New GMD Site and Youtube Syndication

The news around here for the last six months has been all about 'Bigfoot' and 3D so it's nice to have something to say that doesn't involve a monster of some sort.

First up, the new GMD Films Website has just gone online. It's been offline for quite awhile, while we re-worked the business here and regrouped with a new slate of productions. You can find it at www.GMDFilms.com It's much easier to navigate, and provides you with links to the Official Sites of all our films, with info as to how to actually watch them.

If you're following me on Facebook, you heard that our sister station MaddyGTV was picked up for Syndication over at Youtube. What this essentially means, is our programming is available to be rebroadcast by other webcasters, available on Smartphones and on television thru SmartTV's and Game systems like PS3 and Xbox Live. Basically, if your TV or Phone is connected to the internet, you have access to our shows now.

As such, the shows in Syndication are paid for by advertisers who place ads within and around the video feed. It's how we're able to afford to produce the shows and offer them for free at the same time. For awhile now, there's been discussion about 'The Economy of Free'. A lot of people like to pretend this idea is new, or somehow revolutionary. 'Network TV' has been operating under this business model since the 30's when there was 1 or 2 channels. The internet has made it more complicated, but the idea is still the same. Your free programming draws the audience, which gathers together a group of people that the advertisers can make their sales pitch to, a priviledge the advertisers pay for.

Anything that gathers people is fair game for this form of advertising. Sporting events and Charity events. Heck, even the movie theater has their own TV channel running before the movies. It's not new, it's sort of how things have always been done. The internet just made the channel selection extremely vast.

If you've been following us here at GMD for the last few years, you know we take our 'Truly Independent' monicker seriously. We've refused the distribution 'deals' and we've insisted on controlling our release rights in every market. 'Self Distribution' is a long road but we've stayed on it, and thus - we've stayed in the game.

We're proud to have survived long enough to have buit a little bit of a catalog and picked up enough friends along the way to catch the interest of company's wanting to show their stuff. So moving forward, as we're able to present more and more of our shows and movies for free, please support the advertisers you see. Click on their links, and check them out. A few minutes of your time is all it takes to support what we do enough to keep it all free.  

Coming up, the release of "Blood of Ohma" at The Playhouse Theater in Erie, PA. 'Ohma' starts at 7pm and Snowdog Studio's "The Four" starts at 9pm. Both films shot in and around Erie, PA. It's been like 4 years since GMD / Snowdog threw a Premiere, so it's gonna be a throw down for the ages. You can preorder Tickets for $5 at www.SnowDogStudio.com  100% of the proceeds go to local animal charities.

- PG



Taking A Run at Picture Lock

For the 'un-initiated', the 'First Cut', is sometimes also called an 'Assembly Cut' - which means the movie is assembled, usually minus special effects, color correction and sound mixing. 

Following the assembly, is the 'Director's Cut'. This is my best version of the film from what I shot.

After that... it can be chopped up into a bunch of different versions from 'youtube' to cable tv and foreign markets. For "Blood of Ohma" to be marketable in the cable / broadcast market, I need it to come in at no longer than 1:40. An hour and fourty minutes.

The Assembly Edit - containing all the scenes we shot, came in at 1:57. Almost 2 hours.

I edit largely by feel. As I watch the film thru, I make a note of area's that seem to drag, are repetative, or just aren't neccessary to tell the story. I trimmed 10 minutes off the cut after my first screening. Now, I'm refining it, scene by scene to 'tighten' it up and I'll see where I'm at. I'm pretty confident I'll get there on my 'Director's Cut'.

Because I shot "Blood of Ohma" in 3D, the post production work is doubled. Every color correction and effect has to be duplicated for each 'eye' and then combined into the stereo image. All of it is essentially a 'special effect' and so every shot has to be rendered prior to me being able to proof it. The process has been painstaking. Watch, Render, Tweak, Render, Watch... 

Don't take that as a complaint. If this was easy, everyone would be doing it. We make micro-budget films here at GMD. Every film we do is an attempt at something we've never done at these budgets. This time, with "Blood of Ohma", we're setting out to see if you can make a real movie - in 3D - with gear you can buy at Best Buy. Total budget? $6,800.

With the exception of a special visual effect, the whole movie was shot on a pair of Sony HDRCX100's and the Sony Bloggie 3D. About half and half. The rig we built ourselves.

I'm editing with Sony Vegas 10, which is largely the reason shooting a 3D feature at this budget is even possible. While there's a lot of room for improvement, their Stereoscopic 3D Tools built into the new version makes it possible to get real 3D with camera gear you might already have.  

I know Sony isn't exactly at the top of everyone's list in the 'indie film' community. But I'll tell you, they had my back on this project the whole way. I had a myriad of technical questions going in, that they answered, including some they had to figure out answers to. They built a codec for the Bloggie 3D and updated my software to enable me to do things they probably didn't really intend with Vegas 10.

I'm at the very end of it now, I'll have the 'Director's Cut' of "Blood of Ohma" in the next few days.

It'll be premiering at the Erie Playhouse Theater November 5th in Erie. And we'll be showing it in 3D. After that, you'll be able to check it out on DVD, BluRay and Digital Download thru all the usual sources and you'll see it on MaddyGTV and BlackFlagTV on the web too.

- PG



A Few Things About Mark Cray

Before you decide to completely skip over this blog for the one about Rachel Porter's tits, relax. It's not going to be some kind of fan-boy, 'thank-god-i-got-him-for-about 1/100th-of-what-he's-worth' sort of rave. This isn't a curl up to kiss his ass kind of session.

For that, you can visit Marie's Play Place whenever you feel like it.

I came across Mark Cray as a judge of the 'Acting Competition' at the 2008 Indie Gathering in Cleveland, OH. I'm not exactly sure how I ended up a judge, but Mark brought a monologue that left me with only one thought: "If I can ever afford him, I'm totally casting that guy in something."

I still can't afford him.

But by the grace of the 'Movie Gods' so many of us in 'indie' talk about, he was cast in a couple of projects I'm directing.

"Blood of Ohma" the most recent, and for obvious reasons, fresh in my mind.

We made it to the expectation of an actor showing up with the script already in his head by 2005, so that's expected at this level.

And by 'this level', I'm not forgetting the fact that GMD Films makes ultra low budget, goofy stories and has turned self deprication into an art form. I just mean, we've been making films long enough now that we expect those we hire to bring the 'basics' of the job.

What isn't expected, it the collaboration and inspiration that comes along with Mark showing up on set. This dude takes a comprehensive understanding of character and pace and turns out a performance of a script that makes you wish you wrote it that good.

And I didn't even write it.

- PG

Principal Photography on "Ohma" Wraps

Well, we found 'The Monster'. Jody and Chase did what they had to do and now they are dealing with the aftermath and effects on their relationship.

And along with it, Principal Photography on "Blood of Ohma" is complete. Thanks to our phenomenal cast and crew for following me on this ridiculous adventure. Marie Madison, Mark Cray, Larry Laverty and Angelina Leigh.

The long awaited first look is here. I'm not sure this will be the 'Official Trailer' because I can't decide on the cuts, but here's our first 'Teaser' to wet your appetite for what is to come.




If you want to see it in 3D, bust our your 3D glasses and visit our YouTube Channel for the High Definition 3D Version.

That's Marie Madison, Larry Laverty and myself on the final day. We were shooting at Dead Wood Farm in Canadohta Lake. Nothing but 'Production Value' there, with acres and acres of land, and some of the most beautiful animals I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

 

That's "Rocky", the resident bull. He made sure we all knew he was the one running things out there. You can't get a sense of scale from this picture, but his back is nearly as tall as me. 1500lbs and not afraid to push it around.

Heather and Maggie McGuire where our 'Horse Wranglers' for the day and made it all look easy. Here's a shot of Larry Laverty with 'Lynx' who is among several of our 'four legged' stars.

Lynx is a beautiful horse and she's a natural talent on screen.

Speaking of 'natural talent', most of you know by now that Playboy Model and Actress Angelina Leigh is a co-star on "Ohma". I've gotten your e-mail's with questions and concerns as to whether or not I've utilized all of her 'assets'. I can assure you, Angelina brought her 'A Game' to every single scene.

From "Blood of Ohma" Production - Copyright (c) Maddy G Productions

For more than this, you're going to have to watch the film. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Finally, at the end of it all, one of our Distributor's sent us a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate both the completion of our biggest project to date, and also the continuation of a 12 year partnership between GMD Films and Marie Madison Media (now known simply as 'Maddy G'). It was the perfect cap to an amazing two weeks of production.

Stay tuned... there's still more to come.

- PG

Knee Deep in "Ohma" Blood

Today is officially "Day Eight" of Principal Photography on "Blood of Ohma". The one element of film production we can't control is weather, and today we got stormed out. We can handle a bit of rain, but "Severe Thunderstorms" on a day where key outdoor scenes are scheduled is another thing entirely.

So, we bumped production back a day, will pick up the scenes scheduled for today, tomorrow and Saturday's shoot will get bumped back to Sunday (which was our scheduled 'day off') and we'll be back on schedule.

It's been 'full speed ahead' since Monday, so the production can actually use the rest. Time to recharge the batteries (literally and figuretively), study the script for the last couple of days ahead and catch up on a bit of real business that has been neglected while we've been running down the Monster.

  

That's the 'Day Six & Seven' cast and crew. From left to right - Mark Cray, Larry Laverty, Marie Madison, Myself, Jill Mosier Kinnear, Jeremy Krukowski and the little hot one in front is Angelina Leigh.

Our first day of filming was actually 'Day Three' with Samantha Hoepfl and Nathan Gorman. We picked it up early as the opportunity presented itself, so when we resumed, we started back at 'Day One & Two' at the 'Oddities Shop'.

The location was actually The French Creek Valley Trading Post in Waterford, PA. which claims to offer "Hot Things From Cool Places" and they aren't kidding. The shop is filled with all kinds of trinkets, gifts and nick-knacks from all over the World, including a lot of stuff handmade right here in our region. It created the perfect backdrop to start our story and we're grateful to the Mcintosh Family for donating the space to the production. 

Behind the counter is the beautiful Seneca Shongo who plays our Native American guide 'Kaya' and marks her return to GMD Films after playing 'Delia' in "House of Bedlam". In front is the adorable Addy Kinnear who plays 'Jody' as a child.

'Day Two' brought us to our top secret location in the Oil Creek Region to begin the hunt for "Ohma" and reveal the event in Jody's life that is the catalyst for story.

On the left is Ryan Kinnear, Jill Mosier Kinnear in the middle and Jeremy Krukowski on the right. Along with Addy Kinnear and Devin Kinnear, they play Jody's family who are the first to discover the Monster in those woods.

Skip ahead to 'Day Six & Seven' where we find ourselves back on "Ohma" land. Here's a shot of me with Larry Laverty and Jeremy Krukowski. In addition to his roll as 'Eric Meyer', Jeremy is also our indispensible Production Manager.

On these days, we meet Phil Farmer, played by Larry Laverty.

You remember Larry as 'The Sheriff' in "House of Bedlam" and I can't say enough about the creative synergy he brings to the set. He's been like a brother to me, and now I can say we're "Blood" Brothers.

Playing his wife Anna is Angelina Leigh. You may recognize her from the pages of Playboy, but I believe her performances in "Blood of Ohma" is what she's going to be remembered for. 'Outstanding' is not even the right word, but it's the first that comes to mind.

Also joining us on 'Day Six' is Mark Cray, who plays Jody's hunting partner 'Chase'. Mark's been acting in indie films for a lot of years so there's a good chance you've seen him in a few things, most notably the hugely critically acclaimed "Post Mortem". He's one of those actors who tends to elevate the 'game' of everyone around him and his time on "Ohma" has been no different.

That's also the first (sorta) look at the 'Dead Horse' prop I've been talking about. I think the look on Mark's face explains volumes about how it turned out.

Also pulling 'Double Duty' is Marie Madison who requires no introduction. As co-star and co- (story) writer of the film, she's also Executive Producer, so she's had her hands full the entire run.

All the photography here was taken by Set Photographer Ron Vollentine of Von Rollen Photography. You can find him on Facebook where you can see quite a few more shots from production.

He's part of the best Cast and Crew I've ever been able to assemble and I'm proud to have been given the opportunity to work with each and every one of them.

Today we'll rest up and re-set for the final push thru Principal Photography and we'll see you on the other side with many more tales from the set and pictures to share.

- PG

"Blood of Ohma" Resumes Production

Stolen From The Physical FX Department

If you've following me on Facebook the last week, you know I spent the last four days at 'The Lab' working on the life sized 'dead horse' prop with the Physical FX team.

Hopefully, no one thought I was actually doing this thing myself. In fact, I didn't even design it. I worked this week carving, and bending PVC, mixing resen and laying in fiberglass. The picture above is the prop in it's early stage. I said I wasn't going to offer any 'spoilers' but I figure if you are among the couple hundred people reading this blog, you deserve a little something.

The 'dead horse' is done, with the exception of 'detailing' which is the finishing touches of paint, blood, and the gore associated with this particular shot. I figure you'll see this thing on screen for about 10 seconds in the final movie, but it's going to be worth it, once you understand what really killed this horse.



3D Still - French Creek Valley Trading Post


On Monday the 18th, Principal Photography resumes on "Blood of Ohma" at The French Creek Valley Trading Post in Waterford, PA. We'll be introducing Jody's family and hearing a bit about the Native American Legend of 'Bigfoot' as told by Kaya, who will be played by Seneca Shongo. I'm excited to work with her again. You remember her as "Delia" in "House of Bedlam".

Our 'Day Two' was scheduled on Tuesday, but due to a weather forecast that could quite literally ruin our day, we've decided to contense the two days and shoot 'Day Two' in the after noon.

We'll be heading out to our primary shooting location in Pleasantville, PA. where we'll film what happens to Jody's family during their first encounter with Ohma.

Story Board 13 - "Camping With Ohma"

I know I said I wasn't releasing any more storyboards, but again... 'membership' has it's privledges.

The 'Drum' Prop is an intricate part of the story, and we've been able to score a beautiful piece that is actually the 'real deal'. Hand made by a Seneca Shamen 30 years ago and used in actual Native ceremonies.

Wicked cool, and with thanks to New Hope Ministries for their very generous contribution to the film.

So we're off to run down the monster. I'll do my best to keep up with the blog and fill you in on the progress with news and photos from the set. The film will be documented by set photographer Ron Vollentine. Be 'friends' with him on Facebook as he'll be uploading select shots.

The week of July 25th, Larry Laverty arrives in town along with Mark Cray and Angelina Leigh, and we'll be shooting the heaviest parts of the film. Stay tuned, there's a lot more in store.

- PG

"Blood of Ohma" - Day One Complete!

Last week, we started the party a little early and finished 'Day One' of Principal Photography on "Blood of Ohma". Even though our official 'start date' was July 18, we found ourselves ready for the day, including having Nathan Gorman and Samantha Hoepfl available on the same day, so we went ahead and got it done.


Samantha Hoepfl and Nathan Gorman on "Blood of Ohma"

Samantha plays "Jody" as a teenager and in this scene, she's just had a mysterious tape delivered to her house and she's arguing with her boyfriend "Derreck" (Nathan) about it's origin.

I don't mind saying this was the easiest 'Day One' we've had in GMD Films history. We went from Set Design and Wardrobe all the way to 'Wrap' inside 6 hours - without a hitch - and even rehearsed the scene about two dozen times.


Samantha Hoefpl on "Blood of Ohma"

Being 'Day One', it's the first full production footage we have on the movie and included two interior 'Night' shots, which was one of the problem area's I was concerned with. Shooting in 3D requires two more 'F-Stops' of light, and the 3D glasses themselves reduce the light by another 'F-Stop' so shooting 'Night' was an obvious concern. With a bit of creative lighting and a heavy dose of style, I think we pulled it off with gusto.



Samantha Hoepfl on "Blood of Ohma"

The Native American 'Dream Catcher' on the back wall was Samantha's idea.

3D is meant to be a fun gimmick, and it's the 'pop out' shots that makes it so much fun. So, there's 'Pop Shots' all over the movie. This scene has a couple of them actually. Here's a simple one, so I don't spoil all the fun when you finally watch the film.

3D 'Pop Shot' - Red / Cyan 3D Glasses Required

If you have your 3D Glasses on, Nate's hand will pop out of your screen about 7.5%.

And if that's not enough to start getting you excited about "Ohma", here's the official 'Open Credit Sequence' for the film. It features a collage of news clippings, news reports, a famous 911 call and the infamous "Patterson Footage".



It's just getting started folks... 'Day Two' is coming up in just a few weeks.

Until then.... keep your eyes and ears open.

- PG

"Blood of Ohma" - Video Blog # 02 - 'Scouting The Woods'

"Location Scouts are tough!"



You recognize the big guy, it's Hamilton. He came along on our location scout for 'The Woods' in "Blood of Ohma". We were in the 'Oil Creek Region' of Pennsylvania. Those around here know it as Titusville, Pleasantville, Union City, Oil City. Yeah, that area.

We were scouting about a dozen acres of land, which will be the Primary Shooting Location for "Blood of Ohma". This Video Blog was shot on our Dual Camera 'Production Rig' and includes some test shots.

This Video is in 3D. If you don't have 3D Glasses handy, just click "Turn Off 3D" from the '3D' Menu.



I shot a bunch of Video at this location, so I think you're in store for at least one more Video Blog from here. Stay tuned.

In other "Ohma News", I'm VERY proud to announce that the World 3D Premiere of "Blood of Ohma" will be at The 3rd Annual Films For Food Benefit on September 23rd.

If don't know about 'F.F.F.' , it's a not for profit benefit that was founded by myself and Marie Madison to raise food for the needy in our community. The 2011 Event will be September 23 and 24 and features first run independent films with the only cost of admission being non-perishable food or dog & cat food. The event is produced 100% by sponsors and volunteers, so 100% of every donation goes directly to Second Harvest Food Bank of Erie as well as Because You Care of Erie (for animal donations).

We will be presenting "Blood of Ohma" in Classic 3D for the first time, and stars Mark Cray, Marie Madison and Angelina Leigh will be attendence for autographs and pictures.

There's a lot more to come, so stay tuned...

- PG

A Few Things From The Physical FX Dept.

First, nearly all of "Blood of Ohma" is being shot 'In Camera' - meaning, what you see is what we shot, with no digital effects added. It's an 'old school' process that means if it's not already stored in our garage, we have to either find it, or build it.

There are going to be a few shots in which Dustin Austin is going to create some things I can't actually film without risk to our cast, crew and equipment. But they are truly special effects shots, and you'll know them when you see them.

The rest of the movie though - every other fucked up thing I show you - has to be aquired or created. And we have a few challenges in "Blood of Ohma".

"Lucky"

If you're following along on my Facebook, the lamenting about this 'Dead Horse' has been on going.

The story requires that I have one. Full on, life size and shootable in all three dimensions. I also need it's head separate, and it's gotta look as much like "Lucky" there as you guy's will believe. I've been working on this since I got the script. I thought I had the solution 'handled' in an E-bay auction I lost for this:

It was a prop used in the "Narnia" films. I figured most of the work is done, and I could fill the rest in myself. Well, the prop house wouldn't budge on their $600 price tag, and I couldn't spend more than $450. So... we went literally back to the 'Drawing Board' and the Physical FX team came up with a way to build one - head and all - within budget.

In the opening of the movie, we are need of original 'Ohma' Statue Figures. These we're sculpting ourselves, because I just couldn't find the right 'look' for the figures. The one's I've found are either very expensive artist reproductions, or they look like children's toys.

Finally, there's some challenges specific to the 'Monster' itself. I'm not going to ruin the fun by showing you "Ohma" himself, but here's a couple of shots of pieces we're in the process of building.

It's exactly what you think it is.

This is a fully articulated 'Monster Hand'. It'll be painted to match the creature.

There's a bunch more, so stay tuned. We're really just getting started.

- PG

Hollywood's 3D Debate and Free Beer After Party

"3D is going to force exhibitors to rethink their business to the core, learning to think like programmers instead of just being operators who show content that’s sent to them and be their own marketers, to make alternative content, be it 2D or 3D, become a profitable business." - Bob Dowling  / The Dowling Group

You can understand the debate, because 3D Movies are NOT new. The technology has been around since nearly the beginning of film itself. There was a spike in the 30's, the 50's, again in the 80's and now, it's 2011 and 3D Movies are the hottest tickets in Hollywood, out earning 2D movies by as much as 40% on less than half the screens.

To be fair, 3D has gotten good. Digital technology has drastically improved the experience for the viewer and driven down the costs of production to the studio's so now you can watch anything from the Evening News to Sporting Events, Porn and Blockbuster Movies in 3D.

3D is fun again, and it's bringing people to the theater, an industry that has been hit hard by Youtube, On Demand Television and the huge drop in prices on big flat screens. I talked to an executive at a large video chain who believes 3D is going to be the future of his business. It's become a big player in the home theater business too, giving people a reason to upgrade the big flat screens they probably bought not that long ago.

My Bloody Valentine 3D

On one side of the debate is Hollywood, who see's the audience lining up for 3D Features and with dollar signs in their eyes start lining up everything in development for 3D production. The other side, is the Theater Owners who see their 3D theaters making 40% more than their 2D screens but simply don't have enough 3D screens to show everything Hollywood sends down the pike. So, a movie like "Coraline" gets bumped after 2 weeks to make room for "The Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience" which disappointed everyone in the food chain with it's dismal box office in all dimensions. 

The voice of reason is Bob Dowling, board member at the Paley Center for Media, and those who agree with him. Theater owners are already building more 3D screens, with projections of over 8,000 in the United States alone by 2013. A typical 'Blockbuster' opens on 2,000 - 3,000 screens in the US. 

So, it comes down to the content. There's going to be good 3D movies and there's going to be bad 3D movies. Just like there's good and bad 2D movies. Add in Youtube's 3D HD Video Player, plus Cable Network's like Time Warner who already have free 3D Channel's in their lineups. 

Here's Dowling's quote again, from the 2009 3D Conference:

"3D is going to force exhibitors to rethink their business to the core, learning to think like programmers instead of just being operators who show content that’s sent to them and be their own marketers, to make alternative content, be it 2D or 3D, become a profitable business." - Bob Dowling  / The Dowling Group

We live in a different world folks. Everyone's connected to everything and tuning in on devices of all kind. As entertainers, we're competing with distractions to our audience that amount in the millions. That's the hard reality check that a lot of company's and industry's are trying to get used to. But at the end of the day, it still comes down to the content. Everything else is just the delivery system. 3D, 2D, Big Screen, Television, Cell Phone, Stream, Flash... whatever... the ONLY thing that stays the same is that the audience is still drawn to good stories and entertaining shows.

If you don't have a story, there's no amount of 'Shaky Cam' or flashy digital effects, or 3D trickery that's going to make your movie watchable. If you're doing it as a gimick, you might as well slap a "Free Beer After Party" sticker on your movie poster. It'll end up being cheaper in the long run.

I'm making "Blood of Ohma" because it's one of the best stories I've come across in a long time. I'm shooting "Ohma" in 3D because that's what a lot of fans want to see. It will actually be the 3rd or 4th 3D movie produced by Maddy G Productions, and our numbers preportionatly reflect those in Hollywood.

Maybe 3D is a fad, maybe it's not. I'm not sure I care. For now, we're going to have some fun 1950's style.

- PG