7-20-2001
Well, we lost our website for a little while there.  I'd like to thank the now defunct CoolLink.net for that little fiasco.  No
phone call, no email...one day, the website just wasn't there.  Anyway.  We're back online and faster than ever.  Little news as of now, but there are a couple of moments of notice.  First, I've received the final schedule for the Rhode Island Film
Festival.  In short, our film will be the very first film shown out of the entire roster at RIIFF.  How's that for being #1.  It
appears to only have the one slot, but as far as I can tell, that's the way they all are.  Thursday August 9 at 11:00 am.  Go to www.film-festival.org for more information.  Also, I was recently asked to participate in an interesting forum created by
Hollywood veteran Jon de la Luz.  In downtown Longview, Texas, a group of 40 or so local movie buffs gathered to participate in the fourth installment of a one-on-one series entitled "A Taste of Cinema".  This installment focused on the role of visual effects in the cinematic story-telling process.  Other guest speakers included Chuck, Brandon, and Dale (forgive me as I didn't get all of their last names) from ReelFX in Dallas, and Ty (something), a former art director at Industrial Light + Magic.  During dinner, the guests were treated to a special viewing of our favorite film "ALMOST HISTORY".  It was very well received and was the source of great enthusiasm from a crowd of true movie-lovers, and a few industry pros as well.  That's it for now, I'll keep you posted.  By the way, look forward to an online version of the film in the near future.  Thanks all.
 

5-30-2001
Today I sent the most important Email, ever, to the "Almost History Fan Club".  It was simple... in fact the body of the correspondence contained only one word..."Done", and that it is.  This project was born in September of 2000, and is now complete after nearly EIGHT months of hard work and dedication, as well as setbacks, delays and overall frustration.  I’m sure it will live on for many years to come.  This is a good time to thank Bryan D. Smith for sticking with me throughout a very rough and tumble post-production and for having the patience to help me produce what I think is a fine piece of work that we can all enjoy and be proud of.  As well, I thank the incredible cast of Almost History, who’s talent is proven on-screen during each of the twenty-four and a half minutes, and never falters.  Likewise, a thunderous round of applause is due for the limited but essential crew, who’s endurance under the fast-paced moviemaking conditions truly tested their belief and dedication in the project.  Additionally, I’d like to offer a quick nod to those who aided me before, during, and after production with putting the tiny pieces together, to complete the puzzle.  The crews at Aries, Avid, Arri, Kodak, Video Post and Transfer, MPS, Intelecon, and a host of others all played a bigger part than they will ever understand, and I’m truly thankful.  Thanks to T.G. Weems, for all of his brilliantly simple, shoot-saving ideas without who’s input this project could not have succeeded.  My hat is off to J. Schuh, for bringing the masses together in a way that few people in the world could, when conditions were tough and patience was thin.  To Wynn Winberg, resident of Aries Productions, his tolerance of my shoot from the hip, rampage-like filmmaking style granted me the freedom to produce this film on a flexible and sometimes questionable schedule.  I wish I could’ve written all of this into the credits…but then I guess I did.  I guess it has just occurred to me what the credits of a film are all about…not so much the credit itself, but a way for a filmmaker to say “thank you” for eternity.

Thank you…

Festival circuit, here we come!

Come Check out the VHS Box cover art in the gallery section.

5-22-2001
Wow...that's a huge jump from the last update.  That's actually kind of embarrassing...I may have to fudge on a few of those dates someday to make me feel better.  For now, though, I'm going to try and update you on everything that's transpired over the last couple of months since my last update...It looks rediculously long, I know, but here goes.

First of all, the last time I updated this page, the film was being delivered to Bryan and he was off to the races.  As he and I both quickly discovered...this was much more of a learning experience than either of us thought it would be.  Through good times and bad, Bryan has stuck with it.  Battling time code issues, computer crashes, and phantom sync slips that appear to have no motivation or explanation what-so-ever.  Not to mention having to deal with a director who is, on one hand desperately seeking closure, and on the other, impossible to please.  Still...he bears the weight.  Like the incredible trooper he is, he has made it through quite an arduous journey, and proven himself to be 100% professional.  He gets my Oscar this year.  His sound design is phenomenal, and his sense of humor has improved the quality of this film ten-fold.  It's the minor touches that make all the difference.  That said, I should be applying his final sound treatment to the film this weekend, along with the music and final credits (had to add a few names under the sound department)...and we'll have us a finished movie.  After that, I'll print up some box sleeves and start the mailing process.

On a personal note, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend a week in L.A. recently.  Unfortunately, I didn't have a copy of the film to show around, but that's ok...what I did get to do, was visit some of the greatest friends anyone could ever have, our very own Jerrod Haarstad and Clair Jameson.  As some of you already know, they've moved to L.A. to pursue their careers in the field of acting with the determination that every dream deserves.  So, when we made it to L.A., I decided to look them up...turns out, they live less than a mile from where we were staying in Burbank.  We got together and enjoyed a wonderful evening, fabulous dinner, and a great conversation.  Just seeing someone I knew made the whole trip easier to handle.

Also, some of my cast and (rather limited) crew didn't receive one of the posters I brought to the premeire.  Now, as much as I'd like to give everyone one...you're not going to get one until you sign mine!!!  Everyone who got a poster, autographed mine, and if it's alright with you, that's the last favor I'm going to ask of you guys.  You guys worked so hard to help me make the film what it is, and I can't thank you enough, but I want your autograph, too.  So as soon as the movie is finished, I'm going to try and repay the favor to you by entering this film in every film festival that I can find, just like I promised from day one.  Hopefully, something will come out of it for everyone.

Oh, yeah...one last thing.  Our fateful hero, or rather the man who played him, A.J. Glendenning can now be seen in a feature film by Keith Kjornes called SURVEILLANCE.  To learn more about this incredible new film, go to www.ibexplus.com.  Good luck to him and his future successes.

I'll most likely update this page again, after this weekend...so until then.  Have a great day!

2-15-2001
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have picture lock.  I gave the film one last look before handing it over to Bryan for the final sound treatment.  I'm certain that our baby is in good hands and am as anxious as I'm sure you are to see the final product.  Not much else to say at this point, so I'll keep you up to date as much as possible.  Thanks for everybody's patience.

2-05-2001
Well, it's a big day today.  I have about a million things to get done between now (12:17pm) and 8:00 tonight.  All of the inserts have been shot, though they won't be in the film you'll see tonight (scheduling issues).  I hope nobody forgot that tonight is the wrap party.  It's at 8:00pm at the Ridglea Movie Theater in Fort Worth.  The address is 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, 76116.  There is a map here.  Don't worry aobut bringing anything, unless you know you'll want it and are sure I won't have it.  You can't bring drinks in, but you can bring whatever food you want.  My cellphone number is 817-614-9167 if anyone has any questions or needs anything...even a ride.  Let me know, I'll make something happen.  I'd love to see everyone there...besides I have a movie to show you.  It's about 98 percent complete visually...and about 50 percent complete soundwise.  It's rough, but it still looks pretty darm nice.  I think you'll enjoy it.  So come on out...bring a friend...and in the words of the great Daddy Warbucks..."Let's a-l-l-l-l go to the movies!"

2-01-2001
A big Congratulations goes out to our very own A.J. Glendenning.  We just finished shooting the last of his Inserts and he is now completely WRAPPED.  I'm hoping to be able to schedule the last of the inserts for early (8:00am) Saturday morning.  As far as what needs to be completed, it shouldn't take more than about an hour and a half, so let me know if that's ok for everyone.  Also, as for the plan for the wrap party...Folks should get there at 8:00pm on Monday night at the Ridglea Movie Theater in Fort Worth.  There is a map in the maps section under the home page selection of "MISC".  The address is 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, 76116.  I hope everyone will be able to make it, and by the way...I hope you'll bring your significant other where applicable.  I would consider this a dress-casual event and drinks (soft drinks, fruit drinks, water, etc.) will be served.  Alcoholic drinks will be available, but you're on your own for those :)   There will also be Hors d’Oeuvres.  Can't wait to see everyone there!!

1-29-2001
Not much news since early this morning...but I'm sure you'll notice something a little different about the site in general.  Hope everyone likes the new look a little better.  I'm just getting started, though.

1-28-2001
I should say it's the 29th, because it's about 3:10am Monday morning.  Still, here I am.  I've just finished rendering the Final version of the NEW TRAILER complete with nifty soundtrack.  Making it was an ordeal, thanks to the wonderful world of Macintosh.  They're fine in the own little world...it's just when you try to share information between Mac and PC that things get out of hand.  Nevermind that.  I've finished the rough cut and delivered it to Bryan for sound, who I'm sure is getting a kick out of playing with it as I type.  Furthermore, I have a completed list of all inserts that need to be shot to round out the film.  Though I tried to keep from doing this, it appears that I'm going to need everybody for at least a few minutes to shoot them...we also have a little bit of dialog re-recording to do at the same time.  My plan is to coordinate with everyone to find a day in the near future, when I can get everyone together and shoot all the inserts at once, as well as record the dialog at the same time.  There aren't many inserts to shoot and they can all be done on the stage at Aries.  If it's possible to get those shot before the weekend, we could possibly make the deadline for the L.A. Independent Film Festival.  Either way, I could submit as a work-in-progress.  I'm going to see what I can do about making this web site look a little better, too.  If this film gets any exposure, I want people to find a pretty and easy-to-navigate site to come to.  Before I fall asleep on the keyboard...I just want to say how great this experience has been.  Thanks to all who worked on this.

1-22-2001
Finally...news.  I've spent the last weekend working on editing ALMOST HISTORY and so far, it's about half finished.  I think after next weekend, I'll have a final rough cut, minus beginning and end credits.  Until then, however, I'm going to take what I have finished, and try to get with Bryan, in sound, to determine where we stand as far as the soundtrack is concerned.  This will include plaaning for Foley work, ADR, sound effects, music, and other sound related repairs or fixes to be performed.  I should also have enough at this time to be able to at least get the ball rolling in terms of getting the visual effects started.  I just want to thank everyone at this time for your patience.  I've been awful busy, and you guys have been great about understanding that.  I'm actually at a bit of a slowdown now, at least for the next weeke or two, during which time, I should be able to get quite a bit done towards finishing this film.  On a persnal note..."Slap her, She's French!" wrapped this past friday and I must say...I received as good an education on how movies are made today as I could have gotten at any fine L.A. film school.  I'd be more than happy to share anything I've learned to anybody who has questions that I can answer.  After all, that's why most of us worked on this project...to learn how it's done.  Speaking of "Slap", I've added a picture below of myself with two of the coolest up-and-coming actors on the scene today.  This is Trent Ford and Jane McGregor.  Jane is going to rock the world when this movie comes out.  Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but she has more talent and range in her little finger than ninety percent of the rest of the acting population.  Enjoy, and stay tuned for more...

1-2-2001
I was finally able to slow down long enough to get in and get the film transferred today.  By, the way, everyone looked fabulous on film.  The first thing I'm going to have to do is start syncing the sound with the picture.  After that, it's edit city.  I'm not sure when I'm going to be able to get started on that because I start up again on "Slap her, She's French!" on Wednesday.  From then on it will probably be long days for a couple of weeks.  However, if I manage to get a day off somewhere in there, you can bet it will be spent behind the wheel of an editing system.  As I begin cutting the film, finished sequences will be sent to Bryan so that in tandem, we can be working on editing, sound sweetening, foley, and maybe even some visual effects at the same time.  For those of you who are fans of such things...there is a new teaser trailer available for download.  It's just something I whipped up, and doesn't have any sound yet...but it's an interesting way to get the feel of the final film.  So, as soon as I get the schedule for the editing I'll be doing, I'll post it to the calender.  You guys looked great, can't wait to see the final film.  I think I'll post some stills from the film pretty soon.  So you guys can see how everything looked after all.  Later!

12-28-2000
Another quick update, I added the photo that will be used in the film for the "reflection" scenes.  I've also added a group photo, with as many people as were available.  I have every intention of having a more complete group photo made before everyone disperses for their illustrious careers and whatever richness their lives may hold for them in the future.  However, for now, that one will have to do. :)  Oh, by the way, I have a firm schedule for the final transfer.  9:00am Tuesday morning, January 2nd, 2001 for the better part of the day at Video Post and Transfer in Dallas.  Editing will begin the following weekend or as immediately as my schedule allows.  It appears that I will be working on another feature film starting on the 3rd of January and go on for the next two weeks.

12-26-2000
First, let me apologize for the long time it's been since I updated this site.  Unfotunetly, (or fortunetly depending on how you look at it) I got very busy in terms of work right as princliple photography wrapped last Sunday.  Aside from having three seperate animation projects' deadlines come up, I also got involved in a feature film shoot in the colony that was shooting during the nights.  Some of you may be familiar with the film entitled "Slap Her, She's French!" I took over as 2nd unit video assist operator for the last two nights of the shoot.  Talk about trial by fire...it was my first gig in that capacity, and this was a four camera shoot...yee haw.  Anyway, on to the real updates...there's not much to report.  However, post-production and any possible pick-up shoots have been postponed due to the fact that I can't get in for my transfer until January 2nd at the earliest.  So, until that's done, my hands are tied.  can't edit, can't do music, can't do visual effects, can't even do foley work...not till after January 2nd.  Then again, I could really use the rest...

12-11-2000
After a rough weekend, we are finished with all of the lab scenes.  This location was the most heavily utilized in the movie, so the worst is behind us.

As far as I can tell, we're a little over-budget on film stock, but it shouldn't be a huge problem.  I'll just have to be a little more careful about over-shooting a scene as I have up to now.

I saw the footage from Saturday and Sunday...everything looked great.  There were a couple of shots that were a bit dark in places, but certainly still usable and quite acceptable.

There are new production stills up from this weekend.

More to come...

12-7-2000
I've finally added some real CALL SHEETS to the home page.  You can print these out for your perusal and enjoyment...just make sure you read everything on it pertaining to you.

Along with the map to the location for Saturday and Sunday...I've added the address...duh!

Everything should be ready for one heckuva shoot this weekend, so strap yourselves in...it's gonna get a little bumpy.

Additionally, I've created a little informaion page for our Cast members as well

12-6-2000
Actually a lot has happened in the last few days.  I hope everyone will excuse me for being a little late on the updates.  So, here goes.  First of all...I looked at the film from the first day's shoot.  Folks, the stuff looked awsome.  I can't begin to tell you how well everyone in the scene photographed.  All of my actors looked great on film.  You're going to love it.  Next, I've lost a location.  Next, I've secured a replacement that is better anyway.  I've looked into building some props and I have a question to post to my cast and crew regarding this weekends shooting schedule.  I have a choice to make, and I'd like to have some feedback from you gus before making a final decision.

Changes to the site:  I've broken the page into pages and rearranged the updates so that the latest days news will be at the top of the list instead of the bottom (seems awfully obvious now.)

I've added a map to this Saturdays (and Sundays??) shooting location.

I've added some easier to find links at the top of the page to pics and maps and other such stuff.

I still haven't had any takers on this giant reversible coat that was left in my apartment on Saturday.

There's a new version of the script online now.  This is likely the final version...but who knows.

12-2-2000
Today was the first day of the shoot, and I must say that Murphy's Law was in full effect.  Nevertheless, we came through.  I had intended to finish up around 6:00pm, but as it went, we finished up around 9:00pm.  Today, I witnessed some of the most impressive displays of patience from the most talented people I've ever had the pleasure of working with.  I can't thank everyone enough for coming out and joining me in participating in one of the greatest art forms ever conceived.

I hope everybody enjoyed the shoot, the food, the playstation (thanks T.G.), and maybe a little fun.

Click here for a collection of production stills and shots of our players, in and out of character.  Thanks to J. Schuh for these.

Production schedules have been updated.

Keep checking back for information on next weeks shoots.  Thanks everyone.

12-1-2000
The Auditions went wonderfully, regardless of the fact that our hapless Director was about 45 minutes late.  Then again, how was I supposed to know the eighteen-wheeler was going to go off the bridge there...

I would like to, first off, thank everyone who came out to the auditions...I must say, that was absolutely one of the most difficult nights I've ever been faced with.  I've always considered myself a decent decision-maker, and try to look at everything from both sides and be as objective as possible.  Well, it took everything I had to make the casting choices I made because everyone made it hard on me.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that everyone who was there showed me a little something special.  We all have our own tendancies that affect our personalities...it was very interesting to share yours.  A special thanks goes out to the Actors Place for their diligence and hard work in helping me get through a tough day with lots of help and professionalism.

11-30-2000
The Call time has been posted for the Saturday shoot, along with the address.

11-29-2000
Auditions have been added to December production schedule

Budget has been updated

Script is now also available in Microsoft WORD format.