Reel Pie Blog

DVDs almost ready

2005-10-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Reelpie goobers are almost done dubbing DVD copies of the three projects from this past summer. In another week or so we'll have copies ready for those who participated in Farmland, New Castle and Portland, Indiana. Jeff, Steve and Terry will be contacting you and getting the copies delivered very soon! Thanks for your patience; this late summer and early fall were stupid busy for all three of us (working for The Man), and we just couldn't get things done as quickly as we would have liked.

Meanwhile, we're still logging and editing all of our footage down. Stay tuned for some news in the near future about Small Town Scenario: The Series and Small Town Scenario: The Documentary?

By the way, folks, let us know what you've been up to since this summer's filming. Have you worked on any projects together? With someone else?

Interviews Almost Over

2005-08-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Reel Pie guys are busy logging the HOURS and HOURS and HOURs (sigh) and HOURS of the great footage they got this summer in Farmland, New Castle and Portland. There are only a couple more crew members left to interview for "Small Town Scenario", and then we turn the cameras on ourselves. From there, the only thing left to get on camera is the show's opening sequence, involving a classic car and three wild and crazy guys! Keep checking for further information about when and where the show will air.

Muncie Civic Theater Hosts Small Town Scenario

2005-08-07T18:38:00.001-07:00

Friday, August 5, the Muncie Civic Theater hosted Reel Pie's first-ever Small Town Scenario Film Festival. Many thanks to Darren for allowing us to use their A-One facility! Hopefully folks will be able to check out their upcoming season ... they have some great stuff coming up! Somewhere around 130-150 people from Farmland, New Castle and Portland attended.

The screen was huge, the sound system excellent, the seats comfortable. Everyone really seemed to enjoy seeing everyone else's work, and seeing the projects together really brought home a sense of what the series is all about.

Jeff, Steve and Terry sincerely thank all of the people who participated. We had a blast, and met some new friends we hope to keep in touch with. We were touched by the creativity, community spirit, hard work and dedication of the people in all three towns. Thanks you for allowing us to be part of your communities for a brief period this summer, and thank you for sharing your artistic talents and gifts.

We must also take a moment to thank our wives -- Joy (Steve's wife), Lenore (Jeff's wife) and Ruth (Terry's wife) for their understanding and support, and for holding down the fort while we went out and played all summer. Also, thanks to Steve's daughter, Logan, for letting us borrow dad or the summer (although it seems as though she enjoyed the break).

Now we begin the editing process. Over the next month or so, we'll be getting DVD copies of the projects for everyone involved. Then we will get the 13 episodes edited, and we hope to have Small Town Scenario on the air somewhere as a mid-season series for the 2005-2006 season! Stay tuned, more coming!

2005-08-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

(Left to right) Terry, Jeff (Frankie Baby) and Steve smile and wave and hope the tar and feathers they see in the back aren't meant for them.

2005-08-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo that represents how big the screen was for the Muncie show!

2005-08-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

People begin arriving at the Muncie Civic Theater for the Small Town Scenario Film Festival.

New Castle Premiere a Big Success

2005-08-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

The New Castle premiere was a big success, thanks to the hard work of producer Haley and her folks! The decorations were fabulous. They and some other helpers worked hard and made sure the 100 people who showed up had a good time. Thanks to Macer-Hall and Main & Frame Funeral Homes for the use of limos and a hearse to bring the cast and crew to the event, and thanks to the Arts Park for hosting! Money raised at the showing is being donated to the Arts Park and the Henry County Historical Society.

The only snag was the sun. At 7pm, the scheduled start time, the sun was right on the screen! But, old Sol got out of the way fairly fast, and by the time the cast and crew introductions were over, the screen was dark enough to show the movie and behind-the-scenes footage.

2005-08-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

The New Castle crowd patiently waited for the sun to get out of the way ... it finally did, and everyone enjoyed the show.

2005-08-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

The New Castle cast and crew arrived in limos and a hearse.

2005-08-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

The New Castle premiere included a couple of cakes, they looked great AND were delicious!

2005-07-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Producer Heather hides behind the counter and wonders how she ever got involved with these people.

2005-07-26T05:26:00.001-07:00

Terry trips onto the scene (either that or he thinks he's Gene Kelly for a split second--let's hope it's the former!).

2005-07-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

Steve sets up for the big show in Portland (just after this photo was taken, Steve dropkicked several items and put the sound system into a sleeper hold).

Portland Puts on the Ritz

2005-07-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

The folks in Portland showed off their short film, "Times Like These," at the Ritz movie theater in downtown Portland on Friday, July 22. It was great, thanks to Steve's Wrestlemania-style bout with the sound and a couple of last-minute runs to CVS and Radio Shack. Producer Heather came up with a great collage of photos for display, and star Amie and musical prodigy Seth dressed up in evening dress and tux. They should all be proud of their accomplisment. Congratulations to Portland!

Next up, New Castle, Friday, July 29, 7pm, downtown in the Arts Park. They are charging a buck-fifty a head, and giving the money to the Arts Park and Henry County Historical Society.

Meanwhile, keep your eyes on "Good Morning America." The folks in Farmland involved with the "Calendar Girls" effort to save the Randolph County Courthouse in nearby Winchester may be on the show sometime next week!

New Castle Set for July 29

2005-07-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

The New Castle film "Half-Baked Scenario" will have its public premiere Friday, July 29 at 7pm, at the Arts Park in downtown New Castle. Admission will be $1.50, and rereshments will be sold. All money raised will be donated to the Arts Park and the Henry County Historical Society. Be sure to come, and bring a friend!

Also, don't forget the Small Town Scenario Film Festival August 5, at the Muncie Civic Theater.

By the way, Reel Pie has a new e-mail address. You can now reach us at reelpie@reelpie.com.

2005-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Look ma, it's me! Steve Winslow proudly displays the front page of the Winchester News Gazette, featuring a photo of Steve and Jeff taken by Terry!

2005-07-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

The crowd anxiously awaits the start of the movie.

2005-07-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Kevin Cox waits to welcome people attending the premiere of "A Postcard from Farmland" at the Farmland Cultural Center.

Farmland Premiere

2005-07-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

"A Postcard from Farmland" had its public premiere last night (Friday, July8) at the Farmland Cultural Center. We didn't count officially, but there were probably 50-60 people there--a full house! The short subject created by John Dalton, Elizabeth Troy, Kevin Cox, Jerome Herron and Larry Francer was well received by all in attendance. The rough edit collection of behind-the-scenes footage put together by Jeff was also well done and well-received -- although there is much more stuff (and some juicy stuff at that!) still to be used in the television series, so stay tuned!

Visitors to Farmland to see the movie were in agreement that this small town has alot going for it, not least of which the number of caring, committed residents who love their town and want to see it preserved and prosperous.

Meanwhile, the town is in the news because of some other efforts. The group Historic Farmland is involved in an effort to try and save the Randolph County Courthouse in nearby Winchester (the county seat). They are doing a calendar (similar to the movie "Calendar Girls" a few years back) to raise money, and their activities have garnered national attention. "Today," "Good Morning America" and some other national media programs have expressed an interest in covering this story, and also some of the preservation efforts in Farmland! Fabulous!

Small Town Scenario at Muncie Civic

2005-07-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

OK, gang, we' re officially on for August 5 to show all three Small Town Scenarios at the Muncie Civic Theater. Show time will be 7:30. We're very excited, and also very grateful to Darrin, the manager at Muncie Civic, for showing them!

2005-07-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

Editor Todd considers where to go next as the New Castle group works hard at getting their movie edited.

2005-07-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

(Left to right) Terry's arm, Dave the cinematographer, Hayley the producer, Bryan the director and Todd the editor (hidden) give editing directions to Jeff during the final New Castle editing session.

Portland sets the date!

2005-07-05T05:18:00.000-07:00

The folks in Portland will be showing their short subject Friday, July 22, at 5 and 5:40 pm, at the Ritz theater in downtown Portland. Everybody in the Portland area come check it out! Thanks co-producer Heather for your hard work on getting it set up, and many thanks to the Ritz for allowing the group to show the film. The Portland folks wrap up editing work this Thursday night, as they will meet to add Ken's score to the already edited piece. Thanks to Heather, cinematograoher Dustin and Cheryl for their hard work on the editing.

Meanwhile, New Castle producer Hayley is working on a date and place for the New Castle showing. Farmland is premiering their work for the public Friday, July 8 at 7pm. And, we hope to show all three completed films, along with highlights from the filming process, on either Friday, August 5 or Friday, August 19 at the Muncie Civic Theater in downtown Muncie.

Finally, a HUGE thanks to Jeff, who is the man at the edting console during this process. Jeff has worked very hard while Terry and Steve shot each other making goofy faces.

2005-06-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

Looking over the shoulder of Portland cinematographer Dustin as he shoots the final scene of the day.

2005-06-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

Linda, the director in Portland, helps the lead actress go over her lines under the watchful cameras of Jeff and Steve while Rafael (one of the producers) looks on.

Portland wraps

2005-06-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

Yikes, those people in Portland came into Saturday, the first day of shooting, on a mission! They started at 8am, and wrapped a little after 6pm -- they shot their movie in one day! They had an ambitious shooting schedeule, and they even beat it by two hours. They also didn't sacrifice quality for speed. Activities included shooting outside and inside, getting "B" roll and stills, recording an original song and soundtrack written by group member Ken, and even rewriting a scene to adapt to a change in available actors. Amazing. Nice work, folks!

Actually, now that all the towns have completed shooting of their projects, Jeff, Steve and Terry want to say a big thank you to all who came out and participated. Through the ups and downs of each project, we were impressed over and over again by the committment, creativity and attitude displayed by those involved. A bunch of volunteers came together for less than a week to write, produce, direct, act in and otherwise create a short film -- but the end result was more than a movie in each case. New friendships were created, connections made, future projects discussed.

Stay tuned, we'l let you know when New Castle and Portland will be showing their completed projects. Also stay with us for an upcoming announcement about a Small Ton Scenario Film Festival, featuring all three finished movies, along with highlights from each town's shooting. We might even serve corndogs.

Farmland "sets the date"

2005-06-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Farmland will be showing it's Small Town Scenario movie, "A Postcard from Farmland," Friday, July 8, at 7pm. The location is the Farmland Cultural Center in down town Farmland (up the street from the Chocolate Moose). We hope plenty of people show up for this free showing--Jeff, Steve and Terry will be showing behind-the-scenes highlilghts of the process, as well!

Speaking of Steve, thanks a ton and half for all the hard work--he's really helped bail Jeff and Terry out on this project!

Portland Now in Production

2005-06-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

Small Town Scenario hit Portland, Indiana Tuesday, June 21. We met at the Arts Place (a big thanks to them for their help). Somewhere between 20-25 people showed up! Even more impressive, THREE people people wanted to be the director. Terry, having fallen and hit his head earlier in hte day, decided to put some slips of paper in the proverbial hat and have the three candidates draw. The first one to pick out the paper with the name "Spielberg" written on it would be the director. The winner was Linda, who had a slew of experience directing and putting on shows in Portland.

The idea they chose was about Private Rascal, a dog ... well, never mind. Because Terry was feeling wishy-washy, he and Jeff decided to let the group choose a different idea. They decided to go with "a young person waits for a bus to take him/her out of town forever."

We're impressed with the Portland group--they have several talented and experienced people n board!

2005-06-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Portland group gathers on stage in the theater at Portland's Arts Place to discuss their short subject.

2005-06-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Heather (one of the producers) talks to members of the Portland team (including the director, Linda, way back in the back, with red hair).

2005-06-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

Terry's always looking over Jeff's shoulder! Put down that camera already!

2005-06-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

(From left) Kevin looks on as "Sparky" and Jeff work at the computer.

2005-06-21T04:36:00.000-07:00

Kevin preps the grill as the Farmland crew begins the last night of editing.

More photos; Farmland edits

2005-06-21T04:33:00.000-07:00

Farmland's last night of official editing went well. Some photos are posted below. They've come up with a name for their documentary: A Postcard from Farmland. They will see the final cut Friday evening!

Meanwhile, tonight we go to Portland. Judging from personal responses there, we think this will be another exciting town and project.

2005-06-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

Jeri shows up to provide moral support. She was slated to be casting director, but was injured and could only participate on Saturday. She did provide some exellent extras in the form of grandkids, though!

2005-06-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

Jeff, doing what it takes ..

2005-06-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

New Castle Mayor Tom Nipp was nice enough to play a role--appearing as himself!

2005-06-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Cinematographer Dave and editor/PA Todd get crowd reaction while Terry shoots "behind the scenes" footage. Note slackers Jeff and Steve in the background.

New Castle Shooting is done

2005-06-17T05:21:00.000-07:00

The folks in New Castle wrapped up shooting this past Monday. Editing has begun and is moving along smoothly. Hayley, the New Castle producer, did a great job of finding locations, getting access, and getting a couple of donations from local businesses! Meanwhile, Jeff, Terry and Steve were joined by a fourth sucker--um, that is, person, as Cary, a BSU student who wants to go into the "biz", joined us for the shooting and was promptly forced to carry a camera around for about 10 hours! In return she got her picture on the front page of the New Castle Courier-Times!

Meanwhile, the Farmland crew will wrap up editing their movie Monday night. Stay tuned for details on when and where they'll be showing their film.

Finally, a BIG thanks to Alan Houser, our Webmaster who makes the Reel Pie site look so cool. He's dreamy.

Shooting Starts Saturday in New Castle

2005-06-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

The writers from the New Castle group, Kate and Sandy, have a story outlined and partially scripted already! Producer Hayley has been scouting locations, and casting director Jeri already has people in mind for various roles. The New Castle idea is: "A small town discovers it's named for a heinous villain." We can't give much away, but suffice to say these folks are enlisting the help of local police, the mayor, maybe even a pilot!

By the way, they will be needing extras for a couple of crowd scenes. If you're interested in being a crowd extra, show up at the Henry County Courthouse at one o' clock Saturday afternoon (June 10), and bring a spare shirt or jacket so they can make it look like more than one day!

Meanwhile, Farmland editing is underway. A planning session Wednesday night was used to lay out what they want to do. They should be able to finish editing in one or two more sessions!

Finally, things are really desperate--Terry is now occasionally running camera! Aaauuuggghhh! Hopefully, an addition to the Reel Pie shooting team will keep the chances of Terry messing things up to a minimum.

2005-06-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Jeff Crone answers questions from the New Castle group.

2005-06-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Farmland Cinematographer/Director of Photography John Dalton scopes out a shot.

2005-06-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Shooting in Farmland's "Chocolate Moose" (Note Steve "the Second Shooter" in his trademark Biography hat).

New Castle Gets Going

2005-06-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

Fifteen people showed up for the initial Small Town Scenario meeting in New Castle. After choosing a director, the team got down to business: picking their scenario from the proverbial hat. The movie pitch idea they selected from the hat: "A small town discovers it is named for a heinous villain." Writers, producer, cinematographer, editor, casting director and actors were also selected, although the casting director may still be on the lookout for talent!

It was a nice mix of folks, and one thing we feel certain will show through Small Town Scenario: small towns have more than their share of creative, talented people!

Farmland Continues; New Castle Begins

2005-06-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

Shooting took place in Farmland, Indiana this past weekend. Later this week, the Farmland filmmakers will begin editing their film, and we hope to be able to show it locally early next month.

Meanwhile, tonight is the first meeting in New Castle, Indiana. Anyone interested should show up at 6pm, at the Henry County Art Center (we'll be upstairs).

Hopefully some of you were able to catch Jeff and Terry in the Portland Commercial Review Saturday, and the New Castle Courier-Times Friday. We'll try to get permission to put the articles up on our Web site, along with some photos of production. Also, keep your eyes open for photos of our "second shooter," Steve!

2005-06-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Jeff Crone films Farmland filmmakers setting up interviews and shooting locations.

We're Underway!

2005-06-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hey, folks, we're underway! Small Town Scenario kicked off shooting for its first season May 31 in Farmland. Five volunteers came through, and chose their idea from our hat: "Three retired friends spend the day walking around their rural community, killing time much as they did when they were kids." That's the idea, but if you think you know how they interpret it, you're wrong!
Shooting begins Saturday morning! Meanwhile, New Castle volunteers, come to the Henry County Art Center in downtown New Castle, Monday, June 6, at 6pm! We'll be upstairs! And finally, look for Reel Pie in the Portland Commercial Review and the New Castle Courier-Times!

Change to New Castle dates

2005-05-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

We've changed our New Castle schedule slightly. Our first meeting will be Monday, June 6, at 6pm, at the Henry County Art Center.

Ready to roll

2005-05-26T04:41:00.000-07:00

Things are beginning to move along on "Small Town Scenario." Tuesday evening, May 31 is our first meeting in Farmland, and we have several people interested. Our meeting will be at 6pm, downtown at the cultural center (next to the Chocolate Moose). Come if you can! Shooting starts Saturday, June 4! Meanwhile, several people in New Castle are also interested, and our meeting there is Tuesday, June 7 at 6pm in the Art Center, downtown near the library. Shooting is ready to start Saturday, June 11. Some Portland people have expressed some interest as well, but we don't have a place for our meeting there yet. The meeting will be Tuesday, June 21 at 6pm. I hope to have a place to announce later today or tomorrow.

More about what we're doing and why

2005-05-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hey, there, Terry here ... half of the Jeff and Terry team behind Reelpie, and our production Small Town Scenario.

Jeff and I were talking about this idea called "Dollar Movie," about three friends who drop out of film school and head east, traveling through small town America. Each week, these friends visit a new town, make a movie (sometimes presented as fiction, sometimes simply as a documentary) and charge a dollar for people to see it when it’s done. The last 15 minutes of each episode would be the movie for that town.

So, we thought, "Hey, why not do that ourselves," with a few twists? Thus was born "Small Town Scenario." We go to small towns with the equipment and some ideas, and recruit volunteers to produce, write, direct, act in and edit a short movie based on one of those ideas. When it's done, we show it someplace in the town, and get reactions from people who made it and people who see it. While they make their movie (and we advise/help edit), we shoot them behind-the-scenes, reality-show style. Then, we put together four episodes based on the process, using the final episode to show the movie and the reactions.

Through this process, we hope to show the history and current state of small towns, the pride and/or angst present among small town residents, how people in small towns interact, and also, what happens when you give a camera and an idea to regular people and say, "tell a story, make a movie?"

Cool, huh? It should be a blast! We don't have specific information on when and where it will air, but we're hoping for sometime this fall, on a channel/network TBA!

Out first three towns are Farmland, Indiana; New Castle, Indiana; and Portland, Indiana. We chose these towns beause they're close by, and excellent examples of the places we want to visit and people we want to work with.

Later,

Terry

Welcome to the Reel Pie Blog!

2005-05-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Just getting things set-up in here. Now sit-back, relax and have a corndog.