Blessed Beyond Measure

Welcome everyone to another chapter in the saga of my semi-interesting life. I cannot stress this enough, but, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking it out with me as I continuously dip in and out of a literary absence.

As odd as it may seem; Life and Times in Hollyweird has seemingly weaved its way into the mass paraphrasing queries of "would-be" screenwriters from all across the globe. Google has been kind to us.

So, straight-away to the good news, if I may...

Life has been interesting to say the least. Within the last year, I've gone through a series of extreme highs and unfortunate lows.

I've gotten sick - recovered - relapsed - recovered and to my dismay; found a job - climbed the proverbial ladder - kicked down doors - found new opportunities relating to my experience as a dinky screenwriter - exploited my talent - and now waiting for the "big break".

I'll be discreet, but only for the sake of the almighty "don't jinx yourself" theory. Not a believer? Google it...and while your at it, Google "keyboard cat" you will not be disappointed, I promise.

Great things are coming. Please continue to support those who are in pursuit of a dream. I'm a fan of positive reinforcement and as cliche as it may sound...you can really do anything as long as you set your mind to it. Keep faith my friends!

Thank you to all the people that have helped made my life easier to understand. I don't even know if that made any sense...

Dave Brewer, Mervin Ho, Dennis Benson, Derrick Oliver, Jeremy Ian Thomas, Rich Araujo & The whole Edifix Team, April Wade, Louie, Joey, Josh and Family, Tim Lee, Vince Trujillo, Jason, Anthony Cincotta, Mom & Dad...the list goes on.

Stay tuned folks. This is about to get interesting.

P.S.
A quick favor...
Watch these movies:
April Showers & Junction (produced by my super friend: The fantastical April Wade)


John Darko

"FlickrMania" Part Duex

As promised...here's a handful of photos from various film sets I worked on or directed in 2007. These are just a few of many, you can see more in my Flickr set "On Set Stuff" by clicking here.

Apologies for the lack of captions, I think the pictures speak for themselves. Although I will provide a quick zinger for the first photo...if you look closely, you can see a loaded gun on top of the table. Just know, if I ever call you into my office...there might be trouble. Lol, just kidding. I'm harmless plus it's fake...or is it?

So only a few more days till "The Dark Knight" anyone excited? AND where are you seeing it? Hopefully in IMAX and in Hollywood so you can say hi when ya see me pass by.























More updates coming tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have something important to talk about. Also if you have the time check out some of the noteworthy blogs listed to the left in my blogroll.

Tags:behind the scenes, dark knight, darko, flickr, friends, hollyweird, hollywood, john darko, life times in hollyweird, personal, photography, random, update

Drunken Memories

Last night I had an interesting visit from a familiar face. It was two o'clock in the morning and I was having an interesting conversion with a shark when I heard a light knocking at my door. Suddenly I was whisked away from the beach side cafe I frequent in my dreams, where animals and sea creatures play chess for golden doubloons and was quickly taken back to that harsh reality we've all grown accustomed to, better known as life. Apologies for the pessimistic zinger, it's late and I'm hungry.

Anyhow...slowly the face emerges from the dark hallway, the first thing I see, a set of red eyes complete with droopy eyelids. Fantastic! It's my old school buddy, Manuel. A little insight if I may. Manuel and I met in the sixth grade and have stayed in contact ever since. If there ever was a guy who has always been there, metaphorically speaking; standing on top of something high to keep a look out, it has to be this dude. Hope that made sense.

So, we're walking outside for a quick smoke. I've already noticed his pistol grip on the Tecate tall can and the little shuffles one makes when inebriated. Mind you, I'm already smiling on the inside because this is the Manuel I've grown accustomed to love. I couldn't count the times, I've experienced the same late night occurrence. All is well.

So I'm puffing away sharing a cigarette with my bud, when all of a sudden...he starts to cry. Nothing new. Not a moment goes by when he starts to list off the greatest hits of our collective memory as the local street kings of the city. Figuratively speaking, of course. For two straight hours we reminisced, smoked, reminisced and smoked some more. Mind you, I'm handling this visit as routine as I should. I'm trying not to get too sentimental and quite honest, I'm patiently waiting to go back to sleep. Then it hits me.

You know how all writers say "there's always that one great story inside of you". Well, I think I found mine and it was staring at me, asking for another cigarette.

I like to imagine that I've been around the world and back, when I'm thinking about the very memories that can proof positive make a grown man cry. They are dear to me and maybe one day I'll get to publish it all. That would be a major milestone in my career and I'm looking forward to it.

Manuel is pictured center, knocked out having a good time.

Thank you Manuel for never losing faith in your boy and thanks to the rest of my friends and family who have undoubtedly inspired me to become everything I am today. I will never give up the fight!

Good night world. I'm literally falling asleep as I type now. Thank you for reading...there will be more.

Tags:darko, hollyweird, hollywood, john darko, life, personal, update, friends, memories, drunk, manuel olague,

Upcoming Stuff (burn after reading)

I had the worst sleep last night. I was so tired coming home from a job that I passed out sitting up; next to the little air conditioner that could. I woke up with a major headache and a minor earache. Good stuff.

So, I was coming up with some new ideas for this pimp-tocious blog. Some of which I will bestow below in one of those numbered lists thingys people love so dearly.

1. I'm posting the raw behind the scenes footage from the intense writing sessions for "5 Ways to Split Apart the Day". I know, I know...not appealing to the ears but I guarantee you'll get a kick from our late night antics. In the midst of our creative insanity, we filmed a mock up on the ever so unnecessary MTV's Cribs. Where you get to see the true to life living space of starving filmmakers and you'll also see how cheap soda and ramen noodles kept us alive.
2. I will be explaining in detail not only how we came up with the idea for our feature but the correct steps we took to get it noticed by Hollywood producers. I guess you're supposed to keep this stuff under wraps but oh well! My opinion, there's way too many independent projects that get shoved underneath the rug due to the uprise of tasteless conglomerates. Whatever it takes to get good cinema to the masses; I will try and do my part.
3. So, big news! I just got word from an agency that they would like to take my photography to a national level. We've been bouncing ideas back and forth all week. All I have to say is that there's a few celebrities involved. You'll get all the photos first including b-roll stuff and the behind the stories behind every shoot I do.
4. I intend to have guests bloggers come in and tell a story or two about their life & struggle in the city and discuss certain topics regarding filmmaking, photography and the ARTS.
5. If anything insane, creepy, good, sad, bad, wtf type stuff happens to me. You'll be the first to read about it. That is if you want to of course.

Once again, thank you for reading. If you haven't already, please hit the subscribe button so I know you care...lol. Here is a sneaky at the one sheet for 5 Ways and some stuff I felt like posting.

BURN AFTER READING...NEW COEN BROTHER'S FLICK - LOOKS GREAT!

Tags:coen bros, brad pitt, burn after reading, academy award winner, film, filmmaking, screenwriting, hollywood, hollyweird, scene, blog, john darko, movies, los angeles, tips on screenwriting, how to, inner city, urban