'The Gringo' Show

Youtube Acts as a Conduit

2011-11-08T01:33:00.000-08:00

In less than three weeks, the four versions of our Trailers and Teasers have racked up more than 7,500 views on youtube. We couldn't be happier. Okay, maybe if they suddenly went viral and HBO called to say that we are now the replacement for Entourage but let me concentrate on something realistic.

A particular point to note is that the latest version of the Teaser and the Trailer - captioned in Portuguese by our director Phil Rocha - has only been available for a few days. The response has been positive and refreshing.

One of the highlights of the blogoshere is that we can track, on a general basis, where people are viewing our media product and the number of folks from particular regions. Here is a recent snapshot of where our fans seems to come from:

Brazil 1,350

United Kingdom 550

United States 434

Spain 59

Netherlands 21

Germany 19

France 19

Australia 17

Canada 17

Italy 8

Separately, we are trying to analyze the percentage of viewers on youtube and from where they come. Although the trends appear to mimic the popularity of the blog, we are having a difficult time deciphering the breakdown between men and women. Our initial research shows that as much as 90% of our audience is male between the ages of 18-64. We will drill down to find out the meaning of this anomaly.

We believe the numbers demonstrate a strong likeability in Brazil - the country we hope to show to the world. The UK and States have strong interests in seeing what we have to offer. We believe that this continuing market analysis will be necessary to determine where we concentrate our efforts to sell to broadcasters and networks interested in new programming.

Interim Update: Polished Teaser with Subtitles

2011-11-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

The whole learning curve in post-production of 'The Gringo' pilot continues with some mild positive thresholds. Less than a month ago, we released our Official Trailer that was edited by the wonderful Michelle Levens. Part of the process we go through in order to make the entire package more attractive is to produce a tight, professional Trailer and a provocative Teaser. They are two separate rungs.

Our director, Phil Rocha, has polished down our Official Teaser to the present form you view now. It's wonderful in this form. It introduces the main characters and provides enough information to be teased. Phil and his crew have done a great job with this nugget including providing Portuguese subtitles in one of the versions. We are working on adding Portuguese subtitles to the Trailer also.

Ultimately, we will use both of these vehicles to sell to production houses, networks or studios looking for new and original programming. We continue to believe that Brazil has too much to offer than just being known for Rio, Carnival and violence. The beautiful beaches, lovely people and entertaining scenes in Florianopolis need to be broadcast worldwide.

Keep your eyes open. We hope to do this soon.

What is The Next Move?

2011-10-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

As Gringo Productions moves forward in an attempt to release a comedy series to the world about Brazil, it's difficult to anticipate what comes next. We have had some measurable success with the release of a trailer/teaser and now we must introduce our product to those who would financially underwrite this enterprise.

The target market would be those who want to know more about true Brazil. A market past those only interested in Rio's allures and Carnival's enticements. There is an entire country here to be discovered, admired, understood and laughed with that we hope to exploit. Exploit may be too much of a word to describe our desire to expose what we have discovered beside the ordinary.

As we develop the packages for Hollywood, Europe and those interested in broadcasting our little production, keep your fingers crossed. No matter what the outcome, the millions we make - or lose - will be here in Brazil.

Release of Official Teaser

2011-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Through months of painstaking post-production process and an incredible effort by our editor Michelle, we here are Gringo Productions are proud to present the official teaser that will be used to woo those in the film business to give us some jobs!

In all sincerity, we do use the teaser as a sales pitch to provide those with no or little knowledge about our comedy series project. With networks scrambling to air quality programming, we put forth our effort to quench their hunger for something a little different - a little tweaked.

Our efforts continue on the final edits for the first episode, which completed principle photography. We keep our fingers crossed and hope to make this a series enjoyed by the masses.

Nathaniel in Brazil: The Release of my first Ebook...

2011-08-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Nathaniel in Brazil: The Release of my first Ebook...: Nathaniel in Brazil: The Release of my first Ebook : "In the last week, I took the scary step of publishing an ebook through the Kindle/Amaz...

Revival of Body and Soul

2011-08-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

Time to get off the cuff.

It may have been several weeks from the latest addition to this blog, but there have been reasons. Whether or naught they are worthy of your forgiveness stands to be seen. I submit the following.

After the read, I promise to dedicate all my healthier moments to driving this project with my body and soul.

The One-Armed Bandit

I think I have officially qualified for this moniker. Not so much for taking things that don't belong to me, but more along the line where I am stealing time (or is time robbing me?) as I recover from a mishap on the roads of my adopted island in Brazil.

A couple of days after my birthday, I realized I had been feeling pretty crummy physically for the last week even though I couldn't pin down the source. I had planned to celebrate both my birthday and the arrival of my pals The Headcutters at one of my favorite drinking establishments later that Monday as the U.S. ex-pat community celebrates the Fourth of July at a British Pub – call it ironic. The owners canned response – in the most light-hearted fashion – was that while Americans celebrate their Independence Day, the British celebrate their Good Riddance Day. In any event, my crummy feeling got worse. I resisted skyping my Doctor buddy in Greece, but as my hand and then my arm went numb, I called.

Simply, Emmanuel commanded that I go to an Emergency ward at the closest hospital right NOW. Within minutes, we coordinated transportation through another friend and I managed to get in front of hospital staff that determined I was having a spike in blood pressure worthy of observation for a few hours. They recorded my BP as 240 over 140.

After what amounted to 8 hours in a hospital bed, some IVs and an EKG, the doctors determined that the worst was over for me and I could return home – it was 2:30 in the morning. Like a trooper though, my buddy Bill came to pick me up to get me home.

We didn't make it that far.

Fifteen minutes into a slow drive home down the lake road, we met head on with another car that had mistaken our lane as his. In his defense, the Australian rules of the road are converse to those here. He was driving as if back home. The collision between our vintage (1971) 'fusca' and a late model Golf compounded the damage both to the bug and to my body. I lost consciousness on impact as I broke through the windshield and ricocheted around the passenger compartment. Somehow, Bill managed to withstand the initial impact, but he did suffer multiple facial lacerations and severe damage to his right knee that required many stitches.

Bill found me half in and half out of the passenger compartment bleeding profusely from my face. As I drifted in and out of shock, I have no recollection of the following events. Bill was able to call Héloise and her brother to come help. Between a couple of hapless foreigners, their assistance was invaluable. An ambulance arrived in short order to attend to my injuries as apparently I looked the most damaged. The driver of the Golf apparently suffered no injures whatsoever. Bill's adrenaline kept him concentrated on my well-being as he did everything he could to help. The area had been cordoned off by the police until both totaled vehicles could be impounded for investigation. I was transported to a orthopedic emergency hospital from a visual assessment of damage to my left arm and wrist, face and legs.

Then things got a little hairy.

As the doctors were patching me up by sewing up my mug, x-raying my appendages and plastering my arm, they noticed the anomaly that my heart functions were beginning to fail. This hospital was not equipped to handle cardio-emergencies. Somewhere along the line, I lost consciousness again through the fog of pain and morphine. Ultimately, I regained some assemblage of awareness during my second full day in ICU at an entirely different hospital. I guess it took another ambulance trip to their big yellow hospital on the hill to get me the medical expertise I needed.

Over the course of the next three weeks, a ton of friends, colleagues and family managed to track me down from around the world and prompt my speedy recovery. It's heart-warming to know that some people do care. But I still don't understand how someone could give me a Sylvester Stallone book to help me mend. Maybe the thought process is that I have to go through gradual stages of pain relief. I don't know.

Now, I am in my sixth week of rehabilitation still with my writing hand entombed in plaster. I have mastered or mustered the art of the one-handed typist. It's my lifeline and my money maker. Hopefully, I will retain the patience to let my body heal itself slowly. It's not like it was when I was 25. Right now, I am stealing every moment I can as the one-armed bandit.

First the 'World Cup' then 'The Gringo'

2011-06-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

Some shenanigans have transpired with the number of viewers of The Gringo Show blog. Much like that accusations during the most recent FIFA World Cup designations, there have been some unexplained anomalies with numbers on our boards. I don't know who is getting paid off - because I know it's not me. In any event, we are reluctant to announce that mysteriously somehow England fans have overcome a 60 deficit position to the United States and surpassed its huge cousin by some 20 viewers all time. I am sure they are dancing in the streets of London, but an investigation is under way. An indictment against Michael Gardner is imminent, according to unnamed sources who did not have the authority to disclose this information.

Brazil Kicks Butt - England Third

2011-06-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

When it comes to fans of The Gringo, Brazil has been kicking butt. The production staff (me) of the company keeps a close eye on the source and interest this production generates. One of the programs allows us to keep track of how many people view and where they are from. As you can see in the graphic, Brazil leads the way. It's great to have all the interest begin to generate and we haven't even shown the teaser yet. People can barely wait. A special kudo goes out to Greece. Check out my man Emmanuel making sure that Greece shows up to the parade. Right on Brother! That said, why the UK hovers in third place I will never understand. You better get behind your boy!! He's The GRINGO!!

The Fund Raising Process

2011-06-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

No matter how you look at, raising funds for a project of this sort has to be accomplished. Tomorrow represents one of those days. Gringo Productions has had the good luck of winning approval on a seed money concern, but that victory only allows us to go in front of their investors to sing our song. The executive producer is the soloist.

A script has been written and the video crew waits to put down the finishing touch on the official proposal. In reality, we are asking for seed money or bridge money - with no strings attached - in order to be able to sell the pilot abroad or in Brazil. In order for our production to be considered, we have a three-fold plan. First, we will try all known acquaintances in the industry. Second, we plan to submit as many applications as we can afford to television industry festivals. Third, we will knock down doors of everybody and anybody who is looking for fresh and vibrant programming.

Once the cover video has been submitted, we may post it here - contingent on its success or failure.

Slideshow of the Filming and Pilot Characters

2011-06-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

It turns out that I am not the most adapt at this techie thing. I could not figure out how to manipulate a slideshow using their system. In an effort to quell your thirst for some of the hundreds of photgrahs taken by our talented photographer, I made a slideshow myself and attached it here.

Take a look.

Check Out the Blurb on Allvoices.com

2011-06-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

I find it necessary to do everything I possibly can to make a go of this project. In addition to my responsibilities here, I write for an international news website called Allvoices.com. Today I posted a quick quip about The Gringo, hoping that more and more buzz can develop. Seems as though more folks are learning about us and our dreams.

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/9437318-the-gringo-in-brazil

The Gringo Hits Rio (and Loves it)

2011-06-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

Above the Hercílio Luz Bridge

Before he returns to London for a brief spell, The Gringo had to make a stop in Rio de Janeiro. Luckily, he teamed up with a talented artist, who helped adjust and focus a location shot that Gringo Productions needed to submit to some financier types. With Mike, we needed all the help we could get. Take a look as his fierce look. Would you be intimidated by a hit-man who looks like that?

Check Out the Female Cast Members

2011-06-18T01:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to strut your stuff. Besides the incredible talent that this production managed to assemble for The Gringo, the female cast members were right out some sexy novel. Check out the left panel of this blog to familiarize yourself with those who cobbled together the numerous scenes necessary to make John look good. Again, special props to Rosa, who I understand withstood an unfortunate incident on set. Brazil never runs out of beautiful women.

In an attempt to generate some interaction, give us a comment on your favorite actress. Of course rouge remarks by guys named Price or Emmanuel will not be tolerated. Be kind.

I thought about putting up the male cast members, but right now I have to go get a drink of water - that's more important. Maybe I can get to it next year.

John Returns to London

2011-06-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

Producers Nominate Tais for an Emmy

During post-production, the lead character, John, has some unfinished business in London. Apparently, he has an engagement at Wimbledon in July. Although we all will miss him, the respite from his antics give all involved a pause of relief.

Michael now will use his connections and salesmanship to uncover resources in England and Europe as we ramp up to sell the entire series. Here in Florianopolis, the team is preparing a pitch to the state tourism bureau for their backing. We will keep all informed of any progress.

The executive producers sat down yesterday and viewed a number of cuts from principal photography. The scene where John had to sit down in the Jacuzzi had us rolling off our chairs. Although the sun shone brilliantly, the weather was cold and Mr. Cool had a hard time putting his butt in the water. Another scene had us cracking up as Rossi did a suggestive dance for his paramour Rosa. The only thing it suggested to us was regurgitation. If that was supposed to put her in the mood, she is the best actress in the WORLD!

Winding Up Principal Photography

2011-06-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Phil Rocha - our Director

It's almost done - the pilot that is. Principal photography originally was planned to end in mid-week last week, but a number of sequences needed to be tightened up. In reality when post-production gets underway, the editors may determine that some re-shoots have to shot. But as we tick off the very last of responsibility to the pilot, we want to extend our thanks to:

Phil Rocha - In Brazil, his name must mean rock. Here is a man with a unique and focused eye who can draw talent from where talent is void. Don't worry Mike, I am getting to you soon enough. Phil has a skill that one of the executive producers lacks and that is patience (I won't mention his name, but it starts with the letter N). Watching him calmly provide each actor with the right mixture of incentive turned out to be a wonderful seminar on getting the most out of all the actors. His direction in blocking, lighting and directing the scenes gave the crew ultimate confidence that he is destined to great achievement. With good luck, this venture can and will provide Phil a multitude of opportunities to show off his talents.

Many, many thanks Phil for your time, your endless commitment and dogged focus that lead this enterprise.

'The Gringo' Enjoys the Dedication of its Actor

2011-06-08T04:50:00.000-07:00

It has come to the attention of the upper management at Gringo Productions that there are those who do not believe that Mr. Michael Gardner is hard at work during these gruelling film sessions. In order to dispel any thought or idea that he has not committed himself totally to his contractual obligations - both in professional attitude and timely delivery of his lines - we want to publicly assure those doubters.

Michael remains the consummate professional. He does not enjoy snuggling up to some of Brazil's prettiest actresses because it distracts from his preparation time for the next scene. The perfect example of his dedication to his art is how he requires perfection in each of his shots. Just the other day when he was required to do a pool scene with two luscious actresses, he asked over and over to re-shoot the scene because he wanted it just perfect. It only took 24 takes to get it right. Both women were worn out, but Michael was raring to go.

We couldn't have engaged a stronger lead actor that is dedicated in all aspects of performance on and off camera. On a side note, Michael now offers chest shaving lessons in a video that you can purchase at mikelikesitsmooth.com.

Here's a look at the most courageous actress on set. Her performance deems special kudos.

Tais Zavareze portrays Rosa

Filming the Bar Scenes at Cafe St. Germain

2011-06-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Julia Knows Fabi Trys to Hypnotize Another Gringo

For the third day in a row, members of the cast and crew came out in full force to film a number of bar scenes in Centrinho. The waitress, Julia, had lines shared with Fabi, John and Rossi. Fabi and John had several scenes taped that saw a progressively alluring Fabi and a progressively drunken John. One of the most steely scenes came when Edi enters the frame. We all believe that that performance would deserve an Oscar if they were given for comedy series pilots.

The production team as always thanks its cast and crew for all the professional work. But a special thanks needs to go to the proprietors of the Cafe St. Germain in the middle of Centrinho where The Gringo filmed for more than five hours last night. Rafael and Naiara have been huge supporters of this project from the beginning and their support has been critical to its completion. Hats off the Cafe St. Germain.

Sunny Day Allows 'The Gringo' Another Great Day of Filming

2011-06-06T03:16:00.000-07:00

Hat's off the the cast and crew that dedicated their entire (sunny) weekend to shooting multiple scenes for 'The Gringo' Pilot episode. On Sunday, June 5, the group filmed in San Antonio Lisboa, in Cacupe and in Centro to capture more than five different scenes necessary to accomplish the desired effect.

Gringo Girls courtesy of Lucio Rila

Props need to go out to Rosa for her portrayal of Rossi's love interest. You know that had to be some good acting! The scene kept the cast and crew in stitches as champagne was tossed about and this critical portion of the plot came off as the screenwriter envisioned. The beach girls all showed up for some re-shoots of their beach scene, which made the writer and the director happy. It looks as though the beach fight scene may need to be re-shot. Keep your fingers crossed for favorable weather conditions next weekend.

This evening, we attempt to film a number of bar scenes at the Cafe St. Germain. Some may recognize the place where we held our two earlier auditions sessions. We can always use extras this evening if some are interested in participating. Let Mike, Nat or Phil know if you want to participate after 6 p.m.

Principal Photography Gets Underway on 'The Gringo' Pilot Epsode

2011-06-05T03:25:00.000-07:00

Luana Louro portrays Beach Girl

The sun welcomed an enthusiastic cast and crew, but the wind and the temperature kept any exuberance to a minimum (it was cold!). We started the principal photography of this project on the shores of Jurere beach and the production staff felt for the girls that had to appear early and often in the cold.

I failed to mention that there was an earlier scene shot at the crack of dawn in Trindade at the pharmacy of a production family friend. The proprietor opened early for shooting a scene between our character John and Ben, who portrays a pharmacist dispensing safe sex items.

The schedule for the beach scenes immediately ran into trouble. Only one beach girl showed where three were scheduled. Our trusty director, director of photography, assistant director and sound engineer immediately altered the entire day's scheduling without a nod of worry and set things up for Amanda's breach scene. Their ability to move forward without a big glitch in the works demonstrates how good and adaptable the crew can be.

The entire day encompassed more that 12 hours for a majority of the actors and especially the crew. There were at least four location changes - three of them major. A special nod needs to go out to Sandra Yamin for allowing a portion of the crew to use her kitchen facilities to prepare lunch for the ravenous crew. Thanks again Sandra!

The filming of the fight scene between Rossi, John, Vince and Diego was great to watch. Ultimately, the villians ended up in the cold, cold water before running away. Wait till you see that scene.

Sunday's shoots are similarly diverse and include western portions of the island and more downtown shots. Photos of the activity for the weekend days will be coming soon. Until then....Abraco.

Twas the Eve Before Filming

2011-06-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Renathe Lino Portrays the Waitress

The eve of shooting the pilot and all hell broke loose this morning. One of the scenes requires a faux gun. We had one, but apparently an aunt hid it last year and can't remember where she hid it. We'll figure that one out.

Then we got hit with the loss of one of our locations. There are a number of scenes in a hotel. Well...we had to pull out all stops as we lost that connection. Luckily, we have a growing fan base and the production group asked our friend Sandra to help. She immediately came up with a solution. We now have a number of options that we have to coordinate the dates with.

One of our funny scenes happens in a pharmacy. Although we had one, we were having difficulty scheduling the shoot around a convenient time for the proprietor. The store closes on Saturday at noon and is not open on Sunday. It took all day before all the main players got together and arranged for an very early Saturday morning shoot. We got lucky again.

This evening is the last of the script reading rehearsals. I trust our leader and director Phil will have it all together tomorrow for the beach scenes. Wish us luck, it will be fun.

Script Ideas: Who Has A Creative Storyline

2011-06-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

Amber Seeks Revenge Using John's Services

From the numbers we receive on this blog, almost two-to-one of the views have come from Brazil. This has prompted the producers to wonder whether there are stories, ideas or concepts that you have witnessed that gringos seem to always encounter. Our idea is to sift through our viewing public's ideas and write scripts based on the best of the storylines.

I can give you an example. The other evening, I was explaining our televsion concept to a Brazilian friend, lets call her Simone. Simone suggested that Brazilians have a unique way of giving driving directions. Whenever a gringo asks and they explain, the translation can be humorous to say the least.

As we build upon this avenue or collection of storyline ideas, we hope to give credit where credit is due. If your idea is unique, funny and rings true we want it. We should be able to work out something that touts your contribution and lets the light shine on you.

Looking forward to your submissions.

Is Fabi Just a Flirt?

2011-06-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

John has the arduous task of finding out whether Fabi is a femme fatale or a bubbly flirt. With her bright and welcoming smile, she has a habit of distracting the most focused of men. John meets the fabulous Fabi on his first night on the Island of Magic - Florianopolis. Whenever she appears on the beach, her effervescent nature brings smiles to the men and frowns to the women.

Still Shots Capturing Actors Filming the Teaser

2011-06-01T04:41:00.000-07:00

John Above the Historic Bridge to the Continent

These photos are courtesy of Lucio Rila our project photographer. His work covers every aspect of this project from pre-production, principal photography and (we hope) post-production activities. He has been able to seamlessly capture poses and non-poses, which reflect the light, amiable atmosphere of this entire production. Please give Lucio a hand.

Fabi, Phil and John

This is Phil instructing Fabi and John about his vision of the upcoming beach shot. The scene took place outside the club Tyco on Jurere Beach. Jurere sits on the northernmost tip of Florianopolis and hosts some of the best music acts from all over the world.

After a tough day shooting at the beach, some of the cast and some of the crew take a moment to get their frustrations out on each other.

Filming a Scene for the Teaser

'The Gringo' Show: Become a Follower of 'The Gringo' Show Blog

2011-05-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

'The Gringo' Show: Become a Follower of 'The Gringo' Show Blog: "As this television series develops, we at Gringo Productions rely on a growing fan base. This blog provides a unique vehicle which gives us..."

First Pre-Production Meeting in Centro

2011-05-30T03:52:00.000-07:00

Almost all of the cast got together last night to sit and chat about the structure of this project, to meet each other and to outline our schedules for 'The Arrival' episode. I had the opportunity to explain our goal of attempting to sell this project to a network, studio or larger production company with the ultimate goal of creating a series based on the trials and tribulations of gringos coming to Brazil. Although we were missing a couple of characters at the initial meeting, those who came brought their enthusiasm and pointed questions in order to gel together as a great cast with the crew. We all were able to watch the 4th cut of the Teaser so that all those involved could see some of the work that has already been done. For the next week, our director holds a multitude of 'read throughs' as we prepare for the actually principal photography during the week of June 4-11.

On another note, it appears that the teaser will be edited once again. One of the actors with a critical eye brought to our attention a gap that needed to be addressed. Kudos to her.