The Official Blog of Kevin Cole

New Site!

2010-05-29T21:37:00.003-05:00

Pardon me while I direct you all to a new blog type place to find my ramblings, or more so well thought out things. Shorter comedic bits and such that work better on the new site rather than here. So go and follow me there please!

http://kevintumbles.tumblr.com/

An Open Rebuttal On The Importance Of Humor

2010-05-04T16:55:00.001-05:00

Recently for my online Story Telling class we had to do the following assignment worth 5% of our grade:

We said earlier that a "Strange Attractor" is something unique and compelling. Discuss what you feel is unique and compelling about yourself that would be an attractive asset to the entertainment industry and how you plan on marketing and/or highlighting that asset to prospective employers as you seek to begin or advance your career.

This was my response:

I feel that an attractive asset I have is a good sense of humor and an ability to make people laugh (I'm a hard worker too, but that's not the focus here). If you can get someone who doesn't like you to laugh, you're already winning them over. A good sense of humor also leads to a good sense of recovery in the sense that it's quite easy for me to laugh at myself or a mistake I've made. The world's a funny place, you just have to look at from the right angles.

  Other attractive assets include but are not limited to: 

-My face 

-My apparently soft hair

Now this response got me a 100%, however this is how the teacher responded to it:

Not many industry professionals would care about your face and soft hair, would they? Humor is good in a movie but rarely on the mind of someone about to hire someone else in such a competitive industry. Time to get serious about how you are going to stand out amongst all the others that want to do the same thing (or close to it) as you in the entertainment industry.

As far as my grade is concerned I have no problems. But being someone who takes comedy seriously I felt a strong urge to address his response.

First allow me to address the question and expand my response. Essentially we’re asking, “What makes you stand out?” Now I don’t have some amazing life story of trials and hardship to fall back on, I wasn’t raised by bean farmers and then tried to make it in the big city. Let’s face the facts, everyone says they are dedicated and that they work hard, but if everyone says that it doesn’t really help you stand out now does it (no offence dedicated-hard-workers). And if these are in fact prospective employers then odds are they haven’t seen you work yet so they have no basis on how honest you are when it comes to working with someone.

So what’s something that helps you stand out? Well for me it’s humor; if you can get an honest laugh out of someone then they’re going to remember you. And that’s what this is about isn’t it?

Now lets think about this statement: “Time to get serious about how you are going to stand out amongst all the others that want to do the same thing (or close to it) as you in the entertainment industry.” Again, I’m entirely serious when I say people will remember you if you can make them laugh, especially if there are people who want to do what you can but other than working hard they just don’t stand out that much.

The plan isn’t to stand out by walking into an office and being a goofball. You can get people to laugh in a serious situation when given the opportunities and be taken seriously. Don’t believe me? Watch Conan O’Brien’s interview on 60 Minutes, he throws some jokes in from time to time, but he knows when to be serious. This isn’t like when Robin Williams goes on any talk show and starts joking about every possible thing.

A lot of times funny people will get a bad rep for not taking things seriously, which I mostly attribute to the “Class Clown” section of high school superlatives. Rarely is the Class Clown the funniest kid in school, but actually the most obnoxious student who’s not afraid to talk back to the teacher and get some cheap laughs as a result. (I never got Class Clown, but because of this realization I’m not bitter about it).

Continuing to dissect things backwards: “Humor is good in a movie but rarely on the mind of someone about to hire someone else in such a competitive industry.”

Well of course it’s not on their minds! Unless they’re hiring comedy writers it’s not hardly relevant. So again I stress, this isn’t rapid-fire comedy (Callback to the Robin Williams statement). This is something natural that just works its way into a conversation or interview. If you can get them to laugh, when you leave the room odds are they’ll be thinking, “I liked that guy.”

Now it’s time I called attention the Joke I intentionally inserted at the end of my statement:

“Other attractive assets include but are not limited to: 

-My face 

-My apparently soft hair”

Funny? Maybe. I thought it was to some degree, because really… what the hell is an “Attractive Asset?”

I didn’t open with this, nor did I insert it half way through, in fact with the exception of “(I'm a hard worker too, but that's not the focus here).” It’s the ONLY joke I made. Appropriately at the end after I had finished making all serious statements, (plus it seemed wrong to talk about a sense of humor and have nothing to prove its existence).

Here was the very first thing my teacher wrote in his response: “Not many industry professionals would care about your face and soft hair, would they?”

That’s right the first thing he brings up is the joke. And I’m 92% sure that no one’s dumb enough not to get that it was a joke. So here’s my argument, if I need to get serious, if humor is in no way going to help me get a job, why is my only joke in my response the element that sticks out above the rest?

The State of Illogical-Cast:

2010-05-02T22:08:00.001-05:00

http://tinyurl.com/illogicalcast

Ok, so listening to this should somewhat explain the delay in episode 2. Brad and I are hoping to sit down tomorrow, but his health is in and out, and my schedule isn't entire known at this point. But we'll explain the massive delay then.

Illogical-Cast Promotion!

2010-04-18T15:02:00.003-05:00

I spent the maybe 3 hours working on this 1 minute promo... if you ask me, it kinda kicks ass:

Illogical-Cast Promo! - watch more funny videos

Illogical-Cast

2010-04-12T21:35:00.003-05:00

I don't know why it took me so long (a day?) to blog about this, but it's pretty big! Behold! Illogical-Cast!

A podcast featuring myself and Brad Rosen, as well musical arrangements by Luke Moorman

Click the Link to download and send feedback to illogcalcast@gmail.com

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=367272818

This is what I've been reduced to :/

2010-04-12T20:51:00.002-05:00

I Eat it so you don't have to: The KFC Double Down

Census Complete!

2010-04-01T16:08:00.002-05:00

I got my census form weeks ago, but I finally filled it out.

Kevin, why did you take so long to fill out the census?

Well, to my understanding you can't lie in a government study, and the census frequently asks me who is living in my house as of April 1st 2010. If I filled the census out earlier in the march I could be sending in misleading information. How do I know that someone won't come and live with me only for the day, or that I won't take in an orphan or March 31st?

So today, I realized the date, looked around my apparent, and quietly said to myself "nope, just me." got the form and filled it out.

Christians Against Healthcare Reform

2010-03-23T20:16:00.003-05:00

If there's one thing that makes me want to scream "What The F--k!?!" It's Christians against Healthcare Reform. Here's the thing, I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I don't believe in Church since that can corrupt people more than any other institution (and that's a whole different blog post, but I figured I'd let people know where I stand before I go off this topic).

I know this post is going to be controversial, but it's something I need to put out there, so deal with it.

Christians claim to be a loving people. People who walk around saying things like "Love Thy Neighbor" and "What Would Jesus do?" Okay, so maybe they don't say it, but a lot of them wear it. This is what's so puzzling to me, people who preach that we should help the needy and attempt to live their lives in a Christ-like manner would rather see people die of an easily curable disease than see this nation "fall to socialism." Healthcare reform isn't some grand scheme to turn this "beautiful nation" into The United Soviet Socialist Republic.

This isn't the McCarthy era! The problem is not only are people not caring about the needs of others, their putting an illogical fear instilled in them by right-wing brainwashers, politicians, Fox News, what have you.

For Christ's Sake OPEN YOUR EYES! There are people in this country who have diseases but can't afford to be treat or have been royally screwed by their healthcare provider. I fervently remember a story of a woman who sprained her wrist but was refused coverage because it was a pre-existing condition (Some one tell me how the hell that makes sense). Health Care reform will make sure this type of instance doesn't happen again, and will ensure that those who can't afford insurance will still be able to get the help they need.

Christians preach to put God first in life. Personally I think this all wrong, as god is an omnipresent being, you can't really put something that's not tangible a head of people around you and you shouldn't. Keep the people you love close to you, because they may not always be there (and apparently some christians prefer it that way). To deny someone healthcare because "it's socialist" Are putting their country ahead of people in need. Get this, a country is only an idea, a concept that everyone happens to agree on, people united by invisible lines. The people are real, the people are dying, "America" will be fine. Get your heads out of your asses!

Also using the constitution doesn't help your argument, as I direct you to a slightly older document. The Declaration of Independence, where people are ensured LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To deny a man healthcare is to deny him life.

Bring me a sick man, a sick homeless man and tell him (and me) that he doesn't deserve treatment, that he doesn't deserve to be healthy. Why? because he can't afford it. And I will in turn show you an ungodly man.

An analogy for you readers.

2010-03-22T12:46:00.001-05:00

The passing of the healthcare bill is like when Facebook changes it's layout, people will bitch a lot in the beginning, then they'll forget about it and realize it was probably all for the best.

A thought...

2010-03-21T21:41:00.003-05:00

I should become a campaign manager for politicians with weird/funny names. Consider the following:

Elect John Boehner: Big Boehners, Not Big Government

Now I've heard it's probably pronounced Bayner, which makes sense since I don't see a "Congressman Boner" escaping my keen radar for so long. But so what, sure it may be pronounced Bayner, but it's still just a fancy way of spelling Boner. And if the one didn't use a voice over or only saw said slogan on a pin or t-shirt, it would work just as well.

So why settle for something like this potential politicians? Well lets be honest, not many people pay attention to congressional elections. So when people randomly decide who to vote for, are they going to elect the guy named John Bayner who ran on a campaign of anti-liberal, small government, truck drivin, home townness? Or John Boehner, who ran under the same principles but had an edgy and clever campaign. Especially with young voters, who will they remember? Bayner or Boner?

So politicians, regardless of political agenda, if you have a funny name and are looking for a campaign manager leave me a contact me, and soon you'll be sitting in the political seat of your dreams.

Funny how things work out...

2010-03-17T22:33:00.002-05:00

For about three days in a row, I'm out of ice cream or any sweets and highly craving them. I go to the store two days ago and buy some ice cream. Ever since then I've only been craving popcorn, which I have plenty of.

I started this group on Friday night, it currently has 879 members. I emailed Full Sail's president (Garry Jones) and have yet to hear back. But that means no bad news. Keeping my fingers crossed.

It's been a while...

2010-03-08T16:51:00.003-05:00

What? I've been busy! Gosh you people never know when to let go. I just got out of month where every other day it was class for 8 hours, and 4 hours on the odd days. And it's the same deal this month, so you're lucky I have any downtime.

Anyway, tomorrow night I'm finally going to see Mallrats on the big screen at The Enzian Theater. My class gets out officially at 9, hopefully we'll get out a tad sooner so I won't have to rush to make the 9:30 show. But tickets are bought so there's no turning back.

I'll write more fun stuff in the future. But for now, enjoy this video...

Mallrats (Theatrical Trailer)
by NakedBrotha2007

Keep it real homedawgs!

Follow the bouncing link...

2010-02-06T00:02:00.000-05:00

For some important news:

http://totallyillogicalfilms.blogspot.com/2010/02/brad-rosen-for-mr-linganore-2010.html

I'll write a real post here in the future (maybe tonight).

And my pets?

2010-01-29T22:55:00.004-05:00

So frequently I tweet to Kevin Smith, and finally he responds. I was eating a klondike at the time (publix had a sale) and I figured "eh, why not?" This made my night, I told him it'd be an honor. Once I finally meet the man in real life he's getting a chipwich.

People this is what dreams are made of.

My Brain has been broken

2010-01-18T22:44:00.004-05:00

Oh wow... I just finished watching David Lynch's Mulholland Dr. I'm not reviewing it, not now. I just have to say that at a certain point my brain literally snapped. Not only has this film left my brain in ruins but it wrecked me so bad I'm physically weak.

Has this happened to anyone else on their first viewing of this?

--update--

Ok, I've seen it twice now. I think part of my brain overload the first night may have been caused by me spending the 6 hours prior to Mulholland Dr. watching Twin Peaks. In the second viewing it's makes much more sense, some parts are still pretty confusing, but a good deal of it makes sense at least the way I've chosen to interpret it. Eitherway, it's a fantastic movie so check it out.

The Hurt Locker And other points of interest.

2010-01-17T00:58:00.003-05:00

The Hurt Locker is generally a good film, it's a fictional story based on the war in iraq. I think it's worthy to be on top ten lists and have a best picture nomination. Unfortunately I don't think it was for me. I enjoy war movies, but they need to be about wars that are finished. I give this movie mad props (really?) for being a- a fictional story based on the current war, and b- not being pro/antiwar. After the screening at Full Sail a student pointed out that the film's more of a character study where the location happens to be that they're soldiers, and I'd have to agree with it that. However I can't quite figure out why it didn't hook me like it did with others. The story is more of a collection of smaller stories which happen over a period in the soldiers rotation, maybe my problem was that there wasn't a clear goal, these soldier have to their job for 38 days and survive. I got in to a few of the situations in the beginning and in the towards the end, but it ran a little long in the middle, and I wasn't really on the edge of my seat during the bomb diffusion scenes early on, maybe it's because I knew the main character was a sort of bomb diffusing super man (not a spoiler you can tell).

The film was shot by Paul Greengrass' cinematographer, and if I didn't mention it already I couldn't stand the Bourne Ultimatum a good deal because of it's cinematography. But this movie managed to stay close the entire time and gave it a more believable documentary feel. Infact in the opening scene I struggled for the first few minutes wondering if it was a documentary.

I don't know if I'd necessarily give the film best picture but if the it came down to it and I had to choose between Katherine Bigelow and her ex-husband James Cameron, I'd definitely give it to Bigelow.

That said Golden Globes are tomorrow, I'll have my fingers crossed for either Jason Reitman or Tarantino, (and anyone who's not Sandra Bullock).

-------------------

I was going to take some time to talk about how every bit of writing about how a computer works is way over my head, but instead I'll talk about something more exciting... We had to a video podcast for the online Computer Science Class. I recorded and did some basic editing on it tonight, and I discovered something... boy can I ramble. This podcast needs to be between 3-4 minutes, I recorded 14. Of course I've cut it down to fit the time constraint but boy does this make me want to podcast. I need to get people on ichat/skype and just record a podcast that way, it'd be a good time.

A side note for those who don't know SModcast's favorite bear Malcolm Ingram has his own podcast coming out soon which I'm looking forward to hearing.

Well it's now 2 in the morning, so goodnight internets.

A Brief Update...

2010-01-15T23:28:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm thinking up a new post that will hopefully hit this weekend. Odds are it'll include my thoughts/review of The Hurt Locker and my growing grievance with my online Computer Science class as computer talk may as well be spanish... I don't understand it.

However I am decidedly Team Conan which would be included in the upcoming post had I not already written about it here:

http://totallyillogicalfilms.blogspot.com/2010/01/team-conan.html

Have a nice weekend everyone,

Kevin!

Reflecting on James Cameron's Avatar.

2009-12-26T14:55:00.005-05:00

This Wednesday (ironically after tweeting/facebooking about my lack of understanding of Avatar's appeal) I saw Avatar. It wasn't a movie that was on my "must see list" which is surprising when you consider how many of my friends and respected media types have been raving about the film. Luckily for me my friend Brad called me up that night while I had no plans. So him, Danny French, and I went off to see Avatar. Brad had seen it the night before and like everyone was caught up in the buzz. It should be noted that two days prior we had gone Christmas shopping together and neither of us understood the buzz.

So anyway, long story short, I saw Avatar. Now let me say it was good, not great, not incredible, definitely not best picture worthy. I didn't see it in IMAX 3D but I did see it in 3D.

3D is something I have yet to be sold on. Avatar did it well, probably the best I've seen so far, but I still think it's a fad that will pass. To be honest I hardly noticed the 3D, which is a compliment to its quality. However, it's one of the movies that weren't made with 3D in mind, and then had 3D tacked onto it later... like Up. It'll look great whether you bust out an extra $4 for the glasses. By the way, if I save my glasses can I get into 3D specific movies for the price of a normal one? You'd think so but I'm not totally sure.

Visually the movie was impressive but to me it just didn't seem as astounding as everyone made it out to be. Sure the whole world was fake, 80% of the movie was done on a green screen. So to the filmmakers credit it all looked real, so it's not that I didn't believe it, it's that I just wasn't impressed since we've all seen the line between what's real and fake blurred together so well before. I guess I'm just a tough sell, I'm more impressed by more surreal or cartoon imagery. In retrospect I probably should be more astounded by the visuals, but for some reason I'm just not.

The story was alright, not the best. It's clear much more time was spent making visually a good than focusing on creating a truly compelling story. You know what's going to happen for the most part, and there are a few moments that took me by surprise but at the same moment I'd realize "of course that would happen."

My biggest quarrel with the film isn't really a big problem, just something that bugged me. In the film the evil human corporation is trying to mine a metal that they can't get to because it's under the sacred Na'vi tree. The problem here is that the seemingly unobtainable metal is called unobtainium. Really James Camron!?! You can create a whole alien language but you can't come up with a good name for this futuristic, highly valued, space rock!?!

Also the film contains a sex scene between the blue people, which brought up a few questions between Brad and I and I would like to ask John Waters if he had the same questions (ex. do their magical pony-tails get incorporated in anyway? Do blue people get blue balls? The list goes on).

To me, Avatar is a movie with a lot of hype, some good visuals, but at its core it is nothing more than a summer blockbuster released during awards season.

To be honest this summer didn't really see many good movies, at least nothing I was too excited about. Sure Transformers 2 did well financially but lets face it, my dog could make a better movie. On that note, I'll do my top movies of 09 once new years officially hits, I'm not doing a best of the decade list since I hardly remember the earlier films of this decade and half my list would be based off what I remember seeing when I was 14 or younger.

Until then a be-lated christmas/holiday season for everyone, I hope it was swell.

Christmas is coming.

2009-12-23T14:34:00.001-05:00

Ah the week before Christmas, bringing out the absolute worst in people throughout the country.

Just something to cheer up you disgruntled holiday shoppers.

It's beginning to look a lot like christmas!

2009-12-20T00:11:00.002-05:00

My contribution to the family Christmas card, only the card says Jolly Holidays. Originally I was gonna put our faces on Tiger's mistresses but Karli suggested something else.

Snowed in

2009-12-19T13:48:00.004-05:00

I'm home but I can't see my special lady friend because I'd have to tailgate a snowplow to get anywhere.

That's Reverend Kevin Cole to you!

2009-12-17T23:27:00.003-05:00

It's official, I'm now an ordained minister! I could preach to you here. Use my blog as my pulpit, but no. I believe we shouldn't force our beliefs on others. Here is where you'll find my own personal blog, about life. You can find my messages and sermons here (http://thereverendkevincole.blogspot.com/). Believe it brethren, I'm a reverend, just in time for the holidays.

Peace be with you.

Lost sleep and The Muppet Man

2009-12-17T14:53:00.002-05:00

Last night I read through Christopher Weekes' unproduced screenplay The Muppet Man. Needless to say it was a teary-eyed muppet induced night at the apartment as I spent the night reliving my fetal days.

I always figured I'd mainly direct my own screenplays, but after reading this I realized this was probably the only thing that jumped out as something I really want to do. Which will probably never due to numerous factors. One being that I'm not even in the industry and this is a big project, the other is that the Henson company picked up the rights to the script but Disney owns the Muppets, and being the occasional whores they are, Disney won't let the script fly with "their" property.

Jim's daughter suggested removing the biopic aspect and doing a strait muppet musical out of it, which would ruin the impact and frankly the movie, SINCE IT'S A DAMN BIOPIC!

It'd be like doing a biopic on the prophet Muhammad but not showing him because that would be a major violation of muslim beliefs... And to be unfortunately honest with you... that may happen http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/11/03/seriously-matrix-producer-wants-to-make-a-150m-biopic-of-islamic-prophet-muhammad/

Anyway I spent most of last night thinking about the movie and how much I wanted to do... A kid can dream right?

Well the holidays are upon us... make it a good one kids.

I sent my mom a wishlist, half of the items on it were John Waters related, according to my dad her response was something like "I'm not going to fund his filth!"

Have a good one!

My thoughts on the Golden Globes (film) nominees.

2009-12-15T19:17:00.003-05:00

First things first... I come home Friday night! Anyway here are my opinions on this years Golden Globe nominees, and by opinions, I mostly mean my vote for the winner.

Best Picture, Drama:
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
Up In The Air

This is a tough one, as it's between Inglourious Basterds and Up in the Air. I just realized I haven't seen any of the other 3 but I HIGHLY doubt it will go to Avatar, but I have no interest in it and I don't see the hype behind it. Also... If James Cameron's $300 Million movie is a huge success us film makers who use real locations and people are boned as far as funding goes.

Best Picture, Comedy:
500 Days of Summer
The Hangover
It's Complicated
Julie & Julia
Nine

I'm slightly interested in Nine, even though seeing Fergie on the cast list turned me off to the movie. My vote here goes to The Hangover. 500 Days was good, but it was too ambitious in all the different style choices, some worked and some didn't.

Best Director:
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
James Cameron, Avatar
Clint Eastwood, Invictus
Jason Reitman, Up In The Air
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds

This has the same conflict as the last one, I love both Up in the Air and Inglourious Basterds. I'd love to see either Tarantino or Reitman win, I'm kinda leaning towards Reitman because Tarantino already got one when Pulp Fiction came out.

Best Actor in a Drama:
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
George Clooney, Up In The Air
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Tobey Maguire, Brothers

Up in the Air, only because I've seen it and the critics are right... Clooney rocked that role.

Best Actress, Drama:
Emily Blunt, The Young Victoria
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabby Sidibe, Precious

I haven't seen any of these but I'll start considering the 2012 prophecy if Bullock wins.

Best Actress, Comedy:
Sandra Bullock, The Proposal
Marion Cotillard, Nine
Julia Roberts, Duplicity
Meryl Streep, It's Complicated
Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

Same comment on Bullock, if she wins both I'll be a die hard believer in 2012. I haven't seen any of these, but I'll say Streep by default.

Best Actor, Comedy:
Matt Damon, The Informant!
Daniel Day-Lewis, Nine
Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 500 Days of Summer
Michael Stuhlbarg, A Serious Man

Sherlock Holmes counts as a comedy? MICHAEL STUHLBARG FOR THE WIN!!!! Seriously he ROCKED A Serious Man, trust me keep an eye on him, he's got a good career ahead of him.

Best Supporting Actress:
Mo-Nique, Precious
Julianne Moore, A Single Man
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Penelope Cruz, Nine

It's between the two Up in the Air actresses, I'm going with Anna Kendrick though.

Best Supporting Actor:
Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Oh please, Christoph Waltz all the way.

Best Screenplay:
District 9
The Hurt Locker
It's Complicated
Up In The Air
Inglourious Basterds

Again, Basterds or Up in the Air.

Best Foreign-Language Film:
Barria
Broken Embraces
The Maid
The Prophet
The White Ribbon

No Comment, although I've heard good things about Broken Embraces (I think)

Best Animated Film:
Coraline
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
The Princess and the Frog
Up

Another tough call between Fantastic Mr. Fox and Up. I loved them both, I'm just not sure which I loved more... Maybe Mr. Fox.

Best Original Song:
"Cinema Italiano", Nine
"I Want To Come Home", Everybody's Fine
"I Will See You", Avatar
"The Weary Kind", Crazy Heart
"Winter", Brothers

No Comment, but I heard the Avatar song is awful.

Best Original Score:
Up
The Informant!
Avatar
A Single Man
Where The Wild Things Are

I loved Where the Wild Things Are, but I don't remember the score very much, so it goes to Up!

That's it for today. Happy Hanukkah guys!

Thanksgiving Break

2009-11-25T22:09:00.002-05:00

We've started our second month of classes, Photography's pretty cool, but Creative Writing is kinda meh so far.

The family's over for break and we're going to Disney Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) for Thanksgiving.

Here's some of what Karli did during the first day down here.