Produced by Eduard Cao

Snow White and Rose - Pilot Episode Redux

2012-01-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, with all the voices recorded for the pilot episode I have decided that instead of using plastic dolls for the characters I will use plastic bricks instead.

Oh yes, LEGOSSS

Because everyone loves Legos ;-)

Story of Me - Episode 3

2011-07-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

And now something different

"Story of Me" - Upcoming Episodes

2011-07-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

I just added a bunch of screencaps of footage from upcoming episodes of "Story Like Me." Click on the link below to check it out :-)

"Story of Me" Screen Caps

Next "Story of Me" is Yet to Be Titled

2011-07-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

But filming has finished. This one is a bit different from the others.

The Story of Me - Who Stole the Tea Party?

2011-07-01T18:06:00.001-07:00

Song Listing for “The Story of Me - Who Stole the Tea"

2011-06-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Kara (Tuney) livens up episode 2 of "Story of Me" with varied song choices, including a vocalized version of the infamous Charlie's Angels theme song.

Spring - Vivaldi

Charlie's Angels Theme - Henry Mancini

Clue Theme

Charlie's Angels Theme - Vocal Version

My New Vinylmation Short is a Mystery

2011-06-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Filming has completed for the newest Vinylmation short. In the newest adventure, Penny (Smarty) tries to solve a mystery. It was a lot of fun and features a special appearance from my cat Link :-)

Here's some screencaps

The Story of Me - S'mores Monster

2011-06-26T21:07:00.001-07:00

The newest from the mind that is mine :-)

New Youtube Channel

2011-06-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

My good friend Barry made this new Youtube channel for me. This will include all of my completed short films and feature me as a performer. Check out the first video, Georgie Panda (of course)

Sweet Christmas!!! Georgie Panda is DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here it is for all the world to see. Special thanks to all involved. I love you all.

Georgie Panda Progress

2011-06-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

My Cutesters Make Movies by ~neonboy619 on deviant ART

The filming for Georgie Panda is complete. Editing is progressing rapidly but gas money is preventing it from going faster than I would like it to be. It'll be done sooner than later though and then it's "Princess Time."

Vinylmation Short Movie - Cutesters Like You

2011-06-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

The new line of Vinylmation Cutesters (entitled Cutesters Like You) have inspired a short film I wanna produce. Just finished the script and it's real fun and cute. It's really helped my writing to create bios and names for these girls.

Check out a photo shoot I had with my "actors"

"Georgie Panda Comes Out" Rolling Along

2011-06-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

I've been putting this off for much too long. I have got to finish this short film. I owe it to my actors and to my future projects. I really need to finish this movie before I start a new one. I got so much I wanna do, if I can just finish this one, things should fall into place. I need discipline... and breakfast at the moment.

Projects to do after Georgie Panda is complete:

1) Princess Time - A sitcom style princess pilot. I'm hoping I can get Traci Hines to sing a song or two for me. How about it Miss Traci :-)

2) Untitled Vinylmation Webseries - A series of shorts I wanna do with my boyfriend Mark that will feature Disney's Vinylmation figures in a series of fun Robot Chicken-Like adventures. Hopefully my Cutesters Like You collection will take center stage... holla!

Wonderland/Oz news

2011-04-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

A local High School might be interested in producing my scripts "Aliceland" and "Princess of Oz" for a High School production.

It has inspired me to write my own version of Pinocchio.

I want Pinocchio to be a girl in my version maybe. Maybe.

Right Next to You - Episode 6: All in Our Family

2011-04-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

Right Next to You - Episode 5

2011-04-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

SNL Skit Recreation - Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton

2011-04-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

My favorite SNL skit, brought to life again through the magic of animation

Right Next to You - Episodes 1, 2 and 3

2011-04-11T08:57:00.001-07:00

As a tiny tiny project, I decided to start up a gay serialized drama using xtranormal software based on my play "The Guy Next Door."

Goodbye to You Dude

2011-04-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

A video I made on xtranormal.com. A break-up I had almost word for word.

Princess Casette Tapes

2011-04-06T08:05:00.001-07:00

I'm gonna start writing songs based off of 80s pop media... and use it as a soundtrack for "Princess Time!!" Holla!

Princess Time - Xtranormal Style

2011-04-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've just become part of the Xtranormal Phenomenom... Kinda. I used what little points I had to produce the first few moments of my script.

Call it a vocal storyboard of sorts. I had fun making it. It's a shame that this on-line product is limited. If I had more points I could really make something cool, but it's fun. Come check it out the website, it's somewhat cathartic: xtranormal.com

Princess Time Episode 2 Writing

2011-03-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

I know I have yet to finish the short Georgie Panda Comes Out and right after that is the production of Princess Time, but I was urged by my writer friend David Vera to write more episodes of Princess Time.

I have outlines and spec scripts of what I want to happen next if Princess Time becomes popular. I want to focus on the production of these shorts before I write more, but I was inspired to write the second part of Princess Time and actually finished the script in moments. I hope to post this soon.

P.S
I'm revisiting my idea of the Jem Parody/Tribute. I might do it with men in drag now, meaning me and my best guy friend actors :-)

Snow White and Rose - Title Change

2011-03-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

I just finished writing the script for the pilot for Snow White and Rose and think I might change the title to "Princess Time."

It sounds fun and immediately tells the audience what to expect, and then I can play against it :-)

Production will commence as soon as Georgie Panda is complete and on youtube

Georgie Panda Green Screen Test

2011-03-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

A SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I can't wait to film the rest of it.

Georgie Panda Finally Recorded (Vocally At Least)

2011-02-04T23:02:00.001-08:00

Special thanks to my amazing cast: Amy Cheek, Joyce Dejesus, Brandon May and Christian Parks.

Elmo Fan Video For My Nephew

2011-01-01T00:30:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas Friends - This One's For All Of You

2010-12-24T22:48:00.000-08:00

The Great Christmas Tree

- Eduard Cao -

Dedicated to You

Once upon a wintery Christmas Eve, Santa Claus flew in his sleigh;

led of course by his reindeer.

On this particular Christmas, the children of the world were extra, extra nice, so Santa had his work cut out for him. He was in such a hurry that night, that he didn’t realize the four toys that fell out of his extra full sack of presents.

Down down to the snowy ground they went. A Porcelain Ballerina, a Rag Doll, a Tin Soldir and a Teddy Bear.

“We must’ve fallen out of the bag.” Rag Doll explained to the others as she dusted snow off of her patchwork skirt.

“What are we going to do?” Teddy Bear asked. “We’ve never been outside anywhere.” Which was true, since not too long ago, they were all recently made by elves in Santa’s Toy Workshop.

“Things have got to be all right.” Tin Soldier said. “It’s Christmas, and even a newborn toy like me has to naturally believe in the spirit of Christmas.”

Ballerina said nothing until she noticed a blue figure coming towards them. “Who’s that over there?” She asked.

The blue figure approached and spoke. “Welcome to the Forest of Christmas Trees. I’m Jack Frost.”

“The forest of Christmas Trees?” They all asked. Ballerina and the others looked around themselves, and sure enough, they were surrounded by Christmas Trees. Big, small, white, blue and even pink. All with lights and ornaments growing out of their pine branches.

“These are where Christmas Ornaments are grown.” Jack Frost said.

“If you could please help us Mr. Jack Frost,” Ballerina started to say, “My friends and I need to get back to Santa Claus. We need to be in stockings before our children wake up.”

“That’s easy enough.” Jack Frost explained. “All you have to do is travel through the forest until you reach The Great Christmas Tree. It’s the biggest brightest tree in all of the forest. Santa visits it when he’s all done dropping off presents. I’m sure if he finds all four of you there, he’ll get you to where you have to be. But beware of the Spirit of Christmas Presents.”

“What’s the Spirit of Christmas Presents.” Teddy Bear asked with a shudder.

“A ghost that haunts the forest looking for toys to add to it’s sad collection. Look out for it. It will try to throw you off your path and then make you a prisoner.”

And with that, Jack Frost was gone with the wintery winds. The toys were on their way now to The Great Christmas Tree.

Making their way through the forest, the four toys were immediately stopped by The Spirit of Christmas Presents. The Spirit was surrounded by a gray glow and was cold to the touch. Even colder than the snow.

It spoke to the Rag Doll first. “Oh pretty Rag Doll. Wouldn’t you rather be a princess than someone’s rag doll? I’ll take you to the land of Toy Dolls where you will rule over all of them. You will be important.”

Rag Doll’s eyes began to sparkle. “Me? A princess?”

Ballerina stood before Rag Doll. “No Rag Doll, it’s a trick. We have to get to our children and somewhere some little boy or girl will definitely make you a princess in his or her toy room.”

And with that, Rag Doll stood before The Spirit of Christmas Presents and said, “I’m going to The Great Christmas Tree. Get out of my way.”

Knowing that it was useless to try to sway Rag Doll any further, The Spirit of Christmas turned its’ attention onto Tin Soldier.

“Oh shiny Tin Soldier. Wouldn’t you like to be in a real army? Come with me and I’ll make sure you lead an entire troop into a successful battle.”

Tin Soldier liked that. “I’d get to be aggressive and manly and praised. It’s what I was built for.” He said.

Ballerina spoke to Tin Soldier. “No Tin Soldier, it’s a trick. We have to get to our children and somewhere a little girl or boy will definitely make you leader of your own army in his or her toy room.”

And with that, Tin Soldier stood before The Spirit of Christmas Presents and said, “I’m going to The Great Christmas Tree. Get out of my way.”

Knowing that it was useless to try to sway Tin Soldier any further, The Spirit of Christmas Presents turned its attention onto Teddy Bear.

“Oh fuzzy Teddy. Wouldn’t you rather be a real bear? You could roam freely in the woods and live amongst the natural wild.”

Teddy Bear began to envision how exciting it would be out in the wild. “The adventures would be endless.” He screeched with enthusiasm.

Ballerina spoke to Teddy Bear. “No Teddy Bear, it’s a trick. We have to get to our children and somewhere a little girl or boy will definitely take you on endless adventures; for nothing is as endless as a child’s imagination.”

And with that, Teddy Bear stood before The Spirit of Christmas Presents and said, “I’m going to The Great Christmas Tree. Get out of my way.”

The Spirit of Christmas Presents felt itself at a loss. It turned its attention towards the ever smart and clever Ballerina.

“How could I convince you to be my present?” It asked Ballerina.

Ballerina stood before The Spirit of Christmas Presents. “If you promise to let my friends continue on their journey to The Great Christmas Tree to meet Santa Claus, I’ll go with you.”

Ballerina’s friends did not want her to go with The Spirit of Christmas Presents.

“You can’t.” Rag Doll said. “What about the little girl or boy waiting for you?”

“What about the toy room you’re supposed to live in?” Tin Soldier asked.

“What about the adventures?” Teddy yelled.

But there came no answer. The Spirit of Christmas Presents was gone. Ballerina was gone.

The four friends had no choice but to make their way towards The Great Christmas Tree. The lights around them seemed to dim until all was dark. The lights of The Great Christmas Tree shone right ahead, leading the three remaining toys to their destination.

“We’ve made it!” Rag Doll said.

“We’re finally going to go home.” Toy Soldier told his companions.

“What’s that?” Teddy Bear asked, pointing towards a huge red figure near the tree. It was Santa Claus himself.

“We’re here!” Rag Doll excitedly called out.

“Come on!” Tin Soldier said, running with Rag Doll and Teddy Bear by his side. The Great Christmas Tree was still a few yards away, and their little tiny toy legs could only take them so far.

They finally reached the tree.

They found nothing.

Towards the sky, they could all see that Santa’s Sleigh was already in the distance; the sounds of his jingle bells fading away.

The wind started to get stronger and the snow started to rise.

“Now what do we do?” Rag Doll asked.

“We do what we came here to do.” Tin Soldier said. “What we were born to do.”

Teddy Bear understood. He walked his furry little legs to the bottom of the tree, and laid himself right underneath it.

Rag Doll and Tin Soldier joined him, laying themselves on his soft fur as they sat there. Destined to wait until someone came by to claim them. The wind began to pick up even more and the snow began to cover the toys. The three friends.

They started to wonder what life would be like for a toy if it never got played with. Toys are supposed to be played with.That’s what toys are for.

Without any warning, the snow started to get blown off of the toys. The snowflakes started to clear up all together until they eventually heard the voice of an old friend.

“Come on everyone.” It was Ballerina. “We have homes to get to.”

“Ballerina.” Rag Doll screamed out as she ran to hug her porcelain sister.

“What happened to you?” Tin Soldier asked.

“The Spirit took me back.” Ballerian said.

Teddy Bear cocked his head in confusion. “The Spirit of Christmas Presents?”

“Not anymore.” Said The Spirit. It appeared right behind Ballerina, hugging her in a soft white glow. She was warm to the touch, like hot coco. “Seeing Ballerina’s love for her friends and her faith in giving herself unto others has changed me for the better. I am no longer The Spirit of Christmas Presents, - a selfless creature - I am now The Spirit of Giving.”

“The Spirit of Giving is going to take us to our homes everyone.” Ballerina said.

And with that, The Spirit of Giving took all the toys into its arms and flew high into the sky, and around the world, bringing them to the children they were created for.

The Spirit of Giving was alive and well...

...for this Christmas and every Christmas after that.

Merry Christmas my friends.

For Joyce and Amy in "Helen and Mae, Mae and Helen"

2010-10-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

Joyce as Helen: Helen Kane sings "Aint'cha"

Amy as Mae: Betty Boop's first apperance singing "Aint'cha"

The Return of the Princess of Oz... and Justin Bieber?

2010-08-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

From left to right, Shirin, Dominique and Tracey
in a scene as Dorothy, Tip and Jinjur

I recently did a part in my friend's short video. I played Justin Bieber. I haven't really filmed with live actors and a director in awhile now. Lately it's just been me on my own in a small set with props. Both Pop Girl and George Panda require no live actors in order to finish. Being on set with my friends reminded me of the chaos and love that went behind my first film production, The Princess of Oz. A production that has yet remained unfinished.

While at Disneyland yesterday, an Epiphany came to me. Walt Disney would tell these grand stories through his Silly Symphonies. Why couldn't I do the same? Silly Symphonies were epic, and couldn't have been longer than 5 or so minutes.

First I decided to condense Pop Girl. It's an epic story, but I just don't have the budget to really tell it how I wanna tell it... yet. I just need to get a finished version out there.

But my real excitement came when I thought about doing the same for Princess of Oz. What was holding me back when it came to Princess of Oz is the fact that a lot of scenes were not filmed, but I kept forgetting the many other scenes that were filmed. A lot of scenes were filmed, and they're good.

Dorothy is lonely in Kansas and yearns
to return to her friends in Oz

My fellow actor friend Ashley Jo, who also played Scraps, is getting on the ball with me on this project, with Joyce, who played Ally in Pop Girl. Ashley and I are going to write a song that will help encompass all the main themes in Princess of Oz and Joyce is going to sing it with her awesome voice.

Still very much in the planning stages, and I need to review a lot of film and put a lot of backgrounds to our green screen footage.

"I'm a pumpkin!"

In the meantime, my current cast of Truly Gwen really want to get started on that, so I need to meet with them to find wigs and things.

Here's the video my friends wrote and directed. Again... I play Justin Bieber.

Scissor Sisters - Return to Oz

2010-08-11T06:22:00.001-07:00

This is how I want the sound of "The Princess of Oz" to be when I get back to it

NEON Movie Views - The Podcasts

2010-08-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

At work in Sea World, in-between costume character shifts, my friends helped me with more ideas for the podcast versions of my movie review site, NEON Movie Views.

I am so pumped to film. I want to make a good looking show though so I'm deciding how the backdrop should look and what reviews to feature.

Editing will be a big thing on this project.

I also want an opening sequence, just a few seconds long. Just wanna know what footage to go along with it.

Georgie and Podcasts

2010-08-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Georgie Panda Comes Out is starting to film as the script finalizes.

Thanks to Comic Con, my articles on my movie review blog, NEON Movie Views, have started to garner some attention so I'm thinking of turning some of those articles into podcasts. Maybe even have a theme song :-)

My foray into dance has started to really pick-up. I'm a modest dancer at best, but joining this group has really given me a confidence that I usually only get when I get cast in big ass musicals. If you're ever in town, come check out the Pixie Stixx burlesque group. We've got something for everyone.

Image from Newest Film Project

2010-07-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

Was doing some screen tests for Georgie Panda Comes Out and thought I'd share a screen cap with you. This is a short that I hold very dear to my heart. I can't wait to show it to you all.

Patty Pie and Carol Koo redone

2010-07-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

So my partner Mark and I had a compromise. He liked the idea of the skit I edited together, he just thought it could be better. So we filmed with a new background, new energy and new everythang! Check it out.

Puppets 'N Company and Such

2010-07-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

My partner Mark was a little peeved at my posting of the latest Puppets 'N Company video. He didn't really expect me to edit something together and post it. He just saw it as practice.

I on the other hand feel we really need to put ourselves out there. I think we're very talented and deserve to be seen.

I also thought he played his puppet persona very well. I can't wait to write more material for us and the rest of our company.

I found a new way to film in green screen. Not sure if it will work, but I am very excited to try it out.

Things to Do:

1) Storyboard Pop Girl Scenes
2) Film Georgie Panda
3) Meeting for Truly Gwen

Carol Koo and Patty Pie - Opposites

2010-07-05T11:45:00.001-07:00

Project Block - Please Send Me Money

2010-07-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have "Project Block." It's like writer's block, but instead of not being able to "write," I'm unable to jump start my projects.

So far we have these on the list of projects to finish up:

Pop Girl
Truly Gwen
Georgie Panda Comes Out

Unlike writer's block, it's not about lack of inspiration. It's about lack of time. I've really hit it hard financially and I've really had to scrape to survive. I'm looking into finding new work. If you all have any ideas on how I could use my theater degree to get a job, I'm all ears.

On the good news, I did get a regular gig dancing with an awesome group of people called The Pixie Stixx. Very modern, funky and retro. And I get paid :-)

Hoping to post some clips up soon.

Puppets 'N Company - Carol Koo "Sparkling Diamonds"

2010-06-27T10:45:00.001-07:00

Our first Puppets 'N Company using our voices.

Puppets 'N Company - Little Shop of Horrors "Git It"

2010-05-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

The latest video from Puppets 'N Company, a puppet show project I'm doing with my partner in life Mark :-)

Puppets 'n Company "Lady Gaga's Poker Face"

2010-05-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

The Puppet Company is moving forward.

"Pop Girl" Song Demo

2010-05-18T09:01:00.002-07:00

I will not be singing this in the final version ;-) FYI

ON STAND BY

Verse1
Officially
We've been friends
And I guess that's a good place to start

Where we'll go
No one knows
But you'll always be in my heart

Can't spend your days
Right by your side
But I'll keep you
In my heart inside

Chorus
Cause I want to be there
When you need a friend
When you can't pretend
That you're happy

I want to be there
Right by your side
Though not in your life
I'll be
I'll be on stand by

Verse 2
You're telling me
You can't chill
Guess you're too busy to see me

Can't understand
What's keeping you
What's keeping you from me

But all I can do
Is spend my days
With hope and faith
That my dreams, be reality

Chorus

Bridge
I can't think
I can't sleep
Baby this feeling in me's driving me crazy
But I don't
Give in
To the loneliness I get
When you're not next to me

Chorus 2x

Footage from Pop Girl

2010-05-13T13:25:00.001-07:00

Pop Girl - After the First Audition from Eduard Cao on Vimeo.

Here's the first filmed scene from "Pop Girl." I really love making this movie.

Pop Girl Editing

2010-05-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

Finally found some time to edit my movie "Pop Girl." There's still no songs produced for it yet, but I'm hoping that once the movie is done editing without the songs, then it will be easier to convince local musicians to contribute some pieces. For what is a movie called "Pop Girl" without "pop" songs?

I'm making this Friday my deadline to have a complete scene finished to be posted.

For the Cast of Truly Truly Gwen - Costume Ideas

2010-05-07T23:35:00.001-07:00

The project is coming through with some casting problems that I hope can be easily solved. I'm hoping that most of the costumes can be found in your closets. If not, we're going to have to really pull together to make it work. I love my writing, but the acting and the costumes of this film is really what's going to make it. If we have fun, the audience has fun. Now onto the costumes.

ROMAN SHEEHAN
Our leading man. Pretty much a pretty boy in a creme colored jacket or blazer. Bonus points if we can get our hands on a member's only jacket.

ERICA BENNET
A blazer type outfit with a blue and white motif. Flashes of pink would be nice too.

GWEN
Pink hair and an outfit with pink, yellows, purples and baby blues. Fishnets if ya got 'em. Very 80's chic.

Click Here for more ideas.

STRAWBERRY CUPCAKE
Color scheme is pink, red and green. A big pink hat is a must, but a big pink bow would suffice. An fluffy apron. You have to have the green and white striped leggins and mary janes for the costume to really work.

Click Here for more ideas.

RAINBOW LITE
A blue dress with rainbow trim. Rainbow sleeves and rainbow leggins as well. Shoes should be like white moon boots, but plain white shoes would be fine.
Click Here for more ideas.

Truly Read Truly Truly Gwen Right Here!!!! - Another Finished Script to Make Way for More!!!

2010-05-06T00:06:00.001-07:00

Click here to read the first draft of Truly Truly Gwen, my tribute to 80's girl power. Or just click on the link on the top of my blog page.

Ed Cao - Freddy My Love

2010-04-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

I just auditioned to be a part of a sexy singing and dancing all gay boy group. I had a lot of fun at the auditions and got inspired to film a music video. This isn't it, but here's the intended song: "Freddy My Love" from Grease!

Mini-Horror Scenes

2010-04-14T10:21:00.001-07:00

With the almost completion of my Jem Parody script, now retitled Truly Truly Gwen, I was thinking of making a montage of horror movie scenes. I always wanted to make a horror film and I have no idea how to go about doing it. I figured if I emulate some of my favorite scenes, it would help me to learn. Some choices to film so far are:

1) Norman Bates and Marion Crane in Psycho - Prelude to The Shower Scene

2) Ben and Barbara in Night of the Living Dead - Their introductions to each other

3) Casey in Scream - The infamous phone call scene

4) Lori, Annie and Lindsey in Halloween - Michael stalks the baby-sitters

5) Katie and Becca in The Ring - The opening scene

Maybe I'll do some interesting casting and set design. Like maybe make Marion Crane played by a male actor, not in drag. How about having the voice in Scream as a perky cheerleader?

Side Project (one of a million side projects)

2010-04-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

Filming a version of this song with my friend Amy ;-)

Aliceland Film

2010-03-21T01:51:00.000-07:00

Tightening up the musical stage version of Aliceland has got me excited for the 15 minute short version of Aliceland I wanna produce as well.

I almost tricked my designer sister into doing my sets but my producer sister talked her out of it. I got a pretty solid cast as of now, just got to get everyone together.

Another project I got to recording is my She Ra Tribute Project as well.

Also, I have a new article on my movie blog. I'm pretty proud of this one.

Aliceland Update

2010-03-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

After some workshops and read-thrus I've decided to rewrite the second act and to tighten up the first act.

My songwriting style doesn't appear to compliment my script writing style so I have given the task of writing the songs to my good friend who has had tons of theater experience and writes in an old broadway style that I want the musical to have. He's also thinking of producing the songs for Pop Girl which has officially started filming ;-)

Gwen and the Telegrams, and SAMANTHA NEWARK

2010-03-14T16:33:00.001-07:00

I just contacted the original voice of Jem (thanks Jer) about my parody project. I am so excited.

Aliceland Book Done

2010-03-11T23:07:00.001-08:00

Now is the fun part. Writing the songs for the musical. Good thing I have Songsmith

Aliceland Due by 8pm Tomorrow

2010-03-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have given myself a deadline for Aliceland. After tomorrow 8pm, I'm going to turn in my script and let the rest speak for itself. Usually deadlines make or break me.

Aliceland: What do Alice and Tracey Turnblad have in common

2010-03-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast this script is writing, and so far I've written like 3 versions of this stage musical in a 1 month time frame. I'm finishing up the final version, which I believe is close to exactly what I envision for this version of Alice in Wonderland.

I've re-discovered my love for John Waters' movies and I think that's part of what's keeping this script going. His movies are so out there and filthy, but towards the tail end of his filmography there's also a lot of heart in there.

I've also been watching Devi Wears Prada, Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Forbidden Zone. This is going to be very unique theatrical experience. I hope my director friends likes it.

Aliceland Progess and Pop Girl Progress

2010-02-25T11:37:00.001-08:00

So I nearly finished writing Aliceland and I'm not too happy with it. I'm going to start over again until I get it right.

Today was the official day 1 filming of Pop Girl and it's looking good. I can't get wait to show the footage to you all.

Aliceland Progressing

2010-02-22T22:49:00.001-08:00

Aliceland is really picking up. I'm planning on finishing the script (without the musical numbers) this week and plan a readthru with a cast sometime in March. I'm hoping to make it a fund raising event to help promote future productions.

I am so excited

Aliceland Unclogged

2010-02-20T23:48:00.000-08:00

I don't know how it happened, but Aliceland is all plotted out and I LOVE IT!!! I just need to get the script down on paper now.

My vision of the story is very different from any other version of Alice but it's ultimately how I envisioned it should be on-stage.

I'm so excited now to flesh it out more.

Wow

2010-02-20T16:09:00.001-08:00

WOW, and I don't mean World of Warcraft. So far I have a new job on top of a dream job, a show that seems to be sucking the life out of me, and a bunch of new pets to care for. It's okay though. I love the new pets. My favorite one is a baby Guinea Pig my boyfriend bought me I named Chubbles. I think I'm his favorite too.

My Aliceland script is making a little bit of progress. After re-reading Alice in Wonderland and watching Jonathan Miller's Alice in Wonderland, I think I have a better understanding of where I want my version to go. I also might re-watch some timeless family musical movies like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Willy Wonka for more inspiration. I'm also in the process of re-reading Through the Looking Glass which is my favorite of the two Alice books. Anyone have a copy of Alice Through the Needle's Eye? It's a great book I never bought.

I was going to blog about my adventure on Thursday involving the puppet project I'm doing with my boyfriend, but just thinking about it is giving me a headache.

Today I got a new video camera that's a million times better than my old one so filming on Pop Girl might be faster than expected as soon as I get a chance to get on that.

Writer's Block

2010-02-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

As I let the script for Gwen and the Telegrams simmer in my head a little, I work frantically to finish the script to the stage version of Aliceland.

I find myself with writer's block, which really surprises me. When I wrote Princess of Oz, everything came so naturally to me, and I consider myself a new fan of the Oz books.

With Aliceland, I find myself scared in misrepresenting these characters and scared that my ideas for this "book to the stage" musical isn't original enough. I have tried to just push all that negative thinking away and just tell a good story, but maybe it's my own fandom for the Alice books that really hinders me.

I'm re-reading the book (for like the 100th time) to see if I can pull ideas from Caroll's original text that are uniquely mine. It's working for the most part.

Oz and Wonderland

2010-02-14T23:18:00.000-08:00

It looks like Princess of Oz might be a full fledged musical after all. My director friend is looking for new scripts to produce and he's crazy for musicals, just like myself.

I sent him the completed scripts for Pop Girl and Princess of Oz as well as treatments for a stage version of Aliceland and a play I've been working on called Boys Next Door that I wrote with Brent Corrigan in mind as the main character.

Here's hoping for the best.

Aliceland, Pop Girls and Gwen

2010-02-12T23:41:00.000-08:00

Wow, with that second job and performing onstage and all these film projects I want to do, nobody can call me lazy~

The show is starting to take a toll on my director friend. The theater we're performing the show in isn't really being professional and we all hate it. It sucks too. We're an awesome cast and we might have to cancel the show because the theater isn't treating us like we belong there. Video footage to come soon of this awesome cast, and me singing, heheh.

I'm going to start having weekly meetings with the cast members of my films. Whoever can make it, is going to make it, whoever can't, well there's always next week. We'll meet in one area and then down to the recording studio. (my mom's house)

I also need to start filming Pop Girl. I really need to just get off my ass and do it. With two jobs now, I kinda have the budget for it.

For Aliceland and Gwen and the Telegrams, I have these awesome costume ideas that I'm going to sketch real soon. Can't wait to show them to you all.

Cast Meeting for Aliceland and Gwen and the Telegrams

2010-02-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

I met with Brianne Bridge, a dancer I've worked with several times. She's never acted but I sat her down to read a few lines and she's a natural. Some people just have it. She's going to play Gwen/Erica Bennet in Gwen and the Telegrams and The White Queen in Aliceland. She's also doing voice for work for me as She-Ra in another project I have going on.

I also met with Joyce who I've known since 9th grade. She did some stand-in work for Princess of Oz and is in a musical with me currently. She's going to play Strawberry Cupcake in Gwen and the Telegrams and The Red Queen in Aliceland.

Still need to meet more cast members, but it's hard to coordinate schedules especially since I got that new job at my friend's flower shop. I hope it brings in more money. I want the costumes in these pieces to be POP.

Gwen and the Telegrams Script

2010-02-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

As I was writing the script for Gwen and the Telegrams I started to realize that the script as a whole was pretty much the Jem episode "Glitter and Gold" witj Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite thrown in. I was wondering if it would be legal to just take that script word for word and just add these characters in. Would that be protected under that parody law?

Projects Underway

2010-02-09T22:25:00.000-08:00

Just finished my script for Aliceland.

Gwen and the Telegrams should be complete by tomorrow and printed out for my actors by thursday.

Filming for Pop Girl will resume tomorrow as well.

Cast Meetings for Gwen and the Telegrams

2010-02-08T08:26:00.001-08:00

Meeting with my cast on Tuesday and Thursday. Since I have no printer to print out my script with I'm going to have to just talk costumes and have them read some scenes from Jem, Urinetown and Facts of Life with me. Still need to find our male lead.

Aliceland

2010-02-07T01:01:00.000-08:00

I'm finally going to get on that Alice in Wonderland project I've been flirting around called Aliceland. I know exactly how the scenes will go down, I just need to get a finished script to my cast and crew.

Gwen and the Telegrams

2010-02-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Work is almost done on the script. I'm planning a readthru for next week. I so far have everyone cast except Roman, Gwen's clueless boyfriend.

The story has Rock Star Gwen, who is also secretly Erica, owner of Starshine Music, taking on the task of being Foster Mother to Strawberry Cupcake and Rainbow Light.

I Posted This on Another One of My Blogs Already, But Why Not Here As Well?

2010-02-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

Okay this is NOT a production of mine, I so wanna sing this and possibly include this or something similar in my own productions....

Here's what I love the most about this song: It's totally true. This song is every boy band song EVER!!
If studied, I think you could possibly release a whole album with just this formula.
I think I might do my own version of this song as soon as I find the time, and then write a song with this formula, and not tell anyone, and see where it takes me.
I'm writing several musicals at the moment and I wonder if this format also works in a musical movie setting.

I mean, just check out these lyrics:

Declaration of my feelings for you
Elaboration on those feelings
Description of how long these feelings have existed
Belief that no one else could feel the same as I
Reminiscence of the pleasant times we shared
And our relationship's perfection
Recounting of the steps that led to our love's dissolution
Mostly involving my unfaithfulness and lies
Penitent admission of wrongdoing
Discovery of the depth of my affection
Regret over the lateness of my epiphany

(Chorus)
Title of the song
Nave expression of love
Reluctance to accept that you are gone
Request to turn back time
And rectify my wrongs
Repetition of the title of the song

Enumeration of my various transgressive actions
Of insufficient motivation
Realization that these actions led to your departure
And my resultant lack of sleep and appetite
Renunciation of my past insensitive behavior
Promise of my reformation
Reassurance that you still are foremost in my thoughts now
Need for instructions how to gain your trust again
Request for reconciliation
Listing of the numerous tasks that I'd perform
Of physical and emotional compensation
CHORUS
Acknowledgment that I acted foolishly
Increasingly desperate pleas for your return
Sorrow for my infidelity
Vain hope that my sins are forgivable
Appeal for one more opportunity
Drop to my knees to elicit crowd response
Prayers to my chosen deity
Modulation and I hold a high note...
CHORUS

Lyrics were cut and paste from here

80's Cartoon Parody

2010-02-05T05:06:00.000-08:00

I started serious script work on a short film inspired by episodes of the 80's shows Jem, Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake.

I mostly want to do this film for the costumes alone.

The Princess of Oz -

2010-01-23T05:01:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I took that computer class. Now I have a little bit of knowledge on HTML and this blog doesn't have to look dreadful.

"The Princess of Oz," based on L Frank Baum's "Marvelous Land of Oz," was a project I started for the love of children's theater. I was a part of University Children's Theater at Riverside and I really wanted them to put on a production of an Oz play. I thought it would be easy since they wouldn't have to pay royalties since I would be writing it. Originally conceived as a musical, I was a little heartbroken when my original script was passed over for another project. A fellow cast mate told me that maybe I should just turn it into a little film. Having just graduated from college with my Bachelor's in Theater, I was very ambitious and had no doubt I could finish this project. While casting the film, most if not all of them really good actor friends of mine, one thing was certain: the songs had to go.

I didn't mind the loss of the songs so much. If anything, I just wanted to make a movie that L Frank Baum would've been proud of, so I based the look of the film on his own Oz movie "The Patchwork Girl of Oz" even adding in that character into my script. Sidenote: "The Patchwork Girl of Oz" was filmed in my hometown of San Diego.

Once casting was done, I did a screen test with Ashley Jo Navarro as Scraps The Patchwork Girl and Hart Lee as Scarecrow. This was done in Ashley's backyard which was originally where most of the filming was to have taken place.

We decided to take a more artifical approach to the backgrounds so we built a forest in Ashley's garage. Here is Tracey Quesenberry as Dorothy and Jinjur; Ashley as Scraps; and Zachary Ledbetter as Jack Pumpkinhead. Jack's head was made using a plastic pumpkin from Michael's. Scraps and Dorothy are both in costumes that were later on redesigned based on this test footage.

It was then decided that green screen would be the best path to take. Mostly because we weren't sure what to do about backgrounds. At least if it's green screen, we could film the actors now and decide later. In this test footage we used a drawing I did. Obviously we did not go in that direction.

Our first filmed scene was my favorite. Here's Jack and Scraps meeting. I had them film this so many times. There's no background added yet.

We originally wanted to use a fog machine for one of the scenes. The results were not what was expected. Keep in mind this footage was filmed in a tiny room and there was no escape.

I was flirting with the idea of using pop music as a soundtrack. Here's a song written by San Diego singer Randi Driscol that I wanted to use to accompany a touching scene between Scraps and Scarecrow. "What Matters Most" was written in memory of Matthew Shephard who died of a hate crime.

An impromptu interview with Jack was what helped Zachary find his character. The original interview was 20 minutes long. Zachary suggested this be the finished film. I think I might agree with him, but still, I can't seem to give up on my original vision.

It was hard to keep track of my actors since most if not all of them lived in Riverside and I was in Chula Vista. That's a good two hours away and gas was getting expensive. I decided to maybe (maybe) use recycled footage and insert silent movie title cards. This way I don't have to track actors down and it adds to the silent film look I was trying to pay homage to.

We decided to not go in this route and revist my initial idea of using songs to help push the story forward. As I was continuing to film the scenes, I decided to put together a rough cut of the film. In this clip, Dominique Araiza plays Tip who originally starts the book out as a boy and turns into a princess at the end of the movie. I decided to change the gender bending aspect for my movie.

Another fun scene to film was this one with Mombi, Jinjur and the Jinjettes. Jinjur and The Jinjettes were all played by Tracey Quesenberry. My new editing software helped us piece this scene together. Jaclyn as Mombi was filmed over a period of months due to time and distance.

The last clip I put together was my favorite scene. Here's the same scene with Scraps and Jack meeting. Now there's a background. The song in the background is by Jason and Jane, who sang this song at my sister's wedding. Jane Liu is now a soloist and a helluva soloist she is.

I still need to fix the sound with some of the dialogue and put backgrounds in, but this movie is pretty much done. It just needs to be put together. It was a lot of fun though, wasn't it guys?