New Videos, Trailers, and marvelous things for your eyes to behold.
Greetings friends and foes. Thought I would drop some knowledge on some interesting stuff I had ran across in the last little bit. For those who who had been asking, I got an e-mail from Mike Creason and he is recovering at home with his family. Thanks for the well wishes.
Earlier this week, I-Tunes released Jim Hensons 1966 Academy Award nominated short "Time Pieces". (A Year earlier than I thought for those friends whom i already sent this out to). I had always wanted to see this, but as far as I know it never had a home video release, and I was never able to track down a screening or bootleg copy. Turns out the Smithsonian is touring it at the moment. You can see it for free on youtube, or download it for 1.99 on itunes. Also look in the credits for Frank Oz being credited as Frank Oznowicz (who plays the messenger).
This hit me at the right time, as earlier in the day I saw the newest incarnation of the muppets on Disney's Studio DC with the Jonas Brothers and Miley mugging with Piggy & Kermit. While I have no problem with this, as the muppets have always been around the flavor of the month, they also worked with the classic actors and musicians. I see very little of this going on. When Disney finally got controll of the muppets, I was pleased as they started popping up again. Pizza Hut commercials, America's Got Talent, SNL, and The Wizard Of Oz special. Disney promised to keep them child like with the same adult themes. Kermit even said "damn" in the Wizard of Oz (though they cut the line for the dvd). The above short I think has a genious to it. Made just a few years before sesame street, you can see alot of the same type of film making in this that are prevalant in those first few seasons of that show. I-Tunes also released a telefilm called "The Cube" that Henson made for a television show called Experiments in Television. Its a strange little piece, if you get the itch. Henson was a true master.
A Collection of Trailers for upcoming releases that look interesting. Many of these could go either way, but I thought I would pass them on.
Appaloosa (Ed Harris Directs and stars in this Western)
Zack and Miri Make a Porno ( Directed by Kevin Smith) (Note, This is just a teaser and none of the footage is in the movie)
Burn After Reading (new Coen Brothers)
CHOKE (adapted from the book by Chuck Palahniuk who also wrote Fight Club)
The Wolf Man (Note: This is a crappy handy cam take from Comic-con. Nothing has been release official on the net yet)
Quantum Of Solace
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Star Wars Clone Wars (See It Next Week)
On a final note, I want to pass condolences to the Bernie Mac Family. The man was a comedy gold. I was so happy when he got his own show, and to see him getting parts in some of the huge blockbusters of the last few years. So sad to see him go.
Greetings friends and foes, Wanted to give some updates on going ons and such. Jessica has taken it upon herself to start adopting rabbits, which Marie loves. We have three in the backyard, and hopefully that will be the end of it. Oddly enough, the best name for a rabbit was given to a little boy who apparently had his last pet stolen for food...creepy. The new rabbits name is Dennis Hopper.
Roxie has learned to smile, which makes being a parent easier. That gum filled grin makes it easier to get through the day. I have taken a few turns home alone with the girls, and I gotta say its been a bit rough.
On to all kinds of big news and things you might like to see.
First off, I got a write up from Mallory Potosky in the new issue of Moviemaker magazine (which I told you about last time I know). It's issue 76 with Ben Stiller on the cover, and talks a bit about Fashionable - A Music Video For Quiet Company, and the Crossroads Film Festival. So pick up an issue, or at least cruise to page 108 next time your sitting at Borders or Barnes & Noble.
Quiet Company is also in competition for ACL fest again, so go over to myspace.com/quietcompany and help them out once a day be emailing a vote. In other Fashionable news, we received a recognition from the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, and a letter from the governor of Mississippi Haley Barbour.
I also got a great write up from Terry Britt, in my home town paper, The Van Zandt News. This interview was a blast, as Terry told me it would take about 15 minutes, and an hour and a half later we were talking shop about Eraserhead, Robocop, etc. It seems the good people back in Texas love some Alan Jackson. I heard from dozens of old friends I hadn't heard from in years, the week this came out. You can read the entire article at http://www.vanzandtnewspapers.com/news/126/ARTICLE/5664/2008-07-13.html
Speaking of Alan Jackson, The "Good Time" music video went to number one on GAC, and the single is currently number one on country radio. I've been stopped by tons of people here in Nashville, asking if I was the guy from the video. Good Time indeed. I have been considering working in more acting roles, so feel free to hit me up if you have any ideas.
Creature Feature is back in production. We shot two episodes on Sunday, one of which I wrote. I'll hold off on the movie titles, as that is up to Dr. Gangrene to announce. However you can cruise over to his page for updates. I will say, that everything turned out great, with some very funny stuff. Lots of great stuff going on in that camp, including a letter from Nashville Mayor Karl Dean (you think I was in politics with all the government attention I've been getting.) The show will back on the air here in Nashville in September, and it looks like we may go to a bigger schedule for next year.
Things are a bit quiet at New Valiant for good reason. Michael Creason, underwent a lengthy back surgery this week and is getting some much needed R&R. If you know Mike, feel free to pass on the good vibes, shout outs, and prayers his way. Get better soon buddy.
I got asked to toss out the ceremonial first pitch at a Nashville Sounds game earlier this week. I missed the plate, by a good bit but it was a blast just the same. I had gone out and bought a bucket of balls and had been tossing it around (as I haven't even played catch since college) in the backyard. I measured off 50 feet, as every time I had ever seen this done, they throw from the bottom of the mound. Seems the other person who tossed that day wanted to do it from the rubber (60 feet away). They also gave me this really nice baseball, but it had these weird grooves that seemed to make the ball do something strange. Either way I sucked it up pretty good, though the catcher played it off nice. Odd story, was I was trying to get something set up with the Sounds for the "Go Green With Dr. Gangrene" campaign when I got this call. So we're fast tracking that, and you should see the good Doctor, and Nurse Moan-Eek taking the mound sometime in August.
As for things I've been watching, listening, etc.
Ok first things first. Yes. I have seen 'The Dark Knight" and yes it was awesome. I know none of the principle cast or crew has signed on to do another just yet, and If I were them I'd just leave it alone. The critics and fanboys will never let "The Joker" go, and I doubt you could recast it. It seems everyone already wants to get into the next formula, of "What actor can we stuff into what costume". Just seems doomed, but if they do make it, I'll watch it. In other news from that night, the new Terminator movie looks awesome.
Marie & took in both Wall-E, and Kung Fu Panda (which I thought I covered last time, but apparently not). Wall-E was a good movie with tons of heart. I was a bit freaked out to see a live action Fred Willard though. Pixar has been pretty solid, even though "Cars" has left me a bit unmoved. Kung Fu Panda was great. It's one of the best action movies I had seen in a while. The opening sequence alone was worth the ticket price.
I really want to see Hellboy 2 and The X-Files movie, but have not at this point.
On dvd, I revisited Ghostbusters and Nosferatu (1921). I also got a chance to see two movies I missed out on in their theatrical run. George A. Romero's "Diary of The Dead", and "Be Kind Rewind". I enjoyed both, with reservations.
First off, I usually am not a big fan of movies about making movies. Its only be done right a few times (I'm looking at you Sullivans Travels & 8½). But Romero did a nice job with this one. I kind of hated the girlfriend yelling at the guy for shooting the movie, and for the guy who didn't put the camera down. It makes a bit of sense, as like Romero nothing was going to stop him from making his movie.
"Be Kind Rewind" was something I really wanted to see when it came out, but Jessica vetoed one night for reasons that are lost on me. I have a special place in my heart for mom & pop video stores, and this was right up my alley. I was able to get past them still renting vhs tapes, and the ridiculous way the tapes get destroyed. The movie works on the heartstrings I have for DIY mentality. And the remakes are classic. I kind of hate the dvd though. All of the sweded movies/trailers that appeared on youtube months back are missing, and the behind the scenes stuff that is their shows a set with a renovated video store (meaning some additional scenes were shot). This could mean a few things...Either the full vision was nixed for a quick ending, or they plan to sucker everyone for a new dvd months down the road. I worry that poor sales of the current disc may keep us from seeing that one.
As far as tunes go...
The new Lonely Hearts, is good stuff. It's called "Born In The Dark" Grab it off Itunes, cd baby, or ask for it in fine record stores locally. This sounds like those guys, and while I have no beef with their previous efforts, this feels real to me. Check them out at myspace.com/thelonelyhearts
Weezer Red is pretty good, but I'm way biased. I was passing the video around, but if you haven't seen it check it out.
I've also been a bit smitten with Julia Nunes. She pretty much put some songs up on youtube, and went viral. She does some covers and some great originals. Mostly Uke music. She is touring with Ben Folds, so go check her out on those dates.
Also the new Black Keys, Beck, & Nas is worth a spin.
I look forward to hearing from you all, and hope that your all well. I'll miss you all until next time.
Greetings Friends and Foes, Hope you missed me. Just wanted to lay down an update on my going-on's and so forth.
First and foremost for those who don't read Jessica's blog, I pass on sad news that her grandfather has passed away not long ago. I had met him only on occasion, though I understand what a grandfather, and a father mean to a family, we are all saddened by this.
Due to funeral arrangements Jessica & I were not able to celebrate our fifth wedding annivesary together. She jetted off to New York with Roxie, while Marie and I held down the fort at home. While Roxie was being introduced to family, Marie and I stayed up way to late and practiced bad eating habits. We spent Anniversary day at the movie theater taking in "Kung Fu Panda" which I was overly impressed with. Great action scenes, and funny to boot. The good thing about being married 5 years, is that we aren't so much hung up on dates, as much as on what we have built in that time. We have established a family, and grown our love. This is our foundation. I love you Jessica.
A short time before this we were all in Texas to celebrate my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary (wowzers). I was able to meet my newest nephew who is Roxie's younger cousin by a few hours, and spend some much needed time with my parents and sisters. I saw a few old friends, and took in a Rangers game while home. I love our Nashville Sounds, but nothing beats your home team. We have taken in a few sounds games, and let me say that Thirsty Thursday was ridiculous.
On another note, looks like I'll be in New York City for my birthday this year, and we have tickets for Yankees vs Red Sox that week. I've never been to Yankee Stadium (which is getting razed at the end of the season) so I am excited, and hopefully by that time Yankees vs Red Sox will be worth the storied rivalry that is always talked about.
Let me say wholeheartedly that I hate the Boston Red Sox. When I see people I don't know wearing Red Sox caps, I think less of them. I had passed a few words on to my good friend Paul Bellos just a few days back. The only things parents should teach their children to hate are Satan and the Red Sox. And I would still love my child if they were a satanist. All that said, their are no great heroes without great villains, and Ted Williams gets a pass as the first Rangers skipper. I think my loyalty stems back to when I was a child, and I met the great Joe Dimaggio and Mickey Mantle. They were larger than life, even in their twilight years. We're also going to see the Mets at Shea while we are in town. Needless to say should be a pretty good baseball year for a guy who lives in a town where no MLB resides.
In other outragous evenings, I had a blast haning with Josiah and Will Holland earlier this month at the birthday bash. Hope to see you guys soon.
I've been able to take in quiet a few movies, (or at least more than I have had during Roxie's first month of life). I watched "Hostel" and "Cabin Fever", which up to this point I had just kind of skipped due to laziness. I like Eli Roth in interviews, and I gotta say that I really enjoyed Hostel. Cabin Fever had some great scenes, but I had some hang ups with it, that I would be willing to discuss with anyone in person (including Eli) but don't want to get into here on the web.
Across 110th Street is my favorite movie right now. While, I had seen clips and read great things I had never just sat and watched this. Its the real deal. Watch it.
I saw the documentary "Just For Kicks" which I pretty much loved. I love sneakers, and while I have always been a blue jeans kind of guy, this is the only thing I get great joy in when people ask where I get my sneakers. Check it out.
Now onto some Indiana Jones stories. I feel like the great defender of Crystal Skull. I keep hearing words from people about it being unbelievable, and over the top, it to which my reply is always "more unbelievable than a living person seeing there heart beat outside their chest, or a knight of the round table living for hundreds of years" My thoughts are simply that these eyes have aged as much as Harrison Ford, and I'm not going to look to Indiana Jones to change the face of modern action flicks again. I think its better than Last Crusade, but what do I know, my favorite is Temple of Doom.
But as excited as I was to see Crystal Skull, I was even more so excited to finally see Raiders of The Lost Ark: The Adaptation. I had blogged the first ten minutes a while back in one of my video post, and while at Crossroads had a chance to talk at length with Chris Strompolos (who produced it and plays Indy). It was amazing! More than I ever thought it could be. Again, I had shared thoughts in earlier blogs about the desire to see this, and now that I have all is right in the world. If it comes to your city get out and see it. Eric Zala did a Q&A after the film, and I briefly spoke with him afterwards. I know Chris and Eric have some upcoming projects, so please support them where you can.
Other than that I've been revisiting The Twilight Zone, and watched the extended "Planet Terror" for dvd. Check that one out. I watched a movie called Wesley Cash, that was pretty painful, leave it in the bargain bin. Also of note, get in the camp of Zack and Miri Make A Porno, as I got a feeling its going to be hilarious. Kevin Smith with Seth Rogen...c'mon...box office gold.
I had posted some video in a previous blog about the Dr. Gangrene shorts I directed. One of them took close to 60,000 hits on myspace and was the top video for about a week. It's on my page if you haven't seen it, and care to. I'll be directing a few new episodes of Creature Feature next month that should air later this year. The Alan Jackson video for "Good Time" I appeared in is up and running in heavy rotation on both GAC, and CMT. You can also find that on youtube by searching. It played out pretty well for me I suppose. I recently did an interview with Movie Maker magazine, about Fashionable playing at Crossroads, and I believe it will be in next months issue. I actually got a letter from Senator Lamar Alexander today congratulating me on the success we had with it. You should be able to get it In most book stores and large grocery stores. My home town paper is also doing a story, so for those of you back home check it out. More than a few projects are at the ready, but I can't give details on right now. Just keep your eyes tuned to this blog and over at new valiant for updates.
Hope I hear about this. (even from Red Sox Nation) Feel free to light up my phone, and send me e-mail as I would love to catch up with most all of you.
Hey everyone. Just wanted to let everyone in on the new stuff I have been working on over at New Valiant. I wrote the ones that are in B&W and directed all three. Just wanted to thank everyone involved and share them with the world. There is a press release about the campaign over at the new valiant myspace in the blogs. I suggest you friend request it and subscribe to the blog. Let me know your thoughts.
Having A "Good Time" a.k.a. Cameron chases that Neon Rainbow With Alan Jackson
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
Greetings friends and foes, A fine bunch of days in the McCasland household, as we all settle in. Been sleeping less but otherwise baby Roxie and Marie are growing up just right the last few weeks.
Spent the last few days working on an Alan Jackson music video for the single "Good Time" off the album of the same name. I got a call last week from one of the producers, who I had met last year on the video shoot for the Roys "Working Girl Blues" track. I pretty much got hired because of this beard. Red Headed Revolution indeed.
I went down for the audtion on Thursday and got the part same day. The only stipulation was I had to learn to line dance by Monday. So I spent a good part of Saturday down at the Wild Horse Saloon learning the new dance they created for the song. Since then, I bet I have danced ten miles if I danced a step. The instructor worked with me to get it all down. My cha-cha's were a bit out of step. I consider myself a fairly good dancer, but line dancing throws me for a bit of a loop. Just doesn't want make me Jump Back and Make Me Want To Kiss Myself if you know what I mean. Needless to say I picked it up well enough that with some masterful editing I should Boot Scoot just fine.
They shot Monday out on the yet to be completed I-840 A little over 120 dancers lined up a quarter mile down the road with Alan Jackson and the band center stage trying to break the world record for longest line dance. Trey Fanjoy directed the video and I was excited to work for her. She recently won the CMT Video Of The Year Award for Taylor Swift's "Our Song" as well as being nominated for Video Director of the year. Needless to say the gal has street cred in Nashville. She also seemed to like the beard. I talked to her a bit about getting into directing myself. When I told her I had directed some music videos she simply replied "I've directed a few myself" with a smile, which was very sweet.
It was a long first day, they were using Film, and had quiet a few helicopter shots. It was one of the biggest music videos I have ever seemed filmed. Production trucks and buses all over. Everyone seemed happy for the most part, and the crew was keeping everyone in good spirits on a warm, but rather nice day. I bathed in sunscreen, and had only a little redness at the end of the day. It's the first time I have really gotten to be outside and work since last year, and it was nice to breathe the air and feel the sun on my face.
I got to talk with Alan Jackson for a bit between takes, and the first thing he said to me was "Man I Like That Beard". He seems like an upstanding guy, and took the time to pose for photos and such for some of the fan club members who had come out for the shoot. He had his Thunderbird out, and even though I have been known to call it cliche' to see such automobiles in country music videos, I could see why you would want to show it off. I got the Martini shot that day, as they rolled out the last of the film for me specifically. It was nice, but I felt a bit out of step between the proffesional dancers and coyote ugly gals. It was a good day.
I drove home a bit blinded by the sunscreen sweat in my eyes from a 10 hour day of dancing and came home to play Mr. Potato Head with My Marie. Nothing sweeter than being missed by your children. I was flat spent, but we made time for some Spud sculpting.
On Tuesday I had a later call time, and since they were running late didn't end up getting any work done until after lunch. No worries though, as I got to hang out with some lovely people at the farmers market here in downtown Nashville and swap stories and such. Looks like I may get a bit more work in a Bio pic they are doing about Billy Graham. Which would be nice, as thats the kind of movie my grandparents would see. I had some bad Chinese food, and headed over to the Gateway Bridge.
For those of you not familiar with downtown Nashville, The Gateway Bridge is the super long Arched steel bridge that connects East Nashville to Downtown. It runs over the Cumberland River and is not to be confused with the not to far away Shelby street walking bridge. Its basically the main entrance to Nashville coming from North of town. They shut down 3 lanes of traffic for us and shot us against the backdrop of the Nashville Skyline and Titans LP field. It felt a bit dangerous even though there were cops and orange cones all around. Only one driver got confused and went beyond the cones. The cop was pissed to say the least. We did our dance between them stopping traffic. It was a sight to be seen. We did the laundry mat shoot, which I got held out of, because apparently they had shot me alot the last few days and wanted to use me in the bowling alley scene. So thats where I ended my day, dancing my heart out on the lanes. Trey Fanjoy told me there was no way she could even use me the next day as she had so much footage of me, which worked out nice since I had only planned working two day anyways. I said my goodbyes, got that ever enjoyable paycheck and got on down the road.
I expect the video will pop up on CMT, GAC, etc. in a few weeks. They were also shooting behind the scenes stuff for Alan Jackson's website, and some making of documentary. I'll try and keep you posted when it shows. So until then I hope you all had a "Good Time".
Cameron McCasland Is A Father Of Two or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb
Category: Life
Greetings friends and foes. Sorry for not answering my phone the last few days, I'm sure you all understand. My daughter was born on Tuesday, and its been a bit of whirlwind around here. The basic rundown for those who just want numbers are this. 5.15 pounds, 20 inches long, dark hair, and other than that a ringer for her father (her beard hasn't grown in yet). I named her Roxie Cameron McCasland, and your all going to love her.
Here are the exploits of myself the hours before and after she was born.
Monday I left my day job trading records, to work at the CMT music awards at the Curb Center down at Belmont. A good friend, whom I never get to see happened to be in town and hooked it up for me. By the time I got there I had already worked a full day, but knowing that babies tend to cost money, I was down for making some extra cash. Most of the country music I enjoy is sung by cowboys that have already rode off into the sunset of life, so not to much to geek out over, except Snoop Dogg and Nicole Kidman. Snoop was plugging his new record, and I knew when I heard the "My Medicine" track on his album that it could be a country hit if they released it to radio. I'm hoping that this was an in road to that. Nicole Kidman was lovely, and I had no clue she was pregnant, as I don't daily read TMZ and watch E! like Jessica does. She gets top notch points for working with Kubrick, however I don't think it would be appropriate to ask her about the Harvey Keitel incident. (If you have no clue what I'm talking about, then google is a friend.)
The only person who I didn't see that I later found out was hanging around was Robert Plant. God bless his Lord of the rings quoting ass.
I worked well into the evening and apparently my car picked up a nail, as at 1 a.m. I was in a parking garage with no spare. Jessica came to pick me up, but the donut she had was also flat with a nail in it. I opted to leave it in the garage until morning. By the time I got home and in bed it was getting close to 3 a.m. on the clock.
At ten til 5 a.m. Jessica informed me that her water had just broke. My reply was a simple "Your kidding me." I pulled my aching soul out of bed, and cleaned up. Marie, who had come out with Jesci the night before simply wasn't having it. We all put on wrinkled clothes and got in the car. I honestly don't recall the drive to the hospital. Jessica was in good spirits, as the last few weeks had been hard, and she finally saw the end in sight. We arrived and got Jessica settled in. They told us it would be a while. Marie's day school doesn't open until 7 a.m., so we stayed in the waiting room until Jessica got into the actual room. I watched 3 episodes of "Good Morning Miss Bliss" before they finally got her in the room. By that time, I was dead to the world. I did a few laps around the place with Marie (who was now wide awake), and ate a big breakfast of eggs, bacon, and biscuits and gravy from the cafeteria before Bma picked her up for school. At this point I made my way to the dad sofa/bed mat thing and crashed, only saying to breathe when I drifted back into conscienceless. Jessica soon got her pain medicine and we both took a much needed nap.
The Dr. came in, and poked fun seeing as how all of our parents who had came to town a week before weren't here this time out. He let us know it would be a few hours, and Jessica sent me off into the bank and to fix the flat donut, so I could later get the tire fixed up. I was hoping it had not been towed.
When I got back to the hospital, Jessica was sleeping so I grabbed some lunch at the cafeteria again. This time was chicken and a hot dog. It didn't sit well, but It may just have been nerves. We watched the pope arrive, and I cant decide who had the better entourage, Him or Snoop Dogg. Snoop has the guy with the goblet, but the pope has "THE GOBLET". It wasn't to long after that the nurses came in and started the "pushing".
The Dr. got his gear on, and things went nice and smooth. I'll save the gory details, as I am not of the camp that holds these types of things in the beauty realm. Its amazing, but it's a bloody smelly mess all around. I did cut the cord, and wasn't nearly as nervous this time as when we did this with Marie. It was such a different feeling. When Marie was born I had this moment of clarity, that this was what I had been placed on the planet to do. With Roxie, I already knew what was expected of me as a father, so it was a bit easier. It wasn't that instant fall in love feeling, as I loved her the moment Jessica told me she was pregnant months before.
She was precious, though I will concede she had those gooey Gremlin eyes for a bit. I sent out a photo to family and friends (sorry if I missed you). And my mother was quick to comment on what I already knew, that she looked just like me. Its weird. While Marie has my nose, she looks like her mother. Roxie looked like the photos of myself from when I was born. This is a strange feeling, even though I understand Gregor Mendel's studies whole heartedly. Lets just say this is a long way from Pea Pods. She does have the same feet as Marie and her mother however.
We kept her in the room with us for a few hours after she was born. Marie came to see her, and wasn't nearly as stunned as I thought she would be. She just wanted to hold her all the time, and was concerned if anyone other than Jessica of myself were tending to her. I made them bring me the alarm that shuts the hospital down if she is moved without are notice. After she was secured, I escorted her back to the nursery and let them show me all of the ins and outs of the nursery. Call me paranoid, but I sleep better knowing where everything is.
I got Jessica into her new room and kissed everyone goodbye. We decided it best if I slept in our bed at home and got a fresh start early the next day. Jessica was well cared for at the hospital, and I can get pretty useless without sleep. I came home with some Jack In the box food and an Ice Cream Sundae. I took a long hot bath, and did some laundry before taking in a minor bit of tv.
April 15th is not only tax day, but was also 61 years since the day Jackie Robinson played his first game for the Dodgers. Several players (including every player on my Rangers) were allowed to wear number 42 which is retired throughout all baseball from Little to Major leagues. It's a nice gesture to see. While most people would question bringing another child into the world during these harsh times, I see this as a prime example of being able to raise a child in a time where people are treated more fairly by their abilities and personal character as opposed to the color of their skin. That a wonderful thing. "Yeah boy, yes, yes. Jackie hit that ball."
The day was far from over as not long before eleven my younger sister Jillian (who was also pregnant) sent a text message that they were about to take her in for C-Section. My mother called not 20 second after I got it, and I could hear the concern in her voice. Jillian was in a bad way, and they had to get the baby out. Mom couldn't get a flight until morning. At 12:04 a.m. Eastern time little Boston Noah was born. Roxie was the youngest grandchild for a mere 5 hours. If not for time zones, or the doctor stopping for coffee they would have been born the same day. Though a bit premature, he seemingly is in perfect shape, weighing in the same as Roxie at 5.15 and only an inch shorter. Jillian was in good spirits, and all was well in the world again.
I slept.
Not sure if it was the alarm or the phone ringing that finally woke me a bit after 8 a.m. I grabbed Jessica's phone charger (as her cel was dead), and headed for Belmont to see if my car had made it through a few nights with an expired parking pass from CMT. I made my way down the parking garage to see everything was safe and sound. I dug out the lug wrench only to realize I didn't have a jack. I called the good people at the motor club, and they made it out lickety split. Turns out the donut I had also didn't fit the car...sheesh. He aired the flat, and found the screw. I bolted for the same place that fixed the flat the day before on the spare. I got there before the tire went down again, and got it up and running with no problems. Bad news was, when I left Jessicas car in the same garage I had forgotten to get the phone charger. SO I Drove back again to retrieve it and then headed to the hospital.
I spent the day with Jessica and Roxie, and Marie came in again to visit. I listened to the pope again, and he had some good words in between the Wolf Blitzer commentary and the stock market numbers running under the screen. The pope rode in on the popemobile and put on the hat...at that point, all I could think was "Eat your heart out Snoop." I left Jessicas car at the hospital and had some friends who had come to visit drop me off yet again at the parking garage to get my car. I came home and tried to prep some things for her arrival at home the following day. I went to sleep around 2 a.m.
I got up and went to the hospital early. I wanted to see Roxie before heading into work, and she needed a car seat to come home in any ways. Jessica opted to drive herself home, as I didn't want to miss anymore work than I had to. I put in my day and picked Marie up from school. We all came home tonight for the first time as a family. Marie seems bigger than she did a few days ago, and I feel much more accomplished.
It's always been my belief that children are the greatest thing a man can do. You ensure your legacy and a certain amount of posterity when you have children. I am blessed.
Crossroads Film Festival 2008 report - Short news is Fashionabel won, more details inside.
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
Greetings friends and foes, I made it home from Jackson, and even got to bring an award home with me. Here is a basic rundown of the events leading up to the fest, and the following aftermath.
I had big plans on Thursday to get some things in order at home and rest up for the trip that was starting early Friday morning. I went to the record store, to punch my time, and were greeted by Preston and Earl, and shortly after by Scott who wished me well on my trip. Not long after, Jessica calls in baby mode, and I was off to the hospital again. We spent most of the day listening to the baby on monitors and waiting for some answers. They finally told us to take a few laps around the hospital before they would check her again. I had the cafeteria Hamburger, and went to look at the new babies. Jessica was in some major pain, and needless to say I was second guessing myself for even considering making the trip down. Jessica was insistent that I not miss it, and I had a cheering crowd from her mother as well. They sent us home after about 9 hours, in which case I tried to do a few things around the house and get my self packed.
I called Mike to tell him that we were leaving at 3:00 a.m. no matter what. Again, my stomach just hurt from nerves about my home situation. I lied down to get some sleep and woke around midnight to find Jessica missing. She had snuck back to the hospital because she didn’t want me driving with no sleep. They sent her home yet again, insisting that she try and wait. I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I tried my best to prepare for the trip and tuck a few more things away at the house before family starts arriving when I get home.
We hit the road right on time, as the drizzle drowned out the city lights from the highway. By the time we got to Alabama it was coming in sideways and right into the windshield. Mike and I caught up and went over various ideas for the projects we have coming this month and next. We all but missed the sunrise for the clouds. Alabama seemingly is wall to wall trees as the highway goes. Its like driving in a long hallway most of the time. We made our first stop at the giant Rocket Ship right over the state line. it seems that the cafeteria hamburger was giving my stomach fits. Mike called it nerves.
We made Jackson after about 7 hours with little to no problems, the last hour we were both wiped out, as Mike had missed most of his rest the night before as well. We made a stop about a few hours before to grab coffee and an oatmeal raisin cookie for breakfast. The cookie was good, but the coffee was better suited for a gas tank than my stomach.
We pulled up to the Edison Walthall Hotel in downtown Jackson a little after 10 a.m. We parked the car, and did a tour or the lobby. The place was charming, with that old hotel smell and pine phone booths, and baby grand piano in the lobby. Checked into the hotel and went to our rooms on the fifth floor. it was pool side, as it seems they had put most of the film makers around the pool in hopes of some comradery. We unpacked fairly quickly as we had to be in the lobby to catch a ride for a radio interview to take place at noon.
Anna Kline met us in the lobby, and greeted us warmly. She had been my godsend on working out our arrangements with the festival and sending me numerous e-mails. They fest took very good care of us before and during, and she defiantly did more than her fair share of the leg work. Anna drove us over to the radio station along with Benedict Campbell. Benedict’s film Lloyd Neck was going to be screening with ours the following day, so it was nice to meet him early on. I also noticed a Whataburger on the way over, and made a point to let everyone know my love for the place, and heartache for not having them in Nashville.
We found are way into the WLEZ 103.7 studios just in time for a producer to give us a basic rundown of the Radio JFP show. The host was running a bit late and there were several people in the studio shaking hands and taking pictures. We were rushed into the studio and sat at a table for a discussion. It wasn’t until we were on the air, and all introduced that I realized that sitting across from me was Orian Williams, one of the producers of ’CONTROL’ which for those unknowing is the movie about Joy Division.
Control Trailer
Oddly enough I had conversations just a few days before about this film with Preston. I hadn’t even realized it was playing, and now I’m forcing myself not to gush on the radio. Oddly enough Orian and I had a good discussion on the air about both coming from Texas, and attending separate Baptist Universities until deciding that wasn’t the road we needed to be on. So we did the show, and I did my best to plug Quiet Company, as well as the screening of our films and the others in the booth with us. They shuffled us out just as quickly as we had went in prepping some live music from a band playing at one of the after parties that week.
When we got outside, the rain we had left at the Alabama/Tennessee border had made its way to Jackson. We made it back to the hotel just in time before all hell really broke loose. Mike and I made our way over to a local B-B-Q across the street from the hotel for a quick lunch before catching a nap. While in the restaurant, we heard the weather report, that city had been struck by storms and half the power in the town was out, (including the movie theater). We headed back to our room exhausted from the drive down and lack of sleep and took the so called "power nap".
We headed for the 4:30 film makers meet & greet at Schimmel’s and did the rounds meeting and greeting. I finally met Herman if only briefly to thank him for tracking down our entry before the fest and putting us in the festival. I was introduced to a number of people at this party, who I would later hang out with but my geek radar hit the red bar when I noticed Chris Strompolos was in the room. For those of you who have yet to hear my rants on how bad, I want to see" Raiders Of The Lost Ark: The Adaptation", or have yet to do any research for yourself, here is a quick breakdown. A few kids way back in the way back decided to remake "Raiders Of The Lost Ark". Unlike most kids who spend one or a few Saturday afternoons trying to recreate a movie these guys pulled it off. after about six years of begging, borrowing, and stealing.
First 10 Minutes of Raider Adaptation (you won’t find anymore online)
I made my way over and introduced myself. We talked about the movie, as well as the festival and you can still see the love he has for "Raiders". He complimented my beard, and said mentioned my somewhat doppelganger of his good friend Harry Knowles, which I take as a compliment, as Harry is another one of those guys who I consider Red Headed Revolution, in the sense that not nearly enough of us red haired wonders are getting the cred we deserve. I mentioned bringing it to Nashville, as I had already been sending e-mails to the Belcourt about getting it before the new Indy movie hits later this year. I also told him I thought the Circle down in Tulsa would be a good fit, and come to find out his sister had just moved that way so he was anxious to get it there. Also, it turns out that it was on schedule for the Belcourt later in the year. Seems my e-mails had not gone unnoticed, just unanswered. He sent me best wishes on the music video, and told me he would do his best to make it, though his seminar was going to be running into our showing. We made our way back to the hotel, after a pit stop at a drug store to grab a toothbrush, and some junk food. Then off to the theater.
I had decided back at the radio station to see "CONTROL", though I was a little bummed that I had to miss "What Would Jesus Buy" which was playing the opposite screen. I had seen the trailer, and Reverend Billy and the Church Of Stop Shopping looked like a good time. But nothing was going to keep me from "Control" The movie was amazing! The black & white felt like looking at all those pictures in old magazines, and the music is a major part of the story. I broke the movie rules, and took some still shots on my camera phone and sent them to Preston to rub salt in the wound (in a good way). Afterwards I stuck around for Orian’s Q&A and made a point to tell him how much I loved it after everyone was filing out. I hate that I didn’t get to sit and talk with him more over the weekend, as I’m sure we have some interesting stories to tell each other from Texas and beyond.
We opted to skip Teary Sockets in lieu of the Early party and a good nights sleep. Our driver hit us up in the lobby and told us he had a few other people waiting outside in the van. I open the passenger side door, and to my amazement their sits The Good Reverend Billy, and one of his followers in the bench seat behind me. Mike crawls in behind them, and no sooner than I shake hands and introduce myself, his follower, lunges over the front seat and flips on the gospel radio station, cranks it up, and has a Hallelujah moment. For the 15 minute ride back to the hotel, I got to hear of the evils of Clear Channel and his dislike of commercial gospel music. Eat your heart out Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, these guys were on the whole time.
What Would Jesus Buy Trailer
We hit the after party, and hooked up with Richard Heller, who directed the Short "Solus" Richard and I played pool against some of the locals who had been displaced from their bar due to power outages and won two games. Though the first on a scratch ball from the other guys. I sank the 8 in the final game, and Richard bought me a beer for it. By this time, the B-B-Q was back in my throat from earlier in the day. We got a new driver from the bar, named Jill who would proceed to show us the best time for the rest of the weekend. We hit the hotel sometime before 1 a.m. and I fell out like a rock. I only woke to the freezing cold, as the thermostat in our room seemed to only blow cold air. We slept in.
Mike had been up a while when I finally woke. I raided the donuts that we had picked up along with a toothbrush the night before. I sat in the bed reading the paper, and trying to decide what to say for the day. By the time I got up and through the showers Mike had already got Jill on the phone, to pick us up and take us to the theater. He said we were going to Cracker Barrel beforehand. When we got down to the lobby she mentioned that she had said Taco Bell, not Cracker Barrel. Though soon after the general consensus was decided on Whataburger after yet another Cameron McCasland speech on the joys of the Orange Bag.
On the way down to the lobby I met Michael Tedford. He was off somewhere else in his mind when I introduced myself on the elevator. Everyone else seemed to notice, and both Alex Harder and Jody Lambert gave him hell for not shaking my hand at that moment. It was defiantly not a snub, and I decided right there that I was going to make this guy the best friend I made at the festival, just so we could have that great story of how we met and he was an asshole. Jill drove Michael, Alex, Jody, Mike, & myself to the Whataburger at break neck speed and bought us all lunch in the drive thru, as we had piled out of the van only to find an entire sports team ahead of us in line. We all split up at the theater, as they went to see the shorts block, and we headed for "Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story" I hated to miss so many other film makers movies in the shorts block, but William Castle has been a hero of mine for a few years. I had seen several of his movies when I was a child, but It was Larry Underwood who romanticized him for me a few years back doing specials on Chiller Cinema.
Spine Tingler! Trailer
The movie was everything I expected, giving a breakdown of all of his major films, and describing the gimmicks used to get people in the seats. It was a good watch for myself personally. The short that preceded it was called "Absolute Zero" and was made in Australia. It used what seemingly was archive footage, as well as a recreation of events chronicling the death of a man due to hypothermia while locked in a 78 degree train car. Apparently his mind told him he was freezing and his body reacted accordingly. It confused me in a few spots, but the overall story was a good one, and the execution of the stock footage was perfect.
Grabbed some popcorn and a big Coke for the next shorts block "everyone has and ending". It was dedicated to short films about death and dying, and peoples reactions to that. Rather than rundown every single film, I’ll mention two that grabbed me. The first film "Before And After Kissing Maria (Antes Y Despues De Besar A Maria)" follows a young boys best of intentions on his first kiss. Powerful and bold to say the least. There are versions on youtube (but no subs). The other was "Aquarium" which was a slick colorful story of a out of place kid who killed his own dog, and his hobby of collecting fish. I believe it played Sundance earlier in the year, and should become a feature along the lines of "Juno" and "Napoleon Dynamite".
I ducked out a bit early to get my head on straight before Fashionable screened. I sent Jessica a text to tell her I loved her, and did a lap around the theater. Our turnout was really good, and would have been better if the other screen had been running on time. I was a bit frightened when the video started, as the volume was so loud that it made the band sound to crunchy. They quickly corrected this, and it seemingly played well. After the other films screened, including Jody Lambert’s "Of All The Things" (which was my personal favorite of the fest). We did a short Q&A, and I did my best to spread the good news of Quiet Company to the masses. Chris Strompolos seemingly did make a point to get over and see it, and had some kind words for me after the screening.
Afterwards I called Taylor to let him know how it went, and finally got Jessica on the phone. I had big plans to see "I’m Not There". but the entire screening was running behind so we skipped out to dinner with Jill and Michael Tedford at a Greek place. Best food I had all weekend by far, and for the life of me I didn’t catch the name on the door. We freshened up at the hotel, and met Michael again for the awards ceremony and had some margarita. I waived Jody over to sit with us and talked to him about his film. It’s playing Nashville Film Festival in a few weeks, and we’re going to hook up for some more adventures.
Herman Snell took the stage, and Fashionable received the first award of the night for "Best Music Video". I accepted the award, and retreated back to the table, and soon after outside to call Jessica, and then Taylor. I shook a lot of hands, and had way to many kind words given to me. We went to a party at an art house, and a dog bit me. Not going to get into that to much, but needless to say the dog was about to get taken out. We got blocked in by some party crasher, who hit a pole on private property, and was wondering who was going to pay for it. He shouldn’t have been driving. We partied until about 4 a.m. and finally went to bed.
Bad news is we overslept, and on top of that had been misinformed about the film makers brunch, which started an hour and a half before we thought. We packed up quickly and cleaned up. I did take time to call my mother, to let my parents know of my evening of glory We headed down and said some of our goodbyes. We headed to the theater for the final time to see Richard’s film "Solus". It was a good send off, and one of the better short films I saw that weekend. He had played it way down for us, but I really liked it. We got back on the road. It’s good to be heading back to your hometown a victor. Mike and I did more catching up, and finally exhausted ourselves by the time we had arrived back in Nashville by way of Memphis this time.
Marie greeted me at the door with a big smile and a kiss. Jessica stayed put, and my wonderful mother in law gave me a congrats and a hug. I sent the award home with Mike to show off, and hit the sack after catching up on my baseball scores. The best part was finding that I left my carry bag in the truck and didn’t have my car or work keys the next morning. After checking mail, I found that the video had been accepted into the Fearless Film Festival In Fort Worth, TX and well as the Appy Film Fest In West Virginia. All in all good news all around.
Going Down To Jackson, MS For The Crossroads Film Fest.
Current mood: working
Greetings friends. Well the video for Fashionable got accepted to Crossroads Film Festival, and i’m heading down this weekend to enjoy the festivities, and meet some new friends of flesh & bone sort. If you have yet to add my company New Valiant to your friend list, you can do so by going to myspace.com/newvaliant (or its in my top friends). Hit it up with a friend request and subscribe to the blog to keep up with what I’m working on these days. I really do appreciate all of you who have passed the video on through the web.
Wish me luck, and pray that Jessica Holds this baby in until I get home.
Quiet Company News & Things True Friends Of Cameron Should Read.
Greetings, friends and foes. Just wanted to share a few things with you. The Video for Fashionable was accepted into Crossroads Film Festival down in Jackson, MS. We’re all very excited about it. you can check them out at myspace.com/crossroadsfilmsociety
We started a page for New Valiant sometime back but just recently started posting some info. We added the Quiet Company Video and got over 200 plays in the first hour. We could use your help by heading over to http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=30661210 and clicking the thumbs up booyah and subscribing to the new valiant videos. If you want to add new valiant just hit up myspace.com/newvaliant . The blogs seemingly have press releases, and any other info the New Valiant crew seems fit to post.
Quiet Company just had a good time at SXSW. I talked to Taylor last night, and they are about to hit the road again in a few days. They’re looking for help to play Cornerstone Fest, and could use your vote. Check them out at myspace.com/quietcompany for more info and add their music, and site to your friend list.
Working on a few other projects at the moment, and will get everyone details just as soon as I can. Thanks again for all the support, and a special thanks to everyone on the New Valiant crew who keeps working fingers to the bone to bring us good news.
to recap myspace.com/newvaliant myspace.com/quietcompany myspace.com/crossroadsfilmsociety
p.s. Video is still doing great on youtube, and we could use a ranking/favorite, and a play, etc over there as well check it out at http://youtube.com/watch?v=225DSi0Eq60
I got a message from one of my best dear friends, who had an interview for a position for a really cool job at a beloved theater. The question was posed to them for their top 5 movies of all time. They in turn came to me, with the basic reply of I can't think of what I "should" put down. In which i replied with some overly geekish rhetoric about their person taste, as well as defending even the worst of picks til your bitter grave.
I love a good list, and at times have been bitter about the book and movie High Fidelity for its making the concept cliche. I however love the book and the movie High Fidelity. Just seemed like after it came out, you couldn't make a list without someone bringing it up...so here I am bringing it up. That said, these are the multitudes of list (and a few more i thought of). I'd love to see some others takes on these or any other list they created, just let me know if you blog about it, as I need to update some subscriptions. Only rule is that the same movie can't be used twice on diffrent list... I didn't leave specific commentary on any of these, but will be happy to field questions as need be. I encourage you to read up on them, and see them where available.
Sidenote: feel free to remind me of the things i left out. My friend replied with Dr. Strangelove and it hurt my heart that I hadn't found room for it.
Top 5 Classic Black & White 5. The Public Enemy 4. My Man Godfrey 3. Mr. Arkardin 2. The Devil And Daniel Webster 1. Casablanca
Top 5 classic color 5. From Russia With Love 4. Forbidden Planet 3. Vertigo 2. A Shot In The Dark 1. The Wizard Of Oz
Top 5 Comedy 5. The Philadelphia Story 4. Clerks 3. Groundhog Day 2. The Ghost And Mr Chicken 1. Animal Crackers
Top 5 Cult 5. Videodrome 4. Harold & Maude 3. Slacker 2. Eraserhead 1. Repo Man
Top 5 Film Noir 5. Double Indemnity 4. Lost Weekend 3. Third Man 2. Out of the Past 1. Night Of The Hunter
Top 5 Horror Films 5. Evil Dead II 4. Freaks 3. Night Of The Living Dead 2. Halloween 1. Creature From The Black Lagoon
Top 5 Foreign 5. El Mariachi 4. The Bicycle Thief 3. Breathless 2. Pickpocket 1. Chungking Express
Top 5 Movies About The Movie 5. American Movie 4. A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese through American Movies 3. Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography 2. The Cameraman 1. Sullivan's Travels
Top 5 Westerns 5. Shane 4. My Darling Clementine 3. Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid 2. 3 Godfathers 1. High Plains Drifter
Top 5 Silent Films 5. Phantom Of The Opera 4. M 3. Nosferatu 2. Safety Last! 1. Laugh, Clown, Laugh
Top 5 Musicals 5. Yankee Doodle Dandy 4. Easter Parade 3. Mary Poppins 2. Top Hat 1. Singin' in the Rain
Top 5 Action Movie 5. Adventures Of Robin Hood 4. Coffy 3. Shaft (1971) 2. Terminator 2 Judgement Day 1. Die Hard
Top 5 Animated Movies 5. Coonskin 4. Iron Giant 3. Yellow Submarine 2. The Lion King 1. Snow White & The Seven Dwarves
Top 5 Documentaries 5. The Cutting Edge 4. Grizzly Man 3. Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession 2. Koyaanisqatsi 1. Alone In The Wilderness
Top 5 Movies That I Can't Believe Didn't Make A Top 5 List 5. Mean Streets 4. The Muppet Movie 3. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington 2. Brazil 1. Strangers On A Train
Top 5 Sequels 5. Superman 2 4. Road Warrior 3. Rooster Cogburn & The Lady 2. Bride Of Frankenstein 1. Aliens
Top 5 weirdest movies I have discovered in the last year. 5. Terror Eyes 4. Fantasm Comes Again 3. Hard Rock Zombies 2. Rock N' Roll Wrestling Women Vs. The Aztec Mummy 1. Nasty Rabbit (aka Spies A Go Go)
Top 5 Movies that everyone seemed to love but me. 5. Top Gun 4. Edward Scissorhands 3. Monty Python and The Holy Grail 2. Braveheart 1. The Adventure Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension
Top 5 Movies you might or might not have heard of, but should see 5. Tanner '88 4. Master Of The Flying Guilotine 3. Astro Zombies 2. The Apartment (1960) 1. Six String Samurai
Top 5 Movies I've heard about but have yet to take the time to see. 5. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage 4. Cabin Fever 3. Futureworld 2. The Black Gestapo 1. Raiders Of The Lost Ark: The Adaptation
My Childhood Top 5 5. Ghostbusters 4. Gremlins 3. Goonies 2. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial 1. Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom
My All Time Top 5 as of Today 5. Pulp Fiction 4. Star Wars 3. Two Lane Blacktop 2. King Kong (1933) 1. The Good The Bad & The Ugly
accomplished
working