The Writer's Journey - Christopher Vogler
Story - Robert McKee
They both are great guides to storytelling. They don't replace the work of putting together a great story into a screenplay, but the breakdowns of what goes into making a story compelling are all there.
Also of note: apparently, I'm late to the party.
12.21.2010
11.30.2010
Structure
I'm on a quest. A mission. A purpose - find the structure behind a screenplay. Not just any screenplay, but great screenplays that make great movies. All the analysis and people that have researched scripts talk about the structure behind the story, the step by step journey of the character that makes a compelling, interesting, fascinating journey that we are willing to go along for the ride.
It really hit me last week, that writing a feature length script without a guide, a roadmap, is screenplay suicide. Now certainly, there are very strange movies that have been made, the oddballs that you watch and go "what the fuck is happening here?" and those movies get made. That's just not my style. I like things to be right, and just winging it and putting random scenes in a script won't get the job done. I want to know that I've just written a great fucking story that's going to make a great fucking movie. So that's where story structure has come into it.
It's been said if you're going to build a house, better have a plan. And that plan is the structure that holds the details of the house. If you want a house that looks mediterranean, or dutch, or southwest, those are themes built ON TOP of structure - not the structure itself. You can take any old house and redecorate it to look like a beach house in Brazil. The STRUCTURE of the interior just needs to be stable and hold up the details. That's how I'm looking at a script. Get the structure built, then it can be all the sci-fi, action, romance, adventure or drama movie you want.
In my previous efforts at writing, I could feel that I just didn't know what I was doing. Where is the story? What are the characters up to? What the hell should I write here, now, at this point in the story?
Syd Field. Everyone has read his book, or was told to read his book if you're in screenwriting. I loved reading and see the beginning structures of a movie script, but it only took me so far. First act, second act, third act. Great there's three parts to write, but I've got 25 scenes in Act I, 58 in Act II, and 19 in Act III. What the hell should happen in those scenes? My dillema.
I have some books that supposedly crack the code and have a structure to create a script on. I'll report back when I find some answers and what the results are. I've been doing some research this week, and I feel the beginnings of seeing the matrix and what a script can be if you know the secret.
If anybody has intimate secret society knowledge of these scriptwriting secrets, email me.
It really hit me last week, that writing a feature length script without a guide, a roadmap, is screenplay suicide. Now certainly, there are very strange movies that have been made, the oddballs that you watch and go "what the fuck is happening here?" and those movies get made. That's just not my style. I like things to be right, and just winging it and putting random scenes in a script won't get the job done. I want to know that I've just written a great fucking story that's going to make a great fucking movie. So that's where story structure has come into it.
It's been said if you're going to build a house, better have a plan. And that plan is the structure that holds the details of the house. If you want a house that looks mediterranean, or dutch, or southwest, those are themes built ON TOP of structure - not the structure itself. You can take any old house and redecorate it to look like a beach house in Brazil. The STRUCTURE of the interior just needs to be stable and hold up the details. That's how I'm looking at a script. Get the structure built, then it can be all the sci-fi, action, romance, adventure or drama movie you want.
In my previous efforts at writing, I could feel that I just didn't know what I was doing. Where is the story? What are the characters up to? What the hell should I write here, now, at this point in the story?
Syd Field. Everyone has read his book, or was told to read his book if you're in screenwriting. I loved reading and see the beginning structures of a movie script, but it only took me so far. First act, second act, third act. Great there's three parts to write, but I've got 25 scenes in Act I, 58 in Act II, and 19 in Act III. What the hell should happen in those scenes? My dillema.
I have some books that supposedly crack the code and have a structure to create a script on. I'll report back when I find some answers and what the results are. I've been doing some research this week, and I feel the beginnings of seeing the matrix and what a script can be if you know the secret.
If anybody has intimate secret society knowledge of these scriptwriting secrets, email me.
11.23.2010
Screenwriting
I'm working on my second full-length feature script. The first was Voir Dire, which I banged my head against for a couple of years. It was a learning experience and getting committed to finishing a script that I started. I rewrote it about six times, it's been in development for so long, many people have offered opinions and suggestions to make a good script better. Even now, Kim is rearranging and adding some extra touches of her own before it gets sent out to Hollywood.
Now, the new story I'm drafting is a radically different idea, as all of my story ideas tend to be. Kim and I were talking last night, and the funny thing about writing is -- letting the story come out. It's inside, but I'm always wanting to second guess and challenge it. If it's easy to write - there must be something wrong - it can't be good if the scenes just spill out on the page without all the struggle and debate of "is this really any good?" Kim tells me that a partial script I wrote years ago is really great, but I tell her that I wrote it over a weekend, it can't be any good. That's the benefit of allowing other people to read stuff. Get feedback and see if it's going anywhere. So I'll be experimenting with just letting the images come into my head and writing the scenes. I'm always up for trying new things, and easier is better than difficult -- but is it any good? Perhaps that's not for me to decide.
It's been fun to write some of the smaller short stories, like "All I Ever Hear Is Crabcakes!" That script was written in a couple of hours and then put on the shelf. When Kim and I were looking for a story to create for the Trail Dance Film Festival short film competition, Lexi kept asking when we were going to make that movie. After all, she's the star, it's her story, and she wants to be famous.
So, we dusted off the script, Kim rewrote it and got it into a few pages. We went and shot it, and after getting in the cutting room, I realized there was no way in hell it was going to fit into one-minute. Yet, through the magic of editing, I ruthlessly cut out every second that didn't have a purpose in telling the story, and managed to squeeze it into 60 seconds. It turned out to be very cute and funny. The kids all did great and it's satisfying to see a story come to life and watch other people enjoy it.
You can check Crabcakes out at the Trail Dance Film Festival website. They are having a competition - go vote for it (yes, you have to!) Click the link HERE.
For me, screenwriting is such an internal affair. When I wrote Contactee, it was the first story I crafted with the intention to direct. It was subject matter I knew about in depth, but I still struggled with the writing. It took a couple of months to get 20 pages written. Contactee turned out well and is doing good at the local festivals and will be playing at Trail Dance in January.
I would like to expand Contactee into a feature story and the concept Kim and I came up with is different in it's scope and much more tragic. If I get the chance to write it, the exploration into that world again will be an interesting journey. I love UFO's and the paranormal, and that's something I always want reflected in the stories I tell. The fantastic tales.
Now, the new story I'm drafting is a radically different idea, as all of my story ideas tend to be. Kim and I were talking last night, and the funny thing about writing is -- letting the story come out. It's inside, but I'm always wanting to second guess and challenge it. If it's easy to write - there must be something wrong - it can't be good if the scenes just spill out on the page without all the struggle and debate of "is this really any good?" Kim tells me that a partial script I wrote years ago is really great, but I tell her that I wrote it over a weekend, it can't be any good. That's the benefit of allowing other people to read stuff. Get feedback and see if it's going anywhere. So I'll be experimenting with just letting the images come into my head and writing the scenes. I'm always up for trying new things, and easier is better than difficult -- but is it any good? Perhaps that's not for me to decide.
It's been fun to write some of the smaller short stories, like "All I Ever Hear Is Crabcakes!" That script was written in a couple of hours and then put on the shelf. When Kim and I were looking for a story to create for the Trail Dance Film Festival short film competition, Lexi kept asking when we were going to make that movie. After all, she's the star, it's her story, and she wants to be famous.
So, we dusted off the script, Kim rewrote it and got it into a few pages. We went and shot it, and after getting in the cutting room, I realized there was no way in hell it was going to fit into one-minute. Yet, through the magic of editing, I ruthlessly cut out every second that didn't have a purpose in telling the story, and managed to squeeze it into 60 seconds. It turned out to be very cute and funny. The kids all did great and it's satisfying to see a story come to life and watch other people enjoy it.
You can check Crabcakes out at the Trail Dance Film Festival website. They are having a competition - go vote for it (yes, you have to!) Click the link HERE.
For me, screenwriting is such an internal affair. When I wrote Contactee, it was the first story I crafted with the intention to direct. It was subject matter I knew about in depth, but I still struggled with the writing. It took a couple of months to get 20 pages written. Contactee turned out well and is doing good at the local festivals and will be playing at Trail Dance in January.
I would like to expand Contactee into a feature story and the concept Kim and I came up with is different in it's scope and much more tragic. If I get the chance to write it, the exploration into that world again will be an interesting journey. I love UFO's and the paranormal, and that's something I always want reflected in the stories I tell. The fantastic tales.
11.10.2010
No Lie Films
The new website is up and running for our production company. No Lie Films. Our aim is to push the cinematic and storytelling limits here in Oklahoma to create great products for clients, either commercial, promotional, or music video. We're also developing feature film projects. We've got some fantastic stories coming along and great scripts.
Kimberly Noe is Producing projects while I am directing and we've been assembling a fantastic team of talent that loves what they do.
You can also visit our Facebook page! Check it out.
www.noliefilms.com
Kimberly Noe is Producing projects while I am directing and we've been assembling a fantastic team of talent that loves what they do.
You can also visit our Facebook page! Check it out.
www.noliefilms.com
Fire Embers and Smoke
Uploaded this to Vimeo. I've been experimenting with fire simulations in After Effects. I have to create the individual planes to make it look right. The smoke is a little to dark.
Fire embers and smoke from Jeff Leyerle on Vimeo.
Working with particle effects simulating fire in AE.
11.05.2010
No Lie Films
The new production company is gaining momentum as we put the word out there. We have a great team and so much talent for filmmaking. Lots of projects in development, stories, scripts, commercials and more.
Kimberly Noe is producing projects for us and she's making things happen. We've set our sights high and know that expectations are everything when it comes to creating high quality projects.
Stay tuned for more. Check out our facebook page, too! ----->
Kimberly Noe is producing projects for us and she's making things happen. We've set our sights high and know that expectations are everything when it comes to creating high quality projects.
Stay tuned for more. Check out our facebook page, too! ----->
10.29.2010
Been a proactive month
You know what they say about too many irons in the fire.
I suppose it doesn't really mean anything, after all, in a fire, all the irons get hot right?
Have called lots of local companies for production work, we've done some great pre-production for AirOne Flight Academy. However, it appears we'll have to postpone the project until srping, but it's going to be incredibly cool and the client wants to get it done right, just like I do.
Also, been working on numerous screenplay ideas and are developing those into products of value for myself to direct. Creating something of value for the masses is an interesting process. Certainly packaging entertainment can't only be about yourself, because eventually millions of people can come on board that project if it's done right - to entertain.
We have one hot property that Kim and I are sending out to LA. I'll let you know what happens.
All I Hear is Crabcakes! is almost finished. I'm going to sample it around to see what all you friends think. It's been a fun 60 second project for the Trail Dance Film Fest Competition. Putting a complete story in that short time span is a challenge, I can't wait to share it with you guys here, but it may not be until after it premieres at the festival at the end of January.
Video games are too damn fun and they seem to interfere with my creativity and output, so Steam was uninstalled the other night. No more team fortress for six-eight hours a night. Or any other games for that matter. I'd love to kick up some WoW right now and go raiding. Ah well, back to work.
Remember, take risks and live life to the fullest.
I suppose it doesn't really mean anything, after all, in a fire, all the irons get hot right?
Have called lots of local companies for production work, we've done some great pre-production for AirOne Flight Academy. However, it appears we'll have to postpone the project until srping, but it's going to be incredibly cool and the client wants to get it done right, just like I do.
Also, been working on numerous screenplay ideas and are developing those into products of value for myself to direct. Creating something of value for the masses is an interesting process. Certainly packaging entertainment can't only be about yourself, because eventually millions of people can come on board that project if it's done right - to entertain.
We have one hot property that Kim and I are sending out to LA. I'll let you know what happens.
All I Hear is Crabcakes! is almost finished. I'm going to sample it around to see what all you friends think. It's been a fun 60 second project for the Trail Dance Film Fest Competition. Putting a complete story in that short time span is a challenge, I can't wait to share it with you guys here, but it may not be until after it premieres at the festival at the end of January.
Video games are too damn fun and they seem to interfere with my creativity and output, so Steam was uninstalled the other night. No more team fortress for six-eight hours a night. Or any other games for that matter. I'd love to kick up some WoW right now and go raiding. Ah well, back to work.
Remember, take risks and live life to the fullest.
9.12.2010
A great week for awards at SWFF!
James Bridges, the director of SWFF informed me that the judges for the Best Okie Flick were all from the Oklahoma Film Commission and they unanimously voted Contactee for this award. I am honored by this award and I thank the commission for their interest in this film. Thank you!
Take Me To Heart won Best Music Video at SWFF. I participated as Director of Photography and it's so great to be part the project. Monte Wilson, the director, and his producer Kevin Kruger, have been taking this video around the world, winning awards and getting wonderful press for Brian Menshew and his album Notes on the Human Condition. It's wonderful to win awards and I give thanks to everyone on the team and those that recognized the work of a very talented Monte Wilson. Thank you!
9.08.2010
Contactee showing at SWFF
SWFF is in its fourth year and seems to be growing and getting lots of recognition for indie film and video projects.
I am privileged and honored to have my sci-fi (syfy?) short film Contactee showing at Southern Winds Film Festival, in Shawnee, OK this weekend. The showtime for Contactee is Saturday evening, 9:20pm at their outdoor venue. Can't tell you exactly where that is, only because I've never been there before. :D
This was my first shot at directing a narrative story of this scale. Everyone worked so hard on this movie and the results can only speak for themselves.
As always thank you to mom & dad, friends, family, crew, cast, producers, costumes, food, location owners....the list goes on. Thank you!
I hope the weather turns out nice and we have a great evening of fun flicks to watch!
Also showing at SWFF is the music video Take Me To Heart, directed by Monte Wilson. It's showing right after Contactee at the outdoor venue, Saturday evening at 10:00pm.
I was fortunate enough that Monte called and asked me to participate in this project. It turned out beautifully and I am truly stunned at the results. Monte showcased his talent at directing on this project and has submitted this film to festivals around the world. It has been getting tons of recognition and awards. I am humbled.
www.southernwindsfilmfestival.com
I am privileged and honored to have my sci-fi (syfy?) short film Contactee showing at Southern Winds Film Festival, in Shawnee, OK this weekend. The showtime for Contactee is Saturday evening, 9:20pm at their outdoor venue. Can't tell you exactly where that is, only because I've never been there before. :D
This was my first shot at directing a narrative story of this scale. Everyone worked so hard on this movie and the results can only speak for themselves.
As always thank you to mom & dad, friends, family, crew, cast, producers, costumes, food, location owners....the list goes on. Thank you!
I hope the weather turns out nice and we have a great evening of fun flicks to watch!
Also showing at SWFF is the music video Take Me To Heart, directed by Monte Wilson. It's showing right after Contactee at the outdoor venue, Saturday evening at 10:00pm.
I was fortunate enough that Monte called and asked me to participate in this project. It turned out beautifully and I am truly stunned at the results. Monte showcased his talent at directing on this project and has submitted this film to festivals around the world. It has been getting tons of recognition and awards. I am humbled.
www.southernwindsfilmfestival.com
7.05.2010
Motorcycle ride
Got the bike out for the weekend and it was great to ride to Lake Wister in southeast Oklahoma. This was the first time taking a trip with Kim as a passenger, and it went smooth, no problems at all.We took our time and the journey down to the lake took about five hours and we also took an hour for lunch.
There are cabins at the lake, and we got to stay there for free since Kim got some coupons that we could use to pay for it.
The V-Strom ran in tip top condition, nice and easy, plus the weather was beautiful without much wind, and it stayed cool throughout the morning.
I was a little worried about how Kim was going to be as a passenger, but she absolutely loved it.
We ran into some road construction on the way and talked with a road worker for about ten minutes while waiting at a stop. His name was Hector and he was really fun and making the best of working out on a hot day.
We rode from Norman to Lake Eufaula and then southwest through some small mountains that had a beautiful view. The mountains were not tall, but the thick trees were gorgeous and I can imagine it's even better in the fall when the colors begin to change.
We made it to the lake and were ready for a rest. The cabins were nice with furniture and a little kitchen. We enjoyed hanging out and watching hi-def television. The show we got hooked on was "Locked Up Abroad" and it was interesting to watch the stories about the crazy stuff people get wrapped up into in foreign countries.
The lake was nice but there wasn't too much else to see around the area. We rode over to Poteau and grabbed some groceries for the evening.
I really wanted to get back before dark, so we hitailed it back,
settled in and watched some world cup soccer. We don't know too much about soccer, but we watched it anyway while we made dinner.
The next day, we walked around some of the area and it's really beautiful with forest and hills in the distance. The tallest "hill" in the world is apparently in the area, but our interest was not peaked enough to go check it out. We thought we saw it in the distance while riding to Poteau, but not sure if it was the actual hill or not.
The ride back was a more heat and sun. But we took breaks often and I tried to stay cool pouring water all over my shirt and jacket.
We stopped at a little service station near Holdenville and I thought it was the coolest thing ever to use the old style gas pumps we grew up with.
We rode on to Krebs for an Italian lunch at Rosanna's restaurant, then made it back home by four o'clock. The ride stayed safe and fairly uneventful. I remained very cautious and slowed down when anything in front of me look uncertain. Even though it was over 90 degrees out, the ride was easy going and felt good, with the bike running smooth with no troubles.
The southeast part of the state is very nice for riding because of all the hills in the area. I look forward to going back down there soon.
We ran into some road construction on the way and talked with a road worker for about ten minutes while waiting at a stop. His name was Hector and he was really fun and making the best of working out on a hot day.We rode from Norman to Lake Eufaula and then southwest through some small mountains that had a beautiful view. The mountains were not tall, but the thick trees were gorgeous and I can imagine it's even better in the fall when the colors begin to change.
We made it to the lake and were ready for a rest. The cabins were nice with furniture and a little kitchen. We enjoyed hanging out and watching hi-def television. The show we got hooked on was "Locked Up Abroad" and it was interesting to watch the stories about the crazy stuff people get wrapped up into in foreign countries.
The lake was nice but there wasn't too much else to see around the area. We rode over to Poteau and grabbed some groceries for the evening.
I really wanted to get back before dark, so we hitailed it back,settled in and watched some world cup soccer. We don't know too much about soccer, but we watched it anyway while we made dinner.
The next day, we walked around some of the area and it's really beautiful with forest and hills in the distance. The tallest "hill" in the world is apparently in the area, but our interest was not peaked enough to go check it out. We thought we saw it in the distance while riding to Poteau, but not sure if it was the actual hill or not.
We stopped at a little service station near Holdenville and I thought it was the coolest thing ever to use the old style gas pumps we grew up with.
We rode on to Krebs for an Italian lunch at Rosanna's restaurant, then made it back home by four o'clock. The ride stayed safe and fairly uneventful. I remained very cautious and slowed down when anything in front of me look uncertain. Even though it was over 90 degrees out, the ride was easy going and felt good, with the bike running smooth with no troubles.
The southeast part of the state is very nice for riding because of all the hills in the area. I look forward to going back down there soon.
6.23.2010
Help for Wildcare Wildlife
Wildcare Wildife Rehabilitation in Norman.
Since my recent volunteering at Rocky Spot Dalmatian Rescue, I've come across many opportunities to help animals, people and facilities involved in animal rescue. Pepsi is donating up to $250K to projects people vote for. This is one a friend of mine recently sent to me.
http://pep.si/9xtK3y
Follow this link here and you can sign up to vote for Wildcare in Norman, OK and help them get the money that would greatly expand their facility. The best thing about this is you just donate of few moments of your time per day to vote. What's easier than that?
Since my recent volunteering at Rocky Spot Dalmatian Rescue, I've come across many opportunities to help animals, people and facilities involved in animal rescue. Pepsi is donating up to $250K to projects people vote for. This is one a friend of mine recently sent to me.
http://pep.si/9xtK3y
Follow this link here and you can sign up to vote for Wildcare in Norman, OK and help them get the money that would greatly expand their facility. The best thing about this is you just donate of few moments of your time per day to vote. What's easier than that?
6.04.2010
Volunteering at the dog rescue
I love dogs. I've wanted to have a big dog for years, but where I currently live, it's small and there is no fenced yard. Thus, owning a larger breed would be a bit of a problem.
So I got to thinking, "Okay, I can't own a dog. But is there a way I can be with dogs." My friend Stacy had been volunteering with rescue organizations and I thought maybe this would be something I could do as well. I had never worked with any animal rescues before, but after attending A Black Fur Affair in Norman, which promoted the adoption of black animals, I knew that this could work for me. I emailed Stacy and she referred me many different options, one of those being Rocky Spot Rescue.
Rocky Spot Dalmatian Rescue is located in Newcastle, OK and only five minutes away from where I live. They rescue these amazing spotted dogs and had a few beautiful Dalmatians that hopefully will find a good home. It is supported by volunteers and donations to keep the facility running and are always needing any help for feeding, vet care, and medications. Their website is rockyspot.org. I got in contact with Sue by email and was scheduled to get a run through the kennels in a week. Putting it mildly, I was excited, yet nervous.
Let's face it, big dog's can be intimidating. Since I was going to be working around many large dogs, I knew it would be best to get a little more education, especially how dogs behave in packs, since this would be the first time in my life to be around a group of larger breeds. Usually, I am a little skittish around the big dogs, not know their temperaments, and the uncertainty of aggressive behavior and possible attack.
I watched lots of Cesar's shows and read his book, Cesar's Way. This guy connects with me. I already love psychology and what makes people do what they do, and so learning about what makes a dog tick (no pun) was very interesting and exciting. The way Cesar explains what a dog is, gelled with me perfectly. His explanations are simple and effective to get the point across and I think that he is a true gift to the world.
Armed with a new knowledge of dogs from Caesar, I felt much more comfortable and confident to be around the large canines.
On Thursday morning, Sue met me at the facility to show me the ropes of how to feed the dogs, clean their cages, pick up after the dogs and prepare the next day for other volunteers. The dogs were going crazy barking and excited when I first entered the kennel. I did my best to stay calm at all times and be relaxed, so not to intensify their excited state.
As I got shown the routine of how the rescue was operated, the dogs were wonderful to be around and I had a great time being there plus helping them stay healthy and clean. Thankfully, there were no incidents with any of the dogs, and I felt so much better knowing that reading Caesar's book and watching his show made all the difference for me to be a "knowledgeable dog lover."
After two hours, my pants were muddy, I smelled like dog poop and I had an awesome time. Sue was fantastic and was fun to talk and work with. I thank her for letting me get involved with the rescue. I look forward to going out and meeting the other volunteers and playing with the pups again soon.
Be who you are, my friends.
5.27.2010
Motorcycling is beautiful
Two years ago when I decided to finally take the plunge, I researched the bike I wanted exhaustively (way too much) and signed up for a safety course. I learned as much as I could, reading books and safety reports on the web. I got all my safety gear that covers me from head to toe in case of a crash. Just being out there on the road for hours feels amazing. There's no way to really describe the words. Bliss keeps coming to mind, a very high state of being, heightened awareness, sensory acuity, the beauty of the world comes into focus and it's wonder is clear. I don't think I ever felt that as a kid riding along the railroad tracks.
Creating a kind of life that is yours is a great thing. Being who you want to be and taking risks in life brings a sense of aliveness. Living my childhood dream of owning my own motorcycle has been worth it.
Take risks my friends.
5.25.2010
Simple Lifestyle Design
Design can be applied in a seemingly infinite variety of forms nowadays. Lifestyle Design has been something very intriguing to me since reading The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris. I've been experimenting with different forms of lifestyle design described in the book and one that I keep coming back to is simplicity in the home. Getting rid of (or letting go of) the stuff that you really don't need in your life.
The thought entered my mind last week that I would "get rid of all my books." I own under 100 books, so it didn't seem like a big deal. The weekend went by and I hadn't even touched a book. I would look at the bookshelves and think "I need to get rid of these," but nothing would happen....until....
Enter the Life Zero podcast that can be found on iTunes. I'm always looking for interesting things about people and somehow randomly came across this website last year. This tech guy shares his life and ideas about simplicity, travel, philosophy and programming on his website and podcast. I sat in bed and listened to a recent podcast (I don't think I've listened to one since last year) and he talked about downsizing his library of 1500 books down to 20.
The simplicity he used was the arbitrary number of books to pick. He picked 20 books for himself since maybe he reads 20 books a year, and if he gets a new book, one out of his 20 has to go, so he only has a collection of 20 books at one time. A-HA! There was a new way of looking at "getting rid of books." Instead of trying to eliminate, look at what you want to keep. I don't read many books, maybe a few a year. So 10 books is my number. That sounds so tiny. But I immediately went to the bookshelf to pick my 10 books to "keep." Some are one's I've always planned to read, some are one's dear to my heart, some I'd like to re-read. But finding those was a cool and fun treasure hunt, and the rest I threw in boxes ready to take to the used book store or give to friends.
An insight from the zero guy (I can't find his name anywhere) was that he used his library to impress friends and to feel comfortable about his home surroundings. His bookshelf had no "use" to himself or anyone else, other than prop up his ego. That insight allowed him to let it go because it wasn't really valuable anyway.
On another note, something I noticed in Taiwan was the simplicity people there lived in. A small apartment with very few interesting things. Very simple and uncluttered. Not everyone lived this way, but when I stayed with families stayed simple, the energy of the home was very relaxing and comfortable. It seemed the more money they made, the more simple the life. Millionaires hardly had anything in the home. It was an eye opener.
So simplicity can be a matter of perspective and it's certainly very personal to each individual. What do I really need here? What am I really using? Do I intend to used this or just feel good about buying it? A piece of wall art or sculpture may not be useful like a fork or refrigerator, but added to the home in a simple way, can create a very nice space to live in.
I find these kind of experiences fun and interesting. Tiny experiments that can keep life flowing and not stagnating.
If you have any of your own stories, feel free to comment and leave feedback!
The thought entered my mind last week that I would "get rid of all my books." I own under 100 books, so it didn't seem like a big deal. The weekend went by and I hadn't even touched a book. I would look at the bookshelves and think "I need to get rid of these," but nothing would happen....until....
Enter the Life Zero podcast that can be found on iTunes. I'm always looking for interesting things about people and somehow randomly came across this website last year. This tech guy shares his life and ideas about simplicity, travel, philosophy and programming on his website and podcast. I sat in bed and listened to a recent podcast (I don't think I've listened to one since last year) and he talked about downsizing his library of 1500 books down to 20.
The simplicity he used was the arbitrary number of books to pick. He picked 20 books for himself since maybe he reads 20 books a year, and if he gets a new book, one out of his 20 has to go, so he only has a collection of 20 books at one time. A-HA! There was a new way of looking at "getting rid of books." Instead of trying to eliminate, look at what you want to keep. I don't read many books, maybe a few a year. So 10 books is my number. That sounds so tiny. But I immediately went to the bookshelf to pick my 10 books to "keep." Some are one's I've always planned to read, some are one's dear to my heart, some I'd like to re-read. But finding those was a cool and fun treasure hunt, and the rest I threw in boxes ready to take to the used book store or give to friends.
An insight from the zero guy (I can't find his name anywhere) was that he used his library to impress friends and to feel comfortable about his home surroundings. His bookshelf had no "use" to himself or anyone else, other than prop up his ego. That insight allowed him to let it go because it wasn't really valuable anyway.
On another note, something I noticed in Taiwan was the simplicity people there lived in. A small apartment with very few interesting things. Very simple and uncluttered. Not everyone lived this way, but when I stayed with families stayed simple, the energy of the home was very relaxing and comfortable. It seemed the more money they made, the more simple the life. Millionaires hardly had anything in the home. It was an eye opener.
So simplicity can be a matter of perspective and it's certainly very personal to each individual. What do I really need here? What am I really using? Do I intend to used this or just feel good about buying it? A piece of wall art or sculpture may not be useful like a fork or refrigerator, but added to the home in a simple way, can create a very nice space to live in.
I find these kind of experiences fun and interesting. Tiny experiments that can keep life flowing and not stagnating.
If you have any of your own stories, feel free to comment and leave feedback!
5.24.2010
Designing with light
A very innovative approach to interior design by simulating sunlight on walls. This guy uses led technology to create the illusion.
You can check out the complete article here. The photos of what the interior looked like before the rennovation is quite startling.
5.21.2010
5.17.2010
Not-Planning
So, how's that plan coming along? All working out? Doing good?
After my venture to Taiwan and not planning anything for that trip. I feel that "no planning" is a good fit for me. I hate planning, I always have, it just sucks. When I plan, I generally don't do the plan, then feel frustrated about it and think I've got to go all Tony Robbins on it to make it a must, a have to, an insatiable need to get the plan going to reach the final goal and be happy and fulfilled.
"Find your desire for it to happen and it will happen," the self-improvement guru's cry. Baloney. "Visualize every last detail of what you want and it will come true," Not for me. Exception: If I desire eating pizza. Now, granted, that is a plan I can make happen. Easy. I love pizza, I want a pizza, call 'em up the phone, order it and go pick it up. Bring it home and BAM! I'm eating pizza. Did I have to sit down and plan it? Hell no.
As a gift and experiment to myself, I'm not planning anything else. Life is going to happen. Whatever shows up spontaneously in the moment is where I'm at. If someone calls up and says they have a plan -- good -- let them do the planning since I suck at it. The friends are going to all meet on Saturday for dinner? I'm there! Going to go glider flying in June, my idea. Am I going to plan it? No. Just going to tell everyone when and where and I'm done. "Do you know where your life is headed and how you're going to get there?" Been there, tried that, not for me.
But how can you live life without a plan?
How do you know where you're going to live?
How will you know where your money is coming from?
How will you create your future?
Don't know, don't care.
It's been said that in life you should discover your unique talents. I have no talent at planning, none of my plans that I've ever drawn up have come to fruition. Never have a I basked in the glory of having a plan that turned out in any way close to what I envisioned. My other friends who plan only complain about how said plan didn't go according to plan and how pissed off they are that "nothing is going according to plan!"
Try living in the now instead.
Since I've been playing with the "No-Plan Lifestyle Design" TM I've been feeling great, having amazing experiences, doing wonderful things with wonderful people and living in the moment. It feels so natural and effortless. I feel more like I'm me being me. I've told all my friends and family that I am not going to plan anything anymore, so don't ask me if I know what I'm doing. I don't have a clue and it's awesome.
If anything I've written here isn't clear, let me state it again. I'm letting planning go. I didn't even plan to write this column on planning, it just showed up here without me doing anything. Cool.
If you would like a sink fixed, call the plumber. If you care to serve a fifty-place table setting for a wedding, call the caterer. If you want a broken leg fixed, call the doctor. If you need chairs, forks, shirts, advertising, movies, or anything in the entire world designed, I got your back. If you know a head case and need a psychologically adjusted human, I'm all about it. If you have a problem playing guitar, I can help.
If you want a plan -- don't call me -- call the planner.
There's a problem that there are too many problems.
Is it possible that there are no problems. That we as humans create problems, and then try to solve ourselves out of the mess we just made.
I keep hearing designers talking about solving problems. There's a problem with the way chairs are made. spoons just don't work quite right, there is a problem with the way communication, phones, the internet, talking with your buddies work. There is a problem with making the world work in a more harmonious way. There seem to be millions of problems people are trying to solve everyday, and when those get solved, there are millions more that show up the next day to be fixed.
What exactly is a problem? What makes it a problem? and why does this problem need to be fixed?
Better yet, here's an idea that I recently got exposed to...
There are no problems.
Wha? Come again? What do you mean there are no problems?
That's the idea.
Is it possible that there is nothing to be fixed, changed, corrected, modified, adjusted, recreated or solved? Is all of this our own making? Do we as human beings use our minds to create problems that are not really there, only for us to have something to do because we're not hunting down a wild boar dinner anymore?
If there were no challenges, nothing to fix, nothing to improve or change, would life just be boring? Maybe if we knew there were no problems, that's we create them all and just need something fun to do in life, that would better?
Oh right, I'm trying to create a problem here aren't I?
I keep hearing designers talking about solving problems. There's a problem with the way chairs are made. spoons just don't work quite right, there is a problem with the way communication, phones, the internet, talking with your buddies work. There is a problem with making the world work in a more harmonious way. There seem to be millions of problems people are trying to solve everyday, and when those get solved, there are millions more that show up the next day to be fixed.
What exactly is a problem? What makes it a problem? and why does this problem need to be fixed?
Better yet, here's an idea that I recently got exposed to...
There are no problems.
Wha? Come again? What do you mean there are no problems?
That's the idea.
Is it possible that there is nothing to be fixed, changed, corrected, modified, adjusted, recreated or solved? Is all of this our own making? Do we as human beings use our minds to create problems that are not really there, only for us to have something to do because we're not hunting down a wild boar dinner anymore?
If there were no challenges, nothing to fix, nothing to improve or change, would life just be boring? Maybe if we knew there were no problems, that's we create them all and just need something fun to do in life, that would better?
Oh right, I'm trying to create a problem here aren't I?
3.22.2010
Taipei Taiwan
Ni Hao!
I'm here in Taipei. It's been a week, a surreal experience. The city is huge with streets and big buildings stretching across the landscape. The people are friendly, warm and inviting, the food is fantastic and the sightseeing is spectacular.
Being my first time in an Asian country, I don't speak any of the language, but most everyone can speak english here, so it's been easy to converse and talk with our guides and host families.
I was lucky to come here with Rotary International. A charitable service organization that is about helping people and do good things in the world. Kimberly new someone who was in Rotary Club and they told her there were travel opportunities abroad. We applied and got accepted to go. Unfortunately we did not get to travel here to Taiwan together.
I'm off to the hot springs today and will get in the baths and see what it is like. One of our team members was slightly sick and the hot springs made her sicker. I think that I'll be okay though.
More later.
I'm here in Taipei. It's been a week, a surreal experience. The city is huge with streets and big buildings stretching across the landscape. The people are friendly, warm and inviting, the food is fantastic and the sightseeing is spectacular.
Being my first time in an Asian country, I don't speak any of the language, but most everyone can speak english here, so it's been easy to converse and talk with our guides and host families.
I was lucky to come here with Rotary International. A charitable service organization that is about helping people and do good things in the world. Kimberly new someone who was in Rotary Club and they told her there were travel opportunities abroad. We applied and got accepted to go. Unfortunately we did not get to travel here to Taiwan together.
I'm off to the hot springs today and will get in the baths and see what it is like. One of our team members was slightly sick and the hot springs made her sicker. I think that I'll be okay though.
More later.
3.11.2010
Dark Chocolate Madness
It just occurred to me their are chocolate "designers." Someone's got to do it.
I read about a guy tasting chocolate varieties and rating them for flavor. So I started craving chocolate like mad and couldn't get it out of my mind. I went to the store and found some really dark chocolate that's 85% and 86% cacao/cocoa. I've never tried this stuff because, 1. it costs too much and 2. It's not Kit Kat or Twix, or my new passion, Ferrero Rocher.
I found Lindt and Ghiradelli were the only choices. I was hoping for a Hershey's dark but did not find any. The package says the Ghiradelli was made in California, the Lindt in France and imported.
What I discovered upon my first sample of the Ghiradelli, was that it's not like any chocolate I have ever tasted. This is not Mr. Goodbar here. It's apparently getting very close to the purity of the cocoa bean transformed into a more pure form. The flavor of the Ghiradelli seemed be absent when it first hit my tasetebuds. It was getting close to bitter, with a harshness that was conflicting with my expectations. After the first taste, I felt disappointed, that something was lacking.
I took a sip of water to cleanse the pallette and went on to the Lindt. I read the ingredients on the back before tasting it to see if I could get a feel for what better to expect. It says there is butter, sugar and vanilla beans in it as well as the chocolate and cocoa powder. I tasted it and it was snappy and intense. My brain is still expecting very sweet milk chocolate, but it's grabbing at straws and coming up short. I let myself just experience it and try to accept what it was rather than what I hoped for.
Immediately I am reminded of wine tasting, in that you don't bring expectations to the wine, you experience what it is in that moment, with no comparison to anything else, being with it as the wine flows through your mouth. This is where this very dark chocolate is heading. If you want a candy bar or peanut butter cup, this is not going to satisfy that craving. Instead it goes more to what the actual flavor of the bean is, uncovered and much more pure like a nice dry red wine, more naked if you will.
After a few minutes I went back to the beginning and tried the Ghiradelli again. There is tons of flavor this time, intense dark notes bordering on bitterness but hanging just shy, chocolate without the sugar infusion to disguise flavor, the bean is right up front and hitting me in the middle of my pallette, not sweet, not bitter, just there. Overall a nicer experience. The Lindt was offering a different, snappy feel to it. A little more on edge but not sweet, maybe a little on the bitter side with a slight sour taste. Interesting.
I feel that as a first foray into more pure chocolates, it has been totally new, undiscovered territory. I can't see myself consuming this kind of chocolate like I would for that sweet milky smooth sugar high. This is an alternate path, certainly less traveled. I may try some of these with wine. Certainly the afterthought I have with these darker varieties is to drop the expectation, be in the moment and let it speak for itself. Like being with a nice dry wine.
As a design note on the packaging, I suspect both companies use the same design firm. The box and art layout is very similar. Doesn't say what company did the design and printing though. But I will give credit that the packaging made me want to buy it, it costs more but the art is more sophisticated with great silver reflective printing and gold colors to make it feel more expensive. You get 10 more grams of chocolate in the Lindt bar for the same price to boot.
I read about a guy tasting chocolate varieties and rating them for flavor. So I started craving chocolate like mad and couldn't get it out of my mind. I went to the store and found some really dark chocolate that's 85% and 86% cacao/cocoa. I've never tried this stuff because, 1. it costs too much and 2. It's not Kit Kat or Twix, or my new passion, Ferrero Rocher.
I found Lindt and Ghiradelli were the only choices. I was hoping for a Hershey's dark but did not find any. The package says the Ghiradelli was made in California, the Lindt in France and imported.What I discovered upon my first sample of the Ghiradelli, was that it's not like any chocolate I have ever tasted. This is not Mr. Goodbar here. It's apparently getting very close to the purity of the cocoa bean transformed into a more pure form. The flavor of the Ghiradelli seemed be absent when it first hit my tasetebuds. It was getting close to bitter, with a harshness that was conflicting with my expectations. After the first taste, I felt disappointed, that something was lacking.
I took a sip of water to cleanse the pallette and went on to the Lindt. I read the ingredients on the back before tasting it to see if I could get a feel for what better to expect. It says there is butter, sugar and vanilla beans in it as well as the chocolate and cocoa powder. I tasted it and it was snappy and intense. My brain is still expecting very sweet milk chocolate, but it's grabbing at straws and coming up short. I let myself just experience it and try to accept what it was rather than what I hoped for.
Immediately I am reminded of wine tasting, in that you don't bring expectations to the wine, you experience what it is in that moment, with no comparison to anything else, being with it as the wine flows through your mouth. This is where this very dark chocolate is heading. If you want a candy bar or peanut butter cup, this is not going to satisfy that craving. Instead it goes more to what the actual flavor of the bean is, uncovered and much more pure like a nice dry red wine, more naked if you will.
After a few minutes I went back to the beginning and tried the Ghiradelli again. There is tons of flavor this time, intense dark notes bordering on bitterness but hanging just shy, chocolate without the sugar infusion to disguise flavor, the bean is right up front and hitting me in the middle of my pallette, not sweet, not bitter, just there. Overall a nicer experience. The Lindt was offering a different, snappy feel to it. A little more on edge but not sweet, maybe a little on the bitter side with a slight sour taste. Interesting.I feel that as a first foray into more pure chocolates, it has been totally new, undiscovered territory. I can't see myself consuming this kind of chocolate like I would for that sweet milky smooth sugar high. This is an alternate path, certainly less traveled. I may try some of these with wine. Certainly the afterthought I have with these darker varieties is to drop the expectation, be in the moment and let it speak for itself. Like being with a nice dry wine.
As a design note on the packaging, I suspect both companies use the same design firm. The box and art layout is very similar. Doesn't say what company did the design and printing though. But I will give credit that the packaging made me want to buy it, it costs more but the art is more sophisticated with great silver reflective printing and gold colors to make it feel more expensive. You get 10 more grams of chocolate in the Lindt bar for the same price to boot.
3.04.2010
Thumb and Index Classic Episode
I made this short back in 2001 while working on another feature film. What better thing to do than create a short comedy movie! All acted by me and my little fingers.
3.01.2010
Why so many zombies?
So we've had Resident Evil kick off the whole survival horror genre a long time ago on the original Playstation. It was freaking cool, super fun, scary as hell. But now everyone who is supposed to be alive acts like a damn zombie! What is wrong with these animators and art directors at the game studios?
I'm not saying it's easy to get some life into these characters, but really, they are reanimated corpses and they look like dead meat puppets! Please stop this insanity. People comment on these and actually say "looks like it will have great characters!" They're dead alive puppet corpses people!
This is more like it. The guys at valve are talented and don't settle for less here. Go go!
I'm not saying it's easy to get some life into these characters, but really, they are reanimated corpses and they look like dead meat puppets! Please stop this insanity. People comment on these and actually say "looks like it will have great characters!" They're dead alive puppet corpses people!
This is more like it. The guys at valve are talented and don't settle for less here. Go go!
2.22.2010
Football Program Promo Ad
This design was very fun to create. We did a football program at the Pacer that was full of comic book like styles and art. It got high praise at the OPS contest this year and was a contributor to us winning the Sequoia award at the Better Newspaper Contest. I really did have lots of fun making it, such a joy since I still love comics. I went and bought some for "research," you know? :)
Adding Cinematic Car lights
2.21.2010
2.17.2010
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