“You Pay Your Dues” Screening and More

Just wanted to post a quick note that our latest outing, “You Pay Your Dues,” will be screening along with the rest of the “Best of DC” 48 Hour Film Project entries, at the Government Video Expo this Friday, November 16th. Entry to the exhibit floor is free, and the films will be screening from 1:30–2:30; if the screening order we received is correct, we’ll be screening last. That said, given some of the other films screening beforehand (including WIT Films’ remarkable single-shot effort “Seasonal Disorder” and Burning Toast’s webcam-style “While You Still Can,” among some other great entries), you won’t want to be late.

In fact, if you can, you might want to get in on Thursday’s screening, which includes “DeLeon Crossing,” directed by our own Bjorn Munson, and “The Kumbio Takedown,” winner of the overall DC competition and featuring a number of people apt to check these updates (and a crew with whom I’ve happily worked on not one but three recent productions). Schedule permitting, I’m going to see if I can get out to as much of the expo as possible (particularly given the digital asset management content, Apple’s presentations on Final Cut Server and Panasonic’s P2 workflow talk), but I do know I won’t personally be able to attend Thursday’s screening (as I’ve got an unbreakable meeting commitment). But if anyone’s planning to go, please let me know and maybe we can coordinate.

As I said, entry to the exhibit floor is free, but you do need to register at www.gvexpo.com.

In other news, I also want to note that development is proceeding on “Number One With a Bullet,” though we’re looking at early 2008 before we begin actual production. We had hoped to get working before the end of the year, but we’re happy enough with the script that we really want to do this right rather than forcing it too early. We’ll be polishing it (i.e., sending it to a couple of knowledgeable critics and asking, “Where are we going wrong?”) and doing budget breakdowns first, and then looking at doing auditions as soon as we have our ducks in a row (and since I know we’ve got a lot of actors reading, rest assured — you’ll get first notification).

On a largely unrelated side note (it’s my news blog and I’ll say what I want to), I’d like to mention that comedy troupe Crisis Lab’s effort at the New York Television Festival’s “PGP Comedy Show” is finally available for online viewing. I’m still kicking myself for not being able to attend the big show itself, but this is at least some small consolation. Speaking purely for myself, I still say they were robbed. Danny “Buddy Jackson” Gavigan, Danny “FunnyDanny.com” Rouhier, Casie “Just Met Her This Weekend But Still Think of Her as Junie B. Jones” Platt, and Kevin “Yes, I Can Do Everything” Good are in top comedic form, even if they weren’t commensurately rewarded. (And as a special bonus, you can see a large Codeword Secret contingent sitting right behind the judges during the final live show. Almost makes you think the audience was stacked. Which it was not. Unfortunately. Dammit, I should have gone.)

You can watch the show (it’s broken down into three parts) here, see the group’s original audition video, “David Beckham in LA,” here, and another sketch series from the group, “Doctors & DJs,” here. (I want to make it absolutely clear that I had nothing to do with this group’s work — I’m just a fan, and thought it worthy of commendation. Kind of like how I keep plugging Buddy Jackson.)

All right, I’ve rambled on long enough. I’ll let you get back to your nachos.

Upcoming Tohubohu Production Plans

Well, it’s been a while, so I figure it’s way past time I sent out an update with our latest production plans. I’ll try to keep this brief, but those of you who’ve been reading for a while will know that my definition of “brief” differs substantially from most others’.

The first thing to note is that we will not be participating in the National Film Challenge this year. While we’ve had a good run at it in years past (and won two awards), we’ve decided that we’re better off producing something over which we’ll have more control, and that we can produce on a schedule we’re happier with. (And furthermore, I’m committed to working as a production designer on another short film this month — from some of the creative team behind Codeword Secret, “The Kumbio Takedown,” and Buddy Jackson.)

Which brings me to the second thing, and that is what we will be producing in the short term: the long-delayed short “Number One With a Bullet.” This story has been kicking around for more than two years now, and I think we’re finally ready to commit to making it. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, “Number One” is a dark comedy about a struggling writer whose debut novel is about to be scuttled by his unscrupulous editor. That is, until the editor suffers an untimely accident — and the writer decides to turn things to his advantage. But what starts as a simple (if morally questionable) cover-up rapidly escalates as others in the publication chain get a little too close to the truth.

Bjorn Munson and I are still hammering out revisions to the script (from a story by me and Lauren Walsh), but we’re far enough along that I feel confident in starting preproduction. I’ll be directing, and there will be plenty of opportunities for help on this one, as the script is fairly ambitious. If you’d like to offer your services, it’s never too early to throw your hat into the ring; while this will be put together on a tight (i.e., practically nonexistent) budget, we are looking at ways to extend our professional “footprint,” so to speak. We’re targeting a November or December shoot date, though we’ll have some firmer details once we get the preliminary paperwork rolling.

Beyond that, we still have the script for “Some Kind of Hero” (a darker crime drama) and the Tohubohu.tv series Quorum on the horizon (along with any other scripts that may fall into our laps), but I’ll keep those details under my hat a bit longer. Well, except for the fact that I just announced them here...

We are also a step closer to incorporation as a nonprofit, in that our attorney (who leads a secret double identity as my brother Ken) has just sent me the latest versions of the paperwork (well, he sent them a while ago, but I’m just getting around to dealing with them). Ideally, we’ll get those filed before too long, so that “Number One With a Bullet” can be produced under that framework.

And that’s all for now. I’m looking forward to working with many of you again soon — take care, all!

Side Project Alert: “Codeword Secret”

This isn’t strictly Tohubohu-related, but it’s worth a mention anyway. As I mentioned before, I had the opportunity to work as a production designer on the latest project from DC 48 Hour Film Project winner Integral Arts: the independent action/comedy pilot “Codeword Secret.” It was an absolutely phenomenal experience (you can see some behind-the-scenes photos here), and directly informed some of our own purchasing decisions (let’s just say that Tohubohu will be going hi-def from now on). And on top of that, the show itself turned out great (in my oh-so-humble opinion). Developed by the same team behind the web sitcom sensation Buddy Jackson (you have been watching, haven’t you?), the show premieres this weekend at the New York Television Festival; if you’re in the area, be sure to catch it!

You can see a trailer for the show at the official site (and if you look carefully, you can see yours truly ducking in panic as a background extra). If all goes well, the pilot may be picked up for production — but whatever the outcome, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of this story...

Quick Updates

Just thought I’d let everyone know that while we did submit “You Pay Your Dues” to the 2007 DC Shorts festival, it was not chosen for inclusion. We are continuing to submit to other festivals, though, so I’ll be sure to let everyone know about any future screenings.

We’re also working on a few script ideas for production this fall, as well as a fairly large-scale undertaking to launch under the Tohubohu.tv banner (the details of which we’re keeping pretty much under wraps for now).

And this weekend I’m serving as a production designer for the first episode of the follow-up to Buddy Jackson. Partly it’s because I’m a fan of the show itself (and if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to head over and give it a look), but mostly because it’s a chance to work with Barry Gribble and the award-winning team at Integral Arts — and with an luck, learn a few things and make a few contacts along the way.

Screening Wrap-Up

Well, beyond the selection as part of the “Best Of” screening, “You Pay Your Dues” didn’t take home any additional honors. A disappointment, to be sure, but not one we can really begrudge anyone — particularly given the representation of Tohubohu alumni among some of the winning entries. Veteran contributor Bjorn Munson’s Team Jabberwocky took home Best Cinematography honors for “DeLeon Crossing,” and Ryan “Machinations” Mulkay worked with Integral Arts’ “The Kumbio Takedown,” which won not only the Best Acting award, but also Best in City for Washington, DC. Congratulations!

Other notable winners were Best Directing for WIT’s “Seasonal Disorder” (which also won the Audience Award for our screening), Best Original Music for the musical “Leon!” and Best Special Effects for “Urine Cake.”

Thanks to everyone for your help and support — and I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted about upcoming opportunities!

Tonight’s Screening/Wrap Party

Just wanted to let everyone know that the official 48 Hour Film Project wrap party tonight will be held at McGinty’s Pub, located at 911 Ellsworth Drive in Silver Spring. Basically, it’s right around the corner (well, a couple of corners) from the AFI Silver Theatre. There will technically be two parties, one after the 7:00 screening, and one after the 9:30 screening. However, since Pam and I will be staying through the second screening, I can tell you right now that we’ll probably only be at the second party. Which will be the cool one.

They haven’t said anything about when they might be announcing awards, though my instinct is that it’ll be after the second screening (i.e., after all of the films have been shown). So while our film will be shown as part of the 7:00 show, you may want to pick up a ticket for the second show as well. Your call.

As far as parking goes, I’ve found the Town Square garage to be convenient (go North on Colesville past the theater, then take your first right and then turn left to enter the garage; there’s also the Wayne Avenue garage, just another block away. My understanding is that parking is free after 6:00, but don’t quote me. You can find a little parking map at the AFI Silver’s “directions” site.

This has been a phenomenal experience, and I just wanted to thank everyone who made “You Pay Your Dues” such a success. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Hope to see you tonight!

Best of the 48 Hour Film Project

Better late than never, right?

We just received word that “You Pay Your Dues” is one of 22 films (out of 93 completed films) selected as the “Best of the 48 Hour Film Project” for Washington, D.C. — and as a result, we will be screening this Thursday evening at the AFI Silver Theatre. Because of the number of films selected in this round, the films will be shown in two separate screenings, one at 7:00 and another at 9:30. Our film will be showing as part of the first screening — that is, 7:00 p.m. (as will Tohubohu veteran Bjorn Munson’s directorial effort, “DeLeon Crossing”).

Right now, it looks like tickets are available for both the 7:00 and 9:30 screenings (I suspect they may have opened up a second screen), so if you’d like to come out, be sure to pick your tickets up right away. We’re waiting to hear more details about awards presentation and the after-party, but as soon as I know more, I’ll pass along the info.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make this film the success it has been. I’m immensely proud of you all! Hope to see you Thursday!

P.S.: Here is the full screening lineup — there are some duplicates in there (specifically “Inquisito Libellus,” “Seasonal Disorder,” and “The Kumbio Takedown”), presumably to fill out the schedule (though I don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that they’re the front-runners for the top awards).

Screening 1 — 7:00 p.m.

• 3mm Films: “Urine Cake” (Comedy)
• Team Diamond: “Cult of the Groove” (Comedy)
• Integral Arts: “The Kumbio Takedown” (Detective/Cop)
• Tohubohu: “You Pay Your Dues” (Detective/Cop)
• FAYM Productions: “When You Wish Upon a Fish” (Fantasy)
• Roadside Productions: “Inquisito Libellus” (Fantasy)
• Team Jabberwocky: “DeLeon Crossing” (Fantasy)
• The Quest: “Holy Saturday” (Holiday Film)
• WIT Films: “Seasonal Disorder” (Holiday Film)
• Everyday Astronaut: “Leon!” (Musical/Western)
• Burning Toast Productions: “While You Still Can” (Romance)
• Oozing Sarcasm: “3027” (Sci Fi)

Screening 2 — 9:30 p.m.

• The Beta-Macks: “A.P.E.” (Animal Film)
• Cardiff Giant: “Wing Woman” (Buddy Film)
• ReelLight Films: “Semi Sweet” (Buddy Film)
• Integral Arts: “The Kumbio Takedown” (Detective/Cop)
• Agile H Productions: “C.O.P. 2000” (Detective/Cop)
• Ningen Manga Productions: “Posi+ive” (Drama)
• Gaucho Pictures: “Rooster.com” (Fantasy)
• Roadside Productions: “Inquisito Libellus” (Fantasy)
• Unknown Penguin Pictures: “Rochambeau Kid” (Ghost Movie)
• WIT Films: “Seasonal Disorder” (Holiday Film)
• Two Jews, a Goy and an Asian: “Helpful Cowboys” (Musical/Western)
• Kiss Productions: “A Bus Story” (Romance)
• Elbow Production: “E.T.R.I.P.” (Sci Fi)