Michelle Osorio

Archived from my old Xanga blog:

Sorry. Things have been hectic and I’ll admit I’ve been slacking a bit.

Been working at Sea World as audio video operator, as you know. Once Sea World updates their Soak Central section you can see stills from actual shows I taped so you can see how much better my shots have been getting!

Been really busy finishing my grant proposal. It’s tiring and takes a lot out of me. My day consists of 8 hours at Sea World, then working on my grant, then going to bed feeling guilty about the things I didn’t get done.

I am glad for this though because it has forced me to look at aspects of my film from very early on that otherwise I may not have even addressed until after the movie was finished.

For instance, I am getting some museums in Mexico to promise to screen the film already. Actually, that is the doing of my excellent co-producer Aaron Soto.

I now have Huw Collingbourne signed on as a technical advisor. He is a British writer who served as a pop journalist in the 80s for magazines like No. 1 and Flexipop!. He interviewed Depeche Mode (several times), Duran Duran and Adam Ant among others.

I have to get back to working on the grant now. The deadline is Wednesday!!!!

Right after that I am applying for funding from a program whose deadline is August 15th so my posts may be scarce until then.

I have been very happy with Brian and William’s progress (Emodica) on the music for the film although it is hard to get a hold of Brian until the last minute before our weekend meetings. I hope we will meet tomorrow evening because I need to get a CD of their attempts so far at the movie’s music. I need it for the grant.

William found a neat 1981 keyboard at the swapmeet today. I can’t wait to see it! I’ve already heard it and I love how it sounds. It only has four instruments: piano, piano 2, harpsichord and harpsichord 2. Ha ha.

These guys are great. I know they are going to do a brilliant job both for the film’s music and playing the band in the movie as well. I truly think Emodica could go far if they seriously pursued success.

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Archived from my old Xanga blog:

Currently Playing: Very - The TheatreYou are listening to an instrumental of Everything Counts by Depeche Mode. This is an experiment: web page music annoys me so I want to see if it causes the number of comments to drop, hehe.

Today’s 80s fashion review: Depeche Mode: I like Andy’s glasses and Alan’s sleeveless button up. I may skip the blue jeans for the film though. As I mentioned before, I am going to be employing much of the slick suit look from the 80s- a style that can still be appreciated today.

Today’s 80s hair style review: A-Ha: Great hair, boys! I also liked Alan’s hair in the previous DM pic above (top right).

My new job:

So, if you did not know I’m one of around 19 video operators at Sea World. Yesterday was my second day and the first time I operated the camera in the middle of a show. Nothing I taped went live, but it was nerve-racking nonetheless. I would switch with whomever was the real camera operator. I did a terrible job the second time. I mean, I would be fully wide and the whales would STILL pop up entirely off screen! Sheesh! The third time I did pretty good though. Eddie, the cam operator that time, told me I did pretty good. That was a relief.

Do you know how hard it is to video tape killer whales as they are jumping out of a pool that is reflecting the summer sun? Not to mention I’m using a black and white monitor trying to find a black and white animal about to come out of what looks like black and white sparkly water. PHEW.

Work is fun though. Everyone is really nice and friendly. Probably my best work experience so far. It gets a bit hot, but at least I’m allowed to wear shorts. I feel very lucky that at my age I am, for the most part, working jobs I truly enjoy.

The 80s film:

So William came over Satuday night. Neither of us know what on earth has happened to Brian! I’m getting a little worried. Where is he? William and Brian are Emodica, if you forgot. They’re the band doing the music for the film and playing members of the fictional band on screen as well.

The meeting went well and William showed me some great A-ha 45 covers that gave me some good ideas for how to promote the movie. He also told me of some other songs I should listen to from the time. Songs like Enola Gay by OMD and The Promise by When in Rome (which all of us have heard, but I didn’t know the name of nor did I think to download). He also said he wants to go to the Dave Gahan concert (lead singer of Depeche Mode). Wow, I actually found someone who will go with me! Looks like I get to go after all. Yay.

I just put a post up on Indieclub because I am having some trouble with the distribution part of my grant proposal. My grant writing book says to contact potential distributors so they can tell you if they would buy a film like yours or not. Then you mention that in your grant proposal. But, what distributors are there for short films? Almost none! Sure, there’s public television (but the book says avoid saying just that because it is really generic and typical). So I put up a post asking where to start! Who should I call and ask to talk to personally?

I hate calling people, especially if it has to do with the “business” part of filmmaking. This will be good practice though. It makes me a bit nervous, but heck I would never have done this if not for the grant proposal so it’s probably a blessing in disguise.

Real Life:

I feel bad. I was supposed to go visit Juan (he composed Gloria in G for Bosco’s Run) last night. I was just so exhausted from work and getting a cumulative 7 hours of sleep over the weekend. I started feeling a bit sick and dizzy and passed out at around 7:30pm. Oops. I need to call him and apologize.

Raul and David want to meet up either today or tomorrow to talk about ideas for a music video. They didn’t like the treatment I wrote them. They liked the concept, but want something simpler. I told them I’ll try again. I insist I take part in the idea process though because at this point I don’t expect pay, but if the final product is all I have to show for it, it had better be something I’d be proud to put on my demo reel, you know?

I think that’s about it. I have so much to do over my two days off. I need to start on the website (it’s for a shredding company) now that I have the time. Not looking forward to it, but hey that’s money I can use toward the grant application fees and the Dave Gahan concert. Money is money.

Ha, right then Depeche Mode sings “It’s a competitive world. Everything counts in large amounts” on my media player.

How true, boys. How true.

Late Addition:

The original post above is from 3:28pm. I felt like tacking on a bit more though.

I watched OvenFresh on Fuse (the channel formerly known as MuchMusic). It’s a show where they play unknown music videos from small time music groups.

I have only seen this show once before and I have to say the entries today were horrible. During the show you can go online and vote for which music videos you’d like to stay on the show next week. I only saw three and I wouldn’t vote for any of them.

They were so cliche and boring. The typical “band out in nature, band playing to an audience of dancing college drunkards, random shots of either girl walking in nature and/or girl that one of the band members sings about how he lost her due to his stupid ways” kind of video.

Then there was a rap video where some guys sing about cool cars and women they have. God, could you get any more stereotypical?

Come on guys! You are trying to stand out and make a name for yourself! Your songs were decent, but your videos were just awful! Do you really expect to set yourselves apart from a tidal wave of competition by doing a music video like every frikken other artist out there?

Do something daring, artistic, creative, unique. I don’t just mean cool CG effects. Aren’t the music videos with really memorable STORIES or even visuals (set design, etc.) what we remember most?

Even when I was a kid Hot For Teacher, Sledgehammer, Thriller and Take On Me stuck out the most. It filled me with happy nostalgia to see them again later in life. Let’s try to be original, PEOPLE!

In relation to the above, I am disappointed to find out my area does not offer VH1 Classic, despite the fact we have premium digital cable. I am so disappointed. I could be watching 80s videos whenever I wanted to, but noooo…. Damn you, Cox. Damn you…

Hmmm, that just did not sound right.

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Currently Playing: Home Pt.2Man. I’m getting too lazy here. I need to polish the 80s short story (because it’s easier for me to organize the visuals that way for now). Plus, I need to work on Emotion Math’s script. PLUS, I need to design a website tonight. The profit from it goes to pay for TWO GRANT APPLICATIONS I am sending out. I hope I can raise some extra money for this 80s film (other than ALL of my financial aid for this year). It deserves a sufficient budget. People are scared for me because all my financial aid is going into the film. However, I am reading “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” which is not a get rich quick book. It’s supposed to teach you the PHILOSOPHY of money that we should have been taught in school. A filmmaker at Indieclub suggested it. It says those who are afraid to lose money never make money. Good point. You have to take risks for something you believe in. That’s why I’m getting a student loan to buy my Apple G5 in a year. I consider it an investment that will make money BACK for me. Hell, I’ve never been in debt before so this will be interesting. My goal is to pay it back BEFORE I graduate.

This picture of Ultravox is a good example of the “chic” suit style I want to emulate for the film.

————-

I spoke too soon. I only have the money to get the camera. Beggars can’t be choosers. Anyway, talk about unexpected blessings, the same day I find out I can’t get the G5 for another half year or so my uncle (that I live with) tells me to tell him anything he can put on his new computer (PC) so I can edit video and burn DVDs on it.

There must be a higher entity!

Well, anyway I am working on finding the best deal on a DVX100 I can because if I have any extra money I really need to get a matte box to hold filters. After that I will get an anamorphic lens when I save up enough money. Oh, and I need to buy an extended warranty on it too.

Money money money. It makes the world go ’round, according to Cabaret. So, I’ve decided I better become more financially literate.

I also resolved to start taking singing lessons. They’re expensive so I probably can only do one a month. It’s a start though. It’s been several years now and I can really feel the quality of my singing degrading so I better build it back up now. Sometimes I get frustrated trying to sing along to songs like when I was younger and not hitting the high notes or my voice getting raspy.

Yes, there is much to do. I need to work harder.

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Archived from my old Xanga blog:

Currently Playing: Question of Lust

Wow! I actually found a picture I liked of Depeche Mode from the 83-84 time. This is 1984 specifically. I really liked their different suits for their TV performances, but I couldn’t find pictures of them anywhere. This was the best I could do. For the film I think I will mix the suit look up with leather pants, slacks, nice button up shirts (maybe even a sleeveless), thin ties, all of darker shades of grey/black, but no big leather jackets. Ugh. I have to decide who is going to be costume designer eventually. There are two potentials right now.

OKAY ON TO THE GOOD NEWS!

Okay here is my good news. Are you ready for this? It’s in two parts.

1) I found the funds to get my DVX100 (camera) and my G5 computer. That is amazing! I basically found someone who believes in me and my art. I have five years to pay the money back (with no interest, it’s considered an “investment” by my benefactor). Isn’t that GREAT?

It was by accident, really. I was talking about the 80s film to a potential investor in the film. The person instead was willing to give me the money to buy my equipment. This means less dependency on very nice friends for their stuff and plus now I can edit into the wee hours of the night (although that hasn’t stopped me at Torrence’s house, heh).

Okay, I am going to sound sappy, but this film has done some amazing things for me. It’s made me happier than I have ever been…

2) I got the book commercial gig. I’m so excited. Yet another project, but this one actually involves money. BOO YA.

The Panasonic AG DVX100

—-

Begin: Side Note

I’m probably going to get this CD off Amazon. It’s a 2001 reissue of the original album. John Foxx was in the original Ultravox. Huw (that 80s music journalist) told me it is “teriffic.” It’s nice to have my film be an excuse to get such cool stuff. I might get this Depeche Mode DVD originally from Russia if I can afford it. It’s awesome!

End: Side Note

—-

Epilogue: Thanks to good news #1, the money I make at Sea World can go to a better shotgun mic than the one that comes with the Panasonic camera, DVD authoring Software, Final Cut Pro, a monitor for the computer and hopefully enough left for a small TV monitor to make it a full fledged video editing bay.

Is it any wonder I get stomache aches from a) lack of food and b) being so excited!?!? I can’t even eat I am so busy doing all my research/writing and now preparing for these projects and my upcoming purchases. Life is good… although a bit hungry

Xanga says I am listening to A Question of Lust, but by now I’ve also gone through Everything Counts, Enjoy the Silence, Just Can’t Get Enough and now Master and Servant. I’m basically playing everything in my New Wave folder. It’s on Depeche Mode right now. How nice [insert contented sigh here].

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Archived from my old Xanga blog:

You know it’s 5:43 am and I’m not asleep yet? I do this all the time, but I thought that maybe today I would sleep around 3. However, just then I found the best Depeche Mode TV Appearances! They were all on

www.depechemodeitalia.com

Wow! This site was very helpful! I have dozens of videos now of DM’s early 80s TV appearances from all over the place! It really gave me major insight into the Music TV Show format!

I’m already excited thinking about the possibilities! One thing is for sure, if I don’t have colored flashing lights on the set somehow, then I will be commiting a crime against the era. There wasn’t a video clip without them. Then there’s the studio lights- some videos they moved or switched on and off, in others it was simpler.

The rolling fog is fantastic! I found out online how to do it cheap too without a fog chilling machine. There’s a way to attach a beverage cooler (yeah like what you use to hold soda at the beach) to some piping and then attach that underneath the fog machine.

Did I ever mention how wonderful the internet is? I found that out on some fog website:

http://www.gotfog.com/fog_machine_chiller.html

So we “gots” to have rolling fog, flashing colored lights around the band members, set decorations with some kind of reflective surface, dolly in and out to establish the beginning and the end of the song (possible), dancing audience (not sure if by stage or sitting down yet), and many ideas for set design! That’s what I’ve acquired from two and a half hours of watching and downloading all this stuff. What a great website (that Italian DM one).

One thing I noticed is all the European hosts were very rude to the band. It was really funny! In one clip the guy tries to touch David Gahan’s hair and asks Martin Gore if he’s a boy or a girl. Poor Martin just laughs/cries at the same time in embarrassment as he staggers back and decries “I’m a boy!” Hahahahaha.

Then in yet another Italian appearance the hostess started pointing at David’s nose and speaking in Italian. She then tells him that she was just telling the audience that he had something on his nose! So of course he starts wiping it. I didn’t even see anything! What is up with that?

In a Swedish appearance for some reason the live performance would cut to previously recorded footage of each member petting a chicken. What????

Anyway, I think I may borrow that rude host idea. After all, if a Euro band performed in the U.S. I am sure some hick over here would make fun of their “crazy” getups right?

I noticed David Gahan dances even more… enthusiastically in the TV performances. I don’t know. The er… “nimble” dance moves might be a little wrong for the fictional band. After all, they’re a tad older and more sophisticated At least in my mind, thus far. Haven’t decided yet. Cheesy dancing? I’ll have to think about it.

Also downloaded some more Aha videos. I’m getting the Human League’s first two albums off ebay soon.

I also just bought two finance related books on Amazon. How exciting, right? Well, anyway each one was suggested by people I trust over at www.indieclub.com so if they like the books, I’ll use ‘em. One of the books is all about finding funds and grants for your film or video! So obviously you can see where I am going with this.

I hear it is very very difficult to get grants nowadays as the number of filmmakers rises and the pot of cash steadily decreases. Well, I don’t care! I’m going for it! I just hope I have the commitment to do it. I’ll have to spend time writing grant proposals when not working on this script, Michael’s script, shooting Raul’s movie, working at Sea World, (and when school starts) my homework. Yay… double yay… Sigh. Don’t know until I try. Worth a try… right?

I better go to bed now. TNT series is tonight. Aaron, Teri, Carlos, Neil and some others have films playing at that one museum. So I have to attend. Aaron and Israel are picking me up so I get to talk to Aaron about the film. He seems to share my enthusiasm so far. The people over at the www.80s.com forum seem to also. They have been helping me with my research as well.

I am also working at Ina’s restaurant for free on Saturday to help them out with the new business. I’m glad to do it. I just hope she gives me a GOOD deal on catering, as I said before… Wait.. yeah I said that before. Why am I repeating myself?

Okay, I’m going to bed now. It’s 6am. Erm. Yes.

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Archived from my old Xanga blog:

Currently Playing: Metamatic [2001 Reissue] - No One Driving

I am having a blast doing all this research. Thank god it feels like fun and not work (well, not too much anyway).

I am bidding on some albums on ebay because I can’t find the songs anywhere. I am talking through email with this great guy named Huw Collingbourne in the U.K. He was a music journalist in the 80s and he’s giving me INVALUABLE information about music/bands of the times. His interviews with Depeche Mode are especially helpful.

(David Gahan in 1 of Huw’s Flexipop! articles)

Thanks to him I know more what to look for in my research, like TV show appearances and other bands in the same genre as “DM” but considered more “serious”.  He told me what other bands thought of each other, too. This is all good to know, because the fictional band is a little more “polished” by this time, but not as girl-appealing as Duran, Duran. The girl is not a teeny-bopper. She’s reclusive and intelligent so this obsession is her vice I suppose. Nothing she’s ashamed of though.

My eyes are bugging out from being on the computer so much doing all this research but it is a lot of fun. The fictional band is not an emulation of any band in particular, but definitely New Wave. If I had to say a band though it’d be Depeche Mode, but not as.. innocent? That’s not the right word. Well, I need to work on this more  (and keep researching until my head explodes) before I can be sure WHAT this band is all about. I think I ought to come up with a temporary name for them. I’m tired of writing “fictional band” in my brainstorms (good ol’ Word 2000).

Thanks to Huw, I am learning about the music movement, how some bands were seen or categorized, etc. From this I am getting a better idea of the identity of the fictional band, but I am still working on it (their style, look, how they were seen by others, etc.). This is so fun and exciting. I am really enjoying myself and learning so so much.

Huw definitely gets a special thanks in the credits.

You can find some of his original articles here:

http://www.darkneon.com/

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Archived from my old Xanga blog:

Thanks for the encouragement. It’s nice at least a few people are actually reading all this stuff I write.

Okay, that does not make sense at ALL. My answers to the family questions were positive. I’m the least TALENTED? Well, at least it’s right about the “love interests” thing. That’s mostly because I don’t care though. I am more in love with my films than anyone person most of the time. I notice Rudy (my ex-turned best friend) got frustrated about that. He’s a filmmaker too, but I guess not as obsessed as I am.

I got that quiz off the www.80s.com forum where I am doing research for the film. You should see some of the funny results people got. The forums have been useful to me in my writing. People have good input on what the era was like for them.

You can take the quiz here: http://www.liquidgeneration.com  Then go to the question mark on the bottom.

I feel so trendy. I took an online quiz! Look at me!

Anyway, work was lame because I didn’t even work. They had me fill out paperwork then go somewhere to take a drug test (they cut my precious hair). I got lost finding the place and drove like 15 minutes in the wrong direction on the freeway! My orientation is not until the 11th! Is that funky or what? How annoying. I think my supervisor didn’t realize how long it’d be. He told me I’d probably have my orientation TODAY.

Argh. That’s like hundreds of dollars in possible income I missed out on. That’s like.. a regionless DVD player! Or… a shotgun mic, or… twenty minutes of film! Minus the processing and telecine transfer.

Whatever. More time to work on the films.

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