My First Battle
Making "The Chronicles of Hernia: the Lion, the Ditch, and the Studio"
My first featurette is entitled "The Chronicles of Hernia: the Lion, the Ditch, and the Studio." Think "Bowfinger" meets "Spinal Tap." It is the story of a man who tries to go it alone despite all the willing help around him. He learns to accept and embrace the help that is offered. It is a metaphor for life.
Summary
The epic vision of the backsliding, eccentric DIRECTOR, clashes with the reality of his micro-budgeted film. Determined to achieve his goal of getting a 10-picture deal with the studio, the Director uses all of his power to deliver his epic by begging, borrowing and stealing scraps and odds and ends. He even uses his dog as a substitute for the film's Lion. Man-in-the-street reporter Hal is sent to stir up trouble by the evil genius, Mogulschwartz, who wants no competition from the competing, upstart studio. Hal's behind-the-scenes documentary follows the troubled and difficult Hernians as they become a party to the sabotage. Can the Hernians band together and save the picture? Let's hope so.
About Me
I moved to L.A. (from Ohio) in 1996 and took some odd jobs on "Independence Day," "The Associate" with Whoopi, and an Abel Ferrara music video, etc.
Then I started selling pro video and audio gear and dreaming of what I came here to do, writing, directing, acting—in that order. I also started a production contest (168project.com) that makes 70 shorts each year in 12 countries and 16 states.
If I had to pick a modern day hero, it would be Adam Sandler. He wears all of the hats and has a deal that guarantees him work (as long as he doesn't make too many bombs).
I never have believed in starting small. Biting off a big mouthful is a way of life for me. I am realistic, but I also like to challenge notions of what can and can't be done. I originally wanted to jump right into making a feature. I am glad I started with a (very ambitious) short first because of all I have learned.
As a first time writer/director, I learned more about relationships, hiring friends and recognizing problems before they happen than any film school experience could've taught me. And now I have a short that I own. |
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