Batman, Important film-related matters
Last night I got a free pass to see the first Chicago screening of the 6 minute prequel to "The Dark Knight" on IMAX at Navy Pier. I won't say what happened, but Heath Ledger is insane as the Joker. Way better than Jack Nicolson. He's darker, a complete sadistic killer clown with a subtle, dark sense of humor. The director, Christopher Nolan is a genius. The whole movie comes out July 18, but the prequel will be played before "I Am Legend" at the IMAX. I think it will be playing in Austin, but the trailer is also being released which also played after the short movie.
I've still been writing a lot. Da Big Daddy G (Driving Instructor, Shotgun!) heard some of my songs and wants me to write one for an independent feature he's has half the money so far. I've come up with some stuff.
It seems like I've been progressing outside of college more than I have in my classes. I'll give a couple more semesters a chance. Sometimes I feel like I can make a living by staying in Austin and making a lot of short films and working on other people's projects. I've made some more connections. I've been wanting to help kick-start a stronger movement to bring back film incentives back to Texas so more work will come into town. My dad has been spending a lot of time in New Mexico working on films since not enough are coming here. Part of the reason Texas doesn't give money to indy film makers is some men in high places in the legislator aren't a fan of sex and violence in movies. There are many other reasons, but it goes to show - as liberal as Austin is, we're still in Texas. It would be nice if Austin were a sort of city-state, but I doubt that would happen. People in Austin think everything is fine. They see our film studios, here about a couple big films that have come in and think that the film profession is stable, but in actuality it isn't. If people knew about this issue, they'd be outraged. It hasn't gotten any press but if people were informed, I believe this is a fight we can win. So this summer I'm going to talk with some people I've met that are in the film commission and see if something is already underway. If not, I'd love to have a part in this. A march and other tactics such as mass petition would be more effective with this issue than any other.
I've still been writing a lot. Da Big Daddy G (Driving Instructor, Shotgun!) heard some of my songs and wants me to write one for an independent feature he's has half the money so far. I've come up with some stuff.
It seems like I've been progressing outside of college more than I have in my classes. I'll give a couple more semesters a chance. Sometimes I feel like I can make a living by staying in Austin and making a lot of short films and working on other people's projects. I've made some more connections. I've been wanting to help kick-start a stronger movement to bring back film incentives back to Texas so more work will come into town. My dad has been spending a lot of time in New Mexico working on films since not enough are coming here. Part of the reason Texas doesn't give money to indy film makers is some men in high places in the legislator aren't a fan of sex and violence in movies. There are many other reasons, but it goes to show - as liberal as Austin is, we're still in Texas. It would be nice if Austin were a sort of city-state, but I doubt that would happen. People in Austin think everything is fine. They see our film studios, here about a couple big films that have come in and think that the film profession is stable, but in actuality it isn't. If people knew about this issue, they'd be outraged. It hasn't gotten any press but if people were informed, I believe this is a fight we can win. So this summer I'm going to talk with some people I've met that are in the film commission and see if something is already underway. If not, I'd love to have a part in this. A march and other tactics such as mass petition would be more effective with this issue than any other.