The Weekly Report

A busy week indeed. Started with a slightly embarrassing meeting with an actor first thing monday morning. We were half way through the meeting and I was thinking he'd be great for the role, he was probably thinking the same thing. It was only after the small talk when we eventually came to talk about the character that we realised we were both thinking about two different characters! Awkward moment to say the least!

My fault entirely! I had been rushing around so much I didn't check the first emails he sent to me and went on the conversation we had the week before where the actor seemed to express an interest in the character I came associate him with. 

I tried to allay the awkwardness by offering the role I felt he was suited for, but alas no, he had his mind set on the lead and that was that. Nice man though, I'm sure I'll call on him in the future.

Then there was the fundraiser and all that entailed. Posters and tickets and sponsors and begging all the things I hate the most! Well, not really, it was fine, it's just a pain. When I'm wearing myself out doing something I don't really like, like graphic design, printing, distribution, walking into businesses and asking for free stuff, I often wonder why I can't just write and make films? Why do I have to do all this stuff first? Then I realise it's because I'm an independent filmmaker and if want to make the films I want to make then I have to do everything and anything I can to make that happen. And then I stop complaining and get on with the job!

I was on the Radio then, while fighting food poisoning, uncomfortable to say the least! Never reheat previously reheated food. I know this. I was just hungry. Man did I pay for it! Of course in my discomfort I forgot to mention the sponsors of the fundraiser! Sorry about that The Wine Buff, Kodak Express, The Salthouse, The Droichaed Arts Centre and Beulah Print. 

Then of course came 140. A simple idea that is of course turning out to be much more work then I had imagined! Elliot Kotek, friend and colleague, answered my call for help by sending out an email to 60 filmmakers. In the following 2 days 20 answered. 

So it became a busy time of trying to email everyone back, create up-to-the-minute lists, researching filmmakers, creating link, answering questions, writing posts, designing posters, sticking pins in a big map and getting very excited that this simple idea I had seemed to be taking off and inspiring fellow filmmakers around the world. For that reason the work seem less a chore and more like a rush of exhilaration. 

Of course there was also Slán agus Beannacht, which kind of got left in the dust of 140 this week, even though the fundraiser is in aid of S&B. I managed to get a re-write done on the script, changed a significant element, always trying to make each moment more poignant and resonant and take the characters to the very limit of experience, even in such a simple story, so I was happy with that. New scene too which may or may not stay, depending on time. Will require another location. But I think it's important scene. Shows how the world of the main character is changing and how this world he is fighting against is encroaching on every part of his life, even in the safest places. 

I managed to get two important locations locked. I was supposed to view the hospital location on Wednesday but that was postponed until next week sometime. So hopefully it will fit. I'm sure it will, heck, we'll make it fit! Would be nice if we could get into the hospital around the corner, but I don't think that's going to be a possibility. They made national news a couple of weeks ago for have 40 people on gurneys in the halls and in the waiting room because they didn't have any room! 

So everything seems to be on track. I'll need to start concentrating on S&B a whole lot more and get everything locked down for that. Some help would be nice! I'm still doing all of this on my own. There have been a few head spinning moment this week. But that's not to be just yet, so on I go. 

I still have five parts to cast in that film! Jeez! Two teenagers for background, but they will have involved action to do. Mr. Smith, an elderly lady with 3 significant scenes. Liam, the rent collector who gets mugged, and his wife Ann, both important and vital roles that require good actors delivering strong performances. Well, no point pondering about it, just have to get on and do it. 

The cherry on the cake came late last night when I received and email from Expresión en Corto International Film Festival in Mexico inviting Bill, For Short to screen at the festival and inviting me to attend! So that was nice! 

Busy week indeed, but all good! Should be a quiet day today, a friends birthday party tonight. Photo shoot tomorrow with External Sounds, hopefully they'll show up on time, unlike last time! Which actually was fine because I ended up taking half the photos that went into my exhibition while I waited!!! So maybe it would work better for me if they were late!

Then Monday again and back to work.

More updates soon. Thanks for reading.

What a morning!!!

It's been quite a  morning I must say. Elliot Kotek, the fine fellow that he is, has spread the word about the 140 project, and as a testoment to the kind of fine fellow he is, I awoke to an inbox full of emails from talented filmmakers form all over America, and indeed the world, wanting to take part in this project.

First I should tell you what the plan is. I've been keeping it under wraps until more people came onboard, but now we're at 20+ I feel I can. 

140 

Film-makers - Locations - Seconds

Filmmakers of the world (and Twitter) Unite. 

140 filmmakers from around the world will join together on Twitter for a very unique film project, of global proportions.

Via Twitter we will converge from our respective cities around the world and await the signal. That signal will come from me. The filmmakers will commit to being by their computers, laptops, mobile phones at the designated time, whatever it may be, whether it be 2am, 3am, 11pm, 5pm, 8am… you get the idea!

When the signal is given we will all film at the same time and in the expedient spirit of Twitter we must only film 140 seconds. The same 140 seconds the world over.

This is about connection. Look at how the Internet connects us, how twitter presents a unique way to be a part of someone’s life as it happens. Connection.

So capture what connects you to your home. Whether it be landscapes, cityscapes, the wind in the trees, cars on the highway, a lover sleeping, or making tea, the smile of a child or laugh of a friend… whatever it may be. What is special about your home? What connects you to it? And can you capture that in 140 seconds?

The filmmakers then send the footage to me, uncut. I will cut it to a feature length visual dedication to our homes and the 140 seconds that connected us.

I will make each segment available online in its entirety at a later date. A world map will be displayed, so a user can click on your home and view you 140 seconds.

Everyone will be credited as Directors in their cities. If you feel up to the challenge then join Twitter today and follow me, frankwkelly and await updates.

Thanks,

Frank Kelly – Director – Drogheda – Ireland

Where are you from?

The filmmaker who have joined to date are:

Name – Location – Twitter handle

 

1. Frank Kelly - Drogheda, Ireland – frankwkelly

2. Elliot Kotek - LA, USA

3. Gustavo Ron - Madrid, Spain

4. Iulia Rugina - Bucharest, Romania – iulia_rugina

5. Santana Issar - Mumbai, India

6. Varda Hardy - LA, USA

7. Anna Christopher - LA USA

8. James Gross - Indianapolis, USA – 1stswashbuckler

9. Shannon Mullins – Indianapolis, USA – thirteenthman

10. Laura Kidd - London, UK – warriorgirl

11. Ryan Little & Adam Abel - Utah, USA

12. Luis Sosa – Mexico City, Mexico – luis_sosa

13. Chris Ford – Mill Valley, CA, USA - hotshave

14. Marc Havener – Lawrence, KS, USA - yohaves

15. Alice Brooks – Biddeford, Maine, USA - alicebrooks

16. Margaret Johnson – San Francisco, USA - maggiejca

17. Marina Blanco – Southern CA, USA

18. Jon Fitzgerald – Venice Beach, CA, USA

19. Lisa Gornick – Kentish Town, London, UK

20. Chris Billing – Washington DC, USA

21. Robert Sucato – Phoenix, Arizona, USA

22. Jill Carter – Toronto, Canada - jillcarter

23. Guy Shahar – NYC, USA - viteforguy

24. Michael Albanese – LA, USA - mivialarts

25: Rob Sorrenti – London, England – monsoon130

26: Oskar Thor Axelsson - Reykjavik, Iceland

27. Emily Best – Brooklyn, MYC, USA – emilybest

28. Trampas Thompson – Los Angeles, USA

29. Mairin DeBarra – Dublin, Ireland – mdebarra

30. Gavan Muprhy – Marino, Ireland – touchmeimhappy

31. Brent Gudgel – Pasedena, USA - brentgudgel

32. Markus Görgens– Berlin, Germany - schattenwandler

So that's the shape of things so far. More filmmakers are joining daily, even as I type this emails are coming in! 

I feel like I've started something special and it is already becoming bigger then me. I know it's going to be something quite special for all involved. And even though it's on a global scale, it's going to be something personal and intimate for everyone involved and I think that will come across in the final piece as we endeavor to capture a few moments of our entire planet, connected in a single vision.

Fundraiser Interview

Oops! Slight error, sorry Daire and Gerry! I was on the Daire Nelson Show.

Thanks for having me on Daire, nice to talk to you as always. Nice to get the chance to be able to talk about the new film and promote the fundraiser.

New podcasts up: Episode 11 and Episode 12! 

12 is the interview. Enjoy!

Radio

On the radio tomorrow. Gerry Kelly Show I think! At 12:15pm, there abouts. Tune in to 95.8fm or click listen live at lmfm.ie 

I'll be talking about the new film and the fundraiser and who nows what else! Should be good. 

Meet the cast... so far!

Paschal Scott as Pat - Gerry Shanahan as Charlie - Tony Leddy as Ewan

Shane Murray-Corcoran as Teen - Noel Kelly as Brian - Eric O'Brien as Teen 2

There are a few more parts to cast: Liam, Ann, Mrs. Smith, Teen 3 & 4! But we're making progress and I'm excited about the cast so far and how everything is coming together.

Movie Fundraiser Night Confirmed

Come one come all:

Special Thanks to our sponsors

The Wine Buff

Kodak Express

Beaulah Print
The Droichead Arts Centre
The Salthouse

Fundraiser

A good day today, got plenty done. Managed to arrange the fundraiser pretty much. Venue booked and almost all acts, one or two more to confirm. So far...

Movie Fundraiser

McHugh's Venue

Drogheda 

Thurs 5th March 

9pm - €15

 featuring Comedian

 Jason Byrne 

and local musician

Paddy McArdle

More acts to be confirmed

Prize Draws All Night Long!!!

Where to Start?!

Many things to be getting on with this week. Where to start?! 

I'm organising a fundraiser for the film. I have a couple of people attached, but I'll wait until it's all confirmed to advertise it or tell you more. But there's a few nuts still to tighten! 

I'm also putting together a proposal to attract local sponsorship. I don't know how successful I'll be but at least I've had some professional advice! Thanks Claire Norton of the Heartland Film Festival for some great ideas.

Still some actors to talk to and cast on S&B, which is fast approaching. Still some work to to there. I'd like to have another look at the script and tighten that up and also do some storyboards, just to get it clear in my head. I also have some location work to do and I have to confirm two venues! 

I'm slightly worn out after Paris! It was four days of non-stop activities, which involved alot of walking! The Metro is great, but Paris is still big! Got home late on Saturday having missed our flight (had to wait in the CDG airport for 5 hours! Forced to buy coffees for €8.50!) Had something of a lie in yesterday but was off again to go see a 3D screening of Coraline as part of the Dublin Film Festival in Dundrum, so that was a walk to the train station, a train, a walk to the Luas line and a Luas! Tired, hungry and thirsty we sat down to watch the movie, which was fantastic!

I thought it was wonderfully unusual, the 3D was great and fun, but secondary to a very good film, beautifully made and told in a very dark and satisfying way. It really is wonderful to see films like this being made for kids. Reminds me of the edgier Henson films like Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, which were scary and creepy. Not like the homogenised pasteurised paste they make for children these days (Pixar excluded).  

As Neil Gaiman (author of the book the film was based on) said during the Q&A, films are being made for kids these days that act as a distraction from life, they're something you can sit a child infront of and not have to worry about them being afraid, or engaged, or educated, or have them ask questions after. 

It's important to allow children to be challenged, to find out for themselves what they're afraid of. Allow them to hide behind the couch if something scares them and to return when the wicked witch is gone. It helps shape their minds, helps them form opinions, decide for themselves what they can take and it makes them braver. Don't fast forward the scary parts! No. I think nightmares are like chicken pocks, its better to get them young and deal with them then, because if you have to deal with them when you're older it much much worse.

I think the problem is that most adult forget what it was like to be a kid. I remember vividly. I saw American Werewolf in London when I was 8 or 9. It did me no harm. In fact, I loved it, I still love that film and I have fond memories of hiding behind the couch terrified, but feeling safe because my dad was with me (I only found out years later that he was as terrified as I was!:)

It opened my eyes to what film could do and how interactive it could be as a medium. Perhaps that's not what I was think aged 9 hiding behind a cushion! But it informed something in me that has stayed with me to this day. I would not have had that experience if my parents hadn't trusted me and allowed me to take that step.

Well, back to work I guess. Have to get my head into gear. Alot to do this week. Starts now. Exciting updates to come, keep watching. And hopefully there will be a podcast soon! Sorry for the delay. Also, big announcement on a very very exciting new film project coming soon, I may have mentioned it before, it's going to be called 140 and all will be revealed soon. I want to get a few people attached first and then there'll be a big press release. 

More soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Shh, it's a secret!

Busy couple of days working on S&B. Couple more actors cast. I wont say more until I have the full list and then I'll do a full post on everyone and who they are. 

Trying to organise a fundraiser at the moment. Just starting. Might be tight. But hopefully I'll be able to pull it off. Should it happen I will also post results! 

While paying a visit to the local council offices today I found the absolute perfect location for the said same office in my script, I mean exactly as I pictured it! I must have been in there before and forgot, it must have seeped into my subconscious! Anyway, I have to try to get it! I don't know how, but I have to... contacts called upon, favours called in... whatever it takes!

Lots of what I'm going to do! Something about what I am doing...

As mentioned below I have a new film project which I'm going to do through Twitter. I spoke with my friend Elliot Kotek last night, brainstormed a little, he likes the idea but offered some suggestion on refining it, ll good, all taken on board and soon I will be able to reveal all! It's gonna be good... it's gonna be big!!!

Jeez! I'm very secretive tonight! 

Not much writing had been done the last few nights. I was on a role with the Cats of the Crescent, but it stalled. Nothing to do with block, just got busy and distracted. With S&B thundering down the track I may not get back to it until after the film is shot. Which is OK. Might be a good way to unwind, clear my thoughts for the edit. 

Nothing more on Night I'm afraid. Once again time is not on our side. I haven't spoken to Thomas so I'm not sure how work on 'No Man's Land' is progressing. When I know, you'll know.

That's all for now. Hopefully more exciting news soon, both on S&B and the mystery project. 

Be talking to ye! 

Lights, Camera, Twitter...

I'm seeking 140 filmmakers from all around the world. In as many countries, cities, towns, villages as possible to join me for a very unique film project. 

First things first, if you're at all intrigued or interested you have to follow me on Twitter!

Go to Twitter sign up and find me: frankwkelly. Then follow me. We'll take it from there. 

I don't know how long this is going to take, or if it's even going to work. But if it does I reckon it's going to be something quite special.

More information will be revealed in due course!

Gremlins and Twitterings and other such utterings

Well, the screening last night was an unmitigated disaster! First off it was storming outside, strong bitting cold wind, driving rain! Anyway, braved that, ventured on. Arrived to find that they were having problems with the dvd, skipping like crazy, every few seconds. And the spare had disappeared! I didn't have one with me so there was nothing I could do!

They cleaned it with some solution and tried it again, it seemed to do the trick. On with the show.

Tony introduced me and I introduced the film to a substantial crowd of about 70 people. Then sat down to watch the film skip like crazy again. Embarrassing to say the least. I watched for a couple of minutes, hoping it would rectify itself, it did not. So I went up to the booth and called a halt to proceedings. I didn't want to audience sitting through that. Nothing more annoying then a dvd skipping like that, well, there is, being forced to watch it! 

Apologised to the audience and trotted on my way home back through the icy wind and driving rain, back home to the fire and my wife and the dog. Better.

Just one of those things, no ones fault, gremlins in the machine. They run a very sensitive dvd player that skips on anything, unlike most domestic players that could play a ham sandwich if you were so inclined. 

It's been posponed until  the 17th, so that cool.

Meantime I have lots to get on with. I'm writing a casting call for S&B again. Need to get moving on that quickly. Shooting in 7 1/2 weeks! Yikes!

I'm also back working on The Cats of the Crescent (fantasy Novel), which I'm enjoying. I hit a wall at the end of chapter 6 about 6 months ago or more, then got distracted with Bill stuff and of course the wedding! But I sat down to it two nights ago and blasted out chapter 7 and 8 and am now well into chapter 9, about 22 pages in the last two days. So it's going well and I'm enjoying the process again. There'll be a lot of rewriting at the end of it, but I think it'll be good. Hopefully an agent and/or publisher will think the same!

Of course I've been supremely distracted with Twitter... just another thing to add onto the pile atop Myspace, Facebook, Blogger and whatever the hell else there is! Still, it's fun. I enjoyed Stephen Fry's lift adventure last night - he got stuck! It became very funny when Graham Linehan got in on the action! Very Amusing. Right now Danny Wallace is sticking bananas in a video slot in the waiting room of the Richard and Judy show! Would he be doing this if Twitter did not exist? Who knows?

OK back to work, more later.

Writing Out West

Remembering last year. April. Bannack Ghost Town, Montana. Sunny, but cold and windy and beautiful. Taking a moment to write outside the Meade Hotel on Main Street.

Burying Treasure

Some 41 ancient bodies were discovered by the river Boyne here last week. While digging foundations for a new shopping centre (Like that's really needed) they came across what is believed to be an ancient burial ground dating back 4000 years. You'll no mention of it in any national news.

Work has stalled on the site while the archaeologic excavation goes on. But I can't image it will be halted forever. Begs the question, what's going to happen these bodies? What's going to happen this site? Most likely - the bodies will be moved and the site cemented over and the shopping centre will go ahead as planned. 

When they were building the previous centre down there, Scotch Hall, another ancient site was discovered. Apparently promises were made to preserve the site and display them through glass floors. Never happened. The site are lost. Buried again. Perhaps even destroyed.

That's Ireland Baby, we're concreting our heritage and history to keep up with the Jones' even though we're completely broke. 

I don't get it. I really don't. We have such a rich and ancient culture, that we're still connected to in many ways, that is diverse and unique and beautiful, yet we continue to destroy it. Allowing the complacent politicians, the greedy land owners and the ignorant developers to bulldoze the very soul of this country. 

Right now, the way things are, the last thing we need is another shinny white building full of empty stores selling the same goods and the other 50 stores in the centre next door. What we do need is to remember who we are as a people, where we came from and realise that our routes go much deeper the the flimsy cracked surface of commercialism.

If we're going to bury our past, shouldn't be for more then shopping?

I know it's slightly off the topic of film! And perhaps I'm forcing my own political, social diatribe down your throat dear reader, but it's something I feel strongly about, perhaps something worth doing something about. Perhaps, along with the idea behind Bill, For Short and the factories, there is a bigger story waiting to be told.  

Who Will Answer the Call?

Feeling drained this weather, I'm getting wiped out during the day for some reason! Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the work, I don't know. 

Thomas and I met this morning to write. Went well. He had an idea to rewrite Puca as a short animated piece. Distilling the essence down from 16 minutes as it stood to 5 minutes, as per the requirements of the Irish Film Boards Frameworks application. 

We managed to do it and got a 4 page script entitled 'No Man's Land'. 

Unfortunately as the day wore on it began to sit uneasy with me. I kept going back to the original script and thought about all the amazing scenes we crafted that we would be loosing and it just felt too much of a compromise for me. So I'm pulling out of it. 

I wish Thomas all the best and I have no doubt if it goes ahead it will be a great short. But I just love the original too much!

Went to Dublin today. Renewed my membership at Filmbase and entered three scripts into their Awards scheme, the original Puca, Slán agus Beannacht and Adam. So hopefully one of them will lure  some interest.

I've been thinking a lot about another project too, I wont say which, but trying to get it going this year, perhaps shooting in August. I don't know if it's possible, but there's no harm in trying I guess. I just need the right people behind it. Fit, willing, able bodied young soldiers willing to do battle for me. Who will answer the call!

That's all for now. Nothing else to report. twittering like a mad thing! I'm addicted, you should sign up and follow! It's a whole new side you've never seen.

The Universe is Reading.

Ask and ye shall receive. It seems the Universe was listening... or at least reading! 

Thomas called yesterday about Night, wanted to organise a schedule to get back to writing it.He must have been reading! Not like him! I'm not sure what we can do yet, hopefully something. Perhaps even email writing, we've never done it before but it seemed to work well when I was working on Adam with Caroline Farrell. We'll see. 

We also talked about breathing life back into Puca, but this time as an animated film. I think it work work well, how we would do it is another question entirely. But we can apply for Frameworks funding and see how we go from there.

I decided to email JJ rather then wait, figuring he would be too busy himself to think of it. I was right! He is busy. But we managed to lock down some dates for shooting Slán Agus Beannacht, which is great news. So we're aiming for the last of March, start of April - 30th to 3rd. 

So I'm back on track with that, a deadline always helps! So I have actors to cast, locations to find and money to raise! I will keep this blog updated as I go. 

I can announce that three actors have been cast in smaller roles.

LtoR: Shane Murray Corcoran, Noel Kelly and Eric O'Brien. 

Noel is my brother, so a bit of nepotism there! ;) Shane and Eric of course appeared as Ralph and Fintan in Emily's Song, so I've always been looking for something to do with them again. 

So exciting news. A new film on the horizon. A new story brought to life. In two months I'll be on a whole new journey. 

More news on Cast etc. as it comes. 

Seven Houses

I've begun work on two new ideas. A new feature script and a new documentary feature, following on from themes I explored in Bill, For Short - and inspired by the reaction from audiences and the connection people found, and seemed to be hungry for. I've decided to explore the idea further. I'm still not sure what angle to take, but I have a few ideas.

The feature script came from a conversation in emails with a friend about golf! From it sprung an idea for a screenplay... not necessarily to do with golf mind you! But we'll see. I think it could be a good script.

S&B and Night have stalled again. Been waiting since before Christmas to get S&B going and since June last year to finish Night. It's just not happening on either, and it's due to the fact that the other people on the projects are simply too busy. They're great guys and great workers and all exceptionally talented and I know they want to get them done, it's just unfortunate they're so busy.

In saying that, if I got a call today from either with the desire to move forward of course I will. Theirs no ill will on my behave, just a simple desire to get these films made, rather then sit around with a script and head full of ideas. But as it stands I think it's time I cut my losses and got back to my own stuff, stop waiting and spending energy on something that's dead in the water. 

Been thinking a lot again about Ghoster and coming at it from a different angle. Again, a lower budget way of attacking it without having to rely on people who are too busy to commit. There are ways it can be done. I've thought about doing smaller before. But was advised against it, for fear it would effect the over all quality of the piece. It took that advice, and it had a great effect. The film doesn't exist. 

I had hoped to shoot Ghoster winter past, and I think I probably could have if I had not allowed myself be distracted by greener grass. I'm fed up of this hop scotch way of working, jumping to a from script to script because one goes a little stale. As I've learned from the films I have made, you need to stick to one thing to get something done. If I'm building seven houses at once, and the guy next to me is only building one, come winter guess who's going to be warm and dry?!

Anyway, I guess another way of getting things made is to stop blogging and start working! So I better do it. I also have to prepare for  the workshop on Wednesday. A couple of the kids from the school came to the exhibition on Friday... we'll see what happens!?! 

Just The Tip

Just in from the opening of the exhibition. I must say I think it went very well. Nice turn out. People seemed to enjoy the images and the film. Ed Gordon gave a great speech, which people seemed to enjoy and I sold a few! 

I think I touched something in people with this exhibition, so many people came up to me with stories of Fathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, Grandmothers who work in these factories. I think I have only scrapped the top of the ice-berg on this on, and I may have to dive deeper to find out what really went on behind these walls.

It was a great night in all and I'm glad I did it. 

People to thank: 

Noel Kelly and John Lawlor for helping me make Bill, For Short (the short film we’re going to watch later) which led to this exhibition.

The Drogheda Borough Council and Create Louth for sponsoring the event.

Marcella Bannon, Tony Conaghy and all here at the Droichead Arts Centre for their support and this space. 

Fran and Denise Caffery at Kodak Prints.

Ed Gordon for taking time out to come down and open the exhibition.

My Mother, Father and Lorraine, my friends and everyone here for attending and of course -

Maryann my wife for her continued support, belief and patience. I would not have made Bill, For Short if she hadn’t pushed me and these photo’s would probably still be hidden in a folder on my computer if it wasn’t for her.

Dodgy DVDs - Terrible TVs - Bad Borders

Building up to the exhibition now, Friday here we come! A few last minute arrangements to complete and of course last minute cock-ups! What an event be without the last minute cock-ups! 

One: The dvds I burnt dropped frames, so it's skipping like crazy at the end. 

Two: I don't have a TV set that can register the final freeze frame in the film without shaking. 

Three: The framer put the wrong colour border on all 20 of the photos. 

Four: I just found out that the wine is not inclusive in the fee! 

But that's OK. I think I know what the problem is with the DVD and the projectionist assures me it can be dealt with, and I trust him implicitly. I'm sure I'll find a TV set tomorrow, if not, well, I guess people will have to put up with a shaky image, not ideal, but thems the breaks. The framers owned up to his mistake and rectified it immediately so we're back in business and I picked up the photos today with the right colour border, they looked great and i'll be going back there for business! As for the wine, well, I guess a few extra quid wont hurt at this stage.

It has cost more then I had anticipated. I figured that the councils cheque would cover half. After everything it covered about a third. But I should have guessed that would happen. There's always something unexpected that crops up. Always figure it'll cost twice what you put down and you should be safe! 

But I'm looking forward to it. Ed Gordon has agreed to come down and open the exhibition for me, so that should add something special to proceedings. My brother Noel, who appears in the film is quietly freaking out at the prospect of 100 people looking at him on the big screen and is having cold sweats daily! I feel he may make a run for the pub before the screening happens - I might be joining him! 

More after the proceedings and hopefully more news on other projects soon.

Podcast Ep10

Yes indeed, we're 10 episodes old!!! It's a happy day, who woulda thought we'd come so far! And to celebrate this momentus occasion I have podcast an interview I did today on LMFM radio, as previously advertised! 

Hope you enjoy it. Click on the side bar to listen. And Congrats to Tadeusz Cantwell from Bray on winning the competition! There's more prizes to be given away, keep listening!

Late Lunch

Back on the radio tomorrow to promote Old Shoes and Broken Walls. 

Tune in to LMFM 98.5 Fm at 2pm, the Late Lunch Show with Gerry Kelly and Deirdre Hurley. I'll be talking about the exhibition, Bill, For Short, my work and more I'm sure. 

You can also listen online at www.lmfm.ie. 

If you miss it I'll be podcasting it at a later date.  

Pale Stone Podcast Ep9

Yes, it's up, at last, it almost seemed like it may never appear again, but alas no, I'm back with another podcast. I've explained the reason in the podcast so I wont go into it here again.

More info on the making of Emily's Song and Bill, For Short and some news of what I'm up to. Plus the second podcast competition... unbelievable, I can hardly pay my gas bill yet I'm giving away free stuff! Where else would you find it! Listen in to win a copy of Story by Robert McKee and Emily and Bill on DVD!

Enjoy!

Reading in The Attic

Last night I had the reading at The Attic Studio of my feature script Ghoster, it was a thrill to be quite honest. I really enjoyed and it was supremely useful, in two hours I got more answers to my own questions then I could have possibly got in six months of mulling over drafts! 

It was very well cast, and thanks to Camille Donegan for helping me with that, organising the actors and arranging my visit. 

I found it to be a very welcoming and warm environment. I felt safe. My ideas felt safe. I knew going in that the script was far from perfect and needed a lot of work, but of course, that was the point of the exercise. Still, didn't stop me from being nervous or worrying what people might think. I now know what it must feel like for a parent to go to their child first school play and have to watch them perform. So full of hope and fear! But my fears were soon lost.

The reading was a nerve wracking. I was watching the audience as much as I was the actors, so I was somewhat distracted. But the rehearsal the night before was an absolute joy. Made me wish it was the real thing and all these actors were my cast and it was first night of rehearsals for the actual film. Some day perhaps.

Instantly I saw my characters come to life, and in ways I never imagined. Some of the cast embodied the characters perfectly and it was as if the character had walked off the page. Some brought something completely different that was equally as exciting, it gave something fresh and new to the piece. It opened up new avenues for me and started a whole new thought process and provided me with the energy to see it through to the end. So here's hoping we get to shoot this thing!

My thanks to everyone at The Attic, thanks to those who have created such a safe and essential place for actor, writers and directors to try new things. Thanks to all the actors who took part in the reading and to those who braved the cold to watch and fill in questionnaires, all of which I found very useful and will continually refer to... well, maybe I'll burn on or two! You know who you are! ;)

I would highly recommend doing this. Gather together a group of actors from your local theatre group, or where ever and have them read your script. It will bring to light so many things, everything that's working and everything that is not. It is an invaluable tool to help the development of a script. Do it.

Here's a list of the cast members. 

Narrator: Joe McKinney
Fred: John Burke
Kevin: Steve Gunn
Connor: Keith Ward
Marco: Padraig Murray
Captain: Ken Fletcher
Caper: Ciaran O'Grady
Maz: Dafydd O'Sea
Alco: Rory Mullen
Banjo: Declan Gillick
Alex: Camille Donegan
Meehan: Gerry Shanahan
Skinner: Brian Fortune
Cathy: Elaine Reddy

My Thanks

Value from the Void

A few days before the reading of Ghoster, but I'm thinking about the exhibition at the end of the month because I've had a nice review from Elliot V. Kotek, Editor-in-Chief of Moving Pictures Magazine. 

"Frank Kelly's images are remarkably reminiscent of the important work of James Nachtwey and as crisp as the architectural oeuvre of Julius Shulman - Kelly's rare ability is revealed in his new series "Old Shoes and Broken Walls" in which the photographer shows the war-like devastation of neglect and the proclivity for progress to dismiss those places (and, by implication, the people) that society perceives as derelict and downtrodden. On this occasion, Kelly's lens documents both the beauty and the gravity of obsolescence, evoking value from the void."

Elliot V. Kotek

Editor-in-Chief

Moving Pictures Magazine

The exhibition opens on the 23rd of January at 8pm and will run  for a month. So drop into the Droichead Art Centre on Stockwell Street in Drogheda if you want to see what he's talking about!

Shaping up nicely!

Well, looks like it's shaping up to be a busy year! Starting with a reading of Ghoster in the Attic Studio, rehearsal on the 5th of January, Reading on the 6th. Organised in large part by Camille Donegan, so many thanks to her. It should be interesting and extremely helpful. I'm planning a rewrite, but I'm a little stuck with what direction to go in and I think this reading will help a great deal. I'm looking forward to it.

Straight after that I have the exhibition of course, on the 26th, followed by 2 workshops with students the following two Wednesdays, they should be fun. The exhibition will run for a month there after. 

Right after that I have the Slán agus Beannacht shoot, I hope, still no dates set yet, hopefully will get them nailed down soon. It still needs to be cast and some locations found, but I'm optimistic! More news there soon.

After that we have ADAM! Hopefully! Script is shaping up nicely and I think with the right cast it could be something special. Here's hoping we can shoot it soon after S&B. I'd like to edit them both together and get them out at the same time. I don't know how possible that is yet, well, it's possible, wether I get to do it is another thing.

Thomas and I spoke yesterday about getting back on Night, so we're going to try and hit that after Christmas and get a draft organised that we can start letting people read. And then aim to shoot winter '09. I think we can do it, but you never know how things are going to go. It's shaping up to be a busy year anyway, here's hoping at least half of all that happens... and maybe a few surprises too!!!

In the meantime I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome my new iMac into the world. The Stork delivered her yesterday...

And I have to say - I'm a very proud father!!!

Emily's Song TV Broadcast

Last minute again, but Emily's Song is on RTE 2 tonight at 11:45pm! So if you're at home and stuck for something to watch, tune in and enjoy! 

'tis the season!

At last... Episode 8!

Sorry for the delay! I got a bit lazy... I mean busy! Of course I mean busy! I've taken a break from the interviews for a bit, probably till after Christmas, until I figure out the phone recording thing!?!

This one is some ramblings on my experience making two very different short films, so some of you first timers may find it interesting and hopefully useful.

I am running a comp with this one too, where you can win a copy of both films aswell as copy of Story by Robert McKee! I'm flippin deadly, free, independent podcast giving away prizes... did you ever hear the like! You have to listen to all three parts mind, then answer a question and email it to podcast@palestoneproductions.com. udderwize we kill ze girl... not really.

That's all for now. Find the Podcast above. Enjoy.

Kill your babies

Busy day today, even in my weakened state! Had a meeting this morning in the Droichead Art Centre about my up coming exhibition, it looks like I'm going to be doing two workshops with pupils from local schools too, which is cool. 

I have to structure a day of activity taking in photography and filmmaking. I've never done a workshop before but I think I should be fine and it should be fun. I plan to take the class and shoot for a hour or so, make a documentary of sorts, mainly try to show them the process of making a film, but try to give them something they can be proud of. 

During the shooting I'll have people taking photos, pretty much of whatever they want, but try to teach them to push the angles and look for things out of the ordinary. 

In the afternoon then I'll give them a tutorial on photoshop with the images they have taken and a tutorial on editing with the footage we shoot. Hopefully we'll get through it in one piece! Probably not, but so long as it's fun and someone learns something!

I've also been writing today, did another draft of S&B. I think it's tighter. I took out a scene I really liked, it was hard to do it. I had a dream actually of how to make the script work a bit better and it included taking this scene out, I struggled with it for a couple of days and today it finally went - but it seems to have worked it makes the whole thing work and flow better, kill your babies as they say! 

We'll see though, I'm in no mental state to be making coherent decisions at the moment! Still foggy with this cold. Doctor says it should shift in a day of two, hope so, mucus was never my strong point!

More At Stake

Things move ever onward, to the grave... bit morbid! I have a flu, so feeling slightly under the weather and aching a bit. Waves of coldness, hotness and some shaking!

But otherwise life is good. Rewriting is going well on S&B. I decided I needed to have more at stake for the lead character, not just the loss of his job and way of life, but his life itself. It still needs work. It's moving in the right direction, but still needs a push. It's interesting how when writing you can be so locked into one idea and everything seems to work based on that, and then you change it and everything changes, it becomes something different. It's a fluid thing.

Still no dates set. Still no money and no one cast. But that's OK, we'll get there.

No movement on Night I'm sorry to say. As I mentioned before we had hoped to have the new draft finished by Christmas and in the hands of potential participants, but it's looking like that's not going to happen. We just can get it together. There's so much else to do. But we'll see, Never say never.

I have just recorded the next Podcast, so hopefully that will be up in the next day or two. Again, it'll be in three parts. It's just me talking, about Emily's Song and Bill, For Short... as if you hadn't heard enough about them! I must get of me arse and make another film! Well I'm a getting, believe me, I'm a gettin! (Flu, remember!)

I attended a screening of both those films on Monday night in Toast, Rathmines, Dublin, with the Crewger crowd, which was good. Nice to meet the fine folk who've been posting my podcast on there site. They have a great thing going and a good vision for independent filmmaking in Ireland. They have and are creating what will be an invaluable resource for young, old and new filmmakers and a given them a stage to show their work. It's gonna be big.

I've also recently been hang out with South African filmmaker Mark Lebenon, writer of Dead Easy and writer/director of Slam Bang. A great guy with a passion for film, always nice to meet one of those! I think I've been getting him in trouble with his wife though! We get carried away talking about movies and drinking and the hours tick by oh so fast!!! Sorry Mrs. Lebenon! :)

Well, the shakes have returned, so me thinks it's time to have 2 Lemsip, 4 Night Nurse and 9 Uni Flu and sit by the fire whimpering for a while. 

Be talkin to yous!

Exhibition Confirmed

I'm happy to say that the dates and venue for my exhibition have been confirmed.

"Old Shoes & Broken Walls"

A series of work by photographer and filmmaker

Frank Kelly

20 pieces of photography

A short film - Bill, For Short

January 23rd - 2009 @ 8pm 

Droichead Art Centre

Stockwell Street, Drogheda 

Wine reception. 

This exhibition has been made possible 

by the support of

Drogheda Borough Council 

and 

Create Louth.

(Opening Night is invite only.)

Moving Forward

Slán agus Beannacht moves forward. 

I'm sure the impending holidays will slow it down some, but not to worry, perhaps I can give some actors the present of a part come Christmas Day!?! Who knows!

A casting call has been sent out, with quite a few responses in a very short space of time, which is promising. Dates yet to be set for shooting, effecting auditions and rehearsals of course . But I'm hopeful for February/March time. If so I'm hoping to have a cast together in the next 10 -12 weeks and be rehearsing right away! Will this be possible? I have no idea! But I'll give it a lash! 

In the meantime I have some re-writes to be getting on with, just to get the script the best it can be. I'll continue casting. Storyboards will keep me busy too for the next while. I have to sort out locations, most should be fine, it's mostly exterior, but there are a couple of logistically complicated interiors.  I also have to work out the schedule. And although I'm asking everyone to work for free, because there is no money, and probably wont be, I would still like to find some from somewhere, for whatever unforeseen complication might arise. Where? I have no idea!

From the limited experience I have I'm sure nothing will go according to plan and it'll be a whole lot more stressful, complicated and expensive than I ever imagined... but that's filmmaking for you, and I'm just excited to be doing something again. 

For now, Slán agus Beannacht is in the lap of the Film Gods! I hope they like it and treat it well!

Should be good!

Some news at last. 

Looks like Slán agus Beannacht might be going ahead. I've had some very welcome interest from an old friend, the producer of Emily's Song no less, to do something creative again. So we're trying to sort out dates at the moment and hopefully we can coordinate our schedule for a week to shoot. But it's looking good. 

I'm about to start casting soon. I'll be putting the word out and looking for actors. So I may have a new film to waffle on about sooner then I thought!

In other news, and away from filmmaking for a second...

I recently received funding from the Drogheda Borough Council to mount a exhibition of my photography! So many thanks to them, go to www.createlouth.ie to find out more about opportunities with them.

The exhibition will be called:

"Old Shoes & Broken Walls"

It will consist of 20 pieces of my photography, depicting  images of dereliction, looking at the crumbling remains of a once thriving industry, that existed only two generations ago and serving as reminder that we should take stock and appreciate what we have now, as it may all lie forgotten and in ruins soon after we're gone.

As part of the exhibition I will also screen Bill, For Short.

More news on all that as it comes. I'll be keeping a regular production diary for Slán agus Beannacht, hence forth to be scribed as SáB! Saves the fingers you know! And I will include podcasts about the process! Should be good.

Pale Stone Podcast Episode 7

Welcome to the last part of the Trampas Thompson interview!

As I mention on the podcast I am also running a competition in this podcast.

Just name the movie the above picture is from, where Trampas played a Zombie, and win that movie on DVD. The first email with the correct answer to podast@palestoneproductions.com wins.

And just make sure you were listening! I also want you to tell me the name of Trampas' company with which he developed a new fire gel - and... as if that weren't enough! What part of his body did he set on fire for the first test?

Thanks for listening. I hope everyone who tuned in enjoyed this interview. I'll be taking a break from the interviews for a bit while I line up the next guest. In next weeks podcast I'll talk about my experience making my two short films, Emily's Song, a €25,000 budget short - and Bill, For Short, a no-budget digital short - and I'll talk about the difference between both, the advantages and disadvantages and what I learned form doing them so differently.

Thanks for listening. 

See you next time.

Pale Stone Podcast Episode 6

And we're back...

Part 2 of the Trampas Thompson interview.

You can find out more about Trampas on his site, his IMDB and his company, Action Factory's site.

Click the pic to listen...

Enjoy.