Time Is My Enemy
I tell people I’m an old punk. I believe in DIY. Life is short. I don’t have time to wait on others.
Profiles In Courage
Rereading Robert Kennedy’s introduction so many years later I am reminded of how I felt as a kid. I really did think all things were possible.
In my own writing I tell stories of people that some refer to as “losers”. Those who have had a rough time and probably aren’t ever going to be “successful”. But how do we define success?
Searching For The Wrong-Eyed Jesus
It is a film that a lot of people may not like or as Chris stated, this film “as an example of a movie that immediately makes you question, “What the hell is going on here?”.
What's It Really Like To Be An Independent?
For over 40 years I've loved what I do. I’ve worked with amazing people (and some schmucks) on great films, and have traveled more than I ever thought possible. With a valid passport in hand I can still pack a bag and be out the door in ten minutes. (Okay maybe 15 minutes...)
Great Opening Lines
Like any writer I work hard to come up with a good open. I firmly believe if you have a good opening line or paragraph it will draw readers in. It got me to thinking about great opening sentences in books that I’ve read.
Sean Connery, Fear, and a Suzuki (Low)Esteem
I have visions of a very menacing Sean Connery throwing me out a window if we’re late. I mean come on, this guy had a “license to kill”
The Economics of Touring - Angry Filmmaker Style - Part Two
And this was the trip where I blew a tire at 65 mph on the freeway and ended up having to replace two tires. Then my starter went out. And none of this happened while I’m in a decent sized city. All in the middle of nowhere, needless to say I paid a lot more for tires and a starter than I should have, but I had no choice…
Why I Decided To Tour In The First Place
I had made a bunch of films and the only distribution offers I had were not good deals for me. (I will post more about this at a later date…) The distributors would have done okay financially, but I was the one who took all the risks and made the work so I figured I deserved to make money off of my work as well.
The Logistics and Economics of Touring - Angry Filmmaker Style - Part One
I toured with my films and books for years and here are a few things I’ve figured out.
My Dream Job? That’s Easy.
I was one of those people who didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school but drinking and partying seemed good at the time. That time didn’t last long.
You Need To Read S.J. Perelman
I am a huge fan of S.J. Perelman. I started reading him in college when I found out he was one of the writers on Monkey Business and Horse Feathers, two of my favorite Marx Brothers films.
“That was before we knew who you were...”
“That was before we knew who you were...”
Sometimes all it takes is one person in Minnesota who likes odd little films about cars...
Keep Writing - Keep Revising - Keep Getting Better
“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.
That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” - - Octavia E. Butler
Writing Is a Disease
Writing Is a Disease
“I think all writing is a disease. You can’t stop it.” - William Carlos Williams
In my mind it doesn’t matter what the medium is, it’s about the story and the most effective way to tell it.
That Time I Met Billy Wilder
That Time I Met Billy Wilder
He was donating a bunch of stuff to USC and Tom and I were picked to go meet him and haul the stuff he was donating back to USC. The stuff was mostly junk, some old beat up cases, stuff like that. One jewel stood out among the crap.
Do You Believe The Universe Sends You Signs?
Do You Believe The Universe Sends You Signs?
I’m not one of those “New Age” people who sees signs and believes in crystals and all of that.
My Last Tour Ended On 11-02-17
My Last Tour Ended On 11-02-17
A lot of people ask if I miss the road and when am I going out on tour again?
Why Are We Paying To Go To Work?
Not going into an office everyday has cut people’s expenses, leaving more money in their pockets.
Hollywood Studio Adventures
She hit the roof! She believed we were totally fucking everything up because we didn’t have a trio of Oscar winning mixers at the controls. She stayed for a few hours (which were very tense), then hopped a plane back to LA. At that point we weren’t sure what was going to happen so we just kept working.
As Artists We Have To Control Our Work
So many artists say they don’t want to be involved in the business side. That’s too bad because if you’re not aware and involved with the business side, people are going to take advantage of you.