It all starts with a NEW Drama Thriller "The Whole of the Moon" in preproduction -set in the Congo during the 1980's. This superb narrative will give us love, loss, thrills, redemption and perhaps a breath of fresh air after acrid tastes of viral campaigns and disheartening news as of recent hit us from Africa, a continent, regrettably we as Americans generally know very little about.

Charles Portney is one the most influential, and resourceful people in the industry I have met in my life. He enjoys films, knows films, and above all knows the process of making a production a blinding a success. His humble beginnings started with a passion for film, taking any job he could for years to learn every aspect of the process from beginning to the very end. Then at one of the highpoints of his career was occupying the music production coordinator position for both Lord of the Rings-Two Towers, and Lord of the Rings- Return of the King. I had the distinct pleasure of being a student of his for a few years at USC, and during the numerous tele and video conferences he set up with some Hollywood Execs and crew it was abundantly evident that he was well respected by his peers...

Those that know me, know that I run a tight organized ship, so writing about something like this is not too out of the ordinary, as a matter of fact I beat this advice into the ground with everyone I consult with on a technical and (production) level.

A week ago- I plugged up a virgin 3 month old Kodak Play Sport (waterproof) camera via USB only to find that after 20 sec the charging light went off and the screen froze. WTF.

After several times of plugging it up and unplugging - I noticed it was not only NOT charging but the computer was not detecting the device. I could not get the files, unless I used the SD card directly.  I tried every configuration I could think of plugging it into every USB port available- juggled around other devices to different ports to open up new ones to try( to no avail). I downloaded (*.pdf) and consulted the words that followed. I did all the steps taking note of each one meticulously from beginning to end several times. Then through several Google searches later i started reading forums and reviews- lots of angry forums, and lots of negative reviews stating " I had the camera only 3 months I was pissed when I was no longer able to use my Kodak Play Sport".  Upon seeing this I was feeling - let's say- less than optimistic. The next step was contacting Kodak customer support - which I did...

Back in October I believe, I showed you some really modestly priced items that you could get to put in a make-up case if you were interested in doing some "Low Budget" ... or if you have the resources I have - "No Budget" Filmmaking. After that I realize ..hmmm... results. "Hey TJ put your money where your mouth is ..all that is well and fine , but what do those modestly priced items produce aestheticaly and for the love of God what do they look like in a photo-op or on screen?".

Well the story starts with the production of "Longfoot", and if you have been following the progress thus far I'm happy to report that we are now in Post-production. The main puppeteer and handler of LONGFOOT himself with a pensive look on his brow - always highly engaged and willing to learn all he could, mentioned to me his interest in film and the process in general. During production I was happy to open up to him on the technical aspects and various workflows of producing a film for consumption. Towards the end of the process he came to me with music, storyboards, and an evolving screenplay that is right up the alley for you "Uddershiet Crew". I saw the drawings , I talked with him about the tone, the feel... and I was intrigued...

Charlie Kaufman has been to me a connection. A connection to a world that may not understand me as a human.A person that in my mind has shown me that all of my efforts have not been for naught. Four minutes into this lecture I finally feel like I'm not alone. This lecture could be the most important one I have ever received in my life.

I'm not sure how I came across this, but...I'm glad I did . I only hope that those that find this article will tune into what he has to say and understand the beauty of storytelling.

Kaufman pulls no punches when he articulates craft vs.  the means to make money. He understands the skill behind everything. Selling out is just a means to sustain one's self.

Kaufman has made a career of balancing art, avant garde , vs commercial virility. He understands the hallmark card production line - and knows how to navigate the lines ---- he knows the system .. he knows how to serve a better purpose... He is manipulated by the same marketing as we are ....but he knows how it works .... and doens't want to play that game ...

His screenplays challenge us- and help us to cope with the surrealness of life.

A true once in a lifetime opportunity: Though I can't embed it; I'd gladly refer you: Click here for enlightenment from the best in the biz...