Battle Scars Do Heal Eventually...
Current mood: pure
Category: Life

As I mentioned earlier on my friends status I do need to get online more but after taking some time for myself a step back from everything was just what I needed.

To recap I have not nessicarily been doing nothing I have been keeping pretty busy with everything in general. I decided to not take summer 2 and give myself 6 weeks to rest mentally before taking on a full course load. I am happy to be enrolled in classes in my radio-tv-video-film major and am axious to learn more and see how creative I can be in this field.

As for film production that is moving steadily. Bryan has been doing an amazing job with our new trailer as well as completeing our film for halloween screenings. Speaking of screenings I was in attendence for the ECHO premier and although Mark noted technical difficulities the story and the acting were amazing. I am honored and proud to have been their from the start of the project and see this film turn into a big win for Live Wire Films. I will keep everyone posted with ECHO and DR. S Screenings for the fall season. Aside from that I am pumped up about competeing in this year 48 hour film project yet again. I am excited to see how the teams have grown and to see any new teams that have joined to see what SA filmmakers can do in 48 hrs. Thanks to those who tuned into great day SA to see Erik promote the event.

I did catch Blast Fever at Fiesta Texas the day it closed. Coming from someone who competed in drumline and winter guard i really enjoyed the show and if anything it made me miss those days a lil. Speaking of Fiesta Texas the season is about to go to weekends and will be over before you know it. I am going to miss seeeing everyone in and out every day, but it has been a fun season thus far. I still need to go out there and spend the day on the rides and in the waterpark.

I know I am one of the few people on the planet who still has not seen the new Batman but hopefully with my day off I can see it tonight. (Crossing Fingers)

Two weeks ago I was one of the judges for the documentary "Chasing Down an Idol". www.idlenation.com It was an amazing project and we saw some amazing talent come through. I can not wait to hear how the finalists do in Kansas City and hope this projects gets the attention it deserves.

Back to what I was saying earlier I had to take a coinscious step back from a few things some professioanlly some personally but I suppose we all need that reflection time before we move ahead into even busier territory. I just wanted to thank those few around me who have helped take alot off my shoulders to give me this time.

I am looking forward to a great semester, 48 hour film project, film festival season, and conclusion to an amazing project. After that...Who knows? But its nice to remain optimistic with a clear head on your shoulders.

Currently listening : Yellow By Coldplay Release date: 2000-07-03

10:08 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

A Little off the Top!
Current mood: awake
Category: Blogging

Summer is already here. It seems that I get to these blogs once a season but I promise I will try to update them more frequently. My work load for this season is pretty busy with everything going on.

Going back a bit I passed all my classes with A's and B's for the semester and that was a relief. The first semester back is always the hardest but I went right into summer 1 and summer 2 taking math courses.

I am excited that Film Classics Productions has our own official website. www.filmclassicsproductions.com . It is under construction but we are glad to have a home for the production company as well as a set up for the official Dr. S site. Speaking of Dr. S we are doing great to ensure that we have our finished and complete feature length edit up by August and so far so good. We sent it off to IFP in New York and are in the progress of submitting that and Spiral to 25+ film festivals.

In the middle of these additional scenes and reshoots we were lucky enough to be asked to film a promotional video for the San Antonio Local Film Festival (SAL). We got to work with the amazing actors Steven Starr, Adam Knapp, Beth Roberts, and Andy Douglas. A big thank you goes out to Kevin Nations and Newtek for allowing us to shoot in their amazing facility.

This Sunday Bryan will be hosting the PrimaDonna annuel Hot Meal/ Cold Read program for the month of June. I am not saying this just because I work with both of them but Nikki and Bryan really are a great coaching team. They both have an amazing understanding of the film and theatre techniques and how to work with both actors and all levels and how to apply it to their craft and artistry.

I got to attend to local caucus for the South Central Texas region for the Texas Motion Picture Alliance. I am running as the alternate regional representative for our region. I thank everyone who was in attendence for their support and ofcourse First Take Media, PrimaDonna, Convergent Theatre Co, Corrine Worford, Drew, and everyone else who make a vote and showed their support. Everyone counts and everyone makes a difference to bring more work to our area.

I got to view a few movies lately. Sex and the city and The Incredible Hulk. First I really enjoyed SATC very much. I originally never gave the show the time of day until I got to view all the episodes on summer and since then I have been hooked. I think the story and the movie itself did the show justice and it gave a nice end to these characters who lived alot of life in 6 seasons and one film. I do agree with Kim Cattrall when she said the show was a valantine to being single. It is okay for those who want to take their time to see whom they want or if they want anyone for that matter. But at the end of the day its the choices we make for ourselves and the family we create for ourselves that are what matter. As for the Incredible Hulk I am glad that the studio took a chance and decided to give this story a second chance. Personally I thought the acting in the first one was some of the best acting in any marvel movie but I see how the story line was a bit much for audiences. Edward Norton and Liv Tyler were amazing choices and did the story amazing justice. This story was more of what marvel is about and I am glad at the seeds they planted for the continued stories especilly involving Tony Stark.

I got a chance to see State Fair at the playhouse this past Friday. Roy Baumgarner was nice enough to give the PrimaDonnas comps and for that we are greatful. It was great to see the cast and crew, many of whom we work closely with, in this great production. I personally can not wait for the next show with ms. Hayley Burnside.

On top of everything I finally trimmed my hair. Now I just need to find some time to hit the gym and I will be all set.

This week is The San Antonio Film Festival, formally The San Antonio Underground Film Festival. Hopefully I will be able to check it out. Saturday is the premier for Pablo Veliz's film Double Dagger as well as the following Saturday the Statewide Caucus for The Texas Motion Picture Alliance.

I wish everyone the best and hopefully more exciting news the next blog!

8:40 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Wishing and Hopeing,and Filming...
Current mood: imaginative
Category: Blogging

I knew that 2008 was going to go by fast but May is already here!!!

Going back to last week it surly brought back great memories from this past summer. Film Classics brought back our actors Evan Boston and James Blake Beene, who reside in Los Angeles, as well as San Antonio native and actor supreme James Hartz and ofcourse Bryan and Crew. Since seeing Erik Bosse's last project we knew Urban 15 would be an ideal spot for this new scene. George Ozuna and Erik Bosse himself were both instramental in letting us use that space.

In between all of this pre production planning I was wrapping up my last lectures in classes before exams and ofcourse here at PrimaDonna and performing with my folklorico group at Fiesta events across town. I dont care if I am doing my thesis but when Fiesta rolls around I make time for my favorite time of the year.

Fiesta kicked off with the annuel WEBB Party at the San Antonio Museaum of Art. We were all anticipating it for two reasons mainly. To see if it could match to the climax of last years bomb threat and to see Kathryn Joosten AKA Mrs. McCluskey from Desperate Housewives. Our group performed nice and early and got to enjoy the goodies and catering and open bar with the top shelf liquer. Most of all its a good safe and fun place to kick off fiesta and contribute towards aides research. I got to have a picture with Kathryn early on and we were both matching with black and white colors. I even documented her pouring water to a fake aquarium art installation as well as had her leave a message for Nikki Young who loves the show as much as I do.

In addition our group had shows at club girard as usual the night of the river parade and I did two days of Niosa Wednesday and Friday. I ended up having to rework a flight schedule late on Thursday night but it all got worked out in the end and I thank the third customer service guy from American Airlines who found a cheap flight the night before from LA to San Antonio round trip.

In addition to shooting Dr. S Bryan also had two independent shoots one for a fiesta event and one for a wedding.  So we knew it was going to be a time crunch. Our crew which consisted of the lovely Ally Davis, Ben Melville, Danny Franco, Mike Burger, and myself had a 7 am calltime on a Sunday. Some of these folks were in tech week for Three Days of Rain and you read above what Bryan and I were up to so it was alot to ask for especilly for Erik. I made sure to bring tacos and my famous pb&j's and coffee ofcourse. The weather was nice and chrisp outside which helped when loading the equitment. We got started nice and early and were shooting by 8:30am. We went streight through the motions and were able to break down the equitment at 1:15pm which gave Bryan and Erik time to run across town to tape the wedding.

What can I Say? The cast and crew and Erik and Urban 15 rock!!!

After driving James to the boonies to meet his family we waitng for them with his grandmother and had five margaritas. They came home and I realized it was time for me to go to the crosshairs premier to talk about TXMPA and show my support for all of our fellow filmmakers.

I left and looked like I did all day, which wasn't my slick self, luckily I had my sports coat in the car to dress it up. It was good to see and converse with all the familiar faces such as : Dar and Andy, Jenn and Andy, Vanessa Reyes, James Edward, Laura Evans, Drew (ofcourse), Romero, Joey Carrillo, Jasso, Burger, Mark and Mike Cantu, Joe Miller, Steve Brogdan, JJ Phillips, Lee Hurtado, Gigi Isaac etc !!!  I unfortunatly had to get to our DR. S Meeting but I was glad to see the trailers at least. What is a screening without seeing Jade singing and dancing? : ) Also It was great to briefly talk to the lovely and talented Liz Burt from the Alamo Drafthouse.

Later that night we all regrouped at chachos for my favorite diabetic tea. I call it diabetic because after you drink it you could go into diabetic coma. We all say and talked and went over our remainder plans for the rest of the shoot. We also enjoyed the company of James and  Evan. We all miss these talented actors and are glad to have them in our film.

Now I have three exams on Tuesday and two including one take home on Thursday and then I go right into maymester.

We got more shooting and packaging and editing and praying towards NYC  ahead of us.

I did get to see Three days of Rain last night at UIW. I enjoyed it as always. I have been going to see their shows now since As you like it and have not misseda single one. It kind of seemed like the end of an era last night.

Anywho we got friends crossing the stage this month as well as films to shoot and grades to make and actors to cultivate. It aint pretty but somebodys gotta do it right?

I wouldn't trade it all for the world!!!

PS. I LOST MY PHONE SO IF YOU WANT ME IN YOUR UNIVERSE PLEASE MESSAGE IT MY WAY OR SEND ME A TEXT OR CALL. 210.535.7448---SHHHH! DON'T GIVE IT AWAY! : )

8:20 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Living the day
Current mood: eccentric
Category: Blogging

I was strolling to class in my mariachi charro outfit on a particularly beautiful spring morning when it occured to me that i have not blogged in a while. Was the previous statement nessicary? Probably not but the most out of the box experiences and scenerios trigger the most simple tasks that I have to do in life.

My last posting, aside from the FNL info to keep it in Texas, was about starting my first semester back to school and balancing all of my other reasponsibilities and duties in this industry. So far so good and I can not believe that the semester seemed to go by as fast as it has. There is about three more weeks left in the semester and I am debating on taking a Maymester class and a full load for summer 1 and summer 2. I shall make a desicion in the next week or so.

Film Classics is going amazing. I can not wait to finalize our summer shooting schedule and screening dates for the summer and the rest of 08. Once those dates are locked down then I can update all of the cast, crew, and friends of film with our progress. Currently we are excited to push the new version of the short SPIRAL starring Drew Barcus , Kat O'Neal and Rick Carrillo (AKA DR. S) We were lucky enough to be able to screen this new version at the first annuel Luminaria event in downtown SA. I was pleased at the turnout and am especilly thankful for Dora Pena and NALIP for hosting the film slam as always and giving us a screen to showcase our work. Film Classics is glad to be aquinted with Jon Simpkins the filmmaker responsible for "A Story about Bob", which screened at Trinity a few months back. I plan to screen our films as well as his at a function in the near future and can not wait to work with him in some capacity in the future. Dr. S is going great. It is still on its way to reaching mass audiences and we are taking the nessicary steps to do so and we have an amazing team to make sure this happens. Bryan and I have recruited Allyson Davis from UIW to be our Production Coordinator and so far she has done a bang up job at helping us. PrimaDonna and Ms. Shaddeau and many others have helped us though this stage and we are thankful as well for their help. Film Classics was recently asked to provide a promo for this years SAL Film Fest and we have some fun tricks up our sleves for that one.

The past few months I have been attending the Next Stage Improv troupes performances at The Overtime Theatre as well as their performance of Sob, Choke, Love during Valentines. They keep churning out great shows and I am glad to be in attendence and show my support.

When spring break came around it was just what the doctor ordered. Aside from business as usual and not being under the wire with papers and exams I was able to just be for a while. I treated myself to two movies back to back which were Doomsday and Romeros Diary of the Dead. After I was done watching this I called Bryan and told him I finally get it....

My 24th b-day was made very special thanks to my PrimaDonnas and many more folks. Nikki more than anyone knows how speical B-days are to an Aries such as myself. That Friday we went to the improv show at the Overtime but before had dinner at Jacala and then they were good sports and went out clubbing afterwards. Thank god for the 80's music, it is always a crowd pleaser. Saturday Annalaura, aka babies, threw me a party at her house and it was nice to have my close friends in attendence despite the bad weather and my voice being shot. I swear the bar just keeps being set higher and higher for gifts. My 23rd I got that awsome DVD from my UIW amigos and now this year PrimaDonna put my 15 seconds of idol glory on dvd and made everyone watch. I am not going the lie I liked the interview but I still fastfoward the performances. What now for my 25th? I am sure there will be something embarressing out there that no one has found yet.

Fiesta is almost here and I love it!! Maybe its all the good memories of performing serveral shows thoughout one week from the years of folklorico, or maybe its all of the mexican culture, or the music , or now the beverages and fenders or the webb party or the parade...or maybe all of the above. : ) It all kicks off for me on the 18th at the Web party and I am looking forward to it very much so.

I do feel a little guilty not being able to help with every production or to be able to be on board for every request but I am trying my best to make sure everyone at least gets lead in the right direction.

May is going to be very exciting for personal reasons. My brother is graduating from law school at UT law and we will finally have a lawyer in the family!! My father turns 60 so there is alot to be proud of. 

I am excited to be pondering a new business venture but until more research and consideration is done I can not disclose much but I am exitied nontheless.

Last night I saw the production of Crowns @ the San Pedro Playhouse and I was floored by all of the talent on the stage. Ofcourse I am always proud of MS. Danielle King- with a name like that her name comands that of royalty. I am also glad to have met the rest of the cast.

Tonight I plan to see the production of Beauty and the Beast at SAC. Gotta show my support!! 

Tomorrow Bryan and Myself will go to support the filmmakers at the 30th anniversary of Cinefestival. We can not wait to see everyone out their.

I am sure this year like all the years past will continue to move at a fast pace. I just have to make sure to hold on and take a deep breath to get the most out of what adventure or task I am taking on.

For one reason or another I came accross my favorite Shakespere Sonnet and felt the need to post it now.

 When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,
For all the day they view things unrespected;
But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee,
And darkly bright are bright in dark directed.
Then thou, whose shadow shadows doth make bright,
How would thy shadow's form form happy show
To the clear day with thy much clearer light,
When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so!
How would, I say, mine eyes be blessed made
By looking on thee in the living day,
When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade
Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay!
All days are nights to see till I see thee,
And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.

2:22 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Save Friday Night Lights
Category: Blogging

Online Petitions Trying to Save 'FNL'
Feb. 20, 2008, 7:22 PM EST
The Associated Press

Another beloved TV show is close to the chopping block. And yet again, its loyal fans are attempting to stave off the execution.

With the writers strike over, a number of shows are in limbo as network executives plot their new schedules. Most notably, the fate of "Friday Night Lights" hangs in the balance.

The hourlong drama, based on the 1990 book by H.G. Bissinger, focuses on a high school football team in Dillon, Texas. It's a deftly written (and elegantly scored) series about a small town in which football is both a blessing and a curse.

For its first season, the Writers Guild Awards nominated it for best drama series. A critic for The New York Times has gushed: "I love ..Friday Night Lights.'"

Some reports have suggested NBC wants to bring back "Friday Night Lights," which was in the midst of its second season when the strike halted production. Variety has reported a decision from the network likely will not be made for several months.

With such a window, it's clear: Blog now or forever hold your peace.

To that end, http://www.SaveFridayNightLights.tv has been created. The site's goal: inundate NBC entertainment chief Ben Silverman with letters, online petitions, even plastic footballs.

"FNL" hasn't had it easy. Some viewers were initially confused about the series. The book had been adapted into a 2004 movie by the same name, and when it hit the tube, it was oddly scheduled not on its namesake day, but Wednesday. Being up against "American Idol" didn't help, either.

For the second season, it was switched to the more obvious Friday night, but ratings only improved to 6.2 million viewers after 5.9 million in the previous season.

The site for VH1's "Best Week Ever" has also opened a petition to save "FNL":

http://www.bestweekever.tv/category/save-friday-night-lights.

Such tactics have a checkered rate of success. Way back in 1984, CBS renewed "Cagney and Lacey" after a letter-writing campaign. But acclaimed shows such as Fox's "Arrested Development," the CW's "Veronica Mars" and NBC's "Freaks and Geeks" weren't saved by online petitions.

Sometimes, a gimmick has helped. Fans sent 40,000 pounds of peanuts to CBS after "Jericho" was canceled, prompting the network to bring the show back for a second season. The network did, though, slash the show's budget. When the new season premiered last week, it drew 7 million viewers.

Devotees of the USA Network's "The 4400" have sought to follow in the footsteps of "Jericho." Since the series was canceled after its fourth season in December, more than 6,000 bags of sunflower seed bags have been shipped to USA.

"Friday Night Lights" hopes its plastic footballs will score a touchdown for the series. As of Wednesday, SaveFridayNightLights.tv claimed there were 6,250 minifootballs in the air.

3:47 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Back at 1
Current mood: anxious
Category: Blogging

Ok so Tuesday is my first day back at school full time since I left to pursue my fulltime position as a talent agent.

I do not regret my decision at all. But it will be interesting taking intro to mass comm when I am currently negotiating trying to sell my first feature film. ETC.

One of the reasons why I decided to go back and pursue my Radio TV Video and Film Broadcast and Mass Comm degree was to make sure that if I continue to be a producer I better know what all of the cast and crew are doing technically.

I know I am a multitasker but I want to make sure that I go through an finish up my degree with no more breaks in between with a great GPA.

A lot of my peers are now finishing there degree or already have there's.

Does anyone have any advice for someone who will be going full time while balancing three other jobs in the entertainment field?

Anything from note taking, to study habits, to how to stay awake when you are about to lose it before an exam would be appreciated!!!

5:49 PM - 12 Comments - 17 Kudos - Add Comment

The Journey ...
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Blogging

2008 seems to be moving at the fast pace that I had no doubt expected it to. Leading up to New Years Eve it was business as usual. I tried to get caught up as much as possible to hit the ground running and have 2008 planned out best I can.

I ended up party hopping for the first time on New Years. Usually I stay at one party or location or just stay home. I am a hard one to please on New Years. I dont know if its my parents dis like of the holiday or being single or most importantly a party night where the climax is at midnight. At midnight I am used to walking out the door to get the night started. Eitherway I ended up making three stops that night.

First I went to see a good friend Danny from back in the good ole young folklorico days. Back when we all went to practice 5 days a week and had shows every weekend and such. I had not seen him in over seven years or so. I stopped by and had a great dinner and left at a decent hour after chatting and getting reaquinted with him and his family. I then made a stop over to the blue bubble ball room where I had to found the Go-Go dancers for the studio 54 themed party. It was good to get to know Tony Gloria and Cesario and David Yanez. After that I made my final stop at Ally and Jacobs New Years bash. They are 3 for 3 in throwing great parties and having a good location and house to throw a party. Although we have moved on from being the bunch of keg party til you fall type folks and have now moved into being steadily sloshed throughout the night. I was a good boy and had only two drinks the whole night including the midnight champagne toast. I had fun spending time with a select few friends and aquintences. Watching the fireworks I mentioned how dense of a year 2007 was. It was just filled with alot of living in general. I predicted that 2008 would be so fast it would be combined with 2009 when we reflect back on it years from now. Like I had mentioned in the past the next ten years for me and my peers, especilly in this industry, are the most important. Either way I am glad what I toasted to with my friends " To the Journey ..the Journey of life" Afterall it is the most fun part of going for a goal, resolution, or career path..the journey getting there. I called it an early night and was home by 12:30 in time to pop in a dvd with the family and look forward to starting a busy yet rewarding year.

Since then it has been work for the most part. I start classes on the 15th of this month. When embarking on a regulated schedule of work and school and more work it will leave little free time but I am looking forward to going and going and going like the energizer bunny and then really soak up free time when it comes around.

Friday night I went to the Cine Studio party. It was good to see so many SA industry officials especilly from the latino film community. It is always good to see Jesse Borrego but also Drew and Janet ofcourse and Pablo, Rick, Fernando, Candi, Joey, AJ and Yolette and who can forget Bosse? No one!

Saturday I auditioned for a project for the first time in almost a year. Before that my last audition was for Prison Break about 10 months ago if not longer. It was nice to be in front of the camera again. It makes you not forget where you started and helps with give feedback and critique others. It also is just plain fun especilly if its been a while. All of us production folks should hop in front of the camera more often. I compare it to the feeling Michael Jordan got playing baseball.

Bryan and I met and planned out our film classics calander for 2008. I am excited yet am taking a big breath before we embark on another big year. 2007 set the bar high for us in the way of expectations and what we need to deliver but I am sure as long as everyone stays focused and I dont live on junk like i have been as of late everything will be just fine.

I did make a vow not a resolution because it goes beyond 2008 personally. I decided to stay single...not that I have much control in that dept, but at least intentionally until I transfer to a four year university. I was going to wait til I got my bachlors. However I have made it 23 years what is another 4 years? I was convinced even though it I may end up single the next four years I better only make two of those years intentionally. This is very similar to when Miranda from Sex and the City went on a sex strike. It may have started out as a slump but this way you are in full control of it. So far it only effects just me...but we shall see what karma and fate throws my way.

Well here are my goals of this year:

To complete 35-40 hrs of basics courses towards my degree at a 3.8-4.0 gpa

Complete Dr. S and take it to the independent film market in NYC in Sept.(Upon visiting NYC go see at least two broadway shows, see the American Ballet Company and take the sex and the city tour)

To have three more screenings of Dr. S in SA and Austin and Brownsville. If all three go well lets screen in LA!!!

To be accepted and screen our short films in at least two film festivals.

To market and launch our website at SXSW.

To attend the HFI Producers Academy

Go to disney world...thats right im hitting you up John before you depart and when I need a break between the spring and summer sessions or between summer 1 and summer 2 or last but not least between summer 2 and fall semester

Develop 3 film projects for late 2008 ot 2009.

Turn my room into a place that I can study and party in ...gotta be versatile right?

See Depeche Mode in Austin this summer.

Contact the production company that owns the rights to the Sal Mineo movie and offer to be a part of productions...( I gotta have one far fetched goal)

That is my goal list so far but I think that is a good start for now.

Now I have to continue on the journey......

.

Currently listening : Enjoy the Silence By Depeche Mode Release date: 21 February, 1990

11:13 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

London Bridges...
Current mood: blissful
Category: Blogging

Are we here already? I remember specifically sitting down last year before the end of 06 to close out there year.It seems that the years keep going faster and faster although my pace in life doesn't seem to go any slower but either way I am sure that they both go hand in hand.

December seems to have been one lump of events which is why since Thanksgiving although the atmosphere has been calm and in the holiday spirit the activities and events just keep on coming.

For those that are 09ers or are close by you can see my apt balcony is in the holiday spirit with lights and stars and in lights we have written our PEACE ON EARTH. We still have not put up the tree but that is what this coming weekend is for.

I got to see my good friends Mike, Julie, Jacob and ofcourse Bryan cross the stage and graduate from UIW. It was a nice ceremony and above all I was glad and proud to see them graduate. My hat goes off to anyone who completes their degree within a few years from high school. That being said I am already registered for classes at SAC for this spring. I am taking almost 15 hours and plan to do the same in the fall and a full 9 hrs this summer as well. I met with a dual enrollment counsler for UIW and SAC to make sure no matter where I transfer that my credits will transfer as well. The goal is to get the GPA up really high and then go for the bachlors!! One step at a time. I also scheduled all my classes for Tuesday and Thursday so I have Monday , Wednesday, and Friday to work and the weekends to work on film and my other projects and ofcourse homework.

I love the season of holiday parties. I attended the Film Commision Holiday party where they announced the winners of the December 48 hr film project. All of the winners were will deserved. Congrats to all the participants and the winners you know who you are. Rick - Dr. S and Alcia- Mary Jane and Alan joined me down there. They had a nice spread and great company was present. All the great film folks including Bosse, Pete, Dar, Nikki, Mark and Mike Cantu, Joey Carrillo, Brant, AJ and all the crew were present. Thank you to everyone who wished there holiday wishes and Janet and Drew for being such great hosts!!

Speaking of Drew, our SA Film Commsionor, Bryan and I stopped in to the film office to make a long over due visit and to drop off the official Dr. S: The Movie poster to him, which will be hung in the film office, as well as to go over feed back and to discuss the future with Dr. S . We have alot planned in 2008 and are looking forward to bringing the project to where it was intended to go which is for DVD Distribution. There will be more to follow in the Dr. S blog and bullitien so stay tuned.

I went to celebrate my good freind John Montoya's B-day that week as well. All of you myspacers may know him as Johnny The Hottie!! haha I love how he branded himself in such a fabulous way. He celebrated at the club posh off of broadway. I personally enjoy a cocktail in many atmospheres but I dont care for ultra lounge meets club. I either like a laid back lounge like club cohiba, or a place with cheap drinks and great underground 80's, or a huge dance floor, or live music and cocktails, but thats how i roll anyways.

John got my a nice gift certificate for my b-day back in march for a free massage but it expires at the end of the year so i have my appointment for this saturday and I cant wait.

Bryan and I sent off LAST CHANCE to the SXSW and AFI Dallas film Festivals. More festivals will follow but we hope for some good responses. Now that he has crossed the stage I can not wait to see where the films go from here.

I attended the screening of Intervention - Michael Langes new film. I enjoyed it and loved going back to the Axtec. The folks over there are such great people. It was even better to socialize with the people at Rutamaya afterward. The crew from Blink were amazing. I admire talented film makers who are easy on the eyes...j/k..hahah but it was good to meet them. Talking to the cup of joe folks including Jasso, Wes, Eric aka Ginnobili, and Laura was good as well.

Burger is back in town...no not the McRib Michael Burger is back from London. His gift for me was a package of designer briefs ( 3 pack) with the british flag on them. This steams from me buying him boxers last x-mas but it takes a real friend to buy you briefs. hahah  Anyways.....That night Burger, Nikki, Chadd, Laura Evans, and I went to go catch the National Improv troupe at the River City Comedy club and our good friends Jason Boyson, Eric Collins and the lovely Amanda Rivas were in the Troupe. Our table ofcourse was the loud one who kept shouting out improv ideas and words and phrases for them to use. The highlight of the night came early when they needed fake items that would be sold and the phrase "Lingerie" was thrown out followed by Nikki's  phrase "Transvestite" and my simultanious word of "Baby" so they had to mime "Transvestite Baby Lingerie"...oh boy oh boy...I dont know if it was that mudslide i drank or not but it was  a hilarious treat to check them out. Later that night Laura Evans and I caught up with Burger at Ihop and we ran into the SWAG team of Jade Esteban Estrada and Mary Robinson and they were working away as usual. Either way I love my new "London Bridges"....I suggested posting a photo with me in them but then again I would never be able to run for congress....or I might get sued by the folks who rep Robbie Williams since I am sure he has done that before. Oh well...we shall see.

I did not get to do a Dr. S X-mas card but when we launch the site I am sure we will do lots of fun advertisments. However I decided to make home made Bunvelos for my clients and that is what I am going to be doing tonight. I cant wait!! 

  Friends are back in town and there are so many people I still need to see so I am sure that the next blog will cover those encounters.

I wish all my friends and collegues a wonderful and safe holiday season and I hope they get a chance to post great photos and stories on their blogs.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A HAPPY 2008!!!!

Currently listening : The Cure - Greatest Hits By The Cure Release date: 13 November, 2001

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Thankful For....
Current mood: grateful
Category: Blogging

Although the weather outside would trick someone without a calendar it is true that Thanksgiving is tomorrow. I personally can not believe how fast the past few months have leaped forward, but at this Thanksgiving especially I have alot to be thankful for.

I am first of all thankful that my immediate family is still alive and healthy and we are just as close knit if not more so than years past and we continue to be a very important part of each others lives. My mother especially for still giving and giving day in and day out for her children to make sure they are never do without and that we keep striving to reach our goals. Marc and Lil you are the best siblings ever!!!

This brings me to my amazing friends. Although I am single I never feel alone thanks to each friend in my life who continues to redefine what friendship truly is to me. This year especially when those who banded together to make my Birthday DVD , especially Julie and Bryan, which still is the best gift I have ever received, and will continue to be a possession near and dear to my heart. I am lucky to be able to be able to have friends who encourage me to go for the brass ring even when the goals seem far fetched. They also come out to support all of my endeavors and keep me grounded when my work seems to take me away for long periods of time. I am thankful for those great friends who feed my soul with every conversation, every laugh, and every moment. I am Thankful for those of you who mean the world to me and let me love you. Most of all I am lucky enough to be friends with people who always make me feel special and love me for being myself.

I am thankful to still be pursuing the entertainment business. Everyday is never the same and I am thankful to have been able to work with amazing talented individuals in a variety of mediums and endeavors. I am also grateful that during my career transition my peers and colleagues were there to support every move and showed the utmost respect with every decision and action.

I am thankful to be working with Bryan, my film partner, friend, and esteemed colleague who continues to believe in my efforts and trusts me 100%. I am thankful that Film Classics, our baby, really left a mark on the film community in 07.

I am thankful for everyone who was apart of Dr. S. This was my first feature to produce and I will be forever grateful to all of the 60+ cast and crew for giving their 100% and who believed in the project from day one. Especially Rick, Alicia, Alan, Danny, Drew, Vanessa, Charlie, Smiley, Bill, Mark, Boyson, Dustin, Jacob, Mike B, Nemo, Ben, Ebby and everyone else who made that movie possible. All of you are some of the most talented people I have ever worked with and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my first feature film project an experience I will hold near and dear for the rest of my life. I am thankful for those who participated and helped make the 48 hr project come to fruition as well as Spiral and the Dr. S Trailer and The Echo Trailer. I am thankful to the Echo cast and crew especially Mark for believing in Film Classics and sticking through both projects when the going got rough. You are a true professional.  

I am thankful to be apart of a growing and talented community in the SA Film world and all of the individuals who continue to keep this industry moving and support all of Film Classics endeavors.

I am thankful for all of the Calliope actors who make my four years an experience that was hard to walk away from but at the same time proud to be apart of.

I am thankful for Nikki and Chadd and all of the fellow PrimaDonna's ( this includes you LEE) for continuing to believe in my work and for opening your door to me to help and support my future endeavors. You are not only colleagues but true friends.

I am thankful for Dar, Liz, Kim and Christoph for giving DR. S a venue to premier out first major film and for believing in us time and time again. I am thankful to all of the individuals who came out to support Dr. S and all of the film functions this past year.

I am thankful for the awards Film Classics has won this year. From NALIP to 48hr, from Dora Pena, to Erik Bosse, to Denise at Seguin to DAr @ SAL all of you and your organizations have really helped push mine and Film Classics goals ahead significantly.   

Finally I am thankful to everyone looking over me Jimmy, Grandma, Grandpa, Tailz, Uncle Manuel, Maggie....I feel your love everyday.

I am Thankful for you.... (You who are reading)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Currently listening : Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie By Alanis Morissette Release date: 03 November, 1998

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NAM-MYO-HO-REN-GE-KYO
Current mood: calm
Category: Blogging

Is Thanksgiving already this next week? Wow it seems just like yesterday fall had just arrived and it has been about that long since I posted another blog. Everything has been moving at a consistant and steady pace as of late. October for the most part seemed to pick up on all the momentum that was created over the summer.

Throughout October the month was geared mainly towards planning and producing the two additional screenings for Dr. S. First we had a screening at the Alamo Drafthouse on October 26 and followed by an event at the Aztec Theatre on Halloween the 31st. I was glad we had a month to work on the work in progress for the film as well as film some additional scenes. Based on the feedback I received from my collegues we went ahead and filmed scenes at the UIW Bridge which is where the San Antonio river flows through. That night was a particular cool night, and the first cool night we had that season. Our scaled down but lovely crew and eight new Zombie extras were brought in. These extra scenes really helped to expand the plot in Dr. S.

Promoting two back to back screenings was challenging to say the least but you gotta strike while the fire is hot. Liz Burt at the Alamo Drafthouse was an extreme pleasure to work with. I admire how professional she is with her details and how she values PR and supporting local films and keeping the drafthouse legacy alive. As for the Aztec working with Christoph and Kim and all of the staff was equally as enjoyable. To help promote this event Liz went ahead and screened the trailers a week before the event and I passed out fliers during the great Zombie March through downtown. The day got away from me and I was not able to dress up, however I did join the crew when they made their way to the Alamo. It was a truely unforgettable experience to be apart of that event. The participants seemed interested in both event and overall it was good to be apart of it in someway now that my name is apart of the Zombie community now.

Right before our screening Dr. S and film classics made the cover of the SA Current. Thanks again for Kiko Martinez for your great article and giving us exposure also Larry Ratliff wrote about us on his blog as well. Making the SA Current is something Bryan and I wanted for a while so this was a nice honor.

The drafthouse screening was amazing. The screening ended up selling out and both the drafthouse and the audience seemed pleased at the overall experience. This time everyone got a chance to see the black and white version with additional scenes and re-edits. I've said it before and I will say it again I am truly honored to have worked with an amazing cast and crew for Dr. S. They set the bar high for me and I can only hope that in future projects I can work with a cast and crew as talented as the Dr. S team. It was nice to take a few minutes before and have a drink with Rick, Alan, Alicia and their charming friend. We were able to host a pre raffle and sell some shirts and see some familiar faces as well as new ones. Thanks again Liz for making the Drafthouse a welcoming venue for all films.

In between these events the Seguin Arts and Film Festival took place in where else but Seguin. I love to visit small towns and boy this town has alot of character. On Saturday I went to support the other film catagories. Crush ended up taking home the Silver Pecan which is 2nd overall and best Drama. Joey won the Bronze Pecan or 3rd overall and Best Comedy. The next day was the Student film catagory and Goodbye Digital took home the 1st place student film award!!! It also has the record for the longest title on a seguin plaque "Goodbye Digital or the Five Stages of Grief in Digital Dating".....that sure is a mouthful. Denise Crettenden and all the folks in Seguin were very welcoming and I look forward to going back again.   

It seemed like five seconds later it was time for the Aztec screening event entitled Zombies Attack the Aztec! This program included  a sneak peak at Dan Egglestons Z: The Musical, and Joey Carrillo's award winning short What to do in a Zombie Attack and the double feature of Night of the Living Dead and ofcouse Dr. S. I was able to get Island Liquers and Gifts to donate a good amount of wine. Over 85+ people attended and most stayed through the duration of the whole night. Being it Halloween, during the week and in a downtown venue I was pleased with the turnout. I ended up dressing up as Dr. S. Now I know why Rick gets all the attention. Alot of UIW Comm students went and alot of great local colleuges went as well as simple zombie lovers. We did our costume contest and served beer and wine all night long. Thank you Lee for maning the booth and Nikki for moderating and ofcourse Aztec for hosting us twice in a month.

Coming off of this double dose of screenings and awards I needed to shut off for a day or so. Ceci my roomate and best friend was in Paris for the month so I rented alot of Desperate Housewives and got my mother hooked on the series and started to hit the gym again.  

Tuesday was the SA Film Commision film forum on animation. For those curious for a recap check out Erik Bosse's Blog.

This past week or so has been my theatre week. Last week I saw the UIW production of The Clean House. It was a treat to see the actors I've seen grow throughout each production. I saw Trinity's performance of Guys and Dolls and last night I saw Trailer Park the Musical at the Cameo. I loved how the Cameo served Frito pie in the bag and had spray cheese on the table and beef jerky and pie. EEEE HAWWW!! Tonight I am going to see The Women at the cellar theatre at San Pedro.

I went to the revolution room last night and wanted to dance to some good ole underground 80's in the basement room and came to find out there was a sorority party going on their. Where can I find some good ole 80's to groove to all night? I feel like shouting like that woman on Selena...WE WANNA DANCE!!

My American Idol rewind finally aired...Although I have not seen it in its entirety you can take a quick peak on kimberly caldwells website. http://www.kimberlycaldwell.com/

Tomorrow night will the the NALIP Film Slam and Film Classics will be screening Last Chance as well as PrimaDonna and Cineoptimas Crush and ofcouse Dating Danielle.

I need to stop over at SAC next week to register for spring classes. Yes I am going full time starting next semester to complete an assciates degree in Radio Television Video and Film. I am also meeting with the counslers at UIW to make sure all of my credits transfer.

On a final note!

Last but not least Malena from the UIW paper and a lovely woman in her own right interview Bryan and I today for a follow up interview on DR. S. She is such a doll. While we were outside a woman walked up to us and asked if we knew what the works NAM-MYO-HO-REN-GE-KYO meant. I said yes its a buddist chant right (who here watched Whats Love Got To Do With It? ) . She looked at me with a stunned face and said yes! She said it means individual happiness equels world peace.

Currently listening : Tell It to My Heart By Taylor Dayne Release date: 25 October, 1990

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