A Bad Idea presents its entry into the 2010 48 Hour Film Project!

Waste Not, Want Not – A 2010 48 Hour Film Project Submission from Chris Curl on Vimeo.

Genre: Drama

Required Elements
Character: Tim Thackery, Mechanic
Line: I’ve looked, and I can’t find it.
Prop: Cheese

Chaz and Jones from Idyl King Entertainment on Vimeo.

Two Hitmen on April Fool’s Day.
Idyl King Entertainment’s entry into the 48 Hour HD Showdown, competing against the top 5 films in the country. The winner screens at NAB/Filmapalooza in Vegas this April. If only it was on 4/1…

Fan Page

Required Elements:
GENRE – Buddy Film
PROP – Article of clothing that’s too tight
CHARACTER – Drew or Dana Campbell, Ad Executive
LINE – “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

This last weekend I found myself driving, giddy as it were, to Newport News in what was becoming a blizzard to take part in their follow up entry into the 48 Hour Film Festival, and a possible exhibit at NAB – Chaz + Jones. It was well worth the drive. No spoiler alerts needed. Suffice to say, this pic is another well-written bit o’ dark comedy, drama, and a buddy movie to boot. I was not alone in laughing out loud when reading the script. Pamela Good, one of the area’s premiere actors was heard remarking she observed the makings of young Coen brothers. Quentin Tarantino was mentioned a bit as well. Influences notwithstanding, it was obvious there was a lot of talent flying around the set. The production team was loose & easy going to be around, yet tight & efficient to watch in action. Always fun to be creative – even more fun to do it in a collective. Thanks Idyl for a thoroughly enjoyable collaborative experience. Photos Courtesy Idyl King Entertainment

48 Hour Film Project/Panasonic
HD Filmmaker Showdown

Hope you enjoy the journey as much as Max and I did. Scheduled air dates. Many thanks to cast, crew, Virginia Film Office, and a myriad of supporters.

Any town USA and America’s worst economic crisis serve as the backdrop for two Independents embarking on launching a Hollywood quality sci-fi motion picture and space adventure outside the Hollywood system. The countdown clock is already ticking for Director Max Bartoli and Executive Producer Ethan Marten. They are faced with quickly approaching deadlines and personal economic ruin – their space race is on! Climb on board and witness the triumphs and tragedies of these two brave hearts attempting to defy odds, raise money, build a space ship, cross language barriers, and strike deals to launch “Atlantis Down”.

Will their space adventure take off or come crashing down around them? Stay Tuned to “Atlantis Rising: The Making of Atlantis Down”.

Cox 11 PROGRAM SCHEDULE
2/14 Sunday @ 10pm
2/19 Friday @ 530pm
2/20 Saturday @ 1pm
2/21 Sunday @ 10pm
2/26 Friday @ 530pm
2/27 Saturday @ 1pm
2/28 Sunday @ 10pm
3/5 Friday @ 730pm
3/6 Saturday @ 1pm
3/7 Sunday @ 10pm
3/14 Sunday @ 10pm
3/19 Friday 730pm
3/20 Saturday 3pm

Carl Gugasian is an American prisoner who is currently serving a seventeen year sentence for robbery. Known as “The Friday Night Bank Robber”, he is perhaps the most prolific of such criminals in US history, having robbed more than fifty banks over a thirty year period, for a total of more than $2 million.

Here’s what some Hampton Roads Businesses are saying about being a Pepper:

“GREAT video you sent…everyone is amazed. Thanks!”
- Duane Cotton, Harbor Pointe Builders

“Thank you for pulling my bacon out of the fire. You didn’t know me from
Adam, but you helped me out after another Video Company fumbled the
ball. You could have easily taken advantage of me but you didn’t. Thanks
so much for your kindness, honesty and professionalism. Great Job!”
- D.R. Middlebrooks, President – Tactical Shooting Academy

“It is with pleasure that from both professional and personal aspects I
am able to recommend to you the talents and services of Two Peppers
Productions. I have experienced firsthand the expertise of this company
in many areas.”
- Buddy L. Chapman, Evangelist Minister

“I think you are fantastic. You have been such a big help to us from the
beginning. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”
- Tabitha, Advanced Water Solutions

Not every day you get chaffeured by a former Stock Car Champion. This was going to be a fun an interesting journey. Didn’t take long before we hit Shore Drive with the new (lowered) 35 mph. The Chevy was straining against the excessively low speeds. Up came the the satellite radio, and my immersion began. Classic Country and Outlaw Country filled the air. I heard more Elvis, Cash, Paycheck, Twitty, and even Minnie’s pearls of wisdom than in the last twenty years.

I learned the color of a John Deere tractor (a must – and, no, just green is wrong!), Spanish Moss, the difference between baby blue and Petty Blue, and many other necessary factoids for my survival. Know your math! Know 3 = Earnhardt, DALE. 14 = A. J Foyt. 43 = Richard Petty…. And, when talking about the Men in Black, down South we ain’t talking motion pictures, but Johnny Cash & Dale Earnhardt!

So when speeds were hit along the journey that might have helped us to a pole position, with the sunroof open, and Hank Williams, Jr. blaring, well, I guess I had arrived. Funny to become an honorary Southerner while heading back up North! Anyone from my NY childhood would have been hysterical if not incredulous.

Meeting the team was educational. Eddie D’Hondt, who heads his namesake team was spotting for his protoge driver Alli Owens; Jerry Pitts – crew chief. These guys had their gameface on all weekend. Easy to know why. Any small error with the car can cost the race or a life. Every inch of a vehicle going onto the track is calculated for speed and efficiency.

Then you learn what a team sport racing is. The spotter calls the plays from the top of the track’s grandstand. This person is the eyes for the team. The crew chief is calling shots; calculating wear on tires and fuel efficiency. The pit crew is responsible for getting a car in and out, gassed, tires changed – all in seconds. Then, there is the driver! There must be smooth communication over the headsets between driver, spotter, and crew chief. It’s now you realize what a thinking man’s game racing at this level is!

So when I was invited into the team meeting, it was quite an honor. Somewhere near the end of the meeting the responsibilities were being called out. Gas Runner, Right Front Tire Setter – Ethan Marten. Silence. Heads turning. Jerry made eye contact; “You all right with that?” I didn’t hesitate, quickly realizing the joke and the hazing. I didn’t do standup for ten years only to be heckled, and have slow reflexes. I shot back; “nobody runs gas faster or more efficiently, and as for tire setting, this ain’t my first time to the rodeo….” Jerry seemed pleased, “Good.”

The benediction ensued, and I started to realize from the startled and pale looks on my hosts faces that this was not a joke. When they came charging up to me after the meeting barking instructions I knew they were not this good a bunch of actors! The race, so to speak, was on.

I ended up on line with an oversized red rider wagon with more oversized gas tanks. Though I had two escorts to make sure I didn’t screw this job up, at the crucial moments, I was alone and performed the job admirably (that’s what I was told, anyway!). “Car 19, two empties and a partial!” As I dropped off my charges for fill up at the Sunoco up drove beside me both Mark Martin and then Kurt Busch in his Blue Deuce (if the sponsor cares to lay some money on the Daniels – I’ll be happy to plug here Even I was impressed. The NASCAR practice for the following day’s race was taking place before the ARCA event.

Once filled, I hurried off to Pit 39. Once there I dropped off the tanks, and moved to where the rubber meets the track. Multiple sets of tires were laid out on the ground on one side of “the wall.” The Wall is a two foot barrier between the crew and where the crew jumps to work on the car. I would be remaining on the safer side of the wall! People with flame retardant suits would be jumping it later. Each tire was being carefully marked so it would end up in the correct position – RF and RB were on one side of the crew chief’s stand, and the left tires were on the other side. In a sport where each tenth of a second during a pit stop could cost the team position or even the race – no one wants to make any mistakes.

People are measuring the tires to the smallest degree for wear, and air pressure. The balancing act is non-stop. When people use the expression “burn rubber,” man, this is where it comes from. The smell of burning rubber, and gas was the incense of the track. The constant pounding, undulating vibrations of motors propelling cars at 200 mph were the OMS chanted by cars whirring past.

Burning Rubber? Tire setter? A thought crossed my mind – GLOVES! Oh yeh, the tires replaced come back steaming hot at 200 degrees. Always a good idea, and since they can weigh 75 pounds, it’s also a good idea to make sure you cover your arms when lugging a tire back over the wall.

The careful direction coming over the headsets comes from Eddie, he instructs Alli, reminds her of what was learned in practice, and coaches concentration. He will turn the direction over to Jerry before the first pit stop. They make their first calculations, and we should be prepared at any moment in case of emergency, but the first expected pit stop is calculated for a certain lap. The adrenalin is kicking in. Everyone is hyper alert as the cars start circling the track behind the pace car. Here comes a flag – one lap to go. some cars are still zig zagging to get their tires hot enough to stick to the track. The pace car pulls into the pits, and the flag comes flying down, and the cars come flying by!

I have my first tire in position, as instructed. Depending upon where Alley stops – I’ll reposition for the right angle so the tire man can grab it and have it on less than 3 seconds! Everyone immitates the sound of the lug nuts being put on “Vrr-Vrr, Vrr-Vrr-Vrr!” Here’s a little trick, the lug nuts are glued on already so they can just be quickly tightened. However, they can pop of the tire easily. I don’t want to be the one to have to hand over a tire, AND, a lug nut. That would create this sound, “Vrr-Vrr, Vrr-Vrr…..Vrr!” Oh no. That lost half-second will not come at my hands. This tire becomes “my tire.” No one comes near it. One of the crew begins to sit on my tire – a hazing of sorts. Uh-uh! Not having any of it. Beat it! My tire. Begrudging respect, and a smile.

No sound enters my head except the sound of the voice coming from the headset. “Here comes the lap,” the smooth voice over the headset cautions. The crew is to be ready and in position. For me, that’s do not have your feet anywhere near one of the hoses that will be dragged over the wall – unless I want to be dragged over with it. Someone on the wall that shouldn’t be is a penalty. Penalties cost laps. Laps cost races. Not only have people been dragged over having been tangled in hoses, (an embarrassment in and of itself) they have been killed on the other side of the wall. It is not a safe place even for professionals. This is serious business. An identifying flag drapes over Pit 39 so Ally know where to land, and she appears. People are jumping and body parts are moving at such a speed that time almost stands still. The car is jacked, and without thinking the tire almost turns itself to the correct position, is grabbed, “Vrr-Vrr, Vrr-Vrr-Vrr!” Within 20 seconds the car vanishes – is back on the track. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes….I am now aware beyond the pit. The crowd’s cheers, the motors, and clangs from all around return.

Alli hits the pits several more times, and 200 miles goes by faster than one could imagine. Though running as high as eighth position, a penalty for leaving the pit too fast costs a crucial lap. Still, she ends up in 23rd, ahead of 20 other drivers, and brings the car back in one piece. This has been a thrilling ride for all of us.

I receive a “good job.” Praise from Caesar!

An insanely good time was had by all, and cast and crew had a Monsters’ Ball working with each other.

Hope all my best fiends, and ghoul-friends can come out to the Naro Cinema next Wednesday night at 7:00 to attend the screenings of all the short films, and vote for your favorites. It’ll be a blast and tickets are only $8.00 The winning team will go on to compete in the annual international competition. The Hampton Roads entries will all be screened Aug. 15 and the winning films will be announced and screened the following Saturday, Aug 18.

Date of Release: July 10, 2009 Obtain required press pass to be on Set
Filming on July 14, 15 and 16th Cell: 804-304-3777 Land: 804-752-7788
Subject: Michelangelo Email: emailcoronado@yahoo.com

Westover Plantation, Charles City, Virginia

Historic Westover Plantation in Charles City, Virginia will be transformed into the Italian Renaissance
San Marco Gardens of Lorenzo De’Medici, known as IL Magnifico and inhabited by a young Michelangelo for
the filming of A Gift Divine by filmmaker, writer and Director Leonardo Warner.

Set in Florence, Italy in 1489, the intense 3-day filming of this historic 15th century period movie will take
place at the historic 18th Westover Plantation location on July 14th, 15th and 16th.
While Warner’s independent short film depicts young Michelangelo’s defining moment as
a sculptor, he fulfills his own personal dream of creating a film about “The Great Michelangelo”.
Press Release

Even more amazing is that a film project of this size, requiring period costuming and sets would
normally require an investment of upwards of $100,000.00 but in reality, Warner’s project is coming to life on a
shoestring budget. Leonardo attributes this to the fact that his passion as writer and director has been
contagious bringing on board Producer Alvaro Coronado, his wife, Caroline, and Director of Photography Eric
Hurt—industry professionals being supportive, believing in the goodness and timing of the project and
contributing their talents to create a great film for the audience.
When more than ever there is a need to create jobs, A Gift Divine, is proving to be an economic stimulus for the Commonwealth thanks to the concerted efforts of Leonardo, Alvaro, Caroline and Eric whose networking efforts are making this a divine gift “Made in Virginia by Virginians.” A Gift Divine’s cast and crew are from Richmond, Charlottesville and points east to Virginia Beach. Even the prop maker, makeup artist, casting director, craft services and suppliers, and locations are Virginian.

Although “Made in Virginia”, the plan for distribution is global. Leonardo and his crew plan to share
Virginia’s talents in a number of venues, displaying Virginia’s excellence in period costuming, hair, wardrobe,
set design, location, music & film.
When complete, this small independent film project will have trained young Virginian actors, employed
Virginian talent, provided hands-on experience for student interns from VCU, given added experience to an
film student from Randolph-Macon College, and provided opportunity and first-hand knowledge in directing,
lighting and editing to a career-changing adult RMC student—a film truly proving to be A Gift Divine.

Tents, trailers, and cars clump behind the backlot, while the hustle and bustle of a city takes place behind the scenes. Generators and the crew continue to grind away as they have been since 6A. This ghost town used for the filming of John Adams is reincarnated. Middlemarch Films’ production of Dolley Madison for Twin Cities Public Television and PBS is breathing new life into Virginia production.

Working with Emily “Eve” Best is a treat. Salt of the Earth. Gracious. She really is, well, a Doll! Her focus and interaction with every cast member was something to behold. Her attention to character and detail demanded respect. Her general sense of humor, and obvious care for her fellow professionals in front of and behind the camera made her a joy to work with.

Had a wonderful time on set. Met many working actors making Hampton Roads and Richmond their home: Theodore and Bonnie Johnson, Patrick Byler Clark, Steven Stone, Eric Odom, Alan Zimmerman, Erica (you out-of-town fashion plate, you), Chaz Rittenhouse, Maya and Susan Fogg.

Director Muffie Myers, and DP Tom Hurwitz were moving at a fast pace, and still taking the time to work with actors. Ms. Myers establishes an incredibly comfortable atmosphere to create in. It was just a great day of shooting. Really enjoyed with the entire crew: Producer Julia Morrison, Joy Phillips, Diane – great energy. Costumers Noel and Brad helped me keep my hat on and Constance and her double-sided tape kept me together. Denise and Linda did wonders on the makeup. And Louis, thanks for taking us on the breezy golf cart tour of the backlot and cornfield. Who needed air conditioning?! Jane even kept us well “Crafted” with healthy (mostly) food! Heather, Shawn, Joy – thank you for your camera skills as well as all your duties!

Twin Cities Public Television Executive VP, National Production Gerry Richman took it all in with a smile Buddha would be proud of. All-in-all, this crew made it look easy.

Looking forward to tour next day’s shooting. Sylvia Hutson, Henry Jaderlund – thanks for setting this one up.

Within these 287 pages are the few references spread over fourteen pages to her first husband, John Todd, Jr. He, like Dolley was a member of The Society of Friends; a Quaker. He was amiable, loving, and an attorney. I would call that a stretch – if I didn’t recall all three of those qualities in my own father, Albert Marten

“The wedding was solemnized in the Friends’ Meeting-House, on Pine Street, (Philadelphia) on the seventh day of First Month, 1790, when January whitened the Earth with a bridal-veil of snow….”

The only spoken words quoted from John Todd were his wedding vows.

“After the simple Quaker fashion, the groom repeated the formula – “‘I, John Todd, do take thee Dorothea Payne to be my wedded wife, and promise, through divine assistance, to be unto thee a loving husband, until separated by death.’”

The three years they were married saw them living in Philadelphia near the hosterly of the “Indian Princess”. Todd was spoken of as “a wealthy, young lawyer.” In 1792, their son John Payne Todd was born. In 1793, William Temple Todd was delivered. Not long after, Yellow Fever broke out in the City. A week after the outbreak, and public panic, those that could moved to the country. John Todd brought his family to Gray’s Ferry, a charming wooded spot on the banks of the Schuykill, at the crossing of the Baltimore post-road. Near enough to be accessible to the City, but far enough out of danger….

“Having seen his wife and two little children transported to the peace and relative security of this place, John Todd, like the true man he was, returned to the plague stricken town to face its risks in the performance of his duty. He found the shadow of death falling on his own household and arrived only in time to attend the dying bed of his father and mother.”

According to Scribners, he returned to Gray’s Ferry, bringing the disease with him. He settled in the land of fixedness in October of 1793. Dolley threw herself on him in a last embrace….She was on the verge of death for three weeks. When she came to, it was to find that she was both a widow and having lost her infant son, William.

From the Cube…Is this Life imitating art or the other way around?

Cube Extra: Be an extra on Tanners Point
Cube was surfing through MySpace this morning. (Yes. Cube monitors MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and any other social network where local people gather.) While I was surfing, I found this:

———-

“Become Part of the Tanners Point Cast -….

Since I don’t believe everything I read, especially on MySpace, I sent out my feelers. Lo and behold producer Ethan Marten emails me directly. So guess what… it’s true.

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/cube-extra-be-extra-tanners-point