tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90106638555538782642024-03-13T15:01:14.445-07:00My Little Corner of the WorldStream of Consciousness blogging, from a random dude with a gift for hot air...David Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.comBlogger824125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-33668169792946231222017-12-30T20:03:00.000-08:002017-12-30T21:47:06.078-08:00The Year in Review, In Case You Missed It...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2017 slides to a full stop. I'm sitting in my (new) home office with some time to myself, and decided, instead of watching/reading/writing/playing/studying something, I'd take an hour or so and craft a end-of-the-year blog post.<br />
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You'd certainly (obviously) never know from merely reading this dead blog, but my year has been interesting and full of challenge and wonder, personally, emotionally, professionally and spiritually.<br />
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<b><u>Highlights of the Year Include</u></b>: The Easter production at church (an hour-long production with a cast of 40+ which I wrote, directed and played the lead in), producing my first short film "Stay Close" (wrote, filmed, edited), my brother John's wedding, my daughter Katie's wedding, finishing the pilot script for <i>Standing Eight</i> and moving homes. My mother-in-law passed away this year, but I feel odd calling that a highlight - yet it was certainly an important moment in the year, and deserves mention.<br />
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All in all, I seem to still be thoroughly absorbed in the realm of story-telling. I've written screenplays of various lengths, a handful of plays, and a large swath of non-fictional thoughts on various subjects.<br />
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I've watched hours and hours of videos on YouTube on various aspects of the film-making craft, diving deep on facets ranging from story-craft, cameras/lenses, shot composition, music, emotion, lighting, sound capture/edit, style, editing, special effects, and acting.<br />
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I've read numerous books on the writing craft.<br />
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I've also watched a ton of great entertainment (as well as a lot of mediocre fare), which I studied as I enjoyed, taking notes, observing what works and what does not - and, most importantly, why.<br />
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One thing I've done far less of this year is reading novels and playing games.<br />
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But I did meticulously track everything I watched this year, so I have a complete record of my TV/Film experience for 2017. So my Best Of List will be precise this year...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Best Of List for 2017</span></b></div>
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<b>Best Film</b>: Lion</div>
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Heart-breaking, very moving. A study in maximizing impact with minimal dialog. Really takes advantage of what film (as a medium) has to offer.<br />
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<b><u>Honorable Mentions</u></b>: <i>Jaws</i>, <i>Primer</i>, <i>Quiz Show</i>, <i>King Arthur</i><br />
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I watched 54 films this year: 14 on DVD/BluRay, 3 in the theater and 37 online (Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime etc.).<br />
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<b><u>Random Observations</u></b>: I found <i>The Godfather</i>, <i>Wonder Woman</i> and <i>Logan </i>to be over-rated. I found <i>King Arthur</i> and <i>Spiderman: Homecoming</i> to be underrated. I was sorely disappointed by <i>Guardians of the Galaxy 2</i>. My favorite documentary (of the 14 I watched) was called <i><a href="http://www.aliveinside.us/#land">Alive Inside</a></i>. I watched classics by Coppola, Kubric, Hitchcock, Scorsese and Spielberg - I think I enjoyed the early Spielberg work the best, from a craft standpoint. Favorite script of the year was for <i>Kiss Kiss Bang Bang</i>... Shane Black can sure write a great script.<br />
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<b>Best TV/Series</b>: Patriot (<i>Amazon Prime</i>)</div>
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Fantastic shots and editing, memorable well-developed characters, hilarious and dramatic, exciting and fascinating, many scenes and moments that come instantly back to mind. Extremely enjoyable.<br />
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<b><u>Honorable Mentions</u></b>: <i>Travelers</i>, <i>Better Call Saul</i>, <i>Taboo</i>, <i>Fargo</i>, <i>Breaking Bad</i>, <i>The Wire</i><br />
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I watched a dozen complete series (22 seasons' worth total), and watched some fantastic stuff.<br />
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<b><u>Random Observations</u></b>: From a pure craft standpoint, <i><b>Better Call Saul</b></i> (Netflix) was hard to beat. The writing, acting, shot craft and the editing were incredibly good. It was hard not to choose it for my favorite of the year - but <i><b>Patriot </b></i>edged it out, for the same reasons and then some intangible factors that are hard to put my finger on. <b><i>Travelers </i></b>(Netflix) almost got top spot as well - fantastic premise, well-executed on every level. From a pure acting standpoint, it was a toss-up for me, between <i>Billy Bob Thornton</i> in <b><i>Goliath</i></b> (Amazon Prime) and <i>Tom Hardy</i> in <i><b>Taboo </b></i>(FX). Both are masters, inhabiting incredibly memorable characters. <b><u>Currently Watching</u></b>: <b><i>Travelers Season 2</i></b> (Netflix)<br />
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<b><u>Best Book</u></b>: <i>The Opus Discordia</i> by <b><i>JD Ross</i></b> </div>
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I was happy to continue the adventures of Fox Crow (introduced in <i>"I Know Not"</i> by same author). A wonderfully-crafted, violent, action-filled fantasy romp.<br />
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<u><b>Honorable Mention</b></u>: <i>The Riddler's Gift</i> by <b><i>Greg Hamerton</i></b><br />
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I read very few novels this year (14), and they were predominantly divided between mediocre first reads and comfortable re-reads. The books I read for the first time had/have very little impact on me, so I found myself diving back into the warm arms of books I've read and enjoyed in the past. I did re-read <b>A Game of Thrones</b>, with every intention of reading the entire series through again, but stopped after Book 1. I enjoyed it, but the magic's gone... Glad I read <b>Opus Discordia</b> - a solid choice for best book. <b><u>Currently Reading</u></b>: <i>The Way Into Chaos</i> by <b><i>Harry Connolly</i></b><br />
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<b><u>Best Song</u></b>: <i>Remain Nameless</i> by <b><i>Florence and the Machine</i></b></div>
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This song isn't a new song, but it's the song I enjoyed listening to the most this year. Something about that bass... gets into me...<br />
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<b><u>Honorable Mentions</u></b>: <i>Take It All Back</i> by Judah & the Lion, <i>All I Want Is You</i> by U2, <i>Little One</i> by Highly Suspect.<br />
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<b><u>Best Game</u></b>: <i>Skyrim</i></div>
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Again, not a new game, but it's the game I enjoyed the most this year. (Just noticed that the artwork I chose says VR... I didn't play the VR version - I lack the gear)<br />
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<b><u>Random Observations</u></b>: I actually tried a lot of new games this year, but nothing really hooked me. Even <i>Minecraft</i>, which I usually play to unwind, isn't exactly fun. It's more therapy than anything. But yeah, <i>Skyrim </i>and <i>Fallout 4</i> got a good amount of play time, as did <i>Grim Dawn</i>. However, I'm finding less motivation to play anymore. Maybe I'm finally growing up!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Plans for 2018</u></span></b></div>
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Well, more of the same for 2018, I presume. Finishing <i>BTI</i> with JP and crew. Expanding the script for <i>Standing Eight</i> with RD. Numerous plays and screenplays in various stages of completion. Will any of them be produced? Who knows? I have plans for a new comic strip for my place of business (the rug shop). I plan on doing more filming - short film ideas all over the place.<br />
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One thing I'm currently doing - I found my CD collection of the Bible, so I've been listening to the Bible in my car as I drive about. The past 5-6 weeks, I started at Genesis 1:1 and having been listening straight through. Just finished Esther today, and will start on Job tomorrow. It's fascinating to just roll right through it like that. Gives a great "big picture", as opposed to little bites here and there, at random. Themes stand out. One thing I've noticed is just how much death there is in the Bible... so much death... and God seems awfully moody... how can human life be so precious and yet so expendable at the same time? How can God love and despise so thoroughly, at the same time? I've noticed that Israel's history is one big story of God's people clinging to Him and then running away from Him, and then returning, and then leaving... pendulum swing, back and forth, over and over and over. Serve Him, leave Him for other gods, love Him, hate Him... I don't know if it's more depressing or fascinating... I'm trying to use it as a chance to learn about God, and to learn about people...<br />
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Anyways, when I start listening from the beginning again, I'll go slower so I can take notes and make observations, chapter by chapter.<br />
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Well, we all have our hobbies, eh?<br />
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Will the blog revive and live again? Dunno... maybe...<br />
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Hope your New Year is a great one.<br />
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Dave the GoofDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-6174562628285841022017-09-21T21:06:00.000-07:002017-09-21T21:14:04.570-07:00Let Sleeping Blogs Lie?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, hello again... sooo much happening, and it's hard to get it all straight in my head. So one possible solution is to blog about it, eh?<br />
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Check out this sequence of recent events (all since June):<br />
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<ol>
<li>Slab leak in my house, which took 2 solid months (June and July) to fix, while my house was in complete uproar.</li>
<li>Mother-in-law died on my birthday (Aug 16), just days before my brother John was to get married... I was in his wedding, then we left to go back to Albuquerque for the funeral. Drove out in one shot (12 hour drive) and then drove back again in another one-shot a three days later.</li>
<li>Got home and received word that the owner of our house (which we've been renting for 12 years) passed away, and the heirs were going to sell the house. We got a 60-day vacate notice. We have to move by November 14, which is...</li>
<li>...three days after my Middle Daughter's wedding. </li>
</ol>
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Weddings, funerals, and forced moving. Plus, all my writing/acting/directing projects I have to focus on... Two screenplays, and a large Christmas project... Honestly, I hope that is the final "big shoe" to drop this year... not sure I can take another Life Wallop...<br />
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Speaking of the Christmas project, I've written a pair of scripts. The production is part-film (called <b>The Laborers</b>) and part-live play (called <b>The Deliverer</b>). Same characters in both. Picture "Act 1 and Act 2" being a film, which will be shown on the Big Screen at church, and then "Act 3" will be acted out live onstage... It's quite ambitious, and I hope we can pull it off.<br />
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I love live theater - but I've also been learning film making (see the previous post for a short film I recently made as a test), so I thought, "why not combine both"?<br />
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So, yeah! My world is all a'swirl at the moment. The part about having to move is unnerving me. I don't know whether to find another place to rent, or try to buy something. Rents are OUTRAGEOUS at the moment in San Diego. But so are home prices. I don't want to sink $500K into a mediocre house in some skanky neighborhood... but to buy a nice home in a nice neighborhood will likely run me far more than I'm able to spend... *tremble* So I'm looking out for rentals, and I'll also apply for a loan to see what I can qualify for. Maybe we can sneak into a decent condo somewhere. With Middle Daughter getting married and moving out, it means we can get a smaller place, since it will be just me, the Mrs., and Youngest Daughter...<br />
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We'll see! *tremble again*<br />
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Here's something else that happened within the past 24 hours...<br />
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So, I mentioned I'm focused on not 1 but 2 screenplays, on seriously huge projects, as well as the aforementioned Christmas project... and yet... I had an idea for a full-length play just fall into my head last night, and it rapidly became fully-formed and alive in my head... so I felt compelled to just sit down and write the thing. I've had things like this happen before - if I don't strike while the iron is hot (so to speak) then I'll default to merely taking detailed notes and then burying it in my archives, with the hope that "someday" I'll actually write it...<br />
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So, yeah, stop the important projects that I should be working on every free minute, and instead write down a play that is burning a hole in my heart...<br />
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Good thing I have my A.D.D. to help me out in times like this!<br />
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I have songs I want to record. I have audio dramas I want to record/edit. I have Wagnervana comics I want to draw. I have two web series ideas that I want to film and edit (which I've already written scripts for). I have soooo much I want to do. I wish I could get paid for some of it, lol... that would help me pay for a higher rent, at least! Sheesh!<br />
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I wish there was some way I could demonstrate to "someone of means" that I had creative talents that could be utilized for mutual gain. You know? Like, "hey Dave, write this screenplay for me, and I'll pay you X amount of dollars!" God, how amazing would that be? To get paid for doing something I love, and that I'm good at... I don't know how to brand myself like that... I have to hope someone "discovers" me and decides to use me to benefit him/herself... sort of a win-win... But hey, I know that type of thing doesn't just fall out of the sky... I need to try to make that happen... I just don't know how...<br />
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What else?<br />
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Good grief, haven't you had enough?<br />
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Life is an uproar for me, but oddly, I'm ok with it, for the most part. Flashes of panic here and there, but for the most part, I'm holding course. Wish I had someone to walk with me through this. Wife is in her own world since her mother died. I certainly can't fault her for that. And yeah, I feel selfish for hoping that she'd somehow be by my side with all this (she doesn't seem to want me by her side in her path)... but hey, no one ever died of loneliness, right?<br />
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Right?<br />
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Dave the WandererDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-65126218893002017502017-09-10T00:17:00.000-07:002017-09-10T00:18:19.986-07:00Stay Close: A Short Film By David WagnerHere's a short film I shot in August with two of my daughters and a friend of the family, called Stay Close.<br />
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I made it as an experiment, trying to see if I could do a short film myself from concept to finish. All things considered, I'm very pleased with it, though the handful of people I've shown it to have had very little positive to say about it. So be it.<br />
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Filmed it on my iPhone 7, got all the footage in about 3 hours in one afternoon (from 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm), did the edit and color corrections in Premiere Pro. The music is too loud, I know... and the sound is inconsistent. The audio-gathering and crafting aspects of film making are hard for me still, but I'm learning.<br />
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And hey, if I don't try, I'll never learn, right? I had a lot of theory in my head going into this. Every shot, everything I put in it, I had a good reason for. I think a lot of it worked (in spite of the feedback I'm getting), and I have a plan moving forward, as far as what I'll do differently next time.<br />
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And there will be a next time. And many times after that.<br />
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First film, done.<br />
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Adios.<br />
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Dave the Mildly DisillusionedDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-60802163586496270292017-07-10T22:40:00.001-07:002017-07-10T22:40:37.775-07:00Still Breathing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Surprise!<br />
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Well, see, initially I was saying "surprise" to you, if you happened to stumble in here, fully expecting the December post to be sitting atop the dormant page here, and hey, a new post from Dave the Absentee (and Possibly Deceased, who knows?)!<br />
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But actually, it's probably more apt to say "surprise" in reference to myself, as in I'd be surprised if anyone ever bothered to check in here ever again...<br />
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You know, there's a strange sense of freedom and liberation in such a position... I could say or do anything here now, and no one would ever know! MUAHAHAH!!! I could strip down to my zebra-print speedo, wear a toilet seat around my neck and race around the blog without restraint, pulling tissues out of a box and flinging them everywhere! I could sing at the top of my lungs, and dance like no one's watching... because... you know why...<br />
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Or I could simply sit calmly and stoically in the directors chair here, and explain what I've been up to, lo, these 7 months... or explain why I let my blog die in the first place... or why my feet smell strangely of turned cheese...<br />
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But first...<br />
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Honestly, my blog had evolved so thoroughly into "more of the exact same thing every time" that I ultimately decided a swift and unannounced sword to the head was the only way to address the situation. I was either whining about life's little problems, or talking about whatever film/play/writing projects I was either currently working on, or hoping to somehow usher into fruition, or posting random odd photos/video's... and fart jokes... and occasional tedious theological meanderings... Frankly, I was getting sick of me, and, since I'm a narcissist, I projected that onto my meager audience, and assumed y'all were sick of me as well...<br />
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And so... yeah...<br />
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And I had every intention of letting things continue that way. But hey, tonight, I felt the long-believed-dead feeling to fire up a blank post and get my ramble on. Do I have anything stellar, or enlightening, or educational, or life-altering to relay? Nope, lol... I wanted... to.. uh... [Dave glances around, embarrassed]... to share what I've been doing this year, as far as film/plays/writing...<br />
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Maybe that's just what I'm supposed to do/be. Do I just accept that? Screw it, I'll leave that to the philosophers to figure out...<br />
<br />
So this year, I've basically been putting myself through film school online, by watching YouTube videos on film production, and by hunting down and absorbing the best film and TV I can find. It's funny... while I was heavy into learning screenwriting, it got to where I would watch a film or show, and I could see the script ghosted over the screen as I watched, sort of scrolling past... I could see the dialog text scrolling by as it was being spoken... it was a weird sensation... Now that I've been learning about shot composition, scene structure, editing, composing, special effects, pacing, etc., I've gotten to where I can observe the craft of what I'm watching as I'm watching it... why did the director choose that shot? Why did they open that scene on a close-up instead of a long shot? Why use a wide lens there instead of a long one? Why did they hold on that shot for two extra seconds instead of cutting away? I can enjoy watching the film/show, but simultaneously study the craft...<br />
<br />
So, yeah, I'm discovering the art of film making.<br />
<br />
I've obtained more tools of the trade as well. Cameras, sound gear, lighting, editing software, special effects software... I'm becoming a one-man film studio...<br />
<br />
I've always been a writer, since my childhood. I know my way around a page, in any number of genres/disciplines.<br />
<br />
I've been an actor since high school. Combine the two, and I believe I can write well for an actor. I can write parts that actors will read and smile and get excited about playing, since I thoroughly understand the actors' mindset, and what appeals to them most. Being an actor helped my writing...<br />
<br />
And now that I'm learning all the steps involved in bringing a script to life on the screen, it has also helped my writing to evolve. I've since gone back and re-read short screenplays I've written in the past years, and now I can see how impractical some of it is... if I'd understood better the craft of film-making, it would have made a difference at the early writing stages, where I'm coming up with the story elements... now I can write with craft in mind...<br />
<br />
So that's what I've been doing with my time away from the blog. Learning. Experimenting. Coming up with ideas for things I can film by myself (or with my daughter(s)), here at the house... short films and series ideas... I have scripts written. When I have something to post, I will post it here. I'm super excited.<br />
<br />
I haven't only been isolated these months. I was involved heavily in the Easter play we did at church in April, which was incredible fun. I worked with Ryan E. on the 48 Hour Film Festival again in May. I'm working on a short film (as an A.D.) with another friend of mine, Shawn J. And I'm working on a spiritual short film with another friend of mine, Andrew K.<br />
<br />
Plus, I'm still occasionally filming for BTI, and still meeting with Rob D. about the feature script we wrote together.<br />
<br />
Other things in the works as well.<br />
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<br />
So, now that I've typed it all out, how do I feel? Was it worth it? A new blog post, ultimately full of the same old stuff?<br />
<br />
I don't know. Maybe I won't post this at all. Let it languish in the "Drafts" section. Nah, I might as well publish it. But I won't announce it on FB, I'll just let it lie here.<br />
<br />
But basically, I'm still alive. Still learning, planning, growing... still writing, drawing, acting, filming... still breathing, exercising, drinking coffee, treading water... one Dave at a time...<br />
<br />
Will I post again any time soon? I don't know. Maybe. I've been feeling the itch to create more Wagnervana comics. And when I film and edit something worth sharing, I'd like to be able to post it somewhere. So yeah, I don't know. We'll see.<br />
<br />
I guess that's that.<br />
<br />
DaveDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-38564873240589818142016-12-16T00:58:00.000-08:002016-12-16T01:09:59.540-08:00All's Whale that Ends Whale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
December is half-way done... which means several things.<br />
<br />
First, it means that today is my anniversary. 26 years of challenging road. I look back on the first two decades of my marriage from a distance now, like I've been climbing a mountain and have stopped to look back at the path I've taken to get here, stretching and winding all the way back down into the valley. From way up here, it doesn't look that bad. At the time, it nearly killed me... but from here, that path looks so small and peaceful and easy! Funny thing, perspective...<br />
<br />
Next, it means that Christmas is almost here. Not having a Christmas play to wrestle through to frantic completion for Mt. Zion has meant my December has been mellow, for the first time since the mid-nineties. We're doing a fun little Christmas presentation with the kids of the church. I'm sure no matter how it turns out, the parents will love it. Bottom line, the Christmas-related stress levels are at record lows.<br />
<br />
Finally, it means that 2016 is almost over. It has been a crazy year personally, with record highs and lows. Yet I continue to have a huge list of things to be thankful for.<br />
<br />
My blogging frequency hit an all-time low - for that, I apologize. My reasons are varied: too busy; sinking my creative energy into other projects; too hurt to talk openly about my life; occupying myself with escapist time-killers to avoid thinking; and thinking I've said everything I have to say about life. I mean, if you scan the blog entries for the past year, they're all the same anymore. I recap projects I'm doing, and apologize for blogging so infrequently. If this year was a record album, that would be the theme tying my songs together.<br />
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<br />
Anyways, my custom is usually to run down my favorite entertainment-related items of the year. You know, games, books, films, etc.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>2016 Entertainment Highlights</u></b></h3>
<br />
<b><u>BOOKS</u></b>: I read only a fraction of the books I usually read in a year. Usually, I get in around 30 to 35 titles per year. In 2016, it was only 16 - and a good number of those meager few were re-reads. I revisited the Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson, as well as The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie (my second-favorite book of all time, by my favorite author). I feel odd including re-reads in the Best of Running, so I will exclude them. That leaves precious few to consider.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Book of 2016</b>: Beyond Redemption by <i>Michael R. Fletcher</i><br />
<b>Honorable Mention</b>: Academic Exercises by <i>KJ Parker</i><br />
<br />
A quick note about <i>KJ Parker</i>. This year, he has solidified himself in my <b>List of Favorite Authors</b>. As it stands at this moment, my top 5 goes: <i>Joe Abercrombie</i>, <i>Steven Pressfield</i>, <i>KJ Parker</i>, <i>Mark Lawrence</i> and <i>Pat Rothfuss</i>.<br />
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>SONGS</u></b>: Lots of great new music this year, as far as my exposure. A lot of it is harder-edged stuff, which I like because it's cathartic. With my newly-realized perspective on the purpose and nature of music, I realize now that music impacts that part of a person where the meaning of words don't matter anywhere near as much as the way the words sound as they are being said/sung. And the energy I feel when listening to music by <i>Avatar</i>, <i>Disturbed</i>, <i>The Offspring</i>, <i>Volbeat </i>and others simply connects and resonates with me in a place I need such things, without reference to what the lyrics are actually saying.<br />
<br />
That having been said...<br />
<br />
<b>Best Song of 2016</b>: <a href="https://youtu.be/EXcaxyNUohI">Night Never Ending</a> by <i>Avatar</i><br />
<b>Honorable Mentions</b>: <a href="https://youtu.be/TjyUNNiSE8E">Live Forever</a> by <i>SIXX AM</i>; <a href="https://youtu.be/ljvZ928YGrQ">My Name is Human</a> by <i>Highly Suspect</i>; and <a href="https://youtu.be/ZogguS99LJE">The Calling</a> by <i>After the Fall</i>.<br />
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>MOVIES</u></b>: I really should keep better track of the films I see throughout the year. I don't write them down anywhere. Books I track here in the blog margin, as well as on Good Reads, music I track on YouTube (when I find a song I like, I save the video to a playlist), TV I only watch online, so checking my history on NetFlix and Amazon Prime, I can easily review. But movies?<br />
<br />
I saw only a couple of films in the theater that I can recall. <i>Hateful Eight</i>, <i>Captain America Civil War</i>, <i>Kubo and the Two Strings</i>, and half of <i>Star Trek Beyond</i>. That's it, I believe. I don't recall if I saw <i>Spotlight </i>in 2016 or 2015... There were many others I wanted to watch, but I never made it to the theater. So... I will open it up to include other films I saw on Blu-Ray or online for the first time. These other films included: <i>Bridge of Spies</i>, <i>Deadpool</i>, <i>The Martian</i>, <i>The Equilizer</i>, <i>The Invitation</i>, <i>The Big Short</i>, <i>ARQ</i>, <i>Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy</i>, <i>Predestination</i>, and <i>Ex Machina</i>.<br />
<br />
That's really not that many either. I watched tons of short films, a lot of stand-up comedy, and additional viewings of old favorites like <i>In Bruges</i>, <i>Snatch</i>, etc. as well as browsing the heck out of YouTube clips covering a wide variety of topics, plus watching TV series (or trying to find good ones... a lot of false starts)...<br />
<br />
That having been said...<br />
<br />
<b>Best Film of 2016</b>: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/predestination">Predestination</a><br />
<b>Honorable Mention</b>: The Big Short<br />
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>TV</u></b>: I watched a number of great series' this year. <i>Luke Cage Season 1</i>, <i>Goliath</i>, <i>Gotham Season 1</i>, <i>Daredevil Season 2</i>, <i>Broadchurch</i>, and <i>Justified Season 6</i>. I started watching at least twice that many additional series, but gave up on them, often after only one episode. I'm trying to find good stuff to binge watch! I think that the best writing and acting at the moment are being done in TV. Way too much good stuff out there - it's just a question of finding it...<br />
<br />
That having been said...<br />
<br />
<b>Best TV Series of 2016</b>: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/broadchurch/s01">Broadchurch</a><br />
<b>Honorable Mention</b>: Daredevil Season 2<br />
<br />
A word on Broadchurch. <i>David Tennant</i> and <i>Olivia Coleman</i> are so unbelievably good in this series, it boggles my mind. The entire cast is outstanding. There's something about British acting that sets it apart from Hollywood/American acting... this show is an acting clinic. The subject matter is hard to deal with, but the level of entertainment can't be beaten.<br />
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>GAMES</u></b>: As meager as the other categories were this year, this category is practically non-existent anymore. Serious, I did buy a smallish number of games this year, but I spent over 95% of my gaming time playing two games: <b>Minecraft </b>and <b>Fallout 4</b>. Both are games I've played and loved before 2016. I've dabbled with a few other 2016 titles, but nothing worth mentioning. And I don't think iPad apps and games count...<br />
<br />
That having been said...<br />
<br />
<b>Best Game of 2016</b>: Does not apply<br />
<br />
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<br />
So what else?<br />
<br />
Still in an odd "No Man's Land" as far as entertainment-related news. Everything has either stalled out, or is perhaps simply in a holding pattern until after the holidays. Perhaps my first January blog post will hold some news.<br />
<br />
On a more personal front, there will be two weddings in the next year, for people I love and are especially close to. My beloved Middle Daughter is officially engaged, as is my awesome Younger Brother. Two of the most important people in my life! That's super exciting. My brother and his fiance are planning an August wedding. Middle Daughter and her fiance haven't pinned down a date yet, but she mentioned fall in passing. That could change.<br />
<br />
So, yeah, the year draws to a close, and yeah, it's been a rough one in many ways. But I'm still alive and kicking, so all I can do is hang tight and wait for 2017 to roll around. Hopefully I'll have lots of fun news to share soon.<br />
<br />
Adios for now,<br />
<br />
Dave the Yo-YoDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-78393878266959487662016-11-14T21:31:00.000-08:002016-11-14T23:10:46.796-08:00I Have A Couple of Friends That Call Me "Whiskers"...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Wow, where to begin?<br />
<br />
I tell ya, this year. Talk about highs and lows. In many ways, never been higher, never been lower. But it's my own fault, really. I recalled today that for the bulk of 2015, a constant prayer of mine had been "Please, Lord, help me to grow up."<br />
<br />
I'm an introspective, socially-isolated type of person. I've sifted my personality and over-analyzed the findings so thoroughly over the past two decades, it must be counter-productive in the extreme by now. It's in my wiring - I need to understand things. Everything needs to make sense or it drives me crazy. I can't rest on an issue until I know which mental shelf to put it on and why.<br />
<br />
It's as exhausting as it sounds.<br />
<br />
That having been said, here are the highlights and lowlights of the past two months.<br />
<br />
First, the positives...<br />
<br />
I finished the first draft of Momentum, the feature script I've been working on for the past year or so, with the illustrious Rob Dey. We're going to meet this week to begin discussing rewrites. The draft is over 200 pages long. We're going to tweak it into two versions. One feature version that will be rather drastically pared down. And a series version, breaking this script into episodes, and keeping more of the content. We've actually renamed the project, but I can't divulge that info yet.<br />
<br />
In fact, I can't really share anything else about it at this time. But it is a huge, great feeling to be done with the first draft. I've written short scripts, and tons of plays, but this is my first full-length script. Can't wait to see how this project evolves.<br />
<br />
There is a second big positive, relating to writing, but I can't talk about that at all yet, lol. And two other possibly big developments, also under wraps.<br />
<br />
Man, I thought I'd have more positives to share!<br />
<br />
Before I ever-so-briefly hit the lowlights, here's some fun stuff for you...<br />
<br />
Here's a classic from SNL with Will Ferrell doing his Harry Carey impression for the skit Space: The Infinite Frontier...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gQDqRlMeJ4U?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Awesome.<br />
<br />
And here's a recent Conan segment with incomparable John Cleese and Eric Idle...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HSOZ4wqgDdk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
There, that should take the edge off.<br />
<br />
The first lowlight was an intensely personal one, which seemingly cost me two friendships. I don't make friends easily. I have a reasonable amount of acquaintances, but very few people I would call friends - as in, when things are rough, I call and/or go see him, and talk things out, etc. I had two, and both were radically affected simultaneously. It was, as one might imagine, very disillusioning. I've never been one to claim to understand people very well. I thought I had a good enough handle on it to at least maintain a select few friendships. I learned the folly of that mis-assessment.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER!<br />
<br />
During the course of dealing with that (a very ugly time), I learned some very positive things about myself and about people.<br />
<br />
In other words, God seems to be answering my prayer from last year, about growing up.<br />
<br />
I will be writing all of the lessons I learned in this journey down at some point. I may even share some of it here, since it might be of interest to you.<br />
<br />
The second lowlight was, of course, the election. I'm not going to get my political ramble on, fear not! I will limit myself to a few easily-skimmable sentences only!<br />
<br />
I was not a Hillary fan, but I thought Donald Trump was a joke. Now he's our President. I lost my composure on Facebook and stomped on toes on Election night (and E-Day +1), and cut loose. Then I realized the futility of it all, and deleted my posts (and all the replies), with some embarrassment. My stance at this very moment is that of (I believe) everyone else that voted for him (which I did not). We have absolutely no idea what he's going to do. That means, there's a possibility (no matter how slim) that he'll be ok as President, and not a complete, unmitigated disaster. So for my own sanity's sake, I am clinging to that impossibly slim hope, bolstered by two things... first, the knowledge I gained about myself and people from my personal crisis (referenced earlier), and the 60 Minutes interview Trump gave, where it seemed he presented himself quite well.<br />
<br />
I'm not a fan, but I'm not flabbergasted any longer. We shall see.<br />
<br />
Wow, the lengths I could go to, in elaborating on both of those topics! I shall spare you. And by "you", I mean my mother, who is likely the only person who still reads this blog...<br />
<br />
Hi mom! I love you!<br />
<br />
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The Christmas Play at Mt Zion is on the razor-edge of having the plug pulled. I wrote the script, cast it, and had the read-through. Then a cast member dropped out and another expressed concerns about finding time to rehearse, and now we're about 5 weeks from performance. Christmas is on a Sunday this year, so we need to put the play on the Sunday before (December 18)... I don't know if we can do it.<br />
<br />
Here's a question I've been pondering lately. Is it possible to tell whether an author is male or female, by the writing itself? I think I can tell. It's a gut thing... what the author decides to say and how...<br />
<br />
Dude, I keep writing more and then deleting it, because what I'm trying to say isn't coming out right. It keeps sounding like I'm taking a shot at female authors. I'm not. I guess I won't elaborate on this, then. Bottom Line: I think I can tell author gender by the storytelling choices.<br />
<br />
Lol... man, that was like opening the door to a room, seeing something frightening, and then slowly backing out, and closing the door again... I should just delete the topic altogether... *shudder*<br />
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<br />
Oh,man, do I have a bunch of great ideas for time travel stories... just saying...<br />
<br />
What else..?<br />
<br />
Just filmed more for BTI this weekend. And THAT is all I can/should say about THAT. I will provide a more robust BTI update as soon as I feel bold enough to attempt to navigate that minefield again...<br />
<br />
I think I'll end with this compelling (to me) video essay from the YouTube channel <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCErSSa3CaP_GJxmFpdjG9Jw">Lessons from the Screenplay</a></b>...<br />
<br />
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<br />
Great insights for a writer, me thinks...<br />
<br />
So, how to wrap up this post?<br />
<br />
Highs and Lows, just like everyone else. Thanks for your patience and understanding mom! And to any non-mom readers wading through this morass, thank you as well. Here is something I'm learning, as I grow up...<br />
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Take care.</div>
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Dave the Tedious</div>
David Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-41348796075196276872016-10-18T11:29:00.000-07:002016-10-18T14:05:49.860-07:00A Quick Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I've done it. I've broken through it. Man, it's been tough. I was cruising along, firing on all cylinders, for most of the year. Then it all collapsed.<br />
<br />
It's like having arms full of packages and walking into a closed door, which you thought was open. Wham! Drop everything, sitting dazed on the floor, feeling like an idiot... What can you do, but gather your senses, stand up, shake off the embarrassment, collect yourself and your belongings, and try again. What's the alternative? Give up?<br />
<br />
Being cut off from my usual sources of advice and conversation has had the odd benefit of forcing me to figure it out on my own. And I'm happy to reveal, I've done it. I have to give God the credit, even though I felt cut off from Him as well. I'm sure He was involved (probably on both ends), which is cool, but annoying of Him.<br />
<br />
I need to percolate on it all for a bit longer before dumping some/all of it into this blog, but it boils down to the importance, value and purpose of words (spoken and written), and the nature of truth. If that sounds esoteric and hopelessly cerebral, that's only because I have no better way to summarize it at the moment. Trust me, there's meat in there that anyone can benefit from.<br />
<br />
But since the insights keep presenting themselves to me, even as recently as an hour ago, I think it would be premature of me to try and vocalize it right now. I want to let it come together. But on a personal note, let me say it is a series of revelations that have helped me make sense not only of my current predicament, but also of recent history and other issues dating back decades. It's a gift that has fully shifted the way I view life and people, in a profound, still-unfolding way.<br />
<br />
Never, never, never would I have imagined such a thing happening to me at this stage of my life. It is humbling, and I am so grateful. Granted, the road getting here sucked, but hey, ultimately, it may result in fruit on many levels. Heck, it's already given me ideas for new plays/characters...<br />
<br />
Adios for now,<br />
<br />
Dave, EvolvingDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-65152977498249891552016-10-11T02:10:00.002-07:002016-10-11T02:14:52.691-07:00Not All Who Wonder Are Lost.... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1prAILcSLA/V_yhSGFJkZI/AAAAAAAANDY/mR4Yk16gUbE9S8M1rY8bj9aE-kb2KiGZgCLcB/s1600/snow%2Bway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1prAILcSLA/V_yhSGFJkZI/AAAAAAAANDY/mR4Yk16gUbE9S8M1rY8bj9aE-kb2KiGZgCLcB/s640/snow%2Bway.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
Man, look at that... I love it. A hundred stories come to mind, just looking at that photo. Wow.<br />
<br />
Hello again, y'all. It's Dave the On-Again-Off-Again Recluse, with a drive-by blast of hot air, if for no other reason than to bump my last post down a notch, so I don't have to look at it or think about it again... so life's a teeter-totter, ups and downs, highs and lows... gee, big revelation. It's not like I haven't been there before (both the highs and the lows). But honestly, it does really help to talk about it... and also honestly, I really don't have anyone to talk to about it. I am a man, alone...<br />
<br />
No man is an island? Well, perhaps I should change my name to "no man"...<br />
<br />
So, have things settled down for me? Yes and no. It's odd. You know how when you get a new vehicle, suddenly you see that vehicle everywhere? Or if you or your wife is pregnant, suddenly you see pregnant women everywhere? Well, a similar phenomenon is occurring with me, whereby it "seems" that I'm being ignored/avoided on every front. In one part of my brain, I know people are just busy with their own stuff, and hey, it's not like I haven't always been sensitive to being ignored... that's why I enjoy my invisible audience so much... they love me!<br />
<br />
But I think the difference is that, whereas I normally have lots of things to keep me occupied in my isolation, lately I really could use some good news and/or someone to talk to... so that makes each instance of delayed response, ignored inquiry, unreturned message, etc. that much more acute... like getting poked in a bruised area... the poke normally would be a mild annoyance, but getting poked on a wound? Ouch...<br />
<br />
So, yeah, it's getting hard to want to care anymore. I know the grown-up response is to look life in the eye and show a little back-bone, and ride it out.<br />
<br />
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That's me, on the left...<br />
<br />
Still, it's uncomfortable being in a position of feeling so clueless... if I knew what it was I'd done wrong (probably a collection of little things), then perhaps I could do something to rectify it, or at least understand it all. Or more likely, as I mentioned at the outset, it isn't anything of the kind. Nothing personal, just people being people, doing their people things... without reference to me whatsoever. Probably just my own insecurities teaming up with my inherent self-centeredness (byproduct, no doubt, of my life of solitude) to freak me out...<br />
<br />
I doubt much of this makes sense, but I feel like riffing, and that's what this blog is for...<br />
<br />
I won't beat it into the ground. Feeling detached from life. It will pass.<br />
<br />
Speaking of "detached," this video is incredible...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bsAqqHQcJyU?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Man, I wish I could have seen that in person... stunning. That seems like an event that would permanently mark the person who saw it. So friggin majestic and breath-taking.<br />
<br />
Here's another video of the same event, from higher-up...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hWPDQkssqmg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Amazing...<br />
<br />
Shifting gears...<br />
<br />
The holidays approach. A lot of writing on my plate: Momentum; Best Dressed Guest; the Mt. Zion Christmas play; a pastor's appreciation skit. All of these ideas are well-developed in my head, but I've yet to actually write them (except for Momentum, which is almost finished). Writing is my safe corner. I can do it in my aloneness... acting and directing? That involves people, lol... I'll need to steel myself to go that route again... but writing? Bring it on! Let me put my wings on and fly!<br />
<br />
Halloween... every year, I threaten to dress up for Halloween, and every year, I don't... Youngest Daughter usually has a birthday party around Halloween, and it's a costume party. I'm always the only one not in a costume (which inspired, in part, the plot of Best Dressed Guest, actually)... this year will, no doubt, prove to be the same. I'd love to dress up! I'm an actor! Costume me! Let me be someone/something else for a few hours! You'd think I'd be all over that! Not sure what keeps me from doing it... embarrassment and laziness, I guess...<br />
<br />
This year, I'd like to dress up as the lead singer of the band Avatar...<br />
<br />
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<br />
Actually, I'm only partly kidding... I know he's a bit creepy looking, but he always wears such cool costumes, and the face paint is fun... and the whole band looks like they have so much fun. Their videos are a hoot. They're actually kinda campy and silly. They remind me of a harder-edged version of Oingo Boingo...<br />
<br />
Masks in general are fascinating to me... hide who you are, be a version of yourself that you'd like to be, or wish you were, or heck, even be someone completely different! Oddly, that concept also inspired/informed the plot of Best Dressed Guest... there's a lot to play with in that concept...<br />
<br />
No, I won't dress up this year. But if I did, it would be as something far more tame than that guy... wouldn't want to freak people out and have them think I'd lost my religion or something, lol... I don't spook easily, but others do...<br />
<br />
What else?<br />
<br />
Not much of note. Mostly writing. If anything changes, I'll mention it here. Or maybe I won't, who knows? It seems lately, the more I say (regardless of how careful I try to be), the more trouble I get myself into. Perhaps "Dave the Silent" would be a good mask to wear for the time being!<br />
<br />
Adios for now,<br />
<br />
Dave the MeanderthalDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-30614566110919380822016-09-25T22:34:00.003-07:002016-09-25T22:47:56.533-07:00Meow! (You Were Supposed To Meow Back...)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWFqgGBbxhE/V-i0fLAeDvI/AAAAAAAAMpE/VyoKLh9uacINZg3uGxMdMFpXRbMHxsKNwCLcB/s1600/piano%2Bman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWFqgGBbxhE/V-i0fLAeDvI/AAAAAAAAMpE/VyoKLh9uacINZg3uGxMdMFpXRbMHxsKNwCLcB/s640/piano%2Bman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sing us a song, you're the Piano Man...</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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OK, one song, coming up...</div>
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<br />
*GROAN* *sigh*<br />
<br />
O great, here we go again. David in his "alone in the world" mood again... "For crying out loud, Dave, learn a new song already! We've heard this one from you way too often! It's over-played!"<br />
<br />
OK, fine. Let me find my happy face to put on for you... gimme a sec...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iG_ovPTwTw/V-ik7LnBnnI/AAAAAAAAMoQ/rTAH4pzxTPQHot0byzpi_2qjDMH4ISKbwCLcB/s1600/happy%2Bface%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iG_ovPTwTw/V-ik7LnBnnI/AAAAAAAAMoQ/rTAH4pzxTPQHot0byzpi_2qjDMH4ISKbwCLcB/s320/happy%2Bface%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There it is...<br />
<br />
:D<br />
<br />
There, how's that? Better?<br />
<br />
"No. Look, Dave, we come here to read your goofy nonsense, to cheer us up from our own raft of crap! If you're in the dumps as well, it's counter-productive, eh! Try harder!"<br />
<br />
OK, fine... here, let me try again...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OoHlpghnbsc/V-illXiQKkI/AAAAAAAAMoc/wxAVrzs7zhIW785AiB0pDRYIJqHqk0eXgCLcB/s1600/Happy%2BLife%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OoHlpghnbsc/V-illXiQKkI/AAAAAAAAMoc/wxAVrzs7zhIW785AiB0pDRYIJqHqk0eXgCLcB/s400/Happy%2BLife%2B01.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
"No, no, no! We still see through you!"<br />
<br />
Hey, look... first of all, I'm an actor, ok? I never said I was a particularly skilled one. I try my best, on set or off, to play the happy, together guy. I think I pull it off well most of the time. But dangit, the more I learn of people, the less I think I like them.<br />
<br />
I pretty much spent the first 40 years of my life squirreled away in a safe place, sheltering myself from The Real World<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(TM)</span>, and crafting my own little goofy version of the world to live in. Made my own rules, crafted people the way I wanted them to be, and moseyed my way through life, willfully ignorant. Well, for the past few years, I've tried to break free of that self-induced, self-crafted little utopia and see what life is like on the outside, with real people, trying to make a legitimate impact out there.<br />
<br />
The results have been decidedly mixed.<br />
<br />
I'm realizing not everyone is like me. In fact, no one is like me, that I've found. And I don't say that to flatter myself - just the opposite. I am, in many ways, quite socially retarded. I suppose that's logical - not sure why I should be so surprised. I mean, a tree that grows up outside is much more resilient than one that grows up inside a greenhouse... Exposure to the elements toughens one up, I suppose... so why should I be surprised that I'm stunted inside in many ways?<br />
<br />
Still, the disappointment is palpable. My experience of the past few years seems to show me that most people are like my Wife... suspicious of everyone. Everybody is up to something, everybody is angling for something, some advantage over me/you. Everyone is out for himself. Honestly, it sucks to have that put on me, when it isn't a coat that fits. I don't have an agenda. I'm just me. I want to tell great stories, and involve great people. I'm not angling for anything, I'm not looking out for myself and my own best interests. I'm not trying to make a name for myself, at anyone's expense (much less everyone's). I'm just trying to enjoy life and leave a positive mark.<br />
<br />
Having my actions mis-interpreted by people (who then react accordingly) is frustrating, because how do you fight it? Try to defend/explain myself? That only comes across as justification and guilt-dodging. And the thing is, if it was one isolated case, I could shrug it off. But it seems to be coming from every direction at once. Hence, the pervading, foundational sense of dread and depression I'm back wrestling with. Hello dorkness, my old friend...<br />
<br />
My decision(s) now revolve around whether to retreat back into my safe little protected world again, cutting myself off again, or to "man up" and keep hitting it out there in The Real World<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(TM)</span>. Honestly, on paper, the answer is obvious. But the temptation is strong....<br />
<br />
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<i>Bad grammar, but apt.</i></div>
<br />
So what to do when I have no one to talk to? About this, or anything else?<br />
<br />
I blog.<br />
<br />
Like the previous post, where I reviewed the films I saw in the Best of San Diego screening for the 48. That post rubbed some people the wrong way. Some of the films I loved, some I liked, some I didn't really like. I suppose I should have seen it coming that voicing a less-than-stellar review of someone else's creative work would step on some toes. In my head, I had no intention of toe-stepping. I thought an honest critique would be appreciated, rather than shamelessly (falsely) gushing over every film, in some effort to avoid rocking the boat... so why post reviews at all then, you may ask?<br />
<br />
I just told you! I have no one to talk to about these things! I went to the screening alone, came home alone, and wished I had someone to discuss the films with. So I blogged about it. Put a lot of work into that post, it may not seem like it. Talked about each film in some detail, got it all out, shared it. Good, right? Well, no, ungood. Turns out people are suspicious. They think everyone has an agenda, remember? It couldn't just be that someone wanted to chat without malice or ill intent about something as benign as a film screening...<br />
<br />
So, yeah.<br />
<br />
Pretend all is well? Pretend people are awesome? OK, fine... let's pretend...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIhY5bWxOQ8/V-ipy0Wy38I/AAAAAAAAMo0/RuSax79VvUQro3ukPi7vRaZsVWIq5hrIACLcB/s1600/meow%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIhY5bWxOQ8/V-ipy0Wy38I/AAAAAAAAMo0/RuSax79VvUQro3ukPi7vRaZsVWIq5hrIACLcB/s400/meow%2Bback.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meow! How's things? Oh, peachy friggin keen!<br />
<br />
Meow!<br />
<br />
<u>Brief Summary of Things Still In Progress</u>:<br />
<br />
<b>BTI</b> filming this month. <b>Momentum </b>script closing in on 200 pages (waaaaay way too long for a feature... gonna be an interesting editing session). Script for <b>Best Dressed Guest</b> having trouble moving past the "detailed notes" stage. The <b>Christmas play</b> for Mt. Zion is alive in concept form in my head, but yet to be written. Another <b>test film</b> set to be filmed with Ryan in the next month or two. He has a strong concept; gonna let him run with the script, and help where I can.<br />
<br />
That's it.<br />
<br />
Meow!<br />
<br />
Of course, that's not it. Other facets of my life all seem to be vying for my attention by spiraling downward all at once. But you don't need/want to hear about that! I'll save all that for my Invisible Friend! Lucky Him!<br />
<br />
So to cheer myself up, I've been watching tons of tsunami videos from the Japan 2011 quake.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I-Bnk_tyMW8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Plus, random landslide videos. Those are always cool.<br />
<br />
Here's a great song I'm digging a lot lately... "<b>My Name is Human</b>" by <i>Highly Suspect</i>...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ljvZ928YGrQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
And, because great acting always cheers me up, here's the best scene from the film <b>Flight</b>, with <i>Denzel Washington</i>, <i>Kelly Reilly</i> and the magnificent <i>James Badge Dale</i>...<br />
<br />
Warning, some foul language, but incredible dialog and acting...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/crvH243QDUk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Man, a scene like that does wonders for me... I love that....<br />
<br />
So, yeah, all that to say, venting. As in, I needed to vent. So vent I did.<br />
<br />
For starters.<br />
<br />
Trust me, you don't want me to uncork.<br />
<br />
Then again... you're all kinda like my Invisible Friends too, in a way... I don't know who reads this... I can imagine you any way I want. And the version of you that I imagine? That version likes me as I am. And knows I'm not angling for something from you. That version of you sees that I have something valuable to offer, and is willing to put up with my idiosyncrasies in order to make use of it. That I'm just me, trying to slide through life and leave something of substance behind for you to remember me by.<br />
<br />
Who knows how much longer I have? 46 years is a lot longer than some people get to live...<br />
<br />
We shall see.<br />
<br />
Adios for now,<br />
<br />
Dave, Vented.David Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-30664680645992099122016-09-16T21:38:00.002-07:002016-10-31T22:55:50.213-07:0048 Hour Film Festival - Best Of San Diego Screening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdTDD8F8QXI/V9ygVceYQPI/AAAAAAAAMmE/3CSGvXYTSQEHWB9CVkVLBAPCY-bQCrXdQCLcB/s1600/if-you-fall-asleep-in-the-forest-too-long.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdTDD8F8QXI/V9ygVceYQPI/AAAAAAAAMmE/3CSGvXYTSQEHWB9CVkVLBAPCY-bQCrXdQCLcB/s640/if-you-fall-asleep-in-the-forest-too-long.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This year's <b>48 Hour Film Festival</b> has come and gone. For the most part, I enjoyed the heck out of it. You can read about my personal experience, as far as the film our little team made, in the previous blog post. I will, however, post the film here for you to watch if you have any interest. It isn't the "director's cut" version I mentioned in the previous post - this is the version we submitted, which the people saw in our screening group.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X-EEmhV9jRE?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Props to our cast, especially <i>Kate Schott</i>, for such great performances. I look forward to working with her -- and the rest of the cast -- on future projects. Ryan and I have big plans for future films, including shorts and features. Hopefully we will be involving a substantial number of San Diego acting talent.<br />
<br />
So, the <b>Best of San Diego Screening </b>took place 9/15/2016, and it was a buffet of awesome films. I thought I would take the opportunity to review the films, and embed them here (as they are uploaded by the teams) for your enjoyment. Please keep in mind - I am nobody. My opinion, in my little corner of the world, counts for exactly squat. I stress this indelible truth because, in the mood I'm in, I might not limit myself to only positive commentary on each of the submissions... if you happen to be here from one of the teams, and you happen to disagree with a meaningless nitpick I have toward your film, please know that I am no one of any substance. Just a man with a blog who likes films... that's all... I suppose the flip-side of that is that the positives and accolades from me are just as empty, right? ;P<br />
<br />
I might as well go in order of appearance... I found artwork where I could, but not every film had poster art...<br />
<br />
Again, check back often! I hope to embed all of these films here, once they are available. A few are available now...<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">DISCONTINUANCE</span></b><br />
by <a href="http://theintellexual.com/">IntelleXual Entertainment</a></div>
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<br />
This is a science fiction piece about a man who has family problems, who is then abducted by aliens. The lead actor -- <i>Shane Allen</i> -- had some good moments early on, but when <i>Randy Davison</i> paired with Shane late in the film, it provided the highlight of the film, in a fun scene at a bar toward the end, with some nice banter between them. They work well together. There were little technical quirks here and there (mostly with sound), and the story structure suffered from the "7 minutes or less" rule - it really needed to be ten minutes to make more sense. But there were enough great moments to make it worth the watch.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE CALL</span></b><br />
by <a href="https://thejoelsons.wordpress.com/">The Joelsons</a></div>
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This one received a lot of awards attention, and rightfully so. Great cinematography, especially the opening sequence in the rowboat, and the sequence in the snowfall. The ending sequence in the ambulance was also nice. Great editing. Honestly, the lead actress wasn't consistently convincing, in my opinion. And there were awkward moments where she voiced thoughts that would have been better left unsaid ("I couldn't have only been sleeping that long" "I couldn't have been here for four weeks" etc).... But tons of great visuals, and a nice soundtrack. One little quirk; the background generator noise (AC noise?) when she was in the hotel room was distracting...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">REALITY BYTES</span></b><br />
by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrooveKo/">GrooveKo</a></div>
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I loved this one. Very creative. I can't wait until they upload this one online so I can share it with you. Very funny, crisp pacing, solidly acted by the lead actress, great supporting cast. Definitely one of my favorites. A woman tries to find love in a series of virtual reality sessions... Check it out!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yupF8mt9kB4?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HUSH</span></b><br />
by <a href="https://vimeo.com/festivalcityfilms">Festival City Films</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbXUo7rDFr4/V9zGYUCBxRI/AAAAAAAAMmc/-JA-l8WpkFwz1c0BfnVAKvNnOqsq28COQCLcB/s1600/hush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbXUo7rDFr4/V9zGYUCBxRI/AAAAAAAAMmc/-JA-l8WpkFwz1c0BfnVAKvNnOqsq28COQCLcB/s320/hush.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Very creative, well-shot, nice production value. Great performances by the cast (<i>Steve Murawka</i>, <i>Adrianna Glade</i> and <i>Isabella Cuda</i>). I loved the final moment (the mirror shot)... One of my favorite films of the evening. Here is the trailer, until they upload the full film, after which time I will swap them out...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/180682981" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/180682981">'HUSH' - trailer - FESTIVAL CITY FILMS</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/festivalcityfilms">Sean Dejecacion</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">CHECK/MATES</span></b><br />
by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamstateofflux">State of Flux</a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DC4vkE5ZZfE/V9zGlUV0XUI/AAAAAAAAMmk/shgQJ8f6FvsfU7cD6D8XPZGhKCiH_Wk1QCLcB/s1600/cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DC4vkE5ZZfE/V9zGlUV0XUI/AAAAAAAAMmk/shgQJ8f6FvsfU7cD6D8XPZGhKCiH_Wk1QCLcB/s320/cm.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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This one had some good ideas. For a 48 Hour Film, it's a solid effort. Some great shot choices, funny moments, and nice cars (yay, production value!) added to the viewing, but the performances struck me as a bit too forced for my tastes, and the casting and writing a bit shaky. But it played well in front of a big crowd - I had watched the upload ahead of time, and enjoyed it more on the big screen than on the little screen.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="267" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/180780971?color=ffffff&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/180780971">CHECK|MATES</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/jakelael">Jake Segraves</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE NBL</span></b><br />
by <a href="http://www.micahminor.com/">Bad MF</a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SsoLPlhCMZs/V9zGyhPXINI/AAAAAAAAMmo/W0ODgbjUlHoeXEHAe0a3KIz02Nn3tAVSgCLcB/s1600/NBL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SsoLPlhCMZs/V9zGyhPXINI/AAAAAAAAMmo/W0ODgbjUlHoeXEHAe0a3KIz02Nn3tAVSgCLcB/s320/NBL.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I had seen the teasers for this one ahead of time, and my expectations were low... it looked super corny... but man, I was surprised at this one. It's a Sports film, about the <b>National Beerpong League Championships</b>, and it was very, very funny. Standouts for me included the announcer team, Team GILF and the two homeless dudes (<i>Mike Brayden</i> and <i>John Allen</i>). But honestly, the whole cast brought it. Great editing, great pacing, great make-up, and lots of laughs. I believe this is the same team that made one of my faves last year, <b><a href="https://www.48hourfilm.com/san-diego-ca/films/8676/crowd-sorcery-by-bad-mf">Crowd Sorcery</a></b>...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">AIRPORT VALETS</span></b><br />
by <a href="https://vimeo.com/grudioproductions">Grudio Pictures</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5grpIgWuP2Q/V9zG99y01QI/AAAAAAAAMms/lMO4oRAtVH4oUUmnPxHO6bxKPiPZwf4TACLcB/s1600/AV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5grpIgWuP2Q/V9zG99y01QI/AAAAAAAAMms/lMO4oRAtVH4oUUmnPxHO6bxKPiPZwf4TACLcB/s320/AV.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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This one grew on me. At first I was off-put by the lighting issues (blown out shots, slipshod reflector use, etc.), but once the story settled into the La Jolla location and the older lady (<i>Lisa Galer</i>?) was introduced, it really took off. Very funny, didn't take itself too seriously, it had fun with the premise... Ultimately, I found it very enjoyable. Here's the trailer - again, when the film is uploaded, check it out here!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/180698586" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/180698586">Airport Valets Trailer</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/grudioproductions">Grudio Pictures</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SUPr</span></b><br />
by <a href="http://groovylikeamovie.com/">Team Groovy</a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iD_Z2GPmDWA/V9zHKM8xyqI/AAAAAAAAMm0/UQkF-EGrI20SHokhLgLgl4ELQUtnWnrGACLcB/s1600/supr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iD_Z2GPmDWA/V9zHKM8xyqI/AAAAAAAAMm0/UQkF-EGrI20SHokhLgLgl4ELQUtnWnrGACLcB/s400/supr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were the guys that won it all last year with <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/134749347">Under New Management</a></b>. It has my favorite local actor <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/99789645">Joe Hurley</a></b> in it. It's very well made - this team knows how to shoot a film and make it look great. Lots of great moments, and some cool special effects - but honestly, I think they were hamstrung a bit by the "Superhero" genre... it was a great location and a strong cast (for the most part)... another genre would have let them really stretch their wings. As it was, I think this is a good, solid effort, but not among the standouts for the evening.<br />
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Check for yourself!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="272" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/179762689" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/179762689">48 Hour Film Project 2016 - SUPr</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/tantl">Tom Antl</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">FAMILY IN PROGRESS</span></b><br />
by 4th Hallway</div>
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This film... wow, what can I say about this film? It starts off like a goofy 80's sitcom, complete with bad humor and a laugh track... and it quickly plummets into the darkest of tones... I loved this film. It was so risky, and it paid off. Trying to describe the journey would be impossible... you really need to watch this film... when they upload it, it will be here, for those who dare. Exquisitely creative and ballsy. This was a highlight of the evening for me, big time. Terrific writing and editing - and the actors needed to bring it on several levels, and they friggin nailed it.<br />
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EDIT<br />
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And here it is...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/179772973" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/179772973">"Family in Progress" - 48 Hour Film</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/murakami">David Murakami</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Dang...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">FLETCHER & JENKS</span></b><br />
by Satiated Sadists</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd8o202-dg4/V9zFGz5r9iI/AAAAAAAAMmU/NInnZ103S1MUV_BRbFTziabXujcqepbegCLcB/s1600/f%2Band%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd8o202-dg4/V9zFGz5r9iI/AAAAAAAAMmU/NInnZ103S1MUV_BRbFTziabXujcqepbegCLcB/s320/f%2Band%2Bj.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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There was so much to love about this police procedural film. The casting? Perfect. The writing? Outstanding. The acting? Wonderful. The locations, the pacing, the editing.... top notch. If there was an award for Best Supporting Actor, <i>Luke Pensabene</i> would have won it, hands down. He was fantastic. I would have put this film Top 3, easily, if I were judging. Very enjoyable, on just about every level. I cannot wait to watch this one again.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">LOSER</span></b><br />
by <a href="http://oconnelldesign.com/">Alloy</a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhNZza28E6E/V9zHmwFHo8I/AAAAAAAAMm8/GRluzxGtBXgjNBtqv7qySKKFQI6ty6SUACLcB/s1600/loser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhNZza28E6E/V9zHmwFHo8I/AAAAAAAAMm8/GRluzxGtBXgjNBtqv7qySKKFQI6ty6SUACLcB/s320/loser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another strong selection, the two female leads (<i>Cristyn Chandler</i> and <i>Lisa Winans</i>) were both outstanding, and complimented each other fantastically. A relatively-bleak tale about a woman recently released from prison, who finds out that while she's been incarcerated, her life has fallen apart. Some lighting quirks occasionally detracted, as well as occasional odd blocking choices, but overall, one of the best acting treats of the evening.<br />
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Here's a quick teaser. Check back soon for the full film.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZjB_kPs9y3w?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MUG</span></b><br />
by Kanari Storm</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsjFi87kStg/V9zHxztih5I/AAAAAAAAMnA/mbKBcw8LSXww1l1_QU4nHbLHbCiey3CjACLcB/s1600/mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsjFi87kStg/V9zHxztih5I/AAAAAAAAMnA/mbKBcw8LSXww1l1_QU4nHbLHbCiey3CjACLcB/s320/mug.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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I was not expecting this... I loved this film. It was so well written, acted and filmed, I had a smile the entire time I watched it. It was sooo dark and funny. The entire cast brought it, and the director (<i>John Freeman</i>) did a terrific job. Top notch. Easily one of my faves. Here's the teaser, though it doesn't convey the comedic tone of the film in the least...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/180521491" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/180521491">MUG-Teaser Trailer</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user3876438">Robin Martin</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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EDIT:<br />
<a href="https://player.vimeo.com/video/186569093?api=1&badge=0&byline=0&portrait=0&title=0&fullscreen=1&player_id=vimeo_186569093">Here is the link</a> to the full version of MUG. Well worth a watching...<br />
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END EDIT<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PASSED OVER</span></b><br />
by <a href="https://vimeo.com/ryespy">Fallen Light Media</a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RDSCybNGqg/V9zH-r-YWHI/AAAAAAAAMnE/F9vCGfk6WaYB9MfHDH0D8Hu5PBE1JDXlgCLcB/s1600/po.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RDSCybNGqg/V9zH-r-YWHI/AAAAAAAAMnE/F9vCGfk6WaYB9MfHDH0D8Hu5PBE1JDXlgCLcB/s320/po.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Not much story here - this film seemed to be primarily a showcase for some terrific hand-held camera work. Strong visuals makes the viewing worthwhile, but not much under the hood. Perhaps you'll have a different opinion? Check it out.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/183058792" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/183058792">PASSED OVER</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/ryespy">Ryan Kelly</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">CON BOYS</span></b><br />
by <a href="https://vimeo.com/afocusgroup">A Focus Group</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M04WqnT2F4o/V9zIRFZtjnI/AAAAAAAAMnI/Tbyvqou8WFYu6OP1hITgFX6_ZAMPFGldQCLcB/s1600/con%2Bboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M04WqnT2F4o/V9zIRFZtjnI/AAAAAAAAMnI/Tbyvqou8WFYu6OP1hITgFX6_ZAMPFGldQCLcB/s400/con%2Bboys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the film that won Best Film for 2016 (they also won back in 2014 for the wonderful <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/116137369">Good Ol' Chap</a></b>). It was certainly well-shot, and had solid acting performances, but I found the script to be a bit cliche and predictable. I certainly enjoyed it, and felt <i>Jon Maxwell'</i>s award-winning performance was certainly worthy of acknowledgement, but I was a bit surprised to see it win. That having been said, I think director <i>Ryan Casselman</i> is a legitimate film-making force in San Diego. I look forward to seeing what he does next, whatever it is.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ROYAL DE LUXE</span></b><br />
by <a href="http://www.citybandproductions.com/">City Band Productions</a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQoX8-6basM/V9zIhh7d-eI/AAAAAAAAMnM/ssY6NS2BP0gC7z6u9D-FB0b4PhW9lAyvwCLcB/s1600/rdl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQoX8-6basM/V9zIhh7d-eI/AAAAAAAAMnM/ssY6NS2BP0gC7z6u9D-FB0b4PhW9lAyvwCLcB/s320/rdl.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I really dig the lead actor in this film (<i>Seth Marshall</i>). He has a great look and seems extremely comfortable in front of the camera. That having been said, I think this film had enough going for it to be included among this group, but only barely. It just seemed undercooked to me, especially the ending. It had some good ideas, but the premise (writer's block) is sort of cliche... It had good moments, though, and it seemed to connect well with the audience. It just didn't really work for me.<br />
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Watch it here:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i9oNZFiixFM" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BLOODLINE</span></b><br />
by <a href="http://www.fourlazyguys.com/">Four Lazy Guys</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJvYTzR179I/V9zHYg2y3NI/AAAAAAAAMm4/uWKsEOlk-NMy_YtTnjRbhr-lyJJcdYqigCLcB/s1600/bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJvYTzR179I/V9zHYg2y3NI/AAAAAAAAMm4/uWKsEOlk-NMy_YtTnjRbhr-lyJJcdYqigCLcB/s320/bl.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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I'm still uncertain about this one. It got a lot of love last night - it received a slew of awards... It had a healthy amount of funny moments, but the "overacting for comedic effect" approach didn't click with me. And the story didn't make sense to me in the least... but maybe it wasn't supposed to. They were supposed to choose between "Slapstick" or "Western"... I guess they tried to blend them both, since it strikes me that the film just doesn't know what it wants to be... I don't know... I realize film appeal is a subjective thing, based on the particular viewer, and it certainly had a legion of admirers last night. But all things considered, I enjoyed last year's <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/136221286">Elephant In The Room</a></b> much, much more... I know this film team is legit, but Bloodline missed me...<br />
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Here, see for yourself!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/179975710" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/179975710">Bloodline</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/fourlazyguys">Four Lazy Guys</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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That's all of them!<br />
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Again, keep in mind, I'm merely one man, a blatant nobody. Your viewing experience may vary - as it apparently varied for the judges...<br />
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The winning film last night was <b>Con Boys</b>, with <b>Bloodline </b>and <b>Mug </b>taking the First- and Second-runner-up spots... if I were to rank them, man, it would be tough... I would have voted <b>Fletcher & Jenks</b>, and then maybe <b>Mug </b>and <b>Reality Bites</b>... although <b>Family In Progress</b>, <b>Hush</b> and <b>Loser</b> were close as well...<br />
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But again, that was just among those that were chosen to be included in the Best Of screening... it would have been cool to watch all of the on-time films, and pick my own version of the 16 Best... I wonder how different my list would have been (if at all)?<br />
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I realize how hard it is to create a film at all in 48 hours, much less a great film. And I know how annoying it must be to have some random yahoo like myself subject your film to scrutiny... I try to mention the positives where possible - each of the films in the line-up had a lot going for them. And heck, I wouldn't mind working with any or all of these teams in the future, on either side of the camera... Kudos to everyone involved - and trust me, that's a ton of people. You should see the endless credits for most of these films... where do these teams find so many people to work on their films?! Sheesh! One team even had four people credited as "Dog Wranglers", lol.... that's awesome...<br />
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All that to say, I loved participating again this year. I think the whole 48 Hour Film Festival experience is terrific, and I hope to participate for many more years to come, either as writer, actor or director... we'll see, eh?<br />
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Next stop, the 4 Points Film Festival in November!<br />
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Again, I hope to ultimately have every film from the Best Of screening viewable here.<br />
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Take care,<br />
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Dave the GoofDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-43058658608954923402016-08-23T22:53:00.000-07:002016-08-23T23:05:46.892-07:00Post-Mortem: "Final Hour" and the 48 Hour Film Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYl9UzlEYZo/V70oQY_fW9I/AAAAAAAAMiQ/jKnpHjMxzhAiD-74zgf3PFpsWa6Jv46UwCLcB/s1600/Final%2BHour%2BRehearsal%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYl9UzlEYZo/V70oQY_fW9I/AAAAAAAAMiQ/jKnpHjMxzhAiD-74zgf3PFpsWa6Jv46UwCLcB/s640/Final%2BHour%2BRehearsal%2B01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, Chuck Windham here with the final few paragraphs of tonight's blog post..."</i><br />
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That's a photo taken during dress rehearsal for <b>Final Hour</b>, the play I've been bombarding you about for the past couple of months... well, we put in our 6 weeks of prep, and had our three shows!<br />
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From the day we cast the play (back at the tail end of June), I was in full Enjoyment Mode. I loved working with the cast. I told them from the outset that my focus was going to be on the journey to the stage that we all took together, not (necessarily) the final product that ended up on stage... and those first five weeks were thoroughly enjoyable... we played theater improv games, experimented with the text, had great times of discussion, etc...<br />
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But it ended up being a pretty tense final week leading up to our performance dates. There were technical details that were difficult and time-consuming to sort out - which caused my plans for the tech rehearsal and dress rehearsal to need modification on the fly - something I'm not very good at (it turns out, lol)... by the time we got the kinks and details worked out, it was time for opening night - and we still really hadn't had a solid complete run-through yet! Opening night ended up being the dress rehearsal that we really needed to have...<br />
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But the show was very well-received, and ultimately, I stressed out over nothing. The cast pulled through and delivered, and the crowd loved it (for the most part). Apparently, no one really knew what to expect from the evening, and were pleasantly surprised at what they saw.<br />
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The Saturday show was even better. We were able to make further adjustments based on notes and observations taken from the opening night performance, and it really showed on Saturday. <i>Randy Davison</i> (the lead) gave an outstanding performance, and the supporting cast (<i>Megan Gunsorek</i>, <i>Bailey Shaine</i> and <i>Joe Hurley</i>) were right there with him.<br />
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The Sunday show (our final performance) is where I really dropped the ball, as the director. We were riding high from the success of the Saturday performance, and so I decided against keeping the focus ratcheted up, and decided to ease into Sunday, assuming all would go well. I didn't take proper care to keep my cast in the zone before the show, and the performances suffered because of it. Again, my fault, not theirs. Lesson learned.<br />
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Overall, I'm really glad we did it. I loved the script and the cast, and the journey to the stage was just what I'd hoped it would be. Great fun and a learning experience. But honestly, I really wish we had been able to take an extra two weeks for additional preparation and polish. There were things about each of the characters that we didn't really have the proper time to explore, which I feel would have elevated the performances even further.<br />
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If we ever get a chance to stage it again, I'll know what to focus on!<br />
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Here are some more photos...<br />
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It was a fun, tense ride and I'm glad we took it. Many thanks to <b>the Great Andrew Ian</b> for making it all possible. Also many thanks to <b>Lamplighter's Community Theater</b> for letting us have access to the venue. We had between 50 and 60 people per night (the place seats 98, I believe). My first foray into professional theater was, I believe, I solid success.<br />
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NEXT.....<br />
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We also did our film for the <b>48 Hour Film Festival</b> this past weekend!<br />
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So <i>Ryan Etzel</i> and I formed a film team called <b>Operation Kino</b> for this year's 48. Ryan had created a film for last year's event, and I contacted him after I saw it, and we connected, and after a series of meetings earlier in the year, decided we'd combine our efforts and make a team. So I brought on my Eldest Daughter as our Assistant Director/Make-up artist, and Middle Daughter as our Director of Photography, and Middle Daughter's Significant Other as our Sound Guy. We then assembled a strong team of actors, and met at my mother's house in Ramona to make a movie!<br />
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Ryan and I hammered out the script Friday night, Ryan made some revisions Saturday morning, and we all convened on the Ramona location late morning to begin.<br />
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All things considered, the day on set was fantastic. Our cast consisted of <i>Kate Schott</i>, <i>Laine O'Connor</i>, <i>Megan Gunsorek</i>, <i>Andrew Kearns</i> and <i>Ruslan Khanaferov</i>. They were all fantastic, and watching them work was a real treat. We got all of the footage we needed within the space of 8 hours. We then sent the cast home, packed the gear up and headed home to begin the post-production part of the weekend (read: editing).<br />
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Ryan busted his butt to get the film finished in time, but we were faced with a series of unforeseen challenges that limited what the final film could have been. It was a great script - but we had only 7 minutes tops to tell it... the film we wanted to tell really needed closer to ten. A lot of good, important content had to be left out in order to try and tell the story in seven. As a result, there were some issues with the final result which really couldn't have been avoided. HOWEVER! We learned what we needed to about our team and where we are strong, and where we need to focus, as far as improving things. So that, in and of itself, made the whole endeavor worth the effort.<br />
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We turned the film in (calling it <b>Lost and Found</b>), and it will screen with the rest of the films in Screening Group C on September 7th. But for our own benefit and education, we will be re-cutting the film, without reference to the running time limits, so that we can have a version of the film that works better. And THAT VERSION is the one I will post here for you to watch, whenever that is.<br />
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But in the interim, again, I loved the experience. Working with my daughters was amazing. I'll remember it forever.<br />
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Here are some photos!<br />
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<i>Our Cast: Megan, Kate, Ruslan, Laine, Ryan's arm, and just off the photo to the right, Andrew!</i></div>
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<i>Ryan filming Kate in the blazing heat - a shot we ultimately couldn't use...</i></div>
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<i>Andrew playing with weapons, while Megan looks wistful...</i></div>
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<i>Some of my grandfather's WW2-era items we used as props in the film.</i></div>
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<i>Ryan Etzel: Fearless Director</i></div>
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<i>Andrew Kearns: Fantastic, endlessly-amusing actor.</i></div>
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<i>Andrew conquered the back yard as well!</i></div>
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<i>Ruslan and Kate working on the ending scene, with our 2-camera set-up in play...</i></div>
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<i>Katie and Jon, enjoying their time on set. (I'm photobombing in the mirror...)</i></div>
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Again, I loved the experience, and I look forward to the next film we get to make together. We're working on new ideas already...<br />
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Now that the play and the 48 are behind me, I can re-focus on BTI-related filming, and finishing up the Momentum script with Rob Dey. Plus, the Christmas play at Mt. Zion looms!<br />
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Maybe we'll do a Christmas film instead...<br />
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All that to say, these are great (though busy) days! Can't wait to see what comes next!<br />
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Take care, y'all.<br />
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Dave the DaveDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-62851855029479756682016-08-06T20:39:00.002-07:002016-08-06T20:43:09.317-07:00Why Yes, My Mind is Like a Beehive! Thanks For Noticing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Behold, the calm before the storm... or maybe its the clam... I don't know... Bah, I shouldn't have mentioned the clam... that's so shellfish of me...<br />
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Greetings, ladies and gentlemen...<br />
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As I write this, we're less than a week away from opening night on Final Hour, the play I'm staging with the Great Andrew Ian, and a wonderful cast. Am I nervous? Hard to say... it comes and goes, you know? Some days I think there's nothing I couldn't do... other days? Hide me under the bed, lol...<br />
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My focus with my cast has always been on the journey to the stage, rather than the final product... not that I don't care how the final product comes out, I do. I want it to be awesome, of course. But beyond that, my hope the whole time has been that we gel, as a group of artists, and enjoy the ride together, learning and having fun, so that we can take from the journey things that will help us out in future productions. Sounds hipsterish, I know (especially the part where I said "my cast", lol... how pretentious)... but nevertheless, it's what I feel. It's pretty remarkable what we've been able to put together in these 6 weeks between the first rehearsal and the opening performance. I'm proud of these people; I've certainly pushed them...<br />
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Anyways, if you're reading this in San Diego and I haven't talked to you in person about the details, you can get the info at my resurrected website <b>Wagnervana</b>. I brought it back and made it my main site for info on the play (and will switch it whenever a new play is in the works). Check it out, and come see us this next weekend in La Mesa! Tickets are cheap!<br />
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<a href="http://www.wagnervana.com/">WAGNERVANA WEBSITE.</a><br />
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The rest of what has kept me occupied remains the same as the previous post in June. Ryan E. and I are officially a team for the 48 Hour Film Festival, all registered and entered and stuff. Our team name is Operation Kino (a reference that the Tarantino fans among you will recognize). We have some great equipment, an eager crew, a couple of great locations, and access to some strong acting talent. It's an ideal situation, actually, since we're on no one's radar... we may just sneak into the theater with our film and "blow it up", you know? lol... or not.. depends on the genre we pull... but Ryan is a strong writer (a strong film maker all the way around, actually...). Between the two of us, we should be able to generate a strong script. We'll see!<br />
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Still finishing up work on the Momentum script (which has been renamed, actually, but I won't say the new title yet!). I love it. Once I get on the other side of the play and the 48, we'll focus on it in full. Would love to share info with you on it now... but I can't. Soon!<br />
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BTI is still set to kick into high gear throughout Sept and Oct. Lots of great news on that front as well, which will have to wait to be relayed to you as well. Here's some new artwork, though, which I love... and a recent (partial) cast photo...<br />
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The way my black T-shirt is hanging forward, it makes it look like I've put on 50 lbs, lol... I'm not chubby, it's just the shirt... I'm actually in good shape...<br />
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I've had to bump production on my short film Head Hunter into next year.<br />
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Other stuff percolating in the background which I may unload on you soonish. Check back for updates!<br />
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I hope you're all doing well.<br />
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Come see Final Hour!<br />
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Adios for now,<br />
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Dave the Borderline-FrazzledDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-64204467223826279752016-06-29T00:05:00.004-07:002016-06-29T00:28:33.605-07:00A Raft of Updates - These Are "The Good Days."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello there...<br />
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June has passed by and I haven't been in here once... of course, that's mainly because I'm super busy! I shall avoid lamenting my absence, and instead update you on all the crazy things I've been doing...<br />
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First off, I have my cast set for <b>FINAL HOUR</b>, which is the play that the Great Andrew Ian and I are producing here in San Diego, for Lamplighter's Community Theater in La Mesa..<br />
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Here, check out a version of the poster art I've been tinkering with...<br />
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I'm trying different variations and different artwork... You're the first people to see it so far! You can't get tickets yet, which is why I haven't blasted this across Facebook yet... I don't want people to go to the Lamplighter's website until we're at least showing up on their calendar, and you can buy a ticket!<br />
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I love my cast. I'm super pleased with the rest of the people involved... I can't wait for rehearsals to start in earnest, right after 4th of July. We had our initial cast meeting and table read last weekend. I was all giddy!<br />
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Next update: <b>Momentum</b><br />
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The full script is almost finished (the first draft, anyway), and there are things afoot that I probably shouldn't mention at this point (at least until I confer with the illustrious Rob Dey to see what I should and shouldn't talk about online), but I can say that I *may* have some exciting news to share about this project soon...<br />
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Next update: <b>BTI</b><br />
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Filming continues on Beyond the Impact, and every new batch of footage gets better than the last... Jeff's plans are evolving and expanding in ways that will surprise many people, I guarantee it... I'm still going to the combat training classes each week - I'm probably in better shape now than I have been in my entire life. Just had Boxing and Conditioning classes today after work... I will sleep well tonight, I know... Anyways, I know BTI will be worth the wait. Trust me, it would be unwise to rush this... we need to get it right.<br />
<br />
Next update: <b>the 48 Hour Film Festival</b><br />
<br />
So my good friend Ryan E. and I are assembling a film team, with an eye toward making short films and feature films locally. Part of that process is to set our sights on participating in the 48 Hour Film Festival in August. This past Sunday (after the table read for Final Hour) a couple of the actors stayed with us for an extra couple of hours, while we shot a short script that Ryan had written, which he is editing this week, as a test to see what we can accomplish with the tools and people we have at hand... the idea being that we can then find out where our weaknesses are and shore them up (if needed) over the next few weeks.<br />
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<i>Megan, Jon, Katie and Ryan, on set last weekend...</i></div>
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My Eldest and Middle Daughters are part of the film team, as well as Katie's significant other Jon A. Katie is our Director of Photography, Chris is our Assistant Director and Jon is our sound guy. I can't tell you how happy I am that my sweeties want to participate. We'll make it a family business! Plus, we've secured a fabulous location to shoot the 48 at, and I've got WAAAY too many actors and actresses that want to work with us on it... Ryan wants to keep it smallish this time around, so it will be hard to decide who to use and who to save for other film projects we want to do next...<br />
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Next Update: <b>Head Hunter</b><br />
<br />
Actually, the hope is to use the team we're creating to film my first short film <b>Head Hunter</b> in the Fall sometime. I already have my cast set, and the script is ready to rock. When we get closer, I'll give y'all more info.<br />
<br />
There are other things coming, including our next play (called <b>Best Dressed Guest</b>, in October), the Christmas play at Mt. Zion, and a potentially huge and exciting screenwriting project that I can't talk about yet. So wow... everything is firing on all cylinders for me, as far as entertainment stuff. It's very humbling. I feel ridiculously blessed. I want to hold it all in an open hand before God... hey, He gives, He takes away, right? I want to enjoy it all while it's here, but be ready for whatever He wants to do...<br />
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All that to say, these are The Good Days...<br />
<br />
Here, watch this video of <i>Bo Burnham</i>, from his latest show Make Happy (on Netflix at the moment)... it has a little bit of language in it here and there, but try to ignore it if that bothers you... I don't want to spoil it for you, just watch it. Trust me, it goes from irreverent to powerful in a beautiful way...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rYy0o-J0x20?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Man, I must have watched that a hundred times... the full show has some cool stuff, but that ending - as well as the song he plays backstage after this segment here - is almost staggering to me. The honesty. I love it. I want to emulate that, with the stuff I do...<br />
<br />
One thing I've been doing very little of lately is novel reading... my fiction intake has tapered off dramatically. I hope I'm not losing the reading bug! I still have like 400 more unread books in my digital library, and about 50 others I want to read again!<br />
<br />
OK, I guess that's all for now. I hope you're all doing great. I'm riding high, it's a great feeling. I'd love to know y'all are riding high as well...<br />
<br />
Adios for now,<br />
<br />
Dave, from the CloudsDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-3421047024446938242016-05-24T00:14:00.000-07:002016-05-24T00:17:58.599-07:00Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Well, hello there!<br />
<br />
Just thought I'd pop in here and drop an update into the quiet ether here in my bloggy blog. If I lay it in here softly enough, no one will ever know I was here! I'm so sneaky like that!<br />
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First things first - the dates have been set for my first play, called "<b>Final Hour</b>". It's the story of a talk radio host who gets a piece of staggering personal news right before going on the air for the final hour of his Friday night show - and how he processes the blow while also doing his job. It will be performed three times, at the <a href="http://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/index.html">Lamplighters Theater</a> in La Mesa, on August 12, 13 and 14. Beginning the casting process as we speak - when I get the cast set, I'll let you all know.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I'm super excited about it. Granted, I've been producing plays locally at Mt. Zion Fellowship every year since the late nineties, so in a way, it's old hat. And yet, this will be the first time I produce a play that people will pay money to see. But I'm not worried - I'm confident that the material is strong, and I'm quite pleased with the lead actor, and I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on the cast (so to speak).<br />
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Nearing completion on "<b>Momentum</b>", my first feature screenplay. Can't wait to put a bow on that script... and begin the re-writes! Who knows if it will make it all the way into production... still, the process has been very enjoyable and rewarding. When it's done, I will leak it online for you all to read! (just kidding, Rob)...<br />
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We'll be filming this upcoming weekend for <b>BTI</b>. I know I keep saying this, but man, wait until you see the next segment of BTI... it's going to blow you away...<br />
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<i>Majestic Cat approves...</i></div>
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Still assembling my team to film <b>Head Hunter</b>, which is the short film I'm hoping to direct in the early fall. I'll share more info on that when it makes sense to do so. In a way, I want to keep the film quiet until I release it, then hopefully catch everyone off-guard with how awesome it will be...<br />
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Still up in the air about whether to put together a crew for the <b>48 Hour Film Festival</b> this year... I may co-lead a team with my friend Ryan... or just join someone else's team as an actor and/or writer... I have a lot on my plate (and more lined up, looking for plate space), so it might make sense to hold off leading a 48 Team until next summer...<br />
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All that, and my "idea file" is overflowing with ideas for plays, short films, features, series', radio shows, stand-up comedy bits and novels... I have a lot of avenues of creative expression operating at the moment - which is why my blog is suffering....<br />
<br />
But at least there's this...<br />
<br />
It's an episode of <b>Marc Maron's podcast with Louis CK</b>, where Louis discusses the creation of his internet web series called "Horace and Pete"... and I found the discussion deeply, almost overwhelmingly inspiring... It is a very long episode, and I don't really expect that you'll listen to the whole thing (or any of it, really)... but as I sink deeper into the mindset of film-making and storytelling, I find discussions like this endlessly fascinating...<br />
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There is some profanity in the interview. And honestly, I haven't seen Horace and Pete, and likely won't see it (because I don't find the content appealing), but the process of taking a show from concept to finish, and making your own rules up as you go, was awesome to me.<br />
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For those that want something a little more mainstream to enjoy, here is <b>Groucho Marx</b> on the <b>Dick Cavet Show</b>, back in the day...<br />
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That's another long video... almost and hour... still, worth a watch, I think!<br />
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Groucho was The Man.<br />
<br />
So I finally saw another movie in the theater! The last film I saw was <b>Hateful Eight</b>, back on the last day of 2015... yesterday I went to see <b>Captain America: Civil War</b>, with wifey. It was as fantastic as I'd hoped it would be - I liked it a lot. They handled so many character so very well, it was a real joy. I loved how they handled Spiderman, and look forward to seeing more of that character in the future. Lots of great moments, and great lines of dialog... me likey.<br />
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On the book front, I finally finished my re-read of <i>Brandon Sanderson</i>'s <b>Mistborn Trilogy</b>. I loved it again, this second time through... but honestly, I only re-read the series so that I could read the latest title that Sanderson released, called <b>Secret History</b> (cover shown), which is sort of an addendum to the Mistborn Trilogy, and answers some nagging questions left after the series was finished - mostly concerning Kelsier, and what happened to him after he died... I won't spoil the story, in case you want to read this title, but I will say that I found it oddly shallow and lacking... a bit of a disappointment.<br />
<br />
But hey, at least I got to experience the original trilogy over again, which was nice. Sanderson is one of my favorite authors (<b>Reckoners </b>notwithstanding... bleh...).<br />
<br />
Let's see, what else?<br />
<br />
I went on a road trip for about a week, back to Albuquerque, to visit my always-interesting inlaws. The occasion was a high school graduation... as taxing as those ceremonies can be, I was shocked at how painless this one was... I was expecting several hours of uninspired speeches and endless names of no one that I knew (save one, of course), but they ran a tight show, and we were in an out - speeches, names and all - in about 45 minutes! Extremely efficient.<br />
<br />
Had a great drive out there and back again (in my new car!) with my Eldest Daughter. She introduced me to a local band she's acquainted with, called <b>After the Fall</b>, and I love their music. The lead singer has a classic 80's rock voice (like I grew up with), and it's married to the more modern harder-rock sound, and I absolutely love it.<br />
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Here, check this song out... it's epic...<br />
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Love love love that song. Majestic Cat approves as well...<br />
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Lots of stuff on the horizon. I shall do my best to update more frequently. I hope you're all doing well...<br />
<br />
Adios for now,<br />
<br />
Dave, Living the DreamDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-69421519463636967022016-04-23T21:27:00.001-07:002016-04-24T23:43:38.619-07:00"Recalcitrant" is a Great Word to Wedge into a Blog Title<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Location, location, location!<br />
<br />
Hello world!<br />
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OK, that was a gross, optimism-fueled exaggeration. I know only 3 people read this blog, not the whole world... but that's ok! Because you three fine folks mean the world to me! So there!<br />
<br />
:O - BUUURRPP!!!<br />
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Wow... excuse me. That was quite, quite rude on my part.<br />
<br />
So, again, another month passes, like the winds of winter, and I stumble in here to sweep out the cobwebs, check my answering machine, make sure the blog's pipes didn't burst and flood the place while I was away... and (obviously) to open the windows and let some fresh air in here!<br />
<br />
Alas, my life remains quite thoroughly entrenched in routine... in fact, so much so that now, my iPhone even taunts me about it. My weekly routine has become so predictable, when I get in the car and start it up, my phone chimes and lets me know what traffic conditions are like on the route I'm going to drive... it knows my route without me even having to tell it. It's eerie... I don't know how that feature became active on my phone, but for the past month, every time I drive, it knows where I'm headed, and how long it will take me to get there...<br />
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I don't know whether to be amused or unnerved by that...<br />
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So what have I been up to? Work, writing and combat training. That's the short answer. Sprinkle in church and Minecraft, and a slow mosey through the Mistborn Trilogy (Brandon Sanderson) and that pretty much spells out the entire life recipe for me. Pop it into the oven for 25 minutes at 450 degrees, let it cool, slice and serve! That's my life!<br />
<br />
I did trade into a new 2016 Sentra since we last spoke. The lease was up on my 2013, so I rolled into a new one. I like it, although I had to settle for less options... bye-bye BOSE stereo (*sob*) and NAV system! Oh well, first world problems... not sure what they did to the new Sentras, but I'm averaging 45 mpg on this bad boy... Also, I got my new license plates, and the three-letter combo on the plates is SNT... initially, I thought, "Cool, my plate says SAINT!" But then I thought "Well, unless it really means SNOT instead..."<br />
<br />
I've been telling myself since last August that as soon as I got into a new car, I'd start going up to LA again, to acting classes with the Magnificent Rob Adler... but I'm dragging my feet... that drive.... I've kind of gotten used to not driving 250 miles round trip through hellacious traffic.... we'll see...<br />
<br />
So, Prince died. Normally, when someone famous passes, I'm, at most, mildly nonplussed about it. I mean, bummer, right? But I normally don't lose my head over it. Sounds callous, I know, sorry. But for some reason, I'm disproportionately bummed by Prince's passing. His musical talent was gargantuan. I've always loved his performance at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, where he played While My Guitar Gently Weeps, on stage with a bunch of musical legends... and stole the show with perhaps the best guitar solo I've ever heard...<br />
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I always routinely watch this clip in any case, but since Prince died, I've been watching it a ton. I just love it. It's inspiring to me. Makes me want to create.<br />
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I read somewhere that Prince has over 2,000 original songs stashed away in his "vault", along with dozens of fully-produced music videos... man, I wonder when those will see the light of day? No denying he was a musical powerhouse...<br />
<br />
Shifting gears...<br />
<br />
Still assembling my crew, cast and funding for a short film I want to shoot soon. One more major piece to put in place, and then I can start table reads and location scouting... fun things soon!<br />
<br />
BTI filming will very soon kick into high gear.<br />
<br />
Still stuck in limbo, as far as producing original plays for a local theater I mentioned in a previous post... Still waiting to get the final thumbs-up from them. Either way, I'm getting some fun stage scripts out of it... When I get news on that, I'll let you know as well.<br />
<br />
And I'm still working on the screenplay for the Momentum feature - and honestly, I love love love the script. It's been so much fun working on it.<br />
<br />
I may head a team for the 48 Hour Film Festival this year as well... depends on a number of factors, which I won't bore you with at the moment. But if the pieces fall into place, I may dive in and see what happens. The 48 is in August this year. If I don't head a crew, I'll (hopefully) join another team as an actor and go from there. Either way, I'd like to participate again.<br />
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Entering into Birthday Season in the Wagner Household. Within days, Eldest Daughter, Wifey and Brother John will all have birthdays... not to mention my good friend Jeff P.! He's technically not part of the household, but he's like a brother to me! So I think that should count...<br />
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And now, Tom Hanks steals an iPad...<br />
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That smirk at the end is golden...<br />
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I've never been much for wanting to meet famous people -- I mean, what's in it for them, right? I get to tell people I met someone famous, and they get to smile and immediately forget me... just another in a vast sea of addled faces they encounter daily... that being said, I think I'd actually like to meet Tom Hanks... he seems like a genuinely awesome individual.<br />
<br />
I've given up on GOTHAM. Man, after that gushing, glowing review I gave the show for Season One, the show took a dramatic turn for the worse. It's barely watchable anymore... *sigh*<br />
<br />
Well, I suppose that's enough of that. I think the blog has been sufficiently aired out for now. I hope to be back sooner rather than later.<br />
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Take care!<br />
<br />
Dave the WaywardDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-53107057965439384432016-03-26T19:59:00.002-07:002016-03-26T19:59:56.236-07:00Popping In, Goofing Off and Popping Out Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's see if I can sneak back in here, hands in pockets, whistling, and pretend that I haven't been an absentee bloggist for such a long stretch... "Oh, hey, sorry, I lost the address to this blog, and my GPS was wonky, so I couldn't find my way back here!"<br />
<br />
Hello to anyone who might have likewise wandered in here! It's me, Dave the Meanderthal! Do you remember me? Remember what I look like? Goofy, lumbering white nerd, big nose, bad posture? Remember?<br />
<br />
Here's a photo, to jar your memory...<br />
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Partially hiding behind a giant bag of Smartfood... I eat it all the time now... you know, to get smarter...<br />
<br />
I can feel it working! MUAHAHAHAH!!!<br />
<br />
So, I was wondering if you were wondering if I was wondering if you were wondering what I've been doing the past [grumble grumble] weeks while I've been MIA?<br />
<br />
Here is this short answer, in the form of a handy list....<br />
<br />
<b><u>List Of Things Dave Has Been Up To Of Late:</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Combat Training</b>: Kicking my butt. But the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The main drawback, of course, being general soreness and perpetual state of butt-kickedness. The benefits are that I'm getting in better shape, and my confidence is increasing, and hey, I'm learning a new skill, which is cool, seeing as how it sort of undercuts the whole "can't teach an old dog new tricks" truism... I won't be able to post any video footage of my training, however... you'll need to wait to see the results on the screen when we finish shooting the next section of BTI...</li>
<li><b>Writing</b>: My main writing projects at the moment are Momentum (with/for the esteemed Rob Dey) and a pair of play scripts which will hopefully be produced locally (with/for the esteemed Andrew Ian). </li>
<li><b>Short Film</b>: A script I wrote last December for a short film is moving into pre-production. It's exciting for me, since I'm using it as a chance to learn what it's like to helm a film project. I get to pick my own team, involve people that I want to work with (on both sides of the camera), see what all the steps are and take the complete ride from concept to screen (knock on wood). I really hope it will actually happen. Going to be a bit tight-lipped about the details for now...</li>
<li><b>Easter</b>: By the time you read this (if ever, lol), this year's Easter production will be overwith (it happens tomorrow, as I type this), and it will be difficult to explain. We will, however, be video-taping it, so I will hopefully post it up here for your amusement/edification. </li>
<li><b>Daredevil</b>: I've been working my way through the second season of Daredevil on Netflix, and I have to say, it holds it's own. It's nowhere near as awesome as the first season, but it does have some solid elements going for it, most notably that of Jon Bernthal's terrific performance as Frank Castle (aka The Punisher). Of the returning cast, I still wish I could punch Foggy in his face, and I could do without Karen Page - honestly, two of the least appealing main characters in any show I've ever seen. But Charlie Cox is a great Daredevil, and Scott Glenn is fantastic as Stick. All in all, a solid show with some great moments... but the writing/dialog was far weaker this season.</li>
<li><b>Mistborn Trilogy</b>: I've been re-reading this series by Brandon Sanderson, and it's as awesome as I remember it was. The problem, of course, is that I keep occasionally adding more books from my wishlist to my collection (you know, when they drop to $1.99 for the day or some such), and my collection grows and grows.... it will literally take me years to read them all... </li>
<li><b>Diablo 3/Minecraft</b>: Of course.</li>
</ul>
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So I know this pretty much goes without saying, since I'm sure just about all of you agree with me... but what the heck is going on with the Presidential race this year? Really? Trump and Hillary? If there are two people on the face of the earth I would want for President LESS than those two, I don't know who it would be. Trump is a buffoon and Hillary is a liar. I'll take Obama for a third term, please.<br />
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Honestly, I don't know what I'm going to do, come November...<br />
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There's a new skate video featuring the truly unique, creative skills of skater Richie Jackson. The music is annoying (so mute it), but the 6-minute video is well worth watching.<br />
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My life has settled into a comfortable routine, centered around the combat training elements... the days are sliding by, which is both good and not-so-good, I suppose... good in that I'm enjoying things, and bad in that when I do occasionally come up for a breath, I see that weeks have passed... I don't get in here much, but I haven't forgotten the blog or you... just know that I'm doing fine and plugging along... if/when something happens that I feel you'd enjoy reading about, I'll pop in here, but really, there's no way of knowing when that will be.<br />
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I trust things are going well for you on your end.<br />
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Take care.<br />
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Dave the Goof, signing offDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-73310536038332240532016-02-19T23:28:00.001-08:002016-02-20T00:43:29.403-08:00The Clam Before the Storm (aka Feeling a Little Shellfish)....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My body is revolting!<br />
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Hang on, let me explain....<br />
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So, for the past few weeks, I (and a handful of other members of the cast of a certain webseries I'm rather intimately involved with) have been undergoing combat training, in preparation for something we are likely going to shoot soon... If you're wondering why I've been silent here in this blog for the past (almost) month, this is why. For the most part, I lead a fairly sedentary existence. I work out with a physical trainer once per week, which consists of 10-15 minutes of cardio warm-up (usually jumping rope), followed by thirty minutes of fairly strenuous weigh-based activity... it has kept me from getting too potato-like, but that's about it...<br />
<br />
But now... lol...<br />
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The combat training regimen increased that to 4 days per week: 3 hours M, W and Th, and a 90 minute class on Saturday... this covers strength training, endurance conditioning, boxing, self defense, aikido, judo, fight choreography, reaction training, grappling, knife fighting, throws/flips and more. My body is nowhere near used to anything even close to this level of frequency and intensity; therefore, it is revolting...<br />
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I am overflowing with aches, pains, soreness and various other clear indicators that my body is not amused... but I am determined! I will persevere and endure and learn it all, even if it destroys me!<br />
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It's actually a very fascinating endeavor. The hardest part for me is trying to learn so much at once. It's like trying to learn all 12 grades of math at the same time. I'm learning about geometry and algebra when I'm also trying to learn to count to 10... compounding this problem is that rather sizable disconnect that exists between my eyes/brain and my body. Meaning, I can see something and understand it, but getting my body to do it is a whole other story, lol...<br />
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But I have that same problem in other areas of my life, so it's not new. In acting class, I can hear a concept, see it demonstrated, understand it... and then when I try to do it and watch the video-taped results, I see that I missed it by a mile, even if it felt like I nailed it. That connection between "how it feels" and "how it actually looks", has been my nemesis for some time, and still is. The good part is that one of the lessons I'm learning with all the combat training is that it is imperative to relax. When you tense up, it causes no end of problems... Your balance is off, you're easier to injure, your power flees, you can't think straight, you can't see what your opponent is doing, you're unaware of what your own body is doing... but when you relax, you can see and think much more clearly, and you can be infinitely more aware of what your body is doing...<br />
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I don't want to wax long-winded about this here, though I feel I could write at length very easily if I wanted to. I will say that learning to relax and observe and be aware of "right now" is something I'm eager to try in other parts of my life. Being tense and thinking about 10 things at once is sort of the way I've approached every part of my life, since my youth.<br />
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All that to say, I'm usually so spent when I get home that I veg for a while, and then go to bed. Hence, no blog updating...<br />
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That's the major bit of blog fodder I wanted to hit, but by no means is it the only bit... The BTI production continues on its strange and multi-faceted journey, rife with wonders and perils and head-scratchers and powerful memories... Usually, trying to understand everything and make sense of it all is an exercise in neurotic frustration for me, which (I'm sure) gets on the nerves of others on the project, but I'm trying to apply the above-mentioned relaxed approach to handling all things BTI-related without getting so high-strung... I'm just going to roll with it and see where it goes.<br />
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Beyond the BTI train, I have a meeting next week with Andrew and the board of the local theater I mentioned in a previous post, and we're going to discuss setting the schedule for the year, as far as original plays we'll be able to produce for them. Looks like it's actually going to happen! If any of you need me to give your regards to Broadway, let me know.<br />
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Also, there's the possibility of getting to film a short screenplay I wrote back in December. Lots of great info I'd like to share about that, but I won't, on the strong, sage advice of my good friend Jeff P., who has convinced me that, all things considered, when it comes to producing entertainment of various kinds, keep as much secret as possible, and then when you spring it on people, it catches them wonderfully off-guard.<br />
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Plus, Easter is fast approaching, and we have a project idea for that at church as well.<br />
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Lots of stuff going on!<br />
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So sometimes I buy a book, thinking it will be a particular shade of awesome, and start to read it... and then it isn't anything like I thought it would be, so I stop. An undisclosed length of time will pass, and I will see the book again (in my library, or a review, etc.)... and I will contemplate reading it again, my mind reverting to that initial idea of what I hope(d) the book would be... and I start reading it again, apparently somehow hoping that it magically transformed into the book I was hoping it was! And obviously, I stop reading it again! It's the same "miss" it was before!<br />
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I wonder why I do that?<br />
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I do it with movies, TV shows, songs/albums, games... I get intrigued by the idea of something entertainment-related, begin to interact with it, have a rude awakening, give up on it and move on... and then much later, contemplate it again, and hope that if I dive in again, it will be as awesome as I wanted it to be before... that I was wrong the first time....<br />
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What causes that? It's a weird sort of optimism-based psychosis of some kind...<br />
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I think I do that with certain people, too... I meet someone, form an opinion on who they are based on initial impressions plus wishful thinking and educated guesses etc, then as I get to know them, I find out they aren't like I hoped they would be, and so I phase them out (stop reading them, if you will)... and after time passes and I reconnect with them somehow, I revert to what I hoped they were, and proceed again as though it will be different now, magically! But usually, people are still who they are, and so they get phased out again... it repeats...<br />
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My wife has a zero tolerance policy with most people. Burn her or disappoint her once, that's it, you're done. For me? I can get hurt by someone and eventually try being friends again... nothing to do with forgiveness (not trying to be all altruistic or anything), it's that weird self-delusional hope that somehow I got it wrong before and they really are awesome after all! Somehow, the fault was mine all along!<br />
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Weird.<br />
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Oddly, the reason this came to my mind was the fact that I reinstalled Diablo 3 recently, to play it again. It's been 3 years since I last played it and gave up on it. Here's the funny thing... the game has been patched and updated and tweaked so much in the past three years, it has become the game I hoped it would be initially! It's like a whole new game! Basically, it has become the exception to the rule, somehow proving that my shameless optimism actually worked this time, and the game "changed itself"... I like it now, whereas before I didn't...<br />
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Life is strange.<br />
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If I ever need to cry, I look at this photo... it rips me to pieces every time... including right now...<br />
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So it's been a wild past few weeks. If somehow you find yourself reading this far into this post, thank you. I hope you're doing well. I'm peachy. This is such an interesting chapter in my life, I'm really enjoying it. Rich, robust, productive, promising... I can't wait to see what happens next...<br />
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I'm going to risk making the non-religious readers of this blog feel a bit awkward for a moment, and say, "I hope God richly blesses you as well."<br />
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Take care,<br />
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Dave the RelaxedDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-9599963454631526732016-01-23T19:59:00.002-08:002016-01-23T20:32:29.367-08:00In Which I Number the Israelites and Analyze My New-found Boringness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
And now for something completely different!<br />
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Yes, I occasionally borrow shamelessly from Monty Python... why not borrow from the best?<br />
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Anyways, and now, a man with three buttocks...<br />
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So, yeah, hi everyone.... it's me.... Dave....<br />
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So after finishing the latest script for the first (of many, I hope) of my new plays that I hope will be produced locally here in San Diego, I got it in my head to assemble all of the stuff I've written into one place, and print it all out so I have hardcopies of everything. Why? I don't know... because? So I can admire the works of my hands, and number the Israelites and other subtly proud motives... I've been writing plays and skits (and now screenplays) since the mid-nineties, and short fiction & poetry since well before that, but I've never been too careful about cataloging/preserving it all.<br />
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Anyways, take a peek...<br />
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The black two-inch binder on the bottom is all of the Christmas/Easter plays I've written (20 titles), each ranging from 20-minute run time to 45-minutes, approximately. The blue three-inch binder is the other full-length plays I've written (60+ minutes run time) along with the finished screen-plays, with the exception of Pursuing Peace, which I wrote in 2004 (and we made into a movie, using the youth from our church as the cast), which I wrote in MS Word... I'm converting it to proper screenplay formatting in Adobe Story... after it's done, I'll print it and add it here. Obviously, this doesn't include the unfinished works in progress... And the orange folder is all of the skits, reader's theaters and monologues I've written...<br />
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Whew!<br />
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Of course, my two unfinished novels are not represented... I hope someday to finish them both...<br />
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So what prompted all of this? Well, aside from the fact that I've always wanted to do it, a couple weeks back, when Andrew and I met with the theater representative about the idea of producing plays, I was in a position where I had to sort of sell myself. And as I talked about all the work I've done over the past two decades, the guy seemed a bit hesitant to believe me. I guess people don't normally generate the amount of work I have... It's not like a brag, it just is what it is. I do plays every year -- it's just what I do, no biggie. I enjoy it. Anyways, after the meeting, I thought, "What if he asks to see my work? What could I show him?" So now I'm ready, if a meeting is called where I need to prove my prolificity.<br />
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See? A real writer makes up his own words!<br />
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Honestly, I'm not even sure this is all of it. Some stuff might have slipped through the cracks over the years...<br />
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Anyway, I had about 6 or 7 ideas for new plays, and the first of them is called <b>Final Hour</b>, which I wrote the first week of January. It's about a radio talk show host who is caught off guard by some staggering personal news right before he's set to go on the air for the final hour of his show. It's about how he processes the blow while still doing his job. Obviously, there's a lot more to it than that, but that gives you an idea. I think it's one of the best things I've ever written, actually. If the theater OK's us producing plays, that's the one we'll lead with...<br />
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But I'm working on the next one as we speak... I want to crank them out while the enthusiasm is there...<br />
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I found yet another YouTube channel with filmcraft-related videos that are amazing. The channel is called <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjFqcJQXGZ6T6sxyFB-5i6A">Every Frame A Painting</a></b>, and it's well-worth your browse time. Who needs film school when content like this is available?<br />
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Each of these videos discusses aspects of directing and/or film making that are so inspiring to me. I tell ya, if/when I finally get a chance to direct a film, I'm going to be so ready... I can't wait. In fact, my idea file for short films and features is overflowing already... even moreso than my play idea file...<br />
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Who knows! If you want a part, let me know and I'll write you in!<br />
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I can't believe I never knew about Curt's new hat... thanks Curt!<br />
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What else?<br />
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Well, the new year has only just begun, but I've already finished reading two books and am on my third... <b>Sunset Mantle</b> was quite good, <b>Way Station</b> pretty tepid, but both were brief reads (200-300 pages)... now I'm reading a crazily-creative fantasy book called <b>Three Parts Dead</b>, which has more interesting ideas than I can shake a bookmark at... including this little nugget... <i>"He contacted Kelethras via nightmare courier two days ago."</i><br />
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"Nightmare courier", lol... I love it! Imagine being able to send someone a message while they dream, via a sudden nightmare? I don't know, perhaps it's been done before in other books, but that's a new concept to me... very fun...<br />
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I'm not watching as much lately... got one episode into <b>Vikings</b>... I know it's supposed to be awesome, so I'll give it enough of a shot before deciding. I watched<b> Ex Machina</b> (finally) and liked it well enough. Not sure it deserves all the hype it got, but I certainly don't regret watching it. And I've moved onto season 2 of <b>Broadchurch</b>... the first season was sooooo good. Man, those Brits can act. I read an article recently that says more and more acting roles are going to European actors over American actors, because differences in skill levels are becoming more pronounced... not sure about that, but dang, <i>David Tennant</i> can act his butt off. He's rapidly becoming one of my favorite actors. That whole cast in Broadchurch is fantastic...<br />
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I was pulling up random blog posts from my archive yesterday... man, I used to be really goofy... no wonder my blog used to be more popular than it is today... I've really mellowed out, unfortunately. I've been pondering why, and I have a theory....<br />
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I started taking acting classes in March of 2013. That's also when I decided to get braces on my teeth, and also got a new car. That all came out of a very tough year I had leading up to that. I always had a rather profound sense of dissatisfaction about myself and life in general, which produced an underlying sense of "life panic", for lack of a better phrase. It meant I was prone to bursts of depression and mania... I would lose myself in goofiness and entertainment, because I desperately needed to escape from myself, and laugh at things, since I think I lacked the maturity to face life full on. It was like bubbling lava just under the surface of my life, which heated me and my output.<br />
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So in deciding to pursue my acting dream, and get my teeth fixed and try to become a professional actor/writer, it has calmed that manic undercurrent. I feel far more solid underneath, less "on the edge"... it's a double-edged sword, I think... on the one hand, that crazy creativity that came out of my extreme sense of dissatisfaction has tapered way off... but I feel so much better about life and about myself... I feel like life-long dreams are becoming a reality...<br />
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So while I enjoy going back and re-reading some of the older blog posts, it is with a certain amount of nostalgic wistfulness... I'm sure that's part of the reason far fewer people come here to read this blog anymore... look how boring I am now!!!<br />
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Such is life, I suppose. Trade one level of creativity for another, eh?<br />
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Going to get back to working on my next script. I'll let you know how things develop!<br />
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Adios for now,<br />
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Dave the Older, Wiser, and More BoringDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-53745408328337777142016-01-11T20:07:00.001-08:002016-01-11T20:15:52.636-08:00Will You Play Upon This Pipe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Well, hello everyone!<br />
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It's a new year, eh! Same as the old year?<br />
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Maybe, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, for me... Yeah, that sounds selfish, I know... but hey, I can't talk about you with any authority! I don't know how things are going with you, you never talk to me anymore! Remember when we used to hang out, and, like, go on picnics and ride skateboards at the beach and eat spaghetti? Remember!? What happened!?<br />
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I guess we grew apart. *sigh*<br />
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But it's a new year! Let us renew our friendship! To keep things simple, my friendship can be purchased for a reasonable price... I accept cash gifts, as well as Amazon Gift Cards! I'll use it to buy more books! Which I will, of course, go off by myself to read... it's a vicious circle, really...<br />
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So, what's new, then?<br />
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Well, the most exciting tidbit of news that is consuming me of late regards theater acting... The Illustrious Andrew Ian and I are in talks with a local 100-seat theater here in Beautiful San Diego, to produce original plays, to be performed in their down time between big productions. I would write and likely direct them, at least initially, which is sort of a win-win for everyone involved. It's a beautiful space - when I saw it, the possibilities blossomed in my brainpan. I'm already working on (and am almost finished with) the first of a half-dozen scripts for play ideas I had. I can't give too many details yet, since the board at the theater has yet to sign off on it, but it looks like this year might see Andrew and I making an entrance into the local theater scene.<br />
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I know my focus these past two decades has been on spiritual themes (read: I write church-friendly plays), so those that know me may wonder if I'll be writing secular plays now, or sticking to church stuff. Well, yes and no... I think I've found a sweet spot in the middle, with secular characters and settings, which hit themes that can be considered spiritual. Sort of like the Christmas play we just did (called "Out There"), which you can watch in the previous blog post, if you'd like. Non-religious people dealing with things that include spiritual, philosophical aspects.<br />
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More info as it evolves.<br />
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As far as <b>Beyond the Impact</b>, excitement levels are ramping up on the cast and crew, as the scope of the project intensifies and expands. It truly is amazing, as Jeff and his inner circle put piece after impressive piece into place. Of course, Jeff is increasingly concerned about keeping details under wraps, and I know he occasionally reads this very blog, so I will leave it there. Let's just say, no one is ready for this... MUAHAHAHAH!!!<br />
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Also, movie-related. I went on opening day to catch a matinee of Quentin Tarantino's latest film, <b>The Hateful Eight</b>. And I wrote a review of the film, which the Glorious <b>Two Gay Geeks</b>, Ben and Kieth, posted on their website for their millions of fans to read! If you'd like to read my thoughts on the film, by all means, head over there and check it out! <a href="http://tggeeks.com/blog/2016/01/04/the-hateful-eight-a-review-by-david-wagner/">HERE is the link</a>!<br />
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And <a href="http://tggeeks.com/blog/">while you're there</a>, catch the latest podcast. They're all great fun to listen to. I'm a big fan (even though I'm pretty sure I annoy Kieth... sorry Kieth!).<br />
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I guess one could logically ask why, if I consider myself a church-going person with a strong faith, would I subject myself to a film like The Hateful Eight, with a tidal wave of foul language, violence and other offensive elements... I mean, not exactly a film I would invite a church youth group to go see, lol... and the answer is multi-faceted, and ties into my life-long love for story-telling, in its various forms. Books, films, TV shows, music, plays, poetry, dance... anything that takes people away from their daily concerns, and not only entertains them for a while, but also inspires them and possibly makes them think about their concerns a little differently. I love when I see stories that do that for me - jar me out of my civilian noise and let me see things in a way that could possibly lead me to a solution. As a prayer supplement, of course. Does God communicate to me through stories? You bet he does....<br />
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Plus, I love good acting. Which brings me back to the Tarantino film. The beautiful visuals, the effective setting and costuming, the richly-drawn characters, the snappy dialog, and the eyes... man, great actors communicate so much with just their eyes... I wish more actors understood that, especially locally. I've seen so many locally-made short films and web series', where the actors have dead eyes. It's as hard for me to get past as a bad script is. Mediocre dialog delivered by dead-eyed rote is impossible for me to handle for very long.<br />
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I'll take great, effective story-telling wherever I can find it, even if it's bathed in mud. Because if it's done well, I can find the lessons in it, the inspiration, the escape, the new perspective. The film isn't for everyone, I know, I and I don't fault you if you stay away from The Hateful Eight. I saw the gold in it, like I knew I would.<br />
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Here's an hour-long round-table discussion featuring an incredible set of top Hollywood directors: <i>Ridley Scott</i>, <i>Quentin Tarantino</i>, <i>Danny Boyle</i>, <i>David O. Russell</i>, <i>Alejandro Inarritu</i>, and <i>Tom Hooper</i>. I found it endlessly fascinating.<br />
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And for those of you who don't have an hour to watch a video like that, here's something fun instead! A little slight of hand from an amazing performance artist.<br />
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One last acting-related link, which is to a series of incredible videos on the Variety You Tube channel, called "Actors on Actors," in which a pair of big name actors/actresses sit down and "interview" each other. There are some incredible videos in this collection. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLx_Nt-I7Vird45gln0fV_-NDRyxyWGZU">LINK is right here.</a><br />
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So that's that.<br />
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So, yeah, lots of cool stuff on my plate, including things I haven't mentioned yet (and won't, in this post). Going to keep plugging along and see what happens. Who knows? If big things happen, I'll take you along with me!<br />
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Adios for now,<br />
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Dave the Still Blogging After All These Years.David Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-21822430589152322662015-12-29T22:11:00.001-08:002015-12-30T08:54:41.496-08:00Caramel is Just Sugar, When You Boil It Down...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2015 is coming to a close. It's been a terrific year, all things considered. No, I'm not going to get all maudlin and do some personal "year in review" nonsense! Fear not!<br />
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In fact, tonight's post is likely going to be brief. As in, I'm wearing briefs on my head, as is my year-end custom. Hey, we all have our quirks, don't we..?<br />
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I primarily came in here to post the video of this year's Christmas play, called "Out There", which was performed on December 20 and starred Jennifer Scibetta, Andrew Ian, Mario Ortiz and Hanna Halland. It was, by all I could see, the most well-received play we've ever done. I'm immensely proud of the job our cast did...<br />
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As usual, there's something about seeing a play, live, in person, which does not translate well into video form... so even though the video turned out great for the most part, it just doesn't have the same punch to me that it did in person...<br />
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If you do watch it, be prepared for a weird little buzzing noise from 1:23 to about 1:50, it was a technical feedback glitch, and Bill O. handled it. After that, the play really takes off. It's about 30 minutes long. It doesn't look good full screen, sorry... I don't know how to get it to upload to YouTube at anything higher than 480p...<br />
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Again, many thanks to everyone - both the cast and the crew - who helped make the play happen. I think it bodes well for future productions... perhaps I can get even more local actors to participate.<br />
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Christmas was mellow, as was our 25th wedding anniversary, and we have nothing really planned for New Years... but hey, that's ok...<br />
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OK, I'm going to talk briefly about <b>Star Wars</b> vs <b>Star Trek</b>, and I shall keep things spoiler-free in case you haven't seen <b>The Force Awakens</b> yet... yes, I'm going to nerd out for a few minutes...<br />
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So, the age-long debate over Wars vs Trek is, in and of itself, well-trodden ground... but the fact that the same director has now made solid cinematic efforts on both sides of the debate lends new wrinkles to the discussion....<br />
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The punchline to what I want to talk about is thus: I really liked <b>Star Trek: Into Darkness</b>, while I was greatly disappointed by <b>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</b>.<br />
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I have never really considered myself a "true" fan of either franchise, really. I mean, I like them both, as much as the next guy. That being said, it seems that "true" Star Trek fans (whatever that means) had substantial problems with the way JJ Arbams handled <b>Into Darkness</b>, while "true" Star Wars fans can't gush enough about how incredibly good <b>The Force Awakens is</b>. My 2 favorite online movie reviewers -- <a href="https://youtu.be/UNfqzpCgu9k">Jeremy Jahns</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/zBMW3y86cpo">Chris Stuckmann</a> -- each said <b>The Force Awakens</b> was their favorite movie of the year. For comparison - for <b>Into Darkness</b> they each gave their highest possible rating at the time, but in the year end list, Jeremy put it at #9 in his <b>Top Ten Films of 2013</b>, and Chris Stuckmann gave it an Honorable Mention - not even top ten...<br />
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Now, being a casual fan of both franchises, I went into each movie with an open mind, hoping to see a great movie. I didn't expect anything from <b>Into Darkness</b> - and I loved it. I thought it was a fantastic action film, with great moments, characters and performances. I went into <b>The Force Awakens</b> with an open mind - though admittedly, with everyone saying so universally how awesome it was, I took it for granted that I would love it as well. And surprisingly (to me), I thought it was a bit of a turd. It was sappy, ham-fisted, and filled with uninspired characters, dialog and performances... it did have great visuals and some great moments, but overall, the more I ponder the film, the less I like it. The opposite was true of <b>Into Darkness</b>...<br />
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The reason I bring this up is the irony, and also the idea of the impact that "true" fan-ness may have on a person viewing the properties. I had nothing really invested in either franchise - I liked them both, for the most part. I wasn't anchored in the lore, or the canon, or expectations based on things that have gone before. In each case, I just wanted to see a good movie. "True" fans disliked <b>Into Darkness</b>, "true" fans love <b>The Force Awakens</b>. To me, the better film is easy to spot a mile away...<br />
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I could go on at extreme length about all the questions and concerns I had about <b>The Force Awakens</b> - but I know it would be wasted. I think that the vast majority of the population is willing and able to overlook every possible weakness in the film and label it amazing, which is fine. Unplug your brain and enjoy the ride, that sort of thing. I say, go for it. I'm not wired to do that. I have to think about what I'm seeing - and if things go clunk, I need to figure out why....<br />
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<b>Bottom Line</b>: Without a "true fanboy" filter to hinder my assessment, I give <b>Into Darkness</b> a very solid 9.5/10 and I give <b>The Force Awakens</b> a very generous 6/10.<br />
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So the final blog post of the year is in the bag. And yeah, it was boring. What can I say? One of the drawbacks, I suppose, of winging it.<br />
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Lots of great things on the horizon for 2016, in both writing and acting (and possibly directing). I will keep you all updated as things continue to evolve.<br />
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Thanks again for your support and silent readership (lol... leave a comment, dangit!).<br />
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Have a great New Year's Eve/Day.<br />
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Adios for now,<br />
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Dave the ContrarianDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-54790636294759386402015-12-14T19:36:00.005-08:002015-12-14T22:17:36.758-08:0025 Down, 75 To Go. Plus, My "Best Of" List! O Joy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, hello there!<br />
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Welcome to another episode of <b>Which Dave Is Going To Show Up To The Blog Tonight?</b>! I am your host, Dave the All-Over-The-Place, and have I got a KFC-Bucketful of nonsense for you tonight! Unless you're reading this in the daytime, in which case the, uh, "tonight" thing doesn't really apply... whatever, I don't know how timezone's work...<br />
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Where was I?<br />
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Ah, yes, which Dave has shown up tonight? Is it the morose, pensive Dave, prone to wax maudlin and self piteous? Or is it the goofy Dave, spouting nonsensities and randomness? Is it Dave the Overconfident, droning on about some artsy thing, or reviewing a book/movie/TV and pretending he knows what he's talking about? Or is it the pseudo-theological Dave, peppering you with empty Biblical theories and semi-relevant scripture verses? Or is it that version of Dave that just talks about all the acting/writing stuff he's been doing?<br />
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The answer?<br />
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I don't know! Let's find out!<br />
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So tomorrow (December 15) is my 25th anniversary. 25 years of marriage. Twenty Five Years. My entire adult life.<br />
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Honestly, as you probably can imagine, I have a wide variety of feelings about it. The question of the moment is: how open should I be about it? I suppose a related question could be: who cares how open I am, lol?<br />
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Don't worry; I'm not here to lament the hard stretches of road, or pat myself on the back, or fish for compliments/sympathy. It is what it is. I suppose the heart of what I'd like to say revolves around the idea of symbolism, I guess. The past several years, in my personal ruminations on various subjects, I seem to always come back to the themes of "fantasy v reality", or rather, "the idea of something" vs "the reality of something." An off-shoot of that topic is the idea the importance of symbols... it's funny the way things represent things to people - often wildly different things, depending on the person.<br />
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Did you ever see the movie <b>The Pianist</b>, with <i>Adrien Brody</i>? He's a Polish Jewish musician of some renown before the war, who has a harrowing time dodging the Nazis during the occupation. At the very end, emaciated, desperate, the Nazi's have fled and the Russians have arrived, he stumbles out of the home he's been hiding in, and he's bundled up in a big winter coat that a Nazi officer had left behind for him - with the German army markings all over it... he stumbles out to greet his liberators - and is promptly shot at. He dodges into a building, calling out that he's Polish and please don't shoot, etc. They call him out, guns pointing at him, and one guy says "Yeah, he's Polish..." Another guy says "Why are you wearing that &^%$&* coat?" And Brody says, "Because I'm cold."<br />
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It's a powerful scene, and popped to mind as I was contemplating symbolism today.<br />
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But, yeah, a 25th anniversary... it represents something multi-faceted and emotionally complex to me. I suppose it's like finally reaching the peak of a mountain I've been climbing. Trying to imagine the view from the top (the fantasy) for so long... and then actually seeing the view (the reality). It's odd... there's always been a sense of finality, or completion associated with the 25 anniversary in my case... like once I get there, I've accomplished something huge, epic, worthy of note. Like the world should stop and celebrate our accomplishment or something. And yet I know the day will pass like any other day for everyone else - as it should. The symbolism of my 25th anniversary doesn't mean anything to anyone not directly impacted by it: my spouse and I of course, but also our kids and my mother and sister... that's about it. It won't even register on anyone else's radar - and it shouldn't.<br />
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The power of symbolism. Why am I wearing this coat? Because I'm cold.<br />
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But of course, my marriage isn't ending - I'm not "finished"... We will continue to march forward together, my wife and I. It has its ups and downs, as it always has - as I'm sure it would also have ups and downs if I were single or married to someone else or whatever situation I find myself in... alone in a cave somewhere. Pluses and minuses. Accept them both or reject them both. In fact, if anyone were to ask me, "Dave, what relationship advice do you have for people who wonder how the heck you can stay married for 25 years?" I'd say that. Everyone has positives and negatives... which weighs more? If the positives outweigh the negatives, accept them both. Don't try to pick the positives and "fix" the negatives about the other person... accept them both. If a "negative" changes, it will be because the other person changes on his/her own. If they don't, then so what? You accept them, right? The price you pay to reap the positives. If the negs outweigh positives? Chuck them both. Weigh them both, accept them both or reject them both. Don't try to cherry-pick and micromanage.<br />
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There. Simple advice from Dave the Simpleton.<br />
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So the year draws to a close. I guess I could discuss some of my Favorites of the Year, in various forms of media...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Books</span></b></div>
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This is a tough one for me! I read 25 books this year - most of them new, but a few re-reads. Once again, I read the <b>Stormlight Archive</b> (<i>Brandon Sanderson</i>), the <b>Kingkiller Chronicles</b> (<i>Pat Rothfuss</i>) and <b>Tuf Voyaging </b>(<i>GRR Martin</i>) all of which I enjoyed revisiting... not surprising, I suppose... I wouldn't re-read a book if I didn't really enjoy it previously. But as for the new books I read, as I review the list, there isn't really a title I loved without reservation. There were good ones, but they each had flaws of various kinds. <b>City of Stairs</b> (<i>RJ Bennett</i>) and <b>Leviathan Wakes</b> (<i>JS Corey</i>) were both great reads but had weak endings... <b>Redshirts</b> (<i>Scalzi</i>) and <b>Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children</b> (<i>R Riggs</i>) had great premises but mediocre execution. <b>Daughter of Smoke and Bone</b> (<i>L. Taylor</i>) and <b>Half-A-King</b> (<i>Abercrombie</i>) were watered down with too much Hollywood flavor... I suppose if I had to pick this years best book for me, it would be <b>Prince of Fools</b> by <i>Mark Lawrence</i> - though that one was hamstrung by it's choice of first person perspective, which limited it's potential scope.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">TV</span></b></div>
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I saw some great television this year - as well as some turds (<b>The Flash</b>). And also some that started well and morphed into turds (<b>Person of Interest</b>)! I seemed to gravitate to superhero fare mostly. I loved the first season of <b>GOTHAM </b>- but the second season is flat-lining. The inconsistent writing is undoing the show, in my opinion. I had big problems with <b>The Flash</b> for this same reason - although I had other problems with <b>The Flash</b> beyond the writing -- basically top to bottom. The writing, directing, casting, acting, story choices - I honestly have no idea why this show is so popular...<br />
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But back to the good stuff! I loved the dark and gritty shows, like <b>Daredevil </b>and<b> Jessica Jones</b>. Fantastic filmcraft on display - in fact, when it gets to the point where I'm ready to start directing films, I'm going to use <b>Jessica Jones</b> as my film school. I will break down scenes - shot for shot - to see the choices that the director made, and why. It is a visually sumptuous show - practically every shot like a painting. So good. I hesitate to say it's my Favorite of the Year, since the content is dark and disturbing - the villain (<i>David Tennant</i> as Kilgrave) was as unnerving as he was well-portrayed. Can't say I'd recommend the show to anyone who offends easily. But if you want to see absolutely fantastic filmcraft on display, you won't get any better...<br />
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But to pick a Favorite, I'll go with <b>Daredevil</b>. It had direction almost on par with<b> Jessica Jones</b>, terrific writing, great casting, wonderful long shots, and great performances - with two notable exceptions. Two of the main characters in the show - <i>Eddie Henson</i> as Foggy Nelson, and <i>Deborah Woll</i> as Karen Page - absolutely rubbed me the wrong way. I don't think it was just the way the characters were written (they were a couple of hard-drinking whiners, really, who never passed up a chance to cry), but the acting was consistently weak. However other actors (such as the fantastic <i>Vincent D'onofrio</i> as Wilson Fisk) more than made up for it, as well as cameos by the likes of <i>Scott Glenn</i>. All things considered, an outstanding show.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Movies</span></b></div>
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This one is an easy choice. As with the TV category, I saw films that ran the gamut this year. But <b>Birdman </b>was easily not only my Favorite of the Year, but one of my Favorites of All Time. The writing, the acting, the themes, and the incredible craft on display made it thoroughly memorable to me. I wrote <a href="http://dlwagner.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-review-of-birdman-and-selfie-so-to.html">a review of it last March</a>, if you'd like more detail on why I loved the film as much as I did. The same director is about to release <b>The Revenant</b>, starring <i>Leonardo DiCapprio</i>, which I *was* going to see - until I read reviews about how relentlessly brutal and unflinching it is... I may pass on that one for now.<br />
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Of course, the new Star Wars movie comes out in December - If it's as good as I hope it it, I may need to revise this list! I doubt it will unseat <b>Birdman</b>, but hey, you never know!<br />
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Other good movies I saw this year include: <b>Spotlight</b>, <b>St. Vincent</b>, <b>John Wick</b> and <b>Captain America: Winter Soldier</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Music</span></b></div>
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This one is a bit of a challenge - I heard some terrific music this year. It was hard to decide between <b>Thank You</b> (<i>Sevendust</i>), <b>Hush </b>(<i>Hellyeah</i>), <b>Failure </b>(<i>Breaking Benjamin</i>) and <b>Big Bad Wolf</b> (<i>In This Moment</i>)... but I decided my Favorite Song of the Year is the recently-released song <b>The Light</b> by <i>Disturbed</i>.<br />
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I would link to them, but honestly, they are all heavy rock songs - my listening has trended in that direction the past year or two - I love the energy level. I know not many other people who read this blog would be interested in listening to such music, but if you are, you likely already know the songs. If not and you're really curious, you can find them easily enough on YouTube.<br />
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I will embed <b>The Light</b>, though...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Games</b></span></div>
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This one is also a pretty easy call. As much as I enjoyed the <b>Dead Island</b> Series, <b>Grim Dawn</b>, <b>Minecraft </b>and <b>Wolfenstein Old Blood</b> (fantastic art direction), I have to say <b>Fallout 4</b> is proving to be every bit as awesome as I'd long hoped it would be. Roaming the wasteland has never been so fulfilling. I'm 70 hours in, and still only level 29...<br />
<br />
A funny (to me) sidenote. I bought and played a bit of <b>Grand Theft Auto 5</b>, and I can safely say it's one of the most impressive games I've ever played (and likely one of the best games ever made), but as much as I enjoy the game when I'm playing it, when I'm *not* playing the game, I have absolutely no desire to play it. Does that make sense? It's a great game, but I rarely ever play it. I really have to talk myself into playing it - and when I do, I enjoy it completely. It's a weird dynamic.<br />
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---------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Anyway, that's that for now.<br />
<br />
We perform the Christmas Play next Sunday (12/20). The whole cast is miked this year, so we'll hopefully have good sound on the video. If it turns out good, I'll post it here.<br />
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Other projects I'm working on all seem to be on hold until after the holidays.<br />
<br />
Wow, this post ended up being longer than I had anticipated. Looks like all of the Daves showed up to tonight's episode! If you endured all of this nonsense without tipping over, you have my admiration and appreciation.<br />
<br />
I hope your Christmas is a good one.<br />
<br />
Dave the Rambling SmacktardDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-75123116622150156072015-12-01T00:40:00.002-08:002015-12-01T00:45:36.010-08:00Blogging (v.): What Crazy People Do Instead of Going To Bed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You autumn be ashamed of yourself!<br />
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There, my weak lead-in pun is out of the way. Now I can get down to business. And by "business" I mean my usual stream of hot air, studiously pounded out on my Logitech G510s Gaming Keyboard. Hey, only the best for you, you know this!<br />
<br />
So, what has happened since last we spoke? Well, I guess I'll lead with the <b><a href="http://www.48hourfilm.com/4pfp">Four Points Film Festival</a></b>, which I mentioned in the previous post. I talked of a short film I got to be in where I got to play an android. Well, it has since been made available online, so I'mma let you see it!<br />
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<b>Warning</b>: Abbie, you're not going to like it. Everyone else, I think there's enough worthwhile elements to make it worth a viewing, so go for it!<br />
<br />
Hmmm.... it doesn't have embedding enabled... I was just going to conveniently post it here, for you to watch without having to leave this wonderful little blog... but I guess not!<br />
<br />
So, if you want to watch it, it is called <b>Memory Recall</b>, and can be found at <a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/4pfp/146965572"><b>THIS LINK</b></a>.<br />
<br />
If you do go there, you'll notice 4 "pages" of films (8 per page, only 1 on the 4th page), totaling 25 films. Even though 170 films were submitted worldwide on time, the judges have culled out the 25 films that they wanted to put up for the <b>Audience Choice Award</b>! Our film made this cut. Which means if you wanted to, you could vote for your three favorite films of the twenty-five available for viewing. The Audience Choice Winning Film wins a cool $1,000. (<b><a href="http://surveymonkey.com/r/fourpointsfilmproject">vote here</a></b>)<br />
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But your vote would only count if you vote for exactly three films! You can't just vote for one! Which means, if you're a conscientious person, you can spend a couple of hours watching all 25 films and score-carding them all... or rely on the opinion of someone who already did that! (Yes, I mean me...)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Favorites:</span></b><br />
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-- <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/4pfp/147248176">What Goes Around</a></b>: This is a work of art; a true film. It's from Warsaw, Poland, and has terrific cinematography, clever shots, great costuming, wonderful acting, lots of great moments, and is my pick for the very best. If I were a contest judge, this would get my vote for Best Film.<br />
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-- <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/4pfp/146965803">Morsus</a></b>: This is the best American effort, in my opinion. Crisp writing, tight editing, very solid acting, terrific flow. This one got one of my three votes as well.<br />
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-- <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/4pfp/146965163">The Man in the Swivel Chair</a></b>: OK, bear with me on this. It is a completely absurd film, and it's incomplete, in that it has no opening credits or closing credits - I assume they ran out of time and just sent it "as is"... it just starts and ends abruptly. And the characters are hams, along the lines of something you'd find from the Coen Brothers... but I laughed so hard - and I really needed a good laugh when I'd seen it - so (after much deliberation) I gave it my third vote. I guarantee you not everyone will enjoy this as much as I did - or maybe even at all (don't even try it, Abbie!) - but it was just what I needed. Absurdity at its rough-edged best. (warning: a bit of bad language)<br />
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-- <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/4pfp/146965598">Phil Can Feel</a></b>: Another beautiful, well-crafted film (from Peru), it is loaded with wonderful imagery, minimalist dialog, effective acting, great moments. In fact, as well as I tried to do the "android" part in our film, I think this guy's android performance buries mine. I'll just have to try harder next time!<br />
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-- <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/4pfp/146965273">Reconnectes</a></b>: This was very well made as well, in my opinion. It's a bit too heavy-handed with the message for my taste, but beyond that, a top-notch effort, featuring some very natural performances (not all, but many).<br />
<br />
Others that I feel are worth a watch include: <b>Who Am I?</b>, <b>Taste Tester</b>, <b>Running Heart</b> and <b>Handle With Care</b>.<br />
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Do with this info as you will. The films are all under 8 minutes long.<br />
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Next?<br />
<br />
Well, I'm about 75% of the way through my re-read of <i>Pat Rothfuss'</i> <b>Kingkiller Chronicles</b>. As usual, reading <b>The Name of the Wind</b> was a pure joy... and also, the same concerns I had with <b>The Wise Man's Fear</b> the first time around are still there this time... Inconsistent writing, a few forced moments, some boring stretches of barely-interesting world-building, some oddly skipped content (The Trial, and the disastrous Voyage to see the Maer of Vint), and a hamstringing of the relationship between Kvothe and Denna (that awful, illogical "argument" they had right before Kvothe went off to find the bandits was so overdone and unnecessary).<br />
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Speaking of boring, how boring was that last paragraph?<br />
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Here, I'll liven things up...<br />
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Abbie, you won't like that video either, I'm afraid... more Extreme Absurdity... it will only appeal to you if you are a fan of all of the following:<br />
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- Absurd Humor<br />
- Star Wars<br />
- WWE/Randy Orton<br />
- Internet Memes<br />
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If you failed to check all of those items, skip the video...<br />
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Guess I better drop a photo in instead...<br />
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This kid fell asleep in his mom's arms while waiting to get a photo with Santa... so Santa improvised this photo... awesome...<br />
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I had a great Thanksgiving - I hope you all did as well. Very mellow. Had dinner at my Wonderful Mother's house, as per tradition. Because I was there, we had two turkeys... no, not because I'm a big eater, but because I'm a turkey, see?... Come to think of it, I'm a ham as well, so we technically had two hams also...<br />
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Anyways, one of the highlights of the whole extended weekend was the fact that I bought exactly ZERO games in the <b>Steam Holiday Sale</b>! None! I resisted every deal! Well, honestly, it was likely because I own <b>Fallout 4 </b>now.... I've been playing it, saving the post-apocalyptic wasteland from all the various and sundry wasteland baddies... so who needs more games, eh? What else does a growing boy need? I even stopped <b>Minecraft </b>for the time being! That's how serious I am about saving the wasteland! See what a hero I am? SEE?!??!?!<br />
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Wow, another boring paragraph... I'm on a roll!<br />
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Uh oh.... I'm in trouble...<br />
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On the plus side, I also recently read that people who talk to themselves out loud are more likely to be geniuses!<br />
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So I've started talking to myself out loud... O_o<br />
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And just to tease you all again about <b>Beyond The Impact</b>, man o man, wait until you see what we are going to do... just wait. Incredible things are in the works. When Jeff gets back from his World Travel, we go into high gear... I cannot wait...<br />
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All that to say... yeah...<br />
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One final tidbit, I went to a family gathering over the weekend, with almost all of my aunts, uncles, cousins - many of whom I haven't seen in a decade or more. It was great visiting with everyone. I live in my own little world so strongly, it's hard to remember the importance of extended family.<br />
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Anyway, if you watched our film, thank you. If you voted for it, thank you even more.<br />
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I'm exhausted - I need sleep!<br />
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Until we meet again,<br />
<br />
Dave the GoofDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-8256370103968111962015-11-18T00:00:00.003-08:002015-11-18T00:54:49.507-08:00Stop the See-Saw! I Wanna Get Off!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Usually, as I sit down to write a new blog post, I have no idea what I'm going to write, but I'm usually well aware of what the undertone is going to be... am I feeling goofy? Maudlin? Confident? Thoroughly insecure? If I'm going for humor, is it because I'm feeling great and want to share it? Or is it because I'm feeling lousy and want to cheer myself up? If I'm going for serious, is it because all is well, and I don't need cheering up, and feel like exercising my brain? Or is it because I'm feeling bad/somber/on edge and want to maintain that for some reason? In the short time it takes to grab an opening photo, I'm usually well aware of the tone.<br />
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But tonight, I am all over the map, so I'm literally free-wheeling it tonight. Since last we spoke, I've experienced an amazing array of highs and lows. I'm going to start pulling them up to share with you, at random, and see how many I can get through before collapsing in a quivering heap. I'll start with the positives... who knows, I may end up sticking just to positives... let's find out!<br />
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As I write this, I'm finishing eating a big ol' cup full of vanilla ice cream with a generous dash of chocolate syrup on it. My diet lately - especially today - has also been all over the map. Subconsciously, I realize I'm going to work out tomorrow after work, so I think it's ok... of course, I feel the same way the day after a workout... "I worked out yesterday, so it's ok if I eat this item of questionable nutritional quality." I guess that also speaks to my personality on other levels. When I accomplish something substantial, I use it as a license to goof off either beforehand or afterwards. There has to be a term for that condition, and I doubt it's flattering....<br />
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Ah, but I digress...<br />
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I doubt any of you will recall this, but in spite of my love for <b>Minecraft</b>, <b>Battlefield 2</b> and <b>Unreal Tournament</b>, my favorite game of all time is <b>Fallout 3</b>. I could wax long-winded about all the reasons why I love it so, but I will spare you that. The reason I bring it up is that, as I'm sure you all know already, the next game in the series has been released, unsurprisingly titled <b>Fallout 4</b>. And yes, I got it on the day it came out... I received it as a gift from Wifey, as an early anniversary gift (25 years married, as of mid December.... man, that will take an entire blog post itself when I'm ready to talk about THAT milestone, lol).<br />
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So I'm back to wandering the post-apocalyptic wasteland, doing all the post-apocky things I loved doing so much in Fallout 3, only this time with much better graphics, and in the Boston area (as opposed to the DC area). Plus, additional improvements to the gameplay that are too numerous to bombard you with here. The only aspect I will mention is the music, which I whole-heartedly love. It's all vintage music from back in the day... in fact, here, let me post one here for your amusement...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/17ZWrcL9Dz0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Love love love. I tell you, there's nothing like listening to this type of music while wandering the wasteland, blowing up old derelict cars, exploring, dodging bandits...<br />
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All that to say, on the entertainment front, I'm happy as a clam.<br />
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Speaking of revisiting old favorites, I'm also re-reading <b>The Name of the Wind </b>by <i>Pat Rothfuss</i>. It's my <b>Third-Favorite Book of All Time</b>, and for good reason. What a wonderful, wonderfully-crafted story. I'm savoring it. I may simply follow it up by re-reading <b>The Wise Man's Fear</b> immediately after, who knows?<br />
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On the movie/TV front, I finally watched <b>Captain America: Winter Soldier</b>, and loved every minute of it. Man, what a great script. As for TV, I'm watching another truly fantastic series called <b>Person of Interest</b> (recommended to me by the illustrious <i>Marc Biagi</i>, and I'm so glad that he did). <i>Jim Caviezel</i> is fantastic. A great actor in a great role. And terrific writing.<br />
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I recently watched the first season of <b>The Flash</b> (at the recommendation of another friend) and was not impressed. I won't go into it - I made the mistake of voicing my opinion about the show to my friend (the one that suggested it), and I think it annoyed him (to put it mildly). Remember what I wrote a couple posts back, about navigating minefields? I won't repeat that mistake, by voicing my opinions about The Flash here!<br />
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I will say that it's quite discouraging when I blindly, and with nothing but the best of intentions, go stomping on people's toes. I hate that sinking sense of mortification I get when I realize that I may have offended someone who means a lot to me.<br />
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O the rambling journey of elaboration I could go on right now, if I had the strength! But I don't, so I will spare you that as well. But man, I lose sleep over it. It bothers me tremendously.<br />
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Moving on...<br />
<br />
Here is the latest trailer for BTI, in case you haven't seen it yet...<br />
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Beautiful. I love it muchly. All the pieces are coming into place for us to begin filming the next chunk soon. I shall refrain from giving any info about all that is happening related to this project. I'm finally learning (the hard way; see previous) that in my excitement, I'm a bit too free with information. Let's just say that if even half of what we have planned comes to pass, you will be very happy indeed...<br />
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You can check out the newly-expanded <b><a href="http://beyondtheimpact.com/">Beyond the Impact Website</a></b> for more info.<br />
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I did get a chance to be in front of the camera recently... I got to be an android! Let me explain...<br />
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Every year in July, there's the <b>48 Hour Film Festival</b>. I'm sure you're familiar with it - I've bombarded you with insane detail about the last two I've been involved with. Well, the same folks put on another similar competition in the fall now, called <a href="http://www.48hourfilm.com/4pfp"><b>The Four Points Film Project</b></a>, which is similar to the 48HP in concept, but the allowable time is stretched to 77 Hours, and the films are submitted online - plus, it's open to the whole world (as opposed to just a San Diego thing) and is limited to 200 teams total.<br />
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I wasn't planning on participating, but received a call about 11pm the night it started from the Great and Powerful <i>Lisa Winans</i>, who was on a team, and found out they needed an additional actor. She called and asked me, and I pounced on the chance. Our team (<b>Dueling Factions</b>) was small and potent. A script was written in the sci-fi genre, and I got to be an android that another character was building in her dad's old workshop. I will give no other details! I won't even post a photo of myself in the android get-up! Again, I'm done stepping on toes...<br />
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But it was a lot of fun, and a surprisingly challenging role. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to participate, and meet new people. Not sure how well it turned out, but from what I understand, the team leaders are pleased.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Wooden Rhino Sculpture</i></div>
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The Christmas play is scooting along wonderfully as well. Having two local professional actors on the cast working with our two home-grown volunteers is sure a fun ride, from the director's standpoint. They are all doing so well, and work really well together. Definitely a life highlight of late.<br />
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What else? Well, other writing projects are still in various stages of developmental tinkering. No other acting gigs beyond BTI seem to be on the near horizon, but I'm open to them, if/when they decide to come knocking.<br />
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I think I'll call this post over. There, I steered pretty clear of all the downer stuff I could have pelted you with... kept it fun, safe and boring instead!<br />
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Until we meet again!<br />
<br />
Dave the Man of Ups and DownsDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-4457376253038585692015-10-28T20:45:00.003-07:002015-10-31T21:43:57.035-07:00Gotham: Season One - A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first season of the FOX TV show <b>GOTHAM</b> was recently recommended to me along with <b>Agents of SHIELD</b>, and I began watching both. I enjoyed GOTHAM sooo very much that I thought I'd do something I'd never done before - review a TV show on my blog.<br />
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The show tells the Batman backstory, laying the foundation for what most of us are familiar with from the Nolan films, as well as whatever each of us has gleaned from the comic books and other forms of media over the years. The primary focus of this series is <b>Detective Jim Gordon</b>, and his one-man mission to clean up Gotham -- not just of the criminal element, but of the corruption that saturates the Gotham City Police Department, from the Commissioner on down. From the beginning, he throws caution to the wind, and refuses to play along with the bribery, coercion, the turning of blind eyes to the various twisted ways that the police and the mob dance together.<br />
<br />
Early on, he makes enemies everywhere he turns, as his fellow officers undermine his every move - even his own partner, <b>Harvey Bullock</b>, who is very persistent in his efforts to convince Jim to play along. When Thomas and Martha Wayne are murdered in front of their son Bruce, in a Gotham alleyway, Gordon makes it his mission to find the killer(s) and set it right.<br />
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I think that's good, as far as setting the stage for the story arcs.<br />
<br />
And now, what I love about the show!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Cast</span></b></div>
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I've never watched a show with a cast I absolutely adored as much as this show. In fact, my love for the cast is my main reason for writing this post. There are so many cast members that are vying for the title of <b>My Favorite Cast Member</b>, it's ridiculous. The are so many amazing characters and performances throughout the season's 22 episodes that it boggles my mind - not only the regular characters, but the minor roles as well as those that appear only once, setting the stage for future involvement.<br />
<br />
If I was forced at gunpoint to pick my favorite member of the cast, it would be <i>Robin Lord Taylor</i> as <b>The Penguin</b>...<br />
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Early on in the season, I felt he was overdoing it a bit, but he settled into the role so well that it wasn't long before he became one of the strongest reasons to watch the show. His portrayal of the Penguin is a fascinating mix of nervousness, quiet cunning, simmering violence and calm confidence. I absolutely love this character and this actor.<br />
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Other favorites include both crime bosses:<br />
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<i>John Doman</i> as <b>Don Carmine Falcone</b>: Very classy actor, and the character carries strength and wisdom, even though he knows he's in the cross-hairs of many friends and enemies, as they all see him as having had his day, and now should step aside (or be removed) so that younger, fresher blood can take over his empire. He is Gotham's #1 crime boss.<br />
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<i>David Zayas</i> as <b>Don Sal Maroni</b>: Another class act that dominates the screen whenever he is on it, Zayas' portrayal of Falcone's main competitor is explosive and smart and sooo smooth, and the fact that he's given such wonderful dialog is icing on the cake for me.<br />
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<i>Sean Pertwee</i> as <b>Alfred Pennyworth</b>: I cannot say enough good things about this actor and what he's done with this character. He is so charismatic and bad-ass (pardon my French) that he swiftly secured a place on my "Oh, Great, We're Going To See Him Again!!!" List. Every time "we" went to Wayne Manor, it was a treat. Talk about class, this guy is so thoroughly legit, he could have his own backstory series. And speaking of Wayne Manor....<br />
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<i>David Mazouz</i> as <b>Young Bruce Wayne</b>: He is the man himself, Bruce Wayne - only, you know, the younger version. This little kid has the weight of the entire world on his shoulders, and he pulls it off like a champ. Ultimately, this entire series is about Batman - it's the "elephant in the room" foundation to the whole reason the show exists. He pulls it off incredibly well. I've seen plenty of "child" actors ham their way through performances - the choice of David as Bruce was another stroke of genius for those that cast the show. He is perfect, and better, he is consistently good.<br />
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<i>Cory Michael Smith</i> as <b>Edward Nygma</b>: Anyone with even the barest knowledge of Batman lore knows that Edward Nygma is the alias of the villain The Riddler. In this series, he isn't The Riddler yet - he's a crime scene technician that works for the Gotham City Police Department - he's one of the good guys! Granted, it's very plain that seeds are there for his eventual cross-over to the other team - his interactions with his fellow officers is rife with idiosyncrasies and quirks. He's the quintessential nerd, with a Grade-A crush on one of his female coworkers who unwaveringly keeps him friend-zoned, while simultaneously dating other officers, driving Edward nuts. He persistently navigates the ridicule of his fellows officers so that he can weather the repeated rejections of his crush. I'm sure you can see where this is headed... Bottom line, a wonderful character, very well played.<br />
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<i>Donal Logue</i> as <b>Harvey Bullock</b>: Jim Gordon's partner at the GCPD is "corrupt cop with a heart of gold" Harvey Bullock. I immediately loved this character, which is more than I can say for Jim Gordon, actually (more on that below). He's honest about his desire to maintain the status quo, and not rock the boat, getting "his" on the side where and when he can. Yet he (almost) always backs up Gordon on his crazy plays, and supports him even when no one else will. And slowly, he comes around. It's a great arc for a terrific character, played by a Grade A actor. Tons of great moments.<br />
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<i>Ben McKenzie</i> as <b>Detective Jim Gordon</b>: Here is the One Man Army himself. To be honest, it took a while for him to grow on me - both the character and the actor. The role is so gung-ho clean-cut Dudley Do-Right that initially it was off-putting. But by Episode 7, I was firmly in McKenzie's corner. What did it for me was the actor more than the character. McKenzie is a very subtle actor in the ways that count - which is important when you have a somewhat over-the-top character. He floods the seams with little facial movements, partial smiles, eye-twitches, little head movements - all the things I'm convinced exponentially increases the appeal of acting performances. The way he carries and presents himself makes him well worth watching.<br />
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Other characters I enjoyed were <i>Camren Bicondova</i> as <b>Selina Kyle</b>, the wonderful <i>Carol Kane</i> as the Penguin's mother <b>Gertrude Cobblepot</b>, <i>Anthony Carrigan</i> as henchman <b>Victor Zsazs</b>, <i>Nicholas D'Agosto</i> as <b>Harvey Dent</b>, and special mention goes to <i>Cameron Monaghan</i> for his one-off role in <u>Episode 16 The Blind Fortune Teller</u>. His transformation into what I hope will be <b>The Joker</b> was absolutely fantastic and riveting and left me wide-eyed and goofy-grinning with glee. Sooo well done. <a href="https://youtu.be/SQkUw_7eFwQ">In fact, watch it here</a>!<br />
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As great a job as the casting department did, however, the cast wasn't flawless. There are forgettable filler characters (especially on the GCPD), and even two of the main characters never clicked with me at all, throughout the season. One of them was <b>Fish Mooney</b>, played by <i>Jada Pinkett Smith</i>. It was overdone from the outset, and stayed that way throughout her often-odd storylines. The whole stretch on the Doll Maker's Island (Ep 17-19) was just absurd, and did nothing but solidify my negative opinion of her character. The other one that didn't sit right with me was <b>Barbara Kean</b>, played by <i>Erin Richards</i>. I cannot put my finger on why, exactly, but she got under my skin big time, up until the final episode, when it became fairly clear that she was slated to become a villain. She may grow on me in Season Two.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Writing</span></b></div>
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The show creator is a man named <i>Bruno Heller</i>, and he also penned five of the twenty-two scripts for the season. Honestly, that was one thing I learned in researching the show. I don't know why I never realized it, but apparently these types of shows have an army of writers and directors - it isn't like a film, with one or two writers, and a single director. It seems as though each episode is treated like its own individual production, with its own crew, from Director on down.<br />
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Of the ten writers that penned the 22 scripts, <i>Bruno Heller</i> wrote five (of the best, in my opinion), and <i>John Stephens</i> and <i>Ken Woodruff </i>each wrote 4. The remaining 7 writers each got one or sometimes two attempts at writing a script - and honestly, it was evident. Now that I'm writing for a serial, I kind of know what to look for in writing, and the episodes that I felt lacked (especially, by far, <u>Episode 11 Rogue's Gallery</u>) were almost always by one of the single-shot authors. I can only assume that reflects the show producers story-telling acumen. Weed out those who don't quite cut it.<br />
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You think 10 writers is a lot, try 16 directors!<br />
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Yes, 22 episodes, 16 directors. Two of the directors - <i>Danny Cannon</i> and <i>TJ Scott</i> -- each helmed 3 episodes. Almost everyone else had one shot. That being said, I felt the direction was consistently good-to-outstanding, throughout the season. I am open about admitting my naivete when it comes to industry stuff, but apparently this "army of directors" approach is standard. Other shows I've researched prove the same pattern. I suppose it makes sense - I mean, seeing first-hand all of the pieces that Jeff Patton has had to assemble to direct just one hour of <b>Beyond the Impact</b> was a real eye-opener. I can't imagine having to juggle all of that for a dozen or more episodes.<br />
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Even shows that create all of the episodes and release them all at once (like <b>House of Cards</b>) has a large team of directors, many of which direct only one - or at the most two - episode(s).<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SUMMARY</b>:</span> </div>
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As if making blog history by reviewing a TV series for the first time wasn't indication enough, I think it's safe to say I highly recommend <b>Gotham</b>, occasional warts and all. I'd say 80% of the episodes were excellent, with an occasional sub-par effort thrown in. But for me, those hiccups are easy to overlook, especially since I'm getting a clearer understanding of just what a complex machine it is, running a show like this. And I'm sure I'm only seeing the tip of the iceberg.<br />
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Kudos to <i>Bruno Heller</i> and the entire retinue of people involved in this show. I am a big fan. A wonderful cast, and solid writing means excellent entertainment. If you have Netflix, you can stream it, and binge-watch the whole season.<br />
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On to Season 2!David Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010663855553878264.post-44303652302667358452015-10-27T00:03:00.005-07:002015-10-27T00:19:47.245-07:00Greetings from the Minefield!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, please.<br />
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Navigating minefields. I think I can safely add that to my <b>List Of Things I Cannot Do Well</b>.<br />
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Not literal minefields, of course... wouldn't take too many failures to bring a swift end to that hobby (although it does remind me of a certain monologue of which I am quite fond). Figurative minefields, however... when it comes to those, apparently I know no fear. I'll just stride out into them as though I have good sense. Which likely means it's less an issue of fearlessness as it is a demonstration of questionable intelligence.<br />
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Of course, I'd love to go into detail about the multiple minefields I've lost figurative limbs to this week alone, but alas, the wounds are a bit too fresh, the explosions still ringing in my ears, the dust still settling.<br />
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Let's just say the teeter-totter of life continues to dole out its ups and down. At the moment, my self confidence is zero.<br />
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Only one thing to do! Well, actually, there are many things to do. But first on my list is (apparently) to update my blog with rambling vagueries. Alas, it is more an exercise in self-therapy than an effort to coherently entertain and/or enlighten you, at the moment. I've been bottomed-out before, many times. I have a cot set up here and everything.<br />
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The next thing to do is to go the heck to sleep and hope that tomorrow is a better day than today. I try to take the edge off by reminding myself that, overall, my life is terrific, and these small foxes are more pests than plagues. One of the benefits of being a person prone to mood shifts: tomorrow is likely to be better.<br />
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In the interim, I have to get my ramble on! And this ghost town-of-a-blog is my domain, so pardon me as I haunt it for a while...<br />
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Ahh, there we go! The sweet aroma of empty platitudes! What a rush!<br />
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So there's this juggler, and he's frantically-yet-skillfully keeping a half-dozen balls in the air. It was impressive to watch until, quite suddenly, he just stopped, and all of the balls cascaded to the floor and rolled to a stop around his feet. He stood there, slump-shouldered and a bit dazed. When asked what happened, he said, "Well, I was going along fine, when I asked myself, 'Why am I doing this?' I had no answer."<br />
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OK, so there's updating the blog and getting a good night's sleep. What else? Well, <b>Minecraft </b>is one of my go-to's, but it isn't working. I mean, the game is working, in that I can play it, but the usual "fix" isn't there. Neither is it there for <b>Fallout 3</b>, <b>Grim Dawn</b> or <b>Left 4 Dead 2</b>. Trust me, I've tried them all tonight. Plus a new game I got recently, with the rather unorthodox and unappealing name of "<b>Vermintide</b>". Good game, as are all of the titles I mentioned. But nope.<br />
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I think it's because, as entertaining as these (and other) games are, the sense of accomplishment they produce is, ultimately, empty and without substance. When bottom-dwelling is on the agenda, emptiness doesn't cut it. It's like starving and only having cotton candy to eat.<br />
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So there's this juggler who's eating cotton candy, see, and...<br />
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So, game playing isn't working. How about writing? Blog writing, yes. Hence, this post. Fiction writing? Screenplay writing? The sense of accomplishment that accompanies those activities is substantive indeed. However, everything I write in both realms wrings some juice out of me. That's part of the cost, like a gadget using battery power to operate. Right now, my batteries are dead. Trying to wring a few drops out of me when I'm a dry rag is only a recipe for frustration.<br />
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There's always food. That can usually take the edge off. But eating at midnight always summons my old friend, acid reflux. That would be counter-productive to a good night's sleep.<br />
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There's a story behind this next picture...<br />
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Apparently, this kid idolized the garbage men that serviced his neighborhood. He always got sooo excited when they came by. He and his mom would go out and watch them, and he'd be all wide-eyed and happy, waving to them, cheering them on. Well, apparently, one week, they stopped near his house and called him over, giving him a toy garbage truck and posing for a photo with him. This photo. The kid was so overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn't believe it.<br />
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There are some great people in the world.<br />
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Hey, you know what? That photo kind of worked! I'm feeling a bit better.<br />
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Plus, I'm done writing this post, which also has had a positive effect.<br />
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Next stop, bed. Or rather, the cot.<br />
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Adios from the minefield.<br />
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Dave the JugglerDavid Wagnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.com3