new Monster cops episodes are coming

what is going on update 2025

Currently I'm in the Philippines and I'm working on creating new monster cops episodes.

WORKING

Here's a shot of April Crum on her final Green Screen day for REDD. Yes that is her adorable dog.

Been working on finally wrapping up REDD so we can get it out this winter. Also had a slew of client projects we've been working on. But mainly it's all been about REDD.  A big update is coming soon on this blog as well as on reddmovie.com and all over the internet announcing what we've been working on when you all can expect REDD and other projects to come out.

More soon.

First Ad of the New Year. CafeDrops "The Walking Dead"

Had alot of fun making this ad for CafeDrops.com

Features myself (Patrick) in zombie make up created by Skarred Effects (Chana Van Meter). Also features Amanda Elizabeth in old age make up also by Chana.

Grunge Layers. For you Freddy.

This is in response to Freddy Lopez (@FreddyiWonder) who asked on Twitter:

"For the walking dead toy story intro you made, how did you make the floating textures? e.g.: the particles"

I figured it would be best to try to explain it in a blog post. So here we go.

First off for those of you who haven't seen it, check out my Walking Dead / Toy Story mashup here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfGh1qOYBwo

I tried to emulate the floating particles you see in the Walking Dead TV Intro.

They float somewhat subtly (and not so subtly) in layers in front of the camera.

Layers is the key

Now you can do this in After Effects but I did this in Hitfilm Ultimate 2.  I took a grunge layer like this one:

I got this out of the texture file that came with Action Essentials II, but you can do an image search for similar images. Look for grunge or even pain splatter.

I switched the image to negative (or in Hitfilm use Invert) so now all those little cracks and bits turn white.

Adjusted the brightness and contrast so those whites become more evident.

And then utilizing 3D space in Hitfilm I duplicated it and separated the layers.

I changed the blend mode to Add so the black would become transparent. I then played with the layers, added some softness, increased opacity, and then moved the layers around, made them move left to right, up and down, etc. This way the particles would move around as the camera would move in and out of them in front of what ever image I wanted.

Now I just kinda threw this together because I wanted to get a response to you Freddy, but if you'd like I'll find the time to put together an actual video tutorial to better explain and how to possibly achieve the same effect if you don't have After Effects or Hitfilm.

Patrick

Benotripia: The Stones Of Horsh

We were hired to make the book trailer for the second book in the Benotripia book series. A series of kids books written by a talented 12 year old author Mckenzie Wagner.

Find out more about Mckenzie and her books here: http://www.mckenziewagnerbooks.com/

This was a ton of fun to shoot. And figuring out some of these fx was a blast. Working with a CG parrot and figuring out how to make a girl fly on storm clouds, alot of fun to put together.

And what a talented group of kids this was. So professional to work with.

Astro - Gian Gibboney
Roseabelle - Ellie Dusek
Jessicana - Amanda Pahl
Sheklyth - Amanda Elizabeth

Casting For A Book Trailer / Shooting in Winston Salem, NC.

A book trailer for the Children's Book BENOTRIPIA: STONES OF HORSH is looking to cast 5 parts.

This is part of a book series created by McKenzie Wagner the young 12 year old author who's series is gaining popularity. Find out more at her site:
http://www.mckenziewagnerbooks.com/

One days work. There is minimal pay. Definitely perfect if you're looking to fill your reel and resume.

Would prefer that you were local to Winston Salem, NC.

We need to cast these parts quickly as we'll be shooting as soon as all the parts are cast.

Submit your headshot and resume to wtwcasting@yahoo.com

Those selected may be asked to submit a video audition. Especially the part of ASTRO as he is the only character with dialogue.

LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING:

ASTRO: 13 Years Old / Male. Spikey Jet Black Hair. Has the ability to manipulate electricity. Shoot lightning from his fingers.

ROSEABELLE: 13 Years Old / Female. Strawberry Blonde or Red Hair. Has the ability to travel through shadows and shape shift.

JESSICANA: 13 Years Old / Female. Beautiful Blonde Wavy Hair. She has the ability to change into a parrot.

SHEKLYTH: 30 Years Old / Female. Long Black Hair. Wears a hooded cloak. A bit gothy.

DASTROCK: 30 to 40 Years Old / Male. Red Hair. 6 ft. Broad Shoulders and Lean.

If you're chosen we may speak to you further about parts in other WTW Productions.

wtwmoviecompany.com

patrickprejusa.info

Halloween 1979. Audience Reaction.

The audience is one of the main reasons I make movies. There's nothing quite like experiencing their reaction. It's why I love a crowded theater on opening night.  This is such a great example of that kind of excitement. 

Such a great upload.  Special thanks to YouTube users JackOSkull and DarkCastle2012.

A Proportional Response

I've been showing clips to several different people. Doing a bit of beta testing. A few chosen people have even seen the completed movie. The consensus is the same. "It's really good."

And that's why we're still working on it. Mainly because I'm perfecting the score, doing some minor re-shoots, and perfecting the FX. But also because "really good" isn't good enough for me.

I'm aiming for amazing.  If I aim high, then even if I miss, at least we'll land somewhere above "really good."

So one of the things I haven't been able to do is get alot of the final fight scenes to be really big. I needed alot of actors to play Grimm Soldiers in the final battle scenes. But I've been unsuccessful in coordinating everyone's schedules to get the amount of people I need.

So since I can't get an army of actors in, why not make it an army of Robots.  And all I'd need to do is build just one and multiply it in post.

I started with left over coffee containers, empty juice bottles, and some mini pads I bought for cheap at Goodwill.

Yes, that's a Planters Peanuts Bottle.

Put it all together with hot glue and cheap wood screws. Added a few details from plastic lids and caps.

Did a first coat of  black spray paint.

Then a coat of metallic silver. Letting it dry for 24 hours between coats helps keep it from chipping.

A final coat of off white on the body. It looks a bit orange thanks to the sun going down.

A final coat of black for the chest plate and shoulders.

After I'm done in post we'll have an army of flying robots.

This only cost about $7.


Before you know it this movie will be completely finished.

LINKS ROUND UP (June 12th, 2013)

Some bits and pieces from around the web that filmmakers my find useful.


Learn How to Be an Entrepreneurial-Minded Filmmaker with Tips from Ted Hope


16 Recommendations For Filmmakers To Discover Best Practices For A Sustainable Creative Life


19 Things Regarding Our Current Culture That Should Completely Alter Your Creative & Entrepreneurial Practice


Introducing BitTorrent Bundle: Pioneering Decentralized Digital Distribution & Marketing

How to Write a Proposal that Sells | Videomaker.com

How to Write a Proposal that Sells | Videomaker.com

NAB 2013: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

Danny Boyle’s 15 Golden Rules of Moviemaking

http://www.moviemaker.com/articles-directing/danny-boyle-15-golden-rules-filmmaking/

It's Alive

First coat of paint done. What do you do to solve a plot / casting issue in your movie? Build a robot of course.

Dancing With Tilda Swinton

Ebertfest 2013 Dance Along from Ebertfest on Vimeo.

Tilda Swinton leads 1,500 people in a dance-along to Barry White's "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" during Roger Ebert's Film Festival in the Virginia Theater on April 20, 2013.

Look What We Can Do

From Boston to my beloved Texas, tragedy, shock, and terror seem to rule.  There is much I am concerned about. There is much I could be truly upset about. But I've come to understand that I'm evolving into a serial positivist (is that even a word?).

My immediate reaction after shock and horror is to seek out those things that are positive. Like how the Boston Marathon already had many paramedics and police in place. Like how West and surrounding areas in that area of Texas has some of the best firefighters and medical teams already there. Like how beyond the tragedy, the people rise up, they help each other, they work to make things better almost immediately. The resilience is evident and overpowers the terror. It shows me the light of humanity and it makes me proud to be a part of it.

I'm probably the biggest Superman fan you'll ever meet. So much so that I can't talk about it sometimes. It was Richard Donner's original SUPERMAN THE MOVIE that really inspired me to be a filmmaker when I was so young. The site of Christopher Reeve flying in the suit gives me chills and hearing John Williams amazing score inspires my soul. It really affected me.

The Man Of Steel trailer premiered this week. I've been anxious about really seeing it and even more anxious to hear Hans Zimmer's take on the score. I mean how can you top John Williams?

There are no words to describe how this trailer and how Hans Zimmer's work has affected me. It was not only, for me, a perfect trailer, but it feels and looks like an excellent execution of a true cinematic Superman. The original SUPERMAN THE MOVIE was an inspiration to me and always will be, but THE MAN OF STEEL looks to be a TRUE CINEMATIC EVENT. It feels like what all movies should strive to be, more than a film, an experience to behold.

For me it was the perfect light to shine through the darkness of this week. The symbol of Superman has always been an example of resilience and courage. He becomes the character that human's look to, to strive to be. And with that, this trailer is an example of the power of the movies.

I believe in the power of movies. I believe a great movie can lift your spirits and elevate your soul. I believe it can inspire you to do great things. That's something we can use now more than ever and it's why I strive to be a better moviemaker.

It makes me think of a line from the original SUPERMAN THE MOVIE. Jor-El says:.
They can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way.

I disagree. As humans I believe there is much we may lack, but light is not one of them. I've seen more than one example of the light we can shine as a people this week. Maybe even more than the power of cinema, I believe in the power of people. We are capable of creating art that inspires and capable of helping and healing each other in times of tragedy. We are capable of creating and becoming that great experience to behold.

More than fear, this week, I've seen light and inspiration. We're not men of steel. We're beings of light and hope.

And I'm proud to be one.

To borrow a line from my favorite episode of Aaron Sorkin's SPORTS NIGHT. "Look what we can do."

Art by Alex Ross

Melissa Joan Hart's Walk Of Shame

Good old MJH has taken a cue from Veronica Mars and started her own Kickstarter for her own project "Darci's Walk Of Shame". Taking it to the fans to help fund a movie where she can display her acting chops beyond a Hallmark Channel Actor.

Personally I love Kickstarter. It's been very good to me and my projects. And it's an excellent tool for not only fundraising but to also for really building an audience.

I really do love Melissa Joan Hart and I would love for her to succeed at this, but there is talk about how this Kickstarter hasn't really taken off like Veronica Mars and there are a few conversations online about why someone as popular as Melissa Joan Hart isn't getting the same kind of traction for her own project.

One of my issues is with one of the pledge rewards. At the $250 level you can pledge and get your name in the end credits as a Special Thank You. But then there is a disclaimer that states

"We will do everything in our power to make sure your name is spelled correctly and we don't miss any names or leave anyone out. However, mistakes are made, and if we make one here, be assured there is no intent. We ask for your forgiveness, with the understanding that once the film is released, we won't be able to make any changes."

As both a Kickstarter creator and pledger this statement doesn't get me excited to pledge. It basically says we'll take your $250 but you may not get your reward. This statement really needs to be modified. There should be no comment on how someone may be left out, especially since the reward is only limited to 99 people. You'd better not leave anyone out. A better statement would have been:

"We will do everything in our power to make sure your name is spelled correctly. Please make sure you are submitting the proper name the way you want it to be spelled. This is the name we will use in the end credits and it cannot be changed once the movie is released."

Other than that I have no problems with the project other than I just don't find the movie concept to be that exciting. I may very well pledge because I'm a MJH fan, but I think it's tough to get to Veronica Mars level excitement for a project that no one is familiar with.

Veronica Mars already had a built in fan base and a movie was something alot of people were clamoring for for a while. That's why that Kickstarter took off like it did.

$25 grand 4 days in and they're aiming to raise 2 million with 40 days to go. It's a slow start but we can't count them out just yet. I wish her the best of luck in getting this done, hopefully with her fan base and the right push she can really pull this off. Good luck to you Melissa.

Toy Story (The Walking Dead Version)

There was a meme going around about how The Walking Dead and Toy Story were actually quite similar. This got my brain working and I threw this together.

I really had alot of fun putting this together. Took me two days. Used Hitfilm 2 Ultimate for compositing and color correction. Edited the whole thing with Sony Vegas Pro.

Yes I should be editing my movie, and I am, but you gotta take those quick creative breaks or you;ll go nuts. I'm glad I did this one cuz it really helped me figure a few things out creatively, stuff I never would have thought of before.

The cover art on the video I did not put together, grabbed that from someone online. If that's you're handy work then I thank you. The final shot before the end titles in the video is a variation on another artist's work. Woody riding Bullseye into Atlanta is a brilliant idea and should be credited to ~Toooooony on deviantart.

I had a quite a good time setting Al's Toy Barn on fire, and placing a zombie in front of Pizza Planet. I almost extended the soundtrack just so I could make a longer video, I kept coming up with nifty ideas. But I needed to wrap it up, keep it short, head back to working on REDD.

I really tried to get some of the same textures, grunge, and color of the Walking Dead intro.

This was sort of an eerie shot of a blurred out Woody staring out at Andy't room.

One of the first shots I thought of was taking the Pizza Planet truck and giving it some battle damage. Adding bullet holes in the body and the glass was something I really got a kick out of. I regret not adding a blood stin down the car door. 

Copying Rick's newspaper shot from the Season 1 intro. Had to build a new paper which of course meant me playing with some of the headlines. 

This is one of my favorite shots. Strategically positioned CG fire and inserted a Walker sauntering past the camera. 

Tim Allen as Buzz. Of course I used Shane's section. Used an all new picture frame and had to do all new shards of broken glass.

 I thought it would be neat to have a crawling insect over a shot, so I had a bug crawl across the Sunny Side box.

 I actually borrowed a still from the actual Walking Dead Intro for Sarah Wayne Callies section. Used the same frame and background but had to add in Jessie and lay new pieces of broken glass over her.

 Mimicing what I did with Shane / Buzz's picture frame.

 Again working off the idea that it would be funny to see Walkers in front of well known Toy Story locations.  

This was an idea I immediately got excited about. It makes me laugh when I see it. Blood trickling down Woody's shoe right over Andy's name. 

Mandatory! Needed to use some sort of reference to A-113 like you'd see in most Pizar movies. 

This shot of the toys lying lifeless in the bin I thought was rather eerie and I decided to use it as the second to the last shot. Helps signify the toys as a group sort of a live together die together type of message. 

 And the final shot that is based off of Art work by ~Toooooony on deviantart. I felt it was the perfect ender for the entire piece.

Life of Pi's Stunning Effects

Visual effects of The Hobbit: Creating Rivendell