Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Kaleidoscope Grimoire Update

 So here we go.

It's almost midnight. I've been chatting with the musician whom I want to do the score and we're sculpting out how to make it happen. I'm sharing examples of what I'm looking for, he's going through his catalogue and sending me samples. We have plenty of time because I won't need the music until Spring '22.

Tomorrow I'll run to the office supply store and get a couple packages of index cards so I can begin the storyboarding. It's looking like October, tentatively, for shooting 'studio' principal with my actors. If I can do location stuff in the same month, great. But that can be more easily scheduled and accomplished than the studio stuff because my studio is my home and I'll be commandeering one entire living area for multiple scenes on multiple sets. That takes coordination because I want to not have a set standing during the holidays. Anyway, these are the kinds of things I want to deal with because it means I'm making a movie.

Look for production glimpses starting in October as I construct sets and pull costumes together and do makeup tests with the actors, of which I need to cast four more. I already have three.

More to follow...


Thursday, July 29, 2021

Kaleidoscope Grimoire: Raising Funds

Welcome to my film production blog, if you're new here. Welcome back if you've been a follower.

This past spring, I completed the script for my new film project, The Kaleidoscope Grimoire. I have also designed the sets and costume designs are in the works. It has been nine years since I finished my first silent picture and this one has been in the works off and on, through three versions, for seven years. It is time to move forward.

The Kaleidoscope Grimoire is a story of self discovery through an experience of loss and distraction, much like life. The story has been crafted from personal experience with and deeper research into themes explored in ancient philosophy and eternal truths. I choose to relate this story in a setting of fantasy and shadow, light and horror, hell and hope. It is a story with moments that will challenge the viewer to reach beyond what is merely depicted on the screen. It is a story for everyone seeking to understand the role identity plays in enlightenment.

Seeking to go beyond what I accomplished with Hell's Bells, I will produce a film with technical challenges not attempted on that picture. The Kaleidoscope Grimoire will be a silent period picture in black and white, shot to look as much like a late 1920s film as I can achieve with my resources. In this new film's favor are the technical resources. KG will be shot on DSLR cameras, giving me much greater margin for visual creativity than I've had before, as I will be able to use multiple lenses. Better lighting equipment than I had nine years ago is also part of my present toolbox. I also have a talented makeup artist and she'll be doing some impressive things in that regard. Just as with my first silent picture, KG will be shot on dynamic picturesque locations but will also feature detailed sets constructed in my home 'studio'. I'm already assembling a cast of diverse talent. All these elements, I believe, will serve to produce an entertaining and thought-provoking cinematic experience of the kind that only independent cinema provides in our times.

If you would like to see this film happen, I am accepting donations to the budget. I'm hoping to have at least twice as much as I had for my first silent film, Hell's Bells. The donate button is in the column to the right of this blog page. Naturally, there will be a threshold minimum required before I can commence with much more than continued pre-production. With the threshold sum, I could start principal photography and have it finished within a matter of weeks from the start date. That would leave effects shots, location photography, and other special visual sequences to be completed without haste. Conceivably, I could have The Kaleidoscope Grimoire finished and ready to premier by Summer 2022 in a theatrical double feature screening with Hell's Bells, which itself was screened at the Fox Theater in Redlands in November 2012.

All donors will receive a screen credit in the film as 'donor producer'. Donations of $100 or more earn the donor a special home video featuring the film and the 'making of' extra. Donations of $1,000 or more receive the home video, a production tee shirt, and a special screen credit as 'Associate Producer'. Before the public screening premier, I am planning to arrange a private stream screening for all who donated, an exclusive online event I will personally host. Though being a donor producer does not imply creative input on the film, your donation, no matter how small, will contribute to independent cinematic arts and entertainment. I am not producing this film to make a profit. I wish to make The Kaleidoscope Grimoire for the pure pleasure of the filmmaking challenge and the desire to share it with audiences.

Thank you for considering this film project.



Thursday, May 20, 2021

HELL'S BELLS REDUX Now In One File & Jungian Analysis

 Finally in one file! You can now watch the film with one click.

HELL'S BELLS REDUX

And here is the Jungian analytical discussion about the film with Laura London:

HELL'S BELLS ANALYSIS

There's more going on in the film than you may think...







Tuesday, July 16, 2019

AT LAST! I Finished It!

The long discussed new cut of Hell's Bells is finally completed. It took me longer than intended but I'm pleased that the film is much better and something I'm actually proud of more so than with the original version.


Early unused poster concept  



You can see the new cut at the following links:

Hell's Bells 2017 Redux Director's Cut

For now the film is in two files simply because I haven't combined them on my end yet and I wanted to get the new version posted for viewing. I am presently developing a new story for Kaleidoscope Grimoire as I sold the rights to the books the story was based on and that stuff is being developed as a TV series. The new story will be just as good if not better!

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Sunday, September 24, 2017

The New Silent Film Project!

I've finished the treatment and will begin the script this week! The title you've seen here before because I've been playing with the concept of this film for a few years -- but the story is new. Look for more stuff after I finish the script...funding reports, production art, casting announcements, etc.

In the meantime, here is the first teaser...

My New Silent Film Project