The Soundtrack...and some more news.

Well by now you know that you can buy Victims of Circumstance on DVD.  But did you know that the score will soon be available for digital download?  Look over there...I don't sit around playing with Photoshop for my health.  I want things to look cool.  To fit in with the idea, the brand, and the look that Matt Wineke created all those months ago.

This is not the final artwork for the CD, but it is getting close.  It very much resembles the DVD (do you have yours yet?).

If you did, you would find this next piece, the DVD one page...or as it is in my case...that piece of paper that falls out of the DVD case as I try to put the movie in.  This is just another Thank You to the hard working folks both in front of and behind the camera.  You know at the end of the movie...all those names, yeah they worked on that movie.  So I wanted to make sure that when you opened up you copy of the DVD they were listed prominently there for you. 

Thanks for letting me take a minute out to talk a little bit about the upcoming score, some of the look and feels of the artwork, and of course a huge Thank You to those of you who have supported us.

Oh...and while I'm on the subject of supporting things...did you know that Paul is out filming something right now?  Do you know it has some tie ins to Victims of Circumstance?

He is, and it does.   Keep your eyes peeled for a cool action short headed your way in the very near future called Deadly Memories 3.  It brings back an old friend, who you may have noticed in the "9-11 Speech" montage.  It's a quick scene, why don't you take a second to watch it again on your brand new DVD.  Go ahead, I'll wait here.  Seriously, I won't leave.

Back?  Good.  Did you see him?  Kind of a badass, right?

Well. that's all I'm allowed to say in this post...more soon!

With regards,

Mike

#vocfilm, #deadlymemories, #victimsofcircumstance, #jilangeproductions

For Immediate Release: VOC News.

So why the heck has the blog been so quiet of late?

What's been going on?

We've been crazy busy.  What do you think of the image below?  What could it mean?  It looks so...familiar. 

Well, a couple of you already know, and may in fact already have in your hot little hands a copy on DVD!  Yes, the little indie film that could is officially for sale.  We are still waiting on the some On Demand/Download Direct options are not fully reviewed and available just yet, but we do have DVDs!  They look pretty dang sexy too...

What do you think?

Drop us a line...

Or were you waiting for me to tell you where you can buy one?

As of this week, both Mike and Paul will have them for sale...

Remember Christmas is just around the corner!  Victims of Circumstance would make a great Christmas gift!

This is more then just a cool indie film made locally!  There are great bonus features too...  A candid interview with Paul and Buddy, a sneak peak at the joys of making the sound track, and of course, the outtakes.  How many takes of a scene are required to light a Zippo on cue?  You can find out. 

We're for sale...buy us!

And while we're on the subject...look for some more information on Apollyon, Jim Blades, Carter, Charlie and the gang in upcoming posts!

All the best,

Mike

#vocfilm, #deadlymemories, #victimsofcircumstance 

VOC @ Gen Con

You heard it here first, True Believers: "Victims of Circumstance" has been accepted into the Gen Con Indy 2012 Film Fest! We are humbled, honored, stoked and giddy to be given this opportunity.

Our schedule info is listed below. Members of cast/crew will be on-hand and there's always time for impromptu meet and greets so please don't be shy.

Game ID - FLM1238516

Date - Sat 8/18/12

Time - 4:00pm
Location - Westin: Capitol III

For those that don't know, single-day passes to the Con are $50 and four-day passes are currently $80. To purchase your badges, reserve your FREE tickets to the VOC screening and/or learn more about Gen Con, head this way: Gen Con Indy 2012

-paul

"If you build it, they will come..."

 

Well!  A huge Thank You to everyone that came out last night for the Advanced Screening.

Cast, crew, friends, family, it was great to share VOC with you.

  

I’m sure some of you are asking “Okay, now what?  You bastards!”  

Ah, yes what happens next?  Well…we still have to finish the film, after a couple of well deserved days off.  There are distribution deals to work on and if I heard right at the after party, a possible project tie in/spin off might be in the works.  Or that could just be idle chatter.

If you are a Brandmeier fan, than you heard Paul on the radio yesterday talking about writing prostitutes into the sequel, so we’ll see what happens.  More updates, very soon… 

Paul...taking it all in before the audience arrives.

Mr. Aaron Brown, photographer...

Thanks again!

Mike

The countdown begins

ONLINE COUNTDOWNS

RSVP for the Free Screening!!!

As most of you have already read, "Victims of Circumstance" will have a one-night advanced screening this coming Tue (4/17) at AMC Showplace 16 Theaters in Schererville IN (875 Deer Creek Drive). The movie starts at 7:00pm sharp so don't be late.

There will be no ticket charge at the door (simply let the Theater Reps know you are there for the VOC screening) though we will be accepting donations at the end of the night.

Please remember that though we are in a very large theater seats are going quickly.

To make sure that you and yours have seats locked away, please send an email to: paul@jilange.com

This will ensure that you have a seat. The night of the event, you definitely want to show up early, though. We will have a section of the theater roped off for those who RSVP'd, but seats within that section will still be first come/first serve.

And don't forget: after the screening all are invited to the official After Party being held at Northwoods (8101 Wicker Ave, St. John IN). There will be a cash bar and live music entertainment. You never know, a few of the cast/crew might even take the stage so bring your cameras.



Can't wait to see you guys there. Let the countdown begin...

-paul

Advanced Screening!!! April 17th

Well here’s the news of the week.........

Victims of Circumstance 

Advanced Screening 

April 17^th at 7pm 

AMC Showplace 16 in Schererville, IN

Want to come out and see it?

Please do!  

You are cordially invited to catch the screening and afterwards hang out with the cast at Northwoods in St. John, IN.  They may even show you where some of the scenes were shot for the film.

AMC Showplace 16                                                      Northwoods Restaurant

875 Deercreek Drive, Schererville, IN                            8101 Wicker Avenue, Saint John, IN

And many many thanks to all of our fans, supporters, and members of the Cast and Crew!

-Mike

www.vocfilm.com

#vocfilm

Popcorn and an Indie Film...

What do I write here?  

I’ve seen VOC up on the big screen.  I’d say I’m speechless, but that was on Saturday and now it’s Monday and I think I am still a little stunned.  You know it is one thing to watch dailies, see rough cuts of the movie on your computer.  Or if you are lucky, to see it projected on a 18’ screen.  

But to walk into a theater, sit down and hear the haunting opening as composed by Mr. Buddy Wayne Goettsch is a whole other thing.  I almost missed seeing Paul Celestin’s name three feet tall staring me down in the middle seats.  And to see Ms. Amanda Maul’s reveal is priceless.  There they are up on the big screen.  I think I teased Buddy about having two foot tall eyebrows…  Well you will have to see for yourself.

So where are we…yep, I’m getting that a lot.  And Paul is too, but he’s busy tinkering and polishing.  This week is very busy for VOC and the production team.  I’d like to say thanks, in advance, for all of their hard work and that they are all keeping their cell phones on 24/7. 

When are we going to see it?  Well… We will be making an official announcement this week.

So… if I had them in my hands (and I’m not saying I don’t), who would want a free ticket to see VOC in the theater?  Leave a comment below and watch for responses.

-Mike

#vocfilm  

The Movie is over...wait, what?

Oh looky...credits...from like a real movie.

Okay…I get it, as if the angry emails and random texts/tweets wasn’t enough.

Yes we teased you.  (Sorry...about that.)

We showed you pretty pictures and told you interesting stories.  But the demands for a movie or blood is a little excessive don’t you think? 

And Yes….Steve I’m looking at you too.

So what’s been happening since last we chatted?

Well I could give you the short answer and say “post production or editing” but I don’t think that will suffice.  Victims of Circumstance has been developing from its pieces.  We have seen a couple of passes with all of the video put together and that’s pretty cool to see because you start to see the story coming together.  Meeting Devin, Caitlyn, Charlie, Carter, and Doc in the context of a film is awesome.  Of course I know how the movie ends, I know all of the plot twists and turns so I wasn’t surprised when I watched the film from beginning to end.  After this stage, the film gets its score or musical layer.  I have always been a sucker for music in movies.  A great score will keep you on the edge of your seat when you should be scared, or reassure you that everything is going to be okay when all seems lost.

If watching the assembled video is like watching a baby crawl... You can see where it is going and pretty much how it is going to get there.   Then watching the film with a score is like watching a ballet.  The story doesn't change; the video doesn't change, but so much more is communicated through and accented by the music.  Tone and pacing become much clearer, scenes blend together, emotional engagement goes up.  Before you know it, the credits are rolling and you find yourself wondering how an hour and a half just flew by.  That’s where we are at right now.  This week in fact, the producers are sitting down to watch (what is pretty much) a final cut of the movie with score.  The only thing that is missing is Foley work.  That’s “sound special effects”, for those of you who had to look it up.  

*You know, the breaking of celery standing in for the snapping of a neck.*

It’s at this point that I would like to thank everyone who has been involved or supported our project!

And many thanks to the talented musical artists who have lent their voices and skills to making the soundtrack rock!

Mike

#vocfilm

Who is...Sarah Moore?

Sarah Moore has a set of Eyes that are a filmmaker's dream. I've yet to enounter an actress who can throw so many emotions as quickly or as intensely as she can, all without saying a single word.

Captivating. That's the best word I can use.

I've known Sarah for a number of years now and for a host of reasons she was my first choice to take on the role of Caitlyn. When the film eventually drops she is going to take you on a roller-coaster ride of highs, lows and everything in between. Trust me on that.

Many of you know Sarah from her other theatrical/web adventures, but for those of you have yet to have the pleasure, allow me to introduce you to the First Lady of VOC.

Paul: How long have you been involved in performance art?

Sarah: I did my first play when I was in second grade and started singing shortly after. I was heavily involved with it in high school and went on to get my B.F.A. in Theater with an acting emphasis from Millikin University in 2003.

Paul: You write, direct, produce and choreograph. If you had to pick just one...

Sarah: Of those? I'd rather write. But honestly, I'd rather act.

Paul: You're Mom to two adorable kids. How do you find the time to pursue your projects?

Sarah: I don't sleep. It involves a lot of late nights, copious amounts of coffee, and stolen accidental naps during the day when they are at school. Also, my house doesn't get cleaned as often as I would like.

Paul: As a writer, do you create on a schedule or do you wait until inspiration strikes?

Sarah: I'd love to wait until inspiration strikes, but I've had to keep myself to a schedule. I try to write something every single day. I also try to make myself accountable to another person to keep me motivated. I set a table read or a production meeting that requires a finished script so that I stay on the ball.

Paul: What was your favorite aspect of working on VOC?

Sarah: I loved that all I had to do was show up and say my lines. It was a refreshing change. For Gamer Chick I am writing, producing, costuming, acting and a million other things. For VOC I just played one character. One hat on my head. That was nice. It let me focus.

Paul: Professionally, where are you hoping to be in 5 years?

Sarah: I just want to still be creating.

Paul: Last question, and now it gets tough: You can have one dessert...just one...for the rest of your life. What is it?

Sarah: This is a completely unfair question. Desserts are very important to me. I'm going to go with cupcakes. They come in so many different forms and they are adorable.

-paul

Spotlight On: Jeff Moore, DP Victims of Circumstance

I first met Jeff Moore in highschool, some 19 years ago. We shared a passion for storytelling and spent hours upon hours developing various theoretical projects and discussing the movie we would someday make.

It seemed only fitting, then, that VOC was birthed through similar conversations with the man. Back when I decided that I wanted to start production on a web-project, Jeff was the first person I contacted. In the early stages, VOC was to be a throw-away endeavor; something quick and easy I could cut my teeth on. As time went on, the story (and my passion for it) grew exponentially and it became the film you are all soon to experience.

Early on I knew that I was asking a lot of Jeff as DP: take a movie that is exposition heavy and make it look interesting. He was more than up to the task and his work on the project still amazes me.

All that being said, I now invite you to take a few moments and get to know the man behind the camera.

Paul: We’ve known each other for a long, long time, sir. What’s your most interesting memory of us from back in the day?

JM: Wow… That’s an amazingly tough question. We spent our high school theatre days – which suddenly seem like a terribly long time ago – causing various kinds of innocent trouble. If I could narrow it down to one thing, it would be an incredible feat. Let’s just let it be known that there are plenty of good times behind as well as ahead.

Paul: What made you decide that Film (be it web series, shorts, features, etc) is what you wanted to pursue?

JM: My wife and I started a live theatre company when she was fresh out of college, and we did that for a while. As time went by, we discovered that the particular challenges of that type of production were becoming obstacles to our goals that were not worth pursuing – both financially and creatively. I had a bit of experience with the film process, and the idea of the web series was just startingto become a “thing.” Since we also had some experience with podcasting, we transitioned to video for the web and found it – and its own unique challenges – to be exactly what we wanted to tackle next. It’s a comfortable discipline for me to work in, and I have a great deal of interest in working and learning. It just made a lot of sense.

Paul: You’re a whiz when it comes to Post Production effects. What scene (in any project) are you most proud of?

JM: I’ve got a pretty elaborate composite that I’m working on for Gamer Chick that includes multiple greenscreen[sic] and CGplates. I expect that to be pretty great when it comes together. If you want one I’ve already finished, I visualized, directed, shot and completed work for a pretty neat comp for season one of Gamer Chick. It involves a single character playing all the villains in a shot, and the timing of the whole thing worked out much better than I had expected.

Paul: What made you decide to sign on as the DP of VOC?

JM: I had been working on a project that my company is producing. As a creative partner and the only technical artist currently working on it, I end up doing many, many jobs; it’s very time-consuming, and can be exhausting. When the opportunity came up to do a single job on a project, I jumped at it. I still ended up lending some equipment and my varying levels of expertise on a few other subjects, but I really only had the one job. That was a nice feeling.

Paul: What was your biggest challenge during this production?

JM: My biggest challenge during the production of VOC was to continually find ways to use the camera as a tool to heighten the on-screen action. The show has a lot of dialogue-heavy scenes,so I really had to push myself to keep finding new angles and new moves to amplify their mood.

Paul: The movie is being edited as I type. Regarding your camera work, is there one scene in particular that you are most proud of?

JM: I honestly couldn’t pick one. There are always going to be things that you feel like you could have done better or differently or whatever, but I feel like my work was consistent from start to finish on this show. That was actually something I was fairly proud of, now that I’m thinking about it – maintaining a consistent look with minimal gear in various interior and exterior locations over the course of close to a year.

Paul: You’re given a multi-million dollar budget. Whatproject would you green light?

JM: I’ve got a feature script in the early stages that I’d love to make one day. I think a multi-million dollar budget would enable me to finish the first draft.

Who is...Chris Neumann?

Take a long, hard look at the picture above. VOC currently rests almost squarely on this gentleman's shoulders.

Chris Neumann is a monster in the Chicago/NWI indie film scene. He's a writer, director, DP, musician and (thankfully for me) one of the best Editors in the business. As I type he is no doubt enjoying a drink and laboring furiously to get the final cut of our movie finished on-schedule. I thought it only fitting to take moment to introduce you the man behind the curtain.

Chris and I talk almost daily but it was just last week that we sat down for some fish-and-chips (fries, technically), had a drink and conducted the interview below. Enoy...

How old are you, sir?

24

Where did you go to school?
Lake Central for high school. Purdue Cal for my Bachelors (visual communications and graphic arts with a minor in Philosophy) and my Masters (media design) at Full Sail University.

How long have you been working in film?

I started years and years ago in graphic art. I was in a band and we wanted videos and flyers and figured it’d be better if we learned to do it ourselves. So I did, and after that I fell in love with multimedia design and production.

When it comes to film, you’re definitely a jack of all trades. What aspect of production do you have the most fun with?

What I enjoy depends on the project, but I really love working on the music and the scoring and being a DP (director of photography). DP is great because you get to add so much creativity to each shot or angle, really narrowing down what people get to experience.

Of everything you’ve done, what project are you the most proud of?

A really short film that not many people have ever seen. I worked on a project called “Instantaneous Haze”. It was great because those who did see it had no clue how it was made.

You gotta give me some details here.

People that saw it insisted we used special effects, but we didn’t.

Nice.
It was an indirect way of crediting people’s talents that we didn’t need effects.

You realize now I need to see this thing.
I was just going through my hard-drives the other day and found it so I could show Brandon [Berk].

When faced with an obstacle (while working on a project) is your initial reaction “Oh Crap” or “I think I can do this”?

My initial reaction is to go outside and have a smoke. Or go inside, pending on where I am. Basically I try to physically get as far away from the project as possible so I can re-assess the situation. Then for inspiration I think back to all of the other times I was working on a project and one of us found a way around a difficult task at hand.

Mining on past experience?
Yeah…something like that.

So all that being said, how many cigarettes have you had thanks to VOC?
Today? 3. (laughs)

Has it made you have to walk away yet?

No, it hasn’t been crazily problematic.

What made you agree to sign on as the VOC editor?
Brandon [Berk]* talked highly of the film. And when I read the script I enjoyed the plot.

(*amongst other things, plays Hantover in the movie)

What are your hopes for this movie?

To be able to see it in a theater while drinking a gin and tonic.

Last time we shared a drink you were very indecisive on your poison of choice. Do you have a favorite gin?
London Dry. I got it once because the bottle had this little bowler hat that was on the cap, which was the only reason I got it as I ended up using the hat in a stop-motion project I was working on.

If you had a multi-million dollar budget, what would you work on?
I’m writing this dystopian sci-fi piece that would ideally star Joseph Gordon Levitt and Shatner…or this other older fellow who I thought of after Shatner, but no one in film would know who he is so let’s just say Shatner. Yeah, that or I’d love to work on the music for the next psychedelic Legend of Zelda game because of my love for Majora’s Mask.

Three questions left, and now they get real. Boobs or Butt?

Live or on film?

Coffee or tea?
Depends on who I’m with and what I’m doing.

You are so insanely vague!

Such is life.

If you could be forever remembered for a single statement it’d be…

If you’re not getting ahead in life, you’re falling behind.

-paul

Behind the scenes

Since the birth of this blog Mike and I have done our best to sing the praises of the folks who have helped (or are helping) to bring VOC to life. There are a few more Spotlight posts coming soon enough, but today I wanted to take a second to thank a very special collection of individuals who helped keep everything together behind the scenes.

Dowald "Joseph" Eco

Boom Operator

Joe and I were introduced virtually through mutual friends and he took a serious interest in the VOC project. He was interested in scoping out the set and as luck would have it I was very much in need of a boom operator for a key scene. Never one to ignore the alignment of stars, I made the call and Joe jumped on board. He was great to work with especially considering he had no prior experience. Rumor has it we're upgrading him to an on-screen role for the sequel!

John Albright

Boom Operator, Production Assistant, Securer of Locations

I really can't say enough about Johnny A! I've known the man for almost 20 years and he is sincerely a jack of all trades. For VOC he wore quite a few hats on-set but in my opinion his single greatest contribution was securing the room that would serve as Caitlyn's office for most of the film. John is always a blast to work with and as I review footage I still get the giggles when his booming baritone announces "Victim of Circumstance, Scene 1, Shot 2".

Erik Nelson

Boom Operator

Nelson has been one of my best friends for quite some time. What he lacked in on-set experience he more than made up for with his knowledge of AV Equipment, Recording Theory and Pick Up Lines that would make a nun melt. I was thrilled that he was willing to jump on board with this production and look forward to using him on-screen in the near future.

Matt Winecke

Graphic Artist/Logo Design

Matt got his own blurb here awhile ago but not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for the spectacular work he did designing the VOC logo...so I had to include him here just because.

Brandon Berk

"Hantover"/Boom Operator/Cool-guy-to-have-around

From now until the end of time I will be thankful to VOC for birthing my introduction to Brandon Berk. The guy is a force of nature in the indie world. His resume is too long to list but here's all you really need to know: Nobody is more dedicated than Brandon. He was a blast to have on camera, a whiz behind the scenes and never complained once when I spiked his coffee with hot sauce. I mean, really, what more could you ask for?

Kristel Pischner

"Tara"/Script Supervisor/Purveyor of Awesomeness

Kristel is one of the coolest people I know, hands down. Back when VOC was little more than a collection of ideas rattling around my brain, Kris was there to help me make sense of it all. She served as Script Supervisor, Story Consultant and plays the role of Tara on-screen. Her biggest contribution to the project, however, is that she has an amazing way of keeping me grounded, on-task and "out of the crazy". Because of her presence, no actors were seriously injured during this production.

There are a lot of other folks that we need to thank but this group really earned a special place in my heart. Without them, none of this would be possible.

So, just to make it official, to Joe, John, Nelson, Matt, Brandon and Kris: 

THANK YOU. 

It meant the world to me.

-paul

The Reel Deal...Insider's Info.

Hey there gang!

Okay so I guess we owe you an apology because we got everyone reading the blog and then stopped adding content out of the blue (holidays, movie trailer, contract negotiations, our real jobs, cars breaking down, life...oh did I mention life?).

So...very sorry to all you faithful readers.  Paul, Daniel, and Buddy collapsed after giving birth to the teaser trailer.  I hope you've had the chance to check it out here.

The incomparable Chris Neumann is editing like a mad man.  I'm sure Paul has his eyes set for a follow up trailer...just as soon as he figures out what insane part of the his brain he wants to apply to it.

Also, we have cleverly tricked you into going to our Youtube site (see above)...we didn't put it out there without planning on using it.  There will be some things dropping on that channel that we may or may not notify you about them on the blog.

Also, you'll be seeing some changes to the website as we get closer to the film launch.  We have a talented guy helping us out (and patiently waiting for more content) named Joe Vanerio.

So I wanted to take a second this morning and say...

First sorry.

Second, Paul and I do read every comment, email, tweet, smoke signal, and carrier pigeon message (complaint) about the lack of posts and more importantly....When the hell is the movie coming out?

Soon, be patient...soon, my "precious".  Yikes.

Okay and in support of the folks who were there first...go see Buddy gigging this weekend, or Robby.  And Sarah appears in a crossover video online.  You can find it...I can't mention it by name due to a contractual agreement, but I watched it earlier and it was pretty cool.

Everyone have a great weekend!  We'll have some more stuff for you next week (I promise...I think....I hope...well...).

Sincerely,
Mike

NWI Entertainer's Article is online...

Please check out NWI Entertainer's original article here:

NWI PROFILE:
Paul Celestin

By Stephanie Vega

A region native is taking to the big screen with an independent film shot entirely in Northwest Indiana. Paul Celestin has served as writer, director and producer for a film called "Victims of Circumstance", a film ready to be released in our area early next year. "The film is about an assassin for hire who works for Homeland Security," Celestin says, setting the stage. "He's a career criminal who's having a crisis of conscience in regards to some of the things he's had to do. He's forced into therapy sessions to deal with his post traumatic stress disorder and has to choose between the man he is and the man he wants to become."

This character driven drama, which is dark, gritty and has a little bit of action, features many familiar backdrops as scenes for the film were shot across Lake County. "We shot several scenes at Northwoods in St. John, including a martial arts sequence," said Celestin. "We also shot two scenes in Highland at Poppy's Café on Indianapolis Blvd, as well as multiple scenes at the church office of First United Methodist Church in Crown Point. We also used houses in Hammond and Highland and we filmed at Main Square Park in Highland."

The film has been in the works for about a year and for Celestin it was a labor of love. "I've been writing for years but this is my first independent film," he said. "When I first started, it was going to be a short story. Then I started bouncing ideas around and before long I had a project I didn't know what to do with. Then, Mike Trentz (my partner in production company J.I.Lange) helped make it happen. He checked out the script and breathed new life into the project."

And with that the two hit the ground running but of course had to jump over many hurdles along the way. "He had never produced, I had never made one," said Celestin in regards to film making. "We had a lot of late night brainstorming sessions and between the two of us there were tons of sleepless nights, there still are. There were obstacles we encountered that at first made me stop and go 'Oh no, we're dead' but somehow we were able to overcome every single one."

"We managed to overcome roadblocks which included everyday life, as the cast and crew all had day jobs and most had families. "I'm a purchasing agent for a food manufacturer out of Illinois," explained Celestin. "I'm married to an adorable school teacher and we have three kids under the age of 10. This was truly a passion project."

Filming for the movie, which was shot entirely in HD, has wrapped and is currently in the editing process. The movie is scheduled to be released at the end of January and Celestin and the gang are looking at having a one day premiere at a theater in Northwest Indiana. "On that same day, everything will go live for purchase as a digital download or DVD," he said.

But for now, you can keep up to date on how things are going with the film through blog updates on their movie website; www.vocfilm.com. The website is updated three times a week and you'll be able to get a sneak peek at behind the scenes action as well as YouTube videos, promos and new content. "If you follow the blog, you get the first look as it becomes available," said Celestin. "You'll also be able to see our promotional teaser video as well as a music video we are filming."

The music video will be of an original song composed by Celestin's brother Robby (Time Peace, Final Say and RCB) that will be featured in the movie as well. "The music video will feature performance shots from Robby as well as scenes from the movie," Celestin said. "It's all really exciting."

Celestin, who was born and raised in East Chicago and currently lives in Highland, is excited to share this movie with his community and friends and hopes the film will be a success. "As an artist, I'm hoping to open the film to a large fan base that just loves it," he said. "The producer in me is hoping to recoup our investment and get in a position where we can easily fund a follow up project. And the end of the day, I still have a lot of stories to tell."

Official Teaser Trailer

It is with great Honor, Pride and Gratitude that I present to you the Official "Victims of Circumstance" teaser trailer.

Click the link and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/JuDj0gMpiYU

-paul

#voc, #voctrailer

Coming Soon...

It's been a rough and tumble week, kids, but there is officially a light at the end of the tunnel. It is with great pride and baited breath that I make the following announcement:

Next Tue, 11/22, the first Victims of Circumstance trailer goes viral.

The trailer will be available here as well as on the VOC YouTube channel.

It was expertly cut by Daniel DeRousseau, one of the best montage-guys in the business. Dan sifted through the footage and in 2 minutes told the story it will take me over an hour to show. He is a monster when it comes to Trailers, plain and simple. The piece was scored by VOC's own Buddy Wayne Goettsch and I am dying to let you see it.

But you have to wait...just a little bit longer.

Enjoy your weekend, folks. Good things are right around the corner.

-paul

#vocfilm, #voctrailer

Too close for comfort....

Reviewing photos snapped at a rally from yesterday, didn't realize how much danger I was really in.

#vocfilm, #OWSchicago

How to hit a moving target

Reality is one of the most sadistic entities known to man. It is in a constant state of change, ebbing and flowing in directions that are not always conducive to even the most thought out strategies. In the world of VOC, Devin learns this lesson time and time again.


Despite his best efforts, Reality has a way of stepping in and blowing even the best laid plans completely to hell. In this case, I like to believe that is Art imitating Life.


Every film, VOC included, is in a constant state of evolution until the final cut is printed. During production the filmmaker needs to constantly Adapt to hundreds of changes brought on by thousands of issues, major or minor. I had several instances where hours/days/weeks of planning had to be scrapped on location due to Reality.

During those instances I was faced with two very simple choices:

Adapt or Die.

The interesting thing is, I learned that I work extremely well under pressure. As I review footage during the editing stage I'm reminded that a few of my favorite scenes started off as Obstacles. I had to re-direct, re-block, re-write and re-think on location while the clock was ticking. Thankfully, miraculously even, what ended up being caught on camera was far better than my originally planned shots.

Adapt or Die. Conflict breeds Emotion.

Those are two ideas to keep in mind when writing a script. If your character is forced to make split second decisions, if he is given the opportunity to be an emotional alchemist, the audience will have more opportunities for empathy. And an empathetic audience is the key to success.

In the world of Devin Reeves and VOC, in the world that you and I occupy, one rule stays constant:

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." - Charles Darwin

-paul



#voc, #vocfilm, #chicagofilm, #indiefilm

Who is watching who?

#vocfilm