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Your contribution will not only help the film get seen, but will also help make it a worthy representation of our city. Online Applications & Scheduling Requests for
interviews, performances, etc. --------->interviews<----- For interview subjects selected for the film, there is a regularly updated list of date/time openings. This is Your City! Help me do it justice! B I G D.C. M O V I E N E W S
& PRODUCTION UPDATES Sunday, September 13th, 2009 Adam Morgan's Day, B-Roll Footage Shoot A beautiful day for shooting. Friday, September 11th, 2009 Temporary Hiatus Well folks, I was hoping I wouldn't have to make this entry. It looks like the film is officially going on hiatus. Due to personal matters, I will no longer be able to continue the project on a consistent basis. All previously announced production and release dates are either annulled or 'up in the air' at this time. It is a personal project. Whether it gets completed in six months or six years, I've made no plans to abandon it. I will pick it back up from time to time, and we'll just see what happens. Saturday, Aug 1st, 2009 Freak Train @ The Velvet Lounge Featuring members of the Penetrators, The New Standard, and 9353. Saturday, July 25th, 2009 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest The last big music shoot of the summer included Infinite Soul artists Anonomous, Black Mamba, & Curtis Jewels, as well as Mahogonee, The 5th L, Kenny Wesley, & Chaquis Maliq. www.capitalhiphopsoulfest.com Sunday, July 19th, 2009 Fringe Festival Footage from NAJWAH's Dancing to Ancient Rhythms Saturday, July 18th, 2009
Beatnik Flies @ The Velvet Lounge These guys have been rocking the D.C. music scene since the 70's. You will love the Beatnik Flies! www.myspace.com/beatnikflies Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Fort Reno Concert Series PART 4: FINAL (?) SHOOT
Featuring The Laughing Man & GODISHEUS!
These are two absolutely must-see bands! The experimental TLM is definitely getting a lot of buzz and for very, very good reason. GODISHEUS is a band of DC music veterans that are on the top of their game. With the popular local rapper, Head-roc, on the mic and their slammin' hard rock sound, I'd say they work a crowd better than anyone I've seen perform locally -even with a relatively tame (though, always friendly) Fort Reno crowd. Now that's how you put on a show, gentlemen. That is how it's done.
Sunday, July 12th, 2009
FAST Concert @ Fort Fringe
"Radar Jamming: A Night With Socket Records"
Featuring The Cornell West Theory, Big Gold Belt, & Chris Grier
The Cornel West Theory is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! ! ! Most innovative Hip Hop act I've seen in years... maybe ever. Big Gold Belt was fabuloso-fantastica & Chris is the just the man, what more can I say...
Saturday, July 11th, 2009 I canned "Denny's Blog." It was just getting way too depressing. Anything not worth announcing here, just doesn't need to be made public. My apologies for anyone who had been disturbed by it. My BIOGRAPHY is next. Saturday, July 11th, 2009 **All filming for The Big DC Movie will be entering into a one month hiatus near the end of July and the beginning of August** CLICK HERE TO READ MORE Monday, July 6th, 2009 Fort Reno Concert Series PART 3 Featuring the bands, Go Home Robot, Seamonsters, & Power Pirate Saturday, July 4th, 2009 Video Shoot in the National Mall: Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Friday, July 3rd, 2009 Video Shoot of Liberated Muse @ The Artomatic Liberated Muse is an online community of artists and patrons of the arts in the National Capital Area. The performance featured poetry, storytelling, and music. Quite a turn out! The folks behind Liberated Muse Productions also put on the Capital Hip Hop Soul Festival which the BigDCmovie production will also be covering for footage. The Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest takes place on July 25th this year in Marvin Gaye Park, and that you really need to check out!! www.CapitalHipHopSoulFest.com www.liberatedmuse.com Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 Fort Reno Concert Series -Shoot #2 Feat. Aerialist & Caverns (Next Ft Reno Shoot on Monday, July 6th) Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Fringe Festival Press Conference Saturday, June 27, 2009 Safeway's National Barbecue Battle Brief shoot. Friday, June 26, 2009 Barbecue & Basement reshoot w/ D.W.M.G. I wish MY mom had let me rock out the house like this... A local music group that was shot earlier at Chief Ike's Mambo Room invited me to their family barbecue giving me an opportunity to get some better recordings of their music and some additional video. Thursday, June 25, 2009 Fort Reno Concert Series - Shoot #1 Feat. NOON:30, Meow Vs. Meow, & The Electrocutions Sunday June 14, 2009 Capital Pride Festival The movie's first "aerial" shot was taken over Pennsylvania Avenue getting a bird's eye look at the festival. Saturday June 13, 2009
Capital Pride Parade - Downtown D.C.
Just a few decent shots taken for the film. Got a nice one of Adrien Fenty throwing some beads at the crowd.
Thursday
June 11, 2009 Interview with Bryan Weaver at Kalorama Park
Bryan Weaver is an Advisory Neighborhood Commisioner for the Adams Morgan area (ANC-1C), a local activist, the founder of the D.C.-based youth leadership and development program, "Hoops Sagrado." Bryan talked about the good and bad of his neighborhood, the way the ANC's work, and the absurdity of having to go to congress to get approval for a dog park. And of course, Chuck Brown too. Tuesday June 10, 2009 Justin Trawick at IOTA Club & Cafe
One of the greatest joys I've experienced while making this film has been the chance to meet some of the area's best artists, watch their shows, and have an excuse to practice the art of shooting concerts at some of the best venues in the city (in some cases, the best in the country).
Shooting Justin Trawick's acoustic residency at Iota Club & Cafe in Arlington is a prime example. Justin is an extraordinary local singer/songwriter and a rising star in the region. Capturing the gig on video was a total joy, and I look forward to seeing a show featuring his full band "The Justin Trawick Group" when I can take a night off from filming.
06-07-2009
The Velvet Lounge shoot: Seamonsters & Caustic Casanova Caustic Casanova is a masterful Washington, D.C. power trio that I've been in contact with for a few weeks now. What better venue for this heavy hitting indie prog rock band? And now they're headed for the big time! To Michael, Francis, & Stefanie: keep rocking HARD! Check 'em out! www.CausticCasanova.com http://www.myspace.com/causticcasanova Seamonsters is a band that can lay claim to being both a D.C. band and a New York band as its members live in BOTH cities. It was a nice coincidence that I was able to shoot their show in the same night. Regardless of whether all its members live here or not, Seamonsters is a certified A-W-E-S-O-M-E National Capital Area phenomenon in my book. This is how to put on a show. www.myspace.com/seamonstersloveyou
06-06-2009 Interview with Katherine M. Hill, writer of e-zine, MACAROON SHINDIG and D.C. Transportation Examiner Katherine grew up in Frederick, MD and calls Washington, D.C. home. She's an editorial assistant in financial publishing and a freelance journalist with an emphasis in public transportation. She shed some light for me on D.C.'s metro rail troubles, the smart bike program, Metro's proposed "PURPLE LINE" and the NOW HAPPENING "SILVER LINE" connecting D.C. to fast growing North Virginia. The type of people that ride the bus, why Washingtonians walk on the right, and the mystery of what makes everyone who drives the beltway forget how to drive were all topics, but I also got a broad range info regarding D.C.: from food to music, to statehood, gentrification, and nightlife. As this Washingtonian Suburbanite knows much more about the National Capital Region than the average Jane -and took the interview for one helluva ride! To learn more about Katherine M. Hill and her obsession with trains, planes, and automobiles, check out her examiner page:
06-04-2009 UPCOMING prospective shoots for the BigDCmovie: SUMMER 2009 Obviously, music is taking a considerable chunk of filming efforts this summer, but there are plans for more interviews in the works as well. The project is becoming pickier about who to approach -especially after a couple incidents a few weeks ago involving some wishy-washy individuals. All of that's behind us now. Here's a sample of what's coming... Arrangements have NOT been completed for all the people/events below, but all have been confirmed to be willing participants in the project. I will attach links when possible... PERFORMING ARTS -Singer/songwriter Justin Trawick Upcoming concert shoot scheduled -Performing artists of Infinite. Soul. Music. (Sunz of Soul, Anonomous, Shawn Struggle, Jewels) -The Capital Fringe Festival In planning with organizers -The Capital Hip Hop Soul Festival & performing acts In planning with organizers & artists -The band, Juniper Lane Concert shoot in the works -The band, Caustic Casanova Upcoming Concert shoot scheduled -The band, Mzery Loves Company Concert & interview -Well known ANC Neighborhood Commissioner for interview -Local freelance writer for interview... expert on current DMV affairs involving public transportation & area culture 05-31-2009 Interview with Cultural Anthropologist, BRETT WILLIAMS Professor Brett William guided me through some of the history and culture of Washington, D.C. I also tapped into her wealth of knowledge in African American culture, urban life, gentrification and displacement, homelessness, poverty, and a recurring topic in this town (and subsequently the movie): statehood. 05-22-2009 ONCE OKAY TWICE CONCERT IN CAPITAL HILL I was out at the Pour House in Capital Hill to shoot the band Once Okay Twice -and to snatch up a copy of their newly released EP. On the local indie front, Once Okay Twice is one of the bands to check out. I ought to mention that they're actually a band member short at the moment -can any of you folks play the violin? To find out more about Once Okay Twice... http://www.myspace.com/onceokaytwice  05-17-2009 Second Annual Our City Film Fest at American University This is a NON-PRODUCTION related blog entry; however, it is most definitely applicable to the film, particularly on the research side. American University's little fest is straight forward enough -short films about local D.C. Stories of people, culture, local history... the stuff that defines the city internally from the vantage point of the people who live here. In fact, I think the spokesperson for the non-profit overseeing the fest even used the term "two Washington's" in her spiel, but didn't mean it in terms of social economics, but in terms of perspective. The D.C. the world knows and the D.C. Washingtonians know are two very different places. The latter was the focus of the screenings. Anyways, just thought I'd share. Thanks to Professor Sabiyha Prince, whom without, I would have never known about AU's little fest. After watching a bunch of little movies about Washington, I'm ready to get back to making a BIG one. Big Movie, that is. Ahem... 05-15-2009 THE PENETRATORS, THE NEW STANDARD, 9353, & FREAK TRAIN... D.C. PUNK ROCK 1978-1983 AND BEYOND... Last night's filmmaking activites consisted of an Interview & Band Practice with GEORGE DIVELY, MASH, & MAKAIO of the circa 1980-1983/2002-2009 Power Pop/ Punk Band, "THE NEW STANDARD" with their new lead singer, VANCE BOCKIS formerly of 9353. I invaded these D.C. music veterans' rehearsal space to get an earfull of local music history and catch an eye-opening (and eardrum-shattering) first look at their recently formed and ambitious Punk Quartet, "FREAK TRAIN" (and I obtained a huge mass of wicked footage). I heard stories from the Hardcore Boom of the 80's and, while covering all the things associated, the bands, the Straight Edge movement, Dischord, Unicorn Times, shaved heads, and baseball bats (thanks for the dollar, Vance), they also revealed a music scene of those times that wasn't all just hardcore, but was also filled with long haired punks, new wave rockers, and go go bands. Before and after the interview, the band "practiced." I'm not going to get into a tremendous amount of detail... but it was awesome enough for me to justify pulling out all three cameras and staying extra late. Though I wasn't raised on it, nor was I born in time to see it become what it is, in recent months I've discovered there's much to love about punk rock. No exception is The New Standard's self-titled retro album released in 2002 which I had been listening to for the last few weeks. But what I experienced last night was a bit more than I bargained for -something very cool. Perhaps the game changer is Vance Bockis' vocals and his theatrics while performing or the natural chemistry between him and the rest of the band that now calls itself, "Freak Train." The New Standard on MySpace (bulk of the band's previously released music can be heard here) Freak Train on MySpace (their new band - will be premiering live very soon) The Penetrators 1978-1980 On MySpace (George Dively's influential band that inspired the likes of Ian Mackaye and Black Market Baby) 9353 (Vance Bockis' band) "In 1983, anyone who looked at band posters in D.C. knew 9353... 9353 was the most powerful of the bands from the artier side of post harDCore." -Dance of Days: Two Decades of Punk in the Nation's Capital by Mark Andersen & Mark Jensen 05-09-2009 NEW SHOT LIST IN THE WORKS Many, many hours of research, interviews, & location scouting combined with a wider array of equipment and photographic tools demand a more complete shot list for the film's cinematography. I've learned a lot about the city this past year, and I now have the mental faculties to complete the visual picture of Washington, D.C. -and capture the inherent life of the town. Some of these new sequences will be shot this month, but the full list won't be ready until the summer. I don't want any shots in this movie to be able to pass as "standard stock footage" of Washington -- it's got to be fresh & original BUT STILL remain authentic. 04-28-2009 FLORIDA TRIP My little brother is getting married, so I'll be leaving FRIDAY to Florida for a week of well needed R & R. 04-22-2009 *CORRECTIONS MADE 04-28-2009* WHAT'S COMING In about three months from now, I will be wrapping up the trailer for the documentary, and the campaign to finance/fund the rest of the project will begin. Originally, the film was to be completed in its entirety by December ''09. That date is getting pushed back to March - May 2010. March is the submission deadline for two awesome film festivals: Our very own Silverdocs in Silver Spring and the Los Angeles Film Fest in California. So, if things ARE wrapped up COMPLETELY by March, those will be very strong possibilities. In any case, JUNE 2010 is the earliest premiere possibility -a little over a year to go! Why the change? I've been making a documentary in my spare time over the last few months, and it's taken some time to gain an accurate perspective on the story the film portrays. Now that I can envision where this is all going, I know it to be something much bigger than I had originally planned for. Therefore, the project will require a bit more time and resources in order to fufill this greater vision. On a personal note, as of January 03, 2010, after 8 1/2 years of service, I'll be relieved from my duties in the United States Navy. Following my separation, I'll have more time to work on the film and see to its completion. So, TRAILER & OFFICIAL TITLE ANNOUNCEMENT - By AUGUST 1ST, 2009 PHASE II FILMING & POSTPRODUCTION - JANUARY TO MAY 2010 FIRST POTENTIAL FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERE - JUNE 2010 (SILVERDOCS) 04-20-2009 Interview with "Make Love & War" Lead members of the on-the-rise rock-pop band out of Laurel, MD share insights from their experiences debuting in the D.C. area music scene. 04-19-2009 HIPHOP/ROCK BAND, DC-FLOW @ SOLLY'S TAVERN Concert Footage 04-15-2009 OVERLOAD I'm in neck deep right now, so anybody waiting to hear back from me, don't take it personally! Every waking moment that I'm not working, I'm on the phone. I'm not going to say who I've been on the phone with... let's just say, things are getting serious in my world right now. But let's put off celebrating until the work's done, eh? In addition to all the serious contacts for interviews, there are all these crazy lil' indie bands, musicians, rappers, you-name-it already responding to my summer music initiative. I had gotten some 'practice' shooting musicians at live venues early in the filming, but this summer I'll be pursuing some of the bigger acts -as well as a few of the small ones that are filling my inbox with requests to "shoot footage of my band for the movie." So, I'm in a TEMPORARY STATE of overload. It'll be a couple days before I catch up. But things are going good -thank you everyone for your continued support. -Denny 04-11-2009 FIREWORKS OVER THE POTOMAC, SW (Natl Cherry Blossom Festival Finale) The 2009-Cherry Blossom Festival is in the can. Maybe now I can sleep at night without dreaming about those damn flowers. 04-09-2009 INTERVIEW WITH ILEY BROWN OF TTED RECORDS, THE LABEL RECOGNIZED FOR THE LAUNCH OF GO-GO MUSIC I took part in a very fascinating conversation last night. Iley Brown is the long time associate of Max Kidd (owner of TTED records who is recognized alongside Chuck Brown as "co-godfather" of Go-Go). The TTED record label is the biggest distributor of Go-Go music in the world, and Iley Brown knows more than a thing or two about the music. As a native Washingtonian, he knows more than a thing or two about the city as well -which justified dragging things out an extra 30 minutes or so. 04-04-2009 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade & Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival I'm far from cherry blossomed out yet, folks. I'm looking forward to Anacostia's celebration next weekend. 03-28-2009 SMITHSONIAN KITE FESTIVAL A persistent light rain wasn't enough to ruin this event. The overcast sky made for some excellent light conditions giving me some very interesting (and memorable) shots and making this year's Kite Fest a unique one - perfect for the needs of this project. 03-23-2009 DIRECTOR IN EMERGENCY ROOM FOR ABDOMINAL PAIN I have a little history of getting pancreatitis (which would have explained the persistent fever and constant belly aches the last three days). Strangely though, the labs came back normal this time, and I'm being told by the ER doc that the pain is gastric reflux brought on by some kind of infection. Anyways. Fever gone. I guess I can get back to work now. It's kind of hard to pick things up where I had left off this past week... so much happened... then so much HAPPENED... I feel like I just got hit by a train. Speaking of trains, I need to go catch one. Stay tuned, -D 03-22-2009
CINEMATOGRAPHY @ TIDAL BASIN
The Cherry Blossoms are budding. Pretty soon they'll be blooming.
I still don't feel well, but my condition is generally better. 03-21-2009
STOLEN LAPTOP + HIGH FEVER = Murphy's Revenge
If you want to see the progress the film's production has made, skip this entry. It seems that after a string of good luck, Murphy's Law just has to catch up and put a damper on things. No worries, folks. I'll pull through like I always do. On Tuesday night my car had been broken into and a laptop was stolen containing all the admin, research, legal, and scheduling files for the film. Luckily, I do all my business online and at least the most vital items can be recovered from my Yahoo! mail account and various websites. That's only a matter of sifting through a few hundred e-mails and verifying some research.
However, I would wind up putting that off until Sunday. This was due to a very disturbing abdominal discomfort I had awoken to Saturday morning along with hot and cold flashes of pain throughout my body. It became apparent that my body was fighting an infection. I wish it could have found a way to do that without raising my body temperature high enough to fry an egg on my chest.
03-18-2009
"LOCALS ONLY" SHOWCASE @ CHIEF IKE'S MAMBA ROOM
Two enterprising music groups in one night.
D.W.M.G (Dumb. Weird. Music. Group.) has been trying to get me out to one of their shows for some time now. All I can say is that these guys (and girl) are a truly fresh act, full of wit and plentiful in exuberant, youthful energy.
V-A-S-U-D-E-V-A was filmed for the feature a few weeks ago at their home town bar in College Park. Unfortunately the footage didn't come out, and I was in dire need of a reshoot. Coincidentally, I saw their name on the billboard outside Chief Ike's on my way in. The only downside, I realized, was that sticking around for them meant making due with only two hours of sleep that night... Oh well. All I'll say is that it was very, very worth it.
03-15-2009
MELFI PENN INTERVIEW
Local entrepreneur, former Howard University student, and owner of "Fly Betty's Boutique" located on U Street. I made Melfi nervous with all my cameras and unscripted questions (I left the cue cards at home for this one), and I sat on and broke her chair. All-in-all, a slam-bang success!
Melfi, you are the flyest of the 'Fly Bettys' as far as I'm concerned, and you needn't worry about not "making the cut" (inside joke).
-Den
03-07-2009
AISHA ALI INTERVIEW
Local writer for the Washington Examiner & media specialist, Aisha Ali, gave me the lowdown on the many tribulations facing D.C. area youths. The interview was scheduled to take place with the full length of the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool seen behind my subject, stretching out into the distance at an angle. A glorious, immediately recognizable, and painstakingly planned shot.
Unfortunately, there is no reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial. Not right now, anyways. Just a big muddy, dirt hole. Some last minute scouting saved the day, and we were able to get started pretty much (well, almost) on schedule and got gone before my permit to shoot expired.
Oh, yeah. Sorry Aisha, I'm supposed to be talking about you here. Miss Ali is a native to the Washington Metro Area and now resides in PG County. We discussed the local school system, violence & crime, gentrification, African American culture, Go-Go, U Street, and life in "The 51st State," or, as some prefer, the "Chocolate City."
You can find out more about Aisha Ali and issues affecting D.C. area youths on her Examiner page:
By the way, I'd like to express my gratitude to the National Park Service. Congratulations, you just reserved yourself a special place in the "Special Thanks" section of the end credits.
What makes me think NPS reads my blog, I have no idea.
Stay tuned...
-DA
02-25-2009
SABIYHA PRINCE INTERVIEW
Cultural anthropologist Sabiyha Prince's work centers around urban life in the United States. Dr. Prince presently teaches "Roots of Racism" and "Race, Class, & Inequality in Washington, D.C." at the Anthropology Department of American University. Prior to our interview, she had recently made a notable appearance on Hardball with Chris Matthews to discuss the Imus controversy. Her husband is an internal medicine doctor, and they live in Columbia, MD with two brilliant and beautiful daughters.
02-22-2009
KATE MICHAEL INTERVIEW
Interview with local philanthropist, journalist, and former Miss D.C., Kate Michael. Took place at the 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown.
To learn more about Kate Michael, check out one of her sites:
Not to mention the fact that I ran into a certain former Hollywood action hero and present Governor of California while strolling through Georgetown -but that's another story. 02-21-2009
VASUDEVA CONCERT IN COLLEGE PARK
Shot a concert for the local band Vasudeva at their hometown bar in college park. Nice jam!
**UPDATE** The footage for this concert didn't come out (it was horrible -my fault, not the band's). A reshoot was conducted on March 18th at Chief Ike's Mamba Room during the bar's "Local's Only" band showcase. 02-13-2009
NORTH OF CANADA: A Hardcore Friday the 13th at the Asylum
An awesome show at the Asylum that rocked my night. While I found the last concert I had shot (just a few hundred feet from this one at Madam's) soothing to the soul, this one was a little more... stimulating. These guys are all kinds of loud and awesome. We fed off each other's energy the whole set, and I got some amazing footage. A big thanks to Mike, Ryan, Rob, & The General for allowing me to capture the night. And a special thanks to the club's sound guy, although he probably had no idea what I was doing there, he made a well appreciated effort to help me get what I needed.
02-12-2009
"BOB PERILLA'S BIG HILLBILLY BLUEGRASS" meets DENNIS ARMATO'S "BIG DC MOVIE"
A "big" night last night (pun intended). Bob and the gang invited me out to Adam Morgan's Madam's Organ (tongue twister NOT intended - thank Bill Duggan for the creative play on words) for some high and lonesome singin', banjo pickin', and fiddlin'. There was even some (attempted) buckdancin' and cloggin' amongst the crowd. It was just a damn good show. Bob's boys (and girl) were in great form and performing to a nicely sized and participatory audience. After the first set, I got rid of all my gear, bought myself a beer, and just sat, watching from the intimate proximity of the bar, listened, and tapped my foot to the infectious sounds from yonder stage.
So, BIG THANKS to the band and Madam's for contributing a stellar chunk of material to the film and a great show to calm an overworked, sleepless guy's nerves. 02-11-2009
BIG BLOG UPDATE
You know a guy's been busy when he goes nearly a whole month without updating a blog.
New subjects for interviews are being negotiated into the scedule, and it's been a great time for music: From rappers and punk bands to jam bands and bluegrass, I've made some great finds. At least two of those will be shot live this month. Worked to get some great locations for interviews: 1789 Restaurant will be hosting me and Kate Michael in about 10 days, and I'm working with the National Park Service to use the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial as a backdrop for another one.
I had some hiccups these last few weeks too. I broke two MAJOR pieces of equipment two days in a row preceding an important shoot WITHOUT funds immediately available to replace them, weather in D.C. had been hell up to this week (though 'hell' is at least warm), I had to take a very much indebted "time out" for family, and somehow... SOMEHOW, there's actually been a lot of progress. Well, the obstacles have been hurdled, crises have been averted, and the job's gotten done along the way... So, now that that's out of the viewfinder, it's time to push the pedal to the medal and see where the rubber really meets the road.
Peace Friends,
Dennis
01-14-2009
THAD WILSON JAZZ ORCHESTRA AT BOHEMIAN CAVERNS
The first official interview for the movie was shot with the critically acclaimed and internationally renowned modern day jazz musician, Thad Wilson, and some dynamite footage was taken of his 16-piece band's stellar performance.
01-10-2009
My responsibilities outside the movie demanded a lot of my time/attention this week, but thankfully, that's over and it's back to business. Organizing schedule, following up with some prospects for the film, and some last minute preps for interview/concert coming this Monday. Details to come.
01-02-2009
Scouting in Georgetown. Went well. More people are jumping on board the project lately. Things are going smooth. Staying busy.
01-01-2009
Happy New Year. MYSPACE page is official. And that's it, by the way. No more. No facebook or any of that other garbage. Got bigger things to do, baby. Got bigger things to do.
12-28-2008
Website updated! New links at top of page streamline things for those who want to contact me about getting involved.
12-27-2008
Location scouting for interviews in... Foggy Bottom, Anacostia, National Mall...
12-26-2008
I hope everyone had a Happy Christmas!
The first two interviews for the film are now getting scheduled. Woo-hoo!
I'm also launching a new "It's Your City, It's Your Movie" campaign. What's that? Well, let's see if it works first... then I'll fill you in.
Okay, fine, I'll tell you now. Basically, I'm going to find some lively, outgoing Washingtonians, who aren't too camera shy, who are willing to guide me through their neighborhood, help reveal its sub-culture, the hot spots, and share insights only a bona fide local could provide.
Stay Tuned.
12-18-2008
Remembering the FIVE P'S:
Proper-Planning-Prevents-Poor-Performance.
The goal is to have a functional electronic form that folks slated for interviews can fill out online. They'll be able to choose from lists of options, such as the date/time they'd like to make their appointment (for interview in most cases), what location they'd prefer. Basically it gets the input I need to prepare for the shoot without needing to hire a secretary.
I almost couldn't find Clyde's of Chevy Chase on my way to last week's concert shoot (which was really great by the way). I'm acquiring a GPS unit!! It's portable, so I can use it my car AND while I'm out and about on foot. Hopefully, this will be another time saver, as I set out to locate what's going to be several dozen people for interviews amidst a tight schedule.
12-12-2008
Concert @ Clyde's of Chevy Chase
Footage taken of the band Make Love And War's performance. Had a great time, got all the lighting and sound right, and still had time to experiment. If you read this, I'd like to say thank you to Brian, Janelle, Shamus, Matt James, and everyone else involved with the band; also to the restaurant's management who... didn't really seem to care what I did. No hassles, and I met some great people. Thanks, again.
12-09-2008
My "short list" (future interview participants)
Among the folks I've recently lasso'ed into the project, there are four columnists who spend their time monitoring the scene in D.C. from different angles (culture, youth, transportation, and my greatest weakness of all... fashion) and prolifically write about it. They include a fly lady entrepreneur who owns a boutique and Miss D.C. of 2006! My latest find is a cultural anthropologist and Washington native who was recently featured on Hardball with Chris Matthews!
Thanks to all; I look forward to sitting down with ya!
Much more to come in the next 2-3 weeks.
12-06-2008
EXT-ALEXANDRIAWATERFRONT-NIGHT
Sucked. Too dark. Too wet. Not very good footage. A fine event for folks who didn't mind the damp and blisteringly chilly weather, but not so much fun for shooting video. I was there to get some shots of the Boat Parade Light Show watchamacallit. Had better shoots. Although, there were maybe two or three "pretty good" shots that may make the cut... so, maybe it was worth it. ...or not.
12-01-2008
Back to work! Thanksgiving is over. I'll be working through Christmas and most of January to get the film through it's next phase. The numero uno on the agenda is casting the interviews. Really, really good progress is being made here, and it won't be long until I can finally start shooting the "meat" of the film. Early cinematography for the film will continue to be captured throughout the area (usually dawn to dusk on the weekends) as time and weather permits.
11-23-2008
General footage/ cinematography, various areas
11-15-2008
"My Highly Unanticipated Day Off"
Although a lot of shooting has obviously begun, this is still considered to be the preproduction phase. And this, friends, is day 47 in preproduction. Nothing solid was scheduled today, most notably because it's raining cats and dogs. I took a break last night and went to see the Bond film, Quatum of Solace, at my local, although distastefully commercialized, AMC Tyson's Corner. At thirty minutes past midnight, my usual bedtime, my body hit the mattress. I was going to give myself some slack today and set the alarm for 8:30 a.m., the latest I've gotten up in over two weeks. As it turns out, 8:30 in the morning somehow became 4:15 in the afternoon, and for the first time in years, I had slept a solid 15 hours. My day was shot, and I didn't even realize what time it was until I just sat down in the cafe five minutes ago.
So, I would like to declare this Universal Slacker's Day... Here's to the folks who have the audacity and free spirit to wake up past 4pm every day! I think I'll eat pizza and maybe not shower tonight.
Seriously, now I have to get back to work... Happy S. Day, Slackers.
I love you, but I don't want be you. At least not until the film's complete.
11-11-2008
UPDATE -- THEME & FOCUS DEVELOPMENT
The nature of the film's "seriousness" was quite debatable at the onset. While I certainly never wanted to be apathetic about D.C.'s social problems, I didn't want a film about one of my favorite places in America to be, well... depressing. I think the goal of getting a good mix of everything and having enough material to keep it entertaining as well as moving (a fine alternative to depressing) is going to be well met... exceeded, maybe.
11-08-2008
T.R. ISLAND FOOTAGE
Spent the day at Teddy Roosevelt Island. Had someone ask me if I was taking pictures of birds or planes. I told him a little of both. His wife thought that was hilarious. She looked high.
11-07-2008
Sent some inquiries, and got some quick responses from some DC savvy people... be right with you.
11-06-2008
I'm doing a lot of think-and-organize type work. Got to arrange some shots, tighten some research material, and contact a bunch of people. Better to stay in and make some careful planning this once.
11-05-2008
Drank champagne and had an Obama Burger. Change is here, baby.
11-02-2008
ROCK CREEK PARK FOOTAGE
Had to make the best of a cloudy day. The poor man's Hollywood Camera Car technique is near perfection. You have no idea what that means.
11-01-2008
Cox Farm Festival got rained out. Probably wasn't pertinent to the movie anyways. Went and saw "W."
I give it 3 out of 4 stars.
10-30-2008
Concert for Halloween Night at 9:30 falls through. Not club's fault, and I have a very reliable contact there now. Will keep in touch.
10-26-2008
Marine Corps Marathon from a vantage in Crystal City. Need a new telephoto lens.
10-15-2008
Have 12 music bands lined up to have performances filmed in the coming months.
10-14-2008
Footage all over the city.
10-08-2008
General Footage
Adams Morgan, Foggy bottom, Dupont Circle
10-07-2008
General Footage
Georgetown, Potomac, Washington Channel
10-01-2008
General Footage
Arlington Cemetary, Natl Mall, Chinatown
 | Filming will resume -but WHEN depends on YOU. MAKE A DONATION TODAY! Feel free to contact me with suggestions, questions, and concerns no matter who you are! -Dennis Armato Producer/Director The Big DC Movie Project Important Update! Everything you see on these pages is, for the most part, riddled with bad information. You see, a few weeks before the 'hiatus' began, I had actually completed the long awaited "Master Plan" for the documentary. At least in the sense that it was full and complete in my mind as to the direction the film was going. But I never got a chance to update everything... So now, I just wanted to put a little disclaimer here -to let you know- that the film that's in my mind isn't quite what you see being described here... |