Wow... Livejournal had to remind me that I have not updated in a long, long time. So now here I am! Hi all and greetings from Singapore! Things are rough and tough, but good and right now I am going through a phase of decisions. As I am editing my adaptation right now I have a big choice to make...

To shoot a film in Japan or not...

The Pros and Cons:

PROS
√ Awesome location
√ Fantastic crew that all speaks Japanese and knows the region
√ Variety of locations to choose from with Film Commissions to help
√ A month or two really indulging and pushing my boundaries as a filmmaker in a foreign place

CONS
√ $$$$ - very expensive
√ Would need to sublet my room, but I may have to move out... (am already paying for the summer it seems right now, and where I am going to find someone to sublet my place for who knows how long while I am overseas?)
√ Actors? Have no idea where to start...
√ A script... ideas and/or anyone want to help me write a 10-minute short?!?!

The cons are really freaking me out... mainly the fact that I have a lot of crap here and how on earth I am going to be able to stay in a place for two months before I fly out... hmmm... tough... Having an apartment is rough... my name is not on the lease still, so I could move out. One of my crew members is finding temporary housing in between his apartment and Japan, so maybe I could work with him on finding a place... Yeah... need to figure these things out...

Any ideas, and or suggestions - especially, DOES ANYONE WANT TO HELP WRITE A SHORT FILM WITH ME!? I CAN HAVE WRITERS THIS TIME!

Get back to me asap if you are interested! lizzlyons@gmail.com

Love you all!

Life is but a dream...

Hi everyone!

Again, like I say in every post, it has been much too long...

My life here in Singapore has become bewildering and challenging, and I am pleased to have found myself again in the art that I love: filmmaking.

I went to an animation convention this weekend called Anime Festival Asia 2008! It was a small convention with some cute characters, but the best part of the event was the fact that I was allowed to attend an industry seminar with animation producers as well as art/directors. It was an opportunity to hear the inside scoop from the mouth of the wolf (literally!)

Here is what I mean... animation here is totally analyzed on the basic level of... MONEY! Like that is new... no really, they spit it right out and state that if they know it will not make cold hard cash and consumers out of each viewer they will not produce it! It more or less reminded me of the dark side to art, especially one that has strengthened so rapidly (for various reasons, including the idea that audiences are more inclined to be possessed more now by visual languages rather than written - books, poetry [Fahrenheit 241 anyone?]). Listening to their comments and suggestions about how to duplicate and respond to consumer needs pretty much strengthed the fire within me to really think about writing and reading and how essential it is to get people back into thinking about where all of these stories are coming from... uh, BOOKS people!

I paused during the break and reflected. My whole life loving animation and filmmaking, and my deepest fear of becoming the one thing that will continue the result of some form of human stupidity because of most of our disconnect with litereture and education. I studied film and work in film production for a reason people, not to just create art and to express myself, but to gosh darn articulate the fact that we are losing our minds to purely visual leisure. Everyone needs to get rich and forget the poor and no one is really listening to the politics and writings that are coming out that need to be observed. You can make sappy films like Juno and Little Miss Sunshine, but the fact is that they are reflecting reality and in every way discussing observations that really should be taken into consideration. Not just for money, but for life and well being.

So... after that tyraid I returned for my favorite part of the seminar, listening to the art/diretors. I had a blast! They discussed art and its form, as well as when they are expressing themselves even through a clients whim, they use their art to communicate trends and observe them and challenge them. So valuable... I also was able to meet Yusuke Takeda who was one of the art directors for Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo! He was the coolest man I have ever met, next to Koji Morimoto who was amazing! Yeah, great time and very inspiring!

So on my note of inspiration all I have been doing is watching and analyzing Wolf's Rain recently and man I love that show. I have had a recent obsession with werewovles, so much so that I am dying to adapt a few screenplays about them. I had some nice reviews about my recent short so it is starting to give me the encouragment and inspiration I need to get confident again in my decision to go to film school! Yeah... I will not be the next Oliver Stone, Robert Redford, Coppola (Sofia or Francis Ford), nor Scorsese or Campion... but I know that this medium is something I need to use to communicate with, to make some notation about the world and the problems going on, and whether it is translated literally (which most of the time is rather difficult to do for myself) or through genre (horror, fantasy and/or sci-fi) I need to do it. I love it too much to not express my concerns and thoughts and stories. So I am inspired and want people to come along!

Missing you all and I return to the states Dec. 16th till Jan. 6th (I go to Japan for my documentary on the 7th!)

Life is but a dream...

Hello Ladies and Gents!

So I think that it is time for an overdue update! Singapore is hot and humid as usual and now we are working on our crew MOSs (Movement Omitting Sound). These are our short 4 minute films we produce first semester and get a hard core evaluation on by the whole faculty out here at Tisch. When they are done being evaluated then we screen them between NY and Singapore and watch over 60 short films! Pretty fun! My crew and I wrapped my production last Thursday and now I am helping on the rest of their films. I was just Director of Photography on my roommate Alice's film and freakin loved it! I am learning to speak up more about shots, compositions and trust between crew members so I hope she likes the images I created! The film was a bit intense - a big rape sequence which I could not film so I had Kyle do it. I just hope that the final output of the film is about her story and not just the rape itself. It is a very important piece to consider so in editing I know she will compile something that displays the cause and effect of its premise.

Besides that I am trying to sleep as much as possible. I feel like I have pretty bad jet lag, but it is all from heat exhaustion, which is very common here when you are working 8 hours shooting a day in the hot hot sun. This is the big push time for our first semester and so after this year things should get a bit more concentrated and focused. You start off here trying to create, compile and complete a film in three months and then again in the Spring. Also a doc in the winter period. So films in one year... that is a lot and you are trying to make them your best so that you can submit them to festivals and get your name out. I do hope I will be able to do that with this film if it comes out the way I like it : )

Shana is in town! I am going to see her and her friend tonight, tomorrow and Friday hopefully! I am doing my best to spend as much time with them as I can. So... in order to do that I am sending out my absentee ballot and submitting my film for processing today so I can pick it up next week to have transferred to video. That is the only frustrating thing about my piece is that I need to spend another $800 on all this processing... It is a good investment though because I really love my script and the story I am telling : )

I am missing autumn and the leaves changing. The frost and the chilly air with the mist in the forest where deer appear like spirits amongst the low hanging clouds. The tropics are over for me honestly - get it, got it, good... Now lets move on to Fall. Looking forward to home and the cool, crisp air. Seeing my family and friends. Hope I can drive my car... I know my dad suspended my insurance for now since I am not in town... We are not going to Colorado now because of finances, but that is fine : ) I am looking forward to a Western Maryland adventure!

Ok, there will be more to come! Check my Facebook pictures for more visual updates!

See you space cowboy...

As some of you may know, I will be flying back to the states for the weekend. Going to be freaking insane, but all in all it is going to be nice to see family and friends again for about... 4 days honestly.

Not a lot of time, but time! I got as much as I could get done today with all my school work and so now the only thing I need to do when I return is lock my location, actors and finalize my script : ) Not too bad... but some assignments will pop up when I get back to, so for now and for the weekend I am set!

Going to make the best of it. Cinderella (my dog) passed away on Sunday and so this will be bittersweet. If only she had waited two more days, but she was suffering and that was completely unfair to her to keep her alive for any longer. She is buried in the front yard where she would always look for us when we came home so I hope she is happy in her resting spot.

Singapore-wise updates include: having fun with cameras, editing and overall I have pretty much adjusted to this place. Stares are more like compliments now and it is pretty gosh darn safe here. Plus, you can more or less find ALMOST (I said almost) anything you want here. Good food, fun people and I get to make movies... DARN! : )

Missing the states and need to make sure I am on top of my finances, but all in all I am very happy. Will miss people when I fly home, but I will be back so soon and need to catch up that it will be no time at all. More pics are on Facebook of shinanigans!

Hope all is well in the world of the US and see you space cowboy...

Currently I am supposed to be writing my draft of my screenplay but now I have a dinner/lunch break so I can get my mind settled. A walk really does help you open up and feel less bogged down with work. My screenplay makes me happy and once I have it written out I will let you know that final plot (and of course when it is produced you will be able to see it on the web : )

Singapore - what can I say...

The hot and humid climate has its delicate moments in a town covered in Gucchi, Prada and as much name brand merchandise and fashion you can fathom. It is, again, a giant strip mall, but the food is good (except the Western style) and most of the time it is pretty much a great place to walk around in. I feel very safe here - minus all of the glares/stares because of my hair and eyes. My campus is rather beautiful and a placid place where I can relax and let go. Even though we are working our butts off with shoots and script drafts, I love this type of pressure. Makes me work better and distracts me from worry about petty things.

It sucks though because free time is not the frequent and when it is you take advantage. Either the bars on Emerald Hill near Somerset, a stroll and shop at Kinokuniya on Orchard Rd, or just a fake margarita in Holland Village - I am getting around and making the most of it. Globetrotting needs to be my new profession soon so I need to start getting my act together and get used to places fast : )

I am going up to an island called Pulau Ubin to look at shooting locations tomorrow with my friend and crew member Claire (one of the best people to know here pretty much because she knows how to balance work and fun). Tiger Beer and coconut milk, as well as a shoot are the plan for tomorrow. Renting bikes and playing on the beach too : )

Parties, pop culture and culture shock... living, learning and loving... day by day is all I can do. We lost a student yesterday who may have left for the wrong reasons (some speculate his wife - but who really knows). We had three already drop out before the program started as well so we are down to 27/28, but I am of course giving it the semester before I would make such a huge choice as that. This is an investment not to be taken lightly, but it is one that I am most serious about - so when production management (class) is unorganized and we are disappointed we talk about it and get it fixed.

Same with planning for our films - taking our time and reminding ourselves that they only way you will get a positive film is to have an attitude that empowers your crew to be positive and have that outlook and attitude - understand your crew as much as your film. I am most serious about my film, but the only way I am going to get through it is by taking my time and clearing my mind - like now!

If you would like to visit, talk to me : ) Scheduling is really important here - especially since we are non-stop with work. I WOULD LOVE TO SHOW YOU AROUND! Hope all is well and will try and update soon!

Life is but a dream...

For all of you that did not know where I was, here I am! I am in Singapore and starting my NYU-Tisch Asia experience. Right now I have writer's block so any exercises you all can recommend would be a huge help! I am planning on exploring the North on Sunday for location scouting and trying to get a feel for the city-state. I understand my area and most of the areas on the green rail - all MALLS! It is true when they say you can get anything you need here in Singapore - specifically clothing and miscellaneous oddiments.

I still need a cell phone, but I have Skype if you ever want to call me: 1.410.697.5377. This is my Skype number so you all can call me whenever you want - though NOTE the 12 hour difference : ) 3pm here is 3am on the East Coast! I am missing the states (of course), but the people here are really fantastic and supportive. Minus the writer's block I am really loving the challenges and work here. I need to write up a few papers and work out my script, but luckily that is really it for now. Once the idea is settled I can get the actor's set - which Tisch is helping a lot.

4 MINUTE SHORT FILM IDEAS ARE WELCOME TOO! I really want to do something Eastern - period, sci-fi and tech or mainly Eastern society. Yeah, you got any ideas you would love to share with, please be my guest and get me out of this whole! Miss you all and will be in touch!

Life is but a dream...

It is that time again! Any good anime recommendations?!

I like NANA, Cowboy Bebop, Ouran High Host Club and Princess Tutu as examples : )

Let me know!

See you space cowboy...

The weeks get more and more busy as the convention moves closer, but luckily this week was sort of my final relief before things goes crazy crazy. The release of the show I am working on came out:

http://www.demconvention.com/countdown-preview

I have a Panasonic Camera training Saturday that is going to be amazing! Actually being trained on professional HD cameras! Should have a few packages to shoot by next week and then... DNC! Friday marks the day of none stop! The week of the convention is going to fly by and then I will be in Singapore before I know it. That reminds me that I need to print off important things before I leave...

I have been very, very exhausted lately. More than usual... I hope I sleep the whole time on the plane to Singapore. I am doing my best to not do a lot of things so that I can be rested for the none stop though I have been really bad and have not gone to the gym a lot this week (which worries me because I want to be in decent shape for the convention and Singapore).

It is rainy here too, which makes me more tired but I am doing my best to stay awake.

Now to continue waiting for the FCP comp to export some videos. Crazy...

See you space cowboy...

Check out the show I am working on!

http://www.demconvention.com/countdown-preview

P.S. - I did all the editing : )

Life is but a dream...

I thought this was humorous : )

That is right! Check this out!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417741/releaseinfo

A whole day before.... Life is so good : )

See you space cowboy...

So... this weekend rocked! Honestly I just got to hang out and relax. Friday I went out with friends to the Rio and had awesome Margaritas and got to hang out at Jane's Place. Saturday was all about the Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan's Lake Park where I got to hang out with Jane, Dave, Claire Bellmont and Druex moreland - we saw races, entered for free stuff, WAS FILMED ON GREEN SCREEN AS A NEWSCASTER (dream came true!) and then had awesome sushi! Then I just hung out with Jane and Bryce downtown. Sunday rocked with a drive to Estes Park, CO where I saw THE STANLEY hotel! Did not get to go inside, but got to have my pic in front of it (next time I am totally getting that Redrum shirt!). Then she, her family and I went to Rocky Mountain National Park and went on a 6 mile hike! Then we went back to Meghan's house in Greeley, CO and had amazing pizza that her mom made and played Ladderball. It was awesome! So yeah... had a great weekend! Good to bond again with Meghan who I had missed dearly and really good to hang out with her. So that was my weekend in a nut shell : ) All the pics are on Facebook or this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2047572&l=31e7c&id=5900894

See you space cowboy...

Hippies wanted
By CHRIS GAROFOLO, Brattleboro Reformer Staff

Friday, July 18, 2008
BRATTLEBORO -- Are you a former flower child looking to bring back the spirit of 1969?

An Academy Award-winning director needs you (or your children or grandchildren) to return to your counterculture roots for his latest film.

Ang Lee, director of "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" and "Brokeback Mountain," in association with Focus Features and Tuxedo Terrace, is filming a major motion picture set during the August 1969 music festival that became known as Woodstock.

Lee is looking for some local modern-day long-haired "hippies" to play extras in the movie.

All area residents, college students and hippies at heart interested in showing their acting skills are invited to attend an open casting call held on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at St. Michael's School on Walnut Street.

Another casting call will be held the following day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Elks Lodge on Washington Avenue in Bennington, with the same timeframe.

Participants must be at least 18 and be U.S. citizens. They are also asked to bring a recent photo of themselves that will not be returned.

Producers are also seeking vehicles from the late 1960s. If any Windham County residents have a vintage machine they want to make famous, they too are asked to bring a non-returnable picture of the vehicle with a description of the condition and model of the vintage automobile to the casting calls.

The movie,
Advertisement
entitled "Taking Woodstock," will begin filming in August and run through October in Columbia County, N.Y.

Scripted as a behind-the-scenes look about the run-up to the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival -- the now legendary "three days of peace, love and music" -- the movie is based on a memoir by small-town official Elliot Tiber, who played an unexpected but pivotal role at the event.

So Happy : )

Off to Dutch Creek Ranch near Staemboat Lake in Clark, CO! I am very excited! Will hit the ground running when I return, but for now... relaxation : )

See you space cowboy...

So for my 23rd birthday I am going to JAPAN! Because spring break at Tisch is hectic and rushed trying to produce films, I have decided to come to Japan from January 8th thru 17th. It will be cold, but I figure that this way I can see friends and have a freakin awesome celebration in the one place I have always wanted to go! I need to shoot a documentary over Winter Break so I figure I will either shoot a film in MD, or in Japan, but either way I will end up having some interesting topics to work with! So... IF YOU ARE IN JAPAN AT THIS TIME, let me know : )

See you space cowboy...

Ok everyone! Check this DNCC opportunity out!

http://www.youtube.com/user/DemConvention



It is pretty flipping sweet! Tell all your friends and submit! The prizes are a great opportunity to be a part of the Democratic campaign and because I cannot enter I want you all to try!

Good luck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCCz0Ulzqpc

My second video! It is a "Green Screen" about sustainable energy using a school owned wind turbine in Wray, CO. Pretty spify stuff! Dan edited some of the end cuts (I liked my original cuts), but all in all it still looks good!

See you space cowboy...

Dear friends,
I will be away and will be missing the complete finale of Avatar... AS SUCH, PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME ANYTHING UNTIL AFTER JULY 21st! No phone calls, no message, texts and the like... nothing please. I want to do my best to catch up the day I return from the mountains. Of course if I have internet I will be up to date, but I doubt I will... so... again, please no speaky : ) Thank you for your cooperation!

See you space cowboy...

I figured out what I want to write my first feature film about... I am so happy right now : ) The images and wording are flowing and while I am at work and cannot write it currently, the feeling that I know what I want to produce really has made me very happy inside. All I can say for now are these keywords: expats, manga, con, cross country, family, country and Japanese soundtrack : ) I am so excited : )

Passion is one thing I love feeling when inspiration strikes... especially when I am still trying to figure out who I am and what I want to write/produce/direct/edit films about. Those that I feel most connected to I usually have a better response from... in other words, films where I feel a complete connection end up being liked more. It is hard giving away a little piece of your soul when you do that though... like putting your heart out and hoping people do not trample over it. I want to produce this film... I need to.

I may outline the parts for fun later but I have the beginning and middle... the end is always the hardest but I know exactly how I want to end it, but the ending to be smooth is what I am trying to construct. God I love film... I will never number friends, family and film in an order, but I love - literally LOVE - film. It is like a romance that I never have to worry about ending, and a form of passion that I understand and can translate and feel alive with. It is beauty in so many forms and mediums that I can watch over and over again and feel another director, producer, writer or editors role and love for their work.

Good film is passion... probably already a quote but I will borrow it for now. I was lucky to find my calling and passion, but like I have said before, this is not just for me... I want to use this passion to help others (friend and family) later. That is most important to me. Using my passion to help others. So while I do not have many environmental films thought up yet, I do know that I want to give back to my world, my country, and everyone I love.

That is what passion does and reminds me to do... I love... I can fell... and I care... These are things I cannot be without and I do hope that my love for beauty, truth, inspiration, creativity and a whole slew of other subjects will be seen in my work and inspire other like those that inspire me. I am so grateful to those that have always been there for me. You have no idea how hard things have been with taking on risks and traveling and realizing that passion is almost border line with fear - you do not want to screw up, but you also know that the only way to learn is to. So I must give back, because you all have kept me alive and strong - loved.

Thank you. Please never forget me wherever I am because I can never forget any one of you. Everyone has brought me to this point in my life and I promise to do my best - and I will fulfill my dreams.

Life is but a dream...