Dax McKeever

There is a theatre drive-in along Hwy 280 in Harpersville, Alabama. I noticed it for the first time when I was home from California back in Febuary, 2008. Now I've relocated to Colorado Springs, and asking myself if/when I can take a date to any available theatre drive-in outdoors? Is there a list of available ones remaining? In my opinion, the theatre outdoor cannot compete if the surrounding community does not advertise it. I bet there would be 100's of guys n' dolls that could, and would, maintain the thrill if they knew about it. On a side comment, bring back the 80's films. The arts has gone downhill since, and it is only the big money tech sfx that keeps it selling. How bad did the recent King Kong do?

As a freelance, independent photo journalist, I'll offer 2000. I am aware this may be below asking-price, but i am also aware that your other option is to wait 6-18 months, or more.

Of course, use your common sense. If at risk of danger and/or camera/material destruction, then confess that you are not a camera stuntee. But always, always, SAY "YES" WITHOUT HESITATION...and then your determination will be admired. It is dependent, however, on the individual such as Dave's 'think-twice' advice. Use your common sense.

LA FILM SCHOOL IS THE WORSE. I KNOW FROM WORKING WITH STUDENTS THAT WENT THERE. HOWEVER, BROOKS INSTITUTE IS NOT MUCH BETTER. I DON'T RECOMMEND EITHER OF THEM. ACTUALLY, YOU SHOULD BUY YOUR OWN CAMERA, DO YOUR OWN SHORT, AND YOU WILL LEARN JUST AS MUCH...WITHOUT WASTING TUITION FEES. IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, OR CAN BE ACCEPTED, USC FILM SCHOOL and NYU TISCH SCHOOL OF ARTS ARE THE BEST IN THE US; and maybe world. Really, don't waste time/tuition with LA Film or Brooks Inst.

Sorry Sofia, it looks like Xavier above already gave you good recommendation. That is the school that I was going to recommend. It is the finest film school there, and you won't find one better.

Hi, are you south american local? I lived in Bs.As for six months and loved it. I have many friends and may be able to give other recommendations there too. There is also a good film school in Cuba, but that's what I've heard from a cinematographer in Mexico. Oh wait, yes, I know a great film school there in Buenos Aires. It is in Palermo, if I recall correctly. I have my paperwork somewhere but cannot find it. Keep contact and ask me to find the name of the film school. And if you go, keep me updated so I can refer you to other film friends there; and I can refer others too. www.InterNation.org is a good international website that you can find me and other international locals on. Ciao, te mando abrazos, Dax McKeever

Hi, me again, seeking wise men's advice. I've narrowed my options of career entry: 1 - buy my own camera and do it myself, 2 - find internship/aprenticeship to learn from experienced 3 - apply for MA, MFA film schools to learn fine details Of course, I'm taking it one step at a time. I believe i've been recommended for a first-time camera to consider PANASONIC HDV, I think? My website friend Logan suggested that, I think. Of course because it will be my first, it sounds ideal to find a low-budget investment (used, maybe) to learn from and rise higher with time & experience. Once I have an idea of what camera to seek, maybe I can also seek advice for used or less-than full price offers? freelance websites, other? Any other recommendations for first-time cameras? I am planning to use toward documentary filmmaking, if this make a difference in camera choices? Ciao, gracias mas temprano...thanks in advance Dax

This is great, I mean, a real soap drama of nonsense sparked by a big mouthed, amateur child, and all of us wisemen who are wasting 10sec to inform a buffoon that he is a buffoon. If anything, we should welcome the buffoon to continue being a buffoon...b/c it means he won't be around long and one less buff to bump into on set; or on the freakin LA highway. What's even funnier is, I recognized the buffoon's name and wanted to remind myself why I didn't like him; so I clicked onto this forum and found an instant reminder. But no hard feelings, please don't let the world change you; and make certain you unite with the looneys in LA

Hi Eric, I believe I responded to your question of "where are you located". And I think I gave a response, but have not heard back from you. Have you already found an available local? If so, I send kind regards. Thanks for the consideration. "Te mando abrazos" as the argentines say, I send open arms. Dax McKeever 323-620-2828

Dear Eric Steelberg, I read your forum on cinematography.com that said you were seeking Production Assistant. You stated $10/hour, but the money is not a concern. I'm concerned about the experience and, of course, inter- active professional influence. I located to Los Angeles in 2003 after graduating Univ of Alabama- Birmingham. In five years I have found various work in various productions, big and small, and my abroad travels overseas include London (uk), doc. reality series in Gold Coast, Australia, and 6 mo. in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most recently I've enjoyed full event passes at 2007 AFI Hollywood Film Fest, and 2008 Sundance in Park City, Utah. I am currently considering graduate study in Liverpool (uk), or Farnham (uk), or NYU's Tisch School of Arts in Singapore, Asia. I have a preference for international films. Although I'm not fond of the idea of returning to academic settings, simply b/c my undergrad did me little justice. My academics were with honours. It's been a long day for me, so I am sending this and I look forward to speaking further upon your reply. Thank you in advance, Dan McKeever 01-323-620-2828 PS Your website includes Juno, which I viewed at it's opening at AFI. It was very interesting; much more than the opener "Lions For Lambs", and the closer, which I could critique in various viewpoints.

Here's a real answer: unless you're professors have full 15-20 yrs experience in LA or NYC, then they do not know anything about the career; they do, however, know how to return to school. 1 - USC FILM SCHOOL 2 - NYC Tisch Film School of Arts I don't recommend others. There are many more but most graduates spend 8-10 yrs trying to find career potential, only to return to school as teachers/professors at older age. If anyone does not give direct response, then it's a perfect example.

Congrats that you feel so celebrating. That's great for a newbee, really. Now, I don't mean to reign on your parade, but did you can contact, trade business cards, get offerings for upcoming projects? Where you from, LA? What's your backing? How long you been in LA or California, so far? I ask this stuff because this is what will depend on if you get any paying jobs in the future, or if you will spend the next 6-7 years doing free paying film gigs; found on craigslist. I'm serious. First, they will judge you by 'home long you been in LA'? Next, where did you go to school, or who do you know, or work experience? SEVEN YEARS is ideal for entry level. FOUR TO SIX YEARS, you may be able to find temp. work by then. Ask around, you will get similar Q & A; if they're honest. Again, I don't mean to be critical. It's a speaking stone. APPLY AS INTERN FOR BIG COMPANIES.

Hi, I'm seeking Documentary Production Companies in northwest that I may gain experience; PA, intern, other. Any recommendations on how I may seek such companies to apply to?

I'm not too experienced with miniDVD, but I believe I was once informed "it was a mistake when they made it". They thought they would create a new generation, like 8-track-cassete-VHS-compact disc-DVD, but miniDVD just was a failure due to those who wanted to maintain their dvd/cd files. that's just my fyi, however, i guess clearly some of us are using miniature discs

Have you ever been given a speeding ticket for following the limit, and when you request the cop to show your speed on his meter, he then replies, "I can't show you that. I have information that is secretive." My reply, "that's a public police vehicle officer, paid for by my tax dollars, meaning I have a public access and anything 'secretive' is handled by 'secret service' such as FBI, CIA, other." Of course he then begins to write you a ticket anyway. What can you do, tell him, "NO"? Sorry for the bla, bla. You're text captured my attention, Keneu. Keep contact.

Interesting forum. I'm a newborn with more work on-camera, and seeking to enter film school and/or gain intern, PA, experiences? THANKS FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO BEST. Good luck, cheers, y a uds se mando abrazos, Dax

Congrats, Congrats, Congratulations! It sounds like a huge, 10-year awaited victory, yes? Keep me as a friend. I'm just starting out, seeking PA opportunity to gain experience, and if unable to find aprenticeship experience then I'm considering grad. school at John Moores in Liverpool, or U.C.C.A. in Farnham (outside of London). Advice? or Recommendations of how I may seek PA experience? or better recommendations for postgrad film study? Add me as a friend, and let me wish you CONGRATS AGAIN (after you return Italy in 3wks)! Dax

Hi, anyone have advice and/or recommendations to seek work experience via Documentary Productions as PA, intern, other? I have over 5 years various film experience in Los Angeles, as well as travel in London (uk), doc. film in Gold Coast, Australia, and six months of latin inter- national politics in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After completing my BA in Fine Arts at Univ of Alabama, I found myself in LA and now considering MA graduate school via broadcast journalism at John Moores in Liverpool, or doc. filmmaking at U.C.C.A in Farnham, England (outside London). Of course the more experience the better. If I can gain more experience in USA or overseas such as UK (Scotland, Ireland, London, anywhere), or Mid. East, etc.. I'm an adventure thrill-seeker, without fear of danger or discomfort, so going out into the wild, overseas, anywhere-but-industrialized big city, is nice? I also under- stand such opportunity begins in big city production co. Advice? Recommendations? Thanks in advance, "Te mando abrazos", Dax

Congrats, Richard, I read the plot summary on IMDb.com "they wake up in a dark room, and have no idea where they are or how they got there"...reminds me another directorial debute Martin McDonagh [an award-winnging Irish/London playwright]. Actually, I don't know if the script, "The Pillowman", has been transformed from stage to film but it's great; in a Quinten Tarintino stylish-way. Congrats and good luck on the film's running. Dax McKeever [progressive filmmaker/SAG actor, IMDb]

I agree with Alex's comment. The guy certainly does not lack confidence. It may be wise to get him psychological counseling, though, before he goes looney and reinacts the films of whatever he is producing

That's sad, but this is funny...when I arrived Los Angeles in 2003, someone compared me to a young Peter O'Toole [Don Quixote]. I've always been openly honest, and when I responded, "who?", I sort of got 'blacklisted' for five years in LA. Okay, I'm kidding about 'blacklisted', but I had never heard of Peter O'Toole, the legend. I had however heard of Don Quixote. So after 5 years in LA as freelance always seeking work, while others with lesser talent, can call themselves celebrities simply because of "who they know", I chose to depart LA. So be it. That's life. God bless the man, a well-known legend. His career made his-story.

Yes, the others said it best: CUT IT DOWN. The only thing I may comment on also is, even in a reel, try to give it a story, an idea of expression, a moral theme. It is fairly well though [when you cut it shorter], perhap because the argentinian/brazilian instrumental tango keeps it going.

Hi Keith. I'm just giving my FYI: You lost my attention with each scene change. How is each scene connected, each character related? The night time when a car arrives, and change to daytime, is unexplainable to. To be straightforward, there is no story if there is no transformation from one scene to another to keep the story going. As for Mark's advice about changing the sound? If the story changes [from good to bad, to badder, to worse; or vice versa] then you can change sound to show change of emotion. But like a writer, or director, or actor, or cinematographer who each tells his individual story with the skills he has, there is no story told here.

They say it takes 7 years to find decent work. Have you heard this yet? If not, or if you are not hearing critical truths, then you are dealing with amateur morons who still live in "Hollywood dream world". Here's my story: I NEVER HAD PLANS TO GO HOLLYWOOD, AT FIRST, but then a friend invited me to move to Hollywood with her. I arrived in 2003, and started exactly like you: searching internet for DECENT, QUALITY WORK; and willing to work as non-paid intern. Unfortunately the business and the city of LA is filled with scam artists, and filmmakers, who will take advantage of free-labor from naive, new arrivals like yourself. To make a long story short, IT TOOK ME FIVE YEARS [uNTIL 2008], by which time I had been able to meet many professionals [even legendary, award-winners] and I managed to find limited opportunity to add to my resume. None of the 'big names' I met offered me work, nor referrals, nor assistance to find either. Why? Because it is a game of survival. If you can survive [and when your hairs turn grey] then they will assume you are serious, and willing to work for good projects, at good pay. :huh: I MEAN THIS, NO BULL. When I first arrived, in 2003, I said "not me, I'm better, smarter, schooled, and will be more successful". But this is what everyone says; including the morons. So 2 months ago in Feb. 2008, I said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I left LA and returned home to the east coast. Now I am finding my wisdom & intelligence, which I lost while surviving in LA. MY NEXT RECOMMENDATION: ASK FOR REFERRALS, ASK FOR REFERRALS, ASK FOR REFERRALS. :o Do not waste time on CraigsList. Do you really think anything decent is going to offer Hollywood Film Employment on that site? You will be amazed and what you 'thought you knew' before you went to LA. Oh yea, TRUST VERY FEW. IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD, IT PROBABLY IS, BUT ALWAYS FOLLOWUP WITH DETAILS [b/c you never know for sure]. Where do you live? Avoid Hollywood area for residency. There are many production companies there, but unless you work for them, it is a very stressful atmosphere to live in. I recommend, Santa Monica, Venice, Studio City, Pasadena, Feliz or Glenwood area. Honestly, it is a crapp shoot and what you will find & enjoy. I think those areas are more relaxing to meet people, enjoy a good night's rest, and make friends. ;) Further Questions? Add me as FriendList and I will inform you of more stories, places to go, etc. Honestly, though, it will literally take you 4-6 years minimum of residency in LA before you will find entry level at 7 years. Why? The well-known professionals, who live there, are well aware that amateurs arrive with 'hollywood dreams' and many are quick to return home when times get tough. LET ME REPEAT: I WAS THERE 2003-2008, FIVE YEARS, UNTIL I WISED UP TO LEAVE. It's a game of russian roulet: some get lucky, some die, and some are [couragous] cowards who know when to leave the playing table.

YES, YOU KNOW WHAT I AM REFERRING TO THEN. WE WILL TALK MORE AND WHEN YOUR BOOK IS SOON TO COME OUT, MAYBE I WILL HAVE A CHANGE OF MINE; and mind. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ARE A SPORTS ENTHUSIAST, and i was when i was younger, BUT NOW IT IS ALL STEROID DOMINATED. UNLIKE THE ARTS OF ENTERTAINMENT [OR OTHER CAREERS DEPENDENT ON WHO-YOU-KNOW], AN ATHLETE DOES NOT HAVE A PAYCHECK UNLESS HE HIS GOOD AT WHAT HE DOES. THIS IS WHAT SICKENED ME WHEN I ARRIVED HOLLYWOOD. EVEN THOUGH I HAD LITTLE RESPECT OF MODELS/ACTORS ALREADY, I HAD LESS OF A RESPECT WHEN I EXPERIENCED IN LOS ANGELES HOW MUCH poop CAME OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS [EVEN WHEN THEY WERE OFF-SET]; LIKE POLITICIANS WHO ARE DETERMINED TO WORK "FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND BLA BLA BLA". I MEAN, CINEMA TODAY IS 110% BULL BECAUSE OF THE ACTORS WHO ARE HIRED BY DADDY DIRECTOR or THE ACTORS WHO FIND WORK BECAUSE THEY FIND PUBLICITY WITH IMMATURE, IRRESPONSIBLE DRUG & SEX PROPAGANDA. IT'S AS BAD AS POLITICS. ANYWAY, BACK TO MY SPORTS METAPHOR: I SHOOK HANDS ONE DAY WITH THE HALL-OF-FAME DAVE WINFIELD, MLB ANGELES BASEBALL. ALONG WITH LOOKING OUT OF SHAPE AT THE LA SPORTSCLUB ON SEPULVEDA BLVD., HE WAS TRYING TO 'SPREAD WORD' ABOUT HIS UPCOMING BOOK; WHICH WAS SIMILAR TO JOSE CANSECO'S MLB STEROID ABUSE CONTROVERSY. ABOUT SIX MONTHS LATER I REUNITED WITH DAVE WINFIELD AT LAX AIRPORT LUGGAGE AREA, AND WHEN I ASKED ABOUT HIS BOOK HE COMMENTED "NOT SO WELL". WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE WORLD CAN MAKE ON PROPAGANDA, TIMING AND PUBLICITY, RIGHT? Tell me about your student perspective at film school? You studied at USC, NYC, or Arizona, which I've heard has a decent film program?