The first one you did, without the "brown, cartoon cap". The one with the arrow. Same idea, but not so "in your face". Ha ha.

Oh, haha. I like that one, too. It just felt stupid having a pink arrow instead of something that would make more sense. You know?

Another reason I like the new poster is a lot of people I've asked for opinions from didn't notice that it was supposed to be a penis.

It usually takes them a few moments before they realized what the picture was about.

Also, an update on the production: I might finally have the two lead male actors to fit the two parts. Keep your fingers crossed.

That was EXACTLY why I liked the subtle poster - it didn't occur to me instantly that it was a penis, then when I did clue in, it felt like I was "in on the joke"...sort of like the movie. It's not about a penis, obviously...there are more layers to it than that, but once you twig onto what's going on, aha!

Hmmm, interesting way to put it. I'll consider that... thanks Karen!

UPDATE: I think I might have found the last actor to cast! Then, I can begin preproduction with a completed crew. Finally!

I am set to begin filming next week. I have it planned out: three days, fifteen hours, four seperate locations (which will be tricky, because the film is set in one location.)

I'm pretty excited. This is one of the first films I'm making where I extensively planned during preproduction (my version of "storyboarding," working with the actors on their characters a lot more than I ever did, digital effects.)

The actors will have all of their lines memorized. It's not too much to ask, considering they've all been in school plays so it should come naturally.

Anyway, watch out for "Blow Job" in the coming month. And sorry about the delay!

I'm really glad to see you getting this project off the ground. Congratulations.

I will say, as a general rule, take the number of hours you think it will take you to film a scene...and double it.

haha funny you say that because that's actually what I did. I said to myself, okay I THINK it will take two hours... but I KNOW it will take four. So, that's why it's three days of five hour shifts!

I did learn that the hard way though

Started filming on the 29th. It went very well. I had to jump at the oppurtunity to film at the last minute because everyone's schedules opened up and allowed me five hours of filming. We got about four pages done and have to return to location 1 (my house) to complete the scene.

Due to a family conflict, I have to post pone filming again, which really sucks because I was planning on using "Blow Job" in college submission portfolios. Nonetheless, this will allow ample time for the actors to memorize lines so shooting flows smoothly and the acting is a lot more natural.

So, as of now, it looks good. Though I would like to film ASAP, it's not bad to allow the film to cook a little more and give the actors more time to dive deeper into their character's.

hey this may not have a lot to do with your film...but i was impressed by your posters...

how do you make those...your draw them up? use images already on the net? or shoot your own...

im just curious...

thanks in advance...

I appreciate the compliment. I love making the posters and trailers for my films - marketing is, essentially, a very important aspect and I like to have as much fun with it as I can.

As for how I make them, it really is a mixture of online photos, my own and drawing things up on photoshop. Let your mind flow and have nothing but fun.

Anyway, I decided I'd put up a few select stills from the film. I'd like to hear opinion on how you think it looks, etc.



The dinner.



Bethany Mercurio.



Jonathan Sepulveda.



Dinner.



Taking a hit.



...and again.

Anyway, so far it looks good. Out of boredom I cut the first two minutes on Pinnacle Studio and have realized I need a few more things to add.

I'm very excited to start filming again. I'm having a blast and hopefully everyone else is as well.

Here are a few more clips:



Bethany pouring Jonathan wine.



Cocaine (flour.)



The food was REALLY that disgusting.

Its looking good, Mark.
What exactly is that food on the plate?

One thing I would say is that your set could use a little more artistic flavor. I guess you could be going for an anonymous, drab look...but I think you could do yourself a lot of good by making your set design a little more symmetrical and stylized. Just a thought.

Haha thanks. Its spinach, peas, carrots and saurkraut. Very nasty.

What exactly do you mean, brain? And do you have any other way I can contact you?

so you have used cocaine or are they sniffing sugar?

sugar is way more powerful.
I am being serious...plus you already have the Coke drink, and if you know, they still put a dab of cocaine in that. read the ingredients...doesnt say it right there...but on the side of the can it has a special print that says "coke" (Without the "cola" by it) so you know what you're getting into. why do you think so many people have attention disorders these days? cause our parents were all raped. dont do it!

They're sniffing flour. Or at least sucking up their mouths through a money straw.

I agree with the production design...you can use your sets to say so much about the world the characters exist in and the characters themselves. The dining room just looks like someone's parents' house, and could've been so much more.

Also, the "Coke" brand is licensed...

I can't tell much else from the stills, but congrats on finally shooting...

I'm not expecting to make any money from this project, so I don't think "Coke" should make too much of a fuss.

As for the production design, it doesn't exactly have the feel of each character because, as you find out later in the film, the house being used for the date isn't the lead characters. It is her friends.

Thanks... I'm glad to be shooting as well

I wasn't really referring to the specific choice of props or items in the scene...but more about their placement. I was just thinking that you can use the existing props for higher aesthetic and stylistic uses.


It may help to think of these vases and picture frames and cabinets as actual subjects, and you arrange them and compose them like you are going to taking a photograph. I guess if you are going for a more naturalistic style, this advice isn't very applicable.

For example, you have some lovely striped wallpaper, but you really aren't utilizing those beautiful natural lines.

Or in one picture you have a coat rack by the door that just seems awkwardly positioned and out of place.


It may not be a huge deal, but I guess I am the type that will spend 10 minutes arranging candles that are on a table in the background of a shot.

I see what you mean. I did arrange them like I was going to take a photograph - I figure that is composition. The coat rack is to fill a void, and fits perfectly by the door. It actually has a Christmas tie on it... I guess as a stupid, pointless inside joke.

The room was originally barren because we're moving into another house. I had to put a lot of furntiture in there and did place a few objects to symbolize themes of the story; for example, the Coke can representing the illicit drug in the scene, which I'm sure a lot of people get right away.

I guess you could say I'm going for a "naturalistic" style but I did arrange items a certain way for the film. So perhaps it's half and half? It would have been much easier had the room had anything in it!

Braininabox, what other way can I contact you? Email, website, etc?

Oh, my electronicmail address is

thomascd@purdue.edu


Also, good work avoiding filming reflections of yourself. Haha, it seems like there is a mirror or reflective surface on every wall.