Thursday 31st August 2006 - Over 50 Films on Budget Film Maker.

There are a range of new films on the site, all films can be found on the films page in alphabetic order. Click here

Wednesday 30th August 2006 - Kevin Gates remixes the Eddie Rex interview plus Zombie Diaries premiere lined up.

Fellow film maker, Kevin Gates has remixed an early telephone interview I had with Eddie Rex's (click here to hear it). Kevin Gates is also currently busy promoting his new film Zombie Diaries which he co-direced with Mike Bartlett. The film will get it's premiere on 28th October and on the 29th October, It will be available for public viewing. After getting a special screening myself, I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with the film. Both Kevin and Mike have made a very special film which deserves it's upmost success. Just looking at one of the stills above, shows you the level of detail that they have progressed to. Well Done Kevin and Mike!

Tuesday 29th August 2006 - My cousin the dietitian makes prime time national Cypriot TV.

My cousin makes national TV on Brt1 on Cypriot TV. In a 40 minute interview, she talks about what is required in a healthy balanced diet. The interview made me consider my diet and some of the unproductive diet plans I have taken onboard in recent times.

Click here to view my cousin's (Elvan Kurucuoglu) interview.  
Click here to view Dietitian website

Sunday 27th August 2006 - Budget Film Maker is alive!

Over the past few days, I have been updating Budget Film Maker site. I have added most of the film pages for the films on the site, but I still have more to put up. I will be also setting up a PO BOX Address for the site, so people can send there films to me directly. I will now spend the next week getting a rough cut of the Providence Tape.

I have also added another section on Budget Film Maker Dr Sound about recording audio on location. click here to read the article. Other news, the Halloween Challenge will be on again, hopefully it will bigger this year. I will advertising far and wide for this one. Here is a diary of Budget Film Maker Halloween Challenge.

Thursday 24th August 2006 - Updating the site

Over the past few days I’ve been playing catch up with my website www.budgetfilmmaker.com. I’ve been updating the site and adding all the diary entries which I’ve missed out over the past few months. I’m also planning to get all the films online by the end of Sunday.

Wednesday 23th August 2006 - Meeting Alan Deacon from Sonic Syringe

Jon and I both decided that we were going to get a composer onboard to sort out the Other World edit. Both sound design and were  music is required in order to get the final product completed. During July, we asked a variety of music composers to come up with a demo for the film. After listening to the composed pieces, we both decided on an excellent demo created by Alan Deacon. Alan went to the trouble of creating an awesome foley track, complied with a nice layer of composed music. Alan came round today to talk about the project. We both agreed that The Other World deserved special detail to sound design, as well some composed music. Check out his website click here. To see/hear more..

Monday 21st August 2006 - Editing is Productive...

I stayed up all night and I have managed to finish editing two more scenes.   The film is starting to take shape!! I just hope that I can produce something all the cast and crew will be proud of.

Sunday 20th August 2006 - The Start of the sound design

I met up with Mike again today.   We looked at the music and sound design required for the project. We looked at one of the scenes that I had edited. Both of us came to the conclusion that something very eerie would be required for the start of the film. Mike played a selection of atmospheric sounds and we ended up with a very disturbing start to the film.

Monday 14th August 2006 - Meeting Mike Buck!

Today, I finally met up with composer Mike Buck. He came round to my house and we discussed scoring the music for The Providence Tape. Mick read the script for the film and liked the project, we are now planning to meet up this Sunday.

Sunday 13th August 2006 - Editing for The Providence Tape starts

After a short break to Greece, I’ve finally managed to get some more editing done for the Providence Tape. I have successfully completed a scene!!  Hooray!!  More on this in the coming week of the project.

Friday 7th July 2006 - Other World is Semi-Completed.

Jon has completed an edit of the film with some sound taken from the ‘Distorted Reality’ cd. We are planning to get another sound recordist onboard to create some more music for the film.

You can watch the film from the other world web site www.otherworldfilm.com

Thursday 29th June 2006- Editing changes hands

After looking at the final rough edit, I decided to pass on the project to co-director Jon Hall to complete. Jon has finished his own edit and added foley and some music to the film. The final product will be completed and complied soon. The film will be found on www.otherworldfilm.com but I am planning to get my edit completed in near future, so it’s likely we’ll have two edits of the film.

Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th April - First Weekend shooting the Providence Tape.

All cast and crew met early Saturday morning at 9am for the first days filming. During the shoot, we managed to film a host of different areas from the providence tape. These were the following scenes:

* The Adulteress scene.
* Moving in scene
* The presence
* Intimate scene of Tina and James.
* The hallway entrance to the home
* Some different bedroom scenes.

The first day was successful! All cast and crew mingled well and there were no problems, a great way to open up the first day!! The Sunday shoot was a little slower as we only managed to film two scenes: the attic and the discovery of the tape scene.

Monday 10th April 2006 - Miranda Magee gets the part!

After looking at a number of CVs, sent in by actresses, for the role of the adulteress, we found ‘Miranda’.  We both felt Miranda had the right look for the role. There were at least 20 applicants for the role; I would like to thank everyone for applying.

Friday 7th April 2006 - Shooting another film with Mike Bartlett

Mike Bartlett rented my Canon XM2 and Sennheiser ME66 K6 Shotgun Microphone to film a corporate company video on testing for IT products. Both Mike and I took turns in directing and filming the production. A fun day out was had by both of us.

Sunday 2nd April 2006 - Principal photography for Providence Tape.

I spent the most of Sunday afternoon taking production photos of Sophia Ellis and Mark Grinham. Today was also the first day that Mark and Sophia met for the first time. We had a ‘spot’ of lunch and discussed the project in some detail. Sophia and Mark connected really well, it should have positive effect on their performances- well let’s hope so!!

Thursday 31st March - Casting for new film - Providence Tape

I finally came to a decision on the actors I felt were most suitable for the main roles. I’ve chosen ‘Sophia Ellis’ and ‘Mark Grinham’ to play the ill fated couple.

Tuesday 28th March 2006 - James Payne Does the Job for Eastenders

I’ll make it no secret, to say I am big fan of Eastenders, and tonight’s episode of Eastenders was well written and extremely well acted. For those of you who aren't aware, or don't watch Eastenders, the 'Mitchells' are back in town with the intent of getting revenge on Johnny Allen, or is this an opportunity for Phil to lessen the guilt after Dennis Richman’s Death. Watch this storyline. A big thanks to James Payne for an excellent half a hour. Here are some of the clips from the episode.

Tuesday 21st February 2006 - Filming almost completed, editing started

During the last few weeks, I have been finishing off  the filming for "The Other World" with co-director Jon Hall. We have completed all shooting days.  There are a few shots that we need to revisit, and this will be done once we have completed a first edit.

Other news, I will be adding the second cut of "You Owe Me" on "The Other World" DVD as a bonus.  I will also be completing a running cost for the film, plus a diary of all shooting days. Currently, I have edited, the first 4 minutes of the film and I am happy to say it is all coming along nicely.

Friday 27th January 2006 - Update on site

Over the next six week Budget Film Maker will be increasing the amount of films, which are currently on the site. I have a backlog of films and pages, which need to be updated on the site.  Sorry for any delays, but all films will be put up by the end of next February, so watch out for more updates.

Thursday 26th January 2006 - Update on film

During the last six weeks I have been involved with co-directing another short film.  The main concepts for this film "The Other World” have come from three other short films I have already written:

·         Providence Tape (2005-06) 

·         Waiting Area (2003-04)

·         The Set-Up (2004)

The film we have written is an adaptation of all three-film scripts- as mentioned above. Myself and Jon wrote it in a very short space amount of time, here is a brief break down of what has been happening in the last sixth weeks:

21st December 2005 - Writing the script  

During this meeting, Jon and myself sorted out a 1st draft script for the film and discussed who we were going to cast for film.  After looking at various actors through 'casting call pro' and 'shooting people', we both came to the conclusion that it was a close call between two actresses for the leading role.  After a lengthy discussion with the actresses.  We decided to cast an actress called Melissa Leigh for the leading role. We also confirmed the rest of the cast:

Michelle- Melissa Leigh

The Girl: Kay Taylor 

Jennifer  - Sarah Akehurst

Ron Office Manager - Mike Bracewell.

Office Worker - Lance Patrick   

22nd December 2005 - Meeting Melissa Leigh   

Jon and I got the script copy written at the post office, and met up with Melissa Leigh in London to discuss the film.  After an hour-long discussion, Melissa and both myself and Jon arranged a selection of dates for the filming of the "Other World." These were the 28th, 29th and 30th of December.

23rd December 2005 - Getting Locations and Make-Up Artist onboard.  

We confirmed that we were going to be shooting at the following locations:
29th December At Sarah Akehurst's flat.
30th December At Office - TBA 
Sometime in the New Year -Woods - South Croydon/Wallington 
As Jon and I couldn’t find the right office, we were looking around the area franticly in order to find the right office.   So we ended up ringing round and speaking to various office managers in the hope of finding what we were looking for. After a very large phone bill, we found a company based in Croydon called ‘Regis’.  We visited the location and struck a reasonable deal, as we found a large enough office to pull off what we had envisioned in our idea.

24th December 2005 - Getting props   

Today was spent finding props and getting all the equipment ready for the first day's shooting at Sarah Akehurst's flat.  Overall another successful day was had working on the film.

27th December 2005 - Getting Set-up for day 1 shooting.  

Jon and I arrived at Sarah's flat to bring all equipment and get set-up for the first day's shoot; we spent around two hours setting up.

Shooting diary to be added soon....

Saturday 31st January - New Film in Production over the Christmas Holidays

Over the past two weeks, myself and another filmmaker Jon Hall have been co-directing a short 10-minute horror film. We have:

·         Written a script based on ideas from previous scripts I have written.

·         Created a story board

·         Got cast and crew on board. This included actors, special effects/make up artist. Behind the scene camera operator, clapper and sound.

·         Secured locations for filming.

·         Got props and equipment for the shoot.

·         Organised shooting schedule.

·         Filmed two days for the production

More on this in coming few weeks. Happy new year to viewers of the site and let's hope it’s a good one for all low budget filmmakers.

18th December 2005 - Meeting Jon Hall to make another short

Met up with Jon Hall to discuss producing a short film over the Christmas break ended up coming with the idea for "The Other World" after hours of discussion. 

Tuesday 13th December 2005 - Lament and meeting film makers in the area

This evening I caught up with local filmmakers Lance Patrick and Jon Hall. Other news, Lament a new film by Reach for the Dreams Productions is available to download. The interview from last week will also be available in the next few days.

Tuesday 7th December 2005 - Interviews and more films!

Monday I interviewed Reach for the Dream Productions about their film making and recent production Lament, which will be found on the web site later on this week with the interview.  I have also got some new submissions to the site. 

Sunday 4th December 2005 - Zombie Diaries filming

I was up early this morning in order to go and help Mike and Kevin with the shooting of the last segment of their film "Zombie Diaries".  Today was a unique occasion as we had a special appearance from Leonard Fenton who played Dr Legg in Eastenders, who has also taken a role in this film.

I was also involved with the shooting of some of the behind the scenes footage and taking still photographs to accompany this. Furthermore, I was involved with one of the shots in the press office as an extra.  I will be posting these photos later on in the week.

Saturday 3rd December 2005 - Eddie Rex Telephone Interview

On Saturday evening I interviewed Eddie Rex about his film "The Perfect Women" The interview was recorded, here it is to listen in mp3 form.

Friday 2nd December 2005 - Steady Cam for the Budget Film Maker

While surfing the Internet I have found a web site that shows you how to make a steady cam for smoother shots, the owner Johnny Jon will even make one for you, here is the web site for more details.  The web site also contains some test shots, so you can get an idea of what the shots will look like.

Tuesday 27th November - Two Questions for Zombie Blair Witch Fans

1. Did you enjoy The Blair Witch Project?

2. Were you a fan of 28 Days Later? 

If your answers were yes to both the questions, then the new film by Mike Bartlett and Kevin Gates will really appeal to you. Kevin and Mike joined forces earlier last year to start work on a zombie fest horror adventure. The film itself is split into three segments and involves the survivors of a deadly virus.  A group of documentary makers are following a story about the outbreak, using a hand held camcorder to document the events.

Zombie Diaries is the newest instalment for those who like a good adventure packed with zombie fest and tons of mood, this promises to be a hit for fans that like this type of genre.  Over this weekend, I visited Mike Bartlett who I helped co-produce Mnemosyne with in 2003-2004. Kevin Gates was there and he brought down a production DVD with a rough cut of two of the segments that he edited.

I watched the rough cut DVD twice, overall I was impressed with the acting, effects and the way scenes flowed together.  The direction and the improvisation seemed to work a treat, all Kevin and Mike's hard work has paid off.  I'm looking forward to watch the finished piece, keep an eye out on the site.  Here is a link to some of the productions stills on Zombie Diaries http://www.theunseenfilm.com/zombiediaries.htm

Tuesday 15th November - Bluff your titles

A friend of mine introduced me to software that can do very effective video titles. Have a look at the web site and download a trailer version. (Click here). Plus the Halloween Diary is completed and ready to view. (Click here to view the diary)

Monday 14th November - Finished but there is more on the way...

Here is the finished film with credits, but I will edit a slightly different version of the film, it'll will be around 5 minutes long. Check the site in the come few months.  Anyway click here to view the finished film (Right click and save target if you download the film without streaming.)

There is also a lower quality version available, click here or right click and save target

November 9th 2005 - Almost there!

Here is the forth cut of the film and it's 95% there. Click here to download. Just need to add the credits and a few more sounds.

November 8th 2005 Halloween Diary with third cut of Halloween Film

Here is the third attempt at the Halloween Project with sound (Click here), I have added some sound but it is not finished yet as all the sounds have not been found. Plus here is the diary for the Halloween Project. (Click Here)

October 31st 2005 Halloween Challenge Films

I have finished the second edit with no sound and I'm going to put another edit with alterations and sound in the next few days. Here are the films from The Halloween Challenge as they stand.  Well done to Def Monkey Productions and Reach for the Dream, who created two excellent films! Happy Halloween guys.

October 30th 2005 - First Cut

I have completed the first segment of the Halloween Challenge and I am hoping to have the whole project completed without sound tonight. Here is the first edit.  I will add the diary and all the Halloween films tomorrow at 10.30pm. 

October 29th- Editing, the clock is ticking.

Started capturing footage, and reviewing all the shots from the shoot.  Some good, some bad. Now I must do my best to make good use of it. And produce an edit tonight.

October 27th 2005 - No SJonp, but still going.

I spent the whole day filming in the following locations: Purley downs church, my bedroom and an old Sanderstead church, and to round it off some scenes in the pub. I have been filming for 7 hours today, and had no sJonp. Zzzzzzz 

October 26th- Halloween Challenge 2005

I have started my daily diary on the budget filmmaker forum, but I will be adding photos and other elements to thel Halloween challenge page in the next coming few days. So watch out.  It is 04:01am and I am meant to shooting the Halloween project at around 7am, but I have had no sJonp as I am getting equipment ready for the shoot.

October 22nd 2005- Def Monkey & Reach for Dreams Productions

Both sets of production groups have decided to join me on the Halloween Challenge and will also being submitting films for the challenge.  Today, I was go with Def Monkey productions helping them with their short for the Halloween Challenge.  

October 10th 2005 - Halloween Challenge & New HD Camcorder 

During the lead up to making my short film "Providence Tape ", I have been getting geared up to make another ultra short film for this year's Halloween challenge.  This time round, hopefully more low budget filmmakers will join me on the challenge. More details found on the Forum. The new Sony HDR-HC1 is the first mini camcorder to shoot high definition resolution film. Its retail web price normally lies at around £1200, but is it worth it? The crew from Channel 5's "The Gadget Show" put it to the test.  It turns out the results on the Sony HDR-HC1 beat semi-professional JVC HD100, which has a price tag of around £3,000. Check the link for more info

October 7th 2005 - New Film & Outline of first draft completed.

Over the past month, I have been busy writing my script "Providence Tape ". I have finished the outline, and sent it off to various filmmakers.  The script has been received with mixed feedback. An area, which was highlighted, was the dialogue and areas of the story, which need to be reworked.  Other news, I have received another film, Strange Comes A Calling by Reach For Dream Productions.  Finally, Budget Film Maker has decided to have another Halloween challenge this year. This year more filmmakers will be involved with the challenge, so it should be fun. More details found on the Forum.

August 30th 2005 - Interview and two more films

The Boy With A Thorn In Side Interview

I have just added two more films to the Budget film Maker collection.  These are 'Fridge' by Wide Eye Productions and 'Cell Annoyance' By Carlos Roots. I have also added Mark Jeavon's Interview about his film "The Boy With A Thorn In His Side" 

August 8th 2005 - Film put back till late October/November

Over the pass two months, I have been preparing myself for another production. I have purchased new equipment for film making such as the Canon XM2 and Sennheiser ME66 K6 Shotgun Microphone.  I have just been writing the script, which should be ready for September, plus in meantime I can get other areas of the film organised. So it has been a busy time... I have also been looking into using Magic Bullet to gain a more film look in this production.  In my research I have found this article 

June 18th 2005 - Summer Film? 

The plan is, to write, organise and shoot a short film over Summer.  One of the three ideas that I have been playing with for the past year will be created into a screen play and shot during summer. Today, I was in talks with other filmmakers about my ideas. Today, I will finally decide on which is worth pursuing.  Script writing will start as early as next week.

June 8th - 2005

Channel 4 is running another short film contest for low budget filmmakers. Take a look for more details. http://www.channel4.com/film/makingmovies/microsites/A/after-dark/competition.html

June 04 - 2005 - The Launch

http://www.budgetfilmmaker.com/ is re launched with a new interface. Please give us your feed back in the Budget Film Maker Forum!

February 2005 - http://www.budgetfilmmaker.com/ is redesigned by www.Pricelesss.com

January 26th 2005 - http://www.budgetfilmmaker.com/ is sold to Pavement Media

January 6th 2005 - Mnemosyne Feedback

During the last few weeks, feedback has been flooding back about Mike Bartlett’s short film Mnemosyne. Various people, I have sent the DVD's to gave me the following feedback;

"This reminds me of Lynch's films"

"Love the feeling of isolation the main character experiences"

"It reminds me of Vanilla Sky and 28 days later"

"It looks and feels very professional"

"Visually looks excellent, and the sound is very effective".

All of the comments have been very encouraging especially on our quest to make a visual piece, set upon our influences from mainstream films like Vanilla Sky, Donnie Darko and 28 days.

January 5th 2005 - READ SHORT STORIES FOR IDEAS - HAPPY NEW YEAR

While browsing through the Internet for sites on short stories I came across this site: http://www.short-stories.co.uk/. This site has short stories ranging from horror to romance. After considering my opinions for the next project, I have decided to pursue a short-film. This will help me gain more experience working with cast and crew before the feature.