Stories from Arlington

Enter a world of dream and nightmare on the streets of a place called Arlington…Arlington’s a city with many things gruesome, fantastical and wondrous glinting off its signposts and reflected in the dark buildings of Balineburr St., or the Collinghair District. Join writer Cornelius Fortune as he takes you through a journey of myths reexamined and new creatures evolved, skillfully realized by illustrator, Abel Ramirez.



You will meet a strange cast of characters who have made Arlington their permanent address: there’s Xavier, a male prostitute, whose insipid life is about to take a turn for the weird when he meets Moon and her husband Jim, who offer him something a bit different and quite old; Ivan Dolcetta, failed pianist, second-rate composer, who leads the Arlington Symphony Orchestra through a cursed piece of sheet music, and the untold story of music and its parents; Tristan Ultherie, a fourteen year-old boy who waits for his sister in the rain every year in the same café (though she’s been dead for nearly three years); a children’s game of musical chairs, and a new look at coloring books and crayons that promises to make parents think twice before buying. And for no extra charge readers will treated to a B-movie entitled “Meat Left out on a Kitchen Tabletop” about a boy and his zombie lover. Need we say more? Buy this book and you’ll be sure to be transported out of this, and into another world that will astound, intrigue, and make you question your own reality. Close the curtains. Lock the doors. And welcome, to Arlington…

"Sponge Face" by Cornelius Fortune

Sponge Face

By Cornelius Fortune
Sponge Face we called him, because he could soak things up with his head. Beer, smoke – you name it. Any airborne particle could fall victim to his enormous pores. We called ourselves his friends just so we could see what he'd soak up next. Like the average high school kid, he was content to fit anywhere, so we placed him a step above a mascot and entertained ourselves with him, all the way up to senior year.



No one remembers his name (not that it mattered) – he had one, probably was born with one – but Sponge Face was the one that stuck. (Insert name) the teachers called him, but what they secretly wanted to call him was: Sponge Face. Everyone called him Sponge Face.



I don't remember the medical terminology of his condition, but it was rare, occurring maybe one out of every four thousand or something; he was one of the lucky ones: he lived to see his eighteenth birthday.



I asked him what it felt like. He said it was like someone pouring gasoline into an opened wound – he had to squeeze his face out like a sponge to get it out and he needed to drink plenty of water afterward. We didn't pity him. We laughed our asses off.



This was late May, a few weeks before graduation. Everyone was throwing a party. This was Stacy Gilmore's party. She was going to Harvard. Stacy was an ex-girlfriend of mine and Sponge Face was stupid for her. Trust me, batteries were included in this package, and then some.



We watched as Sponge Face did his usual tricks: soaking up fireflies and mosquitoes, his head lighting up like a Christmas ornament. He squeezed them back out, his head inflated like a bee's hive.

The crowd applauded.

“Come on,” I said. “We've seen that trick before. Do something new.”



Not that I was trying to be a dick, but the others agreed with me.




Sponge Face's face fell. This had never happened before. He was lost. I think he was out of tricks.



Stacy sauntered over to him and whispered in his ear. He smiled, blinking his eyes in disbelief. To this day, I don't know what she told him, but it restored his confidence.



“Alright,” he said. “What about this?”

He indicated the pool. It was dirty and clouded.



“It hasn't been cleaned,” said Stacy.



“That's the point,” he said, toward it. “Pay attention ladies and gents,” he announced in a loud mock-announcer’s voice. “I'm going to attempt something I've never attempted before.”



We all wanted to see, but I had my reservations. That was a lot of water to soak up, an increased volume with all the sludge in it. There was no way he could do it, I thought. No way.

He hesitated only once. Then dipped his head in.



The water started bubbling and a whirlpool formed around his head.



“Sponge Face! Sponge Face! Sponge Face!” we chanted, like he was chugging a keg.




In a matter of minutes he had soaked the pool dry. His head had expanded maybe three inches, but he looked fine, like a champ ready to go the next round.



He belched. We cheered. He bowed in satisfaction then winked slyly at Stacy.



Sponge Face bent over the swimming pool and started pushing at his head to reopen the pores. We'd all seen it before. Most of us went back to partying, but I kept my eyes fixed on him. It was clear that after two minutes of pushing, the water wasn't coming out. He gasped for air. His body started expanding. I reached out, but he toppled over the side and into the empty pool.



There was a sound like cracking an eggshell on the edge of a bowl, followed by a huge splash. Then the pool filled back up with water.


Sponge Face's body floated on top, which included what had to be his stomach contents and an unraveled intestine. His face was like a cartoon’s after it had been flattened by an anvil falling out of the sky. It smelled really bad. Imagine the worst smell imaginable, and you wouldn’t be far off.

Sponge Face was dead. As in D-E-A-D.


We were questioned by the authorities, but it was clear to them after questioning all of us, that it wasn't manslaughter – Sponge Face did this sort of thing all the time (they called it a suicidal tendency), and was merely a case, however sad, of him biting off more than he could chew. It was like any other stupid thing you did as a kid to impress a girl. We’ve all been there before, only Sponge Face didn’t come back.



I liked Sponge Face. I felt bad that it had happened, but life went on.



There was a private funeral for him, and none of us were allowed to go. Which was fine by me. I didn't like funerals. Still don't. Never will.




The principal announced it over the intercom. He said: “Keep his mother in your prayers.”



Graduation day finally came with its caps and gowns and speeches, bulb flashes, and tears. It was like every other graduation, until an old woman in rags stood up and stormed the stage. She had four arms and waved them angrily in the air, knocking over the school superintendent in the process.



No one had seen Sponge Face's mother, so we couldn't be sure it was her, though she claimed (insert name) was her beloved, and muttered a curse against the graduating class of 1984.


The staff and the parents were outraged (a few even threw a few tomatoes at her; yes, tomatoes, the cliché is true). But we laughed our asses off (we always laughed our asses off – everything was so damn funny then). Ha. Ha. What a memorable graduation moment. Years from now, we’d all be telling the story to our children.

Flash forward to the present day.


You lose touch with people after high school. It happens. That’s life.


I signed up for one of those “keep-in-touch-with-old-school-mates” websites (cost me $30.00 a year). Got in contact with Stacy. You know the story. Married with kids, life didn't work out quite the way she wanted it to. It happens. You get older.


But I did run across some disturbing news: Milford High Class of 1984 were reporting strange mutations…unexplainable things happening to their bodies – every last one of them. I looked in the mirror. Scrutinized myself. Nothing. The reports must be exaggerations. That was my first and only thought. Suburban middleclass life resumed.



My wife Jamie came back from the doctor with pictures of our first baby. She was in tears.


She showed me the picture of the ultrasound.


Now I'm starting to worry.

Inception movie props from Hollywood's Archlight Theater

• 
  

  

  I believe this is a pawn very cool!

The leads costume

The will

Googles from the snow scene

Passport with the actors photo very detailed!

The mark's biography

Leonardo Dicaprio's suite he's a tal guy

Sweet red dice I want these bad!

Inception Review: The greatest film since "The Dark Night" this one will take best original screenplay and soundtrack on Oscar night!

"Inception" is a incomprehensible puzzle of a film and the best original science fiction since "The Matrix" but don’t be fooled this film is nothing like matrix. Inception began 10 years ago as a 80-page treatment but Writer/Director Christopher Noland decided that he didn’t have the skill and resources to make a large budget film so he honed his talents on "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Night" then having proved himself a bankable director Noland polished his script and now it is legend. "Inception" is the covert planting of an idea without the mark (the person) knowing about it, the trick is to get into the mark's psyche and plant the idea and get out without them knowing and beliving they came up with the idea on their own.  Now that is a very high concept approach!  How exactly did this film deliver the goods when so many other summer films did not?

For starters the cast is amazing Leonardo DiCaprio does angry and confused extremely well his character has lost everything his children, his nationality and the woman he loves... his latest inception will allow him to see his kids again but his guilt may compromise his goals, without giving too much of the plot away the story is amazing the concept of a dream within a dream within a dream within a dream... then limbo is brilliant along with the Hans Zimmer score with its loud BRRMMMM... BRRMMM it's dark, brooding and overpowering bass line gets into your head and stays there I must see this film again its already bought on DVD.

The SFX team on "Inception" have achieved greatness but I didn’t like one hiccup the scene where the characers Dom Cobb and Ariadne (the dream architect) walked up the wall, it was a little cheesy but Noland is allowed a hiccup or two another scene I'm baffled about as to how they did it was the weightlessness scene.  It looked so incredibly real I'm guessing they built the set on some kind of cargo plane and they did a steep decent to create the effect but it was so real kudos to the FX team it's up there with "The Matrix" bullet time effect if they're smart the FX wizards should keep that magic trick under they're hat.

I give this movie an A+ and expect this one to win Oscars in best original screenplay, best score, best costume design but the FX are great but not Avatar great and finally THANK YOU CHRISTOPHER NOLAND FOR NOT MAKING THIS FILM IN FREKEN 3D!!!!!!!

Predators 2010 Review: I give this movie an A- because the ending didnt work for me.

This movie can look forward to being downloaded, rented and pirated for a long time to come what was cool about this film was it stayed true to the spirit of the original but added to the Predator mythos. The film is essentially about survival of the fittest.

When earths greatest warriors from around the globe are dropped unto an alien planet to be hunted the thrills never let up... even in the exposition scenes I'm never bored excellent pacing and awesome FX... Stan Winston would be proud and what is most gratifying is fans of the series can finally stop watching AvP or AvPR to get their predator fix.

The visuals and music are well done especially the updated predvison a little more sophisticated but one wonders if the predators are so advanced why not just create some kind of ocular implant why wear that clunky helmet? Is it a cultural thing or is it for protection who knows all that matters is that the Predator is back and has regained his dignity

I'm giving this movie an A- because as good as it was it didn’t strike an emotional accord towards the end it reminded me of a really good Dark Horse graphic novel adaptation.

Deadlines - Gavin Maliska

This is an interview with FOX2 news director Gavin Maliska cut from my documentary "Deadlines" here he breaks down the daily processes of how a news show is put together on a daily basis... enjoy!

Coming Soon Predators - looking forward to reviewing this one looking real good and I'm lovin the old school heat vison July 9th only in theaters!

This is looking really cool but I'm surprised Robert Rodriguez isn't directing this himself considering the original script was his idea an all either way he's never put out a bad movie this looks like one hell of an escapist thriller!

TOY STOY 3 REVIEW (((((Spoiler Alert)))))

I didn’t see Toy Story 1 or 2 but part 3 is very good, the story was allot more clever than I was expecting to see. Sine Pixar's last film Up I have slowly becoming a fan of their films. Toy Story 3 is very cool because it is about moving on in life.

Andy is going to college and he is no longer playing with the toys. At this point their getting anxious about their futures will they end up in the attic or worse yet in the trash... well they are accidentally donated to a daycare where they believe they've found Nirvana when in fact the daycare holds a sinister secrete, Its really a prison where discarded toys cannot escape and toddlers literally break all they new toys daily.

I liked the characters and the voices where perfect this film really makes you think about how playing with toys is good for a child's imagination the only thing I was a little confused on is if these toys could walk and talk why not just tell Andy not to throw them away why do they go out their way to be lifeless I don’t understand that part of the film it also asks the question what else in the Toy Story world is really alive but pretending not to be?

I give this film ***** 5 stars out of 5 very engaging film for people of any age.

Marvel vs Capcom 3 actual gameplay from E3 2010 I take back everything I said about this game believe the hype MvC is back and worth the wait!

Deadlines - Dan Miller: Sports Anchor for FOX2 very cool interview recovered from mini dv shot in 2003

Detroit: Then and now documentary part II - Director's Cut

"Deadlines" Theatrical Trailer

Marvel vs Capcom 3: The New age of crappiness----this is why MvC3 will suck!!!

Okay capcom vs tatsunoko was great but I think they are really going to drop the ball on MVC3 because they are trying too hard to make it realistic. Seen the screen shots online and all I gotta say is WTF happened to the animation sure the realism is very ahem real but part of the fun of playing MVC2 was the animation which lends itself to the wackyness of the whole concept. I agree that Marvel vs Capcom is for kids but the in depth controls and the semi adult themes ahem Morgan changing into a dominatrix anyone? The problem with fighting games in 2010 is that people want to go high tech for all the wrong reasons; for example SF4 was great to look at but it was no where near as cool as SF: Third Strike in terms of its parrying system and in-depth game play, focus attack, are you kidding let me parry my way into a hyper combo anyday. I think that in the rush to be cutting edge the minor simplicties are lost which is why MVC3 will suck because the designers are doing too much. The designers should download mugen and just put a bunch of characters in it with a ridiculus amount of variety and everyone will be happy.

Deadlines - Huel Perkins Interview on youtube----- Interesting and charosmatic

Motor City Comic-con article written by my bro the writer... very cool piece!

Motor City Comic Con brings sci-fi stars, top artists to Novi
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Facebook Twitter Delicious Digg Fark Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon Technorati Yahoo! Bookmarks Print News – Motor City Comic Con volunteer Vivian Lobdell takes time out to share a moment with comic book artist … Thu May 13, 9:35 am ET
By Cornelius Fortune, Associated Content

When comics and pop culture collide, the result can be quite exciting, especially for fans.


Motor City Comic Con offers one of the most diverse experiences for both the casual attendee and the hardcore collector alike. From classic TV and movie stars to comic book artists, it's a one-stop shop - a cornucopia of imaginative media.

The event will be held May Friday to Sunday at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.

Some of the most highly anticipated actors scheduled to attend include Adam West ("Batman"), Linda Blair ("The Exorcist"), Lindsay Wagner ("The Bionic Woman"), Eric Roberts ("The Dark Knight" and "Heroes"), Ray Park ("Stars Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace"), Jim Kelly ("Enter the Dragon") and others.

Comic book stars Ethan Van Sciver ("Flash: Rebirth"), Rebecca Buchman ("Superman/Batman"), Guy Davis ("Hellboy") and many more will be on hand to greet their fans.

Such diversity ignites Vivian Lobdell's commitment to the convention. With 15 consecutive years at Comic Con under her belt, the Grand Rapids resident enjoys the company of her fellow volunteers.

"When I first went to the convention, it was so small compared to what it is now," Lobdell said. "It was all comic book-related, and I was following a few comics at the time."

She's been to many types of conventions and prefers shows that are organized by the locals, as opposed to large corporations.

"It makes you feel like you're really a part of it," Lobdell said. "I really like the fan- and family-ran conventions."

In order to get the most from your convention experience, she suggests heading to the freebie tables, which typically have a variety of things you might expect at a comic book convention and often more - you just need to show up and explore the space. And for those individuals looking to enhance their convention experience without spending a great deal of money, Lobdell recommends the small press area.

"Many have mini comics available free or for a small fee," she said. "It's where much of the talent of tomorrow starts out and where even more very talented people choose to stay. Basically (they're) some of the friendliest people around, usually, with time to share with you. Never know where you'll see these folks next."

It's also a good idea to have a copy of the program handy and pay attention to the floor plan to find where everything will be located.

If you're interested in getting an autograph from your favorite comic book artist, the good news is they rarely charge for it (maybe for a piece of autographed art, but not for the signature itself). On average, a media guest can charge between $20-$25, sometimes more.

As a volunteer, Lobdell earns a free autograph after her shift is completed. But that's not all: She gets to hang out with a veritable who's-who list of sci-fi/fantasy legends, such as Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett from the original "Star Wars" movies). They always share good conversation, and there's a long list of others, including comic book artists and writers.

"I think people should not only come to comic con," Lobdell said, "I think they should volunteer. It's a lot of fun if you're able to be there more than one day. Plus, you get a free autograph. The Goldmans have been really lovely to us. The people that work there try to make it a fan-friendly convention, focused on what people want."
Peter Clor, a Dearborn resident and longtime comic book reader, wants the convention to go back to basics: comics.

"Motor City Comic Con needs a larger presence, especially from Marvel and DC because they do not show up to our conventions to promote their books," Clor said. "They used to a long time ago. I think it's because our convention turned into a media blitz and became less about comics."
Clor, who has attended the convention in the past, may visit this year if invited by friends. He does see the need that the event fills for genre fans.

"It's a great place to go catch up on the TV celebrities," Clor said, "and there's a lot of toys and statues to look at. It's kinda like that genre fest you can go geek out on."
According to Motor City Comic Con show coordinator Jeffrey Serling, the comic-to-media guest ratio is about 60 to 40, with comics winning.

"We have always been a comic con first and foremost," Serling said. "I always try to bring in the best comic list as possible. We have such a wide variety of artists and writers, from independent to freelance artists."
Serling, who started collecting comics when he was 10, was surprised that despite Michigan's ailing economy, attendance went up 25 percent last year. The success of the show, he noted, is due to Michael Goldman, who launched the Motor City Comic Con 20 years ago.

"The one thing that makes the Motor City Comic Con is that we are a family-run show; we're grassroots," Serling said. "We're not a huge conglomerate. We're able to run the best possible show in Michigan, and it's run quite nicely. I think it's one of the main reasons our guests return - we have that kind of reputation."

Expect a professional auction, independent film screenings, engaging panel discussions - and, yes, get your best costume ready, because the popular costume contest will return.

About 15,000 people attended last year and Serling suspects a repeat performance or an increase in crowd size, which is even better.

"It's really a fun thing for all the fans," Serling said.

For more information, visit www.MotorCityConventions.com/motor_city_comic_con.

Unity Studios cant pay the rent and may be evicted.... WTF?!

In my humble opinion I think Unity Studios had their hearts in the right place when they wanted to base their operations in Michigan but they drastically underestimated how hard it is to earn a living in the great lakes state.

I lived in Michigan for 30 years and I can tell you bitter reality hits that state harder than any other in America which is why Michiganders have earned a reputation for being optimistic because you have to be in order to survive there.

After graduating college I couldn’t find anything in the media field, even attended a job fair at Specs Howard applied and talked to all the reps from WDET (news radio) to WJLB (hip hop station) and still no job not even an intenship. The place was filled wall to wall with talented people trying to get into the media business which really gave me the impression that Michigan isn’t where you want to live if your seriously trying to have a career.

California is broke, broker than broke, extremely broke but they hide it very well but SoCal is still the land of opportunity. Michigan has potential to be a formatible player in the movie biz but everyone is so tight on the dollar right now its looking more like dream than reality. If Unity Studios is going to remain in Michigan they're going to have to make more than commercials my suggestion--- video games if they invest in new media they might have a shot at turning it around otherwise its a wrap.

Detroit: Then and now documentary shot in 16mm recovered from mini dv

Film Craft Lab Documentary-recovered from mini dv

"Deadlines" is finally finished only took me 7 years

After all the problems I encountered with my video equipment I finally finished a project that has been in the works for 7 years. I shot it back in the summer of 2003 when I was an intern at FOX2 WJBK in Southfield, MI. Station manager Gavin Maliska agreed to let me shoot a documentary in their studio and in the field with reporter Charles Pugh. When I finished my internship I actually ended up over shooting, and didnt land a job with FOX2 (bummer) but that's another story.

Eventually I ended up using a small amount of the footage I shot to create a 15min short film for my final project at Wayne State University. After passing the class I gathered up all my mini dv tapes and put them in my closet where they stayed for a long time.

After I graduated from college I made the BIG MOVE to Los Angeles to pursue my film career. I started making a bunch of new shorts films which got me thinking about my old unfinished documentary. First I tried the el cheapo approach and ended up with a camera that didnt work with my Acer laptop.... after allot of frustration (see my prevous blog entries)I finally finshed it thanks to something called a dvd recorder (a gadget that transfers footage from multiple formats onto dvd) For years I edited that footage in my mind. Seeing it cut together was a cool experience.

Now I can finally do something with this project and move onto new ones. If there is one thing I want people to take from this blog is to never give up on your ideas. "Deadlines" is going to be a very good resume film for me but the only problem I have with it is the shaky camera work. Back in 2003 my videoagraphy wasnt as good as it is now in my humble opinion the years that I spent growing as an artist can be seen in the final project.

I plan to submit it to the Ann Arbor film festival hopfully it gets in because it will give me an excuse to visit Michigan.

Deadlines Documentary Teaser Trailer

Drunk Driving PSA

DCR-HC28 capture problem solved!

Okay forget all that crap you read on the internet about downloading drivers I called sony customer service and they turned me onto a multi-function dvd recorder model number VRD-MC6 retails for $225.00 but got it on amazon for $159.00. It also helps to have a sony ilink cable,simply plug in and follow the instructions very user friendly, stop searching this is the only REAL solution for this camera hope this helps.

Wizards Arcade

Possible solution to connecting my Sony Handycam DCR-HC28 to my Acer netbook laptop

I recently ordered this online for $30.00 hopefully this works if not I am officially done with Sony camcorders


1M USB 2.0 A Male to IEEE 1394 4 Pin Firewire Cable
Product Details
Description:

High performance USB 2.0 A Male to IEEE Firewire 1394 4 Pin Cable.
The USB IEEE 1394 Cable enables simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth isochronous (real-time) data interfacing between computers, peripherals, and consumer electronics products such as camcorders, VCRs, printers, PCs, TVs, and digital cameras.
This 4 Pin IEEE 1394 Cable is fully firewire and i.link compatible.
Supports IEEE 1394 transfer rates of 100/200/400 Mbits.
Molded strain relief enhances durability of cable against stress.
USB to Firewire Cable support plug and play.
Cable Length: ~1 Meter
Weight: 37g
Package Included:

1 x USB to 1394 Cable

Cannes Film Festival intern documentary

Computer wont recognize connection to Sony Handycam DCR-HC28 here is a possible solution

Handycam® Camcorder - DCR-HC28E Print This Page
How to resolve if the computer does not recognize the USB connection from a Sony camcorder?

Question:

The computer does not recognize the USB connection from a Sony camcorder.
Answer:
Follow the steps below to troubleshoot this issue:
IMPORTANT:

Some computer operating systems may required you to be logged on as an Administrator or with administrator rights.
If the computer you are using is connected to a network, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the network connection or connect the camcorder to another computer that is not on a network.
Ensure the USB cable is connected properly to the camcorder.


Ensure the other end of the USB cable is connected directly to the USB port on the computer.
NOTE: Connection through a USB hub is not supported.


Disconnect any other USB devices (except for the mouse and keyboard) from the computer.


Turn off the camcorder for 30 seconds.


After 30 seconds, turn the camcorder on again.


IMPORTANT:
If you have a camcorder with USB Streaming capability, you may also need to turn on the USB Streaming feature in the camcorder menu. However, not all camcorders with a USB connection support USB Streaming.
After being turned on, some camcorder models require you to select USB CONNECT or COMPUTER on the LCD screen.
If necessary, consult the instruction manual of your camcorder for further information. Manuals are available online, please click here.


If the issue is not resolved, restart the computer.


If the issue is still not resolved after restarting the computer, try connecting the USB cable to another USB port on the computer.


If the issue is still not resolved, try uninstalling and reinstalling the USB driver.


If the issue is still not resolved, it may be necessary to replace the USB cable.
The troubleshooting steps listed above should resolve your issue. If you have completed all of the steps and the issue is not resolved, then it is recommended you try connecting the camcorder to another computer. If the issue does not occur with another computer, then the USB ports on the first computer may not be configured properly or software may be installed that is interfering with the connection. In these situations, you may need to contact your computer manufacturer.

Still no luck with DCR-HC28

I downloaded picture movie browser from the Sony Asia Pacific website but at the end of the download it said Sony Picture Utility cannot be installed so it looks like I'm screwed for now. Been reading researching every blog on the net but it looks like this handycam isn’t compatible with windows xp start up edition but my computer has the actual windows windows xp built into it so why isn’t it recognizing it? May be its a problem with the camera who knows but it looks like I wont be doing any editing anytime soon I hate waiting especially when I am burning with creativity. I'm going to upload ALL of my Cannes Film Festival photos to facebook tonight I feel they've been locked away on zip disk far too long time to share them with the world. Today I road my bike all the way to Long Beach Borders bookstore because they have the best WIFI just irritated by these technical delays in progress.

My Sony Handycam DCR-HC28 wont digitize my mini dv tapes arrrghhh!

This is frustrating beyond words… a month ago I purchased a used Sony Handycam from a pawn shop in Long Beach for $130.00 figuring I got a deal but it looks like I may have bought a lemon. I quickly found out I needed to by a Sony ilink cable (VMC-IL4415 4 pin to 4 pin) a firewire hub and a digital key (F-M 6 Pin) in order to connect to my computer. I go on Amazon and newegg place the orders and a few days later I get the equipment and guess what... my laptop doesn’t even recognize the camera. I've searched the net for a driver for my device downloaded one but my camera still doesn’t work.

At this point I think it may be my version of Windows XP that came with my Acer laptop but who knows the bottom line is I have a killer documentary still in pieces and I'm going to have to figure out how I'm going to get this turkey to work.

I don’t want to invest anymore money but that may unfortunitly happen because I'm already in too deep. I plan to get with a buddy of mine and see if the camera works with his laptop but if not then I wasted some precious dinero. I hope I don’t have to buy the latest version of Windows XP which I noticed is retailing for almost $200.00 this movie game is quite costly.

Cannes Film Festival Internships American Pavilion

The hard road of an artist

Today was a rough one, it rained most of the day at work (I work outdoors at LAX) As I rushed up the jet bridge, pushed my way pass boarding passengers I asked myself the question is this worth it? I'm supposed to say yes of course because I'm making real steps towards the life-long dream of becoming a professional filmmaker. But having been at this for at least a year now I'm begining to question my approach. Until I moved to LA the idea of living in this city interested me because there was the unknown a since of adventure, living somewhere I've never lived before was too much to pass up... what did it cost me? A girlfriend (potential mother of my children) friends comfort in the familiar. I remember the harsh critism and disection of my plan to move to LA. It made me feel that people wanted to see me fail but my ego wouldnt let that happen, give people the satisfaction of seeing me on my face...well I proved them wrong but why am I still fueling aircraft at LAX shouldnt I be working on a movie set somewhere?

I found it dosent work like that in SoCal. I got to make a name for myself in the streets create a fan base eager to see my work---- I've grown as an artist learned a thing or two about showmanship while hanging out in Hollywood but like all those dreamers in Hollywood longing to get a their time in the spotlight I learned it takes allot of physical and emotional suffering to come up in this world... a world concerned with sapping you of your best years before rushing you into a nursing home.

Still the ideas in my head continue to fight to get out be free live in the real world even if I dont have the means to clearly express them. My real fear is that one day I'll wake up at age 50 and still alone with the ideas in my head still trying to get out, at what point do I say enough is enough and settle down and have a family---dont know I think I'm destined to live my life as a tortured artist. My life in LA is a thousand times better than it was in snowy Detroit, MI but if I was ever to move back to Michigan away from the endless possiblites of Hollywood I would feel that I didnt give it my all and that is worse than not chasing my dream.

Director's Focus

I am interested in working in the genre of the strange and bizarre with an interest in science-fiction fantasy I am currently working on an anthology short-film series similar to "Tales From The Crypt" cant say too much about it yet but its going to be cool. I am attracted to stories that reveal humanity at it's best and worst. My first films were experimental and can be found @ www.youtube.com/lordtyre my newer projects are going to demonstrate artistic growth with and emphasis on production value on a small budget. My next project is “Harvest” a story about a man who steals human organs for sale on the black market.

2010 the year of change

What a difference a decade makes ten years ago I was a freshman in college now I have two degrees and living out of state I love the future. Honestly I'm happy with my life because I've been places and done a lot of cool things and I am going to continue doing me. Life is what you make it even if you come from a challenging background. For real I have no patience for people who make excusses for themselves for why their lives arent where they want it. I am not without my flaws I am a dreamer thats why I became a filmmaker because it's the only job where you can get paid (yeah right) to day dream, this year I plan to finish my film by May. I'm not aiming to please the critics but I do want to make a great piece of entertainment thats at the very least sellable on the street.