Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Happy Halloween!

Wishing you a very spooky All Hallow's Eve from all at Sick Puppy HQ.

Enjoy your evening. Us? We're off to see the "Creepshow"/"Meet The Feebles" Frightfest double-bill at the ICA in London. There's a rumour that Special FX Make-Up legend and character actor Mr. Tom Savini will be making a personal appearance. Here's hoping...

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"I'm not gonna drain you completely. You're gonna turn for me. You'll be my slave. You'll live for me. You'll eat bugs because I order it. Why? Because I don't think you're worthy of human blood. You'll feed on the blood of stray dogs. You'll be my foot stool. And at my command, you'll lick the dog shit from my boot heel. Since you'll be my dog, your new name will be 'Spot'. Welcome to slavery."
"No thanks. I've already had a wife"

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) dir. Chuck Russell

William 'Will' Stanton: "In my dreams I can stand. My legs are strong. In my dreams I am the Wizard Master."

Monday, October 30, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"In my dreams I can stand. My legs are strong. In my dreams I am the Wizard Master."

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Oldboy (2003) dir. Chan-wook Park

Dae-su Oh: <"You asshole! I'm going to rip your whole body apart, and no one will be able to find it anywhere because I'm going to CHEW IT ALL DOWN!">

Robbie Video - In the can!

A more expansive blog to follow, but the big news is that we did it. The Robbie Williams music video for "The 80s" was shot in the early hours of Saturday morning on location in Limehouse London. I had quite an ambitious (and lengthy) shot list I wanted to get while the public location was still deserted. Thanks to sterling work from Simon Aitken and Graham Williams (no relation to Robbie) on cameras A & B, Sick Puppy Steve on music playback and production, Ania Gastol on Make up, and our stars Ashvin-Kumar Joshi and Laura Metcalfe; we were able to complete the shoot in a highly efficient two hours and thirty minutes. That breaks down as: one hour shooting, followed by a half hour costume and Make up change/crew break, followed by a final one hour of shooting.

Thanks also to our kind and generous hosts Keith and Loretta (and Logan), who let use their house as a production base - I hope we didn't disturb you too much.

I'm very tired now - but I have already completed the first rough edit of the music video. The speed FX I had in mind have worked very well, but there's still a lot of tweaking to be done. I just hope Rob is able to work his magic in the grade as some of the shots need a little help...

Behind the scenes pics to follow soon-ish.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

<"You asshole! I'm going to rip your whole body apart, and no one will be able to find it anywhere because I'm going to CHEW IT ALL DOWN!">

[answer Monday]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Color Me Blood Red (1965) dir. Herschell Gordon Lewis

Rolf: "Listen, pal, you'd be rude, too, if you saw your girl tied up, and a man with an axe in one hand and a bloody mess in the other. And a corpse outside there on the beach."

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"Listen, pal, you'd be rude, too, if you saw your girl tied up, and a man with an axe in one hand and a bloody mess in the other. And a corpse outside there on the beach."

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

The Haunting (1963) dir. Robert Wise

Dr. John Markway: "It was an evil house from the beginning. A house that was born bad."

Monday, October 23, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"It was an evil house from the beginning. A house that was born bad."

[answer tomorrow]


Friday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Dog Soldiers (2002) dir. Neil Marshall

Sgt. Harry Wells: "We are now up against live, hostile targets. So, if Little Red Riding Hood should show up with a bazooka and a bad attitude, I expect you to chin the bitch."

Robbie Video - Pre-Production Diary!

Saturday 21st October

03:22 - My phone rings and my eyes snap open (I was just resting them for a moment). It's veteran Sick Puppy Graham (who'll be camera operating): He's outside in the car with Sick Puppy producer Steve and fellow camera operator (and filmmaker in his own right) Simon. I grope my way out of bed and tell him I'll be right down. A couple of minutes later, I stagger out the front door rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Soon I'm in the car and we're off...

The plan is to scout the location at the same time of day we plan to shoot next week and do some camera tests. Graham and Simon have both brought their cameras as I want to do a two-camera shoot.

03.59 - We arrive at the location in Limehouse. It's pretty much as Steve described it to me; but seeing it under the location lighting conditions it's clear that I'm going to have to adjust my planned choreography. The footbridge is too dark, but the adjoining square is well lit with a couple of arches at either end I can use. Graham and Simon set up their cameras and I direct them to shoot a series of dry-runs for the shots I want in the finished video. I stand in for Ashvin (although my dancing skills aren't in the same league) and between us we work out what lit areas I have to work with.

04.25 - With the basic tests done, we lock up the camera equipment in the car and go for a walk around the area. It's very quiet and we don't see anyone else on the streets.

05.00 - Back to the location, and even one hour later there's still no real change in the ambient light. It won't be dawn for another two and a half hours. So the street/security lighting is all we have. That's fine for Simon's HDV camera, but Graham's more elderly DVCAM isn't happy with the low lighting conditions. We will bring a reflector for close-ups, but if possible I want to get a better B camera than Graham's.

To get an idea of length, I read through the lyrics as Simon and Graham track back with me. The first run-through doesn't work, so I alter the route and this take we get the timing right. I've got what I need so we're done here. Our two camera operators get dropped off at their homes, and Steve and I go up to Southgate.

10.00 - Ashvin (our Male Lead) comes round to Steve's house. Despite it being a religious holiday for him he's kindly agreed to come for a costume fitting this morning.

10.15 - We pick up Laura (our Female Lead) at Southgate tube station. She's also being fitted for her costume. Our appointment is for 10.30 so we should have plenty of time.

10.30 - I spoke too soon - we're currently stuck in traffic. Roadworks have reduced the road to a single lane and things are barely moving.

10.53 - We arrive at Masquerades of Barnet full of apologies for our lateness and meet the proprietor Lyn Brimson. She knows Steve but is confused as she doesn't have a record of our booking. It seems there was a mix-up and she thought our booking was for 10.30 yesterday. She says she could fit us in at noon. I check with Ashvin as I know he can't stay long. He makes a quick call and we're on for noon. In the meantime we return to Steve's where he burns a guide CD for Ashvin.

Noon(ish) - We get caught up in the traffic jam again but arrive in better time. Lyn has a real Aladdin's cave of costumes, accessories, shoes and wigs in a building behind her house.

Laura first: the theme is 80's, and I tell Lyn I want a early Madonna/Cindy Lauper look for Laura's character. Laura changes and it's almost what I pictured in my mind. The top and skirt are great, but the punkette accessories are wrong. We try out some different things until the complete look come together - black lace fingerless gloves, blonde wig, lace hair-tie, plastic earrings with Madonna style crosses around her neck. Lyn says Laura looks like Kim Wilde and she's right.

Now Ashvin's turn: I had envisaged a Miami Vice look for Ashvin, but Lyn doesn't have that available. I have a re-think and ask to see Adam Ant, and New Romantic outfits. Immediately it's clear that the Spandau Ballet/early Duran Duran style New Romantic outfit is the winner. Ashvin tries it on and when he comes out to show us he also wearing a blonde highlighted wig and a headband. It radically changes his face, and he looks good! Ashvin is clearly getting into character here and enjoying his reflection in the mirror. He remarks that there's also something quite Bollywood about this look, which I think is a good thing. We add boots to the outfit and an earring and he's ready.

We thank Lyn, and Steve organises the booking and payment details for the shoot. Soon we're off and Ashvin and Laura are on their way home. As for Steve and I, well I think a small celebratory drink is in order.

Next: I'm meeting up with Ashvin on Thursday to choreograph and rehearse the dance routine.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"We are now up against live, hostile targets. So, if Little Red Riding Hood should show up with a bazooka and a bad attitude, I expect you to chin the bitch."

[answer Monday]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things (1972) dir. Bob Clark

Val: "Get out of the grave, Alan. Get out of the grave and let an artist show you how to call a curse down on Satan!"

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"Get out of the grave, Alan. Get out of the grave and let an artist show you how to call a curse down on Satan!"

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Halloween (1978) dir. John Carpenter

Dr. Sam Loomis: "He's gone from here! The evil is gone!"

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"He's gone from here! The evil is gone!"

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Frankenhooker (1990) dir. Frank Henenlotter

Newscaster: "In a blaze of blood, bones, and body parts, the vivacious young girl was instantly reduced to a tossed human salad...a salad that police are still trying to gather up...a salad that was once named Elizabeth."

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Cast for Robbie Williams music video - now confirmed

Laura Metcalfe

Sick Puppy Films are proud to announce the cast for our upcoming music video for the Robbie Williams track - the '80s. Playing the male lead will be Ashvin Kumar Joshi, star of "Kareem's Vengeance" and TV work including "New Tricks" and "Holby City". Ashvin will also be collaborating with me on the dance choreography. Also, I'm very glad to say that Laura Metcalfe (Jane Lamb in "Snatching Time") will be rejoining the Sick Puppy fold as our female lead. Further updates to follow...

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"In a blaze of blood, bones, and body parts, the vivacious young girl was instantly reduced to a tossed human salad...a salad that police are still trying to gather up...a salad that was once named Elizabeth."

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

The Killing (1956) dir. Stanley Kubrick

Johnny Clay: "Alright sister, that's a mighty pretty head you got on your shoulders. You want to keep it there or start carrying it around in your hands?"
Sherry Peatty: "Maybe we could compromise and put it on your shoulder. I think that'd be nice, don't you?"

Monday, October 16, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"Alright sister, that's a mighty pretty head you got on your shoulders. You want to keep it there or start carrying it around in your hands?"
"Maybe we could compromise and put it on your shoulder. I think that'd be nice, don't you?"

[answer tomorrow]


Friday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) dir. Don Coscarelli

Elvis: "Even a big bitch cockroach like you should know...never, but never, f*ck with the King."

Friday, October 13, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"Even a big bitch cockroach like you should know...never, but never, f*ck with the King."

[answer Monday]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Beetlejuice (1988) dir. Tim Burton

Delia: "Open this door you dead people or we'll bust it down and drag you out by the ropes you hanged yourselves with!"

Robbie Williams to get Sick Puppy makeover!

We are entering the following Robbie Williams competition - I have a suitably fun/sick concept and will be directing the video with Steve producing and weaving his usual audio magic...

We are meeting either tonight or early tomorrow to sort out the details. Fancy entering yourself? Check out the details below:

"WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE that to mark the release of his new album 'Rudebox' the irrepressible Robbie Williams has been collaborating with a diversity of filmmakers to create original film work around his new tracks.

AND NOW, in association with Shooting People and robbiewilliams.com, he is inviting independent filmmakers everywhere to download his album track - The 80's - and upload a short film or innovative music video for it.The winner, chosen by him and other film and music industry folk, will win a £7,500 prize. There is a further £7,500 prize for the video you vote the best. Play the track now. Enter before November 13th."

More information on the site..
http://www.robbiewilliams.com/rudeboxshorts

or via
http://shootingpeople.org

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"Open this door you dead people or we'll bust it down and drag you out by the ropes you hanged yourselves with!"

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Glen Or Glenda (1953) dir. Edward D. Wood Jnr.

Scientist: "Beware! Beware of the big green dragon that sits on your doorstep. He eats little boys. Puppy dog tails, and BIG FAT SNAILS. Beware...take care...beware!"

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"Beware! Beware of the big green dragon that sits on your doorstep. He eats little boys. Puppy dog tails, and BIG FAT SNAILS. Beware...take care...beware!"

[answer tomorrow]


Friday's Quote Of The Day was from:

City Of The Living Dead [Paura Nella Città Dei Morti Viventi - Italy] (1980) dir. Lucio Fulci

Gravedigger: "You'll end up a dirty old man reading that stuff. A pervert. A peeping tom. I saw a porno flick once. This fellow in the audience got so carried away, he humped himself to death."
Blonde Gravedigger: "Yeah, but what a way to go."

Quarantine now over - 'normal' service resumed

After a few days living up to the 'sick' part of the Sick Puppy monicker, I'm back at work to help (infect) my colleagues. Still not 100%, but I'll be okay - it's just a fleshwound...

Friday, October 06, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"You'll end up a dirty old man reading that stuff. A pervert. A peeping tom. I saw a porno flick once. This fellow in the audience got so carried away, he humped himself to death."
"Yeah, but what a way to go."

[answer Monday]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Battle Royale [Batoru Rowaiaru - Japan] (2000) dir. Kinji Fukasaku

Teacher Kitano: <"I go into class, you guys look like a pile of potatoes. Slapping them around helped me tell them apart, even got to like them. But now not anymore. Now you touch a student, you're fired. Can't even lose it when a student stabs you!">

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

<"I go into class, you guys look like a pile of potatoes. Slapping them around helped me tell them apart, even got to like them. But now not anymore. Now you touch a student, you're fired. Can't even lose it when a student stabs you!">

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

The Devils (1971) dir. Ken Russell

Ibert: "Lucky little bastard! It's not every day Baby sees Daddy burn to death."

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Sick Puppy Films - New Projects announced!

Following the latest Sick Puppy Films meeting, we can announce the following:

1) A new short horror film - "The Long Dark", an experiment in terror from the fevered mind of Sick Puppy Stephen Cartwright - goes into production this weekend.

2) A new feature length horror film project (working title: Sick Puppy Feature #1) is in development, with plans to shoot it in January/February 2007. More details to follow...

3) Sick Puppy Feature #1 will now be the first feature film from Sick Puppy Films. Other feature projects currently in development are "Roleslay", "Snatching Time: The Movie" and "L.D.G". These projects are all budgeted in the low-mid budget range which is why we have decided to concentrate on the no-low budget Sick Puppy Feature #1. The other reason for postponing the production of "Roleslay" was the increased number of FX shots now required for the film.

4) Sick Puppy Films will soon be making short films by me (Clive Ashenden) and Rob Wickings available for download via the YouTube website, including "Snatching Time" and "Four Lies".

5) The Sick Puppy Films website will be undergoing a radical redesign to incorporate the latest Sick Puppy news and projects. If you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our website please post a comment or contact us here.

6) Finally, all three founding Sick Puppies - me, Rob and Steve - will be attending both of the upcoming Halloween Frightfest events at London's ICA cinema. That's the retro double bill of "Creepshow" and "Meet The Feebles" on Tuesday October 31st (tickets £12), and the Frightfest All Nighter on Saturday November 4th (tickets £35). So if you're going - say hello! We'll be the ones with the Sick Puppy T-shirts and the evil grins...

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"Lucky little bastard! It's not every day Baby sees Daddy burn to death."

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Q: The Winged Serpent (1982) dir. Larry Cohen

Sergeant Powell: "Well, if you think that's weird - yesterday we had a window washer whose head just...floated away like a balloon."

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"Well, if you think that's weird - yesterday we had a window washer whose head just...floated away like a balloon."

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Creepshow (1982) dir. George A. Romero

Wilma Northup: "You know what Henry, you're a regular barnyard exhibit - your sheep's eyes, chicken guts, piggy friends and sh*t for brains!"

Sick Puppies...Reloaded


Big Sick Puppy Films meeting tonight with me, Rob and Steve.

Things have been on pause at Sick Puppy HQ for a bit while individual puppies worked on solo projects, got married, went on holiday, sorted out family stuff or did all of the above. But now we're back and it's time to get things moving again. Expect an announcement soon!

Monday, October 02, 2006

Sick Puppy's Quote Of The Day

"You know what Henry, you're a regular barnyard exhibit - your sheep's eyes, chicken guts, piggy friends and sh*t for brains!"

[answer tomorrow]


Yesterday's Quote Of The Day was from:

Stir of Echoes (1999) dir. David Koepp

Lisa: "It doesn't surprise me that there's another woman. Of course, the fact that she's dead gives one pause."