Cutting it Close

Hola,

As I promised I would try and get around to posting more then once a month. And here I am at the last moment fulfilling my promise. Cutting it close? Maybe, but that's how we roll at Krej Productions!

So what's been going on at the scuttlebutt? As always a lot!

Starting casting for my new movie "Of Rats and Men". I have just a few roles left to fill. The big difference between this production and "Tim and Katie" is we are going outside our pool of friends to bring in actors. Thankfully Steven, Trent and Grantzy have been taking improv classes and have met new/talented people to help fill our ranks.

Another big change is the use of more locations. Which is proving to be the Achilles' heel. We are desperate for a house we can film in for a weekend, and a Pest Exterminator's office we can film in for about a day. The idea with all this new stuff is to up our production value. We want each film to be better then the last in some way.

In other production news Hannah Davis has begun story boarding the "Hero Sandwich" short. With a little bit of luck we will be able to show you more much sooner then later.

How about them Braves? Been hard to watch the 8 game loosing streak. But it's only April, and I have this deranged gut feeling that they are going to turn things around on May. Go Bravos!

For the three of you who keep up with the "Douchebag of the Month" competition, I have some news. Young Steven Tuechert is well on his way to clinching his first win. He easily has my vote. So if over the weekend he declares himself winner, he has my support.

As for the long lost "Director's Critiques" of "Tim and Katie" I will be honest with you. I haven't worked on it one bit. Not enough time on my end. Pre-Production for Rats has been taking up my time. And I feel that is infinitely more important. But if the stars align and I find some free time I will try and finish it up (when I last stopped I was about halfway done).

Last but not least, Jerry did a great job adding the "Talents" page to the website. Just needed to give him some props. Also if you want to help out with our summer productions let us know!

Peace out Krej Heads!
Your Hero,
Big Daddy K

P.S. You STILL need to listen to Titus Andronicus, that band has been getting me through a very craptastic week.

Want news? Oh I can get ya some news!

Hellowski from the polski!

I trust the nice spring weather is treating all you very nicely. It's been a while since I have posted, but I assure you this has been because of a busy schedule and not laziness. So, where to start, where to start...

OK first things last, I've been doing A LOT of writing lately. Finished up a 1st draft of my summer project "Of Rats and Men". Going to refine it some more in the next few weeks. Also started pre-production on the project. Trying to round up actors and locations. Was able to get Trolle (Tim and Katie gore master) to sign on to help with some special effects stuff we will need for it.

If you happen to know anyone who works at an "Exterminator Company", please let me know. I really need to lock down that location before the end of spring. Also here is some concept art for Steven's character in the film.Pretty neat huh. We have Hannah Davis to thank for that! Everyone give her a round of applause. And while your at it give me one to, I figured out how to post a picture without Jerry having to tell me how to do it.

In more writing news last weekend I also tried an experiment. I wanted to try and see how much of a script I could write over the span of a weekend. The story has been in the back of my head for the past couple of years, and it seemed like a good time to flesh it out. I was able to get the story done and about 60 pages of dialogue. It was fun pushing my mind and body to the limit, there was very little sleep on my end. But it was worth it, I really like the story and can't wait to finish it.

In other Krej writing news, Jeff Grantz and myself have been working with another company developing a TV pilot. It's been an interesting process. We had to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) to start on the project. So legally I can't tell you anything story-wise about it.

What I can tell you is that it was originally to be a feature-length film. A few companies said they would rather do it as a TV show, So the company put out a call for writers. Thankfully someone Grantz and I had previously worked with, put our names in the hat.

So we have been trying to turn the full-length script into a short TV pilot. It's been pretty fun. The producers kind of gave us cart blanche to develop new characters and story arcs. We will be sure to keep you posted on what we can. The plan right now is spend the weekend trying to get a rough draft (last night we finished up a strong outline) done and in the hands of the producers.

In "Tim and Katie" news, Jerry is very close to finishing up a re-edit of the film. This new one should be faster-paced and cut some scenes down that may have dragged on a bit too long. He also did some really nice color correction on it that makes it look amazing.

Also I am going to try and finish up my critique on Tim and Katie in the next week. I am about halfway done with it. Unfortunately it has been somewhat of a low priority as my plate is very full at the moment. You will be able to read this critique in the newly-implemented Critique section of our website. There, KREJ Directors will self-critique their projects, and offer up all sorts of insight into the various stages of production. Rumor has it Steven is writing one up for Saving Suburbia, KREJ's first short film we worked on.

Whelp time to be hitting the ole dusty trail. I will be doing my best to post more this month, but no promises. Take it easy Krej Heads!
-Jeff K

P.S. If you haven't heard of the band "Titus Andronicus" go listen to them right now. They have an album named "An Airing of Grievances", like from the "Festivus" episode of Seinfeld. If that hasn't sold you on them, you might be in dire need of intense psychiatric help.

Back in the USSR.. err the ATL!

Well hello there folks! I'm comin' atcha from KREJ HQ, I have once again returned to my domicile, after a lovely near-two week stint of visiting Greg & Hannah down in Savannah, GA.

Also, a belated Happy St. Paddy's Day to you all!! This weekend will bring many things, one of them, the arrival of Da Grub. Another being a St. Paddy's party this weekend with some friends coming over to KREJ HQ. It should be quite the blast, as you kids say.

Unfortunately, there still exists a problem with our internet, and I am currently using our apartment complex's internet cafe wifi network, so it's slow as dog molasses.

I saw a bunch of movies/films while I was down in Savannah. Among them, Crazy Heart; which was every bit of excellent I hoped it would be. Mr. Bridges was nothing short of superb in his role as an old, busted up country singer trying to reclaim a slice of fame and joy in his musical career, battling the super evils/terribleness of more modern 'nu-country', as well as a beastly case of alcoholism.

I also watched Boondock Saints II : All Saints Day. It was pretty alright; as most people would tell you, not as good as the first, but still enjoyable. Plenty of action, a couple plot twists/reveals, and the usual helping of what us guys love most, guns, swearing, blood and more swearing.

Did a little more design work in planning for the poster we are putting together for Hero Sandwich. Really excited about working on that! Also changed my personal site design like 3 times. So yay?!

In my email inbox is a short version of our feature length script Rat Bastards. Will probably try and read it tonight, or else someone is gonna give me the third degree. Read your scripts people send you kids!

Until next time,
-Matt

Hey there!

So a lot of little things going on in full and half swing, got a couple films in writing and heading for pre-production phases, as well as Hero Sandwich work chugging along.


Make sure you head on over to the KREJ video page to check out our newest item, the trailer for Tim & Katie as well as Saving Suburbia if you haven't yet seen it. which if you don't know what that is, or haven't yet seen the IMDB page, go here.



Headed to Savannah, GA for the weekend & next week, will be hanging with Hannah all next week, yay! So smell ya later!
-Matt

Rants and Ravings!

Krej News, Movie Review and some more rantings and ravings...

Hero Sandwich - Hannah has finished character designs on Captain Deluxo and Turbo Tom. And they look amazing. Jerry did some coloring that somehow made them even better. I also got to see some early concept work for Titanium Cranium (Don't know who any of these characters are yet? Don't worry you will soon). I am exceptionally stoked about this project, it's going to take time but should be worth it. Keep your eyes open thar may be a "Hero Sandwich" poster soon!

In more Krej news Jerry and myself started working on an outline for a new summer project. The concept is still in it's rough form. We want to incorporate lot's of motion graphic effects and an existential/absurdist* story. My concern is it might be to "out there", even by my standards.

In even more Krej news, Steven has begun working on a mock-umentary script for summer production as well. I am tempted to go into more detail, but I think I will let Steven himself do that. I will say this, he is basing a character on me who speaks with a very thick french accent.

Movie Review

Saw Kevin Smith's new film "Cop Out" today. It was pretty good. Not "Mallrats" amazing, but also not "Jersey Girl" trash either. Tracey Jordan really shines, his comedic chops are borderline immaculate. Something did seem to be missing from this. I don't if it was the fact that Smith didn't pen it or not. At times the plot seemed overly complex (for a comedy anyway), and the extra stuff took away from the truly funny.

The Tracey Jordan/Bruce Willis combo was a sight to behold. They worked very well together. The opening scenes show this very well, but as the movie trails on some of that magic fades. My hope is this will propel Mr. Jordan to a major movie comedian, he clearly can hold his own with Willis. Over all I give this flick a 7/10.

Other ranting and ravings...

Been watching a lot of "Man Vs. Food" as of late. I enjoy the show, but at the same time it is a good example of what has become wrong with us as a society. Gluttonous America is in all it's glory. I can't imagine starving kids in poverty stricken areas of the country or the world would appreciate this show. But enough ranting.

Now for some raving!

How about all these natural disasters. Maybe the end of the world is coming. Probably not though. It's highly important to note George Carlin's view on the end of things. "The planet is fine. The PEOPLE are fucked". That's the absolute truth, it wouldn't take long after humanity ceases for Earth to fix itself and be "normal" again.

Which means all those environmentalist are going about this the wrong way. They should launch a "Save the Humans!" campaign. A source close to me assures me the dolphins are working on that though (get it? 42? Don't Panic? Hitchhikers? Thanks for the fish?).

Lastly and certainly most importantly, The Grub bequeathed us with a new word this week. In his infinate genius he decided the words otherwise and either/or needed to be fused together. Thus The Grub spoke and we were given "Eitherwise". How does one use this, an example. "We gotta stop ruining this planet "eitherwise" we will find ourselves on the wrong end of extinction". Thank you Grub for allowing us to be privy to your insanity and general loathing of the English language.

Well that's all I got in the tank for now. Going to work on a script for my new short and some storyboards for the same project and "Hero Sandwich".

*note this is in reference to the absurdist philosophy, which is connected to comedy style but not necessarily comedic in it's raw form.

Wish Granted!

I have a habit of drawing, which requires paper, which of course for me requires a forest. This evening the great G$ (my husband, he chooses the most absurd, if not fitting nicknames for himself) and I made our rounds about town and I now have my grubby bony hands on...

The official Hero Sandwich Sketchbook.

What does this mean? Well, probably not much to some- but for me it will be the treasure to tote around and work on, specifically for character designs. Heck, I may consolidate Hero Sandwich and KREJ conceptual illustrations into this one, singular, amazing and sadly empty sketchbook.

That's really about it. I figured I'd rub it in. The fact that I have a blank sketchbook...


AWHAAWH.

This thing on? Hello?

With the New Orleans victory over the Colts we find ourselves in a pickle. No sports to watch, got a full month until Spring Training starts (Braves fans keep an eye on Jason Heyward). Doubt I will watch the Winter Olympics. Guess I will have to focus and keep writing instead of being distracted.

So whats the action here at KREJ HQ?

Not to much, tonight me and lil' Stevie T (who has yet to post here, despite signing up for it) did a touch up on the new "Hero Sandwich" short. Which we will be recording the audio for it tomorrow night. I am really excited about doing an animated piece, should be interesting to see the process happening. Hannah should be starting to crank out some concept art for it soon. Maybe she can post something about what styles she is looking into doing (wink wink).

Been having fun with my script writing software, it has this great function where it will reread the script with various computer voices. Aside from sounding really funny, it is a very useful tool for catching little things you might breeze (or bleeze as the Grub would put it) over when reading.

For anyone looking to get into writing I would highly recommend "Movie Magic Screenwriter". Might be a bit pricey, but totally worth it.

Despite habitual threats none of the other KREJ guys seem to have anything to post about. I will have to double my efforts to get them to speak up.

I feel I am starting to ramble , and Lewis Black just popped on Comedy Central. So I am finding myself fully distracted again, peace!

Your Hero,
Jeff K

A Break to Blog

While I wait for some delicious chicken wings to arrive at my doorstep, I'll find a way to entertain you for a time.

When I was a kid, I drew on my walls, on desks, on tables and whatever was within reach. One would think I'd be a great graffiti artist but instead I decided (after a numerous few time-outs and no supply of drawing materials) drawing on paper kept me out of trouble and I could actually KEEP it rather than watching it get wiped from previous surfaces.

When I was a kid, I was not your average girl. No barbies for me, please, let me have a GI Joe or He-Man. Ghost Busters or Ninja Turtles. When I grow up, I want to to have a Transformer as a friend! No skirts, I hated dresses and frilly things, please don't perm my hair or scar me for life with make up kits. I liked bugs, I liked snakes, lizards, bees, mud, getting dirty. I liked bringing dead things home to show my dad, "Look what I found!"

As an adult (Hahaha, I'm old) who's gone through art college, marriage, I haven't changed much. Actually I'd say I haven't changed much at all. Admittedly I've grown a little fonder of "girly" clothes like skirts and flattering shirts, but all in all I would still rather be outside playing in my vegetable garden, watching birds, and drawing whatever comes to me.

As an illustrator I've worked a few times in the industry, note worthy of mention would be World of Warcraft (Blizzard) where I produced spot illustrations for their Lands of Mystery and Alliance Players Guide table top RPG's. I've also been lucky to provide over 170+ illustrations for Dreadmire of Spellbinder Games. I've done work for OrbisGames.com, where an amazingly enormous userbase can raise, train, breed, sell and event their virtual dogs, horses, and other animals. Older works were part of Elements of Magic from way back in the day.

My Ancient of Lore, still my favorite!



My personal work in progress is www.TalaNynn.com, an ever growing fantasy world which has been trickling through my mind since forever. On the side I take private commissions from pets and wildlife to fantasy from anyone who's interested, and since I work from home doing artwork is normally pretty straight forward and no nonsense, www.SummerDragoness.com contains those works.

From Tala'Nynn, Abigale and her family friend, Chris


Doing artwork is like breathing, so I am happy to be part of the KREJ group, participating in character designs, storyboarding, and all that jazz. Oh, and being a crazy Gypsy Woman, that's fun!

As for my interest in wildlife/pets/things that go bump in the night- I own 3 widow spiders. Two brown widows and one very large black widow. Yes they have names, yes they are quirky, and no I don't give them belly rubs. We have a "zoo" room, specifically for the two large fish tanks, the 6 year old bearded dragon BobaFace, and our hissing cockroaches. For anyone who scoffs or eeks over these monstrous bugs, let me say that they have the silliest most charming personalities.

We also own 4 cats, 1 potato dog, and one day I swear I will get my hands on some laying hens.

So, my next stop is chicken wings which have dutifully arrived on time and look mighty tasty. But I look forward to working on Hero Sandwich and future KREJ Production material- Considering I've known these nuts for ten years, there's nothing I wouldn't do for my extended family ;)

Oh Zombie Chef, this is only the beginning.