DEUCE OF SPADES hotrod movie - photos and updates

hey jackie, good to see that you´re still working on that.
I´m glad you are not living in the 50´s ;-))
otherwise we´d never had met, hehe ;-))
are you at the mooneyes xmas party ? I think I´ll make it there.......

 

the updates alone are exciting to watch. Thanks!

 

Mooneyes Xmas party? Missed it last year, but planning on nailing it this year . Yep, the DOS and I will be there, probably filming, too.

 

UPDATES

Got to test a dollie system yesterday . Drove to the warehouse and as I parked, discovered a beautiful late 50's black hotrod parked there. I smiled. It made me real happy to see it, another survivor, tucked away behind an industrial building... A little jewel in hiding...

OK, everybody reapeat after me: ZOOM BAD.... DOLLIE GOOOOOD...

Yop, once you've gone Dollie, you don't go zoomie no more. The dollie was smooth, compact and packs up easily in two large bags that come with wheels. Even a weakling 115 lbs hotrod girl like me can haul the dollie from location to location. The price is good too (well, all considering) . I can (almost) afford it. I have to be VERY careful how I spend my (lack of) budget but this I feel is a must have. 50% of the moves I learned in my scene blocking and camera move crash course were dollie driven and I know I am going to take the plunge, somehow. Maybe I'll sell one of my kidneys .

Did some test footage... Had the girl stand next to some boxes and did a sideway traveling shot. Started with the boxes, and as I crabbed to the left, suddenly she was revealed... A nice close up... It looked so darn good I went DANG. Gotts have me one of 'em dollies, for sure.

Came home and found my house had been ransacked.

Stuff lying on the ground everywhere... Folders... Boxes... Computer parts... Shoes What the #@@!??? Turns out I was robbed by two thieves. Two little four legged thieves... Both of them currently whistling and looking out the window, sorta like "Nop... not me.. " or even "nice weather today!"

Turns out I forgot to close the door to the studio room and both my dogs had gone to town while I was gone all day. Boy they sure had some fun! The good news is: They didn't eat the brand new mother board and dual core processor which is to be installed in my PC monday. So I can edit high definition footage. Boy oh Boy was I glad.

And whatta you gonna say to the dogs? It's not like they remember what they did an hour ago... So I cleaned up the mess and counted my blessings that they spared my computer parts AND my saddle shoes (a miracle in itself, since they are leather and smell mighty good). So now Faith, remember to close the Dog darn door when you leave the house!

PHOTOS

Ok these are the last few screen grabs I have for you this week.

As always playing with shapes and depth of field, this shot of three race cars at El Mirage Sunday morning. I love the soft, warm color of this footage.




Now a few motorcycle shots: This one was warming up at around 7AM in the morning (nice light, warm, soft). BUT the low rising sun hit my lense and I didn't catch that (hence the octagonal yellow thingie at top of shot ) My camera, at the time was simply on the ground, for this low angle shot...



I did a nice pan on this Indian bike, revealing another rider at the end of the pan (see next photo)...





Ok folks! That's it for this week, see you all Monday! I plan to do more testing of my camera over the week-end, and experiment with lighting set-ups.

See you at Bob's Big Boy tonight! (or not...)

 

UPDATES

Great week end! Went to Bob's Big Boy as always on Friday night. I had not even had a chance to turn the engine off yet and already was approached by a TV channel and an industry person. The TV channel (Travel channel) wanted to interview me about the car meet and my car. So I said "sure" . The industry guy (a child actor manager) wanted me to bring my deuce to a big christmas Parade in downtown LA the next day and transport Joseph , a child star actor (was in the movie CLICK with Adam Sandler - played his son) down the Parade route. So I said "sure" .

So I was interviewed by the Travel channel (hope I make the cut) and that was fun. Then the next day participated in that parade with the DOS. I was worried the child actor would be a total spoiled bratt but to my surprise he was simply put ADORABLE, very polite, well behaved, super smart and very mature for a 10 year old. He and I had a blast, waving at everybody along the route. His dad took many photos, I hope he'll send me some so i can share them with you guys. I was dying to do burn outs like I did at the memorial day parade (60 of them no less - yes mea culpa ) but this Parade did not lend itself to such foolishness. Too many cops, and we were spaced way too tight. I worried the kid might end up through the windshield... My foot wanted to do it. I kept having to say: "Down boy! Down!"... So we just putt putted along, politely (zzZZzzzz). The TV crews were there so once again we ended up on TV somewhere.

Sunday I spent quality time with my LOVE. He needed some attention from me. My LOVE = The Deuce . He's been running like crap for months now and I think my problems comes from the epoxy filled ignition coil I installed in Late May. But I could be wrong. Many hotrodders have looked at the DOS, we have run quite a few tests and no one can seem to figure out what is going on. It's runing real rough at higher RPM and keeps coughing too. I spent 3 more hours with my friend Jeff running more tests and we came back empty handed. Did do an oil change though. Checked my timing, the vacuum on my Rochester carburator, but the bottom line is the DOS isunhappy and I don't know why .

Anyone local to me real GOOOOD with Rochesters? Sure could use some help right now. Otherwise I'll have to send it to the shop and I hate doing that because I then learn NOTHING. I like to learn and work on my car, so I'd like to figure out what is going on and participate in the repairs/adjustment needed. Anyone willing to help me?



PHOTOS

Today I thought I'd share an old screen grab, one fancy shot from the lake photoshoot and some old hotrod movies stills I snapped for research purpose. Their quality is real bad but they are still fun to look at. Circa 1952-55. Enjoy!

Modern day hotrod girl is on a journey to find out the history of her deuce in my movie Deuce of Spades.




Here at El Mirage:





OLD VINTAGE STILLS: Santa Ana dragstrip 1952-1955.



Not sure which dragstrip this one was taken at, but the starter sure can jump!



A pretty radical hotrod for that era:




MORE PHOTOS TOMORROW

 

PLEASE READ

I just heard about Steven's accident. He needs our prayers and support. Please see the thread here:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=222920

This hit close to home for me because this is a scenario I visited in my film, the crash, head injuries and coma and life hanging from a thread. So it really sent a chill down my spine.

Please pray for Steven and post your support on his thread. Thank you. Thanks to God and the prayers of many, he seems to be coming around nicely. Let's hope for the best and show him our support.

 

CASTING CALL DECEMBER 1RST 10 AM in Sherman Oaks.

If anyone is interested in trying out for a part in the film, email me a small photo or headshot and your info (phone nb a must) at deuceofspadesmv@aol.com

1. I need hotrodders for my 50's flashbacks: You must have a 50's look or be able to come up with one , all ages considered, but mostly need young guys (17 to 28). If you come with a car better yet . No acting experience needed, but you must be comfortable in front of a camera.

2. I need extras for my flashback scenes, all ages and genders, older also welcome, but you must have the right hair cuts (*clean cuts). You will have to provide your own 50's clothes. If you come with a period correct car better yet , but not mandatory.

2. I may also need younger hotrodders for my 2007 scenes. All cool hotrod looks welcome, tattoos OK. Would like to get some ratrod owners too. So if you own a cool hotrod or ratrod it is a plus.

3. If you are part of a car club with matching jackets, I need your club for scene #5. Email me at above address with your club info / photos.

DON'T PROCRASTINATE. Submission deadline for this casting call is next Thursday (11/29).

Let others know!

 

Well I have one of the qualifications listed, I have no acting exerience! Actually 2, i have a fiftys look, 55 actually

 

I wish we lived closer Not only for wanting to be in it, but we have all sorts of household items, nick nacks, art, clothing, etc. from the 50's. I have been taking vintage style pics with vintage cameras, thought you may like them. See a little at my myspace http://www.myspace.com/purple59datsun and the wife's at http://www.myspace.com/thegreatredflamingo.

 

sweet so does this mean I don't have to drive to LA on the first

 

hey that's cody next to him!

 

yep thats chihuahua

 

Does Cody want to try out for a part in Flashback # 1? Let me know...

PS: What's up with the Chihuahua nick name?

 

UPDATES

Happy Thanks Giving everyone!

Well, there's no holiday for a (wanna be) filmmaker . Up at 5AM, and quickly ended up in front of the computer editing. I had no set plans, but quickly found myself chopping up footage like chinese cabbage . Got sucked in and had a BLAST whipping up my first widescreen, high res 2 minute teaser! I took the footage collected at El Mirage a few week-ends ago and went to town and created a nice little piece that (to me) captured the excitement and colorful essence of the start line. I only covered the start line since I have not yet filmed the rest of the course and finish line (remember Sunday the race was cancelled- so I will do that in May, at the next meet).

The result? Fun stuff.

YES YOU GET TO SEE IT SOOOOOON. (And I mean VERY soon)

Took a break from chopping to do some chomping and share a Thanks Giving meal with friends. One of them a carb man. Showed me how to dial in my carb. It was so simple a 3 year old can do it. The DOS is happier now but not quite back to normal. I think I am going to rebuild my carb and while I am at it, rebuild the other two too. So that's my next project. But first, install my Hollie fuel pump and regulator. I bought it in August so it's time to get busy .

Coming back it was cold, I can tell we are entering winter now. This will be my second winter with a topless roadster. I know what to expect now and how to deal with the cold December night rides.

It's funny the DOS has no windows, no top and only a tiny windshield BUT it has a HEATER . Yop, that's right sir, you heard me right: A HEATER.

It's pretty cool. The water from the radiator exits the engine and goes via one large hose into the cockpit. There it goes through a core. The core heats up. There is a fan that I turn on with a manual switch. And the fan blows hot air onto my feet. Wait that's not all, to complete this super HIGH TECH design, let us not forget the garden hose water faucet. It is near the passenger knees and looks just like a.... Garden water faucet!

When people ask me: What's that under your dash... Is that a water faucet???? I tell them: "Yop, it is to take baths. You fill up the roadster and it converts into a nice bath tub... Pretty cool huh?"

I think some people buy it.

 

I am totally stoked about this film. Kudo's to you Faith, for having the ambition to move on with it and keep it rolling. I know it must be hard as hell on no-budget, budget. I certainly wish you the best of luck, and wish I could offer up some help, but from well over a 1000 miles away in south Texas , I doubt I could be of much help. Unless you need a one eye'd car nut!! I don't have the 50's look, but I do have a Red headed friend out there who easily could, and he is in the film scene as well, has even appeared on the Drew Carey show from what I have heard. I'll see about getting in touch with him and having him Email you, or contacting you in some way. He is a super cool dude, and is experienced in film, acting Etc..

Anyhow, keep up the updates, good luck and GOD BLESS you. Words jsut simply can no describe what I want to say.

 

Willy, that's a heck of a cool post you made there! I love you man!! It's very motivating for me when I know that all this work (and spending every last dime I have) is appreciated by the rodders out there. It's always like a shot in the arm, an "energizer" if you will.

So see? You have already helped in some way .

PS: Yes by all means put your friend and I in touch. The more help the merrier!!

 

EXCITING UPDATES!

Hip hip hip Hurray! After 4 days of technical nightmare, I was able to complete my first trailer shot widescreen and high def with the new camera!!


Remember those SCTA race screen grabs I posted a few weeks ago? See them now in action! This is the excitement of START LINE at EL Mirage during an SCTA time trial event, as I saw it. I think the clip really captures the essence of the meet and start line activity. It is not know how many of the shots will end up making the cut for the film, as I am to film at least 4 more meets to get more footage, especially at finish line and during driving. But I know a few of them will (the glasses of the announcer shot will for sure).

ENJOY!! If you like the teaser, post here to let me know.

Two options: One for fast connection and puters (BIG size image) and one for slower connections and puters (smaller size image)

Make sure you allow the player to stream about halfway before you actually hit the PLAY button! Or it will hang. On my puter the LARGE size image took about 2 minutes to load up and after that you can play it as many time as you want instantly!! It's well worth the wait. Oh and one more thing: CRANK UP THE SOUND to hear all the cool engine sounds!!

PS: Did I mention I LOOOOOOVE my new camera?

BIG ASS VERSION:




SMALLER, faster version:

 

PS: I would like to know if the video played OK for you or not. This is my first time embedding quicktime files into my website. The quality is real good for an internet video, that's why I chose this format. I am curious to know if it is causing any problems to open, stream or having glitches of anykind.

Please let me know!

 

Big version plays for me. Pretty cool. Almost made me cough from the dust. ha ha

 

Oh yeah I got BLASTED by the Moon coupe! but it was worth it cause I now have that shot ... FOREVER!

 

I can't wait for this movie! Very cool trailer.

 

Faith,you have got to be the most ambitous person on earth.The trailer,should be called a "teaser",because i just can't wait any longer,for the whole movie!Keep up the incredibly great work.

 

Yep, I was always told I'm a BIG TEASE Glad you guys like the teaser. i sure had fun filming it and editing it. Special thanks to WILD RECORDS for providing the cool, perky soundtrack. Special thanks to the SCTA for always being so gracious and allowing me to hover all over start line with my camera. Special thanks to the starters for feeding me almonds and giving me their cold water - Those guys are the BESTEST. Special thanks to the announcer for welcoming me in his tower and allowing me to film him. Last but not least, special thanks to all the participants that didn't mind me shoving my camera in their faces, while they were so busy preparing for their runs.

Can't wait for the next meet in May (MAY???? Will I be able to wait that long?)

 

hey, just had a moment to go check out your photos... Some good stuff there! I liked the tail lights shots! If you guys wanted to be in the movie, you still could be in the Saugus scene. You can plan to come down to LA that week-end and do that one day shoot. PM me if interested. If you and your wife can all pull off a 1955 vintage look that cold be cool. I don't have any women lined up for that scene, usually there were not that many at dragstrips but we should have a few. Especially if she has vintage style pants, that would look cohesive with vintage footage I have seen. You'll have to come to the shoot without the two adorable kids though... It's too big of a shoot to have kids running around, especially with so many cars involved, I can't take a chance on them getting hurt somehow.

 

Small one worked for me. Cool stuff

 

Yeah those quicktime files are pretty narly. The compression Quicktime uses seem more friendly, and produces better quality image for the internet. Also, unlike the video hosting websites out there, such as Utube, dailymotion etc, which seem to alter the contrast of video one uploads (so everything seems too dark) hosting my clips on my own site did not pause an image darkening problem. And that's a plus. Of course we are not seeing the footage in High def, you would need to have the full files for that and let me just say this much; THEY ARE NOT SMALL . But I can still see a noticeable quality jump UP with the new camera, even when looking at a low res compressed internet version of the footage. I am happy and have not yet once regretted selling my other two cameras and spending the additional money to get the one HVX200 camera.

 

UPDATES

I'm tired. I've been going at it for two full days and from the look of it it will take another week.

What? What am I talking about? Well... Painting my bedroom, what else?

Started masking everything yesterday and prepping the walls and laying the primer. The smell of the plastic i used to cover the carpet gave me a weird nauseous feeling... Cause it smells bad? NO. Cause it brought back PAINFUL memories... Suddenly I was back in the garage, turning it into a huge paintbooth to paint the Deuce. I remembered the 8 week long ordeal and basically the HELL it was to try to paint it ourselves. The thought alone made me sick. One day I'll have to tell you all about it. It's an entertaining story (to say the least).... But for now I am trying to put it behind me (far behind me). Let me just say this much: I AM NEVER - EVER - PAINTING MY HOTROD MYSELF AGAIN.

Painting a room in comparison is a walk in the park... tataraaa radeedoom and no worry about dust, hair, particles and bugs laying in the wet paint and becoming an integral part of the paint job .

NO need to sand to remove the runs, or to sand to remove the orange peel (I never want to eat an orange ever again). NO need for masks, for near lethal mixing of paint, reducer and hardeners... NO chance of fatal explosion...

Pshhhhht.... What a bargain!

BUT I am still TIRED. It's taking me 5 hours to paint 3 walls and I have one more to go... Wait.... That's just he FIRST coat. ... I have another one to go... but not today. I'll be lucky if I finish the last wall today. I have very high ceiling and climbing up at the top of that ladder has been entertaining.

So why am I painting the bedroom? Well cause a)- I've been wanting to do it for years and b)- I have a bedroom scene in the movie. NO, not THAT kind of bedroom scene , just a premonition dream scene. So I figured what the heck let's get it painted.

What color you ask? Well, dark purple, of course, what else? A mysterious, passionate, artistic color. And a pain in the #@^!! to paint. Why make it easy when you can make it difficult? It's probably all wrong for a movie set color, but I don't care. I've always wanted dark walls, and warm purple and cold brushed metal is the theme in my house.

Boring white walls shall be no more.... Wait until my landlord sees the color ... Just kidding, I already told them I will be painting the inside of their house in less than common colors. They're OK with it, they love me. What. Did you think I own that house? Psssshhhht... I don't have money to buy a house. I own a hiboy. That's where the down payment went . And I'm making a film about the hiboy, that's where the rest of my money went. And I don't care. So THERE. i am officially poor and happy.

OK, back to painting... Now if only I could train the dog to hold a roller....

 

I wish... I will probably be down in April, HumboltCat is gonna get married and I'm gonna be the photographer. My wife and our 3 kids are not going, she just started nursing school, and still has her job. But I can possibly make time for myself. Keep me in mind and I'll bring a box camera and maybe an 8mm too.

 

yeah, I will be shooting flashbacks in April so that may work out well, we'll figure a way to have you guys in a scene if we can .