Father Time is a Bastard and Mother Nature is a Bit of a Bitch

It is that time again. Time for me to get bloggin. I am never very consistant with this stuff, but hey I am here now so lets hope I can keep the momentum. As most of you have heard, I have just finished shooting my first ever web series. It is called "Father Time is a Bastard and Mother Nature is a Bit of a Bitch." It is a comedy, but is also has documentary/reality elements. The scenes with actors were a breeze, the ones with regular non actor types wasn't so easy. But I will talk about that in future posts.

For a while now I have been talking in bits and bites about the concept of Guerrilla Film making, from my perspective. Everyone has different methods, approaches, ideas so it is important to realize that what I talk about is just the way I do it.

This particular piece has had many challenges, but so far, knock on wood (I am tapping my head) I have been able to overcome. There is most definitely a method to creating film with little or no budget...or is it a madness? I guess that is for the individual to decide. But more on that later, I am just blogging to catch you all up on Hired Gun and let you know I will talk about the experience.

"Father Time..." deals with the concept of aging. What does it mean to be 50 today as opposed to the age 50, 30 years ago? It turned out to be a bit of a personal journey, since I turned 50 last year. It is an interesting age.

The plan is to start releasing episodes around the end of January 2012 and hopefully they will go viral. If they go viral the "Father Time..." team feel confident we can drum up sponsors to help pay for more episodes.

Going Viral will need support from all you folks reading this, and the friends you share it with. It is an experiment in other forms of funding. To be able to create content and perhaps making a living doing it. This isn't always the case for television, film and content creators in Canada. What you can do is join the Facebook Page, follow us on Twitter @BastardTime and when it comes out on YouTube, watch it, watch it more then once and share it with your friends.

I will try and be more regular on posts. Next up for Hired Gun is the second in a series of documentaries under the "For the Record" strand...this time it will be "For the Record Featuring Blackie and The Rodeo Kings" This will then hopefully be followed by a feature film called "Stella's Dead and in the Back of the Truck."Till next time...stay young, because age is JUST a number.

I never get the links right

Please join the Stella Facebook Page. I think I got it right this time.

It has been so long, and now I have so much to talk about and so little time.

Okay, where do I start. Hmmm, perhaps I will tell you about my upcoming projects. I have off course been talking my head off, about my feature film "Stella's Dead and in the Back of the Truck". We are attempting to round up some name talent including; Adam Beach, Gene Simmons and Iggy Pop. Yeah you guessed it...comedy.

I am about to start working on another, in the "For the Record..." series. This is tough, who to do next. I would love to do Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, but had very little luck getting a hold of someone with the band. I will keep trying.

I went to the Banff Television Festival and pitched APTN. They seemed interested. I am proposing we do a 2 hour long, art film about the pairing of African Americans who where escaping slavery in the U.S. and aboriginal people and how this union created such a strong force that it helped define the shape of North American civil liberties. It will be a strong social message told through, music, dance and animation. An organic, indigenous version of Pink Floyd's "The Wall".

I am also working on projects about Canadian buskers, A group of Edmonton young people that are gay and a web series about the process of aging. The aging thing is a comedy.

While working on all this I just completed a great promotional video for Alberta Education, I am about to start on a series of videos for both The Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association and the County of Red Deer and I am feeling good about a music video for a great local talent Brian Macleod.

Throughout all this, I also took two weeks to get away to beautiful Victoria. My wife (Silvana) was there at a conference and I tagged along...all I can say is Tr es Groovy.

Well, okay a lot of stuff, but I didn't say much. Please join the Stella Facebook Page.

Independent Film, Independent Music and a little bit of Politics!

It’s been a while since I contributed to my blog. I really didn’t have anything to say up till now. This off course isn’t true; I always have something to say. Not always relevant to anyone, but that has never stopped me before. I tend to be just a tad lazy.

Okay, so what is going on? Where do I start? Let’s start with Bill Bourne. On March 12th, I had my first screening of the film “For the Record Featuring Bill Bourne” at Fargos at Capilano. It was a huge success, a packed house, I loved it. Fargo’s is a great spot for a screening. It has 6 screens the food is great and you can get everyone drunk before the screening. Next up, For the Record was nominated for a best documentary over 30 minutes at this year’s Alberta Film and Television Awards. What else? Okay, For the Record is now available on Kerf Music, and I did an interview with Peter North of CKUA. I have to tell you, I have been a Peter North fan for a long time. I miss his column in the Journal very much. It was such a pleasure talking to someone who just knows so much about roots music and he liked the film so it was win, win. If you’re interested in listening to the interview you can tune to CKUA on Sunday from 3-4pm and again for the rebroadcast on Tuesday from 6-7pm. Finally on the For the Record front, I am sure you know that Bill has signed with True North Records, and I just started talks with True North about distributing the documentary.
What’s up with Hired Gun? Well there is a lot going on. I am busy with a bunch of corporate videos. I am looking at doing a few interesting shows. I am working with a Country Duo named Myrol. Mother and Daughter team (think Judds without the drama) they are a kick ass country band, and they are doing a concert in Lithuania in August. So we want to document this, but it will be tough with such a short time span to raise the budget...and I really want to go to Lithuania. I am also talking to Laura Vinson an aboriginal performer who has been doing some interesting stuff, about creating a surreal, concert film of aboriginal stories and folklore. This could be fun. Also, I am writing a script for a short film I am going to do this fall. It is go to explore the concept that people are saying NO to aging once they hit 50 and my feature film “Stella’s dead and in the Back of the Truck” is in development with the plan to go to picture in the spring/summer 2012.
So you are now kind of up-to-date.
I have talked of film, music and now the dreaded politics. We are less than a week away from the next federal election and frankly I am a bit worried. I do not hide my thoughts on this, my vote is based on what a party will do for the arts, specifically the film and television industry. I assume all parties will have a handle on healthcare, education, seniors need and all those important social issues. So the defining elements are film and television funds, how they feel about the CRTC and their policies on dealing with broadcasters. The film industry made just under 5 billon dollars last year and to say it isn’t a major industry in Canada is to be ignorant, so damn it you politicians start supporting it. The Conservatives truly suck in my opinion. The Liberals are better, but for me I am liking the NDP. Yup, the older I get the more socialistic I become. I want a party that will protect Canada and its unique identity, which is told through film and television. I want a party who is concerned about the economy and stimulating that economy, but mostly I want a party that does all that without forgetting about the people who live here. What makes Canada great is that we are a little bit rock and roll and a little bit country...we are capitalists who look after our own. So that is my two cents...get out and vote, vote for what you feel and let’s hope this election will move us toward building a better Canada.
I think on that note I am going to stop. I am going to start distributing a Hired Gun newsletter regularly, in the next while, so if you’re interested go to my website and subscribe to the newsletter.

For the Record-Featuring Bill Bourne

I am very, very excited. I am finally screening my documentary film "For the Record Featuring Bill Bourne". I am such a huge fan and I am quite pleased to be able to call Bill a friend. I guess I am a bit of a star gazer.

I had the same thing happen a few years ago when I did a documentary on Mae Moore and her husband Lester Quitzau. Wow, what great folks. I can't believe that so much talent can be found in one person. The best part, these are Canadian singer/songwriters.

Well not to drone on, please accept this as my personal invitation to come and join us at the screening. It will be happen on Saturday, March 12Th at the Fargos at Capilano, here in Edmonton. I am going to suggest you buy your tickets in advance, you can get them through me, just call 780 497 0089 or 780 450 0717. Why I am suggesting buying early is not only because we might sell out, but advance tickets will entitle you to both drink and food discounts. I am providing a link to the Facebook event page or if you can't make it you can always visit my website and order the DVD from there. Have your own copy, why not, but 2 its a great gift.

Ciao!

2011-Winner or Loser?

2010, good year, no complaints. Now, what will 2011 bring? Will the good year continue or will it be a dud? I did a lot of different things in 2010. My favorite was the documentary I did on Bill Bourne called "For the Record with Bill Bourne" quick plug you can buy your own copy on my website.Now 2011...I have some huge plans. I really want to do my first feature film. It will be called "Stella's Dead and in the Back of the Truck". Its a comedy that mixes live action with animation and will have a killer soundtrack. I also want to do another "For the Record." This time I would like to focus on "Blackie and the Rodeo Kings." I also want to a documentary on my generation, the generation that refuses to age. Perhaps another short film. The idea I have is based on a photo shoot series a friend of mine does called "Thrash the Dress".

So that is what is on my mind in January of 2011, ill all this happen, will part of it happen, will there be other ideas or will the year go to shit? I don't know, but I think I would be happy if half of this happens, okay I would be thrilled if I get to do one of these.

I also got interviewed by a fellow from the

Edmonton Journal

a few weeks ago. The story appears in tomorrows paper, and I like it...check it out.

It has been a busy time...

Business had been good. I have been working on just a load of interesting stuff. I am in post production on a series of instructional videos for a company called Marsulex. The videos deal with the safe handling when unloading dangerous chemicals such as Sulfuric Acid, Aqua Ammonia and the likes. Okay it has been very dry but I met some interesting people and that is always a good thing.

Next we just finished two days of shooting for Shell Canada, actually for their London, England office. We had to shoot b-roll and some dramatics leading up to a bad truck crash that happened a couple years ago...I was totally blown away by the mad effect skills of master DP Wes Doyle.

Next I am writing a series of videos that we will be shooting at the end of the month for Alberta Education. Did you know that a lot of new teachers quit the profession in the first 5 years. The videos outline some programs that have been implemented to keep these teachers around.

Then I am starting to work on a series of videos that will become part of an installation piece at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump. This is a grand job, I am so interesting in aboriginal stuff.

I am also about to launch a series of screenings throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta of my new documentary film "For the Record Featuring Bill Bourne" it is available for purchase on my website so please feel free to check it out.

As you can see busy times...I am also in development on my first feature film "Stella's Dead and in the Back of the Truck" and I think I am going to do another short in the very near future.

Enough talk, have a great day all.

Bill Bourne releases his new album today

So' Bill Bourne is releasing his new album today, "free radio dance Band". It is a great album. One of my greatest joys to date was being there while Bill and his band recorded the album. It was a tres cool experience and I feel fortunate. The music is incredible so make sure you check it out.

So yeah I turned 50...

But you know what is great...I am now old enough to have a friend running for office. I have a friend who is running for the mayor of Calgary. Her name is Barb Higgins and she is a great lady. She is smart, she knows the city, she looks great...serious when is the last time you saw a mayor that was a babe. Barb is all of this and more. The thing I admire most is her integrity. She was interviewed on BT in Calgary by a reporter named Mike McCourt (I use the term reporter loosely). I couldn't believe the questions he asked. But Barb in true fashion I think handily put him in his place.

I will admit I wish I lived in Calgary so I could vote for her. If you live in Calgary, check her out I think you will be pleasantly surprised. She would be great for the city. Sort of like Ralph Klein before he went insane.

Anyway, check out this goofball McCourt (his parents might have been cousins) and on Monday vote Barb Higgins for Mayor!

Hey, did you know?

I have talked about making films, documentaries and music videos. It is very rewarding but not a great way to make a living. So how do I survive? I do corporate video and commercials. For example, something you may have seen...did you know I created and wrote, produced and directed those great (If I do say so myself) 92.5 JoeFM stick man animation commercials. They were fun and I mention it because I am told they were very memorable. Anyway not to take up to much of your time. I have added my commercial/corporate demo reel on my website. I wrote and directed everything you see in the demo. Let me know what you think.

Canadian Film is Shit...

All films from Canada are horrible, badly done, low budget. Ummm I have heard these comments so often and I say BULLSHIT! Canadian film is where it's at. A good Canadian film can't be beat. The unfortunate part is many Canadians do dis the films being created by Canadian filmmakers. I have a theory, its my opinion but I think it makes sense. The theory is that we make as many good films as the US, based on population. So for every ten Canadian films there is one good one and 9 not so good ones...In the US I use 100 films...and there are 10 good ones and 90 bad ones...so the percentage is the same. The problem is we tend to only get the 10 good ones and everyone only remembers the 9 bad Canadian ones!

So how do we change this perception? I suggest creating "Hug an Independent Canadian Filmmaker Day" So we pick a day, for example...February 23rd and call it "Hug an Independent Canadian Filmmaker Day" . So on February 23rd across the country, participating communities organize the local filmmakers and present the films they made to their community and let them view the films for free. The problem is that our films don't get played anywhere so how do we make sure that Canadians get to see these great films? By doing something like this we allow everybody to experience the creative power that is Independent Canadian Film. Who is with me on this one? I am totally in. I would even help organize it...I can't be in charge of organizing it because I am really unorganized...but hey, I will help and I have a few films I wouldn't mind getting seen.

Well there you have it..."Hug and Independent Canadian Filmmaker Day".

I am all a Twitter

I did it...I got back on that Twitter horse. I have been told by quite few people now that Twitter truly is a marketing bonanza. Perhaps I will find out. I have been exploring this whole concept of social media and it is quite exhilirating. So new, so fresh, so outside my scope of knowledge. Are you ever to old to learn? I don't think so.

Anyway why don't you follow my tweets and will follow yours. Is tha how that works?

Indie Film Fun

Yup it's fall and the ideas are flowing. I have a lot going on. Working on two major corporate projects that will keep me busy till Christmas. And then who knows how I will make a living. I could become an assassin, a hit man and well the corporate name kind of works. Anybody out there need someone rubbed out.

My new film "For the Record Featuring Bill Bourne" seems to be doing really well and you can buy your copy on my very own website. You should check it out...it is the perfect stocking stuffer...yeah I said it...why not all the stores do it. Order "For the Record Featuring Bill Bourne" now and ensure you get it in time for Christmas.

I now have a producing team together to make my first feature film. Its a comedy and a road movie titled "Stella's Dead and in the Back of the Truck". The producers are as follows:
1) Executive Producers: Jerry Krepakavich & Ben Babchishin
2) Producers: Diana Davis, Susanne Hunka and Elaine Elrod

The hope is to be shooting this late next summer or early fall.


I also want to do another short and just not sure which way to go. I have an idea for a 7 part web series and I would also like to do a musical in the vein of "Doctor Horribles Sing Along Blog" so not sure which way I will go but I will do something before Christmas. Hopefully there are some folks out there wanting to get involved.

Well I guess that is all I will talk about at this point. Time to get on with the day and hopefully get something done.

Ciao all, have yourself a great week!

I love Alberta, but sometime...?

So, who read the paper today. I am referring to the Edmonton Journal. The story I am wanting to talk about was written by a guy at the Calgary Herald (I suspect Calgary got it too). It is titled "Province to Review Funding for films". It talks about the fact that the province gave $55,000.00 to a Calgary company to do a documentary about the oil sands called "Dirty Oil". Stelmack was quoted as saying "He was livid that taxpayer dollars funded an anti-Alberta film"

WTF...okay who is as pissed off as I am, I want to hear it... Why the fuck does our government only see this province as oil. I haven't seen the film, I don't know if it is a fair and accurate story but I do know that environmental issues about oil are everywhere. The BP thing off the coast of New Orleans has pushed it to the forefront and now it is an even hotter ticket item. I sorry but if someone was going to do a doc about the Alberta oil sands called "Dirty Oil" wouldn't you rather have it be done by someone from Alberta who doesn't have any other agenda but calling attention to an environmental issue. And why is it that a documentary that could thrash the oil sands (again I haven't seen it and can't say) is considered anti-Alberta. A lot of people are concerned and they are voicing their concerns, we live in a free world and have that right. And now they are going to review how they fund films...does that mean they want to start censoring what they fund? Both Blackett and Stelmach denies this will happen but it is really what they are saying.

The filmmakers stated that $750,000.00 was spent in Alberta on this production from the Alberta Governments $55,000.00 investment. Doesn't seem like that bad of a return. Hmmm methinks it might be time for our great leader and his cronies to pull their heads out of their ass and start looking at other economical opportunities for Alberta outside of oil...I think the days of oil might be limited. Alberta is so much more, great people, incredible vistas, a proud heritage built from a backbone of agriculture and it also has oil...a small part of our identity that the current government considers our only face. Man does this kind of shit piss me off...In my opinion.

Man, am I glad summer is over

I know, your thinking WTF...this goof is glad summer is over. My problem is that during the summer I have no time for anything, including this blog. Its been forever since I updated it. Do I have stuff to say? I think so!

My new film "For the Record Featuring Bill Bourne is now available for sale on my website. Its a 72 minute musical Odyssey that follows Bill as he records his new record "free radio dance Band". Or was it called "See", no that's not right, wasn't it "Home". Funny stuff, there has been three changes to the title since I started a few months ago. Can't keep up. But I will say I am really proud of this film and I hope all of you that BUY it, like it too.

Next up? Not sure, I would like to do another For the Record, as well as a web series and I am still trying to get a feature done. No shortage of projects and I have been Tres busy doing other stuff like training videos and the like...so good summer just not enough time.

I hope to update this blog a little more and maybe we can get that filmmaker dialogue I talked about before, going?

Holy Shit, there is a lot going on!

So "For the Record-Featuring Bill Bourne" is done. Bill, some of the band, Elaine, Wes and a few others popped over to my place last week for an impromptu screening in my basement and everyone seemed to like it. Dropped it off at the duplicators this morning and it will be ready for purchase early next week.

Next, I am a huge fan of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. It is truly a grand, world class event...and this year (this is blowing my mind) my Bill Bourne film will be available for purchase. Yup right there with all the other greats...For crying out loud, Levon Helm is going to be there...Van Morrison and this film will be selling alongside them, Tres Cool! Make sure you pick up a copy, perhaps 3 at 19.99 it will this years must have stocking stuffer. It will be at the CD/DVD tent as of Thursday or you can order it off the Hired Gun Website.

Finally there will be a public screening on August 19Th at the New City Suburbs (tentative). Tickets are 10.00, and you will be able to get an autographed copy of the show plus Bill will perform. Wanna know how to keep up with the updates? Visit the Hired Gun Website and subscribe to the mailing list.

Well that is it for now...ciao dudes! I'm trying a new catch phrase...let me know if you like it?

So what are we doing? How do we fix our slipping film industry in Alberta...and does anyone really care?

I do, I do desperately. I love being a filmmaker. I love telling stories, I love reaching people with ideas, and I love entertaining audiences. But it is a way of life that is rapidly declining. Alberta is in crisis...True That!

There is all this animosity toward the government. I understand this, and just a little while ago I would have been 100% there. But I am getting to know Edmonton's Film Commissioner Brad Stromberg (you said it Brad so now I own it)and he said something to me that literally made my mind snap completely full circle and it changed my thinking. I was very anti government and wanted them crucified, still do but I now know why I need to tame this anger. Brad simply stated "When you are in an election, you support the person you believe in, campaign for them, vote for them, tell other peoples about them...but the day after the election you have to live with one that won". So what I take that to mean, while the conservatives might easily be the spawns of Satan, we need to work with them and try and get the best we can out of them. Otherwise we will suffer. Look at the comments of Lindsay Blackett. Do you think he is still a supporter, still our Representative looking after our best intersts. I think he is pissed at us, and we are feeling his heat.

I guess my suggestion is that every one chill, try to get along, try to get as good a deal as we can, and then just a bit before the next election lets tell the voters about our industry and why it is worth preserving and see if we can't do what the Alberta Film Industry must totally do to save our way of life and that is make sure Alberta has a change in government.

Perhaps if we did this with a strategic plan in place we would have time to battle the true demon of our industry and that is the lack of support for Canadian Content.

Just some thoughts...please comment, lets see if we can turn this into a sounding board that comes up with some real ideas.

"For the Record-Featuring Bill Bourne

Our first trailer is out, and I think it is really good. We are calling it a trailer but it is more a music video with a little bit of a pitch. I don't want to make this a commercial thing, but yet I do need to sell them. That is tough balance, when as an artist do you become crass and commercial. You want people to see the work and at the same time you need to make a living. It is definitely a contradiction at times.

I have spent most of my career being pretty low key. Well, that is starting to change somewhat. I now want to have a bit of both. I am really tired of the conventional way of making television and film in Canada and have officially swerved down a different path. I hope people will join me.

I suspect it will be next week, or perhaps the week after...I will relaunch a brand new website for Hired Gun. It will have some of my films you can watch for free, the new trailer, my director's reel and you will be able to download for just $1.49, a documentary I did on power music couple Mae Moore and Lester Quitzau. So stay tuned for more news on the website.

What a week for great music!

True Statement...First off "For the Record-Featuring Bill Bourne" is just soaring ahead...wahoo! The first video and what will be the opening for the documentary is now done and we will be releasing it on YouTube and Facebook and the like on Thursday. I hope you guys like it and hey let me know what you think. I went with a rock and roll grungy kind of style and really dig it.

Next up for the week...Tomorrow Folk Festival tickets are going on sale and I will standing in line...I mean how many chances will there be to see Levon Helm...the lineup is incredible. And then they top it...great lineup, how can it get better...two words VAN MORRISON. He is a god as far as I am concerned.

Thirdly I have decided I really enjoy creating music videos and have decided to start pursuing new clients aggressivley. I have designed the Starter Music Video Package. It is a production of a performance style video that will be perfect for YouTube, Vimeo, Much Music, MTV, CMT and like. The best part is that you can get this package for literally 1/4 of its true value. So if your interested in hearing more contact me at ben@hiredgunfilms.com

"Deep Dark Woods"

Just finished, tonight...the first music video from my new documentary series "For the Record Featuring Bill Bourne". It is a song from Bill's new album called "Deep Dark Woods". Personally I think it is a kick ass piece.

It will be released on YouTube, and I will spread the link on June 3rd. It is Bill Bourne Rock and Roll, and it is hot.