In the film, I’m going to be meeting a fictional DJ called ‘Chick Flick.’ He’s based on a real-life DJ with a similar name. This DJ, though, has a really bizarre gimmick: he’s not a DJ. Or, at least, he claims that he’s not. This portion of the film is going to be dealing with originality vs. repurposed/’found’ art in the context of inherent artistic quality. So, to get in the mood, I’ve decided to be original in a sense that DJ Chick Flick would be proud of… by knocking-off a design and making it my own! I call this a prop because I’m more than likely going to wear it on screen when I interact with DJ Chick Flick.

So, put away your “I’m Not A DJ” t-shirts, and throw on your “I’m Not A Filmmaker” swag! :)

Buy the shirt online HERE.

Yikes. Does that mean the movie’s gonna get canceled now? Nope. Not by a longshot!

You see, the majority of that money I was asking for was to cover travel expenses to send me across the country so that I could get the real life artists that inspired the film’s stories on camera. I’ve got enough in the budget now to make one of those trips (one out of the six that I was hoping for), and that’s fine. Austin, TX (that’s where I live, in case you didn’t know) is FILLED with artists that can do more than simply act as placeholders for those that initially inspired me. What does this all mean? Well, it means that Austin is going to be represented even more than I initially intended… and that is by no means a bad thing! :)

The money that was raised through this campaign is going to go a long way in terms of covering costs for materials/supplies for props and original artwork for the film, feeding people on the set, setting up the locations/venues for the bigger scenes in the film, and putting money in the hands of the people that help out.

That last point is key. I’ve had a lot of experience making films on a $0 budget – this is called GREENLESS Studios, after all – but nobody wants to work for free… and I don’t want to make them, you know? Most people are committing to the film on a completely ‘gratis’ basis, knowing that if the film ever saw any sort of financial gain I’d compensate everyone accordingly, but not really counting on that happening at the same time. It’ll be nice to throw a few bucks their way when the dust settles, even if it’s just gas money. And all you people out there in Internet Land have made it possible.

All of that said, $550 might not even be the ‘final’ budget for the film. I recently submitted a grant application for the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund, so keep your fingers crossed and let’s all hope they can throw some love this way, too. Either way, the film is getting made, and with a budget of more than $500, this really is the most expensive film I’ve ever produced!

I said from the start of this campaign that I’d make the film whether I raised $50, $5,000, or whatever. It might take longer than I was anticipating, and it might be harder than I anticipated, but this thing is getting done. So, THANK YOU to everybody that’s helped out so far. Your contributions mean more to me than a ‘thank you’ in the credits will ever convey. I want you all to be my best man at my next wedding (no, I’m not getting divorced… just strongly considering polygamy). :P

Expect to see some updates on G.O.S.P.E.L. later this summer. For now, it’s back to the old editing room to work on Ronald Short‘s Billi & Theodore… and, by the way, you can share some of your wallet love with B&T, too! :)

I’m super happy to announce that @greenless will now be editing Billi & Theodore! I’m super pumped to be working with him on this.

I had a nice conversation with Mr. Short on Monday when he came over to drop off his footage. A couple of tech challenges lie ahead, but overall I’m really excited to jump in and start molding this thing into shape!

Look for ‘B&T’ to his screens, big and small later this year!

See also:
Billi & Theodore ‘fan’ page on Facebook
Short Pictures Independent official website

There are several artists that will be featured in the film, but in order for me to get to them I’m going to need some $$$ to travel ’round the country. That’s where our first artist, ‘Rod,’ comes in!

I’ll be in Tampa, FL the first week of April to meet up with Rod and commit his story to film… well, SDHC, actually… but you get the point. :)

Rod’s segment will be produced alongside my ‘pitch’ video for IndieGoGo as a way to generate interest for the film and, hopefully, encourage folks to fund the film and ultimately allow me to bring my camera to everyone else that wants to be a part of the film!

Now, I don’t want to spoil anything, but Rod has agreed to let me share a teaser image. Enjoy!

(Click to enlarge)

Look for Rod’s segment online in mid-April, along with the launch of the IndieGoGo funding campaign!

Basically, anything that anybody would consider to be art, I want represented in this film. I’m looking for artists that have interesting stories to tell through their life AND their art. If you think that’s cheesy, well, then you’re not a real artist!

The bulk of the shooting is going to take place this summer, and I plan on making travel the biggest part of my budget, so don’t worry if you don’t live in Austin – I WILL COME TO YOU! :)

Pay is likely not going to be involved, though it is priority #1 for me to pay cast/crew if the budget allows for it (there will be a very public budget on IndieGoGo in the near future).

If you’d like to be involved, in any capacity, get in touch! Please include a sample of your artwork if I don’t already know you personally. And if I do already know you personally, please also include three letters of reference.

Thanks!!!

Spaceships, toddlers, Model T cars, and jars of beer!

You can now show your support for the United States of America by purchasing one of these sweet tees.

Click the image to the left for a biggersized version of the artwork, and click HERE to go to the Spreadshirt.com site to order your own!

There’s a COLOR VERSION of the shirt available, too… but I like the b/w version better, so that’s why it’s the one pictured here. You can make up your own mind, though.

P.S., I love you.

Pictured below is the first logo concept I’ve put together. This artwork will play a major role in several elements of the film.

More to come as this intriguing story develops…