Well folks, "Duluth Is Horrible" is out doing it's festival thing. You can also see it by grabbing a DVD on my website. I've started working on a few new projects and therefore, I'm closing down duluthishorrible.blogspot.com. I thought about keeping it going and just changing the name. But it's really it's own book in the series of my life. (pretentious sentence).
Going forward, I'll be writing in the Gargiulog, which sounds like a gross disease, but will contain future stories from the wonderful world of Vincent Gargiulo Productions. See you there!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
DAY 18+: One Horrible Night
"Duluth is Horrible" made it's premiere Tuesday Jan. 11 at the Zinema in two screenings. There were about 50 or so people at the 7:00p show and an almost full house at the 8:30p. This is the first time DIH has screening publicly and in front of an audience. It appears people liked it but then again, most people (Minnesota nice or not) wouldn't come up to me and tell me I suck. Although one drunk woman told me she thought I sounded like a blithering idiot.
DIH was paired with my films, "KNFR From 7:00-7:30", "The Muppetless Movie," Toasters 'N' Moose: I'm Not Homeless Music Video" and the original Kickstarter video. These works are all quite a bit different than DIH which at least attempts to be dramatic. The 7:00p show was more somber. A few decent laughs throughout. I felt very comfortable alone on stage for Q&A, feeling a bit like a late night talk show host. This comfort has been an acquired skill, leading some to believe my Myers Briggs is an ENFJ but I'm not totally convinced.
As I walked out of the theater after the 7:00p show, I was bombarded with the swarm of people waiting outside for the next one. All this is to see my work? I was flattered and went all Oprah on the audience promising cars to anyone my finger pointed to. Because it's not Oprah till it's Oprah. My heart sunk slightly as I witnessed Duluth Mayor Don Ness walk in. I felt like an ashamed schoolboy. I offered the audience 30 seconds of abuse (old Graham Chapman gag) and asked if the Mayor would like to kick me in the balls. The Mayor got a comeback in the Q&A when he asked if I wanted a job in the sewer system. Touche.
The 8:30 audience was more livelier and seemed to laugh at just about everything. DIH played to decent to big laughs throughout, which I find interesting since I find it incredibly depressing & sad, though not without humor. Dark comedy it shall be. Hard to gauge what people think of my other work. The things that always get laughs got laughs. My "No on Norse" got bigger laughs here than elsewhere it's played. Must be a Swedish thing.
Afterwards I desperately tried to talk to as many actors & friends as I could. Alas, it was the only time seeing some of these folks for this trip. One day I'll learn to just take a vacation and not work on anything. Drinks were had as I basked in my celebrity. I don't feel bad reveling in it as I work damn hard for those few hours of success. That said, when it's over and I return to my Radisson hotel room, one goes through a depression that now you have to go back to your normal life. Flew back to SF today. My cat looks at me unimpressed and wonders why his litter box hasn't been cleaned. I have to return to my day job tomorrow at 9:00a.
It was an amazing night and I hope it was foreshadowing bigger better things. Thanks Duluth. You let me off too easy.
DIH was paired with my films, "KNFR From 7:00-7:30", "The Muppetless Movie," Toasters 'N' Moose: I'm Not Homeless Music Video" and the original Kickstarter video. These works are all quite a bit different than DIH which at least attempts to be dramatic. The 7:00p show was more somber. A few decent laughs throughout. I felt very comfortable alone on stage for Q&A, feeling a bit like a late night talk show host. This comfort has been an acquired skill, leading some to believe my Myers Briggs is an ENFJ but I'm not totally convinced.
As I walked out of the theater after the 7:00p show, I was bombarded with the swarm of people waiting outside for the next one. All this is to see my work? I was flattered and went all Oprah on the audience promising cars to anyone my finger pointed to. Because it's not Oprah till it's Oprah. My heart sunk slightly as I witnessed Duluth Mayor Don Ness walk in. I felt like an ashamed schoolboy. I offered the audience 30 seconds of abuse (old Graham Chapman gag) and asked if the Mayor would like to kick me in the balls. The Mayor got a comeback in the Q&A when he asked if I wanted a job in the sewer system. Touche.
The 8:30 audience was more livelier and seemed to laugh at just about everything. DIH played to decent to big laughs throughout, which I find interesting since I find it incredibly depressing & sad, though not without humor. Dark comedy it shall be. Hard to gauge what people think of my other work. The things that always get laughs got laughs. My "No on Norse" got bigger laughs here than elsewhere it's played. Must be a Swedish thing.
Afterwards I desperately tried to talk to as many actors & friends as I could. Alas, it was the only time seeing some of these folks for this trip. One day I'll learn to just take a vacation and not work on anything. Drinks were had as I basked in my celebrity. I don't feel bad reveling in it as I work damn hard for those few hours of success. That said, when it's over and I return to my Radisson hotel room, one goes through a depression that now you have to go back to your normal life. Flew back to SF today. My cat looks at me unimpressed and wonders why his litter box hasn't been cleaned. I have to return to my day job tomorrow at 9:00a.
It was an amazing night and I hope it was foreshadowing bigger better things. Thanks Duluth. You let me off too easy.
Monday, June 10, 2013
DAY 18+: Enger Management
Yesterday was supposed to be a shoot day. It was raining, at times hard. My actors were game. I was game. We went on and shot most of what resembles a woman staring at a nearly nude man with Japanese letters on him at the top of Enger Tower. Enger Tower is a giant medievalesque tower in Duluth and at the top floor, it was raining, cold, windy, and a terrible shooting experience. Memorable but perhaps I don't need such highlights.
The camera, a Canon 5d II, broke while we were out, getting the ominous Err 30, which according to online reports, means you're just fucking screwed. And such, after a hour's filming, the day was complete. Instead, I drowned my sorrows in wine, mexican food, and conservation the rest of the night. My lead actress knew of another filmmaker and I rented his camera for the rest of the shoot filming today. Then of course, my camera decided to start working again. But the damage has been done and I no longer trust my camera. Perhaps with counseling, we can work it out.
So today is hopefully the last day of shooting and I can take some more vacation days the rest of the time. There's so many Duluth friends I haven't got around to seeing yet. I hope many come to the screening tomorrow night.
The camera, a Canon 5d II, broke while we were out, getting the ominous Err 30, which according to online reports, means you're just fucking screwed. And such, after a hour's filming, the day was complete. Instead, I drowned my sorrows in wine, mexican food, and conservation the rest of the night. My lead actress knew of another filmmaker and I rented his camera for the rest of the shoot filming today. Then of course, my camera decided to start working again. But the damage has been done and I no longer trust my camera. Perhaps with counseling, we can work it out.
So today is hopefully the last day of shooting and I can take some more vacation days the rest of the time. There's so many Duluth friends I haven't got around to seeing yet. I hope many come to the screening tomorrow night.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
DAY 18+: Pure Pleasure
I am filming Sunday & Monday a new project entitled "I Found Myself Stuck In An Experimental Film." It is a very short piece about a woman who wakes up and finds all these bizarre things keep happening to her. It's really just a pastiche of experimental films and contains some direct references that 10% of the population will get.
Today was spent picking up items & location scouting. This seemingly took all day somehow. There is a shot with some showgirls and pasties are required. I visited the town sex shop, Pure Pleasure, but they lacked sufficient quantities. Can someone explain why pasties are so expensive? I decided to make my own. My generic felt white pasties are drying from glue as I type. Other items bought today: white underwear, a loaf of white bread, a tuxedo jacket...ya know - the makings of a hot Saturday night.
I'm still getting used to the summer version of Duluth. It is nearly 8:00p and the sun is barely setting. Everything is green. No longer white. People wear shorts and seem less miserable. I saw minorities! It's a different town. I was thinking that originally I didn't care if DIH was shot during winter or summer. Now I see the movie wouldn't nearly be the same in summer. That coldness really adds something.
This isn't the most exciting blogpost but then again, how much mileage can you get out of going to Hobby Lobby? Well, I did go twice.
Today was spent picking up items & location scouting. This seemingly took all day somehow. There is a shot with some showgirls and pasties are required. I visited the town sex shop, Pure Pleasure, but they lacked sufficient quantities. Can someone explain why pasties are so expensive? I decided to make my own. My generic felt white pasties are drying from glue as I type. Other items bought today: white underwear, a loaf of white bread, a tuxedo jacket...ya know - the makings of a hot Saturday night.
I'm still getting used to the summer version of Duluth. It is nearly 8:00p and the sun is barely setting. Everything is green. No longer white. People wear shorts and seem less miserable. I saw minorities! It's a different town. I was thinking that originally I didn't care if DIH was shot during winter or summer. Now I see the movie wouldn't nearly be the same in summer. That coldness really adds something.
This isn't the most exciting blogpost but then again, how much mileage can you get out of going to Hobby Lobby? Well, I did go twice.
In Memoriam - The Abandoned Building Used For Horrible Productions
Friday, June 7, 2013
DAY 18+: REVENGE OF THE BLOG!
I don't recognize this place without the snow. I don't feel like
myself without a parka. I am back in Duluth - Summer Version. I flew in
to MSP yesterday and am here for mostly 1 reason:
A Vincent Gargiulo Retrospective featuring the WORLD PREMIERE of “Duluth
Is
Horrible” – the 17 minute plotless art film that OUTRAGED a city. Two screenings Tuesday Jun. 11 at 7:00 &
8:30p. Tickets & info here: http://www.zeitgeistarts.com/zinema-2/zin-now-playing/june-11-explorers-club-duluth-is-horrible
Yesterday was a long day. It started at 3:55am when a Super Shuttle picked me up on the way to SFO. Last time this happened, I was greeted by Today’s Top 40 Hits blaring out at me. This time, the driver picked out some sort of music more appropriate for an Italian restaurant or the “nature store” at the mall. For those curious, the latest Iphone app technology tells me it was “Rosas Del Amor” by Armik.
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I’ll be dressed to impress, along with fellow cast, crew,
& friends. Should be a great night. I’m here for a week and much of that time
will be spent putting together a brand new project. I’ll talk about that later.
Yesterday was a long day. It started at 3:55am when a Super Shuttle picked me up on the way to SFO. Last time this happened, I was greeted by Today’s Top 40 Hits blaring out at me. This time, the driver picked out some sort of music more appropriate for an Italian restaurant or the “nature store” at the mall. For those curious, the latest Iphone app technology tells me it was “Rosas Del Amor” by Armik.
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A nonstop plane ride – the only noteworthy story was
overhearing a guy talk about visiting his son’s graduation. He only knew he had
a son 5 months ago! My St. Paul friend, Cassidy, worked till 4 so I
ran some errands mostly in Edina, MN. Why was I in Edina? Edina know. (Do you
get it?)
That night, Cassidy, her boyfriend Nick, and I went to an old vintage
bowling alley where I showed off my patented “drop & bounce” bowling
technique. I did not win in two rounds. I blame the hipster jeans I was
wearing, making it impossible to fully break stride. In the end, Billy Jean (my
bowling name) lost to Fuzzy Lumpkin (later DumpTruck) in two rounds. I thought
changing my name to “Billy Jean 2.0 (The Kid Is Not My Son) – Do doo, do doo”
was going to help. It only helped me
surpass the ironically named challenger, “Can’t Lose.”
Today was spent mostly on the road. From St. Paul I was only 90 minutes away from a place near & dear to my heart. I had to go. I had to go to Darwin, MN, which has a population of 350 people and is known for one thing.
Today was spent mostly on the road. From St. Paul I was only 90 minutes away from a place near & dear to my heart. I had to go. I had to go to Darwin, MN, which has a population of 350 people and is known for one thing.
 |
| The Annoying Tourist Pose |
The Biggest Ball of Twine In Minnesota, made popularized by
a 7 minute “Weird Al” Yankovic song that I’ve had memorized by heart since I
was 10. The ball is mighty impressive
when you’re right in front of it. It’s 90 minutes away from anything and the
opposite direction of Duluth, but it was worth it.
From there, it was tiny Minnesota country towns highlighted with bathroom stops at Wal-Mart, White Castle, and designated rest areas. I'm fairly sleep-deprived and will be using my Friday night to do very little.
Goodnight Duluth. I'll see you in the morning.
From there, it was tiny Minnesota country towns highlighted with bathroom stops at Wal-Mart, White Castle, and designated rest areas. I'm fairly sleep-deprived and will be using my Friday night to do very little.
Goodnight Duluth. I'll see you in the morning.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Fin
The movie is complete, a wrap, all in, all over, brought about, brought to pass, buttoned up, compassed, concluded, consummated, depleted, drained, effected, effete, executed, exhausted, fixed, fulfilled, over, perfected, terminated, through, wired, and even wrought. Wanna see it? You have 3 Options:
1) Wait for it to come to a film festival near you. Pretty risky.
2) Purchase a DVD straight from me! I've included commentary and even a bonus film, never before seen, about a whale. Sweet deal!
3) The Zinema 2 Arthouse Cinema in Duluth, MN is hosting the World Public Premiere in two screenings Jun. 11, 2013. Admission is $8. I'll be making a triumphant MN return to present it along with some of my previous work. This is a great opportunity to say hello or kick me in the nards. Given the press the film received during production, I expect a sell out. Tickets are going through the Zinema http://www.zeitgeistarts.com/zinema-2/tickets. For my local friends, I'm working on getting something setup.
I hope Duluthians will like it. I'm less concerned with how the town is presented and more so, will they dig a 17 min plotless art film? Early feedback is that Duluth just comes off as cold and not terribly dissimilar to anywhere else. This was on purpose to begin with, but I just couldn't say no to that title. After watching the film, I urge you to find a better name.
If you were a Kickstarter backer, you'll be getting your swag by next week. If you weren't, I'm already working on a new project that you can donate to! I'm looking to upset the classical music/high art world this time.
Til then,
VG
1) Wait for it to come to a film festival near you. Pretty risky.
2) Purchase a DVD straight from me! I've included commentary and even a bonus film, never before seen, about a whale. Sweet deal!
3) The Zinema 2 Arthouse Cinema in Duluth, MN is hosting the World Public Premiere in two screenings Jun. 11, 2013. Admission is $8. I'll be making a triumphant MN return to present it along with some of my previous work. This is a great opportunity to say hello or kick me in the nards. Given the press the film received during production, I expect a sell out. Tickets are going through the Zinema http://www.zeitgeistarts.com/zinema-2/tickets. For my local friends, I'm working on getting something setup.
I hope Duluthians will like it. I'm less concerned with how the town is presented and more so, will they dig a 17 min plotless art film? Early feedback is that Duluth just comes off as cold and not terribly dissimilar to anywhere else. This was on purpose to begin with, but I just couldn't say no to that title. After watching the film, I urge you to find a better name.
If you were a Kickstarter backer, you'll be getting your swag by next week. If you weren't, I'm already working on a new project that you can donate to! I'm looking to upset the classical music/high art world this time.
Til then,
VG
Thursday, April 11, 2013
A Taste Of Horrible
Here's the trailer. It plays up the melancholic side of the film but I figured it was better to go in as a drama and get a few laughs, then expect a comedy and not laugh very much. Erik Satie makes it all gloomy. The film itself is about one or two sound mixes away from completion, then over to the DVD printing company for Kickstarter send-offs! You can also pre-order a DVD too if you weren't a backer or involved in the film. DVD will have commentary and a never before seen bonus film about a whale! Hot dog!
I'll start sending to film festivals and trying to organize a screening in Duluth too. I look forward to another round of public outcry! Can you dig it man?
I'll start sending to film festivals and trying to organize a screening in Duluth too. I look forward to another round of public outcry! Can you dig it man?
Thursday, March 28, 2013
The Post Edit Introspection
"Duluth Is Horrible" is getting the sound worked on as we speak. It has been color corrected, credits added (that's YOU Kickstarter backer!), dvd designed, and getting some small compositing work done next week. For all intents and purposes, it's done. I sent the roughcut to about 10 or so trusted colleagues. Friends perhaps, but friends I trust will tell me when something is shit. Friends far more critical than any normal person. Feedback is largely positive and a few have mentioned it's the best thing I've ever done. I'm certainly proud of it and pretty happy with the results. It probably is the best thing I've done so far (well, excluding this magic).
What I find interesting, & also somewhat frustrating, is the lack of consensus on feedback. What others dislike, others like. This person says cut the bench scene. This other person says the bench scene is essential. Who's right? Everybody brings their own bias to the table which hopefully at least gets me to think about other methods. Sometimes I make changes. Sometimes I don't. Ultimately it has to be the film I want to make, especially when I put my money into it. The personal goals of my films are more on the artsy side. I'm less interested in traditional narratives, less interested in giving all the answers, and less interested in "the rules."
THAT SAID, lately I've been wondering how can I keep this up? My goals are to make movies & music full time and live more or less comfortably doing so. I think that's most artists goals. I could probably cut "Duluth" a little different and make it a bit more mainstream. It sounds unappealing but I cannot help but wonder if I did, would it help get me farther along in life/career. I've done plenty of corporate work for others where I will gladly do whatever, but when it's my own personal projects, I feel conflicted. I don't think of it as a hobby. I write it off on taxes. But are art films a business? Godard should not be taught in film schools.
My films may not make money but hey, I'm a critical darling of the Faux Film Festival in Portland, OR where I'll be tomorrow night. Nothing like the Pacific Northwest for a good career crisis! I'll be showing my 30 minute parody film, KNFR From 7:00-7:30, to a room of saucy Portland strangers. Let's see where the adventure continues!
What I find interesting, & also somewhat frustrating, is the lack of consensus on feedback. What others dislike, others like. This person says cut the bench scene. This other person says the bench scene is essential. Who's right? Everybody brings their own bias to the table which hopefully at least gets me to think about other methods. Sometimes I make changes. Sometimes I don't. Ultimately it has to be the film I want to make, especially when I put my money into it. The personal goals of my films are more on the artsy side. I'm less interested in traditional narratives, less interested in giving all the answers, and less interested in "the rules."
THAT SAID, lately I've been wondering how can I keep this up? My goals are to make movies & music full time and live more or less comfortably doing so. I think that's most artists goals. I could probably cut "Duluth" a little different and make it a bit more mainstream. It sounds unappealing but I cannot help but wonder if I did, would it help get me farther along in life/career. I've done plenty of corporate work for others where I will gladly do whatever, but when it's my own personal projects, I feel conflicted. I don't think of it as a hobby. I write it off on taxes. But are art films a business? Godard should not be taught in film schools.
My films may not make money but hey, I'm a critical darling of the Faux Film Festival in Portland, OR where I'll be tomorrow night. Nothing like the Pacific Northwest for a good career crisis! I'll be showing my 30 minute parody film, KNFR From 7:00-7:30, to a room of saucy Portland strangers. Let's see where the adventure continues!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
A Little Off The Sides & Back
I believe I have a roughcut of the film. I'll be sending it out to the Duluth Is Horrible Advisory Committee tomorrow for their feedback. It's a tricky edit trying to blend the funny and not funny parts. Maybe I got it. The film should make you feel all the emotions - funny, sad, need to take a shower, etc. Assuming the film needs no big changes, I'll be then sending it off for some post work: sound design, color correction, effects. And yes, there are effects but hopefully you don't even notice where they were. Film should be done in April as I promised on Kickstarter. Those wondering how to get on the Duluth Is Horrible Advisory Committee, note that the members were pre-chosen by the head chair, President Barack Obama.
So what else is going on? Well, Duluth editing has taken up most of my free time but in two weeks, I go to Portland, OR for the Faux Film Festival where my previous film, KNFR From 7:00-7:30 will be playing. That film, which contains the infamous "David's Pizza Commercial", will be shown in its entirety. All 30 minutes that I worked so hard on for 2 years shown in front of a live non-friend audience. For those suffering from blog withdrawal, I was going to write about my experiences for my 3 days there.
I'm also writing my next film. I have another fairly complex short in me before tackling another feature. Early signs show lots of glorified extra roles. So get excited San Francisco actors!! I was even considering shooting a little of it when I make my return visit to Duluth for the screening. Whenever that is.
The moral of all this is: Blog posts were better when I was doing more than just staring at a computer. But this is where the film really gets made. So please excuse my tedium.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
One Week Later
It's been a week since Duluth and I've been in a bit of a funk. Not that I fell in love with the town per se but more with the experience. New sights! New people! New films! Slowly getting accustomed back to SF life, which is all terribly familiar. Admittedly, I haven't got around to much editing. Don't worry Kickstarter backers. It'll get done by the expected deadline. I designed the film to be a quick edit. Most scenes have little cuts and I just have to sit down to crank it out. I'm thinking a beer, carrot, editing marathon tomorrow night. Yes, carrots. Editing is unsexy but it's where the movie really gets made. It's where I can control YOUR emotions.
This last Sunday & Tuesday, my "Muppetless Movie" played at the SF Indiefest. A decent appreciation. It played in a grab bag of local shorts. As usual with my films, it's over before you have any idea what the hell you just watched. (I'm all about repeated viewings!) I did a Q&A both times & got to throw in some silly jokes. When asked how people can follow me, I mentioned they should just walk behind me when I leave. I also gave my address and said my door was open to any ladies who wanted to watch some rare Muppet tapes. Oh public persona me. Maybe I got used to the attention in Duluth, but I was a little jealous when I saw the other filmmakers with huge globs of friends there. On Sunday's screening, I had two friends & a chicken show up. I get the film has been online for a while and seen by most, but it did feel weird after getting so much recent praise to be standing there alone by my giant Muppetless poster, expecting celebration but merely getting back on the bus home. Is this how Coolio felt after Gangsta's Paradise dried up? Fame is a fickle mistress.
All this said, I gave one more interview this morning to a writer at San Francisco Magazine. Except it wasn't about me at all, but more about my Oscar picks. He wanted to know what San Francisco filmmakers would choose vs. the academy. As I've seen almost none of the nominated films, I felt a bit like a sham bullshitting answers. I argued that the best film I'd seen was "It's Such A Beautiful Day" & was pissed it wasn't even nominated for Best Animated Film.
Before I left Duluth and to fit some newly acquired items in my suitcase, I gave away some of my "famous" winter clothes to the homeless. I still have my parka if anyone wants to buy it. I've been significantly colder in SF, mostly because I am underdressed everywhere vs. Duluth where I wore everything including the bed sheets. For those wondering about the Duluth Goodwill VHS tapes I bought, I've watched them all. By far the highlight was the Bible Sing-A-Long tape. If you're a Christian, that tape will make you an atheist. Watch kids who can't sing, can't act, can't dance, and who may actually be 32 and suffer from some aging disease sing about the animals on Noah's ark. You may even sell your soul to the devil just to turn the tape off. I think it may even surpass my copy of "Don Cooper's Musical Games" as the most troubling vhs I own.
I've already started thinking about the next film project. I think I'll piss off the classical music world this time.
This last Sunday & Tuesday, my "Muppetless Movie" played at the SF Indiefest. A decent appreciation. It played in a grab bag of local shorts. As usual with my films, it's over before you have any idea what the hell you just watched. (I'm all about repeated viewings!) I did a Q&A both times & got to throw in some silly jokes. When asked how people can follow me, I mentioned they should just walk behind me when I leave. I also gave my address and said my door was open to any ladies who wanted to watch some rare Muppet tapes. Oh public persona me. Maybe I got used to the attention in Duluth, but I was a little jealous when I saw the other filmmakers with huge globs of friends there. On Sunday's screening, I had two friends & a chicken show up. I get the film has been online for a while and seen by most, but it did feel weird after getting so much recent praise to be standing there alone by my giant Muppetless poster, expecting celebration but merely getting back on the bus home. Is this how Coolio felt after Gangsta's Paradise dried up? Fame is a fickle mistress.
All this said, I gave one more interview this morning to a writer at San Francisco Magazine. Except it wasn't about me at all, but more about my Oscar picks. He wanted to know what San Francisco filmmakers would choose vs. the academy. As I've seen almost none of the nominated films, I felt a bit like a sham bullshitting answers. I argued that the best film I'd seen was "It's Such A Beautiful Day" & was pissed it wasn't even nominated for Best Animated Film.
Before I left Duluth and to fit some newly acquired items in my suitcase, I gave away some of my "famous" winter clothes to the homeless. I still have my parka if anyone wants to buy it. I've been significantly colder in SF, mostly because I am underdressed everywhere vs. Duluth where I wore everything including the bed sheets. For those wondering about the Duluth Goodwill VHS tapes I bought, I've watched them all. By far the highlight was the Bible Sing-A-Long tape. If you're a Christian, that tape will make you an atheist. Watch kids who can't sing, can't act, can't dance, and who may actually be 32 and suffer from some aging disease sing about the animals on Noah's ark. You may even sell your soul to the devil just to turn the tape off. I think it may even surpass my copy of "Don Cooper's Musical Games" as the most troubling vhs I own.
I've already started thinking about the next film project. I think I'll piss off the classical music world this time.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
DAY 18: Granny Panties
They call soda "pop" here. I tried something called Mello Yello. It tastes like the result of a lemon & Mountain Dew having sex.
An hour or so ago, I had a drink with Alex Gutterman. He's directing the feature film in town, "In Winter." Nice guy and I appreciate him cutting the small talk and go straight for the philosophical discussion about why we do what we do. I said there was obviously something wrong with us to devote our lives to this medium. He projects a Nov/Dec 2013 release date on his film. Both films deal with similar topics - love, lost, animal songs - well, maybe I'm just doing the animal songs. It might be neat for my film to be the short subject before his feature. A whole film program of depressed cold people!
Got a few more random shots of Duluth today and made my ex-apartment clean & tidy. A few hours were devoted to figuring out how the hell I got my microphone stand in my suitcase. Traveling today was sponsored by the good samaritans who rescued my car from the snow fort that developed in the recent blizzard. This niceness continues to astound & upset. With my last day here, I figured it's finally time to get some souvenirs. Therefore, a trip to the store "I Love Duluth" seemed promising. While the word Duluth was everywhere, I was highly disappointed in your regional merch. It seems Duluth is in denial about its winter. Not a damn thing featuring snow or cold or anything. The store made Duluth look like a Hawaiian resort. The beer openers & magnets all had Amazonian frogs & Aborigine figurines. I finally settled on the two least lame mugs they had. And seriously, why even bother with Superior merchandise. That mansion ain't all that.
Well folks, this completes my Duluthian experience. Tomorrow morning, I'm driving back to Minneapolis on a plane back to
"Duluth is....I don't know" Lisa Luokkala
Monday, February 11, 2013
DAY 17: The Beginning Of The Ending Of The Whole Shabang
I leave Wednesday, just when I started to get used to it all. It's going to be weird not wearing 12 pounds of pants. My car is currently surrounded by snow. Not exactly sure what to do about that. I have till Wednesday morning to figure it out. Due to it's condition, I took the bus over to the University of Minnesota Duluth for my last scheduled interview. Take a listen. The bus was on time and quick. I give my brief experience with Duluth Transit the Thumbs Up and I'm sorry for putting all my coins in at one time and clogging it up.
I was treated to lunch by my friend Deven who took me up the shore to the New Scenic Cafe. Delicious but we ordered far too much. The best part was the hot chocolate in giant steins. Go there for that at least. Also, at the end of the meal, they give you a little book where you can write your thoughts. Naturally, I wrote "Duluth Is Horrible" and signed it. I also came across the best piece of poetry I've seen here, ripped it out from the book, and am now going to transcribe it for you:
"Well here we are 9:16
What day is it?
LET'S GO SWIMMING WITHOUT OUR CLOTHES
Yes, I have three chickens; Penny, Juama, and Big Bad Blackpants.
I call them "big dummies" and "dumb animals" about 63 times a day.
WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE FAKE "WOOD BURNING STOVE" AT NORTHSHORE COTTAGES
When you see a deer, it feels like it was there just for you
And everything's going to be OK.
YES FISH DO HAVE BONES
The artwork is not by seven & eight year olds.
Like and I'm not even like an art major OMG
WE LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT YOU'VE DONE. WE ALWAYS WILL."
- Chuck Chuck Bo Buck Banana Fanna Fo 2/10/13
Tonight is my official last night in my apartment. I'm kicked out tomorrow. I will the miss flower chair, the portrait of Jesus by the toilet, the free cereal, and the mysterious Channel 117. I asked the owner what it was and she said she was a pro domina and to torture her clients, she ties them up and makes them watch it. That explains the gimp chained up behind her clothes in the closet. Doesn't seem to make much sense to let him loose now.
With tomorrow's last day in Duluth also comes tomorrow's last official blog post. I will keep up writing as necessary, occasionally writing "Yep, I edited today. It looks ok." I know a few of you have become obsessed with the mundane details of my life and I'm sorry I won't be filling you in on those notes back in California. Considering doing an audiobook of this blog, might be a nice compliment to the film to include on the DVD. (It's only 20 minutes. Might as well fill the damn thing up.). It's only 5:41p, there is still some trouble I could get into before I leave...
I was treated to lunch by my friend Deven who took me up the shore to the New Scenic Cafe. Delicious but we ordered far too much. The best part was the hot chocolate in giant steins. Go there for that at least. Also, at the end of the meal, they give you a little book where you can write your thoughts. Naturally, I wrote "Duluth Is Horrible" and signed it. I also came across the best piece of poetry I've seen here, ripped it out from the book, and am now going to transcribe it for you:
"Well here we are 9:16
What day is it?
LET'S GO SWIMMING WITHOUT OUR CLOTHES
Yes, I have three chickens; Penny, Juama, and Big Bad Blackpants.
I call them "big dummies" and "dumb animals" about 63 times a day.
WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE FAKE "WOOD BURNING STOVE" AT NORTHSHORE COTTAGES
When you see a deer, it feels like it was there just for you
And everything's going to be OK.
YES FISH DO HAVE BONES
The artwork is not by seven & eight year olds.
Like and I'm not even like an art major OMG
WE LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT YOU'VE DONE. WE ALWAYS WILL."
- Chuck Chuck Bo Buck Banana Fanna Fo 2/10/13
Tonight is my official last night in my apartment. I'm kicked out tomorrow. I will the miss flower chair, the portrait of Jesus by the toilet, the free cereal, and the mysterious Channel 117. I asked the owner what it was and she said she was a pro domina and to torture her clients, she ties them up and makes them watch it. That explains the gimp chained up behind her clothes in the closet. Doesn't seem to make much sense to let him loose now.
With tomorrow's last day in Duluth also comes tomorrow's last official blog post. I will keep up writing as necessary, occasionally writing "Yep, I edited today. It looks ok." I know a few of you have become obsessed with the mundane details of my life and I'm sorry I won't be filling you in on those notes back in California. Considering doing an audiobook of this blog, might be a nice compliment to the film to include on the DVD. (It's only 20 minutes. Might as well fill the damn thing up.). It's only 5:41p, there is still some trouble I could get into before I leave...
Sunday, February 10, 2013
DAY 16: TUNDRA!!!
Boy, this town has a major drug problem. The crack just pours from the sky here.
It's Winter Storm Orko. Who comes up with these names? Is it one guy? Is it chosen by committee? Does it just come mysteriously in a dream and made into a Kickstarter project? Snowed in, I started looking at all the footage. It looks really good. Now comes the editing part, which is when all magic disappears. Watching the same clips over & over, tweaking it by fractions of a second. Luckily, this movie has alot of long takes which will make it easier but despite its charms, I'll be incredibly sick of it by the end of March. The sacrifices I make for you people to watch a decent flick.
Here's some more media about me. From the SF Chronicle, a short blurb about Muppetless Movie:
And here's two pictures the Duluth New Tribune posted from Day 1. Notice my model pose in the second one: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/258207/property_id/36/
I rested last night and got even more today, being trapped in the house. It seems now is as good a time as any to post this clip from one of my all-time favorite shows, "The Mighty Boosh."
Saturday, February 9, 2013
DAY 15: And You May Ask Yourself...Well, How Did I Get Here?
I had so many offers to go out and get drinks tonight. I'd love to. I really would. But I'm just too tired and after being outside most of the day, a little too comfortable in my warm apartment. It's been non-stop since Wed and it's nice to just chill on my bed tonight.
Today became a full-on shooting day starting at noon. The first part consisted of getting a few more shots of tourist attractions, including Enger Tower, a giant tower in the middle of nowhere. I trudged through the snow to get there, getting a couple crappy shots of it. I also fell down. From there it was on to the zoo, where I filmed a man continually breaking his pencil trying to draw a lynx & a cougar. The wolves & bears were even active today. I swear a bear waved at me. I was told that one of the bears was a reject from an Alaskan zoo where he kept escaping and eating the barnyard animals.
Finished up the night filming the movie's "ex-girlfriend", Theresa, wandering around Downtown Duluth. This is one of the few parts Duluth really is featured and I can hear the outcry already. "Oh, of all the beautiful things in town, he had to go and film the ugly stuff." If that doesn't piss them off, then the geography of Theresa's walk will. "Hey, she went down Michigan St. and now she's on First but why did she go right on Superior. WHERE IS SHE GOING!?"
Last night, a group of new friends invited me out for a night of drinks, with each bar subsequently worse. We started at JJ Astor with its rooftop views, swank decor, and a small jazz band playing cuts from "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg." From there, we took a swift dive in quality at the Stargate/Builders Bar in Superior. It's like Hawaii threw up in there but I did get a free whiskey soda out of the deal. I also couldn't pass up a chance to perform a little karaoke magic on Blur's "Song 2" and Beastie Boys "Intergalatic."
From bad, we went to worse, across the street at the Centerfolds strip club. What a dark sad little place. There was a rather large stripper there. From behind you couldn't tell if she was wearing underpants as her g-string was swallowed up by her robust buttocks. Like a bad car accident, I couldn't look away as she pushed a man's face into her big floppy breasts. She looked about as into it as one sits waiting for their laundry. Still...she did have the biggest boobs in the place. Problem is, she had the biggest everything in the place. We ended the night at Curlys where I was treated to a delicious apple pie shot. Centerfolds was worse than Curly's but plenty of dreams have died there too. I forgot to mention we got to all these places via some sort of car/monster truck/bus hybrid which must have been stolen from the Indiana Jones ride at Disney World. If you feel a little off today, it's probably because the world turned off its axis when the vehicle made a right turn. All in all, my degeneration tour has been one of the highlights of my trip and I thank Nadia & Ryan for having me.
Today became a full-on shooting day starting at noon. The first part consisted of getting a few more shots of tourist attractions, including Enger Tower, a giant tower in the middle of nowhere. I trudged through the snow to get there, getting a couple crappy shots of it. I also fell down. From there it was on to the zoo, where I filmed a man continually breaking his pencil trying to draw a lynx & a cougar. The wolves & bears were even active today. I swear a bear waved at me. I was told that one of the bears was a reject from an Alaskan zoo where he kept escaping and eating the barnyard animals.
Finished up the night filming the movie's "ex-girlfriend", Theresa, wandering around Downtown Duluth. This is one of the few parts Duluth really is featured and I can hear the outcry already. "Oh, of all the beautiful things in town, he had to go and film the ugly stuff." If that doesn't piss them off, then the geography of Theresa's walk will. "Hey, she went down Michigan St. and now she's on First but why did she go right on Superior. WHERE IS SHE GOING!?"
From bad, we went to worse, across the street at the Centerfolds strip club. What a dark sad little place. There was a rather large stripper there. From behind you couldn't tell if she was wearing underpants as her g-string was swallowed up by her robust buttocks. Like a bad car accident, I couldn't look away as she pushed a man's face into her big floppy breasts. She looked about as into it as one sits waiting for their laundry. Still...she did have the biggest boobs in the place. Problem is, she had the biggest everything in the place. We ended the night at Curlys where I was treated to a delicious apple pie shot. Centerfolds was worse than Curly's but plenty of dreams have died there too. I forgot to mention we got to all these places via some sort of car/monster truck/bus hybrid which must have been stolen from the Indiana Jones ride at Disney World. If you feel a little off today, it's probably because the world turned off its axis when the vehicle made a right turn. All in all, my degeneration tour has been one of the highlights of my trip and I thank Nadia & Ryan for having me.
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| There's a not a single photo of this man that isn't blurry. |
Friday, February 8, 2013
DAY 14: Snow Very Close
Did an hour long interview on the Walt Dizzo radio show last night. Probably one of my best. Well at least, we talked about more than just if I think Duluth is really horrible. In fact, I broke the exclusive last night that it really IS horrible and that I'm secretly making a documentary about how terrible the town & the people are. EXPOSED! For this venture, I traveled over the bridge to Superior, Wisconsin. I wasn't purposely driving slow. That's just how fast my car is. Upon first glance, Superior reminded me of a snow-capped Stockton. Lower-income housing and more urban sprawl. Even the UW campus seemed familiar somehow.
This morning, we completed the karaoke scene at the Round-Up. I'm looking forward to this part in the movie and it's the one place where all the central characters collide. I'm pretty damn proud of my original karaoke tune "A Bear, A Hedgehog, Or A Monkey" too. Our star Shane May does a great job on it, though he'll never believe you. From there, over to the most beautiful bench at Lake Superior. When it wasn't available, we settled for that one bench behind the Portland Malt Shoppe. We stood out in the cold waiting for a truck to stop making noise for a good thirty minutes. We watched over the frozen lake. I watched PA Tony attempt to walk on it. I came up with the idea that I should walk into the movie at the very end and tell a few bad jokes. Nobody was listening. I agreed to have a local photographer come by and take a photo for his Duluth Survey, but was surprised and slightly offended he wanted everyone but me in the photo. That's like going around and taking pictures of my kid. It better be a damn good photo.
After illegal parking at a college and annoying some students, we ventured over to the mall for some guerrilla shots of our tourist couple. The only opposition came in the form of a skinny unintimidating janitor with long hair, who basically said he wasn't going to do anything but somebody could. We were in & out and I had a slice of pizza from Barro (the s had fallen off). We also did a quick shot of the tourists at the aquarium. Maybe I'm spoiled with Monterey Bay, but I found it to be a little, um...lacking. While nice looking and would be terribly impressive in someone's home, it was pretty underwhelming for the money. I've seen more fish at sushi restaurants. Sorry Great Lakes Aquarium, it was just my first impression. I'll still go on a second date with you sometime.
Cinematographer Kevin, Soundman Jason, the PA's, & most of the actors are wrapped but there's still a few more things I'll get tomorrow before WINTER NEMO traps us all inside. I must go out and have some drinks tonight too because of this. TTFN.
This morning, we completed the karaoke scene at the Round-Up. I'm looking forward to this part in the movie and it's the one place where all the central characters collide. I'm pretty damn proud of my original karaoke tune "A Bear, A Hedgehog, Or A Monkey" too. Our star Shane May does a great job on it, though he'll never believe you. From there, over to the most beautiful bench at Lake Superior. When it wasn't available, we settled for that one bench behind the Portland Malt Shoppe. We stood out in the cold waiting for a truck to stop making noise for a good thirty minutes. We watched over the frozen lake. I watched PA Tony attempt to walk on it. I came up with the idea that I should walk into the movie at the very end and tell a few bad jokes. Nobody was listening. I agreed to have a local photographer come by and take a photo for his Duluth Survey, but was surprised and slightly offended he wanted everyone but me in the photo. That's like going around and taking pictures of my kid. It better be a damn good photo.
After illegal parking at a college and annoying some students, we ventured over to the mall for some guerrilla shots of our tourist couple. The only opposition came in the form of a skinny unintimidating janitor with long hair, who basically said he wasn't going to do anything but somebody could. We were in & out and I had a slice of pizza from Barro (the s had fallen off). We also did a quick shot of the tourists at the aquarium. Maybe I'm spoiled with Monterey Bay, but I found it to be a little, um...lacking. While nice looking and would be terribly impressive in someone's home, it was pretty underwhelming for the money. I've seen more fish at sushi restaurants. Sorry Great Lakes Aquarium, it was just my first impression. I'll still go on a second date with you sometime.
Cinematographer Kevin, Soundman Jason, the PA's, & most of the actors are wrapped but there's still a few more things I'll get tomorrow before WINTER NEMO traps us all inside. I must go out and have some drinks tonight too because of this. TTFN.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Of Course It Was DAY 13
A smirk gleamed across the girl at Walgreens' face when I asked if there was a toll to take the bridge to Wisconsin. Hey, we don't have these free bridges in the Bay Area ok? Tonight, my media tour continues as I appear on the Walt Dizzo radio show. We'll be playing some original tunes, talking about Duluth, & contemplating whatever is fun & fancy free.
This morning my cinematographer's car broke down as we were out shooting tourist attractions. That pic of the Depot was enough to break his serpentine belt. When asked if Kevin had any words for the blog, he replied "No comment." Hopefully his car will be fixed by tomorrow and a special thanks to production assistant Libby for rescuing us. Because of this auto fail, we did have to reschedule one scene on the weekend but otherwise, things have been running relatively smoothly. Well outside of nearly everyone in the cast & crew get insulted & threatened by the hometown drunks at the Round-Up bar last night. We'll be back there in the morning when there just won't be enough time to get plastered.
Yesterday, I was given free reign of the Duluth News Tribune offices and whenever given that opportunity, I put 5 women in fanciful latin dancer costumes. Sorry, no spoiler pics. From there, we went over to the Blackwater Lounge to get a guerrilla shot of HOT Duluth nightlife (see, the film IS fictional), over to Chris LeBlanc's house for his role as the redditor troubled by litter box problems, and we went to 1:00 am getting our lead, Shane May carrying boxes & stalking people. It was a cold outdoor shoot. I was told I looked like Kurt Russell from "The Thing." I felt I looked more like Kenny from South Park.
Today, we got the awkward date scene at Bellisio's & the anything-but-hot sex webcam scene. It all looks fabulous and the credit there goes to cinematographer Kevin Horn. This will certainly be the most polished looking of my work thus far. My prior films generally tend to have the early 80s music video aesthetic. I hope nothing gets lost in the gloss. I think it will be a good film. Pretty artsy fartsy, if you're into that. The tragedy will be really tragic and the comedy will be really absurd. It's a personal goal to adequately gel those two. I've played around with it in some of my other films (Chickens In The Shadows has been said to be really dark despite "Taste The Biscuit") but I think "Duluth" will be more of a drama with comedic elements than vice versa. I'm excited for the finished product.
The local news came by to do a story while we were filming yesterday. Here's that interview with behind-the-scenes footage: http://www.fox21online.com/content/short-movie-duluth-horrible-begins-filming. Ok, seriously what's with my hair? It's just everywhere. I really look crazy. Like a totally insane European director (despite being from Stockton, CA). You can actually see the insanity, like this man truly has no idea of where he is or what he's doing. This is all true by the way. I just don't remember being so obvious. I finally am the pretentious artist type I tried so hard for so long not to fit into. Can somebody CGI a beret & a glass of red wine into my interview scenes?
Well off to do some radio and back to filming at 8:30 tomorrow morning! Please drive safely.
Yesterday, I was given free reign of the Duluth News Tribune offices and whenever given that opportunity, I put 5 women in fanciful latin dancer costumes. Sorry, no spoiler pics. From there, we went over to the Blackwater Lounge to get a guerrilla shot of HOT Duluth nightlife (see, the film IS fictional), over to Chris LeBlanc's house for his role as the redditor troubled by litter box problems, and we went to 1:00 am getting our lead, Shane May carrying boxes & stalking people. It was a cold outdoor shoot. I was told I looked like Kurt Russell from "The Thing." I felt I looked more like Kenny from South Park.
Today, we got the awkward date scene at Bellisio's & the anything-but-hot sex webcam scene. It all looks fabulous and the credit there goes to cinematographer Kevin Horn. This will certainly be the most polished looking of my work thus far. My prior films generally tend to have the early 80s music video aesthetic. I hope nothing gets lost in the gloss. I think it will be a good film. Pretty artsy fartsy, if you're into that. The tragedy will be really tragic and the comedy will be really absurd. It's a personal goal to adequately gel those two. I've played around with it in some of my other films (Chickens In The Shadows has been said to be really dark despite "Taste The Biscuit") but I think "Duluth" will be more of a drama with comedic elements than vice versa. I'm excited for the finished product.
The local news came by to do a story while we were filming yesterday. Here's that interview with behind-the-scenes footage: http://www.fox21online.com/content/short-movie-duluth-horrible-begins-filming. Ok, seriously what's with my hair? It's just everywhere. I really look crazy. Like a totally insane European director (despite being from Stockton, CA). You can actually see the insanity, like this man truly has no idea of where he is or what he's doing. This is all true by the way. I just don't remember being so obvious. I finally am the pretentious artist type I tried so hard for so long not to fit into. Can somebody CGI a beret & a glass of red wine into my interview scenes?
Well off to do some radio and back to filming at 8:30 tomorrow morning! Please drive safely.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
DAY 12: The Vincent Gargiulo Media Blitz!!
I don't have much time to talk. We start filming in a few hours and I still need to tell myself that I'm smart enough, good enough, and that people like me. So in lieu, here are a bunch of articles that came out TODAY about my work.
Here's one from the San Francisco Bay Guardian talking a little about Duluth, David's Pizza, & my Muppetless Movie which is playing at the SF Indiefest Feb. 17 & 19.
http://www.sfbg.com/2013/02/06/muppets-manholes-and-mayhem?page=0,0
On the local front, here's one from the Duluth News Tribune telling you where I'll be so you can properly stalk me. http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/257833/
Fox 21 News is coming later to the set, so there will probably be a story on TV tonight. The lesson here kids is if you want anybody to pay attention to your rinky dink short film, go to a random place and offend it.
Occasionally, I like to check out the analytics of this blog. Here's what people searched for to find it. Notice anything funny here?
Here's one from the San Francisco Bay Guardian talking a little about Duluth, David's Pizza, & my Muppetless Movie which is playing at the SF Indiefest Feb. 17 & 19.
http://www.sfbg.com/2013/02/06/muppets-manholes-and-mayhem?page=0,0
On the local front, here's one from the Duluth News Tribune telling you where I'll be so you can properly stalk me. http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/257833/
Fox 21 News is coming later to the set, so there will probably be a story on TV tonight. The lesson here kids is if you want anybody to pay attention to your rinky dink short film, go to a random place and offend it.
Occasionally, I like to check out the analytics of this blog. Here's what people searched for to find it. Notice anything funny here?
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
DAY 11: Filming Eve
We start shooting tomorrow and it will be the busiest day of all, doing almost twice as many shots than on Thu & Fri. The largest amount of cast will also be on hand. At one point, there will be 5 women dressed like this. Along with cast/crew, I'm told the local news is coming by as well as random fans & onlookers. It'll be a long, crazy night. I apologize now to the crew, but IT GETS BETTER the next two days. Why pack it all into three days? Purely financial reasons. In shoots like this, I use my "good enough" approach.
Today was jam packed getting ready for tomorrow. I stopped by Ace Hardware to get some supplies when I heard an old man complaining he had to come all the way from West Duluth! Buddy, I came all the way from California to go to this Ace Hardware. I went to the grocery store & Walgreens & the post office & ended the outdoor day, going along the lakewalk looking for "the bench" where our lead sings the title song. It was bloody cold.
I'm afraid I'm going to have cut tonight's entry short. Tomorrow will likely be short too. I have to finally do what I'm here to do and that requires rest. My curlers are in and my cucumber mask is on (Hey, I'm gonna be on tv ok!) Goodnight.
Monday, February 4, 2013
DAY 10: You've Made It This Far
I love this apartment I'm staying in but whoever lives above me walks
way too hard. I shouldn't hear every footstep you make.
We start filming Wednesday and today has been spent making sure everything is in order. Had an rehearsal with Shane, who plays the Lead. He's required to sing two songs. My songs are not the easiest things to sing as I have no use for traditional song structure but we spent a good time working on the songs and with some practice, I think he'll knock it out. I know he will. After Shane, I visited with Nadia who's playing the Adult Webcam Performer. That scene is improvised so we just went over the tones & emotions of the character. We wondered if she would perform on the bed or the couch. I don't believe we came up with a definitive answer. Which would you pleasure yourself on?
From there, I went to the Goodwill store to buy some dweeby shirts for the Office Worker character. Got em'. I also looked for a plaid flannel shirt for myself, just to look more Duluthian but nothing really spoke to me. I did however find some great VHS tapes. As some may know, I collect the worst in VHS tapes. Today, I scored "William Wegmen's Alphabet Soup", the cult film starring Siamese twins, "Chained For Life", "Bible Sing-Along For Kids" (featuring the Sunshine Kids), and something called "Treasures Of The Snow: A Classic Study on How Principles of Life Were Applied To Family Conflicts." This last tape apparently was previously owned by John & Kathie of Bemidji, MN. I hope they worked out their issues. There was another video which I did not purchase called "Honesty featuring The Indian Cinderella." I didn't wanna know.
When I returned home, I received a phone call from Justin at NBC News 6 in Duluth who wanted to do an interview. He wanted to do it live in person on camera so I was forced to put my pants back on and head down to the studio. I was surprised we did it outside. I haven't mentioned it, but yeah, it's still cold here. That story goes on tonight around 10:00p. I told him to edit it in a way that made me look evil, just to keep the fury alive. Everyone asks me if I think Duluth is horrible. Not really. Parts of it are but that's every city. Even good ol' San Francisco where I reside certainly has horrible stuff - too expensive, can't park anywhere, massive homelessness, and cold & overcast in Summer, for example. The interviewer asked me why people would watch something called "Duluth Is Horrible." I'm sure they rather watch that than "Duluth Is A Beautiful Place." Sounds super boring.
We start filming Wednesday and today has been spent making sure everything is in order. Had an rehearsal with Shane, who plays the Lead. He's required to sing two songs. My songs are not the easiest things to sing as I have no use for traditional song structure but we spent a good time working on the songs and with some practice, I think he'll knock it out. I know he will. After Shane, I visited with Nadia who's playing the Adult Webcam Performer. That scene is improvised so we just went over the tones & emotions of the character. We wondered if she would perform on the bed or the couch. I don't believe we came up with a definitive answer. Which would you pleasure yourself on?
From there, I went to the Goodwill store to buy some dweeby shirts for the Office Worker character. Got em'. I also looked for a plaid flannel shirt for myself, just to look more Duluthian but nothing really spoke to me. I did however find some great VHS tapes. As some may know, I collect the worst in VHS tapes. Today, I scored "William Wegmen's Alphabet Soup", the cult film starring Siamese twins, "Chained For Life", "Bible Sing-Along For Kids" (featuring the Sunshine Kids), and something called "Treasures Of The Snow: A Classic Study on How Principles of Life Were Applied To Family Conflicts." This last tape apparently was previously owned by John & Kathie of Bemidji, MN. I hope they worked out their issues. There was another video which I did not purchase called "Honesty featuring The Indian Cinderella." I didn't wanna know.
When I returned home, I received a phone call from Justin at NBC News 6 in Duluth who wanted to do an interview. He wanted to do it live in person on camera so I was forced to put my pants back on and head down to the studio. I was surprised we did it outside. I haven't mentioned it, but yeah, it's still cold here. That story goes on tonight around 10:00p. I told him to edit it in a way that made me look evil, just to keep the fury alive. Everyone asks me if I think Duluth is horrible. Not really. Parts of it are but that's every city. Even good ol' San Francisco where I reside certainly has horrible stuff - too expensive, can't park anywhere, massive homelessness, and cold & overcast in Summer, for example. The interviewer asked me why people would watch something called "Duluth Is Horrible." I'm sure they rather watch that than "Duluth Is A Beautiful Place." Sounds super boring.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Day 9: What's In A Name?
The other night I went to a house party and met somebody who was cold, cynical, and the opposite of this Minnesota Nice thing I've experienced. We immediately hit it off and she invited me out last night. I was sure she was going to stand me up, so I was amazed and slightly disappointed when she was actually there. However, she left within 10 minutes proving she has enough Minnesota Nice in her to make sure I got there before ditching me. Luckily, she left me with some interesting & nice people. One such lady named Kate gave me a book of her poetry and then escorted me to Tycoons, where she gave me a lesson about how the highway was created. I gave her a motivational speech about feeding off the people who fucked you over in life. I met other people: an older man who said his thoughts were not important, the director of the local Burlesque troupe, and a younger man successfully pulling off Grandpa's clothes. I've been terribly social here and been wondering why I'm not this cool in San Francisco.
My film is a sociology experiment. What seems interesting is that the press is making it bigger than it actually is. It's 20 minutes of just people moping around in some silly art movie. This is a threat? I can't wait till its done and actually shows here. What a shitstorm that'll be! The last time I got this much attention for a title was for my film I Am Jesus Christ, but even then I wasn't once mentioned on God's blog. I watched that Google Fiber video in which Google is presented as a little girl in a tracksuit who comes to Duluth to send old ladies on jets. This video is far more damaging to the town than anything in my film. And Mr. Mayor, I'm still awaiting my puppy dog.
I'm enjoying my celeb status here so much that I've decided to open a new midwest video division. I already bought the space and it'll be called Vincent Gargiulo's Horrible Productions.
My film is a sociology experiment. What seems interesting is that the press is making it bigger than it actually is. It's 20 minutes of just people moping around in some silly art movie. This is a threat? I can't wait till its done and actually shows here. What a shitstorm that'll be! The last time I got this much attention for a title was for my film I Am Jesus Christ, but even then I wasn't once mentioned on God's blog. I watched that Google Fiber video in which Google is presented as a little girl in a tracksuit who comes to Duluth to send old ladies on jets. This video is far more damaging to the town than anything in my film. And Mr. Mayor, I'm still awaiting my puppy dog.
I'm enjoying my celeb status here so much that I've decided to open a new midwest video division. I already bought the space and it'll be called Vincent Gargiulo's Horrible Productions.
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| Artist Rendering |
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Day 8: Terribly Boring Post About Writing Emails
Today has been the most exhaustive day yet and I haven't even left the house. I made my casting decisions this morning and then proceeded to spend the next couple hours trying to coordinate everyone's schedule. I think I finally got it. Then, I sent emails to everyone letting them know they've been cast and the schedule. I sent emails to those who didn't get in too. It's almost an entirely Duluthian cast. Most do not have alot of acting credits to their name, but I feel confident in all of them.
Last night, I sang a few tunes at the Round-Up karaoke bar. We're filming there next week. My haunting renditions of the Doors "Touch Me" & Ray Charles "You Don't Know Me" brought down the house and prompted hugs, high-fives, and suggestions to go on American Idol. I suggested maybe Duluth Idol but they were convinced I was ready for the big show...I also got feedback on my boots which apparently make me look like I'm "from the country." I'm just glad I figured out a few days ago that it does matters which foot they're on.
What Am I Doin' Hanging Round?:
Last night, I sang a few tunes at the Round-Up karaoke bar. We're filming there next week. My haunting renditions of the Doors "Touch Me" & Ray Charles "You Don't Know Me" brought down the house and prompted hugs, high-fives, and suggestions to go on American Idol. I suggested maybe Duluth Idol but they were convinced I was ready for the big show...I also got feedback on my boots which apparently make me look like I'm "from the country." I'm just glad I figured out a few days ago that it does matters which foot they're on.
What Am I Doin' Hanging Round?:
Friday, February 1, 2013
DAY 7: I'm Too Sexy For This Balaclava
NOTE: If you're an actor who tried out for the film, I will be sending emails tomorrow. I believe I made my choices but wanna sleep on it.
Besides I have karaoke to attend! Going to make a research trip out to the Round-Up tonight. I was there earlier today and talked to the manager. He's letting me film there but it will be in the morning, not at regularly scheduled karaoke times. That is now. And I just want to see the setup. I guess you'll know where I'll be tonight if you wanna say hello or kick me in the balls.
Speaking of saying hello, I was having dinner with Meghan & Bryan at the Duluth Grill and sure enough I was approached by someone who recognized me. They shook my hand, said they liked the title and my other films. I could get used to this celebrity business. Incidentally, I've never had fish served to me in the shape of a cinnamon roll.
Today was the coldest day I've felt yet. My nose hasn't quite been the same since this morning. I blew my nose and a penguin came out. The weather prompted me to pull out my arctic clothing. So get ready girls, here now is a fashion show just for YOU.
Besides I have karaoke to attend! Going to make a research trip out to the Round-Up tonight. I was there earlier today and talked to the manager. He's letting me film there but it will be in the morning, not at regularly scheduled karaoke times. That is now. And I just want to see the setup. I guess you'll know where I'll be tonight if you wanna say hello or kick me in the balls.
Speaking of saying hello, I was having dinner with Meghan & Bryan at the Duluth Grill and sure enough I was approached by someone who recognized me. They shook my hand, said they liked the title and my other films. I could get used to this celebrity business. Incidentally, I've never had fish served to me in the shape of a cinnamon roll.
Today was the coldest day I've felt yet. My nose hasn't quite been the same since this morning. I blew my nose and a penguin came out. The weather prompted me to pull out my arctic clothing. So get ready girls, here now is a fashion show just for YOU.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
DAY 6: Thanks For Coming In
Where I live here, there is a McDonalds & Burger King across the
street from each other. I thought that fascinating until I saw there's a
Wendy right behind BK. That's just silly.
It's officially cold here today. Last time I was outside, it was 1 degree. I'm told by weather.com it actually feels like -21. It's still not cold enough for me honestly. I mean, yeah I don't want to stay out there, but I wanna feel the worst you got. It's like when you ask for spicy at a Thai restaurant but they don't think you can take it, so they really give you medium. If there's no fear an appendage might fall off, it's not cold enough. BUT, on the plus side, it IS finally cold enough to bust out the arctic gear for a fashion show. Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog ladies ;)
At the end of today's auditions at 8:00p, I was completely exhausted. Even though I started only at 4, I saw lots of people today and I said the same things to most of them. My voice & mind were gone by the end of the sessions. Lots of good people and I think enough to make my decisions. I'm gonna stew over it tonight & tomorrow & revisit some of the audition tapes. I certainly met some interesting people through the sessions. One girl works at UPS but is also a blacksmith & a rapper. Another works in microbiology and we discussed bacteria, sometimes in relation to stds. She also said I was really weird. Sometimes on these little unrelated side stories, I get a better idea on the actor than when they just read lines and I'm not against adding some of this real element to their fictional characters. One of the roles (Younger Woman On Date) has to improv why they love animals. If all else fails, I can just take the responses from these auditions and make a "Duluth Women Love Animals" movie.
Tomorrow & Saturday, it's "time to get serious." Time to start making some decisions and prep everything for filming, which looks like it will be the end of next week. I want to get all my chores out of the way and go back to simply experiencing Duluth. It's better blog fodder.
It's officially cold here today. Last time I was outside, it was 1 degree. I'm told by weather.com it actually feels like -21. It's still not cold enough for me honestly. I mean, yeah I don't want to stay out there, but I wanna feel the worst you got. It's like when you ask for spicy at a Thai restaurant but they don't think you can take it, so they really give you medium. If there's no fear an appendage might fall off, it's not cold enough. BUT, on the plus side, it IS finally cold enough to bust out the arctic gear for a fashion show. Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog ladies ;)
At the end of today's auditions at 8:00p, I was completely exhausted. Even though I started only at 4, I saw lots of people today and I said the same things to most of them. My voice & mind were gone by the end of the sessions. Lots of good people and I think enough to make my decisions. I'm gonna stew over it tonight & tomorrow & revisit some of the audition tapes. I certainly met some interesting people through the sessions. One girl works at UPS but is also a blacksmith & a rapper. Another works in microbiology and we discussed bacteria, sometimes in relation to stds. She also said I was really weird. Sometimes on these little unrelated side stories, I get a better idea on the actor than when they just read lines and I'm not against adding some of this real element to their fictional characters. One of the roles (Younger Woman On Date) has to improv why they love animals. If all else fails, I can just take the responses from these auditions and make a "Duluth Women Love Animals" movie.
Tomorrow & Saturday, it's "time to get serious." Time to start making some decisions and prep everything for filming, which looks like it will be the end of next week. I want to get all my chores out of the way and go back to simply experiencing Duluth. It's better blog fodder.
 |
| Hey, is it too late? I wanna audition! |
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
DAY 5: Now Take Off Your Clothes
Today me & a potential actress for the Webcam Sex Girl role watched some reference video and had a good laugh when the webcam performer gave a tease of her granny panties. Five minutes later, she was eating a sandwich. HOT!
It was the first official day of auditions. Saw 6 people in 4 hours. Should have been 8 but someone's car broke down and someone just didn't show up. I'm sure that actress' foot was stuck in a bear trap somewhere. Everybody today was solid and all are certainly in consideration. The biggest challenge will be finding the right couples. Just because someone is individually good in a part, they may not be right when paired with someone else. So it's a bit of a mix/match game. Tomorrow I have my final set and will know who's what Friday or Saturday.
There are at least two other films being filmed in Duluth at this time. I know because the actors have told me. I haven't heard a single word about them in the press. And one is a feature! I'm trying to figure out why my little short film has been getting so much attention. I suspect it's a combination of 1) I choose Duluth specifically and came here 2) The title is provocative 3) I raised money to do this via Kickstarter & 4) Because I've actually had some previous success.
I must admit I kinda get off on my bad boy image, because if you have met me in real life, I don't think I come off as terribly threatening. I often get cute & endearing. My resemblance to a weasel also helps in this regard. People have been looking at me funny here. I'm not sure if it's because I'm dressed like an idiot or because they recognize me from the news. Can anyone verify if there is a wanted sign at the post office?
In other news, it looks like we'll be filming the date scene over at Bellisio's. Again, super nice. Super supportive. In terms of getting locations, Duluth is awesome. It's never been this easy & it can be a real struggle in SF, unless you know them already. Most just don't want to be bothered with your little film. So to the other filmmakers of the world, consider Duluth!
It was the first official day of auditions. Saw 6 people in 4 hours. Should have been 8 but someone's car broke down and someone just didn't show up. I'm sure that actress' foot was stuck in a bear trap somewhere. Everybody today was solid and all are certainly in consideration. The biggest challenge will be finding the right couples. Just because someone is individually good in a part, they may not be right when paired with someone else. So it's a bit of a mix/match game. Tomorrow I have my final set and will know who's what Friday or Saturday.
There are at least two other films being filmed in Duluth at this time. I know because the actors have told me. I haven't heard a single word about them in the press. And one is a feature! I'm trying to figure out why my little short film has been getting so much attention. I suspect it's a combination of 1) I choose Duluth specifically and came here 2) The title is provocative 3) I raised money to do this via Kickstarter & 4) Because I've actually had some previous success.
I must admit I kinda get off on my bad boy image, because if you have met me in real life, I don't think I come off as terribly threatening. I often get cute & endearing. My resemblance to a weasel also helps in this regard. People have been looking at me funny here. I'm not sure if it's because I'm dressed like an idiot or because they recognize me from the news. Can anyone verify if there is a wanted sign at the post office?
In other news, it looks like we'll be filming the date scene over at Bellisio's. Again, super nice. Super supportive. In terms of getting locations, Duluth is awesome. It's never been this easy & it can be a real struggle in SF, unless you know them already. Most just don't want to be bothered with your little film. So to the other filmmakers of the world, consider Duluth!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
DAY 4: Malls, Zoos, & People Too
I am intimidated by snow. When I woke up this morning, I looked out the window to see if it was still there. Of course it's still there! And it's waiting for you to move your car. I also came up with a game called "What Footprints Are Those?"
This morning I met with the publisher of the Duluth News Tribune, Ken Browall, to talk about filming there for the office scenes. He is disgustingly nice and showed me around the tribune offices, even offering his own office. It's a great space and will work well for my purposes. Ken also happens to be the upcoming chair of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. I asked Ken if he hated the title of the film. He replied "not at all" and was happy for any attention the town received. Later in the day, I got an email from a local restaurant that is interested in being the backdrop for the date scene. I visit with them tomorrow.
Comments continue to pour on the "Vincent Gargiulo Is Horrible" piece. It's odd sitting at home casually drinking tea & eating a banana, reading people talk about you. I feel terribly ordinary and undeserving of such attention, still getting used to my role in the spotlight. Adam Carr, the author of the piece, reached out to me and said it was supposed to be in jest. I said it's all good and let's be friends, though the temptation was certainly there for both of us to keep on an online feud. You know, just for the fans.
Today has been my busiest day yet. I traveled around doing location scouts & getting errands done. The guy at the UPS Store on Kenwood was quite pleasant & helpful. EVERYBODY HERE is quite pleasant & helpful. And they're genuine about it too which makes it worse. I went to the mall to take pictures of the food court (yes, there's a scene there). The parking lot at Miller Hill Mall IS horrible. It is disgusting with mud, snow, & bad parking everywhere. Being a connoisseur of malls, I found it about average. I also saw stores like Shopko & Younkers? That's a 50s puppet show right?
Until Jan. 31, zoo admission is two dollars cheaper so I ventured over to the zoo for a scout. I was alone. Just me & the animals. And they were all very social, as if they were saying "You are the first person we've seen in weeks. Play with us. Please!!" Well, except the Burrowing Owl, who got off his ledge and came right up to the window to hiss at me. Loosely translated I think he said "You fuck my wife? You fuck my wife!!??" It's a nice zoo. A little sparse. But there are parts that are achingly gorgeous in terms of landscaping. I really enjoyed the nocturnal indoor sections too. I also never knew cougars made a little bark sound. That impressed me so much that I gave the cougar a role in the film.
I ended the night meeting new people. I did a special timed audition with Meghan & Bryan, an actual couple trying for, get this, an actual couple. Not too shabby. The auditions proper begin tomorrow until late Thursday. Regardless of their possible appearance in the film, Meghan & Bryan were very friendly folk that I could spend a while talking to. That said, they were unable to tell me what the mysterious channel 117 is on my television that seems to just show somebody's heart rate. After that, I met up with a young actor named Deven at Blackwater Martini Lounge. He found me on Facebook weeks prior and invited me out for a drink and socialization. He's a good drinking buddy. My Duluth celebrity also hit me as I casually mentioned to the bartender that I'm hated in town. Instantly, she replied "Oh are you that filmmaker making that movie?" Long story short, the bartender might appear in the film in a cameo, either next to a statue or jumping on a trampoline.
What a day. I'm still in west coast time and got up at 7:15, which means I really got up at 5:15. Time for bed and the first round of auditions tomorrow.
This morning I met with the publisher of the Duluth News Tribune, Ken Browall, to talk about filming there for the office scenes. He is disgustingly nice and showed me around the tribune offices, even offering his own office. It's a great space and will work well for my purposes. Ken also happens to be the upcoming chair of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. I asked Ken if he hated the title of the film. He replied "not at all" and was happy for any attention the town received. Later in the day, I got an email from a local restaurant that is interested in being the backdrop for the date scene. I visit with them tomorrow.
Comments continue to pour on the "Vincent Gargiulo Is Horrible" piece. It's odd sitting at home casually drinking tea & eating a banana, reading people talk about you. I feel terribly ordinary and undeserving of such attention, still getting used to my role in the spotlight. Adam Carr, the author of the piece, reached out to me and said it was supposed to be in jest. I said it's all good and let's be friends, though the temptation was certainly there for both of us to keep on an online feud. You know, just for the fans.
Today has been my busiest day yet. I traveled around doing location scouts & getting errands done. The guy at the UPS Store on Kenwood was quite pleasant & helpful. EVERYBODY HERE is quite pleasant & helpful. And they're genuine about it too which makes it worse. I went to the mall to take pictures of the food court (yes, there's a scene there). The parking lot at Miller Hill Mall IS horrible. It is disgusting with mud, snow, & bad parking everywhere. Being a connoisseur of malls, I found it about average. I also saw stores like Shopko & Younkers? That's a 50s puppet show right?
Until Jan. 31, zoo admission is two dollars cheaper so I ventured over to the zoo for a scout. I was alone. Just me & the animals. And they were all very social, as if they were saying "You are the first person we've seen in weeks. Play with us. Please!!" Well, except the Burrowing Owl, who got off his ledge and came right up to the window to hiss at me. Loosely translated I think he said "You fuck my wife? You fuck my wife!!??" It's a nice zoo. A little sparse. But there are parts that are achingly gorgeous in terms of landscaping. I really enjoyed the nocturnal indoor sections too. I also never knew cougars made a little bark sound. That impressed me so much that I gave the cougar a role in the film.
I ended the night meeting new people. I did a special timed audition with Meghan & Bryan, an actual couple trying for, get this, an actual couple. Not too shabby. The auditions proper begin tomorrow until late Thursday. Regardless of their possible appearance in the film, Meghan & Bryan were very friendly folk that I could spend a while talking to. That said, they were unable to tell me what the mysterious channel 117 is on my television that seems to just show somebody's heart rate. After that, I met up with a young actor named Deven at Blackwater Martini Lounge. He found me on Facebook weeks prior and invited me out for a drink and socialization. He's a good drinking buddy. My Duluth celebrity also hit me as I casually mentioned to the bartender that I'm hated in town. Instantly, she replied "Oh are you that filmmaker making that movie?" Long story short, the bartender might appear in the film in a cameo, either next to a statue or jumping on a trampoline.
What a day. I'm still in west coast time and got up at 7:15, which means I really got up at 5:15. Time for bed and the first round of auditions tomorrow.
Monday, January 28, 2013
DAY 3: Vincent Gargiulo Is Horrible
Late last night, I was surfing the web getting ready to fall asleep and made the fatal error to visit the Perfect Duluth Day blog. This is the same place that broke my Kickstarter story and caused the initial uproar. To my surprise, there on the front page was a seemingly anger-fueled parody of my project called "Vincent Gargiulo Is Horrible" I immediately found this hilarious. Not that it's particularly funny, but that this amount of hatred existed. I then got slightly concerned when I saw who wrote the piece.
His name is Adam Carr and he did a similiar project last year, writing a blog called "January in Duluth." I'd actually already been looking at it. Mr. Carr contacted me on Saturday saying he was in town until Monday afternoon and if I wanted to get together to chat. He was extremely cordial in the email and had "no agenda." I was traveling and sick and in that short amount of time replied that it wasn't to be but I wished him best in his adventures.
Perhaps he's doing just a slight ribbing and certainly, I can take a joke about myself. In fact, I left a comment that I was looking forward to auditioning. But his piece seems to be coming from a different place. It's like if I made the film with a different name and then changed it later to "Duluth Is Horrible." His piece feels passive agressive and backstabbing. I apologize for not getting coffee with you. Though now I'm convinced you might of poured a latte on my crotch. Mr. Carr, I challenge you to "March in Stockton." I pick the streets.
Meanwhile, my sickness is nearly out and with that, I decided to get out and walk around. Armed with a Canon 5D Mark II, I took photos of the neighborhood. I never really been in snow. I giggled like a small child as I built a small snowman & stepped into unexpected deep pockets of snow. It was all lovely. Do I feel guilty for calling it horrible? No.
Today was also spent contacting local restaurants to see if I could film there. While there are many possibilities, nobody is willing so far. Come on JJ Astor. You follow me on Twitter for Christs sake! On the other hand, I have an appointment tomorrow morning with the Duluth News Tribune to look at their space for the office scene. I hope it'll work.
I need to pick up some mace too tomorrow.
His name is Adam Carr and he did a similiar project last year, writing a blog called "January in Duluth." I'd actually already been looking at it. Mr. Carr contacted me on Saturday saying he was in town until Monday afternoon and if I wanted to get together to chat. He was extremely cordial in the email and had "no agenda." I was traveling and sick and in that short amount of time replied that it wasn't to be but I wished him best in his adventures.
Perhaps he's doing just a slight ribbing and certainly, I can take a joke about myself. In fact, I left a comment that I was looking forward to auditioning. But his piece seems to be coming from a different place. It's like if I made the film with a different name and then changed it later to "Duluth Is Horrible." His piece feels passive agressive and backstabbing. I apologize for not getting coffee with you. Though now I'm convinced you might of poured a latte on my crotch. Mr. Carr, I challenge you to "March in Stockton." I pick the streets.
Meanwhile, my sickness is nearly out and with that, I decided to get out and walk around. Armed with a Canon 5D Mark II, I took photos of the neighborhood. I never really been in snow. I giggled like a small child as I built a small snowman & stepped into unexpected deep pockets of snow. It was all lovely. Do I feel guilty for calling it horrible? No.
Today was also spent contacting local restaurants to see if I could film there. While there are many possibilities, nobody is willing so far. Come on JJ Astor. You follow me on Twitter for Christs sake! On the other hand, I have an appointment tomorrow morning with the Duluth News Tribune to look at their space for the office scene. I hope it'll work.
I need to pick up some mace too tomorrow.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Day 2: I've Arrived & To Prove It, I'm Here
A quiet man let me into my apartment which I rented from a woman on AirBnb. He didn't say much. I asked where the pool was. He said "Lake Superior." It's a nice apartment. A little feminine but it'll work and way cheaper than some crap motel. A picture of Jesus sits in front of the toilet. He stares at you and he cries when you poop.
There's something called Alternate Side Parking. I'm parked on the side everyone else is, so I guess I'm good? There is snow. It's all around. There's a light drizzle now. There's also a lot of what I think is called "smud" - snow & mud. It's a blast to drive on. Your car goes this way and that way. Fun and little shady like any good carnival ride. One of my biggest goals with this trip is to successfully return the car to ACE without any incident.
Driving up from St. Paul this morning, I found this state really is beautiful. It's like what you always thought Christmas should look like from a California perspective. It was a "warm" 32 degrees today. I'm told the negative numbers are coming this weekend which I look forward to. I wanna know what cold is. I want Duluth to show me.
My only venture in town today was going to Super One Foods. I thought getting groceries for my apartment would help cut down on costs. Not so when you shop at the Super One. It's like Safeway without the club card. Paying full price for things you know are overmarked hurts so bad. And they didn't have sliced salami or even salami sticks? Yet, they had entire displays of pepperoni. I looked for the beer aisle twice until I realized those couple 24 packs of Milwaukee's Best were it. They asked if I wanted paper or plastic. In SF, plastic is the devil's bag so I said paper. They gave me paper bags without handles. How can I carry 4 bags without handles in one trip? No wonder they looked at me weird. Really roughing it out here, folks. (SF SNOB ALERT)
Tomorrow I might meet people. I look forward to this.
 |
| My Cute Little Apartment. |
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Day 1: Yep
The first words I heard from a Minnesotan, upon asking if this was the shuttle to the car rental place, was "You Betcha." Really? I guess there's a reason for stereotypes.
This day started with a very early pickup from my house to SFO. The early morning hot mix of Estelle, Katy Perry, & Miley Cyrus from the shuttle radio made me want to go to my fictional corporate job and "close the deal." Seriously though, nobody should have to listen to "Party In The USA" at 4:30 in the morning.
Got laid in Phoenix. Laid over I mean. The plane was delayed. I thought about many bizarre things during this time of contemplation, which by this point I've completed forgotten. Mostly I thought how long will I continue to be sick? I am slightly better today or at least I was. Since arriving at MSP, my entire left ear has been clogged up and refuses to go away. It's not much fun being in mono.
I write from the Prime Rate Motel where I've been told there are free donuts for breakfast. The decor looks exactly as one would expect from a budget Minnesota motel from 1982. Also numerous items are slanted to the left on the wall. Does nobody care? Am I first person to stay in Room 139? Or is there some some of "Mystery Spot" action going on here. In the corner is the chair that nobody wants to see. A table sits next to it but sitting on the floor gives you the same height advantage as the chair. I'm being very descriptive because I'm also being very lazy and refuse to just take pictures.
I could of gone to a one of a kind place here in Wherever I Am, Minnesota but just wanted something quick, simple, and could bring back to my room. It's just not a Bumpers Sports Bar night. So I decided to eat fresh at the nearby Subway. In going to a place familiar to these eyes, I was able to spot the subtle differences. First of all, everybody here is White. Growing up in highly diverse Stockton, CA, I still find large groups of just white people a little strange. Secondly, this Subway was gigantic and stretched out for what seemed to be miles. Thirdly, they just give you spinach without even asking. I busted out some Arctic clothes for this Subway trip and found myself overdressed. I was prepared for ice fishing. Not the Spicy Italian.
But yes, what you've heard is true. It's cold outside...Sorry.....BABY, it's cold outside. Although warm for here, I believe it was around 21 degrees. It didn't feel too bad. It was brisk. I kinda liked it actually and was slightly disappointed that my lungs didn't catch on fire or my eyelids froze open. I will regret that joke when it comes time to actually filming outside. And besides, I did lose my hearing so there's that.
Tomorrow I'll make my 2 hour trek to Duluth where I have an apartment waiting for me for 2 1/2 weeks. Just imagine the adjectives there! My hearing MUST be back by Monday or it's doctor time. Granted I'm not the Soundguy, but it's real hard to concentrate. Overall though, I'm excited. What am I doing here? A smug grin came across my face when the ACE Car Rental girl asked me this and I replied "I gotta go to Duluth." Nuff said.
This day started with a very early pickup from my house to SFO. The early morning hot mix of Estelle, Katy Perry, & Miley Cyrus from the shuttle radio made me want to go to my fictional corporate job and "close the deal." Seriously though, nobody should have to listen to "Party In The USA" at 4:30 in the morning.
Got laid in Phoenix. Laid over I mean. The plane was delayed. I thought about many bizarre things during this time of contemplation, which by this point I've completed forgotten. Mostly I thought how long will I continue to be sick? I am slightly better today or at least I was. Since arriving at MSP, my entire left ear has been clogged up and refuses to go away. It's not much fun being in mono.
I write from the Prime Rate Motel where I've been told there are free donuts for breakfast. The decor looks exactly as one would expect from a budget Minnesota motel from 1982. Also numerous items are slanted to the left on the wall. Does nobody care? Am I first person to stay in Room 139? Or is there some some of "Mystery Spot" action going on here. In the corner is the chair that nobody wants to see. A table sits next to it but sitting on the floor gives you the same height advantage as the chair. I'm being very descriptive because I'm also being very lazy and refuse to just take pictures.
I could of gone to a one of a kind place here in Wherever I Am, Minnesota but just wanted something quick, simple, and could bring back to my room. It's just not a Bumpers Sports Bar night. So I decided to eat fresh at the nearby Subway. In going to a place familiar to these eyes, I was able to spot the subtle differences. First of all, everybody here is White. Growing up in highly diverse Stockton, CA, I still find large groups of just white people a little strange. Secondly, this Subway was gigantic and stretched out for what seemed to be miles. Thirdly, they just give you spinach without even asking. I busted out some Arctic clothes for this Subway trip and found myself overdressed. I was prepared for ice fishing. Not the Spicy Italian.
But yes, what you've heard is true. It's cold outside...Sorry.....BABY, it's cold outside. Although warm for here, I believe it was around 21 degrees. It didn't feel too bad. It was brisk. I kinda liked it actually and was slightly disappointed that my lungs didn't catch on fire or my eyelids froze open. I will regret that joke when it comes time to actually filming outside. And besides, I did lose my hearing so there's that.
Tomorrow I'll make my 2 hour trek to Duluth where I have an apartment waiting for me for 2 1/2 weeks. Just imagine the adjectives there! My hearing MUST be back by Monday or it's doctor time. Granted I'm not the Soundguy, but it's real hard to concentrate. Overall though, I'm excited. What am I doing here? A smug grin came across my face when the ACE Car Rental girl asked me this and I replied "I gotta go to Duluth." Nuff said.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Journey Begins
Tomorrow at 4:00am, a shuttle will take me to San Francisco Airport where I'll take a plane to Minnesota. I also stop in Phoenix but by the time I get there, she'll be rising. Why do people always say "safe travels?" It's not like I'm flying the plane.
The film continues to get press in Duluth. Here's a radio interview I did for a local radio station: http://www.wtip.org/drupal/content/filmmaker-vincent-gargiulo-duluth-horrible-film
Two days of auditions are lined up Wednesday & Thursday. I'm feeling good about these prospects. I'm glad alot of them are actual Duluthians and not just a bunch of actors shipped in from Minneapolis (though there are those too). I could use a few more auditions for women in their 30s so if you are such an age and will be in Duluth at the same time, let me know. I also hope to secure all locations this upcoming week too. Luckily, there's not all that many. Once I have actors & locations set, we'll shoot for approximately 3 days. That should probably do it. I've tried to keep things simple and my crew will consist of myself, a fantastic cinematographer named Keith Horn, sound guy Dan (of course), and a stable of young optimistic people who want to help. I hope I don't crush their cinematic dreams with my increasing use of profanity and pessimism as the days go by. Hey, filmmaking isn't always fun ok!
I have encountered one slight setback so far. I am sick. Yesterday, I was really bad and saw visions of things usually reserved for my films. Today I am ok. At least, good enough to get on an airplane. With the help of my friend Mucinex D, I hope to be better soon. There is much to do.
Starting today, I'll be writing a daily entry here about my adventures in the Land of Lakes (love their margarine). Be ready for exclusive Duluth filmmaking coverage. Let's go to Minnesota!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Casting Call
Title: Duluth Is
Horrible
Synopsis: A series of vignettes chronicling a few lonely people in Duluth, MN searching for a connection in a bleak winter.
Project Type: Short Film
Usage: DVD, Film Festivals, Eventual Internet
Shooting Dates: We're shooting 3 days between Feb.4-14. Specific dates TBD and can work somewhat with your schedule. Most roles will be needed 1-2 days, except the Lead.
Shooting Location: Will be in Duluth, MN.
Audition Time: Wed. Jan. 30 from Noon-4. Thu. Jan. 31st from 4-8. Please email vincent@vincentgargiulo.com to set up time and receive a script. Please include any acting experience and a picture. If you cannot make either and want to audition, please email me.
Audition Location: Duluth. Address given after setting up appointment.
Union Status: Non-Union
Compensation: Copy, Credit, Expenses, Mileage, Select Roles Additional $
Submissions Due: Jan. 30
Roles:
Broken Hearted Man (35-45/M)
Lead. After girlfriend breaks up with him, goes on a trip out of state. Sits on a bench outside and sings acapella the brief title song. Sings a full song at karaoke.
Must be willing to travel out of state (expenses paid) Feb. 13/14. Must be able to sing decently. Comp: $100
Redditor (18-30/M)
Asks for advice on the website, Reddit, on a situation about his roommate & cat. Later seen watching porn in the dark.
Office Worker (21+/M)
No lines. Walks through the office 3 times. Every time he turns a particular corner, there is something unusual.
Wasted Woman/Carmen Miranda 1(21+/W)
Says one line to herself overheard at work "If I didn't get wasted every night…". Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda.
Zookeeper (40-50/M)
Shy man who works at the zoo as a groundskeeper. Draws doodles of the animals. On online date with younger woman.
Must have mustache & be able to draw doodles of animals quickly.
Younger Woman On Date/Carmen Miranda 2 (26-34/F)
On date with zookeeper but not at all interested. New in town. Loves animals. Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda. No accent preferred.
Must be able to improv some lines about why she loves animals.
Broken Hearted Woman (35-45)
Seen walking at night alone. Later seen sitting at home listening to a home recording of herself
Must be able to sing a short song. Comp: $50
Lesbian 1/Carmen Miranda 3 (21+)
No lines. Seen briefly making out with another woman in everyday office clothes. Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda.
Must be comfortable with kissing another woman. Comp: $50
Lesbian 2/Sex Chat Girl (21+)
Seen briefly making out with another woman. Later is revealed she does an internet webcam sex show.
Must be comfortable with kissing another woman. No nudity in sex chat scene but very suggestive clothing. Must be comfortable discussing sexuality frankly. Comp: $150
Male Tourist (26+)
Him & his girlfriend are seen arguing in their car driving round town. They also go to the Mall. No accent preferred.
Must be able to drive.
Female Tourist (26+)
Her & her boyfriend are seen arguing in their car driving round town. They also go to the Mall. No accent preferred.
Synopsis: A series of vignettes chronicling a few lonely people in Duluth, MN searching for a connection in a bleak winter.
Project Type: Short Film
Usage: DVD, Film Festivals, Eventual Internet
Shooting Dates: We're shooting 3 days between Feb.4-14. Specific dates TBD and can work somewhat with your schedule. Most roles will be needed 1-2 days, except the Lead.
Shooting Location: Will be in Duluth, MN.
Audition Time: Wed. Jan. 30 from Noon-4. Thu. Jan. 31st from 4-8. Please email vincent@vincentgargiulo.com to set up time and receive a script. Please include any acting experience and a picture. If you cannot make either and want to audition, please email me.
Audition Location: Duluth. Address given after setting up appointment.
Union Status: Non-Union
Compensation: Copy, Credit, Expenses, Mileage, Select Roles Additional $
Submissions Due: Jan. 30
Roles:
Broken Hearted Man (35-45/M)
Lead. After girlfriend breaks up with him, goes on a trip out of state. Sits on a bench outside and sings acapella the brief title song. Sings a full song at karaoke.
Must be willing to travel out of state (expenses paid) Feb. 13/14. Must be able to sing decently. Comp: $100
Redditor (18-30/M)
Asks for advice on the website, Reddit, on a situation about his roommate & cat. Later seen watching porn in the dark.
Office Worker (21+/M)
No lines. Walks through the office 3 times. Every time he turns a particular corner, there is something unusual.
Wasted Woman/Carmen Miranda 1(21+/W)
Says one line to herself overheard at work "If I didn't get wasted every night…". Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda.
Zookeeper (40-50/M)
Shy man who works at the zoo as a groundskeeper. Draws doodles of the animals. On online date with younger woman.
Must have mustache & be able to draw doodles of animals quickly.
Younger Woman On Date/Carmen Miranda 2 (26-34/F)
On date with zookeeper but not at all interested. New in town. Loves animals. Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda. No accent preferred.
Must be able to improv some lines about why she loves animals.
Broken Hearted Woman (35-45)
Seen walking at night alone. Later seen sitting at home listening to a home recording of herself
Must be able to sing a short song. Comp: $50
Lesbian 1/Carmen Miranda 3 (21+)
No lines. Seen briefly making out with another woman in everyday office clothes. Later briefly seen dressed as Carmen Miranda.
Must be comfortable with kissing another woman. Comp: $50
Lesbian 2/Sex Chat Girl (21+)
Seen briefly making out with another woman. Later is revealed she does an internet webcam sex show.
Must be comfortable with kissing another woman. No nudity in sex chat scene but very suggestive clothing. Must be comfortable discussing sexuality frankly. Comp: $150
Male Tourist (26+)
Him & his girlfriend are seen arguing in their car driving round town. They also go to the Mall. No accent preferred.
Must be able to drive.
Female Tourist (26+)
Her & her boyfriend are seen arguing in their car driving round town. They also go to the Mall. No accent preferred.
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