MAC's Report

Blogs, blogs, blogs

2006-11-16T04:40:00.000-05:00

I think I kind of hate blogs. I like the idea of writings that are instantly accsesible for critique and criticism, but is that really necessary.

My main problem is that I do fine for the first couple of times and then I begin to realize that people are reading them and commenting on them. This in itself does not bother me and actually kind of makes for good communication. Where I get screwy is that I begin to think about my audience and pretty soon I'm writing with them in mind.

The next step is for me to sit dowqn and realize I have nothing to tell my audience, so I don't write anything. I need to learn how to write for me.

This is my new start with the writings pretty much for me. I do hope that you enjoy them and I hope you will respond. I am going to try and do my part to make the writings honest and true. I also kind of hope that you don't enjoy them all the time. I hope that some of them make you sad, some of them make you laugh. I hope that some of them disgust you and some of them lift your spirit. Once in awhile, I hope you get pissed off or maybe inspired.

The End

Hmmmmmmm.....

2006-09-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

I meant to publish that last entry on the QuixoticaInc.Blogspot.com, but I didn't. So don't read it here, okay? Just ignore it. Pretend it's not even there.

Thanks,
Aaron

The Collector's Edition exists!

2006-09-04T17:52:00.000-05:00

It's official. As of 3:47 pm, Monday, September 4th, TWENTY copies of the Collector's Edition of Back-Lot Insiders currently sit on my bookshelf.

I think I might actually be getting a hang of this creating DVD's thing. I actually found three things that I wanted to change after the first test burn and was able to go back in and make the changes relatively easily. (I actually forgot the third change, but Mel said I am the only who would care that the Production Stills were not in exact chronological order. So if you do care, take it up with Mel.) We started burning DVD's last night and when I left for work today, we had 20 done.

Let me tell you a little about the Collector's Edition.

Back-Lot Insiders: The Movie - This is pretty much the same movie sent to the judges for the 48 Hour Film Project with minor fixes. A few revised graphics that would have been there if we'd had the time. A couple of extended scenes that were shortened to stay in the required time range. An audio-video sync problem corrected. Nothing major. Oh and the credits have been fixed they way we wanted them, complete with music from the movie. Maybe even one final shot just past the credits.

Extras' Extras - Included in the Collector's Edition are FIVE unreleased Interviews with the characters, The entire Brokeback Auto TV commercial, Outtakes, and Production Stills.

Nigul - Find out what makes this extra tick, from childhood to first roles, what he really thinks of Mr. Moyer, and more. Plus, the endings that didn't quite make it.

Chuck Wagon - The rich extra who became extra rich. Learn more about the anti-Nigul.

Fred & Doug - Hear more from the actors who had their scene cut short during Coppola's "Advance Directive".

Sylvia - Who doesn't want more from America's Favorite Skanky Ho!

The Actor Who Got Pee'd On - Hear straight from the extra who played Nigul in the dramatization of the 'method extra' and his stint in the bathroom. He may actually know more than you'd think.

Brokeback Auto TV Spot - The actual commercial from Brokeback Auto. No annoying mockumentary playing over it this time!

Outtakes - See the giggles, the blurts, the fumbles, and the delirious-ness that ensues from staying awake for 47 hours.

Production Stills - Over 90 pictures taken during those famous three days known as the 48 Hour Film Project. See the people who put this thing together, but aren't pretty enough to put in front of the camera.

Wow! It kinda sucks that I can't actually sell this thing.

Later,
A

I need a new schedule!

2006-08-28T00:53:00.000-05:00

So I am a little tired. I got up early on Saturday (10 am is early for a guy whose morning rush hour is at three thirty in the afternoon) to help Chris pack his garage. If you want to read more about this, you can go to hagoodc.blogspot.com because it wsa posted approximately 14 seconds after we were finished. Anyway, I got home and started to settle down around six or seven Saturday night.

I became very excited when I found out that I live just two hours away from a Cracker Barrel (I'm still like eight or nine hours away from the nearest Waffle House), but it just wasn't in the cards for that night. I hope to make a road trip to Cracker Barrel next weekend. Around sixish in Kingman, Arizona. Everybody's invited.

After that big night, I decided that I should probably finish the Director's Cut DVD from the 48 Hour Film Project that I told everybody I would do. I started around eight-thirty and I finished up around eleven...in the morning. Actually, I wasn't even finished, but I needed the fake FBI warning graphic that Mel had made. She had gone to bed at around six in the morning. I waited until there was nothing else I could do except put the graphic in to try and give Mel as much sleep as possible (ask her and she'll tell you that it's not wise to get in the way of Mel and sleep).

I was tired too, but I hung in there. At one point, I was standing in front of the computer watching the movie play through to make sure it was the way I wanted it. A second later, I couldn't figure out what I was doing at the movie theater watching credits. I had actually fallen asleep standing up in front of my TV. The screen had pushed itself back so it was a large movie screen, just really far away. It was really kind of trippy when the surroundings (my apartment) slowly made there way to my brain so I could tell where I was.

Finally, I could go on no further. I wandered to the bedroom, mumbled something about needing the graphic, and then fell asleep next to her. I awoke at two and dragged myself back to the den. The graphic was in and we started our first test DVD of the Back-Lot Insiders Collectors' Edition.

It works. It has an actual menu with animated buttons. An extra menu that contains FIVE extra interviews with the characters from the movie, the actual Brokeback Auto TV commercial, and a set of Outtakes.

I wonder if others are like this when they finish something that they've really put themselves into. I hate this project and love it at the same time. I never want to edit it again, but I secretly want to keep making changes.

I am going to take this moment (you may join too, Dear Reader, if you wish) and reflect on the fact that I have made an actual DVD with the movie that I directed and the extra features that I put together from all the footage and stills that I was in charge of and I think it really looks good. I am really proud of what I made.

So, order now. Copies are limited.

Hola, Bitches!

You want it, you got it...

2006-08-23T03:50:00.000-05:00

Here's the problem. I have no real idea what exactly to blog about. I think a lot. Some of them make it out as words, but most of them remain in my own private theater of the mind. So what exactly do the readers want to read today.

I went to work around three-thirty in the afternoon (after waking up at three). Stroll into the news station and begin watching my editors do their thing. It should be a good job. It's not. Ever since I asked my boss if they could get be better paid, I hate my job. I got good guys (and girls) working for me. These are the guys who line up the words on the news with the video that you see. For some of them, this is their full time occupation. Let me plead their case.

A couple of them have been working there for four and five years. They started at $10 an hour. An editor who gets hired tomorrow will make $12 an hour because that's what it takes to hire somebody. Luckily, our trusted, valued emplyees make $ .34 more because of their Increase in Cost of Living raises they get every year. Have you done the math yet? We value their loyalty by giving them $12.34 an hour. That seems very insulting.

I went into my boss's office and I said, "Dickhead," (To protect his identity, I will call him Dickhead.) "Dickhead," I said. "Can my editors who've been here a while have some more money?"

"No," says Dickhead.

"No? But that's not right. That's not fair. "

"That's just what the job pays."

"But that seems like we don't reward loyalty?"

"We don't," he says.

What the fuck? How can someone who is in charge of anything think that is something to be said under any circumstances. Do all companies suck? Are there places where people feel safe and happy because of their job. Is it just the same bullshit bureaucracy that is everywhere.

Since that conversation, I find it ever so difficult to care about going to work. I am the guy in charge of all the video that makes it on the morning, afternoon, and evening news and it turns out that it still sucks having to work for a company.

Think about this as you relax after a day at work or ponder it on the way to your job. Regardless, Readers, have fun doing whatever it is you might be doing.

For Chris

2006-08-17T16:25:00.000-05:00

This one is for Chris... What can I say about my friend Chris. He constantly pesters me to post new blogs. He cries like a little girl because he hasn't read about himself on my blog. This one's for you, big guy!

Chris is the best friend that everybody should have. He is the guy who finds out that your mom has died and gets on a plane, flies across the country, takes a $60 dollar cab ride to your house because you overslept and forgot to pick him up, and still helps you get through a loss like that.

Chris is the guy who will drink with you until tears are flowing.

Chris deserves a horde of women although very few women deserve him.

Chris was the first friend I made in college. We played sousaphone together in the UGA Redcoat Marching Band!!! (Go Dawgs!) On the first day of classes in my first year of college, I recognized a fellow tuba player headed to psychology. We sat together and then bonded by not taking notes, swapping seats to meet girls (with Dixie in tow), and skipping class to improve our hacky sac skills.

Chris was the kind of asshole who is playing tuba next to you, playing just as horrible as you are (if not worse), and just before the band director notices, Chris moves to the other end, leaving you to get screamed at.

Chris should have been dead like two years ago (I'm still waiting on my stereo).

Chris has learned (although it took many tries) what information he is to share with his mother and what information should be kept to himself.

Chris is friendly to the handicapped. (Anyone jonsing for some metal?)

Chris can eat an entire honey baked ham in one sitting!

Chris will one day realize that he is in fact one of the greatest guys that has ever lived. On that day, women of the world beware!

Chris gets nervous when talking to girl's fathers. So nervous that he might just dial your number instead and then not notice that he's talking to you, not somebody's father. If that happens, lead him on for a minute, then ask about all the sexual positions he has tricked "your" daughter into. It's funny!

Chris will smooth talk anyone who he is giving money to (i.e. a waitress, a hostess, a homeless person, etc.) with the charm of Casanova. Somebody he just meets, he stutters like Alfalfa.

Chris has helped me become the person I am today. I thank him for 10 years of friendship and I look forward to another 10! (after that, I might be done with him! Haven't decided yet.)

We WON! The audience has spoken!

2006-08-15T01:26:00.000-05:00

If you know me than you probably know that I did the 48 hour film project a couple of weekends ago.

We just got the results from the audience vote. We won the audience award for our group. We went up against 10 or 11 other groups and we got 151 total votes (the 2nd place was behind by 31 votes). I feel pretty good right now.

The next step is the judging. In 2 to 3 weeks, we should hear what the judges think. The main award is Best in City and that winner gets screened against the other Best in City's from all over the country.

Keep your fingers crossed and if you see one of the judges, offer to tickle their balls a little or, you know, a nice reach around. Anything to help us out a little.

It's Been Too Long

2006-08-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

It has been too long since I've typed anything. I realize what a slack ass I have been. The last year in a nutshell: I began working at the WB TV station in the beginning of August. I was hired as a part time editor for the evening news. I used (and learned) Avid for the first time. I was trained on teleprompter and the audio board and I ran these during broadcasts. After about three months, I asked if I could be a photog. they said yes and I began running around Las Vegas with a video camera. About two months after that, our corporate company at the WB decided that we didn't make enough money doing the news. They were going to close us in a month. One day out shooting, I ran into another photog from channel 13 Action News (the ABC affiliate). He said they needed photogs and I should come by. I did and they offered me a job. I photog'ed for six days, did my first live shot (where all of Vegas saw my reporter say to me, "What's that buddy?"), and then they asked me if I wanted to be the editing supervisor at Channel 13. What the hey! I said and took it. Six months later, and here I am!

Sorry it's been over a year since my last entry.

Here's what I want

2005-07-18T01:37:00.000-05:00

I want to meet some one who will be honest with me. That's it, just honesty.

I don't know how to say this without sounding like a concieted asshole, so I'm just going to ssay it. As far back as I can remember, everyone tells me just how great, cool, wonderful, nice, etc. I am. How can that be true all of the time? I understand when your folks say stuff like that, they have to. It's theiur job. But my folks are dead, about nine years now and sometimes it feels like noone I nkow wants to tell me anything negative. I want to meet someone who will be honest with me and tell me whzt I need to hear.,

As far as the whole no parents thing goes, I can understand why that fucks you up. Luckily (if you can say luckily when talking about your parents death) I was just about to graduate from, college when it happened. I was past most of the growing up shit that we all go thtough. I was still young, but I was at that place in your life when you are supposed tp be going out and starting your own life, the one without your oarents. I just copuld never have them, again. My brother was a lit younger(15 for mom and 16 for dad) and it really seemed to fuck him up quite a bit. Me? I think I took my fucked upedness and hid it. I did my best to be the responsible on and do all of the things rthat yoy are supposed to do. Got a job, got a wife, got a house, got health insurance, got a retirement package, and eventually got so fucking bored out of my skull that I just quit everything, the marriage, the job, the house, the retirement( some of it anyway), the health insurance, the whole fucking package. IU wanted to hjust start over like I should have been able to do when I graduated from college. You know, go out into the world with no money, no job and begin a life, follolw a dream. I don't want to play it safe and plan for the future. I want to make it big and control what I do each dsay.

I want to make movies, but I have no idea what kind of job I actually want to do in the "industry". I want to get together with a bunch of talented people and make a fuckin movie. i hate having to do things the "right way" I just want to do them in a way tjhat gets them dine, you know. Why doies there have to be a right wasy to do thj gs. If they get done isn;t that the right way tpo have done it?

this is the first time I have ever just klet myself go and feree write aNd I got to say it feels prettey gpoos except for this fuckinfg typewriter with the fucking split leytters. Thios is just a wnpther way for the wolrld to sty athat you have to so everything inthe right way. You can't type in a wy that you are comfortable with, ypou haver to use the right f8ingers on the right letters. wel you know what, I like to type with my first to fingers one each hand and my thumb and I like looking at the keyboard and not at the screen because It';s the way i do it and so i am glad that I cheated at typig all of those years ago in high school ( I bet those of you reading this are not quite as glad, but so what. Deal wityh it) If you really want someone to blame yell at my roommate this is his broken ass keyboard with tyhe split letters.

I am going to post this up and I don't give a shit because this one is for me, not you, Mr. Reader.

Thanks though if you made it to here.

My first Aaronism

2004-11-20T01:06:00.000-05:00

You have to figure out what you need money for and what you want money for.

I can't believe it!

2004-11-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

I feel like I have been sucker punched in the gut! I can't believe that dubya is back for four more years. Over half of the people who voted decided that dubya should stay on and create world chaos for four more years.

Do these people like the fact that America has become a big bully? I would be very upset if the police said I had something in my house like, I don't know, a gun. I said I did not. And the police stormed through my house, blowing shit up, looking for this gun, and then not finding one. But, they arrested me anyway because I was a threat and a bad man. I think I would have a big fat lawsuit on my hands that I could probably win. But I guess it's okay if the person is overseas in another country.

I am also disappointed by the eleven states that overwhelmingly voted to constitutionally outlaw same-sex marriage. Do these people still believe that being gay is a choice? How can we live in the greatest country in the world and still refuse the pursuit of happiness to some of our citizens?

After all of this, I have decided to run for president in 2008. Watch out Hilary!

CNN.com - Transcripts

2004-10-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

CNN.com - Transcripts

I thought that jon Stewart was great on "Crossfire" the other day. If you didn't hear about it, you should read the thranscript. I don't think that he was happy with the hosts on that show, but I could be mistaken.

My favorite part was when they were trying to turn it around and critisize his show for not asking the hard questions when John Kerry was on, Stewart responded with, "My show is preceded by puppets making crank phone calls."

Very funn and about time!

Europe

2004-10-16T09:24:00.000-05:00

Now that I have been to Germany (three cities and an air forse base), Paris, Amsterdam, and a few minutes in Austria, I am an expert in all things European. I was really impressed with the laid back attitude that most everyone had.

Also, I enjoyed the common sense aspect that came from the government. Not a lot of safety features along the roads. Instead of guard rails cluttering up the land scape, you are expected to stay on the road. No lines cluttering up the roads in Paris, you are just expected to stay in line wirth traffic.

The cars over there consisted mostly of BMW's, Mercedes, and Smart cars. They were used the way cars should be used. Bumpers were used to bump with. Parrallel parking is so much easier since you just go until you bump and then you reverse until you bump.

Most of the time though, it seemed like everyone just walked everywhere. That was very cool.

An Old Stoner with Delusions of Granduer

2004-10-15T16:24:00.000-05:00

I fell into a bit of writer's block there for a second and forgot how good it felt to write. Decided to do what any self respecting artist would do when they are looking for inspiration; I went to Europe. I hoped on a plane with two wonderful friends and traveled 6 hours into the future to traipse around Germany, France, Austria, and the Netherlands.

I enjoyed the works of the masters in the lands they were created and now I have been inspired. I am beginning my quest to become a filmmaker. I am not sure how I can get there or what I will do when I get there, but I hope to have fun while I do it.

I will do my best to keep on with the writing. Wish me luck!

Piglet's Trip

2004-09-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

Summer before last, I went on a road trip around the country. It was just me and Piglet and the jeep.

I have to thank my Sprint camera phone for taking all of these pictures while we were on the road. I think that Piglet sums up the trip beautifully.

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The answer to abortion

2004-09-03T21:40:00.000-05:00

How come we don't have the technology to take an unborn fetus, remove it from the mother and transport that baby to an awaiting mother?

Don't we have a lot of people who want a baby? Isn't there a whole branch of medicine dedicated to helping women get pregnant?

Why don't we combine these and make everybody happy?

You can't go home again! (but you can visit)

2004-09-03T13:41:00.000-05:00

Stopped by my old office (a school) to say hi to my friends. It was really great to see everyone. The school looks great and it seems as though everyone is doing fine. I got a lot of "we miss you" 's from the teachers and staff.

I spent 10 minutes or so with a couple of my teacher friends who were doing lunch duty. I was standing in the cafeteria with sixth graders (whom I've never seen) and eighth graders (a lot of whom I've taught). A couple of the teachers and students said hi. No big deal.

I went back in the cafeteria to say hi to some of my seventh grade teacher friends. As I started across the room, I began to hear my name and I saw some of the students that I taught as sixth graders start to wave. By the time I had made it across to where the teachers were, the kids were clapping and screaming for me and I felt like some kind of celebrity. It was a pretty good feeling, I must say.

I miss those people that made my job so much fun. They are some of the best people in the entire world and without a doubt some of the best teachers in any school anywhere. Love you guys!

2004-09-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

This is me!

Test e-blog

2004-08-31T23:02:00.000-05:00

I am trying to learn all the in's and out's of this here blogger dealio and This is supposed to e-mail me something. I think it's supposed to post this. Here's to hopin you can read this!

As President I

2004-08-31T22:39:00.000-05:00

I would enact a law where every parent has to spend one day a month at a child's school. The school would become the center of the community where the most important people we have in society already spend the majority of their life.

We could create new jobs and even integrate most of the govermental services. Why not have a post office located at a school. A community day care. A police station.

It's worth thinking about.

Commercials

2004-08-31T12:10:00.000-05:00

I think that it is a shame that inventions like TiVo and DVR's are destroying an American way of life...the Commercial Break. I'm sure that they are causing much bladder infection across this country. When you can't leave for a commercial break, you have time for nothing. What happens to converstaion when there is no time for anyone to say anything as you bu-doop, bu-doop, bu-doOP! through the commercials. It makes TV a chore and where is the fun in that. Also think of all the advertisers and their familes that will go hungry this year because you can't give thirty seconds to watch the trix rabbit try and get those trix one more time.

My first blog (maybe)

2004-08-30T17:45:00.000-05:00

So far this sucks and I can't seem to get it to do anything.

I tried to publish a whole bit about my garage sale, but it didn't save.

This might.

(Came back later and even figured out how to edit stuff! I rock! -A)