AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Today is Thanksgiving, which marks the start of my favorite time of year. Next week is my birthday, then Christmas, then New Years all in a row. It's an exciting time...and a great excuse to avoid editing hours and hours of documentary footage! To kick things off last night I headed to the Corner Wine Bar in Broad Ripple with friends (I'm pictured below with Casandra who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee where she's pursuing a singing career).



Relationships mean more to me than accomplishments these days. It's far too easy to get caught up in your own shit and take people for granted, but I do appreciate everyone who has supported me and my dream. Your encouragement does not go unnoticed. So "thank you" to all and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

THE PULPIT MEETS THE UNDERGROUND -PART 2

As a filmmaker I don't think I could have asked for a better experience than the one I had last night at The Pulpit Meets The Underground. It was certainly the most in-depth and insightful post-screening discussion I've been a part of thus far in my burgeoning "career." The audience was incredible; encouraging and generous with their feedback. It's amazing to see how deeply cinema touches some people. It's a powerful medium. Before the screenings, Max (pictured with me above, along with Becky Archibald and Jane Rulon) read a poem which compared entering a moviehouse to going to church called A Supplicant At The Altar Of Film that really set the stage for the evening and provided some interesting food for thought. I'll try to get a copy and post it here for others to read. But, thanks again to everyone involved; especially Alan Archibald who emceed the evening.

THE PULPIT MEETS THE UNDERGROUND -PART 1

Lately, in addition to moving, I've been preparing myself for my program with the 10th annual Spirit & Place Festival this Friday from 7-9PM at North United Methodist Church. It's called The Pulpit Meets The Underground: Transformational Moments in Mainstream and Independent Film. The festival's official description of this little shindig is as follows:

View film clips of transformational moments and symbols, then discuss their meaning. Discussion will explore how images & dialogue speak to the movement themes of understanding life as a journey and of blurring boundaries between the sacred and the profane. Rev. Max Case of Café Cinema at St. Luke’s UMC and Chad Richards of Glitch / Indianapolis Underground Film Festival will lead participants into the inner workings of the films and their deeper messages. Clips will be drawn from Richards’ locally produced Coming to My Senses and mainstream works like Cast Away and Shawshank Redemption.

It'll be interesting for this lapsed-Catholic to have a discussion with a Methodist minister. I was unsure when first approached with the concept, but Max is an amazing fellow and to hear him discuss cinema is inspiring. This Tuesday he is also leading a discussion with Hotel Rwanda protaganist Paul Ruseabagina that I'm looking forward to as well. The "Rev" loves film on a level I'd never considered before really. I can only pray that I don't come off like a complete idiot (which is never hard for me to do.)

CATCHING UP WITH AN OLD FRIEND

Had the opportunity last night to catch up with my old friend Shannon Blowers. She moved to Los Angeles about 2 years ago to pursue an acting career, but we became close back in the day when The Film Commune was producing Indie Scene TV for RTV6 and she was the host. There was a lot of drama behind-the-scenes, but we always looked out for each other. She was like the hyper little sister I never had. Of course, pursuing the dream is never easy, but she's done well for herself in the short time she's been in L.A. She's been assisting several different casting directors and recently wrapped shooting a pilot for MTV called Juvies, in which she played (ironically enough) a runaway from Indiana. She's ambitious and driven and I wish her the best.

YET ANOTHER EXCUSE TO DRESS UP

Had another excuse last night to throw on my leisure suit (it's incredibly comfortable) as I went to a Halloween party at Invoke Studio with some friends. The event was hosted by Chad Brown, an actor I hope to work with on my what I believe will be my next film: P.D.A. After that we headed off to Talbott Street for more drinks, dancing and displays of jaw-dropping costumes. I've been enjoying my social life so much lately, but I seriously need to hunker down and get to work on my documentary. I also have to prepare for my program with this year's Spirit & Place Festival on November 11th (although more on that later.)

POLYESTER & PAISLEY: MOVIE PROM FASHION

Had a wonderful time at AnC's Movie Prom this past Friday night at Fletcher Pointe. Great concept. Great films. Great opening act (if you haven't seen Lord of the Yum Yum, I suggest you do!) My date, Gwen, and I opted for a 70's prom fashion theme. Gwen wore a stylish black, red and brown paisley dress with matching scarf from Another Time Fashions while I sported a brick red polyester leisure suit courtesy of Broad Ripple Vintage.



Of course it was fun to see everyone dressed in their favorite prom fashion disasters, but those did not outshine the films themselves. Charlie, Trisha, Barnaby and Phil are some creative folks and I look forward to seeing what's next from them. If you were unable to attend the prom, you can still catch a glimpse of the films they screened by clicking here.

INDIANA: THE BIRTHPLACE OF COOL

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of probably the most famous Hoosier, James Dean. I'm not a fanatic, or a "Deaner" as his die-hard fans call themselves, but I do find it interesting that this Hollywood icon was born and buried only an hour from where I live. My friend Caleb and I drove up to Fairmount this past Sunday for the annual James Dean Festival. First stop was the Fairmount Historical Museum, where we encountered a Parisian camera crew taping a show for French TV. For being a small town in the middle of a cornfield, Fairmount has had some amazing residents. Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, is also a native. Next stop was Park Cemetery, where we paid our respects at Dean's grave by placing cigarettes and pennies on his headstone. Others had left flowers, beer and even women's underwear. And, finally, we made the short drive to Gas City to visit the James Dean Gallery, an exhibit and archive that contains the world's largest collection of Dean memorabilia. In life, and even moreso in death, he truly is the definition of "cool."

INDULGING MY SENSES AT ORANJE

Had a lot of fun this past Saturday night at Oranje. The screening room was standing room only most of the night and the reception to Coming To My Senses was great. Big thanks to Chris Commons for organizing it all. Also got a chance to see my old co-worker Sami Mustaklem of Infamy Films and hang out with the ANC Movies gang (I'm pictured above with Charlie and Barnaby) who were there promoting their Movie Prom to be held Friday, October 14th. Looking forward to that as well.

TAKING THE BAD WITH THE GOOD

Of course I was pleased when critic John Oak Dalton at Microcinema Scene gave Coming To My Senses a wonderful 4 star review. Most of what I've heard from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive. So I was surprised to read the latest review from Film Threat critic Greg Bellavia. He gave it only 1.5 stars, saying that "while ripe with possibilities, the director seems content to show his heroine on a much more banal journey. Coming To My Senses certainly looks great for being shot on DV, but Chad Richards may want to include a story in his next film." OUCH! It's amazing how two people can see things so differently. But that's part of the game. You don't win them all. And, while I disagree with Mr. Bellavia in most regards, I do appreciate him taking time to watch my film and share his thoughts.

NEW INSIDE REPORT INTERVIEW

You can now catch me discussing Coming To My Senses on the September edition of the net's #1 indie film show Inside Report. I did the interview with Sky Wilson back in April (before I cut off all my hair) when she was here in the States. Great lady. I love the British.

TWO SENSES SCREENINGS IN SEPTEMBER

The are two screenings of Coming To My Senses slated for September. First will be Saturday, September 17th in Indianapolis as part of the ORANJE progressive art and music showcase. Should be a inspiring night of fine art, film and music. The following Saturday, September 24th, CTMS will screen in Cleveland, Ohio at the TwistedSpine Micro Film Festival. I have a special place in my heart for Cleveland with it being my birthplace and all so I'm looking forward to that trip.

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.