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“SCHERMANN SONG” Video Soundtrack Preview

Here’s your first look at our HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG soundtrack. Music and Lyrics by JOE SCHERMANN Original Score by KEN LAMPL 1. “I WANT” performed by Christina Rose (0:00-0:36) 2. “WRITE ME A LOVE SONG” performed by Christina Rose and Joe Schermann (0:36-1:18) 3. “I FELL IN LOVE” performed by Debbie Williams and Joe Schermann (1:18-1:56) 4. “30 DAYS OF RAIN” performed by Debbie Williams and Joe Schermann (1:56-2:22) 5. “I HATE SUMMER” performed by [...]

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What I’m Watching (2012)

Running list of everything I’m watching in 2012 Jan 7: Moneyball | 4 stars out of 5 | 1st time watch | in-flight film Jan 8: One Day | 1 star out of 5 | 1st time watch | blu-ray Jan 9: Kaboom | 3 stars out of 5 | 1st time watch | DVD Jan 9: The Company Men | 2.5 stars out of 5 | 1st time watch | Cable Jan 10: The Vicious Kind | 4 stars [...]

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My Top 16 Films of 2011

My Yearly Top 16 Top 17 List is a tad different — it includes films from any year that I just happened to catch for the first time during 2011. So here we go…. 17. CRAZY STUPID LOVE (2011) – this was a perfect blend of a polished Hollywood film with a splash of indie sensibility. Thankfully Carell and Gosling are comedic gold in this. I still don’t get what people like about Emma Stone though. 16. RUSSIAN DOLLS [...]

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100 Greatest Music Moments in Films

Too cool not to post. Do you agree? What would you add? Sit back and enjoy! (Video courtesy of Mewlists)

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7 Stages of Coping with Sundance Rejection

1. SHOCK & DENIAL – Reaction to rejection with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional barrier from being overwhelmed. Could last for weeks. 2. PAIN & GUILT – The shock is replaced with suffering and pain. It must be experienced fully. Do not hide it or escape from it with alcohol, drugs or numerous viewings of THE ROOM on endless repeat (which actually sounds rather enjoyable — THE ROOM…not the [...]

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A Conversation with Filmmaker Gregory Bayne

I met Gregory at a screening a few years ago and actually found a common ground in our editing sensibilities….the man knows how to cut a film. Ever since we’ve been in touch and have hung out a few times. Knowing his ambitious plans I could only throw down a few bucks for his BLOODSWORTH Kickstarter campaign and ask if he wished to talk to me about the film and his career thus far. Again, rather than email a laundry [...]

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“A Ballad of Serenity for Gavin” – Backer Song Request #7

This is the fourth of 5 song requests for our amazing Backer (Gavin – @Tearsinrain78) — Theme song from FIREFLY Charity mentioned in the video: http://the-waynefoundation.org/ In case you missed it, here’s his first song request. Here’s his second song request. Here’s his third song request. Thank you Gavin and to all our supporters!! You can check out the latest progress on post-production by visiting my running diary.

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A Conversation with Filmmaker Zak Forsman

Zak Forsman and I have been good friends for just a few years now. He’s been a true supporter of my films and when I found out about his Kickstarter campaign I donated right away and asked if he would like to talk about the project in more detail to share his vision and plans. Rather than email a laundry list of questions for him to answer, I preferred to start an email discussion so that the talk would flow [...]

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“a HORRIBLE Song for Gavin’s Eyes” – Backer Song Request #6

This is the third of 5 song requests for our amazing Backer (Gavin – @Tearsinrain78) — “My Eyes” – DR. HORRIBLE’S SING ALONG BLOG. Charity mentioned in the video: http://the-waynefoundation.org/ In case you missed it, here’s his first song request. Here’s his second song request. Thank you Gavin and to all our supporters!!

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Actor Wish List

In addition to my favorite usual suspects (like Christina Rose and Jenn Dees)….here’s an ongoing list that I think about from time to time would be great to get into the mix. Any certain combo of these amazing performers would certainly be a “Dream Team” scenario. More names soon….. GENTLEMEN Guy Pierce Chiwetel (“Chewie”) Ejiofor Sung Kang George Clooney John T. Woods LADIES Maria Bello Carey Mulligan Samantha Morton Emily Mortimer Jennifer Jason Leigh Jurnee Smollett Michelle Monaghan Shannyn Sossamon [...]

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Hallway Obsession

The other day I was very flattered and intrigued when someone pointed out to me something about my films that I hadn’t even noticed. I’m talking particularly about the movies that I’ve personally done and not the “for-hire” gigs. Without consciously thinking about it, all the films that I’ve written and directed feature a major character walking away from the camera down a long hallway — each time occurring during Act 1 of their story. I guess you do what [...]

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The “Making of” Specials That Changed My Life

I’ve mentioned before (here and here) that as a kid I was enraptured by the making of movies — sometimes even more than the films themselves. And I’ve managed to find most of the tv specials that were a direct cause of why I fell in love with the craft of filmmaking. These are why I wanted to be a director. Thomas the Train? Dora the Explorer? HA…kid’s stuff. These are what my brother and I watched over and over [...]

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Taking Risks

I’ve decided to show what trailer’s style directly inspired me to create my 2nd teaser trailer for HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG (which definitely divided people strongly into the “love it/hate it” camps). As a filmmaker, I love taking risks and sometimes they work….sometimes they don’t. But I take them. Remember…everyone borrows….it’s from whom you choose to borrow from that makes you unique.

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This Makes Me Smile

I saw this video three years ago and it inspired me in so many ways. More than anything, it gives me faith in believing we are more common than some would like to think. Before I get too philosophical, I just love this video for what it can do so effectively in a few simple minutes. It makes you feel something — and reflect upon your life and where you are at. Are you happy? Are you where you want [...]

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A Wonderful Song for Ronald – Backer Song Request #5

This song goes out to our generous backer Ronald who is currently serving in the Middle East with the US Army. It amazes me he still found time to find our film and support us. I actually love this rendition the cast did so I hope you enjoy!

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My Early Films

Back in 2009 I mentioned finding my old Super-8 movies and having a blast reminiscing about what I did as a kid. Here’s the post about it in case you missed it. And now I’ve got a quick video highlight of some of those films. Back in the late 70s/early 80s….Spielberg was everyone’s idol (yes I paid attention to directors even back then)….and even if you didn’t know who he was by name you certainly loved his films.

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The reason I make movies…

Just when I begin to question myself if it’s all worth it…..walking away from a steady job, the years of sacrifice, the long hours of effort and doubt, the writer’s block, the obsession, the isolation, not having the time anymore to properly catch up with everyone like I should….. I get this from a complete stranger. I smile. And I continue on…..

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