The Updates of a Tired Web SomethingSomething

Hey all!

I haven’t had much time updating the website lately as we’ve been swamped with a variety of things that I will, more or less vaguely, share with you, along with some tips/lessons learned while doing them.

1. We’re going to release the press release about our Break a Leg network deal ideally next week.

Lesson: I don’t have one here yet… something about PRwire.com. I guess the real lesson here is get a network deal. Come on already.

2. We’re in casual talks with a comic book company to potentially create a Break a Leg graphic novel in exchange for us shooting a pilot of one of their popular web comics. While all involved are very excited to be involved, we’re still chatting and plotting and talking and hoping that it’ll all happen — but, as with all things in this business, it can always fall through. I’ll keep you all updated.

Lesson: The Natives were big on bartering — it’s a pretty important tool in filmmaking too. It’s how we’ve gotten locations, it’s how we’ve gotten favors, it’s how we may get this comic book made. Just remember, contrary to what everyone says about show business, being a douchebag is not a good thing. Be good, be smart, hold to your word, and scratch people’s backs as vigorously as they scratch yours.

3. We’ve been pitching things to companies as well as shooting promos, etc. for other companies. We recently received our first check as an official business — Happy Little Guillotine Films, LLC — and oh, did it feel good. I do not at all mind shooting commercials, etc. on the side while pursuing more creative ventures. It beats the hell out of filing.

Lesson: No matter what you’re doing, do it well, do it fast, and treat it as seriously as you would your own passion project. It’s not always easy but it’ll often pay off in the form of more jobs — people can tell when you’re committed.

4. We’re writing the script to a new show. I know some of you were expecting Lurker — right now it’s shelved for a new project. It won’t be a web series the way you know web series to be and if all goes well, it’ll change the genre completely (hiiiigh hopes, we’ve got, hiiigh hopes). We’re also pitching the idea to various places for financial support, celebrity guest stars and so on and so forth. So if you’re any of those, you know, let me know.

Lesson: Don’t listen to anyone who says, “It’s not the way things are done.” As an artist, it’s your job to ignore those people and do things your way — it’ll fail a lot but it sure is worth it when it pays off.

5. We’re talking to a DVD company about releasing a Break a Leg DVD — but we’re still shopping around for someone to really help us with distribution. If you or anyone you know does anything related to DVD-distribution, let me know!

Lesson: Buy Blockbuster.

That’s all for now! More updates soon — and Thomas Koch, you gave me an idea for a series of blogs with behind-the-scenes pictures of our various shoots. So, I’ll be starting that up as soon as my very busy and very tired editors get me those things.