www.squint.tv

Watch THE TURNING on ON THE LOT website!

2007-05-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

With the big premier of ON THE LOT tonight on FOX, get your fill of the filmmakers who didn't make it AND the filmaker who almost made it! Yes, our very own DALE FABRIGAR was indeed called in for an interview, and was asked to do another film in a weeks time for submission. Although the film (which is on this website somewhere called "Sleepwalker") was fricken awesome, Dale, unfortunately, was not one of the finalists... He got close and would have been away from his best friend (me) for a long time... How would I get through the day without his phone calls?

Anyway, watch the movie that got Dale a call...

Here is the direct link: http://films.thelot.com/films/11287

Please check it out.It's FREE. And if you could kindly REVIEW and RATE IT (You may have to register to do so) - But any feedback would greatly be appreciated!

SPREAD THE WORD TOO!!! (if you can!)

Glenn & Dale

"The Turning" at the VC Film Fest 2007!

2007-05-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Our film will be screening at a REAL MOVIE THEATER this time!!!

If you missed it at the HOLLYWOOD DV FILMFEST you can watch it again at the Laemmles' SUNSET 5 THEATERS (ByVirgin Megastore and Crunch on Sunset Blvd!)

Our film is the FIRST ONE TO RUN in the program! So ifyou come late... you'll miss it!

Yeah baby! - Kickin' the program in high gear to start!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PROGRAM 44 - TOMORROW NEVER COMES
Sunday, May 6, 10:00PM
Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theaters
PROGRAM 44 - TOMORROW NEVER COMES
Rule number one: trust no one. Behind this door awaitsa world of pain, and once you open it, there ain't noturning back. Meet the unusual suspects: silent heroes, desperate warriors, drug mules, scammers and psycho killers—all inhabiting these six dark tales of loyalty, betrayal, revenge and redemption.

For more specific info go to: http://www.vconline.org/festival/program.cfm?program_id=43

Why "The Turning?"

2007-03-01T05:12:00.000-08:00

It all started with a call from Dale, “Lets do something fun – vampire, zombie, something with swords and action!”

“Uh… why?”

“FOR FUN!”

“Okay, let me get something for you.”

An hour or so later I send Dale a short script about a special agent type who leaves his girlfriend/lover in the middle of the night. He goes into a secret room and retrieves a high-tech gun with special frozen ammo shaped balls in a special freezer. He loads up what we discover is a paintball marker specially equipped to shoot these ‘balls’.

He gets on his motorcycle and rockets through the night to a warehouse where his ‘sidekick’ partner waits.

They go in, stealth like, and bust into a huge area filled with ‘creatures’. Zombies! And the special agent, we find out, is a zombie hunter. The frozen balls are holy water that penetrates the zombies and throw them into agony as if it were acid eating their skin.

Soon, he runs out of ammo and is overwhelmed and must use a sword. And when he finally is enveloped by rushing zombies, his sidekick comes to the rescue blowing away zombies with more holy water paintball pellets.

They did their job – the world is saved.

Back home, the special agent quietly rejoins his sleeping lover in bed when we realize…

SHE HAS BECOME A ZOMBIE!

Greenlight?

Nope.

It goes through many rewrites as usual.

The paintballs are taken out.

Black Ops agents training in a government agency sent on a suicide mission is written in.

These agents are equipped with high tech equipment; they can get hostages out of Iraq in 10 minutes if they had to. They risk their lives. They are killing machines and are a highly trained group of military power. They train with virtual reality and go through many scenarios from protecting hostages to fighting their way out of ambushed streets of war zones.

They are sent to a secured island to rescue a group of scientists when they find out the island is infected with a growing virus that turn people into undead creatures that ravage the island. Pretty soon, their team is cut in half – killed, and their ammo is gone.

They have to fight their way to a safe zone, destroy the island, and take with them the anti-virus! Their only source of defense – swords found in the facility. They become modern day samurai up against modern day foes – the undead.

And just as they think their mission is complete, its not, and the only two survivors are sent to a small island in Hawaii to rid the last of the infected – the source.

The short film that was supposed to be fun turned into a feature.

We took the ending, cast it, found a location, used stunts, swords and in two nights time and a small budget, “The Pledge” was filmed.

It then became, “The Turning” – a film made… well… for fun.

It is now playing on “The Lot” and has been accepted to the Hollywood DV film festival (other festivals pending).

Cliché? We smile when someone says that… Uh… okay… sure… whatever… what Zombie movie isn’t? Oh, I did see a ‘character driven’ zombie movie once and wasn’t so cliché, but the problem is, it sucked and it cost 100 thousand fricken bucks! So what’s wrong with Samurai and Zombies even if it is a cliché we asked? Well, nothing!

We came up with a fun concept, planned it out, shot it, and tagged it with ‘the end’. A test in filmmaking. And what do you know… it was pretty good and a ton of people liked it despite the cliché-ness. Was it fun? Watch it and you tell me!!!

Funny thing is – there’s a back-story… and an end-story that has yet to be told. Let me tell ya, it's probably cliché… but if we ever shoot it, and you get a chance to watch it, you’ll have the a good old fun time!

And if you're patient enough, you can watch the behind the scenes "Making of The Turning". It's a 50meg file that requires RealPlayer. Check it out here:

THE MAKING OF: "THE TURNING" http://www.squint.tv/Turning/video/makingof.rm Click on link and, HOPEFULLY, REAL PLAYER will pop up for you to watch the movie!

Watch "The Turning" online now!

2007-02-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

THE TURNING is finally up and running ON THE LOT!

It's brand spanking new and just got posted tonight...
Here is the direct link: http://films.thelot.com/films/11287

Please check it out.

It's FREE.

And if you could kindly REVIEW and RATE IT (You mayhave to register to do so) - But any feedback wouldgreatly be appreciated!

SPREAD THE WORD TOO!!! (if you can! :-)

Thanks and have a fantastic weekend!

Glenn & Dale

Watch our film on your lunch hour!

2007-02-14T05:31:00.000-08:00

THE TURNING is going to screen on OPENING DAY of the Hollywood DV festival!

It will be the THIRD FILM to screen.

We wish we were later in the schedule...but...oh well. It's our first year there....and WE'RE IN!!!

WHEN: Monday, March 26th 2007 (Block #1)
TIME: 2:05PM

The actual screening block begins at 12:00 NOON.

For more information go to:
http://www.hollywooddvfestival.com/schedule.php

Mid-day screening....Monday....Man! It’s good day to go home early maybe!

ADDRESS
Fairfax Cinema Theater
7907 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA. 90048

THE TURNING has been submitted to ON THE LOT!

2007-02-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

MARK BURNETT & STEVEN SPIELBERG are looking for thenext GREAT FILMMAKER!

Touted as one of the most anticipated Reality Shows todate...On the Lot is the groundbreaking new showbrought to you by reality show mastermind, MarkBurnett, and legendary producer and director, StevenSpielberg. Over the season, the 16 filmmakers willproduce short films in every genre every week and theviewers will vote on who gets eliminated. The winningfilmmaker will take home a $1 Million developmentdeal!

www.onthelot.com

Our film has been uploaded but is not up and ready forstreaming yet.

We'll let everyone know when it is up and playing!

*Also submitted, is another Glenn-Dale (SquintProd)short-film..."5 MINUTES" - So keep your eye out forthat and watch it too!

Put in a good word for us!And we hope to see you ON THE LOT!!!

Backstory to "THE TURNING"

2006-11-29T01:54:00.000-08:00

The turnout for “The Turning” was a huge success. A full house, lots of drinks, a festive, spirited crowd and, if I say so myself, a great five minute short!

100+ people were there, some missed it and a few extra people made it through the doors after waiting in the cold on Hollywood Blvd. Some people wanted more backstory, some people wanted more front story, everyone wants to see a full blown feature! And hopefully, someday, we can bring it to you!

But for those who want a little back story, here’s a little excerpt from the work we did prior to the filming of “The Turning”.

NEWS FLASH
Just released was a confirmation of an area quarantined by the government similar to that of Area 51. This area was on an uncharted island one hundred miles south of New Zealand. The island is called AZS51 and Australian military sources confirm the island's call sign stands for A: AREA, Z: ZOMBISM S: SCREAMLAND and the numeral 51 to mirror the stretch of land in Nevada, a sub-area of the Groom Lake facility, where UFOs are stored, built, and tested also called “Dreamland”.

AZS51 was inhabited by natives of the island but a compound housed what they are calling, Zombies - reanimated dead quarantined there for scientific testing.

Two months ago a scientist infected with what they classify as a Type: X-12 virus was able to exit the daily physical exam with a clean bill of health. He never reported back to base. His name has been withheld from the media.

It is confirmed that the majority of the island inhabitants have been infected with the Type: X-12 virus through bites from "Zombified" victims. The population as of 2004 census shows 60,000 inhabitants on the island. There is a 100% mortality rate once infected.

One to five minutes after a person dies by infection, the body resurrects in a 'zombie-like' state and acts in very violent ways - like a rabid-dog. It wanders with aimless aggression biting those that are within reach.

The compound has an automatic lockdown and approximately two hundred people are still within. Leaflets were dropped onto the island with instructions on how to protect yourself and on the symptoms of the Type: X-12 Virus.

Both the US officials and General Bradshaw of the Australian Military have stated that the outbreak of the Type: X-12 Virus has been contained to the island and the public has no need to worry but they also admit that they are currently trying to locate two other doctors who went through the same physical exit exam before departing to Japan and The United States on the day of the Type: X-12 virus outbreak. If one or both of these doctors are infected, the outbreak may move quickly through the general public with no known cure.

A military plan is already being set to extract the remaining individuals from the compound on the AZ51 island.

So you want to know what happened to our heroes, Alexis and Tsairus? They caught a virus and its called:

TYPE: ZX-12 VIRUS

Signs and Symptoms

Once infection occurs, the ZX-12 virus grows in muscle tissue and may go undetected for several days or months depending on the size of the wound where the individual was infected: you can only be infected through a bite by another infected individual carrying the ZX-12 virus.

During the incubation (or latent) period, the infected human appears healthy and shows no sign of infection. Eventually, the virus migrates to the nerves near the site of the infection and spreads to the spinal cord and brain (i.e., the central nervous system). It will spread through the peripheral nerves to the central nervous system. At this point, the disease progresses rapidly, and the infected human begins to show the classic behavioral signs of ‘turning’. The virus spreads to the saliva, tears, breast milk, and urine. The human then shows no signs of life and within 1 to 5 minutes reanimates into a full-fledged TYPE: ZOMBIE X-12.

Prior to death the infection progresses in a predictable manner, from the initial prodormal phase to the excitative, or furious, phase to the final paralytic phase.

The first sign usually is a change in behavior. Humans that are infected should be aware that behavioral changes can occur as a result of many conditions, from digestive disorders to poisoning.

Infected humans usually stop eating and drinking, and may appear to want to be left alone. After the initial onset of symptoms, the human may become vicious or begin to show signs of paralysis. Some bite at the slightest provocation and others may be somnolent and difficult to arouse. Once the infected human shows signs of paralysis, the disease progresses very quickly and the human dies.

Prodromal phase: first symptoms of ZX-12 infection
The early symptoms of the ZX-12 infection tend to be subtle and include the following:
· Change in tone of voice
· Grinding of teeth
· Fever
· Loss of appetite
· Subtle changes in behavior

Furious phase: "mad dog syndrome"
An infected human may viciously attack any person verbally or physically.
They may show the following signs:
· Craving to eat anything
· Constant irritability
· Episodes of aggression
· Facial expression showing anxiety and hyperalertness
· Restlessness
· Seizures
· Trembling and muscle incoordination

Paralytic phase
Initial symptoms include the following:
· Appearance of choking
· Dropping of the lower jaw
· Inability to swallow, leading to drooling and foaming of saliva (i.e., "foaming at the mouth")
· Paralysis of jaw, throat, and chewing muscles

Paralysis then spreads to other parts of the body, the human becomes depressed, rapidly enters a coma and dies.

Zombie phase
Within 1 to 5 minutes of death, the deceased body reanimates into a full-fledged TYPE: ZOMBIE X-12.
The Zombie will show all of the following behaviors.
· Craving to eat Humans.
· Dilated pupils
· Disorientation
· Erratic behavior
· Aggression
· Facial expression showing anger
· Irritability
· Restlessness
· Roaming

Cure for the Type: Zombie X-12 Virus
There is no known cure after the Zombie phase at this time. Decapitation of the head, extreme physical trauma to the brain or reducing the body to its base elements through burning are the only means to stop a TYPE: ZOMBIE X-12 from continued reanimated life.

"The Turning" - WGAw registered

Parking Info

2006-11-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

For those attending the screening on Novemeber 28th, here's some Parking Info!

PARKING INFORMATION:

Cinespace is on the corner of IVAR and HOLLYWOOD BLVD
(on the 2nd floor)

*NOTE:
There is some construction going on at the corner with
scaffolding and billboards somewhat obscuring the
small Cinespace "doorway." - But it's there. Just hard
to see.

There is a PUBLIC PARKING LOT (behind CineSpace) on
Selma.
(One block South of Hollywood Blvd) On the corner of
Ivar and Selma.
Parking is $5.

You’re invited to Glenn & Dale’s screening of “THE TURNING”

2006-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

NOVEMBER 28TH IS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

Yes, "THE TURNING" is finally done. - And we're screening it!

Please join us as we celebrate the completion of this project and burn the last few pennies we have on our credit cards to thank all our cast & crew, as well as special friends and family who helped make this short film possible.

You can help too by buying a drink or two - BUT DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Make sure you say hello to our two stars, Victoria Collier & Joe Yang!

The event starts at 7:00 PM and runs ONLY until 8:00 PM at:
CineSpace in Hollywood: 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028

Please be on time!!!

A short Behind-The-Scenes video will follow immediately after the screening.

Feel free to invite your friends or anyone we may have missed on the guest list!

If you want to go, email me as soon as possible and I'll send you an eVite!

Glenn (glenn@squint.tv)

"THE TURNING" screening scheduled!

2006-09-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, its done. Color correction, film look, sound, everything. And yes, we scheduled the screening for Tuesday November 28th at a very cozy little place in Hollywood called, "Cinespace".

If you want to reserve a spot to watch The Turning (a 5 min short) please let me know: glenn@squint.tv

"TAG" Screening time and dates.

2006-09-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

"TAG" will be screening at the San Diego Asian Film Festival in the shorts program entitled:

"WHAT LIES BENEATH - An introspective collection of short films."

Our film is the last film and closes the program.

It will be screening on TWO different days. They are:

- SUNDAY, OCT 15 : 12PM (First Screening of the day)
- THURSDAY, OCT 19 : 6:30PM

VENUE:
UltraStar Mission Valley
7510 Hazard Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92108
(located off Friars Road at 163)

Please email me at glenn@squint.tv to let me know if you'll be there!

"Tag" Update (acceptance post)

2006-08-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Another 'acceptance' letter came in for "TAG".

It will be screening at the San Diego Asian Film Festival in October 2006. Hope to see you there!

Watch the "Tag" clip in QuickTime format

Go to: [TAG HOME PAGE]

The anatomy of a scene!

2006-07-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

Two things were shot these past two months... "THE BRIDGE" A scene for Dale's directors reel as well as for two actors' reels. Also squeezed into the mix was a short scene "FIRST CLASS TICKETS" that I wrote many, many, many years ago which has been tweaked, reworked, rewritten and finally has been good enough to shoot. Completely different than the original, but fast and furious. Something you won't want to miss.

"The Turning" Update

2006-07-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

It is practically done and done some more. A few sound tweaks and its ready for screening. We are looking into Cinespace in Hollywood for a night of food, The Turning and alcohol. Its a night NOT to be missed!

"Tag" Update

2006-06-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

"Tag" was sent to a few more film festivals. Results will be shared as soon as they come in. [imdb.com]

“TAG“
·2005 Los Angeles International Short Film Festival - Short Film Accpetance
·2005 Los Angeles Visual Communications Film Festival - Short Film Accpetance

Watch the "Tag" clip in QuickTime format

Go to: [TAG HOME PAGE]

The Turning Updates

2006-05-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Notes from Director Dale...

UPDATES...WHAT'S NEW? Music, and Beheadings!

Exciting steps have made toward the completion of our film.

I had this idea of Alexis chopping off the head of one of the "infected" characters. So, I went to FILMLOOK in Burbank to work on the visual effect for us.

J.C. HAYDON was the Shake artist who painstakingly digitally "removed" the head of the stuntman (Jeremy Frye) and motion tracked it to the ground. Fun stuff.

The final effect is so quick (less than 1 second/30 frames)...I wonder if anyone will notice it's there! - I'm hoping Sound Design can help sell it.

ORIGINAL SCORE for THE TURNING IS DONE!

After weeks of hard work...the original score to The Turning is finally completed!

Many, many thanks to the creativity of composer COLIN CHIN (Chintones Music) (Until the Night, Mr Jinx, Red Herring).

Colin worked very hard to create an evocative score that not only is original, but captures the poignant, heroism and haunting tone for our film.

At first, it was very difficult separating myself from the temp score...But I am very pleased and impressed with the final result.

Considering our "low-budget" situation, Colin was not only professional, but extremely patient with me.

He was so generous... I enjoyed the many hours working with him, as well as talking about filmmaking in general.

MUSIC FOR THE END CREDITS IS ALSO COMPLETED!

Props to MENG FI for turning in a track that made the final cut!

Amazingly, MF turned in the track after only a couple of days.

When Glenn and I listened to the cut for the first time, we were blown away!

It has a great energy and vibe to it that will be a perfect ending and balance to our film score which has a "classically orchestrated" sound.

I hope people enjoy the music to our film!

Also, SPECIAL THANKS to the many other talented musicians who generously submitted their music for consideration of our project.

(We look forward to working with them in the near future!)

So...What's next? - SOUND DESIGN!

With final picture locked and music and score completed, the film is now scheduled to be delivered to APPLIED POST AUDIO in Santa Monica. There, WOODY WOODHALL will create the rich bed of sound effects needed for the film as well as the final mix.

Then, it will be back to FILMLOOK for final color correction and polishing....

Then we'll truly be DONE!

Sorry, no pics this time... Photo stills from the film COMING SOON!

But here are a couple of sound samples for your listening pleasure...

SOUND FILES HERE

AnodyneSketchTeazer.mov (305 kb) ChinScoreTeazer.mov (712 kb)

You'll have to watch the movie to hear it all! - hehe!

Enjoy!

Dale

- - - - - - - - - - -

Here are some of the links for those mentioned above:

FILM LOOK
COLIN CHIN
COLIN CHIN (IMDB)

More behind the scenes pictures of "The Turning"

2006-03-30T23:08:00.000-08:00

Steve the DP assess the mess he will be putting together.

And they said it didn't rain in Southern California... Steve the DP says otherwise!

The ever so talented Victoria hanging in there.

Maia the awesome Makeup Department adds some detail to the detail.

See... I was actually there and took a picture of myself to prove it!

Dale had enough of my self portraits so he took the camera and shot a few.

It was really serious in there. And I tend to break the concentration of the actors. Luckily I'm one of the producers so if I need to I can throw myself out.

Chip, er, Joe, er, Chip... you can barely tell can you? Chip saves the day as the 'stand in' for Joe.

Dale does the directing of the blade thing.

The dramatic scene.

Victoria preparing for the last few shots.

In goes the eye... Out goes 'the bird'?

There's 'the bird' again... I mean the eyes brought to you by Dr. Linden's Optometry in Pasadena.

Scary!!!

Me again... sleeping with my eyes open.

Cut, print, - it's a wrap!

What's next Dale?

Production Pics of "The Turning"

2006-03-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

Call time was at 12 noon to 12 midnight. Which gave me enough time for a 4 mile run in the morning, then off to Jacob's baseball game, then getting to the set 30 minutes late!

Our production company can no be called, JINX PRODUCTION because of all the bad things that happened.

We worked till 3:00 AM.

First issue was a door that we could not open. We tried to take the hinges off but the last one wouldn't come out. So I tried to kick the door down. This is a pretty big industrial door so the task was not easy. I managed to kick it about five times before deciding that it wouldn't work. Steve the DP used a tire iron and bashed the door to bits to where it was opened. Whew.

The second problem was the monitor assist. It went down right before we were to do first shot at 2:00 PM. So we sent someone to Hollywood to get a new one. The new one didn't have 16:9 - but we made due.

Behind schedule by two hours we finally got the first shot in - a scene with dripping water from a leaky pipe.

And when TSAIRUS pulled out his sword in take two he hit the pipe, broke it, and water GUSHED out... GUSHED!!! Showering our two leads. ALEXIS (Victoria) was soaked!!! We ran for towels, while gaffers tried to find the main to shut the water off.

It was a nightmare.

Dinner was at 6:00 PM and most of the Zombies and Stunt Team were there. We had three makeup artists working frantically to get 14 people into Zombie makeup - and they were awesome.

Then the worst news...

Our lead got a call from VERIZON for a commercial on Sunday (Today). They were supposed to give him today off - he told them he was booked for Saturday and Sunday. But they needed him, and we couldn't tell him to stay... this is a National Commercial gig. He was freaking out, he was offering to pay for a second day of shoot but no way would we let him do that. So ALL the shots - reaction, closeups, everything, of TSAIRUS (Joe) had to be done.

We only had the stunt team for saturday night so that had to be done as well.

So we shot things as fast as we could... it was very stressful.

Finally Dale was happy with the coverage and we moved outside for the stunt team. Projected time was 10:00 PM... It was now 11:00 PM.

And if it wasn't for the stunt team, we would have NEVER gotten out of there.

By 12:00 Midnight the Zombies were being used.

By 2:00 AM Victoria's closeups and reactions shots for the stunts were being shot.

By 2:45 AM we wrapped.

By 3:30 AM I was tossing in turning in bed because of fatigue.

Call time is 3:00 PM today.

I have a headache.

I took tons of pictures and video so hopefully I can post a few later.

I need to get coffee now.

Victoria and Joe in makeup.

Victoria getting Zombied up.

FOOD!

Tsairus practicing an entrance.

Busting in.

Practicing the busting in.

Ready for... ACTION!

Barry helps out by holding the door.

Jeremy Fry: Hockey player, stunt guy extraordinaire - and Zombie!

J.Fry and Director Dale.

Steve the D.P. checking out the light source.

Looks ready to shoot!

Alexis... Wondering what the hell did I get into?

Joe gets focused. I have a Verizon Commercial tomorrow! :)

The Pledge. Did I tell you I have a Verizon Commercial tomorrow.

Dean (in yellow) taking control of the "B-Camera". Stunt team in action.

The J.Fry stunt team in going all out with no padding!

Glenn, Joe and Dale. Joe wraps for the production leaving us for THE VERIZON COMMERCIAL TOMORROW!

Lina, the stunt double, finishing off the last Zombie!

ALL KIDDING ASIDE...

Joe was the perfect choice for Tsairus. He was focused and willing to work extremely hard. He felt very bad that he could not be there on Sunday but gave everything he could give during the Saturday shoot. And it was a long day for him!

Thanks to Joe and Victoria for giving our little project life! You guys ROCK!

"The Turning" Stunt Test

2006-03-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

Get your first glimpse of the action sequence in "The Turning".

Stunt Test (you'll need Quicktime to view the movie).

Stunt Choreographer: Jeremy Fry

Thanks J-Fry for shooting this test. We are looking forward to working with ya on Saturday Night!!!

And thanks to:
- Lina Baron
- Darrel Craig Davis
- Trampis Thompson

And here is J-Fry working with Victoria at the Dojo...

Props and Costumes for "The Turning"...

2006-03-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

Props and Costumes for "The Turning"...

Big props to George and Gibbons LTD for our props! ...RUBBER WEAPON PROPS that is!

Sure they kinda look like candlesticks... But our stuntment will appreciate them!

Here's that thing in the script that was written in which forces us to get that thing for the movie since it was in the script... Alexis' necklace or something like that. We're all about the writers vision.

Utilizing the expertise of wardrobe pros who clothed the XMEN, Kate Beckinsale in Underworld, Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil, and other cool stuff like that there... here's the wardrobe for "The Turning".

The ward robe rack...

Joe, as "Tsairus", shows us his stuff...

And of course Dale in the reflection of the mirror wearing his $5 orange shirt he bought on a whim from Vons or something like that... you'll have to ask him why he needed to have an orange shirt so bad - from VONS! ;)

The ever so menacing Side View look...

Ready to kick some ass...

Even if the sword is invisible... oh and... Luke... I am your father...

Eyes - the windows to your soul...

2006-03-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

On one fine evening, Dale and Victoria spent four hours at Dr. Linden's office for colored contact lens fitting to be used in filming of "The Turning"...

Here's your first 'look' at "Alexis'" eyes.

Dr. Linden's Optometry in Pasadena, CA.

Victoria thinking, "What am I signing here? My life? My vision? My ass?"

What's going on in there?

Eye exams are easy. Just look into the light and "HEY DON'T BLOW INTO MY EYE!!!"

It's easy - like sticking a needle in your eye.

Say... "AH?"

?

No officer, I haven't been drinking.

Okay, maybe I had one...

or three...

Meet the stars of "The Turning"...

2006-03-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Joe Yang as "Tsairus".

and...

Victoria Collier as "Alexis".

Filming starts on Saturday March 26, 2006.

More Production Pictures for "The Turning"

2006-03-13T06:05:00.000-08:00

From Story Boards to Martial Arts training - our short story is pulling out all the stops.

Dale's Story Boards - late nights under the lamp.

The finishing touches... for now.

Dale doing what he does best - acting like he's working.

Glenn observing the Okinawa Te class.

Glenn taking over - first thing - the bow.

Balance is key.

Glenn refining Victoria's 'sword and hammer'.

Glenn explaining that the sword is an extention of your hands.

Learning to fall forward.

Learning to fall backward.

Story Boards for "The Turning"

2006-03-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Stay updated on the progress of filming!

Here are Dale's Story Boards... Your first view of the flick... Watch as it goes from script to screen...

(Click for larger View)

(Click for larger View)

(Click for larger View)

(Click for larger View)

The Turning is CAST!

2006-03-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

We finally made a decision on our two lead roles for “The Turning”. With two weeks to go before filming, some serious work needs to be done…

Especially for Victoria Collier – our heroine.

So Dale dragged her down to my old stomping grounds, the OkinawaTe Bodoku Dojo “Southern CA Martial Arts Assoc.” in Eagle Rock, CA.

Sensei James Gordon, our old friend from highschool spent almost two hours with Victoria teaching her the basics of Okinawa te… I may have to put on my old gi and get down and dirty with her training on Thursday… I need to get her up and running with advanced moves and technique just so she ‘looks the part’. And in the meantime teach her some cool martial arts moves.

Here are some pictures from last night’s training session…

The Dojo.

Formal Standing Horse and bow.

Kibadachi

Victoria looking like a seasoned martial artist. A straight line and everything!!!

Dale looking very Japanese. It's a new trend. Naw - he's just a Filipino/American filmaker who's worried thinking, "UH-OH Can Victoria handle this?"

The always very happy and enthusiastic Sensei James Gordon. Oh and that's Victoria thinking... what did Dale and Glenn get me into now?

We are looking for 10-12 ZOMBIE extras for our movie. We will be filming on the weekend of March 24th.

If you are interested, email me right away. Food will be served so that's a great incentive. Plus, you'll have blood and guts thrown all over you. So wear some clothes you don't mind thrashing!

Email me: glenn@squint.tv

Casting call for "TSAIRUS"...

2006-03-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

We held auditions on Thursday night 3/2/2006 at the offices of LTG (Link Talent Group) Mangement in the North Hollywood area.

Victoria Collier, who will play "Alexis", came to do the reading opposite the "Tsairus" hopefuls. The actors did not know they were reading with Victoria - the star of "The Turning" - and when Victoria turned up the performance, the auditioners used it as motivation to give it their all!

It was a great turnout and we think we have our "Tsairus"!

Casting for our new Short Film - "The Turning"

2006-02-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

TSAIRUS
Male, any Asian ethnicity, late 40s to 50s. Tough guy, hard-faced & battle-scarred. A born leader wise beyond his years, expert swordsman/weapons expert/martial artist (talent does not have to have these skills). A Toshiro Mifune type...

To submit your headshot go to www.breakdownservices.com

Sushi A Go-Go

2006-02-04T23:58:00.000-08:00

Production meeting for Sushi A Go-Go…

It turns out that I’ll probably be doing a page one rewrite on the script. There’s a lot in the draft that I can use already, but going off of a new outline and free writing it like you would a new script feels better. I can cut and paste scenes but it probably will feel like I did just that.

Tonight Dale and I met for almost three hours to discuss first act structure. It seems like we are on the same page (so-to-speak) on the structure. Getting started on it is the tough thing. I really feel like treating it like a new script versus a rewrite on an old.

We’ll see.

See my training log for today: Triathlete Nut’s Training Log Blog

Web-Episodic Series

2006-01-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

Glenn is currently working on twenty - five minute episodes - for a web-episodic series action adventure called, "Falling Leaf".

Stay tuned for updates.

Sushi A Go-Go production meeting

2006-01-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

The rewrite continues for "Sushi A Go-Go". In the meantime, Glenn and Dale met with Kurt Patino (Producer, Talent Agent, Personal Manager) on Wednesday night on possible production opportunites for "Sushi A Go-Go" and other projects.

Stay tuned for updates!

Rewrite Hell??? Or is it Heaven? Depends on how you look at it.

2006-01-25T05:26:00.000-08:00

Again I’m awake. But this time it’s 4:30 AM. Three and a half hours of sleep after two hours of TRIATHLON training at the gym!

Why did I get to bed so late?

Well, last night I went through some script notes by a trusted online friend that ripped one of my scripts apart. It’s been about four years since I last read them – maybe more. But boy, was it harsh (in a constructive way) and totally on the money. He picked through all the holes and focused on everything he didn’t like in the script. First prefacing the critique with his opinion and respect for me as a writer and then going for my throat. It’s what I asked him to do. I told him to tear it apart. It was THE BEST analysis of the script I’ve ever received. It wasn’t sugar coated, it wasn’t just an overall view, it was a detailed dissection of the script and everything that DID NOT work. He did point out the things he liked but really didn’t focus on them. Everything else worked… it was what he pointed out that didn’t - and he pointed out a lot.

I think that’s one reason I put the script aside. It was just too much work

I recently read the script. It’s okay. It’s doable. It’s simple and if someone wanted to shoot it, it’s probably ready to go. But its not as good as it should be.

Two different parties have shown interest in it this year. Yet I have yet to get motivated to start on the rewrite passing the script off as ‘good enough.’ Well… it isn’t. So after reading the critique once again it made me feel like Charlie Kaufman in “Adaptation” where he utters his mantra, “I am fat, I am old, I am bald, I am repulsive, I can’t write.”

Except I’m not bald.

Last night I sat through and rewrote for two and a half hours making it to page 36 of the 100+ page feature. It felt good. It felt right. It felt different to be eight years removed from the original 1998 Chesterfield Fellowship Semi-Finalist script - which I wrote at age thirty - to be thirty eight years old and really seeing the characters in a completely different light. Instead of writing the characters to meet my age, social status, career and view of the future, I’m able to push them back to College years where finishing college is a very important goal, the future is not career but passing a class, and true love is still a concept. Along the way you find love, you suffer from heartbreak and you see your best friends start their future. It makes the characters more identifiable to more people. They are less set in their ways and more spontaneous, love sick, romantic and desperate. It felt good. It made me want to stay home and write – which I haven’t been inclined to do lately.

So the writing will continue.

I feel like a writer once again.

=GLENN=

New York Meeting with Unitel

2006-01-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

Dale met with Vincent R. Nebrida, VP acquisitions, production & marketing, in New York this week. It was a positive meet and great. The future looks bright.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Unitel Meeting to end the year.

2005-12-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

Dale and Glenn had a meeting with Cindy Sison, Cindy Sison, head intl. sales, from UNITEL. It was an excellent meeting with interest in two of Glenn's scripts: "Chocolate Joe" and "Sushi A Go-Go".

Look forward to more updates.

“ZEN and the Way of the Space Dog”

2005-10-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

I reedited my script and am ready to submit it to whoever. Competitions, agents, production companies, etc. I need to go through one more edit for spellings and stuff but right now its 99.99% done.

If you’d like to spend an hour or so reading 102 pages, I’d love to hear the feedback.

Here it is:

“ZEN and the Way of the Space Dog” by Glenn Magas (in pdf or html format)

“TAG” screening in the LA SHORTS FEST (Sep 10, 2005)

2005-09-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, September 10 @ 10:00 PM in Arclight Theater 13.

It will be part of the “Fragments of Sunset Strip” program

For more information and a map please visit official LA Short Film Festival Website here: www.lashortsfest.com

“TAG”
(Drama/ USA/ Digital Beta/ 23 minutes)
The story of a young man who encounters racial incidents and is pushed to the edge.
Director: Dale Fabrigar
Producer: Dale Fabrigar and Glenn Magas
Writer: Glenn Magas and Brian Hurney
Contact: dfabrigar@yahoo.com

Note: Program indicates incorrect director. It is indeed directed by Dale Fabrigar and NOT Peter Rhoads

"Tag" screening update

2005-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Due to some weird happenings at the LA SHORT FILM FEST, here's the NEW time and date for the show...

It is now set to play in Program 61 which is Saturday, Sept. 10th, at 10:00 PM.

I'll post more info as it gets to me.

Glenn

The official acceptance email for 'TAG'

2005-08-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Dale,

Congratulations! Your film (TAG) has been selected to be part of this year's Los Angeles International Short Film Festival (LA Shorts Fest) at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood from September 6 - 13. After reviewing the many films submitted, we found your short represents the caliber of work we want to participate in our festival. LA Shorts Fest hopes to create an environment that by screening your film will open doors to infinite possibilities. We here at the LA Shorts Fest pride ourselves on being the largest short film festival in the world. Nineteen films in our history have been nominated for an Oscar. The last five taking home the coveted award. We are honored to be including your film in our festival this year, we wish you good luck and look forward to meeting you.

Your film's screening will take place at the ArcLight, Cinemas 8335 Sunset Blvd. Ste. 208, W. Hollywood, CA 90069

Los Angeles International Short Film Festival
http://www.lashortsfest.com

(Preview)

(Driving Directions to ArcLight)

TAG - Official selection to the LA International Film Festival

2005-08-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Our short film, "TAG" is an official selection for the 9th Annual Los Angeles International Short Film Festival. This festival is considered the LARGEST international short film festival out there!

More info on the Film Festival: www.lashortsfest.com

More info to follow!

Suhaila Salimpour's SHEHEREZADE

2005-07-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Squint Productions, in association with Suhaila Productions, LLC, will be filming behind the scenes, backstage preparation and performance interviews for Suhaila Productions, LLC.

Suhaila Salimpour's
SHEHEREZADE
Dates: August 11-14, 2005
Place: El Portal Theater
North Hollywood, Ca

What: TBA

More Info: suhaila@suhaila.com or call: 510-526-4344

Suhaila Salimpour's
SHEHEREZADE
Dates: September 9-10, 2005
Place: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
San Francisco, Ca

What: Evening shows Friday and Saturday

More Info: suhaila@suhaila.com or call: 510-526-4344

If you are interested in having Suhaila, The Suhaila Dance Company or Bal Anat perform at your event, contact Suhaila Productions at 510-527-2400 or e-mail suhaila@suhaila.com

I want to encourage everyone to see one of these shows! Dale and I have been to two of them and it is truely entertaining!

There's a North Hollywood performance and a San Francisco performance.

Please, everyone go! Dale and I will see you there with cameras in our hands! :) -glenn

Interview with Nat Wynn

2005-07-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening, Nat Wynn came in for an exlusive interveiw about the film, "TAG" which will be included in the DVD. The interview was setup in front of the "Tag" house just as the sun set in the background.

Here are a few pictures from the interview.

Squint Films DVD

2005-07-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Dale produced a couple of "First Time" & "Tag" DVDs and designed the backs and fronts for it.

We hope to be selling or getting distribution for the DVD soon. If you want one, please let me know. Glenn@squint.tvAprox price: $15.00

Here's the front and back covers.

A night at THE ASIAN POSTER gallery.

2005-06-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

"TAG" screened at this art gallery in Santa Monica. It was a small, cozy gallery with about 100 chairs set up in front of a small drop down movie screen. The turn out was decent and the hand picked films ranged from documentary & experimental to dramatic narative and comedy.

Walking around the Gallery prior to the screening I was able to look at the many Asian Poster on display. I took pictures of some of my favorites. Unfortunately, the low light situation didn't bode well for photography, and using a flash would cause a glare as each poster had a plastic protective cover.

I adjusted the exposure as best as I could.

After the screening there was a brief question and answer session. That's Dale up front.

After the screening, Dale, his wife and I headed up to Hollywood and stopped by my favorite Thai restaurant. "Chuan Chim".

The dinner was...
Chicken skewars
Hot and Sour soup with chicken.
Yellow curry chicken.
Prik King with beef (green beans)
Chinese Brocoli with chicken

OH MY GOD! It was so good!

-glenn

TAG screening on Friday June 24 ($5.00)

2005-06-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

TRACK 16 NIGHTS
IN CONJUNCTION WITH
“THE ASIAN POSTER”

"The Asian Poster" Film screening at Track 16 Gallery Friday, June 24, 8:00 P.M. RSVP, $5

Visual Communications presents a screening of new Asian American film at Track 16 Gallery in conjunction with the exhibition, "The Asian Poster" on view through July 23, 2005. The screening includes: HOMECOMING by Vivian Wong; TOKYO EQUINOX by Yuri Makino; TROLLEY by Derek Shimoda; DASTAAR: DEFENDING SIKH IDENTITY by Kevin Lee; FRIENDSHIP BREAD by Michelle Banta; TAG by Dale Fabrigar; and CALL CENTER by Amyn Kaderali. Many of the film makers will be in attendance and will be available to answer questions. (www.track16.com)

MORE INFO

Movie Reviews: Batman Begins & Dawn of the Dead

2005-06-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Batman Begins(2005) My Rating: 9/10

As a Batman fan I'd have to say this movie ROCKED! This is what everyone else is saying - the Batman we've been waiting for. Yes, there were holes in the movie but I'm letting that go. It's a comic book.

But there were no flashy stars or comedic characters, just bare-bones Dark Knight and the dark villians he has to deal with played by awesome actors.

Christian Bale is by far the best actor to play the part of Batman. But the best thing about the movie was the use of great names to play these character parts - even the small ones.

Michael Caine was excellent, Morgan Freeman was absolutely great as usual, Gary Oldman awesome, Liam Neeson was spectaular, Tom Wilkinson was totally convincing, Rutger Hauer was magnificent and Ken Watanabe was a special treat!

I mean, look at all these great names that didn't get bigger than the story, film or the role they played. They just did their job.

And the noname actor in Cillian Murphy was just brilliant. The next James Spader in my opinion.

But the least important character in the movie was... Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes.

Rachel Dawes was a character with no impact to the overall movie. Some may say they like the 'strength' of a good female character. She was strong, but that strength came from nowhere. Where's the depth? All we know of her was her relationship with Wayne as kids. That's it. That's all. Where's the depth and drive to be who she is or do what she's doing?

Mary Jane Watson in Spiderman was both strong - doing desperately what she wanted to do - model/actress, and also had depth. She had history behind her. An abusive household, a teenager desperately wanting something more and going for it by herself, and having that hidden love for Peter Parker. Rachel Dawes... she just wanted to bring people to justice. What was she really motivated by?

She doesn't need to be in the next movie. Her acting was flat and the scenes she was in were flat. And from what I hear I'm not the only one sharing this sentiment. Let's bring in someone like Jessica Alba!

I do highly recommend this movie to those who want some action, a good comic book storyline and especially those frustrated with the later releases of the Batman franchise. This one is a hit. And just like I felt with the Star Wars episodes I had to say to myself... "Finally!"

Dawn of the Dead (2004) My Rating: 8/10

I really, really, really was entertained by this movie. I felt there were a few questionable scenes, one that I might thing was irresponsible film-making, but at the end of it all, no way. YOU HAD TO DO IT.

Slick photography, good actors, enough conflict, butting heads, and good directing! To me, nothing was overly done as I may have thought in a Zombie film.

This isn't a 'scary' movie per se. For movies like that watch "The Sixth Sense", "The Ring" or something like that. This is pure horror fun! Just be prepared for some very gruesome scenes. As a Zombie film, this was what I would say is a damn good movie and exceptionally fun. And I mean that. EXCEPTIONALLY FUN!

Ebert took the words out of my mouth...

2005-06-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen it, but Ebert's response at the end of his "Batman Begins" review is exactly what I've wanted from Batman for years.

I said this is the Batman movie I've been waiting for; more correctly, this is the movie I did not realize I was waiting for, because I didn't realize that more emphasis on story and character and less emphasis on high-tech action was just what was needed. The movie works dramatically in addition to being an entertainment. There's something to it.
Ebert on "Batman Begins"

Full review: RogerEbert.com

I can't wait to watch the film!

Glenn

THE ASIAN POSTER

2005-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

"TAG" was asked to be part of the screening of works connected with the exhibit, "The Asian Poster".

THE ASIAN POSTER is a survey of contemporary posters from Japan, Korea, China, Hong
Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia.

The Event:
TRACK 16 NIGHTS
FRIDAY, 24 June: screening 7:30 PM
Track 16 Gallery, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Bldg. C-1, Santa Monica, 90404
(FYI: this is the location of the Bergamont Station, home to the Music Center Annex and assorted art galleries)
www.track16.com

This is the first show of the exhibit after its opening on June 18;
The gallery itself is quite large, so plese spread the word to your friends and family who are interested. The show itself will be projected onto a screen.

Once there is clarification of whether there is an admissions price for the screening I will update here.

From the website:

The Asian Poster

June 18 through July 23, 2005
Opening reception on June 18, from 6 to 9 P.M.

Track 16 Gallery is pleased to present The Asian Poster, a comprehensive survey of contemporary graphics from Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Korea, and Japan. Curated by Beverly Walton, Director of Global Graphics, and Mr. Leslie Chan Wing Kei, an award-winning Hong Kong designer now working in Taipei, this exhibition will be on view from June 18 through July 23, 2005, with an opening reception on June 18, 2005, from 6 to 9 P.M. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

The recent Asian graphic design explosion fueled by China’s boom economy, along with the independence of Hong Kong, and the proliferation of museum exhibitions such as Super Flat and Little Boy in the U.S., has inspired Track 16 Gallery to present the public with an unique opportunity to view contemporary Asian art and design trends. The exhibition features over one hundred works by more than forty artists and graphic designers. Among the designers included are Tadanori Yokoo, considered the godfather of Japan’s graphic revolution, Kashiwa Sato, Katsumi Asaba, Norito Shinmura, Jianping He, Kan Tai-Keung, Freeman Lau, Tommy Li, Wang Xu, and Wang Yue Fei, Eric Chan, and Joseph Foo. Representing Korea are Sang-Soo Ahn, Kumnan Baik, Sang-Soo Ahn, Sungil Hong, and Kim Doo-Sup, among others.

The survey presents a broad spectrum of artists, from leading female graphic designers like Nagi Noda,Yasmin Ahmad, and Cao Fang, to a new generation of young, witty, irreverent artists like Colan Ho, Benny Au, Huang Yang, and the Luo Brothers.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the gallery will host Track 16 Nights, a Friday night series of panel discussions and other cultural events. Please refer to www.track16.com for updated information about these events. We will have a wide array of Asian posters (new and vintage), postcards, puzzles, fans, Mao pins, and Hong Kong sci-fi Rocket Club books and action figures in LIMITED QUANTITIES available for purchase in our store.

The Asian Poster is produced by Global Graphics in conjunction with the Center for the Study of Political Graphics. Global Graphics also produced the critically acclaimed exhibition, The Cuban Poster, which was on view at Track 16 Gallery in 2004, and is currently being shown at the MAK Center in Vienna.

For images, exhibition previews, and interviews, please contact Beverly Walton at the telephone number above. For any other questions, contact Track 16 Gallery, or refer to gallery website at www.track16.com.

Holly Shorts Film Festival Deadline Approaching

2005-06-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Holly Shorts Film Festival submission deadline is quickly approaching. All entries must be postmarked before July 1, 2005.

Get the official call for entries form on their website.

Holly Shorts Film Festival
c/o Theo Dumont/ Dan Sol
3640 S. Sepulveda Blvd #113
Los Angeles, CA 90034

Should you have any questions, please call us at 818-760-9897. Thank you.

Theo Dumont
www.hollyshortsfilmfestival.blogspot.com
Holly Hotline: 818-760-9897

"First Time" Theme

2005-05-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

"First Time" composer, Matt Davidson, posted the theme song that he wrote for our movie "First Time".

Most recently, Matt was named winner of the 2004 Young Composer's Award by the Guild of Temple Musicians and the American Conference of Cantors for his song cycle for Shabbat Birkat HaBanim for Piano, Oboe and Cantor. Matt had previously won this prestigious competition in 2002 with his string quartet Zikaron written in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust.

Matt also received special recognition from the State of Israel for his original music for the Jewish National Fund’s “The Water Crisis” video.

The "First Time Theme" is a very haunting yet beautiful song. If you want to hear it here it is. ["First Time Theme" (mp3)]

For Matt's full blown resume, please visit: Matt Davidson Productions

Final Draft's Big Break! International Screenwriting Competition

2005-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

The deadline is approaching.

Final deadline for script submissions is June 15, 2005.

Big Break! is an annual, global screenwriting competition designed to support emerging creative talent. Since its founding in 2000, Big Break! has rewarded screenwriters with prize money and exposure to the entertainment industry, through meetings with industry professionals, studio executives and agents. Winning screenplays have been optioned and produced, finalists have garnered attention from recognizable production entities and literary agents.

For more information: [Big Break Contest]

Blog Problems

2005-05-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

Blogger.com is giving us problems.

The Squint.TV BLOG is temporarily being moved to: http://squinttv.blogspot.com/ as the problem is being investigated. Currently, we can't upload the templates to the Squint.tv site.

So for the time being, this will be where to find the "Squint Films" blog.

If you have this blog syndicated on MyYahoo or MyMsn, you'll need to delete it and update it with the new syndication links on the right column of the blog.

Holly Shorts - Short Film Festival

2005-05-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Holly Shorts Film Festival is accepting films for their 1st Annual film festival.

For more information: send an email at hollyshorts@hotmail.com or leave a message in our Holly Shorts hotline 818-760-9897.

Squint Film's Blog is now Syndicated!

2005-05-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

If you want to add Squint Film's Blog to your MSN or My Yahoo! Homepage, please click on the appropriate syndication links on the right column. That way you will be able to see when Squint Films updates their blog and click right into the website.

If you have any questions on how to do this, please feel free to email Glenn: glenn@squint.tv for information.

Pictures from the VC Film Festival

2005-05-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from April 29th @ the Visual Communications Film Festival.

A portion of the cast and Crew of "TAG" up on stage for a Q&A.
Dale (Director/Producer of "TAG"), Glenn (Writer/Producer of "TAG"), Gerald Brodin (Played "Cop" in "TAG"), & Lynn Delgado Chang (Played "Cecilia" in "TAG")

The official Filmmakers badge.

Dale points to Nat (Played "Dan" in "TAG") who hid in the audience to aviod the Q&A.

Dale at the podium.

Gerald with Dale having fun.

Glenn & Dale relishing in the DGA moment.

Brian Hurney (one of the Screenwriters in "TAG") talking it up with Dale.

Brian Lynch (one of the Producers of "TAG") with Dale.

Nat with Dale.

Nat enjoying watching the filmmakers on stage.

Neely Gurman (Casting Director for "TAG") with Dale.

Victoria Collier (played "Biker Punk" in "TAG" and "Candy"/"Mandy" in "First Time") with Dale.

"Orion's Belt" update

2005-05-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

You can read an excerpt of Glenn Magas' original screenplay, "Orion's Belt", here:
[Excerpt]

Friday Night 4/29/2005 at the VC Film Festival

2005-05-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

I managed to catch two programs at the VC Film Festival on Friday night 4/29/2005.

Here's an extremely quick review of what I watched and what I thought.

PROGRAM 1 (Men and Women, and All Else Between)

GIDOOíS COSMIC CRISIS
(United States/India, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Shivani Khanna
Convinced by an astrologer that he will die the following morning, Gidoo decides to change his destiny by altering the alignment of the stars. He sets off on a desperate, cosmic adventure that will test not only his mettle but also our theories of the universe.
35mm, 11 minutes, Color, Animation

This was a very cute animation. But I really didn't get the overall story.

CHINESE BEAUTY
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Debbie Lum
A doe-eyed Korean immigrant aspires to transform herself from fashion princess into marathon runner in the hopes of chasing her all American dream - a gorgeous blonde hunk who is also a famous professional runner. As She trains for the L.A. Marathonóand chases him down, she journeys from her hard-knock, multi-ethnic Koreatown 'hood all the way to beautiful, sun-drenched Santa Monica Beach. There, she discovers that a girl needs more than a good pair of sneakers to chase the All American Dream.
35mm, 10 minutes, Color, Narrative

Funny, funny and simple movie. Over-the-top characters that showed film-makers weren't afraid to make fun of themselves and a sterotypical asian.

BLESSING
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Suju Vijayan
Maya, home for her brother Nealís high school graduation, is forced to deal with their often overbearing, sometimes embarrassing mother, Asha. For as long as she can remember, Maya has been frustrated by what she sees as her mother's inability to listen to her or understand her. The free-spirited Asha, however, is seemingly oblivious to her daughterís feelings, and instead forces unwanted and sometimes misguided advice on Maya, from the spiritual to the romantic. But Asha is not without surprises, forcing Maya to rethink her opinion of her mother...
35mm, 14 minutes, Color, Narrative

Definately one of my favorite films of the night!!! Try to find it and watch it.

GOOD THING
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Keshni T. Kashyap
A despondent husband, an employee at a local grocery store, barely tolerates his wife, less than a month away from giving birth. Stuck with a broken-down car and a wife with a serious case of the munchies, he goes into a roadside tavern to call a towtruckówhere temptation awaits. Insightful and bittersweet, this award-winning tale grapples with the question of whether you can ever find what you're looking for.
35mm, 19 minutes, Color, Narrative

This was actually a pretty good film. But it tried to say something (a message) but it didn't come across very clear in the change in character. The change in character was NOT as clear cut as it should have been.

SUMMER OF THE SERPENT
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Kimi Takasue
Eight-year old Juliette sits at the side of the local pool waiting for another lonely summer day to pass when an unexpected Japanese newcomer arrives. Fascinated by the stranger, Juliette embarks on an adventure of discovery. SUMMER OF THE SERPENT explores the unlikely bond that develops between two people from different worlds.
35mm, 27 minutes, Color, Narrative

Enjoyable film but quite long. I really wasn't sure what they were trying to say in this movie. What was the 'real' story is what I was left asking. Well produced though.

KAMEA
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Jennifer Akana-Sturla
Kamea, a teenage Hawaiian girl living on Oahuís North Shore, falls in love with Thomas, a cute surfer boy whoís obsessed with Hawaiian surf legend Duke Kahanamoku. Kamea studies up on Duke to impress Thomas, but when her attempts to pique his interest fails she makes her own connection to Duke and gains a sense of self.
35mm, 22 minutes, Color, Narrative

This movie could end up being a feature. I really enjoyed the visuals. Some technical problems with the film-making (continuity) which would have drove me nuts if it was my film!

PROGRAM 6 (Explode?)

TAG
(United States, 2005) Dir.: Dale Fabrigar; Scr.: Glenn Magas, Brian Hurney
After a perceived racial incident, Dan struggles with issues of justice and retaliation. As he is ultimately pushed to the edge, his life spins out of control toward a final conclusion that changes his life and others around him forever.
Video, 23 minutes, Color, Narrative

Yes, our film. It was AWESOME! :)

THE PENCIL AND THE CURSE
(Canada, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Yu Gu
A girl is born cursed; she can see how others will die. Since she has known her prophetic power, she has been mute. Unable to speak to others, she records her visions through drawing. After an encounter with a stranger, she has a vision of her own death. Her isolated and almost invisible life will never remain the same.
Video, 3 minutes, Color, Experimental

This was an experimental film. Photographs made up the story telling and visuals. It wasn't really breathtaking which it should have been. It was unique yet predictable.

THE CURE FOR A DISEASED LIFE
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Ray Chang
Robert Lee is stuck in the lonely hum-drum of everyday life. He hates his job, he hates his boss Barringer, and he gets no respect. Robert's best friend is a prick, married to the woman he loves. But when Robert goes to the doctor for a regular check-up, he is shocked into a different reality when his prognosis informs him he has terminal cancer. With nothing to lose, Robert journeys into a world of taking risks and living on the edge, hoping to find a cure for his diseased life.
Video, 18 minutes, Color, Narrative

This short had a lot of potential to be the best of the night. It was funny, acting was great, but the story throughline didn't complete itself. It was predictable as I immediately knew the two things the character would do faced with terminal cancer, quit work and tell the woman he loves that he loved her. Fashionably as it may seem maybe it shouldn't have been so obvious. The reward at the end wasn't justified.

THE HAIRS
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Yohei Kawamata
A man comes into his bathroom, looks at the mirror, and starts touching his hair with his hands, smoothly and gently. Before long, his hair starts falling out. Shortly, his hair is gone. But the story does not come to an end. His other hairs are about to fall out soon. Why? What happens?
Video, 5 minutes, Color, Experimental

A running joke that weant 3 minutes too long. Funny, but director could have defined camera angles better to tell the story.

THE TALE OF HAIKU JONES
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Kevin Inouye
Haiku Jones, master slam poet, prepares for his next competition. It's a war of words for these poetry legends. Haikus or sonnets, which will come out on top?
Video, 18 minutes, Color, Narrative

This was one of the lower budgeted films. Extremely low budget but it was one of my favorites of the night. I felt the filmmakers 'got it'. This could have been a pretentious film, but what it was was a film making fun of 'pretentiousness' and pretentious films!

CALL CENTER
(United States, 2004) Dir.: Amyn Kaderali; Scr.: Sunil Malhotra, Manish Goyal, Amyn Kaderali
Who do you call when the pay-per-view goes on the blink, or if the new appliance doesn't work, or if crisis counseling is in order? You'd call customer serviceóthat is, unless the customer service center is actually a call center run by two harried and battling brothers running a phone bank out of some apartment in Bombay. CALL CENTER hilariously observes the phenomenon of overseas outsourcing, with some surprising yet strangely appropriate results.
Video, 12 minutes, Color, Narrative

This film was a showcase for the actors. The story jumps to a running gag on what we've all seen before. A telephone operator crossing lines as he puts people on hold. As old as an Andy Griffith episode. But the standout quality of the film was not the running joke, but the wonderful acting and the point to poke fun at the outsourcing of American Customer Service farmed out to other foreign (even 3rd world) countries. A very, very funny movie!

BIRTHDAY PARTY
(United States, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Tony Lam
A young woman prepares a meal for a birthday party. However, she soon begins to exhibit very strange behavior. Is the woman neurotic? Or is she responding to something terrible that has happened to the outside world?
Video, 8 minutes, Color, Narrative

This movie could have been the most pretentious film of the two programs. But it wasn't because it was as innocent of a movie that Tony Lam wrote and directed. His simple plan... do a short movie about a girl celebrating her birthday party. What he got was so much more! Appaluse to Tony Lam's simple, yet layered first film!

From the Archives: 2003 UCLA interview with Glenn Magas

2005-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

From the archives... This was an interview done in 2003 by UCLA with Glenn Magas. Excerpts of which are found in the UCLA Writers Quarterly.

UCLA: How did you first hear about the UCLA Extension Writers' Program?

GLENN: I originally heard about it from Lew Hunter. He was giving a day seminar at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena. I bought his book and got a taste of screenwriting and I was hooked... Within a year I was in the program.

UCLA: Who were some of your favorite instructors and how did they help you in your writing career?

GLENN: Eric Edson was my first instructor. He had a wealth of information. He’s a master at screenplay structure. My writing partner, Brian Hurney, and I call him the guru of structure. He's awesome.

Steven Wolfson is another one of my favorites. He had great insight on dialogue and scenes. And he was at Game One of the 1988 World Series! You have to love him for that.

Billy Mernit really got my mind focused on character. I pay more attention to character in the first few pages of my screenplay more so now than ever before!

And finally, Paula Cizmar - my mentor. She's awesome and always replies to my emails. She puts everything together - structure, dialogue, character and dynamic scenes!

I always look forward to taking classes from one of these instructors. I look for the classes they are teaching before anything else.

UCLA: What has been your path to your current success?

GLENN: Balance. I guess that's the bottom line. Balance in life as well as perseverance. But what is success? Would finishing a solid script be success? A million dollar sale? I guess it’s all relative. I’m still on that path. And if I can sell a solid script for a million dollars… then I guess I’d say that’s pretty successful.

UCLA: Do you have an agent? If so, who represents you?

GLENN: I haven't actively sought representation yet... do you have any leads? I've been focusing on independent film-making, writing competitions and film festivals. The first short I ever wrote is making its rounds at Film Fests across the Nation (CA: VC Film Fest, Method Fest and NY: Asian American Film Fest and more to come). I’m writing and producing my own short films and desperately trying to get money to fund a feature. But heck... I think it's about time I get representation. Any agents out there? CALL ME!

UCLA: As you continue in your writing, how do you currently "workshop" your writing? (more classes? A writers group? Agent?)

GLENN: I belong to a really strong writers group. I believe all six of us have taken classes at UCLA and my writing partner, Brian Hurney, has also earned a certificate in screenwriting at UCLA. I also try to take an Extension class every quarter. It helps me meet new writers and keeps my mind working.

UCLA: What would you say distinguishes UCLA Extension Writers Program from other writing courses/programs/instructors?

GLENN: There is a great range of classes with credible teachers. The class times are also extremely convenient and cater to people like me with day jobs. My day job supports my needs while I continue my goal of becoming a full-time writer. With benefits and pay please!

UCLA: And finally, what advice do you have for screenwriters still looking for their first break?

GLENN: Listen to your peers and accept criticism on your work. Make writing addictive and don’t quit the addiction. Write every day. Finally- keep taking classes at UCLA!

Director's Guild Address for April 29th Screening of "TAG"

2005-04-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night is the world premiere of Squint Productions new short film, "TAG".
Directed by Dale Fabrigar
Produced by Dale Fabrigar & Glenn Magas
Written by Glenn Magas & Brian Hurney

If you weren't able to attend the private screening in July, now is your chance to watch the movie.

The show will start at 9:30 PM. Tickets for this program is $8.00 and may be purchased in advance at the VC Film Festival Website.

The address for the program is:

DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA
7920 Sunset Blvd.
One block west of Fairfax; corner of Sunset Blvd. and Hayworth Ave.
PARKING: $5 to the public. Enter on Hayworth Ave.

Glenn, Dale and Brian hope to see you all there.

This is the second Squint Productions film accepted and shown at the VC FILM FESTIVAL. The first being "FIRST TIME" in 2003.

"Tag" screening - where and when.

2005-04-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Day: Friday
Date: April 29
Time: 9:30 PM
Where: DGA THEATER 2

You can view the schedule online here:
Program 6

View the "Tag" trailer

"Tag" at the VC Film Festival

2005-04-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

PRODUCED BY DALE FABRIGAR & GLENN MAGAS
WRITTEN BY GLENN MAGAS & BRIAN HURNEY
DIRECTED BY DALE FABRIGAR

TAG WAS OFFICIALLY SELECTED TO SCREEN AT THE 2005 VC FILM FESTIVAL AT THE DIRECTOR'S GUILD OF AMERICA. SCREENING DATE: APRIL 29 @ 9:30 PM in Theater 2!

Squint Productions Films

2005-03-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

TAG 2005
Digital Video
Directed by Dale Fabrigar
Written by Glenn Magas & Brian Hurney

FIRST TIME 2003
Super 16mm
Directed by Dale Fabrigar
Written by Glenn Magas
(Film currently unavailable for viewing due to Film Festival tour)

A SHOT TO THE SYSTEM 1991
1/2" Video
Directed by Dale Fabrigar
Written by Glenn Magas & Dale Fabrigar

LUNCH AT FRANKIE'S 1988
8mm
Directed by Dale Fabrigar
Written by Dale Fabrigar

THE RING 1988
8mm
Directed by Dale Fabrigar
Written by Glenn Magas

"Tag" 2005

2005-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

A DIGITAL SHORT FILM

TAG FAQ
Directed by: Dale Fabrigar
Written by: Glenn Magas & Brian Hurney

(Tag Site)