Okay, so maybe, maybe I drop the ball every now and again.
HEY! I'm only human...(I just LOOK like Superman, baby...well, maybe a chubby... Superman, well... actually... maybe just a chubby man, that's...that is super (clears throat).

Oh, and first off, I just got my home PC back from the Geek Guys, or whatever they call 'em. You know, from "Beast Buy", and boy oh boy am I ever in the wrong business.
Those guys clean up (financially speaking)!

In fact, in respect that I probably will get "whacked" for saying this, I think they're definitely mob tied.
Yeah, they just have to be.

With a Tony Soprano tone:

Geek Squad Gangster: Yea! Ugh...Mr. Bent-i, it seems dat yer puter has sadly obtained anadda virus thingy. So wit dat said and dat most regrettable news (deep sigh), der will be anadda "modest" consultation fee to do dis, dat & few utta tings.
(smiles teethy grin, looking down at me with an intimidation stare) Now sign there!

That's how it feels. I admit, I'm no technical wizard, more of the creative sort. So, like with anything else (such as a Mechanic, Car Salesman, Dentist, Jeweler, etc etc), I feel that those more informed, can very easily juice the SH%T out of you, and you probably wouldn't know otherwise. They could tell you it's one big thing, when really it's like a little push of a button thing... OR, they might tell you it's a little thing (whatever "IT" may be, product or sevice) and really it's a home run for them. I'll leave that to your vivid imagination.

Either way - Ouch to you!

I for one, am very dependent on PC's. The email, software programs, files, etc. I found that not having my PC in my little home office, for even just a week, left me unable to do a lot more than I would have thought, basically handicapped. Sad really, that many of us can actually be more dependent and/or spend more time with our computer than our own families.

It's no wonder I made sure to make the Geek Squad guys aware that...

Benti: Now, if anything, ANYTHING at all happens to my baby (computer), I swear to F'n God (shakes fist), I'll come back for you... you and your entire crew. (huggin PC, sobbing as they take it away). Do you hear me damn it, do you understand what I'm saying to you.

Geek Squad Gangster: "Not ta worry at all, Mr. Bent-i. Your puter is in good (pause) hands, (they all look at eachother with a knowing chuckle as the PC vanishes behind the curtain). Now, ya won't mind will ya? I'll need ya to pre pay the initial "consultation fee", again. Plus, we'll need ya ta sign deese here forms, they waivers dis, dat and a few utta tings...

Benti: Like what?

Geek Squad Gangster: Well, ya know? Like if we uh... if we erased your entire hard drive or sometin like dat... ya know, on accident of course. (smiles teethy grin, looking down at me with an intimidation stare) Now sign there!

Needless to say... I sign, and dat is dat.

I mentioned in a recent article that I'm about to purchase a new computer system. I mean a serious purchase (at least for me, maybe not for you "Rockafellas" out there) Over $20k, when it's all said and done. Now I admit this will include, a high end DVD replicator, a HD Digital Camera with the lens and all the other add ons, and then a full Dual Core Mac Pro computer system. This will be mainly for editing digital films. Jim Smith does most of our editing, and he does one Hell of a job might I add. But he can only get some much done on his own and our work load is getting bigger (which is a good thing). I enjoy working with Jim on where things shoud fall into place in the edits, as far as sequence to the footage we shoot.

For me, besides just wanting to learn, I also know it will be helpful to have the skill, even if I am playing catch up to some of the more seasoned editors such as Jim, Alex Ferrari, and Eric Latek. But I know that I can, for example, what you see here on the IIE sites, though not super fancy, I pretty much learned how to do it from trial and error (I stress error). But it seems to get better each month the more I TAKE ACTION. Infact, most of the success I've had in life is result of simply making the effort, rather than excuses. It's never too late folks. Whether you're 15 or 51, as long as you have take action on that ambition you'll amaze yourself what can happen. Click Here to read the awesome information I obtained from Alex and Eric. I also enjoyed pitting the two of them against eachother in a death match. They argue which was the better platform, PC or MAC. I'll let you decide.

So The Pee Pee Dance has done well. We're going to send it out, after polishing it up a little, to a few other film festivals. We're also planning on a series of several other comedy shorts partly in collaboration with Kevin Anderton (Midnight Chimes / Boston Film Night) and myself. We have some other really cool stuff developing as well. I don't have to type ALL of it here. You can see for yourself on the site.

In fact, there is alot of new stuff in the works:
imageicon.tv
Boston Film Night 2007
Ruff Cutz 2008 with Beanywood.com
The Artist Exchange and IIE partner up
New short films productions
New contest and a chance for you to win "stuff" and cash
and much more

With that, I am going to fix this voice file software so I don't have to type my rantings.

See ya in a few. Indie Power!!

Jamie

PS - Don't forget we want to be your pal if your on myspace

	www.myspace.com/image_icon_ent
	www.myspace.com/ruffcutzfilm

...man, I am wiped. I will update all this tomorrow or so with all the details. Had a great dinner at the Rat Pack Cafe in Boston. Got to hear Mark Mahar jazz it up. Damn he is good, seriously. I wished I had brought the camcorder. Hoss and John of HDM invited us to celebrate Hoss' Bday, and the Los Lonely Boys also showed up. Great guys by the way, lots of fun. They were being entertained for a change, by Mark and his band. I was taking the pictures if you were wondering where I am...I'm there I swear. Okay bed time...

Indie film philosphy and a Rhino (yes, I meant to type Rhino)

Another chapter in my personal blog of pains and progress. Where should we pick up this time? I'll just jump right in! The Last Call trailer first draft is finally done. Simple, short...nothing fancy and Jim did a great job. After all , we're indie and I think we can get supe high tech when we have a Peter Jackson budget perhaps.

Here is the trailer if you missed it - http://www.imageiconent.com/sample_film_video_LastCall.html

Obstacles are my friend, in general, but (sighs) I guess I should be thankful as we've been fortunate enough to make some great contacts, friends and affiliate for IIE so far this year. People like Eric Latek, Alex Ferrari & Jorge Rodriguez (for some reason I always group them together...I'd hate for them to get BROKEN up...get it " BROKEN " ...ahhh forget it), Rick Schmidt, Barret Dungy, Eric Baron, and many other in the film and entertainment world. Now at the same time I confess some of the people I thought would embrace IIE and what we're doing have seemed to basically give us the cold shoulder. Not that I haven't been very humble and tugged repeatedly on their pant leg so to speak, only to be kicked away like the little dog (Chester) of the old Looney Toon cartoons (though I admit I'm now a fan of Adult Swim), you remember right?

Chester - "Hey Spike, ya wanna go dig up some bones? Do Ya? Huh, Spike, huh?

Spike - (smacking Chester across the yard) "Naaaah!"

Side note - I actually paused to see if I could find that clip on the web but I wasn't able to, BUT I did find this page for those of you wondering what the Hell I was talking about http://www.tultw.com/bios/spike.htm (...if you have the clip be sure to send it to me).

I am sure they have their reasons. In all honesty, I would have expected that from the more "main stream" Hollywood type's but not from other indies. Puzzling to me really. A successful filmmaker I know told me he found many people that put him down and mocked him over a course of some years are now the same people and companies wanting to be his pal, how surprising. You ever feel like that. I mean even in life, in general. So, I won't mention any names I was just venting with restraint in case you feel that way sometimes.

We are hosting our first film conference that may evolve into something more, Ruff Cutz Indie Film Conference's in Boston  http://www.rcifc.com/

We are really looking forward to it actually, least I am. We have some great speakers coming that I personally can't wait to meet...cept for Eric Latek of course, as I see him MORE THAN ENOUGH (I am kidding, he's actually a great guy...mostly, usually...at times).

Eric actually has been training quite hard (off the subject of film a sec) and I have noticed this each time I've seen him (as I see him every few weeks or so, that he's getting more and more diesel each passing. I say this because at one time I was doing all that working out "Stuff" and was actually feeling good. But with building a few businesses and websites, filming, traveling here and there, the kids...it's tough to find the time to eat right and execise.

I know I know, all excuses. But seriously, one day I was like "DAMN! who is that fat kid!" ...then my reflection promptly answered (clearing his throat with scrunched eyes) "That kid, would be you!"

Right before smashing the mirror, I of course was shocked. I really knew it was time to do something when we got done shooting Last Call and one of the actors called me up afterward and said "Hey Jamie, that was you in Newcomers? I saw that clip on the site. Man, you had some guns, huh!" and I was all "Well yeah, I was working out then and "Stuff"..."
only to be cut off with a "MAN, you really fell apart, huh!"

As he said that he of course realized it wasn't what I really wanted to hear...but in all honesty it was good to see that...and I felt really bad about smashing all his windows, afterwards, as I know he meant no harm. Made me ask Eric just what the heck he was doing to get so swoll. So he happily put me up to this crazy supplement program etc (all people in shape like to feel as if the are doing you th efavor when really they are just so proud of themselves and wantt o share all there success...bastards).

I must have spent $200 on vitamins, glutamine's, proteins and whaddayamine's. Anyway, I take all this "Stuff" and should be a new man in a few days...or so. At least I took a step closer as all that "Stuff" is now promnineley displayed on my kitchen table ready for consumption (for like the past two weeks) and I WILL GET TO IT! You'll see! (stuffing hot pocket in mouth)...juf naught rigt naah.

So back to film stuff. We are planning the next short after the event. I am not certain if we'll get to all four this year but we'll see. We have made some great contacts with a few distributors but I am always afraid to open my big mouth to soon so I'll wait till the next post before I mention it, not to insert my foot. We have a few interviews scheduled this month as well. Check out the calendar page http://www.imageiconent.com/calendar.html on IIE to see when and where. I think I am going to start doing an audio file blog next time as I don't mind typing but always felt I'd better describe my docu-life - LIVE.

What a great show it would be to have a camera crew follow some of us around for a few months. Alex, Eric, Jenna, a few others..oh and throw me in there (comedy relief). Breaking into Indie's or some clever name title. It would be HUGE! All you multi million dollar production cpmpanies take special note as I am available to pitch that to you and the Company when you're ready for a original series.

Seriously! Thanks for stopping by and reading this babble. Hope you got a laugh or even a brief small faint smirk at the corner of your left cheek. I'll leave you with this very cool article link. It's about the Rhino (thought I'd forget didn't ya). Someone recently gave this to me as I sometimes wonder 'What the Hell am I doing!" but know it's just to far to turn back now sooooo read this and it will motivate you to BE THE RHINO, YOU ARE THE RHINO.

http://www.forbes.com/opinions/free_forbes/2006/0130/031.html

See ya in a few...charge!

Jamie

PS - Don't forget we want to be your pal if your on myspace http://www.myspace.com/image_icon_ent

03:09 AM

May 13, 2006

The Burdon of Progress

They say to be "careful what you wish for". How true. Since my last post it seems more and more things come about that can be difficult to keep pace with at times. Our youngest boy (of two), Gavin, is doing better and thanks to everyone who sent their regards, concerns and little wish well cards. Very much appreciated. We bring him back for another check up in 3 months, but the Doc said he looks better since that little surgery.

I actually sat down with Jim for the first time since filming yesterday (crazy huh, I know but I do explain throughout this post). We edited several minutes. I am always amazed at how easy (though time consuming) digital editing is compared to, from what I'm told, what it actual takes for film stock to edit (not to mention cost). I admit I am a helpless Sally when it comes to that technical stuff. I just have some silly ideas. A curse a times really, as my friends and family make fun of me as I'll see or hear something that makes me think of an idea for a short or a feature and I am like "Give me some paper, quick" as I jot down notes. I'm doing my best to deal with my sickness and focus on the projects at hand.

Last Call, so far, looks fantastic (in my humble opinion). It took us about 3 hours to edit like 3 minutes (12 to go). Not bad. Now that I can buckle down I think Jim and I can have that done before the month end and move on to the next project (Are We Welcoming & Warm?). Some edits seems to fit perfect. Meaning we used only one camera for this shoot (which I can better grasp how two or three cameras would save alot of time). Not to mention Jackson and Spielberg hounding me for the finished product. It's like, "Peter, Peter please, I know we are on a dead line but things happen brother. NO! I am not making excuses, and don't you take that gorilla tone & attitude with me, Mr. Man".

The tough part when shooting was getting the actors (for the most part) to deliver the same scene over and over and over and over again, as the crew would scurry around like a circus act to get the next shot. Jenna and Jim would yell out "Let's get this angle, what do you think" and I would happily oblige. The beauty of a one setting location. We cut Sara (played by Darya) giving a line in a two shot, then a quick cut to a close up one shot for another perspective, then dropping in the other characters reactions for like a split second, then back to Sara, and then back to the two shot. All for like 15 seconds of play time, and also trying to keep it from looking "too busy". Then later will be adding color corrections, video filters, audio fillers and music back ground, etc..

Honestly, I am humbled on each little project I get to work on. Eric Latek & Mark Mahar recently gave me some big news. Five new, fully funded projects, have developed as a result to Eric's, Sweet Dreams film, and I guess also the Hoss Dream Machine show we've all been involved with. I can't say too much yet, as to not eat my words later (I believe in having a sure thing before sounding the bugle). I can say that one of the projects will involve world travel for the crew members. Spain, India, Africa and a few other places. One relates to Firefighters, another Navy Seals, the other the Running of the Bulls. We'll need multiple editors, camera crew and sound/audio people with experience. You can send your application in to us at jobs@imageiconent.com.

Mike O'Dea, Alex Ferrari and the rest of our little growing network are also planning a MONSTER event probably for July(ish) this year. I guess I'll post a page in the next day or so as we are currently calling it unofficially: " The Rough Cut Premier Party & Networking Conference " but that name may change. I like it, though long, as there seems to be a billion film festivals out there already. We wanted to something like a film festival but more original and with less restraint for the entrants. This event will entail screenings of IIE projects, our affiliates projects like Sweet Dreams, Broken, and Outside Sales. Fashion, Art, Music undertones will also be present. We'll even offer some high class food (beer and pretzels, that's okay right?). Best of all - upcoming, student and even established filmmakers will have the opportunity to showcase their stuff at this event. Sorry, no film festival judges as we'll accept most entrants long a it isn't pornographic stuff...well you know unless it's considered "art". I am kidding, but seriously no smut allowed. Great opportunity for you guys (and us) to further get the word out as we expect at least 1000+ but probably closer to 2000+ in attendance. It will be the Lollapalooza of the indie film industry :)

I'll get more details posted on a page we're going to dedicate to that whole event...maybe I'll just title the page " Screenings & Events " like the one in the newsletter. What else can I say here...oh yeah, we started several new services on IIE. Hosting for filmmakers, actors, writers, whoever's related to our industry. This will give you a place for your resume, photos, video reel etc.. This will all be hosted right on our on-line network. If you want to do it yourself we recommend myspace.com, as we're on there too. But these services are a little more focused, more professional and aimed at those who have little know how or the time to do it themselves. We will even create digital video slates, film scenes tailored to feature you to look like a block buster movie clip starring you (good for those that don't have a reel yet). Also we have further enhanced our Member Lotter-iie giveaways. There are some under $1000 in value, and now we have some up to $10,000 in value (equipment, scholarships, seminars, cash etc). Yes, you have to pay for an upgrade, but it's a small fee and all of the money goes back to you guys anyway. We keep offering better products and services each month, produce more projects to give you the chance to be cast, crew, writer or whatever your poison. We are setting up events that will be unlike ANYTHING done here in New England before (at least that we know about). What till you see IIE TV. One of our goals is to build a sound stage within the next two years. That's right, I'll personally break my neck trying to make that a reality not a fantasy.

OK, I've been away and I wanted to give you alot to read here to be faithful to you blogging fans. A few of us agree on a video blog would be cool. Or at least a audio one (or option). I can easily do that. Feel free to shoot me an email, an insult, general comment, or a blank check is always cool - jbenti@imageiconent.com

Look for the Last Call audio and video clips we'll be adding to the site over the next week or so. Until next post.

Jamie

11:48 PM in Film

April 16, 2006

What a week!! - Last Call

Man! Talk about a tough week! We shot the third day (of Last Call ) on the 11th. Somehow there was a mix up for which day one of the principles was to be on set. We all got there at 8am sharp but two of the main characters where nowhere to be found, plus our A.D. was stuck on the highway about an hour and half away. The first late actor finally arrived around 9ish and told me they had a hard press decision as they were also called for Disney's "Underdog" (being filmed in RI). Disney or IIE - Disney or IIE there's a call I didn't think we'd have someone debating so soon, LOL. I called the other actors at around 10am and he sounded like he was still in bed when I called him (sigh -smacks face in disgust). He thought we were shooting his scene on the 12th. Great guy - he still rushed to come in right away. It all worked out actually. We shot all the other scenes and everyone eventually made it in and we got what was needed. I think as we do more of these I'll start making special notes of lessons learned- if your talent isn't going to be picked up in the morning by dependable staff it might be a good idea to call to verify they know exactly when they're going to be required for shooting (especially for the next day). It'd be a shame to have all the crew, staff and actors blow a day because of a simple mis-communication. Talk about grinding your teeth. Actually, now that I think about it, I recall a few years back when I did a movie (with a small role in The Newcomers) and they had a much bigger budget. They had put me up in a local Hotel. When I was in the room they had call sheets put under my door, a phone call reminder the evening before shooting a scene that I'd be in, a wake up call that morning and a person to pick me up and take me to where I needed to be. It all makes more sense now that we're doing our own projects (and back then I thought they were just giving me the celebrity  status treatment, LOL, when actually they were just holding my hand to make sure I'd made it to the set for the shoot on time like a good boy).

BTW - I have to really say what a FANTASTIC job the crew did especially. Really!! They were all there before everyone. Set up and ready to roll. I'd recommend and use those guys any day of the week. I'll be sure to get there info up on the Last Call page.

The next day (which was to be the last day) was only pick up shots and this is when things got bad -for me anyway. We had a good shoot the 11th overall, which was the final day of shooting the main scenes even though it started out a little rocky. So we planned on a longer day on the 12th, as we had to shoot late into the night and get some exterior shots around the city (the North Providence Police were very helpful in assisting us and a few of the officers actually let us use them for a closing shot, thanks Chief. Also kudo's to Fatima Hospital which was also gracious enough to let us shoot a few quick scenes outside there facilities, thanks Mr. Brown). We decided to be there at 12 noon. Right before I left my house one of our main sponsors called and gave me "Holy Hell" about a situation regarding one of our affiliate sites. It's funny, when I started all this I thought I'd be "The Boss" yet it seems I've had to bow my head gracefully and bite my tongue more now than ever before - LOL - oh well, I know some of you veterans out there are laughing to yourselves saying "Just wait!." That took me an hour to resolve, so now I am late. I couldn't even take the call to explain what was going on as our A.D. kept clicking in obviously wondering where the heck I was. THEN, right as I get off the phone I get a call from my girl, she's crying, telling me she has to take my youngest to the Children's Hospital in Boston for a possible emergency surgery (he's 3 months old, I put a picture of both boys here http://www.imageiconent.com/mason_gavin.html )!! Great...juuuuuuuust great. I find out our little guy (Gavin) is having some breathing problems and they might have to do some surgery. the kind where they put a camera down your throat and use a laser to cut whatever needs to be cut. Of course I miss the whole day of shooting, which I hope no one faults me. Luckily, we had an awesome cast and crew and they all banged out all the remaining shots to wrap up the filming. I'll sit with Jim Smith to start editing this week. Oh, and my son, he is okay. They kept him there at the hospital from Wed(12th) until Sat (15th), did the surgery yesterday (the 14th) successfully - thank God, and we took him home today. Unless you have children you really can't describe the feeling you get when you get that kind of news and see them in that situation. Makes it tough to focus on anything else really and I think Mothers take it the worst (in my humble opinion). Maybe we'll do a documentary on my life when all four shorts is over or just on the making of these films...hmmmmmmmmm...now THAT would be real entertainment.
So, hope you guys have a great Easter Sunday, if you celebrate the holiday.

We started a Last Call page too if you want to check it out.

Till next week!

03:49 AM in Fill

April 07, 2006

The first of four shorts begins...

Well! We're making some updates on the website (as usual). I decided to start this blog. My four year old son, Mason, is doing his best to keep me distracted. He has my hole puncher and coping paper in the other room. Punching out hundreds of small paper circles all over the floor while trying his best to count them (every time he gets to 15 or so, he then starts counting all over). He's also drawing me pictures to show me every 2 minutes, what can I say, I am a sucker for my kids. Our first day of shooting "Last Call" went very well. A few people were a little late (including myself) but we still were able to get almost all of the shots in. Jenna Sullivan and Jim Smith are did a fantastic job. Very focused and determined to get the best out of every scene. The crew, which mostly volunteered for the project, were incredible as well.

Casting for the "Last Call" wasn't as easy as we hoped. We had many talented people come out. I personally knew some of those that came out to audition, I felt bad knowing we weren't going to be able to cast some of people that we really liked (I know hey will be a perfect fit for other roles). BUT, that's the way it works, you can't make everyone happy.

I got a call form the Providence Journal today. They responded to our press release. They said they might come check us out next week and give us a little coverage. Point RI Magazine ( www.pointri.com ) also wants to cover the film, which is cool. It's easy to forget how quickly the hours go by when filming. Before we knew it, the day was over and we missed some shots. Which is why Jenna probably planned a "pick up day" after we had scheduled all the regular shooting. Especially as you are going along and a new idea for an awesome shot crosses your mind and your like "Uhg! We just have to get a shot from this perspective," and it can easily burn up another 20-30 minutes, setting up the lighting, doing a run through with the actors and so forth. So I found I had to show restraint with creativity and do our best to get our day done. The actors are doing an awesome job! I will reveal them next time I make an entry, we took some cool pictures and I thought I'd try and include them in the blog. The second day was a little more stressful as we got a late start and what we thought would be quick, simple shots lasted much longer than expected (lesson learned). It took the actors a little while to get into their "zone" before they were nailing each delivery. I knew we were getting a bit tense and frustrated and I had the impulse to make an outburst, but realized that would only make things worse. So, I held my tongue. We worked through it and turned a bad start into a great ending. As the day wrapped up really strong and we got some great footage. We've done some full day commercial shoots but for the first time I could really see what a task a feature length is going to be.

Some of the local patrons of the Sunny Side Recreation Club actually came on the set as we ran late the second day (well...it is a bar that opens for business after all). They were great too, didn't bother us at all and seemed to enjoy watching us the film as the last shots of the day were made. The owner of the bar especially has been a real gentleman. We're really lucky to have such a great location and his cooperation. Thanks John!

Before I wrap this first entry. I had gone back to our office in Smithfield to see if our new computer had been delivered when I got a surprising phone call from - Pooch Hall! He and I used to take turns driving on auditions to NY, years ago. He's in LA now, and working pretty regular (good for, Bro!). You can check out Pooch at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0356003/. We talked about working on something in the near future (we'll see).

Talk you later!

P.S. We posted on myspace.com recently ( http://www.myspace.com/image_icon_ent ), so be sure to visit and to add yourself to our friends and the monthly newsletter.

10:14 PM in Film