I make films - by Perez-Karam

Casting for my next Comedy Series Pilot

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:44:00 +0000

As we are getting ready to shoot our next project in line, Carlitos is Pissed, the story of a teddy bear that is taking revenge on his owner after being trapped in a box for 12 straight years.

We are looking to cast two parts

John, a 30 year old high school teacher that is going through a difficult time with woman, that has trigger a lot of memories of his teenage years. He is a little taller that average, good looking, but not super hot, Caucasian,

Vicky, a 27 year old girl, from the midwest, a small town girl who moved to New York, just to live the New York life for a couple of years before going back to school. Very hot, very sexy, but not the smartest person in the room.

We will be also receiving applications for the voice of our animated main character. A low voice, with a funny accent preferably (thick british or scottish or even spanish think accent can work).

Please email resume and headshot, if you have an online reel, please send like.

For voice talent, please email resume and voice sample (mp3) to the same email address.

To be considered for the auditions, send the subject with the name of the character you would like (for voice, just write on the subject “voice”)

Please send your applications to perezkaram+casting@gmail.com

Review of "Rich Like Them" by Ryan D'Agostino

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:41:00 +0000

How awesome would it be to go around the country and knock on the doors of very wealthy people, and have them tell you the story of how they made their fortune? Lucky for us, Ryan D’Agostino did that exactly, and put it all in a book for us to read!

“Rich Like Them” takes us in a trip with D’Agostino to the wealthiest ZIP codes in the US, and his experience with the people who were willing to let him come into his homes and talk about their fortune (he says that of around 500 people who actually open the door, around 50 people actually talked to him).

The reading is great, easy to read, full of anecdotes, where you almost feel you are with Ryan walking up the driveway to the amazing waterfront house. He even writes about the people who didn’t want to talk to him, and how some of that led him to talk to someone else who taught him (and hopefully us) a great lesson to include in the book.

What I liked most about the book was how most of the people D’Agostino writes about, are as normal as you and I. They are nothing out of the ordinary at first, but they all realized something about building wealth, and we all have one or two things (or tons of thousands of things) to learn from them.

Thank you Ryan D’Agostino for going out and putting all this experiences in one book. It is very inspiring to read.

Today at the Open Video Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:40:00 +0000

The Open Video Conference has had a great start. In the morning I had the chance to listen to the Chris Blizzard — Director of Evangelism at Mozilla Corporation and Mark Surman — Executive Director at Mozilla Foundation. They talked about how they are helping make the technology to take video off the little flash box where it lives right now when in our browsers, and making it work as any other element in the web, thinking web 2.0, where elements are integrated and connected. The technology is being developed openly under an open source free license, so everyone can have access and we can all make and share videos.

Check out the people that are in the same boat with Mozilla, they are called Kaltura and they seem to be big player of the future or open video

We also had a Fair Use Discussion, by Anthony Falzone — Executive Director of the Fair Use Project at Stanford Law School, and Corynne McSherry — Staff Lawyer at Electronic Frontier Foundation. That was very interesting too, and I will blog more about it latter today, when I check back on my notes. They gave the audience tips on how to respect fair use, and how not to push the boundaries of copyrights so we don’t get in trouble, and still be able to remix, re post, redo, or remake what.

There was also a shorter but as good chance, to meet with Lizz Winstead — co-creator of the Daily Show, how made some fun comments about politics, but more important, made the important remarks of what drives real influential viral videos. She said that the videos that talk about current issues, are the ones that actually influence the audience and have an impact in society. And now, we all have the means to do it. A great example she showed on the conference is this Storm Gathering Spoof they did on Gay Marriage.

Let’s see what is the best that we get tomorrow on the Open Video Conference. Come back to check it out.

subHysteria is finished

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:52:00 +0000

In August 2008, Leonard my business partner and friend, came to me with the idea of making and improvised film. We had just come out of our first setback as a production company, and we needed something fun to pick us up.

So we followed the improve concept, created a story, partner up with EO Agency, that is ran by our friend Roberto, and we created subHysteria, the story of 16 people who get trapped underground in a subway car after an accident, without any certainty of ever being rescued.

Not a year has passed and we can proudly say that we have finished our first feature film. It has been an intense ride. With a lot of happy moments, not so happy ones, but with a drive and passion that seem to be part of our working philosophy.

Yesterday we created all the elements to start sending it out to potential distributors, buyers, production reps, and we really have a lot of faith in our movie. It's engaging, it's unique, it's real.

Soon to be screened in NY, LA and Miami.

And what now, well, now Roberto, Leonard and I have teamed up to create the platform from where we are going to produce our movies and series, soon to hit the Internet and theaters, and probably one or two TV networks. As for the future plans, we can only tell you that a Teddy Bear will fill up the cyberspace with crazy quotes, a lawyer will do everything in his power to get a little kid his Christmas gift, a friend will have to debate on whether to stick with his hot girlfriend or move on to a not-so-hot but smarter girl that he just met, and a mother of two will have an affair with a sex addict in recovery that is half her age.

All this and a little more, in development now, by EO7.

Check out subHysteria imdb.com page to see who is involved.

2 months - subHysteria Locked Image

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:27:00 +0000

First time I edit a feature. It was a two months process. Gustavo and I where cutting and cutting, and for the last three weeks, I couldn't take my eyes away from the screen. Even where I did, the story and characters would follow me where ever I went.

It was so nice to have a locked film. That moment, when Leonard told me "We are locked" my mind went straight to the first frame I saw of subHysteria, the first time I sat down to visualize the footage. It was a daunting task infront of me. 27 hours of footage, that Gustavo (my co-editor) and I had to some how turn into 90 minutes, and make it interesting, and we had no script.

My approach was a little like I would have edited a documentary. A little bit like sculpting out a of big piece of stone. Taking bits out, trying to make it look and feel like something with sense.

Well, I'd have to say we accomplished, and after long hours, not a lot of sleep, and several nightmares and Friday nights working, subHysteria has finally moved on to it's next stage: sound design and color correction.

Now, my next step is to finish writing my next three projects, and keep pushing to get the resources to get Secrets produced!

subHysteria in Quiet Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:28:00 +0000

The great blog Quiet Earth, just published an interview they did to us last week.

It's a great piece, read it here.

As for how the movie is going! we are editing! it's going great! it's moving forward and we are preparing a great viral video campaign! so stay tuned!

Vote for this Superbowl Ad, you might win tickets!

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:06:00 +0000

My very good friend Nic made the final 5 (out of over 1900 entries) for the Doritos Superbowl contest! Please vote and spread the word. Every vote is an entry for Superbowl tickets (valued at $10k) and you can vote once per day till the 25th. The video is called "Power of the Crunch" and the link is:

http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/

Thanks!

subHysteria Teaser Internet Release

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:58:00 +0000

Today we have released our first promotional teaser of our first feature film subHyteria.

Check the link below to see it exclusively in YouTube, and share it, rate it, comment on it. Let us know what you think!

Thank you so much, and hope you enjoy it.

Watch it here.

subHysteria - DAY 1 is done!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:55:00 +0000

SO we got some beautiful footage, and after the messy day one, everything really went very smooth. Great performance, great photography, and so much good energy!!!

Tomorrow a lot of rehearsal and on Sunday, back to shoot.

Isabella at Real TV Films

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:13:00 +0000

Here is a video that Isabella Cascarano, one of our very talented actors, had osted this morning from RealTVFilms. Check it out.

subHysteria - DAY 1 - Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:19:00 +0000

The first scene was shot with out problems. Getting ready for the next two scenes… guess what? We are running behind schedule… surprised anyone? Don’t be! It’s looking great and we are already catching up. Actually I think we are getting hungry. Thank you Gayle!

subHysteria - DAY 1 - first update

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:38:00 +0000

It is my experience that every first day of production is a mess; props missing, cars breaking, crew getting used to working together. subHysteria’s first day was no exception! But we are on our way already and everything seams to be in place. At least for now. All the gear is hear, we are already changing the van that almost breaks down on us, the props are in place, and as for the crew, we have worked together before... at least most of us.

We already have our first shot in the can (or should I say in the hard drive?)

Blog you later...

subHysteric Rehearsals!!! So close to shooting!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:42:00 +0000

I had almost forgot the magic of acting, the magic of playing, how important it was for us as kids to play the doctor, or mom and dad, or good guys and bad guys.Today was the second rehearsal of subHysteria. It has been so great to see this ensemble of really talented artist giving shape to this interesting characters.

Today, a wonderful group of people remind the importance of pretending, the importance of connecting with yourself, or even de-attaching from yourself to come back to it.

I’m very happy with the cast, very happy with our production team, and I’m very proud of Leonard Zelig, our director.

In the same way, today I’m very grateful of everyone, from the investors to the assistants, that are involved in this project just because the want to see it happen, born from Leonard’s mind, realized from all of our hearts.

What would you do if you had 5 hrs left to live??

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:44:00 +0000

Hola!

Some of you know that I'm pre-producing subHysteria, a drama about sixteen people that get stuck in a NYC subway car for 36 hours without communication, food, way to escape and a fatal sensation that they are going to die.

The entire film will be improvised, and our idea is to be very interactive with the audience (meaning you) that's why I want to invite you to share your thoughts in our blog about this question: WHAT WOULD YO DO IF YOU HAD 5 HOURS TO LIVE? It's kinda philosophical, so I'm very intrigued by your answers. Your idea could end up in the film.

Click here to tell us your story.

RED SOX NATION

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:51:00 +0000

I have be honest, I was one of those who stopped caring after the top
of the 7th. I was not really in the mood to deal with a 7-0. I said to
my friends "baseball season is over for me tonight".

My dad's sms started it all, from Caracas he txted "I hope you are
watching the game" I was not! I had to interrupt the great
conversation that I was having with my roommate and log into the
Internet to watched. The game was tied on the top of the 9th. 7-7. I
couldn't belive it. My hands were shaking. It was amazing really. It
sealed like a flash back to the last couple of times the BoSox played
the ALCS. I called my dad to tell me how it happened, and finally saw
Drew hit that pushed that last run, in the comfort of my bed.

Last night remind me two important things. 1. The game does not end
until the last out! 2. Baseball, more than just a sport, has brought
my family together many times.

Go Red Sox! Go Boston!

subHysteria - in preproduction

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:50:00 +0000

One day, after a setback in a big project Leo and I are making he came and told me something along this lines: "What if you where in the subway, on your way to Manhattan, and you hear and explosion, and stayed trapped in the train, with 15 more people that you don't know, without communication with the outside world and no way out of the car? How far will you be able to go when you know you will die?" That was the premise of our nex project. The one we are producing right now. subHysteria. A coproducción of EGG 7 Films with EO Agency.

It's improve based, which is very interesting right away, because it really takes me back to days when I used to do theater. The real second to second experience in the production nature. It's almost like we are going to have with great ensemble that are going to come out and give us an amazing performance for five nights, and we are going to explore that visually with the cameras. And the performances of these people are going to be so intense the moment they realize there is really no way out!

I'm very glad to be collaborating again with my long time friend Leonard Zelig, who besides filmmaker, actor and screenwriter, is the creator of the now popular blog Guerrilla Filmmaking. The same go with Roberto Alcazar, with who I have already created beautiful pieces like CASI 10, to premier on Nov 20th at the Miami Short Film Festival.

Also count with the collaborations of other great artist: Phil Armand as Director of Photography, Ryan Uzilevsky as Camera Operator, Tao García as the Production Designer, and Cesar León and Guillermo Cabrera as part of the production team.

Sci-Fi on Mexican Immigrants - La Matrix Mexicana güey!

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:51:00 +0000

Today my friend Tao sent me a link to the Sleep Dealer's trailer. I can't wait to see the film. It seams to me it's gonna be a great sci-fi pic that will rock the box office. It's based on the premise that the near future would have the borders completely shot, but Americans will still have machines that are controlled by connected Mexicans on the other side of the border.

From Writer and Director Alex Rivera, produced by Maya Entertainment.

Check out the trailer and then check out the website and sign up for their news letter so you can see it as soon as it's shown close to you.

Biological Animation Software, it's beginning.

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:33:00 +0000

NaturalMotions is a software company responsible for a technology that “creates high-quality 3D character animation in real time by combining artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and dynamics simulation”.

That sound big… and it is! Check out this video shoot in 2003, of how they came to be and a great showcase of the development stages of the software.

Then check out the demo of the possibilities of endorphin.

Screenwriting 2.0

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:14:00 +0000

When I write screenplays I like using Final Draft, because it's been around long enough and seams to me it is the most standard of all screen writing software. However, it cost money, and we all know screen writing is not the most profitable career at its beginning.

The open source community came up with Celtx, a free licensed, very complete software, with tools that go from development to production breakdowns and scheduling, that basically makes this great writing software into a fantastic production tool. It also has Internet collaboration and network backup capabilities that makes it the perfect tool for team work. On the other hand, being an open source project stimulates the evolution of the software.

Now, the other great alternative that I discovered today, and is what inspired to write this post, is a web 2.0 screen writing application that runs within your browser.

Zhura.com

You set up your account, for free (don't know for how long), and you can create scripts, file ideas, make your scripts and ideas private or public under Creative Common Licenses, create collaboration groups and export the scripts you have edited as PDF or text, in case you need to import it into another software, for production for instance.

It's a powerful tool for anybody involved in film, TV or just writing, I believe you can have the best out of it in collaboration work.

Give it a try, actually try them all, but don't miss zhura.com. I'm almost certain is the future of writing for the screen.

Film Colaboration

noreply@blogger.com (Javier Perez-Karam) — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:46:00 +0000

This week has been a week of transformation. It has been a week of encountering my wn devils. Everyone of us has to do it eventually.

For that reason I start this blog, to analyze, to explore myself as a filmmaker, as an audiovisual artist.

Several times I have started a blog, with no real end in mind. This time the blog will serve as my platform of reflexions of things that I have to tell the world.

I consider myself an artist, a storyteller, an innovator.

I'm a big fan of technology. It doesn't surprise me anymore, it amazes me every time.

My medium, moving images, is in constant communion with technology and it's advances. So tat will be something else I will be blogging about probably.

Anyway, here is my new little corner in the Internet. Let me know about yours and shere the knowledge.