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Author	Topic: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread: Picture locked.
Dolt Registered: Sep '04	Date Posted: 9/21/07 1:15pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	Too true--I used to live in Westchester, just north of New York City--not the high-falutin' parts, but Ossining (as in Sing Sing Prison, as in 'you're going up the river, Joker'), and despite the various places we lived, there were always woods near by to ride bikes in, swing on a tree from and later find Playboys in. Now they're all house lots. When I moved to Long Island as an adult (after a few years in Brooklyn-see, I'm staying on topic; I lived at 11th between 4th & 5th in what they were trying to call South Slope), I bemoaned living there, in part due to the lack of woods for my eventual (now actual) kid, but the truth is, there's no woods in Westchester anymore anyway. -----signature----- HOMEMADE HOLLYWOOD: FANS BEHIND THE CAMERA The first book about fan films! “An amazingly inspirational book for filmmakers”--MicroFilmmaker Magazine HOMEMADE HOLLYWOOD at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/33z5uc Get fan film news at http://www.fancinematoday.com
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DVeditor Title: Evil Overlord (manager) Fan Films & Icons Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 9/21/07 1:34pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	This is actually really interesting, and I'm not sure how I missed this the first few times you posted in it. Looking forward to seeing how it develops! -----signature----- CK Hicks http://www.ckhicks.com http://dveditor.deviantart.com TFN on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2202937735
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 1/13 7:43am Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	These past few days have been, for me, a time of taking stock vis-a-vis this project. I have to shape up and start thinking about it, start planning to really do it, because I've been away from it for so long that it would be easy to let it pass me by. Storyboarded like a madman yesterday. Bits of the script have changed... nothing major, just. And I added a new scene. Well, more of a montage than a scene. Just after our big lightsaber reveal, our heroes walking the streets for a moment while some desperately indie music plays. Could be quite chilling. I have not produced or directed live action since May 2006. Most of my work these days is in editing, in documentary. (Just like how Lucas came up in the biz.) I don't deal with scripted narratives on a day-to-day basis, things just sort of happen and I figure them out later. That has poisoned my mind, in a sad way; I'm having trouble going the other way round now, and some moments of this film were hard for me to visualize at first. Then I took a cue from my documentary workaday stuff and conjured up the film like that. Shoot little elements, grab little pieces, fit them together to make something. Free, drifty camerawork, a sense of something unfolding as it goes rather than the stately compositions and traditional coverage of a studio feature. It certainly won't feel like any "Star Wars" fan film you've ever seen, I promise you that. As such, I'm pretty confident with how this is gonna fit together, aesthetically. I just need to not freak out when it comes to thinking about production. I haven't worked those proverbial muscles in ages. It's a hard thing, to get back on the horse, and I have been off it for so long. I suppose it is okay to feel a little frightened and intimidated. It is from frightening and intimidating experiences that we learn. I guess I'm posting this primarily for the benefit of our younger readers, little Tommy and Timmy TFNers making their first films and wondering if they can pull it off. Whatever you're feeling, well, for me, it never got any easier. So it's okay to feel that. Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 2/4 1:45pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	It has been long, too long. On Sunday, sat down with Branco to actually have intelligent, tangible conversations about the reality of making this thing. I feel like I'm picking cobwebs from my brain: shooting? what's shooting? And yet here I am, having this conversation. I never quite put it into such simple terms as this until now, but the direction of this film has been sort of deliberately schizophrenic, in a way. I have a mental list of all the elements that go into a movie--acting, dialogue, lighting, framing, music etc.--and I've decided which will be "Star Wars" and which will be "independent film". And to be fair, there are many types of independent film, but, you know. I'm approaching this much the way Lucas might, at least the complicated scenes when we're out on the streets of Williamsburg. Like I said before, I'm going to be getting little pieces, little elements that you have to string together and find a movie in. There is a time and a place for traditional, studio-system coverage of everything, and I've shot those kinds of scenes too, but I'm more than comfortable just going in and getting what I want, piecemeal, bit by bit--because I can see the whole movie in my head. JW Rinzler's "The Making of Star Wars" (the new gigantic hardcover about making ANH, not his ROTS book, although I like that too) has been hugely inspirational. It makes me proud to be doing a Star Wars fan film. Hungry, even. On a sadder note, I may be required to recast one role. Cross your fingers and hope I don't gotta. It's not even so much that the film will be hurt, but a little piece of my heart will suffer. I'll explain later--or maybe I won't need to. Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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EricBranco Registered: Dec '06	Date Posted: 2/5 12:11am Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	Just poking my head in to confirm that Bertocci and I actually talked, and this thing will actually get made in the near future. Peace, ya'll. - Branco -----signature----- We're doing fine on the One and Nine line. - The Beastie Boys; "An Open Letter to NYC" Engine engine number Nine, on the New York Transit Line... If my train falls off the track, pick it up! Pick it up! Pick it up! - Black Sheep; "The Choice Is Yours"
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 2/28 5:14pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	We are moving toward production, finally. This thing has been an abstract, a sort of "we'll do this someday" plan for a very long time. Now we're making it real. I have contacted people about their availability for weekends in mid-late March, and we'll take it from there. This is my absolute least favorite part of moviemaking, trying to get everyone together in one spot under workable conditions. Once everyone is actually on set, I can't recall ever facing a problem I couldn't handle. Spent about half an hour looking over the storyboard and shot list for the big confrontation scene. Made a plan of attack for what order I'll do the shots in. If I've done this right, we'll be able to knock things off pretty quickly at times, especially the first few shots... break the scene's back quickly, get people motivated. I began shooting my last live-action film, "The World of the End", in March 2006. That film was on the whole more complex logistically just by sheer volume of content and vastness of shoot, but was also easier in that it was mostly controlled environments. In any case I hope I've learned a few things since then. The shooting script for this movie is dated February 9. I did one more look-over before declaring it the shooting script. It is ready. If I change something on set, okay, but I'm confident in what is written. As for the cliffhanger in my last post, no, I have not needed to recast that role yet, although if the problem (scheduling) re-rears its ugly head and causes me to, I at least know who I want to go to. "Be Prepared", the Boy Scout motto. Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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DVeditor Title: Evil Overlord (manager) Fan Films & Icons Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 2/28 7:53pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	w00t! All the best to ya mate. -----signature----- CK Hicks http://www.ckhicks.com http://dveditor.deviantart.com TFN on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2202937735
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 2/29 8:42am Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	Today I'd like to introduce a new member of the creative team. I initially thought of him for this film back in late '07, when I was struck by his ability to employ and fit in with a vast number of styles, but I've known of his talent for quite some time through this very message board. You see, if there's one thing that "Star Wars" fan films are heavy on, it's visual effects. As such, I've hired someone who grew up with these very forums, who went from making little amateur films for fun into a vocation working on effects for Hollywood feature films. Teague "Fig" Chrystie shall be creating key elements for this movie. He will be composing the music. (Bet ya didn't see THAT coming!) Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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doggans Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 2/29 8:45am Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	As long as he's not singing it, fine with us. -----signature----- Roz: "Most women don't know what's good for them." Frasier: "Teriffic. I'm the broccoli of dating."
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Teague Registered: Apr '06	Date Posted: 2/29 8:51am Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread. - Date Edited: 2/29 8:51am (1 edits total) Edited By: Teague
	I WILL KILL YOU -----signature----- Teague "Fig" Chrystie Zoic Studios Co-Host / "Geekza!" / http://www.geekza.com - What happens when you take a handful of insane, pro FX artists and give them a microphone? http://www.myspace.com/figchrystie
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 3/1 5:53pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	It looks like we will be moving forward with the original cast, without issues, or at least as without-issues as we can be. The first shoot date is set for Saturday, March 15. Cross your fingers for good weather, people! Listened to the first sketches of music this evening (my boy moves quick when he's inspired). Identified what I liked for the main theme, for Leah's theme and, perhaps, something for a tense little walking montage. Intrigued, I also sketched out how that little montage might actually play out in terms of shots to get--not so much a storyboard, but just ideas of things to pick up along the way. I feel I'm going to be less picky about the sound of the music--the surface, if you will--in part because I have far more specific ideas about what I want the music to be saying--the subtext. This is ironic given that I want it to be mimicing a genre in addition to subtly parodying a soundtrack, but looking over my notes and thoughts, I have fewer concerns about individual instruments or what voice is assigned to which character so long as an appropriate mood of SOME kind is set. My directing will be less result-oriented this time round. I bring all this up because I recently had the opportunity to explain my process to another filmmaker, and it gave me some valuable think time on the matter. Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 3/2 1:50pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread. - Date Edited: 3/2 1:55pm (1 edits total) Edited By: AdamBertocci
	What a day. My feet are killing me. Got up early (by weekend standards) to visit Williamsburg on a 75% location scouting, 25% costume hunting trip. I had very specific locations in mind when I wrote this, but those are from memories of a year ago and a lot can change since then, and frankly you've gotta make sure a place is a good spot for shooting, not just a nice place to look at. My first choice location for the "don't tear our neighborhood apart to construct big buildings" scene was a bust, because corporations had since torn that section of the neighborhood apart to construct big buildings. (YES, I APPRECIATE THE IRONY. NO NEED TO POST. ) But only two blocks away, I found a beautiful and largely clear slab of concrete, the Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal Site Relocation (whatever that is), a clean, bright, uncluttered (even by people, especially early on) park. It's even got port-o-johns. Great views of Manhattan on one side, ominous construction (not making noise) on the other side and no cars to hassle us. A bit windy, but you can't have everything. Wandered around some more. Picked the nearby locations for two other scenes. (One scene is scripted to take place on Bedford. Not happening, except maybe an MOS shot at the end. The place is a zoo.) This is not to say that we mightn't be forced to move these other little streets on the day of; it's just a matter of me noting down my favorite spots, and getting a feel for the neighborhood. In the midst of all this, wandered through a 12-by-5-block area hitting every vintage clothing store I could find to pick up some white and black robelike things for Leah and Maul. I have little to say about this from a filmmaking perspective except to recommend Beacon's Closet to anyone in the area. Best selection, best prices, by far. Got back tired, but feeling pretty good about things; I'd found great locations, great costumes, it's all looking to be a fine shoot. Sat down, checked my e-mail, found out we have a previously unforeseen conflict for the 15th of March. E-mailed everyone in my usual flurry to see about moving the date. Tune in for the exciting conclusion. Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 3/3 8:56pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	Little to discuss today. We're shooting the 16th, that's resolved. I just have been so in the habit of blogging that I can't seem to stop. I've been hearing little tidbits about the last film I wrote, "Wreck the Halls", playing its first fest and getting some interest from Hollywood, and I've been going through Chris Gore's book just to conjure up dreams of indie stardom. (A book on the festival circuit means nothing if your whole goal is to give it to one Web site, but I gotta think about promotions and stuff.) Haven't been eating as much as normally, my usual preshoot jitters. Seeing as I'm acting, I suppose losing a pound or two wouldn't kill me. Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 3/9 7:01pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread.
	With one week to go, the hypothetical reader would be more than justified to wonder how I'm feeling about things. The answer is, fairly positive. Right now weather is the big subject on my mind; those who remember the TWOTE shooting process will remember that we had some rain issues to contend with. There was a time when rain was looking threatening vis-a-vis this day as well, but it seems to have tapered off, and we shall have the exact kind of day I want: grim, cloudy, but precipitationless. I wish it was fixin' to be a little warmer, though there's time for that to fluctuate. Just out of kindness to the actors, who have to stand out there and be on camera; their costumes aren't summer clothes, but they ain't parkas either. Still, I prayed hard to chase that scary rain away, and I think God took pity on me. I confess to being so excited that I bounced up and down in my room today. I have been watching "The Royal Tenenbaums", which I got for Christmas, about once a week to live in that hipster world, wash myself in the music and the mindset. Tonight, however, I did not watch any Wes Anderson film whatsoever. I turned on some animated sitcoms on Fox. And what should be the subject of tonight's "King of the Hill" episode than hipsters moving to a Latino community, upsetting the Latinos. My God, what timing. It's like a prequel, "Arlen Force". What made the episode interesting is that our main characters were neither the hipsters nor Latinos, but the realtors: Peggy Hill in a new job. In an attempt to dehipster the neighborhood after feeling bad seeing rents go up, Peggy wondered if it would be okay to restore the practice of redlining, but this time it would be used against whites, so it's okay. I'm not sure what to make of the episode's stance, to be honest; it blamed the real estate companies for trying to make a profit on honest terms, which Hank Hill would usually have no objection to. It actually didn't seem to have much affection for the Latinos either. "King of the Hill" fans know that Hank and Peggy do not get along with their own neighbors, foreigners of Laotian background. I guess they'd be happier if everyone just stayed in their own clumps. Gentrification is accused of killing diversity, but the pre-gentrification state of something is just as undiverse as the post-gentrified state: you got this group of people here, this group here, this group here. I can't believe it took me this long to see it, but if everyone stayed together in little clumps, you'd have the "Star Wars" galaxy: here's the swamp planet, here's the ice planet, here's the sand planet, here's the lava planet. You don't see any lava on Coruscant. And it's easy to see this play out. In New York even today, I can put someone from Tatooine on a street of my choice and he'd think he was on the hipster planet, or the Italian planet, or the Chinese planet. It works along commercial lines too: if I put him on a certain stretch of 47th, he'd think he was on a Trade Federation colony where people only sold diamonds. I seem to be getting good at these little observations. They really have absolutely nothing to do with this ten-minute movie, but it's getting me all pumped up for it. Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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AdamBertocci Title: Manager: Fan Films Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 3/9 9:31pm Subject: RE: The "Brooklyn Force" pregame thread. - Date Edited: 3/9 9:32pm (1 edits total) Edited By: AdamBertocci
	I just went on a casual weather.com reload and the entire week has been overhauled, and not for the better; rain all weekend. I swear I don't know what to think any more, except maybe not to open my mouth. To be continued. Rick McCallum loves you! -----signature----- "Run Leia Run", "The Chopped-Off Hands of Star Wars", and "The Fan Film Menace" ... check 'em out. http://www.runleiarun.com MarriedVespin?!
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