A GAY OL' TIME AT THE INDY FRINGE FESTIVAL

Went down to the Phoenix Theatre last night to see Shawn Whistler's play A Midsummer Night of Fairies and Asses. It's "a gay comedy...and not the way Shakespeare intended" that's part of the 1st annual Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival. I'm not much of a live theatre-goer (as I prefer movies), but Shawn (pictured with me below) is a friend of mine and I had a good time. Laughed myself to tears really.



Irreverant, raunchy and fun, the play still delivers the strong and, in my opinion, important, message that the government should not be in the business of regulating love between two consenting adults, no matter what their gender. The play also contains a tribute to Bette Midler's Beaches, called "Biotches" that is not to be missed. And you don't have to, the play is still running two more times this week. More at www.indyfringe.org.

MY MICROCINEMAFEST EXPERIENCE

Had a good time in Chicago this past weekend at Microcinemafest. Saw some great flicks and met some great people. It's inspiring to see the amazing work that people are creating with limited budgets and resources. I highly recommend Memories of Tomorrow and Streets of Wonderland .



The Coming To My Senses screening and Q&A went well, although due to my "technological retardation" I was unable to answer some of the tech-related questions. Something about staying in a hotel always inspires me to write. While I was gone I got a chance to work a little bit on two scripts I've been writing: PDA (a short) and anyone but who i am (a feature). But more on those much later. I've got a documentary to finish!

HAIRKUTT AT KEY CINEMAS

Went down to Key Cinemas this past Tuesday for the return of the free Indy-Indies screening (formerly known as Filmmaker's Showcase). Watched Hairkutt, a graphic documentary about four friends from St. Louis who travel to a remote mountain cabin in the Smoky Mountains with the plans of breaking Bryant "HairKutt" Johnson of his fifteen year addiction to heroin. Directed by Curtis Elliott (pictured with me above), it was a wonderful film; moving, at times funny and at times uncomfortable to watch. I've been viewing a lot of docs lately (as I'm production on one) and this one gave me some great "hints" on story structure and pacing for Persistence of Vision. For more on Hairkutt, go to the film's official website at www.itstoughtogetoffdrugs.com.

SENSES TO SCREEN AT MICROCINEMAFEST

My short film Coming To My Senses has been accepted into the 5th annual Microcinema Fest in Chicago and will screen on Saturday, August 13th. The lineup looks fantastic. I'm looking forward to seeing some great flicks and meeting the other directors. Plus, I'll have just wrapped shooting on Persistence of Vision so I'll be more than ready for a vacation and a few drinks. I'll post pictures from the trip when I return.

You can now also listen to and download a podcast of Austin Burbridge's Cinema Minima story about Persistence of Vision. A link has also been added to the sidebar of this site under Press/Interviews/Reviews.

IMMACULATE AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE VIEWING

My very first cinematic attempt, Immaculate, is now available for viewing online at UndergroundFilm. Shot in the summer of 2002 if I remember correctly, the film stars Kate Dobson, Grant Williams and Zane Seal. Poor writing, poor shots and poor sound make this baby a gem. There's a reason I never screened it publically. The film is bad (at no fault to the actors) and I take full responsibility for it's shitiness. I did learn a lot from it, however, if that counts for anything. I'd like to think that the films since this one have been better and will continue to get better as I grow in my craft. So why show it now then? I don't know. Why not? People ask me about it frequently and it's fun to see where I was then as compared to now. Click here to view if you dare.

KIND WORDS FOR PERSISTENCE OF VISION

I received an unexpected email today from Austin Burbridge, editor of Cinema Minima, saying that he had written a story about Persistence of Vision. I had never talked to him so it came as a pleasant surprise. The story primarilly references the interview I did with Diana Rooks for IndianapolisFilm.Net, but it goes on to say:

"This is precisely the kind of movie making that ought to be supported, encouraged, and emulated. It is local. It is about ordinary people, doing the most remarkable things of all, making the most of their own lives — playing the hands that Life has dealt them. The director, instead of reaching for something celebrated or fantastical, has elected to participate in the life of his own community, and has made himself available to its wealth of stories. As an American politician had remarked that “All politics is local,” this production demonstrates that all documentary is local, too."

Thank you for the kind words and coverage Austin. I appreciate that and will pass it on to Jean as well.

MY KENTUCKY WEEKEND EXCURSION

Went down to the Galt House Hotel in Louisville this past weekend for the National Federation of the Blind's annual conference. Staying in a hotel with 3,000 blind people from all 50 states (as well as from Puerto Rico, Guam and 37 foreign countries)and being a sighted minority was a bit of a surreal experience to be honest. I was unable to interview Dr. Maurer, my original reason for going, but it was the 4th of July and I was able to catch fireworks and a free K.C and the Sunshine Band concert before coming home (see photo below). So I suppose the trip was still worthwhile!



Jean is still down there until July 9th and then she'll be back and busy with finishing touches at the salon before the grand opening (now scheduled for Saturday, July 30th). All are invited to come and check it out. I'll be there shooting. If you'd like more info and/or directions, just send me an email.

An interview I did recently with Diana Rooks about Persistence of Vision is now available online. Check it out if you'd like to learn a more about the film.

MAKING A TOLERANT [FASHION] STATEMENT

Mingled with an uber-hip crowd this weekend at Lulu's for the global launch party for Coexist, a clothing line with a conscience created by Indiana's own Joseph Sadler, Kyle Boyd, Chris Tierney and Mike Irving. I'm always inspired by others creativity; whether it's film, music, fine art, or, in this case, fashion. Plus it's always encouraging to hear about local boys gone good. And the line's message of tolerance, unity and beauty in all ways of life is certainly something the world can use. For more on Coexist and to find out where you can purchase these thoughtful threads, check out the official website.

AN EVENING OF KITTY PORN

Last night I went down to the Alternative Film Series at Dorman Street Saloon with friends Grant, Courtney and Michael. We arrived late, but just in time to catch what just may be the strangest movie any of us had ever seen. KatteManden (The Cat Man), directed by Danish filmmaker Mads Feldballe. The film's website describes the film as "a special man with a very special problem searches for love in a world less ordinary." Basically a loner starts finding himself attracted to cats (yes, sexually) after people porn leaves him unsatisfied. As the attraction grows stronger he slowly begins turning into a cat himself (much like Teen Wolf) until he finally has an "encounter" with an alley cat that transforms him forever. This "encounter" is unbelievable. At one point Grant leaned over to me and asked, "What is this? Kitty porn?" I usually love the Danes and their crazy sensibilities (Thomas Vinterberg's Festen is one of my favorite flicks), but even after having a few beers, I couldn't really say that I enjoyed this movie. Upon further consideration, however, it's not as bad as the two-thumbs down I'm giving it in the picture; I think it's growing on me. If you're feeling inspired, you can catch the trailer on Feldballe's website.

CHECK OUT THE RAMBLING OF GRANT WILLIAMS

I just wanted to take some time to mention my friend Grant Williams' new blog The Rambling (yes, everybody's blogging). Grant and I go way back and I was even ordained online to marry he and his wife Courtney last July. He's a great writer and one hell of an actor. In addition to being in several plays, he played the lead in my never-before-screened first short film Immaculate (which will soon see the light of day online, however). And you'd never be able to tell by looking at him, but the guy is also quite the underground hip-hop aficionado. He's always schooling me on the most obscure of artists to help maintain my non-existent street credibility. So if you've got some time, check it out. I'll add a link on the sidebar of this page as well.

INDEPENDENT MUSIC + ART FESTIVAL FUN

I neglected my Top 40 loving ways for a few hours this afternoon to attend the 2005 Independent Music + Art Festival at the Harrison Center for the Arts with my friends Caleb, Michael and Speed. I've been so consumed with the production of POV lately that I needed to get out and expand my horizons. Plus, I've been told that supporting local bands improves your karma. Give me some of that.



I'd wanted to hear Soda Over Pike as I've heard people telling me about them a lot lately, but we got there just as they were finishing their set. I was really impressed with Jenn Cristy (pictured below) and Pravada, however. It was my first time hearing both. Bought some CDs and plan to catch their shows in the future; maybe even make a few soundtrack requests.



Perhaps next year the organizers can incorporate some film screenings? Make it the Independent Music, Film + Art Festival? I imagine that the same people who are down for local music and art would also be down to catch a few locally-produced flicks.

HONEY: A GUILTY PLEASURE

I went down to Key Cinemas this past Saturday for my weekly dose of arthouse fare. I watched Korean director Park Chanwook’s oldboy. The film won the Grand Prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and I missed it when it screened at the Indianapolis International Film Festival a few months ago. Amazing flick. But it’s dark and depressing nature left me craving something a little lighter the next day. Enter Honey, the 2003 film about a hip-hop dancer and aspiring music video star (played by Jessica Alba) who overcomes all odds to make her dream come true. I saw it in Wal-Mart and just had to have it. Only $5.96 and on VHS no less. As expected, it was predictable, clichéd and poorly acted; it had me cringing and laughing the whole way through. But I’ve always had a place in my heart for cheesy dance movies. Guilty pleasures, really. Save The Last Dance, Fame, Center Stage and Flashdance…I dig them all. They’re fun. They’re fluff. And Honey was just what I needed to provide the yin to oldboy’s yang.

THE FALL OF COMMUNE-ISM

Out with the old, in with the new. Yes, after 4 years, The Film Commune has disbanded. Blame "creative differences" if you will. Despite the many incarnations the group had and controversies it caused, I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish(from the yearly Indianapolis Underground Film Festival to the short-lived Indie Scene TV on WRTV6 to the successful premieres of Fake ID and Coming To My Senses this past December). Of course, nobody is perfect. There were mistakes and mistreatments along the way; I do have regrets. But, for the most part, it was a wonderful experience and allowed us to work with so many talented and creative people. Change is good, however, and I'm excited for what's next. Thank you to everyone who supported us in the past. I hope you will continue supporting our new individual endeavors in the future.