Spin Cast UPDATE

Due to conflicts that have arisen with a paying role on a feature film, Riley Shea has had to withdraw from the cast. Kenzie Balliet will move from the role of Shyla to Brenda. Kelsie Erin Howell will step into the role of Shyla.

Casting Assistance

So, you showed up (or submitted online with a headshot and cover letter) for for a Casting/Audition...

Next, I will IMDb you. After that: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and finally just plain Google you AND if you included links on your resume or in your email I will go through every single one. I will be searching all of these sites to 1) find out about you 2) judge your professional level 3) learn your level and interest in social media and self promotion.

Because RnDES has "only" made short films to date or because we "currently" ask people to work for IMDb cred, DVD, food, etc... does not mean that we are not a "real" company. I/We take RnD Entertainment Studios serious and treat it as a professional full-time job and I want people that will take their jobs, whether cast or crew, seriously as-well. We get many people auditioning that have NO experience - and we use them often, if they have passion and interest in this as their future. Occassionally however, we get the person that came with a friend or just wanted to audition to "try it out". Please don't.

No matter what your passion or chosen profession, everyone had "no experience" at one time and we get that. I love finding people that I can help grow and develope. Even though I know that they will leave us for the better paying job or experience.

Passion and professionalism will get you a long way. Just remember that.

Don.

Spin cast announced

The cast for "Spin" has been locked down and I am confidant that we have a great cast. A couple of the actors have appeared in RnDES films before, most notably "Snap". However, the vast majority have not worked with RnDES before.

The cast includes:

Derrick - Danny Rawley
Danika - Maddie Bright
Brenda - Riley Shea
Sydney – Sally Moore
Victoria - Catherine Jauch
Addison - Olivia Caputo
Shyla - Kenzie Balliet
Dad - Mark Myers
Mom - Andrea Alfonso
Derrick - Age 9 - Donovan Souppa
Danika - Age 10 – Julia Corrie

CONGRATULATIONS!!! and WELCOME All!!!

Don.

Casting HELP...

As a director and producer, I just really hate castings. Some people make it seem worth it. Some people make me wonder if they are simply there on a dare.

FIRST of all, Know what you are auditioning for. Don't submit a resume and headshot, then be surprised when I email you and ask you to audition. DO NOT ask what job this is for OR where the location is. It WAS in the original ad. AND realize that when you tell me how much you love zombies and want to be in MY zombie film - you better be DAMN certain I'm casting a zombie film and not a Sting-like adult comedy OR you WILL be on THE list.

FIRST, Part two. Resumes and Headshots. Know who you worked with on previous jobs. Make sure the names are spelled correctly for the production company, role, director and film. Yes, people do actually screw all of this up. Also, We ALL KNOW that actors starting out pad their resume roles. Do NOT do it if you are auditioning for that same director/producer. Adapt you resume. Don't say you were a Featured actor when you were one of a crowd. ALSO, Your headshot probably sucks. Make sure your headshots look like you. Preferably have more than one headshot that may aid in seeing you in the role you're auditioning for. But whether you have a dozen variants or just 1 - make sure the resume looks like you. If I look at your headshot and don't remember you, you have already lost.

SECOND, Show up. I lived in NYS in the Blizzard of '98. The state was closed down with snow drifts of more than 10 feet in places. I made it the 20 miles to work. I've sliced my arm open to a 6" gash, I used Bounty and Duct Tape to stop the bleeding and get back to work. You either take pride in yourself and do whatever it takes or you don't... and you don't. If you are NOT in jail, a coma or dead I don't want to hear your excuse. You want it or you don't. Only you can decide that.

SECOND, Addendum. As a father I realize that things happen. Contact me AS-SOON-AS-POSSIBLE and let me know what's going on and give me your thoughts on options. Being proactive may keep you off THE list. In general, my memory sucks, but I remember everyone that has ever auditioned for me and 99% of the people that have ever sent in a headshot. So, a year later you may submit for something else- but I will remember that you said that you couldn't get there until 5p and then I waited and waited and you never showed up. To me, you ARE undependable.

SECOND, and Lastly... Provide a damn good excuse, preferrably an honest one. If you tell me you were having a stomach virus, exploding from both ends and I check your Facebook or Twitter and find you at the club, you're done. If I ask you to be involved with projects and you say no, that's fine. After a 2nd or 3rd time I will no longer ask. Let me know that you have better paying jobs and I'll respect that. Just say no and I'll think that you don't want to work with me and I'll delete your contact info.

THIRD, Dress. If you know something about the character you're auditioning for come dressed as that character OR come as yourself. Don't come dressed for the beach or like you've been living in your car for a month. PLEASE do not wear overly tight clothes if you don't have the body for it, or overly big clothes as that gives the impression that you are trying to hide something.

FOURTH, Know your lines. We don't usually provide sides in advance. But you are free to ask. Ask about character's motivations and backstory if it helps. Whatever helps you prepare for a role will impress me with the time and effort that you are willing to put in. Also, try to know your lines, without looking at the paper if possible. For me, we usually don't provide sides until the audition day. But we allow you to take as much time as you want. Show up at 11am take the sides and go rehearse until 4p, then come back and blow my ass away.

FIFTH, Make me like you. The core people on my team stay the same. We want to find cast and crew members that can work with us more than once. You need to have talent, but all things being nearly equal - I'm going with the talented likeable guy over the super-talented arrogant ass every time. If you can relate a connection between the character and your life that's a HUGE plus. "Wait, you were dating 5 women in school and they did what to you? You CAN relate to the script!!!"

SIXTH, Who am I? Know something about who you are auditioning for. In the world of Facebook, Twitter, the Internet and IMDb you should be able to learn everything about the company/people that you are auditioning for. When we ask you if you have any questions this is two-fold. 1st, Is there anything that is unclear? Ask now or I will assume that you know and understand everything 100%. 2nd, Did you look into who you were auditioning for? Even if you know EVERYTHING you should ask something, preferrably a thought provoking question, "You made 12 shorts plus music videos in the last year, how did you do that?"

SEVENTH, Say "Thank you". Twice. I've been in auditions where we thank the actor for coming and he/she just walks out. No matter how good the audition was, I'm left with a WTF? in my mind. Use Facebook or Twitter just to say "Thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you." I always feel worse saying NO to someone that posts on Facebook or tweets as there heading out the door. And, I will remember you.

EIGHTH, Listen. When I tell you that I keep your audition on tape (well, digital) I will. I've called up people that I've liked but were not "perfect" for previous casts and offered roles without new auditions, or just a meet-and-greet.

These are my biggest issues. Be honest, likeable have talent and work hard and all will work itself out.

Don.

RnDES plans through end of 2011.

September 24-25th
I will be producing "Spin" written by Ted Souppa and directed by Amy Lyn Howell.

October 9th
We will be having a Table Read on the 2nd draft of the feature script written by Ted Souppa and myself, "Dials".

November 12-13th
I will be directing a script (formerly "XCT") written by Ted Souppa.

December 10-11th
Martin Lemaire will be directing a Ted Souppa script entitled, "Something Divine".

www.RnDES.com

Check out the newly updated and renovated www.RnDES.com site. It is still "in progress" but better than it was.

Don.

No, seriously...

Seriously, I hope no one has a problem with the fact that if I know you AND you didn't support "Hide." on Kickstarter, then you are permanently off my Christmas card list. Don't act surprised.

Don.

I'm back......

For the better part of a year I have been using Facebook to communicate. It's short, sweet and I can do it from my phone. But somethings need more than a few sentences. So, my intention is to get this blog up-and-running again. Talk to you soon.

Don.

"Think Twice" & UNBLEEPED Travis Used Cars Commercial

"Think Twice" was written and performed by Sally Moore for the film, Snap. Below that is an extra special UNEDITED commercial for the "Travis Used, But NOT Abused, Cars" commercial from Snap.

Who Stabbed Reno England...?

This was our 2011 48 Hour Film Project Tampa - St. Petersburg entry in July. This will be shown at the showcase on August 20th.

Snap

This film was shot in May of 2011. This film will be shown at the Film Showcase, as will a music video and a couple of commercials made for the film.

The Waiting Room

This film was shot in April of 2011 and will be shown at the showcase on the 20th.

Justifiable Circumstances

Due to the Language and Violence of this film, we have no trailer. This film will however, play at the Film Showcase on the 20th though.

Pretty

This film was shot in February 2011 and will play at the showcase on the 20th.

Disc-Functional

This is a music video for the film Disc-Functional. Both will be shown at the Film Showcase on August 20th, 2011.

Hide.;The Web-Series Pilot & Season One Preview

The pilot and preview, shot in November 2010 will play at the showcase.

The Circle Of Men

This film was filmed in October 2010 and will play at the August 2011 showcase.

unloved.

This film, shot in August 2010 WILL play at the Film Showcase on August 20th, 2011.

TRU LUV

This film, shot in August 2010 WILL play at the Film Showcase on August 20th, 2011.

Jasper Man

The film that rebooted RnDES will not be playing at the showcase.

Phobia: The Short

The one that started it all... will NOT be seen at the Film Showcase.

World Premieres!!!

RnD Entertainment Studios will be having a Film Showcase on August 20th in Clearwater, FL. All of the information can be found at out Facebook site.

It's all about the (social) networking...

I have been a social networking fool today. Over the past week, with a great amount coming in today (Monday), I have seen my twitter followers jump nearly 100% (which was barely double digits to begin with). The RnDES FB fans have gone up 12% in the past 8 days. And, the RnDESTube subscribers has gone up 750%!!! in the last week.

I'm hoping the numbers will continue to increase with all of the tweeting, posting, blogging and Hide. pimping that I have been doing.

I am willing to do whatever I can to make RnDES a success (long term) and (short term) get Hide fully funded.

Don.

So, you wanna Kickstart me?

So, where are all of the supporters?

Here we are...

We have a MAJOR project. Ultimately, there will be about 60 people involved at some level. The web-series will air weekly from June 21st (the pilot) through September 13th (the Season One finale) and Septemver 27th (special double-sized episode, "The Origin"). BUT, 1st we need to shoot. AND, we can't shoot without funding.

We need all of our friends, loved ones and supporters to support us. We will even accept the support of the haters that just want to see us fail.

RnDES has done a lot with quite limited funds. Here we are asking for money to help us pay something to our cast, as-well-as feed them.

If $25 or $10 is all that stands between you and debtor's prison than have no worries. However, if not...



DON.

Helpful Hints... Hopefully...

I was asked quite a bit this past weekend on 'suggestions' on what parents could do for their kids to get them started in "the business". This is only high level, but is basic and applies to everyone no matter age or even cast/crew (for the most part).

1) Whatever their "working name" is- you have to own the url. If you are not savvy enough to create a basic web-site yourself, point it to a blog (www.DonaldEReynolds.com points here.) or to an IMDb page (www.TedSouppa.com points to his.) You can buy a url with all sorts of bells and whistles for about $20 at godaddy, or less if you don't want some of the additional services that they offer.

2a) Whether they are actually listed in IMDb or not- pay for the IMDbPro account. You can have a resume and 100 photos. The resume is important, especially for those that have modeling and theatre backgrounds.

2b) Look for IMDb jobs. Short films may not offer much more than snacks and IMDb credit. But these are resume builders and you get to see how different sets work. Watch, listen and learn. AND make contacts.

3) Have headshots with resumes, comp cards/business cards with you AT ALL TIMES. One of my producers does her own shoots AND works a day job that she does castings for. If we only have 1 headshot, only 1 of us gets it. If you have multiples, anyone and everyone can have a copy.

4) Reels. One of the great new things about the IMDbPro account is that you can have a demo reel that anyone can see. Every actor, and most other positions, need a reel. Again, this is especially true of people that have worked in theatre or commercials.

There was one girl that was on my set recently. Very cute young teen, her headshot wasn't bad, but she had prominent parts in nearly a dozen musicals (only a couple school, mostly local county plays) and even though her parents were recording her performances, no one had thought to make a reel or do anything with them. Lots of kids are cute. Some kids are even nice and well behaved (she was). What makes your kid or you stand out?

YOU need to distinguish yourself. For the most part, you are the ONLY one looking out for yourself. You ARE your brand. If this is something that you want to do. Then you need to realize that this IS a business. You need to think long term and invest in yourself and future.

Don.

Kickstart me...

'Pretty' Parts 2 & 3 of 3.

WOW. Today started a little slow- our 1st shot was about an hour late, but we do what we always do and kicked it into high gear. By the time we hit lunch, we were 1-hour and 45-minutes a head of schedule. We got so far a head of schedule that we were able to shoot the scenes planned for Sunday as well. AND, we still wrapped before our planned Saturday schedule.

We had an AWESOME team- old and new alike. April Marie and her team joined us to do Hair and Make-up. Collen Kavanaugh joined us as Script Supervisor and all-around help. Then there was Darolyn Souppa, who assisted all over the place from dealing with the neighbors to set decoration to running around to food... And, of course, all of the people in front the camera.

And I need to mention the stars - Amy Lyn Howell, Ted Souppa and Donovan Souppa. They embraced the challenges and delivered.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

Don.

'Pretty' Part 1 of 3.

The 1st night of the 'Pretty' shoot went well. We ran a little late, but we got some great stuff. I want to thank eveyone that gave up their Friday night to be on set until nearly one am. Call time on the beach is less than five hours from now...

Don.

A lot going on...

Hide. launched on www.kickstarter.com on Wednesday.

Pretty is shooting this coming weekend, Friday-Sunday.

The Circle of Men & Disc-Functional need their final pass on edits by me before I pass them on their mixers.

I have pre-production on Hide- confirming scheduling, etc...

Working development on S & DL, the script to be shot in the Florida park and the script I owe KMV.

That's not even counting the work on other people's films...

Don.

unloved. Trailer

Re-uploaded with better resolution.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-fYbKR-xNc

Don.

Launched

We are live!!!



http://kck.st/eSmaYJ

Don.

Shameless Self Pimping

My STARmeter on IMDb is at 116,996 - the higest it's ever been. But with RnDES' Kickstarter drive about to launch, I need it to be as high as I can get it. Please check out and "Like" my page. Thanks.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2548738/

or

http://www.imdb.me/donaldereynolds

Don.

Kickstarter in eight hours

RnD Entertainment Studios is a mere eight hours away from pushing the "Launch" button on Hide. (The Web-Series). Please consider pledging.

Don.

Pretty

Shot list - done.
Prop list - done.
Schedule - done.
Cast/Crew list - waiting on acknowledgements. STILL would like more PA's.

Shooting Friday night in Clearwater.
Shooting Sat/Sun at Indian Shores.

Anyone interested in crewing or as an "Extra" please email RnD_Casting@RnDES.com

Don.

Casting

Well, the Casting today did not have as big a turnout as I had hoped. I believe that we have our lead, but we still have other roles to fill for the shoot on Friday Feb 11th through Sun Feb 13th. Contact RnD_Casting if you would like to submit for a role or position.

Don.

Midnight Shoot

The late night shoot went well. We were packed up and out before 4am. I think the NMT team got some great stuff. Glad we could assist.

Don.

a HUH? moment...

Why would someone that is actively trying to get work, as talent or crew, not pay to have their photo and resume on IMDb?

I don't get it. A year before I ever had a credit published on IMDb, I paid for the resume/photo service.

I'll let you in on a secret. When you submit for a job/role one of - if not THE 1st thing that will happen, is that you will be IMDb'd. Having an IMDb page is better than not, but having a page with a photo is much better - it lets us know that we are talking to/considering the correct person. Also, for all of the people that have theatre and/or modeling experience you need to add that to "Other Works" but it should also be on the IMDb resume.

I'm just saying... I know that, all things being equal- the one with the IMDb page gets the job.

Don.

Kickstarter's coming soon...

My intention was to have Hide. on Kickstarter by Feb 1st. However, my video was WAY to big and long. So, I started editing it down... and I started getting nervous. I am not a pitchman. I am a Writer... a Director... a Producer... even an Editor. ALL behind-the-scenes jobs. I hope that my awkwardness comes off as sincere and that my passion for the project comes through. I would hate it if my lack of comfortability doomed my ouwn project that I AM so passionate about.

Hide. (The Web-Series) coming soon to www.kickstarter.com



Don.

TRU LUV Trailer

Re-uploaded with better resolution.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eJBwRDBKhM

Don.

Jasper Man Trailer

Re-uploaded with better resolution.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miyMD7bUH8U

Don.

Phobia Trailer #2

Re-uploaded with better resolution.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNUkbiqLfDE

Don.

Phobia Trailer #1

Re-uploaded with better resolution.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RueZQFuCW00

Don.

Nyjo Brennen

Just wanted to say to Nyjo... I have been very absent from social media for the past several weeks. I saw you tweeted me, at the new year. Sorry. I hope all is going well, and you're not getting snowbound with all of these storms. I am excited to have you on Hide. I have big plans for you...

Don.

Updates...

This has been one busycrazyhectic week. I have worked on Amy Lyn Howell's Disc-Functional film. I have been re-rendering, exporting and uploading the Phobia web-series. I have been doing pre-production work on a bullied comdeic short, a tragic short and a Breaking Bad-ish office drone mini-series. I have been editing. All the while working on the kickstarter pitch. I think there were some other projects I have had a hand in as well.

Don.

Phobia (Web Series Episode #6 - "Dorian; The Professor")

Re-uploaded with better resolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTLiVxsR_Zw



Don.

Phobia (Web Series Episode #5 - "Paul")

Re-uploaded with better resolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAWOt-QKQ4o



Don.

Phobia (Web Series Episode #4 - "Reagan & Jack")

Re-uploaded with better resolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_MiLNDU584



Don.

Phobia (Web Series Episode #3 - "Julie")

Re-uploaded with better resolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UdFc4YkHqM



Don.

Phobia (Web-Series) Episode #2 "Sarah & Danny".

Re-uploaded with better resolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9kbmy2YHWI



Don.

Phobia (Web-Series) Episode #1 "The Man".

I have re-uploaded and am re-releasing the Phobisodes (Phobia Webisodes) with a better resolution. Here is Episode #1 "The Man".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmFRKhKYLKk



Don.

Disc-Functional UPDATE!!!

It was a COLD COLD day in Florida. With the temperature, shade and wind- we were all fighting freezing and frostbite. But, the shoot went amazingly well. A special THANKS to all of the cast and crew that braved the cold to work on the project. I know that the director, Amy Lyn Howell, agrees- "THANK YOU".

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Disc-Functional/142607535788007

Don.

Disc-Functional Day 3...

Amy Lyn Howell's Disc-Functional shoots Sat the 22nd at 8am in Clearwater. I'll be there. Hopefully, it won't be the 50 degrees and "severe wind chill" that the weathermen are predicting. This is day 3 of principal photography.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Disc-Functional/142607535788007

Don.

The Teaser Poster for 'Hide.' The Web-Series.

The Circle Of Men Poster, 2011.

The 'unloved.' Poster, 2010.

The TRU LUV poster, 2010.

The Jasper Man Poster, 2010.

The Original 'Phobia' Poster, circa 2006.

Trailer Updates Coming...

Over the next few weeks, I will be republishing all of the RnDES trailers, as-well-as the Phobia webisodes in higher quality- with possibly a few tweaks...

When they are posted on YouTube, they will be linked here.

Don.

Updated Shorts...

I have been working tirelessly on editing both 'Hide.', formerly HTS, to be able to hit our self-imposed deadline to be on www.kickstarter.com AND 'The Circle of Men', formerly COM.

Both are coming along great. I look forward to be able to submit both to film festivals soon.

Also coming up this month, some work on DF & SC2.

Don.

2010 Updates...

It has been sometime since my last post. Quite a bit has happened...

In 2010, I began the rebranding of RnD as RnD Entertainment Studios.

July, I reformed RnD Entertainment Studios with Amy Lyn Howell, Jayson Martinez and Ted Souppa as the core creative and producing team.

August, We shot 'TRU LUV' and 'unloved.', two short films.

October, We shot 'The Circle of Men'.

November, We shot the pilot and trailer for 'Hide.'.

December has been spent editing and pre-planning for 2011 & the future of RnDES.

Along the way, Amy Lyn Howell has begun shooting her 1st short as writer-director ('Disc-Functional') and Jayson Martinez (with recurring RnDES people- Kirk Michael Austin and Kyle Austin) has begun work on the sequels to the immensly popular, film festival favorite- 'Street Cred'.

In barely 6-months, RnDES has shot 4 shorts and the beginnings of a web-series, while working on other projects. It has been a wild ride, and it's only getting started...

It was not all happy news though...

Don.