Footage of Vig is How Much

All right we have finally taken a look at the footage. Well, the lighting looks good and isn't a problem at all. We turned the footage black and white and it really looked right for the scene. Now, our major problem has to do with the acting in the scene. It greatly needs to be imporved. We have decided to go ahead and reshoot the whole thing. We are going to recast Darren Parsons as Joey and replace him with Joe Devine. Most likely I will be pulling double duty on this one as Brian has no time anymore. I will also download some pictures from the shoot itself once I find my USB cable. All right folks have a good one.

Sunshine in Winter Park

Come and join us at our new site. It's just the crazy adventures of four friends in Florida. Will also share the tales of some early movies we made. So check it out and there will be more updates about how the sketches are coming and such. Also we all hate the title of Sunshine in Winter Park. Why don't you send us some title ideas on the comments. The winner will get a thank you. And a good hearty thank you at that. Have fun with it.

Nixon reed

Still at it...

Well, we're still at it, folks, in case you're wondering. We've had to put off "Cannibals Anonymous" for a couple of weeks because of conflict with some of the actors' schedules. We may have to go ahead and replace one of the leads for that shoot just to get it done. We are definitely going to re-shoot "the Vig is How Much?" as both Jesse and I feel it could've been done better. We are looking into renting an old fashioned apartment for more of a visual flare than what you saw in the pictures below. I also want the costumes to look better and maybe this will give one actor in particular time to learn his lines. We also want better lighting than what we had. Believe it or not so much has gone on over the last month in our personal lives (finding a a new place to live, having Jesse's car broken into and my laptop, playstation-2, and some of my writing stolen) that we still haven't been able to retrieve our footage from our editor, Brian; so in all honesty we don't even know how the footage looks! More as it developes.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Lee Riley

The Vig is How Much?

We shot our first sketch for Weirdsville episode one last night (that would be August 6th, 2005 for all you history buffs). It was sketch one, jauntily titled "The Vig is How Much?" I have included the sketch here with pictures from the shoot. We weren't able to get very many pics because we were a small crew and had to cover all of the bases, so the pics were taken in between takes. We are planning to make this into a black and white film noir in post production, but, of course, if that doesn't work within the overall context of the episode then we will simply keep it in color.

THE VIG IS HOW MUCH

Jesse Handlon/Jeremy Lee Riley

CAST:

JOEY GAFF: Dar Parsons

FRANKIE CORSIA: Jeremy Lee Riley

DICKIE RAFT: Jesse Handlon

1 INT. APT.-NIGHT

A swarthy looking man (JOEY GAFF) paces restlessly around his apartment as he talks on the phone to his bookie.

JOEY: Look, just put every dime on Irvin. (pause) I don't care if he's 0-47. (pause) Well, how do you know the fight's been fixed? (pause) You fixed it? (pause) Well, I still think he's due, put five grand on him. (pause) You just worry about the bet, I'll worry about the money.



There is a knock at the door. JOEY sits down the phone and walks over to it.

JOEY: Who is it?

FRANKIE (O.S.): Just crack the lumber, we got Benjamin's to talk about.

JOEY: Huh?

DICKIE (O.S.): Open the door, we got business to discuss.

JOEY: Uh, what kind of business?

The door is kicked open and two thugs, FRANKIE CORSIA and DICKIE RAFT, enter.



JOEY: Hey now, you just can't go around kicking in people's doors.

FRANKIE: Cut the grapefruit before I mush it.

JOEY: What?

DICKIE: He means shut up or we'll hit you.

JOEY: Oh, well...huh?

FRANKIE: Hop up with the Grants and Franklins.



JOEY looks from FRANKIE to DICKIE.

DICKIE: Hand over the money you owe.

JOEY: Money? Oh, you mean the money I owe Boss Vernuci?

FRANKIE: That's right, roll the dough 'cause I'm ready for some cookies.

JOEY looks at DICKIE to translate.

DICKIE: Get the cash so we can leave.

JOEY: Ah, yeah, see, here's the problem. I've lost a considerable sum of money to another prominent mob figure, Sal the Saliva, and, well, I don't have enough to pay off both of you so I'm going double or nothing on the match tonight.

FRANKIE punches JOEY in the nose.

FRANKIE: I cracked his book.



DICKIE: He means he punched you in the...

JOEY (holding bloody nose): I got it, I got it! He broke my nose!

FRANKIE: The haymaker just made some hay.

Everyone just stares at each other for a minute. JOEY signals to DICKIE to translate.

DICKIE: Oh, he means his fist just struck blood.

JOEY: Well, you know what? There's no way I can pay your boss now, my nose is broken.

DICKIE: Wait a minute now...

FRANKIE: Let the monkey dance, see if we like his moves.

JOEY: Well, gentlemen, I would've been able to pay you after the bout tonight, but now I'll have to use that money to get my nose fixed, thank you so much.

FRANKIE: His dance ain't so good, maybe he needs a new grinder.

FRANKIE produces a baseball bat from his coat and smashes in JOEY'S kneecap. JOEY lets out a howl.



JOEY: Jeez, now you're not getting a dime out of me! I might've been able to float you some cash after my next paycheck, but now I'm going to have to miss work because of a broken leg, so I won't get paid! Good going, geniuses!

FRANKIE: This guy's a shark, he's got fins.

JOEY looks to DICKIE to translate.

DICKIE: He says you're a liar, you've got the money.

JOEY: Well, how dare you. I might be a thief and a compulsive gambler but one thing I'm not is a liar. Man, here we were having a pleasant conversation and you have to ruin it with your childish name calling.

FRANKIE (angry): Milk the honey, I'm gonna sting me a bee!

JOEY looks to DICKIE to translate.

DICKIE: I don't like to use such language.

FRANKIE: I'm a carpenter ready to drill me some holes.

JOEY: What's that...

FRANKIE whips out a gun and shoots JOEY.



JOEY: Ah! Now...you're never going to...get your...money...

JOEY falls over dead. FRANKIE grins.

FRANKIE: Give me the trophy, I just bowled a strike.

DICKIE: For crying out loud, Frankie, the boss told us to stop shooting people! I mean, at this rate we're never going to collect any cash! The boss's going to be cheesed!

FRANKIE: Eyeball the pad for any stray grass.

FRANKIE begins searching through the apartment. DICKIE sighs and shakes his head.

DICKIE: I hate you, Frankie.




The pictures are a lot lighter than the actual shoot (with the exception of the first pic, which didn't turn out very well), because the camera's flash lit the room up. We only had two lights to create the film noir look because we had misplaced our lighting equipment when we moved into our apartment. We will have to purchase more before the next shoot as well as a boom mike. Our cameraman, Brian McDonell, took the video home with him because he is also acting as our editor, which is hard on Jesse and myself because we didn't have time to download the video to our computer and watch it, so we don't even know how well it all turned out. If need be we will re-shoot the sketch at a later date with better equipment, but as it is I don't think we did too bad for our first time out of the gate.

Jeremy Lee Riley



I just wanted to give a quick word of thanks to all those who participated last night. It was a long hard shoot and we suffered through some hard moments but we got through it. The lighting wasn't that great and I feel I am the one who has to apologize for it. Our lighting equipment was nowhere to be found and we were forced to improvise. I think maybe putting the movie in black and white might save the look. I did the best I could and hopefully it looks good. I would also like to say how every one did a great job last night. Brian did a fine job as the cameraman. It was really hard for me and Jeremy to give that kind of freedom to someone else. I think Brian did a fine a job (I was over his shoulder all night making sure of it.)and he probably got sick of me constanly checking on his work. Also to Darren Parsons who did his best in playing Joey Gaff. I know you got sick of me constantly riding your ass, but hopefully when you see the footage you'll see it was worth it. Jeremy what can I say it's always a pleasure watching you work. You did another great job performing Frankie Corsia. You also did a fantastic job as co-director of this fine sketch. I hope you all enjoy the script and hopefully soon Riley and I can comment on the footage. I think we pulled it off for all the shortcomings we expierenced. Next week we should have the sketch Cannibal's Anonymous done, come by and check that out.

Jesse Handlon

Little doodles

Hey my brother is joining us as a writer on Weirdsville. He has started his own blog where he is showcasing his single panel cartoons and others. He is actually going to provide us with some cartoons. He has also cooked up an idea about a puppet show featuring his character Bongo the Beatnik. Check out his stuff i'm going to load up one of his single panel cartoons for your enjoyment. His site adress is http://littledoodles.blogspot.com. I want to make this cartoon in a sketch, I think it can really be a good sketch.

Psst, hey, over here!

Remember kiddies, your uncle Jeremy says that making fun of others is fine, just make sure you're on the giving end and not the recieving, because...well, something happened to me once.

Once.

A sketch (do I need to say more it's a sketch)

This is actually a scene I wrote for a TV show Jeremy and I created. The show is called Adventure Theater. The idea behind it was that each season would be like a serial from the old days. The first season was going to be a Flash Gordon type of character we called Captain Space. I've decided to change the scene so it fits a sketch show. Who knows, we might do it as a sketch on Weirdsville? I would love to keep it in Adventure Theater, but who knows. Tell me what you think of it.

THE MANCHURIAN DEBATE

By Jesse Handlon

INT. TOWN HALL-LOBBY-NIGHT

We see TODD LOFTIS, the newest reporter on our newscast. He has a bunch of media people moving behind him.

TODD: Hello, I'm Todd Loftis, and we are here tonight as the Town Hall Debate gets under way. We have two candidates, REPUBLICAN SENATOR JACKSON ORR and CURRENT PRESIDENT WILLIAM CARTER. We will be shortly joining the debate. As you know, this is a debate where the questions will be asked by journalists in the audience. We will be called upon and we will rise and we will ask the candidates questions...

Behind TODD we see a man in black carrying a suitcase with him. The camera goes to him. He is EAGLE, the world's most deadly assassin.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DARK PARKING GARAGE-NIGHT

We see the Eagle standing in a shadow. A MAN (RALPH PEROT)walks up to him. He has a briefcase in his hand.

PEROT: Eagle?

EAGLE: Ralph Perot. This is the only time we will meet. We will never meet again after this. You will forget ever hearing my name.

PEROT: What did I do to offend you?

EAGLE: You've done nothing to offend me, it's just best for our safety if we never meet again.

PEROT: Sure, I've heard that from a bunch of people. Is there something wrong with me? Am I ugly? Do I smell really bad?

EAGLE: No, you're fine, you smell real good, and not ugly, although I would do something about the mole.

PEROT: This damn mole! How many friends have you cost me? I should just try to rip you off my face.

EAGLE: Look, you're fine. I mean, if I wasn't a hired assassin I would definitely hang out with you.

PEROT: Then why don't we set up a time we can get together and hang out?

EAGLE: Well, I don't know if that's the best idea...

PEROT: See, I knew you didn't like me!

EAGLE: Look, you're a wonderful fella and let's say we exchange phone numbers so we can have dinner sometime?

PEROT: Do you mean it? We can get together and have a boy's night out.

EAGLE: Yeah, why don't we do this business deal and than we'll exchange numbers?

PEROT: All right, here's your money. (hands over case and turns around) I expect both candidates shot and killed. Once they are dead I will be the next President of the United States.

He looks back to see Eagle gone.

PEROT (sadly): Oh, there's another potential friend gone.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-UNDER THE BLEACHERS-NIGHT

We see Eagle as he opens the case and begins to pull out all the pieces of the weapon. In the background we see chairs all nicely set up and 100's of reporters waiting for the debate.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-REPORTER SEATING-NIGHT

We center in on journalist Todd Loftis. Sitting next to him is JOHN DRAKE. John is writing rapidly, looking very important.

TOOD: The candidates are on there way out. We go now to moderator, JANE COURIC.

The camera moves over to show JANE COURIC sitting at a table by herself. She has a huge amount of comment cards in front of her.

JANE: Hello, and welcome to the third of five scheduled debates. We welcome tonight the two candidates. Hailing from the great state of Montana, and weighing in at 220 and a record of 44 and 0, we have Senator Jackson Orr.

Jackson Orr comes out and walks over to the podium. He waves very coldly and woodenly to the audience.

JANE: In the blue corner, weighing in at 187 with a record of 65 and 0, from the great state of Massachutes, we have Wildman William Carter.

William Carter walks out waving to the audience and stops at his podium.

JANE: Back stage we flipped a coin to see who would give the first opening statement and Senator Jackson Orr won. Senator Orr.

JACKSON: Thank you, Jane. My name is Jackson Orr.

A huge, long pause. Nothing is being said, there's a huge amount of dead air.

JANE: Then...

Jackson holds up his finger to stop her.

JACKSON: And I am a senator.

There is more silence.

JANE: Inspiring words, Senator Orr. President Carter.

CARTER (screaming): I should be President 'cause I have an ass! Look at my ass, it is a nice ass! Look at it!

Carter walks out from behind the podium and shows his ass off. He then walks back behind the podium.

JANE: Yes, very nice, President Carter.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-UNDER THE BLEACHERS-NIGHT

We see Eagle with the gun, but he has some how constructed it into a windchime. He sighs and starts to work on it again.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-REPORTER SEATING-NIGHT

We go to Jane who pulls up a comment card.

JANE: The first question goes to Todd Loftis of Weirdsville News.

Todd stands up with his microphone at the ready.

TODD: Yes, what are your plans to handle the budget deficit?

JANE: Senator Orr.

JACKSON: It isn't the government's responsibility to help the poor. If you're poor go rob the rich and you won't be poor. And the NRA is willing to help you with all your gun needs.

JANE: President Carter.

CARTER (still screaming): There's only one answer! Everyone in the United States should walk outside of their houses at the same time, raise their left legs, and fart! (long silence) Vote for me, I'm yelling!

JANE: Next question. John Drake, for the Pointless News.

John Drake stands up.

JOHN: Yes, if you were a duck what kind of duck would you be?

JACKSON: I would be a mallard.

CARTER (screams): I would be a dove 'cause they represent peace!

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-UNDER THE BLEACHERS-NIGHT

Eagle finally has the gun built and loaded. He aims and prepares to fire.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-REPORTER SEATING-NIGHT

Jane looks at Carter who flaps his wings like a bird. He returns behind the podium.

JANE: Next question, BARBARA MOORE of the Indianapolis Intern.

Barbara stands up. As she does a shot rings out and hits her in the back. She lets out a gasp of air and dies.

JANE: Okay, Barbara must not have a question then. BEN REYNOLDS of the Chicago Curmudgeon.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-UNDER THE BLEACHERS-NIGHT

We see through the scope of Eagle's rifle. He fires as BEN REYNOLDS stands up in front of the scope. BEN goes down with a bullet in his back.

EAGLE: Damn it.

SOUNDCARD: ONE HOUR LATER

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-UNDER THE BLEACHERS-NIGHT

We see Eagle reloading his gun. He has one bullet left.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-REPORTER SEATING-NIGHT

There are only two reporters remaining, Todd Loftis and John Drake. Everone else lays sprawled around the room, dead.

JANE: John Drake, do you have another question?

John stands up.

JOHN: Yes, is the grass always greener in the other guy's yard?

CARTER (screams): I have never smoked grass in my life! How dare you accuse me of that!

JACKSON: It depends on who lives next door to you.

JOHN: Oh, that's a zinger, I'm writing that one down.

John sits back down.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-UNDER THE BLEACHERS-NIGHT

We see Eagle get Carter in his sights.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-REPORTER SEATING-NIGHT

Jane throws all her comment cards away.

JANE: Well, I guess no one has any questions...

Todd stands up.

TODD: I have another...

A shot rings out and Todd falls down dead.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-UNDER THE BLEACHERS-NIGHT

We see Eagle get really pissed.

EAGLE: That was it! I blew it! No more bullets!

Eagle throws the rifle to the ground. A shot rings out and hits Eagle in the chest.

EAGLE: Huh, must of been one stuck in the chamber.

EAGLE falls over dead.

INT. TOWN HALL-AUDITORIUM-REPORTER SEATING-NIGHT

Jane rubs her head.

JANE: Well, John, did you at least get the story you wanted?

JOHN: You bet.

John writes something on his notepad. It says " Super Comfortable Chairs for Super Butts." John jumps up and runs out.

JACKSON: Are we done? I have an appointment with some oil interest.

CARTER (screams): I want to scream and whine some more!

JANE: Well, we thank you gentlemen, and we thank you, the viewers, for joining us. Join us for the next debate, which is being referred to as the Whore Debate. So if you're a hooker and have an important question please join us at the Lawndale Pavilion in Indianapolis, Indiana. Thank you and good night.

The End

I hope you enjoy it. This is just the first draft. Riley will come in and do the second draft. This might give you folks a look at our writing process.