Because of that, I've decided that Christmas should come early this year - here is the official teaser trailer for the film! Enjoy!
Teaser: The Shakespeare Procedure from Andrew on Vimeo.
December 12, 2009
So much for the twelve days of Shakespeare.
Yeah I've decided to abandon the Twelve Days of Christmas theme. Life has been kicking my butt too often lately to keep up with this thing.
On the Second day of Shakespeare.
Crikey! Forgot a post yesterday. Oh well.
I'm going to talk about money today. I'm going to reflect on how much money was spent and what I learned from spending that money.
Here is what the top sheet looks like for the final cost report turned in to my capstone instructor, Lisa Cook:
First off let me explain a couple things-
I had originally budgeted for approximately $2200. This is what I had projected to spend (this includes a 200 contingency). The total budget, $2500, is what I actually had to spend. So in actuality I had an extra $300 dollars that I didn't tell anyone about.
Why did I hide $300 dollars? It was more of a mind trick I sometimes do when I budget in my every day life. I only allows myself to spend a fraction of what I actually have in case of an emergency.
Though this time around it didn't really help much, because I kept thinking about that extra contingency. I didn't keep my spending down as much as I should have. But at times I had to spend a whole bunch of money at once and I couldn't really keep an accurate record of what I was spending (at the time). My mind was preoccupied with a lot of logistic problems as well, and throwing money at it was the best fix - one day I had to rent a U-HAUL to store some pieces of set dressing, and I didn't account for not knowing anyone with a truck to move it. That set me back a good $100. And renting ANOTHER, bigger truck the week of production was also pretty damn expensive. This is mentioned in the top sheet above.
We also spent more than I expected in camera gear, but I think it was probably the best purchase made, other than food. I budgeted roughly $350 on food, but a lot of the food was bought and prepared fresh so I had to spend a little more (one day we had leftovers though, which wasn't too bad).
Anyway, things I learned:
- Make sure you rent your trucks and find your transportation in advance. Really shop around for the best deals.
- Budget a little extra on food if you really want good food
Thanks to Christina for helping get this budget report together, and for helping to get all the receipts organized during the production. She's a real life-saver!
I'm going to talk about money today. I'm going to reflect on how much money was spent and what I learned from spending that money.
Here is what the top sheet looks like for the final cost report turned in to my capstone instructor, Lisa Cook:
First off let me explain a couple things-I had originally budgeted for approximately $2200. This is what I had projected to spend (this includes a 200 contingency). The total budget, $2500, is what I actually had to spend. So in actuality I had an extra $300 dollars that I didn't tell anyone about.
Why did I hide $300 dollars? It was more of a mind trick I sometimes do when I budget in my every day life. I only allows myself to spend a fraction of what I actually have in case of an emergency.
Though this time around it didn't really help much, because I kept thinking about that extra contingency. I didn't keep my spending down as much as I should have. But at times I had to spend a whole bunch of money at once and I couldn't really keep an accurate record of what I was spending (at the time). My mind was preoccupied with a lot of logistic problems as well, and throwing money at it was the best fix - one day I had to rent a U-HAUL to store some pieces of set dressing, and I didn't account for not knowing anyone with a truck to move it. That set me back a good $100. And renting ANOTHER, bigger truck the week of production was also pretty damn expensive. This is mentioned in the top sheet above.
We also spent more than I expected in camera gear, but I think it was probably the best purchase made, other than food. I budgeted roughly $350 on food, but a lot of the food was bought and prepared fresh so I had to spend a little more (one day we had leftovers though, which wasn't too bad).
Anyway, things I learned:
- Make sure you rent your trucks and find your transportation in advance. Really shop around for the best deals.
- Budget a little extra on food if you really want good food
Thanks to Christina for helping get this budget report together, and for helping to get all the receipts organized during the production. She's a real life-saver!
On the First Day of Shakespeare, my true love gave to me...
In keeping with the holiday spirit, I've decided to make twelve consecutive posts about the project daily, leading up to Christmas. Mainly because school is over and I don't have much else to do, but also because I want to make up for all the posts that I didn't make leading up to and during the production.
So, on the first day of Shakespeare...
Set photos!
Kind of giving the good stuff up early, but here are some of my favorite photos taken with the Canon 7D (the same camera we shot the movie with).
Josh wasn't acting here - he told me he deliberately didn't sleep the night before to prepare for the role!
Cool overhead shot of Justin
I was unaware that this photo was taken. Pretty sinister.
This is for the back side of the album.
Not sure what's going on here. Make-up touch up?
Pretty much how we all felt at the end of the shoot.
More of Jo being cute.
And that's pretty much it for the first day of Shakespeare! Stay tuned for the next installment.
-Andrew
So, on the first day of Shakespeare...
Set photos!
Kind of giving the good stuff up early, but here are some of my favorite photos taken with the Canon 7D (the same camera we shot the movie with).
I think this pretty much sums up the characters:
Josh wasn't acting here - he told me he deliberately didn't sleep the night before to prepare for the role!
Cool overhead shot of Justin
I was unaware that this photo was taken. Pretty sinister.
This is for the back side of the album.
Not sure what's going on here. Make-up touch up?
Pretty much how we all felt at the end of the shoot.
More of Jo being cute.
-Andrew
November 20, 2009
Production is over! What?
Wow, it's been a good 2 months since I've updated the blog here. Life and the responsibilities related to the project were a bit more than I bargained for. But, like a speeding train, the time came to shoot the thing, and my crew and I prepared the best we could with what we had. And it turned out AMAZING!
Where to begin? Well, I said in the last post I'd begin with casting so I'll suppose I will begin with that.
We had a great cast lined up. I chose Jo Crandall to play Junior. I actually considered him to play one of the bigger Shakespeare roles, but he was able to bring the kind of humor that was required of the Junior character, and did an amazing job. Couldn't be happier.
The original actor chosen to play Dr. Giles bailed out on the project, but Matt was able to find a more than adequate replacement in Alan Gallant a mere two days after I received the news from the other actor! Giles was my most challenging character, but Alan lent a campy edge to the character that meshed well with the tone I was going for in the story.
Natalie Strissel played Lisa, who I think lends an innocent connotation to every scene she's in. I was worried about Lisa being "likeable" but I don't think I have to worry about that since Natalie's in the role.
Justin Bowen, an actor who's made his rounds acting in many UCF Films graciously accepted the role of Dr. William Shakespeare in the first post-transplant. He lends so much energy into anything he does, is patient, and is pretty much down for anything. I have seen him work on other projects in the past as well, so I knew he was also great to work with. Couldn't have picked a better Shakespeare 2.
I sensed an eagerness in Josh Ingle when I spoke with him about acting in student films. It was a bit risky to cast him as Dr. Shakespeare after the second transplant but he ended up working out really well. He exudes a different energy than Justin, which worked for that particular phase in the character. He told me on set that he didn't sleep to prepare for the shoot, and was on time to set - that surprised me, but really made me glad that he would offer so much dedication to my project. A real pleasure to work with.
And of course, Matt Deicke, the Final Shakespeare. I thought that the character should go out on a big note, and Matt really delivered. Few words can describe how fun he is on set and in during the pre-production phase.
And there's everyone that volunteered to be onscreen to get slapped in the face for the Montage. That was a fun little part of the production. I even got the opportunity to implant a Director Cameo! Fun!
Of course there are all the players BEHIND the camera who was there to lend me a hand. You all know who you are, and I extend my gratitude to you all for making the production run smoothly.
From now on this blog will be used to chronicle the post-production process. I will occasionally also reminisce about everything leading up to the production: rehearsals, art production, etc. There's a lot of material and photos to blog about so also expect more frequent posts in the future.
That's all for now, as I wait for this 7D footage to convert..
Where to begin? Well, I said in the last post I'd begin with casting so I'll suppose I will begin with that.
We had a great cast lined up. I chose Jo Crandall to play Junior. I actually considered him to play one of the bigger Shakespeare roles, but he was able to bring the kind of humor that was required of the Junior character, and did an amazing job. Couldn't be happier.
The original actor chosen to play Dr. Giles bailed out on the project, but Matt was able to find a more than adequate replacement in Alan Gallant a mere two days after I received the news from the other actor! Giles was my most challenging character, but Alan lent a campy edge to the character that meshed well with the tone I was going for in the story.
Natalie Strissel played Lisa, who I think lends an innocent connotation to every scene she's in. I was worried about Lisa being "likeable" but I don't think I have to worry about that since Natalie's in the role.
Justin Bowen, an actor who's made his rounds acting in many UCF Films graciously accepted the role of Dr. William Shakespeare in the first post-transplant. He lends so much energy into anything he does, is patient, and is pretty much down for anything. I have seen him work on other projects in the past as well, so I knew he was also great to work with. Couldn't have picked a better Shakespeare 2.
I sensed an eagerness in Josh Ingle when I spoke with him about acting in student films. It was a bit risky to cast him as Dr. Shakespeare after the second transplant but he ended up working out really well. He exudes a different energy than Justin, which worked for that particular phase in the character. He told me on set that he didn't sleep to prepare for the shoot, and was on time to set - that surprised me, but really made me glad that he would offer so much dedication to my project. A real pleasure to work with.
And of course, Matt Deicke, the Final Shakespeare. I thought that the character should go out on a big note, and Matt really delivered. Few words can describe how fun he is on set and in during the pre-production phase.
And there's everyone that volunteered to be onscreen to get slapped in the face for the Montage. That was a fun little part of the production. I even got the opportunity to implant a Director Cameo! Fun!
Of course there are all the players BEHIND the camera who was there to lend me a hand. You all know who you are, and I extend my gratitude to you all for making the production run smoothly.
From now on this blog will be used to chronicle the post-production process. I will occasionally also reminisce about everything leading up to the production: rehearsals, art production, etc. There's a lot of material and photos to blog about so also expect more frequent posts in the future.
That's all for now, as I wait for this 7D footage to convert..
September 7, 2009
The pitch, and a crude cartoon!
Beth's been wanting to see what I did to some of her drawings so here it goes.
But before that, just some updates. I was not a finalist for the Capstone Grant, but I am very glad my friends and classmates Jamie, Alex, and Chris. Everyone who knows who I am talking about should give them a big high-five. I wish them all the best of luck.
I wasn't as disappointed as I thought I would be when I found out the news that I wasn't a finalist. In fact, it was a bit of a relief, because it meant one less thing to worry about. On top of casting, other classes, and worrying if my financial aid is going to come through, I just did not need the added stress of having to do another pitch. And my production is minimal anyway, so I'd probably end up just wasting most of what would be given to me. I know why I wasn't a finalist - my pitch just was not that good. But I really have to thank Christina, my producer, for being there. Christina did the best she could on short notice. I feel bad for dragging her through that when it probably wasn't necessary for her to be there.
Anyway, I actually animated some of the storyboards for the pitch, but not all of them were used since I there was only so much time and I didn't want to bore them with a strange video:
The video illustrates some of the camera motions and actor blocking I am going for. Hopefully this is doable because the end result will look pretty cool in real life. At least in my mind.
Stark white backgrounds, minimalist set design with some camera movement. A campy, cartoon-ish tone.
Thanks again to Beth for drawing a lot of these up.
Next post will be about casting. We had our first one over the weekend, and I am currently waiting on the audition video to make an overall assessment.
Till next time!
But before that, just some updates. I was not a finalist for the Capstone Grant, but I am very glad my friends and classmates Jamie, Alex, and Chris. Everyone who knows who I am talking about should give them a big high-five. I wish them all the best of luck.
I wasn't as disappointed as I thought I would be when I found out the news that I wasn't a finalist. In fact, it was a bit of a relief, because it meant one less thing to worry about. On top of casting, other classes, and worrying if my financial aid is going to come through, I just did not need the added stress of having to do another pitch. And my production is minimal anyway, so I'd probably end up just wasting most of what would be given to me. I know why I wasn't a finalist - my pitch just was not that good. But I really have to thank Christina, my producer, for being there. Christina did the best she could on short notice. I feel bad for dragging her through that when it probably wasn't necessary for her to be there.
Anyway, I actually animated some of the storyboards for the pitch, but not all of them were used since I there was only so much time and I didn't want to bore them with a strange video:
The video illustrates some of the camera motions and actor blocking I am going for. Hopefully this is doable because the end result will look pretty cool in real life. At least in my mind.
Stark white backgrounds, minimalist set design with some camera movement. A campy, cartoon-ish tone.
Thanks again to Beth for drawing a lot of these up.
Next post will be about casting. We had our first one over the weekend, and I am currently waiting on the audition video to make an overall assessment.
Till next time!
August 29, 2009
Lots of updates today. First week of school, what can I say?
During the first week of school I asked myself if I had bitten off more than I can chew with 4 classes, each involving their own special amount of attention from me. I probably did and I will likely learn this by the end of the semester. Right now I am just going to take things as they come to me.
New draft of the script here. After hearing some of the lines out loud of the previous draft, a lot of things didn't gel with me, so I included some more character development in places that I thought should need it, while also deleting or shortening scenes, and trying to keep some of the funny in it too.
One thing that a lot of people have been commenting on the script is that Dr. Shakespeare's name is too distracting. Perhaps if you read it off the page, seeing "Shakespeare" every two or three lines would be distracting. Though characters only say it once or twice throughout the whole script. When we reach the end product it won't as distracting as people currently think it is. That's a promise.
And as for why he's named Shakespeare.. Well, that's a good question. Many things go unexplained in the film, kind of like when someone gets shot in a cartoon and nobody gets hurt. In one scene, for example, Junior brings up the question of where they get all the donor bodies from - the film nor any character ever offers an explanation. The film is intentionally full of questions without answers. His name is one of those questions.
Pitch is next week. I'm making a powerpoint including some storyboards that Beth and I drew up, plus it one or two that I've animated. I'll post those after the pitch along with how the pitch went next post. I will have one of my producers join me for it as well.
What's that? I have producers? After searching high and low for a producer, I now have two:
Welcome Christina Hebert and Lindsay Garvin to the project! They will offer logistic and scheduling advice as well as recruiting a talented crew for me.
Chris Tharp has graciously signed on to DP. He'll be recruiting his own camera crew and I'm very excited to be working with them as well.
Matt Deicke has also been working hard for me as well as my casting director. He's been immensely helpful and we even have a casting session set up at Full Sail on September 5th. We hope to have a big turnout. I have even posted ads on various local casting websites.
Some bad news with my Production Designer, Sara. Her school schedule doesn't allow her as much free time as she'd hoped so she had to resign. Completely understandable. But luckily, her boyfriend, Mike Santini, is prepared and available to take over the position. Sara will be taking an advisory role from now on, but I appreciate all the effort she has already put into the project.
That's all for now folks. I will let you know what happens after the pitch!
New draft of the script here. After hearing some of the lines out loud of the previous draft, a lot of things didn't gel with me, so I included some more character development in places that I thought should need it, while also deleting or shortening scenes, and trying to keep some of the funny in it too.
One thing that a lot of people have been commenting on the script is that Dr. Shakespeare's name is too distracting. Perhaps if you read it off the page, seeing "Shakespeare" every two or three lines would be distracting. Though characters only say it once or twice throughout the whole script. When we reach the end product it won't as distracting as people currently think it is. That's a promise.
And as for why he's named Shakespeare.. Well, that's a good question. Many things go unexplained in the film, kind of like when someone gets shot in a cartoon and nobody gets hurt. In one scene, for example, Junior brings up the question of where they get all the donor bodies from - the film nor any character ever offers an explanation. The film is intentionally full of questions without answers. His name is one of those questions.
Pitch is next week. I'm making a powerpoint including some storyboards that Beth and I drew up, plus it one or two that I've animated. I'll post those after the pitch along with how the pitch went next post. I will have one of my producers join me for it as well.
What's that? I have producers? After searching high and low for a producer, I now have two:
Welcome Christina Hebert and Lindsay Garvin to the project! They will offer logistic and scheduling advice as well as recruiting a talented crew for me.
Chris Tharp has graciously signed on to DP. He'll be recruiting his own camera crew and I'm very excited to be working with them as well.
Matt Deicke has also been working hard for me as well as my casting director. He's been immensely helpful and we even have a casting session set up at Full Sail on September 5th. We hope to have a big turnout. I have even posted ads on various local casting websites.
Some bad news with my Production Designer, Sara. Her school schedule doesn't allow her as much free time as she'd hoped so she had to resign. Completely understandable. But luckily, her boyfriend, Mike Santini, is prepared and available to take over the position. Sara will be taking an advisory role from now on, but I appreciate all the effort she has already put into the project.
That's all for now folks. I will let you know what happens after the pitch!
August 7, 2009
The crew so far.
The newest, more final version of the script can be downloaded here. Fixed typos and a new ending!
What? New ending? What's wrong with the old one? I'll talk about that when I have a slower week.
There were a few snags in recruiting crew. Kind of feeling like I'm running behind, but I hope to have my key players set by the first Capstone class: Producer, Production Designer, DP, and 1st Assistant Director.
So far let's list everyone who's signed on 100%:
Production Designer: Sara Englehardt
Set Builder/Key Grip: Jayson Caissie
Storyboard Artist: Beth Stuebben
Not a bad start, I don't think. Sara was the Production Designer on A Beautiful Belly, a local UCF-affiliated feature that I had the distinct pleasure of working on over the summer. We met to talk about the script earlier this week and she had some amazing ideas. Jason and Beth are both good friends of mine with their own special skills, and I've done a lot with them this week as well.
I had a producer, but now I don't. I've sent out emails to prospective people interested, based on a list received from Lisa Cook, and some friends for possible referrals. So far I've gotten about 3 bites and I'm waiting to hear back from them. I'm talking to someone about Cinematography, though I have not had a chance to meet with them. Same goes for the 1st A.D. position.
I've completed the storyboards with Beth, so hopefully I will have those available to post soon!
What? New ending? What's wrong with the old one? I'll talk about that when I have a slower week.
There were a few snags in recruiting crew. Kind of feeling like I'm running behind, but I hope to have my key players set by the first Capstone class: Producer, Production Designer, DP, and 1st Assistant Director.
So far let's list everyone who's signed on 100%:
Production Designer: Sara Englehardt
Set Builder/Key Grip: Jayson Caissie
Storyboard Artist: Beth Stuebben
Not a bad start, I don't think. Sara was the Production Designer on A Beautiful Belly, a local UCF-affiliated feature that I had the distinct pleasure of working on over the summer. We met to talk about the script earlier this week and she had some amazing ideas. Jason and Beth are both good friends of mine with their own special skills, and I've done a lot with them this week as well.
I had a producer, but now I don't. I've sent out emails to prospective people interested, based on a list received from Lisa Cook, and some friends for possible referrals. So far I've gotten about 3 bites and I'm waiting to hear back from them. I'm talking to someone about Cinematography, though I have not had a chance to meet with them. Same goes for the 1st A.D. position.
I've completed the storyboards with Beth, so hopefully I will have those available to post soon!
July 26, 2009
The Characters!
For those interested, you can now download a current version of the script here.
So here they are, the players in this strange entertainment:
DR. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Dr. Shakespeare is an old man past his prime, and he's putting his brain into a new body using his expertise as a.. brain doctor. And he's the only person to have successfully done so. Though despite his genius, he's a little misguided - he's a total horn dog. Maybe he's using the brain transplants for some ulterior motive?
Think of..
meets
DR. GILES
Giles is a long time colleague of Dr. Shakespeare, just as old, give or take a few years, but not quite to the level of genius. Giles assists him in the initial and subsequent brain transplants that he undergoes. He comes off a bit authoritarian, but he's dedicated to science and understands the greater importance of the brain transplant. He's a little strange in how he gets his point across. Say what you will about him though, he runs a tight ship.
Think of..
meets
DR. GILES JR. (AKA "JUNIOR")
Fresh out of med school and the son of Dr. Giles, he's here to assist his father in transplanting Dr. Shakespeare's brain. He has more in common with Dr. Shakespeare than his father, it seems. But he's a little more open about it, and perhaps a little more cunning than he makes himself out to be. He's quite the little imp.
Think of:
meets
(but funny)
LISA
Lisa is the object of everyone's affection. Shakespeare loves her because she's not really high maintenance, but still has class and self-respect. She's got that bit of sass but also a bit of sweetness to her too. She's also just as horny as he is. But lately, she's become very frustrated with how their relationship has turned out.
Think of...
meets
(minus so much psycho)
These descriptions should provide SOME idea of what these characters are like!
Next post: crew recruitment!
So here they are, the players in this strange entertainment:
DR. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Dr. Shakespeare is an old man past his prime, and he's putting his brain into a new body using his expertise as a.. brain doctor. And he's the only person to have successfully done so. Though despite his genius, he's a little misguided - he's a total horn dog. Maybe he's using the brain transplants for some ulterior motive?
Think of..
meets
DR. GILES
Giles is a long time colleague of Dr. Shakespeare, just as old, give or take a few years, but not quite to the level of genius. Giles assists him in the initial and subsequent brain transplants that he undergoes. He comes off a bit authoritarian, but he's dedicated to science and understands the greater importance of the brain transplant. He's a little strange in how he gets his point across. Say what you will about him though, he runs a tight ship.
Think of..
meets
DR. GILES JR. (AKA "JUNIOR")
Fresh out of med school and the son of Dr. Giles, he's here to assist his father in transplanting Dr. Shakespeare's brain. He has more in common with Dr. Shakespeare than his father, it seems. But he's a little more open about it, and perhaps a little more cunning than he makes himself out to be. He's quite the little imp.
Think of:
meets
(but funny)LISA
Lisa is the object of everyone's affection. Shakespeare loves her because she's not really high maintenance, but still has class and self-respect. She's got that bit of sass but also a bit of sweetness to her too. She's also just as horny as he is. But lately, she's become very frustrated with how their relationship has turned out.
Think of...
meets
(minus so much psycho)These descriptions should provide SOME idea of what these characters are like!
Next post: crew recruitment!
July 23, 2009
More responses, and what the film is really about.
So I have more responses from people who read the script. Here are some of them, paraphrased:
"The film builds up to the montage scene, which if pulled off successfully, will be quite memorable."
"What? It was all a dream? I don't think I get it."
"I normally don't like the 'It was just a dream' ending, but I think it works pretty well in this story."
There are some minor things that I think I will change for the next draft. For example, the Junior character seems a bit out of place with a lot of his mannerisms and lines. But I think what raises a lot of people's eyebrows is the ending. This leads me to discuss what I believe this film is really about:
-brain transplants
-the mind, and the games it plays on us
-youth and fun
I don't intend to make a point or criticize anything. I just want to explore, and have fun along the way.
The ending reinforces that idea, forcing the audience to question what they saw, by having a cute girl say "it was just a dream" and wish the audience a good night. Though breaking the 4th wall raises another question: will this really work without pissing my audience off?
It's a fine line I'm walking here.
Next post will include character breakdowns.
"The film builds up to the montage scene, which if pulled off successfully, will be quite memorable."
"What? It was all a dream? I don't think I get it."
"I normally don't like the 'It was just a dream' ending, but I think it works pretty well in this story."
There are some minor things that I think I will change for the next draft. For example, the Junior character seems a bit out of place with a lot of his mannerisms and lines. But I think what raises a lot of people's eyebrows is the ending. This leads me to discuss what I believe this film is really about:
-brain transplants
-the mind, and the games it plays on us
-youth and fun
I don't intend to make a point or criticize anything. I just want to explore, and have fun along the way.
The ending reinforces that idea, forcing the audience to question what they saw, by having a cute girl say "it was just a dream" and wish the audience a good night. Though breaking the 4th wall raises another question: will this really work without pissing my audience off?
It's a fine line I'm walking here.
Next post will include character breakdowns.
July 20, 2009
Storytelling and Response.
I've been reading a lot of John Kricfalusi's blog (http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/) and he's been updating about the difficulty of pitching when his ideas of storytelling are different from the executives. Essentially how they use technical jargon and formulas to avoid genuinely good ideas.
In THE SHAKESPEARE PROCEDURE, the intention behind how it was written is to use cartoon structures in a live action short. I'm using the brain transplants as a vehicle for gags. Plain and simple. No complicated formulas, no real "arcs" just fun (or my definition of it).
So I've been shopping the script around, trying to get people behind the project. I really need a strong Producer to help organize things a bit, and get more people behind it. Someone who isn't going to flake on me. Someone who is going to really get behind the project as much as I am.
And I do feel really strongly about the project.
Some of the responses so far to those who have read the script, which have gotten me really optimistic:
"WHAT THE EFF?"
"I thought it was funny and cute. Should get some laughs"
"I get the comedy, but I think it also lends itself to creepy, eerie atmosphere."
I'm talking with someone about creating storyboards to use for pitching. Stay tuned.
In THE SHAKESPEARE PROCEDURE, the intention behind how it was written is to use cartoon structures in a live action short. I'm using the brain transplants as a vehicle for gags. Plain and simple. No complicated formulas, no real "arcs" just fun (or my definition of it).
So I've been shopping the script around, trying to get people behind the project. I really need a strong Producer to help organize things a bit, and get more people behind it. Someone who isn't going to flake on me. Someone who is going to really get behind the project as much as I am.
And I do feel really strongly about the project.
Some of the responses so far to those who have read the script, which have gotten me really optimistic:
"WHAT THE EFF?"
"I thought it was funny and cute. Should get some laughs"
"I get the comedy, but I think it also lends itself to creepy, eerie atmosphere."
I'm talking with someone about creating storyboards to use for pitching. Stay tuned.
July 18, 2009
Pigs is Pigs
In keeping with this "Looney Tunes" vibe I mentioned in the previous post, and as I'm writing the script (in my head) it seems that the story is shaping up to be quite similar to an old short that I remember seeing as a kid called "Pigs is Pigs":
In the video, a young pig who selfishly eats his mother's pies and his brothers' food has a bad dream in which he's force fed to the point of almost bursting, then in one last indulgence he explodes, finally. The short includes a memorable montage of the various machinery used to force feed the piglet, a sequence that has been parodied numerous times, including once in an episode of 'The Simpsons".
So, apply this to brain transplants and you essentially have "The Shakespeare Procedure". A doctor discovers a way to transplant his brain into other bodies, but his motivations for doing so may seem pointless or selfish. His contemporaries discover his secret reasons and actually encourage him to undergo more procedures, assuming the escalating side effects will make him come to his senses. The film, as it stands currently in my head and on paper will include a montage sequence in which Dr. Shakespeare's brain is transplanted into up to 20 different bodies! Pretty ambitious, eh?
I am currently recruiting for crew positions but before I can do that I have to finish the script! I hope to have the script done within the next 24 hours of this post. Stay tuned!
In the video, a young pig who selfishly eats his mother's pies and his brothers' food has a bad dream in which he's force fed to the point of almost bursting, then in one last indulgence he explodes, finally. The short includes a memorable montage of the various machinery used to force feed the piglet, a sequence that has been parodied numerous times, including once in an episode of 'The Simpsons".
So, apply this to brain transplants and you essentially have "The Shakespeare Procedure". A doctor discovers a way to transplant his brain into other bodies, but his motivations for doing so may seem pointless or selfish. His contemporaries discover his secret reasons and actually encourage him to undergo more procedures, assuming the escalating side effects will make him come to his senses. The film, as it stands currently in my head and on paper will include a montage sequence in which Dr. Shakespeare's brain is transplanted into up to 20 different bodies! Pretty ambitious, eh?
I am currently recruiting for crew positions but before I can do that I have to finish the script! I hope to have the script done within the next 24 hours of this post. Stay tuned!
July 15, 2009
First Post!
This is the first post of my production blog for my capstone film THE SHAKESPEARE PROCEDURE. It's about brain transplants. I can't really delve into more details because, well, to be perfectly honest, the script isn't finished yet! But it will be. And it will be good.
I've been working with David Bush on the script, and he's been immensely helpful in getting everything started. So I'd like to thank him for all the help he's been giving me in fleshing out the characters and writing the first three drafts of the script. Right now I'm working on the new drafts myself and getting it to where I'd like it to be.
I can say though I'm going for a kind of Looney Tunes quality to it - kind of goofy and fun. I'll post a video or something in another post, to make it clearer as to what I mean.. I also want to match the distinct qualities of those characters into this film, and make them easily recognizable with clear motives and personalities. I think that will be the most challenging part of making the film, and casting it just right.
I feel I'm a little behind on progress. When the semester starts I want to hit the ground running and get production done ASAP. So here I go, to get some lunch and work on the script!
I've been working with David Bush on the script, and he's been immensely helpful in getting everything started. So I'd like to thank him for all the help he's been giving me in fleshing out the characters and writing the first three drafts of the script. Right now I'm working on the new drafts myself and getting it to where I'd like it to be.
I can say though I'm going for a kind of Looney Tunes quality to it - kind of goofy and fun. I'll post a video or something in another post, to make it clearer as to what I mean.. I also want to match the distinct qualities of those characters into this film, and make them easily recognizable with clear motives and personalities. I think that will be the most challenging part of making the film, and casting it just right.
I feel I'm a little behind on progress. When the semester starts I want to hit the ground running and get production done ASAP. So here I go, to get some lunch and work on the script!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)