Battle of the Blogs: WP vs. MySpace

It might appear that this blog’s activity has dropped off the face of the Earth … and it’s partly true.

The real reason, however, is that I’ve been posting on my primary blog on myspace for one reason … the built in audience. With millions of people connected through one site, it’s no wonder we’re so wrapped up in the latest comment, message, or picture uploads – it’s become part of our lives whether we like it or not.

My argument is that we embrace it. I tried to shun away from it and continue living life for a while … and that was fine, but as a filmmaker struggling to get some work out there and make a name for myself, I felt extremely alone … especially since I couldn’t afford festival submissions and hadn’t discovered YouTube. My short films were simply sitting on my computer at home.

So here I am, back on wordpress, the best blogging site available in my point of view, but I’m struck with this problem … should I continue on myspace and build an audience or go pro with the help of wordpress? No idea right now. But what I can say is that I’ll be posting on myspace more than wordpress for a while at least because it’s convenient.

If you’d like to keep in touch, stay in the loop, and follow what I’m doing in this crazy day-and-age, check out my blog on myspace at the following URL:

myspace.com/backpocketentertainment

There, you will find a lot more content and posts … I keep it pretty updated compared to the bulk of blogs out there. You’ll be able to check out the mini-cast including raw footage clips of “Time Traveling a Secret” and soon to be uploaded behind the scenes auditions, interviews, plans, special effects tests, etc.

Check it out when you get the chance, add me, or just say hey!

P.S. one thing I think WP has over all the other blogs out there, and this is for those interested in blogging but clueless to the platforms, the option to create actually pages on your blog!!!

WRITER’S BLOCK and the DETOUR

As a runner in Hollywood, I’ve come to associate writing with traffic. Sometimes it’s good; other times, not so good.

And for those times it’s not and you find yourself stuck in one particular spot whether it be the corner of Hollywood Blvd. & La Brea or Page 3, there’s always a detour.

It just takes some good music and the right state of mind. If you’re stuck in traffic and you need to be somewhere, say page 10 for example, then you might be frustrated. But this only causes more damage because you might end up getting in an accident if you resort to road rage in order to vent … and that will only put you back further and damage your vehicle.

Along with good muic, my latest love has been for Pan’s Labyrith due to it’s fantastic magical sound and melodic theme … which I can see playing along my own movie, I’ve heard that letting yourself become so bored that you acutally resort to your imagination – which is good for those who’ve lost touch with it over the years. Writer’s block is when a writer forgets what they’re saying … in fact I just had to paue to ponder what I set out to state when starting this post. So go to the core of the problem – Writer’s and what they want to say. This is the premise – define it, know it, and believe it as if it’s the last thing you would say to someone just entering this world.

Additionally, there’s always another route; a detour.

Instead of inching through traffic all the way to Highland, skip across Outpost and you’ll find that it leads to page 10 as well. Writer’s block is worse than the 405 and 101 combined so I’d try to avoid it all together – and a good way to do that is to prepare for your story. Not so much in the likes of planing everything, because that’s a sure-fire way to get stuck on Hollywood Blvd. again. Prepare by filling out an ENTIRE deck of index cards … if you can’t, you might want to consider another idea to execute in feature screenplay form. 90-120 pages is a lot of work – because it’s not a novel where you can meander and explore off-topic issues or character backstory … it has to be concise – the most direct route from point A to point B (in most cases of Hollywood style film).

So, keeping it simple, try this:

1. Re-define your Premise. (it’s the three part short sentence usually in the form of:
Hate LEADS TO Love [ hate and love being yoru subject matter])
2. Deck-o-cards – one card can be a character, idea, scene setting, theme, ANYTHING!
3. Music – it’s been a big part of the world forever … embrace it and use it to your advantage
4. Find a DETOUR – whether it’s starting another scene, writing out of order, or letting your mind wonder until you start imagining things (most common would be “what if”)

Good luck to you, from a writer to a writer.

Oh, one last thing … I think a lot of writers problems with writer’s block can be linked to that of someone who recently failed at something – because you have to, have to, have to build a bridge and get over it in order to restore yourself.

Christopher
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I have the FourEyed Monsters dvd, Do you?

They’ve shipped! The film from a couple of indie filmmakers in New York has hit the post … and if you’ve ordered it – it’s coming.

I think the official ship date is March 30th, but for those who have pre-ordered the dvd and as Arin, co-creator of the film, put it, helped pay for the actual manufacturing, the movie is already on it’s way. I received my copy yesterday!!!

–Wait! Hang on! What’s Four Eyed Monsters, you ask?

I can hardly put it into words … but in order to try and get you to visit their website or myspace profiles, let me just say this:

They made an auto-biographical love story from their loft in New York City while plumeting $81,000 in debt to a rough estimate of 15 credit cards all while creating one gigantic behind-the-scenes feature that was broken into 8 episodes and broadcasted across the net via video poscast to the not-so-cult following all over the world. Yay. Visit their DVD page on the official webpage here: Or just skip right to it and buy the DVD here – it’s only $19 – and they need our help before $81,000 transforms into a six-figure debt!!!!!!

So to make a long blog post short: If you want to see what those indie filmmakers are doing in New York and what they’re doing to get their movie out into the world, check ‘em out: F.E.M, Myspace, YouTube.

Christopher

DANGER: Short Film in Progress and in Peril

If you’ve been reading, you’ll know that I’ve started shooting, “Time Traveling a Secret” a short film, and that you can check out some raw clips from the dailies of the shoot a few posts back.

But what you might not know as a reader is that I’ve yet to cast the role of Helen, the lead character’s mom and antagonist of the story. It’s not a big deal right now but it has affected my direction choices, for better or worse, in the last scene I shot which included a picture of Helen. How am I going to shoot this scene including a picture of Helen … when she hasn’t even been cast yet? I’m planning on uploading a clip or two more from the first day of shooting so check back or subscribe to see how exactly I overcame that ordeal.

On that note, I’ll introduce the newest problem; scheduling. I’m working on locking down a very high-value location with a friend of mine but it might take a while. What’s bad about that? My DP is going to be busy April.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do – but I know it will work out one way or another.

If you enjoy this blog or want to support the short film, please subscribe to this blog by clicking “Subscribe”. You can find this link on my profile page at the top of all my blog posts. It would really encourage me knowing people are interested out there! Thanks to those who’ve already subscribed and I encourage you guys to let me know what you think by leaving a comment or two!

Christopher

Web 2.0 & this BLOG: how to flex the opportunity

The number one ranking term searched for on Wikipedia is “Web 2.0″ … and though it might not be what world wide web founder, Tim Berners-Lee, considers new and revolutionary due to it’s presents from the beginning, Web 2.0 has become extremely popular and common across the netscape.

Web 2.0, a phrase coined by O’Reilly Media in 2004,[1] refers to a perceived second generation of Web-based services—such as social networking sites, wikis, communication tools, and folksonomies—that emphasize online collaboration and sharing among users.

YouTube, FaceBook, and even right here in Myspace … we are using Web 2.0 and it is forcing a giant shift in all aspects of the internet and its users. What’s an example of web 2.0 specifically? Within the Myspace community? THIS BLOG! I write this blog … you read it, add me as a friend, and share it if you think its interesting or simply subscribe and keep reading. That’s connectivity spawned from web 2.0.

Here’s how you can take part in the blog in the form of Web 2.0:

5. Link to my blog or a specific post from your own blog – creates a flow fo your readers.

4. Leave me a commentand let me know what you think!

3. You can add me as a friend – therefor building your network.

2. Share a particular blog post with a friend via email, message, or comment on someone’s page.

1. Subscribe to this blog and continue receiving posts when ever its updated.

These are all simple examples of taking advantage of the opportunities of Web 2.0

Christopher

Net Nuetrality: A response letter from Dianne Feinstein

Yesterday, I wrote congress regarding the issues of net neutrality. Here’s what Dianne Feinstein had to say:

Dear Mr. Rice:

Thank you for writing to me about open access to the
Internet and network neutrality. I appreciate hearing from you.

I agree with the general principles of network neutrality
that owners of the networks that provide access to the Internet
should not control how consumers lawfully use that network and
should not be able to discriminate against content provider access
to that network.

As Congress debates changes to our telecommunications
laws this year, many different proposals have been offered
regarding network neutrality. The question arises whether or not
action is needed to ensure unfettered access to the Internet. I
believe any workable solution must balance the needs of the
network, service and information providers. Please know that
when legislation regarding network neutrality comes before the
Senate I will be sure to keep your specific views in mind.

Again, thank you for writing. If you should have any
comments or questions, I hope you will feel free to contact my
Washington, DC staff at (202) 224-3841.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

(if you’d like to get involved in the defense of net nuetrality, visit SaveTheInternet.com and write a petition to congress with your statement.

Christopher
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Thanks for subscribing! More clips are coming soon! Plus subscribe to see how I’m thanking Arin and Susan, directors of FourEyedMonsters, with my new short film.

Studios want Wendy’s for Lunch

Every screenwriter knows that selling a screenplay is like winning the lottery … literally! You have one ticket that might just be your passport to a million dollar paycheck … just think … new house, three cars, an infinity pool, a private jet, a giant water slide from your bedroom window, and last but not least, a butler.

Okay, maybe in the movie, “Blank Check” … these days, you’ll be lucky to get a house in a nice neighborhood.

Anyway, the reason I’m writing is because I just made a connection that can save lives– I mean time. And here it is, the connection between what studios want from us screenwriters:

W E N D Y ‘ S H A M B U R G E R S !

Let me explain … We screenwriters, well I actually haven’t heard this yet – but I will, have heard the line, “I need something engaging, new, and fresh … but the same.” Does that even make sense???

Sure. Studios are in the business of making money, who isn’t? They know from the past what works … and are usually a little hesitant to try anything new because it’s a gamble – which is fine – would you gamble $250,000,000 dollars in a game of poker? How about ‘a’ thousand? SO, i’m loosing track of where i was going — oh yeah, studios want something that’s new and fresh but the same as last years blockbuster. You following me?

New and fresh but the same come out all the time – it’s hard to tell unless you’ve watching for several decades. They tend to combine concepts, genres, locations, professions, etc. Ever sit in a movie and predict what’s going to happen next – thats new but the same. It happens all the time – maybe every time in horror … but thats the fun of it!

POINT: New but the same is the Wendy’s hamburger.

The burger is the same recipe with the same ingridients … only it’s square! “WHOA – thats amazing! I have to have that!”. That’s what we the screenwriters are going for in the business of cooking up screenplays. Getting the basic ingridients that work but change something about it that says:

THIS WAS WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER RICE! And then you’ll get paid and get your small little home in Westlake Village.

then they’ll probably fire you and bring on the sencond of an average of four writers writers to make sure it’s good … because gambling is one thing – double, triple, quadriple checking is a whole new ballgame … and it’s called development hell.

Can’t wait to get there!

Net Nuetrality: My letter to congress

“… you are not connected”

This is the last thing we want to see when we need to check our email, check the news, check for directions, check for showtimes, check for myspace messages, check for travel information, check for e-cards, check for the latest blog from someone they might not even know!

This is the advantage of our communication today … everything can be done online – which isn’t a bad thing despite a large percentage of belief. Our modern technology that would have amazed people from a hundred years ago is the internet. It flexes our country’s initial ammendment. Freedom of Speach; and with internet 2.0, people are creating even more than just myspace pages, they’re creating entire networks of people to communicate with … and depending how responsive the network is will determine the muscle you’ve created through the internet.

For an example, I’m a filmmaker – I make movies but can’t release them because there’s a very minimal market for short films. With the internet, people can tune in to see what I’ve been doing and I can tune in to what they think of it. It’s a network of access that didn’t exist too long ago.

THE INTERNET IS AT RISK

For content creators, which thanks to web2.0 means everyone, it means the end of access and the beginning of a new bill. Watch the video on my profile for more information on whats going on and then write to congress with your petition to save the internet via Save the Internet . com

Here’s my short lettter:

To whom it may concern,

My name is Christopher Rice, I’m an independent filmmaker struggling to make a living and name for myself in Hollywood. As you know … show biz, like politics, is tough. It’s an uphill battle every step of the way.

My concern here is that the destruction of net neutrality. Obvisouly, it will effect everyone – but just to make my case, I’ll present my point of view. Again, Hollywood isn’t for weak stomachs … which is why the internet has been such a gift to independent filmmakers out there – and musicians for that matter because the music business reflects the film industry. The illimination of net neutrality makes it that much harder … that much more impossible to overcome and achieve.

I’m not sure who is reading this … but I’m sure it was tough to get that position and be such a big part in the foundation of our country … I can relate because film also provides a foundation for our country – ever since the beginning of its establishment with penny-priced entertainment.

I’m 21 years old, I’m currently making a short film about a young woman who travels time in search for the reason why her parents divorced. If you’d like to see it – you can see it soon on Myspace and youtube … but if neutrality is extinguished … you’ll never be able to see it … and niether will anyone else.

Communcations is our philosophy, our real currency, our love, our highest advance since the beginning of time. Lets not reverse that. Lets forward it with our country’s foundations in mind … and its people.

A screenplay in progress

Last night I completed my screenwriting class; one down five to go!

It’s provided a launch pad for my new project, “Land of the Lost”, which has made a lot of progress in just a few weeks. I’m currently writing the first act where the main characters form dislikes for each other right before the big turning point at the threshold of the special world.

Anyway, I don’t know if it’s just my naivete or intuition but I think I might be on to something big. Probably a mixture of the two.

I can’t really talk about it yet because it’s not protected but what I can say is that, I won’t be producing this myself because it would require raising around $300,000,000 to do it! So on that note … I better get the story right and the character relationship polished or else I might be sailing this ship of the end of Earth … which by the way can be seen in the trailer for Pirates 3!

So next class … Intro to screenwriting 2 – a work in progress. With the time inbetween classes, I’ll be able to focus my ideas and map out what I want to do with this story using index cards (I always agree that if you can’t fill out an entire deck of cards with ideas of what you want to do in the story … it’s probably not good enough to pursue).

Anyway, I’m off to Subway for a tuna sandwhich on herbs and cheese so I can get some new ideas onto the page … laijpfgoiubqw eruiofghaosdn – so excited!

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Clip #2 “Time Traveling a Secret”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHRSaGITimI

Updates:
Audio commentary will run through clips
Music track will run as well.

Let me know what you guys think. Sorry about the poor quality – but this is just about as raw as fottage can get … on top of the quick compression and upload to youtube. Check out my vodpod on my profile – usually the videos play a bit nicer.

Christopher