With graduation looming just around the corner, things are starting to pick up. The Graduation ceremony is on Friday, today was the rehearsal and cap and gown hand out.
All day my head has been swimming with ideas and possibilities. There is a production meeting later tonight for a group of stunt men and I who want to add footage to our reels. We plan on shooting a short scene that looks like it would be in a movie. The project is growing quickly and gaining speed. Tonight is the first official meeting. I've been lucky enough to bring a few of my school buddies into the project to be part of the crew. Being involved will help their reels as well.
If any I e doesn't know, a reel is a compilation of work you've done, to showcase your talents. Mine is pretty lacking. Most it's scenes that I've stunt coordinated. Which I can't show to another stunt coordinator, because it doesn't show how I perform.
This group is also a great way to network. 2 of the members are performers in the water world stunt show at universal studios. Maybe in the future, I'll audition there and have a good word put in for me. That would be really nice.
A started the never ending process of "hustling" again. Which is always a drag. I sent out about 20 headshot/resumes To major productions. Hopefully some one will bite and at least call me back. I would call that a success.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Blogging and radio show
Hey every one! Since my last blog post, I've been busy. This month at school was our final project month. I've shot and wrapped three thesis films already, as the stunt coordinator, or assistant director. I like AD-ing, because I get to solve problems, and be in the middle of everything. Nothing happens on set with out the AD being part of it. "When's lunch?" - Ask the AD "What's our next shot?" - Ask the AD.
Here's the site to one of the films we wrapped. I was an extra, and armorer. http://www.ontogenesis.info/
I have one two more projects coming up before I'm done with this crazy period. This weekend, I'm coordinating a fight for a short film, that will be hitting the festival circuit. I'm excited, because it will probably be the first stunt coordinator credit I'll have on IMDB.
In other news, I've been co-hosting an internet radio blog show on Wednesday night. We talk about movies, how to make them, opinions about what's new or old. I had my first caller call in last night, it was very cool. He corrected me, I had referred to the show "Game of Thrones" as league of thrones or something like that. My co-host is the AD for the project that I'm shooting this weekend. We worked about a year ago on another short, called "Last Wish". I was just a grip and assistant camera. I learned a lot, but didn't really believe in the project. I still don't think it's very good.
I'm not a good editor, but I know bad editing when I see it. My father is a professional editor, and what he has always told me is, "Make it shorter." Most student films that I see, should be about half as long as they are. If you're a small time film maker, and you want to make your films better. CUT IT DOWN! Cutting out the smallest number of frames can be the difference in pacing of a scene, and for Christ's sake, if you wrote and directed it, DON'T be the editor.
In two months I'll graduate from film school, and I'll be out on my own. I'll be working full time (or as much as I can), trying to get my SAG card, so I can work on big budget films. Doing what ever I can to make ends meet. It's the scary transitional period, a few days ago, an Army recruiter went to my parents house to try to get me back in. I thought about it...I haven't called or talked to any one about it. But it's on my mind as a fall back. I hope I don't get desperate enough for that.
So like always stay sharp and stay tuned.
Here's the site to one of the films we wrapped. I was an extra, and armorer. http://www.ontogenesis.info/
I have one two more projects coming up before I'm done with this crazy period. This weekend, I'm coordinating a fight for a short film, that will be hitting the festival circuit. I'm excited, because it will probably be the first stunt coordinator credit I'll have on IMDB.
In other news, I've been co-hosting an internet radio blog show on Wednesday night. We talk about movies, how to make them, opinions about what's new or old. I had my first caller call in last night, it was very cool. He corrected me, I had referred to the show "Game of Thrones" as league of thrones or something like that. My co-host is the AD for the project that I'm shooting this weekend. We worked about a year ago on another short, called "Last Wish". I was just a grip and assistant camera. I learned a lot, but didn't really believe in the project. I still don't think it's very good.
I'm not a good editor, but I know bad editing when I see it. My father is a professional editor, and what he has always told me is, "Make it shorter." Most student films that I see, should be about half as long as they are. If you're a small time film maker, and you want to make your films better. CUT IT DOWN! Cutting out the smallest number of frames can be the difference in pacing of a scene, and for Christ's sake, if you wrote and directed it, DON'T be the editor.
In two months I'll graduate from film school, and I'll be out on my own. I'll be working full time (or as much as I can), trying to get my SAG card, so I can work on big budget films. Doing what ever I can to make ends meet. It's the scary transitional period, a few days ago, an Army recruiter went to my parents house to try to get me back in. I thought about it...I haven't called or talked to any one about it. But it's on my mind as a fall back. I hope I don't get desperate enough for that.
So like always stay sharp and stay tuned.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
I feel like I need to write something. Even though nothing new has really come up for me as far as stunts work goes. There are a lot of things pending, and a lot of things coming up. I'll start there, then who knows, maybe I'll get philosophical.
We are coming up on the last few months of school, which means...THESIS! It's a big deal for a film student. The entire time you spend in school leads up to this one short moment. You get to direct a short student film that encompasses everything you've learned. Yep, careers have been launched because of student thesis films. While a good film can start a career, I doubt a bad one could kill one. Because you have an excuse, "I was young, what did I really know about making a movie?"
But if you do one well, you're instantly a visionary. Which is of course what every one wants, to BE that visionary film maker right off the bat; the next George Lucas. But not every one can be that, and trying to force yourself into that mold can hurt your film.
Breaking the rules before you fully understand them is detrimental to any art form. Picaso didn't start off drawing his special brand of art. He learned the classical way, and then found it in himself to do things differently.
But all this is coming from a guy who isn't directing a thesis film. The truth of it is, that I didn't want to deal with all the business that comes with producing a short. The hours and hours spent negotiating deals with rental houses, getting location permits, finding affordable catering, searching for funding, having SAG contracts to do. This is why I couldn't be a producer. As far as directing goes, in a few years of being on set, and working with actors, I think I would have my chops. But right now, I don't want the producing side of the house's hassle.
I'm not lazy, it's just not a head ache that I want right now. Maybe when I've matured as a film maker. Stunt work and ADing works find for me now.
Tomorrow I'm also going back to Mike Cassidy's Stunt Kids class to help him out with the class. It's a class of falls and Russian swing. That's the one thing that I missed when I was in his class years and years ago. So now I get to learn it, and put it on my resume. It's like a giant swinging platform, with poles that attach to the A-Frame structure. You power the platform like a swing in a play ground. When you reach the right height, you launch yourself off (like on the playground), to simulate explosions and being throw around.
I haven't seen many behind the scenes of action films using these swings.I think they are kind of dated. There are newer more efficient devices like air rams. Mike dosn't teach air rams, because they are expensive and dangerous. I hope I can play with them one day.
It's late and I need to get some sleep before the class tomorrow. So wish me luck, in thesis month. I'll be working on about 8 separate films in one capacity or another. I'll be busy.
Stay tuned and stay sharp
We are coming up on the last few months of school, which means...THESIS! It's a big deal for a film student. The entire time you spend in school leads up to this one short moment. You get to direct a short student film that encompasses everything you've learned. Yep, careers have been launched because of student thesis films. While a good film can start a career, I doubt a bad one could kill one. Because you have an excuse, "I was young, what did I really know about making a movie?"
But if you do one well, you're instantly a visionary. Which is of course what every one wants, to BE that visionary film maker right off the bat; the next George Lucas. But not every one can be that, and trying to force yourself into that mold can hurt your film.
Breaking the rules before you fully understand them is detrimental to any art form. Picaso didn't start off drawing his special brand of art. He learned the classical way, and then found it in himself to do things differently.
But all this is coming from a guy who isn't directing a thesis film. The truth of it is, that I didn't want to deal with all the business that comes with producing a short. The hours and hours spent negotiating deals with rental houses, getting location permits, finding affordable catering, searching for funding, having SAG contracts to do. This is why I couldn't be a producer. As far as directing goes, in a few years of being on set, and working with actors, I think I would have my chops. But right now, I don't want the producing side of the house's hassle.
I'm not lazy, it's just not a head ache that I want right now. Maybe when I've matured as a film maker. Stunt work and ADing works find for me now.
Tomorrow I'm also going back to Mike Cassidy's Stunt Kids class to help him out with the class. It's a class of falls and Russian swing. That's the one thing that I missed when I was in his class years and years ago. So now I get to learn it, and put it on my resume. It's like a giant swinging platform, with poles that attach to the A-Frame structure. You power the platform like a swing in a play ground. When you reach the right height, you launch yourself off (like on the playground), to simulate explosions and being throw around.
I haven't seen many behind the scenes of action films using these swings.I think they are kind of dated. There are newer more efficient devices like air rams. Mike dosn't teach air rams, because they are expensive and dangerous. I hope I can play with them one day.
It's late and I need to get some sleep before the class tomorrow. So wish me luck, in thesis month. I'll be working on about 8 separate films in one capacity or another. I'll be busy.
Stay tuned and stay sharp
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
So close and yet so far
So this weekend, I was brought onto another thesis film for school, as the armorer. I wound up as one of the military advisers as well, which was fun. The set was run very professionally, and I really enjoyed working on it. The same set that Scenes from Iron Man and Transformers, which was so cool. I love working in this town.
I was a little put off for one reason, which brings me back to my old stunt days. I was not brought on to be the stunt coordinator, that job went to the director's cousin. He had more experience than me, but was friendly. I introduced myself, and gave him my background, a expressed that I wanted to be a stuntman, and that I'd like to help him any way I could.
When it came to the stunt work, which was only a fight, and a wire pull, he decided to go with the actor that I brought with me. Who is not really an actor, and not a stuntman. But he fit the physical profile of what the director wanted. I know that's how the game is played, and I accept that. BUT it's hard to swallow, when you're an aspiring stuntman, you get onto a set that has stunts that need to be done, and you aren't involved. It's just disheartening. I'll get there though, and I'll be do it right when I do.
All in all it was still a great day. I made some good contacts, I got some screen time as a Taliban war fighter, and I did some good training for the actors playing Marines. Damn, we had those poor guys on edge, they were in character all day, and my other mil adviser would just screw with them and run them through scenarios. It was a very good exercise for me in working with actors.
Though I didn't get much for my stunt reel, I still call the day a huge success.
More to follow soon,
Stay tuned, and stay sharp.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Head shots!
A lot of things are going on now! Thesis month is coming up at school, and I've booked seven gigs. I'll be second unit directing a Vietnam battle scene, stunt coordinating for five, and being a 2nd AD for another. So April is going to be a very busy month for me. So I'll have a lot of material for my reel.
I also had a meeting with the leaders of "Urban Fist" stunt team. The team manager was a student at the same school as me, so I decided to drop them an email. We met in Santa Monica and talked about bringing me onto the team as a military consultant and armorer. They are a great group of guys, and I'm very excited to work with them. We are looking for a day to set up a small weapons manipulation course for the team, so I can show case my skills.Very exciting.
Also Check out my website www.danielrathaus.com and look at the new additions to the arsenal. I picked up two new AK 47s and a new chrome 1911. They are going to be popular in he short films that I'm going to be involved with. Things are starting to pick up!
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