Make parody ads and win film gear.

http://chirb.it/tE4kGB

I interviewed Writer/Director David Palmer tonight about his new documentary "America Stripped: Naked Las Vegas". He has a film in theaters now called "Hit and Run". Here is the link...hope you enjoy.

http://www.scaredstiffreviews.com/?p=2901

I interview Geno McGahee writer, director and film maker. In this audio interview listen to Geno as he talks about his journey as a film maker. I'll be posting more audio interviews in the near future.

http://soundcloud.com/forris/geno-mcgahee-interview-11-01

Here is a fun TV pilot I was lucky enough to be a part of. Lot's of great people and lot's of fun to tape! The show is called Jaki's Buzz. The show stars Jaki Valensi-Lauper who has also apeared in "Family Secret" and the soon to be released "Scary Tales". Click on the above "Jaki's Buzz" link to watch.

My Review of The Edge of Life: Alaska DVD

Originally submitted at Discovery Channel

Alaska is a land of extremes the biggest, coldest, windiest, wildest. Its climate and land forms are shaped by two oceans, the moving earth and frozen polar air. Through it flows the Yukon River, perhaps the last untamed river on North America. In this film, Alaskas story is told as never before. B...

The Edge of Life: Alaska DVD

Baby it's cold outside.

By Forris from Palmer, Massachusetts on 1/22/2012

 

5out of 5

Pros: Entertaining, Engaging Characters, Original, Informative, Great Cinematography

Best Uses: Adult Viewers, Younger Viewers, Perfect Gift, At Home, Travel

Describe Yourself: Movie Buff

Being cold is not fun. Watching others be cold, is oddly enough kind of entertaining. There is something about getting comfy on my couch under a nice warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and watching another human being struggle for life on my TV. Before you get all angry you know you enjoy it too. It's really no different than watching a fight on a hockey game, or if I may be cliché, a crash in a car race, OR even more vicious, shoppers duking it out over a video game on Black Friday!

In Discovery Channel's new DVD set "The Edge of Life Alaska" you get a sampling of everything Alaska has to offer from falling through the ice while cross country skiing, dropping into a 150 foot deep crevasse while hiking, possibly being eaten by a bear while camping and yes even a chance encounter with Sasquatch! OK, it ain't all bad, as a matter of fact there is a little of everything from the angry ocean to peaceful sunrises. This DVD is a compilation of several different shows from Discovery Channel that deal with the United States biggest, coldest and windiest state known as Alaska. It has a show on Crab Fishermen predating the "World Deadliest Catch" reality show. It has Survivorman falling through ice with pointers on what to do if this should happen to you .Of course it also has a backwoods mountain guy who claims to have seen Sasquatch, and he's willing to take a lie detector test to prove it!

In all seriousness if you love nature and Alaska in particular you have to check out this two disc set. I really enjoyed the Sunrise Earth shows, two of them to be exact with beautiful scenery of Alaska at sunrise. This set has 9 shows for under 20 bucks, you can't go wrong.

(legalese)

     I hope that you've had a chance to view or even buy the last movie I acted in and edited called "Family Secret". Here is the Facebook page to "like" if you'd like!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-Secret-Movie/102611406472351

     Or to purchase it go here:

http://www.amazon.com/Family-Secret-Forris-Day-Jr/dp/B004GLZ4YG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326749856&sr=8-2

     The good news is our next movie called "Scary Tales" is almost done. I have a few more editing things to do and then we'll release it to the world. If your interested in following this movie here is our brandy new Facebook page for that:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scary-Tales/153558714754050?sk=wall

     Also in post-production is the monster movie called "Sickle" which is in early stages of editing. All three of these films were written by Geno McGahee. See his imdb page here:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3062127/


     In the spring we start shooting a drama...yes a drama! It's called "The Cowboy and the Tavern" and it's written by the extremely talented Brent Northup. Brent has written many successful dinner theater shows that are still in production even years later. He has been involved in theater for probably 40 years or so and this is his first film screenplay he has written. I'll keep you up to date when that Facebook page goes up to the public. Thanks for reading and if there are any subjects you like me to investigate and write about in the film, voiceover or entertainment world let me know and I'll try my best. If you have a question feel free to ask too!

     Hope your having a great start to 2012!
     Forris

Twilight Zone Marathon

If you like the Twilight Zone, "The Twilight Zone Companion" is a must own book. I originally purchased my copy in 1982 when it first came out. In 1992 it was re-release. If you want to learn some really cool behind the scenes stuff on the making of each episode this is the book to have. Each New Years Eve the Twilight Zone Marathon is on TV so what better time to sit with this book and watch the episodes.

Here is the link if you care to check it out. Happy New Year!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-Zone-Companion-Scott-Zicree/dp/1879505096/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325346641&sr=8-1

Rabid Dog Press: Review - Family Secret

Rabid Dog Press: Review - Family Secret: Director: Geno McGahee Production: X Posse Productions Distribution: Tempe Video I firmly believe that talented filmmakers are ca...

New trailer I edited and voiced for "Sickle".

Writer/director Geno McGahee is producing his third feature length film called "Sickle". Here is a link to the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW4y0SR42AI

Art imitates life.

The Indie film "Family Secret" is eerily similar to real life in one scene... read the story here..

http://www.shuizmz.com/real-life-murders-at-candlepin-alley-give-fictional-film-family-secret-some-heat/

Info on the film here...

Family Secret

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1700807/

New blog on movies worth checking out!

My pal Ken has started a new venture. He is going to watch A MOVIE EVERY DAY!!!!! Sorry for yelling, but I just think that is such a cool thing. The even cooler thing is he will blog daily about each movie he watches. Come join Ken and subscribe to his blog if you'd like as he journeys through movie history over the next year. Jump on this fun adventure here:

http://mymovieaday.blogspot.com/

Just edit!!!

Here is a collection of some things I've edited...hope you enjoy!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-5BwnADOsk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw805PsSyyc


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-X5bF6vIf8


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJeDJkNSCfI

Shameless self promotion!! You bet!!

     As our Indie film "Family Secret" prepares to be released on March 22nd on Amazon.com, Netflix and many other locations  I would like to share a nice interview that the writter/Director Geno McGahee did about me on his website www.scaredstiffreviews.com.

http://www.scaredstiffreviews.com/?p=44

Scary Tales Trailer.mov

Make something....just make something!!

I just read a really good post about drawing that holds true for voiceacting, acting in general, writing scripts and life. I really like it so I'm sharing it here. Tell me if you agree or disagree that what she says carries over to acting or anything else for that matter. Talk soon.

danidraws.com


Forris

Got audio?

Many people don't realize how important audio is to video. Especially good audio. You have to have good audio or people may not be interested in watching your video or movie for any extended amount of time. To prove it, just turn the sound down next time you watch a movie or even commercial on TV. It makes no sense without audio yet many people do not pay attention to the sound when recording home movies and many independent film makers don't pay attention to sound in their movies.

      Let's discuss a few simple steps that can help you with your home movies first. By home movie I mean those videos you shoot to remember birthdays, holidays and such. We're strictly talking audio here.

     1) Don't talk -  If you are running the camera or are near it but aren't part of the video don't talk. It's that simple. As an example, let's say you are recording your local Memorial Day parade and everything you see you say "Oh look, a firetruck!", "Oh look, a horse!", "Oh look at how cute those kids dressed as vegetables are!". The viewer will be watching your video and I ASSURE you they will know that the big truck with ladders, hoses and guys sweating their butts off in fireproof suits is a firetruck. They will know that the big animal with the long neck is a horse and not a giraffe. As far as kids dressed as vegetables they will also have an opinion about whether it's cute or just plain weird. People will enjoy your video alot more without commentary. The exception would be if you are actually teaching your audience something they don't know such as a tour of Hoover Dam for instance. Then you might want to explain what things are and how they work

     2) Don't stand near noisy equipment, TV sets, radios, people talking (see #1), traffic or anything that is generating lots of noise that might distract from the video. Be aware of what's around you. If you tape your child's play in her classroom and there is an air conditioner running, set up your camera on the other side of the room. You will be surprised at how much easier this makes this video to watch no matter how painful the child's play may have been.

     3) If your using the microphone that is on the camera be as close to the subject as possible. Get to the events early if need be. Remember, if you get to an event late you may have to be behind people who are talking and your camera will pick their discussions up. Nothing is worse than going to a local music concert and the audio on your camera has a mix of Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" and some lady complaining about  her friends "ugly lipstick". Try to move to a location that has the bet sound quality for whatever your recording at home or on the road.

     4) Get a better microphone for your camera. Most cameras have built in mics that are lousy to say the least, but they may have an "external mic" plug so you can plug in a better microphone. There are many choices available. check places like BHphotovideo.com and amazon.com. You'll be impressed with the difference a good mic can make!

     5) Be near the audio that does make sense. At an amusement park? Maybe the sounds of the motor of the ride are kind of cool to have in the video. Be at a distance where they mix nicely with the sounds of people yelling, screaming or just having fun. At an air-show? Stand near one of the speakers so you can get the narrator speaking. This is such a simple way to make an air-show video much more enjoyable! At a family gathering? Maybe uncle Eugene tells funny stories so tape him telling stories. Video peoples reactions but be close enough to hear clearly Uncle Eugen's tale.

     6) Be aware of wind and don't handle the camera too much. Wind can raise havoc on the audio and handling the camera excessively can be a noisy proposition. If using a tripod be prepared for what shots you want so you don't have to keep loosening and tightening the tripod. If it's windy outside move to a location, if possible, to block the wind and make sure you have your mic switched to wind reduction if it has that feature.

     Follow these simple steps, use a little common sense and your audio will move to the head of the class in no time!

     A quick note for Independent film makers. If you have the cash try to buy a nice mic with XLR conectors and a boom. This will bring up the quality of your movie tenfold. If you don't have XLR on your camera you can purchase mics with mini jack but be careful. This audio is what is called "unbalanced" and can have alot of noise. XLR is by far the way to go.

     If you have questions or comments I'd love to hear them,

Forris

Ideas for practicing voiceover

Here are a few ideas for practicing different voices for all the folks who are into voiceover or want to get into it.

#1 - Read everything and read it out loud. Read it with your normal voice and read it with your character voices. Add inflection, even if it's a serious piece from the newspaper, read it as if it were funny, sad, or whatever you come up with. This is a great way to add inflection to your reads. You can read an instruction manual for an air conditioner, do it in one of your character voices, add inflection and you'll be really surprised with what you get!

#2 - in conversations with your friend use one or more of your character voices when speaking to them. Yes... your friends will think your weird, but hey, they probably think that anyhow. 

#3 - Do stand up comedy. Look for open mic comedy night's in your area, go to them and do your voices when you tell your stories and jokes. Watch comics on TV and you'll see that they do it all the time. You can too!

The following is a shameless plug for my open mic comedy page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Route-20-Funnies/212622104053

#4 - Purchase books on the subject. There are tons of them and most are very good. Amazon.com has lots of reviews on them and you'll know which ones to buy. I plan on doing interviews with some of these authors in the future so stay in touch for that. These books have allot of ides for practicing your voices.

#5 - Follow along on TV cartoons and television shows. Repeat what they say. Try to mimic the voice or make up your own. Write some of the dialog down and keep practicing it.

These are just 5 of 5,000 ideas. Think outside the box. Always practice different voices and you'll be well on your way, if you aren't already to doing voiceover as a hobby or career.

If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them.

Forris

"I Wouldn't Do That If I Were You"!

Let's talk about your dreams today. Not your dreams from last nights slumber, but I mean your dreams about life and all the things you'd love to do but keep putting off. One of mine was to work in independent movies, but, as I was warned by many people,"I wouldn't do that if I were you because _______________" (fill in blank). There are many reasons not to do something, mostly related to the possibility of failure and failure is a enormous possibility in many career paths.
    
     Let's face it, I know there are things you'd like to do and I know there are people telling you you shouldn't because: You might fail, you can't afford it, your wasting your time, you went to college for this why do that, and the list goes on and on. I beg you, if you have a dream at least try to pursue it. Excuses are so easy to come by, but reasons to do it are harder to come by. If your dream is film-making do it! It's hard, time consuming, the film might not make any money and if your like me and like doing voiceover, well that's hard, time consuming and you might not make any money. OK... dully noted.

     I had a conversation with a young man last week. (He's a young man because he's younger than me). He was complaining to a friend how hard it is to find a job in accounting, the field he just graduated college from, so in my desire to help him I suggested he knock on the doors of some local accountants. He says none are hiring. I say "offer your services to do taxes for people", he says"well it's not really tax season". The whole time he barely looks at me. I'm sitting here thinking to myself that this kid doesn't want to do accounting. I asked him what does he really like doing? His eyes looked up and for the first time in our conversation he smiled and said "I LOVE working on cars"! He stared me in the eyes and said it! I could see that he loved working on cars. My next question seemed dumb to him. I asked "Why don't you work on cars instead of doing accounting?" to which he replied "Because I went to school for accounting".

     I went on to bore him with stuff like "Work on cars and use your accounting skills to start your own business". At this point I guess he figured I was just some older guy who has no concept of how tough life can be so we both moved on. I feel sorry for him that he didn't want to hear the message I was trying to share. "Do something you want to, not what everyone else thinks you should do". Sure you need that regular job to pay the bills, but don't be afraid to try things that interest you and might be outside your comfort zone. If I was afraid I would have never tried acting, would never have done voice-acting and would have never met half the people I know today.

     If you have ever wanted to do voice-over, acting, jet skiing, parachuting, knitting or anything else just search the web. There are hundreds of sites that can help you get started, but check the negative attitude at the door, it will only stop you and stop you FAST! Check out some of the links on this blog to get started in voice-over, video and film. There aren't too many at this point but I am slowly building the list. I know... very slowly but they will be there. Until then just type whatever it is you want to do into Google or Yahoo and you will find people that want to help you succeed.

     I am lucky because my wife, family and friends support me in the things I do because they know it doesn't do any good to tell me it can't be done. The next time someone, when referring to your dreams says "I wouldn't do that if I were you" just smile and think to yourself "I am so glad your not me", then march forward!

     Coming up in near future blogs I'll be interviewing actors, directors and screenwriters who have been told not to follow their dreams. Did they listen to people? Like I said....they are actors, directors and screenwriters.

"Silent Salesman" Part 2

There are several opportunities to promote your product or service on your phone system. We've discussed the answering portion so far.

Another often overlooked chance to share information with your customers is the on-hold portion of your phones. Why have a captive audience member waiting on hold listening to cheesy music? Worse yet many companies use radio stations which at first thought sounds good but that station might be promoting your competitions product on it. Imagine you own a sandwich shop and a customer calls to place an order. You're really busy taking orders and ask them to hold for a minute. You're playing the radio on your on-hold system and they hear a spot for a nearby restaurant that does delivery and they figure it must be meant to be, so they hang up and order from the other joint. Nice work! You just sent the customer away. You have them on-hold, they probably aren't happy about it so at least give them some information about YOU and a reason to stay.

Ok. You hopefully now agree with me so you are going to record your on-hold message and answering machine yourself. WAIT! Before you do that you need to ask yourself a few things.

#1-Do I speak clearly?
#2-How do I sound to other people? (Happy, mean, grumpy, unintelligent, funny)
#3-When I speak can I get to the point quickly?

Of course there are lots of other questions you could ask yourself such as "Is there life on other planets?", "Does this shirt make me look fat?" or "Can your tongue REALLY freeze to a flagpole in winter?" but those are irrelevant to this conversation. It's just that...well... these are three I want to talk about. By the way the answers are "Yes","No comment", and "Try it out and see what happens".

We'll go over each one (of the real questions).

#1 Do I speak clearly?
When you record your message, the person on the other end needs to understand what you are saying. If you have a speech impediment, mumble, or speak to softly you need to re-think doing the message yourself. No offense, but this is business and people should not have to tolerate being forced to listen to a message that they have to work to understand. Make it easy for them and speak clearly.

#2 How do I sound to other people?
Do you have a pleasant voice or do small children run in all directions every-time you talk? Your message needs to sound welcoming. Your customer is your friend (even the ones you don't like). Let's face it... some people just sound like they have a bad attitude and this is exactly what you DO NOT WANT on your phone system

#3 When I speak can I get to the point quickly?
You have 60 seconds tops on an answering machine. Get the facts out quickly without sounding rushed. Script it out if you must. Don't record your message with ANY "Ummms" as if you are thinking of what to say next. If it's an on-hold message, script out a bunch of little snippets such as your hours, your website, specials, and talk about products you sell or services you offer.

Bottom line: Be clear, friendly and concise!

If you have no-one that sounds good in your home or office consider hiring someone to professionally record it for you. (Hint, hint). It should have some production music mixed under to make it sound more professional. Don't forget to keep it fresh by up-dating information such as sales and employee's names as they come and go.

Remember...Your phone system is truly a "Silent Salesman". You chose whether it sits in silence or gets to work making you money!

Need more help? Contact me with any questions at:

forrisday@yahoo.com.

I'd love to answer any questions you have about setting up and maintaining your phone system's messaging.