the Star Wars: Death Troopers Book Trailer

2009-09-20T07:59:24Z

Been working really hard on this with a bunch of really talented filmmakers. Can't be more proud of the people I was side by side working on this with.

This is a book trailer for a novel coming out entitled Star Wars: Death Troopers by Del Rey Publishing, a subsidiary of Random House Publishing. They were holding a contest to see who can make the best book trailer and well, I just had to get involved because hey... it's STAR WARS.

The winner gets a library of Star Wars Books from Del Rey & Random House, but the big thing is to get on people's radar and show them that we can accomplish amazing things with a very tight budget. And that we did. I hope you enjoy watching the trailer!!

the 2009 moments.

2009-08-16T18:25:36Z

I know. I know. I'm completely lack of updates for almost a year. Unfortunately, I guess that's what happens when you decide to go Corporate America and no longer a Independent Filmmaker. You kinda loose your spark to ignite the world with passion and creativity.

Or it could be simply the fact that after 8-15 hours of mindless editing dribble, you just want to drive home and veg out in front of the TV before passing out and doing it all over again.

Well, It's time for a change. By 2010, I am making some major life altering situations in my life, something that has been coming for almost a year now. Hopefully it will lead to something good and not disastrous, but what's that saying? No risk, no reward?

So here's to that.

For the time being, here's a little project that I did over the past year. Sort of a little passion project that I wanted to say about love, the absence of love, and what people will do to win it back. A fools errand, really, but at the same time something worth being done.

It stars the ever so talented Lisa Younger. Hope you enjoy it.

the Communication Arts Award in Excellence

2008-12-15T21:13:39Z

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)

the Pilot Episode of South Bay

2008-02-12T19:46:55Z

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

the Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-01T08:02:36Z

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)

the South Bay

2007-12-12T17:21:27Z

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.

the PERSONAL DEMONS

2007-09-24T03:53:11Z

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.

the Personal Demons Screening and Update

2007-09-03T17:50:08Z

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

the Corporate Sellout

2007-06-09T15:11:46Z

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...

the Production Updates

2007-06-07T10:56:54Z

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.

the Divinity Speed Video

2007-05-03T09:06:11Z

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

the Reflection as "Divinity" Comes to an End

2007-04-27T16:11:20Z

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.

the Mass Image Upload of Divinity

2007-04-25T04:12:04Z

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.]]>

Director of Photography Nick Shundo

Writer/Producer Richard J. Lee

Production Sound Mixer John E. Walker

Gaffer Matt Irwin and Key Grip Erol Kalafat

Production Sound Mixer John E. Walker

1st Assistant Director Gabe Michael

Producer Jae-Do Kwon

Production Coordinator Chloe Weaver & Script Supervisor Gol Fakhrai

Set Photographer Evangeline Avila

Um... Isn't this the jacket the actress was wearing....?

On Location @ the Church of the Angels in Pasadena, CA

Bring on the BFL's (Big Frackin' Lights)

A Lot of BFL's...

Me: “So....”
A-Rod: “Yeah....”
Me: “It’s raining...”
A-Rod: “Yeah...”
Me: “You think we’ll shoot the outside shot?”
A-Rod: “Nope.”
Me: “Frack...”
A-Rod: “Yeah...”

Hey Director!!! You know that you're not suppose the camera, right?!?! =o)

The Building of the Confessional Room

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

There is one more day of shooting on Sunday. I'll post some more images then. 'till then, hope everyone enjoys. Sorry for the huge loading time... it was really the easiest way for me to upload a chunk of images.

the Church Day of Divnity

2007-04-21T23:02:29Z

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 through the divider at the Priest.

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

The Church Glowing From Up Above.

Arletta Lerew making another appearance in our shoot

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

the Countdown to Divinity...

2007-04-18T08:07:00Z

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.