New Screenplay In Progress

I just can not get any further in Buscar. Total blockage.

On a whim, I called my alma mater and asked if I could film a short there in a couple weeks. Based on some minimal feedback, it seemed like the school would be willing. Much like Madre Sabe El Mejor, this was a project I’d only start writing if I could produce it. After this brief moment of positive energy, I tried to write something that I would only need a classroom, maybe a dorm shot, and a few cadets to film. I’d have Robert play a teacher. After a few false starts, I came up with a really cool idea which, of course, I’m going to be totally secretive about. It’s also more than a short. Which is okay because after Jean told me I might be able to do it on campus and have some cadets as actors, I realized, “Oh crap, I no longer have unlimited access to thousands of dollars of equipment.” That’s the one reason I didn’t want to leave Little Caesars. They were my sugar-daddy when it came to movie-making.

Then, last week at work, I started getting really inspired and had some great ideas and the notes & brainstorming storylines started flowing. While trolling around in myspace and facebook groups for Howe Military School alumni I found a former cadet who seemed just like how I envisioned one of the main characters. I want to grill her with questions about her experiences but … I really, really don’t want to … accidentally steal her experiences or something. But exchanging messages with her has helped keep me pretty inspired and excited about it. Shortly, I’m going to write some more tonight. 

I’m A Gangsta

The final bit of paperwork I have to submit for a job application packet is any arrest reports for any arrests. So, today I spent the day driving to places and requesting arrest reports. Ann Arbor was even kind enough to let me have a copy of my mug shot which I’ve attached (Yes, that’s a tuxedo shirt I was wearing and, yes, I thought I looked pretty cool). My “criminal record” works like this:

1. Get pulled over for speeding
2. Forget to pay speeding ticket
3. Get bench warrant out for my arrest
4. Get pulled over for speeding
5. Get arrested because of bench warrant for not paying last speeding ticket
6. Repeat

This happened a few times.

Why is this relevant? Well, while I was at the Jackson County Sheriff’s records place, I walked into a Bail Bonds place across the street to try scoring an interview with the proprietor. They also do fugitive recovery which is the really relevant part. I’d like my next little project to be … accurate.

So, I’m kinda gonna be like, Danny Trejo – a hardened criminal turned big Hollywood star.

Pearl of Great Price

I managed to get a copy of the music I started to compose for my third film, tentatively code-named “Buscar.” I thought it was lost forever. I’ve finally just written the first few words (as opposed to just taking notes) this very day. The music is called Siren (go ahead, click it). I’m not sure if I like it better than Madre’s Theme or not. Madre’s Theme is universally adored but, so far, Siren has gotten mixed reviews.

Update: Someone asked if these were difficult to make. No, I didn’t “write” or “play” them. They’re just arranged loops from Garageband/Soundtrack. I can read music a wee bit. I can barely – and I mean barely – play the flute and guitar. I just threw loops together until it sounded right and fit the mood/purpose.