the Communication Arts Award in Excellence

I know it's been a long time, but work has been keeping me busy.

Today I found out that I can now officially call myself an Award Winning Editor. A not to shabby thing to have. I received a Award Certificate from the Communication Arts Competition in Advertising (One of the prestigious advertising awards, mind you) stating that the editing I did for Stanford University back in 2007 won the 2008 Award of Excellence. It is a group award that included the Art Director/Copywriter/Producers/Production Companies and Lil Ol' Me.

It's actually exciting for that to happen.

Now mind you, the Stanford Commercials were not all to difficult to edit... it was more finding the right take, but I'd like to think that the group as a whole made the spot stand out and shine to win this award. And when I think of it that way, that this is a collaborative award, it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. =o)

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Pilot Episode of South Bay

Here it is, the pilot episode of South Bay. This was a labor of love project that was made for basically a nickel, a lot of heart, sweat and soul.

I hope you all enjoy it. Episodes of South Bay will be posted on YouTube and on this site as a YouTube video. We are trying to track the hits on the video to see how successful it is to see how to approach the rest of the season.

If you have the time, follow the link and leave a comment on the YouTube Page.

Oh and since I'm asking for SoOoOoOoOoOoOo many favors.... spreading the word around 'bout this video would be super dooper cool of you guys as well. =o)

South Bay.
Created By Richard J. Lee. Starring Gabe Michael, Nikki Todd,
Laura Carpenter, Jeff Turrini and Richard J. Lee

Running Time: 6 minutes 27 seconds

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Happy New Year 2008

Hi everyone! Well, 2007 is now come and gone for most of the world, and I just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year. It has been an interesting year to say the least.

I wanted to thank everyone new who I have met and grown together as a filmmaking community this past year. It has been truly a pleasure to say the least.

2008 seems promising, and new adventures seem to be in the horizon. To the new year, new friends, old friends, family and loved ones. Let 2008 be the year we are to sign brighter. =o)

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the South Bay

Just a quick update.

I know, I know, I know...

I have been horrible keeping this up. Work has been keeping me rather busy. Just last month alone, I was logged in over 300 hours. Translation, 10 to 14 hour shifts a night and sometimes over the weekend. Damn Youz, Holiday Commercials!!!! DAMN YOUZ!!!!

As for Personal Demons, It's done, and festival bound to a couple of dozen. We were turned down by Sundance and Slamdance (Which, BTW, was actually a huge shock after seeing the level of filmmaking on the big screen at last years festivals) and the DVD release has been on hiatus because I haven't received the behind the scenes video from the editor of that portion. Sorry to all the people that are waiting so patiently for that. I do feel really, really bad about that.

Because of all the work that has been keeping my time, I have not been feeling creative, so I decided to create an online web series, titled South Bay. Think the O.C. mixed with a little bit of Scrubs for twenty something people. I know, I know... with Roommates, Quarterlife and a slew of other web series, I'm jumping on the band wagon too late.

But for me, right now, this is more of a passion project that will help me flex those creative muscles that have been really dormant for the past six months. If it gets picked up... that's super.

We shot the pilot two weekends ago and it went pretty successfully. For now, below is the press photo we are submitting for the public to see.

The Cast of South Bay. From Left to Right: Richard J. Lee, Nikki Todd, Gabe Michael, Laura Carpenter, and Jeff Turrini

Pending any natural disasters or overload in work, South Bay should be premiering mid January 2008.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the PERSONAL DEMONS

So as promised... here is the web debut of the Standard Definition version of Personal Demons with ending credits as intended to be seen in film festivals and the DVD output.

Just as a note, the video is meant to be dark and gloomy with a nior lighting feel to it. Since all computer monitors are calibrated differently, you might not see the true contrast that is screened in theatres and DVD's.

" Personal Demons "
Once Downloaded, Click on the Play Button to Begin Playing the Video
Running Time: 16 Minutes 07 Seconds

Written/Directed By Richard J. Lee
Director of Photography: Alex J. Rodriguez
Original Music Composed By: Nevada Jones

© 2007 by Clashing Dragon & 5ive By 5ive Studios, LLC.
All Rights Reserved

If you would like to view the HD version of Personal Demons, please visit the production company website, 5ive By 5ive Studios, LLC and select Personal Demons.

The video will be uploaded and ready for screening starting September 28th, 2007.

I wanted to thank everyone for their support and I hope you enjoy the film.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 07:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Personal Demons Screening and Update

Hi Everyone,

I know that I have been completely absent in returning phone calls and e-mails I am truly apologetic about that. I haven't been keeping updates on this site either which is a first. I have been so immersed with completing Personal Demons In time for the Early Fall showcase at CSULB while being a full time Editor at the Ad Agency. And now that time has come. The project is ready for exhibition. It’s first screening will be at California State University, Long Beach this coming Saturday, September 8th along with other short films that were created over this past year. The information is down below in obtaining tickets.

EARLY FALL 2007
STUDENT FILM SHOWCASE
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
FILM & ELECTRONIC ARTS DEPARTMENT
and the
COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
present
SHORT FILMS at the UNIVERSITY THEATRE
Saturday, September 8th, 7:30pm
Admission: $6 Students $8 General $5 Advance
Contact (562) 985-7000 for ticket sales information

Now, I know that this is last minute, but the project was literally finished last night and shipped off this morning. For those near and far that will not be able to attend, Personal Demons will be posted online on the production company's website 5ive By 5ive Studios (http://www.5iveby5ive.com) for online exhibition in standard definition and 720p High Definition and on this very blog site, the Clashing Dragon in web friendly size approximately two weeks after the screening.

DVD Copies will be available for the cast and crew in mid-October once it comes back from the production house and will be mailed to the addresses that you provided. If I do not have your address, please e-mail me at info@5iveby5ive.com where it can be delivered to in the next few weeks.

Through the September 2007 to September 2008, Personal Demons will be submitted to various film festivals. If and when Personal Demons is accepted to a festival, It will be posted on this blog. As of right now, Personal Demons has been submitted to the Sundance Film Festival and Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

Thank you all for your understanding and once again sorry about my absence.

Sincerely,
Richard J. Lee
Writer/Director
Personal Demons

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Corporate Sellout

Yes, the rumors floating around are true...

I, Richard J. Lee, have turned to a corporate sellout. I am leaving the game of indie filmmaking for a life of 401K's, matching funds, medical, dental, vision, and a 9 to 5 atmosphere. Gone are a life of insecurities for a posh little office in Los Angeles punching the clock for the man.

But before people get up in arms and wave pitch forks at me, I am not a complete sellout.

For one... I am going to maintain making indie films... but, unfortunately, for the time being, I am going to slow down a bit and the projects will be smaller in scale. And for another, the job I obtained is an editing gig for an Ad Agency in Los Angeles.

Yes, ladies and gents, I am going to be locked away in a office editing away on the commercials you see on television. So in the next few months, if you see a Fox Sports Net, Honda Motorcycles, SoCal Ford, Nestle, or Albertson's commercial... nine times out of ten, I was probably editing that together.

So there you go... my life is going to change as we know it... Is it going to be for the better? Who knows. I know that it is the direction that I want to take though. I have always walked the unbeaten path on my road to filmmaking... maybe it's time to see how the paved roads feel.

As for Personal Demons & Divinity... Not to worry, this is a good thing that has happened. The company I am working for are filmmaker friendly and have told me that I am more than allowed to bring my projects in for assistance from the Ad Agency.... which means help in ADR, help in Post Production Sound Effects, and help in Advertising.

This could turn out to be a great and beautiful friendship...

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 07:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

the Production Updates

Just a quick little update for everyone, since it has been a while.

Personal Demons is unfortunately still in post-production. I am three months behind my intended schedule, but the sad part of filmmaking is that these things happen. Especially in indie filmmaking. Life interupts the intended plans. I apologize to everyone that I have told that the project would be done sooner. The price that we pay for being indie filmmakers. Little money and the promises of free assistance quickly turns into payment needed situations.

And unfortunately, I have bills to pay and also a mouth and stomach that won't shut up if I do not feed it some sort of substance. =o)

The good news is Personal Demons is almost finished. I promise you on this. There are just minor tweaks here and there that I am being picky over and also having to still ADR certain actors.

The other good news is that Personal Demons and Divinity will both be having their premieres in September on the CSULB University Theatre. Stay tuned here for more details as I recieve them. And the other good news is if all goes well, it will be shown at the Director's Guild of America (DGA) in West Hollywood in late Spring of 2008.

From that point on... it is Festival bound.

More information in the next few weeks. Until then, thank you to everyone and their patience. I promise you that it will be all worth it.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 02:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Divinity Speed Video

A-Rod and I have been listening to "What I've Done", the new single from one of my personal favorite bands, Linkin Park. I mean, this song is incredible. And just for kicks, in between working on some other things for post production for Personal Demons, and other whatnots, there was time to make a cut of a music video/speed video of "Divinity" with the song.

Personally, I think that it is incredible and captures everything of the film that is going to be....

So here it is... a trailer of sorts... more like a 3 1/2 minute visual representation of what the full short will look like. I hope everyone enjoys.

Please leave comments and let us know what you think.

Speed Trailer / Video for "Divinity"
Once Downloaded, Click on the Play Button to Begin Playing the Video
Music: "What I've Done" by Linkin Park

Music © 2007 by Linkin Park and its respected owners.
Video & Images © 2007 by Clashing Dragon & 5ive By 5ive Studios, LLC.
All Rights Reserved by Each Party Member

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 01:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

the Reflection as "Divinity" Comes to an End

This coming Sunday will be the last day of shooting for Divinity.

There is something weird about a production coming to an end. One of the biggest things that I know about filmmaking is the end. It always has to come to an end.

That is what attracts me to filmmaking. It is one of the few jobs where the pace, people and environment changes constantly without having to be a door to door salesman or a bible thumper (No offense to the bible thumpers of the world out there... just pointing out the obvious)

But filmmaking is also a bit of an oxymoron. Especially in those projects that you fall in love with. Because as much as everyone is relieved when production is over... when all the hard work and efforts of many is captured on whatever the medium of choice is... there is a moment of reflection.

A moment where you can let a breath of air come out and realize... "Oh My God... it is over..." and in that instance... a certain sadness comes over you. Aside from my project I did earlier this year, Personal Demons, this production of Divinity, the long and short of it, is one of the proudest things I have done to date. That includes the few features I was fortunate enough to produce.

I know that that is a pretty bold statement to make, but I think that this was the right time and moment for this production to be made. From everyone involved in this production, to the little moments that arose before and during production, to watching A-Rod grow as a filmmaker and really take hold of this production, I have nothing bad to say about what happened in this production.

As the producer on the production, it was one of the most draining and tiring experiences, because what we were trying to achieve in the budget and "student" status that we were at, with what was a seemingly uphill battle from day one... it is an experience that I would not take back in any shape, way, or form. I would make the same choices and same decisions I made in this production because it has made the production exactly what A-Rod and I wanted it to be... fun and extremely rewarding.

And in the end... that is why I wanted to become a filmmaker.

Because honestly, that is what is most important in life. To be able to smile and love everything that you do.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 08:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Mass Image Upload of Divinity

Thanks to our wonderful set photographer Evangeline Avila, or as I affectionately call her the Ninja Photographer, there is a slew of images from the set of Divinity. And when I say slew... I mean 2500+ images over a span of five days.

Yes, you read correctly... 2500+ images, Five Days.

So, when say I decided to upload some images, some equated to approximately 140+ images.

Sorry people, unfortunately there will be no hi-res images of these because one, that would take me a lot of hours and a lot of html coding to do... and unfortunately, I have one more day of prep to do... plus, I have to catch up on all my television that I have TiVo'd.

I've uploaded the images at bigger resolutions so people can enjoy.

Actress Paige La Pierre & Director Alex J. Rodriguez

Actress Paige La Pierre

Make-Up Artist Yayoi Hayashishita & Actor Jason Kaine

More images after the jump link below...

NOTE: There are over 100 images after the jump... it may take some time to load up.

Continue reading "the Mass Image Upload of Divinity" »

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Church Day of Divnity

We are currently on day four of six for the film shoot of Divinity. Yesterday was the biggest obstacle that we had to have faced to date. Trying to shoot a Bright, sunny day, with beams of lights pouring through the church when it was raining cats and dogs in Pasadena, CA.

Needless, to say, it was an uphill battle.

Amazingly enough, the church day was a huge success with the signs from above and God beaming a ray of light into the church for the money shot when there was nothing but road blocks and giant chasms to jump over.

The biggest treat for me through this was that I have the chance to see and work with Arletta (Arlee) Lerew again. Such a talented child, this girl is going to go very far in the business.

Before I go back to the shoot again, here are some screen captures of the footage that we shot yesterday.

A stone statue (also a sundial) in front of the church once the clouds cleared up.

Paige La Pierre looking at the Priest

Paige La Pierre looking through the divider at the Priest.

Paige La Pierre Walking Away with Blessing

Paige La Pierre walking away with the blessings from the sky.

the Glow

The Church Glowing From Up Above.

Arlee Lerew

Arletta Lerew making another appearance in our shoot

Paige La Pierre & Arlee Lerew

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Countdown to Divinity...

So it's less than eight hours away from the first day of shooting for Divinity. I haven't slept in two days, going on three.

Mighty. mighty tired, but at the same time, I have this incredible rush that makes me want to keep on going for this project.

I am really proud of my partner in crime, A-Rod for the amount of dedication and effort he has put into this project. Makes me happy to see that a script that I wrote is getting the care and attention that it is getting. Now I am not saying deserve because that would be just pretentious and egotistical. =o)

there is more to come later, for right now, I have to go back and make sure that the finishing touches are taken care of before the first shot of the project.

?I'll post images as they come along.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Confessions of the Producer

Four Days till the first day of production on Divinity. Amazingly enough, A-Rod and I are very light-hearted and with very little stress.

There is a lot more to do and a lot less time to do it, but all in all, it is something that we both have gotten used to.

We took a break and took this picture on a self timer.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Building of the Confessional

So it's been a while. Sorry about that.

I haven't had much happening that deserved images and most of the things that have been happening in the past few weeks was very logisticals and boring. But the last few days, A-Rod and I have been extremely busy getting the confessional built.

AND NOW I HAVE IMAGES!!!! =o)

We are now Seven (7) Days Away from the production of Divinity.

I am actually really excited because it is now a chance to see what another director can do with something that I have written.

Divinity revolves around a confessional, and we looked high and low throughout all the prop and rental houses and we couldn't find one that suited our needs. Something that the walls can break apart and slightly bigger than the average confessional. So thus, we decided to build the sucker.

Lighting tests with the Confessional Window

© 2007 by Clashing Dragon & 5ive By 5ive Studios, LLC

More Images after the Jump

.

Continue reading "the Building of the Confessional" »

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Location Lock

We received a call from the church and they said that everything is a go for this project. We are just having issues on locking down which day. Fox is coming in to shoot a pilot there and I am trying to negotiate with them one of the dates. But nevertheless... it is a good sign.

I am smiling ear to ear.

Ear to fracking ear.

=o)

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Location Scouting

Went out location scouting with A-Rod today for the Church location for "Divinity". We found a really good one in Pasadena thanks to Joss Whedon and his wonderful television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Yeah, I giving a lot of credit here to a man I only met once back while he was shooting Buffy, but one of my favorite episodes was in season 4, entitled "Who Are You?". It had a church that I always remembered.... so being the ever so internet freak that I am, I googled the frack out of it and finally found it.

And the best part of this church is that it fits the idea of the script perfectly. Plus I am really excited to potentially shoot on location again, after the last three projects in the past four months have been in sound stages and theatre buildings.

We'll know for certain in a couple of days whether or not we will get approval to shoot at this location, so keep your fingers crossed! For now, here are some images of the church to see why I am so excited.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Mass Production Update

Things have been a little hectic, and I have has very little time to make updates on each project so, I thought I would make a mass production update.

Sorry folks, no images for this one. But on the plus side... I did color code the productions for you. =o)

PERSONAL DEMONS: We have a picture lock on the project and just waiting for the Special Effects to come in. The project is looking incredible and the screeners have been nothing but positive feedback. In late March through the month of April we are going to go in for ADR and post production sound sweetening at a post house in North Hollywood and West Los Angeles. the one downside... Orchestration for the project is on hiatus and pending because we lost our composer because of conflict in scheduling.

WHERE DO THE BALLOONS GO?: This is the CSULB/Sony Premiere Film Festival Short film we shot with Hall of Fame Director, Robert Butler. We are done with the rough cut and picture lock should happen in the next week. Post Production sweetening should be happening at the same time as Personal Demons at the same post production houses. The project has an interesting vibe and look to it.

DIVINITY: We are currently in Pre-Production for this project with a wonderful actress by the name of Paige La Pierre. I am the writer/producer of this project and this short film is set to begin production April 18th through the 22nd. The project will be directed by my always favorite D.P., Alex J. Rodriguez.

LOVE, MR. MAN: Currently in Pre-Production. A short film that I am putting together to be a short and simple shoot to go into production in late May 2007. This is the one where I am going to flex every muscle I have simultaneously... being the writer/director/actor on this project. This is a romantic drama that holds many folds for me. In one hand, it is to mentally prepare me for my feature film, and on the other, it is a project that I wanted to shoot for quite some time.

<3: My feature film project. The project "<3" which is also known as "Less Than Three Hearts, is a romantic comedy about three friends that go through love, life and loss to realize that what matters the most is to have that feeling of love. This indie feature film will star Edwin Hodge, amongst a cast of talented up and coming actors and actresses. This project will mark my feature film directorial debut and is currently set to begin Pre-Production in June and shooting for a production start date of August 2007.... but this one will all be determined by a numerous amount of factors.

So as you can see, this is turning into an eventful year. At the current time, my goal is to have both Personal Demons & Where Do the Balloons Go be done with post production by the end of April. For Divinity, I believe we can have post completed by the end of June, and Love, Mr. Man should be completed with post by the end of July.

Each one of these projects will be festival bound. Four short films, each with their own style and different entries to different festivals. It should become very, very interesting. We'll see how well I keep my sanity. =o).

I promise that the next blog will have some interesting images. Until then.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 04:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Rough Cut of "Where Do The Balloons Go?"

the Rough Cut for "Where Do the Balloons Go?" just got completed. Robert Butler and I are going to go in and lock down a final cut within the next week.

I've been a little diverted from "Personal Demons", unfortunately, and plus I have a new project going "Divinity" that is scheduled to go into production April 18th - 22nd. Give a full update in a couple of days. Till then, another screen cap of Final Cut Pro and "Where Do the Balloons Go?"

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 09:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Editing Bay Upgrade

My editing room got an upgrade. The Editing Bay is now equipped with sound design capabilities. Now, not that I have any sound knowledge mind you, but at least this way, for all the simple things in life, I can try and keep everything in house and not add more days for editing house fees.

Now how did I miraculously make this major upgrade?

I bought a bloody keyboard. Amazing how the simplest additions makes a world of difference. Now all I need is some extra software and I am 100% in business.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Film Festival

So I have had a week to wind down and take care of all the misc things of wrapping up the film festival. All in all, things went really well. The festival became a much smaller event because of the amount of time that was put into the prep... (even in a film festival... PRE-PRODUCTION IS EVERYTHING)

The great thing about this festival was the live film shoot that I was able to produce with the great director, Robert Butler.

So far in my filmmaking career, that was probably the highlight, mainly because I was able to watch an incredible director at work. Just being in his presence, made me feel like I was growing as a filmmaker and a director.

The best part about Robert Butler was that he was not at all what you would think with old Hollywood. The nicest, kindest person I have met... and also sharp and precise as a whip for a man pushing 80.

There probably will be more images along the way later, but for right now:

from left to right: Richard J. Lee, producer; Robert Butler, director; Alex J. Rodriguez, director of photography

© 2007 by Clashing Dragon & 5ive By 5ive Studios, LLC

EDIT: See the huge bag underneath my eyes? That's from five days without sleep to make sure the film festival would go off without a hitch. Damn was that hard, but like I said.... it was definitely worth it.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Mad Rush

Two Days till the first day of the CSULB / Sony Premiere Film Festival. I am extremely stressed, but in a good way.

I have three page, 100 hours of work, list of things to do, less than 48 hours to do them a bunch of crew members that are greener than the jolly green giant. Ahhh... life is fun. =o)

I'll post after the fest some image and fun things that have happened.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Re-Entry into the Film Festival

So as a random thought... I have been charged with coming in and working as a producer in the Sony/CSULB Film Festival yet again.

For those who do not know, I was part of this set up at its inception back in July of 2006. Due to scheduling conflicts, I had to step down as the lead producer of this festival. But as fate would have it, it seems that I am back in the thick of it.

So I have to accomplish approximately two and a half months of work in SEVEN DAYS.

Is it possible?

Possibility is more of a state of mind than anything else.......

.....

.....

....

..

..

..

.

Alright fine.... it's possible... but definitely a sleepless week of painful, nonstop work....

Which seems to be exactly what I love to do. =op

Some images and whatnots to come soon as things are put together and moving along more smoothly...

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 01:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Movie Poster

Took a break from getting picture lock for the film and started fiddling with the movie poster. I think that it looks incredible, but then again, I'm a little biased. =o)

The font for the credits on the bottom is a little bit off so I know I want to fix that problem, but other than that, I think that this should be sent into the printers by the beginning of March.

What's your thoughts?

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 02:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Rough Cut...

Pretty much completed the rough cut for Personal Demons. It is about 90% accurate to the storyboard mock video I made of the film a while back before I started blogging about this project.

I say 90% because I had to make changes in the script on the fly as we were shooting and also the performance from Mitra Avani (Michelle) completely exceeded my expectations on what she brought to the table and made me want to change the moments to strengthen her resolve in the film.

So 90% is a little less accurate and more like my original vision is about 90% accurate.... my excitement and happiness about the outcome of the film is 110%.

At the rate that we are going, and if sound sweetening, the score, as well as post sound mixing goes according to plan, we should have a completed cut done and ready within the next two months.... which would be about a month and a half ahead of schedule... That just puts a smile to my face.... =o)

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 04:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Hell that is known as Sound Sync....

Oh.... my.... God....

The one thing that I have not had to deal with ever is sound sync on a film. It might be because I have always synced directly into the camera and had a back up, but this time, I decided to do sound separately, just like the pros tend to do it....

Let me tell you... syncing sound is the work of the devil. I'm about 240 shots in with another 50 or so more to go.... and my mind is going to mush and the ears feel like running away and hiding for a month. It's not because of the actors... their performance is the ones that are making this entire ordeal somewhat enjoyable...

It is watching their lips frame by frame trying to sync the sound together so that it doesn't look like a badly dubbed Asian action film.

I figure that in about three hours I'll be done and I'll be able to assemble a rough cut in a day or so. Wish me luck!

Below is a screen cap of my computer staring at Final Cut Pro HD wondering what I did to make it suffer with me syncing sound.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 09:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Splash Page...

I am currently heavily in post-production with Personal Demons so I haven't been able to update the main page of my website or even create links and everything. But I did put up a splash page for the short.

It's nothing fancy, but at least it has an image up there now. Here's the website address:

http://www.5iveby5ive.com/personaldemons

or you if you are lazy like I am, here is the link to the site

I've also added a few more pictures for your enjoyment, mostly of he crew....

Continue reading "the Splash Page..." »

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the First Wave of Images from the Personal Demons Shoot

Sorry for the lack of blogging over the past two or three weeks. As it came down to the wire with the flick, there was a lot more to do, very little help, and very, very little time.

All in all, the production was a great success. The actors in this film far exceeded my expectations with their abilities and their professionalism. There were many a days when we went into overtime and the days became long. Mitra Avani, the lead in this production was especially the trooper. I don't think that I will ever be able to say enough about this woman, nor be able to express my gratitude over her professionalism and kind heart.

Continue reading "the First Wave of Images from the Personal Demons Shoot" »

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Wall

the Set is coming along nicely. I'll upload more images later in the week. the Bathroom is moving along and the tiles should be in place in the next couple of days as well.

Two days ago, A-Rod and I started putting up the storyboard wall so that we can see what we have in store for us during filming. In general, words can not explain the awe we were at. There are going to be some intense days upon us. So you have the general idea of how intensively prepare for my productions:

The Shot List/Storyboard wall is well over 10 feet wide and about 5 feet tall.

I know, I know... it's a little extreme, but then again, I have always been told to over prepare preproduction so that production moves much more smoothly.

Keep a look out in the next few days for more exciting pictures.

Also, Thank you to all those who have contributed to the the "Personal Demons" Short Film Financial Donation Drive.... Your generosity and thoughts are always greatly appreciated.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the Building of the Set (Day Four)

the Three walls were leveled off and smoothed over on the second day. The group took the third day off because for them, they were working almost 16 hour days for the first two to make sure that 75% of the set was completed before Alex's Father had to take off back up to Northern Cal.

Continue reading "the Building of the Set (Day Four)" »

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 02:06 PM | Permalink

the Building of the Set (Day One)

Building of the Set for the production of Personal Demons happened today. I wasn't part of much of it... scratch that... I wasn't part of any of it... but my DP/Producer/Set Designer/All-Around Bad Ass Mamma-Jo-Hamba Alex Rodriguez, Steadicam Operator/Set Constructor/Grip/Superman Nick Shundo and I-Bow-Before-Thee-For-Driving-All-The-Way-Down-From-Northern-California-To-Help-Build-My-Set Alex Rodriguez Sr.

Continue reading "the Building of the Set (Day One)" »

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 10:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the 2006 Christmas Wishes

Hey Everyone, I just wanted to wish everyone out there a happy and safe Christmas and a wonderful and fruitful New Year.

the Peanuts have been one of my all time favorite comic strips... hopefully the Shultz Estate won't try and sue me over making this photoshop image.

If it disappears from the site, you'll know why.

Continue reading "the 2006 Christmas Wishes" »

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the New Way Clashing Dragon Will Exist

So what is clashingdragon.com?

Well, originally, this site was made after my departure from Karass Films, LLC. A production company that will always be near and dear to my heart, but a place where I felt smothered without any creative output.

So when I went out into business on my own, I decided to create Clashing Dragon Studios. But there in itself lied another problem. I love the name, but unfortunately, it also came with the same question... "So, do you make Asian films only?"

Thus it came to a point where I felt I needed to make, yet again, another change.

Change is good. Change helps us evolve into newer and more understanding beings.

So Clashing Dragon Studios has disappeared and 5ive By 5ive Studios emerged.

Then it came to hit me... I still really like the name Clashing Dragon. It suits me in many ways. When it came to renew this site, I decided to keep it and change it into my personal blogging place. This is only the beginning and as I become a little more experienced, this site will adapt and change to something better and more artsy and flashing looking.

And the question you may ask is what is this blog site going to be about. Well, as a filmmaker, I have always been fascinated and always liked to know what happens behind the scenes of everything. So that is what this blog site is going to be... a behind the scenes look at productions that I will be attaching myself in.

I won't deny that there will be lulls between posts, and then there will be times where blog posts will happen daily... but I will definitely try and keep it interesting with pictures and my unusual sense of comedy.

But I will say this... in the end, this is a place where I feel I can tell the world about the biggest passion in my life.

Filmmaking.

Posted by Richard J. Lee at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 15, 2008

the Communication Arts Award in Excellence

February 12, 2008

the Pilot Episode of South Bay

January 01, 2008

the Happy New Year 2008

December 12, 2007

the South Bay

September 23, 2007

the PERSONAL DEMONS

September 03, 2007

the Personal Demons Screening and Update

June 09, 2007

the Corporate Sellout

June 07, 2007

the Production Updates

May 03, 2007

the Divinity Speed Video

April 27, 2007

the Reflection as "Divinity" Comes to an End

April 24, 2007

the Mass Image Upload of Divinity

April 21, 2007

the Church Day of Divnity

April 18, 2007

the Countdown to Divinity...

April 14, 2007

the Confessions of the Producer

April 11, 2007

the Building of the Confessional

March 19, 2007

the Location Lock

March 15, 2007

the Location Scouting

March 06, 2007

the Mass Production Update

March 03, 2007

the Rough Cut of "Where Do The Balloons Go?"

February 26, 2007

the Editing Bay Upgrade

February 23, 2007

the Film Festival

February 14, 2007

the Mad Rush

February 08, 2007

the Re-Entry into the Film Festival

February 07, 2007

the Movie Poster

February 01, 2007

the Rough Cut...

January 29, 2007

the Hell that is known as Sound Sync....

January 27, 2007

the Splash Page...

January 23, 2007

the First Wave of Images from the Personal Demons Shoot

January 03, 2007

the Wall

December 29, 2006

the Building of the Set (Day Four)

December 26, 2006

the Building of the Set (Day One)

December 25, 2006

the 2006 Christmas Wishes

December 20, 2006

the New Way Clashing Dragon Will Exist

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