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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"I’m delighted to welcome Tom Grey, the director & producer of the Player Piano video series to the show this week. Working alongside him is classically trained composer & pianist Sonya Belousova. They’ve combined their talents to create videos that don’t just cover songs, but add new dimensions to them on the piano and in a video setting. For those of you who miss music videos, you will love Player Piano. So far, they’ve covered “Kaneda” from Akira, “The Unknown Waltz” by David Arnold and that Russian folk song that would be stuck in your head after hours of playing Tetris.

Tom and Sonya’s innovative work has garnered critical acclaim from the likes of Stan Lee, Felicia Day and the Nerdist. They’ve just launched an Indiegogo campaign to take this exciting new venture to the next level. In this interview, you’ll hear how this all started and how each of the videos are made. There’s also some good advice in here about collaboration and embracing production limitations as opposed to letting them stop you. A great listen for people endeavoring to make their own shorts and indie films. Enjoy."

LINKS

You Tube Page

Homepage

Facebook

Twitter

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"Are you tired of all the shopping hype at this time of year? Do you think we sometimes lose track of what the holidays are about? Do you wish there was something to remind people to be more charitable to those in need? Great news – we’re spreading the word of Snack Friday. Instead of spending all day mobbed in stores on Black Friday, maybe it’s better to give making it Snack Friday.

Spearheaded by my friend, colleague & podcasting guru Dan Lackaye of the Dan & Travis show, Snack Friday is all about remembering there’s those less fortunate than the rest of us who need help during this wonderful time of year. Instead of waiting for hours and risking getting trampled for a big screen or a toy that will break by New Year’s, how about taking some time and give to your local food pantry, shelter, humane society or charity of our choice.

Everyone wants to give and help out local charities. But let’s be honest, we’re ALL super busy this time of year and often forget to take some time to contribute. This is a great way to mark your calendar to take some time and help those who are struggling. And if there’s anything the last 6 years have taught us – it’s that you never know when those struggles will hit.

Dan and Travis joined me for a special mini-sode and we talked for half an hour about what you can do to help out your neighborhood.

If you love this idea like we do, don’t be shy about spreading the word everywhere on social media. Let’s all help put the charity and giving back into the holiday season:"

LINKS

Snack Friday on Facebook

Snack Friday on Twitter

Snack Friday Logo by Dave Scott Graphic Design

Long Breach Library

Email Snack Friday

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"What does it take to make an animated show? I honestly have no idea. Fortunately, my guests this week know a ton about it. Thomas Krajewski (not pronounced as it’s spelled) and Jennifer Muro are a pair of animation writers. They also happen to be developing live-action material, are very knowledgable on all things nerdy & geeky and are married to each other!

Tom and Jen each have over a decade of experience writing and developing animation shows. They give us a nuts and bolts look behind the scenes of how story ideas are drawn to life. But also how writing animation has helped them when it comes to branching out into writing live-action with an effective economy of words. Before writing scripts, Jen worked in development writing bibles for numerous shows. Tom was nominated for an Emmy in Outstanding Writing In Animation for his work on Nickelodeon’s “The Fairly OddParents.” And recently his live-action script was a finalist in the Page Awards and a winner in the Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest.

And we also geek out about Doctor Who & Buffy The Vampire Slayer while agreeing that the world is ready for more female action heroes. Tom & Jen are smart, fun writers making this a smart, fun listen. Enjoy!

LINKS

Jen's Tumblr

Jen's Twitter

Tom's Twitter

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"November 15th, Midnight PST will be the final deadline for the 2015 Blue Cat Screenplay Competition. I’m very delighted that due to some last-minute scheduling, the founder and judge of Blue Cat, screenwriter, director and teacher Gordy Hoffman kindly took time out to tell us about what this very trusted screenwriting contests. Blue Cat is in its sixteenth year and has helped launched numerous writing careers, including “Rodham” screenwriter Young Il Kim and “Prisoners” co-writer Aaron Guzikowski among many others.

Gordy has been a huge asset to aspiring screenwriters since he launched Blue Cat and you’ll hear why as shares some of his great insights here. Every script that enters Blue Cat gets written feedback. Gordy tells us how writers should handle and address that feedback. Gordy also tells us what a writer should be concentrating on before they enter any contest. The good news, it’s all about the writing and not marketplace dictates. If you’re an aspiring or amateur screenwriter, inside or outside LA, looking for a door to get into the business, contests like Blue Cat are a great way. Find out why here and Enjoy!"

LINKS

Here’s how you can enter Blue Cat

Blue Cat is on Youtube

Gordy on Twitter

Blue Cat on Twitter

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"All Hallow’s Eve is upon us soon and if you’re like me, you want to watch, rewatch or discover some horror movies this week.  To that end, I’m very excited that Rick Dominicus sat down with me this week to discuss that very subject. Rick’s been working in Hollywood for over 14 years now as a librarian, archivist and assistant editor for hit shows like “WWE Legends House,” “The League” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” An assistant editor does not get the editor their coffee and dry cleaning. The job of an AE is actually managing and organizing enormous volumes digital media making it efficiently accessible.

When he’s not making editors lives easy, Rick is making his own life and his friends’ life easier with a vast collection of movies from all over the world. Rick puts the word “cinephile” to shame and he kindly took time from his hectic workload on the reality show staple “Shark Tank” to give us a detailed guide on both iconic and hidden gem horror movies. Films from Europe, the far east and from various generations are discussed. And in the end, we transition from horror to horrifying as we delve into movies that challenge the bravest viewers from whatever time of year. A great listen for anyone looking to discover movies off the beaten paths."

LINKS

Twitter

Rob Zombie's Director's Cut of Halloween II

Films of Ti West

Films of the Soska Sisters

I Saw The Devil Trailer
Night Of The Creeps Trailer
The Exorcist Trailer

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"On episode 16 of the Express, I finally welcome one of my oldest and closest friends, writer Stephen Scaia. Along with his writing partner Matthew Federman, you’ve seen Stephen’s writing and producing credits in the shows “Judging Amy”, “Jericho”, “Warehouse 13” and “Human Target.” He’s also co-written the feature-film adaptations of “Y: the Last Man” and “Ghost Recon” coming soon a to a theatre near you. These guys know how to tackle big set-piece action stories without forgetting about the core of what makes those stories great – the characters.

Stephen offers a unique perspective in this interview as he and Matthew recently adapted the graphic novel “Pax Romana” and this month released their “Dead Squad”, their own original comic book. “Dead Squad” is a part-action, part-horror, all-existential story about a group of soldiers who are surprised to find themselves alive after being killed on a mission. Stephen tells us the different challenges between adapting existing material and creating something completely new across different mediums. We also get into some character analysis for some of your favorite movies which offers great insight on how to get to the root of the characters you’re writing.

Stephen has been a great friend and guide to me as a writer. You’ll find out why in this interview which offers great advice for aspiring writers but also some practical nuts-and-bolts reminders for seasoned vets. And it’s Austin Film Festival week so of course we touch on that as well. Enjoy…

LINKS

More on Dead Squad

Another Interview with Stephen

Twitter

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"This week on the Handsome Timmy D Express I am privileged to welcome Ron Greenfield, one of the most experienced and distinguished guests to appear so far.  Ron started his career as a film graphic artist, producing and designing trailers for  such critical and commercial hits like Star Trek, Arthur, Reds,  Raiders Of The Lost Ark and Victor, Victoria.  He then switched direction and went to work for CBS/Fox, as the Creative Director, when home entertainment was first beginning to make an impact as he created the campaigns that kept an entire generation of kids on pins and needles, promoting the Star Wars trilogy when they were first introduced on videocassette.

In Los Angeles, Ron served as the Senior Director of Creative Services for the legendary Republic Pictures. From there he went onto become an award winning Vice President (Marketing and Creative Services) for the well-known, Hollywood icon, Aaron Spelling (Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Dynasty, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place).   He also worked as Chief Marketing Officer for the firm of Software Magic, where he helped develop gaming concepts with Electronic Arts, Atari, Activision, Dreamworks Interactive, Mattel, and Lucas Arts.

Today Ron endeavors to share his knowledge and experience with people learning their way in this business. His website, www.aspectsofentertainment.com, as well as his two books are invaluable reads to anyone wanting to understand the in’s and out’s of the entertainment industry. Perspectives on Entertainment, is available on amazon.com and there is a FREE DOWNLOAD of his other book, A Sneak Peek Behind The Curtain of the Entertainment Industry, on his website.

I was delighted that Ron took time out from his busy schedule to talk with me about the creative life and how that works in conjunction with the business side of Hollywood.  Ron brings a lot of wisdom to this interview and I’m sure you’ll enjoy our talk, as I did."

LINKS

Aspects of Entertainment Website

Ron's Perspectives of Entertainment

Hollywood Journal Article on Sidney Lumet

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"On Episode 14, I sit down with fellow screenwriter Mike Sundy. I met Mike last year through mutual friends at the world famous Austin Film Festival. The AFF is one of, if not the very best, festival for screenwriters. Mike tells how he used being a finalist in the AFF to improve his skills in both writing and networking. I’m happy to report Mike joins us fresh on the heels of optioning his AFF Finalist script – “Santagate.”

In addition to screenwriting, Mike has also written a children’s book and works as a Digital Asset Administrator for bay-area based animation studio Pixar (yes, that Pixar.) During this interview, Mike provides some invaluable, practical advice for how to honestly evaluate your own scripts in order to improve them with each draft. He also gives a great methodology for finding trusted readers and we both share our experiences on how to best utilize the fantastic Austin Film Festival. I hope you enjoy…"

LINKS

Mike's New Children's Book

Mike's Homepage

Austin Filmn Festival

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"In the most multicultural episode of the Express yet, I’m proud to be joined by actress, model and director Rizelle Januk. Rizelle is of Indian descent and joins us all the way from the nation of South Africa. I didn’t know a whole lot about Indian culture or South Africa so this episode turned out to be a real education for me. And despite the geographical distances Rizelle offers insight that will be useful to anyone on the outside of Hollywood who dreams of getting inside one day.

Rizelle talks about the challenges of chasing her dreams while living in a region that doesn’t have many opportunities. And what opportunities do arise, many casting people don’t know where to fit her because of her mixed heritage. However, Rizelle is not taking “no” for an answer and has created her own opportunities in several international independent films. She also highlights how to use social media for networking and how to capitalize on any kind of break, such as being a finalist for Miss Earth in 2010.

In order to make the time difference work, I had to stay up a bit late and Rizelle had to get up a bit early so please pardon any tiredness you may hear.  Overall, this is a great message about following your dreams, no matter what the restrictions. I hope you enjoy."

LINKS

Rizelle's Acting Reel

Girl Makes Indie homepage

youtube channel

Twitter

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

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Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"This week on the Handsome Timmy D Express, I am thrilled to welcome to the show one of the most unique individuals whom I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing, Christopher J Garcia. Chris is the curator the Computer History Museum in the beautiful bay area city of Mountain View. He’s also a writer, filmmaker and a Hugo-Award winning editor of a the acclaimed fanzine, The Drink Tank. (For real, check out his acceptance speech below, it’s amazing – heart-warming and honest)

One of Chris’ many projects when he’s not sleeping at all is the Silicon Valley Science Fiction Short Film Festival. Chris goes into a great detail about what makes this Festival special and why he’s so passionate about it. He also gives a great look into the independent film scene from a distribution perspective and how the recent changes in the industry could mean great news for low-to-no budget filmmakers. And it’s shocking how little he and I, two lifelong wrestling fans, actually talk wrestling. But we do sidestep into the universe of Dune for a bit. I hope you’ll enjoy."

LINKS

The Silicon Valley Science Fiction Short Film Festival

Rock The Block: The Story Of The Cactus Club

youtube channel

The Computer History Museum

Chris’ famous Hugo Awards Speech

His Award winning fanzine

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.