much as it hurts to even breathe, you fuckin' suck in your gut.
You sit up.
Clear your throat.
Spit out the blood and teeth.
You look Story in that cold, smirk of a grin of his and say,
"You hit like a girl."
'Cause you are a fuckin' writer, and you don't lay down and take that shit from anybody.
Hell, who am I kidding? Wrestling is when there are two competitors. In this case, Story and his cronies have you tied to a chair and they're beating the crap out of you. Character, theme, structure, format - the whole gang - are getting in their licks.
Punch! You're pissing blood.
Kick! There goes a rib.
Crack! Your jaw just broke. You're spitting teeth (and blood).
Another kick! Your balls are in your throat.
And you can't really tell what's going on 'cause the pain is blinding. You can barely see out of your one good fuckin' eye 'cause the other, it's swollen shut. Fact is, your whole face is one big fuckin' punching bag of a bruise, and if this shit keeps up you're going to curl up in a fetal position and wallow in your own feces.
And you think, When is the ref going to call this fight?
Then you realize that there is no referee.
No bell.
No audience cheering.
Nothing.
You're stuck in a dark, wet room all by your lonesome. You and Story and his pals.
And right now, you are Story's bitch (and he's reaching down to unzip his fly).
So as much pain as you're in, as much as it hurts to even breathe, you fuckin' suck in your gut.
You sit up.
Clear your throat.
Spit out the blood and teeth.
You look Story in that cold, smirk of a grin of his and say,
"You hit like a girl."
'Cause you are a fuckin' writer, and you don't lay down and take that shit from anybody.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Art vs. Craft
Steven Grant has a wonderful piece in this week's Comic Book Resources regarding the age old question of Art vs. Craft. Grant is talking about the state of comic books in his editorial, but what he's saying applies to writing movies as well.
I bring all this up because there seems to be this innate need for screenwriters and filmmakers to reinvent the wheel, when what they should really be doing is taking that wheel, putting their tire on it and wheeling it over to their car so that can get on the road.
----------
Saw the new Harry Potter movie, The Goblet of Fire. Liked it overall, but felt that it wasn't as well-constructed a movie as the previous Prisoner of Azkaban. Oh, and by the way, I've never read any of the books so I speak only from my movie-going experience. To me, this movie had a rushed feel to it, and I would have liked more character bits and scope, but I'm glad the kids are growing up and learning things about all kinds of magic. That includes both spells and those feelings you get when you hold a woman's hand for the first time, and how those sorts of things can cause all sorts of trouble. Wonderful, wonderful trouble...
I bring all this up because there seems to be this innate need for screenwriters and filmmakers to reinvent the wheel, when what they should really be doing is taking that wheel, putting their tire on it and wheeling it over to their car so that can get on the road.
----------
Saw the new Harry Potter movie, The Goblet of Fire. Liked it overall, but felt that it wasn't as well-constructed a movie as the previous Prisoner of Azkaban. Oh, and by the way, I've never read any of the books so I speak only from my movie-going experience. To me, this movie had a rushed feel to it, and I would have liked more character bits and scope, but I'm glad the kids are growing up and learning things about all kinds of magic. That includes both spells and those feelings you get when you hold a woman's hand for the first time, and how those sorts of things can cause all sorts of trouble. Wonderful, wonderful trouble...
Friday, November 18, 2005
JR Gets Plugged!
No, we are not going back to the picture wars. That's over. Just wanted to throw a little shout out toward my Buddy Jeff O'Brien. He has recently been lauded by his director in Fangoria.
Good job, Jeff. Now get back to work.
Good job, Jeff. Now get back to work.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
More Wild Cinema

Mondo Macabro DVD is a label that you have to admire.
These guys took their love of the wild world of weird cinema and wrote a book about it. Then they decided to launch a DVD line. The western world may never be the same.

Now, Mondo Macabro has come out with a double feature DVD featuring two films from the hallucinogenic cinema of Turkey: Deathless Devil and Tarkan Vs. The Vikings. Both weird features are in the original turkish language with english subtitles along with a great documentary on the history of Turkish cinema.
DD is a feature version of the 40's serial Mysterious Doctor Satan. By 'version' I mean complete and utter ripoff. The turks stole the story, the robot, the heroic masked lead (The Copperhead) and added healthy does of pseudo-martial arts, 60's style, sex and a healthy dose of sadism.
Tarkan, on the other hand is a pseudo-Conan who had his own comic book series in Turkey. This was a barbarian who was raised by wolves and now travels the turkish countryside as a soldier-of-fortune meeting all sorts of other barbarians and supernatural menaces. In this episode (yes, the turks did a whole series of very successful Tarkan adventures) , Tarkan goes up against a belly-dancing witch and a giant octopus!
These are movies that make little-to-no sense until you watch the documentary on the disc. It's a real eye-opener in terms of the lengths a producer (read: crook) would go to get a film made and distributed in Turkey. It's a crying shame that many of the films' negatives were later destroyed for their silver content. I hope that Mondo macabro is able to bring more of these films to western audiences.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
The Hidden Gems
So Denis McGrath calls me out and asks, "What are the D2DVD flicks worth watching?"
Get ready, folks...
The following movies are at all different budget levels, production value and distribution. Some premiered on cable, but they really are D2DVD's because those deals are negotiated before or at the same time as the cable sale. The one thing that separates these from the rest of the D2DVD pack is the fact that - Yes, they may be cheesy. Yes, they do have their faults, but for whatever reason - YOU HAVE TO KEEP WATCHING.
So, in no particular order:
ALIEN ABDUCTION - creepy horror/sci fi from The Asylum. Ultra low budget.
BEING RON JEREMY - need I say more?
KING OF THE ANTS - Stuart "Re-Animator" Gordon directs Kari Wuhrer (and Denis, you know what that means)
CURSE OF THE KOMODO - cheesy creature feature. Fulfills that Harryhausen addiction within.
DEATH VALLEY: REVENGE OF BLOODY BILL - ultra low supernatural slasher.
DRACULA II/ III - D2DVD sequels to DRACULA 2000. Stylish and fun.
GLASS TRAP - DIE HARD with giant ants.
FRANKENSTEIN REBORN - reimagining of Shelley's classic.
HIDE AND CREEP - redneck zombie comedy.
JOLLY ROGER - killer pirate from beyond the grave.
MANSQUITO - Man. Fucking. Skeeto. Need I say more?
RELATIVE EVIL - drug drama with Jennifer Tilly who won a DVDX Award.
SNIPER 3 - good action flick from Tom Berenger. He goes back to the 'Nam.
SCREAM BLOODY MURDER - schoolgirl slasher comedy. A little old, but still good.
TOOLBOX MURDERS - remake from Tobe Hooper. Gore. Gore. Gore.
SIDE FX - drug turns kids into vampires.
WAKE OF DEATH - the Van Dammer!
DOG SOLDIERS - a little old (2.5 years?), but really cool werewolf flick. Had a theatrical overseas, but premiered on DVD here courtesy of Blockbuster.
PTERODACTYL - dinosaurs on the loose killing college students.
SPECIES III - sequel to the theatrical movies. Lots of nudity and creature slime.
COMIC BOOK: THE MOVIE - winner at last years DVDX awards. Mark Hammill directs (and he's good at it).
---------------------------
Coming Next week - 8MM 2 starring Johnathon Schaech and Julie Benz.
That's it for now. I AM forgetting a lot more gems hidden on the shelves between the multiple copies of the latest Meg Ryan tearjack.
I am sure you folks out there will remind me.
(Sorry, I kind of blew that top five deal didn't I?)
Get ready, folks...
The following movies are at all different budget levels, production value and distribution. Some premiered on cable, but they really are D2DVD's because those deals are negotiated before or at the same time as the cable sale. The one thing that separates these from the rest of the D2DVD pack is the fact that - Yes, they may be cheesy. Yes, they do have their faults, but for whatever reason - YOU HAVE TO KEEP WATCHING.
So, in no particular order:
ALIEN ABDUCTION - creepy horror/sci fi from The Asylum. Ultra low budget.
BEING RON JEREMY - need I say more?
KING OF THE ANTS - Stuart "Re-Animator" Gordon directs Kari Wuhrer (and Denis, you know what that means)
CURSE OF THE KOMODO - cheesy creature feature. Fulfills that Harryhausen addiction within.
DEATH VALLEY: REVENGE OF BLOODY BILL - ultra low supernatural slasher.
DRACULA II/ III - D2DVD sequels to DRACULA 2000. Stylish and fun.
GLASS TRAP - DIE HARD with giant ants.
FRANKENSTEIN REBORN - reimagining of Shelley's classic.
HIDE AND CREEP - redneck zombie comedy.
JOLLY ROGER - killer pirate from beyond the grave.
MANSQUITO - Man. Fucking. Skeeto. Need I say more?
RELATIVE EVIL - drug drama with Jennifer Tilly who won a DVDX Award.
SNIPER 3 - good action flick from Tom Berenger. He goes back to the 'Nam.
SCREAM BLOODY MURDER - schoolgirl slasher comedy. A little old, but still good.
TOOLBOX MURDERS - remake from Tobe Hooper. Gore. Gore. Gore.
SIDE FX - drug turns kids into vampires.
WAKE OF DEATH - the Van Dammer!
DOG SOLDIERS - a little old (2.5 years?), but really cool werewolf flick. Had a theatrical overseas, but premiered on DVD here courtesy of Blockbuster.
PTERODACTYL - dinosaurs on the loose killing college students.
SPECIES III - sequel to the theatrical movies. Lots of nudity and creature slime.
COMIC BOOK: THE MOVIE - winner at last years DVDX awards. Mark Hammill directs (and he's good at it).
---------------------------
Coming Next week - 8MM 2 starring Johnathon Schaech and Julie Benz.
That's it for now. I AM forgetting a lot more gems hidden on the shelves between the multiple copies of the latest Meg Ryan tearjack.
I am sure you folks out there will remind me.
(Sorry, I kind of blew that top five deal didn't I?)
Aaaah Yes, That Is Better!
To those of you newcomers who have crossed over to the DISContent side of town from the white picket fences and manicured lawns of the Kung Fu Monkey...
Glad to have ya join us. The more the merrier.
(I didn't think there was going to be this many of you or else I would have bought more beer. Honest. I'll know better next time)
If this is your first time here, let me say this - we talk a lot about the movies you see on the video store shelves every weekend when you walk into Blockbuster.
Monster movies.
Shoot'emups.
Erotic thrillers.
Techno thrillers made with footage from every airplane/sub/battleship pic you've ever seen.
Urban movies about rappers with a gun and a key of coke.
The movies that, deep down you really want to see because the cover art looks cool and it stars that the guy from (insert whatever TV show, cable movie or rap concert that applies), or that other guy who should probably be in traction by now, but somehow still gets hired to go out and kick badguy ass.
These are the movies you don't see at the theater any more because the Drive-ins and the Grindhouses are all gone. You only see these on DVD; which is kinda' cool because you can rent it, slip it under your coat, and watch it later after the kids have gone to bed.
So find yourself a seat, get some popcorn and don't be afraid to speak up. Think of us as your local drive-in or grindhouse where you can shout back at the screen.
Isn't that half the fun?
Glad to have ya join us. The more the merrier.
(I didn't think there was going to be this many of you or else I would have bought more beer. Honest. I'll know better next time)
If this is your first time here, let me say this - we talk a lot about the movies you see on the video store shelves every weekend when you walk into Blockbuster.
Monster movies.
Shoot'emups.
Erotic thrillers.
Techno thrillers made with footage from every airplane/sub/battleship pic you've ever seen.
Urban movies about rappers with a gun and a key of coke.
The movies that, deep down you really want to see because the cover art looks cool and it stars that the guy from (insert whatever TV show, cable movie or rap concert that applies), or that other guy who should probably be in traction by now, but somehow still gets hired to go out and kick badguy ass.
These are the movies you don't see at the theater any more because the Drive-ins and the Grindhouses are all gone. You only see these on DVD; which is kinda' cool because you can rent it, slip it under your coat, and watch it later after the kids have gone to bed.
So find yourself a seat, get some popcorn and don't be afraid to speak up. Think of us as your local drive-in or grindhouse where you can shout back at the screen.
Isn't that half the fun?
Monday, November 14, 2005
Post Expo Scribosphere Gathering
Well, last night was the big event at the Figueroa Hotel and your favorite pulpster went out on the town to meet and greet his fellow scribes.
The veranda bar was quite nice and the whole of downtown LA was far cleaner than I expected: Well lit, no trash, no smells.
To all of you - Warren, Fun Joel, John, Awful Writer, Trish, Andie, Kira, Shawna, Rose (aka Writergurl who didn't hang long enough to let me buy her a drink), Matt, Josh (who I didn't get a chance to really talk to, but want to talk further), Sarah and whomever else was there that I'm forgetting:
Thanks!
I had a good time and it was good to get away from the desk, have a few drinks and relax.
Warren has plenty of pics on his site here.
(Yes gentlemen, the girls are as cute as they appear in the photos! Cuter even.)
Sincerely,
Mr. Bill
Your bald new voice in screenwriting...as evidenced by the pictures!
The veranda bar was quite nice and the whole of downtown LA was far cleaner than I expected: Well lit, no trash, no smells.
To all of you - Warren, Fun Joel, John, Awful Writer, Trish, Andie, Kira, Shawna, Rose (aka Writergurl who didn't hang long enough to let me buy her a drink), Matt, Josh (who I didn't get a chance to really talk to, but want to talk further), Sarah and whomever else was there that I'm forgetting:
Thanks!
I had a good time and it was good to get away from the desk, have a few drinks and relax.
Warren has plenty of pics on his site here.
(Yes gentlemen, the girls are as cute as they appear in the photos! Cuter even.)
Sincerely,
Mr. Bill
Your bald new voice in screenwriting...as evidenced by the pictures!
In2TV
AOL and Warners announced their new internet television streaming venture In2TV
What's really interesting is the following quote from the article:
There's no guarantee consumers will go for it. Decades-old shows such as "Chico and the Man," "Alice," "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" and "Eight is Enough" may not prove to be big draws among younger people.
"A lot of people might latch on to these shows that didn't see them for the first go-round," said Craig Leddy, analyst for research firm Points North Group. "But how do you grow this beyond a novelty?"
You do that by providing new programming as well, dummy!
How studios could not be contacting their own low-budget / indie divisions and saying, "Make us some new, exciting, different type of programming to go along with this new, exciting, different type of channel," is beyond me. Use this outlet as a testing ground for eventual broadcast! Tell everyone, "We're not giving you a lot of money, but we are giving you control," and then see what happens. It worked wonders for the Cartoon Network which developed Dexter's Laboratory and Powerpuff Girls using the same model.
Think outside your colon, guys!
What's really interesting is the following quote from the article:
There's no guarantee consumers will go for it. Decades-old shows such as "Chico and the Man," "Alice," "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" and "Eight is Enough" may not prove to be big draws among younger people.
"A lot of people might latch on to these shows that didn't see them for the first go-round," said Craig Leddy, analyst for research firm Points North Group. "But how do you grow this beyond a novelty?"
You do that by providing new programming as well, dummy!
How studios could not be contacting their own low-budget / indie divisions and saying, "Make us some new, exciting, different type of programming to go along with this new, exciting, different type of channel," is beyond me. Use this outlet as a testing ground for eventual broadcast! Tell everyone, "We're not giving you a lot of money, but we are giving you control," and then see what happens. It worked wonders for the Cartoon Network which developed Dexter's Laboratory and Powerpuff Girls using the same model.
Think outside your colon, guys!
More Tales From The Shadows
To get the word out early, I want to point all fans of pulp fiction heroes here.
Tales of the Shadowmen Vol. II - Gentlemen of the Night is being assembled by our stalwart editors-in-chief J.M. and Randy Lofficier. This volume features more pulpy, mysterious fun you've come to expect from french fictional heroes like: Fantomas, Doc Ardan, The Nyctalope, Racombole, Sar Dubnotal and Arsene Lupin.
While many of you are familiar with American pulp heroes like Doc Savage or The Spider, these characters are their French cousins who are often much more ambiguous (and bloodthirsty) when it comes to their motivations and activities. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of all of them.
I am honored to again be included in the roster of authors contributing to this series. This is something that's really fun to do, and stretches the creative muscles. I can't wait to read all of these stories, and I know you'll want to reserve your copy today (shameless sales pitch).
If you want to know more, check out the Black Coat Press link in the sidebar.
Pulp on!
Tales of the Shadowmen Vol. II - Gentlemen of the Night is being assembled by our stalwart editors-in-chief J.M. and Randy Lofficier. This volume features more pulpy, mysterious fun you've come to expect from french fictional heroes like: Fantomas, Doc Ardan, The Nyctalope, Racombole, Sar Dubnotal and Arsene Lupin.
While many of you are familiar with American pulp heroes like Doc Savage or The Spider, these characters are their French cousins who are often much more ambiguous (and bloodthirsty) when it comes to their motivations and activities. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of all of them.
I am honored to again be included in the roster of authors contributing to this series. This is something that's really fun to do, and stretches the creative muscles. I can't wait to read all of these stories, and I know you'll want to reserve your copy today (shameless sales pitch).
If you want to know more, check out the Black Coat Press link in the sidebar.
Pulp on!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Scribosphere Gathering
Well, I'm not attending the Screenwriting Expo (blew my wad on AFM), but I am going to the after party hosted by our friendly Fun Joel and Warren (of Screenwriting Life) over at the Figueroa Hotel bar.
I look forward to hoisting a few drinks with the clan, and hearing what everyone is up to.
I'll report back tomorrow.
I look forward to hoisting a few drinks with the clan, and hearing what everyone is up to.
I'll report back tomorrow.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Brand New World
So I scooted down to Santa Monica the other day for the AFM. While there, I shook a few hands, picked up a few magazines and walked around.
Then I got the hell outta there to get back to work. The reason?
Well, in looking at all of the posters and sell sheets and talking to a few of my friends at various companies, I discovered a few things.
There has never been a better time to launch films into the marketplace. With more and more digital outlets opening up, DVD taking hold across the world, tax incentives and exchange rates - it's a marketplace where you can get a film made and move it around the world fairly quickly. With financing in place, you can make a dozen movies and move them around the world fairly quickly. Opportunity is in the air - it's a brand new world.
But Bill, I'm just a screenwriter. All I need to do is write.
Wrong. (well, not so much "wrong" as "yes and no")
But Bill...
Yes and No.
See, we're living in a brand new world.
We can't be Bartleby the Scrivener anymore (look it up). We can't just sit back and write, not thinking about how and where our writing is used. You can't just be a TV writer. You can't just be a comic book writer. You can't just be a feature writer. The needs of the marketplace, not to mention the needs of our individual bank accounts, demand that we as writers become... more.
You and I need to become brands.
For movies and TV and Games and all sorts of media and merchandising - branding is important. Branding steps right up, gets in your face and says, "This is who I am, and this is what I have to offer."
Why do you think Hollywood is making so many sequels and remakes right now? Why do you think they're buying so many comic book, video game and toy properties?
Why do you think there are several TV writers who now write comic books as well?
Yep - branding. Hollywood is taking recognizable properties and squeezing as much juice out of them as they possibly can: Bewitched, Pirates of the Carribean 2 & 3, Blade: The TV series, Serenity, Soul Calibur, etc...
We have the Marvel brand, The DC brand, the Mtv brand, the Capcom brand...
We also have brands that are individuals: Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and in a new deal signed with New Line, Danielle Steel has a line of D2DVD movies coming out. Brands all.
And people with financing in place tend to back brands - distinctive properties with a certain look and appeal that have an immediate connection with their intended audience. It's a way of limiting the risk of investing in a film, because they're betting on a track record and not just a great story. They're betting that the audience that embraces the property will embrace the movie made from that property. Brands are marketing and PR gold.
As creators though, branding comes with a certain amount of responsibility:
It means control.
It means investment in your work and the time needed to complete it.
It means networking opportunities in other media in order to get your brand out there (and those opportunities mean hard work, learning new skills and bringing your A-game to the process).
It also means saying, "No", when the deal isn't right. This is, after all, your brand - you have to protect it.
It means building an audience, and letting them know what you're doing.
It's a brand new world.
What's your brand and what are you doing to get it out there?
Then I got the hell outta there to get back to work. The reason?
Well, in looking at all of the posters and sell sheets and talking to a few of my friends at various companies, I discovered a few things.
There has never been a better time to launch films into the marketplace. With more and more digital outlets opening up, DVD taking hold across the world, tax incentives and exchange rates - it's a marketplace where you can get a film made and move it around the world fairly quickly. With financing in place, you can make a dozen movies and move them around the world fairly quickly. Opportunity is in the air - it's a brand new world.
But Bill, I'm just a screenwriter. All I need to do is write.
Wrong. (well, not so much "wrong" as "yes and no")
But Bill...
Yes and No.
See, we're living in a brand new world.
We can't be Bartleby the Scrivener anymore (look it up). We can't just sit back and write, not thinking about how and where our writing is used. You can't just be a TV writer. You can't just be a comic book writer. You can't just be a feature writer. The needs of the marketplace, not to mention the needs of our individual bank accounts, demand that we as writers become... more.
You and I need to become brands.
For movies and TV and Games and all sorts of media and merchandising - branding is important. Branding steps right up, gets in your face and says, "This is who I am, and this is what I have to offer."
Why do you think Hollywood is making so many sequels and remakes right now? Why do you think they're buying so many comic book, video game and toy properties?
Why do you think there are several TV writers who now write comic books as well?
Yep - branding. Hollywood is taking recognizable properties and squeezing as much juice out of them as they possibly can: Bewitched, Pirates of the Carribean 2 & 3, Blade: The TV series, Serenity, Soul Calibur, etc...
We have the Marvel brand, The DC brand, the Mtv brand, the Capcom brand...
We also have brands that are individuals: Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and in a new deal signed with New Line, Danielle Steel has a line of D2DVD movies coming out. Brands all.
And people with financing in place tend to back brands - distinctive properties with a certain look and appeal that have an immediate connection with their intended audience. It's a way of limiting the risk of investing in a film, because they're betting on a track record and not just a great story. They're betting that the audience that embraces the property will embrace the movie made from that property. Brands are marketing and PR gold.
As creators though, branding comes with a certain amount of responsibility:
It means control.
It means investment in your work and the time needed to complete it.
It means networking opportunities in other media in order to get your brand out there (and those opportunities mean hard work, learning new skills and bringing your A-game to the process).
It also means saying, "No", when the deal isn't right. This is, after all, your brand - you have to protect it.
It means building an audience, and letting them know what you're doing.
It's a brand new world.
What's your brand and what are you doing to get it out there?
Friday, November 11, 2005
Jeff O'Brien Comes Out of a Pitch Meeting with John Curtis
You gotta love a guy that sticks with it.
Side note: I'm posting links to respect your right to not look and to not blow out the pic restrictions from Blogger.
Side note: I'm posting links to respect your right to not look and to not blow out the pic restrictions from Blogger.
Jeff OBrien In His Apartment Seeking Inspiration For His Next Script
Those of a weak constitution shouldn't look here.
Halloween Producer Killed In Jordanian Bombings
From today's Screen International:
11 November 2005
The producer of the Halloween films, Syrian-born Moustapha Akkad, was confirmed today as one of the victims of the hotel bombings in Jordan.
Los Angeles-resident Akkad, who also directed the epic Anthony Quinn-starrers Lion Of The Desert and The Message, died this morning from wounds sustained in Wednesday’s attack in Amman.
His daughter, Rima Akkad Monla, was also killed.
Akkad had most recently been working on the ninth installment of the 27-year Halloween series.
11 November 2005
The producer of the Halloween films, Syrian-born Moustapha Akkad, was confirmed today as one of the victims of the hotel bombings in Jordan.
Los Angeles-resident Akkad, who also directed the epic Anthony Quinn-starrers Lion Of The Desert and The Message, died this morning from wounds sustained in Wednesday’s attack in Amman.
His daughter, Rima Akkad Monla, was also killed.
Akkad had most recently been working on the ninth installment of the 27-year Halloween series.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Kaiju Smackdown!
It is on, Magnificent Iguana Beee-otch!
Jeff O'Brien, Vancouver screenwriter took offense of the pic of good old "Spidey-sack" (Thanks, John!), so he challenged me by posting a "Supergirl" pic on his site. (not much of a challenge really as I thought it looked good).
But of course, the gauntlet has been thrown.
Well we've decided to have a bit of fun tomorrow and try to out-do each other in the disgusting pics department. Nothing in the Warren Ellis debauchery category, but genre pics poking fun at one another. You guys get to judge and make comments.
I'm so sorry.
Jeff O'Brien, Vancouver screenwriter took offense of the pic of good old "Spidey-sack" (Thanks, John!), so he challenged me by posting a "Supergirl" pic on his site. (not much of a challenge really as I thought it looked good).
But of course, the gauntlet has been thrown.
Well we've decided to have a bit of fun tomorrow and try to out-do each other in the disgusting pics department. Nothing in the Warren Ellis debauchery category, but genre pics poking fun at one another. You guys get to judge and make comments.
I'm so sorry.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Grammar Lesson
Have you guys been watching Commander-In-Chief ?
I know Denis McGrath has been watching for multiple reasons, but I wanted to get an opinion on what you think of the captions that come up in the show telling us who everyone one is, the time period, etc..
It's as if Rod Lurie and company are realizing that they only have so much time and so many pages to get the story out, so they caption it to make it as info-dense as possible.
I can see the need for it with all of the senators, generals - there's a lot of players on the board - but with the flashbacks it makes little-to-no sense. They already visually tone the image letting us know that it's a flashback. Do we need more? Do we want more?
Is this now part of our accepted visual grammar?
I'm going through The Skull again, and looking for ways to make it as info-dense as possible, without raising the budget. Giving more story - or at least the appearance of more story - as well as framing it within the context of a comic book styled movie. I liked the caption motif with the old Wonder Woman show - it fit there - but does it fit with The Skull?
And you know me, I want to keep it simple - but I also want to give people their money's worth of story. This may allow both unless it's intrusive.
I know Denis McGrath has been watching for multiple reasons, but I wanted to get an opinion on what you think of the captions that come up in the show telling us who everyone one is, the time period, etc..
It's as if Rod Lurie and company are realizing that they only have so much time and so many pages to get the story out, so they caption it to make it as info-dense as possible.
I can see the need for it with all of the senators, generals - there's a lot of players on the board - but with the flashbacks it makes little-to-no sense. They already visually tone the image letting us know that it's a flashback. Do we need more? Do we want more?
Is this now part of our accepted visual grammar?
I'm going through The Skull again, and looking for ways to make it as info-dense as possible, without raising the budget. Giving more story - or at least the appearance of more story - as well as framing it within the context of a comic book styled movie. I liked the caption motif with the old Wonder Woman show - it fit there - but does it fit with The Skull?
And you know me, I want to keep it simple - but I also want to give people their money's worth of story. This may allow both unless it's intrusive.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
My Inner Theme Song
My good buddy up in Vancouver, Jeff O'Brien (he of Magnificent Iguana infamy) reminded me today that I have had the Jonny Quest theme up on my audio clip for quite awhile. Well, change is a good thing and I want to give you folks an idea of the kind of music to which I've been listening.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you "Tank!" by Yoko Kanno. It is better known as the opening theme to the Cowboy Bebop TV show, but around these parts it's what I have been inspired by as I've been rewriting The Skull.
Just head over to my profile, click it and find the audio clip. Sit back, close your eyes, and imagine an opening credits sequence similar to the Teen Titans (or Batman Beyond), but featuring our skull-faced horror and this theme music. Now click and...
Enjoy!
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you "Tank!" by Yoko Kanno. It is better known as the opening theme to the Cowboy Bebop TV show, but around these parts it's what I have been inspired by as I've been rewriting The Skull.
Just head over to my profile, click it and find the audio clip. Sit back, close your eyes, and imagine an opening credits sequence similar to the Teen Titans (or Batman Beyond), but featuring our skull-faced horror and this theme music. Now click and...
Enjoy!
Indie Consolidation
First Look buys DEJ for $25M
First Look Studios has agreed to purchase DEJ Prods.--Blockbuster Entertainment’s production, acquisition and distribution company--for $25 million in cash.
(from our good friends at Video Business)
First Look Studios has agreed to purchase DEJ Prods.--Blockbuster Entertainment’s production, acquisition and distribution company--for $25 million in cash.
(from our good friends at Video Business)
Monday, November 07, 2005
Thick-Headed

Been working my brain to the bone...
Finished 2nd draft of The Skull today. Ninety-three pages of pure pulp. Five locations. Lots of weirdness. It's one of those stories that's simple, yet told with it's own unique style that once you accept you really get into. It has a lot of the same visual grammar as anime or manga, which will not be especially easy to pull off at this script's budget level.
Aw well, anyone with money can do it - it takes genius to pull it off for no money.
I have another post coming up on delivery items, don't I ?
All right, back to work.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Coming Attractions:
As promised, here's a small list of some of the movies that will probably debut on cable and DVD in the future. As I go through my copies of BUSINESS OF FILM, SCREEN INTERNATIONAL, VARIETY and HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, I'm going to point out various films of interest. There's a lot of material here to study and make projections for 2006.
Shochiku Films from Japan has HORROR THEATER coming out which is six hourlong episodes from various Japanese directors of horror.
Tube Entertainment from Korea has a new horror flick out called CELLO featuring a young woman beside a tied up cello case which drips blood from the inside.
Media Asia has the new Johnny To film EXILED in pre-production which features HK actor Anthony Wong. They are also releasing INITIAL D - the live action film from the japanese manga and anime series.
Horizon Entertainment has two new installments from the TOMIE series (which I worked on when it debuted on DVD here in the states) - TOMIE: BEGINNING and TOMIE: REVENGE.
My friends over at Fabrication Films have CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER WOMEN coming out starring Helena Bonham Carter and Aaron Eckhart. I saw an early cut of the film and it is great. It will win awards and get a limited theatrical release. It was shot digitally in a new "dual-screen" format (not exactly split screen).
Mandarin Films has an adaption of a Chinese manga (mahn-wa) DRAGON TIGER GATE.
(Note: The Koreans and Asia in general are out in full force at this AFM. Lots of product. Lots of horror product)
Roger Corman's New Concorde-New Horizons has CRY OF THE WINGED SERPENT (from our friend Jim Wynorski) and BLOODFIST 2050 (but not starring Don "The Dragon" Wilson)
American World Pictures has RAIDERS OF THE DAMNED, THE HUNT and THE CONDEMNED.
Hollywood Wizard (where do they get these names?) has HORRORS OF WAR, MY DEMON WITHIN, THE SURVIVOR, XENY: SPACE WARRIOR, PREMONITIONS and CIRCUS ISLAND (featuring Audrey and Judy Landers) .
Cine Excel has two D2DVD winners with THE ABOMINABLE and AXEGRINDER (based on a true story!). Both are truly cheesy pieces of art.
There will be more posts later, but I would like all of you to think about one thing:
Have any of you heard of these companies before? (well, we've all heard of Roger Corman, but seriously, have you?) There are people in the motion picture industry who work steadily and make a living - and never, ever work for the studios. In fact, speaking in terms of sheer volume of sales, more business is done outside the studio system than within it...
And those companies need good, marketable films. Check out the links in this post and see what I'm talking about.
I'm saying this to let you know there are more opportunities out there than you think, and just because the studios don't want your film or script, doesn't mean you can't sell it or produce it. Film isn't limited to just the studios. Film is international, and the key to breaking in is persistence, knowledge and talent. Don't limit yourself.
Shochiku Films from Japan has HORROR THEATER coming out which is six hourlong episodes from various Japanese directors of horror.
Tube Entertainment from Korea has a new horror flick out called CELLO featuring a young woman beside a tied up cello case which drips blood from the inside.
Media Asia has the new Johnny To film EXILED in pre-production which features HK actor Anthony Wong. They are also releasing INITIAL D - the live action film from the japanese manga and anime series.
Horizon Entertainment has two new installments from the TOMIE series (which I worked on when it debuted on DVD here in the states) - TOMIE: BEGINNING and TOMIE: REVENGE.
My friends over at Fabrication Films have CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER WOMEN coming out starring Helena Bonham Carter and Aaron Eckhart. I saw an early cut of the film and it is great. It will win awards and get a limited theatrical release. It was shot digitally in a new "dual-screen" format (not exactly split screen).
Mandarin Films has an adaption of a Chinese manga (mahn-wa) DRAGON TIGER GATE.
(Note: The Koreans and Asia in general are out in full force at this AFM. Lots of product. Lots of horror product)
Roger Corman's New Concorde-New Horizons has CRY OF THE WINGED SERPENT (from our friend Jim Wynorski) and BLOODFIST 2050 (but not starring Don "The Dragon" Wilson)
American World Pictures has RAIDERS OF THE DAMNED, THE HUNT and THE CONDEMNED.
Hollywood Wizard (where do they get these names?) has HORRORS OF WAR, MY DEMON WITHIN, THE SURVIVOR, XENY: SPACE WARRIOR, PREMONITIONS and CIRCUS ISLAND (featuring Audrey and Judy Landers) .
Cine Excel has two D2DVD winners with THE ABOMINABLE and AXEGRINDER (based on a true story!). Both are truly cheesy pieces of art.
There will be more posts later, but I would like all of you to think about one thing:
Have any of you heard of these companies before? (well, we've all heard of Roger Corman, but seriously, have you?) There are people in the motion picture industry who work steadily and make a living - and never, ever work for the studios. In fact, speaking in terms of sheer volume of sales, more business is done outside the studio system than within it...
And those companies need good, marketable films. Check out the links in this post and see what I'm talking about.
I'm saying this to let you know there are more opportunities out there than you think, and just because the studios don't want your film or script, doesn't mean you can't sell it or produce it. Film isn't limited to just the studios. Film is international, and the key to breaking in is persistence, knowledge and talent. Don't limit yourself.
Friday, November 04, 2005
American Film Market
is going on in Santa Monica right now and I will be reviewing all the literature (sell sheets and magazines) from it and talking about several movies that will be of interest to D2DVD heads around here.
The AFM is a haven for indie and D2DVD types from around the world as well as the bigger theatrical blockbusters. DVD is making its presence felt in the world market and changing a lot of what we "know" about film and audiences. I wish I could be down there every day and report (hmmm...next year?), but I have more work to do here at the secret mountain HQ.
From what I've seen so far, there's some interesting films out there...
The AFM is a haven for indie and D2DVD types from around the world as well as the bigger theatrical blockbusters. DVD is making its presence felt in the world market and changing a lot of what we "know" about film and audiences. I wish I could be down there every day and report (hmmm...next year?), but I have more work to do here at the secret mountain HQ.
From what I've seen so far, there's some interesting films out there...
Who are You?
Denis McGrath has a great post today that dovetails a conversation I had with my father last week when I was heading to the Augusta, GA airport to return here to LA.
Now to put this in context, Dad and I were talking about the trip and how good it was to see each other - the sort of review you do before you have to step through the metal detectors and head for the gate to catch your flight. In this case we were driving to the airport along the fields of the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area), and Pop comes up with something out of the blue:
"You know that I know nothing about what you do. You didn't get any of that creative stuff from me. That's just not my world, but I have to respect the fact that you went out there and are doing it on your own without any help from your old man..."
WOW. It kind of hung in the air there, held aloft by its own power. Then after the shock wore off, and I thought of something to say, 'cause you can't leave something like that alone, and I stammered in that little boy voice that all men use with their fathers in these kinds of moments:
"Well, you and I aren't so different Dad. You put together financing plans for companies. I put together blueprints for producers and directors."
Then, in a moment of utter brilliance (okay, maybe not sooo brilliant), I said:
"It's not what we do so much as who we are."
I think he understood.
-------------------------
I cannot see myself doing anything else with my life.
Writing and producing and all of the associated stuff that I do with film and DVD is who I am. I have to see the whole thing through to the point where that DVD is put in your player and you can sit back, relax and enjoy it. Everything I do is so I can reach that point in the process, and it is sooooooo worthwhile it makes up for all the gut-wrenching phone calls, faxes, emails, politics, financial woes and lack of a personal life.
What gets you excited? What makes you want to jump in headfirst and swim in its cool clear water? What is worthy of your sacrifices?
Who are you?
Now to put this in context, Dad and I were talking about the trip and how good it was to see each other - the sort of review you do before you have to step through the metal detectors and head for the gate to catch your flight. In this case we were driving to the airport along the fields of the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area), and Pop comes up with something out of the blue:
"You know that I know nothing about what you do. You didn't get any of that creative stuff from me. That's just not my world, but I have to respect the fact that you went out there and are doing it on your own without any help from your old man..."
WOW. It kind of hung in the air there, held aloft by its own power. Then after the shock wore off, and I thought of something to say, 'cause you can't leave something like that alone, and I stammered in that little boy voice that all men use with their fathers in these kinds of moments:
"Well, you and I aren't so different Dad. You put together financing plans for companies. I put together blueprints for producers and directors."
Then, in a moment of utter brilliance (okay, maybe not sooo brilliant), I said:
"It's not what we do so much as who we are."
I think he understood.
-------------------------
I cannot see myself doing anything else with my life.
Writing and producing and all of the associated stuff that I do with film and DVD is who I am. I have to see the whole thing through to the point where that DVD is put in your player and you can sit back, relax and enjoy it. Everything I do is so I can reach that point in the process, and it is sooooooo worthwhile it makes up for all the gut-wrenching phone calls, faxes, emails, politics, financial woes and lack of a personal life.
What gets you excited? What makes you want to jump in headfirst and swim in its cool clear water? What is worthy of your sacrifices?
Who are you?
What's That You Sayin'?
A dialogue list is part of your delivery to the distributor. What a Dialogue list does is let everyone know who's saying what onscreen. It's extremely important for any international sales of the film as they use the DL to generate subtitles. They also use it to generate subs for the domestic DVD release (usually spanish subs, but maybe french as well as they want sales in Quebec).
Now you can pay around $500 to have a professionally done DL (with Timecodes and very clean formatting, etc...) or you CAN do it yourself.
Here's how:
1. Take the script for the movie and remove all unnecessary actions in it leaving just the scene sluglines and the dialogue. If there's a confusing action sequence going on you may want to keep a few action lines in there for reference.
2. Take a timecoded window-burn-in copy of the film on VHS, along with a copy of this new dialogue list and watch the film.
Now you can pay around $500 to have a professionally done DL (with Timecodes and very clean formatting, etc...) or you CAN do it yourself.
Here's how:
1. Take the script for the movie and remove all unnecessary actions in it leaving just the scene sluglines and the dialogue. If there's a confusing action sequence going on you may want to keep a few action lines in there for reference.
2. Take a timecoded window-burn-in copy of the film on VHS, along with a copy of this new dialogue list and watch the film.
A. For every NEW SCENE, mark the timecode on your script. IT MUST BE EXACT.
B. Change the dialogue on the DL to MATCH EXACTLY what each character is saying. AGAIN, IT MUST BE ACCURATE.
3. After you do this, go through the DL again and make sure this all matches up with your final cut of the movie.
4. Be aware that you must do this AFTER you have your ratings certificate from the MPAA. You do not want to this, get a bad rating which means re-editing your picture, and then have to go back and re-do the dialogue list with all new timecodes and dialogue.
5. If your film uses a lot of slang that is very specific (i.e. Bee-otch instead of Bitch, drug slang, or specific racial or cultural slang), you may want to prepare a second dialogue list with exact english language in place. It will help the translators choose the appropriate words to convey the meaning you intend if not the specific words.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
The Envelope please...
Everyone one of us watches entertainment industry awards shows. Most of us go to parties on Oscar night and bet with our friends who will win this or that award. Most of us lose our ass in the betting pool.
Well, the project I've been working on for the past month or so is going to make that guessing game a whole lot easier.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Envelope please...
The Envelope is a new website from the fine folks at The LA Times featuring all sorts of blogs, podcasts, photo galleries, video, hard news stories and over 80 years of exclusive archives from The Times. It is, quite literally, everything about awards and award shows.
My business partner and I have been generating press for the site which launched today. This website is going to be an essential resource for everyone in the industry - movies, music, stage and television - domestic and international. If there's an awards show about it - this site will cover it.
So go over to The Envelope and check it out. Let them know what you like and what you dislike, and tell them who sent you.
Well, the project I've been working on for the past month or so is going to make that guessing game a whole lot easier.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Envelope please...
The Envelope is a new website from the fine folks at The LA Times featuring all sorts of blogs, podcasts, photo galleries, video, hard news stories and over 80 years of exclusive archives from The Times. It is, quite literally, everything about awards and award shows.
My business partner and I have been generating press for the site which launched today. This website is going to be an essential resource for everyone in the industry - movies, music, stage and television - domestic and international. If there's an awards show about it - this site will cover it.
So go over to The Envelope and check it out. Let them know what you like and what you dislike, and tell them who sent you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)



