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...

 
It all starts here. Jan 01, 2012. A new start and new beginning. I was drinking a Flying Dog variety pack, and trying desperately to catch up on end year business for this very website, paperwork for new film  "Longfoot", and personal depressing financial detail- My tradition every year. Irony pulsing through my veins as Flying Dog was Hunter S. Thompson's beer company. I relish the opportunity to turn out 3 articles under deadline ( this one being 1 hour and 45 min away), some changes to TJPASONS.com that many may not even notice. But the spirit was there. Tackling the future before the future is the present. I got some satisfaction felt ok. It's 11:45. This is the new age. I Google "live streaming ball drop New Years". God bless Google- its there in front of me in 1.5 seconds. I felt I was missing something in the world - pushing ahead on the most celebrated days of the year - I needed to join in the celebration or "a" celebration of some type.

Enjoy yourself. Take a break. At times I can't turn the gears off (despite Melatonin, Theanine , Gaba, Valerian and "more", but I made a conscious decision to disengage. Switch gears- Let's check out the modern miracle Dick Clark - who knows how many years he can defy logic and science- lets take it in, in all its glory...

No matter what type of media you intake, it's all constructed and influences you whether you think it does or not. It could be the hippest new blockbuster that has catch phrases you use with your coworkers, the family values of sitcoms and and how to tackle difficult situations, or the documentary whose prime function is to educate and influence ( without mentioning names, I have seen scenes where a person in a wheelchair was forced to used stairs for dramatic effect when a ramp was clearly seen in the background- I wont mention names but the Title rhymes with "Trolling for Gollembine"). We are bombarded with adds for smell goods and deodorants that would have us believe with vigor that a slightest smell from the opposite sex will have us procreating in under 6 min flat.

When you buy clothes somehow, they never look as good on an average person, or in a changing room mirror and we beat ourselves up about it. And when the Hollywood elite are doing their daily tasks like us regular folk, the Papparazzi just happens to snap off a few shots in motion when the spring of their one leg is thrown behind the other and cellulite is crunched with potential energy to throw the other leg forward ( 1000's of shots they get to choose the most inopportune time for the cover story)...