tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16703264842792187642024-03-13T14:41:25.429+00:00No More Ghostly Games, Trick or Treat.My brain has spilled forth thoughts, scribblings, and mental ramblings. So no more ghostly games...Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-23621775354857508142022-03-14T22:40:00.000+00:002022-03-14T22:40:11.134+00:00The Strange Case of Robert Louis Stevenson<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Below is the Prologue of my book, "The Strange Case of Robert Louis Stevenson". If you like what you read and want to carry on - the book is available <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strange-Case-Robert-Louis-Stevenson-ebook/dp/B09NL8LY2X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3V11IJY2KI4WN&keywords=the+strange+case+of+robert+louis+stevenson&qid=1647296731&sprefix=the+strange+case+of+robert+louis+stevenson%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-3" target="_blank">HERE.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Strange Case of Robert Louis Stevenson by Peter Regan<br /><br /></span></p><p align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">PROLOGUE</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5cm;">“</span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5cm;">Ghastly Murder - Ripper strikes again!” bellows a
young boy waving a newspaper high above his head as he stands at his
post outside the Lyceum Theatre. However no one seems to be paying
him much attention. The passers-by probably do not even distinguish
his dirt covered face and ink smothered hands from the dingy lit
Victorian London streets. He probably thought he would have a good
night being so close to the theatre, with all its patrons coming and
going. No matter, he will stand by his post until his papers are
sold.</span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Inside the brightly lit Lyceum, separated from the
hustle and bustle of the street and the sales cries of murder, the
foyer is packed full of eager patrons anticipating the night’s
performance. They slowly flow through bottlenecked double doors to
enter the auditorium and take their seats. Dotted around the foyer
are several posters for the week’s current run – ‘<i>Dr. Jekyll
and Mr. Hyde - See Robert Louis Stevenson's masterpiece come to
life</i>’. The sea of theatregoers is momentarily separated as a
young woman begins to strong arm her way through from the auditorium
to the foyer, fighting against the crowd. Harriett Jay is not one to
be pushed around and holds her ground in the horde of oncoming
bodies. Her eyes open wide as she frantically scans the crowd looking
for someone. She approaches the main entrance doors in a panic,
forcing her way out onto the street and pauses for a moment by the
newspaper boy and his pile of unsold copies. She looks anxiously
around, surveying the area, not sure where to turn next.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
“`Ere Missus – care for a gander?” the newspaper
boy asks.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Harriett looks down with a smile, “Not tonight mate–
looking for someone.” Her feet march her on away from the bustle of
the theatre entrance, looking for any sign of her target.
</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">As she walks further the surrounding air becomes calmer,
and in the sudden lull of energy Harriett manages to catch the sound
of someone coughing, coming from the alleyway a few steps before her.
She quickens her pace to investigate but stops before moving any
further so she can peek around the corner, slowly and cautiously.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, she has found him. A slender frame of a man,
leaning against the wall coughing loudly, clutching violently at his
chest, struggling to catch his breath and unsteady on his feet.
Harriett immediately rushes over. “Robert, thank God.” she says,
reaching out to support her friend’s weak frame.
</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
“Medicine…” Robert grunts between breaths “…
the hotel.” Harriett takes Robert’s arm and places it around her
shoulders to take some of his weight and begins to lead him out of
the alleyway, back to his hotel.</span></p><p align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">***</span></p><p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Robert sits in a large armchair in front of an open
fireplace; a small, cosy fire lights up the room with a warm orange
glow. Harriett is kneeling before the fire, taking a steaming kettle,
and filling a teapot beside her. She begins stirring the leaves to
disperse the flavour before standing with the teapot in hand. Robert
struggles in his chair and once again tries to regain control of
another violent coughing fit. Harriett turns to see him crushing up a
white tablet (although Robert is not trying too hard to hide it). He
tips the powder onto his left hand, behind his thumb, raises his hand
to his face and takes a long snort leaning back in his chair.</span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The coughing slowly subsides.
</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Harriett walks over to a table between Robert and an
empty chair and sets down the teapot on the tray alongside two cups.
“So, do you cough because you take it, or take it because you
cough?” she asks as she pours two cups of tea.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Slowly, trying to find the energy, Robert replies, “The
latter. I am afraid modern medicine has cursed me an addict’s
lifestyle. Forgive the crude delivery method, I’m told the body
absorbs it quicker this way.”</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
“As long as it helps.” Harriett hands Robert a full
cup and saucer.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
“For a short while.”</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Robert takes the cup and saucer, supporting them on his
lap as he leans back in his chair and closes his eyes, able to
finally catch his breath. There is a momentary calm across the room.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Harriett shuffles in her seat, takes a long sip from her
cup, and decides to break the silence, “I can see now how you
devised your Jekyll and Hyde story.”
</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Robert looks over to Harriett with one eye open and
smiles. “That’s one of the many reasons why I take the drug in
secret; to avoid such leaps to preposterous conclusions.”</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Robert closes his eyes again, “No, that tale was
birthed from far worse than a simple pill.”</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Harriett stares back at Robert in anticipation. Robert
opens a single eye to gauge Harriett's reaction, seeing her staring
intently back at him. Caving in to the wanting expression on
Harriett’s face Robert leans up, fully alert and continues, “Dear
Harriett, I was hoping to take this to my grave, but, as I fear that
may be closer than I’d like to believe, maybe I should pass on the
true story.”</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">He takes his cup of tea and takes a long drink.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
“Well, then…the truth.”</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
“I am honoured.” Harriett replies.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Robert shifts his weight to get a little more
comfortable. Once settled he begins to slowly lean forward. Harriett,
ready to be let in on one of the great secrets of literature, follows
the motion and both lean in closer.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Robert then pauses, holds up his cup toward the tray in
front of him and proclaims, “We’ll be needing more tea.”</span></p><p>
</p><p align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Strange Case of Robert Louis Stevenson is out now, available to buy now for Kindle or Paperback via Amazon.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strange-Case-Robert-Louis-Stevenson-ebook/dp/B09NL8LY2X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3V11IJY2KI4WN&keywords=the+strange+case+of+robert+louis+stevenson&qid=1647296731&sprefix=the+strange+case+of+robert+louis+stevenson%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-3" target="_blank">LINK.</a></span></p>Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-20008498417813375852016-08-15T14:29:00.002+01:002016-08-15T14:31:16.554+01:00“Let’s make some choices.” (or “It doesn’t really matter does it!”)<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Not too long ago Simon Pegg was quoted (or mis-quoted) as
saying something along the lines of wanting to “retire from geekdom”. Granted
he was pretty much talking about growing up rather than lording over the things
we loved as children (superheroes and such).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">However I’m starting to see his point, but not for the same
reasons. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">2016 has been a bad year for geek culture. It’s been pretty
bad for a lot of other reasons as well to be honest, but I haven’t go the
patience to write a Chilcot report. So let’s focus on the geeks.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We suck. It’s not all our fault. In a lot of cases the stuff
we wanted to see sucked, but it’s how we’re reacting that is making the city of
Geektropolis a terrible place to live.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Years ago there was a sleepy little village called Geekton.
It was small, only had a few permanent residents, but a hand full of visitors.
It struggled to strive, being overshadowed by it’s sister city – erm,
Jocktopia? Real Life City?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not the
best, but let’s go with Real Life City, mainly so we can talk about the
Adult-hood later. All you need to know is there’s a place to go other than
Geekton.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Anyway, people used to laugh when you visited Geekton. You
needed thick skin to go there, and that’s if you told people what you were
doing. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But then something happened. Business in Geekton started to
boom. People were visiting and staying. They were investing, expanding the
small quiet village into the massive place it is now. Over the last few years
Geekton has become Geektropolis. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Real Life City on the other hand still exists. Business
continues as usual, investment has gone down a little. It will always survive,
but at the moment it’s coasting. The Adult-hood is still a scary place to be
though. Basically it’s just a little bit dull. Whereas next door, Geektropolis
is booming. It’s like Vegas on acid, or one of those sayings. So more people
are moving over.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">However there’s one thing missing from Geektropolis. One
thing that the settlers forgot to establish when they invited all their friends
in to play. Tired of being looked down on for what they enjoyed, they decided
that anyone living in Geektropolis would have a voice. You don’t need to shy
away from your likes and dislikes here. This isn’t Real Life City where you
have to be careful what you say in case someone calls you ignorant, or gets you
fired, or punched in the face. No, in Geektroplis, say whatever you want to,
you deserve your say.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And that’s the problem. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Most of this is actually covered in this article – but it’s
my launching off point. <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-comic-con-fan-entitlement-20160722-snap-story.html">http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-comic-con-fan-entitlement-20160722-snap-story.html</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So why is having a voice a problem? Isn’t free speech a good
thing?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In theory it is, unless you’re going to be a dick about it. As Buckaroo Banzai said “Don't be mean; we don't have to be mean, cuz, remember, no matter where you go, there you are.”</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There have been several films released this year that have
not been received with the open arms that the makers expected or would have
liked. I’m going to discuss a few here to given my opinion. You don’t have to
agree, it’s just my opinion.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ghostbusters (2016)<br />
The worst thing about this film was that it makes us have to quote a year next
to the title to distinguish whether we’re talking about Ghostbusters (1984) or
Ghostbusters (2016). </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This film got a lot of flak. A hell of a lot of it was
undeserved. Apparently a lot of people out there don’t like females and they
needed to tell people about it. This wasn’t even really an issue. The main
problem with this film was the fact it was a remake, in a slew of remakes. It
was generally agreed that the weaker parts of the film were the references to
the original Ghostbusters (1984). If they’d just made a sequel I think it may
have fared better. It would also have helped if it was funnier.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I still enjoyed it, and there is a lot in there to like, and
technically if it keeps the brand alive, gathering more fans, that’s a good
thing. However I found the main problem with the film is that you couldn’t talk
about it without mentioning the shit-storm that surrounded it and the people
using their voices.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">However in this case, it’s not just the fans using their
voices but also the film makers. There were a few interviews with the cast and
director where they made a few snide comments about the Geeks who were
complaining. The problem with this is they don’t help the matter. We all know
the best response to a bully is to ignore them. Even in the film, a key theme is
about the protagonist, Erin Gilbert, being was teased as a girl because she saw
a ghost, and how we all need to learn to accept each other rather than pointing
and laughing.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Surely the filmmakers should have taken this to heart and
possibly used it to promote the film. Why is this an issue? Well, it’s not, the
mouthy geeks were not helping things, and were far from being right. The fact
is though that they got a rise out of the filmmakers which most likely gave
them boost. Their voice was heard. We should have just ignored them all, then
we would all agree that the film could have been better, the jokes funnier etc
and that Kate McKinnon’s Holtzman was the best thing about it. Rather than
jumping on one of the band wagons of either side’s arguments. At the end of the
day all that matters is whether you enjoyed the film.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Enough about that one. What’s next?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
Batman V Superman (and possibly a bit of Suicide Squad)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ok, this is a big one. Mainly because I really like DC
Comics and they struggle bringing their characters to life, but I want to
defend BvS a little.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The problem here is in a similar way of trying to talk about
Ghostbusters (2016) without mentioning the anger over women in proton packs,
it’s hard to talk about BvS and DC’s films without comparing them to Marvel
(and I’ll hopefully show how pointless that is). There will be a bit on that,
but there will mostly be an explanation as to why I’ve grown to like it. Let me
say form the get go, Batman V Superman is far from perfect, but in no what
deserved the backlash it received.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was looking at past releases to see what comic book films
were being released and it seems the trouble started in 2008.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In 2008 we had The Dark Knight, Iron Man, The Incredible
Hulk and Indiana Jones 4. (But that’s not a comic?!?!? I know, it was an
interesting year for blockbusters).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ok, we need a little background before steaming ahead with
this. It’s good to remember that Warner Brother’s own DC. Therefore the only
studio making DC films will be WB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However in the mid-nineties or whenever, Marvel went bust and had to
sell off a load of characters. Therefore Marvel’s output has technically been a
lot larger than WB as each studio releases their own titles. (Sony had
Spiderman, Fox had X-Men etc). As far as WB were concerned they had 2 heavy
hitters that had done well in the past Batman and Superman, so why bother
spending all their money on more Superheroes when they can just focus on 1 of
the heavies every few years. Superman was pretty much run into the ground after
the excellent Superman 3 (I’m ignoring Superman 4 and Canon bought the rights)
so they pulled out their 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> heavy hitter Batman in 1989. Then they
ran him into the ground with Batman and Robin. Time for Superman to return in
Superman Returns. Ohh, maybe not. Let’s go back to Batman with Batman Begins in
2005. Yay – a hit. There was much rejoicing. WB decided to run with this and
ordered a sequel so in 2008 we get The Dark Knight – more rejoicing. However,
whilst WB were making their single super films, Marvel were gathering money and
thinking of the long game and how to make a shared universe. They released Iron
Man and The Incredible Hulk in the same year. Iron Man good, Hulk not so much.
Before then WB weren’t paying attention and were happy proceed and end the
Nolan trilogy. They did try to get a Green Lantern film out, but there was no
rejoicing so they focussed on closing the Nolan trilogy with Dark Knight Rises.
There was a little less rejoicing, but rejoicing none the less. Marvel’s plans
however were now known. Captain America and Thor were released, along with Iron
Man 2. They were ready for the game changer, creating a fully shared universe
with Avengers. WB suddenly sat up and needed a follow up for Batman, back to
the drawing board – Superman. If they could also set it in the same,
“realistic” world as Nolan then maybe, just maybe they would have a shared
universe. Man of Steel is released as well as Avengers – everything blows up –
including lots of buildings. The shared universe wins. Marvel are happy and off
they go into Phase 2 with all their money! WB need to sort themselves out.
Nolan no longer wants to make Batman films - fair enough, but they have Man of
Steel – this becomes their Iron Man. Their planned shared universe will sit on
the shoulders of a film that technically should have been part of a previous
shared universe. Combine this with WB wanting to speed up the process, bad
decisions were being made all and so we end up with BvS. Marvel went out on
their own, set themselves up as their own studio for creative control and could
make all the decisions (until Disney bought them, now the House of Mouse
presumably makes the decisions).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now I’ll be honest, I made most of that up. It could have
gone that way, it could have gone another way. However it seems that if they
truly wanted a shared universe form the get go, they should have drawn a line
under Man of Steel and started from scratch – maybe from a lesser known
character. But everyone knows this, and that forms a lot of their flak. However
they made a choice to not do that.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So why is BvS good? Is it because they have the same name as
my Mum? No, because they don’t but here’s a man crying which I think pulls it
into focus a little better. <a href="https://youtu.be/rKRmMQaLZz8">https://youtu.be/rKRmMQaLZz8</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When I first saw Batman versus Superman I was disappointed –
it was grim, long, not very “Yay, Batman!” But then you start to look at in in
another light. Sitting at home looking at a pile of different batman comics. They’re
all written or drawn by different writers and artists but they are the same
characters. At any one time there were issues of Batman, Detective Comics,
Batman Beyond etc, all being released simultaneously. Basically what I’m saying
is BvS is one iteration of Batman. A lot of the reviews mention something along
the lines of him not being “my Batman”. However, there’s a bloody high chance
they’ll never make your batman ever again. Adam West could be your Batman, but
I doubt we’ll see Batman dance or surfboard again (Except they kin dof did that
in Batman and Robin)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So his new Batman
kills, is mopey, but most of all is addicted to being Batman. He’s flawed –
aren’t we all? Except this flawed hero has an Alfred always telling him to calm
down, maybe go out as Bruce Wayne a bit more. On top of that he’s older, tired,
had years of being Batman, which means each night he’s going out because of a
childhood oath he made to his parents, a childhood oath, meaning that despite
his age, he never really grew up.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Then this new kid flies in and moves in literally next door,
who can do all this amazing stuff, and most of all, he can go out in the
daylight. He isn’t hiding in the shadows and although lots of people still hate
him, he’s getting a lot of love – more love than Batman. Grumpy Batman hates
this, and the only way to fix it is the only way he knows how – to punch it.
Hence they fight. Now in back in Real Life City, this makes no sense. You’d have
to talk first etc, but we’re in Geektropolis talking about a man who dresses up
as a Bat fighting a Man who flies. Common sense doesn’t exist here. You’re
dealing with character so pumped up in their own world that they are threatened
by any kind of outside influence. They just had to punch each other. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In another time and place, we also saw Captain America
punching Iron Man but their reasons are more clear meaning it’s easier to relate.
It’s the difference between fighting for a strong, thought out belief or
fighting for the sake of it (on the surface at least).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Anyway as I’ve segwayed, Civil War is good. There are more
people fighting but I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t a sole Captain
America adventure, rather than Avengers 2.5. My main issue though that is
starting to annoy me a little, is that all the Marvel stuff tends to look the same
– to have a shared universe I guess it means they all need to look and feel
identical. Which means you come out of Civil War and think you’ve seen Avengers.
You watch Thor and it could be Iron Man 4. This is something that I think may
restrict them in the future, and a worry that eventually they will reboot
everything to start again.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A good thing to say about Warner Brothers is at they are
making choices. To proceed with a darker Suicide Squad was a bold move. To have
a Comic book film with Suicide in the title was a bold choice. The problem here
is they continued to make choices when they should have stepped back, trusted
in the director to make the right choices and trusted there would be an
audience.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So the state of DC, they may not be the best, they may be listening
to the wrong people, but still choices are being made in an attempt to make
their films stand out; and I think that is a good thing. Just because Zack
Snyder’s choices are not mine or yours, doesn’t mean he’s wrong.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So how does all this tie in with the Noise Pollution of
Geektropolis? Well, I understand that I’ve been having my say and gone on about
how Geeks are being too vocal and expecting their voices to be heard, and
rambled on for however many words. But I’ve said my piece now. I’ve started to
try and accept the choices made by directors in a hope to enjoy the films a
little more. It’s hard to accept a lot of their choices because it’s not what I
wanted to see. But you can’t please everyone. It’s one of the first things you
need to learn as any kind of artist. If we all liked the same stuff the world
would be pretty grey. So someone casts an actor you don’t like as a character
you love – see how it goes. It may go well, it may not. Someone remakes a film
you loved as a child, it could improve on it, it probably won’t (just my
opinion) but see what happens. (I also realise that’s a whole different blog
post about remakes and reboots. I think we’d all like to see more originality
out there. Someone made Star Wars in the seventies. Surely we should be able to
make something as awesome and original now, without just making a new Star
Wars? (Once again, my opinion, and I like Star Wars)).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Basically everyone just needs to calm down, take a second to
think before you start typing, and ask yourself “Does any of it actually really
matter?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’ll leave you with a transcript from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spaced</i> that could have replaced this whole essay:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bilbo Bagshot:<br />
I was like you once. Blond hair. Scraggly little beard. Childlike ears. Full of
beans and spunk. I let my principles get in the way sometimes. I punched a
bloke in the face once for saying "Hawk the Slayer" was rubbish. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Tim Bisley:<br />
Good for you. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bilbo Bagshot:<br />
Yeah, thanks. But that's not the point, Tim. The point is I was defending the
fantasy genre with terminal intensity, when what I should have said is
"Dad, you're right, but let's give Krull a try and we'll discuss it
later."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-42754278122997475312015-07-01T15:40:00.000+01:002015-07-01T15:40:00.778+01:00It's not you, it's me...Today I had to make a very import decision. After thinking long and hard, weighing up the pros and cons, I decided to cancel my standing order at Dave's Comics in Brighton.<br />
<br />
Ok, it may not have been such a big decision, I have a pile of at least 18 months worth of unread comics, and not multiple titles, the same three.<br />
<br />
However this wasn't the only reason, and for your viewing pleasure, let's go into more detail<br />
<br />
<br />
1 - I also could never get into the new DC 52. I know what I like, and I like what I know. When the big change happened I though it was a great jumping on point, but I also didn't have the money to have a go at everything. Therefore what I did have a go at simply left me unimpressed. Surely the nature of starting afresh, to get new blood into comics, means that each issue 1 should be the best of the best of the best, not just more of the same. Anyway this leads me onto point 2.<br />
<br />
2 - Why are there so many? I also thought the point of starting afresh was to cut down on the all the filler, however we still had multiple Batman titles, none of which were that interesting. At least at issue 1.<br />
<br />
3 - General quality - This is kind of a combination of 1 and 2. Not being able to buy everything means I can't find what is supposed to be good. Therefore based on what I did read, my outlook was damaged and nothing seems that good. 24 pages (or whatever it's at now) just doesn't seem enough to tell an interesting story).<br />
<br />
4 - Convergence, Endgame, Year Zero. I still couldn't keep up with all the multi title storylines. Does anyone actually go out of their way to get each individual title? Probably, but I don't. I always enjoyed the way Garth Ennis treated this with Hitman. he either took the protagonists out of Gotham for a few weeks, or took the piss a bit with it. This also ties into point 5.<br />
<br />
5 - My final reason for leaving is that I can leave on a potential high. My major collection started with Hitman, and it will end with Section 8 (with a full collection of Fable sandwiched in the middle). This makes me happy. <br />
<br />
Oh I'll still probably get the odd collection, and I'll always be interested in what's going on. Hell, I may even jump back in. I just feel little sad that I'm not helping with the brick and mortar stores, but then they didn't seem too heartbroken when I cancelled. I was expecting to have to answer questions on why I was going, was it something they did?<br />
<br />
Update 26/06/2015<br />
This blog post was written a few months ago and only just posting now. I just wanted to add somewhere that on top of all of the above, I finished reading Neal Adams; Batman Odyssey...and it's bonkers, but not really in a good way.<br />
<br />Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-42294560478100728132015-06-26T15:55:00.000+01:002015-06-26T15:55:10.022+01:00Zbox Unboxed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So in the US there a subscription service called Loot Crate. You pay a monthly fee and each month you get a box of stuff. Good old fashioned nerdy stuff - comics, figures, t-shirts etc.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I could never work out why I would regularly want to pay for stuff, not knowing what the stuff will be. Especially when I could put that money toward something I like and want.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then Zavvi started to do something similar, except you paid each month, rather than subscribing. I still wasn't sure about it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then they did a special offer and offered a lucky dip. It was onyl half the price, but included some of the things from previous boxes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I dived in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I'm not sure if it was worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In place of an unboxing video, this is a picture of what I got:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWe_mYlrBvg/VY1k01ObH0I/AAAAAAAAAM4/j3hOUoRVRzg/s1600/WP_20150625_18_58_43_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWe_mYlrBvg/VY1k01ObH0I/AAAAAAAAAM4/j3hOUoRVRzg/s640/WP_20150625_18_58_43_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
1. Shadow of Mordor Liquid mouse mat (looks like it has blood in it)<br />
2. Lenticular Thundercats postcard<br />
3. Bumblebee stress ball<br />
4. South Park magnet<br />
5. Spiderman hanging figure.<br />
<br />
And that's it. All for the low low price of £10<br />
<br />
On a good note, I like that you get a box of stuff. It's a bit like buying yourself a random Christmas/Birthday present.<br />
<br />
On a bad note -I don' think I would have bought any of this myself. Except maybe the Spiderman hangy thing (but not a silver one).<br />
<br />
But here's the interesting thing, I sort of see how a subscription service would work. I kind of want to get another to see if it would be better!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-48091988084797506312014-11-11T22:13:00.000+00:002014-11-11T22:17:06.806+00:00I see another...review...So another review came in. This time by Derrick Ferguson who runs a movie review blog - <a href="http://derricklferguson.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Ferguson Theater</a>.<br />
<br />
Let's get straight to it...<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay. Since I like to end on a upbeat note I'll get what I didn't like about ONE FOOT IN HELL out of the way first: where'd the second doll come from? Did the evil spirit of the first doll leave that body and jump into the body of the second doll? And if so, why did it go after Alice instead of Warwick? Because she was the one who nailed it down to be BBQ'ed? if so, that was a nice touch with the way the second doll nailed her down. But that part was unclear to me. As was the ending with Warwick mailing pieces of the doll to different people. Was it because he was afraid that the spirit would just jump into another doll's body and come after them again? Again, the wasn't clear to me.<br />
<br />
And I realize there's only so much you can do in a short film but Charlie's death is a pretty big loose end hanging out there. Did Warwick and Alice go to the police with their wild story and found themselves charged with his murder?<br />
<br />
Now to what I did like: you've got a very clean directorial style. I myself appreciate a director who trusts his actors and his story enough that he can let them do what supposed to do and not try a whole bunch of unnecessary camera tricks and angles just to show off. You didn't do that here. You put your camera down, put your actors in front ot the camera and let them work. I liked all three of your actors very much. They were quite natural and didn't come off as "trying to act" if you know what I mean.<br />
<br />
And that stop-motion animation was simply great. I've a major fan of stop-motion animation and I heartily support anybody keeping it alive. In fact, stop-motion animation works better in a killer doll story such as this one as for me it's a lot creepier than CGI. And I liked how you got in a bit of humor with your horror when the killer doll is standing at the top of the stairs and gives Alice that cute little wave hello.<br />
<br />
To sum up, I liked it. It's a respectable short movie that told a short, effective story. As i said, some of the motivations of Warwick and the doll confused me slightly there near the end but it didn't prevent my overall enjoyment of the film. You and your people should be rightfully proud of it and I hope to see more work from you in the future. I don't know if any of this helps but whether it does or not, you keep on making films. And definitely continue to use stop-motion! Can't ever get enough of that.
<br />
<br />
Derrick
Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-1623691046402603982014-10-26T16:06:00.000+00:002014-10-26T16:06:34.183+00:00The first review...So my understanding of how to get fortune and glory goes like this:-<br />
<br />
1. Make/do something awesome;<br />
2. Something happens;<br />
3. Fortune and Glory!!<br />
<br />
Now I'll all for stages 1 and 3, but it's part 2 that's still a bit hazy. Since completing One Foot I have been patiently waiting for stage 3, but I don't seem to be there yet. Then I had the idea (or just did what Bother Chris told me to do) and decided to contact a few horror themed blogs to tell them about my film.<br />
<br />
And now reviews are starting to pour in.<br />
<br />
The first comes from <a href="http://www.ghosthuntingtheories.com/" target="_blank">Ghost Hunting Theories</a>; a blog by Sharon Day, a paranormal investigator and author from. You can find the review by clicking <a href="http://www.ghosthuntingtheories.com/2014/10/review-one-foot-from-hell-horror-short.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
So, we have our first review.<br />
<br />
Surely I'm now well on my way to fortune and glory!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-5898603906177104582014-10-14T20:34:00.001+01:002014-10-14T20:34:07.606+01:00Release the Kraken...Now if only I had a kraken.<br />
<br />
So for now I will unleash One Foot From Hell.<br />
<br />
Yes after 4 solid weekends of filming in October 2012, a year of editing, animating and compositing in 2013, and a finally year of successful film festivals (ok, not so successful. I need to work on marketing) the film is unleashed.<br />
<br />
I can now point people in it's general direction. I can say, "I made a film. You can see it here!".<br />
<br />
I can now be happy that people can finally watch the bloody thing instead of me keeping it locked up whilst I reject another festival as I don't have the funds for the entry fee.<br />
<br />
So without going to crazy. For the first link of many; you can watch the film here:-<br />
<br />
http://vimeo.com/79604811<br />
<br />
CheersPete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-9213207200478179732014-10-08T12:32:00.001+01:002014-10-08T12:32:18.419+01:00Growing up, networking and such…
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I say growing up, but it’s more of a getting my
life/priorities in order. By life and priorities, I mean work. It’s become all
too easy stay comfy in the day job, however the typewriter has started to call.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Hopefully you get what I mean. I could have said
keyboard but you may have thought I was on a path to become a great pianist.
Now I mention that I do have it on my list of things to eventually do).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brother Chris has been writing for a while, however this
year, there have been a few more opportunities for myself to help out on a
couple of projects. For real life money. Basically as of this year I too can
say I am a paid writer.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But what of the day job? Well, we’re not that well paid
yet, so I must continue in my war with free time.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s where the growing up comes in. Brother Chris and I
are starting to get organised. With 3 screenplays currently optioned we have a
body of work to start building on. Hopefully at least one of these will see the
light of day to carry us further.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And with this, the networking comes in. As we started to
take things more seriously I decided <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to attend
a course back in June – First Draft with Pilar Alessandra of <a href="http://www.onthepage.tv/" target="_blank">On The Page.tv</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This 2 day course provided excellent information on getting
a first draft together quickly, and then beefing it up in the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>/3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>
drafts. It was also an excellent place for networking…except I’m terrible at
networking.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The main issue I have with this is I’m not one to shout
about myself. Also, a certain percentage of people who can shout about themselves,
come across a bit arrogant. I’m sure in their day to day lives they’re entirely
pleasant. However as soon as they start telling me they have the best idea, and
they only ever had a specific actor in mind for a role, and will settle for no other,
but the script is so good that they’re definitely going to take the part; when
I’m being told this, I zone out, and lose interest. They start to sound like a…let’s
just say they are annoying. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a constant battle with this as here, in this very
enclosed forum, I know I have a great idea. I just don’t like having to shout
about it at the risk of coming off as an arrogant sod. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So there’s that to work on.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In many ways the reclusive feeling more than anything qualifies
me as a writer. It also helps that I trained as an animator, another
introverted profession.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I need to grow up. Break out of my shell. Get
networking. Speak to people about my amazing idea. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems that’s the only way to get things get made.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unless you not the only one in the crowd shouting. Then
it’s just a case of who’s the loudest.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You wouldn’t have guessed that I once made a film called
Jonny the Pessimist.</span></div>
Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-13948137577734903972014-06-16T23:36:00.002+01:002014-06-16T23:36:28.356+01:00You know...for kids...So I started this blog months ago, then left it mid sentence. A sentence that implies Batman & Robin is my favourite film...it's not. It's rubbish.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I want to get this blog going again, and the quickest way was to actually post my thoughts on Batman.<br />
<br />
Here we go...<br />
<br />
<i>We need to talk about Batman...</i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I like Batman. I may even go as far as saying I love Batman.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Being born in the early 80s I can only think that my first exposure would have been the Adam West 60's Batman through reruns on T.V. and the Movie. Going forward we then have Tim Burton's 1989 film which I distinctly remember wanted to see and being fed up that Brother Chris was allowed to go but I was not old enough.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Following this there was Batman That Animated Series and from then on I was hooked.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>However this is all T.V. or film and we all know Batman began life in comic form. I did have a couple of books (book books not comic books) somewhere with early stories reprinted but it wouldn't be until after watching Batman TAS that I got into comics proper.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Anyway, long story short, due to issue numbers being so high I found it difficult jumping on. I collected a lot of key Batman collections and stand alone books (Long Halloween, Arkham Asylum etc) but despite not being a weekly collector my love for the character has always been there.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Why am I explaining all this to you dear reader? So that when I discuss the following, beloved story you will know that it comes from a fan. The story in question is The Dark Knight Returns.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Here goes.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>So today I finally got around to watching the animated version of The Dark Knight Returns. I haven't actually read The Dark Knight Returns in a good few years so I could be off remembering the full story. Therefore the following is based on the animated adaptation (which in theory should be the same anyway).</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I had heard a lot of good things about the film and was looking forward to watching it. However over the course of the film I stated to wonder about why this is considered by some a key book in the Batman Universe. Well maybe that's too broad. What I was thinking was how, going forward, it is still considered a key book. This thing came out in the eighties and completely redefined Batman. However when it came out all animated versions of the character were still based on Adam West. Therefore this thing comes out and shows a completely different side to the character, something for the kids that had grown up and now wanted something different. (I also understand that the comics had changed in the pre-ceding years and Adam West was no longer relevant).</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>My issue is that since the book was published it seems this has become the only view of the character. This was the problem that I had today. The thing I felt was missing was an element of fun.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>There are rumours that they plan on using TDKR as inspiration for the relationship between Batman and Superman in the upcoming Batman Vs. Superman film. It got me thinking today that there is no easy access for younger fans. The bigger issue is the comics industry not giving a access point for younger readers, therefore if a child of 10 wants to get into Batman, The Dark Knight Returns is not necessarily a good jumping on point.</i></div>
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<i>Alternatively if you've grown up on Adam West or Brave and the Bold and they want to see their hero in Live action, they have to sit through The Dark Knight?</i></div>
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<i>At this point, remember that I love Batman so I'm not just moaning for the sake.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>To look at the old rivalry and examine Marvel, their films are fun (they may also have fun comics but I'm a strict DC only reader). Looking at the recent Warner/DC reboot of Superman, Man of Steel, one of the main aspects it was missing was a sense of fun. It was it was all a bit too serious. I'm not saying never tell a serious story, but don't make that your main focus, especially in a reboot.</i></div>
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<i>Batman's history does not a fun story make, however they managed it in the 50s/60s with Dick Sprang, Gerry Robinson and giant Typewriters.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>I'm also not saying Batman & Robin was good but...</i></div>
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<br /></div>
...and that's as far as I got. Since then I've calmed down a bit. Ben Affleck got cast and his 'hard as nails' picture released.<br />
<br />
I do still love Batman, and I do still think there's room for fun. (He's even surrounded by side kicks - surely they can be the clowns).<br />
<br />
Anyway that's enough of that.<br />
<br />
I've been catching up on Kevin Smith's <a href="http://smodcast.com/channels/fatman-on-batman/" target="_blank">Fatman on Batman</a> and recently listened to the Dean Trippe episode. After hearing his terrible childhood ordeal and learning of his autobiographical comic of how he came to terms with his past (with the help of our Caped Crusader), I had myself a read. I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
So go buy this. It's only $1 - <a href="http://www.tencentticker.com/somethingterrible/" target="_blank">Something Terrible - Dean Trippe</a><br />
<br />
Next time I'll tell you about Screenwriting and what I've been learning.<br />
<br />
<br />Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-82792876445074108702014-01-23T22:13:00.004+00:002014-01-23T22:20:06.202+00:00Something wicked this way comes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One Foot From Hell was completed on 17th November 2013.</div>
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I've been busy with other projects but haven't forgotten about this wonderful film. Recently I've got back into gear and started to send it to Festivals. </div>
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If you want to be kept up to date it would be best to 'LIKE' the facebook page as most updates will be posted there:</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneFootFromHell">https://www.facebook.com/OneFootFromHell</a></b></div>
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Thank you to all who have been involved with the making of this film. It took a while to get to the end but here we are. Now I prepare for the Fortune and Glory stage...that's next right?</div>
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Whilst I wait, enjoy some stills from the completed film.</div>
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I'm still here waiting....Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-9777909992691209892013-10-08T16:33:00.002+01:002013-10-08T16:33:23.132+01:00I Shot Jenny Ringo...Previously published (with pictures) on the blog <a href="http://whatwritesatmidnight.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Writer by Night</a>!! <a href="http://whatwritesatmidnight.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/guest-post-peter-regan-part-one.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://whatwritesatmidnight.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/guest-post-peter-regan-part-two.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br />
<br />
On the weekend of 13th/14th of April 2013 I shot Jenny Ringo!<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Jenny Ringo and the Infinite Spell book to be more specific.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Over two days we hoped to bring to life the most ambitious Jenny Ringo film
yet. A film with dinosaurs, killer clowns, hellish landscapes, 'Tron'
style in game escapades and bizarre monsters from other worlds...and so we
did.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Director Chris Regan and Producer Andrea Regan had strategically planned
everything down to a t so we could fit everything in, so I grabbed my camera,
batteries and memory cards and dived into the car to get underway.<br />
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Day One - 13th April 2013<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
First stop, Under-cliff. <br />
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There were a number of scenes that took place outside and it looked as
though we had been blessed on this bright and sunny Saturday morning in April.<br />
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This was the first issue I had. Having an inability to see properly I need the
use of spectacles to see properly. Also suffering from migraines in bright sun,
I had adapted these spectacles to "react" to the harsh UV rays,
creating a darker lens protecting my eyes. Had I known that this combined with
reflectivity of the LCD screen on the camera, would result in an inability to see
what I was filming properly, along with a lot of guess work relating to the
focus, I may have re-thought my previous eyeball solution.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Anyway, we managed to get through the first few scenes well enough. The
bright weather was holding up and we were still on track.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
We had one final shot to make in Brighton, overlooking Madeira Drive for a
giant pizza. Unfortunately it was decided that the best place for me to film
was next to a playground. Now I know I was there to film Jenny Ringo. Chris and
the cast knew I was there to film Jenny Ringo. However I couldn't shake the
feeling that anyone else passing by may have thought I was there to film
children playing.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Luckily we got the shot we needed and moved down to Madeira Drive for close ups,
and to prove to all those questioning onlookers that I was in fact making a
Jenny Ringo film.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
However someone still wasn't happy and the heavens began to open. With the
first few drops of rain. Rain that would decide not to stop as originally
forecast and later forces the well planned schedule to be reassessed and split
into multiple shots.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
So back to Worthing we went to continue the adventures of Jenny Ringo and to
Lime Café to battle the evil clowns.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
It's always a bit of a struggle on films with few crew members when faced with
a room full of extras. You're trying to plan a shot but also make sure everyone
knows what’s happening and will be ready when the director calls “Action”.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Saying that, on this occasion there wasn't really any major difficulty.
Everyone who arrived seemed quite happy chatting until it was time to get
transformed into clowny evil-ness.<br />
I don't think I'll be forgetting anytime soon, having to film close up after
close up of menacing clowns, especially when it seemed it was me they were
after.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Unfortunately that was where day one ended. The rain continued to pour,
light was beginning to fade and we still had a couple of exteriors left. These
would have to be moved to the next day. A day of monsters, babies and sea
foxes.<br />
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<o:p> </o:p><br />
Day Two- 14th April 2013<br />
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Day Two began as any normal day on a Jenny Ringo shoot begins. There were
bandages, fake blood and lights in tiny cramped spaces. <br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
We started with a scene that was eventually cut for time. Time in the film,
and lack of time to create the effects needed. However all I remember was
sitting on the bathroom floor, squashed up against the wall trying my hardest
not to break down into laughter. I failed. How unprofessional of me.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Despite my failings, the scene was shot, and after getting the feeling back
in my legs we moved on to the monsters outside ready for their close ups.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Once again the sun had got his hat on. However lighting a dark, interior
corridor when you're outside is a pain in the back side unless you are the
proud owner of some massive bright lights. Unfortunately I am not.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
However we managed to get a happy medium and grab the shots we needed. As
soon as the monsters had finished it was time to film the babies.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
How does one direct babies I hear you ask? Well simply put, you don't. Instead
you wave lots of things around, blow bubbles and eventually turn the
TV on in a hope to distract them long enough to get the shot we need. It
eventually worked and resulted in a 10 minute out-take of pure cute anarchy.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
The beach was next. Originally the script called for the beach discussion to
be at night. However in case this didn't work, a back-up would be required. Day
time beach...no issues here. It was sunny, we got the shots, we moved on. We
would be back later for the night time which came with a few surprises.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
No off to space to space for us to crank the F-stop.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Space was located in a barn. The result of a friend’s short who still had a
set up for a couple of days. Now I'm new to filming things for myself and when
told to crank the Fstop to make sure we had a smooth green screen, I couldn't
help but stare blankly before nodding in agreement (something I've learned more
about with more night shoots). However we managed to get the space we
needed. Everything was in focus that needed to be and we packed up and left.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
And then we had to wait....<br />
...finally it was dark. We could now reshoot the earlier beach scene
but in darkness.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
"But if it's dark, how are you going to film anything?" <br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
We had a plan. A plan involving plastic folders, LED lights and camping
lanterns. A plan that gave us the desired effect or a burning magic flame. A
plan that came at a deadly cost. The cost of being attacked by millions
of bugs.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Evil beach dwelling creatures that crawled up out of the pebbles to attack
their prey. Had I not been tired and grumpy, some of those bugs may have
survived to tell the tale of how they saw the filming of Jenny Ringo 3.
However, at times I am not a patient man. It was survival of the fittest. I
won.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
However had I had to face the sea fox alone, I'm sure I'd be telling a
different tale. It's never a good sign, when your back is to the sea and
everyone start looking over your shoulder at a "dog" coming out of
the sea. Not a dog my friend, but a fox. A fox that each night rises from the
briny depths to wander Worthing looking for easy prey. A Sea fox...I would
guess.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
Anyway, we got through the last location shoot. We each went our separate
ways, back to the safety of our houses and beds, to dream of the adventures of
sea foxes and beach bugs.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
We still weren't finished. There was still animation that I had to complete,
the construction of a monster and trying twice to get the perfect night time
shot of Brighton Pier.<br />
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This is another tale for next time...<br />
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Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-6254148324183663342013-09-23T20:51:00.004+01:002013-09-23T20:51:39.489+01:00Let me keep you updated....One Foot From Hell will soon be upon us.
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<br />
I say soon but there’s still a bit to do. Well a lot to be honest. In terms of structure the edit is now locked. In terms of grade, just needs a slight brightness/contrast tweak when I’ve swapped all the footage for the high quality alternative (it’s a complicated task when your PC doesn’t want to help with editing).
Also I do need to try to tweak the animation but due to said unhelpful PC it’s not longer rendering out the animation so for now I‘m forced to be happy with what I have.
<br />
<br />
So where do we stand?
<br />
<br />
In short, sound. In more depth, I’m mixing the dialogue, then will start to get Axel Foley and get that all mixed in. Whilst this is going on I’ll be on the hunt for composers to score the film.
Then there’s just a few final flourishes to complete the film, such as credits. Well, mainly credits.
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<br />
If I get on top of it all I it should be ready for a Halloween release and then ready for festivals the of 2014.
This I think is the most taxing part and I need to stay positive through. I'm a creative at heart, and mixing the sound, at least at this stage, is more a job that needs doing more than anything else. Foley will be a bit more interesting, but until then I need to make sure I get mixing and I keep motivated.<br />
<br />
<br />
But in other news, you may have seen a few extra buttons appear at the top of this page. Due to lack of organisation and webskills I’m basically turning this ‘ere blog into a main site where you can access information about my work. For the time being, my showreel , and behind the scenes info for One Foot.
Ok, so there's nothing in the behind the scenes yet, but there will be.<br />
<br />
I hope to continue to fill it with more and more information to give a more rounded study on the making of the short.
I can then start directing people here to find out about me and the film.<br />
<br />
But for now I’d better get back to sound editing.
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<br />
Oh by the way, we now have a poster that I need to post up here when we're closer to finished.<br />
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To keep up to date about the progress of One Foot, you can like the Facebook fan page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneFootFromHell" target="_blank">here</a>!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-51258392458646291382013-08-31T00:26:00.002+01:002013-08-31T00:27:26.121+01:00A whole host of randomness...So what do I have to update?<br />
<br />
I'd like to point you in the direction of the completed One Foot From Hell...but I can't.<br />
<br />
I'd like to explain how my bonkers script is the most amazing un-produced film script ever...but I can't.<br />
<br />
I'd like to also point out how I've completed all my half completed projects and how everything is going well and I'm on top of everything and got it all sorted...but I can't.<br />
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What I can tell you is that I've been to work, a lot. More than I'd like to to be honest. There are times when I find the day job really gets in the way. I sometimes wish that I could finish work early to do overtime on my film!<br />
<br />
So in and around work I have managed to get some work on One Foot done. Darren completed the grade, which looked great. (Due to technical difficulty I had to make some adjustments myself and tweaked the colour ever so slightly). <br />
<br />
I've now managed to start compositing the animation with the plates. There are 18 shots in total with 4 POV shots to amend. I have completed 8 out of 18.<br />
<br />
I'm getting there.<br />
<br />
In terms of all other projects I have going, they're all pretty much on hold. I really want to get back to writing but as highlighted above, time is stretched at the moment. Hopefully once One Foot is properly complete I'll get back into the script. For now it annoyingly has to be on hold. <br />
<br />
You never know, it may resurface for Project 31!.<br />
<br />
For now though, work on One Foot continues. You can "Like" the Facebook page at the link below where I post more often about the status of the film.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneFootFromHell">https://www.facebook.com/OneFootFromHell</a><br />
<br />
I'm currently trying to turn this blog into more of a website about me with details of my films, behind the scenes stuff and links to Youtube and Vimeo. Somewhere I can point people towards and update easily. Note the new buttons at the top of the page.<br />
<br />
I also have a podcast with Brother Chris. Website is below for direct MP3 downloads but you can also subscribe on iTunes. This also has a Facebook page to "Like".<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ItWasOnlyAPound">https://www.facebook.com/ItWasOnlyAPound</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.itwasonlyapound.co.uk/">http://www.itwasonlyapound.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
If you are already keeping up to date on Facebook, please spread the word. It's a little disheartening when I actually have more friends than I do Likes, but I guess it's direct evidence that you can't always please everyone.<br />
<br />
To those loyal followers, I thank you!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-56439511812446667412013-07-10T14:25:00.002+01:002013-07-10T14:26:06.313+01:00So some stuff happened......and that's about that.<br />
<br />
I felt the need to update the blog since it's been a while and I must has a lot to update. However checking the most recent post (before the Harryhausen obituary), I now realise I'm still pretty much in the same situation. However I do have a couple of updates.<br />
<br />
Update No. 1 - Jenny Ringo and the Cabaret from Hell has been released online to those signed up to the mailing list. If you want to see how it goes down, sign up to the list <a href="http://www.jennyringo.com/">here...</a><br />
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Update No. 2 - Jenny Ringo 3 is nearly complete I spent two very warm evenings staring at a PC monitor watching animation render frame by frame - a far more tedious process than animating itself. Especially when the video starts to drop frames.<br />
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However, render was complete and the animation sent off to Brother Chris for approval. Once the film is completed and goes live I will let you all know.<br />
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Update No. 3 - Animation complete for One Foot. Looking forward to finishing the film.<br />
<br />
And I'm afraid that is all. One Foot is still at the Graders so no further progress. I've started work on the Bonkers Victorian script. I've even started to think what to work on next...depending on whether or not I convince myself that it is all worth it in the end.<br />
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But time is up, and back to work I must go.<br />
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Next time I hope to have more exciting news!<br />
<br />
Cheers.Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-49264436190025776562013-05-08T22:03:00.002+01:002013-05-10T11:00:51.691+01:00Ray Harryhausen (1920 - 2013)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=harryhausen&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=kBGXfHgSAup8lM&tbnid=-jpf5EUGPTzc5M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.empireonline.com%2Ffeatures%2Fharryhausen-on-harryhausen%2F&ei=LcWMUaCBPIT60gWAroDIBw&bvm=bv.46340616,d.ZG4&psig=AFQjCNGe772e6IPIAfSBV-5PaHFw-iJixQ&ust=1368266406095597" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="328" id="irc_mi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQRZcflW7ylg9dKeJdel9cMcClUn1QC6zWDllDzAYSem8NagJmU4A" style="margin-top: 32px;" width="435" /></a><a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=hhQHFGOseJabOM&tbnid=v279W9yp9axqMM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemoderatevoice.com%2F181238%2Fray-harryhausen-special-effects-pioneer-dies-at-92-video%2F&ei=dLyKUaf9Fejb0QXmjoCAAw&bvm=bv.46226182,d.d2k&psig=AFQjCNEUkK0yeFia0J5pZM9yza5wLG0msA&ust=1368133073696559" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"></a></span></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">A hero passed away yesterday, and with this the world lost some of it's magic.</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Ray Harryhausen was a technician, a sculptor, an artist, an animator and most importantly, a filmmaker. </span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I don't want to give you his life story here. I'm not the man for that. Plus there are plenty of books for you to go out and read. </span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">What I do want to do is tell you is how much Ray's work and life meant to me.</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Now I'm no one special. I'm a guy that works in an office in Brighton who happens to make films in his spare time. I have good days, and I have bad days, but I enjoy the hell out of this life. I enjoy the the fact that you can't stop me doing this. If I have an idea for a film with a killer doll, you may say it's stupid and you may tell me it's a waste of time; but ultimately you can't stop me.</span><br />
<br />
That's pretty much how Ray started. He saw King Kong one day and was hooked on the magic of Cinema. With the help of this family and friends he went out and taught himself how to make animated films. And this was back in the 40s. Not like today when any office worker in Brighton can get their hands on a camera and make a film.<br />
<br />
I can't remember the exact day when I was first introduced to the films of Ray Harryhausen. It feels like they've always been there. But way back in 2001 I was faced with a big decision. Do I go to University and If I do, what do I study?<br />
<br />
I was good at two things; Graphics and Maths. However I was never that much of a fan of continuing Maths and ending up in a Economics office staring at numbers all day. So, with pile of prospectuses (prospectii?) in hand I sat down with Mum and started going through to find something art based to follow.<br />
<br />
Illustration was the way forward...then illustration and animation...then solely animation. "Hell, I love the Ray Harryhausen films. That's what I will become...an animator!"<br />
<br />
Okay that's quite a tenuous link. However, whilst at the interview I had to present my minimal portfolio. I also had a long discussion with the lecturer and a couple of students, about Ray Harryhausen, and how animation can bring the imagination to life. I'm still convinced to this day, that this is why I was accepted into University. My love of film, animated monsters and Ray Harryhausen!<br />
<br />
Very important side note to cement this:- Whilst at University, I had the chance to meet Ray at a talk in Bristol on 21st March 2004. A great exepereince and definite highlight of my undregrad life. I also got a copy of his book (quite a hefty and pricey item for a poor student) and queued to get it signed. Something I will always treasure.<br />
<br />
So I continued my love for animation, especially the stop motion effects in films, not just Ray's credits, but such examples like Jack the Giant Killer, Puppet Master and of course King Kong (what do you mean which one? I ought to slap you. 1933 of course!)<br />
<br />
In a roundabout way, without ever seeing Ray Harryhausen film, I wouldn't be who I am today. I probably wouldn't be working in an office in Brighton, I wouldn't be providing animation for Brother Chris' Jenny Ringo films or trying to control a killer doll.<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
So as I said, like many others, I grew up with these films. However I've seen a lot of tributes, including one I'm pasting below, that mention how much he meant to our childhood, and how a large part of our childhoods have now been lost. To me his films are more than this. Yes I watched them as a child. But I never stopped watching. I still watch today. I will always watch. And I'm sure that one day, way when I have kids, or even Grand kids, I'm sure one day I'll be sitting them down to show them <em>real</em> magic.<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
So life goes on. I'll go back to work and sit in theoffice; and no one will mention how we lost a legend on Tuesday, how the world of film has lost a genius and how a shocking number of people are still unaware of the magic he created.<br />
<br />
But <em>I</em> know; and the people I love know. And I'll carry on fighting killer dolls and chasing beach monsters and writing bizarre films set in Victorian London. I'll also continue to imagine more crazy ideas for films. Because that's what I do.<br />
<br />
That's what Ray Harryhausen taught me. If you put your mind to it, no one can stop you bringing a skeletons back to life.<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"Ray Harryhausen took a part of all our childhoods with him when he went.<br /> Thankfully he remained with us long enough to realise how universally beloved his work was by so many. Thank you, Ray." - Joe Dante</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
Thank you Ray. Thank you.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=MrUkRHPdmVb9eM&tbnid=Ui_zAsey4ieFuM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscreenrant.com%2Fray-harryhausen-obituary%2F&ei=EL2KUaqtNoin0wXUuYDQAQ&bvm=bv.46226182,d.d2k&psig=AFQjCNEdxXhI73TGIpCuoTQP5hA3i2XI6w&ust=1368133235428517" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="241" id="irc_mi" src="http://cdn1.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/Ray-Harryhausen-Obituary.jpg" style="margin-top: 76px;" width="457" /></a></div>
<br />
Ray Harryhausen<br />
1920 - 2013Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-64405433617467635032013-04-25T14:04:00.005+01:002013-04-25T14:05:53.486+01:00Some stuff has happenend, a lot of stuff hasn't...I've not updated on here for quite a while. Sorry about that. I have been busy though.<br />
<br />
In terms of One Foot From Hell...I totally finished the trailer. Take a look...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="275" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/63159574" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<br />
This was also shown at the last Movie Bar we ran, but more on that later, back to One Foot.<br />
<br />
The animation is half complete, the grade is with Darren to make it look all creepy and stuff...and that's where we are.<br />
<br />
Still a lot to get done.<br />
<br />
Our main current set backs include helping Brother Chris on Jenny Ringo 3 and more annoyingly, having to rework the animation doll as some of the latex has started to fall apart. We'll get there though. Hopefully be doing more animation over the next week. Once that's complete then it's full steam ahead getting sound and music sorted.<br />
<br />
I've been bogged down with a lot of other things (namely Tomb Raider), but I'm slowly getting back up and running and can see the end. It's still quite a small dot on the horizon, but it's there.<br />
<br />
So back to MovieBar, we held the last night on 1st April 2013 - no April fool's prank here. Movie Bar is over...until June 3rd where it continues under new management. It's been fun helping to run the night over the past couple of years but we felt it was time to pass it on to fresh meat. To take it further into it's 7 year run, and hopefully beyond.<br />
<br />
So what else has stopped me making One Foot. I only gone and done a podcast. You can check it out on it's very own web page <a href="http://www.itwasonlyapound.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
The podcast is called It Was Only a Pound. Brother Chris and I watch films that have only cost £1 and discuss whether it was worth it. It's basically an excuse to go through the massive pile of films I've bought, but never gotten around to watching. We hope to get more social with it but I'll post links when available. At the moment we've only manage 2 episodes but as you can see on here, I've been busy.<br />
<br />
So this finally brings us to Jenny Ringo 3. Brother Chris decided to bring Jenny back a third time in a shorter adventure. Once again I was asked to provide some animation, which so far is looking great. However this time, I was also given the opportunity to try my hand at being the DoP.<br />
<br />
I'm going to post about this in the future to give a full account of how it went down. In short it was a great experience. For more information check out (and Like) their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jenny-Ringo-and-the-Monkeys-Paw/147498525265380?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and <a href="http://www.jennyringo.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
<br />
So there we have it. I've been a busy bunny for the last couple of months. However as we head into the final school term, I'm more focused on what I need to do.<br />
<br />
Crazy Feature script is still in my head, and I will start working on it soon. I've also starting thinking of many other projects to spend my time on when the existing projects have been completed. Granted, there's already a long list, but I don't mind making it longer.<br />
<br />
So I'd better get back to it as I need to go and make a human hand (spoilers).Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-33539014387943876922013-03-14T00:31:00.003+00:002013-03-14T00:32:24.049+00:00So there I was...... working on the latest podcast in between finding music for the new podcast episode, when I realised I haven't updated this blog for a good few months.<br />
<br />
So where are we in the grand scheme of things?<br />
<br />
Reading up on the last blog there's still a lot of unfinished work One Foot continues to move forward, but due to bust Christmas, the edit took longer than planned. However, the first edit is now complete. It has been passed back to our DoP for the grade whilst Charlotte and I continue with the animation.<br />
<br />
On that front, we've completed roughly half the animation. I haven't put it in the edit yet as I need the grade, but I can still work on the 2nd stage of animation first.<br />
<br />
Soon we also need to start on the sound edit in case we need to ADR any scenes. <br />
<br />
From Project 30 I have learnt that it is always good to have a realistic time frame to set yourself. Therefore, based on the length it has taken Brother Chris to complete Jenny Ringo, I think I have about 1 year to complete the film fully. That means by October, or specifically, Halloween, I will have a completed short film to do the festival rounds in 2014.<br />
<br />
So what else has been taking up my time. Well...<br />
<br />
Trailer:<br />
All good films need a good trailer. I've roughly edited a trailer together to show at Moviebar next month - this also happens to be the last MovieBar we will run. Sad to see it go, but glad for the time back to work on other projects. Anyway trailer is getting there, just need music.<br />
<br />
Poster<br />
Charlotte has been working on a poster for the film. So far it looks amazing and really captures the creepy atmosphere we tried to capture with One Foot.<br />
<br />
Podcast<br />
What's that you say? "You're doing a podcast now"?<br />
Yep. Brother Chris and I have begun a new podcast in which we discuss the merits of films that have only cost us 1 English Pound. You can find the first episode (and all future episodes) here:-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.itwasonlyapound.co.uk/">www.itwasonlyapound.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
And that's that really. <br />
<br />
I completed Mass Effect 3 by the way. Currently on the excellent Tomb Raider. I should post about that really but who's even reading this.<br />
<br />
I'll let you know when I have made more progress on any of the above.<br />
<br />
Cheers!!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-1359881087372066372012-11-30T12:11:00.001+00:002012-11-30T12:14:30.150+00:00Project 30 is now over!It's time for another update. This is a big one as we've now passed the Project 30 deadline. This also means I'm 30 now! Happy Birthday me!!<br />
<br />
So where are we with Project 30. Did I complete all the projects? Did we fail so miserably that I will never try anything again?<br />
<br />
Let's see:<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Project 1: Complete the "Radio Play" Everyday
Joe</em></strong>.<br />
As we know I completed Project 1. There are now 31 wonderful people who have listened to it. I'm not even considering the fact that people may have listened multiple times. Still good on you, shame on everyone else.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F56303029&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Anyway, I blogged about this back in August. You can find the complete rundown <a href="http://ghostlygames.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/project-1-everyday-joe.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Project 2: Complete my
first, "professional" short film.</em></strong><br />
This one I didn't quite finish, however...<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Project 2a. Complete the filming for my first, "professional" short film.</em></strong><br />
If you read the blog last time I announced that I had completed the filming of One Foot From Hell and set up the Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneFootFromHell" target="_blank">here!</a><br />
Now due to the following bonus project, updates for One Foot have been few and far between. I can confirm that we've begun going through the footage, found a handful of outtakes and more importantly, we're locating the best takes to speed up the editing process. It therefore goes without saying that I haven't started editing yet, which means the animation has not started either. I would like to get it edited before the end of the year, which should be possible, but Christmas does always get busy.<br />
<br />
Watch this space, and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneFootFromHell" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for further updates.<br />
<br />
Moving on...<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Bonus Project: Music Video.</em></strong><br />
This one failed, but the idea we had was a good one so it will be resurrected in the new year.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Project 3: Complete the super secret
script for a bonkers adventure film set in Victorian England.</strong></em><br />
Not entirely finished this one. Let's see how we got on with the sub-project.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>3a. Complete the treatment for a bonkers adventure film set in Victorian
England.</em></strong><br />
Yeah, not much further I'm afraid. I did try to get the treatment completed the night before my Birthday but got a little confused. I'm still working on it but have backtracked to working out a timeline first, then I can build this up to the treatment. A weird way to work I know but I've made the story a smidge complicated.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Project - Mass Effect 2</strong></em> <br />
I completed this a while ago, which moved me to add...<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Bonus Game Project: -
Complete Mass Effect 3</strong></em><br />
Now I'm not crazy and originally set this to be completed by the end of the year. This was mainly so I could complete the whole Mass Effect Trilogy in 2012. However I have read that Mass Effect 4 is in talks, so this Trilogy project now seems a little redundant. It's good fun though, and pretty much all I've been doing with my week off.<br />
<br />
Now do you see why I haven't edited!<br />
<br />
So there we are. Project 30 has come to a close. It was a challenge. Probably too great looking at the time frame I set myself especially as I knew that a lot of my free time had already been assigned to other commitments. I think the deadline process does work, as long as it is realistic and as long as you believe in it. It at least gets yo motivated to do something. It also helps it is have a cool name. Project 30 was obvious. I was thinking of Operation 2013 for next year, but I may have to change it to Project Snakebite or Operation Tigerfist!<br />
<br />
Anyway, despite not fully completing the short, I am proud that we managed to even film it in such a short space of time. I've got a lot more work ahead of me, but doing this has taught me that I do enjoy keeping busy and being creative. Yes a lot of the time my ideas fall by the wayside but there are others that stick. 2013 is looking to be another busy year to finish off a number of small projects, along with finally finishing One Foot. I also realised that I spend far too much time playing video games, but that's not going to change anytime soon.<br />
<br />
So I'll keep you updated on the One Foot progress, and if I manage to complete the bonkers script. For now I'm going to get on with the tattered remains of Project 30.<br />
<br />
Also, a big thank you to anyone who reads this blog regularly. Hopefully it's the same 31 cool people who listened to Everyday Joe. You truly are awesome!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-91106518656641143952012-11-09T14:56:00.000+00:002012-11-09T14:56:05.253+00:00Sad news for Project 30...So I really should have seen this coming.<br />
<br />
After the official announcement of One Foot From Hell (fittingly on 31st Oct) you would have seen the addition of <em>Bonus Project: Music Video</em> to Project 30.<br />
I was pretty confident when I wrote the blog post, but failed to actually consider how little planning had gone into the video. I started animating on Saturday night (3rd Nov) and continued on Sunday. Only to realise I was rushing way to fast with the animation.<br />
<br />
What I really needed to get it right was time, and time was something I did not have. So I faced facts and called it off.<br />
<br />
Bonus Project: Music Video - FAILED<br />
<br />
However, like a phoenix from the flames, this project will return in a slightly updated form as part of <em>"OPERATION 2013"</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>So after my busy</em> weekend ahead I will continue with the main project - Once Foot From Hell, and hopefully work a bit on the treatment for the bonkers adventure film set in Victorian England.<br />
<br />
Busy busy busy!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-84103982718754899122012-10-31T14:34:00.000+00:002012-10-31T14:34:00.946+00:00Dying is easy, filmmaking is hard...So I moved from the industrial pottery town of Stoke-on-Trent to the artistic mecca of Brighton in search of fortune and glory. Surely there's more going on here then up north.<br />
<br />
Apparently not.<br />
<br />
Not at all.<br />
<br />
I've learned 2 lessons recently with my time working on Project 30:<br />
<br />
Lesson number 1 -<br />
Never announce anything until you know for sure you can pull it off.<br />
<br />
Lesson number 2 - <br />
Don't ever try anything until you know you can definitely pull it off.<br />
<br />
Obviously lesson 2 is a contradictory statement, as in order to see if you can pull it off, you need to try. However, just don't bother. This way, you'll still have great ideas, you'll still want to make the next Harry Potter and most of all, you'll still enjoy watching other peoples films.<br />
<br />
I've wasted money, time, energy and sleep for nothing much in return. The world is too messed up unless you can pay your way through.<br />
<br />
Project 30 does continue as I write my script. As for making films; I lost my desire for this. I'll leave it for those with the blinders on...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
...which is what I was thinking a few weeks ago during one of my darker periods.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's fitting that today is Halloween. Today I am every so very pleased to announce the title of my short film - <br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521807_382100355203887_677508884_n.jpg" style="height: 326px; width: 580px;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
So now I will obviously continue on about how I overcame this dark period and managed to get my cast sorted. Also how after a simple meeting with Darren Berry about possible cameras I could buy to make the film, he then suggested he film it. And finally discussing how my schedule is causing me hours of frustration. I will cover this and keep you updated on the making of One Foot From Hell...<br />
<br />
...except I don't need to as I was so busy I didn't have time to blog at all so have actually completed principle photography!!<br />
<br />
Now I'm not trying to get ahead of myself. There's still a hell of a lot to get on with before it's finished but I felt an update on Project 30 was long overdue.<br />
<br />
So this is where we stand:<br />
<br />
Project 1: Complete the "Radio Play" Everyday Joe.<br />
I completed project 1. So far 29 people in the world have listened to it! (Which is pretty rubbish if you think about it. But I wont dwell on this. At least it's out there and people are listening)<br />
<br />
Project 2: Complete my first,
"professional" short film.<br />
I'm happy to say that I'm making progress with this. I did complete the sub task of completing filming so I now definitely have to finish it. I know how long this can take. I hope to get an edit completed for the animation in November (spoilers) and then there's the whole grading and sound and music etc. I am looking forward to editing however I've hit a bonus level.<br />
<br />
Bonus Project: Music Video.<br />
There's another competition on Genero.TV. Charlotte is interested so we're going to rush it out. When I say rush, the quality will be HD as requested. Actually I guess I'd better read the rems just in case...<br />
Closing date is 15th November so I'll be back to One Foot From Hell soon.<br />
<br />
Project 3: Complete the super secret script for a
bonkers adventure film set in Victorian England.<br />
Small progress made but nothing substantial. I think this is the one that will not be complete by 27th. Not ever the treatment. I will try, and it's definitely on the list to complete as soon as time lets me, but with the introduction of the Bonus Project time is limited.<br />
<br />
Project - Mass Effect 2 - Complete.<br />
However, as I have completed both Mass Effect 1 and 2 in 2012, I feel the need to complete Mass Effect 3 to complete the trilogy. So...<br />
<br />
Bonus Game Project: - Complete Mass Effect 3<br />
This I can complete by the end f the year.<br />
<br />
So that's that. One Foot From Hell is go and I'm really looking forward to getting animating. The finished film is going to be pretty crazy. In a good way!!<br />
<br />
Be sure to check for updates on the new Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/OneFootFromHell" target="_blank">here>>></a><br />
Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-80785417193487909402012-09-14T14:35:00.000+01:002012-09-14T14:35:23.589+01:00Project 30 threatened by people...or lack thereof.So I've been in various mood swings over the past week or so. This has been caused by trying to get a short film off the ground. However, it seems, if you haven't already got a small loyal crew set up, it's a bit of a pain getting a new team together. Even in Brighton it seems, where everyone is making some kind of film at some point.<br />
<br />
As you've guessed it, this has become a complaint post. <br />
<br />
So I was getting a little worried as November was looming, but I reckoned I still had loads of time. I emailed a friend interested in filming and he gave me his rough schedule.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately it was discovered that he couldn't help out until 6th October. Great I thought. The weekend Brother Chris and family are away so I borrow their flat as a location.<br />
<br />
However this was the only weekend her could do until November.<br />
<br />
So I thought...and thought...and was advised November made more sense. I did fear that Project 30 wouldn't happen though. However I decided, November would give more time for preparation, so I changed my mind. We will shoot in November!<br />
<br />
Then I checked a calendar! "Oops!" I thought as I stared at my busy month of birth.<br />
<br />
So it turns out, when trying to schedule, make sure you know what your plans are first.<br />
<br />
Ok, back to the drawing board and back to October. This was now pretty much the best time I had to film. So I dived in and signed up to Shooting People, Talent Circle, posted on Moviebar and a couple of other places.<br />
<br />
So we're off. Putting a crew together. So far, as if you couldn't work this out, responses have been disappointing. <br />
<br />
I got a few responses from Shooting People, from some interesting people, it's just they were mainly based in London, and that may be more of an inconvenience. Not just the expenses for train travel, but general time it takes to travel.<br />
<br />
From Talent Circle I had exactly 1 response.<br />
<br />
From MovieBar, nothing!<br />
<br />
From the other website that will remain unnamed, I got a rude comment back. Not sweary bum rude just a not very polite. So I'm not going back there.<br />
Plus, to make matters worse for myself, I have decided they are Mr. Potter to my George Bailey and I need to show that people don't have to go to Mr Potter to get films made.<br />
<br />
So, that's pretty much where I'm at. I start filming in 3 weeks tomorrow and I have some lights, a few helpers and a doll.<br />
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This film is going to be ace!<br />
<br />
This weekend I start casting. Let's hope there are more actors in Brighton than there are DPs.<br />
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Here's to independent film making!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, by the way, if and readers are members of Shooting People, can you vote for Jenny Ringo in the September Film of the Month. We'd like get into the final please.<br />
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<a href="https://shootingpeople.org/watch/111251/jenny-ringo-and-the-monkey-s-paw">https://shootingpeople.org/watch/111251/jenny-ringo-and-the-monkey-s-paw</a><br />
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Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-12137877489974572242012-08-14T22:05:00.001+01:002012-08-14T22:05:50.900+01:00Project 1 - Everyday JoeBefore I begin on the history of this project, I have a little music for you. A theme, that even before Everyday Joe was to become a film in any sense, was always the theme for Everyday Joe.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F56302534&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false&color=ff00d2" width="100%"></iframe>
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<br />
Everyday Joe takes me back to my time at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College.<br />
<br />
If I remember correctly, it specifically takes me back to the summer after Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College. To fill the time between College and University I decided to start working on a comic based on what I knew. Me!<br />
<br />
Anyway, looking back at these comics, the writing was pretty basic, as was the character design but I always thought there was something there, it was worth something more than a random little comic where I wrote about finishing college and moaning about life.<br />
<br />
So I wrote a feature!<br />
<br />
The feature was better, became more fictionalised but still incorporated my musings on life. Originally it took the shape of a portmanteau film in which Joe and his friends got together for a film fest with each new dvd being a complete short film which loosely tied in to one of the main characters story arcs.<br />
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I developed this a little more in subsequent drafts, and then, like all great projects, I shelved it.<br />
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Time moved on, I completed an Animation degree, then time continued to move on...and on...and on!<br />
<br />
Then a short film competition came about with Screen West Midlands and I had built up a whole load more stuff to moan about. So I took the characters and basic plot, whittled it down to a 20 minute script and submitted my entry.<br />
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Eventually I received my inspirational feedback from Screen West Midlands - <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"[Everyday Joe] was visually, stylistically and narratively a mess"</span></div>
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I'm happy to say that I was not defeated by this positive response. I continued to work on the short trying to get it made on my own, but with little interest in and around the Stoke area, I did what we all do with our greatest ideas. I shelved it.<br />
<br />
But it stayed with me.<br />
<br />
<br />
I knew it was awesome. I knew other like minded folk would also think it was awesome, just like the people from the film competition. In short I wouldn't let it lie.<br />
<br />
However I now find myself in Worthing via Brighton. There are no Stoke accents down here (apart from my own and Brothers Chris and Tim) and the heart of the film was it's Stoke setting.<br />
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I did consider making it as a Brighton film, but no. It's Stoke or nothing.<br />
<br />
So I shelved it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I had a crazy idea based on a short I made at University. We had a project based around sound for which I decided to create a old timey radio serial entitled Crime City.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gvbZCDuYN8Y" width="420"></iframe>
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<br />
So my amazing idea? I will animate a 20 minute film.<br />
<br />
<br />
I finalised the script and started designs for characters. I then secured my cast. To get the proper Stoke feeling meant getting proper Stoke voices. So I hopped on a train and called on my good friends Mat Kelly and Dave Johnson. Roping in my non-Stoke girlfriend Charlotte Cameron-Webb, we began our first recording of Everyday Joe.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aN_8SaPxRiU/UCqpsQHZYQI/AAAAAAAAAJw/howkTuA9XvA/s1600/grab04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aN_8SaPxRiU/UCqpsQHZYQI/AAAAAAAAAJw/howkTuA9XvA/s400/grab04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Now this went reasonably well. Sound quality was the best I could hope for with the equipment I was using but I was confident we we're heading in the right direction.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6R4DV9P0pWM/UCqpbOuap2I/AAAAAAAAAJg/6mVtX1sDzLc/s1600/grab02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6R4DV9P0pWM/UCqpbOuap2I/AAAAAAAAAJg/6mVtX1sDzLc/s400/grab02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had arranged to meet a second night...but alas the fates we're against me and the second recording never happened.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5otP6FUtn0/UCqpkUEN8qI/AAAAAAAAAJo/38aecY50TIY/s1600/grab03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5otP6FUtn0/UCqpkUEN8qI/AAAAAAAAAJo/38aecY50TIY/s400/grab03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
I spent the next few monthe working on the soundtrack and storyboarding. Along the way I did get sidetracked. Working on another <a href="http://youtu.be/T_m2DLAxdgE">ESting</a>, a music video for <a href="http://youtu.be/w8OFWsPXmgc">Flogging Molly</a>, helping out with Brother Chris on an awesome feature script, and also with the making of Jenny Ringo 2.<br />
<br />
I also started to get ideas for other films I wanted to work on (such as Project 2 in Project 30) so I decided to wise up. I was never going to get a full 20 animated film off the ground with all these distractions, especially with a Xbox staring me down each day.<br />
<br />
So I "temporarily" shelved the animation, but wanted, if only for the cast members, to finish the soundtrack, creating a Radio Play. As we only had the one night recording, with a few re-records when back in Worthing, there were a few issues with the sound quality. Also as it came from an animation script, there were a lot of visual gags that I had to sacrifice, as they simply wouldn't translate.<br />
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But enough from me. Without further ado, I present completed Project Number 1 from Project 30. I hope you enjoy, Everyday Joe!<br />
<br /><br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F56303029&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false&color=ff00d2" width="100%"></iframe>Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-11832179080662888352012-07-27T14:49:00.002+01:002012-07-27T14:49:35.508+01:00What the hell have you been doing?Hi,<br />
<br />
So yeah, what the hell have I been doing?<br />
<br />
I'll give you an updated<br />
<br />
Mass Effect 2 - not much. Should really at least get this finished by my birthday.<br />
<br />
Project 3: Bonkers adventure film set in Victorian England.<br />
<br />
I have completed exactly none of this. I've thought about it but haven't sat done to actually write anything. Which isn't entirely true as I did have some thing written earlier.<br />
<br />
Anyway, at this early stage this is the one that looks likely to be my downfall. Which means...<br />
<br />
<br />
Project 2: Complete my first, "professional" short film.<br />
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I do feel the need to clarify, that by "professional" I don't mean I'm being paid to make this film. I just mean that I'm not going up to Knypersley Lake with a camcorder and "mucking about with mates"<br />
<br />
This is coming along, slowly, but I'm getting there. I did get stuck looking for a doll. Thinking I needed a load, then I realised I'm making a film. Therefore I don't need fifty dolls, I need one, and a shit load of creative ways to shoot around this.<br />
<br />
Oops, spoilers. There's a doll in it.<br />
<br />
Anyway, trying to get effects stuff sorted to get the to test stage. Very long winded this process, especially when you're having to bui....<br />
<br />
I'm saying too much. In short lots to do, but we're getting there.<br />
<br />
So that leaves us with...<br />
<br />
<br />
Project 1: Complete the "Radio Play" Everyday Joe.<br />
<br />
This requires it's own post...<br />
<br />
...and I'll leave that to you to decide what that means.<br />
<br />
<br />
So everything's coming along. I've got loads of time left, it's not like it August?<br />
<br />
Right?<br />
<br />
HOLY CRAP IT'S AUGUST NEXT WEEK!!!!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-30011427125746448032012-07-10T09:44:00.001+01:002012-07-10T09:44:36.465+01:00I'm getting there...<br />
Just wanted to do a quick update whilst the system is down at work.<br />
<br /><br />
1. Everyday Joe - I managed to get things sorted editing the voice work only to come back to mix it properly and find that there are a number of holes. Back to re-editing, trying to mix as I go. It is nearly there, but I do keep falling out of favour with it. I never realised how moany it is. However, hopefully, with a proper mix and a few songs here and there it should be a pretty enjoyable listen.<br />
<br />
2. After rewriting the script, and then getting stuck looking at dolls (it is related, I'm not mental) I seem to be finally making some progress. The next stage I'm working on is to get the shot list sorted. This may seem too early, seeing as though I have no cast or crew, but it's the best way to get a layout of locations and which scenes need to be animated! (spoiler).<br />
<br />
3. I have done nothing for the bonkers adventure film set in Victorian England.<br />
<br />
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Regarding Mass Effect 2, I'm still plugging away but nothing too great to announce on that front. I'm not sure it's an improvement on the first game. Seems a hell of a lot more linear. "Recruit crew mate, get mission from crew mate, they become loyal...and repeat"<br />
<br />
I'm still enjoying it, just trying to find time to squeeze it in.<br />
<br />
Along with all the above, I've now been tasked to look after <a href="http://www.moviebar.co.uk/">MovieBar</a> whilst Brother Chris looks after his son, Nephew Eric. (Obviously Brother Chris won't refer to him as Nephew Eric as that would be ridiculous)<br />
For now, that's my update.<br />
<br />
Next time, I may be able to provide a few more details.<br />
<br />
Cheers!!Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670326484279218764.post-76157039578624912652012-06-10T20:39:00.001+01:002012-07-10T09:33:53.397+01:00Going out on my own...... although I actually think I'll have help from someone? Anyone? Maybe for a hour or so?<br />
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"What are you talking about?" you'll now be asking your good selves. I shall explain.<br />
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After helping out on two Jenny Ringo films with Brother Chris (and many other awesome folk) I decided to take a look at how my own list of projects had progressed.<br />
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I had a couple of treatments, a few half ideas, even more complete ideas, an unedited recorded voice over track, with bonus half finished storyboard and to finish off a handful of old scripts collecting dust.<br />
<br />
So I decided I need to actually get some of this stuff completed. Now I need a deadline, otherwise I'm not going to get anything finished. Well I know, I have a birthday at the end of November, and after then it's Christmas and nothing ever gets done until the following January. This will be my target.<br />
<br />
By my birthday I will complete every half finished project on my PC to start afresh in the new year...<br />
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Wait a minute, that is ridiculous. If I didn't have to waste the best part of each day at work, then maybe this task would be completed. Unfortunately I do no live in this idyllic Shangri La world. I must work. Phooey!<br />
<br />
Ok, so I'll finish as much as I can. Let's just pick a handful of projects and I'll get those completed.<br />
<br />
*atmospheric lightning strike* (and it;s cool as it's the Empire State Building)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/V3gRBeRpPJQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I declare that by my birthday in late November, marking my 30 years upon this here Earth, I will have completed the following:<br />
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1. Complete the "Radio Play" Everyday Joe.<br />
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2. Complete my first, "professional" short film.<br />
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3. Complete the super secret script for a bonkers adventure film set in Victorian England.<br />
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If I do not fully complete the above I at least hope to:<br />
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1a. Complete the "Radio Play" Everyday Joe. (It's nearly finsihed now so I'm cheating a bit)<br />
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2a. Complete the filming for my first, "professional" short film.<br />
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3a. Complete the treatment for a bonkers adventure film set in Victorian England.<br />
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<br />
<br />
If I do not pass the above checkpoints then I will give up, I guess.<br />
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Ok, so I'd better get started. I'll try to give a little more back story to the above choices as I go. I can't honestly say I will, and I'm bound to get grumpy along the way.<br />
<br />
I'll try to update.<br />
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As for now, I'm going to play Mass Effect 2.Pete Reganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02504372186797524744noreply@blogger.com0