Back to Work

I loved being back in Chicago for three weeks, but now it's back to the grind. Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays as much as I did! 

Here's some news, along with an idea of what to expect in the coming weeks. 

• I've been spending a lot of time lately developing a feature I'll refer to as "UGSP" - which isn't the title, don't worry! Just a code name. I've worked through two drafts of the script over the past three years, and am prepping to do a massive Page One rewrite - but I'm excited!

• I also got my hands on the 1TB LaCie External Hard Drive - hurray!

• Expect some exciting updates on Voluntary as well as developments concerning an upcoming Celestial Fury trailer! I've already gotten the first pass at Voluntary's brand new soundtrack and the sound design already has me giddy.

• I have no idea what happened with the interview set up with Stephen Lamesford for HJU. He was doing it, then he stopped responding to everyone. If he ever gets around to participating, I'll post the link here.

February is going to be a big month for me. I'm setting some pretty high goals for myself personally and professionally, but I'm confident there will be some interesting new developments in the next 4 weeks. Stay tuned and wish me luck!

I'll leave you with the Sunday morning breakfast palette I made for my roommate Brant and I two weeks ago. My first solid attempt at cooking a meal from scratch: Egg McMuffins and my dad's hash browns with orange juice. Mmmm...

The Egg McMuffins were amazing, and the hash browns weren't bad for a first try. I'd say they were a 8/10 (of their maximum potential).

An Evening w/ Stephen Lunsford

Based on the 2005-2006 interviews with the cast and crew of Power Rangers SPD I conducted for Rangerboard, I was asked to do an interview with KRDK charmer STEPHEN LUNSFORD on behalf of Henshin Justice Unlimited. 

Stephen plays the lead character Kit Taylor in The CW's upcoming live-action series Kamen Rider Dragon Knight. 

The interview should be up and available within the week! I'll make sure to post a link here as soon as it becomes available. It should be fun!

While KRDK doesn't formally premiere until January, The CW will be airing a special sneak preview tomorrow morning (Saturday, Dec. 13th). Check your local listings for times!

New Logo?

Realistically, I'm probably going to be stuck with this layout for awhile.

However, if anyone is interested in coming up with a logo for "The Quispy Chronicle," I'd be open to submissions! :)

Note to Santa

LaCie 301199U Big Disk Extreme+ 1 TB Firewire800/Firewire400/USB 2.0 with RAID External Hard Drive

Right now, I've only got a 250 GB External HD and there's only about 10 gigs left. PREASE SANTA!

Some Unfinished Business

I'm working on (finally) get my Production 2 films - HEADSTONE and COGNOMINIS - transferred into a digital format. If things work out the way I'm hoping, they should be uploaded by at least the weekend. Cross your fingers!

I shot both 16mm short films at Columbia College back in Spring 2006. Unlike ONLY ONCE - which was both black-and-white and silent - these films were shot using color film. We also edited them digitally, using post-synch sound. 

So check back soon!

Anatomy of a Soulless Supervillain

MAGE is the evil ancient-warrior-turned-archenemy of the multi-colored heroic guardians of the Earth Realm in CELESTIAL FURY, my 100% NOT-FOR-PROFIT Power Rangers fan-film. 

Mage is played by actor/model/writer/director/sometimes producer (show-off...) and friend Brant Daugherty, who did double-duty on Celestial Fury as my Co-Producer. Brant and I co-founded DIAPASON CREATIVE, our creative group and sometimes production company. He's extremely dedicated and an all-around great guy to work with.

Photo by another friend, photographer Adam Bouska

He's worked on all of my projects to date in some capacity, varying from lead actor to cinematographer (COGNOMINIS, 2006) to 2nd AD (VOLUNTARY). You'll likely see/hear much of him on the blog in the future.  I see big things for him in the future, so make sure to watch out for him!

It took a lot of effort (and a good chunk of the budget!) to bring MAGE to life. Here's a fun behind-the-scenes look at how some of that process took place. As usual, CLICK each photo for a larger version.

Though Brant was a Co-Producer in Pre-Production, we made sure that while we were shooting he focused completely on his role. He was called into make-up at the production office over an hour before any other cast member, usually around 5am.

Make-Up artist Sylwia Krol works on applying Mage's latex forehead. Brant began his mornings by putting in his "evil" contacts before Dawn Subhasiriwatana (say that ten times fast) and her make-up assistants got to work.

Here the crew is setting up for the Special/Visual FX  that kicks off the first fight between Duncan (Matt McCormick) and Mage. 

After giving Brant some notes, we rehearse the shot. He is going to essentially move into position and, as he does, his cloak and sword disappear into particles of energy. Awesome, right?

To pull off the shot, Brant must move into his position - FREEZE! - have his cloak/sword removed while he stays completely still - UNFREEZE! - and resume his action as if he'd never stopped moving. The result? Fun VFX!

After rehearsing the shot, the make-up and wardrobe ladies jump in to prepare for the take.

The cast and crew clear the shot and settle for a take. 

Dawn does some last-minute touches on Brant before we throw his cloak back on and try the shot.

During the take, wardrobe and myself fly in and grab his sword and cloak. 

A hint at the final result?

It's hard to tell just by the still, but take my word for it when I say that the shot looks incredible in HD. The shot came out great!

You'll have to wait a little while longer for that though. Right now, we're aiming for a Spring 2009 release - the earlier the better!

And on that note...

Sorry Brant. I had to do it. 

Celestial Fury was shot in May/June 2007.

Introducing: Voluntary

Back at the end of June 2008, I wrote and directed a short titled VOLUNTARY as part of Columbia College Chicago's Semester in LA Directing Program.

As part of our 5 week intensive semester at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, each of us were given the chance to professionally shoot our own shorts on the brand new RED camera. 

HUGE props go out to Emily F. Adams, my dedicated and amazing Production Designer, as well as Ashley Capps for the great costuming!

Below are some behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot, as well as some screen captures from my actual footage. CLICK each thumbnail for a larger resolution!

Director Christopher Hayden rehearsing with leads Mark Cirillo (CODY) and Darcy Martin (JENNIFER).

Kyle Smith (Art Department) wets down the walls in preparation for a take.

Lining up the next shot. Those black disposable tips were by far the most difficult aspect of production to secure.

Kyle Smith and Jessica Greske (Art Department) bring the hallway set to life.

Michael White as DR. COLLINS