Secret Grumps

Tumblr in 2011; New Nan Bu Nan Website; Hott Garbage Returns.

2010-11-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Oh man. November already. There's been a lot going on; but to be honest it all happens bit by bit in these small daily increments. I've said it before on this blog; it's difficult to sit down once or twice a month and catalog all these mini-achievements into a blog posting. I've got to upload photos to Flickr and repost them as HTML so the size doesn't get all janked up, etc. etc. Blogger is just too cumbersome for the speed of my routine. As to that end; I've decided to simplify my posting routine a bit and transition to a Tumblr blog account as of January 1, 2011. This blog will continue to exist as a time capsule of my projects from 2008-2010.

Some exciting news is coming in the form of the new Nan Bu Nan website v 2.0. We ( and our checkbooks ) really took our lumps with the last website where it was very difficult to share, preview, or purchase one of our books. The new site is about 80% constructed by our old pal Chase Wiseman and will feature social integration on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Buzz ( if people even use that last one. ) It's also going to have cool features like drag and drop shopping ( pictured above ) and a dedicated portal to our Twitcasting stream where we'll be live-streaming periodical 'Fireside Readings' of all the Nan Bu Nan titles. The new site should debut around Christmas time. I can't even explain how much work has gone into it.

I've been making tons of headway on my new graphic novel/film 'Forgotten Detroit.' Over the past few months, the lovely Sarah Pierpont has signed on as our producer, and she is moving and shaking. Here she is not only cutting together the new Hott Garbage/Nan Bu Nan produced documentary 'I Hate Chicago: In The Gutter with Nick Vandermolen,' but reviewing the latest batches of storyboard layouts for 'Forgotten Detroit.' She is a much needed addition to our little family.

Here is a collection of some layouts I've been sharing over the Nan Bu Nan twitter over the past month or so.

Speaking of Hott Garbage; we're back in a big way. We're getting ready to press a DVD release of 'IHC:In The Gutter...' and the film version of 'FD' has been keeping Mike, Sarah, and myself super busy. So many awesome people keep signing up for our little movie that it's constantly blowing our junk. My old pal Absofacto has signed up to do an original score for the film. This is a huge deal. He also just got featured on the new Dustin Hoffman/Paul Giamatti film 'Barney's Version.' So he's going from that to us. No pressure. Follow Hott Garbage on our new Twitter for updates on all this crazy nonsense.

Absofacto's 20th Song Release; Unreleased Mason Proper Artwork

2010-09-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

So my friend Jon (who I've written of before) also called Absofacto, has released his 20th song on his website Absofacto.com The song is called 'Punch Drunk on Black Mold,' but the whole site is a rethinking of how fans can get music as well as giving those fans the benefit of the doubt. You see, you can download all the songs you want off the site. For free. Or, you can realize that Jon needs a sandwich in his stomach at least once a day, and pay for the tracks. The beauty ? You decide IF you'll pay; you decide WHAT you'll pay.

Anyway, to sort of celebrate this milestone in experimental distribution, I thought I'd dig up some unused artwork for Jon's band Mason Proper. I've directed a handful of music videos for these guys over the years, but back in 2006 (or 2007, I can't really remember) Mason Proper released their self produced, self distributed first album "There is a Moth In Your Chest." I did a few designs that you see above. Ultimately, only my interior got used for the final run of CD's. And then they got signed to Dovecote Records, who subsequently re-released/re-artworked the album. But I hate to waste things. So enjoy. [The upload process made the art look more orange-ish than it actually was.]

Oh yeah. You want to know how Jon and I met in High School? Buy 'Do The Speak' from Nan Bu Nan books.

'I Hate Chicago: In The Gutter with Nick Vandermolen' Documentary TEASER, Digital Distribution for Nan Bu Nan?

2010-08-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

'I Hate Chicago: In The Gutter with Nick Vandermolen' is a new documentary from Nan Bu Nan. It is the first in the series of short documentary films that go beyond the pages and text of the Nan Bu Nan books. Vandermolen discusses his early trials in Chicago and his need to conquer adulthood. It was shot by the lovely Sarah Pierpont (Nan Bu Nan's resident media queen) and currently in post production. It should hit the interwaves in the Fall.

Also; we are currently looking into digital distribution for all of the Nan Bu Nan titles. We've [almost] conquered the Amazon Kindle. Now we must conquer the king of the hill; the iPad. When we're hungry - - the food will be dere. [Pumping Iron].

'Do The Speak' and 'I Hate Chicago' now at Elliott Bay Book Company, 'Forgotten Detroit' Updates

2010-08-26T20:51:00.001-07:00

You can now pick up copies of 'Do The Speak' and 'I Hate Chicago' at the legendary independent bookseller Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, Wa. Add another coast tackled by Nan Bu Nan. We have half of them now.

I've been working behind the scenes quietly over the past few weeks doing storyboards for 'Forgotten Detroit.' I'd like to finish the graphic novel version for the holiday season, as stories featuring the dementia of the elderly and the broken relationships of the young and inexperienced go quite well with egg nog. Above are some sketches I've been tinkering with in my laboratory.

There are a lot of other big things that going on that I can't talk about right now. The second half of 2010 heading into 2011 is going to be fantastic.

You're Welcome, Joyce.

2010-07-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Maybe if you're turning 60 and work in an office with my mother, you can score a watercolor of Neil Diamond too.

'Do The Speak' hits the Chicago streets, New Hott Garbage short film in development.

2010-07-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Back in the end of May Vandermolen took a briefcase full of Nan Bu Nan books (including Do The Speak) to what he described as a 'business man's mixer.' According to him, this room was full of legitimate business men with parallel aspect ratio business plans, as well as other financial terminology we can't quite remember. Here is what happened.

Called Mikey on his off-day from Scream 4 in Detroit. Crunched some numbers. Consulted some diagrams. Ran the TPS reports. Expect a new Hott Garbage collaboration in spring of 2011; and our first short film.

I'm out of order? You're out of order! This whole COURT is out of order.

2010-06-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

My friend is a lawyer in my hometown of Alpena, MI. Which is sweet irony considering all the situations we used to get ourselves into. He needed something for his new office and so I did this piece for him. The moral of the story is this: You. Can't. Handle. The. Truth.

Please Purchase My Book, 'Do The Speak'

2010-06-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly a year from the time that I had an idea to collect all the paintings I had mailed to people into a book. The book was completed once; revamped and now released through Nan Bu Nan Publishing (Chicago). I am now incredibly pleased to announce that you can buy this full color memoir/coffee table book directly through NBN. PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE.

As I am the first officially signed author/artist to Nan Bu Nan, I occasionally tweet about my projects with them HERE. As well, there's one of those fancy face-page profiles where you can find out about my new releases, signing events, and back catalog HERE.

I met David Wain and Rob Corddry, as well as chilled with the rest of the cast of 'Children's Hospital' for a bit while they were here in Chicago. They put on a great show, and are really nice people. Adult Swim picked the show up and it'll premiere in June. It's legitimately funny.

Meta-FOR

2010-06-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is a profound illustration of my life right now. It's art, you probably don't GET IT.

Nan Bu Nan Launches June 15th, The Year of our Lord, 2010.

2010-06-04T13:57:00.001-07:00

You will be able to purchase all the titles you see here on June 15th when Nan Bu Nan publishing goes live at www.nanbunan.com Please plan to buy multiple copies of our entire library. It represents at least 10,000 dollars of debt.

Also, feel free to join us online on Skype for the 'Two More No Matter What' launch party for Nan Bu Nan. It begins at 7pm (Central Time) on Sunday june 13th, and will end when the beer is gone and/or we're not funny but we THINK we're still funny. So...like 8:30-ish.

If you're interested add Nick Vandermolen on Skype and join us: nvandermolen

Nan Bu Nan Advertisements

2010-05-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Alright, I shouldn't probably reveal pricing and things like this before the Nan Bu Nan website launches early this June. But I couldn't resist.

The beast that is 'infrastructure' is almost slain.

In the song 'Beautiful' by Snoop Dogg w/Pharell, Snoop wants his girl to "hurry up and finish" having sex so "we can watch 'Clueless.' " And that is totally funny. Because I've seen that movie, and it is nothing to write home about.

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'Do The Speak,' and 'I Hate Chicago' Unboxing Videos

2010-04-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Nick Vandermolen gets 'I Hate Chicago' back from the press.

I get the first copies of 'Do The Speak' in my hands.

Both the books are sitting on the inventory shelf. You can buy one. Just not yet.

A Decade Spent With Hush Puppies.

2010-04-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks Wayne. I needed that.

The Definitive Nan Bu Nan Interview

2010-04-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

As mentioned many months ago, here is the candid interview shot by Sarah last fall that tells the true story of Nan Bu Nan publishing. I think the piece speaks for itself.

Are you buying our books yet ? Oh yeah. The website isn't built yet. 'I Hate Chicago' and 'Do The Speak' are due back from the press this friday.

'I Hate Chicago'

2010-04-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Did you want to get a quick preview of Nick Vandermolen's new book I Hate Chicago from Nan Bu Nan ? Okay, deal.

The book should be out in early May. Also Nick and I are putting together a new monthly(ish) magazine titled The Anthology of Garbage which will feature the worst art and writing we have produced in the span of our short time on earf. It will be available on the NbN website, which is not even close to functional yet. How appropriate.

Do The Speak and Nan Bu Nan updates.

2010-04-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Do The Speak is being printed. Most likely, right this very moment. The galley copies have gone out to a select few people and they had (mostly) good things to say about it. This makes me feel good. We're hoping to have the physical books by April 15th...

...to coincide with the launch of NanBuNan.com. At launch there will be a slew of books. Some old favorites such as Lombardo Barnyard: Level Up with chapter and cover illustrations by me:

...as well as some new favorites like I Hate Chicago by Nick Vandermolen and The Nelson Quarterly Journal: Volume II with scholarly papers by the likes of J. Brege MA, Professor J. Greene, and R. Pat Kelly. There is also a particularly fascinating expose entitled 'Jesse James: The Myth as Perpetuated By John Newman Edwards' written by Jarmo that is definitely worth a read. Expect to see a cavalcade of the Nan Bu Nan library at select Chicago area book shops, including Quimby's.

I recently saw 'The Million Dollar Quartet' at the Apollo Theater here in Chicago. I am getting vary anxious to switch gears and point a camera at something again. Or have one pointed at me. I have a new copy of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night waiting for me at the post office that I am very excited to read.

Avatar is Very Long.

2010-02-15T22:53:00.000-08:00

And this is what I learned from it.

The Last Three Months: Almost Music Videos, "Do The Speak" Done, Barkel !, DT Tiles By Design, Nan Bu Nan, and others

2010-02-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

The past three months started with the holidays and extended in January before I knew it. In my usual way I buried myself in new projects without taking the time to share some of them. And seems as Katie Barkel was the most displeased with my sporadic updating schedule, I will first direct you to a nice little article someone wrote about her in the Detroit Metro Times. It is pleasant, except you can't see her pretty smile in the picture Mikey took to accompany the article.

A new screenplay is being constructed. It's working title is 'Chicks, Man.' Nick and I purchased this eraser board a few weeks back to map out its structure. It will be funny; at least once in every writing session one of us utters the words "I don't think we're even allowed to write __________ on paper."

Went to Michigan in January and helped light the local news station. Check. Pretended to deliver news from WWII while sitting at the desk. Check.

Nan Bu Nan Publishing is coming within weeks. Are these logos ? Vandermolen has created a new website with shopping cart/paypal/ecommerce/money integration. When the site goes live (as they say in the 'business') it will feature two new books: "Nelson Quarterly Journal Vol. II" and "Do The Speak." Yes, the book is finally finished, and over the next few weeks I will feed it into my computer to get it ready for press. It has grown strangely over the past few months into a hybrid memoir/coffee table book. Short anecdotes are paired with the watercolor pieces I sent to people in the mail. The anecdotes generally capture a flashbulb memory I have of the person the piece was sent to. Here's a small excerpt:

Paige worked at a coffee shop in the heart of East Lansing. She is the main reason I became, and still am, a coffee drinker. Sure I'd dabbled with the stuff in high school; but now every cup was tethered to her elvish smile. As you can likely deduce, both grew into necessities to start my day. To be completely truthful I don't know an awful lot about her. I see now this is the way of the coffee shop girl paradigm. She had platinum blonde hair like lightning. I had sea legs slowly returning after a significant dry spell, and as a rule was not accustomed to coupling pining with inaction. Regardless, what little I did know about Paige was overpowered by what I did: when I saw her I could find no words and even less oxygen.

The coffee shop was filled with people who had definite opinions on things. People who used polaroid cameras and listened to bands with ironic names. More importantly, people who could afford two dollars for a cup of coffee.Now, I'm the coolest human being on the planet provided I never leave my room. But these patrons went places and did things and their conversations were similarly progressive. The impossibly beautiful baristas had no doubt been impressed by a higher class of man than myself. I had the challenge now to roll up my sleeves and put my thinking cap on. Unfortunately my brain doesn't work properly. Here, listed in no particular order are a selection of things I legitimately believed to be roads to attracting Paige while she was just trying to do her job:

1. Purchasing a cup of coffee.

2. Excessive eye contact. I believed the magic number of exchanges to be three.

3. While making a sandwich, she slid a piece of turkey in her mouth and looked around to see if anyone saw. I did (see above) and exclaimed: "Was that good ? I watched you make it."

4. Took two loyalty punch cards. On the back of one drew Ulysses S. Grant, General of the Northern forces during the Civil War. On the other, drew Jefferson Davies, president of the Confederacy during the same time period. Placed them in the tip cup for her and another stunning barista named Jesse. Warned, "Now don't you two fight."

5. In late November, after her fairly traumatic bicycle accident resulting in a concussion and hospital stay uttering, "Try not to get hit by any bikes over Thanksgiving."

6. Telling her I might direct a music video for Ice Cube.

This particular story coincides with the watercolor you see in the blog posting directly below from October 22nd.

Sarah and I helped my dad get his website off the ground in late January. He creates custom tile murals, tray sets, and other such decaled delicacies. He's also into snatching up wood from abandoned farms in northern Michigan to create custom frames for all of them. He can assemble some stunning artwork for your bathroom, which makes sense that his son creates stunning bathroom humor. The website is just about up and running over at D&T Tiles By Design.

I was about 72 hours away from flying to Los Angeles to direct a music video for a fairly reputable metal band that involved Thomas Jefferson getting mowed down by a hummer. It fell through at the zero hour, but I love my job.

'Do The Speak' Slated for Early 2010, New Short Film Interview, Endless Writing

2009-10-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Sure, there's been a lot of little things going on over the past few weeks. None that warranted their own posting so that makes for a sparse updating schedule. First up, my book 'Do The Speak' was headed for the press when I got some sage advice on the presentation and execution from a cartoonist who was kind enough to take a look at the collection. I don't want to be a butthole that name drops, so it's enough to say it was a Chicago area cartoonist that I respect quite a bit who has been where I'm currently at with publishing. That being said, I've gutted the book and injected a more personal feel than the first version had. Hopefully the read of the finished product will make it worth the wait. The first print run is going to be published by Nan Bu Nan publishing in early 2010. I'll leave you with another piece from the collection, seen above.

Also, filmmaker Sarah Pierpont was in town shooting at the House Of Blues and stopped by to interview me and Nick about Nan Bu Nan; my role in the whole of it, Nick's existing titles, and the plan to expand the library in 2010. Sarah is turning the interviews into a short film that I'll get up here as soon as it's finished.

And I'm just wrapping up the screenplay for the short film 'The Stutterer.' I've been reading some great scripts from a friend of mine (and damn funny dude) named Paul Walter Hauser and it's really been inspiring. But it's kind of weird to post excerpts from a screenplay on a blog, so I don't do it. Or is it ? I don't know. Goodbye.

'I Hit Another Wall' Music Video on Paste Magazine Online [UPDATE: Music Video Below]

2009-09-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

In what will sure to be proven the quickest turn around of a music video I've directed, 'I Hit Another Wall' dropped late last week on Paste Magazine Online. Their compression isn't the swellest (as is wont to happen periodically) but for a swellerest version check out the high quality version here in Hott Garbage's gallery. Also, Antimusic.com had to say:

“Paste Magazine is premiering the video for “I Hit Another Wall,” the first single from Tim Williams’ new album Careful Love, out October 20th on Dovecote Records. The Hott Garbage directed clip is a mix of HBOs “The Wire” with a hefty serving of Larry Clark’s “Kids.” Luckily, no children were harmed during the shooting of the video.”

Go ahead and pass this video on to your friends, family, co-workers as it's unlikely to get picked up by network television. It's about time Tim went viral. But not in a 'I have to miss work and eat soup' kind of way. More like 'Holy crap did you see that video? Is there anymore of that soup? ' sort of way.

[UPDATE 9/18/09: Check out the actual video from Dovecote Records BELOW - And because I forgot earlier special thanks to Adam, Julia, and Zach and all their loving parents ! You guys were great !]

[UPDATE 10/1/09: A whole slew of other online media outlets mention the video from Spike TV, to the Urban Outfitters' Blog (?). Yeah. I thought that was kind of weird too. But awesome. For all the information, pop over to our news feed at: Hott Garbage.com]

From The Vault: Austin Film Festival Promo, Watercolor Birdcage

2009-09-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

Having recently moved to Chicago to throw my current projects into high-gear, I recalled a few past projects (read: many, many past projects) that have never seen the light of day. So from time to time if I run across something, I'll post it on up here...starting with this short promo spot that I directed for the Austin Film Festival's trailer competition back in 2006. It features original music by Jonathan Visger of Mason Proper, and Writer Nick Vandermolen makes an appearance as 'The Prophet.'

Also in the 'almost forgotten' files is this three dimensional birdcage I constructed out of Illustration Board and watercolor paint. I hand cut around 8-10 interlocking pieces of board which I then painted. The whole process took around a month, and was a birthday gift for Sarah.

I cut out an illustration board bird as well that was painted green and yellow on one side, and on the other side was black and purple. 'Opie', as he was affectionately named, was fastened with hot glue and a string so he could freely rotate between colors. His 'dark' side was supposed to match the inlaid star pattern I made using splatters of white, blue, and red gouache which made the entire piece two-toned.

A brass hook secured the top of the cage, allowing it to be hung. Along the top and bottom I threw in some faux golden plaques to commemorate the date and recipient of the birdcage. Turns out painting gold is way easier than getting it. I haven't done anything else this large on a three-dimensional scale. I have been considering an aquarium however...we'll see.

The Silent Years Music Video Directed By Katie Barkel, New Short Screenplay Adaptation

2009-08-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Katie Barkel's first foray into directing music videos last spring with 'Taking Drugs At The Amusement Park' by The Silent Years has been released. I helped out on set, and Mike shot it. I am happy for her because she is good at what she does. Also, she loves LOLcats. It's really weird. She can't get enough of them. If you happen to find a great LOLcat, send it her way.

I am in Michigan again and I am adapting a short story by Jake Brege named 'Simon The Stutterer' into a short screenplay. It is a story dealing with an astounding and disturbing gentleness. And a hand model.

Watercolor Wedding Piece

2009-08-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

I was commissioned to do a wedding gift for a couple of friends in Indiana a while back, and I thought I'd post some pictures as to how it came out. I basically had to recreate one of their engagement photos. Please note the added whimsy.

I am back in Indiana for a stretch being a mover/helper/person before heading up to northern Michigan for a bit to see the family. While loading up a carload of stuff to transport to Sarah's new apartment, we parked next to this uHaul truck. Thank god for camera phones.

Always interested in learning more about volcanic ass.

Tim Williams 'Behind The Scenes,' 'Do The Speak' Art Book Hits Shelves (Shelf?) Soon, Chicago Bound, and NickVandermolen.com Promo Spots

2009-08-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Oh man. So much going on these days that I forget to spell it out in 'Georgia' with serif. First of all a little headway (read: a lot) has been made on the new Tim Williams video for 'I Hit Another Wall.' The master tape is in the hands of the fine folks at Dovecote Records and will hit the net'waves very soon. We're talking days (?). This here is a 'Behind The Scenes' of the music video shot by Sarah Pierpont to give you a sample of what's to come. More news on this and other videos can be found at HottGarbage.com

I've completed the layout work for my new book 'Do The Speak' which compiles 20 watercolor and gouache paintings I've sent to people damn near anonymously in the mail over the past three years or so. It will be published under Nick Vandermolen's new publishing imprint Nan Bu Nan Publishing in September.

Speaking of Nick Vandermolen...I returned from a stay with him in Chicago recently and over the course of about 12 hours loaded/scheduled ourselves with the next 6 months worth of projects. I will be relocating to Chicago in September when you can expect full steam ahead on a handful of film projects and a handful of books. Above you'll see one of a few short promo spots I helped produce with him to announce his new website for all things Vandermolen: www.nickvandermolen.com More of the series can be seen here.

Also, we watched 'Sleepless in Seattle' and it is clearly an awful film. But god damned if I don't still love Tom Hanks.

New Tim Williams Video for 'I Hit Another Wall'

2009-07-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I directed a music video for Tim Williams' new single 'I Hit Another Wall' off his forthcoming album Careful Love. (Earlier this summer, another single from the album entitled 'Murderous Air' debuted on One Tree Hill.) The album will drop this fall on Dovecote Records.

Furthermore, the video is going to be cut at a breakneck pace to coincide as closely as possible with the release of the single tomorrow. The video will be accompanied with a 'Behind The Scenes' featurette shot and directed by Sarah Pierpont. Check her website for more photos from the set.

The video revolves around an ensemble of children engaging in adult situations, and will hopefully allow viewers to view/take their own 'adult' actions with a grain of salt.

'Safe' on MTV2 June 26, My Old Kentucky Blog Video Feature

2009-06-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Just got word from the wonderful folks at Dovecote Records that 'Safe For The Time Being' will premiere on MTV2's 'Subterranean' on June 26, 2009. I believe the program airs at 1am, so be sure to check your local listings.

Also, the fine folks at My Old Kentucky Blog featured the video earlier this week. You can find their review and write up here.

MTV.com posts 'Safe...' Online

2009-06-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Mason Proper - New Music - More Music Videos

While I still don't know the exact date of it's television release, it is reassuring to know that the video will now be seen. It is also nice to know that a song about an apocalyptic golden eye destroying the world is now being used to sell body wash, judging by the commercial at the beginning. Or is it the other way around ? Check out HottGarbage.com to see the original director's cut of the video which is of a significantly higher quality.

New Watercolor, Script Finished, Hott Garbage.com, 'Safe' On MTV2

2009-06-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Above is a watercolor I recently completed recently. It will be featured in my upcoming coffee table art book thing.

Last week I wrapped up the scripting portion of the book that will be known as '1,000 Typewriters.' It is the story of Harold Parth, a young and inexperienced actor, lover, and son. We follow Harold's journey from his first awkward audition right through to his final curtain call; a call that places his childhood in a troubled home on center stage. Does Harold become a butthole ? Does Harold win the heart of the girl ? Is there a girl ? Have I built up enough hype ?

HottGarbage.com is up and running. There are a few things that aren't quite perfect yet, but all the music videos I've directed can be viewed in one single location. Check out our new Myspace Page. We're also now on Tumblr, and I've got to say it's pretty sweet so far.

Finally. I'll let you all know the air date as soon as I know it.

'She Is The West Coast' Music Video In Journeys Stores This Month

2009-05-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

This month if you're in a Journeys Clothing store, watch one of those oversized flatscreen televisions they have blaring at you while you try on a pair of shoes. 'She Is The Westcoast' is on their in-store screens this month. Thanks to Rachel for the heads up.

Campus Movie Fest: New York City f./Jason Polan, Forgotten Artwork, 'Safe For The Time Being' Dropping Soon ?

2009-05-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from Campus Movie Fest's Southern Regional Film Festival, held at Lincoln Center in New York City, with screenings of the films at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. Sarah Pierpont invited me to go along, after two of her films were invited to screen there. One of her films, 'What Are You ?' [for which she was the director of photography] was in the top three films in the Drama category out of over 1,500 total short films. Apparently, the film will be shown at a final competition at Paramount Studios in Hollywood later this month, as well as will be featured in the Cannes Film Festival later this year. The director of 'What Are You ?' is behind me in the gray suit. His name is Gesi, and he was apparently aware a photo was being taken, unlike myself.

We met Jason Polan outside of Penn Station and ate tacos with him. I haven't seen Jason in almost four years. It made my next four years. Google him.

Is the music video I directed for Mason Proper's song 'Safe For The Time Being' in July of 2008 finally going to see the light of day ? If what I hear is correct, it may be sooner than I thought. Check back here, and keep an eye on Dovecote Records for more on this. I'm very proud of this video, and it will be worth the wait.

While making room for new artwork/films on my hard drive, I came across a few pieces such as this page from a short story I did around 2004. Hopefully, I'll have pages from my new book up here soon. I am now in Southern Indiana writing and drinking coffee. It is warm here.

Music Video Shoot, Two Chapters Down-One To Go, A Southern Summer

2009-04-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I helped my friend (Director Katie Barkel) on her music video debut for The Silent Years' song 'At The Amusement Park.' The video was shot at The Paul Green School of Rock in Rochester, MI and if the newspaper articles were to be believed the school was the inspiration for the film 'School of Rock' with Jack Black. Not the Rochester branch specifically, but you get the idea. The video is going to be really, really good. Mike was the Director of Photography, so it all was very wonderful. Some of the kids were brilliant. Some of the kids were a-holes. I smoked way too many cigarettes.

Over the course of the last four weeks, I wrapped up Chapter Two of my book. This brings my page count to somewhere around 185. I'm going to be diving into Chapter Three (the final chapter) this week. Soon, you will be introduced to the triumphs and tragedies of Harold Parth. I will be spending the Spring and Early Summer in Southern Indiana, where I will begin the artwork for the book.

New Graphic Novel Sketches, New Screenplay Plot Revealed

2009-03-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

I'm still really just working to finish the scripting of my next illustrated novel. Above are some pen sketches of some images/characters that I'm developing. I think I heard that the term 'graphic novel' is passe now...It's hard to follow these days. Also, from what I understand, it's actually looked down upon to script before laying out artwork. Apparently it's supposed to be done simultaneously so it's more 'organic' according to some interview I read a while back. I don't understand anything.

Nick Vandermolen steamrolled into Ann Arbor this past weekend to work on our new screenplay. Above you will see an actual diagram of the story. We subsequently spent the rest of the evening composing acceptance speeches. Please do not steal our idea.

New Music Video on MTV Buzzworthy Online, Billboard.com, and MTV.com, Noses To The Grindstones

2009-03-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

I directed a video for a Detroit Pop-Punk outfit calling themselves 'That Was Something' (Authentik Artists) back in December and have just received word that MTV's Buzzworthy Blog is featuring the video's release. The compression leaves something to be desired, but it's a playful video that allowed the fellows be silly. It was a simpler time in all of our lives.

( 4/8/2009 UPDATE: I recently found out that the video was also listed on Billboard.com, as well as MTV.com )

There are quite a few things brewing within the confines of my camp. In addition to the Coffee Table Book, this summer I'll be starting the artwork on my next illustrated novel after what seemed like eons of scripting. I'll be posting regular sneaks of the pages up until the release of the book. There are new music videos, a writer's guild, new screenplays, as well as books that promise to see the light of day sometime in spring or summer.

Also, take a look at the Black Milk video for 'Losing Out' that Mike DP'd. It was shot in the same location as our video for Mason Proper's 'Safe For The Time Being.' It's some of his best work to date.

Anyway, for now, back to work.

New Coffee Table Book

2009-02-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

I will soon be jumping back into the publishing arena with a new coffee table art book. It will feature around 20 original watercolor images I've done over the last few years. The pieces were created and mailed to people I barely knew, artists I've admired, or friends have been dear to me for quite sometime.

MyBandstock.com, Knock Knock Albino Revisited, New Hott Garbage Website

2009-01-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Mike and I recently attended the launch party for a new social networking/music website called MyBandstock. Basically, you invest money in undiscovered bands that you enjoy. In return, you receive concert tickets, free records, merchandise, etc. The bands get to have their projects funded, and the fans reap the rewards of these projects firsthand. The idea is no more record companies deciding what you should be listening to. It's an interesting idea, and I've discussed directing a few videos for them as their community develops. I'm really excited about 'My Dear Disco.'

Yeah. It's true. Nick Vandermolen and I are redrafting our formative comedic screenplay effort "Gay For A Summer" and plan on pitching it to studios in the near future. Is Knock Knock Albino back ? Stay tuned.

I am pleased as punch to announce that the new Hott Garbage Music Videos website is almost (!) completed. It looks wonderful. It will have all the videos that Mike and I have done together in one, easy to naviagte format. Perhaps I am easily amused, but this website has flash. I hope it will contribute to the rumors that I wear a beret and drink soy lattes when I direct.

Full Custody in 2009, Bug Lung Baby EP for Free, New Watercolor Machine Artwork, New Tattoo Design, New Music Video

2009-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

2009 is a time of move making and destiny shaping. This year is themed 'Full Custody,' as my fellow artists/writers/musicians and I take this world to court for our very lives. We are no longer satisfied with being sweet and/or hott merely on weekends and holidays when our jobs, obligations, and priorities deem appropriate. Rather, this year we make moves to insure that the judge (culture, society, mass media, etc.) grants us the rights we lost in the bitter divorce from our true nature. At the forefront of the "Full Custody" movement is myself and Chicago based writer/conceptual artist Nicholas Vandermolen. Expect big moves this year.

It's been nearly two years in the making, but I recently finished a tattoo design for Simon Jack. If you don't know who Simon Jack is, please get hip soon.

Ever on the search for innovative demonstrations of appreciation for those close to me, I recently completed a watercolor for Sarah. As you can see by it's vastly advanced technology, it is a contraption that allows the viewer a glimpse of internal organs, in this case the human heart. Jam packed inside she found her name caked into every possible crevice. While I feel the symbolism is obvious, the more important display is that it is something she can view daily as she resides quite a few hours away from me. This will hopefully explain it's saccharine nature.

I recently directed a video for the Detroit Pop-Punk band "That Was Something" (Authentik Artists). The fellows were incredibly affable, and the shoot was fun, but I'm quite sure I'm 1,000 years old. I'm glad I have Mike who is only 10 years old. In a related note, I am currently preparing to spray kids with a hose if their baseball comes into my yard again.

My dear friend Jonathan Visger (with whom my physical path crosses far too seldom) has released a new EP under the name 'Bug Lung Baby.' The record is entitled 'Trilobite Trash,' and is available as a FREE DOWNLOAD from RCRD LBL.com. Download it and it will not be wasted gigabites. If you see him, tell him something for me. Your choice. I found this drawing of Jon in a review of the EP you can find on the blog AZLTRON.

Tim Williams Is Everywhere, Classrooms Filled With Hott Garbage, Other New Projects

2008-12-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

In the nearly four months that I have not been updating this site, a few things have happened. The most noteworthy of which being that the music video for "Tape Your Head" that Hott Garbage created has basically shown up everywhere: VH1.com, Blender.com (Breakout video), Fuse TV, and Havoc Television (an On Demand Channel...?). I was even listed by MTV as a director on Spike TV Online's website, where you can also see the video.

In another interesting side note, it has also come to my attention that the video was recently shown in a telecommunications/design/production lecture at Indiana University due to the video being shot entirely on The Red. Our longtime production assistant Sarah Pierpont was enrolled in the class, and that's how it came to be shown in front of 120+ students. I believe this is the most opportune moment to point that both Micheal and I are college dropouts.

Please watch the new Von Bondies music video for "My Pale Bride," when it is released later this month. Mikey DP'd it.

The Four videos that HG did for Mason Proper's "The Shorthand EP" was released on disc as a bonus promo for pre-ordering M. Proper's newest opus "Olly Oxen Free," from Insound.com. Sadly, it's almost three months too late to inform you to get your hands on one. I believe most of them were sold on tour as a true easter egg for Mason Proper fans.

I am being very secretive about my next book intentionally.

Famous Chicago based writer Nick Vandermolen and I are writing a new screenplay. Don't ask what it's about or when it will be done because I don't know the answers to either.

"Friendship" on Fuse TV, Sketches From New Project, Birdcage Preview

2008-08-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

It's come to my attention that the music video Mike and I did for the song "Friendship" by Mason Proper is currently on Television. If you have cable tune into Fuse TV's "On Demand" section. Apparently if you search in the "Underground Artists" section under "M-Z" you will find the video. Keep searching (though I'm not sure exactly where) and you'll also find the video Mike DP'ed for Trick Trick entitled "Let's Work." Mike and I are currently too good for any human beings.

A strange conversation recently arose when a new acquaintance had no idea I was a cartoonist. That should tell you how much I've released in the last year or so. To remedy this situation, I'm posting a few sketches from my journal that deal with the new book I'm working on. ( Update: I recently saw an independent film that used the same painting metaphor in the sketch above. I wish this would stop happening/I was more inventive.) I'm mid-way through writing and will be cracking into the artwork soon. I'm hesitant to reveal much of anything besides the fact that it deals with personal responsibility. And doing it.

Also, as a small preview, I've included a small pic of a new project I've recently wrapped up that's branched into more of a three dimensional vehicle for my artwork. I made a birdcage out of illustration board and piss/vinegar.

"Tape Your Head" Tim Williams

2008-08-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Back in May Mike and I shot the music video for "Tape Your Head" for Tim Williams. For all of those not privy to the charm of Tim Williams' music (his song "Builds and Explodes" was recently featured in an episode of One Tree Hill on the CW), or the difficulties of the shoot let me assure you that this was the little video that could. On the first of a two day shoot a hailstorm destroyed our original plans of an exterior heavy treatment. In a caffeine fueled brainstorming session we wrote and subsequently shot the video that exists today. The video can be viewed here.

We shot part of the video where Micheal Bay shot part of Transformers. Shia Lebeouf is so awesome. Also, while driving through downtown Detroit to reach the location seen above, Brenten Kelly saw two naked ladies a window supposedly doing it. I thought they were modeling for an art class, until they kissed.

The video features cameos from Jon Visger of Mason Proper, Sarah Pierpont, Brenten Kelly, as well as myself. With the craziness of the shooting sessions I never knew when Mike was rolling, so I routinely walked into frame. I would like to publicly thank Tim for turning me onto the best, most unobtrusive energy juice. In the picture above I am doing an impression of Optimus Prime.

Jason Polan, Mike Berlucchi In Mass Media Outlets

2008-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Before I forget, everyone should run out and pick up the latest issue of "The Believer." Not only does it feature a hott cover by Charles Burns, but the interiors are chock full of drawings by my friend Jason Polan. There are tons of animals and even a few political figures. Occasionally in the same illustration. I like the tiger one.

Also, before I forget, make sure to check out Mike Berlucchi in the newest Cintron commercial. It features Detroit Hip Hop superstar Trick Trick and Mike doing...what ? Yes. You guessed it....THE COOL DRY. The soul of Lowebrook is making it into advertising media. Take notice.

Mason Proper: "Safe For The Time Being"

2008-08-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

Mike and I (with the help of an awesome crew) finished up the latest Mason Proper video "Safe For The Time Being." It was obnoxiously warm at the Russell Industrial Center. We went through something like 9 cases of water between 40 (+) people. From what I understand the factory there used to make airplane wings in WWII, and now artists can rent the spaces for like $3-$7 a square foot.

I did the math in my head and this was our fifth video for Mason Proper. Their album Olly Oxen Free comes out on September 23, 2008 and if you pre-order from Insound.com you'll receive the Shorthand EP DVD collection for free which has the other four videos HG did for MP as well as bonus footage and a few commentary tracks. They used to be iTunes exclusive, but if you'd like a peak at one of the videos read this nice little post from Detour Magazine.

I guess that "Safe..." isn't going to be the lead off single of the album, so ya'll will have to wait a bit. Possibly sometime in the late fall. But, to tide you over, Dovecote Records is going to be releasing the music video we did for "Tape Your Head" for Tim Williams later this month.