Bio - Anthony Hernandez

This is an interview with a longtime friend of mine and Master-Mind of "The Punishing Mind". Anthony has been acting a directing movies for a long time now and it's because of him that this project is even happening, so give it up for Anthony Hernandez!

I'll be adding a headshot to this interview as soon as I have one, but for now here it is.

(The text in bold are the questions I asked)

How long have you been interested in making movies?
-I have Been Interested in Film making since the fifth grade, and the reason why is because, I have always wanted to be an actor but I could never find anyone who wanted to participate with me. So I figured it was up to me to make my own movies and act in them. Of course now, I am just completely interested in the whole process. And I am dedicating all my free time to learning about how to be a better film maker.

What first made you decide that being a filmmaker was for you? What go you into it?
-The thing that really made me want to be a film maker was when I saw the movie signs in the theatre. I thought that was an awesome movie because it played with the audience’s imagination, and used basic sounds and effects to set the scenes up in the film. That gave me an urge to make things that would use the audience’s imagination.

What skill or ability do you bring to the group that no one else does?
-I don’t think That I Bring something to the group that no one else has, everyone has a great understanding of the film business. Some of my abilities are, I consider myself very good at imagining camera shots, I have been editing for years so I understand my Limits when it comes to making and editing a film. Not to mention, I think I can be a pretty cool director. jk(Just kidding).

What do you see yourself doing for the rest of your career? Will you be doing movies?
- I hope that I will become an actor and spend majority of my time in front of the camera, and then eventually after a while of that I hope to move to behind the camera, and spend the rest of my time Directing and Producing.

Who do you most admire?
- I most admire Jim Carrey, As an actor, and Patrick Stewart. Pretty much any of the older actors... when it comes to being a director I most admire M. Night Shyamalan (Director of signs) And when it comes to the person I just admire all around, because he is a great person is my dad.

What’s one goal you have set for your-self as far as filmmaking goes?
-I want People to Love my Productions as much as they would love Steven Spielberg’s movies.

How did you become a part of “The Punishing Mind” project?
-I actually organized the beginning of this Project; I originally wanted to just make a good Professional quality film. I had no idea it would evolve into what it is today... It has grown so much; we have lost some people, and gained some. I am very happy with the group we have now though. Everyone has amazing talent, and are very motivated. But most of all they are reliable! Thanks Guys!

What other projects have you worked on in the past?
-I have worked on Multiple Projects over the last couple of years some include:

• “The Convention” (short documentary)
• “High School” (random Comedy)
• “Super Dude Series” (family comedy)
• “Long Healing” (short film)
• “Perfect” (Murder Mystery)
• “3” (Dark Comedy)

How will “The Punishing Mind” help your skills grow and develop?
-It will help me develop team work even more… cause with a project this size... all the responsibilities have to be split and delighted to others.

What is your position within the crew? What company are you a part of?
-My Positions are Director, Producer, and Co-Creator. And I am Also the President of BLLK Studios.

Bio - Aaron Crowder

Hey folks, it's time for our first Crew Bio. On the slate for today is, well, me. I decided that I'd get the ball rolling and do myself first (no innuendo intended).

The basic guidelines for these are simple; I'll be covering my past work, what I hope to accomplish on this project, and what I hope to do in the future. I'll also talk a little about myself and my personal life. Most Bios should go similarly to this one (except they'll be in more of an interview-ish fashion) , so expect to get to know us pretty well over the next few months.

OK, to start things off, my name is Aaron Crowder. I'm the second oldest in a family of 5 brothers (no girls allowed), and I'm getting ready to leave on a mission for my church (I'm a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...or Mormons) in a few months. So this will be my last project before a 2 year hiatus from the biz.

I work as a computer programmer during the day, and I like to think I'm a decent writer because I'm a blogger at night. I own the blog The Lost Saga (or TLS for short). I've also done some small film projects that never really went anywhere...the most notable of which was "VOID". I co-wrote and directed this short about a guy who REALLY wants a "Generic Brand Cola".

On this project my job is advertising and producing. I'm taking a more business route on this project because the skills I've acquired as a computer programmer and blogger have put me ahead of the pack with technology and the Internet. I can work fast to get a site rolling in just days. I also love talking to people and planning things, so I was an obvious choice for this position.

I hope that in the future I work on my projects like this in a similar capacity. I enjoy what I'm doing for "The Punishing Mind" and I hope I can work with these guys again once I get back from my mission (in two years time).

Thanks for hearing all about me, I hope you liked it...though I doubt it, I'm a pretty boring person. We'll try to have a few more exiting people on in the future.

So, there you have it, our first Bio. Let me know what you think or what I can change down in the comments!

Production Meeting

Tonight we had a production meeting. A lot of things where discussed, including casting. We have now officially cast over half the film. It's very exciting to be where we are now.

We're going to be seeing some auditions tomorrow, mostly for female roles, but also for a couple of male roles as well.

We also went over some budget issues, which are always tough for small indie groups like ours. But we've got that all sorted out, and we will probably even have money to spare. It's all beginning to come together, and I have to tell you, I can't wait to start filming!

We also discussed a teaser trailer...I'm not sure how much I want to say on this subject besides that we will be shooting it this Saturday. So look forward to that coming up, it should be great.

Lastly we discussed plans for this site. First off, we decided that this is going to be an inside look into the making of "The Punishing Mind" as we make it. We'll be doing pictures and little news stories as they happen, and there may even be some film, but we won't make any promises there as we plan to release a DVD with loads of special behind the scenes footage and interviews.

Well, that's about it for today, expect a bio about myself tomorrow as a sort of preface to the bio's that will be coming in everyday on members of the crew and cast.

I'll keep you all posted as the updates come in, but until then go make some magic.

Movie Poster - Teaser

I've been working in photoshop today, though I'm not that great. But I did come up with a great (sorta) teaser poster for the movie, and I thought I'd share it with you.

It's not much, but it does what I want it to do, which is pique interest in the movie. If you'd like a version to play around with drop a comment and I'll e-mail you the .PSD of this, which is 800x1024 (I think).

If you'd also like a larger version of this poster for your site leave a comment as well, I'll e-mail you the large .GIF poster (optimized for use on the web).

Also, the bottom mentions three companies, these are the companies that have represented three of the four core team members in the past before we combined efforts to create this one uber-film.

I think that's all the information you'll need for now. Like I said, we have a meeting tonight so expect some updates later on tonight (after the meeting) or early tomorrow. Thanks for your support, and keep on rockin'!

Pre-Production

Well, we are now currently in pre-production of "The Punishing Mind." I don't want to give to much away about the movie, but suffice it to say that we are quickly moving forward and should begin shooting in the next couple of weeks.

I have created this blog as a way to promote the movie, and give you an inside look into an indie film company. I'm hoping to give each of you a desire to create something, anything. I want each and every one of you to realize that you can do whatever it is that you want to do. You just have to have the determination to do it.

There's a meeting tonight to go over some specifics about casting and filming and I'll be back on later tonight to share a few things about the core of our company.

Until then, I'm Aaron Crowder. Now go create something great!