SEE RED (preproduction)

Aaaaaand hello again!

So I've reached the halfway point of film school. Scary, yeah! Now that it's 2011, I've got 2 more big projects to go: My 2nd cycle film and my thesis. My thesis will begin production later this year, but my 2nd cycle project is currently in preproduction. It's called See Red.

I get to write and direct again, which I'm excited about. And this one is gonna be a lot of fun. I'm really trying to make something gripping, but dramatic, exciting, but layered. It's going to be heartfelt, yet dark. It's a tale of revenge. Here's a teaser trailer me and my crew whipped up:

See Red Teaser Trailer from Nick Snyder on Vimeo.

The synopsis:

Len, a single father, loses his only daughter in a terrible accident and seeks revenge on the person he believes is responsible: her boyfriend. But Len will soon learn that people aren't always who you think they are, even those closest to you.

Told nonlinearly through a series of flashbacks and quick cuts,
See Red is a high-energy drama about grief, vengeance and discovery.

So we're deep into preproduction now... Developing the script, casting, location scouting, prop shopping, shotlisting, storyboarding, wardrobe making, etc. But I've got an amazing crew on this project, who can all bring something really special to the table.

But projects like this cost money. We estimate that this movie could cost $3-4000. And over %50 of that is expected to come from the director. So in the hopes of raising a little extra money ($2000) to be exact, we set up an account on this fundraising website called indiegogo. It's a place where anyone can contribute financially to a project and make donations of ANY amount. A really easy and efficient way to spread word on your project and get assistance from friends, family and anonymous donors. The only catch is that you don't get the money unless you can reach your goal in the allotted time you are given. So we need to raise $2000 in about 40 days.

So, if you are reading this, please spread the word. If this looks like something you would be interested in watching or would simply like to help me take strides towards getting my MFA, please contribute as little as $10. And if you know people that would be interested in possibly helping us out as well, please please please pass it on. There are a few perks for you and they can be found on the website below. So please consider in helping us produce See Red.

Thank you very much.

-Nick

PLEASE HOLD

Hey guys,

Here's the 4th film that I made in 2010. It was my first semester project for my 2nd year at Chapman University film school. They call them "cycle" films here, as we are designated 1 of 3 weekends throughout the semester and all the crews and equipment cycle through each of them. There's one each semester of 2nd year, so this was my 1st cycle. And for 1st cycle you have to direct someone else's script. A pool of scripts are released late 1st year and you pitch to writers and they select you. It was a pretty stressful period, as I have a very talented class and all of us are vying for the best scripts and the best crew members. But I came out alive and the script I chose was called "Please Hold". We then developed the script over the summer with the script and a faculty member.

The film is a dark, Kafka-esque story about the top associate at a suicide assistance clinic facing the challenge of his career when his wife comes in for the service. It was a really interesting challenge for me, as it called for 11 actors, had a tone that I never tried before and had a polarizing subject matter. But the biggest challenge of all for me, was the fact that this film took place smack dab in the middle of my behind the scenes videography gig on Judy Moody. So I had to juggle that huge task on top of making a the most advanced production I have ever made. But in the end, we were able to produce something incredibly slick and professional, entertaining and a little endearing. Another stepping stone.

Have a look! This one has a password as well: brightside

Please Hold from Please Hold on Vimeo.

NERD-O-VISION

Hello again!

The 3rd film of 2010 was a little experiment that took place over the summer as part of a summer class at Chapman. I decided that I wanted to try something different... something that I wouldn't normally try during the school year. A MUSICAL! Or, well, a farcical musical about nerds. What I came up with, was "Nerd-O-Vision". And I'm pretty proud of it. I wrote and directed this one and didn't take myself too seriously... which is something I need to try more of. I had a lot of fun making it... From writing and recording the song, to working with a choreographer, to shooting in a diner overnight in Anaheim. It was a pretty awesome experience.

And on top of that, when I screened it in front of everyone, I got the biggest response I think I've ever gotten from a crowd. Which was cool. And we've entered it into a bunch of festivals. Fingers crossed to see what happens next... But have a look!

This one has a password, which is: nerd2010

Nerd-O-Vision from Nick Snyder on Vimeo.

DOWN IN THE PARK

Hey everyone,

I'm back! And I'm WAAAY behind on updating you on what I've been doing. 2010 was a BIG year for me. A HUGE year. I finished my 1st year of film school at Chapman University, got my first film industry internship, worked on my first hollywood feature and made 4 new movies. The first of these, 'How to Draw Caricatures pt. 2' is in the previous post. This little video that I made on the side a year ago actually got me my first internship last summer as a video editor for an surfing action sports company in southern Orange County called SponsorMe Entertainment. This then led to my first industry job as a behind the scenes videographer on a feature film called "Judy Mood and the Not Bummer Summer". Since the film is based on the popular children's book series, they liked the whimsical nature of the video and brought me into to help out for their 50 day shoot. I'm still working with them now, actually. Going through countless hours of footage and logging everything. But I directed and managed a group of other students to capture the behind the scenes for the movie. We were there on set with the crew, getting right in there next to the camera and actors. It was produced by the producers of 'Precious' and starred Heather Graham. It's been such a great experience and could lead to many more.

But soon after making that little Caricature video, I made my first actual 'film' called 'Down in the Park'. I made it for my 1st year 2nd semester project. It's about a jaded old man who's on the verge of poisoning himself in a park when he gets a surprise visit from a young boy who offers a piece of wisdom and unintentionally changes the old man's life forever.

Give it a watch. I hope you enjoy!

Down in the Park from Nick Snyder on Vimeo.