Team Hammel Motion Pictures

Filmshift Festival - Early Deadline February 8th, 2010

2010-02-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Our Early Deadline for submissions is February 8, 2010...so Submit Now And Save! For more information, check us out on WAB or at: http://www.filmshift.org

Filmshift Welcomes New Sponsor, Powderhouse Productions!

2010-01-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

Filmshift is excited to announce our newest sponsor, Powderhouse Productions!

Powderhouse Productions develops and creates dazzlingly original, award-winning factual and alternative entertainment for television and emerging media. Their series and programs are seen all over the world on TV, cellphones, and the web.

They are on the cutting-edge of the global media industry as well as a leader in the Local First community in Somerville, MA.

To learn more about their exciting work, please check out: www.powderhouse.net

Filmshift Festival Early Deadline February 8, 2010

2010-01-21T06:17:00.000-08:00

Filmshift Festival's early deadline for film and screenplay submissions is February 8th, 2010 so submit now and save!
http://filmshift.org/submit/

Filmshift Festival Donating to Christopher's Haven!

2010-01-21T06:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.filmshift.org

The Filmshift Festival is pleased to announce that we have partnered with a local Boston-area juvenile cancer support organization, Christopher’s Haven. A portion of our gross ticket sales will go towards this worthwhile charity.

Christopher’s Haven’s mission is to make a tangible difference in the day-to-day lives of children undergoing cancer treatment at MassGeneral Hospital for Children by providing comfortable housing and a supportive community for them and their families.

For more information, you can check out: http://www.christophershaven.org/

Our goal is to try to partner with Christopher’s Haven in more ways as well, so stay tuned!

"The Legacy" Premiere

2009-11-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

We'll be premiering "The Legacy" at The Crest Theater in Westwood on the 12th of December...let me know if you'd like to be added to the evite!

Second Industry Review For "The Legacy"

2009-11-16T19:43:00.000-08:00

Pop Culture Beast said "The Legacy" was the best short film they'd ever seen! Cool!

Read it here:

http://www.popculturebeast.com/2009/11/short-film-review-legacy.html

Howyalikemenow?

New Blog Idea

2009-11-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

Alright people, here it is...

I have not blogged often or very personally because although I want to be honest and sincere about things, when it comes to the business world, it's not such a good idea.

So...

I am going to keep this blog open and only post business related posts. But I will be creating a new blog that you are all welcome to that will be Jed-Unfiltered.

The downside here, of course, is that some of you would rather not reveal that you are reading my blog...tough.

This blog = film stuff, etc

New Blog = Jed's life.

Let me know

Web Design Class Homework

2009-11-16T19:12:00.000-08:00

I already have Teamhammel.com...a page for "The Legacy," a page for my, um...well, wait later this week and you'll see...so I'm not sure what to do.

My homework for my web design class is due Wednesday night and it's to create a proposal for a website that I want to create...I'll let you know what I come up with.

Big News On The Horizon

2009-11-13T07:48:00.001-08:00

I've been "up in the lab" lately, working on something big...so I've been a Bad Blogger lately...I'll put up some personal posts tonight and a Giant Announcement early next week. Stay tuned!

Also, new reviews for my new film, "The Legacy." Get Psyched!

The Week That Was...

2009-10-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty full/fun/crazy week, so if you're interested, here it is:

LAST SATURDAY
I threw my "Rock On Like Flan Ugly Sweater/Jed's Birthday Surprise Party" and people actually came to it! Yesss!!! (40 people said they were coming, 24 people showed.)

I threw a Surprise Party for myself (yes, really,) that included an Ugly Sweater contest.

My little sister was kind enough to let me use her apartment since I live at home with my Mom. Sam (my sister,) also got a cake for me and prizes for the contest.

I won the contest with my truly ugly "Top Hats and Cat's Sweater," (I'll post a pic soon.)

I thought three other friends of mine who made their costumes out of grocery bags and glitter should have won, but the Mass's voices were heard!

I DID NOT win the numerous Dance-Off's that occurred thanks to the super-coolness of my friends and the quality Kick-Ass dance mix I worked hard on to create.

A bunch of people showed that I didn't expect...including some very nice, very attractive foreign Au Pairs...so I had that going for me which is nice.

I got meet some new people, got my separate friends to perhaps make new friends, and I got to see everyone have a good time.

That certain people who said they were coming didn't show, was okay, because the party rocked, and the people who did come made the night as special as it was.

It was the wildest and longest party I have every thrown, and it was the most fun EVVVAA! If you missed it, you missed out...you Snooze You Lose, Sucka!

(A side note to all of this: A new friend that I don't really know all that well asked me to invite everyone that was at my party to his Halloween Party next week!!)

I just think it's funny because honestly, my friends are basically just people who are friends of my sister and brother and who I am still getting to know...I guess I just ooze Coolness!

SUNDAY
Rolled into Cambridge for Improv class, still pretty hungover. It turns out, so was pretty much everyone else from class who went to the party, so at least I wasn't alone.

This was the day it started snowing...seriously snowing in October...seriously? Snowball size flakes, fo reals!

After class we met JB at Tavern and Sam, JB, Paolo, Jack, LK, and I had our usual dinner, drinks, and rowdy conversation...Good Times!

Some of us then moseyed back over to Improv Boston to catch a show. The troupe was a bunch of IB alums from the 80's and 90's...who were in their 40's or 50's. It was definitely cool/interesting to see how the non-Hipster generation does improv...to end the night, we went on stage to play a few games for the audience...and that was the night...not too shabby!

MONDAY
I had drinks with Zack at People's Republik, between Central and Harvard Square. Zach is my Middle Sister's ex-Boyfriend. They had been dating for, I think, 5 years, or around there, so this was the first time I had seen him in months.

I suppose it could have been awkward, and probably should have been...but at this point in my massive brain's development, I consider human drama as silly and as important as drama between a bunch of hamsters...I just don't have time for it.

I have only 50, maybe 60 Summers/Christmases/Birthdays left...I don't have any interest in filling up my days will petty human awkwardness/drama/whatever.

Anyway, it was nice to get out, good to see Zack and fun to hang at P.R again.

I had been considering getting an online Masters (Certificate) in Online Marketing from San Francisco University at the cost of over $5500...that I don't have.

I was a definitely turned off by the fact that the college has basically out-sourced the sales of this program to a company that has one goal and one goal only...Sales. Which isn't such a bad thing, except when you sell something as honorable as an education and use tactics usually reserved for Used Car salesman...well, it can turn some people away...including me.

I basically came to the conclusion that saying I have an ONLINE certificate in Internet Marketing may not be the Golden Ticket to a new job that I am looking for...especially at a cost of 6 months and close to $6000.

So, I'm just going to study on my own and take a Web Design course at Mass Art for $500.

Anyway, me and Zach walked over to Tavern to watch the end of Monday Night Football and to continue catching up...it was good to see him and to talk to a Dude my own age.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my talks with my teenage co-workers and college-age chick friends about "Gossip Girl" and "Glee," and I enjoy talking with my "Mother-of-4" friends about every aspect of their lives, and I enjoy talking with the Senior citizens at the club about the state of the economy and their most recent health problems, I really do...but I'm a Dude, so it was good to have a similar/different perspective represented.

Zach thinks I should open a Night Club...Yeah, I Bring Tha Party, so why not?

TUESDAY
Tuesday, two cool things happened: 1.) We launched the website for "The Legacy."

You can view it here at: http://www.seasidepictures.com/thelegacy

It really does look amazingly awesome, check it out fo sho.

And 2.) My friend Blake, who was the star of "Dance to the Offbeat," the AFI Directing Workshop for Women" project I produced, got a legit TV deal with ABC! I'm totally jealous, but totally happy/proud of his success...Go Blake!

WEDNESDAY
I worked until 8 PM then came home and Worked on another website I'm launching soon and on writing my book

THURSDAY
A bunch of friends from Improv went to see Gorefest at Improv Boston. It was good to see W, M, and T again...Tavern as usual. Then on to IB for a very entertaining horror/comedy/musical show that my sister choreographed the numbers for.

It was better than I expected since I don't like musicals and don't like horror. The best thing about it, other than the splattered fake blood on the audience was a song about "Creepy Carl," the strange janitor at the High School (yeah, we all had one.)

After all that, the 45 minutes back home to try to get some writing done.

FRIDAY
I won BEST RED CARPET STRUT, beating out a fancy 16 year-old and sassy 13 year old...what is that you ask? Well, since you asked, it was at...

Sam's Performing Arts Connection Gala. She runs how own singing, acting, and dance studio, mainly for elementary and middle school-agers. The Gala was a fundraiser for the group to try to build an actual theater space.

There was a Red Carpet, a silent auction, and a fancy dinner served. Everybody got dressed up...well, except me...I came in my work clothes plus a tie I bought that day from TJ Maxx...that's just how I roll!

It was nice to see so many kids who were once pretty tame, now comfortable to perform, grab the spotlight, and hold their own in a conversation with an adult.

Seriously, I really think that kids who are a part of Sam's group will be more likely to have success in their lives because they will be more confident and sure, more able to stand up for themselves, and more likely to have a strong self-image. They are also less likely to be abused (in any form) by other kids, their parents, boyfriends, random strangers, bosses, etc.

Confidence, knowing that you are worth it, being comfortable to voice your opinion...these are the cornerstones to an amazing life...just sayin.'

I tried to create a Disco Inferno on the dance floor, but this night was really about the girls, so they didn't really need me...When you got Miley Cirus and the Macarena, tween girls and younger are all set.

It was also nice to see some grown-up friend's their as well, but other than that, there wasn't much meant for me, so Peaced Out pretty quickly.

However, the event seemed to be a massive success. The people I talked to were really happy to be there and loved the auction items they won, so I think a good night was had by all.

SATURDAY
I only get 2 Saturdays off a month, so I usually have to use those days to do chores and to just chill...this Saturday was no different.

I started my morning by going on my Once-A-Year shopping spree.

I bought 2 new pairs of shoes, including some fancy brown Sketchers and a SUPER COOL pair of Zoo York High Tops (complete with complimentary rubber cockroach...not sure what that's about).

I then went to really the only place I shop for clothes, other than TJ Maxx, EXPRESS. I expected to see my homey S.F there, but I guess she was on her break...bummed I didn't get to see her.

Later, she scolded me on Facebook for not saying hey, but I still need a couple more pairs of jeans, so I'll catch her next time when they have a sale.

I was invited to go to see a comedy show at The Burren in Somerville with a bunch of friends, but I really just wanted to stay in, chill out, get some writing done, and get some sleep.

I did want to go, however...but I'm an Old Man, so partying on the previous F, S, Su, M, Th, Fr and Sun is rough for me.

SUNDAY
Today, we have the week off from Improv class, so some of the Improvers are meeting up in JP to do some Improv play on our own...and drink. We'll see how that combo goes.

After that, we may catch a Halloween Lantern Festival, whatever that is! Then some of us are off to Gorefest...2nd time for me, 1st for others...I'm totally psyched to see it again.

I'm also spending the day sending Press Releases to online publications telling them about "The Legacy." If you have any ideas on how to get the word out, please let me know...The trailer can be seen at: http://www.seasidepictures.com/thelegacy.

Like you didn't know that already ;)

Our First Industry Review For The Legacy!

2009-10-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

"The Legacy" has received our first online press/review:

http://itsjustmovies.com/2834

Check it out!

Ugly Sweater Party Dance Mix

2009-10-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here's the playlist for the our AMAZING Dance Party on Saturday...be the end of the night, some songs were moved, added, or deleted, but mainly, the following is in the order we played the songs:

(P.S: Please notice how the songs getter "better" closer to midnight, at the peak of the dancing.)

9:30 PM
Laid James
Wind It Up Gwen Stefani
We Takin' Over (feat. Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Baby & Lil' Wayne DJ Khaled
Who Am I (What's My Name)? Snoop Dogg
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To Weezer
Womanizer Britney Spears
So What P!nk
Without Me Eminem
In da Club 50 Cent
The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room) Flight of the Conchords
YES LMFAO
Let's Get It Started (Spike Mix) [Bonus Track] Black Eyed Peas
Down (feat. Lil Wayne) Jay Sean
Barbie Girl (Radio) Aqua
10:15 PM
Let Me Clear My Throat (Live) DJ Kool
Drop It Low Ester Dean & Chris Brown
Dracula's Lament Jason Segel
Full HouseTheme TV Theme Songs
Whenever, Wherever Shakira
Right Round Flo Rida
Crowd -No Pause Girl Talk
Jump Kris Kross
What I Like About You The Romantics
Now That We Found Love Heavy D & The Boyz
Undone (The Sweater Song) Weezer
Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor Flight of the Conchords
Mr. Brightside The Killers
Poker Face Lady GaGa
Paparazzi Lady GaGa
Shake It Up (Hold Ya Head) Visage
Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) Beyoncé
Fire Burning Sean Kingston
Ding Dong Song (Radio Edit) Gunther & the Sunshine Girls & The Sunshine Girls
Low (feat. T-Pain) Flo Rida
Play Your Part (Pt. 2) Girl Talk
11:30
Bye Bye Bye *NSYNC
Semi-Charmed Life Third Eye Blind
The Sweater Meryn Cadell
The Question Is What Is the Question? (Radio Edit) Scooter
Party Up (Up in Here) DMX
Jump Around House Of Pain
3 Britney Spears
Just Dance Lady GaGa & Colby O'Donis
Pump It Black Eyed Peas
Beat It Michael Jackson
Thriller Michael Jackson
All The Small Things Blink 182
Don't Stop Believin' (Glee Cast Version) Glee Cast
Baby Got Back Sir Mix A Lot
Hey Ya! OutKast
Wannabe Spice Girls
Let It Rock Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne
Smells Like Billie Jean (Mashups Remix) Michael Jackson vs. Nirvana
Ice Ice Baby (Edit) Vanilla Ice
Heaven DJ Sammy & Yanou featuring Do
Dirrty (Featuring Redman) Christina Aguilera featuring Redman
Hot in Herre Nelly
Play That Funky Music Wild Cherry
TV Show Theme Songs - Themes - Beverly Hills 90210 TV Show Theme Songs
All Star Smash Mouth
Forever Chris Brown
Big Poppa The Notorious B.I.G.
Dancing With Myself Billy Idol
Electric Boogie (Radio Mix) Marcia Griffiths
Gold Digger Kanye West & Jamie Foxx
Get Down Tonight KC & The Sunshine Band
Boom Boom Boom The Outhere Brothers
Gettin' Jiggy Wit It Will Smith
Summer Nights John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
Respect Aretha Franklin
80's Rock-Def Leopard - Pour Some Sugar On Me
get low feat ying yang twins Lil Jon and The Eastside Boyz
Traffic Tiësto
Brick House The Commodores
Girls Just Want to Have Fun Cyndi Lauper
I Want You to Want Me (Live) Cheap Trick
Yeah! (feat. Lil' Jon & Ludacris) Usher
Let's Go Crazy Prince & The Revolution
Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton Meester) Cobra Starship
If U Seek Amy Britney Spears
Why Can't I Be You? The Cure
I Love College Asher Roth
Walking On Sunshine Katrina & The Waves
12 AM Midnight The Cast of Zack and Miri Make a Porno
This Is How We Do It Montell Jordan
Sexy Bitch (feat. Akon) David Guetta
If Janet Jackson
I'm a Lonely Little Petunia Imogen Heap
Kiss Me I'm #!@*faced Dropkick Murphys
Milkshake (Radio Mix) Kelis
sunday bloody sunday rx
It Takes Two Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
Say Hey (I Love You) [feat. Cherine Anderson] Michael Franti & Spearhead
Shawty Get Loose Lil Mama
Celebration Madonna
You Can Do It Ice Cube
Intergalactic Beastie Boys
Flagpole Sitta Harvey Danger
Hypnotize The Notorious B.I.G.
Just a Girl No Doubt
Blister in the Sun Violent Femmes
TV Theme Songs - Family Matters
Smack That (Dirty) Akon featuring Eminem
Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) C+C Music Factory
Cotton Eye Joe Starsound Orchestra
Buttons The Pussycat Dolls featuring Big Snoop Dogg
Sweet Caroline Neil Diamond
Rhythm Is a Dancer (Original Mix) Snap!
I Touch Myself The Divinyls
Sandstorm Countdown Singers
Can't Get You out of My Head Kylie Minogue
Don't Stop Believin' Journey
Hungry Like the Wolf Duran Duran
(I Wanna Be) 500 Miles Proclaimers
Summer of '69 Bryan Adams
Dancing Queen ABBA
Anything, Anything Dramarama
Come on Eileen Dexy's Midnight Runners
Loser Beck
Stanky Legg GS Boyz
Work It Missy Elliott
My name is crazy Eminem vs Britney Spears
Super Freak Rick James
Crazy Gnarls Barkley
We Will Rock You Queen
My Own Worst Enemy Lit
Paradise City Guns N' Roses
Like a Prayer Madonna
The Sweet Escape Gwen Stefani
American Boy (feat. Kanye West) Estelle
We Are All On Drugs (Corrected Mix) Weezer
Canned Heat Jamiroquai
This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race Fall Out Boy
I'm Shipping Up to Boston Dropkick Murphys
Crazy In Love Beyoncé
How Far We've Come Matchbox Twenty
Fighter Christina Aguilera
Love Train The O'Jays
Ayo Technology 50 Cent & Justin Timberlake
Because I Got High Afroman
Lose Control (Featuring Ciara & Fat Man Scoop) (Clean Album Version) Missy Elliott
Everyday It's 1989 Moby
Say It Right Nelly Furtado
The Bad Touch Bloodhound Gang
ABC Jackson 5
Bootylicious Destiny's Child
Get Ur Freak On (LP Version) Missy Elliott
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) Dead or Alive
SexyBack Justin Timberlake
Peace with Inches Speech Al Pacino
Livin' on a Prayer Bon Jovi
Tipsy (Radio Mix) J-Kwon
Footloose Kenny Loggins
Groove Is In the Heart Deee-Lite
Mony Mony Billy Idol
Life is a Highway Tom Cochrane

"The Legacy" Teaser Trailer and Website Online!

2009-10-16T18:26:00.001-07:00

Ho-Lee Moly!!

Stop what you're doing right now and go to:

http://www.seasidepictures.com/thelegacy/

to see an amazing website and an even more amazing trailer for the last film I produced, "The Legacy." Mike Doto, you're Da Man!!!

"MAYBE" Is Such A Lame Response

2009-10-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Putting "MAYBE" (or not responding at all,) on an evite or RSVP, is just about the LAMEST thing a person can do.

Seriously.

"Maybe" really means: "No, but I don't have the guts to admit it to you."

Grow up, raise yourself out of the primordial soup of abstract human emotion that you live in and just be honest with yourself and YOUR FRIEND about what you're doing with your Saturday night....how hard is that?

Honesty, People...give it a shot, it might grow on you.

"Maybe" can also mean: "I'm hoping for something better, so I'm leaving my options open."

What kind of friend...what kind of person, does that?

A user, a simpleton, an insincere shell of flesh with no real grasp on how to treat their FRIENDS with respect and honor...

Now, if you don't really know the person, or just met them, or actually do have another commitment, I understand a little, but even then...

Get in the game, make a stand, just be adult! (Or be the way an adult should be!)

I, for one find it tragically sad that a lot of human beings out there are so dense, so wrapped up in their own lives, so insecure, and rude that they can't take 7 SECONDS out of THREE WEEKS to let a friend (casual or otherwise,) know what their intentions are (not what they are going to do for sure, just their intentions!)

AND...

If you get a REMINDER and a request from your FRIEND to respond, and you still don't take the 7 seconds to respond? Well then...

Not only are you not a good friend, but you are not a good person.

I expect more from people and so should you.

President Obama Desrerves the Prize

2009-10-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

The first Black President of the greatest and most powerful country in the world...a country that is a shining beacon of hope for democracy to the rest of the world, but who's greatest disgrace and failure is centuries of racism, seperatism, and hate...all based entirely on stupidity....

The fact that Obama was elected is a very clear sign that change can come and that our intangible hopes can become very real.

That American people of every background came together to elect a President from one of the most oppressed segments of our population is a true sign that we are all striding closer toward PEACE, and is an event more than worthy of recognition and an Award...symbols matter, People!

Crush Crash Love Lost

2009-10-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

I won't make a habit of this, but here's a song I wrote Circa 1999...

“Crush Crash Lust Lost”

Who knew that I’d find you
glittering like a Birthday wish
star-crossed and lost and out of the blue
my life turns with your every twist

I had some time to think,
too much time, I know
spent most of my life
caught in the undertow

Spent too much time counting the days
looking ahead to digging our graves
with all the time I’ve taken
and all the trees I’ve shook
I got one more soul to save
and one more heart to hook

Oh, the way you glimmer and fade,
your eyes to the sky and heart on parade,
you turn my world all pitter-pat
you take all my hate and fear of fate
and make the walls I build collapse

I had some time to think,
too much time, I know
spent most of my life
caught in the undertow

Spent too much time counting the days
looking ahead to digging our graves
and all the trees I’ve shook
got one more soul to save
and one more heart to hook

Who knew that I’d find you
all fireworks and spangled heart
glittering, glowing, busting into my life,
like a comet breaking apart

I’m doing my best to get the words right,
but my head’s a mix of melodies and sweetness and light
There are times when we talk when I forget how to breathe
and I’m not sure what I just said or what I believe

all the rhymes I write, the psalms I sing,
the hooks I rip, and the joy I bring
the times I fight, the tears I fake,
the love I lose, and the hearts I break

all the smiles I catch, and the looks I grab,
the stories I weave, and the friends I’ve had,
none of it means anything without you

Jed's Mad Rhyming Skills

2009-10-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

I decided to time myself and write a rap song in 5 minutes or less (hey, I'm bored,) and since there's kinda no point unless I share it, this is what I came up with:

(yes, it's supposed to be funny.)

You read me like a book, I read you like a flyer
We Be like that French chick and Lane Meyer...
I’d ski the K2 for you...
Forget his 2 dollas...I believe in you like Madonna and Kabala...
Our world B getting bigger, their’s B getting smaller…hollla!

Misundastood like Chuck and Blair, they all just B jealous, let ‘em all stare…I only got I’s for U in my alphabet..'less it’s xoxoxo,..so don’t you forget it.

You wash away my pain like Windex,
You WWF'ed my heart, put it in a "Sueplex"
Guess it's UFC these days...so you got me in the Octagon
but I'm like Digitial Underground, singing "The Same Old Song"

You let me think Yes I Can...like Barrack Obama,
and I know I bring the Drama like the Dali Lama,
but I'd go to Target for you, even Paperamma...
Maybe home depot or Bed and Bath and Beyond
Kicking it old school...and I'd do just one.

That's all I got before time ran out...umm, yeah, let's see how long this stays up until I chicken out and erase it!

Unsolicited Relationship Advice

2009-10-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Back by Popular Demand:

Below is some relationship/friend advice for you Guys and Gals that you might find helpful...

MY CURRENT TOP FIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1.) Ladies - If you hook up with a guy, even on a regular basis, but he never commits to a real relationship fully..He's using you for sex.

Which is okay if that's what you're in it for, but be honest, you're hoping for more.

He probably is a bit hotter or successful than what you are used to "getting" on your merit alone, and it makes you feel AMAZING to be desired by a guy who you see as a Bigger and Better Deal.

Don't kid yourself, figure out who you are and find your equivalent...you'll thank me (in your heart,) later.

Fellas - That girl who calls you all the time to tell you about her day, who you hang out with all the time, who you are most comfortable around, who says that you're hot but who doesn't ever sleep with you...WILL NEVER THINK OF YOU AS ANYTHING OTHER THAN "JUST FRIENDS."

Ladies - If you have a guy in your life that fits that description...he is not your friend...he's a guy who will take your friendship but is just waiting for you to realize what a great boyfriend he could be.

2.) Women- (though men could be included here,) Don't ask your significant other any version of: "Do these jeans make me look fat?"

What you're really asking is: "Can you boost my fragile ego?"

Except you're not being honest with your Boo, (who you would tear a new one if they did that to you,) about what you want. Worse, you're playing a childish game designed to make you feel that you have control, which is a need that is unhealthy, as well.

Lastly, when you pull that move, you become exactly what misogynist Lugheads say that women are...manipulative, weak, and not worthy of respect.

Try trusting them enough to let them know that you're feeling insecure and you need some emotional supprt. If you can't do that, then they aren't right for you, or you're not right for them.

3.) Men and Women - Don't Put that cool guy or chick on hold while you go looking for your Prince/Princess Charming...because by the time you realize that Fairy Tales aren't true, the people you put on hold because you couldn't admit that you were right for them...guess what? They move on...and they Live Happily Ever After with someone else while you end up settling for the leftovers of the mid-30's dating pool.

Be honest with yourself, happy with who you are, and what you have to offer, and look for your equal...not a Bigger, Better, Hotter, Richer Deal.

Because that person will never respect you and will toss you aside when THEY find a Bigger and Better Deal.

4.) Guys - Woman believe in having a "spark," and feeling "magic" happen when they meet a guy...mainly because they want to believe that love is this ephemeral, phantasmagorical force of nature and not what it actually is: The sum of what they want in a guy in their minds-eye in relation to what they can get in reality.

Women add up their idea of what the Perfect Guy is and they compare it to every real guy they come across. What their Perfect Guy looks like, smells like, acts like, does for a living, parts his hair, dances, looks like in a wedding tux, how much or little you remind her of her Dad...everything.

With guys, if we find a girl who "understands" us, who supports our dreams, likes the same kind of stuff, and is at the level of physical attraction we want in a girl...she's in.

For me personally, I definitely think less of women (and there have been a lot,) who tell me I'm hot, who want to spend every waking moment with, who rely on me in every major event of their life, who likes the same music, movies, politics, shares the same dreams, but who don't think I'm "Boyfriend Material."

I question the validity of what they are looking for in a boyfriend, if the above is true yet they don't want a relationship with me.

Point is guys, you can't make a girl like you...you just can't.

You can woo a girl early on and find romantic ways to prove your love to her...which is really just you finding interesting ways to have them get over their artificial objections they have. But really, all your doing is sweeping away a facade of fear to reveal the truth.

But if they don't love you, they don't love you, and any facade you sweep away will only reveal that there is no love hiding beneath it.

So if you find yourself in that position, ask yourself, based on that truth...Why would you want to love someone who doesn't love you? You probably don't, you're probably just in love with the idea of being in love with her, which is really just infatuation.

It's tough, but you gotta move on and find the real Love of Your Life.

5.) Guys and Girls - don't play the Numbers Game. I've touched on it a bit already, but here it is:

Everybody has a number on a scale of 10 that describes what they have to offer the world...not just based on physical looks...but smarts, talent, prospects, money, drive, humor, karate skills, kindness, whatever. Some people value some categories more or less than others, but the equation is still the same.

I hate to distill human beings down to a number, but it's the easiest way to present my point:

Trouble is, most of us are 7's, but we think we're 8's. We only consider 9's or 10's and we turn down other 7's and even 8's because we think we deserve better.

This is especially true with younger adults...they haven't lived enough to know themselves really at all, let alone to gauge what they can "get." So why not shoot for the sky? Answer: Because your equivalent is not waiting around for you to figure things out.

Be honest with yourself and I promise, not only will you find someone who knows themselves too, who understands/loves who you are...you will be truly happy.

So don't play the Numbers Game.

There's my Current Top 5 Suggestions For Love and Happiness.

So Endeth Honesty Hour.

Feeling Good

2009-10-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

I have a feeling that a lot of good changes are in the air for us...

And that's not even including the news I'll have to share real soon!

News On The Horizon...

2009-10-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'm very hopeful that within in the next 2 weeks I'll be able to make an exciting announcement.

Again, hopefully, you and your friends will also be involved in at least some small way. It'll be fun...I promise.

"Glee" Brought Me Glee!!

2009-10-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

This show targeted mainly to teens, changed the course of my life...seriously.

It's a fun, goofy, Pop-A-Wheely type of show. I describe it as a tamer "Arrested Development."

A lot of my LA friends, both women and men, have been raving about "Glee" since the Pilot aired, I think around a season ago. It's a drama/comedy about a high school Glee (singing) club...anyone remember when Peter joined the club on "The Brady Bunch?"

Funny, quirky, and carefully wrought, "Glee" also sends a constant stream of positives message to kids without talking down to them. Both the adult and kid characters are strong and defined, and the story-lines are rife with possibility. All that and catchy songs to sing-a-long to!

The way the show changed my life is this:

The main character is a 30ish teacher who has given up the one thing that makes him truly happy, the activity he cares about most in his little world. He does so because the constraints and rules of society tell him that he should.

I don't want to give it away, because you really should watch the show, but at the climax of the first episode...

I realized that I am not living my life doing what I love...and because I'm not, I also not really living. So then what's the point of living in the first place?

What I am best at, what I am passionate about, and what makes my life worth living to me is...

Managing people on a small scale in order to reach people on a large scale.

That is, I love being in charge of a project or situation that brings different kinds of people together and then our combined work becomes something bigger and better than any of us could ever create on our own.

The hope is that our creation, or product, or just our energy, can touch our community, country, or our world in positive way. And just knowing that I was a part of something like that would give my life meaning in my own eyes.

I want this not so much because I want glory, or because I need praise, which honestly is all a part of it. I want this for the same reason that the kids from "Glee" want to perform...

Because we want to be great. Because we want our talents to shine. Because we want to share with as many people as possible, the joy we feel when we do what we LOVE TO DO.

And I am excellent at what I love to do.

At the end of the day, it's not about me...In any situation, the logical thing to do is to put each person involved in a spot where their talents and skills can be best utilized so that they are happy personally, and so that the entire group can benefit most from their efforts.

I just happen to be a guy who knows how to manage people.

But in this world, ego, emotion, and politics tend to cloud logical judgments. So my bosses, invariably, have been less intelligent, less qualified, and less deserving of the position than I.

And that's a certain kind of tragedy.

I believe with every nook and cranny of my heart, soul, and Being, that I have something special to offer the world and that it's a crime that only a few people know what that is.

"Yes," I actually believe that the world (or at least a bigger segment of it than my 207 Facebook friends,) would be better off if they knew about me and my work.

Don't you?

I'd prefer to achieve this goal through filmmaking, but it could also come to fruition through managing a non-profit, or even my Dad's club (though that will never happen before I'm 50, so it will probably never happen, as there is no shot of me waiting that long to get to manage the club.)

The point is, I need to start living again. Truly living.

I need to stop pretending that I'm not the smartest guy in the room when pretty much everyone knows that I am.

(If you know me, ignore your initial knee-jerk, "fragile ego protection" reaction, and stop and think about that one...I bet if you do, you'll admit to yourself that it's true.)

I need to stop listening to people who only offer me advice filtered through their own agenda, office politics, or Good-Old-Fashioned jealousy, when I offer them sincere honesty in return.

I need to stop placating LA people (who think they are more important than they actually are,) because I hope one day they'll wise-up and let me help them succeed.

I need to stop feeling like a failure.

This one is trickier because thus far, that's what I am. But things change. And I'm the one making them change.

And finally, I can no longer be a Worker Bee with no "Say" in my job, who works 6 days a week but still can't afford to support myself, let alone support a family.

I'm not saying I'm leaving my job, I'm just saying that things are going to change.

I don't need to be rich, but this life...or at least my life, must be about doing what I love.

I love lamp.

Sorry, K, so more dramatic then?

I love building a better tomorrow for all while creating joy today.

So says Jed.

Jed Makes Movies, Really?

2009-09-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

I don't want this "resume" post to take away from you reading my more personal rants, so please read some of my other posts too!

After catching up with Lo-Fi Sugar during one of her breaks in the studio, it made me remember what an amazing feeling it was to have a project to look forward to finishing, to sharing and enjoying...and for me to brag about.

A new project is quite simply, HOPE for me...that things will get better, that I am contributing to society, that there's a chance my talents will be noticed and that my life actually matters to someone besides my Mom.

So here's a rundown of where my projects are these days:

THE LEGACY

I produced this Special Effects-heavy film with director Mike Doto. "The Legacy" is about a kid who thinks his Dad is a Superhero. It stars Paul Butcher, who stars on the 'tween show, "Zoey 101." Doto's previous film, "Peace" starred Kirkwood Smith from "That 70's Show."

"Peace" screened at over 20 film festivals around the country, even won some awards, and is distributed through iTunes, so we have even higher hopes for "The Legacy."

Currently, we have entered the film into Sundance and are just finishing up the color correction and some minor SFX tweeks. It should be ready for screening by the end of the year.

For more info on Doto, and to see the poster for "The Legacy," go to: www.seasidepictures.com

THE COMMUNE

The psychological thriller/horror feature stars my friend, (the Emmy-Award Winning) David Lago, who I met when we both worked on Nate Cohen's film, "Artistic License."

I introduced Dave to Lis and Heidi while I was helping them with "Pistoleras." Nate, one of my best friends coincidentally, Line Produced 2 of my own films as well as Line Producing "The Commune." The soundtrack has a few songs from Lo-Fi Sugar, including "The Night Divine," the music video that I directed in 2007-08 and who I also introduced to Lis and Heidi.

"The Commune" also premiered at the 2009 Dances With Films Festival in LA along with "Life Is Like A Short Train Ride," a film that I received a producer credit on.

"The Night Divine" premiered at the 2008 Dances With Films Festival...again, coincidentally. For my efforts, I received a Special Thanks on "The Commune" from Lis and Heidi.

For more information, check out: www.thecommunemovie.com

FISHES

From Director/Writer/Producer and good friend Stefan Lysenko comes "Fishes." Mike "Boogie" Malin, winner of "Big Brother All-Stars" and co-owner of some of LA's hippest restaraunts (co-owned with Ashton Kutcher, among others,) stars in the ensemble drama.

I am a producer on this Lysenko project as well.

The film is available on DVD, and the trailer can be seen here: http://www.filmbaby.com/films/1565

THE NIGHT DIVINE - MUSIC VIDEO FOR LO-FI SUGAR

Lo-Fi Sugar meets me and then suddenly she gets all fancy! After I directed/edited the video, Lo-Fi started recording with Paul Van Dyk and a Who's Who of the techno DJ world. In November of 2008, she had the Number One Beatport song with "So High."

Go on iTunes...her own stuff I think is better than her techno stuff, but whatevs.

We still have yet to hear from the HaydenFilms contest, but the current total is 11 festivals and one win...the Golden Kahuna Award for Excellence In Filmmaking from the 2009 Honolulu International Film Festival. "The Night Divine" was also featured in "The Commune," (see above.)

LIFE IS LIKE A SHORT TRAIN RIDE

This short premiered at the 2009 Dances With Films Festival one year after Stefan came to support "The Night Divine" at the 2008 Dances With Films. Stefan gave me a producer credit on this extremely cool short, that can be seen here: http://blissing.com/media/TRAIN.mov

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Yet another one from Lysenko, not a lot of movement with this one, despite a cameo from Billy Zabke, aka "Johnny" from "The Karate Kid." Here's the trailer: http://blissing.com/media/SFS_trailer.mov

SOMETHING MAGICAL

My feature-length screenplay, "Something Magical," made it to the Semifinal round of Fade In/Writer's Network Screenplay Contest and won 3rd Place at the 2008 Nantuucket Film Festival's screenplay competition.

THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER

The first screenplay I ever wrote...10 years ago...about a lovelorn young man who loves a girl who will never love him who I wanted Zoey Deschanel to star in is very very very similar to the current Zoey Deschanel film "(500) Days of Summer."

SHORT FILM SCRIPTS

My screenplays for "One Nation," "All That Is Not," and Moment of Truth" all placed in the Semi-Final or Final round of 2 small contests each.

311 SCRIPT

My friend P-NUT, who is the bass player in the band 311, has casually offered to write a screenplay with me...we'll see what comes of that, but it is an interesting thought.

Good Times, Good Times...

2009-09-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

I was given the "Double-Barreled Middle-Finger" by a complete Stranger tonight. To explain why, read the post below this one.

But first...

Tonight was a fun night:

I hung out at my friend LK's place in Boston to celebrate her belated Birthday with her and some of her friends.

LK is very sweet and patient with me, which is always a plus...but it was nice to be able to hang with her outside of our usual loud/crowded settings.

Then the aforementioned "Middle Finger Incident" occured...lotsa fun!

We tried to hit he Middlesex Lounge, a hip danceclub in Cambridge for some dancing but the line was too long.

We then tried Coochie Coochie, a latin flavored, pretty bizarre restaurant/bar nearby...no good, so we settled on The People's Republic, between Harvard Square and Central Square.

I was going to go to our friend Andrew's housewarming party but it got too late so I just took the 45 minute trek back to Framingham, and here I sit typing.

Tomorrow is my sister Sam's 26th Birthday bash at her flat in Allston.

It should be fun so I'll keep you posted!

"No You Are!"

2009-09-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

I was given the "Double-Barreled Middle-Finger by a complete Stranger tonight. To explain why, the following must first be understood:

I work at a health club with a lot of different children's programs and camps going on in the building. My office is near the entrance of the club so a lot of the kids look forward to making funny faces at me, reporting what they did at Pre-School, or just playing the "No, You Are" game with me.

The "NYA!" Game is quite simply me yelling back and forth with kids ages 3 through, say, 9, at the top of our lungs over and over again.

We yell: "No You Are" or "No, It Is You Who Are The One Who Is Silly!" back and forth until we're blue in the face or until their Mom drags them away...getting louder with each stanza.

These kids have a blast doing it and most of them fully realize the absurdity of a full grown adult getting into a shouting match with someone their age.

But guess what? That's What Makes It Fun!

Admittedly, it's a bit odd, but again, lotsa fun.

So back to tonight:

I was attending my friend LK's Birthday party in Boston and as I and a bunch of her friends were exiting her swanky apartment, another group was coming in.

I heard a woman's voice yell: "Hold The Door!" And completely as a knee-jerk response, and with zero seriousness, I playfully responded: "No, YOU hold the door!"

After I said it, the woman made a Double-Take and gave me a dirty look. I immediately offered her a smile and told her I was kidding.

You must understand that in the split-second that I heard her initial line, I had it in my head that it was one of our group, but by the time that I said it, I grasped that it was a stranger.

Either way, I was trying to be playful.

However, after I got the dirty look, our group could see through the glass door that inside the lobby, the woman going off on me, obviously still upset by my rudeness.

As they got in the elevator, the girl looked at me and gave me an animated, kind-of "Spirit-Fingers" middle finger with both hands.

Now, I am sorry that I may have hurt her feelings and I definitely sorry if I embarrassed my friend LK (don't think so)...but if you seriously thought I was sincerely saying what I said, then I you're an idiot, crazy, or both.

And...If you were sure that I was serious, the proper conclusion is not that I'm rude...It should be that I must be crazy/off and therefore not worth the trouble to worry about it.

Either way, it should be no big deal.

I have zero patience for people without an ability to recognize irony or playfulness when it hits you in the face.

Sorry...but in LA, any vapid, void, model/actresses would've got the joke, rolled with it, and used the moment as a chance to meet someone new...not as an excuse to perpetuate drama.

I will say that it is a story that kinda made the night for me...and now it's a night none of us will forget!

I will rant later on how I believe Boston is a cold town and one more cliquee and pretentious than Los Angeles, Miami, or NYC...but that is for another day.

Thoughts On "Gossip Girl"

2009-09-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

Georgina...yesss!

S. is becoming more and more of a spoiled brat with every episode...pretending to being stalked? Ruining Chuck's deal, first by being stupid, then by being vindictive...Totally unattractive. The writer's have got to make her a bit more likable.

"Good Girls Gone Bad," Leighton Meester's song playing as she enters the party? Love the song, love L.M...but playing the actress' song while her character listens to it? Lame.

Dan's long-lost brother is a Bad Guy, believe it.

Much Love And Big Ups To My Homies...Boi!

2009-09-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you!

It's amazing how much 50+ Happy Birthday wishes on my Facebook wall can affect the pleasure center of my brain.

I spent today listening to my 'Berry ringing off the hizoook with alerts of people posting on my wall...and the back of my head actually tingled with each alert, fo reals!

It's just nice to feel appreciated every once and a while!

And it made me realize a few things about myself that I enjoy...

Interacting with people, being a part of building a better "anything," (world, managing a job situation, giving advice,) and being somewhat the center of attention.

More on that later, but until then, Thanks Again!

I am an amazing person who is educated, has an IQ off the charts, is relatively attractive, a tireless worker, and tries to Do The Right Thing

2009-09-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my Birthday and so I've been looking back at what I've accomplished and what my life has amounted to. Though I know that the 3 people who read my blog have heard this time and again, I still maintain that...

My life hasn't added up to much of anything.

This fact is especially true when you factor in how long I've worked, how hard I tried, and how much I've wanted to succeed in all areas of my life.

Yes, I know that this is "bad publicity." I know that I'm supposed to exude confidence and people will respond accordingly. I know what people think about "The Secret," that if I believe, it will come to me...but really, I think I'm beyond impressing any of you reading this...so let's just be honest, shall we?

I am an amazing person who is educated, has an IQ that is off the charts, who is relatively physically attractive, and is a tireless worker. That, and I try my very best at all times to Do The Right Thing.

But what all that has gotten me thus far is notsomuch:

1.) A job at a level below Middle Management in my own father's company while working 6 days a week.

A vast majority of my co-workers and a lot of the members of the club don't want me there...mainly because they think I have money I don't have and power I don't have.

2.) I live at home with my Mom because I can't afford rent elsewhere and I recently went Bankrupt so a lot of places won't take me in.

3.) I am fortunate to have a pretty healthy family and a couple good friends here or there...but no real lasting relationships.

4.) Yes, I've produced a few films that no one has heard of, yes I do have a few fans out there, and those are things that I am grateful for.

Again, I am also grateful for my family and for the few friends who have stuck by me through thick and thin.

The fact remains that after 36 years...

I am broke, homeless, dateless, and really pretty lost.

I am taking some steps to change all of the aforementioned areas, so there is hope...stay tuned.

Are We Human, Or Are We Dancers?

2009-09-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

I'm just wondering.

C'Mon Boston! Help A Brotha Out!

2009-09-19T21:48:00.001-07:00

Dear Boston,

Though parties are a good way for you to spend time with your current friends, at most parties in the Free World, parties are a chance to cut loose and interact with, wait for it...

PEOPLE YOU HAVEN'T MET YET!

I know that it's a strange concept for you Bostonians to wrap your head around, but believe me, there are parties all around the world where complete strangers are having the time of their lives Rocking Out together.

You should give it a try one of these days.

So Says Jed.

Party Time!

2009-09-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday is my birthday and I have Zero plans to celebrate that day.

But things have been getting busier on the social scene...kinda.

Tonight, I have a housewarming party in Boston at my sister's boyfriend's new place...80's theme, so it should be fun.

Plus, I was invited to a party thrown by a friend of my brother's to watch UFC in Framingham. I'm hoping to make both parties.

Tomorrow I have Improv Class then the usual dinner and drinks, then we're all staying for the Sunday Improv show...which is usually pretty fun.

Next Friday I have a Birthday dance party and a housewarming party that I was invited to by friends who I met through my sister's Improv class.

Next Saturday I was invited to a screening in Cambridge at my Dad's house for a film by one of the producers of "Hoop Dreams."

And Saturday night it's my sister's Birthday party...so lotsa fun.

The theme here DOES only serve to piss me off though...

I am tired of my only social life being as a hanger-on in my litle siblings' nights out...I want my own life!

But everyone at work thinks of me as the Owner's Son, and the members are are much older or younger than me, so they're out. And I don't live in the city, so I don't really get the opportunity to meet anyone new.

And even when I do go out, there's always a nagging feeling...

I live 45 minutes away from Boston, which means no real drinking, and even just late Partying doesn't really work.

It costs me over $8 in tolls round trip plus $20+ for parking. So that's $30 before I eat or drink anything...and an hour and a half of my time before I do anything.

I work on Saturdays so not only does that leave Friday out, I'm so tired after work on Saturday that I don't have a lot of energy to go out.

AND...since I only have one day off, I have to get home early on Saturday so I can get up early on Sunday so I can get all the errands done that I missed during the week.

AND AND...I live at home with my Mom, so I can't bring anyone over, friends or otherwise if the night did go well.

So yeah, it seems like I have a social life, but not really.

And even if you're somehow jealous of my life and think I should be grateful for it, let me say...

I am grateful, I am...I'm just not happy at all with the life I've built for myself.

So, I am in the midst of making some changes that will become apparent in the next 6 months or so.

Stay tuned.

I Miss My Illusions

2009-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

I spent 2 years doing everything I could to make "the film dream" happen: no days off, no sleep, a ton of compromises and a monk-like patience by me.

I failed.

But I failed not because I didn't try hard enough, I failed because filmmaking is a group effort and every person I met who said that they were in LA to make films were, in actuality, too chicken, too stubborn, too clueless, or too stuck in fantasy-land to ever do anything about bringing their dreams into reality.

They are all talk whether they realize it now or not.

I don't want to hear that you have "numerous projects in various stages of development," or that you're "in talks," being patient, or "seeking investors," they're all just ways of saying something without saying anything at all...JUST MAKE MOVIES.

I don't care if it's a spec commercial script, or a one chip camera YouTube movie...just make movies.

Your script sale is NOT right around the corner, investors will not be knocking down your door for your indie film, and everyone knows a CW star who wants to be in their film for free..If success comes to you, great, but don't count on it, love your craft and...just make movies.

Find a way within your means to be productive, write an hour a day, make one roughshod short every month, call in every favor you have for your feature...but just make movies.

No seriously, forget about waiting to hear back from your friend at ICM about your script's coverage. Stop waiting for a indie film to actually shoot on real film instead of DV. Working on the Warner Brothers lot is working in the film business, but you came to LA to make your stuff. Get off your butt, yes, right now, and make it happen.

So says Jed.

Part II

We all have our illusions, but in Hollywood, people live their illusion.

I miss the illusions I once had:

That my friends were actually my friends and not just people who spent time with me because they thought I could help their career or their social scene.

The idea that success was just around the corner. That it only took hard work and persistence.

That I would find a group of people who understood that if we wanted to succeed ourselves, we would need to sacrifice for EACH OTHER so that we all got our films made.

I miss my illusions, but I don't miss Hollywood.

Part III

LO-FI SUGAR said it best: "What's good for you is good for me and vice-versa, we're all in this together, we can't do it alone."

I spent two years trying to convince people to compromise and to give up just a little bit of power or creative control in exchange for pooling resources...no takers

after two or more years, that same large group of people each have nothing whatsoever to show for it.

It really is a shame, because if I had suceeded in bringing together all the talented, well-connected people who I know in Hollywood...well, we'd all be rich and have a ton of films to show for it.

Instead, we all have nothing to show for it.

Everyone wants to do THEIR project, their script, their way...well good luck, I aint having it.

See? Boys Have Body Issues Too!

2009-09-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

Had a fun time at IB Rock Band Night...but...

I compared a photo of me taken tonight and one from 6 months ago (April) and...Oy!

The physical appearance of my face looks EXACTLY THE SAME as before..dammit!

When I saw the first photo back in April, I was convinced that by the size of my double chin, I had to in turn, double my efforts to lose weight.

Here's the rundown of my weight journey:

I left for LA in September of 2004 at an all-time low weight of 173.

When I moved back home in December of 2006, I had ballooned up to 223.

In April of 2009, I had gotten down to 212.

As of yesterday I am 201.

So, on one hand a loss of 11 pounds in 5 1/2 months is a good thing (especially if I can get down to 195 by October...which would make it 19 pounds in 6 months.)

On the other hand, a big part of this is to feel better about my Self (not just myself,) so how I look is a big part of my drive to lose weight...and after all that work and effort and sacrifice, nothing has changed.

I'm trying a new workout/nutritional plan, so I'm hopeful to lose 10 pounds in 3 weeks...but yeah...more and more and more...I'm feeling like my best days are behind me and time is slipping away.

Time For Change

So Says Jed

Hollywood Is A Drug

2009-09-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

One of the supporting actors for the film I produced in 2007, "Dance To The Offbeat," created a Facebook fan page for himself and announced that he was canceling his personal Facebook account because...wait for it...

The attention he has received by getting a bit-part on an as-yet-to-be released Hollywood Blockbuster made him need to put some distance between him and his adoring public.

This is like if the guy who played the bunch of grapes in the Fruit of the Loom underwear commercials complained about how tough the burden of fame is.

Luckily, my friend quickly realized how he was acting, and apologized for his momentary lapse of reason.

But many of my So-Called friends are still very much entrenched in the Hollywood illusions that they have created for themselves.

I'm talking about the "producers" who can't tell you what exactly they do to earn the title...their only response: "I produce."

I'm talking about Directors who make independent HD "films" starring the only marginally famous actor they know and who get into a few small film festivals but who spend their days worrying that their film will get too much exposure.

Or who turn down help from other people for their film because they don't want to give up any power and think their film is so good, their talents so obvious, that they don't need anyone else's help...Hollywood will welcome them in with open arms.

I'm talking about the actors who only want to be movie-stars and "couldn't really see themselves on stage."

And I'm talking about every crew member who complains that they can't get their project off the ground but who refuse to help anyone else with theirs unless they get paid.

Hollywood is a drug, but I don't do drugs.

Rock Band Night at Improv Boston

2009-09-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

A few friends and I will be Rocking Out at Improv Boston in Cambridge this Thursday night.

For 7 bucks, you get admission and a free beer...and the right to play the video game "Rock Band" and compete for fancy prizes. Feel free to come with if that's how you roll.

"The Night Divine" at Burbank International Film Festival!

2009-03-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I will not be there, but if you haven't had the chance to see it on the big screen and you have some time, stop by if you can.

"The Night Divine" is a music video for Lo-Fi Sugar that I directed/produced/edited (Co-Directed by Lady Ransom,) from her debut EP, "The Divine Edit."

Lo-Fi Sugar recently recorded with world-renowned techno DJ, Paul Van Dyk and in 2008, had the Number One Beatport (techno,) somg in the world called, "So High."

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
5:30 PM

"The Night Divine" has been a part of:

Boston International Film Festival
Fear No Film Festival
Mandrake
Dances With Films
West Hollywood International Film Festival
The Other Venice Film Festival
HD Fest
Honolulu Film Festival (Golden Kahuna Award Winner)
Las Vegas Film Festival (Finalist)

For more info and tickets, check out: http://www.burbankfilmfestival.org/

"Something Magical" Advances to the Semi-Final Round

2009-01-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Not only did I recently win the Golden Kahuna Award for Excellence In Filmmaking for "The Night Divine"...

My feature-length screenplay, "Something Magical," has made it to the Semifinal round of Fade In/Writer's Network Screenplay Contest!

It was chosen out of a pool of 2000 entries.

As usual, more details to follow...I'm hoping for a Final win!

Fingers crossed!

My 2008 Accomplishments

2009-01-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

While I'm at it, I thought I'd list off some of my 2008 accomplishments as a way to motivate me for 2009:

The Night Divine
My music video for Lo-Fi Sugar got into 6 film festivals so far and win the GOLDEN KAHUNA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILMMAKING award from the Honolulu Film Festival.

Lo-Fi Sugar also has the Number One "Beatport" (techno,) song in the world, "So High."

Something Magical
My screenplay won Third Place at the Woods Hole Film Festival screenplay competition, and is in the Semi-Final Round of the Fade In Magazine screenplay competition. The script also placed in the Top 15% of the Nichol Fellowship competition.

all that is not
My 45 minute short film got into the Sansievierian Film Festival.

One Nation
My short script placed in the Semi-Finals of the Gimme Credit Short Screenplay competition.

Moment of Truth
My short script placed in the Quarter Final round of The Writer's Network Screenplay competition.

2009 New Years Resolutions

2009-01-02T23:11:00.000-08:00

As a matter of record, as a way to hold myself accountable, and as an attempt to clarify my abstract thoughts. here are the first batch goals I've set pertaining to my career:

JANUARY THROUGH MARCH

Complete two drafts of feature-length script that means something to me and is commercially viable.

Complete short script with a part for John Savage and apply to 5 screenwriting contests.

Finish up 20 page short script, "Love Like That."

Shoot/edit/post online 4 quickie YouTube videos.

Make some concrete inroads to with the Boston Film scene.

MARCH TO JUNE

Complete/Premiere "The Legacy" (hopefully at a well-known film festival.)

Shoot/edit/post online 3 quickie YouTube videos

Complete 30 page script, "Ocean Park."

Complete 2nd feature script and polish first feature script

Apply to 5+ screenplay contests with "OP" and "LLT"

We'll see how it goes.

"Carjacked" - Sold, Produced, Completed

2008-12-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

Congrats (sort of,) to an old friend...

In the Summer of 2006, I met Sherry Compton when she worked for me on the AFI/Directing Workshop for Women film that I produced, "Dance to the Offbeat."

Sherry did an amazing job of going from Supermarket to Supermarket collecting free grocery gift cards so that our no-budget production could feed our crew.

Sherry wanted me to help her get Denzel Washington or Ashton Kutcher for her screenplay, "Carjacked."

"Carjacked" is about a man who terrorizes a woman and her young son in their car. Period.

I told her I didn't know Denzel, but I did have a few inroads to Ashton and a few other big names. I also told her that I was pretty sure he wouldn't be interested in doing a film that was basically a Lifetime "Woman in Peril" movie-of-the-week.

So instead, I offered her a compromise:

Since she said that she had access to production funding I would go to my friends who knew the A-Listers, and the exchange would be this:

Sherry brings the money, but loses the script we do, my friend(s) bring the Star Power and they do their script, but lose a powerful title/credit/control.

It was a fair compromise that skyrockets all our careers. Neither Sherry nor my 3 friends would do it.

They didn't want to compromise, mainly because they didn't think they would need to since they thought their Big Break was right around the corner.

So instead of each having a Producer and Director credits on a legitimate Hollywood movie with a legit A-List Hollywood star that could've brought them/us BIG money, in the 2 years since I tried to broker the deal:

One of them has an unfinished short film. One has an unfinished feature starring themselves. One has nothing.

Sherry has a writing credit on a film starring D LIST actors that may or may not find distribution, and that may or may not pay her a piece of the action if it does sell.

I have 2 features in festivals, one with distribution, 3 shorts in festivals, a music video in festivals, a feature-script with 2 wins, 3 shorts with multiple wins...and I'M the failure?!

What's up with that?

Truth is, I was run out of the business because no matter how many indies I produced/directed, I failed to ever get beyond a PA position in the "Real World."

So here I am, I'm writing this to myself (since nobody reads this thing) from my room in my Mom's house in Massachusetts.

I am trying very hard to accept that it is entirely possible that I am ahead of my time, or maybe I just don't get it. Either way, I am out of step with those in Hollywood that I have access to.

I am trying to let go of the Hollywood Dream, but something or someone always sucks me back in...

"One Nation" Semi-Finalist in Gimme Credit Screenplay Contest

2008-12-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Continuing my streak of "almost" winning, my short screenplay, "One Nation," placed in the 2nd round of The Gimme Credit Screenplay contest!

HD Fest - Last Chance To See "The Night Divine"

2008-11-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

"The Night Divine" is a music video for Lo-Fi Sugar that I directed/produced/edited (Co-Directed by Lady Ransom,) from her debut EP, "The Divine Edit." Lo-Fi Sugar recently recorded with world-renowned techno DJ, Paul Van Dyk.

The video will screen in Los Angeles at HD Fest, December 7, 2008 at 2 PM at Dolby studios in Burbank, CA.

"The Night Divine" has screened, (so far,) at the following:

Boston International Film Festival
Fear No Film Festival
Mandrake
Dances With Films
West Hollywood International Film Festival
The Other Venice Film Festival

This is most likely the last time it will screen...and probably the last time I'll be in town for a long while.

For more info and tickets, check out: http://www.hdfest.com/hdfestla.html

Thanks

"Something Magical," My Screenplay in Quarterfinals!

2008-11-11T21:40:00.000-08:00

My feature-length screenplay, "Something Magical," has made it to the Quarterfinal round of 2008 Writer's Network Screenplay Contest!

It was chosen out of a pool of 2000 entries.

As usual, more details to follow...I'm hoping for a Semi-Final win!

Fingers crossed!

Music Video in HD Fest LA!

2008-11-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

"The Night Divine," the music video I did for Lo-Fi Sugar will screen at HD Fest in LA (Burbank, Sunday, December 7, 2008.

More details to come...

What Is...The Deal?

2008-10-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to admit it, but a vast majority of the people who I consider friends, who I think highly of, wish I could see more, and would sacrifice for, are not my friends at all.

Why is it that I am the only one to remember/take the time to keep in touch with my supposed friends?

Why is it that I am the one who calls, writes, posts, texts, to keep in touch? Why is it that people from my past who meant/mean a lot to me haven't come out of the woodwork on FaceBook to add me...if only because they're curious what I've been up to for the past 2, 5, 15 years?

Why is it that out of the hundreds of people I know, the handful I care about, and the few I think I really connect with, don't put any effort into keeping in touch?

I'm pretty sure I know the answer.

I used to think it was just that I beat them to the punch by connecting first.

Then I thought it was that they are just flaky/overwhelmed.

Then I thought my frustration with LA's lack of focus/follow-through turned them off.

Now, I'm pretty sure it's a clear illustration of how they think of me:

A nice enough guy...just not that important to them...or they just don't have the heart to break the news that...

THEY ARE NOT MY FRIEND

So I say again:

It's hard for me to admit it, but a vast majority of the people who I consider friends, who I think highly of, wish I could see more, and would sacrifice for, are not my friends at all.

Whatever the reason, if your friends don't call, write, text, post, blog about you on at least a 3-4 month basis, then they simply are not your friends.

Basic curiosity would inspire even the laziest person to shoot a text or post an: "I Misssss Youuuuuuu!" on Facebook.

But if you can't even do that, then it means you don't care and then you become not worth my time.

Any ideas, rebuttals, suggestions, comments?

Thanks

The Race Is On!

2008-10-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

My To-Do List before 2009, but first, some preaching:

Life is a ticking clock...it just is. Some of us may not realize it, or want to admit it, and some know it but don't do anything about it.

So I say again to you, as I have in the past many times before: Make It Happen!

Friend that old flame on Facebook, tell the people you love that you love them, finish your script, make your movie, visit Egypt, whatever it is that you want, go out and get it...because whatever "It" is, it's not going to fall in your lap...and time is running out.

Here's what I am going to do my best to accomplish by New Years 2009:

(In the order that I think of it.)

Create/post at least 1 YouTube short, maybe two
Turn (write) METAL GOD into a full feature script
Get into the Sundance Institute writing program
Fully prep I WANNA BE ADORED (a short script) for production in early '09
Visit the Utah relatives
Continue to spend quality time with family
Find a new job
send out at least 100 introductory letters to Studio Producers, CE's, Exec's, Managers, Directors, etc...
Get THE NIGHT DIVINE into 3 more fests
Get reviewed on "Film Threat"
Volunteer for charity on a weekly basis
Have one person reach out to me sincerely, as to me always being the one to call, email, post, remind, whatever
Finish a sellable feature script

More to come as I think of it.

Expensive Hotel or Sister's Couch?

2008-10-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm visiting LA, December 4-7 for a weekend away and to attend HD Fest, a film festival that "The Night Divine" (my music video,) is playing at.

I can't decide if I should:

A: Stay on my sister and her husband's couch in West Hollywood.

I'll probably be sharing their tiny living room with their uber-energetic labrador retriever too.

My sister is very particular. When she visited me in Santa Monica, she decided to get a hotel because she didn't think she could get a good nights sleep sleeping on my couch because she might be woken up if I had to go to the kitchen to get something in the night.

Point is, she's very particular. She likes things "just so." don't get me wrong, she's very giving and very hospitable...but one false move by me, and well, things might get uncomfortable.

B: Get a hotel room for $160/night at the Burbank Holiday Inn or similar. To me, very expensive relative to what I am getting in return. A bed's a bed...for Burbank, clean sheets, and no room service...$75/night tops is my limit.

C: Get a room at the Loews Santa Monica. It's literally on the beach, a block from the pier and my old neighborhood.

I've stayed their twice, the last time I was upgraded to a full suite with a hot-tub, patio, and view of the ocean. The first time, we had a top floor room with vaulted ceilings and were given a fruit basket, beer, and champagne completely complimentary.

I also lost my cellphone charger and for the price of a tip for brining it to my room, they gave me a brand new one to keep for good without me asking.

I love it there, they make me feel all "Fancy-Like" and I get a AAA discount and a $75 room service credit.

Here's the catch, is about $260/night.

My brain is telling me it's too much, telling me I can stay at my sister's and use that money to cut down my mounting debt.

My heart is telling me that I need a vacation, and that if I stay at my sister's, it wouldn't be torture, but it would be 3 days on a couch in someone else's living space.

Also, bear in mind that I live with my Mom, who is always home, and I work for my Dad. After work I workout at the same place that I workout at, so I'm constantly interrupted from my workout...

Point is: no time alone in my own space.

Okay people, what do you think?

Comments, thoughts, suggestions?

And So It Begins...Again.

2008-10-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

I am going to start to try to Blog more frequently/regularly here. Not just as a way for me to chronicle and record my day-to-day happenings...but I've been noticing how much I tend to "creep" on other people's blogs, profiles, IMDB credits, etc.

I enjoy following even the most mundane story-lines of the lives of people I know, so it may be possible, that my silly little life could be of interest to at least one or two people out there.

So Here We Go...

Are Film Festivals Worth It?

2008-10-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

Thinking of spending your hard earned money applying to film festivals?

Wondering what it might get you?

Consider this:

I spent over $2500 on entry fees, postage, viewing copies, and projection Masters on...

My music video, "The Night Divine" by Lo-Fi Sugar. Granted it is a music video, but it's a good one.

This is what $2500.00 got me:

IN

(total of 6)
Boston International Film Festival
Fear No Film Festival
Dances With Films
West Hollywood International Film Festival
HD Fest
The Other Venice Film Festival

NOT ACCEPTED

(30 total)
Malibu Film Festival
New Hampshire
Orlando
Austin
Chicago International
Chicago Underground
Temecula
BendFilm
Savannah
Moondance
Connecticut
Hollyshorts
Columbus
True West
FirstGlance
Downtown LA
San Fran Shorts
CineVegas
Miami Short
Palm Springs
Hermosa Shorts
AFI Fest
San Diego
Big Apple
Action/Cut
Newport
Nantucket
San Fernando
Santa Monica
Los Angeles

Still waiting to hear from a few others. I'm still waiting to hear from a few others, but Food For Thought, don't you think?

Two New Film Festivals!

2008-09-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Two films that I wrote, directed, produced, and edited, "The Night Divine," and "all that is not," are playing at two different film festivals next month.

"all that is not" will screen at the 2008 Sanseverian Film Festival.

A film that I had a Supervising Producer credit on, "Fishes," won the 2006 Best Feature award at the fest. That film starred Mike "Boogie" Malin," winner of "Big Brother All-Stars."

"all that is not" is about a young Black man and an older White man who challenge each other to a game of One-on-One basketball. Through the course of the game, issues of race, racism, and everyday asumptions are explored.

Also...

"The Night Divine" is a music video for Lo-Fi Sugar (Co-Directed by Lady Ransom,) from her debut EP, "The Divine Edit." Lo-Fi Sugar recently recorded with world-renowned techno DJ Paul Van Dyk. The video will screen at next month's Other Venice Film Festival.

"all that is not" is TBD.

"The Night Divine" is playing at The Other Venice Film Festival:

Saturday, October 12, 2008
9:00p - 10:30p

For more info, check out:

http://www.othervenicefilmfestival.com

"The Night Divine" Accepted Into The Other Venice Film Festival

2008-08-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Lo-Fi Sugar, "The Night Divine," the music video/experimental piece that I Co-Directed with Lady Ransom was accepted into the 2008 Venice Beach Film Festival. It's actually called "The Other Venice Film Festival" and it's right around my old stomping ground, Dogtown Baby!

More info to come...but be Impressed...be Very Impressed!

So Says Jed

"But What's In It For Me?"

2008-08-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

"But what's in it for me?"

I hear this (or some version of it,) on a constant and consistent basis from most of my LA contacts...when asking them if they want to participate in one of my projects.

I can accept that people whom I consider friends don't want to work for free WITH (not FOR) me, even though I'd do it for them.

I can accept that they will only work once for free for a new contact, in hopes that the new contact is "THE ONE." (They never are.)

I can accept it, I just don't get it. I ask you:

What are you doing in LA if not to try whatever you can, as much as you can, for as long as you can in order to Make It Big?

Why spend all the money, the needless expense, wading through crappy jobs and schlocky people, if you're not going to do whatever it takes to change your situation?

Answer me, dammit!

Do you really want to be an Assistant Camera, Trailer Editor, Reality-TV Cameraman, Post-Production Supervisor, or Music Video Production Manager or whatever you are now, forever?

If you want to change your stars, you better start "Showing Up" and sacrificing your nights and weekends. (And I ain't talking cellphones.)

Yes, we all want to make movies "The Right Way," yes, we all want to be able to enjoy our lives...but sometimes doing it the right way is just not an option...you need to work with what ya got.

Anything worthwhile takes sacrifice. Period.

My biggest problem is that I can't get what I want (a film) unless I convince some of you people that I'm right about this.

If I was a painter, I'd just need a brush, a canvas, and some paint to work on my art.

With film, either you need a lot of money, or a lot of talented friends, young enough to not yet be jaded by the drudgery of the industry.

I have neither.

So if not for me, for yourself, please consider the following:

When you work for free for a day or two, a week or two, or a month or two, you get a lot in return besides money...

1.) It's a fun time hanging out with a new batch of people who may end up as friends, lovers, or contacts.

2.) You get to practice, show off, and hone your craft.

3.) You can add an IMDB credit that will only help you to get more/better gigs and to increase your viability in the industry for your own future projects.

4.) You can network with other people in your field. Honestly, they probably won't get you a job per se, but the bigger your network, the better the chance you have of finding work or Hitting It Big.

5.) You can build your Rolodex for people to call on/refer to yours or other projects.

6.) YOU GET TO BE A PART OF A BUNCH OF FILMS THAT WILL LAST LONGER THAN ANY OF US.

The other option is to only take paid gigs which means you meet less people, don't get to practice your craft as much, and work at a lower credit level. Also, you have less total credits than you would otherwise...therefore decreasing your chances of success.

So what's stopping you?

We'd all like a Perfect Situation, but I'm here to tell you...It Don't Exist.

TO INDIE PRODUCERS

The previous was geared toward Crew in general. The following is for all you Would-Be Producers out there...

This is an email I sent to a close personal friend who I care about very much. We had been talking about producing a project together:

"To do this, or any project takes a full, complete, and wholehearted commitment to the project...I have it, but I can't do it alone. Without someone like you on board fully, I can't make it, or any other project happen.

It takes focus on one goal and one goal alone...it can't just be: "Well, if it happens, it happens, if things come together, well, and then I'm in." It takes: "I am going to make this no matter what, somehow, some way...whatever it takes."

You may be thinking that you know this already and that I am patronizing you...I'm sure you do know this, so I'm sorry if it's coming across that way.

Here's some more things to think about:

I know you want things to be professional, and done "the right way," I do too...but I am not going to wait around for it to happen.

I'd rather have a project that I tried my best on than no project at all...or some credit on someone else's work...or spend my time trying to create the perfect situation...I work with what I got, because I know there's nothing else.

As I said, I can't do this project without you or someone like you, so my hopes were up that you were looking forward to working day and night (and loving it,)and feeling good about calling in favors...Because it was your project too."

People want me to create 75% of the project so that they can add their 25% at their leisure.

Well...

1.) There is no project unless everyone commits to it fully.

2.) And if I did create 75% of a project, I wouldn't need you, I couldn't even fit you into the project because your spot has since been filled.

TO EVERYBODY

i don't work for free, but I do work for No Pay:

If you need me to PA a day or two, just let me know in advance, and I'm there.

You need a Producer? I'm there, as long as I am a true partner sacrificing an equal amount as you and getting an equal amount of control as my level of sacrifice.

You want my help? It'll cost you. Not money, just respect and control.

You need a Director? I'm there, as long as I have creative control.

You want a script? Take mine, I just need to verify that you have the money that you say that you have to produce the thing.

Forget about my stuff, work on someone else's project if you want.

But for God's Sake, stop wasting your time in Dream Land and put your money and/or effort where your mouth is.

You laugh at all those hacks who call themselves Directors because they have a piece-of-shit movie in your opinion...well, at least they have a movie.

You?

You've got your standards. That and 5 bucks won't even get you a cup of Coffee and Starbucks.

Help me out people, I'm beginning to think that you don't want it as much as me.

Mr. Mediocre...That's Me!

2008-07-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

The Story Of My Life: "Close - in the top 15%"

Those words were handwritten on my Nicholl Fellowship rejection letter. The Nicholl Fellowship is the most prestigious and lucrative contest in the world.

It is literally run by The Academy of Motion Pictures...so a bit of an honor.

But it also illustrates a recurring theme in my life: 'Close-But-No-Cigar."

"Almost, But Not Quite."

I am honored by the achievement but really, it may as well said: "You came close, you almost won, but yet again, you have failed...jerk."

It's right up there with:

"I like you, I just don't LIKE like you. I want you to spend all of your free time with me, connect with me on an emotional level, sacrifice your needs for mine, hold me above all others...but lets just be friends."

"We were just having fun...you're a nice guy to hook up with but I can't commit to a relationship with someone with such low prospects as you have."

"Well, yeah we're friends...just when it's convenient to me."

"I totally want to work with you...if you pay me."

"I want you to totally produce my project for me...if you work for free."

"You can live in LA, but you are so poor that you are not allowed to enjoy it."

"You can have money, but you are so busy that you are not allowed to spend it."

I am just tired of feeling, believing, knowing that I have something important to offer the world...I am tired of getting "this" close to being able to show the world what I can offer, only to miss it "by That much."

I don't need anyone to tell me that I'm awesome and talented and smart, and all that...I know that I am, no one can convince me otherwise.

But I do need others to think that I am awesome and talented and smart if I want to have a successful career, to be able to continue to create my art, and to have a life that allows me to actually enjoy it.

I know I'm great, and I know a lot of people reading this agree...I just wish a person or institution with "career changing" influence agreed.

PS:

So far this year, I've won 2 Honorable mentions and a First Round win.

C- Baby, C- !!!!

Lo-Fi Sugar video at WeHo Film Festival

2008-07-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

"THE NIGHT DIVINE" - Co-Directed by me and Lady Ransom is playing at the:
West Hollywood Film Festival, House of Blues, - Sunset Strip 12 PM, Wednesday July 30th.

If you missed Saturday's Dances With Films screening, (which is likely,) this is your chance to see it before it really blows up!

LA Or Not LA?

2008-07-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

Lo-Fi Sugar assigned a Mission to me for my current visit to LA.

She wants me to move back to LA (but only if that is what I really want, that is.) Truth is, I'm not sure what I want. So Lo-Fi created a Mission to help me figure it out.

Her directions were simple:

1.) Spend time with only with those who love and support me.

"Love and support" means that the person shows demonstrable and concrete interest in my life and takes time/effort/energy to be a part of it.

2.) Go to the places and spots that I love/enjoy and soak in the atmosphere. Imagine who I'd be with, what we'd talked about, and what we'd do.

I accepted her Mission and this is what I discovered:

FRIENDS
A majority of my close friends have either moved away or have gotten married, which is really the same thing. A lot of my good friends are toying with the idea of moving on, getting married, or both.

I've been keeping in touch with a ton of LA PEOPLE who aren't "there" for me as friends, have never helped my career in 10 years, and have never supported any of my projects...even though I have supported them in any way that I could.

So they're not friends, not contacts, not supporters...they're basically just an e-mail address and an image in my head.

LA CRUSH/FAME AND FORTUNE
A big part of my desire to live in LA is based on the idea that if I am in LA, somehow I'll be recognized and appreciated as a person, an artist, and a filmmaker.

I want people to love me.

Yes, I love the sunny weather here. Yes, I love the beaches and the hiking and the melting pot of people in this city. Yes, I love the process of filmmaking and the joy of creating something meaningful and heartfelt and lasting.

Mainly though, I just want to feel like my life matters, that my work and ideas...that "I" mattered.

LASTING IMPACT
Like most of us, I have a fundamental desire for people to recognize and be saddened if I was gone.

So far, since I've moved away, that hasn't happened much...and if it has without me knowing it, not many people have shown me. In the end, that's all that matters...not what you think or say, but what you do, what you stand for.

CAREER
I am now certain that I do not want a 9-7, M-F job in the Entertainment Industry. A job that takes up all my time and energy so that I am unable to work on my own projects.

I am talking about being a Scheduler, an Assistant, a Researcher, or Reality-TV "Producer." I would have a certain level of security and order to my life, but I'd be doing a job that didn't bring me joy, that didn't pay THAT much, and would take up most of my time that I could be living in Alaska for all I knew.

What is the point of living in LA if you can't enjoy what LA has to offer?

The answer is: Because you believe that your Big Break, or a better life, is somehow right around the corner. "If I just wait long enough and work hard enough and are nice to enough people...it HAS to happen for me eventually."

This, I do not believe.

Also...

I do not want a Freelance job that gives me a ton of time off but that I can't enjoy because I'm spending all my time scrambling to find the next gig.

The conclusion to all of this is:

I only want to live in LA if reality were completely different than it actually is.

If I had a steady stream of income that allowed me a certain time to work on my projects, that allowed me spend time with friends, and that allowed me to meet women without the knowledge that once they find out I'm $50,000 in debt and work as a 35 year-old PA, they're on to greener pastures.

Only then would I want to live in LA.

But getting paid nothing to go further into debt while working a 12-18 hour a day job that I hate...leaving no time, money, or energy to work on my own projects...Projects that I couldn't get anyone to work on in the first place...No Thanks.

Working Freelance for people with less experience, skill, or and desire but more money than me? Working for more experienced and skilled people who either treat me rudely or treat me nice but have no interest in moving me "Up?" Struggling to find work any way I cam just to make ends meet? Working as a small part of someone else's project or working as a Producer on a for free project that I have to "Own," but since it's not my money, I have no control over?

No. Thanks.

The point to all of this is that I am thankful to Lo-Fi Sugar. Because of her mission, I have achieved clarity of thought and a higher level of understanding about my life.

Don't know what to do to fix the problem, but I am a few steps closer to figuring it out.

The Best Guy On The Face of The Planet

2008-07-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

Here's just a small sample of what some of my friends have offered to me when I told them I was giving my Film/TV dream a break for a long while:

"You are a wonderful, capable dreamer, Jed."

"Whatever you decide to do you will grace with your awesome attitude and kindness and i'm sure you will make a million more friends along the way!"

"I think you are amazing."

"I just hope you don't give up what's in your soul - which clearly seems to be telling a story through film. If you can do it in the Boston area - then I hope you do for your own enjoyment. Don't let your spirit die."

"You are dedicated and work hard, but you are also a warm, friendly person so stay in touch with those you feel deserve you and your talents/gifts."

"I respect you as an artist and a friend, and hope for nothing but success in your future. Please be sure that ----- feels the same way."

"Your adventure has just started to unfold. As long as we keep swinging
the bat...the hits will come."

"I have a feeling though, for you, that your day is going to come, you will have that concrete project with committed people who are just as excited as you are to make a project. That is...if that's what you really want."

"Keep on trucking, my friend. You're a good person, and don't forget it."

Thanks everybody for the kind words, they mean a lot to me!

"Here" I Am

2008-07-16T10:03:00.001-07:00

Bossy amd loud, Baby! You know it!

What do all you think of this for me:

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver

You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.
Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.
Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.
You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.

In love, you are very protective and supporting.
However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous.

At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential.

You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.

How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressive

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud

I'm not too happy that an online test that took 5 minutes to take has described me pretty much spot on!

WEHO Fest Time/Date Changes

2008-07-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

The West Hollywood International Film Festival likes LO-FI SUGAR - "THE NIGHT DIVINE" so much...

that they're going to screen it a number of times throughout the festival week.

Date, Time, Location TBD, but hopefully, I'll know by this Tuesday.

I'll keep you posted, but be on the look out.

-Jed

"The Night Divine" Accepted into the West Hollywood Film Festival!

2008-07-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

LO-FI SUGAR, "THE NIGHT DIVINE," the music video/experimental piece Co-Directed by me and Lady Ransom. Is a Official Selection of the following:

West Hollywood Film Festival, House of Blues, - Sunset Strip 12 PM, July 30th

Dances With Films Festival - West Hollywood, July 26th, 2008

HD Fest - TBD
Fear No Film Festival - June 27th, 2008
Boston International Film Festival - June 6th, 2008

Screenplay Win!

2008-07-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

My feature-length script, SOMETHING MAGICAL won Honorable Mention (3rd Place,) in The 2008 Woods Hole Film Festival screenplay competition.

It feels good.

Here's the deal:

SOMETHING MAGICAL
By Jeremy Hammel, Massachusetts
WINNER Drama Honorable Mention

SYNOPSIS: A dying 14-year-old girl, Sarah, who will never be able to grow up, and a
lovelorn young man, James, who never got to be a kid, spend one last Summer doing everything that they think they missed out on in each of their lives.

I wrote it LOOOONNNNGGGGG before "The Bucketlist," BTW.

So Says Jed

"The Night Divine" Accepted Into Dances With Films

2008-07-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

Lo-Fi Sugar, "The Night Divine" was accepted into the 11th Annual Dances With Films Festival!

We're playing at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 26th, 2008 at the Laemmle Sunset 5 on Sunset and Laurel Canyon.

DWF is fancy and big, but still maintains serious Indie Film Street Cred.

Come on out and support indie film...and my giant ego.

Life Is Long and We Are Young

2008-06-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007

These pictures make me feel very Bossa Nova...happy and sad at the same time. They are a reminder of why I have fought so hard to become a filmmaker, and what I miss most right now. They are snapshots of life at it's most simple and complicated all at once...and to me, of life at its best.

Working on independent films is a tough game, but when you look back on it, time tends to smooth out the rough edges of your memory so that's what left is just the best parts.

In practice, Independent production is long hours of non-stop work for no pay with a group of people each with separate agendas, and a lot of times, those agendas are at odds with yours.

But what indpendent filmmaking is most like to me is Summer Camp...that, or a whirlwind tour with Stillwater in "Almost Famous." ("I need to go home." "You ARE home.")

An independent film crew is usually made up of wide-eyed, young and hungry newcomers. The day is made up of quick moments of hurried activity followed by long, drawn out hours when all there is to do is to talk, bond, cuddle, kiss, reflect, fall in love, make enemies, and otherwise look deep into, and see the best and worst of people you'd never, ever get the chance to interact with if not for the film.

On a film set, friendships are built and destroyed, hearts broken and made full, horizons are expanded, possibilities are explored, and hormones fly through the air like fireflys in the Summer night...all in all, the richest of memories are made.

I long for that feeling again...and I miss my friends...soon, soon...New memories will be made only to be longed for once again.

(Photos by Robb Rosenfeld)

Blogtastick!!!

2008-06-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Been writing on this thing a lot lately...maybe too much. On life, love, women vs. men, film...something for everyone. Do me a favor and scroll down, check out the headlines, and read a few. Thanks

Lo-Fi Sugar Video Selected to HD Fest

2008-06-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Lo-Fi Sugar, "The Night Divine" was just accepted into the 9th Annual HDFEST.

From the site:

HDFEST 2008 will be taking place October 2008 in New York, New York and will include festival screenings at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, panel discussions with HD filmmaking pioneers, HDFEST festival parties and live music.

There's still time to profess your love to me before my career really starts Blowin' Up.

Ticking Clock...

2008-06-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

6/10/08

Don't you get that life is just one big ticking clock?

That doesn't mean you dwell on death or even stress about running out of time...

It does mean that you should get off your butt, do what you want to do, say what you want to say, try what you want to try, and accomplish what you want to accomplish, or quite literally, die trying.

It comes down to this:

Spend as much time doing what you love and surround yourself with those who you love and who love you, because you just never know when it might all be taken away from you.

Get off your butt. Write. Draw. Dance naked. Call your Mom. Get over yourself and admit to your crush that you're sooooo into them. Finish that movie. Help someone else start there's.

I am not wrong about this.

Live Baby Live.

Script Contest "Win"

2008-05-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

I just found out that a short script that I wrote, MOMENT OF TRUTH, advanced to the next round of competition in THE 7TH AMERICAN GEN LITERARY FESTIVAL. So I got that going for me...which is nice.

Project Update

2008-05-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

I just got back from LA for the Lo-Fi Sugar "The Night Divine" music video premiere...and I'm feeling kinda strange.

First off, the screening went really well!

A small group of strangers and a smaller group of friends seemed to think that the video was worth 5 minutes of their life, which is really all that I need to feel that it's worth it.

I've definitely sent out my last mass email/Evite...

There's only so many times the same 200 people can reply "NO" before I stop inviting them to my events...their loss, the people who do show up are more important to me personally anyway and they seem to have a great time, so whatevs.

Project-wise, here's where things are:

LO-FI SUGAR - "THE NIGHT DIVINE"
The video has been accepted into two festivals, with a bunch more pending results. At the end of the year, I'll post it online and send it as part of a reel to agents, managers, production companies, commercial houses, producers, etc.

THE LEGACY
I've seen two re-edits of the rough cut, without the Special Effects. It looks good and is well edited...it still needs some tweaks and the SFX are almost non-existent. I talked to our guy and he's hopeful he'll find time to get to it soon. I'm hoping for an October 2008 release. I'm really excited about it though!

WHEN IT BEGAN
Did a screen test with the actress I want as the lead and I acted in a few run-through's with her. I think I could've done a better job acting, but I thought it was a good start.

It was definitely discouraging to hear a old, dear friend, upon seeing the footage, tell me that she thinks I shouldn't do it. A proper response in my mind would be: "Well, it's a good start, but if you want to do it, I think you should just work hard at it."...But that's just me.

Once "Super Model" is complete, I'll focus on this project. I'm hoping for a late July or early August shoot date in LA.

METAL GOD: THE BOBBY LEE HOLIDAY STORY
Still the best thing I've ever written, just nobody's read it...except one good friend who feels that it could, but does not, have "The Goods."

SUPER MODEL
I am meeting with the actor who I want for the lead next week. If all goes well, we'll shoot it in one weekend just after The 4th of July.

I LOVE MY CAR
Slated to be shot in September in Boston. I need to save up money to fly out/pay a DP based in LA...we'll see.

SUMMER SONG, SOMETHING MAGICAL, BLOODRUSH, MOMENT OF TRUTH
These various feature or short scripts have been entered into the Nicholls Fellowship, Sundance Institute, Creative Screenwriter, etc...we'll see.

You're All A Bunch Of Weirdos

2008-05-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

I have a good amount of friends...I'd even say I have a lot. Or at least, I know a lot of people.

All are "good people," each with an array of good qualities and a few not-so-good qualities.

Each with a different set of expectations, outlooks, ideas, and ways of leading their lives...

...like we all do.

But each and every single person that I have ever met and gotten to know even a little bit are quite simply: Weirdos.

This is a good thing.

They are unique, curious, special, exciting, not cliche, one-of-a-kind...they are individuals.

And I appreciate them for who they are as a whole. I accept them with all their flaws because their good qualities make it worth it for me.

But I am getting tired of some of them because they don't really get that they're weirdos, so they spend a lot of time bitchin', moaning, and spreading petty gossip about my other friends who are nice enough people and who are equally weird as they are, but just weird in a different way.

I am tired of Bonafide, Card Carrying Weirdo friends of mine complaining or commenting to me about how weird some other friend of mine is. Or an obnoxious friend complaining that another one of my friends is obnoxious.

Nobody's perfect, including you, so please extend the same courtesy and patience to others that you benefit yourself.

Nobody's Perfect.

Our friendship is important enough for me to compromise, please do the same for me.

And my other weird friends

who you are just as weird as you

just in a different way

I'm a Weirdo...Thank God!

So Says Jed, part IV

2008-05-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

You don't like the way I dress? Well, you wear way too much make-up...I just don't say it, so why are comfortable you insulting me?

You want me to stop eating junk food? Cool, I'd love for you to lose about 50 pounds...you first.

You don't think my script is good enough? Fine, fix it, or write a better one. What are you waiting for?

That girl friend of mine is a snob? Try talking to her like a person and not a Target.

You're tired of my guy friends hitting on you? No worries, once they saw how conceited you are, they backed off...congratulations!

Complaining about penis size? You better be packing a set of Double-D's, Girly!

You want a rich, stable/wild-and-crazy Prince Charming? Look in the mirror, Sister, are you all of those things too? Or are you not really being honest with who you are and what you have to offer HIM...but it's just that you want to be saved?

Stop Talking, Start Doing

2008-05-27T04:31:00.000-07:00

'Kay People, here it is:

I spent 2 years doing everything I could to make "the film dream" happen: no days off, no sleep, a ton of compromises and a monk-like patience by me.

I failed.

But I failed not because I didn't try hard enough, I failed because filmmaking is a group effort and every person I met who said that they were in LA to make films were, in actuality, too chicken, too stubborn, too clueless, or too stuck in fantasy-land to ever do anything about bringing their dreams into reality...they are all talk whether they realize it now or not.

I don't want to hear that you have "numerous projects in various stages of development," or that you're "in talks," being patient, or "seeking investors," they're all just ways of saying something without saying anything at all...JUST MAKE MOVIES.

I don't care if it's a spec commercial script, or a one chip camera YouTube movie...just make movies.

Your script sale is NOT right around the corner, investors will not be knocking down your door for your indie film, and everyone knows a CW star who wants to be in their film for free..If success comes to you, great, but don't count on it, love your craft and...just make movies.

Find a way within your means to be productive, write an hour a day, make one roughshod short every month, call in every favor you have for your feature...but just make movies.

No seriously, forget about waiting to hear back from your friend at ICM about your script's coverage. Stop waiting for a indie film to actually shoot on real film instead of DV. Working on the Warner Brothers lot is working in the film business, but you came to LA to make your stuff. Get off your butt, yes, right now, and make it happen.

So says Jed.

Part II

LO-FI SUGAR said it best: "What's good for you is good for me and vice-versa, we're all in this together, we can't do it alone."

I spent two years trying to convince people to compromise and to give up just a little bit of power or creative control in exchange for pooling resources...no takers

after two or more years, that same large group of people each have nothing whatsoever to show for it.

It really is a shame, because if I had suceeded in bringing together all the talented, well-connected people who I know in Hollywood...well, we'd all be rich and have a ton of films to show for it.

Instead, we all have nothing to show for it.

Everyone wants to do THEIR project, their script, their way...well good luck, I aint having it.

Saint Milly

2008-05-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

Saw a great short, "Saint Milly," which showed after "The Night Divine" at The Boston International Film Festival.

It was shot in the Boston area, it was shot beautifully, well acted, and had a sweet story to tell.

The director and her friends were really nice too. It's not on IMDB, but look for it on the festival circuit.

2008? No, 2000 and Great!

2008-02-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

2008 has gotten off to a really good start.

I've solved my financial woes for the most part. It simply amazes me how money cannot bring you happiness, but constantly struggling financially can make you miserable. I have reached a Happy Medium

Got to go to Sundance this year...Saw "Hamlet 2" and "Sunshine Cleaning" which were each a near perfect mix of commercial appeal and quirky Indie originality.

Those films reminded me that though a lot of us complain about "The System" holding us down, really, sometimes it's just that our stuff is good and their's is Amazing.

I'm going next year as a fan, and maybe, just maybe as a filmmaker.

Mainly, it inspired me to:

1.) Complete some of the best writing I've ever done in my life...the fastest I've ever written.

2.) Prioritize all my various projects and basically organize and plan my Producing, Writing, and Directing tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals.

In less than a month's time, I have:

Completed editing three different versions of the LO-FI SUGAR music video...just need to do some color correcting and duplicating. I have made a list of my Top 10 and Top 20 film festivals to enter them into once everything is set...April 2008 at the latest.

Completed writing a short/episodic comedy called "METAL GOD: THE BOBBY LEE HOLIDAY STORY."

Rewritten and re-edited two feature length screenplays.

Applied to 10+ script writing contests each for my previously written projects:

SUMMER SONG
SOMETHING MAGICAL
ALL THAT IS NOT (THE REMIX)
I LOVE MY CAR
MOMENT OF TRUTH
BLOOD RUSH
WHEN IT BEGAN

Started re-working my long lost script, SLANT

Shot-listed, budgeted, and otherwise prepped the short I LOVE MY CAR.

Made plans to redesign my website, www.teamhammel.com (by May 2008 at the latest.

I've immersed myself in film making literature as a way to re-energize, remind, and learn a bit more about screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, directing actors, even a How-To intro books for Grips.

I also am making plans to shoot three shorts and a YouTube video by New Years 2009. I'll keep you all posted.

Plus, THE LEGACY should be done by Fall 2008. Hopefully, I'll have a feature script or two done by then.

All in all, I'm excited for what the future may hold for me.

Wish me luck!

Interview with Jed

2008-01-10T23:42:00.000-08:00

Sudbury filmmaker gets hometown debut of movie
By Michael Wyner

Fri Nov 08, 2002, 07:00 PM EST

SUDBURY - After numerous adventures in Hollywood, filmmaker Jed Hammel has come back to his hometown to screen his new short film at the Goodnow Library next Sunday.

Hammel, 29, a 1992 graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, wrote and directed the 45-minute "all that is not" in Los Angeles in 2000-01. The story revolves around a basketball game between a black man, played by Arlow Stewart, who has appeared on TV's "The Practice" and "Judging Amy," and a white man, played by Andy Dylan.

"It starts out as a lesson in basketball, and ends up as a lesson in life for both players," Hammel said. "Every time you think you have it figured out, you don't. Basically, I wanted to get people to think about the way they view race relations, and more importantly, how they make assumptions in general based on insufficient information, and what to do about that."

The movie cost only $500 to make over two weekends, but the promotion of the film has cost $10,000 so far.

Hammel chose friends to be part of the cast and crew.

"What ended up happening is I sort of put the word out that I needed help, and all these friends of mine came out of the woodwork, and went above and beyond what I had asked of them," Hammel said. "There were a number of people clamoring to be a part of this project. They all worked for free and for long hours. It was a nice feeling to be in such good company."

Hammel held a screening of the film in Los Angeles in October 2001 with 300 people, and received a standing ovation.

At the same time, Hammel appreciates the criticism that he receives from audience members.

"Every piece of criticism I've gotten so far has been constructive," he said. "The movie does exactly what I intended it to do, which is to get people thinking. The worst thing that can happen to a movie is that an audience couldn't care less about it one way or the other."

Throughout "all that is not," Hammel experiments with many traditional filmmaking techniques.

"The film has a lot of highs and lows, a lot of very quiet moments, music that will come out of nowhere, a scene with a lot of choppy editing and a scene with one long shot," Hammel said. "The whole movie is about contrast, as seen through one black character and one white character."

Hammel cites Paul Thomas Anderson, director of "Boogie Nights" and the current "Punch-Drunk Love" with Adam Sandler, as one of his biggest influences.

"I tend to do the same thing that he does. He doesn't always follow the traditional structure. Sometimes there are just random things in his films that come out of nowhere," Hammel said. "It's a precarious balance to stay within the rules, but then also to go outside of them to show the audience something they haven't seen before."

"All that is not" was also screened at the Curtis Middle School in April.

"I said to everybody there, 'If you like what you see, get the word out,' " Hammel remembers. "The great thing was that one week later, the Friends of the Goodnow Library said they wanted to screen the movie. The cool thing about Sudbury is that it's a community in the truest sense of the word - they want to support their own."

Before he began working on "all that is not," Hammel worked at NBC studios for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and later as a producer for "Later," now called "Last Call with Carson Daly."

"Jay was always a really nice guy. He treats everybody he comes across with a great deal of respect," Hammel said. "Celebrities meet a billion people a day. But Jay really makes an effort to take the time with people, and he puts on the performance he knows people want."

One of the most energetic celebrities that Hammel met was Will Smith, who was a guest on "Later."

"Will came on, and he lit up the room. He was just being really funny with the crew, making the audience feel very welcome. That takes effort, and that more than anything is what people appreciate - the effort," Hammel said.

Of course, Hammel has come across celebrities who have not been as gracious. One woman starring on an NBC sitcom refused to get into a limousine because it was not a "stretch" limo.

"We had to wait there and order a new stretch limo for her," Hammel said. "That doesn't happen that often, though. Most celebrities are pretty cool. Nine times out of 10, they're very appreciative of their success, especially the ones who have been successful for a long time."

In addition to working on NBC, Hammel has also written and sold a feature-length screenplay called "Last Summer" to Division One Entertainment, for which he received some advice from another Boston native - Ben Affleck.

"Ben was really helpful. I talked to him three or four times, and he never talked down to me. He gave me good advice and encouragement," Hammel said.

Hammel is headed back to Los Angeles in February, planning to organize another screening of "all that is not" and hoping to make another movie. He is still waiting to hear whether the film will be screened at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. It has already been accepted into the 2002 Boston Film Festival.

Whenever people see the movie, Hammel said he likes that they walk out with a positive feeling.

"My hope for this film is to have people leave the theater wanting to help somebody or themselves, or help the world become a better place, and do something positive with their lives or someone else's life," he said.

In the end, Hammel said he has ended up learning from his own film. "It ended up being that the lessons that I was trying to impart were lessons that I hadn't learned myself yet. It was so great to sort of have my own movie turn in on me," he said.

The movie will be screened Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. at the library.

Even The Vegetables Don't Like Him

2008-01-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

I found this online from almost 3 and a half years ago. Incidentally, I got zero response:

Experienced PA/PC/Team Player
California Posted: Sep 29, 2004
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2004

I am looking to get back into independent film/video after a few years in network TV (Leno, "later," Access Hollywood.)

My experience ranges from PA to Production Coordinator to Producer to FCP Editor.

If you're looking for someone with a positive attitude and a strong background in the industry to help with your production, I'm your man.

I'm looking for paying gigs but deffered okay for the right situation.

My First Interview

2007-12-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

This is one of my least favorite interview articles they ever did on me, but it is a nice Blast from the Past:

Posted Apr 24, 2002, 08:00 PM EDT

SUDBURY - Jeremy Jed Hammel is the first to admit he has a big ego.

"I like to be the big cheese," he says.

But in his directorial debut for his 45-minute short film, "all that is not," the Sudbury resident's proudest moment came when he cast his ego aside and let someone else briefly hold the reins.

"We came to this one scene. It was supposed to be the pivotal point of the story," he recalled. "We did it a couple of times with a couple of takes and it was not working. This was supposed to be my moment where I could show people I was a director to be reckoned with."

While Hammel concentrated on figuring out why the scene wasn't working, much to his surprise the answer came in the form of a young production assistant.

"Out of the blue this 21-year-old kid stepped in and said this is what we're going to do. On any other production this is a way to get fired or at least be told to shut up, but I just stepped back and let him do it. He was having a moment and it allowed me to step back. It was my greatest achievement just letting him do it," said the 28-year-old Ithaca College graduate.

By taking his own advice - "The second you think you have everything figured out is the second you don't" - Hammel not only lived up to the name of his project, Team Hammel, he also saved the scene.

"I told my crew that the name of my company is Team Hammel. I really wanted it to be a team," he said.

Longing to break into the film industry, Hammel threw himself into it full-throttle. He wrote and directed "all that is not" in the fall and early winter of 2000 and edited the project from March through September in 2001. The film debuted in Los Angeles on Nov. 28 at Culver Studios.

Locally, Hammel will premiere his 45-minute film at Curtis Middle School in Sudbury on Sunday, April 28, at 7:15 p.m. The free event is open to the public and a question and answer session with Hammel will follow.

The film centers around two main characters - one white, one African-American - on a basketball court. Throughout the film, the audience's perceptions about race as well as other preconceived notions are continually challenged.

"all that is not" is not Hammel's first foray into screenplay writing. In 1997, he began writing his first feature-length screenplay, "Last Summer." In Sept. 2000, the script was optioned to Division One Entertainment.

"I finished it ('Last Summer') in 1998. It's about how life takes time and about how life is precious. Here I was thinking I was teaching the world this deep thing and looking back now at the script I realized I hadn't really learned those things," he said. "When I finished that script I thought everyone would love it and give me a million-dollar deal. That was clearly not the case," he chuckled.

While small independent companies were interested in the screenplay, the companies lacked clout, Hammel said. Other studios read the script and wanted to make changes - a point Hammel would not waver on.

"Last Summer" tells the story of a dying 14-year-old girl who feels she'll never be able to grow up and a lovelorn young man who never had a chance to be a kid. Together they spend one last summer together doing all of the things they think they missed out on in their lives.

Hammel is currently trying to secure financing for the film, which he plans to direct in the New England area this summer.

For "all that is not," Hammel says he financed the film himself, which cost him about $5,000. The cost was mostly tied to promotional expenses.

"I created a story that requires a small amount of actors, takes place in one location, is shot outside and fits the hand-held style," he said, adding all of these elements made the venture financially viable.

His crew of 10 consisted mainly of friends who pitched in to help him out. Through his connections at Access Hollywood, where he worked as a production assistant in 1999, he was able to borrow the camera and lighting equipment for free.

His production experience, including his first stint as a production assistant for "Next Stop Wonderland," proved invaluable throughout his directorial debut. "Next Stop Wonderland" was filmed in Boston in the fall of 1999 and later went onto the Sundance Film Festival where Miramax picked it up for a record-breaking $6 million.

With "Next Stop Wonderland" Hammel became friends with the unit production manager who took him under her wing. "Instead of being sent out on gopher assignments she kept me on the set," he said. "... It was very nice to see a lot of people who were together as a team whose only goal was to create a piece of art and entertain people."

"all that is not" premieres at the Curtis Middle School, 22 Pratt's Mill Road, in Sudbury on April 28 at 7:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The film is appropriate for children age nine and older.

Hard Truths, part I

2007-11-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

Here Are Some Hard Truths:

Your script isn't that good...people say they love it because what else are the going to say?

Your script IS that good...people poke holes in it because it makes them feel important. And it makes them feel better if you share in their failure to get their script finished or out.

It doesn't matter either way, bad scripts are bought and sold daily.

So are good scripts.

Either way, believe in yourself, follow your heart and make it happen!

People aren't working on your film because they love the project.

They're working on it because your paying them, or they need an IMDB credit, or they want to stockpile favors. They're in it for themselves, which is okay, because so are you.

You won't make money on your film...you just won't. You might break even eventually, but that's it...just enjoy the process of having a completed film in the first place.

You need to compromise...are you saying you know everything about everything?

Talk is cheap.

Lying catches up to you...Do you really have numerous projects in development? Really?

More to come...

So Says Jed, pt. III

2007-11-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

What should our goals as filmmakers realistically be?

Well, to start, here's an excerpt of an email I sent to a friend who has a few projects on the festival circuit:

"There's no money in it (your short,) and it probably won't get you your next job...so if you like it yourself, if you enjoyed the process and they people you worked with...if you honed your craft, and learned something about yourself, well, that's all you can ask."

Obviously, we want to get distribution, a paying gig, and the accolades of an adoring audience...we just shouldn't expect it.

Getting into a festival, winning it, getting distribution, or an agent are all things to be proud of...but keep them in perspective, please.

Success is either: pride of a job well done and/or legit money with a deal to make another film.

Everything else in between is just talk, or steps along the way.

So Says Jed

So Says Jed, pt. II

2007-11-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

I want to be a filmmaker. And though I have completed close to 10 projects in 2 years, I do not consider myself a filmmaker. The funny thing is, I come across people all the time who call themselves filmmakers with one or even no projects complete.

I've noticed that a lot of people would rather feel like they're a filmmaker than actually do what it takes to be successful as one.

What it boils down to is this: They're willing to spend all their money in order to feel like one of the cool kids.

They want the power, they want to have the film fest Q and A, they want the IMDB credit, they want the photo of them and the beautiful (if not truly famous,) people.

And they're willing to pay for it.

Being in charge and being successful are not entirely the same thing.

And maybe they confuse the two. Maybe they honestly believe that them being in charge of something that they have no experience with is the best way to be successful. Maybe the actually believe that not allowing experienced people to do their jobs is the best way to create a quality film.

I think not.

I think they are dreamers blinded by ego.

Spielberg is a dreamer...PT Anderson, Wes Anderson, even Brett Ratner are dreamers. I am a dreamer

And they all have huge egos. (Me too.)

They're just not blinded by their egos.

They compromise, they don't back down, they fight for what they want, they concede to other's point of view...they're smart enough to know when and where to do it.

This is what being a filmmaker means to me:

Being a filmmaker doesn't just mean making a film.

It's much more than that.

You can't just have a project in development.

You can't just have a short or two under your belt

You can't just have a feature

You can't just have a feature that you can rent at Blockbuster.

In order to call yourself a filmmaker (in my opinion,) you need:

To want to make films at all costs, whether it be ego or money

You need to want to love making films whether it's your's or someone else's.

You need to consistently work on your craft and apply it by making something...anything

You've got to treat your crew and vendors with respect

You need to forgo your wants and needs for the good of the project, like a parent

Mostly, you need to understand that we're all in this together and a certain level of compromise is good.

more to come...

Feeling In Between

2007-10-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

I've got to admit, I'm feeling a little lost these days.

The LFS video is almost done, THE LEGACY is looking good and is on schedule to be complete by March, and STARTING FROM SCRATCH won Honorable Mention at The Berkley Film and Video Film Festival, so things are going well.

But there's so much else I want/could be doing...I just don't have the money. I am working on a business plan to raise funds for a feature, so I am trying to change my situation...still, things are tough. I still can't pay bills, still have no time for my projects, still work every day of the week for well under 50K. Still working for my Dad and living with my Mom...all this needs to change.

So yeah, a little lost these days. This post is a record of my current state in hopes of being able to ook back when things are better...we'll see.

Umm...Yeah...

2007-08-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

Summer's gone pretty fast, looking forward to some vacation time...

...And Humble Too

2007-07-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

There are 4 types of people in the world:

1.) People who know and appreciate me even with all my flaws

2.) People who have never met me.

3.) People who don't really like me but either think they need me or don't have the heart to tell me that they don't enjoy my cmpany as much as I enjoy their's.

4.) Jackasses who know me but don't like me.

I'm sorry, but you have to be a moron to not to want to, at least, hang out with me...I dont care who you are, how rich, famous, successful, whatever.

I've typed it, posted it, I understand how it sounds...I just don't care, it's true and I stand by my statement...you'd have to be a giant moron not to want to spend as much time as possible in my presence.

So Says Jed

August 12,2007 - An End and A Begining

2007-07-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

August 12, 2007...I'm sure that if I Googled that date I'd find alot of important events in history.

For me, August 12, 2007 is a goal.

(BTW, 8/11/07 is my sister, Eliza's, birthday.)

THE LEGACY will finish up our shooting schedule in LA (without me.)

I want to wrap JED IN HIS CAR that weekend.

I want mine and the other two editors of THE NIGHT DIVINE to be done with our Final Cuts of the music video.

I want to be done putting together the STARTING FROM SCRATCH press kit.

I want to have a good amount of raw footage for SAAAMM! in the can to edit later.

I want I want I want!!!

Time (and this blog,) will tell if I get what I want.

I've Missed Me

2007-07-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been remiss...

I haven't posted in a while. But truth be told, I'm not sure if anyone is actually reading my posts to notice that I stopped anyway. Regardless, I am back.

Read on to see what I've been up to these past few months...

Clap If You Believe In Jed

2007-07-10T21:49:00.001-07:00

It doesn't look like I'll be able to be on set for THE LEGACY reshoots. A second plane ticket from Boston to LA and back for me was just not in the budget.

We actually came in nearly 30% under budget (as usual,) but we weren't planning on adding a pretty full third day, one, maybe two extra shoot days and another pick-up and a drop-off day...things just add up.

I bummed, but what're you gonna do?

Think Happy Thoughts for me, maybe things will change!

The Legacy

2007-07-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

THE LEGACY shoot went amazing!

It was just about as good as it gets for me...beautiful weather, fun people, doing what I love to do...make movies with friends. Just perfect!

The shoot was well planned but still tough. We had a ton of complicated shhots to get in not a lot of time...we came together as a team and made it happen though.

It was great having a bunch of my friends mingle with a bunch of Doto's (the Director,) friends, along with some friends new to both of us.

We came in close to 30% under budget for what I planned. People were well fed, and the cast and crew were well taken care if, even though all would be troopers regardless.

More to come, but bottom line:

We Did This One Right.

AFI Screening of "Dance To The Offbeat"

2007-07-08T08:55:00.001-07:00

The DANCE TO THE OFFBEAT screenings went amazing!

The Premiere at the Harmony Gold Theater along with the other "Directing Workshop for Women" projects drew well over a thousand people. In fact, a ton of people had to be turned away. (As I thought, we DID need a second showing of the film, so I'm glad that I fought for it.

The film was a success. Period. People laughed in all the right places, so much so that at times, I couldtn't hear the next line. The audience truly enjoyed the film and were really drawn into our little story.

I got a loud cheer from the crowd, which, I have to admit, felt really, really good!

A lot of the cast and crew made it to the Premiere, and it's been over a year since I've seen most of them, so it was a long overdue reunion.

The film itself stood up strong against the other nine films, both production-wise and in the story-telling. Many of the other films spent $12,000 to over $30,000 on the film, ours made it through production for $7500. The fact that we were able to produce a high quality film like DANCE TO THE OFFBEAT, for such a low price is something that I am supremely proud of.

The only downside to the experience is that I had to sever ties with a major player involved in the production...we just weren't seeing eye to eye on things. I am confident that I tried my very best to work with and to find common ground with this person, and it's possible that this persron feels the same way.

The truth, things are meant to end, that's just the nature of the universe.

For me, it was a great learning experience, it was a chance to work with a group of talented people, and an opportunity to create something lasting...that, and I made some good friends out of the whole deal.

So yeah, DANCE TO THE OFFBEAT, good.

Yeah, But When Can I SEE Your Work?

2007-04-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some updates on the majority of my film/video projects:

DANCE TO THE OFFBEAT

The project that I produced for THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE'S "Directing Workshop for Women" will premiere on May 7, 2007 with a second screening to follow shortly after that.

"THE NIGHT DIVINE" BY LO-FI SUGAR

The music video that I Co-Directed with LADY RANSOM in December is in the rough-cut stahge so far.

Lady Ransom has been busy with other projects and since I skipped town so fast, it's been hard for me to get the footage from LA to Boston...I'll be in LA in a month, so I'll get the footage then. Once I do, I promise to complete a finished edit by July 4, 2007.

Also, Lady Ransom is working on their own cut and I have yet another editor working on a third version...the more the merrier!

ALL THAT IS NOT - THE REMIX

The editor has been working on it for a few months now...I hope to see a cut in May, 2007.

JED IN HIS CAR

Shooting this short the last week in April.

THE LEGACY

This 35 mm short that I am Producing, Written and Directed by Mike Doto (PEACE) will be shot at the end of June, 2007.

WHEN IT BEGAN

I haven't been able to find anyone interested in collaborating with me on this project. I'm going to have to finance it myself and pay a crew to work for me.

SUMMER SONG

Putting the finishing touches on the business plan. Projected start of the Fundraising stage is August 1, 2007.

METAL GOD: THE BOBBY LEE HOLIDAY STORY

I have the first 10 pages of a 30 page pilot screenplay complete. Will have a rough draft complete by June 1, 2006

FISHES

The feature that I (Superving) Produced won BEST FILM at the Sanseverian Film Festival.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Check out www.Blissing.com to see a trailer of this feature by TV that I am an Associate Producer on.

A First Time For Everything

2007-03-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

People puzzle me sometimes.

I hesitate to even mention this, just because I'd rather not spread any more negativity around, nor dispararage someone who I admire, but I want to see what people think of this:

A friend who I hang out with about every three weeks, who I've known for about three months, was stage managing a local play.

I offered to come to the show because I thought it'd be nice if I showed up to support her work, so...

I drove a half an hour away,

on a Friday night,

by myself,

and paid TWENTY-TWO DOLLARS,

to see a Community Theater presentation of "Phantom,"

(not "Phantom of the Opera," but a Spin-Off, mind you,)

that a (apparently former) friend of mine was STAGE MANAGING, (not acting in) and...

She told me beforehand that she'd have no time to hang out after, and

She told me there at the show that she was too busy to talk to me...

So I paid my money, sat alone in the theater, and I stayed and watched the show for about a half an hour. I didn't really like the play (I don't like musicals anyway,) so I left because I had to work early the next day.

I called her on Monday just to talk and left a voicemail. Tonight, I find out through my sister (who introduced us,) that she never wants to talk to me again.

What? Huh?

To be fair, here are two factors to consider:

I'm hoping that my sister just misunderstood, not likely, but possible.

And Secondly, when I got there, I waited in line to buy tickets for an extended period of time, though there was no one in front of me...

...the ticket takers offered no smile, no humor, no recognition that I was standing in front of them. So I jokingly raised my hand like I wanted to be called on in class...nothing. Waved like I was waving to someone a mile away (trying to be cute,) and...nothing.

Finally, when I said clearly and plainly: "Hi, I'd like to buy a ticket to your show, please," they seemed to take offense. In response, I didn't match their rudeness, but I was definitely turned off by their attitude...so yeah...something to factor in.

Still, kinda puzzled.

I make mistakes every day of my life, and I can definitely anger people, but this is literally the first time where I haven't been afforded the opportunity to explain a misunderstanding.

And now that I think of it, this is the first time in my entire life that someone has decided to never talk to me again.

Puzzling, but I guess that there is a first time for everything.

To All The Ladies In The House

2007-03-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

I spend a lot of time trying to make sure that I stay open-minded about other people's point of views and I do my best not to judge.

However...

I simply cannot consider seeing a woman romantically if she doesn't think that the word "Glockenspiel" is fun to say...try it, you'll see what I mean, or you won't, and we have no shot.

A guy has to have his standards.

Being able to quote anything from"Fletch," "The Big Lebowski," "Tommy Boy," "Swingers," along with Shakespeare, Barry, and Sorkin is a big plus too.

"The Oscars," or "Yes, I Call Him 'Marty'"

2007-03-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

My coolest online blogger friend, Kid Sis, ("if you don't know, now you know,") has got me thinking Oscars.

The Academy Awards to me has always been a kind of bittersweet event. Winning an Oscar is like when the blandest, most average, and obvious person you'll ever know says they love your work.

It's a compliment...sorta.

Not that I don't like a number of the films, performers, or the work of the artisans being recognized...I just that I feel that the nominees and the winners never seem to be the very "best" of the year. They're just the most accessible of the crop.

You can push the envelope, but only so far. You can say something of substance, but only to a degree. You can take big swings, but you better not miss!

It was great seeing Marty finally win the Big One...yes, I call him Marty...my roommate/alternate universe twin sister was his personal assistant, and though she really never talks about him much, whenever she does, she speaks of him fondly...and I for one, think he deserved it.

Jon Stewart was easily the best Host of the show of my lifetime...I find Ellen funny, but again, she's appeals to the average. Her "edgy" material is really only shocking to the ladies in Madge and Betty's knitting circle in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Ellen has chosen to take the middle road (like Jay Leno,) so she apeals to many, offends few, and offers nothing really great, or even attempting greatness.

For something as supposedly big as The Academy Awards, we should expect nothing less.

Somehow we do.

Updates

2007-02-25T05:31:00.000-08:00

Feel free to scroll down past the Our Mission section to see my more personalized and updated posts.

Just Make Movies

2007-02-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

Just Make Movies, Part II

2007-02-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

LO-FI SUGAR said it best: "What's good for you is good for me and vice-versa, we're all in this together, we can't do it alone."

I spent two years trying to convince people to compromise and to give up just a little bit of power or creative control in exchange for pooling resources...no takers

after two or more years, that same large group of people each have nothing whatsoever to show for it.

It really is a shame, because if I had suceeded in bringing together all the talented, well-connected people who I know in Hollywood...well, we'd all be rich and have a ton of films to show for it.

Instead, we all have nothing to show for it.

Everyone wants to do THEIR project, their script, their way...well good luck, I aint having it.

Team Hammel Projects

2007-02-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

PISTOLERAS

"The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly" meets "Thelma and Louise." Written and directed by Elisabeth Fies, (AP on CONVENTIONEERS, 2006 Independent Spirit Award winner,) and Produced by Heidi Hornbacher, "Pistoleras" is a coming-of age story about female empowerment told with a smart, kick-ass attitude.

Four girls ditch school for a surf trip in Baja but when one gets kidnapped and sold into the underworld skin trade, they have to rely on their wits, their strength, and a band of Mexican wrestlers to save their friend.

With an accompanying graphic novel, illustrated by Charles Yoakum (BATMAN,) and a corporate tie-in with a women's self-defense company, "Pistoleras" is poised for a multi-media marketing attack.

Elisabeth is also the subject of the EISNER AWARD Winning (the Academy Award of comic books,) comic "Mom's Cancer." Check out PistolerasMovie.com.

METAL GOD: THE BOBBY LEE HOLIDAY STORY

Directed by Morgan Phillips of Lady Ransom, "Metal God" is a reality TV/webisode series that follows the day-to-day life of the lead singer of “Metal Snake,” an 80’s hair metal cover band in San Diego.

ALL THAT IS NOT - THE REMIX

This Special Edition of my directorial debut will be recut and reimagined. The original version was accepted into the BOSTON FILM FESTIVAL. Premiering April 2007

FISHES

"Fishes" stars Mike "Boogie" Malin (BIG BROTHER ALL-STARS, co-owner of DOLCE and the GEISHA HOUSE,) and was lensed by Cinematographer Jaron Presant (AUDIOSLAVE, SNOOP DOG, BILLY CORGAN.)

For his sophomore directorial effort, Lysenko gathered together a diverse and talented ensemble cast to tell the story of a group of people caught in a fishbowl, their lives and their secrets revealed, thanks to a simple party game.

A motley group of misfits spend the night stuck in a house in the Hollywood Hills during a storm. What was to be a night of fun and games becomes much more as they each learn hard truths about themselves and each other. Currently seeking distribution.

SAAAAMM!

This documentary explores the quirky, steadfast, and loyal followers of Samantha Hammel. Hammel is the Executive Producer of the pop group, “Girl Authority” (Rounder Records,) and is president of SAMM Entertainment, a multi-faceted music/theater/acting corporation.

SHVINGERS

"Get a Night Life. Just Not On Shabbas." Directed by Mike Doto, "Shvingers" gives a fresh look on dating as seen through the eyes of a group of hip, Jewish Twenty-Somethings.

Doto's current directorial effort, PEACE, stars Kirkwood Smith (from THAT 70's SHOW,) and has screened at nearly 20 film festivals worldwide. Link to: Seasidepictures.com.

SUMMER SONG

At the end of summer vacation, a teenage girl, Sarah, her older sister, Catherine, and Catherine’s college friend, James, take one last walk around their coastal New England summer home and look back at the past few months and the events of their lives as a whole.

WHEN IT BEGAN

Written and Directed by Jeremy Jed Hammel this short film will be shot in the Boston area. A young couple has a series of conversations about the dissolution of another couple they know. Slowly but surely, they realize that the failed relationship they’re really talking about is their own. Production is slated for March 2007

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Three friends, one straight, one gay, and one questioning, try to survive romance and living in Hollywood. Stefan Lysenko wrote, produced and acts in this dramatic feature.

Lysenko stars alongside Billy Zabke, (THE KARATE KID, JUST ONE OF THE GUYS) Currently in post-production. I have an Associate Producer credit on this one.

DANCE TO THE OFFBEAT

Written and Directed by Tanisha White, "Dance To The Offbeat" was produced in conjunction with the AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE. An African-American woman who can't dance enters a "Rhythmless Dancing" competition, much to the dismay of her family. This film comments on widely held racial sterotypes in a comedic and light-hearted manner. Premiering April 2007

LO-FI SUGAR, "THE NIGHT DIVINE"

Lo-Fi Sugar (www.myspace.com/lofisugar) is an up-and-coming music artist on the LA music and art scene. Her EP, "The Divine Edit" is in its' first pressing and is available online. I Co-Directed the video with the kick ass creative team, Lady Ransom (AMBER PACIFIC, THE MATCHES, www.ladyransom.com.) They are affiliated with The Joneses, a commercial production house whose work is well known within the industry.

Michael Rizzi (ANGELS AND AIRWAVES, THE MARS VOLTA,) is the Cinematographer (www.michaelrizzi.com.) Premiering around March 2007

Entering Bootytown

2007-02-03T19:27:00.000-08:00

And another thing...

I love me some "Magnolia," "Capote," "Citizen Kane," and a whole lotta "Volver," (which should've won an Oscar,) well crafted pieces of film art every one.

But I am all about joy, pop art, and basic human silliness...and for that, there is "Music and Lyrics."

Plus, I am a fan of pluralism, diverse ideas, and exploring every nook and cranny of the pantheon of human emotion...there is a place for all in my world.

There's nothing wrong with a film that's just about feeling good.

"Music and Lyrics" is why I love the movies.

Team Hammel Company Introduction

2007-01-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

Team Hammel Motion Pictures is a multi-media production company offering a wide range of dynamic film, television, and internet releases for the global marketplace.

Our managing officers, crew, and consultants have reached the highest level of excellence in their respected fields, and each brings a unique voice and years of experience to our team.

Our Mission

2007-01-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

To produce easily marketable motion pictures that look, sound, and feel like major studio films, while still maintaining the edge, the attitude, and the unique voice of independent films.

The worlds of the trailblazing “guerilla filmmaking” and the corporate studio system rarely intersect. The time has come for these two worlds to be brought together. Both paradigms have advantages and drawbacks, so we have combined the best facets of each to create a new standard.

By incorporating these two philosophies, we will continue to create projects that push the envelope artistically and fit specific demands of the marketplace.

Team Hammel will lead the charge toward creating a better future for all through entertainment and will be at the forefront of the ever growing new media Revolution.

And So It Begins...

2007-01-21T22:03:00.000-08:00

Team Hammel Motion Pictures was born here.

On this site, on a bitter cold New England night, in a lonely, far off nook of the internet, I heaved my hopes into the unknown and made a statement to an audience of one:

It Begins Here.

What begins here? The Search, The Search begins.

Not for fame, not for fortune, and not for "success." No, I've tasted a bit of all of those, and though they're nice to have, it's just not enough for me.

What I am searching for is much harder to obtain.

This blog is just the first step of a long journey toward a goal that my heart tells me that I must strive for.

Team Hammel Motion Pictures is just a name, a hope that I have, it's just an idea...but Ideas Can Change The World.

And in the end, what matters is not what we have, or what we've lost, what matters is the meaning that we give to those things.

What Team Hammel Motion Pictures means to me is Everything. It is my way of giving something of myself, (hopefully something of value,) to the universe. It's my way of contributing to this life, and to the people in my life, who have given so much to me.

A decade of hard work, a third of my life, and a dream that has been following me around like a kid with a crush for as long as I can remember, begins here.

In a one-horse town, under the dark pall of insideous Suburban centrism, at 1:43 AM, my evolution reached a bold landmark.

In a room so filled with clothes, books, and the remnants of a life long gone that I can't get from my mattress to the door without stepping on something important from my past, I took my first step toward what I hope and believe to be a better future.

I'll post some specific steps I've taken recently to reach my goal, later on...but for now, I'm tired, and I need to sleep. But you can bet I'll be dreaming big because pretty soon, I won't be able to tell the difference between my dreams and reality.

It Begins Here.