There were dozens of actors involved in making Episodes 1 through 6 of "Ghost Sniffers" and almost all of them were thrilled with the results. Yes, those dedicated to the show had seen Episodes 1 through 5 a great many times on YouTube and at our website long before the premiere on March 29, but no one had seen the episodes on the big screen and no one but Brianne and myself had seen Episode 6.
As a director, I have to make choices. Casting choices. Pacing choices. But never have choices been so hard as editing the length of Episodes 1 through 5 for the premiere. Moments that were funny had to be cut. Moments that were serious had to be played for laughs. Poet warriors became soldiers. Some soldiers became metaphors. The episodes were different versions of the true versions that are on YouTube, on our website and on the DVDs. They were only-on-the-big-screen versions.
But you know what wasn't hard? Reading my email in the hours after the premiere wrapped:
"I've never been so proud to be part of anything."
"You excel at everything you do."
"To watch Episode 1 to 6 in order like that, I saw what you've been saying all along. You've come so far! But you better stop saying that now, because it doesn't get better than Episode 6."
"What you have done with 'Ghost Sniffers' is nothing short of a miracle."
I have never worked so hard on anything as I did on making the premiere a success. Our family have never worked so hard. The literal days without sleep for the adults seemed like a small price for the laughter and the gasps in that dark room. The reaffirmations that what we're doing -- not just the episodes an individual was in -- means something so special to so many. I sat there and listened to the voices and the whispered comments and the giggles and I thought, "I want to work with that person again. I want to cast those two people in another project as well. I want to make that role larger because she really got that joke. I want to bring his character back because he's wiping away tears."
I think directors should be required to sit in the darkness and watch their shows surrounded by their cast and crew. It will tell you a million things that there is simply no other way to discover.
Thank you, all of you who supported each other, all of you who care about "Ghost Sniffers" and what we're trying so hard to do... thank you for sitting there with me and making me believe, anew, in our mission.
Jennifer
When disabilities become super abilities, young heroes prove what's real and what's ridiculous. Visit our website at tinyurl.com/ghostsniffers or join us on Facebook at tinyurl.com/ghostsniffersFB
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Raise Funds for Your School or Homeschooling Family
A note from our producer, Anne: "Parents: Talk to teachers about a field trip for the entire art class, acting club, or creative writing course. Or think parties. Pizza at your house for everyone in your child's troop and then kids and parents alike go to the screening together. Sell tickets for $10 each for an even, easy to remember number. Use your profit to pay for the pizza or the inexpensive concessions at the Dragonfly. Think outside the box to create a unique experience."
At the encouragement of several of the actors (and parents) who attended the premiere, we've decided to allow the resale of tickets to the April 12 screening. This will allow us to pack the theater and also provide actors with a way to raise funds for their school, club, or homeschooling family. Here are the details:
1. Call Cris, the executive producer, at 360-550-2071 or email her at ghostsniffers@gmail.com before April 10. Let her know you want to sell tickets.
2. Cris will issue you a set of five numbered tickets via email. Print these.
3. "Ghost Sniffers" needs to be paid $6.25 per ticket sold. The tickets normally sell for $12.50 each and you can sell them for that price and keep $6.25 for your personal cause, or you can sell them for less. For instance, if you sell a ticket for $10, you would pay "Ghost Sniffers" $6.25 and the remaining $3.75 would go toward your cause. The choice is yours.
4. You can collect payment as cash, checks, or even credit cards. For credit card sales, have the buyer call Cris at 360-550-2071 and she'll take their information right on the phone. (Please note that the credit card processor will charge 10% on top of the sale price.)
5. When you sell your pack of five tickets, you can call Cris for another pack to sell. Turn in only $6.25 per ticket when you're done selling or on April 10, whichever is first.
6. All remote sales must stop on April 10, so request your pack and start selling tickets today :)
7. Important information: Now that we know the vital length of Episode 6, we are shifting the time for the April 12 screening. The screening is at the Dragonfly Cinema (822 Bay Street) in Port Orchard. Seating begins at 5:00 as we're setting up. The show begins at 5:30 and runs until 8:30 with one ten minute intermission. Our vendor table will be set up before the show, during intermission, and after the show.
At the encouragement of several of the actors (and parents) who attended the premiere, we've decided to allow the resale of tickets to the April 12 screening. This will allow us to pack the theater and also provide actors with a way to raise funds for their school, club, or homeschooling family. Here are the details:
1. Call Cris, the executive producer, at 360-550-2071 or email her at ghostsniffers@gmail.com before April 10. Let her know you want to sell tickets.
2. Cris will issue you a set of five numbered tickets via email. Print these.
3. "Ghost Sniffers" needs to be paid $6.25 per ticket sold. The tickets normally sell for $12.50 each and you can sell them for that price and keep $6.25 for your personal cause, or you can sell them for less. For instance, if you sell a ticket for $10, you would pay "Ghost Sniffers" $6.25 and the remaining $3.75 would go toward your cause. The choice is yours.
4. You can collect payment as cash, checks, or even credit cards. For credit card sales, have the buyer call Cris at 360-550-2071 and she'll take their information right on the phone. (Please note that the credit card processor will charge 10% on top of the sale price.)
5. When you sell your pack of five tickets, you can call Cris for another pack to sell. Turn in only $6.25 per ticket when you're done selling or on April 10, whichever is first.
6. All remote sales must stop on April 10, so request your pack and start selling tickets today :)
7. Important information: Now that we know the vital length of Episode 6, we are shifting the time for the April 12 screening. The screening is at the Dragonfly Cinema (822 Bay Street) in Port Orchard. Seating begins at 5:00 as we're setting up. The show begins at 5:30 and runs until 8:30 with one ten minute intermission. Our vendor table will be set up before the show, during intermission, and after the show.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
March 29 Premiere FAQ
I'll edit this file as more questions come in :)
1. Should I wear a jacket, sweater or coat?
Yes. Just like at a large awards show, there will be some waiting outside while actors who may have arrived before you are guided down the carpet. An overcoat is a good idea if the weather is chilly (which I expect it to be).
2. If I arrive before the crew, can I wait in the lobby?
I don't believe the theater is open before they'll be allowing crew in to set up at 4:45. Actors shouldn't plan to arrive until 5:00.
3. You mentioned parking?
There is a lot of street parking right on Bay Street but also several lots (both free and paid) across the street toward the water.
4. My ticket has a number on it. Is that my seat number?
No. To our knowledge there are no seat numbers.
5. How much will autographed scripts, DVDs and other things sell for? What payment methods will you take?
Bound, autographed scripts are $12.99 each or a set of six for $50. DVDs are $9.99 each or a set of six for $50. Monster pins are $1. 11x17 movie posters and 11x17 episode posters are $2 each. Tickets for the April 12 screening are $12. Cash, checks, and credits cards are acceptable. Auction baskets can also be paid for with any of these payment methods.
6. Can we eat in the theater while we watch the episodes?
Yes, you may eat food purchased from the movie theater while you watch. No outside food is allowed.
7. Is it true that at a "Ghost Sniffers" event, peanut products (such as peanut butter, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Pieces, Snickers, and Butterfinger) are not allowed under any circumstances?
That is accurate. We will be asking the theater staff to remove any candy with peanuts.
8. Which poster type will I get for free?
You will receive the movie (the premiere screening of Episodes 1 through 6) poster.
Please email or call with any other questions, everyone, and we'll post responses ASAP!
1. Should I wear a jacket, sweater or coat?
Yes. Just like at a large awards show, there will be some waiting outside while actors who may have arrived before you are guided down the carpet. An overcoat is a good idea if the weather is chilly (which I expect it to be).
2. If I arrive before the crew, can I wait in the lobby?
I don't believe the theater is open before they'll be allowing crew in to set up at 4:45. Actors shouldn't plan to arrive until 5:00.
3. You mentioned parking?
There is a lot of street parking right on Bay Street but also several lots (both free and paid) across the street toward the water.
4. My ticket has a number on it. Is that my seat number?
No. To our knowledge there are no seat numbers.
5. How much will autographed scripts, DVDs and other things sell for? What payment methods will you take?
Bound, autographed scripts are $12.99 each or a set of six for $50. DVDs are $9.99 each or a set of six for $50. Monster pins are $1. 11x17 movie posters and 11x17 episode posters are $2 each. Tickets for the April 12 screening are $12. Cash, checks, and credits cards are acceptable. Auction baskets can also be paid for with any of these payment methods.
6. Can we eat in the theater while we watch the episodes?
Yes, you may eat food purchased from the movie theater while you watch. No outside food is allowed.
7. Is it true that at a "Ghost Sniffers" event, peanut products (such as peanut butter, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Pieces, Snickers, and Butterfinger) are not allowed under any circumstances?
That is accurate. We will be asking the theater staff to remove any candy with peanuts.
8. Which poster type will I get for free?
You will receive the movie (the premiere screening of Episodes 1 through 6) poster.
Please email or call with any other questions, everyone, and we'll post responses ASAP!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Premiere: What to Expect
I think the most important thing to remember about Thursday is that the premiere is FOR YOU. And by you, I mean all of the actors who appeared in Episodes 1 through 6. Whether you had a small or large role, a monster in the cafe, a dancer, a multiple episode arch, or just a walk-on, the DiMarco clan has been working passionately to create a memorable event for you on Thursday. In the 30-minute interview I did for the Episode 1 DVD, I talk about how the actors I love to work with are those who ask questions, those who show they actually care about the character they're playing and the series as a whole; these are the actors I will cast again in "Ghost Sniffers" and other productions. Almost all of the actors I worked with for Episodes 1 through 6 fall into this category. Thank you for making this experience so wonderful for me... please let me return the favor.
It should be mentioned that I certainly enjoyed working with the eight actors who met with me in Seattle to shoot early scenes for episodes that will appear later in the season. I know that many of you will be at the premiere on March 29. I look forward to the premiere for your episodes where I can focus on and celebrate YOU! Please help me make the Episode 1 through 6 actors feel special on Thursday... YOUR day will come soon enough :)
Now, let's jump right in to a glimpse into the premiere schedule:
4:30PM -- This is the earliest the crew are allowed to set up. Wow! Are we gonna be fast or what?! We'll be rolling out a literal red cloth carpet and putting up red and white guide ropes. Brianne will be set up to take your ticket, check you in, gather any information we need (we'll gathering phone numbers for the parents of all actors under 18). There will be a photo station where Cris will take your official photo. Inside the theater, you can visit Carol (who played Captain Snakes in Episode 5) who will be running the auction and store table.
5:00PM -- The doors will open to actors and their guests at this time. There will be a wait (just like when actors arrive at the Oscars or the Grammys) because, as an actor, you'll be filmed coming down the red carpet and asked questions. I am shooting a documentary about the "Ghost Sniffers" project and footage from the premiere will be used extensively.
If you acted in any of the first six episodes, you'll be asked: What did you think about your experience shooting "Ghost Sniffers"? You can answer and add in extra information such as your favorite episode, character, line of dialogue, or scene.
If you will be acting in the second six episodes, or if you acted in the early shoot in Seattle, you will be asked, Are you looking forward to shooting "Ghost Sniffers"? (We don't want to complicate the documentary and so we're setting it up as if we didn't have the early shoot.) You can also add in extra information like your favorite moments.
If your parents are on the carpet with you (they don't have to be), they might be asked, What are your thoughts on the series? Or, why was your son/daughter drawn to the series?
At the end of the red carpet will be Brianne. She will check you in. Actors in Episodes 1 through 6 will autograph a movie poster in silver pen and be given a gift bag. The gift bag will contain your complimentary DVD of any episode you were in, an 11x17 version of the official premiere poster, and two silly gifts from Maxwell and Faith -- which are a surprise :)
Next, Brianne will direct you straight over to Cris for your official photograph plus one other photo. The official photo needs to be you alone next to the movie poster but the second photo can be you with your family, other guests, or even Maxwell and/or Faith. Copies of these will be sent to you in digital form.
After your photos are taken, you can mingle in the lobby, bid on auction baskets of actual props from the show -- like Forge's EMF detector, Crazy Cat Lady's sweater, Smoggy's mask and more -- or purchase episode posters that feature every actor in the episode, autographed scripts, monster pins like the warrior badges worn by Maxo in Episode 6, tickets to the April 12 screening, and other cool stuff at a discount. All funds earned will help pay for the premiere and help recoup Episode 6 costs. (Please keep in mind that popcorn and other treats will be sold by the theater staff and does not fund "Ghost Sniffers." However, the treats are tasty!)
You will also be allowed to go into the theater and put a jacket or sweater over a seat. Seats are NOT assigned by ticket number.
I'll be guiding actors down the red carpet on a first-come, first-guided basis. Please, no pushing or shoving. That will not make for a very charming documentary :)
5:45PM -- Everyone will be seated and I will speak to the audience briefly about what awaits us all. This will also be filmed.
6:00PM -- Episodes 1 through 3 will screen, followed by our most recent PSA which is themed with Episode 3. No credits will roll after individual episodes; all credits will roll at the very end of the screening.
7:10PM -- Intermission will be 20 minutes. During this time you'll have one LAST CHANCE to bid on any of the auction baskets. You can also mingle, shop, eat treats, and stretch your legs.
7:30PM -- Be promptly back in your seats for the screening of Episodes 4 through 6! After Episode 6 screens, all the credits will run and you can applaud very loudly for each other :) After the credits, I will announce the winners of the three auction baskets. The baskets you can bid on are:
Movie Night basket with different popcorns, a complete set of Episode 1 through 6 DVDs, and more.
Curl Up with a Great Book basket with chocolates, a complete set of Episode 1 through 6 bound, autographed scripts, and more.
Prop Basket with real props used in the series.
The screening should end at about 9:00PM... just in time to get home and sleep soundly :)
If you have ANY questions whatsoever, please email me at ghostsniffers@gmail.com or call Cris at 360-550-2071. See you all this Thursday!
Jennifer
It should be mentioned that I certainly enjoyed working with the eight actors who met with me in Seattle to shoot early scenes for episodes that will appear later in the season. I know that many of you will be at the premiere on March 29. I look forward to the premiere for your episodes where I can focus on and celebrate YOU! Please help me make the Episode 1 through 6 actors feel special on Thursday... YOUR day will come soon enough :)
Now, let's jump right in to a glimpse into the premiere schedule:
4:30PM -- This is the earliest the crew are allowed to set up. Wow! Are we gonna be fast or what?! We'll be rolling out a literal red cloth carpet and putting up red and white guide ropes. Brianne will be set up to take your ticket, check you in, gather any information we need (we'll gathering phone numbers for the parents of all actors under 18). There will be a photo station where Cris will take your official photo. Inside the theater, you can visit Carol (who played Captain Snakes in Episode 5) who will be running the auction and store table.
5:00PM -- The doors will open to actors and their guests at this time. There will be a wait (just like when actors arrive at the Oscars or the Grammys) because, as an actor, you'll be filmed coming down the red carpet and asked questions. I am shooting a documentary about the "Ghost Sniffers" project and footage from the premiere will be used extensively.
If you acted in any of the first six episodes, you'll be asked: What did you think about your experience shooting "Ghost Sniffers"? You can answer and add in extra information such as your favorite episode, character, line of dialogue, or scene.
If you will be acting in the second six episodes, or if you acted in the early shoot in Seattle, you will be asked, Are you looking forward to shooting "Ghost Sniffers"? (We don't want to complicate the documentary and so we're setting it up as if we didn't have the early shoot.) You can also add in extra information like your favorite moments.
If your parents are on the carpet with you (they don't have to be), they might be asked, What are your thoughts on the series? Or, why was your son/daughter drawn to the series?
At the end of the red carpet will be Brianne. She will check you in. Actors in Episodes 1 through 6 will autograph a movie poster in silver pen and be given a gift bag. The gift bag will contain your complimentary DVD of any episode you were in, an 11x17 version of the official premiere poster, and two silly gifts from Maxwell and Faith -- which are a surprise :)
Next, Brianne will direct you straight over to Cris for your official photograph plus one other photo. The official photo needs to be you alone next to the movie poster but the second photo can be you with your family, other guests, or even Maxwell and/or Faith. Copies of these will be sent to you in digital form.
After your photos are taken, you can mingle in the lobby, bid on auction baskets of actual props from the show -- like Forge's EMF detector, Crazy Cat Lady's sweater, Smoggy's mask and more -- or purchase episode posters that feature every actor in the episode, autographed scripts, monster pins like the warrior badges worn by Maxo in Episode 6, tickets to the April 12 screening, and other cool stuff at a discount. All funds earned will help pay for the premiere and help recoup Episode 6 costs. (Please keep in mind that popcorn and other treats will be sold by the theater staff and does not fund "Ghost Sniffers." However, the treats are tasty!)
You will also be allowed to go into the theater and put a jacket or sweater over a seat. Seats are NOT assigned by ticket number.
I'll be guiding actors down the red carpet on a first-come, first-guided basis. Please, no pushing or shoving. That will not make for a very charming documentary :)
5:45PM -- Everyone will be seated and I will speak to the audience briefly about what awaits us all. This will also be filmed.
6:00PM -- Episodes 1 through 3 will screen, followed by our most recent PSA which is themed with Episode 3. No credits will roll after individual episodes; all credits will roll at the very end of the screening.
7:10PM -- Intermission will be 20 minutes. During this time you'll have one LAST CHANCE to bid on any of the auction baskets. You can also mingle, shop, eat treats, and stretch your legs.
7:30PM -- Be promptly back in your seats for the screening of Episodes 4 through 6! After Episode 6 screens, all the credits will run and you can applaud very loudly for each other :) After the credits, I will announce the winners of the three auction baskets. The baskets you can bid on are:
Movie Night basket with different popcorns, a complete set of Episode 1 through 6 DVDs, and more.
Curl Up with a Great Book basket with chocolates, a complete set of Episode 1 through 6 bound, autographed scripts, and more.
Prop Basket with real props used in the series.
The screening should end at about 9:00PM... just in time to get home and sleep soundly :)
If you have ANY questions whatsoever, please email me at ghostsniffers@gmail.com or call Cris at 360-550-2071. See you all this Thursday!
Jennifer
Monday, March 26, 2012
48 Hours to Go... 32 Hours Without Sleep
Preparations for the premiere, this Thursday, March 29, at 5pm at the Dragonfly Theater are continuing at a breakneck speed. More than a 100 DVDs have been produced, labeled, and packaged in our trademarked eco-friendly origami -like case. Thirty gift bags have been created for the Season 1, Episodes 1 through 6 actors -- each packed with specific items for the actor personally. Fifty scripts have been printed, bound and trimmed. Signs have been designed and printed. A 100 posters have been sorted, rolled, and priced. Absolutely incredible monster pins -- like the ones worn like military badges by "rainy day warrior" Maxo in Episode 6 have been crafted and are ready for sale. But that's not all...
Brianne has produced files of Episodes 1 through 5 with captions embedded on the images to avoid any hardware issues that the theater might have run into. This was a straightforward process -- until two of the caption SRT corrupted and Brianne had to get creative -- and resourceful -- to fix the problem. Once the captions were fixed, the episodes came to me. Why? Because every episode at the premiere (with the exception of Episode 6) needs to run only 25 minutes in length.
There is no corporate sponsor for the premiere. Nor has their been any funding raised for Episode 6. The theater space is not free... nor was the red carpet, poles, photo station, gift bags, bound scripts, DVDs, pins or posters. We always knew that our time to actually screen the six episodes would be tight. We always knew they would have to be edited down in length. We knew we wouldn't cut any actor but some of our favorite scenes would have to be sacrificed. After all, if we kept all six episodes their full length for the big screen, we'd have a five hour event -- and most people aren't even off work until 5pm! Since A Friday, Saturday or Sunday premiere wasn't an option, my last 32 hours have been spent cutting my beautiful episodes into...
...equally beautiful, but briefer episodes :) It has been, I think, my greatest challenge with the project to date. And I'm sure I'll finish just hours before the event. But you know what? It's worth it. These shortened episodes will never air anywhere else -- not on YouTube and not on any DVD. This makes the premiere (and the April 12 screening) unique and exciting in many ways. Is it "Ghost Sniffers Lite"? I suppose. But there's something to be learned from brevity AND levity.
Forge might even say, "These episodes are a whiff of the sniff!" All without losing the heart of the show.
Stay tuned on Tuesday for a "What to Expect" blog about how the red carpet will work at the premiere and what excitement awaits you -- including when to arrive, where to park, when the doors close, what freebies to expect, and the amazing documentary that will be shot live during the premiere itself!
Brianne has produced files of Episodes 1 through 5 with captions embedded on the images to avoid any hardware issues that the theater might have run into. This was a straightforward process -- until two of the caption SRT corrupted and Brianne had to get creative -- and resourceful -- to fix the problem. Once the captions were fixed, the episodes came to me. Why? Because every episode at the premiere (with the exception of Episode 6) needs to run only 25 minutes in length.
There is no corporate sponsor for the premiere. Nor has their been any funding raised for Episode 6. The theater space is not free... nor was the red carpet, poles, photo station, gift bags, bound scripts, DVDs, pins or posters. We always knew that our time to actually screen the six episodes would be tight. We always knew they would have to be edited down in length. We knew we wouldn't cut any actor but some of our favorite scenes would have to be sacrificed. After all, if we kept all six episodes their full length for the big screen, we'd have a five hour event -- and most people aren't even off work until 5pm! Since A Friday, Saturday or Sunday premiere wasn't an option, my last 32 hours have been spent cutting my beautiful episodes into...
...equally beautiful, but briefer episodes :) It has been, I think, my greatest challenge with the project to date. And I'm sure I'll finish just hours before the event. But you know what? It's worth it. These shortened episodes will never air anywhere else -- not on YouTube and not on any DVD. This makes the premiere (and the April 12 screening) unique and exciting in many ways. Is it "Ghost Sniffers Lite"? I suppose. But there's something to be learned from brevity AND levity.
Forge might even say, "These episodes are a whiff of the sniff!" All without losing the heart of the show.
Stay tuned on Tuesday for a "What to Expect" blog about how the red carpet will work at the premiere and what excitement awaits you -- including when to arrive, where to park, when the doors close, what freebies to expect, and the amazing documentary that will be shot live during the premiere itself!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
UPS = OMG (Oh My Gosh)
Just got tracking numbers today that showed half the DVDs cases (which must be cut from their sheets) will arrive on March 27th... two days before the premiere where they will be handed out and sold. I had no idea that UPS actually stood for OMG!
In better news, the second half of the posters will arrive on the 26th and they need no prep at all :)
And speaking of posters, we went to the local shop with the "15-minute turnaround time" to print the huge 22x36 poster only to find that the employee we'd spoken to had been mistaken -- the posters are 24x36. The extra white space was easily cut off... but when tech support had to take control of the wide-format printer to get the job to print, I was at the height of nervousness. The 15-minutes turned into an hour but the poster is... STUNNING.
Now, if we can only work out the issues we've run into with two ticket buyer's credit cards, we should be able to print a second copy of the poster -- one for the frame in front of the theater and another one for the actors to autograph. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!
In better news, the second half of the posters will arrive on the 26th and they need no prep at all :)
And speaking of posters, we went to the local shop with the "15-minute turnaround time" to print the huge 22x36 poster only to find that the employee we'd spoken to had been mistaken -- the posters are 24x36. The extra white space was easily cut off... but when tech support had to take control of the wide-format printer to get the job to print, I was at the height of nervousness. The 15-minutes turned into an hour but the poster is... STUNNING.
Now, if we can only work out the issues we've run into with two ticket buyer's credit cards, we should be able to print a second copy of the poster -- one for the frame in front of the theater and another one for the actors to autograph. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
General Update
Hm... looking back at my last general good news update, the to-do list for the next 48 hours was:
1. Film, assemble and produce the last blooper skit.
2. Film, assemble and produce the On the Anvil interviews/shorts.
3. Create the business sponsor package.
4. Work with Washington State to register as a nonprofit.
Let's compare this to what actually stole priority:
Register at IMDb (to await their review).
Recreate the 22x36 poster when the file corrupts and will not print.
Work with printer to resolve an "no bleed issue" for the 11x17 posters.
Cut out 60 DVDs cases.
Update website.
Format scripts 1 - 6 for printing.
Write the On the Anvil interviews.
Begin the registration process as a nonprofit.
Identify and troubleshoot slip hazard issue with "rainproof" red carpet for premiere.
Successfully identify and clean up after the Google Redirect virus and the Windows Recovery virus attack the everyday laptop used by the team.
Eat.
Teach.
(Some) sleep.
Hm. Ever onward!
1. Film, assemble and produce the last blooper skit.
2. Film, assemble and produce the On the Anvil interviews/shorts.
3. Create the business sponsor package.
4. Work with Washington State to register as a nonprofit.
Let's compare this to what actually stole priority:
Register at IMDb (to await their review).
Recreate the 22x36 poster when the file corrupts and will not print.
Work with printer to resolve an "no bleed issue" for the 11x17 posters.
Cut out 60 DVDs cases.
Update website.
Format scripts 1 - 6 for printing.
Write the On the Anvil interviews.
Begin the registration process as a nonprofit.
Identify and troubleshoot slip hazard issue with "rainproof" red carpet for premiere.
Successfully identify and clean up after the Google Redirect virus and the Windows Recovery virus attack the everyday laptop used by the team.
Eat.
Teach.
(Some) sleep.
Hm. Ever onward!
Monday, March 19, 2012
"Ghost Sniffers" Launches on IMDb
Wikipedia defines IMDb as: The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million unique users each month and a solid and rapidly growing mobile presence. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMDb)
IMDb calls itself, perhaps even more accurately: "The biggest, best, most award-winning movie site on the planet."
Whether or not you've heard of or visited IMDb before, one thing is indisputable: It gets the word out.
When a production company (like Blue Forge Productions) pays for a premium membership, they can list their films, episodes, crew, and cast on IMDb, making all of these elements searchable, cross-reference-able, and, in many ways, professional and official.
Many of you have asked me to list "Ghost Sniffers" at IMDb. Even more of you have asked me to do more to promote the show. Well, today, we began our premium membership and Brianne will start building our presence there.
The membership will cost $15 a month. Brianne has offered to pay for April (March's two weeks are free). After that, we hope that others will step up to sponsor the "Ghost Sniffers" presence at IMDb; I'll be adding a widget to the website here. Every sponsor will get a shout-out in the blog and be listed as a producer in whatever episode is currently filming.
Thank you, Brianne, for getting us started! (And for volunteering the hours to build and maintain our extensive presence at IMDb.) It means so much to so many of our actors, and the whole "Ghost Sniffers" team.
IMDb calls itself, perhaps even more accurately: "The biggest, best, most award-winning movie site on the planet."
Whether or not you've heard of or visited IMDb before, one thing is indisputable: It gets the word out.
When a production company (like Blue Forge Productions) pays for a premium membership, they can list their films, episodes, crew, and cast on IMDb, making all of these elements searchable, cross-reference-able, and, in many ways, professional and official.
Many of you have asked me to list "Ghost Sniffers" at IMDb. Even more of you have asked me to do more to promote the show. Well, today, we began our premium membership and Brianne will start building our presence there.
The membership will cost $15 a month. Brianne has offered to pay for April (March's two weeks are free). After that, we hope that others will step up to sponsor the "Ghost Sniffers" presence at IMDb; I'll be adding a widget to the website here. Every sponsor will get a shout-out in the blog and be listed as a producer in whatever episode is currently filming.
Thank you, Brianne, for getting us started! (And for volunteering the hours to build and maintain our extensive presence at IMDb.) It means so much to so many of our actors, and the whole "Ghost Sniffers" team.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Website Update, Episode 5, New PSA and More
In an amazing push toward our first major milestone (the March 29 big screen premiere of Episodes 1 through 6), we've made some great accomplishments in the last 48 hours!
1. The website has been updated.
2. We've started the transition to a nonprofit company.
3. Episode 5 is live.
4. Our pro-soldier public service announcement is live.
5. Six 11x17 episode posters featuring in-character head shots of all the actors have been sent to the printer.
6. All six DVD cases and all six script covers have been sent to the printer.
7. The 11x17 premiere poster (featuring the names of all the actors) has been sent to the printer.
8. The 22x36 marquee poster has been designed.
9. The audio files (1.2 GB) for Episode 6 have been edited.
10. The footage (20.4 GB) for Episode 6 has been sorted.
11. Display boards for the lobby of the premiere have been purchased.
12. Golden poles to frame the red carpet have been crafted (thank you, Captain Snakes!).
13. Monster pins (like Maxo wears into battle in Episode 6) have been made for sale.
14. Five of the six blooper shorts have been created.
In addition to these amazing tasks, we have managed to eat, sleep, teach the kids, do several chores, do laundry, eat chicken from Dominos, consume an enormous amount of Coke Zero, and also bake a cake.
Okay. Not bake a cake... but I was thinking about it :)
The next projects to tackle (in the next 48 hours... we'll see how we do) are:
1. Film, assemble and produce the last blooper skit.
2. Film, assemble and produce the On the Anvil interviews/shorts.
3. Create the business sponsor package.
4. Work with Washington State to register as a nonprofit.
Also, eat, teach the kids' lessons, do several more chores, do more laundry, eat some liverwurst and hot pepper jelly, and sleep.
Okay. Probably not sleep... but I'll think about it at least twice ;)
1. The website has been updated.
2. We've started the transition to a nonprofit company.
3. Episode 5 is live.
4. Our pro-soldier public service announcement is live.
5. Six 11x17 episode posters featuring in-character head shots of all the actors have been sent to the printer.
6. All six DVD cases and all six script covers have been sent to the printer.
7. The 11x17 premiere poster (featuring the names of all the actors) has been sent to the printer.
8. The 22x36 marquee poster has been designed.
9. The audio files (1.2 GB) for Episode 6 have been edited.
10. The footage (20.4 GB) for Episode 6 has been sorted.
11. Display boards for the lobby of the premiere have been purchased.
12. Golden poles to frame the red carpet have been crafted (thank you, Captain Snakes!).
13. Monster pins (like Maxo wears into battle in Episode 6) have been made for sale.
14. Five of the six blooper shorts have been created.
In addition to these amazing tasks, we have managed to eat, sleep, teach the kids, do several chores, do laundry, eat chicken from Dominos, consume an enormous amount of Coke Zero, and also bake a cake.
Okay. Not bake a cake... but I was thinking about it :)
The next projects to tackle (in the next 48 hours... we'll see how we do) are:
1. Film, assemble and produce the last blooper skit.
2. Film, assemble and produce the On the Anvil interviews/shorts.
3. Create the business sponsor package.
4. Work with Washington State to register as a nonprofit.
Also, eat, teach the kids' lessons, do several more chores, do more laundry, eat some liverwurst and hot pepper jelly, and sleep.
Okay. Probably not sleep... but I'll think about it at least twice ;)
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Mark Your Calenders! April 14: Haunting for Hope
When you're done watching the stunning cliff-hanger that is Episode 5 (remember, watch with CC turned on or through headphones), don't forget to mark your calenders for April 14.
Faith, Maxwell, Brianne, Cris and Jennifer will be speaking at Black Wolf Paranormal's second annual Haunting for Hope convention that raises money for local outreach and food bank services. Come ask questions live and in-person :) Here's the schedule for the entire event; we are the last panel of the day.
Event Schedule for Haunting for Hope 2
April 14, 2012
Clear-Creek Community Club
12461 Clear Cree Rd NW
Silverdale, WA 98383
12461 Clear Cree Rd NW
Silverdale, WA 98383
9:00am - 9:45am: Doors open to the public. Registration begins. 10:00 - 10:30am: Ellen Allmendinger - "Theories of Paranormal Investigations"
10:45am - 11:15am: Karen Frazier - "Re-Incarnation & Past Life Regression"
11:30am - 12pm: Neil McNeil - "Parapsychology for Ghost Hunters"
12pm - 1pm: Break (Food will be available at the venue)
12:15pm - 12:45pm Possible pendulum class
1:15pm - 1:30pm: Michael White - 'Psycho-acustics'
1:45pm-2:15pm: Darren Thompson - 'Paranormal Phenomenon: Perception or Reality'
2:30pm - 3:00pm: Joe Teeples - 'The Truth about Vampires'
3:15pm - 3:45pm: William Becker - 'My Life as a Psychic'
4:00pm - 4:30pm: Animal Communicator, Annette Betcher
4:45pm - 5:30pm: The cast of 'Ghost Sniffers'
5:45pm - 6:30pm: Silent Auction and mingle about
10:45am - 11:15am: Karen Frazier - "Re-Incarnation & Past Life Regression"
11:30am - 12pm: Neil McNeil - "Parapsychology for Ghost Hunters"
12pm - 1pm: Break (Food will be available at the venue)
12:15pm - 12:45pm Possible pendulum class
1:15pm - 1:30pm: Michael White - 'Psycho-acustics'
1:45pm-2:15pm: Darren Thompson - 'Paranormal Phenomenon: Perception or Reality'
2:30pm - 3:00pm: Joe Teeples - 'The Truth about Vampires'
3:15pm - 3:45pm: William Becker - 'My Life as a Psychic'
4:00pm - 4:30pm: Animal Communicator, Annette Betcher
4:45pm - 5:30pm: The cast of 'Ghost Sniffers'
5:45pm - 6:30pm: Silent Auction and mingle about
Friday, March 16, 2012
Episode 5 FUNDED!
Congratulations to the whole team! Episode 5 has funded and is now uploading to YouTube. The episode should be ready to watch by 9pm (or sooner) tonight but I'll be adding a link to the website within the next hour. (I'll also update the fundraising widgets.)
On to other great news: We received a donation of $50 toward securing nonprofit status for "Ghost Sniffers" that would make all donations legally tax deductible (and matchable by many employers). Yay!
And even more... a set of seven unique posters were sent to the printer late last night. One poster features the name of every actor in the first six episodes. The other posters (one per episode) show actual screen captures of every character in the episode! Posters will be 11x17 inches, full-color, and high gloss. Wow :)
On to other great news: We received a donation of $50 toward securing nonprofit status for "Ghost Sniffers" that would make all donations legally tax deductible (and matchable by many employers). Yay!
And even more... a set of seven unique posters were sent to the printer late last night. One poster features the name of every actor in the first six episodes. The other posters (one per episode) show actual screen captures of every character in the episode! Posters will be 11x17 inches, full-color, and high gloss. Wow :)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
What Do You Think?
I've had a question come through email from two different supporters. What do you all think about this idea:
During our KickStarter campaign, we offered speaking roles in an episode to donators at a certain level. This was a common thing -- walk-ons and supporting speaking roles -- being offered by other series and we thought we'd give it a try. As it turned out, three supporters stepped forward at this level and all three roles wound up AMAZING!
If a donator steps in and donates the full $500 to cover an entire episode, should we award that person a supporting role in the episode? What do you all think?
During our KickStarter campaign, we offered speaking roles in an episode to donators at a certain level. This was a common thing -- walk-ons and supporting speaking roles -- being offered by other series and we thought we'd give it a try. As it turned out, three supporters stepped forward at this level and all three roles wound up AMAZING!
If a donator steps in and donates the full $500 to cover an entire episode, should we award that person a supporting role in the episode? What do you all think?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Episode 5 & Nonprofit Status Update
Episode 5 is funding quickly with only $50 left to raise! Remember, once that $50 is raised, the episode will post online for everyone within 12 hours. Watch our progress or donate at http://www.ghostsniffers.com/rewards.htm.
Interested in your donations being tax deductible? "Ghost Sniffers" is eligible for nonprofit status and we're just $300 in filing and legal fees away. Donate to the cause here by click the button under the "Legal Nonprofit Status for "Ghost Sniffers" heading.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Episode 7 Script -- Complete!
Well, okay... 70% complete :) I just completed all the scenes that we'll shoot on Tuesday at Arts West. These are the scenes that involve Forge, Maxo, the kids and teens in CPAC (Community Players Acting Club), Forge's on-screen acting club, Forge's close friend, and the CPAC acting teacher. It came out to 23 pages in a 35 page script.
The scenes yet to be written (which will be completed the week of March 19), involve a dean of students, four students, and one little sister all with Forge. But long before that occurs, I'll go on tonight to the script for Episode 9 which, one more, brings us back to CPAC and two new teachers. For Episode 9, I only need to write the live segments that we'll shoot on Tuesday as the majority of the episode is actually animated with paper craft; the actor's will record their voice work at a later date -- after the script is 100% completed in April (after the premiere!).
Whew! But first... a little dinner, I think. And maybe another cup of coffee... and one of those strange, blue energy drinks... and some chocolate. And maybe a few homemade chocolate-covered espresso beans :)
The scenes yet to be written (which will be completed the week of March 19), involve a dean of students, four students, and one little sister all with Forge. But long before that occurs, I'll go on tonight to the script for Episode 9 which, one more, brings us back to CPAC and two new teachers. For Episode 9, I only need to write the live segments that we'll shoot on Tuesday as the majority of the episode is actually animated with paper craft; the actor's will record their voice work at a later date -- after the script is 100% completed in April (after the premiere!).
Whew! But first... a little dinner, I think. And maybe another cup of coffee... and one of those strange, blue energy drinks... and some chocolate. And maybe a few homemade chocolate-covered espresso beans :)
Nonprofit/Charity Status
I know. I need to be concentrating on writing the scripts for Episodes 7 and 9 because of our hard deadline to shoot at Arts West on Tuesday. Does this make life a little insane here while we try to balance life, school, Episode 5 fundraising, Episode 6 post production and the premiere on the 29th? Yes, it does. But here's a question I've gotten twice today from supporters I respect and adore and so, a blog :)
"Ghost Sniffers" is not, at this time, either a registered nonprofit or a charity in Washington State. HOWEVER, we are fully eligible for both nonprofit and charity status (which would make all donations tax deductible). What's holding us up? About two days in paperwork for me and $320 in filing and legal fees from Washington licensing and charity boards and our lawyer for a review.
If so little stands in our way of doing and offering so much, why don't we make that a priority? Let me share this short truth:
When we had one episode, no one returned our calls. Not press. Not location owners. No one. So we funded everything ourselves, selling belongings, making trades, all to make another episode... and another. The more content we have available, the more seriously we're taken. A body of work that gets better with every episode, that shows our limitations (due always to budget, not due to drive, talent or dedication), allows us to move forward. Sadly, just being a legal nonprofit and a registered charity wouldn't have helped us if we only had Episode 1 to show what our team can do.
Will we get there? Will we someday have it all -- the legal status we already use to guide the company (all volunteers, dedication and focus), a body of work that proves our vision and shows our direction? Of course we will!
Should I add, "Help make 'Ghost Sniffers' a tax-deductible nonprofit and charity!" as a fund raising goal on the website? Is this the direction you, the supporters and fans, want most right now? Let me know... and I'll make it so :)
"Ghost Sniffers" is not, at this time, either a registered nonprofit or a charity in Washington State. HOWEVER, we are fully eligible for both nonprofit and charity status (which would make all donations tax deductible). What's holding us up? About two days in paperwork for me and $320 in filing and legal fees from Washington licensing and charity boards and our lawyer for a review.
If so little stands in our way of doing and offering so much, why don't we make that a priority? Let me share this short truth:
When we had one episode, no one returned our calls. Not press. Not location owners. No one. So we funded everything ourselves, selling belongings, making trades, all to make another episode... and another. The more content we have available, the more seriously we're taken. A body of work that gets better with every episode, that shows our limitations (due always to budget, not due to drive, talent or dedication), allows us to move forward. Sadly, just being a legal nonprofit and a registered charity wouldn't have helped us if we only had Episode 1 to show what our team can do.
Will we get there? Will we someday have it all -- the legal status we already use to guide the company (all volunteers, dedication and focus), a body of work that proves our vision and shows our direction? Of course we will!
Should I add, "Help make 'Ghost Sniffers' a tax-deductible nonprofit and charity!" as a fund raising goal on the website? Is this the direction you, the supporters and fans, want most right now? Let me know... and I'll make it so :)
Only $185 until Episode 5
It looks as though everyone is starting to notice the latest update to the website. I try to tweak as much as I can to accommodate supporters, fans, and, of course, sniffs, to the best of my ability.
I've added the ticket price for the April 12 screening, so visitors can see the retail before adding a ticket to their cart (quantity is changed in the cart after one ticket is added).
I also updated the goal for Episode 5. We received a donation at just before midnight and so our goal drop from $200 to $185. We're now officially less than $200 away from watching "the most killer cliff hanger in the history of 'Ghost Sniffers.'" I couldn't agree with Maxwell more ;)
I've added the ticket price for the April 12 screening, so visitors can see the retail before adding a ticket to their cart (quantity is changed in the cart after one ticket is added).
I also updated the goal for Episode 5. We received a donation at just before midnight and so our goal drop from $200 to $185. We're now officially less than $200 away from watching "the most killer cliff hanger in the history of 'Ghost Sniffers.'" I couldn't agree with Maxwell more ;)
Win!
Vicious Google Redirect Virus: Score 0
Progress on the Episode 7 Script: Score 50
Epic win!
Except... it's now 6:40 in the morning and *I'm* the only one awake :( Time for some shut eye before polishing Episode 7, sending it off to the actors, and moving on to Episode 9, all in preparation for shooting at Arts West on Tuesday.
Progress on the Episode 7 Script: Score 50
Epic win!
Except... it's now 6:40 in the morning and *I'm* the only one awake :( Time for some shut eye before polishing Episode 7, sending it off to the actors, and moving on to Episode 9, all in preparation for shooting at Arts West on Tuesday.
Friday, March 9, 2012
"Eight if by Sea" -- Episode 5 -- Complete!
At 6am this morning, Brianne turned off her computer for the first time in more than twenty-four hours. If anyone else in the house had been awake, she would have shouted, "It's done!" What's done? Episode 5.
Hot on the tail of Episode 4 posting, Episode 5 (the last episode that will post before the premiere) is complete. It takes about twelve hours to process the HD file and upload it to YouTube for viewing... so when will the episode be available?
That's up to you ;)
Our investor (Anne) and my tough-as-nails executive producer (Cris), have made me guarantee that all episodes will meet their financial goals *before* I approve them to be posted. Episode 5 has $200 to go.
Twelve hours after that goal is met, the episode will post for everyone.
Yikes! The pressure!
My entire focus for the next three days is on finalizing the scripts for Episodes 7 and 9 which shoot (each about 50%) on Tuesday. Then I need to shift full attention to preparing for the premiere -- editing the longer episodes down to 30-minutes each; designing and producing all the posters, DVDs, scripts, and auction baskets; reaching out to and organizing the press, and the list goes on.
So... *when* will Episode 5 post if my focus right now isn't on fund raising? Hm. I guess we'll see ;) Spread the word, everyone. "Ghost Sniffers" is proving that it's the little show that could!
Hot on the tail of Episode 4 posting, Episode 5 (the last episode that will post before the premiere) is complete. It takes about twelve hours to process the HD file and upload it to YouTube for viewing... so when will the episode be available?
That's up to you ;)
Our investor (Anne) and my tough-as-nails executive producer (Cris), have made me guarantee that all episodes will meet their financial goals *before* I approve them to be posted. Episode 5 has $200 to go.
Twelve hours after that goal is met, the episode will post for everyone.
Yikes! The pressure!
My entire focus for the next three days is on finalizing the scripts for Episodes 7 and 9 which shoot (each about 50%) on Tuesday. Then I need to shift full attention to preparing for the premiere -- editing the longer episodes down to 30-minutes each; designing and producing all the posters, DVDs, scripts, and auction baskets; reaching out to and organizing the press, and the list goes on.
So... *when* will Episode 5 post if my focus right now isn't on fund raising? Hm. I guess we'll see ;) Spread the word, everyone. "Ghost Sniffers" is proving that it's the little show that could!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
April 12 Screening Tickets Available Now
After the premiere sold out so quickly, we wound up with a waiting list of twenty people and about forty more who expressed their wishes to attend. Though we can't hold a second premiere with the red carpet, auctions, and photo ops, we are thrilled to announce a complete screening of Episodes 1 through 6 on April 12.
No complimentary tickets can be offered for this event and tickets must be purchased through our website -- no checks, cash, or at-the-door sales can be allowed. Only ninety tickets are available and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
The screening will take place at the Dragonfly Theater in Port Orchard. Doors will open at 5:00pm. The screening will begin at 5:30pm. There will be one intermission. DVDs, scripts and other items supporting "Ghost Sniffers" will be available for purchase and popcorn, soda and candy will be sold by the theater to support the venue.
We hope this second screening will allow actors to bring all their friends and family even if they didn't respond in time to attend the premiere. We truly are trying our best to accommodate everyone on the team.
Professional Shoppers? We Need You!
While many "Ghost Sniffers" supporters love to donate through the website widget, or buy off the wishlist, there is an even more direct way to help if you like to shop live and personal!
All financial goals and benchmarks aside, here are some props we need... um... today! :) Well, with a show run by volunteers and driven by dedication, you never have props on the day you actually need them so we prefer to say, Here are the props we need "as soon as humanly possible;" I suppose that would be ASAHP ;)
2 eight-foot long, two-inch by two-inch pine posts
500 blank DVD/CD labels usable in a laser printer (8.5 x 11 each sheets)
200 4.7 GB DVD-R blank discs
Text us at 360-550-2071 or email ghostsniffers@gmail.com if you can help! Thanks everyone!
All financial goals and benchmarks aside, here are some props we need... um... today! :) Well, with a show run by volunteers and driven by dedication, you never have props on the day you actually need them so we prefer to say, Here are the props we need "as soon as humanly possible;" I suppose that would be ASAHP ;)
2 eight-foot long, two-inch by two-inch pine posts
500 blank DVD/CD labels usable in a laser printer (8.5 x 11 each sheets)
200 4.7 GB DVD-R blank discs
Text us at 360-550-2071 or email ghostsniffers@gmail.com if you can help! Thanks everyone!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Updates Galore
The exciting updates continue! I know, when I post updates like this, I'm certainly not very poetic or lyrical, but sometimes "just the facts" is all this crazy, wonderful life allows me time for :)
1. We were scheduled to wrap Episode 6 today after more than two hours hiking to the location, shooting sheep, goats and chickens, and driving hither and yon. In the end, we'll have to wrap tomorrow because we have an extended effects segment that takes place in a 16-bit gaming world (yep, every episode gets better, pushes more limits) and the environment is still being tweaked by my coder -- Maxwell. I always say he's a genius, but I figured he should prove it by crafting an entire 16-bit game world. Why not?!
2. Episodes 4 and 5 will post online before the premiere. We are not holding them (as seems to be a recurring rumor). Episode 6 will be shown at the premiere for the first time but then it will post online for the first time the day after the premiere.
3. Several styles of poster will be available at the premiere and then on the website. Every actor who appears in any of the first six episodes will be shown on at last one poster.
4. Episode 7 will shoot the first two weeks of April. Check your call sheet. If you are called for this episode, email me ASAP and let me know when you are NOT available in the first two weeks of April. This does not includes the actors in Forge's acting club in Episode 7.
5. Episode 8 will shoot the last two weeks of April. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode.
6. Episode 9 will shoot the first two weeks of May. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode. If you are one of the actors in Forge's acting club, you will be shooting your parts in this episode on March 13 in West Seattle. However, you will all also have voice over work that will need to be recorded in Port Orchard (or in your own home) so please email about your availability.
7. Episode 10 will shoot the last two weeks of May. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode.
8. Episode 11 will shoot the first two weeks of June. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode.
9. Episode 12 will shoot the last two weeks of June. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode.
10. Last update for the day: Season 2 will be upon us before we know it. Keep these awesome facts in mind: I will be welcoming guest directors and writers to the series. And... I will be focusing on investigation-style episodes and origin story episodes that further explore characters like Spark, Bianca, the Ryan Twins, and others. Stay open to surprises.
1. We were scheduled to wrap Episode 6 today after more than two hours hiking to the location, shooting sheep, goats and chickens, and driving hither and yon. In the end, we'll have to wrap tomorrow because we have an extended effects segment that takes place in a 16-bit gaming world (yep, every episode gets better, pushes more limits) and the environment is still being tweaked by my coder -- Maxwell. I always say he's a genius, but I figured he should prove it by crafting an entire 16-bit game world. Why not?!
2. Episodes 4 and 5 will post online before the premiere. We are not holding them (as seems to be a recurring rumor). Episode 6 will be shown at the premiere for the first time but then it will post online for the first time the day after the premiere.
3. Several styles of poster will be available at the premiere and then on the website. Every actor who appears in any of the first six episodes will be shown on at last one poster.
4. Episode 7 will shoot the first two weeks of April. Check your call sheet. If you are called for this episode, email me ASAP and let me know when you are NOT available in the first two weeks of April. This does not includes the actors in Forge's acting club in Episode 7.
5. Episode 8 will shoot the last two weeks of April. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode.
6. Episode 9 will shoot the first two weeks of May. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode. If you are one of the actors in Forge's acting club, you will be shooting your parts in this episode on March 13 in West Seattle. However, you will all also have voice over work that will need to be recorded in Port Orchard (or in your own home) so please email about your availability.
7. Episode 10 will shoot the last two weeks of May. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode.
8. Episode 11 will shoot the first two weeks of June. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode.
9. Episode 12 will shoot the last two weeks of June. Email me with the dates you are NOT available if you are called from that episode.
10. Last update for the day: Season 2 will be upon us before we know it. Keep these awesome facts in mind: I will be welcoming guest directors and writers to the series. And... I will be focusing on investigation-style episodes and origin story episodes that further explore characters like Spark, Bianca, the Ryan Twins, and others. Stay open to surprises.
Two Weeks Behind?! Nope!
Today was day three shooting Episode 6... it doesn't seem possible that we've come so far since the start of the year, that we've met so many incredible people, that we're able to continue making this series -- day after day, week after week. We're half way through Season 1... and to think there were so many folks who thought we'd never do anything at all, who couldn't be bothered to answer our calls or emails. Hm. That makes me smile now.
After shooting a cool Skype scene between Maxo and Spark tonight (Maxwell and Kristie), Kristie reminded me that I'm two weeks behind on my daily blog LOL! Of course, she was half joking because she and her mom, Bridget, know that I'm two weeks behind on the blog because we're on track for the premiere at the end of this month :)
Some updates worth sharing though:
The premiere sold out almost immediately -- all ninety seats! -- and volunteers for the monster cafe scene swarmed my inbox almost as fast; it was a great feeling and the cafe scene went incredibly. Forever our thanks to all our monsters, of course, and to the angel-owners of Cosmo's who allowed us to use their beautiful restaurant for the entire shoot.
We're considering showing Episodes 1 through 6 on April 12 from 5 to 9 pm. Not a fancy event. Just a screening open to the public with tickets available from the website and at the door (if they don't sell out). What do you all think?
The bound scripts of Episodes 1 - 6 are almost ready as are the DVDs, posters (several styles), and auction baskets for the premiere lobby. Our hope is to fund Episode 7 with any proceeds because...
...we have a new matching backer! We have an investor who will donate $1500 for every $500 we raise for an episode. Err... I suppose that's better than matching, it's tripling! Some of the best news right there.
Well... I better sign off! Back to work prepping the script for tomorrow... our last day shooting Episode 6. Wow... just, wow!
After shooting a cool Skype scene between Maxo and Spark tonight (Maxwell and Kristie), Kristie reminded me that I'm two weeks behind on my daily blog LOL! Of course, she was half joking because she and her mom, Bridget, know that I'm two weeks behind on the blog because we're on track for the premiere at the end of this month :)
Some updates worth sharing though:
The premiere sold out almost immediately -- all ninety seats! -- and volunteers for the monster cafe scene swarmed my inbox almost as fast; it was a great feeling and the cafe scene went incredibly. Forever our thanks to all our monsters, of course, and to the angel-owners of Cosmo's who allowed us to use their beautiful restaurant for the entire shoot.
We're considering showing Episodes 1 through 6 on April 12 from 5 to 9 pm. Not a fancy event. Just a screening open to the public with tickets available from the website and at the door (if they don't sell out). What do you all think?
The bound scripts of Episodes 1 - 6 are almost ready as are the DVDs, posters (several styles), and auction baskets for the premiere lobby. Our hope is to fund Episode 7 with any proceeds because...
...we have a new matching backer! We have an investor who will donate $1500 for every $500 we raise for an episode. Err... I suppose that's better than matching, it's tripling! Some of the best news right there.
Well... I better sign off! Back to work prepping the script for tomorrow... our last day shooting Episode 6. Wow... just, wow!
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