tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19390847246765645812024-03-29T06:58:29.129-07:00Eyre Films BlogIan "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-11317090772598489332024-03-28T20:43:00.000-07:002024-03-28T21:05:25.745-07:00<p>27 Days of Vengeance Trail - Countdown to Memphis Premiere on April 23!</p><p><b>Sometimes an ROI (return on investment) takes many years! How to have integrity with movie investors' money!!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIF_SKDrraADZJvrIfEsXQO7U6EJPpcEfY7-_Z5kipMjjDIQoMnmKDDjUYh6VEKa8a3WUjknfQJH5Hd1YjZoSMPTmz0ZcTJ0v_BEzWnUCZGB211_zwabBMa-tCSwleAAlvraxu_k5vwuFQHqpe6hDKFdO4z0aTZC3V06s_B3M8xbdHpWraesMPzRI9oQA/s1920/VT%20ROI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIF_SKDrraADZJvrIfEsXQO7U6EJPpcEfY7-_Z5kipMjjDIQoMnmKDDjUYh6VEKa8a3WUjknfQJH5Hd1YjZoSMPTmz0ZcTJ0v_BEzWnUCZGB211_zwabBMa-tCSwleAAlvraxu_k5vwuFQHqpe6hDKFdO4z0aTZC3V06s_B3M8xbdHpWraesMPzRI9oQA/s320/VT%20ROI.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Most independent movies don't make a profit<b> </b><a href="https://filmmakermagazine.com/120384-truth-about-independent-film-revenue/" target="_blank">(60-82% don't break even, in our budget range)</a>, which is a simple reality with a complicated response. Filmmakers like to create art, but don't want to learn the business of selling the movie. Vengeance Trail wasn't profitable on its first round, but that doesn't mean it can't find future audiences as a library movie. We made mistakes -- Vengeance Trail started out as a student film with low financial risk, but we didn’t have movie stars and we had some technical issues that made it difficult to attract distributors back in 2006. We also didn't shoot on film or on a digital camera resolution that would have 'future proofed' the movie. Then, we didn’t sell enough DVDs to make the investors their money back, despite touring America's cowboy and Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) Competitions for a year and getting shelf space in Blockbuster and Walmart. Ultimately, the financiers wrote off their losses years ago. This fact has bugged me for 15 years, until new technology came out to solve almost all the technical issues. Now, it's time to raise awareness and find a new audience, for Vengeance Trail and more Westerns to come! </p><p></p><p>What I accomplished today:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Submitted an ad to HappeningNow.com/Memphis. They wanted a link to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/431311092785675/?ref=newsfeed" target="_blank">Facebook event</a>, so I created that and already have some comments and interested parties. Sign up now!</li><li>Spent the morning working on a t-shirt design that can double as one of the logos on the 8'x8' red-carpet banner I will have printed. The first version was short on dpi and the printshop had to stretch it, so I went overkill on the resolution and my computer had a hard time keeping up.</li><li>Did a Facebook search for "Western movie" and HOLY SMOKES, there's at least 100 fan groups. I started interacting with a few.</li></ul><div></div><p></p><p>Got to finish the EPK, because that's the starting point for publicity. I asked Chat GPT:</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hi Chat GPT, how are you? I am a movie producer finishing up a low budget Western action feature film. I would like to know what marketing materials I should create and a timeline for releasing them.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hello! I'm an AI language model here to help you. Congratulations on finishing up your low budget Western action feature film! Marketing materials are crucial for promoting your film effectively. Let's discuss some essential marketing materials and develop a timeline for their release. Of course, keep in mind that this is a general guide, and you can adjust it according to your specific needs and circumstances.</p></blockquote><ol style="text-align: left;">
<ol><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Official Trailer: Prepare an engaging and captivating trailer to generate buzz and excitement among your target audience. Ideally, release it around 2-3 months before the film's release.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Teaser: Consider releasing a short teaser trailer or clip a few months before the official trailer to build anticipation and create intrigue.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Poster: Create an eye-catching and visually appealing poster for your film. Aim to have it ready around the same time as your official trailer, so it can be used in promotional materials.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Behind-the-Scenes Content: Capture behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and production photos to share on your film's social media channels and website. Begin sharing this content sporadically several months before the release to keep your audience engaged.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Social Media Presence: Establish active social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) dedicated to your movie. Regularly share updates, news, trailers, and engage with your audience. Initiate this at least 4-6 months prior to the film's premiere.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Website: Create a dedicated website for your film, containing essential information, updates, trailers, and links to social media accounts. Make sure the website is live early in the marketing campaign.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Press Kit: Assemble a comprehensive digital press kit including film synopsis, cast and crew information, production details, high-resolution images, and any other relevant materials. Distribute this to online publications, bloggers, and journalists at least 1-2 months before the premiere.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Film Festivals: Submit your film to relevant film festivals to gain exposure and potential awards. Research submission deadlines and create a strategy to maximize your chances of acceptance.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Premiere Announcement: Once you secure a release date or screening location, announce it to the public via social media, press releases, and other promotional platforms. Timing for this announcement may vary, but it is typically a few months before the premiere.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Online Ads and PR: Consider running targeted online advertisements and partnering with PR agencies to spread the word about your film, ensuring maximum exposure.</li></ol>
</ol><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Remember to always adapt your timeline to fit your specific release plan and budget. It's also crucial to continually assess and adjust your marketing strategy along the way based on audience feedback, engagement, and other relevant factors. Good luck with your film marketing efforts!</p></blockquote><div><p>Good advice. On it!</p><p>Ian Max</p></div>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0Memphis, TN, USA35.1495343 -90.048980120.445892797228872 -107.6271051 49.853175802771126 -72.4708551tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-68221072011830339952024-03-27T19:45:00.000-07:002024-03-27T20:15:08.940-07:00<p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">28</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a; font-size: 14.85px;"> Days of Vengeance Trail - Countdown to Memphis Premiere on April 23!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a; font-size: 14.85px;">HOW WE MADE A FEATURE WESTERN FOR $10K!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a; font-size: 14.85px;">Indie Filmmakers, this is one way to get your movie made! See what you can accomplish with the first $10K and all the resources and relationships you can parlay for free.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WND3bsIHRBERz7JgSps29dhn_Jlgu_vHhzSbQlemo6wMET6ea_v0_mKM6Z6kHHY12lD4NSl5bVDKW2oly0j1Ehfxn_RULeekFmdyvB7K0WvWsc_0ZbBsyn9hNg8h5G6JVowthSczR-6lGqvU8ijwVEY9pyRlnhpeAM1ztwkajQDPdeW48mFfhyphenhyphenie82Y8/s1582/VT%202%20logos%20white.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1582" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WND3bsIHRBERz7JgSps29dhn_Jlgu_vHhzSbQlemo6wMET6ea_v0_mKM6Z6kHHY12lD4NSl5bVDKW2oly0j1Ehfxn_RULeekFmdyvB7K0WvWsc_0ZbBsyn9hNg8h5G6JVowthSczR-6lGqvU8ijwVEY9pyRlnhpeAM1ztwkajQDPdeW48mFfhyphenhyphenie82Y8/w400-h213/VT%202%20logos%20white.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hollywood Guns & Props TripleDare Productions</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Origin story of Vengeance Trail: </b>Josh Seat was a film professor at Master's College in Newhall, CA. He was friends with Al Frisch of Hollywood Guns and Props. Al's company could outfit 4 period movies at a time, with wardrobe, props, and guns. His wife Sue made costumes. They owned a few horses and had standing sets in their backyard, where they would host Cowboy Poetry once a year when all sorts of Western movie fans would be in town for the Golden Boot Awards. Josh wanted to make a movie with his students and Al had screenplays lying around. Al brought in his friend Keven (Russell) </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">McCaulley</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-size: 14.85px;">, who had his own vintage props and wardrobe, and they put up the initial $10K to make a movie. They formed Copper Button Entertainment. Josh intended to shoot fast and cheap on a consumer camcorder.</span></p><p><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">My film partner in crime, Stephen McCurry, got hired as DP and he brought his ambition to the project. Al had connections at Golden Oak Ranch in Newhall to shoot on their Western street backlot. He was also friends with various other talent, such as Phil Spangenberger who taught Mel Gibson to shoot on Maverick, and Jack Lilley, who could drive a <a href="https://truewestmagazine.com/stagecoaches-and-horse-teams/" target="_blank">6-up</a>. Stephen owned a Canon XL-1 camera and some lights. Al had a putt-putt generator.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Stephen needed help. He brought on his 4 Atlanta friends who had done many </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">guerrilla shoots together and now lived in Los Angeles; Ian Eyre, Aaron Day, Christopher Lowell and Julian McClellan. Everyone needed to get paid something, so I think we agreed to $100 per day flat. As you can probably tell, the budget grew, but we accomplished most of a feature for about $35K. We decided to shut down production and Stephen went off to edit. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Al and Keven liked the footage as it came together. It felt like a real movie. Stephen and Al workshopped the script. Stephen and I took over producing from Copper Button Entertainment, with our own shingle, TripleDare Productions. Then reshoots were planned for the next year. Long story short, we kept running out of money and Al kept putting money in our bank account. How?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">Fortunately, Al</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> had once-upon-a-time purchased half of the props and guns from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stembridge_Gun_Rentals" target="_blank">Stembridge Gun Rentals</a> when they closed, so he was able to match</span></span></span><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> guns, leathers, </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">set pictures, and serial numbers for unique weapons, used by movie stars such as John Wayne, and sell them to collectors. I shot a long barrel pistol used by Steve McQueen in the first year's shoot, but my footage got cut in the reshoot. <b>Vengeance Trail was funded by arms sales, lol.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">All this to say, a little <b>momentum can lead to big results</b>. I'll continue the Vengeance Trail story another day.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Speaking of, what are some topics you'd like to learn more about? Leave a comment!</span></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Why am I going through all this effort after the movie being dormant all those years?</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">Which ai tools I used? </span></span></li><li><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Why am I self-distributing?</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">How much money do I expect to make, and how much do I need to make?</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Today's goals accomplished:</span></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">Edited a promo for a <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/fifth-step-movie-premier" target="_blank">short screening event</a> on April 14. Exported the DCP. Delivered!</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">To finish tonight:</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;"><ul style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><li><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Create a high res image for my t-shirt printer to create a </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">sample.</span></span></li></ul></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">Blessings,</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">Ian Max</span></span></div><p></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-33871696470449554562024-03-26T19:01:00.000-07:002024-03-26T19:04:55.675-07:00<p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">29</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a; font-size: 14.85px;"> Days of Vengeance Trail - Countdown to Memphis Premiere on April 23!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;">Each day, I'm going to post a little behind the scenes on: The Making of <b><i>Vengeance Trail</i></b>, or The Remaking of the Movie using Artificial Intelligence. As well as an update on progress planning the theatrical premiere on April 23 and sharing connections local to Memphis, TN</span></span></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a; font-size: 14.85px;">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-size: 14.85px;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9apqAoGuwxNzcWInzIX169mdMX4eY4qXaPZwZB0vVgy58FljWYxIj44LANl21uz901K70Z-HjqeH2g75WkOH3L8TLYH16WiJGyH75hEXk-J4OcAyQnm7WRIAA5Gze1Z_kPwlMVzFmhIOhA916HVHboUk0W-b2nyTW-BIDwTUQxJvsGsR1peGuC-41il-/s720/VT%20DVD%20Blockbuster%20d.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9apqAoGuwxNzcWInzIX169mdMX4eY4qXaPZwZB0vVgy58FljWYxIj44LANl21uz901K70Z-HjqeH2g75WkOH3L8TLYH16WiJGyH75hEXk-J4OcAyQnm7WRIAA5Gze1Z_kPwlMVzFmhIOhA916HVHboUk0W-b2nyTW-BIDwTUQxJvsGsR1peGuC-41il-/s320/VT%20DVD%20Blockbuster%20d.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;">You probably didn't get a chance to see <i>Vengeance Trail</i> the first time around. Who remembers Blockbuster? Blockbuster and Walmart is as far as <i>Vengeance Trail</i> got distributed, so I'd love to meet someone who saw it on the shelf and rented or purchased it.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;">If you like period-accurate Westerns, you're going to love this classic tale of good vs. evil! Nominated for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Boot_Awards" target="_blank">2006 Golden Boot Awards "Best of the West."</a> Al Frisch of <a href="https://truewestmagazine.com/article/guns-of-vengance-trail/" target="_blank">Hollywood Guns and Props</a> has all the props, costumes, screenplays, and even some horses and standing sets, to make many new Westerns. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;">Tomorrow, I'll tell of how a film professor persuaded a historian and collector that Western movies can't lose and that he and his students could make a $10K feature with the resources of two Western buffs and their friends. Lot's of dreams were on the line!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Today's challenges:</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Start the process of building relationships with Memphis influencers by</span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a;"> polishing and updating the EPK (electronic press kit).</span></li><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Then, I can approach media and bloggers for guest articles.</span></span></li><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Create the art for the t-shirt from the poster art, and send for a test print.</span></span></li></ul><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Which t-shirt design do you prefer? </span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9tqE_6ltPU05W7LUWuHZQ6bbCoL4BUBZ1LPbm0QC__JG4_ImYqb1-bzcqc20x9Sy9Tkpau9GCHdsbaNOqRA2gRch8eJvCV6r_dIZwQ6LS5RXKm0Mtf88aR_1WERsjcrS0Ahj_4S1YxxKDYcxehQAg1cmUvF77jV8UoH4H5PGTQitfGxCdCm6vDbs1A6y/s1920/VT%20t-shirt%20A:B.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9tqE_6ltPU05W7LUWuHZQ6bbCoL4BUBZ1LPbm0QC__JG4_ImYqb1-bzcqc20x9Sy9Tkpau9GCHdsbaNOqRA2gRch8eJvCV6r_dIZwQ6LS5RXKm0Mtf88aR_1WERsjcrS0Ahj_4S1YxxKDYcxehQAg1cmUvF77jV8UoH4H5PGTQitfGxCdCm6vDbs1A6y/w640-h360/VT%20t-shirt%20A:B.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Today's Successes:</span></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">A Memphis podcaster wants to interview me, stay tuned.</span></span></li><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">I submitted the premiere screening event to <a href="https://happeningnext.com/memphis" target="_blank">HappeningNext</a> for $5. </span></span></li><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">I negotiated with The Auteur Club for them to show my promo April 14, in return for showing their promo before Vengeance Trail on April 23.</span></span></li><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;">I booked a talk show with Anfra Boyd:</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a;"> April 21, 7pm Central on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/anfra.boyd" style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" target="_blank">YAMS TALK RADIO</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a;">.</span></li><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a;">I also booked Anfra to live-stream the Premiere. She will bring so much energy!!!</span></li></ul></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/anfra.boyd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1974" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsh09jd7zRXPeR6CCu6ngGOKgIHRQo7oHk0FzTb8qNgEBw538RTqDxqWSsmwGCUK-fBtqYyXUbxlNfiHhtjUgsl7jPgeIViq0Ysm38ShwZfbo2Sne2G7gRmAXLj4BWxslt3G6atIPrpMqqB8kG7Slm1kk70HCjox4GK9geStb1kjH_J7ZK9nQ3KDb1kaO/s320/YAMS%20New%20Hollywood.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Time to enjoy my family and get to bed on time!</span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Thanks for your support!</span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #6a6a6a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106);">Ian Max</span></span></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><span face="poppins, arial, "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: var(--fr-headings-letter-spacing);"><p><br /></p></span><div><span face="poppins, arial, Helvetica Neue, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="poppins, arial, Helvetica Neue, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="poppins, arial, Helvetica Neue, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="poppins, arial, Helvetica Neue, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="poppins, arial, Helvetica Neue, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="poppins, arial, Helvetica Neue, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="poppins, arial, Helvetica Neue, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="poppins, arial, Helvetica Neue, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span><p></p><div><span face="poppins, arial, "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: var(--fr-headings-letter-spacing);"><br /></span></div><div><span face="poppins, arial, "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: var(--fr-headings-letter-spacing);"><br /></span></div></div>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-65810326100935604762024-03-25T15:10:00.000-07:002024-03-26T19:04:40.071-07:00<p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">30</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(106, 106, 106); color: #6a6a6a; font-size: 14.85px;"> Days of Vengeance Trail - Countdown to Memphis Premiere on April 23!</span></p><p>Over 20 years in the works, <b><i><a href="http://VengeanceTrail.com" target="_blank">Vengeance Trail</a></i> is going to receive its first theatrical exhibition</b>. I'm so excited to see and hear it on the big screen!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://VengeanceTrail.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgJpJWhwGR5iyhejlRmKAj6vAKwxAUdn4uvGwi3SRX7uqQiHNfbmMnRupxEnP8fI2yJTeeW2dXZT-OhVNlFXF4p0_oap12I6N3S_Gv5ZUo1J7Gz71NcqaHejB2GfJ0JP_TRjRybCRsEmtSb8ppQF22Sc18Hv3dsb93H5w5LFe5saA8fHg6rYgJbQPhIfi/w400-h225/VT%20Malco%20title%20card.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>If you haven't followed the journey so far, <b><i>Vengeance Trail</i> started out as a student film</b>, then grew. But, as you can imagine with a bunch of first time filmmakers, me included, plenty of mistakes were made. After several years, the movie was released in Blockbuster and Walmart, but it only made a fraction of its budget in return. I was always bummed that the investors were never made whole and the movie didn't find a large audience. When <b>artificial intelligence</b> tools became available, I started to wonder if the movie could be rescued and improved. And now, this epic-feeling Western, shot on a prosumer miniDV camera, receives the royal treatment at a theater in Memphis!</p><p>Now that the movie has been digitally enhanced, <b>follow along</b> on its self-distribution journey. For various reasons, traditional distribution isn't the best option for the movie. The first theatrical screening of Vengeance Trail happens 29 days from today. This daily blog series for 30 days will chronicle the journey to throw a memorable event.</p><p>What we have:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A bonafide, feature-length movie! See the <a href="http://vengeancetrail.com" target="_blank">trailer</a> at <b><a href="http://VengeanceTrail.com" target="_blank">VengeanceTrail.com</a></b>.</li><li>Venue, a 165 seat theater at <a href="https://www.malco.com/cinemas/collierville-cinema-grill-and-mxt/" target="_blank">Malco Cordova Cinema Grill</a>, on April 23, 2024 at 7pm. </li><li>Food and drink available at the event.</li><li>Movie poster from which we will have t-shirts made.</li><li>Stars of Vengeance Trail attending.</li><li>Invites to be a guest on a podcast and a movie review website.</li><li>Local advisors who have hosted theatrical premieres.</li><li>Potential talent to live-broadcast the event.</li><li>Potential musicians to entertain before and after the movie.</li><li>Sound system for Q&A - the theater provides a house microphone.</li><li>Camera and lights for the red carpet.</li></ul><div>Needed:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Update the EPK (electronic press kit).</li><li>Printer for banners, posters, t-shirts. Lead time and quantity decisions. </li><li>Design completion for banners, posters, t-shirts.</li><li>Possible DVDs, BluRays and </li><li>Decisions on a website for collecting ticket sales and emails for the future; Eventive vs. Kinema.</li><li>Lock in musician and hosting talent for the event.</li><li>Write a first draft of a guest post article for the movie review website to give notes.</li><li>Decide how many posters to print, based on price-break and budget for inventory.</li></ul><div>Today's successes:</div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Two Memphis filmmakers, <a href="http://hthmemphis.org/hth2022/" target="_blank">LaDell Beaman</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tbtrackboi/" target="_blank">Rex Oatis</a>, have recommended sources for a red carpet backdrop for guest photos. <a href="https://www.stickersbanners.com" target="_blank">Stickers & Banners</a> drop ships within 24 business hours, and an 8'x8' vinyl banner is $98 plus S&H. I can borrow stands to hold the banner up. Another option is <a href="https://www.central-printing.com" target="_blank">Central Imaging & Printing</a>, which excites me because I really want to hire and spend locally, so I'll compare their quote when I get it. </li><li>I met Memphis Wrestler, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/233464869772676" target="_blank">K Toomer aka Fatjitsu</a>, for the second time on Saturday. He and I were invited by LaDell to present our careers (stunts and professional wrestling) at a Heel the Hood Foundation Memphis event, and he prints the t-shirts for Memphis Wrestling at such an affordable price that there's actually still room to make a profit. So, I'm going to have him print a sample shirt with the following image as a test. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEzAUeMyzl9Q5Vu7eTHnptwEysbLtxWy5L82N0t_Smv-qRbuYY7NeZrYDxjvGz_kCRzldsmZi0M-zr0CAS5STSyvm_jZfWxDG5nbOv68EUR4UG6Tc6gp1i9RPFuwS-OpyrOYMpVc5_FNH7WorU-M0JmmQPD9d9SLF8DsdSSiMMdD0Spp5lM1Q259Ad7sO/s954/Screenshot%202024-03-25%20at%205.04.33%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEzAUeMyzl9Q5Vu7eTHnptwEysbLtxWy5L82N0t_Smv-qRbuYY7NeZrYDxjvGz_kCRzldsmZi0M-zr0CAS5STSyvm_jZfWxDG5nbOv68EUR4UG6Tc6gp1i9RPFuwS-OpyrOYMpVc5_FNH7WorU-M0JmmQPD9d9SLF8DsdSSiMMdD0Spp5lM1Q259Ad7sO/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-25%20at%205.04.33%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="254" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Hope you like learning filmmaking with me!</div><div>Ian Max</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-49475464123488511442023-08-24T12:53:00.002-07:002023-08-25T11:41:40.782-07:00SNEAK PREVIEW of Vengeance Trail - First 12 Minutes<p><a href="https://youtu.be/u0SQX2E2PNY?si=vCGykmsSQD5cgeHs" target="_blank">First 12 minutes</a> of Vengeance Trail with live chat this Saturday, August 26 at 6pm Pacific, 9pm Eastern. Click on Notify Me for a reminder.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TNCuE0lSBC_eD_RCr4ZDJcZE9Bafr72OTCETk6gRt2YH2pu6zb0S4nx_0oqSMWXnOUsasFUDv_NJRrRaIfki1XYU3UWGWRBnGcCDzu-LdhPfKM9uwwdPnFnTWRJdP_gsY9ZUnmy1VorxRUiOvMFmeegq8rCtOh40YZVejlyFUbqU74Opb9gbadu5k-Mp/s1920/VT%20Sneak%20Preview%20RCR.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TNCuE0lSBC_eD_RCr4ZDJcZE9Bafr72OTCETk6gRt2YH2pu6zb0S4nx_0oqSMWXnOUsasFUDv_NJRrRaIfki1XYU3UWGWRBnGcCDzu-LdhPfKM9uwwdPnFnTWRJdP_gsY9ZUnmy1VorxRUiOvMFmeegq8rCtOh40YZVejlyFUbqU74Opb9gbadu5k-Mp/w640-h360/VT%20Sneak%20Preview%20RCR.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Hope you're not tired of me talking about my Western. My old partner thinks I'm putting too much time into it, but I keep finding new ai tools that can make little details better. I'm not being a perfectionist, but if a line of dialogue is covered by wind noise and there's a new Audio Enhance Tool, how can I say the movie it done if I haven't made the sound a little better. Right, Benny DeRose of Go Big Audio? After all, the sound quality is as, or more, important than the picture quality. And, I mustn't forget this <a href="https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/session-4-excellence-matters" target="_blank">Call to Excellence</a> that crossed my eyeballs exactly a week ago.</p><p></p><p></p><p>I'm making my way through the movie with a fine-toothed comb, and I finished the opening sequence through the Inciting Incident, the event that will engage the reluctant hero and bring him out of hiding to face his giant. It certainly upsets his world, and it will upset you as well.</p><p>These first 12 minutes look and sound great! Like a real movie with a real budget! Which it is! NO DISCLAIMERS NEEDED! I'm very excited. A friend of mine just wrote this:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: #e7f3ff; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">Bro how in the world did you get your footage to look like that? I've been using Topaz Ai and I can't get my footage to look brand new like you did. If you got a trick, please let me know, because we're trying everything, LOL!</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: #e7f3ff; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"></span></p></blockquote><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: #e7f3ff; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"></span></p><p>I hosted a YouTube premiere of the Sneak Preview on Tuesday without much warning. A handful of people showed up and interacted in the chat. It was fun interacting with a few fans. And two days later, this video has over 1000 views, which is a better result than any of my videos for over 3 years!</p><p>Here are some comments from the Sneak Preview:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">"This was really good!!! Great quality!!! Love it!!! Eager for more!!!!"</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">"Digging it!"</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">"Good stuff!! Made we want to be a cowboy lol."</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">"Ohh, this is epic. I love everything about this."</span></blockquote><p>How cool is that? </p><p>So, join me in two days and let's<a href="https://youtu.be/u0SQX2E2PNY?si=vCGykmsSQD5cgeHs" target="_blank"> Live Chat</a> while watching the opening sequence.</p><p>Ian Max</p><p><br /></p><p>P.S. If you worked on the movie or know someone who did, please contact me!</p><p>P.S.S. Subscribe here for the <a href="https://eyrefilms.us16.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0874b2b1bf4b9f53ea2cd68a8&id=bbcb172e6d" target="_blank">Eyre Films Newsletter</a>. More info at <a href="https://eyrefilms.com" target="_blank">Eyre Films</a>. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"> </p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"> </p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"> </p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"> </p></blockquote><p></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-6153345257597912942023-08-02T14:01:00.009-07:002023-08-04T08:17:11.036-07:00TBT: Career Highlight with a Fireball<p>Have I reached the pinnacle of my stunt career? I hope not. But this gag last year was definitely bragging rights for my future grandkids.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4v2_MQqAbXEf-BsyzQLXXwllnwh2VmkLHsWC_DgQ9ekflu_dxQ3Vv67Gr8jegXtFL8ilYM-DZNRxk-GRH06dG0WEM6oOiAQU6FxJsrwnlcf9IjabvNPmySyS4KkV2x6HPU8_tynPmuZ3VNpN_DKI5qyvTF13lwnPOOj4NPbPO7nmbnLZQzr-PmILAl_S/s1450/Ambulance%20Crash%20XBX%20title%20card.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1450" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4v2_MQqAbXEf-BsyzQLXXwllnwh2VmkLHsWC_DgQ9ekflu_dxQ3Vv67Gr8jegXtFL8ilYM-DZNRxk-GRH06dG0WEM6oOiAQU6FxJsrwnlcf9IjabvNPmySyS4KkV2x6HPU8_tynPmuZ3VNpN_DKI5qyvTF13lwnPOOj4NPbPO7nmbnLZQzr-PmILAl_S/w640-h360/Ambulance%20Crash%20XBX%20title%20card.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/OvVX7Vb6t3Y" target="_blank">Ambulance Crash from Christmas Bloody Christmas.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>See the movie if you must, but I recommend skipping the first half because of all the potty sex talk (exposition would be more interesting) leading up to the deed indeed (sweating while wearing undies). But once they get in the car to escape, the movie keeps its tension and the genre expectations of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7PqVUWzF48" target="_blank">trailer</a>.</p><p>Speaking of exposition in an action movie, Garry Marshall's book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wake-When-Its-Funny-Filmbooks/dp/1557042888/ref=sr_1_3?crid=31BWOTLUIUHZG&keywords=garry+marshall+book&qid=1691007574&sprefix=garry+marsha%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Wake Me When It's Funny</a> has a hilarious description; "You go there, I'll go here."</p><p>Christmas Bloody Christmas was my second movie for Joe Bezos and Josh Ethier. I do enjoy working for them. They are obviously opinionated about their stories and methods, and unapologetic about it. I appreciate that. They are also very generous and fair and run a safe, friendly, professional set.</p><p>We filmed in <a href="https://www.cityofplacerville.org" target="_blank">Placerville, CA</a>, the original capital of California, nicknamed <a href="https://www.historicplacerville.com/placerville-s-history-old-hangtown/" target="_blank">Hangtown</a> for all the criminals they hanged. The locals had no idea of the movie being told on their quaint streets.</p><p>The challenges were many, especially due to the budget, from Special Effects and Transpo struggling to find and prep all the vehicles, to traction issues on a hilly, dirt road in snow and towing unmanned vehicles. But I got to work with two old friends, Special Effects Coordinator, Chris Bailey, and Stunt Coordinator, Tony Snegoff. It had been a while since I'd crashed a vehicle, and a much longer while since I'd been inside a fireball, so this career highlight was a combo. And the nice thing these days is everyone has a high quality video camera in their pocket, so I got to collect tons of coverage of my scene without asking.</p><p>After much thought about stopping a heavy vehicle on slippery flat steel (the gutted police car was chained to trench plate) before hitting the building and the cameras inside, all the prep (including a deceleration assist) and rehearsals (I could get the ambulance up to 25mph in the distance available, and stop in 15 ft with good traction) paid off. A week later, I parked the ambulance in front of a white wall so that the flashing lights would reflect onto me as I changed my wardrobe and yelled into the camera, so I could personalize the video. </p><p>During the actual ambulance crash, I was actually wearing a Santa jacket and beard but the hat wouldn't stay on my helmet and I had to see. I also doubled Santa (Abe Benrubi) riding and climbing through the ambulance, up to another crash. Another time, I'll post about the other stunts, and give more credit where credit is due.</p><p>Ian Max Eyre</p><p><br /></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-35026166108281457382023-07-27T21:26:00.002-07:002023-07-27T21:26:53.733-07:00Creation Mandate - Take God's Good and Make it Better<p>I took am 8 week business course in January/February and loved it so much I'm leading the course this time around (We started this morning). <a href="http://FaithDrivenEntrepreneur.org">FaithDrivenEntrepreneur.org</a> has videos that challenge me to integrate my faith into every aspect of my life, including my finances, my relationships, my businesses and my community. </p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqifYZLGNizsIfT_cGL3aFX8TSrPA7PhEgUQf9VlADcfOEXSi_VwT5ov5io1Iip1pSbSuIKoGjGcK9Bmd4WWPtuR0jdnDGE7ASUsYr5cA0fJjYRL2MULoARXY8VzAZUNBI6OfiFTvcbZ1LZQpIZYPMASJbDfUU_9cbmhyWDZm1Dyq5FFniMidlCbQ45JG/s2600/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-27%20at%2011.11.08%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="2600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqifYZLGNizsIfT_cGL3aFX8TSrPA7PhEgUQf9VlADcfOEXSi_VwT5ov5io1Iip1pSbSuIKoGjGcK9Bmd4WWPtuR0jdnDGE7ASUsYr5cA0fJjYRL2MULoARXY8VzAZUNBI6OfiFTvcbZ1LZQpIZYPMASJbDfUU_9cbmhyWDZm1Dyq5FFniMidlCbQ45JG/w640-h360/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-27%20at%2011.11.08%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/session-1-our-call-to-create</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p><p>God cares about beauty. He partners with us to create, as we are created in his image. He gives us the raw materials and expects us to perfect what's in our domain as a reflection of Him. This guy created the coolest leather coffin so that when he dies people will see how much he cares about beauty, and why, hoping to point people to our Creator. He also provides free day care so that his employees' families can be whole.</p><p>Jesus' first miracle was an actor of beauty: turning water into wine. </p><p>What is the <b>Creation Mandate</b>? Genesis 1:28 (ASV)</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. </p></blockquote><p>Adam and Eve were the first entrepreneurs. They had a job to do, together.</p><p>God made everything good, not perfect. He expects us to co-create with Him!</p><p>I hereby declare myself <b>Chief Steward</b> of everything God has given me, my time, relationships, talents, skills and finances.</p><p>Ian Max.</p><p></p><p><br /></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-87574938989927967492023-07-13T15:09:00.001-07:002023-07-13T21:13:32.189-07:00Terrorist Rehab Center in Saudi Arabia?!?<p>I saw a documentary last night at a <a href="https://anthemfilmfestival.com" target="_blank">Libertarian film fest</a> that came to Memphis (https://anthemfilmfestival.com). THE UNREDACTED follows a handful of Guantanamo prisoners sent to a rehab center in Saudi Arabia. It was really interesting to see jihad terrorists humanized. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya29bpWfkkp39SdCmXAyCUcW2U1QAYR4cv7tpqcfdcAdDJvZCzCG9IRfZiMYTWVifjNKkRqtioypH9ujgJV_uaG7dQ_Yl5lA-cJWsMv3Vm3LSmzLLq5cFJ6cNjZmbfxvRIAmP_ZGNmVmtqbzZGjwucY1JCRgfkSD4bfjIN37TSVMONoKArzHW5OzRZem0/s1590/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-13%20at%209.33.30%20AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya29bpWfkkp39SdCmXAyCUcW2U1QAYR4cv7tpqcfdcAdDJvZCzCG9IRfZiMYTWVifjNKkRqtioypH9ujgJV_uaG7dQ_Yl5lA-cJWsMv3Vm3LSmzLLq5cFJ6cNjZmbfxvRIAmP_ZGNmVmtqbzZGjwucY1JCRgfkSD4bfjIN37TSVMONoKArzHW5OzRZem0/w431-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-13%20at%209.33.30%20AM.png" width="431" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #1f1f1f; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: white; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: start;">Guantanamo detainees are released into a year long program of de-radicalization in Saudi Arabia, with the eventual goal of finding jobs and starting families.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The movie got canceled by mobs at Sundance, SXSW, and everywhere else, so this was the only public screening so far, besides a screening at San Quentin Prison. Read about the journey and public outcry here: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/oct/23/jihad-rehab-documentary-making-unredacted-saudi-arabia" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/oct/23/jihad-rehab-documentary-making-unredacted-saudi-arabia </a></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBRyS2MpsuNGOA5cjdYVBJtfyxjJ4ks3tcSUd9m_Un7bYuV65zP58G5KOIHvjgdXeB1TQ3qjQkklq-rK-s_NPOGNreMQCvIa3a32m6PqVRlIe7iau-q44CRVIwYr3rEjObY4x7mYAWRuSJVhPdSy2ss-NPkTbAoA_kU0yyubhuzDMl0OAI7tDwKl0lyQI/s1718/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-13%20at%209.25.31%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1718" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBRyS2MpsuNGOA5cjdYVBJtfyxjJ4ks3tcSUd9m_Un7bYuV65zP58G5KOIHvjgdXeB1TQ3qjQkklq-rK-s_NPOGNreMQCvIa3a32m6PqVRlIe7iau-q44CRVIwYr3rEjObY4x7mYAWRuSJVhPdSy2ss-NPkTbAoA_kU0yyubhuzDMl0OAI7tDwKl0lyQI/w400-h283/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-13%20at%209.25.31%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Q&A with the director Meg Smaker was fascinating. Her journey as a firefighter, to seeking to know more about the Middle East after 9-11, to moving to Yemen and learning Arabic, to working in Saudi Arabia and building relationships that led to filming interview with 150 terrorists, to narrowing it down to a handful of rehabees during the program and for a short while after, until her access was removed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did not think I would believe these terrorists could be rehabilitated so I didn't plan on seeing the movie. Then I learned how the movie was cancelled, predominantly because a white, non-Muslim woman made it. It seemed like a rare opportunity, and I'm against cancel culture.</div><div><br /></div><div>These terrorists were teenagers when they were recruited to jihad training camps. They spent 15+ years in GITMO prison, with no access to the outside world. They were not charged with any crimes, nor did they go to trial. When they were released, they had no experience with the Internet or smart phones.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't agree with everything Meg said, but some things ring true: These men are searching for purpose and belonging. There are four motivations for these men joining jihad training groups; Cause or duty, Economic, Peer pressure or family, Adventure. I can relate to the person who seeks adventure. In fact, these four motivations are the same for American teens who join the US Military.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some other thoughts by Meg:</div><div><div>The most powerful force in world is storytelling, because stories shape how we think and spend. </div><div>Hollywood gatekeepers lack courage and principals. </div><div>You can argue politics and facts but not a personal story.</div><div>The Diary of Anne Frank made 6 million Jewish deaths in Germany tangible. </div><div>Vets connect with this movie because they miss the camaraderie of soldier life and feel more in common with enemy soldiers than the people who sent them to war. </div><div>Cancel culture: The answer isn’t to cancel discussion, it’s to come up with better ideas. </div><div>The inmates at San Quentin they saw themselves in the terrorists' stories. </div><div>Saudi Arabia claims their rehab center is 85% effective. Meg talked to the head of the FBI in Saudi Arabia who said the US tracks all Gitmo prisoners who have been released and that 80-82% do not return to fighting. </div><div>The reason for their success of the program is that a family member in Saudi Arabia must sign for them at the risk of getting jailed in their place if they skip country, and family shame is a huge motivator there. Also, after graduation, the Saudi government provides a house, car, job help and up to $30K dowry so they can get married because the likelihood of a former terrorist returning to terror diminishes when they have their own family. This is unaffordable in America, or for larger groups of criminals.</div><div>Torture in Guantanamo did the radicalization, at least against America. </div><div>Empathy in America has been dropping. Every one of us has capacity for extreme good or extreme evil.</div><div>Rehab isn’t sexy, it takes time, longer than a political term. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Thoughts?</div><div>Ian</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-3941475102033281692023-06-22T14:30:00.003-07:002023-06-22T16:13:44.542-07:00Zack King's Greatest Stunts<p>Just yesterday I was planning on looking up all the Zach King Amazon Alexa spots that I stunt coordinated, as it's time to update my reel, and look what I found, <a href="https://youtu.be/An-XFJGpyT8" target="_blank">Zach King's Top 10 Craziest Stunts</a>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="357" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/An-XFJGpyT8" width="560" youtube-src-id="An-XFJGpyT8"></iframe></div><br /><p>Tony Snegoff and I tag teamed on coordinating most of these. Let me know if you can spot me or if you have any questions. Since Zach is giving away secrets of his magic, I guess I could too.</p><p>Ian Max</p><p><br /></p><p>Credits:</p><p>Underwater: Tony stunt coordinator/key rigger, Ian stunt rigger.</p><p>Upside Down (Basketball): Ian stunt coordinator/key rigger, Luke Berger, Josh Fapp.</p><p>35 Foot Fall: Ian stunt coordinator, Dallas training team - John Cann, Mark DeAlessandro +2, Los Angeles airbag safety - Mike Washlake, Christian Howard, Narayan Cabral.</p><p>Flying Backwards: Tony stunt coordinator/key rigger, Jeff Constine stunt rigger.</p><p>Being Upsidedown (hanging by feet on "Stranded 2"): Tony stunt coordinator/key rigger, Ian stunt rigger. (Umbrella) Not me, I don't think. (Light bulb) Ian stunt rigger. (Rubik's Cube) not me, I don't think. (Zack in yellow hoodie) Tony stunt coordinator/key rigger, Elena Churinova stunt rigger.</p><p>Falling on a Car: Tony stunt coordinator/key rigger, Vladimir Tevlovski stunt rigger.</p><p>Dropping a Car: Tony stunt coordinator/key rigger, Ian stunt rigger.</p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-19688886629369040102023-06-21T13:38:00.000-07:002023-06-21T13:38:32.026-07:00The Value of Moms and Neighbors<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I just hosted a screening of the work in progress of Vengeance Trail. The images have been digitally enhanced by ai software and the sound has been much improved. The neighbors loved the experience, as shown in this <a href="https://youtu.be/TKkncMFPmIE" target="_blank">recap</a>:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/TKkncMFPmIE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1200" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfI3FpQh0KKzY9ZmNt77-aFibVImHh0G9E3LSi60Dwa781yirfa1Uo8t0Z0fS6Suf854ywzj4w5K-fTStqfKNeJ4l8-pJX5i66v4CNuxTvYRqhihL0qh4EXulfKDbKsvfv9EzZhGXE1rwSsAkbybIdtVk0bEUThPyvJa0Bb7AwCaFI3ECmKR9R3NQn-DS/w640-h414/VT%20screening%20thumbnail.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes, neighbors tell about as much truth as Mom, when it comes to critiquing creative work, but I did learn where some sound technical issues are and where the slow parts are. </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bonus: a drinking game will be added for every time Doc takes a swig or Bess agrees to do thankless work. It was a tough life back in the 1800s!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next stop, a theatrical experience in Memphis, TN. Goals for the year are to also host a theatrical experience with cast and crew in Los Angeles. Then direct sales this Fall, followed by streaming options.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Fira Sans, Ubuntu, Oxygen, Oxygen Sans, Cantarell, Droid Sans, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Lucida Grande, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Fira Sans, Ubuntu, Oxygen, Oxygen Sans, Cantarell, Droid Sans, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Lucida Grande, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ian Max</span></span></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-8454975451308205082023-06-07T10:27:00.000-07:002023-06-07T10:27:46.058-07:00Are Billboards Still Valid? - Indie Film Advertising<p>First time for everything. I noticed a digital billboard near my house that said BLIP, so I looked it up. <a href="https://www.blipbillboards.com" target="_blank">Blip Billboards</a> sells freeway billboard space by the moment with a self-service model. And since I'm sharing the space with many other advertisers, the costs are super reasonable compared to committing to a billboard 24/7 for a month. </p><p>I created an ad for Vengeance Trail, to start building awareness in my hometown for a theatrical screening at the end of Summer. I signed up to spend $20 per day and yesterday was my first day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.VengeanceTrail.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="752" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo9xtRCp2IPdV3LFlKKtcEVHQMFCs2s-upQBisuLF1KUiYiE97K1RYy3UU0amC1Jj4F1dQEJx3Zi7KLeKUPxvZA-ajO3IcvnZ1mdt-MpEzCu8VsFql_GWPy6Nbg_6GbxmfNbjxwISqAiB-9iJeIEmx7kE1ZNf49vrwfj4giBsnKYs0XobebTodv4tqw/w640-h178/VT%20Blip%20ad%204.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Each impression lasts 8 seconds and I got 117 blips. The billboard I chose is at the corner of two interstates. The goal is to get people to remember <a href="http://www.VengeanceTrail.com">VengeanceTrail.com</a></p><p>Here are some more analytics:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaTm8YA_DU-8qZMFPzIJGpNASuhH1sKcC9T6aMc03PAM4MHaoFGd3dqj-dVRB052g3QMyBzreIUd46awuU7XB3wqbKfoJdMUBA6FEn-E7-3JjLOBf5sOYeExdd4bYjbbMDCYd4iudYZdbS04dp1Qc-z7cOPORy_nfrMBAbUpReeoBCSP6-Jwyt3v0bg/s2266/Blip%20analytics%206-7-23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="2266" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaTm8YA_DU-8qZMFPzIJGpNASuhH1sKcC9T6aMc03PAM4MHaoFGd3dqj-dVRB052g3QMyBzreIUd46awuU7XB3wqbKfoJdMUBA6FEn-E7-3JjLOBf5sOYeExdd4bYjbbMDCYd4iudYZdbS04dp1Qc-z7cOPORy_nfrMBAbUpReeoBCSP6-Jwyt3v0bg/w640-h284/Blip%20analytics%206-7-23.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>The proof will be when I get a sale from someone who's not on my friends and family network.</p><p>I'm experimenting with Twitter and Facebook (Meta) ads as well, but the learning curve is steeper. Anyone have any experience? For the first while, I will be spending all my pre sales on grassroots advertising until sales take off.</p><p>Ian Max</p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-54412675542626668072023-06-02T08:33:00.001-07:002023-06-02T08:36:15.555-07:00Crowdfunding is for Interacting, NOT Begging<p>I have lots of friends. Some of them like my movies. Some want to support me no matter what the movie. Some are just fine-feathered, patrons of the arts. But I don't have a million friends! Yet!</p><p>Crowdfunding often seems like begging friends and family for a favor. But pretty soon, those favors are used up. I don't want my social media to have daily reminders of my projects. Where's the value added?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Business success comes from creating and delivering value!</b></p><p>Now, if you like Westerns and want to see more Westerns, then the value-add is me helping ensure more Westerns get made. <b>Quality Westerns, morality tales, battles between good and evil.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fnd.us/VengeanceTrail?ref=sh_2CQNX7 " style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="3000" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcVbDRmCvkSSRTBRPasuPaQBlrehtygq0DbINLpNdlKkHrRzMA_MYOm0GSp5x1FBjlS2RVPhxWcOXhNyzflk6h0Zsp5HwzaCmZGnaxsXtyxHQmCHq4lfNITJcjJoNyfp_UT6koTfh2-DV54u79Wk9cqe5vmvqV2WlUIuhjAUnR2ytiTZnxMtiD18Kzg/w640-h230/Westerns%20Love%20c.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So, here's a <a href="https://fnd.us/VengeanceTrail?ref=sh_2CQNX7 " target="_blank">crowdfunding effort to Pre-Sell my Western, Vengeance Trail</a> - to finish creating the extra value allowed by new digital tools, and deliver it to the world.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>And interact with the fans! So, leave a comment and I'll respond.</b></p><p>I just want fans of Westerns to learn about Vengeance Trail and tell their friends. And, if enough fans are found, my friends at <a href="http://HollywoodGunsAndProps.com">HollywoodGunsAndProps.com</a> and I will make more Westerns.</p><p>I will be sending out an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) and finding bloggers and podcasters who want to discuss the movie and the making of Vengeance Trail. If you know any, please send them my way.</p><p>Thanks, Ian Max</p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-12070757593238855202023-05-25T21:55:00.001-07:002023-05-25T22:12:05.353-07:00TBT: Vengeance Trail, and How Violent Is It Really?<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm hoping to launch Pre Sales of my Western, <a href="https://vengeancetrail.com" target="_blank">VENGEANCE TRAIL</a>, on June 1.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://crowdfundr.com/VengeanceTrail?ref=ab_2CQNX7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLgqISw23hI2M9xSgGJmlgbijAywbxsg2uZFr1viXAYf2TTVvXrkFZ6rCdgOQkyaR7JrGkRQc82zS45tXG57hlfgRV7XotuICgwDGUgJ5tVvfNvdgxLHnWWFdW4DbuFRbFnNsNw6lzkWCVc7qiEJCh5ISFSgjgU--bArpF1xUFwl8ozIVsk9FmfHR6Q/w640-h360/VT%201280x720c.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I've been asking friends for feedback on this <a href="https://crowdfundr.com/VengeanceTrail?ref=ab_2CQNX7" target="_blank"><b>Sneak Preview</b></a>. One friend said:</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ian, I watched it. Just a quick thought...there is a lot of shoot 'em up [in the trailer]. A lot. My sound was low as I was watching so I noticed it quickly, especially towards the end. I'm not sure if that's your intent, I know it's a Western...but just a heads up. Otherwise, I am mighty impressed!!!! </span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Great note! Yes, I hadn't remembered there being so much shooting when I was last familiar with the movie, when we shot it in 2002-03 and released it in 2006. It's one of those things where, recreating violence on set, whether it be blood effects or stunts, can be fun and funny in the context of a group of friends making a movie, but when put together with dramatic storytelling, sound effects and music, becomes a sobering depiction of, well, violence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, Vengeance Trail is violent, but it also has heart. It's a traditional morality tale with period accurate sets, costumes, and dialogue. Will we make a less violent version by changing the color of blood from red to brown and cutting back some of the language? Not likely at this stage. But I'm open to suggestions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, initially I had no intention of creating a new trailer from scratch and just wanted to match better footage to the existing trailer and give it a little upgrade. Since I couldn't modify the length or structure of the trailer due to the music being mixed with the dialogue and effects, I replaced some title cards with new footage and did the best I could. In retrospect, I do notice how much shooting there is, and that it overpowers the dramatic conflict of the story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the <b><a href="https://youtu.be/5fszRJXMw84" target="_blank">current trailer</a></b>, an upgraded version of the original. Here's a <a href="https://youtu.be/KbZFO_V3GV0 " target="_blank">tamer version</a>, because certain distributors have rules about violence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that I'm planning a marketing and pre sales strategy for Vengeance Trail, I'm considering creating new trailers, behind the scenes insights using stunts outtakes and horse moments, and upgrading the documentary about the vintage guns that's on the DVD. But this all takes time and I need to start the sales funnel in order to hire an editor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As another friend responded:</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make the audience/customer the hero of the story. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is at stake? </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why should the funder back this project? </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is the urgency? </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What's in it for them? </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is your call to action? </span></p></blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Howdy, Western lover! </b><b>What are you going to watch after you’ve binge watched Yellowstone and all its spinoffs?</b><b> </b><b>Hollywood Guns and Props has all sorts of props, costumes, and screenplays just laying around. </b><b>Think of all the other Westerns we could have made if we’d made a profit with Vengeance Trail the first time. </b><b>Purchase the digitally upgraded Vengeance Trail in advance and be part of the excitement of helping release amazing Westerns to the world.</b></span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope you enjoy Vengeance Trail! Please put your notes in the comments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ian</span></p><p><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-35401206260609036472023-05-18T21:08:00.002-07:002023-05-18T21:12:24.252-07:00TBT: Bad Parenting for Good Child Performances<p>Babies can't act; they can only be honest and authentic with their current emotions, and they're always in the moment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjw5OnquOPqw75gly5K-yZsfXtM-LJODtrmNzznv_3yz8B19mPVl2fQPAHzd1Nxb-niA0XlHAR1tgqFazph8D8UyP7tmExOdabAjUF2lxIWtgM9KuK80_hJkObVEAU1EehZvdIA5KgEc4ZToOoKCpJZrtmpih97HkyHWLJr4R6X5MsvPlWvt4LlY4Tg/s918/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2011.07.17%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="918" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjw5OnquOPqw75gly5K-yZsfXtM-LJODtrmNzznv_3yz8B19mPVl2fQPAHzd1Nxb-niA0XlHAR1tgqFazph8D8UyP7tmExOdabAjUF2lxIWtgM9KuK80_hJkObVEAU1EehZvdIA5KgEc4ZToOoKCpJZrtmpih97HkyHWLJr4R6X5MsvPlWvt4LlY4Tg/w640-h421/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2011.07.17%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Case in point, "<a href="https://youtu.be/6vEEVNAOFFY" target="_blank">Sling Baby</a>" by Kevin Willson, which shot in my backyard. If for one split second, a mother in the audience thought that baby wasn't happy, the filmmakers would have received so much hate email (even more if it involved a dog, just ask Kevin). So, how did we get that baby to fly through the air and grab that chip with a smile? By keeping him happy, of course. Paying attention to his comfort and safety (even while being puppeteered on strings), meeting all his play and nutrition needs, and good ole Pavlov's conditioning. I'll save this for another post.</p><p></p><p>But if the child actors are a little bit older, how do you get the performances you want? Same thing (because they're still too young to want to learn the craft of acting): keep them playing, know their hunger and sleep needs, and practice bad-parenting manipulation. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkGrNO0WuRB1tOViT4WMvjL985plznmQZOnPPZKLLMFLwdcSvNGQ-PXf8sk_Hh6kXglo3w1gVBRODzSZQsCtzS1ipE9w1pdgD-ANZWCc6ZZ2zoUwhgxVsAULjFPzo10SnAcQZtvioH5hOyoRlNovRpEVePrHazKto24pFPkSXeI7iFR9H5AVJK4FWyg/s1628/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2012.30.13%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1628" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkGrNO0WuRB1tOViT4WMvjL985plznmQZOnPPZKLLMFLwdcSvNGQ-PXf8sk_Hh6kXglo3w1gVBRODzSZQsCtzS1ipE9w1pdgD-ANZWCc6ZZ2zoUwhgxVsAULjFPzo10SnAcQZtvioH5hOyoRlNovRpEVePrHazKto24pFPkSXeI7iFR9H5AVJK4FWyg/w640-h358/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2012.30.13%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>And cast your own children. Now that our children are in high school, and seem well adjusted, I feel I can share some behind the screen secrets of "<a href="https://youtu.be/NzkgHDinInY" target="_blank">Who Wants Lemonade?</a>" The original idea was to shoot the scene of Jackson (age 5) and Kiran (age 3) right before lunch, when they'd be most hungry for Doritos' snacks. Jackson was typically a mean older brother, so we (my wife Clarice and I) hoped they'd run out of chips, then get greedy and hopefully start arguing, and then Mom would come out to break up the fight and lean on the table, which would flip into the air and throw the lemonade everywhere. </p><p>Why? Because this was for Doritos' "Crash the Super Bowl" ad competition and all the best spots had a surprising twist at the end. So, I rigged the table to have a fulcrum so that everything would toss into the air and cause chaos. The lemonade jug and the bowl of lemons were lightweight plastic.</p><p>I knew with child actors, I would not be able to repeat anything, so I had three cameras overing the wide and an angle on each child. I coached the actors to stay in character and knew I could always turn the camera around on them to get an overlapping, continuity shot for editing. All was going swimmingly and on the 3rd take, Kiran said the most adorable thing; "Who wants lenomade?" </p><p>Then on take four, Kiran leaned on the shaky table and <b>spilled the ice-cold lemonade all over her!</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPLLhYyrt6qR2aScM-KgIbT-3PbzWZaFjZMk8GBY7XchXNkwktlqa7fvO-xiBVRFnwsif7gFs8ptVxMYtYlAfplBMQsGlz2NN9R3LxTa9oLIXLBBTUxLuzKYozvZav0Hnzyuftgt2nL2K33avQSkd1RVztIyT75L97-Kww6ozkrAv0rr83Pz50dlERA/s1424/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2012.21.13%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1424" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPLLhYyrt6qR2aScM-KgIbT-3PbzWZaFjZMk8GBY7XchXNkwktlqa7fvO-xiBVRFnwsif7gFs8ptVxMYtYlAfplBMQsGlz2NN9R3LxTa9oLIXLBBTUxLuzKYozvZav0Hnzyuftgt2nL2K33avQSkd1RVztIyT75L97-Kww6ozkrAv0rr83Pz50dlERA/w640-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2012.21.13%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>No big deal, we rescued her quickly and got her happy again in another outfit. But we only had one of that pink dress and I loved that 3rd take. So we rinsed and dried it, which took 45 minutes. By then both kids were hungry and we had to feed them. Now their attention spans were gone. And Kiran was cranky. By the time we got Jackson and Kiran out to the set, neither were too cooperative or collaborative.</p><p>So, I skipped to the second half of the spot where they needed to be upset. You know what I did, I made _____ out of ___. The new plan was to do reshoots in a week when they would be happy again. Kiran was tired so we knew it wouldn't take much to set her off, and we gave her some cutie orange slices to persuade her to stay in her chair. With all three cameras rolling, we asked Jackson to take an orange slice from Kiran and hop on his go-cart and ride off. To his credit, Jackson knew this was wrong and didn't want to do it. We, the Bad-Parenting Filmmakers, persuaded him to do it. For the art! Amiright?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9XIaOPr_UmYLjOtDi3iKFTgpmONNs6RxP3vGSVWooeMqRlMm553k4zPKlUgLAxSy4z006ifCkoMegJKN0c-6olyCzbpd-AH_XS56KNlX4JR5ygRuapJqusryxjDsmK3L-Jya2NtjqYpgBwZna0-3ebvKYbga9OpNQidKvNBXB8bAUo1ZkJsR3P3EbQ/s1644/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%208.39.53%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1644" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9XIaOPr_UmYLjOtDi3iKFTgpmONNs6RxP3vGSVWooeMqRlMm553k4zPKlUgLAxSy4z006ifCkoMegJKN0c-6olyCzbpd-AH_XS56KNlX4JR5ygRuapJqusryxjDsmK3L-Jya2NtjqYpgBwZna0-3ebvKYbga9OpNQidKvNBXB8bAUo1ZkJsR3P3EbQ/w640-h358/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%208.39.53%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The rest is history. Kiran only lasted long enough for the Lady, Joanie Marx, to try cheer her up with the dog. A week later, we shot the missing parts with happy Jackson and happy Kiran. There's one line that I tried to ADR with Kiran, when she tells the lady "No," because I had too much road noise from the freeway near our house and she was so quiet. I got her to repeat it a few times outside her daycare, and it's better but obviously replaced audio.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1FXYEUBQCKsmIQwF4yrD7Swzml-DRHbTIuovf9CCNhbcdkdTkIZDVcb_f6SkJhCFpm0Qb0QzDY9nEwQwnu2NI0-X-t_z_VWL_hGcpyic6Qv8rn-ys08frheIXstjgsVzZu7MNuQhz4V4EmY_52S5N_8mLgqzMWA73xkNCp4DBitGxgQTFGmbaNDy7g/s1816/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2012.20.09%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1816" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1FXYEUBQCKsmIQwF4yrD7Swzml-DRHbTIuovf9CCNhbcdkdTkIZDVcb_f6SkJhCFpm0Qb0QzDY9nEwQwnu2NI0-X-t_z_VWL_hGcpyic6Qv8rn-ys08frheIXstjgsVzZu7MNuQhz4V4EmY_52S5N_8mLgqzMWA73xkNCp4DBitGxgQTFGmbaNDy7g/w640-h356/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2012.20.09%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joanie asked for an extended take for her reel, so I <a href="https://youtu.be/V5psaXhj8NY" target="_blank">extended Kiran's crying to make this really dramatic spot</a>. Not for the art, for the laugh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWOk3V11if-dPYw1T3geHQauTuwu-8A5cGdxgnWhkPMN3oylH36kk1dTRMRIIG2H7R8wVHOUkuButNrpbqn-CSyGWvLonMigfLIJVg7zdz37lgrj5eJZFnCld8u3tOcyXCQ76HXaC7F08JIVflzSxH186R0IrjxoZK4kHAB-5S8Id0Og_qLldziqMUA/s1622/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2012.24.04%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1622" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWOk3V11if-dPYw1T3geHQauTuwu-8A5cGdxgnWhkPMN3oylH36kk1dTRMRIIG2H7R8wVHOUkuButNrpbqn-CSyGWvLonMigfLIJVg7zdz37lgrj5eJZFnCld8u3tOcyXCQ76HXaC7F08JIVflzSxH186R0IrjxoZK4kHAB-5S8Id0Og_qLldziqMUA/w640-h360/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-18%20at%2012.24.04%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Bad Parenting to the rescue!</p><p>Ian</p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-9156051048409230572023-05-13T19:58:00.007-07:002023-05-13T20:24:56.143-07:00Screenwriting With a Crowd - Run Cholo Run Experiment<p>"<a href="https://youtu.be/VgnPfxkb60A" target="_blank">Run Cholo Run</a>" is an award winning short film with over 2 million views, and 6000+ followers on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunCholo/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</p><p><i>Run Cholo Run</i> is a completed feature screenplay. Korstiaan ‘Kors’ Vandiver wrote the first draft from his treatment. Ian Max Eyre wrote the second draft, and we polished it until it was good. Then Tanya “Cha Cha” Sandoval-McMahon wrote the final draft and brings the voice, heart and perspective of a born-and-raised in Los Angeles, Mexican-American Latina to the story. The screenplay is getting great.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3n4Kg-5v8MKeIYFpzQsa8LM3IOLcoUiwSPf42Ng_z1Oous0OeE7ZhHi-t8aJnhAcvy4Iy2OPtKskhX-c08p7MiR3xmsYPnHt1MRHuxy8BQuuFNiEsm-6qHfcFF51igqKckgA8gkpYFA4NQp56M6FoUs6JH8g37t17VZpaGRoUOR5j975pmHeoTFDiA/s1714/Kors%20Ian%20Tanya%20square.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1714" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3n4Kg-5v8MKeIYFpzQsa8LM3IOLcoUiwSPf42Ng_z1Oous0OeE7ZhHi-t8aJnhAcvy4Iy2OPtKskhX-c08p7MiR3xmsYPnHt1MRHuxy8BQuuFNiEsm-6qHfcFF51igqKckgA8gkpYFA4NQp56M6FoUs6JH8g37t17VZpaGRoUOR5j975pmHeoTFDiA/w640-h457/Kors%20Ian%20Tanya%20square.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>The experiment is to <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/runcholo/p/run-cholo-run-feature-film-screenplay?r=2diu0e&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web" target="_blank">offer fans insight into the process of developing a movie</a>, starting with the screenplay. We are going to upload a few pages each week (<a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/runcholo/p/run-cholo-run-screenplay-pages-1?r=2diu0e&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web" target="_blank">pages 1-6 here</a>) and see if there are any superfans interested in critiquing the story, from structure to character to authenticity, etc. And also collect anecdotes from the fans.</p><p>The movie <i>The Martian</i> was made this way, in the sense that the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Martian_(Weir_novel)" target="_blank">novel writer posted pages online</a> and grew a fanbase which helped get his book turned into a movie with Matt Damon.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">Having been rebuffed by literary agents when trying to get prior books published, Weir decided to put the book online in serial format one chapter at a time for free at his website. At the request of fans, he made an Amazon Kindle version available...</p></blockquote><p>Let's see what happens,</p><p>Ian </p><p><a href="https://eyrefilms.blogspot.com/2023/04/tbt-run-cholo-run-already-has-super-fans.html" target="_blank">Previous Run Cholo Run blog post.</a></p><div class="captioned-image-container" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; caret-color: rgb(64, 64, 64); color: #404040; font-family: Spectral, serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 19px; margin: var(--size-32) auto;"><figure style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; margin: 0px auto; width: 728px;"><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd72b8a7b-77d3-4ed3-9033-272928720a40_1714x912.png" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; align-items: center; border: 0px; color: var(--print_on_web_bg_color, var(--color-primary)); cursor: zoom-in; display: flex; flex-direction: column; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: auto;" target="_blank"><div class="image2-inset" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; display: flex; position: relative;"><picture style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0;"><source sizes="100vw" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd72b8a7b-77d3-4ed3-9033-272928720a40_1714x912.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd72b8a7b-77d3-4ed3-9033-272928720a40_1714x912.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd72b8a7b-77d3-4ed3-9033-272928720a40_1714x912.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd72b8a7b-77d3-4ed3-9033-272928720a40_1714x912.png 1456w" style="--tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / 0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0;" type="image/webp"></source><br /></picture></div></a></figure></div>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-23894511017376404972023-05-04T20:11:00.001-07:002023-05-04T20:14:11.145-07:00TBT: Cracking a Rib for Matthew Lillard<p>Short throwback today. I once stunt doubled Matthew Lillard (@MatthewLillard) getting blasted across a room by a UFO. If you'd like to know more about what went wrong and what I learned from the experience, head over <a href="https://wordpress.com/post/how2action.wordpress.com/523" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://wordpress.com/post/how2action.wordpress.com/523" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="730" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4pfJC3I8vaxaLqfFYW95jE0CK7ojSnGvigf48kGor5FkkizC0SNuMXo6HYT-9nY341j2s9tR6_GaP4f4ncojr3XkGntmQQbyxdKSTahOYVuE5yNOdzhiUQIKVobEfz-Rw2fUjI3ORSbmo-6RNns1k1M84cG-r49v1kiTjUTAal5nefiskXfX_LMAsg/w226-h400/Stunt%20Fail%20Doubling%20Matthew%20Lillard%20title.png" width="226" /></a></div><br /><p>And while you're there, check out some other behind the scenes insights from <a href="https://how2action.wordpress.com" target="_blank">How2Stunts</a>. And leave a comment or a question. I love talking shop.</p><p>Ian</p><p><br /></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-57301789786695529892023-04-27T20:11:00.002-07:002023-04-28T06:43:44.529-07:00TBT: Getting Gored by a Plastic BullEver wonder how characters defy gravity or experience extreme violence - safely?<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/ZJowHSHKeRg?feature=share" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TzlG5b7xWwA7mQAmC03TeUZHWKZrgypwK7EmOGI00VhFIbzEC5PspT4ny_YeLzLQKKzuVHmFMocnobKTpEbomli4FyYpE5K1EiPnuHZo4JjMzGD17RYIkPkvTAod_A6fpwCsZOg2x_1tkjsOxYX7nYipeA_4xPc6OgEuBdGolkPA9CuscIFjpjVuhw/s320/Gored%20title%20sqare.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
It's all an illusion. Except, sometimes it hurts. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/ZJowHSHKeRg?feature=share" target="_blank">behind the scenes</a> of a stunt I did on a Doritos Crash the Super Bowl contest spec that I wrote and directed, called "<a href="https://youtu.be/6Be686SU05k" target="_blank">Toreadoritos</a>." The previous owner of our house had hung a kick bag off an eye that mounted in the ceiling. So, I designed a stunt around that. And I cast someone whom I could stunt double. And then I trained four people to run out the door fast enough to unwind me and lift me several feet in the air, then dump me onto some toys. Ouch. </div><div><br /></div><div>My son Jackson, age 11, was a trooper. He dove against a decelerator device attached to a harness under his wardrobe a dozen times before we were happy with where his plastic horns gored my acting double. As you can see, the timing of Jackson goring me didn't work on this behind the scenes take, so I had to pound the ground again. </div><div><br /></div><div>More info about the <a href="https://how2action.wordpress.com/2023/04/28/how-to-get-gored-by-a-bull/" target="_blank">stunt rigging here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Was it worth it? It got 780K views on YouTube, so yes. In Ad Sales that was $290, so not really. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I found footage for this stunt, I also found other footage, inlcuding some cute previz with my kids and wife, before we cast her acting double, lol. </div><div><br /></div><div>The parents were our friends Skylar Payne and Renee Mytar. The cute girl is my daughter Kiran, age 8 at the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned.
Ian
</div>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-50818502795078710882023-04-22T20:21:00.001-07:002023-05-25T10:17:20.032-07:00Cancelling CANCEL CULTURE with LOOR TV<p>Ever heard of Shark Tank-like pitching for Faith Driven Businesses? I just spent two days in <a href="https://www.thelionsdendfw.org" target="_blank">Dallas</a> with the winners of the <a href="https://www.lionsdentpa.org/feb2023-941466.html" target="_blank">Tampa Lion's Den pitch competition</a>, LOOR.TV. The Lion's Den connects investors with faith driven entrepreneurs. <a href="http://LOOR.TV">LOOR.TV</a> is creating a game-ified, equity-crowdfunding, streaming platform aimed at funding and sharing movie, TV and documentary content that young people actually want to watch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexzVpuztNJjkyiu_OpJGpgdvnzRlPKY774EX1xgfRFWyY5H6mk-3vvIHSN4VHpiOKyaj3vRJqoG6pBhEsI7H7GEyvoKL-inr8OfmGQkgGn71d3Ne1jcPIquNGpSE7_cmb0hM4COlYe0wigp8WDSfnOD7KEOQ6bhU_1DcntnqVUYNrZTt_t1Mj6WzahQ/s800/Christian%20movies%20shouldn't%20suck.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexzVpuztNJjkyiu_OpJGpgdvnzRlPKY774EX1xgfRFWyY5H6mk-3vvIHSN4VHpiOKyaj3vRJqoG6pBhEsI7H7GEyvoKL-inr8OfmGQkgGn71d3Ne1jcPIquNGpSE7_cmb0hM4COlYe0wigp8WDSfnOD7KEOQ6bhU_1DcntnqVUYNrZTt_t1Mj6WzahQ/s320/Christian%20movies%20shouldn't%20suck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The business model for independent filmmakers is broken. It's a winning-the-lottery mentality where they beg, borrow and steal to make a movie that's hopefully not too compromised in apparent production value (making $100K look like $1M) and then sells for a profit at film festivals or to streaming channels. The chances of making money this way is super low, and I keep meeting exhausted filmmakers that are sad when they can't find a distributor that will spend the same kind of sweat equity selling their movie as they spent to make it. So, they give their precious baby away, but at least the movie they slaved on for years is out there for people to see. Repeat after me: It's a movie BUSINESS.</p><p>The smart (and Biblical) way to finance a movie is to count the cost in advance and pre-sell the movie before making it. Kinda like a high-rise apartment complex will determine a need and start pre-renting apartments first. Ideally, filmmakers copy the model of Angel Studios and raise the fans in advance who pre-purchase tickets to the movie. LOOR TV is pursuing this model. This is hard work. I helped produce two features that are upside down for the investors. I intend to remedy this.</p><p>The problem with most Christian movie distributors is they don't know how to reach young people, nor do they even try. So we have generations of film goers who are being spoon fed junk food by a Hollywood world view that is in conflict with Biblical values. There's some good content out there, some neutral, but tons of woke content that clearly contradicts God's truth, goodness and beauty.</p><p>And young people get all the content they want on social media for free, so why should they pay for my movie? What's my value-add to them?</p><p>Eyre Films and LOOR TV have a lot in common. How to cancel Cancel Culture with slightly irreverent movies that appeal to young people (likely mostly to young men, but niche down to find those super fans). As I reactivate the fans who have watched "<a href="https://youtu.be/NwbsEKmNebE" target="_blank">Run Cholo Run</a>" 2.2M times, but with music I didn't license :(, and promote the digitally enhanced re-release of <a href="https://vengeancetrail.com" target="_blank">Vengeance Trail</a>, I will be learning to find superfan audiences for <a href="http://preyformason.movie" target="_blank">Prey For Mason</a>, <a href="https://smashandrun.com" target="_blank">Smash and Run</a>, and Puberty From Heck! all in various stages of development. Stay tuned. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/CKVAK5e6P-s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1660" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62xBqNwt2NZEvccLs9-ChljvpTwF6Bk95cjfNv32_YbxIlzbziZU4f7_16OgCjxqdOPlpPlvq064DK5RpQPGePTT_yTHFNPAGuhng18GNmt-pX6_0-OcX8dN6DLhiOYYK06vFAr1ipP3Buec96v4R89iLtBEpYR4NVQUzfWEFJeRYXFhws1o08TFHUA/w400-h225/Cancel%20Cancel%20Culture%20title%20card.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Meanwhile, here's Jason Farley and Marcus Pittman enjoying a <a href="https://youtu.be/CKVAK5e6P-s" target="_blank">pitch</a> I made for a <a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/6-23.htm" target="_blank">Romans 6:23</a> monster comedy that might have to be <a href="https://nomadcapitalist.com/finance/offshore/best-offshore-web-hosts-privacy/" target="_blank">hosted in Finland</a>, lol! It will definitely cause Cancel Culture to get triggered!</p><p>Ian</p><p><br /></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-79135867877069343592023-04-18T13:13:00.000-07:002023-04-18T13:14:48.605-07:00Prey for Mason NEW LAUNCH SOON<p>Brandon and I excitedly prepare to announce a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrEQpDkABAi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">major advancement</a> for <a href="http://preyformason.movie" target="_blank">Prey For Mason</a>. Stay tuned for the launch of a new opportunity, hopefully in the next few weeks. A contract has been signed!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrEQpDkABAi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="604" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzBT0ZH19pozhR88ovDC2RwdewbQ3HLBpnRFyL9d3xzG7JrCoi6T4Uzckrtm2WlGzAM4yf2jEjKYvTuoI4i5336meVGosRW779xcmOhWDACQ6zc_Rq76e6NwsMzwrOwZNfl2pguLgGMX5RN0FmgtLwNWOZbDBGVLt8OHpkB9Cmh5vyFqRdRZ7bx1eug/s320/P4M%20NOLA.png" width="232" /></a></div><br /><p>Another amazing poster by <a href="https://www.jamesburnsfilms.com/movie-poster-art.html" target="_blank">James Burns</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-joC6uVEoFw2hG7RCpHAiSMnIXGZUjRQVRIFH762Sa_7j55kBbpEEjeH0RfgUSithfCsdomn9NVmx_yulhHkoGJat9Fj44sXVi_YP-N8lOZVfEMxbYUelicAbLCeYYdLQmVr_8Cc7Na3QB2MogNkIoDEMrmjkD3-CojtnIr3qyOfxQwf9ziJyVfS9Vw/s1520/Prey%20for%20Mason%20POSTER%20by%20Ian%20Max%20Eyre.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="1028" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-joC6uVEoFw2hG7RCpHAiSMnIXGZUjRQVRIFH762Sa_7j55kBbpEEjeH0RfgUSithfCsdomn9NVmx_yulhHkoGJat9Fj44sXVi_YP-N8lOZVfEMxbYUelicAbLCeYYdLQmVr_8Cc7Na3QB2MogNkIoDEMrmjkD3-CojtnIr3qyOfxQwf9ziJyVfS9Vw/w432-h640/Prey%20for%20Mason%20POSTER%20by%20Ian%20Max%20Eyre.png" width="432" /></a></div><p>The script is finished with rave reviews from the actors of a table read:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgxIvEaOjNHLPDvtIL4Fvx76eV6KbJ4ezVJBUaYgJiICLzUH4OnNyT63JpXf7dNJ-m_chCxSbiAdWIJZSe2kmeJuoizDkYHk-eFa-tWBljRzhBt2n81VtMVOrp9Gmus1rB7kgq0kWqZfoCjqcjLhOwbU1ZpguwcItwt3XFfsetUxFXi5y10FO2vK-0Q/s2806/P4M%20table%20read%20quotes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="2806" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgxIvEaOjNHLPDvtIL4Fvx76eV6KbJ4ezVJBUaYgJiICLzUH4OnNyT63JpXf7dNJ-m_chCxSbiAdWIJZSe2kmeJuoizDkYHk-eFa-tWBljRzhBt2n81VtMVOrp9Gmus1rB7kgq0kWqZfoCjqcjLhOwbU1ZpguwcItwt3XFfsetUxFXi5y10FO2vK-0Q/w640-h264/P4M%20table%20read%20quotes.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>I just listened to <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-filmmaking-stuff-podcast/id397610711?i=1000569367870" target="_blank">this Filmmaking Stuff podcast</a> and Tom Malloy said there are four genres that are most marketable, that he remembers with WASH - Westerns, Action, Sci-Fi and Horror. This is exciting to me, because Prey for Mason is Action and Horror - AHhhhhhh. (And Vengeance Trail is Action and Western, and Run Cholo Run is Action and Thriller, and all my movies have action scenes for trailer moments). If you're an indie filmmaker, I highly recommend <a href="https://www.filmmakingstuff.com" target="_blank">Filmmaking Stuff</a>.</p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-filmmaking-stuff-podcast/id397610711?i=1000569367870" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="626" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HmRp5swy2Nj6sLed6M4MzZYEXGBKvAJ3a9f3QcSJO57RDLPP-qNV0gZbKjdrhRPS7uzefs5oDiGa6Ih64ok9PUurSNrOP8SlDH0lz_G3mXvAWmpHz1xXu_tPytPjNxYi5Gur-5JneSlB3rSGgZZISXBuoH9_QoKOfR-nBbuiaGH5X7IGLTup9lHFzw/s320/Filkmmaking%20Stuff%20Podcast%20logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Exciting times!</p><p>Ian</p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-82563036399779255362023-04-13T09:31:00.000-07:002023-04-13T09:33:08.217-07:00TBT: "Run Cholo Run" Already Has Super Fans!<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://runcholo.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWf8_MIU0e_m4V_QP5y-q3PgSmzdL0hGcCltVxPDC1b8Rvsg0yAhFMotG5gaBSQG38khHYuJtNDBqIMa8jbpbxBQ1L5uR6eDEv7AJJ3q7br33lN_J30WzhWOKgzz64j4HxmiiVlEQZtwGh0UNdfr3E9njDawS3trVLFhzqtVk3YJJof-odZD5laeZtA/w266-h400/rcr_poster_12x18.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every so often, I get a note from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunCholo/" target="_blank">FaceBook</a>; “Run Cholo Run has 141 new views," or. “21 others liked your page 5 days ago. I don’t pay that short film very much attention because I haven’t had much to talk about. I've been working on the feature screenplay for years and only post a vague update every few months as proof of life. I can't/shouldn't keep teasing that audience forever.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I learn about building a niche audience for my <a href="https://vengeancetrail.com" target="_blank">Western</a> and my <a href="http://preyformason.movie" target="_blank">teen thriller</a>, I realize I already have an amazing built-in audience for "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgnPfxkb60A" target="_blank">Run Cholo Run</a>." I knew the short film had 2.2 million views with 10K subscribers, but I didn't notice the Facebook Group has grown to 6,600 followers! There's a few super fans in there, probably mostly fans of the lead actor Alex Arredondo aka Sleepy Brown of <span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD2C801DA7556A01D" target="_blank">Cholo Adventures</a>, but isn't that why you cast stars!</span></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every few months, I post a vague update about <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0751472" target="_blank">Tanya ChaCha Sandoval-McMahon</a> adding authenticity from her Mexican-American sensibility. She finished her rewrite last year before I moved across country, but relocating and then the blessing of a full-time job for 5 months and juggling other projects, blah blah blah. Life is full!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How can I serve my audience? It's time to brainstorm some value I can give to the RCR fans to renew their enthusiasm. Here are some ideas:</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-post bios of the 3 writers. I will see <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2569438" target="_blank">Korstiaan Vandiver</a> in person this weekend, so we will video some BTS narrative about where the story came from.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-create a live, in-person event in Los Angeles, along with some other gang-topical short films from filmmaker friends.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-create swag and sell the posters I had printed.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-post pages of the screenplay and get feedback from those most interested. Perhaps a </span>subscriber<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>option.</p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thoughts? </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ian</span></p><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-90324329278641827192023-04-09T06:54:00.000-07:002023-04-09T06:55:26.998-07:00Happy Easter - How to Escape Solitary Confinement<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dSqNJto-mr0H1VgOhhOGXNKgJV90fVyKd7qFhGix6e8Xdp5_v1cRG-mv-SwLgqluHbUyTJRGlj6betIO0_gdwFNMuL8pMVrwUsjUOYJZFhP3V5q9ik0L_Y3OY_g-P8cl1ahaXFZ5ysX-8PUo5o2jscOe5auTNIOy0cO0j9dC27LZTyQCN69tC2nfJw/s1916/solitary-confinement_Guardian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1916" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dSqNJto-mr0H1VgOhhOGXNKgJV90fVyKd7qFhGix6e8Xdp5_v1cRG-mv-SwLgqluHbUyTJRGlj6betIO0_gdwFNMuL8pMVrwUsjUOYJZFhP3V5q9ik0L_Y3OY_g-P8cl1ahaXFZ5ysX-8PUo5o2jscOe5auTNIOy0cO0j9dC27LZTyQCN69tC2nfJw/w640-h342/solitary-confinement_Guardian.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In February, I stunt coordinated a movie called <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26758271/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_incarcerated" target="_blank">Incarcerated</a>. We shot at two prisons in SoCal, Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic and Mira Loma Detention Center in Lancaster. Prison is no fun! <p></p><p>What struck me most about shooting Incarcerated was sitting in a solitary confinement cell. There is absolutely no way to escape - the hinges are outside the cell, the only key access is outside the cell, even the food tray access can only be opened from outside. All needs are met from outside and there's no freedom inside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinSG__8BFySabHIvoHwJqiCVIOfzrAO5Jc8ybSB-pZl0or7_rOBiYIQCCrog2zG7hd_xKNPdBGvtxH_i8oVoZP1AiZNhFm_RlSjaUF6rFYnmoz3zSEyeHHvCnIzN6u3ojtdta_TLtF6TIB_UAvw-IN_Z1VMFweq_86-bz_6JJbwS-u3KioQPZjItR_g/s4032/Incarcerated%20hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinSG__8BFySabHIvoHwJqiCVIOfzrAO5Jc8ybSB-pZl0or7_rOBiYIQCCrog2zG7hd_xKNPdBGvtxH_i8oVoZP1AiZNhFm_RlSjaUF6rFYnmoz3zSEyeHHvCnIzN6u3ojtdta_TLtF6TIB_UAvw-IN_Z1VMFweq_86-bz_6JJbwS-u3KioQPZjItR_g/w400-h301/Incarcerated%20hat.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I spent the night in jail once (Theft By Taking of road signs for a prank, went to court on my 18th birthday), but I was with my friend and other people - even if they were sketchy people of alleged white collar and blue collar crimes. It was far from solitary and gave me scenes for two screenplays.</p><p>Solitary confinement reminds me of the verses in the Bible that say we are born dead in our sins, such as <a href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-1.htm" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:1</a>. What can a spiritually dead person do for themselves? What can someone in solitary confinement do for themselves? </p><p>Actually sitting in a solitary confinement cell was sobering. Actually being separated from the Creator is sobering. Thank God, that's not the end of the story (read the rest of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ephesians 2</a>. We celebrate Easter today, aka Passover aka Resurrection Sunday. The God that we cannot reach because we are confined in our spiritual death came down from Heaven to do for us what a dead person cannot do for themself. </p><p>As Jesus said from the cross; "It is finished." God did it all. He opened our cell door to give us freedom, <a href="https://www.biblehub.com/john/10-10.htm" target="_blank">life abundance</a>, and so much more. All we can do is say; "Thank You!"</p><p>Amazing love! Happy Easter!</p><p>Ian</p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-90284563616424780922023-04-06T19:08:00.000-07:002023-04-06T19:10:03.485-07:00Vertical Filmmaking Madness<p>I'm finally embracing vertical filmmaking with <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/TAMl84OjjIg" target="_blank">"Be Brave, Daddy!" #Shorts</a>. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq8NHVDFsaN66nTBNYQNzEsOc_uZQM0RhWIrH4YXdNh-zwDW_BmVpYr650-dOqxL1_dkVTmuWapaN_-oVpOswrneFj7ASbbFW8f7aBpc6OGxQgwmnwuI0EubDkneMzONj5QyLnkxK_nEVpYNiP3Z1Y09-w3iORhJwrcqBQ0ym9zrDB3yWDNdXfnOv8g/s2826/Be%20Brave%20Daddy%20vert.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2826" data-original-width="1590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq8NHVDFsaN66nTBNYQNzEsOc_uZQM0RhWIrH4YXdNh-zwDW_BmVpYr650-dOqxL1_dkVTmuWapaN_-oVpOswrneFj7ASbbFW8f7aBpc6OGxQgwmnwuI0EubDkneMzONj5QyLnkxK_nEVpYNiP3Z1Y09-w3iORhJwrcqBQ0ym9zrDB3yWDNdXfnOv8g/s320/Be%20Brave%20Daddy%20vert.png" width="180" /></a></div><br />I used to joke about wanting to go into someone's house and see the TV mounted to the wall vertically. Actually, someone should make a TV wall mount that you can remotely rotate 90 degrees, depending on what you're watching. Because seeing an HD video squeezed vertically with those massive black bars on the sides seems like a waste of a large screen TV.<p></p><p>I once stunt coordinated a vertical format show, and it drove me crazy when they had a nice car and you could only see some fraction of the car in a wide shot. Unfortunately, my episodes got cancelled before they streamed, but you can check out the show <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8438110" target="_blank">SOLVE</a> here.</p><p>In my <a href="https://eyrefilms.blogspot.com/2023/03/filmmaking-addiction.html" target="_blank">first blog post</a>, I talked about one of my videos that sat on YouTube doing next to nothing, then took off for the stars. Well, after reaching 24M views, it flatlined and the last 18 months looks like the first 6 years. But, YouTube has recently launched Shorts, their vertical, under 60 seconds, video channel for the landscape challenged. </p><p>So, here's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WNPP7cGHlE" target="_blank">Be Brave, Daddy!</a>" revisited as a #<a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/TAMl84OjjIg" target="_blank">Shorts</a>. Throw Back Thursday is perfect for YouTube Shorts.</p><p>And if you want to know how the sausage was made, here's a <a href="https://how2action.wordpress.com/2019/03/24/behind-the-stunts-be-brave-daddy/" target="_blank">BTS look at the stunt rigging</a> of "Be Brave, Daddy!"</p><p>My only frustration is that I didn't scout the location and when we showed up to shoot I realized that my computer monitor was the exact same color as the wall, lol. I guess I could have paid a VFX artist to change the color.</p><p>BTW, yours truly made those pajamas. What do y'all think?</p><p>Ian</p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-53905184770185346822023-04-04T08:25:00.002-07:002023-04-04T08:27:00.314-07:00Movie Poster Design for Vengeance Trail<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmbv1tg53p5foWiN3RXjByB18CNofVLaxY28Y29UphBG5knCOI6b9E8-a2kbiLQbPAo7lH-YXPcV6zCrXO0saawLB0GsFJ9A0-tNCvJ91UU6VEVQPsH_ZrBshQrnZuOJFCwjlfAdubbBlfEJ92Bf0WqDnpyMM25RbGxp7NHAKzh8Rp6_nnWq46aGtpA/s1344/VT%20title%20square.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1344" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmbv1tg53p5foWiN3RXjByB18CNofVLaxY28Y29UphBG5knCOI6b9E8-a2kbiLQbPAo7lH-YXPcV6zCrXO0saawLB0GsFJ9A0-tNCvJ91UU6VEVQPsH_ZrBshQrnZuOJFCwjlfAdubbBlfEJ92Bf0WqDnpyMM25RbGxp7NHAKzh8Rp6_nnWq46aGtpA/w200-h200/VT%20title%20square.png" width="200" /></a></div>I've recently learned that one of my top strengths or giftings is Craftsmanship. When it comes to metal or wood fabrication, or filmmaking, I have a commitment to excellence that can border on perfectionism. The trick is to know when to stop majoring on the minor details.<p></p><p>I once asked for a job at a Special Effects company. The shop foreman said they had a scene where a keyboard was to get shot and they were carving keyboards out of foam. He asked how I would do it. My initial thought was that keyboards are cheap so why not find some junk keyboards to squib, but I fumbled through an answer about materials and tooling. Later, I thought, my first questions should have been to ask how close would the camera get to it. </p><p>My opinion on the difference between low budget and big budget movies is attention to detail. Attending to the details takes time, resources and manpower. You know the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_management_triangle" target="_blank">Fast, Good or Cheap Project Management Triangle</a>. You have to pick your battles. </p><p>But sometimes you find an artist who loves what they do, and they keep making suggestions - good suggestions. And that keeps presenting me with choices. <a href="https://www.jamesburnsfilms.com/movie-poster-art.html" target="_blank">James Burns</a> is a movie poster artist who just loves Westerns, and he can't stop pitching ideas for Vengeance Trail unless I stop him. </p><p>So, what do y'all think about all these options? BTW, James actually started with the better versions, but over time started presenting sketches for options to present ideas more quickly with less effort. Disclaimer: we don't have many high res photos to choose from, so some of the images had to be taken from the video tapes, uprezzed as much as possible using AI software.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The original poster and DVD art:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRmiD9vKRgUE51p1b0rtYVfigIR5ub6NPM_P7G-PkO9_ETawhAJ4okVqJYa82Y4T42FaLpHM7eGxmYzrNmdAzgIlcxbXPXKkoREAm3USNjPenc9dodKlb9raMDlbCN2wjVsB3ZkdO57D_521rrOxh7DZVIKvGk__28WRpBH39s9bMBDVILKZkzZZXEQ/s2340/DVD%20cover%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2340" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRmiD9vKRgUE51p1b0rtYVfigIR5ub6NPM_P7G-PkO9_ETawhAJ4okVqJYa82Y4T42FaLpHM7eGxmYzrNmdAzgIlcxbXPXKkoREAm3USNjPenc9dodKlb9raMDlbCN2wjVsB3ZkdO57D_521rrOxh7DZVIKvGk__28WRpBH39s9bMBDVILKZkzZZXEQ/w640-h453/DVD%20cover%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">The Good, The Bad, The Ugly influence:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzeTexsXJYr85Xo8iV5Awrpj225KIiFr8nr-tcNitub489BF6-nnJpiFif_92J5Z40QEzGmZJNE837dM87R1tnfmymsP_e314qaWIneD5-Sma10edDGUAJ4S-SutDKIKuNpJHxX5z34Pc8yDSgu8ZUhOWG6Hxl_g-CdvzQ-MCH335IBEaNyGJrE-NFA/s8268/Sketch_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8268" data-original-width="5906" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzeTexsXJYr85Xo8iV5Awrpj225KIiFr8nr-tcNitub489BF6-nnJpiFif_92J5Z40QEzGmZJNE837dM87R1tnfmymsP_e314qaWIneD5-Sma10edDGUAJ4S-SutDKIKuNpJHxX5z34Pc8yDSgu8ZUhOWG6Hxl_g-CdvzQ-MCH335IBEaNyGJrE-NFA/w286-h400/Sketch_3.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Options A vs. C:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO1bb0ygW25ZDxQXxDe47PF95mi-9Tpvhz5qLRnJOK9Efu67DLSJ8yzvj0fhYPJVEVxaq9BU2B6FriO8HYN0pYdL0zC5JuSbR4Cq_-aEha0TeS4KcgTdPnvNkCHae9GAw2G3D0BSEiHhsGca42smEVy5vtaY2BUSEwLosbSklxOmpoupUAQN1jgQiNw/s2172/VT%20Option%20A%20vs%20C.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="2172" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO1bb0ygW25ZDxQXxDe47PF95mi-9Tpvhz5qLRnJOK9Efu67DLSJ8yzvj0fhYPJVEVxaq9BU2B6FriO8HYN0pYdL0zC5JuSbR4Cq_-aEha0TeS4KcgTdPnvNkCHae9GAw2G3D0BSEiHhsGca42smEVy5vtaY2BUSEwLosbSklxOmpoupUAQN1jgQiNw/w640-h414/VT%20Option%20A%20vs%20C.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Barbed wire border, light vs dark options:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvg3HZPB1g9XNg54u_aUv4gxbv2oY3ZdZCRNsg11v3uIInDMX--bCJhjuTixEGjP7ziZqmGBYVIxsLjWJXF5R-CD-LP05LLQmWAuWEQTTwShWcL0xghJvBT_2tq5I7IHCBA8Angs-oXx8D12GxP3Hdl845HzWmoMtDr9GZS9B8zRVCrHOS-T_0ol-RA/s2178/VT%20barbed%20wire%20light%20vs%20dark.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2178" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvg3HZPB1g9XNg54u_aUv4gxbv2oY3ZdZCRNsg11v3uIInDMX--bCJhjuTixEGjP7ziZqmGBYVIxsLjWJXF5R-CD-LP05LLQmWAuWEQTTwShWcL0xghJvBT_2tq5I7IHCBA8Angs-oXx8D12GxP3Hdl845HzWmoMtDr9GZS9B8zRVCrHOS-T_0ol-RA/w640-h460/VT%20barbed%20wire%20light%20vs%20dark.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ultimately, story must dictate the design. Who's the hero, who's the villain? Who wants vengeance? Is it unified to have all the guns point one direction? Does the story demand unity? Is the fact that they're all holding guns enough? What's the best use of negative space and color or contrast? <a href="https://vengeancetrail.com" target="_blank">Watch the trailer, read the synopsis</a>, and leave your comments below.<p></p><p>Thanks, Ian</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-75619453743953204202023-03-31T09:06:00.000-07:002023-03-31T09:10:51.869-07:00Slate of Films - Plan of Action<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87_LlB9ThFzaThaKvykc9K6ExBhCJqm_3QNsnofW4zi72u6uqOJtG7IfIzUV9rXzfadA_-7phpvBoxf9Zkc-wzVzphW07ap35vIej4h2jM738nUhamcd9OgvdgLQKhtNBq8nPDeDDR0xJ0ESbMbymsJkiMTLV4rp-FCX1rCiFSXQET1YJyhM1kGQ7og/s1974/Slate%20of%205%20movies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1974" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87_LlB9ThFzaThaKvykc9K6ExBhCJqm_3QNsnofW4zi72u6uqOJtG7IfIzUV9rXzfadA_-7phpvBoxf9Zkc-wzVzphW07ap35vIej4h2jM738nUhamcd9OgvdgLQKhtNBq8nPDeDDR0xJ0ESbMbymsJkiMTLV4rp-FCX1rCiFSXQET1YJyhM1kGQ7og/w640-h194/Slate%20of%205%20movies.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />When I moved to Los Angeles in 1999, my goal was to be an action director. There are two routes: 1) stunt performing > stunt coordinating > 2nd unit directing > directing, and 2) screenwriting > producing > directing. I pursued both concurrently.<p></p><p>I started my screenplay journey in 1997 with my teen abstinence comedy. That writing sample got me accepted into ActOneProgram.com in 2001, but the standard of excellence they taught was so high that I felt handicapped. So I focused on my bread and butter, which at the time was special effects and stunts. </p><p>The advice I received regarding screenwriting was to have three screenplays ready to go before shopping any around. This took me two decades.</p><p>I was invited to help produce two features, Vengeance Trail in 2002 and Acts of Violence in 2006. I wasn't a part of developing or selling, and I didn't really want to learn then because producing was hard work. There are so many learning curves in this business and I picked my battles; stunt performing was fun, paid the bills (eventually), got me health insurance, and even had backend participation that was like manna from Heaven. Three cheers for passive income.</p><p>I tried to quit three times. As I aged, I realized some of my injuries from stunts were chronic, and I started planning for my career after 50. By this mid-life marker, I had had half a dozen feature screenplays to shop, half with business plans. And I'd tried my hand unsuccessfully at crowdfunding and equity crowdfunding.</p><p>I made lots of short films (my film school), and they made me some side money through Ad Sales on YouTube. But the no budget feature became the calling card, and the prevailing indie film advice is to make a slate of films to spread the risk. </p><p>Vengeance Trail started as a $10K student film, then grew many times over with reshoots. It landed in Blockbuster and Walmart in 2006, but many mistakes were made such as not having stars and shooting on MiniDV, and it didn't find much of an audience. Fast forward to today, I now have a 1080p streaming version with an updated trailer, titles, music, etc. (I'll explain in another post about how, using AI software). It's time to exploit the movie.</p><p>Eyre Films' goals are to make a slate of genre movies. Vengeance Trail will be my trial to build momentum and prove I can make money at it. Above are a few posters to get you excited.</p><p>I've been studying indie film marketing. The old way of selling a movie at film festivals and to the streaming giants is gone. The new way is changing every year, but includes branding, targeting a niche audience of super fans, four-walling, direct sales funnel, targeted international sales, blogging, building an email list, etc. And also festivals and streaming in their proper place.</p><p>If you're a filmmaker, ask me questions and challenge my reasoning.</p><p>If you like horses, I'll dig up behind the scenes horse footage from Vengeance Trail. </p><p>If you like guns and Western movie history, we already made a documentary about the vintage movie guns used in Vengeance Trail.</p><p>Best, Ian</p><p>VengeanceTrail.com</p><p>PreyForMason.movie</p><p>SmashAndRun.com</p><p>RunCholo.com</p><p>FoolCircleMovie.com</p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1939084724676564581.post-69722614243611278932023-03-24T11:04:00.001-07:002023-03-24T11:04:28.459-07:00THE HUNT Movie<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL-FOrv0ljuvIbPIVngSADGxhlXdVIVKRitnlwl6_bwecAtkR0dov08jLemxRnGT66_L4VfzY03xDLouaPJF8EaPkrlbt7TTcVzhmT7G6qzvNiuHjoimF_itgtYGWvODCWsAGK7avpHyeZ0wdX7rFhKcm8CX_2g-GzlP-8ayjP7vgkhPzJ3KmzOEN6w/s848/The%20Hunt%20poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL-FOrv0ljuvIbPIVngSADGxhlXdVIVKRitnlwl6_bwecAtkR0dov08jLemxRnGT66_L4VfzY03xDLouaPJF8EaPkrlbt7TTcVzhmT7G6qzvNiuHjoimF_itgtYGWvODCWsAGK7avpHyeZ0wdX7rFhKcm8CX_2g-GzlP-8ayjP7vgkhPzJ3KmzOEN6w/s320/The%20Hunt%20poster.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">When <i>The Hunt</i> came out (original trailer </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tzgfDLJUhw" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #dca10d;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tzgfDLJUhw</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">), my first reaction was; Yes! I do believe some liberals want to wipe out conservatives, but the conservatives in this movie fight back and win!</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As per usual, the uproar came from people who hadn’t seen the movie. Would conservatives rather the roles were reversed and conservatives were hunting liberals a la The Most Dangerous Game, and the liberals then righteously killed the conservatives in self-defense?</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want to see a movie where conservatives actually fight back!! As compared to the lame conservatives in DC politics who lie down and give up (not all of them, and certainly not as often as before the Trump era).</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I just watched this interview between Jason Blum and Ben Shapiro regarding The Hunt. I actually celebrate Jason Blum for doing this interview, and both he and Ben made some really great points. Start with these soundbites, then watch the whole interview: <a href="https://youtu.be/kQ3Yb3nYVyY?t=623"><span style="color: #dca10d;">https://youtu.be/kQ3Yb3nYVyY?t=623</span></a></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This: We have to laugh at ourselves when we laugh at the other side, then listen to each other.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I once heard Brian Coley of Art Within speak at a Faith in Film Breakfast in Atlanta. My understanding (paraphrase) of what he said is: If Christians want to tell stories that gain cultural acceptance, we must start<b> </b>with cliches so that people recognize our subculture (Hey that's me - aka Christian exploitation) before we can reach a tipping point and leave our subculture for mainstream (and be heard outside our choir). The way to do this is first through comedies, Coley says, but where are the Christian comedies? <i>Mom's Night Out</i>, <i>Believe Me</i>, and <i>Blue Like Jazz</i> are not enough. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I moved to Atlanta from Toronto when I was nine. I was a fish out of water and didn’t sound or dress like anyone in the South, so I got made fun of a lot. My defense mechanism was to make fun of myself before others could (maybe that’s why Canadians are considered to be so funny). Christians have plenty of material to make fun of. The world makes fun of us, partly because the Gospel is foolishness to those who don’t understand (1 Corinthians 1:18), but especially because we don’t recognize how crazy we act and how confusing we make the Good News of Jesus.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I don’t know if Christians made the movie <i>Saved!</i> (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiV-pvjOc_w"><span style="color: #dca10d;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiV-pvjOc_w</span></a>), but that was a funny movie! Best line, as Mandy Moore throws a Bible at a classmate while judging her; “I am filled with Christ’s love.” The Hunt had two writers, one on the left one on the right. It makes fun of both groups and has authenticity toward both groups. Where are the Christians making comedies, admitting to the world that we’re broken, messed up, stupid at times, but learning to reflect the Messiah who calls us, forgives us, saves us, and perfects us?</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I can’t wait to announce my teen abstinence comedy and my monster comedy, both self-mocking, speaking to culture, and outrageously funny. Meanwhile, here are a couple of short comedies inspired by Scripture for you to enjoy: “Don’t Talk About Jesus!” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tmt1r4LpHI"><span style="color: #dca10d;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tmt1r4LpHI</span></a>, “Joseph’s Wheel of Destiny” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJPWoAtUmXI"><span style="color: #dca10d;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJPWoAtUmXI</span></a></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ian</p>Ian "Max" Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04141571710454948424noreply@blogger.com0