Trendsetter

2009-06-04T16:35:00.001-04:00

Test.

Entry:

2009-02-28T00:55:00.003-05:00

I decided I had gone far too long without posting anything--that's not to say I have anything to post either. I just felt guilty to the select few that are following "Trendsetter" news. As you may have read, the official website IS in fact up and rolling. New things that pop up there will undoubtedly pop up here as well. So the important stuff will probably make it to both places. Randall mentioned there may be a way to embed the blog to the web page. So if I ever figure that out, I'll try and make that happen.

In all fairness I haven't really kept up with "Trendsetter" stuff like I should have been--school is just a little nuts right now. Being my last semester I'm having a bit of a rough time at it, but straight A's so far...that's never happened. ahem--so far.

Frankly, I'm a little torn. I want to be working on the movie, but I know I can't. To show my commitment to school please note that I've not been to the climbing gym in over a week. Yeah, I know, right?

I told myself I would go today, but I felt like shit, and stayed here doing homework and watching "tv" online. [more homework than tv, I assure you]

Long story short--I'm sorry. It will get better. I will get more work done. This movie will get made. But right now, I will work on it when I can. Just know that I'm trying. I WILL NOT GIVE UP !

Trendsetter: The Official Movie Website

2009-02-21T23:57:00.002-05:00

The "Trendsetter" Official Movie Website.

In between classes and business plans and everything else, our fearless leader and director Kyle has been toiling away in secret on something special for the movie -- the Trendsetter's very own website.

Over there you'll find all the necessary TS information, from the ever-expanding crew on the movie, to the bios I posted earlier both here and on The Mojo Wire, as well as how to contact us. Not only that, but there's a plethora of opportunities on this film if you're interested in getting involved, whether it's professing interest in a part, trying out for a role, donating money to the project, or becoming a full-fledged investor. And since the site is just now going up, expect many more upgrades and updates [both there, and on the official "Trendsetter" blog] as the movie progresses.

We may not have a finished script [I'm working on it], but we definitely have the strong beginnings of a promotional machine, and the website is a welcome addition. So enjoy the new hub for all things "Trendsetter" related, and check back often, and tell your friends.

Cheers,
Randall

2009-02-12T11:43:00.002-05:00

I followed a black and yellow serpent
To a place where my heart failed and
A small salt shaker sat on table.

The snake dashed--yellow-- and turned on me.
I went too far with thought;
When I turned around I
Found myself at home--
-A single salt shaker

I waited inside with the salt and should--
Stay.
While the serpent sat twisted
Outside stained glass.
The salt sat sagging in me when
Someone slips slowly and silently inside--
To give me a shake.

I snap and salt the serpent--
-Deep slice and sizzle fry.
The serpent twists and writhes and
Turns with dots on dash--
Away to the next lonely heart-failure.

Happy birthday, Mr. Director.

2009-02-05T18:24:00.002-05:00

The movement behind "Trendsetter" is having a birthday today, and since I know he's too modest of a guy to mention it here, I thought I might make note of it for anyone who's reading.

If not for Kyle's involvement and enthusiasm I'd have never put pen to paper on the script, and this blog, my screenplay, and everything to come would not exist, giving us all the more reason to celebrate on an already momentous day. I encourage everyone to send him many happy returns not just today, but throughout the coming week and into the weekend.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Director. "With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come."

I'm In The Dark.

2009-01-31T12:22:00.003-05:00

Literally, actually. No power. Cold house. All the above. It seems as though I've gotten exactly what I wished for. I wanted a snow storm and here it is. YAY !!.....oh, gah. I get to play in the now, but I get to sleep in a cold ass house, too. It's not too bad, though. I haven't showered in...going on 3-4 days now. But, I've got my propane stove and all my camping gear. Makes life a little easier. Lot of Ramen noodles and hot chocolate. The problem being--my laptop died, like, last Wednesday. So, no work for me. Sorry, fellas [and gals, as the case may be]. I saw another power truck at the bottom of the hill today, so I think they're working on it.

I'm at my parent's place now; I'm trying to eat something other than noodles--and reach the people, as it were. On to more sandwiches. And orange juice. Yeah, orange juice.

Gathering Moss

2009-01-29T19:40:00.002-05:00

So I suppose I'll need to be the first to admit this: I didn't do much for TS the past couple of days. That doesn't mean I've not been busy. I have another paper to write for a class, but it should be cake. Randall did an excellent job on the last request I sent his way. I asked him to work up a synopsis [a very short one] and a tag-line. He gave me a huge list of options. Frankly, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to choose just one.

The plan now is to start working on the business plan for Trendsetter, LLC. That means, basically, a powerpoint presentation, broad budgeting plan, key person resumes and a laundry list of other things to throw together to regurgitate information back to potential investors and say, "Hey! Look how much work I did. Don't you think I deserve...500 bucks from you??" [Informally put, of course]

So now I think I just need to get onto Glen about some graphic work. Ahem... Glen...

Putting In Overtime

2009-01-25T14:40:00.007-05:00

The title of this blog pretty much sums it up for me. I woke up at 9ish and haven't stopped to take a break until now. I guess that's about 6 straight hours. It's alright. Now I can take a break with the 80 pounds of Legos in my living room. This, of course, is an estimate. But a fair one.

The work I've been doing all morning is all about breaking the script down into it's individual parts: Scene, props, wardrobe, make-up/hair, location, characters, etc. I've broken down the props, scenes, wardrobes, and locations so far. So I've read the thing 4 times today. And I'll probably read it 4 more times before the day is through.

All this work is probably due the the sleep I was able to get last night. I woke up tired, but that's always the case lately. I used to just wake up and be...up! But I think things may be catching up with me.

Anyway, I'm going to take a short Lego break and get back to work. I'm also going to look for Neeter today. I may have someone in mind.

Jan. 22--UPDATE

2009-01-22T22:28:00.005-05:00

I've been getting less sleep than ever. I'm not quite sure how I feel about they yet. Part of the reasoning is that this is going to be (basically) my final semester as a student. That's really good news and it's exciting to boot. However, I'm constantly bogged down with homework and it's taking a serious toll on what I can get done with TS. ( I have, of course, stolen Randall's "TS" shorthand)

But the good news is that I'm not letting a little thing like having too much to do get in the way of what I want. I'm proud to announce that someone--who wishes to remain anonymous--has pledged $2,000 to the cause. He's the first "official" backer for the film. He's a great guy with a huge heart. But basically, this is a big step. It means money is coming. And, with any luck, more will come. We're on our way, everyone. Hold on!!

While I've been doing the budget I've been simultaneously working on setting mood for some of the scenes (visually). I've been looking at painting by the old masters, and some from newer artists--up and coming guys and girls. It's given me an idea for a few of the phone call shots, and I think it's going to help me convey what I want to Bill.

But my plans for now are to look into some more of the script. I'm going to write a few pages and send them Randall's way--as I'm sure he's waiting anxiously for them. Exciting things lie ahead--stay tuned !

Bios... sort of.

2009-01-21T08:45:00.003-05:00

Randall here.

What follows is a link to a .pdf file that contains the first draft of the character bios for "Trendsetter." These are not the final bios for the characters, nor will the finals look anything like this. These are the work in progress -- a sort of middle step to the usable draft, and a good indication to Kyle what I've been up to as of late. Not to mention a really good way to get them to him.

The next version should eliminate the form/application style completely, and have nice little paragraphs with headers. Sure there will be a few other changes. I'd like thank Elise Bischoff for providing me with a style to start these off in, and Foxit Reader for keeping me from having to use Adobe Acrobat.

To download the bios, click here.

I should have the real versions up soon.

Some Early Budgeting

2009-01-19T12:25:00.003-05:00

I've started that task. For a few hours now I've been slaving away at the numbers. I can tell you with full belief that I'm no where near finished. Of course the final "beg for money" budget can't be done until the script is finished. I'm looking at a lot of money. I just wanted to go on record at guessing what it's going to cost in the end--I'm guessing 60,000 (not including in-kinds).

A great deal of that cost goes to crew and acting of course. But some of the big numbers are going to come from Glen's Department. He's sucking all our budget !! But it's not his fault. The All-Mart needs to be dressed. That's going to be a big deal. There's a way to cut that budget down if we need to. But I want this to look good. So it's all resting on him (in your face Glen).

But so far, I'm still having fun.

Leaving on a random thought: This movie needs a tagline...Randall??

2009-01-19T10:19:00.001-05:00

I was up late last night, reading through the script. Making notes, and mainly just thinking. I was thinking about how excited I am to do all of this. The next step in this process (besides finishing the script with Randall) will be making the business plan. I do already have a blue print for that laid out. Now begins the arduous task of finding resumes and building an estimated budget. I will basically compile every single thing I know i need about this movie in single Powerpoint presentation and...hit the pavement. Knocking of doors if I need to. But more likely setting up meetings with the wealthy residents, grant writing, etc. I haven't yet decided how fun this part is going to be. haha.

I of course will be having Randall come in with me on some of the beg sessions. He'll be good to have there to talk about the script side (the most important side) of the movie. The hardest part--I imagine--will be getting him into a suit. I haven't known him very long, but he doesn't strike me as the suit person.

But that's all the news I have right now. I'm sure Randall will be on to post something soon.

And if YOU would like to tryout to be a player on "trendsetter," just send us an e-mail; we're always reading them.

astonished again.

2009-01-18T22:58:00.000-05:00

Leave it to Glen Brogan to out do me again. His new logo/header is far superior to anything I could have created. I'm glad I know him. This is one of the thousands of reasons I asked him to be my production designer. Thank you, Glen.

Welcome !!

2009-01-18T18:38:00.002-05:00

Hi, it's me, Kyle; director of "trendsetter". Over time I hope this will become the official web-page for the movie I'm working on. In time the site will grow as I learn more and more of HTML and as the movie begins to come along more and more and make progress.

A little about the movie:

In association with Brainwrap Productions, this is a Trendsetter, LLC Production. It is primarily written by R andall Nichols. A friend. I gave him an idea I had been kicking around for a few months and he took off with it. Before I knew it, he had sixty-six pages written. Now we are teaming together to write another 30 (give or take) to start some serious pre-production.

We're going to be filming--as of now--in the Huntington/Charleston and tri-state areas. It's going to be filmed digitally on the red. Our attached Cinematographer has his own equipment and has agreed to work with the budget I come up with. But more about that later.

So far some people are attached to be a part of my...adventure:

Crew:
Me--Director
Robert Pralgo--Executive Producer (on IMDB)
William "Bill" Schweikert--Director of Photography
Glen Brogan--Production Designer

Cast:
Marc Horowitz--Mailman

I hope to start searching for some more cast and crew in the coming months. As well as start hunting down those Benjamins I'm going to need. I'm just in the beginning stages of this but hope to begin filming one year from February 5, 2009. It's going to be my birthday present to me. That's all I'm going to put down about it now. I've got plenty of work to do. But I will keep you as informed as I possibly can.