Bigfoot Scene

New Hosting on Word Press

2009-01-15T03:49:00.000-06:00

Please visit our page a bigfootscene.wordpress.com
This is the last post on blogger, but we'll continue with the blog at wordpress
Keep reading!

USS Cooper

2009-01-13T01:24:00.000-06:00

The Philippines (and especially Cebu) has a plethora of prime dive locations for its deep diving possibilities and variety of reef and wreck dives. 7,000 islands means that not only are there tropical islands of all shapes and sizes but the diversity of life in between the islands (underwater) is astonishing.
During the second World War, the Philippines was a site of US occupation and a number of battles took place there. USS Cooper is a documentary revealing the tale of an historic battle and subsequent sinking of the ship USS Cooper as told through a group of professional divers and one of the few survivors. See the trailer for more of the story.

Ostrich with a Bigfoot

2009-01-11T00:12:00.006-06:00

Emily Trempe takes you on a Filipino adventure with the Bigfoot Ostriches at Bigfoot Entertainment. Filmed for Bigfoot TV on site in Cebu, Philippines. Emily pulls off an Australian accent quite well, though at times I admit thought she may have been a South African. To commemorate the ostriches and our dear parodied Steve Irwin (RIP), here are a few ostrich facts for your trivial knowledge:
Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any species
Ostriches eat plants and bugs - insects!
Ostriches are from Africa
Osterich is commonly mispeled.
Ostriches are nomadic - they move from place to place in groups of 40 or 50
Ostriches run fast - 65+ kilometers per hour!
Ostriches are on the menu at BigBucks. Get your Ostrich burger today!
mmmm.....

Midnight Movie Featurette

2009-01-09T00:37:00.002-06:00

Midnight movie was made in a flash on a down-to-business schedule of only 22 days. Director Jack Messitt enlightens you with this inside piece on the cast & crew's experience while shooting the film, including an earlier casting and words from the production designer. Since this film is an homage of sorts, it is one of the only horror films with a villain that is not only a difficult-to-kill monster but also a spirit who can appear and disappear at will. Enjoy the featurette!

Screen Test

2009-01-07T23:35:00.004-06:00

Screen Test is Bigfoot Entertainment's reality show featuring model/actresses competing for a spot in a film for Bigfoot Entertainment. The show covered the China, USA and Viet Nam and was shot at our studios in Cebu Philippines. The above video is the Chinese version of Screen Test, but you can see much more at the the Screen Test web site:
http://www.ftvscreentest.com/

blogging around Cebu

2009-01-05T22:48:00.004-06:00

Cebu truly has a diversity computer savvy bloggers, photographers, foodies and style experts covering the scene. With last year's addition of Bite Magazine, the happenings of Cebu are at the fingertips of Bigfooters. That means that not only will you have fun, but you'll have it efficiently - and love it! Here are a few links to get a newbie started on Cebu:

Bite Magazine
The Cebu Life
Cebu Daily
My Cebu Photo Blog
Food Food Food!
Style Cebu
The Heritage of Cebu
Cebu in Photos
Travels with Goyo

Golden Girls

2009-01-03T01:47:00.003-06:00

Golden girls is an underwater short featuring none other than underwater models Mika and Marielle as they swim gracefully 'round the sunken airplane set of Bigfoot Entertainment's feature film Deep Gold. Enjoy :-)

Jack Messitt & Happy 2009!!!

2009-01-01T01:54:00.002-06:00

Jack Messitt brings us into the new year with his operator reel. Jack is a director of photography who has worked on a number of films and television shows (check out the video) including Bigfoot Entertainment's Midnight Movie and Tears from Afar (working title). Welcome to 2009!

Cute Overload on Campus!

2008-12-30T02:05:00.000-06:00

It just turns out there are the cutest little kittens running around the Bigfoot campus, and after running after them with my intimidating camera I managed to catch a few moments with the adorable little critters. In retrospect, the kittens would have flocked to me had I a little bit of tuna or kitty snacks.

This was one fearful kitty, but extremely curious the moment you turn your back. Here's a closer look:

kittens! hooray!

Irreversi

2008-12-28T01:45:00.000-06:00

As Bigfoot Entertainment is an international production company, it produces material in multiple languages and for a variety of audiences. Check out the short snippets of this Bigfoot film, Irreversi/Hui Lu, which was shot in both Chinese and English. The film was shot in Hong Kong and has an excellent theme song by Muller & Patton.

Christina MacFarlane

2008-12-26T01:56:00.000-06:00

Sweet Christmas Dreams with underwater model Christina MacFarlane.

The Ghost of Christmas past...

2008-12-25T00:07:00.004-06:00

Digging through the annals of Bigfoot holiday cheer, I found this cute Christmas video. Merry Christmas from sunny Cebu, Philippines!

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

2008-12-23T13:05:00.000-06:00

On Behalf of Bigfoot Entertainment and the orphans of the Albert Schweitzer Foundation we wish you Season's Greetings and a Happy New Year 2009!

photography by michalgarcia.com

Deep Gold 101

2008-12-21T01:32:00.000-06:00

Here's some behind-the-scenes action on Deep Gold's 101st shooting day to keep you in the holiday spirit! This particular feature follows the creation of a pool set to match the open-ocean scenes. Production designer James Thompson gives the art department specs and First AD Ken Sui brings it to life with the help of camera operator Rick Robinson. There's even an exciting introduction to show where the shot fits in the context of the film. Kudos to the BTS editor, Sujay Duhake!

Intern at Bigfoot!

2008-12-19T01:25:00.002-06:00

Liam is a new editor intern at Bigfoot, working under Fashion TV. He's been here just three weeks, and is working in our 6-month program. Liam says he likes working at Bigfoot because you get involved in projects as soon as you arrive. In editing you can edit so many different ways; it's very creative and you start to figure out your style. In a way, the internship is a test run for the real world of filmmaking.
Prior to coming to Bigfoot, Liam had graduated from filmschool and worked on a few shorts in London. In the Fashion TV editing suite, Liam gets a taste of Filipino culture - the Filipino editors break out in song and it makes you want to add a bass line to accompany them. The country is quite famous for Karaoke (it's practically the national sport), and Liam notes that even a waitress in a restaurant will sing as she serves you.
An interesting thing Liam has found in Cebu is getting used to the transport system. "You have to make your own way" - Jeepneys and taxis take a while to get used to but it's worth the effort of learning to use the system. Then, you're free to roam about Mactan Island and Cebu city.
You can apply for the internship program here.

What's shot at IAFT

2008-12-17T00:54:00.004-06:00

As a 101 project, Taiwo Badejo shot and edited this cheeky short about trying to get a girl and removing all obstacles in the way of doing so. Great work Taiwo!
Other work from the International Academy of Film and Television can be found on the IAFT website or on their youtube channel.

Song and Dance

2008-12-15T03:15:00.003-06:00

There's a whole world of music and dancing in Cebu! Weekends are awesome for exploring the many venues around town: The Outpost, Paseo, Vudu, Loft, Pump, Sunflower - even Jazz & Blues. With so many venues to go around (and Cebu being the guitar capital of the Philippines) a few employees like James D'Lonsod and Michal Garcia find themselves playing gigs around town as often as they get a chance. James leads a Rastafilipino Reggae-Rock band called Coolie Dread and the Microphone Commanders (CDMC) as pictured below. Thanks for the photos Nathalie!

Photography by Nathalie Heugas

Ashley Isham Singapore

2008-12-13T02:00:00.000-06:00

Fashion TV covers various fashion events throughout Asia and caught the opening of the Ashley Isham Boutique in Singapore, the designers home territory.

Education and Work

2008-12-11T01:59:00.000-06:00

Brian Valdez came all the way from Dallas, Texas to the International Academy of Film and Television over a year ago and truly made his mark in that time. Not only did he win the award for best thesis film (in 16mm no less!) but he has been working the past four months as assistant production coordinator on Bigfoot's latest feature film project Tears From Afar. Brian has nearly finished his work with Tears, as we call it back at the studios, and the last major shots are currently being filmed in the south of Viet Nam. Congratulations Brian, and best wishes for Los Angeles!

Click here for further information about Brian and the International Academy of Film and Television.

Kacy Andrews interviewed for Dog & Pony

2008-12-09T00:42:00.005-06:00

Here is a recent interview of our CEO Kacy Andrews interviewed for Dog and Pony. In it, she discusses the challenges of building a company "from the ground up" on Mactan Island, Philippines.

Exploding work day

2008-12-07T20:42:00.000-06:00

Part of the fun of working at a film studio are company e-mails like this one:

"Hi Everyone,

Please note that the shoot for today's explosion scene will be between
15:00H to 17:00H.

Please be guided accordingly.

Thank you.

DEEP GOLD
PRODUCTION GROUP"

Explosions? What?!? But never fear! With a pyrotechnics team from Manila, a firetruck and ambulance on standby PLUS multiple test runs and a very well-coordinated effort by our First AD Ken Siu, you're as safe as can be.

Here's a closer view of the pyrotechnics:

Afar in Vietnam

2008-12-05T02:09:00.001-06:00

Our crew for Victim of Circumstances has made their way from Cebu, Philippines to Saigon, Vietnam and thus the second major stage of shooting has begun for the film. It's a very exciting affair, such that Cebu Smile Magazine (of Cebu Pacific Airlines) will be running a story about us in their next issue. After all, it's not an easy task coordinating 25 crew to fly across the ocean to join 60+ Vietnamese crew to shoot in and around Saigon and the Mekong Delta. In fact, that's quite a feat!

Photography by Tony Pham

Victim of Circumstances

2008-12-03T21:46:00.002-06:00

Our feature film (shooting now) has changed its former working title of Tears from Afar to Victim of Circumstances. We had been searching for a title and it has now been finalized, great work guys!

Yekta Nikou for Fashion TV

2008-12-03T01:50:00.004-06:00

Here's a showcase of talent at Bigfoot Entertainment: Photographer (and model) Tina Macfarlane as she photographs Yekta Nikou in tropical Cebu, Philippines.

Three Needles: World Aids Day

2008-12-01T02:40:00.001-06:00

Today is World Aids Day and with that comes a solemn look at the state of the human race in relation to the epidemic. It is important to realize both personal responsibility and the importance of education in preventing the disease. Especially considering the lack of a cure, the best that can be done is to be aware and help others become aware.
Three Needles is one such film that aims to create this awareness. It follows three very different stories in three separate countries, tying them together with the sickness that destroys their lives. After viewing the trailer, read the excellent interview with writer and director of Three Needles, Thom Fizgerald.

Thanksgiving at Abaca

2008-11-29T01:20:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving this year was absolutely fun! We all participated in the year-old tradition of sharing what we were thankful for. Among the thanks, most were very happy with their close workmates whether filming "Tears from Afar" or back in the office. With so many actors and filmmakers coming from Los Angeles we had a turnout of over 50 employees at Abaca restaurant on Mactan Island.

On site with the Bigfoot Foundation

2008-11-27T04:35:00.003-06:00

Every other weekend, the orphans from the Albert Schweitzer Foundation come to Bigfoot Entertainment for a morning of activities, and as they're being picked up from Cordova (or when we go for a visit) we get to play with the kids and they do fun things like dance around on video. Fiona shot this short clip on her mobile phone, but a more hard-hitting documentary is being produced of their story and likely available by February.

Tears from Afar: humor

2008-11-25T21:56:00.004-06:00

Bigfoot is on the loose and shooting a new film called Tears From Afar. This film will shoot in the Philippines, Viet Nam and Florida. Though the subject matter is very serious, here is a fun look at at the production of the film. Above, Rick and Bebe smile for an in-car green screen shot.

The first rule (about to be broken by Rick) is you never use a hot set as you would in real-life.

bathtubs and bubbles! Adi attacks Bebe with a handful of bubbles :-)

Rick Robinson is having a peachy day with the Red Camera.

A.D. Jenni gives the camera a quirky look.

The crew take a quick break from working for a photo opp.
Photography by Johannes Bichmann

201

2008-11-22T01:46:00.000-06:00

Warning: explicit language, gore

At the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) students complete a series of projects in their studies. At the end of the basic level the 101 students or 101's do their "MOS" which is a film without dialogue. The 301's get to do a final thesis project and go all-out in terms of cast and locations and equipment used. The 201's are in between but nowhere near forgotten. They do great work and come out with quirky films like the one above, Beat Sushi Sushi. For more student films, visit the IAFT youtube channel.

Postcards from Cebu

2008-11-20T01:59:00.000-06:00

We're working on a series of photographs showing the scenic parts of Cebu, for a series of postcards to send out to potential clients/students/friends. Take a peek at some of the work!

Eveningscape of Cebu

Cebu City Hall

IT park, in the heart of Cebu

Hilton Hotel on Mactan Island (really close to Bigfoot)
And lastly, a view of the bridge connecting Cebu City to Mactan Island as seen from the Cebu Yacht club (Highly recommended)

photography by michalgarcia.com

Tears from Afar: drama

2008-11-17T00:03:00.000-06:00

Bigfoot is on the loose and shooting a new film called Tears From Afar. This film will shoot in the Philippines, Viet Nam and even Florida. Here is a serious look at at the film.

The first two shots are of our Vietnamese lead Thanh.

Bebe plays a victim of human trafficking in the film.

Thanh is shocked as he enters.

Here's an epic look at production designer John Sabato and producer Ashley Jordan. John looks just like Indiana Jones with that groovy hat of his!

Jimmy engineering sound.

Crazy Filmmaker Program students (of the International Academy of Film and Television) film Behind-the-scenes on the feature as part of their program.

Photography by Johannes Bichmann

Within

2008-11-15T01:50:00.000-06:00

Uploaded by bigfootupload

"Within" is a film by Bigfoot Entertainment starring child actresses Mia Ford and Sammi Hanratty. Their relationship in the story is reminiscent of "The Good Son" meets "The Sixth Sense." Combine the haunting of evil spirits with the innocence of children and you're talking scary material! With writing from award-winning Rebecca Sonnenshine (The Haunting of Molly Hartley, American Zombie, Happily Even After) this is a suspenseful drama in a deceptively safe suburban environment. While the film is somewhat haunting for the average viewer, parents will find it especially disturbing as it explores the possibilities of children's unique connection with ghosts and spirits. BOO!

New IAFT images

2008-11-13T01:35:00.003-06:00

The International Academy of Film and Television is rebranding itself with a series of more captivating images of student life and of life around Cebu. These are a few in the running for this new branding.

Fun, free photography seminar :-)

2008-11-11T04:18:00.002-06:00

Today, the first day marks the beginning of the first session of my photo masterclass for employees and interns at Bigfoot Entertainment. I am including 70 links that will provide inspirational and practical material for the course. Check them out:

Inspiration:
Zena Holloway
Nicoline Patricia
Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir
Jill Greenberg
Joseph Cultice
Chase Jarvis
Vincent Laforet
Richard Avedon
Lawrence Winram
The Year in Pictures
Paolo Roversi
Björk
Super Models.nl
Joey Laurence
Thomas Tukker
Lane Coder
Russell James
Article on Denis Darzacq's Falling People
Art Partner
Janet Bordeninc
VH Artists
Jed Root Photographers/Talent
Lund Lund
Lithium Picnic
Michael Grecco
Mark Laita
John Michael Cooper
Building Blog
Douglas Menuez
Gray Scott
GMK
Jean Philippe Martin
Julius Von Bismarck - Image Fulgurator
Scott Harben
Greg Booth
Serlin Associates
Wing Chan
Philippe Halsman
Ten Movies every photographer should see
Mark Bugzester
Drip Book portfolio site
TD Photo
Martin Prihoda
Rick Kosick
Carbon Made
Lost at E Minor
Pinhole Day
BBC in pictures
David Griffin speaks about photography at Ted Talks

FYI, How to & technology
Learn at Photo.net
Digital Photography Review - best for cameras specs
Lens Babies
B&H photo video - price check & equipment
Flickr - photo sharing
One Model Place
Studio Lighting.net
Hasselblad Cameras
Article on Tilt-shift lenses
Strobist - learn to light
Wet Pixel - underwater photography
Show us you lights! Lighting setups mandatory
Best Canon Lenses
American Society of Media Photographers
Lomography
All Things Photography
Model Mayhem
Take Better photographs - Wikihow
A digital picture of Britain
Ray Ring Flash

Halloweiners

2008-11-10T03:50:00.005-06:00

Halloween at Bigfoot Entertainment! Need I say more?

Lori, Laurence and Daphne live it up at Tiki Bar

Tara and Tabatha won an award later that night for their vampire costumes!

MG and MG's twin Samim

This guy has a triangle for a head.

Nick jokes with the joker

"I'm Chris...I eat people"

Ben and Denise went as a prom couple

Katie, at the Tears from Afar office.

Chiqui and friends put on makeshift masks at Fashion TV
photography by michalgarcia.com

Shining Stars of the Bigfoot Foundation

2008-11-08T02:49:00.006-06:00

The orphans of the Bigfoot Foundation's "Shining Stars" program performed the story of Noah for the Bigfoot film and school community. The show, led by employee Fiona Cross, was a big success all-around and contributed to the Foundation's vision of having young children participate in creative endeavors as part of their education and nurturing. It was as cute as it was entertaining!
These children come from the Albert Schweitzer Children’s Haven, an orphanage located in Cordova on Mactan Island. In December they will Christmas carol and put on another show on the Bigfoot campus.

Esta salsa es muy caliente!

2008-11-06T01:53:00.004-06:00

Part of the fun of being in a big company with folks of many talents are the intermittent courses and workshops you can take. A few weeks ago, I took part in an acting course and more recently a Salsa dancing class led by Meredith. I'll even be teaching a a photography masterclass starting next week! Above, Daphne enjoys some latin sounds.

Meredith sets the example through the mirror.

We straightened out Keith's feet over 5 weeks. Now, there's a distinguishable right & left :-)

Keith is grateful!

photography by michalgarcia.com

Sarah Palin at Bigfoot Entertainment

2008-11-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

As senators Barack Obama and John McCain spent their weekend campaigning in the battleground states, an unprecedented decision was made by the Republican National Committee to rally votes from the largely democrat expatriated American community in Asia. In that last-minute effort to appeal to critical overseas absentee voters, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin gave a brief interview Saturday at Bigfoot Entertainment in Cebu, Philippines. Our London correspondent Richard Hearsey served as interviewer for the evening and gave his commentary on this pivotal time in the race to the White House.
The latest Gallup polls show John McCain trailing by an average of 9 percentage points, though his television appearances on Saturday Night Live and the QVC shopping network have increased McCain-Palin ticket's popularity by an average of 2 points in the last 3 days. Hearsey investigated the details of the McCain-Palin presidency's plan of action should they be elected today, election day. If you're still reading you must think this is actually fo' shizzle.

Trick or treat? Looks like a trick!
*Denise played the part of Palin :-)
photography by michalgarcia.com

Vote early and often

2008-11-03T02:01:00.000-06:00

United States citizens residing at Bigfoot voted absentee throughout the past few weeks. Whichever candidate you may be rooting for, this is a time the world is watching in anticipation. Personally, I was surprised that my Filipino roommate was watching the election more closely than myself, a US citizen. It's not surprising really, considering the impact the United States has on the world, plus many Filipino citizens go to the US and Canada to work.

Thanks to Lori Blackburn for hand-modeling. She is Filipino American and she voted with me a few weeks ago. Suffrage Rocks!

Shanghai Kiss

2008-11-02T02:22:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite films from Bigfoot is Shanghai Kiss, starring Ken Leung (Saw, X-Men, Lost). The story creates romance between a wannabe actor in LA (named Liam Liu) and a teeny-bopper blonde highschooler named Adelaide. Liam is not only going through a self-discovery of his manhood through his relationship, but a discovery of his own culture as he ventures to China to receive a house as inheritance from his recently-deceased grandmother. A romance Liam encounters overseas shakes up his unconventional love back home. All the while, the film pokes fun at the Chinese American who doesn't know a word of Chinese. It's good fun, and a beautiful story especially once Liam embraces who he is and begins to live.

Below is a scene where our protagonist is kidnapped and threatened in China. It's more humorous than scary:

*Hayden Panettiere won the Feature Film Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival for her role as Adelaide

Midnight Movie hits 10 US cities

2008-11-01T04:20:00.001-05:00

Midnight Movie, the award winning horror film will have an exclusive run in 10 US cities on November 7:

Baltimore, Maryland - Charles Theatre, midnight
1711 North Charles St.
Baltimore, MD
(410) 727-FILM

Los Angeles, California - Laemmle Sunset 5, midnight
8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90046
(323) 848-3500

Tempe, Arizona - Valley View Theatre - midnight
Harkins Valley Art
505 South Mill Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 446-7272

Portland, Oregon - Cinema 21
616 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 223-4515

Dallas, Texas - Angelika Film Center
Mockingbird Station
5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Suite 320
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 841-4713

Houston, Texas - Angelika Center
510 Texas Avenue (at Smith Street)
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 225-1470

San Diego, California - Regal Horton Plaza
A Horton Plaza 14
475 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-3340

New York - Village East Theatre
http://www.villageeastcinema.com/
181 - 189 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 1003
(212) 529-6799

Pittsburgh, Philadelphia - Southside Film Works
425 Cinema Drive
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 381-7335

*It showed last week in Minneapolis Minnesota, for those of you counting all the cities :-)
For more information contact:

Konstanze Pelargus
konstanze.pelargus@bigfoot.net
Marketing Consultant
Bigfoot Entertainment Ltd.
Los Angeles / Cebu / Hong Kong
Feel free to post to your blog or website

DILIM

2008-10-31T02:31:00.000-05:00

DILIM is an IAFT student film directed by Chino, shot as his thesis film. It will be showing at the end of next term (about 9 weeks from now). Plot synopsis: Two American soldiers befriend a Filipino soldier and find themselves invited for dinner - a dinner for cannibals. The protagonist, played by James Farrel, finds himself a prisoner of the cannibals as they attempt to convert him to cannibalism. Yum! Pass the sausages :-)

This doll was a prop in the film and had the freakiest eyes you've ever seen!

This is the interior and exterior of the house we shot at.

photography by Joel Gana and michalgarcia.com

Halloween at Tiki!

2008-10-29T09:35:00.000-05:00

Halloween fun at Tiki Bar! Goodtimes. Oh yeah!

Fashion TV - Tamie & Cathal

2008-10-29T01:41:00.000-05:00

Tamie Tran models for Cathal Twomey in this Fashion TV presentation. There is much talent and versatility at Bigfoot Entertainment, and Cathal is no exception. He is a photographer both above and below the water, and does underwater safety between training the models and body-doubles to dive.

Deep Gold behind the scenes

2008-10-26T03:44:00.000-05:00

As our new film "Tears from Afar" begins many of our behind the scenes sequences for the DVD release of "Deep Gold" are being edited together by Behind-the-scenes producer Sujay Duhake. In the sequence above, the crew discusses complexities involved with shooting actress Bebe Pham in an underwater air pocket and simulating a plane sunk deep beneath the sea.
Shooting underwater is a seemingly simple task in which Murphy's law is the only law. In an average scene where 2 talent are under the water, usually 2 safety divers and an underwater camera are hiding just out of frame. The Red camera has its own housing for shooting below the surface and the dive tank about Bigfoot Entertainment is equipped to enable (dry) shooting through its windows.

The Magic of Tiki

2008-10-25T01:41:00.000-05:00

Tiki bar is a multi-faceted supplement to our working environment here at Bigfoot Entertainment and the International Academy of Film and Television. With its bar, barbecue and comfort rooms (as they are called on these islands) it is the ultimate after work winding-down destination. Tiki bar is also where the de facto creativity takes place and ideas are born, in the chillaxed resorty lawn chairs of the Bigfoot backyard. Can you dig it?

Beware of too much tiki:

photography by michalgarcia.com

Fashion TV - Destination Singapore

2008-10-23T01:32:00.000-05:00

Bigfoot Entertainment is also unique in that it is not only a film production studio, it also produces material for Fashion TV Asia. Above is a clip with models Shelly Radley and Tina Macfarlane as they browse the some of the best Singapore has to offer. Enjoy!

What to do in Cebu (part tu)

2008-10-20T00:33:00.000-05:00

In Cebu, not only do you have the scenic beauty of the islands, the karaoke, the waterfalls, and the wonderful people but you also have one pop culture's most recent treasures: the CPDRC prisoners. Knowing their pop culture status, we assumed many tourists were patrons to their performances but Nay! About 90% Filipino viewers grace the prison ward every last Saturday of every month. Judging from how many lyrics they know to the songs, I'd say they've all been a few times. Enjoy the shots below:

photography by michalgarcia.com

Say hello to my little friend!

2008-10-17T02:17:00.000-05:00

We have a new friend in the marketing department. Just outside on our balcony, this cute spider of unknown variety keeps us safe from the mozzies.

It's not very small, but is very welcome :-)

If you know what kind of spider this is, leave a comment!

What to do in Cebu (part one)

2008-10-16T01:13:00.000-05:00

Imagine what you can do in Cebu. Don't really imagine, just look at the photos. There's a whole lot of outdoorsy places to go, plus chic resorts and malls. Today we're focusing more on the outdoor activities, for the go-get-'em crowd. You can go boating.

You can go to the Kawasan waterfalls and swim/lounge/hike.

You can Karaoke at practically every venue in the Philippines.

You can people watch - and they'll watch you back!

You can go to tops and overlook the city. Tops serves beer & snacks too!

Cebu has many historic sites, including Magellan's cross and the church of Santo Niño.

photography by michalgarcia.com

Congratulations Graduates!

2008-10-13T03:15:00.000-05:00

Twelve more students are now graduates of the International Academy of Film and Television, which had its graduation ceremony this past Saturday. Graduates of the program hail from the Philippines, the United States, India, and Holland. Some of the graduates are returning home, while others have been employed at Bigfoot Entertainment with a new film currently titled "Tears From Afar" which begins production Monday. In addition, some of their thesis films which were screened at their graduation will be submitted to festivals around the globe. You can view some of the unsubmitted films online here.

Mentor Jeff Bacon squeezes in between a few of the graduates on this festive occasion.

Curious BTS for a curious day

2008-10-11T03:10:00.000-05:00

Here's a little behind-the-scenes on The Curiousity of Chance to add more spark to your Coming Out Day. Enjoy the tid bit!

Acting with IAFT

2008-10-10T01:15:00.000-05:00

Last night was the end-of-term performance for Alex Murphy's acting course, part of the curriculum at the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT). Both students and current interns took part in the monologues and scenes performed at our dance studio.

In this shot, Samim is preparing to act out a torture seminar by Begosian. To start the performance, we shout a response:
We are here at Bigfoot...our acting careers have gone kaput!
Alex is helping to change our lives...We've gotten rid of girlfriends boyfriends wives
We love to do monologues and dance, Alex is building our confidence!

The nine week term ended with a bang. Here are a few pictures of the action:

Alex Murphy is no Robocop, but he teaches a mean acting class! Here he's giving last-minute direction before the final performance.

Niko performing Begosian's "The Fan"

Annu bustin' out Hamlet's "to be or not to be" speech.

Angela rehearses a scene from "Jawbreaker" before the performance.

Meredith and Tra perform a scene from the play "A whole house full of babies."

Olaf performs a killer rendition of Tyler Durden from "Fight Club"

Annu is a drunken pastor imitating bacon frying. Abstract, but extremely funny!
photography by michalgarcia.com

Music Video Action

2008-10-09T03:24:00.000-05:00

As our feature film Deep Gold comes to a close, a few music videos and behind-the-scenes shorts are being shot for DVD features and as promotional items. Here is one recently directed by Matt Karam featuring Ben Patton on vocals and bass, Jaye Muller on keys, and James D'Lonsod on drums.

DIRECTOR: Matt Karam
PRODUCED BY: Sujay Dahake & Steve Aalam
SHOT BY: Torsten Schimmer
MUSIC BY: Muller & Patton
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Michael Gleissner

Keep posted for a second music video installment and more on Matt Karam

Midnight Movie Mayhem

2008-10-08T05:42:00.000-05:00

October is the month for...
Scary movies! Monsters! Blood, guts & gore!

When it's over, grab a big jack-o-lantern full of candy and stuff your face with goodies. Yum! I once watched David Lynch's Eraserhead while eating popcorn and nachos the whole way through. My stomach felt just a little quesy afterward. (Don't try this at home kids!)

For more gore and less this-is-so-friggin'-weird-ness, take a peek at Midnight Movie. It's a slasher film with a twist, and the cure to David Lynch. The plot goes like this: a group of unsuspecting youth hit the theater to watch a vintage horror flick and heckle away until they're sucked into the action and the killer is after them. Think Last Action Hero meets Saw and substitute Arnie for a psycho mouthless guy with a razor-sharp spiral-shaped knife. Niiice!

It's a great film for cuddling with that hot date of yours.

Leave some love on the blog while you check out the trailer.

Crazy Filmmakers Everywhere!

2008-10-06T05:41:00.000-05:00

The International Academy of Film and Television's (IAFT) Crazy Filmmaker program starts October 20. Last minute takers, get your applications in! There are one and two-year programs available, and enrollment starts this time each year.
The International Academy of Film and Television is a filmchool offering filmmaking education with hands-on experience through Bigfoot Entertainment. It's a unique opportunity for students to learn on the site of a working movie studio.

Coming Out

2008-10-05T22:07:00.001-05:00

Bigfoot Scene just came out today, literally! We jumped the gun a little for the celebrated National Coming Out Day, but I'm definitely not stealing anyone's thunder. You should be ready when October 11 rolls around, and even better with an extra $500 in your pocket by the end of the month.

Bigfoot Entertainment is holding a contest to find the funniest coming out story in honor of Coming Out Day and The Curiousity of Chance, a playful teen movie that takes place in the 80s but doesn't subscribe to the pop culture of the time. It follows Chance, an awkward young man as he discovers himself (plus a cute jock & drag queen) in high school. It's nostalgia with a twist, and very welcome after the barrage of not one but two high school musicals. Gimme a break!

You even win a copy of The Curiousity of Chance if you win the contest. So take a chance, and leave some love on the blog. Tell me what you'd do with the money. Hot Date? Shopping for a top hat?
Check out the trailer while you comment:

Review: Shanghai Kiss

2008-09-30T01:51:00.000-05:00

“Anything’s possible, that’s the beauty of life.” – a worn out adage, used innumerably on novels and films, and even those annoying optimists that wiggle around societal circles. Shanghai Kiss lives with this adage, a conventional proverb presented in the most entertaining and interesting way.

It’s a journey of a man of Chinese decent figuring out who he is and what he wants in life, where in the land of milk and honey (note: it’s a global perspective, can’t ignore the current economic crunch US folks are experiencing) he can’t seem to find his niche, his call to success.

Liam played by Ken Leung, throughout the film endures looking for love in all the wrong places, having a secret relationship with a sixteen year old high school student played by Hayden Penettiere, of Heroes fame, he met in a bus in LA and an intricate collection of women he picks up in bars.

Every woman might think he’s a living breathing A-Hole with no inclination to ethics and morals but what makes this character beautiful to watch is his guilt stricken moments when he cheats on his teenage lover. These moments create humanity in Ken’s portrayal of Liam, his epic struggle on two clashing principles, fighting desire for flesh and desire for a devoted and sincere relationship.

His inner conflicts are portrayed so vividly that it sucks anyone in to his conundrum. The issue Liam goes through is realistic on anyone’s account.

The film tackles his reluctance to pursue a relationship with a sixteen year-old in fear of a crime that’s essentially questionable since it still assumes the mental incapacity of minors to be in a consensual relationship with someone older throws him in a situation where he wants to but he just can’t.

And yet the positivism that Hayden Panettiere exudes for her role is exceptional, that seeing her with Liam whose twelve years older seems so right. Her optimism and dedication for the relationship is an outright stark contrast to what Liam offers. I’m just freaked out on the prospect of dirty old men fantasizing of having a secret young lover as hot and enchanting as Hayden.

A good chunk of viewers, especially male viewers, would strongly relate to Liam. And isn’t this one of holy grails of filmmaking? -- The creation of a determinate connection between the audience and the film? Shanghai Kiss executes this oh so well.

The film is full of symbolisms – Liam’s Mini Cooper and mirror reflections. Well this could all be coincidence and could be deciphered by the viewer but the director never really meant to portray that message. But if observed more, the dirt, bumps, and dents on Liam’s Cooper symbolic explanation of who he is and what he’s been through.

Witty and self-deprecating humour fills that vacuum of optimism and within a depressed and lost character. The relationships that are built around Liam is amazingly thought out and well written.

Shanghai Kiss reminds me of Lost Translation when Liam’s in Shanghai in search for his roots and identity, the scenic urban shots and language barrier interactions makes him so helpless and lost.

Each character has their personal struggles, and yet hope still exists within each of them, pushing them on for what they aspire – and that’s what makes Shanghai Kiss so human. It’s relentless exhibition of human imperfections and how each deals with them.

When the film stops rolling or should I say stop spinning? Shanghai Kiss successfully reaches out to the audience clearly stating that the possibilities are out there, and that’s the beauty of life – the conclusion fulfils that.

It serves as an inspiration to all on how one can be so different and realize that difference is from within. We are all different, therefore are difference is our commonality, that difference becomes a common ground for which people of different race and background can connect and break social barriers.

Review: MM

2008-09-27T01:40:00.000-05:00

Never been a fan of horror flicks nor have I ever clinched to the urge to watch any film that freely depicts graphic mutilation and torture. More so, watching B-list actors portray unconvincing fear, loss, and grief is the most painful thing to watch. Midnight movie encapsulates these cliché and horror film conventions and yet it kept me on, just to see what’s next and witness first hand how the story unfolds.

The script holds the movie together and gives it the upper hand over the countless horror gore-infested films released every year.

Scenes where the antagonist drags his victims to an enigmatic room is an ingenious way to keep the audience stuck to their seats. The myriad guesses within the viewer’s mind slightly alleviates the agonizing moments of witnessing abysmal character development and casting – an American chief detective with a German accent? Not that I have anything against Germans being a chief detective in US soil but stick to the minor conventions and stereotypes. It throws away the focus of the audience and opens doors for them to ponder on the reasons behind such logic unless the story develops more on the character introduced.

Also, some aspects of the film could be derived as comedic and lame. The doctor’s scream in the first few scenes was an epic fail but laughable nonetheless. On a positive light, it could be this great grand scheme by the writer/director to ease the audience slowly into the film to relieve the tension before the roller coaster goes haywire.

And I can’t help but feel the emotional detachment of the four leading actors to each other. They were introduced as close friends and sold as a bunch that has been through a lot. And yet when someone gets whacked, the survivors are absent of remorse, grief, and loss. The relationship the audience may think these four have is completely non-existent beyond the first few scenes.

Conversely, these are minor complaints on a very well crafted, albeit simple story. The torture and massacre scenes are riveting and graphic. And fans of the genre will find themselves right at home and would appreciate the extra effort to up the ante on violence and gore.

Midnight Movie may have glaring faults but it’s original story, authentic eye-twitch inducing scenes carry the movie till the end. And with an open ended conclusion, a sequel could be on the horizon.

On a side note, doesn’t the lead actress look exactly like the guy from Speed Racer and The Girl Next Door? Word.

Profile: Steluna

2008-09-25T01:24:00.000-05:00

Occasionally, we meet people who exude that infectious upbeat stance and vigor in life. As I first laid my eyes on this German hottie, she personified just that -- her sincere smile and bubbly tone was undeniably attractive and contagious.

Being in the fashion industry for so long, you’d think that she’d be bored and drowned with ennui and yet she presents the complete anti-thesis for someone at that caliber.

A model, singer, agent, and actress, she has garnered experience throughout her career. Hailing from Munich, Germany she has that adorable accent and control of the English language.

She’s also a vigorous entrepreneur – she founded Steluna Models International handling modeling stints for various projects around the world. She's currently connected with Fashion TV but still manages her agency simultaneously.

You can visit her site right here, and here.

Soundstage 1

2008-09-19T00:53:00.000-05:00

On location with Michal Garcia to cover a shoot that Bigfoot’s various production teams normally do on a daily basis. The vid features raw (in this case, really raw) behind the scene footage of an educational material for would-be photographers under Bigfoot's academic arm, International Academy of Film and Television or more widely known as IAFT.

Wheels of Innovation

2008-09-15T01:08:00.002-05:00

Sat down with Bill Gardner and listened to his discussion of what CRAZY Filmmaker Program is as well as his history here in Bigfoot Entertainment and its academic arm, International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT).

The program essentially as I see it, targets the edgier side of creativity. Most of the time filmmakers and everyone involved are trapped into conventions and niches of what works and what viewers generally accept. And yet time and time again, audiences have grown smarter. They’ve become very capable of predicting how the story turns out, how the characters develop.

We are in an age of predictable entertainment.

I assume the CRAZY Filmmaker program addresses this on many fronts. Currently, IAFT has a one-year immersion program but the newly offered program requires a two-year immersion – that’s hardcore. Touching on the crafts of creating Fashion Television shoots, TVCs and even public service announcements. And to cap off the program, as mentioned by Bill, the students would be involved in a feature film production within Bigfoot.

I have nothing but an optimist’s outlook on the possibilities of such a program. To create a slew of new-age filmmakers bending conventions, going against the status quo’s of superheroes and CGI enriched feature films.

Mind you, I’m not in total disagreement of such an approach in filmmaking, neither do I desire to disparage the efforts of our modern day film artists – but don’t you just want something new?

Movies and TV shows have become stale throughout the years. Has creativity died with innovation? Suddenly Hollywood realized there’s more money to be made on action flicks and linear storylines drowned with ennui.

Perhaps this CRAZY filmmaker program that Michael Gleissner conceptualized could be the new primordial creative boom the global film industry’s been waiting for – too far fetched you say? It could be CRAZY enough to work.

To commemorate the program's edginess and creative openness, posted the vid that made me go gaga for everything CRAZY.

James Farrel

2008-09-12T01:01:00.004-05:00

Covering male models is just a journalistic/literary ordeal for me. These men have perfect physiques and women just stick to them like fridge magnets. It makes me insecure and degraded whenever I’m in their presence, as if my viability to be noticed by the opposite sex vanishes into oblivion.

When a man looks at James (a straight one that is), one can’t help but wish he had the same physique and exude the same sexy model like aura. I for one envy the guy, compared to him, my body’s physique’s an epic fail. In fact at this very moment, I’m laying out the blueprints to photoshop my face over his and post it on Facebook (desperate times call for desperate measures).

He’s a Physical Education teacher by day and a top-notch model by night, how convenient can that get?

Ladies, for your amusement, posted some of his pics.

You can visit Jame's site right here.

BigBucks

2008-09-07T00:56:00.001-05:00

It’s a sunny and shimmering Thursday morning in Cebu and couldn’t help but ponder on a new paradigm, could it be that Thursday’s the new Friday?

Friday (subjectively speaking) is the best day of the week as it ushers in the weekend and the inevitable blissful events that are attached to it. And when Thursday arrives, the anticipation for Friday sets in (to be specific, beyond 1pm of Thursday), the ennui that has plagued anyone through the week should mellow down as each passing hour goes by.

At the end of the day you and your colleagues await the arrival of ‘the’ day of the week when the transition from work to vacation occurs -- this IS the climax, this IS the nirvana everyone looks forward to.

And to welcome this newly declared Friday, recently interviewed a talented editor from Bigfoot’s Post Production offices.

Trox Salazar shows us the viscera of editing within the chief’s fortress as he works on a vid for Bigfoot’s very own Starbucks-inspired (more like a straight out rip off), ‘Bigbucks’.

Midnight at the movies

2008-09-03T01:19:00.000-05:00

Have that burning urge to see the next big movie after an adventurous undertaking?

(If 14 hours from Manila to the US isn’t, what is?)

For those who find pleasure in violence and gore, give yourself some well-earned respect and watch this. The film’s a nod to all those cliché horror and gore-infested flicks and yet it still brings something new to the ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer/Urban Legend/Scream' crowd.

SYNOPSIS

Midnight Movie will have audiences squirming in their seats, as the killer from the movie emerges from the screen to hunt down each viewer one-by-one before dragging their dead bodies back into the film to be tortured for eternity.

At a run down theater in a sleepy suburban town, a group of friends get together for a midnight screening of an early 1970s horror film. What they do not know is that the Director/Star of the film has something more in store for them than just a movie.

While he is thought to have died five years earlier in a psych ward massacre, the detective and doctor who witnessed the aftermath of the bloodbath suspect that the director was not a victim, but the perpetrator of the killings and is still on the loose.

What none of them understand is that he has enshrined his soul into the film itself.

As the film starts, the kids heckle the old black-and-white scenes, but are jolted when the movie's gruesome killer butchers one of their friends on screen! They realize that it is not the prank that they had hoped it was as they soon become the stars of the very movie they are watching on the screen.

Caught between the world of reality and the screen's flickering shadows, these unsuspecting viewers fight to stay alive in the locked theater.

Soundstage 2

2008-08-30T00:49:00.000-05:00

I took the liberty to indulge myself in investigative journalism and squeezed myself into Bigfoot’s jumbolicious (doesn’t sound right does it?) studio. Always wondered what’s going on the innards of that structure.

I was left impressed with the size and scale of ‘almost’ everything in it. The ‘Eye Sore Award’ had to go the green painted plane (troubling as it may seem, it clearly resembled a beheaded monolithic duck).

Profile: Isabelle Du

2008-08-26T00:41:00.005-05:00

Being around models, gives that paralyzing aftermath on my spine, beautifully sculptured beings that walk amongst little men like me. However, behind that spine-tingling paralysis these goddesses lay upon me, they’re just average deities going through life’s journey, having their ambitions and aspirations in pursuit of happiness (whatever it may be) tucked behind those perfect 8 figures.

Recently sat down with Isabelle Du, a model, actress, and a body double for Bebe Pham (Deep Gold Leading Actress). Hailing from San Jose California at a fresh age of 23, having a Vietnamese, Chinese and French decent (err, she lost me at ‘Vietnamese’), this stunning beaut gives many a new angle of how breathtaking Euro-Asian Barbie Dolls can be. (But hey, don’t take my word for it; beauty’s a subjective devil).

Isabelle, as most models, is well traveled. She modeled in Thailand for 2 months before beginning shoot for Deep Gold and to add to her diverse portfolio, she did covers for EastWest Magazine, Audrey Magazine, and BN. As well as TV appearances for the Tyra Banks Show and Spike TV’s Manswers (which I initially spelled as Manseers, go figure. In fact, Isabelle was cute enough to write down the title for me).

Posted some Isabelle’s pics for your viewing pleasure (notice, no orgasmic modifier, let’s keep it clean people).

Want to see more? Visit Isabelle's site.

Deep Gold Production: Cam Blocked!

2008-08-23T00:37:00.000-05:00

Filming of Deep Gold came to a screeching halt only after a day of resumed filming. According to Bec Piket, associate producer, production stopped due to some “set fine tunings” and issues regarding body doubles.

Guess the challenge of finishing and producing the film is a movie in itself – somebody’s got to capitalize the drama attached to these types of productions; the delays, conflicts and clashes, reality TV personified!

XOXO, you know you… oh s***, wrong blog! Darn it.

UPDATE: It seems production resumed, although on a minor scale as production awaits their maestro to return.

Deep Gold

2008-08-20T22:26:00.002-05:00

The next entry to Bigfoot’s lineup of feature films, “Deep Gold”, is currently in the final phase of production according to the official press release.

(But get this: the last update was eons ago back in March.)

Directed and produced by the chief himself – a story about a Cebuana freediver named Amy who goes looking for her papi as he and a truckload of gold enigmatically goes missing en route to Central Bank in Manila.

(Deliver gold to Manila you say? Gold vanishing into thin air? Bet they reached stateside, perhaps a few steps short of Central Bank. It’s Manila after all -- ruled by warlords and kingpins. Government funds poof away here on a daily basis, nothing new, case closed. -- Next!)

But on a more serious note: so what caused the disappearance of such a valuable package, and the people delivering it? That’s where the Cebuana chick comes in – to unravel the mystery (say in a low, whispered voice) behind the strange disappearance of her boyfriend and the gazillion worth of gold. As she gets caught in a web of conspiracy and intrigue along the way, she uncovers a plot bigger than what she could’ve ever expected (pretty exciting stuff). Based on what I’ve seen, with regard to behind the scene footages, it’s promising on many fronts.

Included a sample vid for your viewing orgasmic pleasure.

To see the cast and production team in all its glory, you can visit Deep Gold’s official site right here.

The New Guy

2008-08-17T04:37:00.003-05:00

Bigfoot's PR and Marketing Department

Brand spankin’ fresh in the PR and Marketing team, the virgin days has gone by swiftly. Introduced to some interesting people from various departments and teams make me feel optimistic bout working here, plus the fact that Cebuano’s always have this warm smile, irrelevant whether it’s sincere or not, either way, it has the same effect, your mere existence being recognized in a jovial and gleeful manner, who’d resent that?

My first official job as a writer feels like a bliss, getting paid for what you love doing, fantastic -- this is the way to live. Besides the conventional complaints of waking up early and doing a 9 to 5, or in Bigfoot’s case, 9 to 7 job, what else’s there to complain about?

Being a contractual has it perks such as non auto-deductions on compensation, but alas, this can’t go on forever, health benefits and paid leaves would be of necessity later on, as one grows older, body can’t take that much punishment as it used to. So a permanent job with benefits is the way to go kids.

Blogging experiences, observations, opinions within the premises, perhaps even the mundane could be transformed into exciting literary pieces. But that’s the thing; I wouldn’t have to settle for the mundane since there’s just a lot productions/projects going on in and around Bigfoot.

Content is abundant – a blogger’s wet dream.

Genesis

2008-08-14T04:21:00.003-05:00

In anyone’s life there comes a time where you’d have to crawl your way out of your comfortable shell, for whatever reason it may be, desire for independence or perhaps the age old nightmare of being disowned. I fervently pushed for the former.

On a wet and humid afternoon, wearing nothing but a bacon gartered underwear in front of a radiating and irritatingly blinding monitor at home in Manila, Bigfoot gives me a ring. Exchanges went on for about month, negotiating minor details on lodging issues and compensation. Somehow, I just couldn’t resist the temptation of working in a high-end, fancy office with blonds randomly sprouting from corners. Oh, plus the fact that Fashion TV is affiliated with Bigfoot, and how can anyone forget those midnight shows on FTV? H.O.T.

Bigfoot's Lobby

The Lobby from another angle

Being the nerd-stricken, phlegm-swallowing boy that I am, signed the contract and took the next flight to Cebu. And here I am, typing on as a passionate (yes, hail to self-promotion) copywriter serving Michael Gleissner and his army of filmmakers.

Note to self, never believe pictures – they’re the new age devils. I feel like Adam & Eve squished into one atrocious walking mammal. White sand beach? What beach?!

A shot of the main Bigfoot building

A pristine and concrete open area between the main building and Casablanca apartments? More like a complex terrain of quasi hills and a fraction of the rain forest.

We can’t have everything can we, and even with all the superficial gripes and rants the Bigfoot premises rightly deserves, this is an adventure and experience that’s worth a peek.

(Post by Ricky Gonzalez)