Fat Monster Wraps Iraq War Film

On August 24th Fat Monster Films completed a two-day shoot at the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch for a series pitch project set in Iraq involving an embedded news reporter. The working title for the series is "Fogg of War" with the plot centered on a fictitious newsman named Mack Fogg, who is a former Marine veteran of the first Iraq conflict. 

The footage is currently being edited in several versions to be used for pitch purposes. The project was designed to showcase FAT MONSTER's ability to achieve extremely high production values on a limited budget. Accordingly, the script called for numerous explosions and pyrotechnical effects as well as a large contingent of Marines in full body armor. To maximize the efficiency of the shoot we used two RED ONE digital cinema cameras shooting at 4K resolution operated by co-DPs Geoff Reisner and Matt Garrett. Conditions were brutal in terms of heat and dust, but we were able to maintain very quick setups by using ice packs on the cameras and makeshift dust covers.

The shoot was co-produced with GUNMETAL GROUP, who provided a full contingent of Marines with weapons, uniforms and equipment and who were experienced with stunts. GUNMETAL's own CEO, Matt Sigloch, coordinated the fight sequences and experienced pyro technician Paul Staples headed up the practical effects. Additionally, noted stunt coordinator Bobby King choreographed a beautifully shot hand-to-hand knife fight for the piece that truly shows off his skills.

New Project Underway

FAT MONSTER FILMS is completing pre-production for an ambitious project that commences on August 23rd. We aren't at liberty to release details just yet, but we can disclose that we will be filming at the BLUE CLOUD MOVIE RANCH that recently was used for the Afghanistan scenes in the blockbuster "IRON MAN." Suffice it to say that we're going to be pushing our personal envelope for this production and we have high expectations for what shows up on the screen.

In other MONSTER news, our short film "O2" screened at the LOUISVILLE FILM FESTIVAL this month and it will be shown this fall at the DENVER STARZ festival as well as the TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL in Wichita. More festival dates and locations to be announced soon.

The Hollywood Biz - Taking Meetings and Doing Lunch

The fans and friends of Fat Monster Films are very aware that we're still very much the "new boys on the block" who have yet to reach our first birthday (We officially opened our doors in September 2007). Therefore, a lot of what may be "business as usual" for other production companies is exciting and novel stuff for us.

This week we have been taking meetings with producers and agents and find ourselves needing to hire an entertainment lawyer. Tomorrow we're traveling to Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank to discuss a production deal that will, frankly, be a huge step for the Monster. Moreover, we are also in preliminary negotiations for the sale of our short film "O2." Needless to say, these are exciting times at the Monster shack. Hopefully, we'll have lots more to report soon.

The Rough Cut for the Vienna Teng Video is Finished

Last week, at long last, Tim finished the rough cut for the Vienna Teng music video. The amount of footage we shot for the project was staggering and the beautiful framing by Steven Dempsey meant that choosing the clips to use was a difficult task. 

We were considering seeking outside assistance for the video's color grading until Tim developed some settings that were, quite frankly, perfect. Because light conditions changed over the three days we shot on Whidbey Island, we were concerned about matching several of the segments. However, the grading Tim came up with (a wintry desaturated look) solved the problem and resulted in a look that we feel is precisely what the piece needed.

Last week we sent a link for the rough cut to a few selected critics that we trust, along with sending the video to Vienna and her management. We were delighted to hear back from Vienna herself almost immediately with her appreciation and approval of the results. Ms. Teng also gave us some notes that were astute and useful for refining the edit. If all goes well, we should have a final edit this week and it will then be up to Rounder and Vienna to determine when and how the video will be released. 

Frankly, we believe the Gravity video is going to turn a lot of heads in the industry. Hopefully, the video will be a springboard that will introduce many new fans to this very talented artist. In our humble opinion, she deserves to be in the top tier of performing songwriters working today.

Mark

FAT MONSTER FILMS WINS AWARDS

FAT MONSTER FILMS swept both top awards at the International DVXUSER Film Festival for its short film "O2" in Hollywood this past Friday. More than 70 shorts were entered internationally and FAT MONSTER took both the international voting for FIRST PLACE as well as being chosen BEST FILM by a blue ribbon industry panel of industry professionals that was led by the oscar winning producer of Schindler's List, Rain Man and Jurassic Park. 

Numerous industry pros were in attendance at the screening and all three founding partners of FAT MONSTER FILMS were interviewed by the REEL CHANNEL during the event. This week we have been receiving calls offering us production opportunities from representatives that saw our film. It has been quite a ride and is particularly appreciated given the fact that we are still less than one year old as a company. Many thanks to all our friends who came out to the screening to make it such a success.

Fat Monster Hosts Film Fest in Hollywood

This Friday (July 11th) FAT MONSTER FILMS will be acting as local host for the DVXUSER International Film Festival and Party to be held at CINESPACE in Hollywood (6356 Hollywood Blvd, at the corner of Ivar and Hollywood). Any of you fans in Los Angeles Friday should definitely e-mail us for an e-vite (write us at huh@fatmonsterfilms.com).

The evening will include hors deouvres, a full bar and some of the best short films produced in the past couple years. FAT MONSTER also has an entry in competition for the DVXUSER 2008 TIMEFEST and winners of the event will be announced Friday evening (wish us luck).

So far the RSVP list has swollen and there are already some very well known industry professionals planning to attend. As the event gets more buzz expect a healthy collection of actors, producers and agents in the crowd as well as all the usual suspects in Monster Land.

Doors open at 6:00 and the festival culminates at 10 p.m. From that point on expect a night of champagne and celebration. .... Be there.

More Monster Shooting ...

We've temporarily removed this day's post due to concern that some information included in it could possibly be a violation of the rules for a short film contest we are entered in. After June we shall repost the full contents of this post.

Thanks - Mark & Tim