I've done a bit of update to the site, adding a soul mates poll related to "The Unintended Stray." I like "stray" over "mongrel" because mongrel implies ill breeding more than a lack of fitting in. It's about parentage more than position. "Stray" can result from one's own choices, while "mongrel" results from an accident of birth. I want her to feel like she doesn't fit in, but I there's a certain way that she doesn't fit in and reasons behind it. While some of them are tied to her parents and their differences, that isn't the sum of her problems.



One involvement lately has been in helping to organize Southern Oregon Film and Television, a nonprofit industry group hoping to promote productions in this area. The website is now up and running, and I've added that link. http://www.filmsouthernoregon.org/ Check it out. I'm on the board, but that pretty much means that I'm doing extra work. Some things are worth effort.



Speaking of effort, a library opened in Grants Pass in December after being closed for a year and a half. I'm so proud of the efforts of Josephine Community Libraries http://www.josephinelibrary.org/. It's been an education to help bring this organization together and convince people to support a brand new nonprofit taking on a service normally provided by government. I'm working on a documentary about the situation. I've completed shooting it and now begins the long editing process. I've never attempted anything this long; my goal is for it to end up about 30 minutes long overall. I wish my technical skills were better and that I had my own equipment rather than borrowing it from the regional public access station. It seemed interesting enough to me to put in the effort without the likelihood of reward beyond the fulfillment of creation. Again, some things are worth effort.



I've worked on a couple of webisodes over the past few months. I was casting director for "Search for a Vampire" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQYEX4dcjFE and in charge of continuity for "The Hightowers." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPbNOAUSSfU

The 2008 Bend Film Festival was fun but very cold. Congratulations to Marlyn Mason, who picked up the Best Actress award.

Congratulations to Marlyn Mason, who won best screenplay at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, for "Model Rules."

What she has to say at the awards ceremony choked me up:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8107204364063720040&hl=en

Beach fun


Enjoyed a few days in Gold Beach, Oregon, where the sun was bright and the wind was lively. I wrote in a neat little lighthouse. I thought it would be appropriate to write something windblown and romantic, but instead I'm still working on "The Unintended Mongrel."

Endured more than one remark from people about using a laptop while on "vacation." Bah! People don't understand that writing is both a task and a pleasure.

Projects update:

"Model Rules" has been accepted to the LA Shorts Fest in August. I'm thinking about going down to see it, especially if I can swing a trip on the cheap.

Things are on hold with "Search for a Vampire," as director Ray is busy with festivals, work for a sports television station and a documentary.

Film updates

"Sixes and the One Eyed King," is now available on Amazon.com. Here's a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Sixes-Scott-Thorsen-Nicole-Stykowski/dp/B0019SSDPQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212356705&sr=8-7

This is a generally good time for film news, as "Model Rules," has been selected for the Rhode Island International Film Festival. The film's website is http://www.freewebs.com/modelrules. The festival's site is http://www.film-festival.org.

I've been busy writing and helping to cast a mockumentary scheduled to begin shooting this summer, "Search for a Vampire." See www.searchforavampire.com, www.freewebs.com/bisonmotionpictures, and www.myspace.com/searchforavampire. It's nice to work on a comedy.

A web site is now up for "Model Rules," and a photo of me is on it under production stills. The address is www.freewebs.com/modelrules.

I've especially been enjoying exploring some new music as I hunt for instrumental music for the director to consider.

'Model Rules' in motion

I've been working as assistant director on a lovely short film tentatively titled "Model Rules," written by and starring Marlyn Mason. I've enjoyed being part of the process as much for the people as for the film, which looks like it will become a beautiful piece of art offering plenty to ponder.

The Medford, Oregon, newspaper did an article on the project. This is a photograph of the photographer, Jamie Lusch, on set. Chance Larsen, all-around set MacGyver, is sitting in for Marlyn as this tracking shot is prepared. The article, and a photo with Marlyn, is available by following this link to the Mail Tribune web site: http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071014/NEWS/710140329/-1/NEWS06