Team 104′s verse for 2013.

With less than 48 hours more or less than a day to go before production week starts depending on your location, two things have become apparent:

• Prayers are being answered, AND
• The need to pray continues.

Speaking of needs, I have them. However, that’s not what I’m here to talk about today. “Mike, how are you making three films with only one team?” One might ask, if one were so inclined.

No, I haven’t increased last year’s insanity by attempting to create 3 separate and distinct films. Of course, that’s not going to stop me from using a unique visual style, in an attempt to make the best possible film that I can.

Where do the three films come from in this case? Well, there’s the movie you write, the one you shoot, then the one you edit. Remember when I warned you there’d be math?

You can actually create 3 or 4 different movies at the same time, depending on how many unique takes you get on your shoot. This of course assumes that each take is perfect. This is up to the director.

Good thing I’m sleeping with him.

Now before you make any grandiose assumptions, let me assure you that there’s a Billy Joel song that has the line, ‘…either way it’s okay. You wake up with yourself.”

That’s right. I had a director, and then she backed out. So, I hired the one guy that I knew would work for next to nothing. Absolutely nothing, actually.

Well, not really. There’s something this year about a million dollar first prize. I’m skeptical.  Personally, I’d be happy with what the team that Blue Blazes lost to in 2011.

Well, I’ve cleared the first word hurdle, so I’m thinking that I can talk about whatever I want now.

It should be intuitively obvious, however, for those that need everything spelled out for them, click the link.

That’s my story. Hope you enjoyed it™

The post One Team. Three Films. Two Outcomes. appeared first on My 168 Project.

Verse selection for this season’s 168 Project took place last night, and you guessed it, I drew the aforementioned verse. The theme this year is Atonement, as I’ve previously discussed either here or elsewhere.

Furthermore, the genre is superhero, or science fiction in general, and that tells you most of what you need to know.

However, I’m not writing this year, I’m merely directing, producing, and oh yeah, starring. I’ve given story and character ideas to the writer, and he tells me I’ll have a first draft by tonight.  Then of course, the rewriting process begins, however, I don’t believe in the rewrite.

Oh, I believe that it takes place, however, it truly is simply more writing. A better term might be unwrite, which  wordpress tells me isn’t a word. It tells me wordpress isn’t a word, either, so maybe it doesn’t know everything.

The reason I chose another writer over myself is practical: The last time I did that, I made the finals with Blue Blazes. Created the sequel last year, and the sophomore jinx was in full effect, however, the music video probably would’ve won had I not had audio problems.

The rules this year prohibit the use of previously used characters, however, I did find an available loophole that I’m willing to exploit. Sea Coast City is not considered a character. Insert an evil laugh here.

At some point, I’m going to record an evil laugh, and have a play button everytime I need to do that. Sort of an homage to The Shadow. He of, “Who knows what evil lurks…” fame.

The craziness that is currently taking place outside my Sea Coast City apartment window precludes me from writing further, for now.

That’s my story. Hope you enjoyed it™

The post Romans 12:1 appeared first on My 168 Project.

Probably need most of it, a little before then.

That’s why I don’t like sites like Kickstarter, and Indiegogo, to name two of the myriad fundraising sites out there. The fatal flaw in the two mentioned, is that you don’t receive your money until a set date, and you don’t necessarily get A) all that you want, or more likely B) any of what you want. Also, as my ministry is year-round, and my ultimate goal is to create a 168-like film every month, these models aren’t adequate.

We hear about the successes all the time.  About failure, not so much. I’d quote actual statistics here, but that would require doing research. The bigger issue at this point is, most of you that would see a traditional request through one of these sites has probably already donated to someone else for this season, and loyalty is a good thing, and should be rewarded.  I’ve written elsewhere pray for me, and I’ll pray for you.

On to the good stuff; Where will the money go, you ask?

• Insurance, roughly about $500,
• Food for cast and crew, roughly about $1000,
• Equipment rental and purchase takes up the rest.

If there’s anything leftover, that will goto publicity, and entering the film in other festivals such as CCI-IFF, wherein Blue Blazes appeared in 2011.

All it would take is one guy (or gal) willing to donate the entire amount, however, it’s more likely that I’ll have several hundred of you donating small amounts of $5, $10, or $20. You can also goto the Store link, and buy something, in which case, I receive a small commission.  And, you don’t have to buy what I recommend, as anything will do.  In return, you’ll get a credit at the end of the film. Large donations will be rewarded additionally, depending on your location, and availability to make use of the other perks I can offer, which include, but are not limited to, a pass to The Magic Castle, and tickets to the festival itself, which takes place August 8th-10th, 2013.

So, thanks to those that would give by using the donation button in the upper right. Unless you’re seeing this on a mobile device, in which case, my direct Paypal is Batman@azteca.net.  Using either method gives me your name for the credit reel.

That’s My Story. Hope You Enjoyed It™

The post Fundraising, 2013 Edition appeared first on My 168 Project.

Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I should probably attempt to write a song with the above mentioned title. However, it’s probably already been written, therefore I should perform a search to find the lyrics. I’d create my version to the tune of Tradition! from Fiddler on the Roof. Your mileage may vary.

At one point Tevyah figures out that he needs three hands, and brilliantly states, “There is no other hand!!!” And before you ask, I am old enough to have seen the movie version in a theatre. The amazing part is, I remember most of it. Yes, I am that good.

Here’s where you’re probably going to bail, as I’ve used up your 15 second attention span. So, for those that have left, there’s a nice cat video waiting for you at a website near you.

For the rest of you, the point, and yes indeed I have buried the lead again, is that for most things you do, you need permission from someone else.

I reject this notion totally for those that don’t know me, simply because you should already know that.

I’ve got this One Guy that basically tells me what to do, and what I can get away with. And He forgives me when I’m not hearing Him. It’s a great system. Of course, you should continue to listen, and then you’ll need less forgiveness as you move on.

At least, that’s what I thought Dean was preaching about yesterday.

I could be wrong, as you know, I have been before. At least, from your perspective. I thought I was wrong once, but I was wrong.

Didn’t write that one. It’s original with someone else. The proof is left to the reader.

Didn’t you hate those growing up? In any sense of a math course that you took, you may have needed to prove your answer or for the younger readers, show your work. This was not a good thing for me growing up, simply because I did all of my work in my head, got it right, and had lousy handwriting. The perfect storm of not bad grades, but less than superior ones. By the time I graduated high school, I was 22nd in my class, which was pretty good, until you realize that the 21 above me were all National Merit Scholars.  That’s right, I only earned a half scholarship from that fine institution that may or may not exist anymore.

To continue, this gave me permission to apply to several Universities, and despite the acronym, I got accepted at my school of first choice, USC.  As I may or may not have discussed anywhere relevant before, this ultimately cost me the house that I grew up in.

But that’s not what this is about either.

I heard a standup once say that to tell a joke, you must do three things: Commit to the joke, go through the joke, and then without asking permission, tell the joke.

It goes the same for most anything you or myself for that matter would do.

Including taking a walk five times a week, for thirty minutes a day.

Of course, I’ve done other stuff since I took the break that you are currently no longer enjoying.  And you wouldn’t even know that much had I not told you about it.

So, to review: Forgiveness exists. Permission may be needed. Use these sound bites at your leisure or peril.

Oh, and if any of this did or did not make sense, leave a comment and explain why. Donations towards the ultimate deadline are always appreciated, and you should know by now how to do that. Thanks!

That’s my story. Hope you enjoyed it™

The post Permission!!! appeared first on My 168 Project.

Therefore it is with much fanfare, well, as much as I can get on here, I announce today that The Further Adventures Of… will show Friday, April 12, 2013 at the Universal Multicultural Film Festival in the 350p short film block. I hope that we run into each other there. Of course, those of you reading this in another state probably won’t be able to fly into Torrance Airport in time to make it, however, your well wishes are appreciated.

How many remember Party in The House!!!? Well, as you know, I used the Torrance Airport to double as a street outside the aforementioned house wherein the party took place. I still wish I had the time to show the plane landing on an actual street in Torrance.

That’s about it for now, as outside forces wish to use the computer.

72 and sunny in Redondo Beach.

That’s my story. Hope you enjoyed it™

The post It’s A Festival! appeared first on My 168 Project.

Like this shareable? Get more content marketing tips from Copyblogger.

Let me know what you believe in the comments.

72 and sunny in Redondo Beach.

Adjust your expectations accordingly.

The post Performance Art, Or Broadway Musical? appeared first on My 168 Project.

So, today’s subject is, writing!!! How’d you guess? Well, you didn’t. You probably searched for something else, and found your way here, or you received a notification when I posted. One of the two….

I posted my rules for writing on another site recently, and felt that I should notify my fine friends here about it. Checkout the latest on my free WordPress blog, if you haven’t already. Thanks!!!

Was told today that I’m not using proper social media etiquette. Well, Excuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuse MEEEEEE!!!

Here’s the story: This woman that I don’t know sends me a friend request on facebook. So, I post on her timeline a response to one of her stories, and point her at the above FREE WORDPRESS SITE. She thought that I was posting advertising on her site.

This was indeed not the case.

As always, 72 and sunny in Redondo Beach. Even when it isn’t.

The post Write, Write, Write!!! appeared first on My 168 Project.

How, you may ask? I treat the triangle as equilateral. I once had a math teacher that proved all triangles are isosceles, however, that’s in non-Euclidian space.  Besides, he wasn’t my math teacher, as I was in the gifted program that he so richly craved, but was never able to takeover.

I once completed a 168 in roughly 144 hours, or six days. Took the seventh to rest.  Thought there’d be a prize for delivering 1st, however, there was not. You can read more about that at your leisure.

I did however accomplish my goal. I’m still trying to make one in five days, and turn in roughly 48 hours early, however, I don’t think that’s a good plan for this year. Especially with the big first prize.

However, taking one second above the provided 168 hours isn’t a good idea either, as you’re not eligible for any awards beyond the audience award, and that’s effectively rigged to the point of a popularity contest. At least, that’s how it’s worked in the past.

I’ve done this once for less than it takes to feed a union crew for one day. Including craft services.

Combined those three talents for creating the 2011 finalist, Blue Blazes.

Had audio problems last season. Mostly my fault, but I was attempting something new. Two films, in the time most were creating only one. I can replicate that success, however, my thinking is that this season’s music video will be out of competition, and used as a trailer.

Time is always fixed, for the competition itself. There are however, things you can do that qualify as pre-production before the production week begins.  You can also use characters that you wholly own. Created by being a credit that I like to have.

Anyone ever read the movie credits at the beginning? Well, I may put most of mine there this time, to maximize my eleven minutes. One team one year put up an URL for 2 seconds and that allegedly qualified as their credit listing. I feel that gives most of the thousands that contributed to the making of whatever short shrift.

How short is your shrift? And what exactly is a shrift, anyways?

One short of 400. But now that I’ve written that, I’ve gone over, therefore, it’s onward and upward. There was a comic book in the 80′s, Wordsmith. His theory was, why use one word when you can use five instead. When you get paid by the word, it makes sense to follow this philosophy to the letter, or word.

Have I ever explained the origin of ‘This Changes Everything!!!”? You may know the song, and have even seen the music video, however, it comes from a couple of quotes of various luminaries either famous or infamous. It may even be roughly philosophical. Which may explain why I’ve never written about it before. I believe philosophy is the study of just enough knowledge to screw you up for the rest of your life.

Aside: Never cook your breakfast while attempting an extemporaneous blog post. If this indeed is what I’m doing right now….

Clearly, I’ve digressed.

I always budget my 168s at $33,333.33, simply because I’m a fan of the whole 3 theme. Do you know your powers of three? Remember, a what, maybe over a year ago, I did warn you that there would be math. How far is infinity? Ask the lens you’re currently shooting with. My Flip HD would tell you about 20 feet. Yes, that’s right, I won’t be able to shoot my 168 with that. Or, even an elementary photo-shoot with a model of my choice. Or yours for that matter, I’m not particular. TFP is my thing.

A fifty four word sentence: I’m sorry, I can’t come up with one, therefore, I’ll try to make it a paragraph, in which case, I still make my artificial word count for today.  Five commas!!! Nice. Not a dream, not a hoax, and not even an imaginary story. How many remember the 80′s?

Well, I’ve given you several things to pontificate and proselytize about, so I’ll end here. Use the comment section at your will. Click on the donate button if you so desire. Thanks!!!

72 and sunny in Redondo Beach.

That’s my story. Hope you enjoyed it™

The post Better, Faster, Cheaper appeared first on My 168 Project.

The enlightened among you will recognize what that’s from, and those that don’t, don’t need to know. You may think that you have a need to know, but you don’t, as the title for this missive could’ve been anything, including, Can’t see the forest, for the trees.

We got our Christmas Tree recently. And when I say we, I mean, my wife and two kids bought one, before I was ready to deal with bringing a tree into the house, and when I say house, I mean, two bedroom apartment in the slums of Redondo Beach.

Now, my landlord would have you believe that he’s not actually a slumlord, however, he’s been taken to court by tenants in this and other buildings he pretends to own more times than he’s taken his tenants to court to evict them, so, you make the call.

This raises the question, ”You have a wife and two kids?“ Well, maybe I do, and maybe I don’t, you’ll just have to take my word for it, as again, you don’t have a need to know. And it makes for a better story if you do.

Before the tree was purchased, everytime I drove my daughter to school and/or back from, we’d pass by a tree lot. In said lot resides a purple tree, which prompts my daughter to tell me, ”I want a purple tree.“ She’s also at a point where she thinks she’s smarter than me, but that’s another story for another time that’s not the time alluded to above, and of course, not to be confused with every time.

She always notices the flocked trees of other colors. Because, the purple tree is next to a red tree that might be pink, a white tree, and yes, a green tree. And before you ask, I’ll answer for you, as I don’t know why you’d flock a tree that is already green, green. Maybe the green tree was originally purple.

I found out later, our tree was not purchased from said lot, and as I also stated previously, I wasn’t there when it was purchased, either. Therefore, I can’t tell you we got the tree at the same lot that the tree for our church was bought, as I wasn’t there when that happened either, so, as previously discussed, I don’t know anything, really. But I can write about it.

Ok, so, I don’t know where you live, but to go on a tree hunt in Redondo Beach, CA 90278, you need to load for suck. Oh, did I mention our tree sucks? Well, if I didn’t, and you haven’t read last week’s, then go ahead, I’ll wait. I’ll still be here. If you have, it only rates a nine, so, we’re ok, in the tree department, anyway. We can discuss the logic of buying a tree later, as well.

Of course, you probably thought that’s what I was doing here, so, to continue, it’s not a matter of the tree itself sucking, it’s the fact that we have a tree that sucks, simply because, I wanted to buy it next week. My family unilaterally made a decision without me. They made space in the apartment without me, they bought the tree to go into that space without me, brought the tree up from the car to the apartment without me, put the tree up without me, and did other things without me.

The theme in the above paragraph, is, without me. Now, I don’t know about you, but usually, when we go on a family outing, the entire family goes. This was a first for me, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. But I can write about it.

And I have, actually. You’re reading this now, if you’ve read this far. If I lost you back at paragraph 3, it’s good to have you back. So, to review, tree purchased, not purple, without me. You may ask, why wasn’t I there when the tree was purchased. ”Mike, why weren’t you there when the tree was purchased?“ This is a good question, that deserves an answer, that I’m not prepared to give. However, if you were to see me on the streets of Redondo, I might be inclined to do so. Or to so do. Or doe see doe.

How many people remember Colonel Flagg, from M*A*S*H? Just me? Ok, that’s fine. What were we talking about? NOTHING!!! I’m writing, you’re reading, we’ve already discussed this. You may consider this a one way conversation if you so desire….

Remember when I said I’d talk about the logic of buying a tree later? Well, I’m doing it now. Now for you wacky environmentalists out there, not to be confused with the environmentalist wackos of the Environmentalist Liberation Front, there are more trees now, than there were in 1900. So, that’s not the issue. It’s simply this: Trees cost money, Christmas or otherwise. The tree has nothing to do with anything that happened during the birth of Our Lord and Savior, lest we forget the reason for the season.

And according to some, we’re in an economic crisis, so, my family chose to have a nice tree, instead of maybe another gift, without me.

Therefore, I leave you with the following amazingly true fact: Most Christmas Tree fires occur during Christmas Time.

72 and sunny in Redondo Beach. Unless it’s snowing when you read this.

Disclaimer: Mike would never advocate that you set a Christmas tree on fire. You may however chop it up for firewood on the 26th. Whether or not you have a fireplace.

New Disclaimer: This is the last of my original Idea Masters™ articles that has yet to see the light of day. I wrote this back in 2008 a couple of weeks before Christmas. Things have gone from fair to middling since. Normally I would’ve posted this on another site, however, I wanted a little cross posting action. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, no matter what holiday your family chooses to celebrate

The post Happy Boxing Day!!! appeared first on My 168 Project.

How sad is it that I can’t remember a nursery rhyme?

Well, today is as you know, December 13th, 2012. We survived 12:12:12 on 12/12/12. The ternarycalypse or whatever it was called. Not sure. I could do a lookup, but those happen at the end. When I’m looking for links. This may be another, Link Free Blog Post™

Of course, if I do that, my SEO tanks, and then only my current readers will see this. Unless there’s a pingback. So, feel free to reference this missive in your blog, and I’ll approve it.

I’ve decided that the average blog post consists of words and paragraphs and stories. I may be telling more than one here, so, a subhead would be appropriate. However, I’ve never truly learned to do that. Or, I know how, I just don’t want to, as it’s early. Or, late depending on what side of the meridian you’re on.

Well, now that we know what it’s going to take the fill the rest of my day with productive work, we can continue to bloviate in epic proportions. The white space between this paragraph and last indicates a timespan of wherein I walked a route that I’m going to take later today for real, watched Doctor Who, and generally had a good time. More on that later, if I’m able.

Wow. Just had a childhood flashback. I should probably delete that paragraph before I publish. I know, this won’t be a recursive function. If you think the above paragraph should be deleted, then simply don’t read it, and continue on….

Then, if you think the one above that should be gone too, I’ve accomplished my mission. Which I don’t truly know what that is yet. Actually I do, as I’ve talked about it here before….

Half way to my artificial word count. Good! Fine!!!

If I had no distractions, I could probably bang out one of these an hour, however, I’m sure both you and me have lives to lead, so, that’s probably never going to happen. I’ve done 3 in one day once, however, that was for 3 different sites.

An hour before I have to leave for real. Fascinating, as Spock would say. I’d link, but I promised no links, and I believe it’s still on YouTube somewhere. I’ve given you the relative search terms, so come back when you’re done. I’ll wait.

Let me know if you can’t find it, and I may post at some point. Get sued by Paramount, countersue, then of course, get a meeting on the lot, not to be confused with, The Lot.

Did anyone watch that? Besides us filmmaker types of course? Many years ago, I’m thinking at least 5 at this point, Fox decided they needed a version of a reality show wherein they find the next great filmmaker. The big prize was a $500k development deal with Spielberg. Yes, that one.

So, we watched and agonized over our favorites getting eliminated like any reality show that we watch currently, and at the end, they picked one of my three finalists, so, I was happy. We’ve never heard from him since. Is Dreamworks SKG this big black hole from whence no one can return? I’d like to know.

I believe their headquarters is in Glendale, which is why the pic of The Alex Theatre. She of World Premiere of Blue Blazes fame. Yes, I’m back on topic. Never really left. Was attempting to figure out if I need a new clock, or a new mouse. I’m perfectly aware that I may need both replaced. Remember when life wasn’t so complicated?

One hundred words to go. Oh, wait, now less. I’ve done that trick before, actually. Not sure if it was here.  With disclaimers and the like, I’ll probably go over the count I’m shooting for today. I’m okay with that. You should be too.

Have I mentioned my daughter’s home for Winter break yet? Well, if I haven’t, I just did. If not, then now you know. Thirty Seven to go….

So, the point, and yes, there is one, Meeting Friday One PM, PST. Pray, flip a coin, meditate, think on, Hum, whatever it is you do to send some good thoughts during this holiday season towards me. I thank you in advance, and I’ll let you know how it goes….

That’s my story. Hope you Enjoyed It™

I’d ask for my standard disclaimer to go here, but that’s on the About page, I believe….

The post When The Clock Struck 13… appeared first on My 168 Project.