From the land where they stab you in the ass if they are insulted comes this...
But since they are heavily influenced by comics and serials - we have only ourselves to blame...
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Happy New Comic Book Day!
Hi kids!
If four color ink doesn't run through your veins like it does mine (mixing with the whiskey and venom) then let me inform you that today is New Comic Book Day here in the United States (probably Canada too, but I'm not absolutely sure). That means that every Wednesday, new comic books arrive at your local comic book shop or news stand all fresh and shiny and ready to be poured over by the local geeks (and not just guys either - we love our "Geek Girls").
This is the way it has been for over 27 years since the Direct market comic book shops were started. Kind of a long time to do things the same old way right? Well, that's one of the reasons the comic book industry has major shrinkage as a business. Kind of like George Costanza stepping out of the pool...
One of the persons who comments on the state of the comics industry is writer Steven Grant over at Comic Book Resources (see sidebar). Today he addresses an issue that clearly goes toward looking at the future of comics - downloading comic scans via bit torrent.
(See, I told you it was new comic book day!)
Now this has me a bit pissed off for two reasons:
1) Slott is a downloader himself.
2) His anger is misplaced. he shouldn't be angry at the downloaders, he should be angry at the companies themselves for not being innovative enough to see downloading as the new revenue stream that it is.
- It is cheaper and more profitable and reaches a larger audience.
- It kills far fewer trees.
- It allows for a companion print version.
- The internet allows for a global audience.
- The comics could be available in any language instantly.
- And if done correctly, it would mean that you or I could get comics for free.
Webcomics and internet downloading is the future and it could mean a win-win for both fan and publisher, but somehow these businesses are 180 degrees from where they should be looking.
Kind of like how Jim Henshaw puts it here.
It's kind of sad that a business like that is stuck - especially when they have millions (if not billions) at stake what with all the merchandise and media that spins out of comics. They are looking back trying to recapture the good old days when they should be looking to the future. Oh and for those of you who don't read comics, substitute the words DVD, movies or television every time you see the word comic book. Same business, different product.
(and speaking of the future, where the hell is my jetpack?!!!)
If four color ink doesn't run through your veins like it does mine (mixing with the whiskey and venom) then let me inform you that today is New Comic Book Day here in the United States (probably Canada too, but I'm not absolutely sure). That means that every Wednesday, new comic books arrive at your local comic book shop or news stand all fresh and shiny and ready to be poured over by the local geeks (and not just guys either - we love our "Geek Girls").
This is the way it has been for over 27 years since the Direct market comic book shops were started. Kind of a long time to do things the same old way right? Well, that's one of the reasons the comic book industry has major shrinkage as a business. Kind of like George Costanza stepping out of the pool...
One of the persons who comments on the state of the comics industry is writer Steven Grant over at Comic Book Resources (see sidebar). Today he addresses an issue that clearly goes toward looking at the future of comics - downloading comic scans via bit torrent.
(See, I told you it was new comic book day!)
Now this has me a bit pissed off for two reasons:
1) Slott is a downloader himself.
2) His anger is misplaced. he shouldn't be angry at the downloaders, he should be angry at the companies themselves for not being innovative enough to see downloading as the new revenue stream that it is.
- It is cheaper and more profitable and reaches a larger audience.
- It kills far fewer trees.
- It allows for a companion print version.
- The internet allows for a global audience.
- The comics could be available in any language instantly.
- And if done correctly, it would mean that you or I could get comics for free.
Webcomics and internet downloading is the future and it could mean a win-win for both fan and publisher, but somehow these businesses are 180 degrees from where they should be looking.
Kind of like how Jim Henshaw puts it here.
It's kind of sad that a business like that is stuck - especially when they have millions (if not billions) at stake what with all the merchandise and media that spins out of comics. They are looking back trying to recapture the good old days when they should be looking to the future. Oh and for those of you who don't read comics, substitute the words DVD, movies or television every time you see the word comic book. Same business, different product.
(and speaking of the future, where the hell is my jetpack?!!!)
Monday, March 26, 2007
This B*st*rd's Got to Get Paid!
Working on the independent side of the business actually has a lot of perks:
- You can often be as extreme as possible
- You get left alone to write as long as the treatment is approved and you stick to it.
- You work at home...or at the pool watching the co-eds next door as they train for Spring Break.
- You get to write for a living...
BUT -
That's if you get paid. See, as nice as the freedom of freelance writing is, you have to make money at it. It's good that a "producer/gym trainer/model/janitor" wants to produce your script , but let's face it - man does not live on ramen noodles and Jack Daniels alone. (I know, I tried it one month when I was a much younger man). You've got to get paid so those pesky expenses like rent and utilities and laundry...and oh yeah, food, get paid off and you can write some more (and better) and get paid more for less.
So yes, it's cool when someone wants to film your script, but you have to protect yourself. Believe me, I know - you have to have safeguards in place - because there are people out there who will try to screw you. They will not have a check when they say they will. They will say they are working on getting a check from their head office in another country up north which shall remain nameless. The Accounts Payable person will quit and you will have to start from scratch with a temp who was hired to look at the books and "straighten things up a bit." The check will bounce, or my favorite - they will move across town and "disappear" only to resurface under another name advertising a project based on your script.
Long story short, there are a lot of entrepreneurs in LA (and elsewhere) - some of them upstanding folks who - no matter what happens - pay their bills and honor their commitments. There are other folks out there who have a shark's smile and will "eff you in the A" because you let them. The fact is - you have to treat them both the same - professionally.
(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I suggest you get one. I have one. The following are just good business practices for freelance writers breaking into the business - the minimum you can do to armor the career and reputation. When you join the Guild some of these things automatically become standard under the MBA contract, and your agent and lawyer will handle some of it in negotiation. Until then, you have to do some of this heavy lifting yourself)
1. Have the producer agree to and sign a contract. In fact, they should be the ones who suggest it, but you should have one ready. If they don't want to do that or try to put it off - walk away.
2. Make sure they pay in step payments. A certain percentage up front. ( I don't go lower than 40% up front and generally get higher). If they don't want to pay to engage your services as a writer then walk away.
3. Make sure there is a legal recourse component to the contract that doesn't cost you thousands of dollars to file.
4. Check the company/person's references if you don't know them. Ask them to provide some names of writers they've worked with. If they say they can get a script to a certain actor - have them prove it. If anything, and I mean anything sets off your "Bozo Alarm," walk away.
5. If this is a single person, not a business entity you are working with - make sure to get paid via cashier's check and not personal check. If you are working with a "friend" have an agreement in place - not just a handshake deal.
6. If this is a first timer who's trying to set up a project on their own - make sure you get copies of their driver's license and passport. They can have yours as well (which they will need for the W-9 tax form).
7. Make sure you have a lawyer look over everything before you sign it. The safest, surest way to make sure you sleep at night. If you can't afford one you're in luck - there are legal free clinics throughout Los Angeles. Lawyers and law students under the supervision of lawyers look over all sorts of documents for free.
8. If at any point, the "producer" says, "What are you trying to do - kill the deal?" Walk away.
See, if you act like it, the professionals will accept they're dealing with a pro on his way up. The amateurs will act like...well, amateurs. Stand up for yourself and make sure you're going to get paid and credit for what you've done. No more no less.
It's what professionals do...
(Edit to add: I am sure this list isn't comprehensive. It was dashed off after a day of phone calls, emails and things better left undocumented. Feel free to share your tips and horror stories in the comments...)
- You can often be as extreme as possible
- You get left alone to write as long as the treatment is approved and you stick to it.
- You work at home...or at the pool watching the co-eds next door as they train for Spring Break.
- You get to write for a living...
BUT -
That's if you get paid. See, as nice as the freedom of freelance writing is, you have to make money at it. It's good that a "producer/gym trainer/model/janitor" wants to produce your script , but let's face it - man does not live on ramen noodles and Jack Daniels alone. (I know, I tried it one month when I was a much younger man). You've got to get paid so those pesky expenses like rent and utilities and laundry...and oh yeah, food, get paid off and you can write some more (and better) and get paid more for less.
So yes, it's cool when someone wants to film your script, but you have to protect yourself. Believe me, I know - you have to have safeguards in place - because there are people out there who will try to screw you. They will not have a check when they say they will. They will say they are working on getting a check from their head office in another country up north which shall remain nameless. The Accounts Payable person will quit and you will have to start from scratch with a temp who was hired to look at the books and "straighten things up a bit." The check will bounce, or my favorite - they will move across town and "disappear" only to resurface under another name advertising a project based on your script.
Long story short, there are a lot of entrepreneurs in LA (and elsewhere) - some of them upstanding folks who - no matter what happens - pay their bills and honor their commitments. There are other folks out there who have a shark's smile and will "eff you in the A" because you let them. The fact is - you have to treat them both the same - professionally.
(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I suggest you get one. I have one. The following are just good business practices for freelance writers breaking into the business - the minimum you can do to armor the career and reputation. When you join the Guild some of these things automatically become standard under the MBA contract, and your agent and lawyer will handle some of it in negotiation. Until then, you have to do some of this heavy lifting yourself)
1. Have the producer agree to and sign a contract. In fact, they should be the ones who suggest it, but you should have one ready. If they don't want to do that or try to put it off - walk away.
2. Make sure they pay in step payments. A certain percentage up front. ( I don't go lower than 40% up front and generally get higher). If they don't want to pay to engage your services as a writer then walk away.
3. Make sure there is a legal recourse component to the contract that doesn't cost you thousands of dollars to file.
4. Check the company/person's references if you don't know them. Ask them to provide some names of writers they've worked with. If they say they can get a script to a certain actor - have them prove it. If anything, and I mean anything sets off your "Bozo Alarm," walk away.
5. If this is a single person, not a business entity you are working with - make sure to get paid via cashier's check and not personal check. If you are working with a "friend" have an agreement in place - not just a handshake deal.
6. If this is a first timer who's trying to set up a project on their own - make sure you get copies of their driver's license and passport. They can have yours as well (which they will need for the W-9 tax form).
7. Make sure you have a lawyer look over everything before you sign it. The safest, surest way to make sure you sleep at night. If you can't afford one you're in luck - there are legal free clinics throughout Los Angeles. Lawyers and law students under the supervision of lawyers look over all sorts of documents for free.
8. If at any point, the "producer" says, "What are you trying to do - kill the deal?" Walk away.
See, if you act like it, the professionals will accept they're dealing with a pro on his way up. The amateurs will act like...well, amateurs. Stand up for yourself and make sure you're going to get paid and credit for what you've done. No more no less.
It's what professionals do...
(Edit to add: I am sure this list isn't comprehensive. It was dashed off after a day of phone calls, emails and things better left undocumented. Feel free to share your tips and horror stories in the comments...)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Joost up!
After a conversation last Comic Book Day (aka Wednesday for those not of the four color persuasion) with the Kung Fu Monkey, I decided to sign up for Joost. I am a forward thinking guy (despite my fascination with the pulps and serials and art deco, etc...ad infinitum), and the way John said, "Have you signed up for Joost yet?" made me a bit nervous...like I was going to really miss out on something significant.
You don't have to punch me twice so I applied.
The line however is really long to complete applications and the fine folks at Joost suggest I put the word out to those early adopters who signed up already to send me an invite. Consider this my plea for a Beta test invite. Please forward it to my email address in my profile.
This also dovetails into conversations Alex is having over at Complications Ensue regarding downloading content.
My personal view is with downloaders. Why? Well it's not because I think the evil corporations who own the copyrights to the movies or television or whatever don't have a right to make money... I download because I want them to make money.
There was a Harvard Business School study that was done several years ago about the music downloading "crisis" (as they called it) and the study found that downloading actually helped increase business for the people who owned the songs. People download singles and episodes all the time, and for the most part...
Those that really like the show go out and buy the DVD or CD.
They found this was especially true when there was special "added value" on the DVD set which was unavailable anywhere else. This flies in the face of the so-called "conventional wisdom" that the music industry operated under to their detriment. (we even have people in the film and tv industry who - to this very day despite the hard evidence - say that downloaders rob people of their royalties). People have wised up. They want to be able to catch up on programs if they need to - via their Tivo or via bit torrent.
Nowadays we even have Steven Jobs out there saying that there should be no more "Digital Rights Management" (DRM) encoding software involved with downloading. People should be able to get their content the way they want - in an open source environment. Why?
Well for one, it exposes more people to different sorts of programming that they can watch in the format they want - iPod, player, PC, Mac, PSP or DVR.
Secondly, it makes them money.
Joost takes these ideas and puts them in a medium / format where everyone has access and everyone makes money at it. The software will be free and you will be able to watch what you want, when you want it and with advertising to pay for it all.
It's like television for your computer, ipod or PSP.
It's the future.
(Over there... in that direction... No, I will not hold your hand.)
You don't have to punch me twice so I applied.
The line however is really long to complete applications and the fine folks at Joost suggest I put the word out to those early adopters who signed up already to send me an invite. Consider this my plea for a Beta test invite. Please forward it to my email address in my profile.
This also dovetails into conversations Alex is having over at Complications Ensue regarding downloading content.
My personal view is with downloaders. Why? Well it's not because I think the evil corporations who own the copyrights to the movies or television or whatever don't have a right to make money... I download because I want them to make money.
There was a Harvard Business School study that was done several years ago about the music downloading "crisis" (as they called it) and the study found that downloading actually helped increase business for the people who owned the songs. People download singles and episodes all the time, and for the most part...
Those that really like the show go out and buy the DVD or CD.
They found this was especially true when there was special "added value" on the DVD set which was unavailable anywhere else. This flies in the face of the so-called "conventional wisdom" that the music industry operated under to their detriment. (we even have people in the film and tv industry who - to this very day despite the hard evidence - say that downloaders rob people of their royalties). People have wised up. They want to be able to catch up on programs if they need to - via their Tivo or via bit torrent.
Nowadays we even have Steven Jobs out there saying that there should be no more "Digital Rights Management" (DRM) encoding software involved with downloading. People should be able to get their content the way they want - in an open source environment. Why?
Well for one, it exposes more people to different sorts of programming that they can watch in the format they want - iPod, player, PC, Mac, PSP or DVR.
Secondly, it makes them money.
Joost takes these ideas and puts them in a medium / format where everyone has access and everyone makes money at it. The software will be free and you will be able to watch what you want, when you want it and with advertising to pay for it all.
It's like television for your computer, ipod or PSP.
It's the future.
(Over there... in that direction... No, I will not hold your hand.)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
For the History Buffs in the Crowd...
I love history, so much so that I have a college degree in it. I think what attracted me to history and ultimately to writing are the stories. I mean it has the word story in its title so there you go...
Hollywood and the surrounding area has a unique hi-story, one of almost constant growth and evolution. Destruction and reconstruction. What I've found out is that along the way, some of these stories have been lost to this evolution. For example, the neighborhood known as Echo Park used to be known as Edendale and the post office there is still called Edendale Station despite the fact its zip code is in Echo Park.
What's also interesting about the area is it's the birthplace of the Mack Sennett Studios. The once thriving operation which produced dozens (if not hundreds) of short comedies, serials, features, Westerns and the like for the theaters of the thirties and forties. Eventually however, the studio fell on hard times and rented itself out to dozens of indie producers - poverty row guys - who slapped together feature movies and serials in days and distributed them on the 'Ranch circuit" - those theater chains that couldn't afford the fees the studios made them pay for their "big budget" cinema. I was over in the neighborhood today and struck up a conversation with an elderly gentleman who remembered the good old days. I estimate this guy was 85 or so. I consider myself a somewhat informed afficionado of poverty row and B-cinema, but this guy was talking about...
People and films I had never heard of before.
Now, I have no reason to doubt him at this point, he had his facts straight on a lot of things - he knew that the Jack-in-the-Box on Glendale Blvd. (the one that is right next to Public Storage) is the site of the old studio. He knew of Mack Sennett and several films I knew of that shot there. He knew where the studios moved to, and where the old Republic studios were. He even recalled being an extra over at Republic on "some western " when they had the big flood in the Valley.
If he was lying, he wrapped it around enough truth to make me want to believe him.
And God help me if he's right, there were a whole slew of really cool poverty row pictures that may be lost forever...or they may be in rotting film snippets scattered throughout the midwest. I hope it's the latter,because I'm sure the public wants to see serials and shorts and 8-day features with titles like:
Tamar of the Desert - a kid is raised by desert warriors. Sort of like Tarzan (only not).
Masquerade - a Bela Lugosi serial (???) with a character who can change his appearance.
"Steel" Dixon - I don't know what this is, but it sounds cool doesn't it?
Nightclaw - a murder mystery with Lon Chaney Jr. Some guy has claws for hands and murders those that have wronged him. I get the feeling there was something supernatural about it, like they were trying to cash in on Chaney's notoriety as The Wolfman.
Sarcophagus - a mummy movie to be sure, though the old man didn't quite know what he was talking about with this one...
It was one of the most pleasurable times I've had chatting with someone, and the old man promised me he would get his grand kids to dig up some of the things he's got down in his storage. Old pics of him when he was an extra in the "Two reelers."
I'll let you know what I find out.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Goin' PRIMEVAL on Your Ass...
Edit to add: If you want to watch the first episode -- go here.
I just finished watching ITV's new show PRIMEVAL and I have to say I love it. It is every bit of wonderful that TORCHWOOD wasn't. Take a look at the trailer:
Good, fun stories told by good directors and a great cast. SFX are great too. Think of this show as everything that SURFACE wasn't. (And fellas, you're soon going to be very familiar with the names Hannah Spearitt and Lucy Brown. Almost as familiar as you are with Moon BloodGood)
Here are the opening titles -- a fantastic call to adventure:
Why hasn't SciFi announced they've acquired this show?!!!
(Oh, that's right. They don't like Scifi...)
I just finished watching ITV's new show PRIMEVAL and I have to say I love it. It is every bit of wonderful that TORCHWOOD wasn't. Take a look at the trailer:
Good, fun stories told by good directors and a great cast. SFX are great too. Think of this show as everything that SURFACE wasn't. (And fellas, you're soon going to be very familiar with the names Hannah Spearitt and Lucy Brown. Almost as familiar as you are with Moon BloodGood)
Here are the opening titles -- a fantastic call to adventure:
Why hasn't SciFi announced they've acquired this show?!!!
(Oh, that's right. They don't like Scifi...)
When's A Good Time?
Mark Cuban posted an interesting piece friday on when people actually watch internet video. You can read it here.
Not surprisingly most people watch some sort of internet video during the work hours - either following up on links that were sent to them via email or just trolling around looking for items of interest. I'm sure employers are not amused.
The next biggest block of time spent is after dinner, and the third is on weekends. It all flies in the face of this idea that we as a society are consuming media at our convenience, meaning anytime. By the facts and figures, we are consuming it when we have access and not accessing it at our convenience.
Cuban makes an excellent point about creating a specific time for viewers to log on and watch - in essence making internet video "must see tv" by making sure that the stream only comes on at specific times and charging advertisers accordingly.
Taking that idea further - you could make the stream "destination video" for free then have it available for a modest price for downloaders (at their convenience, which as we all know convenience costs).
This brings two revenue streams into play and makes sure they aren't competing with one another. It also creates a demand (or a seeming demand) by making it available free for a limited time.
This would be a great scenario for a serial...
Every Saturday it would be available or free at a certain time. Afterwards, it would be available via Itunes or some other service (CinemaNow, Moonbeam, Fangoria TV, etc...). Thus generating revenue, building the audience and gauging demand for a DVD collection (via a forum discussing the ins and outs of the show, that week's chapter, etc..) or a cable premiere.
So, to answer the question - When's a good time? - I would have to say:
"For a limited time only."
Not surprisingly most people watch some sort of internet video during the work hours - either following up on links that were sent to them via email or just trolling around looking for items of interest. I'm sure employers are not amused.
The next biggest block of time spent is after dinner, and the third is on weekends. It all flies in the face of this idea that we as a society are consuming media at our convenience, meaning anytime. By the facts and figures, we are consuming it when we have access and not accessing it at our convenience.
Cuban makes an excellent point about creating a specific time for viewers to log on and watch - in essence making internet video "must see tv" by making sure that the stream only comes on at specific times and charging advertisers accordingly.
Taking that idea further - you could make the stream "destination video" for free then have it available for a modest price for downloaders (at their convenience, which as we all know convenience costs).
This brings two revenue streams into play and makes sure they aren't competing with one another. It also creates a demand (or a seeming demand) by making it available free for a limited time.
This would be a great scenario for a serial...
Every Saturday it would be available or free at a certain time. Afterwards, it would be available via Itunes or some other service (CinemaNow, Moonbeam, Fangoria TV, etc...). Thus generating revenue, building the audience and gauging demand for a DVD collection (via a forum discussing the ins and outs of the show, that week's chapter, etc..) or a cable premiere.
So, to answer the question - When's a good time? - I would have to say:
"For a limited time only."
Friday, March 16, 2007
The Quick Pitch
This morning I read that Moonstone Books was going to publish a comic magazine featuring the exploits of this fella to the left. I dropped everything and came up with a two page pitch and sent it off just in time to meet their deadline. I have no illusions that they have to pick my pitch, but if I didn't do anything, I would have always wondered ...
What if?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Hump Day...
Humping along with a lot of marketing work this week and not alot of writing... I frikkin' hate that and myself. I've always had a shoulder-to-the-wheel mindset, but haven't exercised my writing muscles since I got back from SC. It's one of those things where you know you have to make a change to accomplish your goals.
.
So I'm pulling out the calendar and setting up some writing deadlines:
.
- Have my comics proposals (2) done by June - awhile before San Diego.
.
- Write the third draft of my short this week. Then get to work on my storyboards.
.
(Oh, by the way Alex and Bill - I'm keeping it to less than five minutes, shooting on a borrowed DVX -100, and shooting widescreen even though it will only be seen on the net. I am also financing it myself so I won't have anyone to blame but me if it goes to hell...To ensure it doesn't go to hell I won't be acting in it)
.
- Have my TV spec done by the Thanksgiving.
.
- Finish my short story for Tales of the Shadowmen vol. 4 by May.
.
- Finish the outline for a special project.
.
Now as far as accomplishments go there is this:
.
I'm not the writer (that's John Oak Dalton), and I'm not the director (that would be Christopher Sharpe), but I'm proud of what we've done to define this movie: an in-your-face design playing on action stereotypes, but with a twist. Modern pulp.
Mommy, why does that white man have a black man's hand? Why is he wearing those bandages?
The design is my initial concept beautifully realized by Firebrain Design, the company I work with to create the fun campaigns for Peace Arch.
The title will be brought to you in May by the fine folks at Anthem DVD. You'll be seeing more about the movie in an upcoming issue of Fangoria.
Not too shabby...but it ain't writing.
.
So I'm pulling out the calendar and setting up some writing deadlines:
.
- Have my comics proposals (2) done by June - awhile before San Diego.
.
- Write the third draft of my short this week. Then get to work on my storyboards.
.
(Oh, by the way Alex and Bill - I'm keeping it to less than five minutes, shooting on a borrowed DVX -100, and shooting widescreen even though it will only be seen on the net. I am also financing it myself so I won't have anyone to blame but me if it goes to hell...To ensure it doesn't go to hell I won't be acting in it)
.
- Have my TV spec done by the Thanksgiving.
.
- Finish my short story for Tales of the Shadowmen vol. 4 by May.
.
- Finish the outline for a special project.
.
Now as far as accomplishments go there is this:
.
I'm not the writer (that's John Oak Dalton), and I'm not the director (that would be Christopher Sharpe), but I'm proud of what we've done to define this movie: an in-your-face design playing on action stereotypes, but with a twist. Modern pulp.Mommy, why does that white man have a black man's hand? Why is he wearing those bandages?
The design is my initial concept beautifully realized by Firebrain Design, the company I work with to create the fun campaigns for Peace Arch.
The title will be brought to you in May by the fine folks at Anthem DVD. You'll be seeing more about the movie in an upcoming issue of Fangoria.
Not too shabby...but it ain't writing.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Another Challenge for the...
Aw hell, you know who...
Out of all the pulpy characters I enjoy - The Shadow, The Spider, Doc Savage, Rocketman, et al- The Green Hornet is one I enjoy the most whatever medium he's in. The major reasons I like the character so much (besides the cool car which my alternate universe self already owns) is the fact that everyone thinks the Hornet is another gangster.
Genius.
Imagine the sort of entree into the underworld being a criminal mastermind gets you. Some people come to you to wipe you out. Others come to you to form alliances. And the fact you wear a mask makes you the most dangerous criminal of all. You can disappear into another life. You can walk amongst the criminal fraternity with instant credibility and respect. What a way to take down the racketeers who took your father's life - sting them from within!
It's the ultimate expression of "To destroy a thing, you must first become that thing..."
Enjoy this episode which showcases some of Bruce Lee's fighting prowess, though regretfully never to its fullest effect.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
300 and Counting
I saw 300 on Saturday and not only liked it - I loved it. Like SIN CITY, 300 is extremely faithful with the movies' slow-motion, ramping and color emulating the frames of the graphic novel.
It's a little heavy-handed with the narration, but overall it was a visual feast of a simple story.
Go see it. Not only for the story but, this is a watershed moment in how movies are made.
F*ck Movies!
Warren Ellis held a forum the other night on The Engine called F*ck Comics Night. The purpose of which was for everyone to get all their hatred of the comics publishing industry out of their system. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so much, many of the complaints people had about comics are applicable to movies and TV and DVD.
My personal bitches are across the board: substandard writing and producing, ego, people who have no clue abou the movies they are trying to sell, retailers who don't realize I - the customer - can crush them like a bug and treat me like shit when I dare ask a question about the availability of a product.
There's a lot that's wrong with movies and television - so what's wrong? Get it off your chest.
(But save yourself the embarrassment of posting something along the lines of " What's wrong with movies is the fact they haven't bought my script/idea/scribbling on the back of a Starbucks napkin." I will make an example of you to the rest of the tribe)
My personal bitches are across the board: substandard writing and producing, ego, people who have no clue abou the movies they are trying to sell, retailers who don't realize I - the customer - can crush them like a bug and treat me like shit when I dare ask a question about the availability of a product.
There's a lot that's wrong with movies and television - so what's wrong? Get it off your chest.
(But save yourself the embarrassment of posting something along the lines of " What's wrong with movies is the fact they haven't bought my script/idea/scribbling on the back of a Starbucks napkin." I will make an example of you to the rest of the tribe)
Friday, March 09, 2007
Finally! Aiming for the Future...
Those of us around the Mad Pulp Bastard Pad ( your MPB, Joey Two-tone, Jimmy the Geek, Firebrain, and the Godson of Gore, et al) giggle louder than Japanese schoolgirls when someone at the "Suit level" of the business makes a cool decision -- especially when it deals with integrating new technology into the business plan...
or maybe it's just that we like getting free stuff. Probably the latter.
I don't know if NBC is dumping this show or just doing a market study on how new programming fares on the digital spider web, but we think it's pretty damn cool they uploaded six episodes of ANDY BARKER, P.I. onto their site. It's an idea aimed at the future...
If you like Andy Richter and Conan O'Brien's brand of comedy then go here, sit back and enjoy.
or maybe it's just that we like getting free stuff. Probably the latter.
I don't know if NBC is dumping this show or just doing a market study on how new programming fares on the digital spider web, but we think it's pretty damn cool they uploaded six episodes of ANDY BARKER, P.I. onto their site. It's an idea aimed at the future...
If you like Andy Richter and Conan O'Brien's brand of comedy then go here, sit back and enjoy.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Smets Screens Scary Cinema at CFF!
Christopher Ware Smets - the pulp screenwriter of THE MAD and DEAD MARY (co-writer on both) sent me an email announcing both films are soon to be seen at the Canadian Filmmakers Festival near you (if you live in the greater Toronto, Ontario area). From his email:
I'm proud to announce that two of the horror flicks I had a hand in writing last year are screening at this year's CFF, which takes place the weekend of March 22-25th.
OPENING NIGHT -- WORLD PREMIERE -- THE MAD! (Thursday, March 22nd, VarsityTheatre, 8:00 pm) a deranged horror comedy starring Billy Zane, MaggieCastle, Shauna MacDonald, and Jordan Madley (and with a name like that, howcould she not be in the flick?). Written by Kevin Hennelly, myself, andJohnny Kalangis. Directed by Johnny Kalangis.
It's the festival's gala opener, and it's a lot of fun. It's also a perfect audience movie, so get your tickets early. I only wish it was playing at midnight.
You can watch the trailer and read more about the film here: http://www.myspace.com/themadmovie
Then, you can enjoy an entirely different take on a vacation gone wrong...
SATURDAY NIGHT -- CANADIAN PREMIERE -- DEAD MARY! (Saturday, March 24th,Carlton Cinema, 9:50 pm)
Fresh from Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors in Chicago is DEAD MARY. It's a moodier, scarier take on the genre, and stars Dominique Swain, Marie-JoseeColburn, Maggie Castle (again!), Jefferson Brown, Michael Majeski, StevenMcCarthy and Reagan Pasternak.
Dead Mary's already gotten some good press in the States, including this review in Fangoria that'll help manageexpectations quite nicely:
http://www.fangoria.com/ghastly_review.php?id=3497
I share credit with original scripter Peter Sheldrick. It's directed and produced by Robert Wilson. And thankfully, this one's playing a littlecloser to midnight.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to some other fine films. All were directed, written, produced by and/or star talented folks that I've been lucky enough to meet through the CFF:
Thanks,
C.
I'm proud to announce that two of the horror flicks I had a hand in writing last year are screening at this year's CFF, which takes place the weekend of March 22-25th.
OPENING NIGHT -- WORLD PREMIERE -- THE MAD! (Thursday, March 22nd, VarsityTheatre, 8:00 pm) a deranged horror comedy starring Billy Zane, MaggieCastle, Shauna MacDonald, and Jordan Madley (and with a name like that, howcould she not be in the flick?). Written by Kevin Hennelly, myself, andJohnny Kalangis. Directed by Johnny Kalangis.
It's the festival's gala opener, and it's a lot of fun. It's also a perfect audience movie, so get your tickets early. I only wish it was playing at midnight.
You can watch the trailer and read more about the film here: http://www.myspace.com/themadmovie
Then, you can enjoy an entirely different take on a vacation gone wrong...
SATURDAY NIGHT -- CANADIAN PREMIERE -- DEAD MARY! (Saturday, March 24th,Carlton Cinema, 9:50 pm)
Fresh from Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors in Chicago is DEAD MARY. It's a moodier, scarier take on the genre, and stars Dominique Swain, Marie-JoseeColburn, Maggie Castle (again!), Jefferson Brown, Michael Majeski, StevenMcCarthy and Reagan Pasternak.
Dead Mary's already gotten some good press in the States, including this review in Fangoria that'll help manageexpectations quite nicely:
http://www.fangoria.com/ghastly_review.php?id=3497
I share credit with original scripter Peter Sheldrick. It's directed and produced by Robert Wilson. And thankfully, this one's playing a littlecloser to midnight.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to some other fine films. All were directed, written, produced by and/or star talented folks that I've been lucky enough to meet through the CFF:
- Grocery Mishap & Run Robot Run! (Friday, March 23rd, 8:00 PM, CarltonCinema)By Charlie Walker (screening as part of Shorts Programme #1, Saturday, March24th, 12:00 pm, Carlton Cinema)
- Dogasaur and Santa Croce (both screening as part of Shorts Programme #3, Sunday, March 25th, 12:00 pm, Carlton Cinema)
- Most Likely To (Sunday, March 25th, 7:30 pm, Carlton Cinema)
Thanks,
C.
I'll Believe It When I See It...
And even then, I know they'll cheat ...
After all, they've done it before.
Heart of US Theatrical Business meet Stake. Stake Meet Heart of US Theatrical Business.
An international group of researchers made a study of the value of shrinking or changing the windows on a movie's theatrical, DVD rental, DVD sell-thru and VoD releases.
What they found was quite interesting.
Now I'm not saying this is going to happen, but when you're talking 16% increases in revenue of a movie's life, then the studios are going to look at their release windows more closely. Everyone was assuming that releasing the DVD simultaneously with the theatrical would harm both releases, but it looks like Mark Cuban and Steven Soderbergh were right.
Another interesting aspect to the study is that in other countries the different release patterns would yield different results. This leads to the conclusion that different cultures devour their content in different ways (something to think about when dealing with the international marketplace).
What they found was quite interesting.
Now I'm not saying this is going to happen, but when you're talking 16% increases in revenue of a movie's life, then the studios are going to look at their release windows more closely. Everyone was assuming that releasing the DVD simultaneously with the theatrical would harm both releases, but it looks like Mark Cuban and Steven Soderbergh were right.
Another interesting aspect to the study is that in other countries the different release patterns would yield different results. This leads to the conclusion that different cultures devour their content in different ways (something to think about when dealing with the international marketplace).
DC DVD
Dan Didio, Bruce Timm and Greg Noveck review what's coming up for DC's DVD Premieres.
(Courtesy of Newsarama)
A Big Meal - One Byte at a Time
I decided against the over-linky post I alluded to earlier as it would have been all over the place, confusing and incoherent (more than usual anyway). Besides, I've found the material I deal with in this blog is more effective in bite-sized posts...
or is that Byte-sized posts?
What's interesting to me in this article is the fact that Adams Media research automatically assumed that downloading would take away from DVD sales.
or is that Byte-sized posts?
What's interesting to me in this article is the fact that Adams Media research automatically assumed that downloading would take away from DVD sales.
I'm thinking that the opposite will happen. Downloading will spur DVD sales across the board especially if they market it all correctly.
.
- Downloading content is one of the best ways to advertise a dvd "must-have collection". We already look at a theatrical release as the "advertising" for the DVD sales, so it's silly to think that downloading a movie - especially something made for the internet like SOUP OF THE DAY - will have a negative impact and reduce sales.
- Even if there is chartable evidence to sugest otherwise, there are all sorts of ways around it: advertising, product placement, Bump discs, promotions, etc...
- People will want their best downloads on a disc for their collection. They will want DVD "essentials" like commentaries, B-T-S featurettes, photo galleries, etc... in an archival format.
- Does this mean there will still be a Cockbuster store on every block ? No, it means that people will be able to order the DVD collection or purchase it at their favorite retailer like Wal-Mart (which sells 40% of all DVDs sold in the USA). It means you'll be able to go to a kiosk somewhere and get the DVD burned right there for you in five minutes. It means you'll be able to keep the program you downloaded onto your ipod or iphone - but it won't be exactly the same program available on the disc.
The intellectual property is the big meal - the various media will be the different courses of the dinner...and for some time to come there will be a disc in DISContent.
Monday, March 05, 2007
No, I am not dead yet, but...
I am wrapping a few things up here in the South and will be on a plane all day tomorrow. So, thankyouverymuch Mr. Denis McGrath for this post here.
When I am back in LA , I'm going to post a link filled pulp extravaganza about all sorts of things that have happened recently which we should be discussing - things like the downloading business, Television, DVD Premiere movies from DC, Canada, America and the rest of the world.
So be sure and tune in -- same time, same channel.
In the meantime, if there is anything I missed while I was away that you just have to ask or discuss, feel free to place it in the comments section. This offer does not apply to my fraternity brethren who know too much about me and would tarnish this mad pulp bastard's sterling reputation.
When I am back in LA , I'm going to post a link filled pulp extravaganza about all sorts of things that have happened recently which we should be discussing - things like the downloading business, Television, DVD Premiere movies from DC, Canada, America and the rest of the world.
So be sure and tune in -- same time, same channel.
In the meantime, if there is anything I missed while I was away that you just have to ask or discuss, feel free to place it in the comments section. This offer does not apply to my fraternity brethren who know too much about me and would tarnish this mad pulp bastard's sterling reputation.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
If You Needed a Reason...
to make the move to Los Angeles, then read this.
Some days its really cool to live here. Other days, not so much.
Some days its really cool to live here. Other days, not so much.
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