Criticism

I figured I should put this out there to the world (1 or 2 readers of this blog and anybody that may read it in the future).

This is a quote I'm stealing from my favorite author Chuck Palahniuk. He's been very influential in my perspective of the world and I wore a necklace he personally made for me during my entire shoot. For those of you who don't know who he is, he is the author of my favorite book which would later move on to become my favorite film "Fight Club".

Anyways, this is a quote in regards to the hopes of my film ever being seen and the inevitable trolls that will come forth.

"Until you can create something that captivates people, I'd invite you to just shut up. It's easy to attack and destroy an act of creation. It's a lot more difficult to perform one."

-Ryan.

I Color...

It's what I like to do.

I'd rather sit here and listen to music and play with colors than socialize and interact with human beings.

Some call it pathetic. I call it bliss.

-Ryan.

Alive

So the project is still continuing and I am still alive. I decided to go for the homeless look so I stopped shaving and I never combed my hair to begin with so hooray for that!

I've been busy casting actors for my final scenes that I need to film. I have also completed locked picture for many of the scenes in the film. So I'm happy to say that the fun times of sound editing have begun! I'm really happy my good friend Jason Rudd is in charge of that department. I've heard some of the work he's done already and it is sounding amazing.

Once I finish the rest of my small scenes I get to send off the almost completed film to my other buddy Jason Downer who will get to put in beautiful music and make the film sound lovely. Can't wait to hear what he comes up with.

I've also finally learned the ins and outs of a software program so I can begin color timing the project soon. Multiple actors that I've met mention how beautiful the cinematography looks from my little temp trailers and teasers. I can't wait to hear what people think when the footage has actually been treated. Hooray and good luck for Matt Bailey getting future jobs! He's going to have a nice stable career as a cinematographer while I'm scrounging through garbage looking for something to eat. Please still be my friend Matthew Raymond Bailey.

Well at least I can say I wrote, directed and produced a feature film. Not many can say that. Good game.

-Ryan.

Teaser and Trailer

Celebrity

I mentioned the idea of celebrity in a previous post and also Andrew Garfield in another so I figured I shall make a post mentioning them both in one.

I saw Andrew Garfield tonight during a discussion panel at the 2010 AFI Film Festival. It was a cool event that featured him as well as Jesse Eisenberg and Carey Mulligan.

I really would have loved to have taken a picture with him but unfortunately since he's about to be the new Spiderman he was getting swarmed.

If anybody is unfamiliar with him, I have had a "mancrush" on him ever since I saw his performance in "Boy A". I think he is an amazingly talented actor and I would've been just as eager to get a photo a few years ago as I was tonight, if not more so. When I saw him get swarmed by photographers I felt a bit sad.

I personally would not enjoy the feeling of "celebrity". Most people assume that people make movies because they want to become rich and famous. I think the most successful of all filmmakers and actors that make it in the long haul are the ones that do it with true passion and conviction. It was very clear that the three actors I saw tonight have those traits.

It's strange that just because they are now famous everybody wants to be associated with them. It was apparent during their discussion panel that it is overwhelming for them to figure it all out themselves. I would hate the thought of not knowing who you can trust and who actually cares about you for "who you are" not "what you are". If that even makes sense.

I'm sure these three actors will have a long successful career because they have the passion in their hearts to pursue this roller coaster of a career.

Hopefully my film will be a success and put this sort of a burden upon my actors and actresses. I'm pretty sure that it's a burden none of them wouldn't mind bearing.

-Ryan.

Rough Cut Complete?

Not sure if I can technically say that since I still have the opening act of the film to shoot but for the most part I have a pretty solid rough cut now complete.

The current total running time is 57 minutes and 23 seconds. Pretty damn good if you ask me. This should be putting me on track for my 1 hour 20 minute total running time I'm planning after total completion.

It's hard to judge your own work. I've heard positive things so far so I believe I'm on the right track. I need to get my head back on straight again so I can shoot the final scenes of this thing.

I've enjoyed the editing process immensely. I've always been a huge fan of it. In my eyes, it's where the true magic of cinema takes place. Production can be enjoyable but I'm usually too stressed to enjoy it while it's taking place. Filmmaking is quite an addiction. While you're in the warzone of production you can't wait to get home and retreat. But after a few days of R&R you miss the battlefield and want to get back in it.

I'm coming to a crossroads in my life. I should feel proud when this project is all said and done. Producing your first feature film at 25 years old is no easy feat. In the end it will all be worth it, no matter what happens, but I am sure hoping it will lead to a much brighter future. I'm not saying my present is dim, I'm just hoping my future is so bright that I'm going to have to wear shades.

I sure hope I don't come across as a pompous douche. If my humor seems pretentious you have to give me a little bit of delusional slack, this entry has been written at 12:28AM after a long day of editing.

-Ryan.

Wow

That pretty much sums up the experience of cutting my most recent scene. I have plowed through this editing process. But my longest scene in the film took me two full days to cut. I had to look through over two hours worth of footage!

Sure hope it was worth it.

-Ryan.

Testing... Testing...

I had a thought last night about "What if my film were to become successful?"

I've always wondered what it would be like to become successful and then all of the small-time acquaintances from your past would overnight want to become your bestfriend. It's strange how success can change people's perceptions of you.

I know there are a few people out in this world that actually read this blog and our adamantly following it. I understand that it's mostly cast and crew but no big deal. I'm still really curious who actually reads this. If you're reading this right now (yes, right now) please leave your name in the comment area. If you feel uncomfortable leaving your full name just leave your name as Ryan M. etc.

Anyways, this is just my own personal test to see who actually cares about what I'm doing. I've spread the word enough that people that know me know that I have this blog and what it's about. I'm curious about who actually takes the time to read what I write.

Thanks for your time and off to the cutting room I go! 15 hour day? Only time will tell. Oops... First I need to go return my rented lens and light meter. Phew!

-Ryan.

Work Ethic

You can't call me lazy when I put my dedication into something. I'm currently on a 15 hour editing session that began at 9am today. I still have not stopped. I have edited a solid 23 minute rough cut. The editing continues until my eyes bleed.

-Ryan.

Health

The emotional swings that come with directing a feature film would be unbearable to most. The only thing that has gotten me this far is my insanity and addictive personality.

The highs and lows are quite extreme. One moment I'm on top of the world, content as can be, then the next moment I'm curled up on the floor in the fetal position wishing I never had a dream at all.

When it comes down to it, this is what happens when you truly care about something with all your heart. Similar swings happen when you're in love with somebody. Probably one of the reasons why I'm afraid of ever falling in love again.

I suppose I'm a bit of a sadist and a masochist but I would much rather hurt myself willingly than let somebody else hurt me unknowingly.

Why have I written this post? Because I'm obviously insane. But I actually feel good. I've started polishing up a rough cut of quite a few scenes and I see the potential that's in the hard work that I've put forth. My vision will come to fruition.

-Ryan.

THE Roadtrip- LA to San Francisco through Lindsay's Lenses

From LA to San Fran , from the end to the beginning ...

Golden Gate Bridge, hippies, a waterfall, a cave, cars breaking down, freezing cold weather, beautiful coastline, some other bridges, cold delicious s'mores, it's been quite an adventure so far...






























































And this is where we all were scared for his life ^




























































































One of my fav. pictures ^


Hello Morro Bay!! We're here






yay for being little! :D ^
Take while I was being filmed



Andersen's famous Split-Pea soup


69 accidentally scratched on his face- nice Sean hah


Herro!
They are both looking at absolutely nothing
yay for oil changes
Tyler stop trying to be so cool haha leaning against the car right when you notice the camera

Oh to know what goes through his mind

haha same face
AHHH the joys of filmaking

The Tower Swen ^


This was taken during filming ^ haha



Chase's Car - the beginning of the trip

-Melanie Manooki (Lindsay)