KG: Cast Photos

 Meet Hayley Alderete and Yui Pankeaw! Hayley is the lead and Yui plays a dynamic supporting role.

Hayley Alderete

Yui Pankeaw

KG Update

 I have received some generous donations! I'm still short of the estimated budget but I have enough to get started in earnest. Costume fitting and makeup tests for my lead actor before this month is out and will start shooting exterior stuff the first week of February. I've also obtained props. When I have some images to tease here, I'll post them.

KG: Production Continues

 The new year has arrived and so I proceed in earnest with getting this picture rolling. I'm presently scouting possibilities for the opening shot as it requires a special set piece which I will not be building. I will also be putting together the costumes as we go along. My objective is to shoot several exterior sequences in February, construct sets and shoot interiors during March and April, finish with exterior scenes and commence more miniature work and a special visual sequence in May. If all goes according to the basic plan, I should wrap photography by or during June. This will give me August and September to cut and polish the film, in plenty of time for a possible October theatrical screening. It's actually quite possible that I could do all this at a faster pace and finish with everything but editing before summer arrives. I could certainly wrap principal photography with my actors in two months of our start date, but experience has taught me to be prepared for it to take longer due to various cast schedules, weather, funds, etc. Rushing things wouldn't be good anyway.

Production Begins!

This past Monday night we commenced with shooting Kaleidoscope Grimoire. I completed the miniature that afternoon and we shot at night using a forced perspective setup and screen projection. Naturally, a last minute unexpected display on the screen made for a much better image than I had storyboarded so we went with it and I'm very pleased how the footage turned out. As visually satisfying as I imagined and hoped for, and yet better than I expected. It's an establishing shot in the film. Since I won't be working with the actors until after the New Year arrives, I am doing as many establishing shots as I can get done between now and then. We're off to a good start.

KG Update 17 Sep 21: Miniature Work Advancing

 A particular miniature is getting closer to being finished so I am commencing with building the set in which it is featured. I just finished the production sketch for this set. It will utilize both three-dimensional and two-dimensional features. Color tests will determine which shades I'll be using. It's a black and white film, so shading matters, but not so much the colors, per se. Naturally some colors serve B&W better and I learned some about that on Hell's Bells. My modeling skills are really coming into play here. For only two shots I'll be creating a particular landscape. I'll definitely take full advantage of the final product by getting multiple takes using a variety of lighting and angles and camera movement and such. I figure I can also capture some stock footage for other projects by taking out the miniature central to the shots for this film. Once the primary miniature is finished, I'll start on the three dimensional landscape features. When those are done, I'll create the two dimensional elements. The final stage will be actually setting up the backdrop and then building the setting from there. All this work for what will likely be one day of shooting as I'll easily be able to capture the variety of shot variations in one day. But it will be worth it visually, I'm certain of that.

More to follow...

KG Update: 7 Sep 21

Major production decision and for the best: I've decided to move principal photography with the actors to after Jan 1st so that I'm not fighting against the impending arrival of the holidays. I don't want to be rushed. However, this decision allows me to get a lot of preproduction accomplished and shoot some B roll and establishing shots, so I will be working on the film myself between now and then. I've also decided to do one particular shot in studio instead of on location -- but wait til you see it. How I'm doing this shot is gonna be really cool.

I have started on building one of the miniatures to be used in the film. This will be something that is seen 'from a distance' by the Protagonist.  I'm taking progress stills and will decide to what extent I will show these. I want to save certain things until after the film is completed and released. Showing a before and after photo set of the miniature would be best, so I'll likely do that.

More to follow...

KG Update August 19

 I made a production purchase tonight, thanks to a couple of donors. I don't want to say what that purchase is (though the donors know) because I want that particular segment of the film to be a surprise. Presently working my way back to the shot list. Real life got in the way for about ten days but I can start the storyboards this weekend. It's likely that I'll share some of the pre-production art here as I get deeper into it, but nothing that will give too much away, of course. Not much to show right now.

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...

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.

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...

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!

More 'Kaleidoscope' Imagery

New Promo Graphic for 'Kaleidoscope Grimoire'

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

New Film In Development/Pre-Production!

Yes, it's true!

I have decided upon the next film. It will be another silent picture, 1920s style. The story is inspired by some of my nonfiction writing and will star Eloisa Alaniz from several of my other projects, including my first silent film Hell's Bells. Along with cool costumes and props, there will be some interesting sets and my fetish for outdoor locations will be in the mix, of course. This time I will also push myself a bit farther where visual effects are concerned -- using some old tricks and also applying modern techniques while capturing that 'classic' look. I can't wait to get started on this one!

Presently I'm putting the final touches to the story and will start the screenplay soon. I have a nonfiction book to finish first, but as soon as it's done and released, I can get into production art and costume design and location scouting. I am presently working on the financing plan, too. I want to at least have double of what I spent on Hell's Bells.

I'll reveal the title soon!

More to follow!

Eloisa Alaniz in Hell's Bells

Eloisa on location south of Baker, California, in 2012

Update on Silent Film V.2

I just finished the rough new cut on the second half of Hell's Bells. I have some visuals from earlier in the film to plug in appropriately, some title/dialogue cards to add, and then a polish. Looks like I'll be bringing it in under 40 minutes (from 46 mins). Coming along nicely and I'll be glad to have it seen again.

Update On Silent Film Re-Release

I am now halfway through the new cut on my 2012 silent picture Hell's Bells which was screened at the Fox Theater in Redlands shortly after completion. It's looking good! I can't wait to jump into the second half cut. The pacing of the film is just right now so I'm anxious to finish and get to completing the final visual touches. I have already laid new music onto the soundtrack. This final version will screen first in a memorial event for family and friends of our actor Josh Einertson who passed away last year. After that, I plan to schedule another public screening so keep watching for announcements. In keeping with the guerilla microbudget style of the film, I'll be looking for old historical theaters or venues fitting the retro theme, like large backrooms in cafes and the like. I may try to enter the film into a festival or two. Ultimately, it will be part of a larger roadshow presentation presently being discussed with other filmmakers and investors.

Keep watching for more announcements!

2017: New Equipment!

As stated last month, I'm moving toward a new film project. Just a few days ago I purchased a lens adapter for a DSLR also just acquired by my future camera operator whose still and vlog photography I do for her when she is in front of the camera. This means I can apply my virtually new lenses from my now 'obsolete' 35mm SLR to my film projects, giving me a wider range of visual quality.

Next on the shopping list: Sound equipment. That said, I'm looking to do another silent picture first so that'll give me a little time to acquire audio gear.

More to follow, soon...

It Just Might Happen

I've said it before -- and I meant it: No Budget Cinema will return.

For a variety of reasons we won't go into on this blog, it looks like the US economy is going to come back strong. If that indeed happens, there may be more disposable income in people's hands and bank accounts. It is disposable income upon which ventures like this depend and thrive. It really is a lack of money holding back our productions, though I have shot a horror film that is sitting in post so it's not like I haven't tried since finishing the silent film. Should the money come back, the films will continue.

One of the issues is actors. No Budget Cinema cannot afford to pay actors so I'm reliant upon performers looking for exposure and willing to appear in anything. When I do pay actors, it's usually for nudity and that ain't cheap. It's a cheap thrill, but it costs a few bucks. What this can often mean is actors who aren't. That's another big reason why I want to do another silent film. I can draw a great performance from a non-actor if they don't have to talk. Not to slight them, it's just logical and true. It is therefore a very good thing that I sincerely love doing silent movies.

Another issue making money vital is that I like using locations and striking visuals to make up for a low budget. Going to the mountains or the desert or a century old train station dresses your film up. Such visuals pretty much cost me only the gasoline to get there and back. Gasoline made up about half of the Hell's Bells budget, I think (without pulling out the production book). We filmed in Yucca Valley, Cajon Pass, the desert beyond Baker, and around the Inland Empire. More than once in some of those locations.

Costumes aren't the challenge they could be. I first raid closets at home and what those don't provide I obtain from second-hand shops and then discount stores like TJ Maxx or Burlington or WalMart. My costuming budget is lower than you might think, considering I like to do period pieces. It also helps to have a family member working at a costume shop, though ironically on Hell's Bells the only piece I used from there was a white dinner jacket I wore to the premier. I include props here because I do much the same thing: use stuff around the house or used items that I can get cheap.

Still, keeping it as cheap as possible, I prefer to produce my films out of pocket. When people give you their money, you rightfully must answer to them. HB cost me less than a thousand dollars to produce. It may not seem like much but I haven't had a spare 'less than a thousand dollars' that I could spend on a movie since HB. The horror film cost maybe three hundred and fifty bucks and 200 of that was for tits in one scene. Crowd-funding provided the fee for the boobs but that is the only real success I've had with that process (go figure). However, if the economy does rebound, crowd-funding might become a lot easier. Still, I would probably prefer to limit it to raising funds for a single element of a film, a special effect or more boobs, of course.

Anyway, I wanted to drop in to let anyone who might still be reading this blog know that I haven't given up. I've simply been doing other important things. Since finishing HB in 2012, I've written and published 10 books with another almost finished as I write this. I've also been on two television shows and continue to be a guest on several podcasts and radio shows. It has been a very productive period for my writing, both nonfiction and fiction -- but I really want to do another film.

Naturally I'll announce when the horror film is finally done and where it can be viewed. In the meantime, you check in once in a while because I may just surprise you and actually get another film started. 

"Hell's Bells" Star Passes

The cast of Hell's Bells and I are saddened at the loss of Joshua Einertson who starred in our silent film in 2012. Josh was an amazing personality to work with and a good soul. He moved on ahead of us just a couple of weeks ago today. He is deeply missed.