- Jayson
This is the official blog for Starveling Productions
Friday, July 29, 2011
Flocking progress
Javier, our Production Designer, is hard at work coming up with some amazing ways to bring Emmett's flocked creations to life. He's currently testing a process that will make the trees supper fluffy. Stay tuned for future updates where you'll see the magic he's creating for the film! This is gonna be so cool!
VISIT US ON IndieGoGo!
- Jayson
- Jayson
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Flocker's First IndieGoGo Weekend
We've made it through our first weekend on the IndieGoGo fundraising campaign for my new film Flocker. Big thank you's to our first supporters Ann & Jessica (you guys are going to love your perks)!
This campaign is at once exciting and terrifying, but is a major step toward getting the project off the ground and into production. Proceeds will pay for a great deal of our set construction costs, as well as cast and crew salaries. We have already assembled a very talented team with Director of Photography Iskra Valtcheva, and Production Designer Javier Bonafont onboard.
Here's where we stand right now....
Casting calls are out, looking for the perfect talent to pull off this film. We even have our eyes on some recognizable faces. Javier has already begun tests for the perfect flock mixture to create the elaborate trees called for in the script. Elissa and I are on the hunt for the perfect location for the Thibodeaux Christmas tree lot.
We're on our way...now all we need is your help...
You can also stay up to date on the project by liking our Facebook page Facebook.com/FlockerMovie
-Jayson
This campaign is at once exciting and terrifying, but is a major step toward getting the project off the ground and into production. Proceeds will pay for a great deal of our set construction costs, as well as cast and crew salaries. We have already assembled a very talented team with Director of Photography Iskra Valtcheva, and Production Designer Javier Bonafont onboard.
Here's where we stand right now....
Casting calls are out, looking for the perfect talent to pull off this film. We even have our eyes on some recognizable faces. Javier has already begun tests for the perfect flock mixture to create the elaborate trees called for in the script. Elissa and I are on the hunt for the perfect location for the Thibodeaux Christmas tree lot.
You can also stay up to date on the project by liking our Facebook page Facebook.com/FlockerMovie
-Jayson
Location:Austin,TX
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Got Talent?
Production title: Flocker
Union / Non-Union: SAG
Production Type: Independent
Project length: Short Film (20 minutes)
Project format: 16:9 HD
Expected production dates: Early December 2011 or Early 2012
Production location: Austin, TX
Production Company: Starveling Productions
Company website: https://www.starvelingproductions.com
Director: Jayson Oaks
Producers: Jayson Oaks, Elissa Bouillion
Shooting Location: Austin, TX and surrounding areas
Email: casting at starvelingproductions.com
Compensation: Paid/Deferred/Unpaid
Synopsis:
Down in the bayous of South East Texas it rarely snows, yet the desire for a white Christmas knows no bounds. With a little Christmas magic, and a lot of chemicals, flock can give you a tree covered in a fresh blanket of spray-on snow. Flocker, a narrative short, tells the story of Emmett, a young man who's love of flock changes his life forever.
Emmett is a misfit in his small Texas town. He is the flocker for the Thibodeaux Christmas tree lot, lives in a run-down trailer at the back of the tree lot, and he is in love with his boss’ son. However, his artistic flair for flocking trees has made his work popular far and wide. Emmett doesn't just flock the trees in the usual array of solid colors; from American flags to peppermint stripes, he creates fantastical works of art using the trees as a canvas. Although he finds satisfaction in his art, he can’t escape the knowledge that he will soon be out of a job as the Christmas tree season is about to end. Not only will he loose the one true outlet he has for his amazing talent, he will no longer be near the owner's son, Seth. Seth is completely disdainful of our dirt-poor hero, but delights in toying with Emmett’s affections in private. When an opportunity arises to leave the confines of his small town and make a life that is truly his own, Emmett is forced to confront the harsh realities of his life. Our story is a look into one day of a young man’s life when he must decide whether it's better to stay with the devil he knows, remaining misunderstood and unappreciated, or take a leap of faith and finally believe in himself.
Lead Roles:
Emmett - male (mid-late 20's)
Emmett is a hardworking guy, who looks like a typical blue collar, good ol' boy. However, he is an outsider in his family and in his small town because he is openly gay. He works as the Christmas tree flocker for the Thibodeaux family's Christmas tree lot. At first, he took the job to cover for his Uncle Johnny, who had been injured, but Emmett found his artistic voice and can now create amazing, never-before-seen works of art using flock on the Christmas trees. Emmett is also falling for the owner's son, Seth, who uses Emmett's affection to toy with him. Even though his trees make Mrs. Thibodeaux a lot of money, the closer Emmett gets to Seth, the more his job is in jeopardy.
Seth Thibodeaux - male (early-mid 20's)
Seth is a very good looking frat-guy type, but is lazy and very much a momma's boy. He has never known a hard day's work, and looks down on Emmett as the “help”. Seth is satisfied by the easy life that his good looks and Momma have provided for him. While he calls himself straight, he amuses himself by toying with Emmett's emotions, and stringing him along.
Mrs. Thibodeaux - female (40's-50's)
Mrs. Thibodeaux owns the tree lot, and while she enjoys the extra attention and money that Emmett's work brings, she is not happy with him being near Seth. She has a seemingly sweet exterior, but she has a weak grasp on her lady-like manners when she's angry. Mrs. Thibodeaux clearly considers Emmett to be beneath her and her family, and makes every effort to keep Emmett at arm's length. She considers herself generous because she has provided Emmett a run-down trailer to live in during the Christmas tree season. However, she uses this as an excuse to pay him pennies and keep him “on-call” to flock trees. She has noticed her son, Seth, get closer to Emmett, so when Mr. Johanson offers to take Emmett on the road, she sees her chance to turn up the pressure on Emmett to leave.
Mr. Johanson - male (40's-50's)
Mr. Johanson is a traveling salesman of flock and flocking supplies. He has come to the Thibodeaux Christmas tree lot after hearing about Emmett's flocking style. He has come to offer Emmett a partnership to travel and teach his technique to other flockers. Mr. Johanson is the only person who offers Emmett a choice and respect.
Uncle Johnny - male (40's-60's+)
Johnny, Emmett's uncle, had been the tree flocker for the Thibodeaux's for many seasons, but when he injured his back, he arranged for Emmett to fill in for him until his back healed. He is a scheming, crass, and hard-edged man who struggles to make it in life. Now that his disability is about to run out, he is eager to take his job back. Johnny also thinks that Emmett's clear feelings for Seth could put Johnny's own relationship with Mrs. Thibodeaux in trouble. He is determined to force his nephew out of his job.
Supporting Roles:
Mr. And Mrs. Jones
This couple is looking for the perfect tree. As the couple bickers, Emmett is able to convince the husband to shell out the extra cash for a “designer” tree, and creates the wife's dream tree.
Mrs. Baxter
A meek and mild woman who is wanting a tree to upstage her neighborhood rival Linda Beth.
Linda Beth
A brash woman who refuses to be outdone by Mrs. Baxter
Darlene and Thomas
A young couple that can't be torn away from texting/talking on their phones long enough to be convinced of the benefits of a flocked tree.
Union / Non-Union: SAG
Production Type: Independent
Project length: Short Film (20 minutes)
Project format: 16:9 HD
Expected production dates: Early December 2011 or Early 2012
Production location: Austin, TX
Production Company: Starveling Productions
Company website: https://www.starvelingproductions.com
Director: Jayson Oaks
Producers: Jayson Oaks, Elissa Bouillion
Shooting Location: Austin, TX and surrounding areas
Email: casting at starvelingproductions.com
Compensation: Paid/Deferred/Unpaid
Synopsis:
Down in the bayous of South East Texas it rarely snows, yet the desire for a white Christmas knows no bounds. With a little Christmas magic, and a lot of chemicals, flock can give you a tree covered in a fresh blanket of spray-on snow. Flocker, a narrative short, tells the story of Emmett, a young man who's love of flock changes his life forever.
Emmett is a misfit in his small Texas town. He is the flocker for the Thibodeaux Christmas tree lot, lives in a run-down trailer at the back of the tree lot, and he is in love with his boss’ son. However, his artistic flair for flocking trees has made his work popular far and wide. Emmett doesn't just flock the trees in the usual array of solid colors; from American flags to peppermint stripes, he creates fantastical works of art using the trees as a canvas. Although he finds satisfaction in his art, he can’t escape the knowledge that he will soon be out of a job as the Christmas tree season is about to end. Not only will he loose the one true outlet he has for his amazing talent, he will no longer be near the owner's son, Seth. Seth is completely disdainful of our dirt-poor hero, but delights in toying with Emmett’s affections in private. When an opportunity arises to leave the confines of his small town and make a life that is truly his own, Emmett is forced to confront the harsh realities of his life. Our story is a look into one day of a young man’s life when he must decide whether it's better to stay with the devil he knows, remaining misunderstood and unappreciated, or take a leap of faith and finally believe in himself.
Lead Roles:
Emmett - male (mid-late 20's)
Emmett is a hardworking guy, who looks like a typical blue collar, good ol' boy. However, he is an outsider in his family and in his small town because he is openly gay. He works as the Christmas tree flocker for the Thibodeaux family's Christmas tree lot. At first, he took the job to cover for his Uncle Johnny, who had been injured, but Emmett found his artistic voice and can now create amazing, never-before-seen works of art using flock on the Christmas trees. Emmett is also falling for the owner's son, Seth, who uses Emmett's affection to toy with him. Even though his trees make Mrs. Thibodeaux a lot of money, the closer Emmett gets to Seth, the more his job is in jeopardy.
Seth Thibodeaux - male (early-mid 20's)
Seth is a very good looking frat-guy type, but is lazy and very much a momma's boy. He has never known a hard day's work, and looks down on Emmett as the “help”. Seth is satisfied by the easy life that his good looks and Momma have provided for him. While he calls himself straight, he amuses himself by toying with Emmett's emotions, and stringing him along.
Mrs. Thibodeaux - female (40's-50's)
Mrs. Thibodeaux owns the tree lot, and while she enjoys the extra attention and money that Emmett's work brings, she is not happy with him being near Seth. She has a seemingly sweet exterior, but she has a weak grasp on her lady-like manners when she's angry. Mrs. Thibodeaux clearly considers Emmett to be beneath her and her family, and makes every effort to keep Emmett at arm's length. She considers herself generous because she has provided Emmett a run-down trailer to live in during the Christmas tree season. However, she uses this as an excuse to pay him pennies and keep him “on-call” to flock trees. She has noticed her son, Seth, get closer to Emmett, so when Mr. Johanson offers to take Emmett on the road, she sees her chance to turn up the pressure on Emmett to leave.
Mr. Johanson - male (40's-50's)
Mr. Johanson is a traveling salesman of flock and flocking supplies. He has come to the Thibodeaux Christmas tree lot after hearing about Emmett's flocking style. He has come to offer Emmett a partnership to travel and teach his technique to other flockers. Mr. Johanson is the only person who offers Emmett a choice and respect.
Uncle Johnny - male (40's-60's+)
Johnny, Emmett's uncle, had been the tree flocker for the Thibodeaux's for many seasons, but when he injured his back, he arranged for Emmett to fill in for him until his back healed. He is a scheming, crass, and hard-edged man who struggles to make it in life. Now that his disability is about to run out, he is eager to take his job back. Johnny also thinks that Emmett's clear feelings for Seth could put Johnny's own relationship with Mrs. Thibodeaux in trouble. He is determined to force his nephew out of his job.
Supporting Roles:
Mr. And Mrs. Jones
This couple is looking for the perfect tree. As the couple bickers, Emmett is able to convince the husband to shell out the extra cash for a “designer” tree, and creates the wife's dream tree.
Mrs. Baxter
A meek and mild woman who is wanting a tree to upstage her neighborhood rival Linda Beth.
Linda Beth
A brash woman who refuses to be outdone by Mrs. Baxter
Darlene and Thomas
A young couple that can't be torn away from texting/talking on their phones long enough to be convinced of the benefits of a flocked tree.
Monday, June 27, 2011
48 Hours of Fun
Write, shoot, and edit a film in just 48 hours? That's what the 48 hour Film Project is all about.
It's been years since I've worked on a 48 hour project, but this year I stumbled onto a great team and had a blast! The group was founded by Korina Delapeña, and included one of my co-workers Rey Barrera as well as John Delapeña, Farhaneh Shirazee, and Asored Villarreal. Roberto Silva and Ernest Gallardo were on set too helping us with this crazy project.
If you don't already know how the whole thing works, here's a rundown. Friday evening each team draws a genre, which can be anything from "Western" to "Mockumentary", then there is a character, a prop, and a line of dialog that has to be included in every film. Our team drew "Romance", the character for this year was a soccer coach named Katie Whithers, and the prop was a purse.
Now I can't give away the story, but I think our team made a really fun film with action, adventure, and of course romance. The film is titled "Run For Me". The lead actors were, Asored Villarreal, Arnulfo Hernandez, and Rupert Reyes. When it gets online, I'll update this post with a link.
Mega props to all the cast and crew who all survived hours in the hot sun shooting all over downtown Austin. Below are some BTS shots courtesy of Farhaneh Shirazee.
It's been years since I've worked on a 48 hour project, but this year I stumbled onto a great team and had a blast! The group was founded by Korina Delapeña, and included one of my co-workers Rey Barrera as well as John Delapeña, Farhaneh Shirazee, and Asored Villarreal. Roberto Silva and Ernest Gallardo were on set too helping us with this crazy project.
If you don't already know how the whole thing works, here's a rundown. Friday evening each team draws a genre, which can be anything from "Western" to "Mockumentary", then there is a character, a prop, and a line of dialog that has to be included in every film. Our team drew "Romance", the character for this year was a soccer coach named Katie Whithers, and the prop was a purse.
Now I can't give away the story, but I think our team made a really fun film with action, adventure, and of course romance. The film is titled "Run For Me". The lead actors were, Asored Villarreal, Arnulfo Hernandez, and Rupert Reyes. When it gets online, I'll update this post with a link.
Mega props to all the cast and crew who all survived hours in the hot sun shooting all over downtown Austin. Below are some BTS shots courtesy of Farhaneh Shirazee.
Korina and Roberto trying to find some shade.
The cast and crew in between shots.
John boomin'.
The romance between Arnulfo's and Asored's characters.
The first of many running scenes!
Los locos.
The cast and crew in between shots.
John boomin'.
The romance between Arnulfo's and Asored's characters.
The first of many running scenes!
Los locos.
Friday, August 20, 2010
New Project Breaking Ground
Many months later and many dollars spent, Warm Fuzzy is all wrapped up. It was submitted to a ton of festivals, but unfortunately, it hasn't been programed. Also had a small nibble by a Canadian distributor, but they too passed. So it goes. There are a few more windows open, but if those don't pan out, do not fear. I'm planning on self distributing on Amazon so folks can see it streaming. Also I'm selling DVDs of the film for $10, so get your orders in now! They make an excellent holiday or birthday gift (hint hint Mom!)
That shameless plug brings me to my new project, "Flocker", which I'll be using proceeds from Warm Fuzzy to fund. I'm really excited about this film as it is a great little piece about taking the slings and arrows life throws at you and finally making the decision to live your life on your terms. It explores that moment of clarity when the main character Emmett decides to make a major change in his life. The script is based on a brilliant short story by Elissa Bouillion and is set somewhere in the Texas-Louisiana countryside.
Synopsis:
Emmett flocks Christmas trees for the Thibodeaux Tree farm. He got the job filling in for his uncle Johnny who's been out with a back injury. His artistic flair in decorating trees has made his work popular. Although unconventional, Emmett finds satisfaction in his art, and it allows him to be close to Seth, the owner's son. Emmett holds a flame for him although Seth treats him with utter disdain. The story is a day in the life of a man clinging to a world that has little use for him other than his ability to drape trees in a blanket of fake snow. When the opportunity arises to strike out and make a life that is truly his own, Emmett is forced to confront the harsh reality of living on empty hope and the emotional scraps of a one-sided love affair.
So along with me, Christi Mason and Elissa Bouillion will be producing the film. They both worked on Warm Fuzzy as well. We're gearing up for the pre-production phase, so I'll keep you all updated on the project.
That shameless plug brings me to my new project, "Flocker", which I'll be using proceeds from Warm Fuzzy to fund. I'm really excited about this film as it is a great little piece about taking the slings and arrows life throws at you and finally making the decision to live your life on your terms. It explores that moment of clarity when the main character Emmett decides to make a major change in his life. The script is based on a brilliant short story by Elissa Bouillion and is set somewhere in the Texas-Louisiana countryside.
Synopsis:
Emmett flocks Christmas trees for the Thibodeaux Tree farm. He got the job filling in for his uncle Johnny who's been out with a back injury. His artistic flair in decorating trees has made his work popular. Although unconventional, Emmett finds satisfaction in his art, and it allows him to be close to Seth, the owner's son. Emmett holds a flame for him although Seth treats him with utter disdain. The story is a day in the life of a man clinging to a world that has little use for him other than his ability to drape trees in a blanket of fake snow. When the opportunity arises to strike out and make a life that is truly his own, Emmett is forced to confront the harsh reality of living on empty hope and the emotional scraps of a one-sided love affair.
So along with me, Christi Mason and Elissa Bouillion will be producing the film. They both worked on Warm Fuzzy as well. We're gearing up for the pre-production phase, so I'll keep you all updated on the project.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
AAAFF 2009 Kudos
Huge kudos to my buddy and Austin Asian American Film Festival Executive Director Masashi Niwano! The festival was a fantastic whirlwind of excellent asian cinema and some great parties. This is my third year to be involved in the festival as a staff member and am proud to have a small part in bringing the Austin film community such a great event. In the past three years I have seen the audiences and profile of this festival grow under the direction of Masashi. If you weren't able to make it this year, be sure to mark your calendar for next year.
Some of the highlights were nearly sold out screenings of White on Rice; Fruit Fly with a live performance by director H.P. Mendoza and actress L.A. Renigan; and the outdoor screening of Persepolis.
You can check out the you missed or remember the fun times you had by checking out the gallerys at http://www.aaaff.org And be sure to bookmark the site as the AAAFF has special screenings and events throughout the year. See you then!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
2009 AFF Memoirs
So this year I was lucky enough to have a badge to the 2009 Austin Film Festival. It was my first time to have a badge for the entire event. Between parties and talking to friends old and new I was able to catch a couple of feature flicks and several shorts programs.
The first film that I saw was "Stoner" by Austin writer/director Michael Greene. It was a cool flick about four friends on the cusp of their college graduation, and as the name suggests there is a fair bit of smoking, however the heart of the film lies in the believable and relatable characters. It's a great film with comedic moments and also some more serious self discovery elements, offering a nice balance. If you get a chance you should check it out!
I also barely squeezed into a packed screening at the Alamo Ritz of the comedy "Herpes Boy" written by/staring Byron Lane and drirected by Nathaniel Atcheson. It was a quirky little film that had some charming moments. The thought occurred to me during the screening that it would probably be a great cable television series as there was a lot of material to develop for the characters.
Additionally I got to got to the Texas Filmmakers Showcase. It was a great series of films that really made me proud to be part of the Texas filmmaking community. If you get a chance to see this series you should jump on it.
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