Diversify!

Happy Holidays! The time of year when dreams come true, people put aside their differences and come together...oh wait. That's not really how it happens is it?

I've never been one for holidays. I guess, after having spent so many holidays away from home in foreign countries and combat zones, I've seen how important holidays actually are. Even though I grew up in a house where we celebrated Hanukah and Christmas. Look at me now, and as atheist as they come! Whoo! Happy Holidays!

No no no, there's more. Don't worry. Like the title of this blog says "Diversify." The people that I consider to be successful at this level of the game, have their fingers in a lot of pies. A writer who pays the bills as a grip, electrician, and carpenter. Or a camera guy who shoots independent stuff who also works at a camera rental house.
It's partially to pay the bills, but it's also to stay busy. It's hard to always have something to do in this business. If you ONLY want to do production sound, and refuse to do anything else, it's going to be incredibly difficult to have enough work to live on. So learn how to do post production sound also, and while you're at it, learn how to edit. That way when you meet a potential client, you can be their one stop shop for sound and post production. You're increasing your value with every skill you pick up.

When I was trying to get into stunt work, I was taking jobs doing grip and electric work, as well as military advisor, armorer, and acting gigs.

I actually just watched "Hugo" last night, didn't love it, but I certainly appreciate it as a great film. The whole premise was about the film maker Georges Melies. His film "A trip to the Moon" is the logo of the Visual Effects Society, VES. Their award is the moon with the ship in the eye, which we have about six of in the Stargate office. I never really realized what they were, now I know the story. So thanks, Marty Scorsese!
In 4 1/2 years I'll be eligible to apply for membership into the VES. I heard some of the guys in the office, talking about their "Hobbit" screeners. I need to see that movie. It would be nice to have it delivered to my apartment.

So one of the things that I was going to do to diversify, was to host an internet radio show. That's been put on hold, because the school that was sponsoring it has fallen through for now. They still want to do it, but it's taking a back seat for a little while. I'm still confident that it will go on, but it's shelved for the immediate future.
Next, I've started a YouTube channel. I sit down and interview popular content creators and talk about their lives. I want to give it a personal touch, and help their audiences really get a feel for who are they are. I'm really excited about our launch, which was tonight. Check it out, and if you like it, subscribe:

Mr. Third Side

That's my big announcement. I'm very excited. Next stop, partner!

Happy Holidays, stay sharp, and stay tuned. 

Changes Changes Changes

So, to my loyal reader, I'm sorry it's been so long since I posted. I played with the idea of quitting the blog all together, but my strange need for the approval of others won out. I just like the world to know what I'm doing. I think I have a pretty interesting life, and maybe somewhere out there, people are interested.
I don't remember exactly where I left off with the blog (ya, I know I could load a new window and read my last post. Don't be such a smart ass), so I'll recap the last few months. After graduating from the LA Film School, I went on a 10 day trip to Israel, and had a blast. It wasn't life changing or anything, but it was fun and eye opening. I still don't believe in god, but it was good to see that part of the world. Especially after having seen parts of the Muslim region, to see the Jewish part was...educational.
Just before I started the trip, I got a call from my father, who told me to call his friend about a job at a visual effects company. I called and left a message saying that I was very excited for the opportunity, and I'd love to come in for an interview. That was all, then I went on my trip. When I got home, I found that I had got the job, and was going to start in three days. My parents took the liberty of changing my flight from New York to LA from Monday to Friday. Very smart, because I started work on Sunday.
Long story short, I now am employed full time by Stargate Studios in Pasadena CA. I am the Previzion operator. Previzion is a technology that attaches to a movie camera and records it's movement in a 3D space AND replaces green screen in real time. It's an incredibly powerful tool for directors and producers on set. The director and cinematographer can line up shots and see what the composed image will look like. We can also finish the shot in camera and give that to the producers, to put straight into the editor's sweet, then right onto television.
There are so few people that can operate this system, you could probably count them on your fingers and toes. So this really is ground breaking stuff. I can't believe how fortunate I am to have this job. A month out of film school, and I have a full time job that can take me all the way to the top. Incredible!
So no more stunts for me.

I need to be very careful what I put on this blog, I have signed several NDAs (Non Disclosure Agreements). I could get fired or sued if I say the wrong thing. So if I seem vague in the future, I'm sorry. I'll tell you what I can, when I can.

I'll be keeping the "stuntdan" title. I still love that.
Since I have a real job now, I have my VA disability money coming in, and I have my car paid off now. So I can afford to go out and have a good time. So I signed up with the USPSA, the United States Practical Shooting Association. I have two pistol competitions under my belt, I took 2nd and 1st place! Of course I was shooting against only three people. If I change classes, I can shoot against more people, but this is nice to not have pressure, I can continue to learn and get better. Which I will. I'll link some videos as I get some that make me look cool.

So like always, continue to stay sharp, and stay tuned.

Directing is not showing up on set and calling "Action."

Directing is not showing up on set and calling "Action." There is so much work that goes into directing, before you set foot on a set. So much, that people are hired to help the director. These people are called department heads, they SHOULD be more knowledgeable (in their fields) than the director. In fact a good director knows to surround themselves with people that are smarter than they are.
The shooting of thesis films this month really taught me a lot. If you're reading this and I worked with you this past month, I'm not trying to single any one out. A lot of good things did happen.

To direct a film you need to have a vision, and be able to communicate that vision to the people working with you. You need to be able to put every one on the same page, so you are all making the same film. This is one of the things that a strong Assistant Director will do. As far as non creative positions go, the 1st AD is the most important person on set, they can make or break your movie.

If you want to be a director, there are times when you need to STFU and listen to the people that you have around you. They are there for a reason, and YOU probable put them there for a reason! Your idea is not always the best, while you do have the final say, learn to swallow your pride and compromise. It's hard to know what things to compromise on, and it comes from experience, but a director with no willingness to compromise will fail.

Me (1st AD): You're not going to get all your shots today what do you want to cut?
Director: No it's ok, we can get them all.
Me: No you can't. The speed we've been going at is too slow, and you're running out of time. You have one hour left, and can not get three more shots.
Director: Yes I can, we're shooting them all, we'll just go really really fast.

I get very nervous when some one tells me not to worry. Unless there is sustenance behind their "Don't worry" such as, "Don't worry, I know a guy who has a steadycam rig, and he's already agreed to help out, I just need to iron out the dates." That puts my mind at ease. But saying, "Don't worry, it'll work out." Doesn't do it for me.

There is a theory in film making, the triangle if you will. You can have things either; Fast, Good, and Cheap, Pick two. I prefer always keep good, then depending on the circumstances, fast or cheap.

This weekend I spent Cinco De Mayo in one of California's beautiful Los Padres national forest, shooting guns with friends. What a great way to celebrate...what ever it is that happened on the 5th of May in what ever year it happened on. I got a little creative with my Contour HD camera.

It was a fun day, I did a lot of shotgun, so my shoulder is a little sore, but everything else was great.

Forgive my disjointed rantings today, I felt like it was a good time, after I had collected my thoughts to put them down on internet.

So do your homework if you want to direct. If your production calls for money, and you don't have it, either change the production, or GET SOME MONEY. I hate being on a shoot where no one gets paid, craft services (food) is a joke, and the director won't shell out for anything extra. If you want your film to have a low budget feel, stay low budget, but if you have a grandiose vision you will probably have to pay for it. There are plenty of ways to raise money today, Indygogo.com and kickstarter.com are great.

There is a lot more to being a director than calling action and cut. Things that you wouldn't even think about, try to get on set and just watch, take notes, ask questions, and learn that you have so much more to learn.

So in conclusion, get money, respect the people that work for you, stay true to the story, stay sharp, and stay tuned. 

Thoughts late at night

It's late and I can't sleep. I have an appointment with my VA disability people in the morning. I guess I'll just be exhausted when I get there. I've got a zero calorie monster in the fridge so I'll be alright. By the way, those things are awesome! They really get me jacked in the morning! Like power thirst!!! I'll go fight a tiger...

Any way, through the VA folks at my school I got into a group for veterans in film and television. It's a very legit group that I think will be a real benefit to my career. However, something came of it, that I was not expecting, but should have.

I've let my ego get a little too big. For the last few months, I've had big fish in a little pond syndrome. Since I'm the only guy that I know of at my school that is interested in stunt work, I've had a lot of demand. I've started calling myself a stunt coordinator, for lack of a better term and it's gone to my head.

On my facebook, my occupation read stunt coordinator as well. When I signed up with this group for vets, I introduced myself as a stunt coordinator. Almost immediately I got a message from a real stunt coordinator that I actually know if and admire a great deal. He advised that I not call myself a stunt coordinator, because I will probably piss off the people who have devoted years and years to actually earn the credit of stunt coordinator. Especially when I have no real credits even as a stuntman. I immediately heeded his advice and amended the introduction and my profile; to aspiring stuntman.

It was a reminder that I really truly am starting at the bottom if the ladder. At 26 years old, I'm starting over at something. I thought six years ago that I would be at least decent at a job and be working my way to the top. It's a little disheartening to think about. But I guess there is no choice, since I don't want to go back to the Army. I'll just attack this new venture and make it my bitch.

I know that not any one can do anything. Those stories that parents tell their kids are a bunch if crap. You either don't have the intelligence, the genes, or the means. But stunts is something that I AM good at, and definitely see myself excelling at.

For a while I thought that I would make my living as a magician. But I never really saw myself doing that seriously. Maybe as a side job instead if waiting tables or tending bars, but not full time. If you see me bringing food to your table, I've hit Rock bottom. Bit that I'm hating on waiters, it's just not something I could do and smile. Unless I worked at a rude restaurant like Dicks. But they would just be too wearied to say I work in dicks, or I'm a dick waiter.

So until next time, stay tuned and stay sharp.

It has begun!

Today things got real. I had an appointment to get my first professional head shots done. It's official now, I am where I belong. 

Please allow myself to introduce myself (Austin Power's reference FTW). I am Daniel Rathaus, a stuntman, a stunt coordinator, a military consultant, an actor, an armorer, and film student. I think that's all I am... oh yea, AWESOME! 

I am a student at the Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood CA. I'm a California boy by nature, though I was born in New York city, I have adopted CA as my home. I served 6 1/2 years in the US Army as a communication Sergeant, collecting two combat deployments, and a handful of great experiences. 

Now that I'm out, I'm making my way through Hollywood, on my way to being a professional stuntman.

I am very fortunate that I have contacts in the film industry that do not come from my school. Being that I come from a film family, I'll be able to utilize the network that seems to have been tailored for me. My father is an feature film editor, mother is a story board artist, and my grandfather received an academy award in 1971 for his best picture "The French Connection." 

I know that just having connections is not enough. It takes hard work, determination, and skills. All of which I have!

So back to my day, I have about 400 pictures taken of my face, which I've never been too keen on staring at. And still, some came out really nice. Tonight they get touched up, and I'll get them tomorrow. Then I can start hustling and getting my face out there to coordinators. 

While I work on getting gigs, I'll continue to concentrate on working with my fellow students, as the stunt coordinator on their short films. So I have something to put on a reel and my resume. 

It's going to be a fun ride, and I'll keep you all updated as things develop. So stay tuned.