Blue Skies are Calling

Whoa. I need to stop and breathe for a second. I am sort of shocked that it's Thursday already. I have only 4 days left of a glorious break.

I've been having fun. I had a couple parties with the family around Christmas, much like every year. Then, the cousins from LA came to visit, and we talked for three hours. I spent the past two days tromping around Johnstown with my cousin McKenzie. We were also joined by Alaina, Ryan, and Adam. What a crew! We ate a lot of good food and watched half a dozen movies.

Now, McKenzie has suddenly returned to Virginia because homework and projects were calling her name. I guess I should start working on stuff too. But first, I have to find a suit. Being awkwardly long and skinny isn't always easy. I haven't found a nice suit yet. The Winter Formal is over two weeks away. So, I still have time. A road trip might be in order.

As 2010 ends, I am excited for what lies ahead. It was another fun year. 2010 leaves me with hope.

Happy Birthday Jesus

It's Christmas! Get off the computer and go hang with your family and friends! God Bless!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

So it's Christmas Eve. Feels weird, doesn't it?

Last night, Ryan, Adam, and I helped decorate our cathedral. Setting up the trees and the nativity scenewas difficult but fun. Then we joined Alaina and her brother to hit up Dunkin Donuts and Coney Island.

Oh yeah. I also saw Black Swan yesterday. It was crazy but very good. It was a sort of film that I have not seen before - very dark and artsy. The whole movie had a dancing movement to it, and you can't help but get completely lost in it. Definitely check it out.



So far today, my family and I have been busy preparing - cleaning the house and baking cookies. The holidays always end up being stressful, and we started the day with an argument. After everyone had their say and cooled down, we sat in the living room with our heads in our hands. Now things are better, and I'm looking forward to break.

For some reason, I really missed my grandparents today. My church had a mass dedicated to them this morning at 7:00 am but none of us made it. I hope they're somewhere warm.

Well, wishing you all the best! Less than 24 hours until Christmas!

I'm Not Applying Anymore

As of two hours ago, I am officially done applying for college. Just in time for Christmas. It feels good.

For the first time in a long time, I had some downtime tonight. So I finished watching a documentary I started a week ago. It's called Tales From the Script. Anyone not interested in filmmaking would most likely be bored to tears.


Basically, the screenwriters who were interviewed talked about how cutthroat the industry is and how no one knows what they're doing. It was really funny and yet horrifying at the same time.

At the end of the movie, one of the writers talked about writing the film My Life. It starred Nicole Kidman and Michael Keaton and had to do with cancer. The movie got awful reviews and the writer was mortified and embarrassed.

However nine months after the release, a woman came up to him at a party and shared her story. Her husband had died of cancer, and her twelve-year-old son never talked about it. Then, she was diagnosed with cancer and had six months to live. She took her son to see the movie, and on the way home afterward, he sobbed. At home, he crawled into bed with her, and they had the conversation that she needed to have in order to leave the world.

So in retrospect, the writer wrote the movie for her. Unknowingly. And it was enough.

I think that's cool. And as I worked on my college essays about my passion in film, etc., it was easy to become a little discouraged. I made the short film A Dance in Time. It was a high school film - nothing extraordinary. But many friends of my grandparents, whom I would never have talked to otherwise, have approached me. Many older couples tell me how much they enjoyed the film. So I guess that is enough.

It still hasn't sunk in. But only three days until Christmas.

Movie Love

This past weekend was a little crazy, and it felt never-ending. But Monday brought a new week and so far, I am as happy as can be.

It feels like Christmas. I'm working to get stuff done before break. Man do I need one! I think we all do.

Besides Christmas, this is one of my favorite times of the year for another reason: movies! And most of the best ones! The only downside is that Johnstown hardly ever gets any of the limited releases. But that won't stop me. As of now, I'm driving an hour away with some friends on Thursday to see Black Swan. I'll drive all Oscar season if I have to. There's a buttload of films I want to see.


I'm almost done with my final college application - LMU. I've been working on the film essay. I have to write about the elements of the most powerful stories and storytellers. The essay has actually been giving me a hard time.

When I was searching for inspiration the other day, I stumbled across a dude who makes a movie montage at the end of each year. They were really cool. Of course, I'm a sucker for those montages at the ends of movies that give you little heart goosebumps (see Annie Hall, Slumdog Millionaire, 500 Days of Summer, and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix).

Anyways, the Cinema 2010 montage was uploaded today. Make some popcorn and enjoy!

Also, only four days until Christmas! I can't believe it!

Snow Day Results

Tonight, I am busy working on homework and projects that have resulted from the third snow day of the year. Yesterday was fun.

I'm home alone! That means endless coffee drinking and blasting music!

Tomorrow my school's student council is hosting a Christmas Coffeehouse aka open mic night. I have stuff to prepare for that tonight too. I can talk about it tomorrow. I also still have to write about the weekend and a new development - mine and Alaina's strange relationship that no one understands.

Well, I better get back to work. Only ten days until Christmas! Holy poop! Finish up getting your gifts for your besties!

Yes... I used that word.

I Want to Dance

I just had the urge to dance. Like fun dancing. Goofy, awkward, flinging arms everywhere dancing. And I want to laugh.

Last night, Ryan and I watched The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I read about the movie online. It received good reviews and everyone was talking about how much they liked it. Despite it's 2.5 hour running time, I was assured that it was thrilling.

I have to disagree. Ryan and I were bored. While the girl who plays Lisbeth (the girl with the dragon tattoo) was cool, it was hard to stay interested. I realize that converting a story from book form to movie form is really difficult. So, I don't usually try to compare the two. I hate it when people label a Harry Potter film as awful because it left out a half of a page of the book. I don't even care if the movie has plot changes. At the end of the day, the film has to stand on its own as a good piece of art.

But the changes made to the film version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo were weird and awkward. Unlike the book, I thought the movie was flat. It never got more thrilling or climaxed.

And finally, it pushed the whole feminist thing way too much. The book dealt with the issue of female abuse in a cool way that befitted the story. On the other hand, the movie included an extended rape scene (that was awkward to watch with Ryan) and numerous murder pictures. When the long movie should have been ending, Lisbeth had a long conversation with her mom about the abuse she suffered from her father. I think this is a plot development from the second novel. It didn't need to be in the first movie. Last, an important character from the book wad dead in the movie. Why. Here's the exact line: "Anita had a successful career before tragically dying of breast cancer." Why not? Let's throw breast cancer awareness in there too. The line sounded ridiculous even is Swedish.

Sorry for complaining. I know you don't care. The experience wasn't totally awful.The film's un-American sex scenes sparked interesting conversation between Ryan and me. And in the scene where Lisbeth removes her shirt to reveal armpit hair, Ryan did a double take. I forgot Swedish girls rolled like that. Hot.

Before going to bed, we watched a little bit of the documentary This Film is Not Yet Rated for a good laugh.



As I worked on stuff today, I've been listening to Conditions by the Temper Trap. It's really good. Why haven't I bought that album yet?


11 days until Christmas!

I know it's not a Christmas song, but here's Love Lost by the Temper Trap.

Congratulations to Me

First off, this is my 50th blog post. Wow. I didn't think I would get there. Let's party!

I guess my gift is another snow storm. Schools in Johnstown got out early today, and I'm holding out for a third snow day so I can finally start typing my LMU essays.

I've been working on a poetry project for AP English. I'm reporting on Eating Poetry which has a theme of feeding attractions. Which reminds me of reading over 150 pages of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Saturday. I finally finished the book at Alaina's birthday party.


Needless to say, I really liked the Swedish crime thriller. It was cool, sexy, and new. I guess I'll have to read the other two novels in the trilogy in the summer.


A little later tonight, I'm going to crash on my couch with some coffee and blankets to watch the Swedish movie. Thank God for Netflix on the Wii. Just saying.



America is working on its own version of the film. Because it's directed by David Fincher, it should be awesome. We'll find out next Christmas. That is if the Mayans are wrong, and we don't blow up before then.

Anyway, only 12 more days until this Christmas!

Recovery Evening

I had a blast this weekend! And now I'm recovering.

Alaina celebrated her birthday and officially became an adult too. I went on a lot of adventures, partied with Alaina, and ate a bunch of yummy food. I really want to talk about all of it, but I've decided to wait until Alaina gets her pictures developed.

Until then, I have a special announcement. If I've calculated correctly, this summer marks the 5th Anniversary of Pine Street Productions. The summer before I entered high school, my family bought a video camera, and I began making silly videos with my siblings and neighbors.


To celebrate the anniversary in conjunction with my leaving for college, Ryan and I were discussing throwing a huge block party - complete with food, Chinese lanterns, loud music, tents, everyone we know, and maybe even fireworks. We could watch all of the movies consecutively on a huge sheet. Ryan, Adam, and I could even make a short documentary on our history together. That would be fun.

Until then, I'm thinking about launching a mini-series entitled Pine Street Productions: Five Years of Violence, Sex, and Love.

Lately, we've been watching some of our old projects and laughing our heads off. You get a certain satisfaction when you watch your pre-puberty self acting like an idiot. We've also been surprised to find a staggering amount of violence and a number of sexual innuendos throughout the Pine Street films. Oh goodness.

USC wanted me to upload a video sample online, so I created a Vimeo account. Eventually, I'm going to post clips from the past films on there. However, it will have to be after I finish my LMU application - probably sometime over Christmas break. I'll announce the official release date when I figure it out.

Moving on. Thirteen days til Christmas! Unfortunately, most of the Christmas music on the radio is annoying. So I set out to create the ultimate holiday soundtrack entitled A Very Hipster Christmas. Good Christmas songs are out there.

One of the cool ones is Happy Birthday Guadalupe by the Killers. I haven't had a chance to watch the video until tonight.

The kids are not alright because they're not kids. They're freaking adults!

Sigh. So I wasn't sure what to blog about tonight. But there was one recent event that has stuck in my mind.

Lately, Ryan and I have been driving around town on adventures together. We usually do around Christmas.

One night while we were at Wal-Mart, I wanted to buy The Kids Are Alright. I've been wanting to see it since it came out in the summer. But of course, Johnstown doesn't get the good, limited release movies. Isn't there something terribly exciting about buying movies you haven't seen yet?

We were getting a bunch of groceries that had to be purchased with a credit card. But I wanted to pay for the movie with cash. So, I gave the money and the movie to Ryan. Red flag! Siren! Alarm!

I forgot that The Kids Are Alright was rated R. "I'll need to see an ID," said the cashier lady. I reached into my pocket to pull out my driver's license. "I can't do that! I can't do that!" She needed a parent's permission. A parent!

Apparently, the lady believed that if I purchased the movie, I was just going to give it to Ryan on the way out. Explaining that I was buying it for myself was no use. If Ryan had a heart attack watching a dirty movie, excuse her, a scary movie, then it would be Wal-Mart's fault. What a weird world we live in today.

I just gave up. Everyone behind us was already giving us funny looks. Like we were trying to buy a porno. Wal-Mart doesn't even sell "dirty" movies.

Life will go on. But I'm eighteen. I'm an adult. I want to be treated like one. Although I don't want to be called one because that's weird.

I remember thinking that seniors in high school were so old whenever I was younger. Now I'm a senior, and I still feel like a kid. Which might be sort of good in a way. I don't know.

In other news, most of our running around today involved gearing up for Alaina's birthday. I wanted to celebrate her passage into adulthood tomorrow. However, she came over to bake cookies tonight and most of the surprises are already ruined thanks to my family. Not to mention, I think I have ringworm (I'm clean I swear!). Life is wonderful.

Chad Strikes Back

So I took a hiatus. A long one. The last two months were a whirlwind. At many moments, I encountered something I longed to blog about. But I didn't want to start blogging again unless I knew I could keep it up consistently. That wouldn't be fair.

I turned in my research paper today (I wrote about interracial couples), and so I'm beginning to feel free. Well freeer. Free-er. More free.

A buttload of bloggable events occurred in the past two months. I'll try to pick some ones to focus on over the next few weeks.

A few highlights:

I finished the short film, called it a Dance in Time, and entered it in a few festivals. We'll wait and see what happens.
I also completed all of my applications except for one - LMU, which I plan to start this week.
And I'm starting to grow a little more facial hair. Not quite there yet.

In other news, Christmas is in 16 days. Holy crap. All of the sudden, winter struck Johnstown and we had two snow days. My guidance counselor reminded me again today that senior year flies by. She's right.

But I'm having fun. And I'm excited for what lies ahead.

Blue Jean Baby, LA Lady...

I have not blogged in forever. In fact, I've forgotten what this feels like.

I want to start by apologizing. I've been very busy lately. Most of my college applications are due on December 1st. So is my research paper... I'm writing about interracial couples. And I'm in A Christmas Carol, which will be performed on December 2nd and 3rd. Come December, I will be a free man!

Until then, I probably won't have much blogging time. But I wanted to stop in and think about what I've been doing.

First of all, I am officially applied to Florida State University. It feels good. Now, I'm working on Chapman. I have to make a two minute video describing me, but I can't be in. Brainstorming time.

I've also spent the last two weeks of my life sitting in front of this computer, editing the short film. I'm happy to report that it is finished (sort of). I'm still not sure of the name. Right now, it's A Dance in Time. Any ideas? Somebody please!

Bishop McCort is having a scholarship luncheon on Friday, and the movie will be shown there. Dealing with the administration has given me a taste of what directors have to face when dealing with studio executives. I'm also sending it to the YoungArts Scholarship program and a couple festivals. We'll see what happens. More on this later.

And today was the LHAC Conference Crosss Country meet. I was scared and nervous because this season has been sort of weird. But everyone ran well, and I managed to somehow pull ahead for the win at the end. We still have work to do. Districts is 10 days away. But I said early on that one of my goals was to achieve Cross Country success, and showtime is approaching.

As stressful as things have been, I'm having fun. I can't help but be excited.

Before I head to bed, I wanted to share this article I came across the other day. It talks about movie soundtracks. It also highlights Cameron Crowe and Almost Famous.

http://www.film.com/features/story/five-directors-seamlessly-integrate-music/41746778?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+film/kEcE+(Film.com+Movie+Blog)&_r=true

While I was in LA, the trio of Brad, Danielle, and Erica was shocked that I hadn't seen Almost Famous. I watched it, and it has since become one of my favorites. Kate Hudson may be the only blonde I ever love. And I like Cameron Crowe. He writes and directs from the heart.

And I was thinking about this movie the other day. I've been waiting for its release in America for a long time.

Friend Request

After a very stressful week, I was thrilled for a fun weekend. I went to the football game (nearly froze to death), edited my short film, hung out on Saturday night, and saw The Social Network.

As expected, it was good. The film has already been called a "classic" story. Because I've read many classics so far for AP English including Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, and The Great Gatsby, I have to agree. Maybe Mrs. Reaman will let us discuss it tomorrow (nice try).


Alaina and I have concluded that Jesse has surpassed Michael Cera. He was pretty dark and definitely has acting skills. Everyone else was really cool too including Brenda Song (who won't be on the Disney Channel anymore).


Basically, Mark gets inspired by some guys and invents the facebook in order to impress his ex Erica. His best friend Eduardo is made CFO as the website starts to gain attention.

Everything goes well until Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) enters the scene and seduces Mark with his coolness and California. In the process, poor Eduardo gets screwed, and Mark is later sued by Eduardo and the other dudes who claim they had the idea for Facebook.


The movie is actually very relatable. Alaina and I could draw parallels between the characters and people that we actually know. I mostly identified with Eduardo. He was the only nice/nomal guy and ended up getting screwed over. I hope that doesn't happen to me. I guess I just have to be smart when I enter the big world.

What's scary is that Mark and Eduardo are real people. I hope they can become friends again somehere down the road.


Of course everyone has a facebook, but that's not what the movie is really about. These guys could have started a lemonade stand, and the story would have been just as compelling.

The script was the best part. At the end of the movie, we sort of just sat there. Alaina was angry and crying. That means the movie was good. She's an emotional film viewer.

As I went to Walmart, drove home, and headed to bed, all I could think about was The Social Network.

Go see it.

Taking Flight

I have the sudden urge to fly somewhere. It doesn't matter where. Who's with me?

The cross country invitational today was fun. In tribute to a past runner, the guys wore tube socks and pre-wrap headbands. I looked sexy in my 80s running style. It was a good race.

As usual on invitational days, I am now pooped. So even though I have a buttload of stuff to do, I am taking the night off. After we got home, Alaina and I laid around my house for three hours.

I want to talk about the future. I named this blog "Trekking to Adulthood." I am definitely trekking. But I can trek to wherever I want. And right now, I like where I am headed. I know who I am and what I want to be.

For instance, I know that I am going to follow my dreams. I want to be a filmmaker. And everyone else can suck it. That's right, I said it.

My old religion teacher (one of the best teachers I ever had) once said that there is a big problem with today's education system. It is geared toward the goal of getting kids good jobs that make a lot of money. He said that somewhere along the way, teachers forgot to tell their students to go after their dreams. And he told us to dream every day.

Unfortunately, he was right. Filmmaking is not a "safe" job. Art is not a "safe" job. Fashion is not a "safe" job. Writing is not a "safe" job.

Who cares?

I am currently working on an essay for a scholarship program. The program wants to know about obstacles that I have overcome - along the lines of family death, hardship, poverty, etc. Well, I haven't had to endure any of those. But I have had other obstacles.

Living in a small town, I have tried to make movies. No film classes. No budget. No support from city managers.

Most people in my town stare at me like I'm looney when I tell them my intended major. You want to know the truth? I love that blank stare. I just smile.

Most people in my senior class are planning to be physician's assistants, engineers, doctors, whatever. Great for them. If they love it.

I am going to do what I love. Luckily, I have supportive parents. Thank you mom and dad. And my friends and role models are there for me too.

I am not afraid. I am taking a chance. I not interested in money. I am interested in passion. I am actually going to attempt to go somewhere outside of my city's limits. People want to know why in the world I would want to go to school so far away. Distance is not an issue to me. I can get a job and hop on a plane.

I'm not sure where I am going with all of this. But I think that some things in live are worth it. I don't want to be one of those people that choose a "safe" life and then regret it for the rest of forever. Everyone out there (that means you Alaina and Christina), don't give up.

I submitted my Florida State Film School personal statement last night. It was about my motivation to become a filmmaker. It ended with "The adventure starts here."

Arcade Fire has their new album Suburbs out. This is "Ready to Start." I like it.

In Love Again

My sister Addison turned ten about three weeks ago. Unfortunately, her party was canceled because she had pneumonia. So, we had the party tonight.

My brothers headed to the high school football game, but I stayed behind because I have adult things to do now.

Just kidding.
I actually had to lead musical chairs and finalize some college essays. I boycott football anyway.

I have to get to bed early because I have a cross country invitational tomorrow. So, I don't have time for any in-depth blogging although I need some right now.
On Sunday, I'm going to attmept to write three essays and read Hamlet among other things. (Yeah... right.)

For now, I want to do something I should have done awhile ago: introduce my latest girlfriend.

Meet Florence Welch.

She's from England. She is in a band called Florence + the Machine. I recently bought the album Lungs.

The music is good. She's cool. And best of all, she is real. I want to drive around town with her in strange outfits and drink tea (which I don't even like).

She has officially been added to the"People Chad Wants to See in Concert" List.(along with Coldplay, OK GO, Vampire Weekend, Phoenix, and Lady Gaga)

Check out "Heavy in Your Arms". Yes, it's from Eclipse - told you it had good music.

The video actually creeps me out (and it's edited down), but I like the black and white. Watch any of her other videos. They are all Certified White Boy Fresh.

Hi There.

I am a man now. So suck it. Just kidding. I shouldn't talk like that on here.

As an adult, I have discovered two things:
1. I am officially addicted to coffee.
2. I miss blogging.

Lately, other commitments have been sucking my life away. But tomorrow, that changes. I promise. I have things I want to talk about.

Tonight I am up late working on homework and finalizing a college essay. If you ever feel down in the dumps. Stay up late and work on stuff with the aid of an iPod, coffee, and frozen yogurt.

See you tomorrow! Until then... watch this. I'm so excited!

Entering the Cocoon

I can't wait to curl up in my blankets and go to sleep. As I do, I will be entering a cocoon. Tomorrow when I wake up, I will legally be considered an adult. I will be eighteen.

Will I suddenly become a man? Will my friends and family recognize me?
In reality, I will eat some Oreo Blizzard cake from DQ (yum) at some point and life will go on as usual. I've been so busy with college applications and such lately that I haven't had time to reflect on this adulthood thing. By the way, a few minutes ago I officially began editing the short film - I pieced two clips together. Whoot! Whoot!

Turning eighteen isn't really a big deal. I'm not in to dirty movies. However, it has served as a gentle reminder that high school is going to end. Which is weird but cool. The rest of my life is going to start in a year, and I need to get ready. My mom will no longer be available to tie my ties for me! (Don't worry - I'm learning.)

Anyway, I should get some sleep, but first...

I like fall. One of my favorite things about my birthday season is the movies! Besides Toy Story 3, Inception, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, the summer films kind of sucked. Autumn seems like it is going to come to the cinematic rescue!

So really quickly, here's Chad's fall movie preview:

1. Never Let Me Go
September 15th


During my sophomore year, I read an online interview with my girlfriend Keira Knightley. She talked about a movie she was working on based on an awesome book - Never Let Me Go. I borrowed the book from my teacher and read it in a week. I thought it was beautiful. Plus, Keira and Carey Mulligan are involved in the movie: heaven. It will probably be depressing... I'm excited.

2. 127 Hours
November 5th

I mentioned earlier that I have a love obsession with Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire). So naturally, I have to check out his new movie. I just saw the teaser trailer yesterday. It's based on a true story and stars James Franco as a dude who gets stuck in a Utah canyon. Looks cool.

3.The Social Network
October 1st

Alright, I've been hearing buzz about this movie for forever. Apparently the script is really good. And David Fincher is brilliant. Plus, I think Jesse Eisenberg is funny (Alaina thinks he is cute... eww). The Social Network has already been called a classic and generation defining. Ever since I read The Great Gatsby, I have been waiting to watch a moody film. This is it.

4. Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows (Part One)
November 19th

I'm a big fan of the crew that made the last two Potter films. From the looks of things, they outdid themselves on the finale. I could pee myself just thinking about it. Nothing else needs to be said. (Except that Emma Watson will be wearing a red dress)

5. Tron Legacy
December 17th

I don't really know much about this one. But I've been reading about it for the past two years... seriously. Tron was an eighties movie with Jeff Bridges (I never saw it). It sort of started the whole CGI animation thing that led to Pixar and everything else. It's a certified nerd classic. The new one has Jeff Bridges too and is apparently going to be awesome. I'll have to rent the original and then go see this one with my boys.

Alright... it's late! I need sleep for my big day. This is minor Chad signing off for the last time. Night!

Bonjour Fall.

So... I'm up later than I wanted to be tonight.

But I'm sick of not getting stuff done. It's only the second week of school, yet as I lie in bed each night, I have mini brain freakouts. How am I going to get this short film finished? How in the world will I get all of my applications completed on time? If things don't work out, I won't land my dream career, I won't have a cool pregnant wife, and I won't have a beard.

And then I'll have to gouge my eyes out like Oedipus (which I took a test on today - yuck). Oh well. I am trusting that things will fall into place somehow.

Fall is officially here. Today was cold - cold as in my cross country hoodie isn't enough, I need a freaking blanket cold.

I sort of like it.

After having a fun Labor Day weekend, I was reluctant to start school again. But this week has been pretty cool. It wasn't nearly as rough as the first week of school. After having AP Chem last year, I decided not to take a science course this year. I wanted to squeeze in some creative classes that would help me with film. That means that I get to start my day with Acting and Art. I love it!

Yesterday, the XC team experienced our first meet of the season. It wasn't a bad start. The boys won the meet, but we still have work to do. Like a dumbo, I forgot that my spikes give me blisters the first time I wear them each season. Now I have to deal with having holes of absent skin on my ankles. We have an Invitational on Saturday morning, so hopefully I can come up with a comfortable solution by then.

Yesterday was also Ryan's birthday. We had some family members over and feasted on some amazing ice cream cake from the creamery. My family is now entering "Birthday Time." Addison turned ten last week. Countdown to my birthday/adult time = five days. Holy crap. (Tyler is the late one. He won't turn twelve until October.)

Today I celebrated a new birthday. The Great Pine Street Adventure turned one year old. GPSA is my first movie (I need nerd glasses). We premiered it on September 9th last year, so today will always hold a special place in my heart. I don't have a baby yet (and won't for a long time), so for now my movies will be my children. It seems like only yesterday when he was just a tiny storyboard... Sniffle. Sniffle.

Haha! Looking at this poster, I realized that the special date was September 5th - not the 9th. Oh well. It's the thought that counts.

Anyway, to celebrate I wanted to post some "teaser posters" from the long awaited short film. Ryan and I cheesed them up earlier. I haven't actually started editing yet. I'm considering locking myself in my house after the race on Saturday. This movie needs to start coming together!


Good night!

Remember Me?

Remember me? Chad?

I've been out living.

Last week quickly transformed into crunch time as I rushed around like a mad man trying to get my short film actually filmed. Luckily, I have a great crew of supporters and friends. Together, we gathered equipment, went costume shopping, and created shot lists. I drafted my brother Ryan to act in the film. He hesitantly agreed. (I eventually made him dye his hair and even kiss a girl... gasp!). Finally, the one thing that hanged in the balance was a location.

Originally, I had always planned to film on Main Street by Central Park in downtown Johnstown. I wrote a nice letter of request and delivered it to the city manager like I was instructed to do. However, the city manager chick never called me back. For two days, my mom and I pounded her with phone calls and messages.

On Friday - shooting day - Ryan and I marched to city hall and waited outside her office until she returned from lunch... only she never did. She must have taken a four hour lunch break. And she still didn't call me back.

I was pretty ticked. I love Johnstown most of the time, and I can't understand why my city wouldn't help me out. Dear City Manager, why do you have to be such a rude biznatch?

Never willing to give up, I called my high school - Bishop McCort Catholic High School. We were allowed to film in the courtyard for three nights. The first night was hectic, but Saturday and Sunday went beautifully.

I couldn't have asked for better actors. Staring at the viewfinder, I was awestruck because I knew I was a part of something special.

I want to thank everyone... for everything. I had a great crew who went without sleep for three nights. Yesterday, we filmed the last little intro scene. Now all that's left to do is edit. In the next month, I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'll also try to share some pics and videos.

In other news, school started. Ahhhhhhhhh!

After filming Sunday night, Ryan and I jumped awake at six in the morning. He had to go to school for Freshman Orientation, and I had to help out because I'm on student council.

The rest of the week was weird. It feels like summer break was only a short weekend. Every time I walked down the halls, I could hear the Jaws theme song playing in the back of my head.
Dun dun dun.

Still, it's senior year! Whatever that means. I'm going to have fun.

No doubt, things are going to get crazy as I attempt to juggle cross country (first meet on Wednesday), college applications (I started my application for FSU), homework, and this short film.

I'll write about the new adventures coming my way, but I still have some stuff to say about the summer.

Until then, good luck to everyone going back to school. Take art classes! Bye.

The Boys Are Back

I am struggling to keep my eyes open right now, but I must stay awake. I have to pick my mom up from work in twenty minutes.

This week has been a whirlwind of craziness, weirdness, and fun. I've had to put summer reading and a little bit of running on hold. Tomorrow night is it. We are officially filming the first scenes of the short film.


The only minor obstacle is the fact that we don't have a location yet. The city manager is yet to get back to me. Sigh.

But all things considered, the project is coming together pretty nicely. I'm making a movie again, and it feels good.

I've been running around trying to get things done, but I have Ryan and our life-long best-friend-nieghbor Adam to help.

I'm really nervous. I hope we can pull this off. But whatever happens... happens. I'm just going to have fun.

Wish me luck!

Mystery Team

Jason: We are mature and legitimate detectives.
Kelly: What the hell is that smell?
Duncan: I drank dog urine.

This strange low budget comedy pretty much defines my life right now. Consider renting it. Good night.

(Warning: There's some strong language in the trailer. And in the movie.)

Dawn is Breaking

I don't remember all of the events of last week. It was sort of a dizzy haze of parties, running, school shopping, and phone conversations.

But today, the sun broke through the clouds. After failing to find an actor in the past week, I was feeling defeated. Then, Randy called me. I had gotten Randy's number because he is a local actor. He's going to try to fit my short film into his schedule. I really hope everything works out. I have a ton of work to do in order to get this project done.

I also finished Snow Falling on Cedars. I really liked it. Now, I have to read Hamlet and The Awakening. Hopefully, I can read at least one of them before school starts.

Countdown to school: one week.

And finally, I have completed the list of colleges I am applying to:
1. University of Southern California
2. Chapman University
3. Loyola Marymount University
4. Florida State University
5. Temple University
6. DeSales University.

I will do everything in my power to attend one of the first three, but I can make any of them work.

I also found out today that I might be going to New Orleans in November. My cousin Danielle landed a job as assistant to director Scott Hicks. He is the director of the latest Nicholas Sparks adaptation The Lucky One starring Zac Efron. Hopefully, I will be able to visit the set with my brother Ryan and my cousin McKenzie.

In other news...
I watched two Michael Cera flicks this weekend. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was crazy and hilarious. It really feels like a video game/comic book and makes for an interesting night. Youth in Revolt was also really funny. I loved seeing Michael act as Francois. It was different from every other character that he as ever played... which is always the same:himself. I also decided that I am a badass.

I had a lot of fun adventuring with Alaina this week. It's been weird because I've been sleep deprived. Plus I'm still gowing through that growing phase, so I can't stop eating (thus the stash of pretzels sitting next to me) and my hormones continue to rage.

I am going to be really busy this week, but I hope to write a little about Chapman University sometime soon.

Oh... I turn eighteen in less than a month. What am I doing for my birthday?