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| December 9, 2003 | M.
David Lee III - Producer/Director/Writer/Editor It is getting to be that time of the year again. The time when we start to look back at the year that was. And for all of us at Triple Sticks Productions it was a very good years. Here is just a snippet of what has happened: "Dog Me: Potluck" opened and had great success at not one but two film festivals in Memphis. "Dog Me: Potluck" has hit a major milestone. We've landed a distribution deal with "Echelon Entertainment" out of Los Angeles. In addition to that great news, we're still plugging away, getting ready to start a new film at the first of the year called, "Slow Down... You're Dating too Fast!" It deals with speed dating and dating in general. As the guy who put this company and project all together, it's much more than work. I love making films and working with the people that I have been lucky enough to be around. When we sit down to start a project, the goal is to make a quality project that we all can be proud of and to have fun doing it. I hope anyone and everyone who works on a set of mine feels that sense of excitement and joy. We truly are a family every step of the way. Thank you all for a wonderful year! |
| November 24, 2003 | M.
David Lee III - Producer/Director/Writer/Editor "Dog Me: Potluck" has hit a major milestone. We've landed a distribution deal with "Echelon Entertainment" out of Los Angeles. What that means is so huge for everyone involved. I mean we set out to make a great film... we did that. We said we wanted to get it into festivals... we did that. And finally we said we wanted to land a distribution deal... and now we've done that. Now in addition to that great news, we're still plugging away, getting ready to start a new film at the first of the year called, "Slow Down... You're Dating too Fast!" It deals with speed dating and dating in general. Right now we're looking for everyone who wants to be involved with the film. So if you want to work, if you know someone who wants to work, behind or in front of the camera send them my way! In fact all they have to do is log on here, and then follow the links! |
| November 3, 2003 | M.
David Lee III - Producer/Director/Writer/Editor "Dog Me: Potluck" had one of it's most successful screenings at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival Every time the film plays I am amazed at the response because it changes a little from audience to audience. Everyone pretty much gets the big jokes, but it's the subtle ones that really flow differently from screening to screening. We're now working on getting the film into several other festivals and hopefully that will happen soon. Also we're launching our new project, "Slow Down... You're Dating Too Fast." Our goal is a simple one as usual... put together the best people around us and go make a movie. Hopefully if you're interested in working with us, you'll log onto the web site and sign up. We're looking for great people to work with us. |
| October 20, 2003 | M.
David Lee III - Producer/Director/Writer/Editor "Dog Me: Potluck" screens at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival Tuesday October 28th at 7pm and we are so excited about it! The festival itself kicks off on the 23rd and I hope to spend as much free time as I have down there, really checking out other films. You get so many great idea's from other peoples works, that I really love seeing what's out there. Moving along, we will be announcing our next project on November 1st. I think people will like the next film and I hope to start pre-production soon. Hell I'm already doing some of it now and over the next couple of weeks I'll really be starting to gear up for it. When you finally decide to start working on another film, it some times takes a lot out of you, but you know what I wouldn't have it any other way. I love that feeling of being out there on the edge, pouring your heart and soul into a film and the people who work with you. Yes, I've said it once and I'll say it again... it is better than sex. |
| September 24, 2003 | M.
David Lee III - Producer/Director/Writer/Editor "Dog Me: Potluck" has done it again, it is going to screen at this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival and we are so excited about it! We're still submitting to other festivals so if you head to our "Festival Tracking Page" you can see where and what we're doing. But this is a big one for us. I really wanted to get us into this festival. I know you all read me saying that this is a great film, but I really believe it and I don't think it's just talk. Let me share with you a piece of an email sent to me from someone who just stumbled in and saw the film at the Memphis MeDia Co-Op Digital Film Festival: "I saw "Potluck" last night and it really knocked me out. It was by far the best thing I've seen in the festival, but I suspect it goes well beyond that...The audience feels the palpable tension, we get character development in depth, and yet a minor sub-theme is reigned in before it can warp the movie. Damned nice job all around." Charles Ingram Go see the film if you can! |
| September 9, 2003 |
M. David Lee III
- Producer/Director/Writer/Editor We continue to submit the film, "Dog Me: Potluck" to several film festivals. If you head to our "Festival Tracking Page" you can see where and what we're doing. Right now the big thing is getting it out. We're still working to try to get some distribution and I hope we can put something together soon. It's hard now because I'm starting to figure out what will be the next project. I want to make sure we ride the success of this film into the next one. What the next piece will be is almost as important as completing "Dog Me: Potluck." People have seen now what you can do and they start to believe in you and you don't want to let them down. I think putting some people together this time around will be a lot easier than the first time, simply because we made a great film and people seemed to like the whole experience. Stay tuned for new information regarding our next project and if you want to join our monthly newsletter, drop us a line! |
| August 3, 2003 |
We Did it... it's a hit!
M. David Lee III - Producer/Director/Writer/EditorThe World Premiere of "Dog Me: Potluck" was one of those moments in my life I will never forget. The crowds were large, they laughed, got caught up in the emotion of the film and the performances and everything clicked... it just worked! I wish and hope that more of you will be able to see it soon. It is without a doubt the best film I've made, but it's not about me... it's about everyone else who gave so much to this project. When you get a chance, drop our actors and musicians and crew members a note, because they made it all happen! It's now time for me to turn my attention to the business aspect of the film and that means getting a distributor and most importantly getting it into film festivals around the world. I think we have a shot at this film really being big... it's that good! And if you don't believe me... ask any one who saw the premiere last night... I'm not just blowing smoke! |
| July 29, 2003 |
M. David Lee III
- Producer/Director/Writer/Editor "Dog Me: Potluck" is off to the world this Saturday. The premiere is set and it's out of my hands at this point. I am so busy trying to finish up the last little details of the big night. "Buster's Liquor" here in Memphis cut us a really good deal to help us out on opening night. (Josh thanks for that) We're also doing a lot of little things like making sure posters are up, trying to get some last minute press coverage. Add to all of that press kits going out to distributors all over the States and you can tell that I have my hands full! But this is so important, not so much for me but for everyone who put so much effort and hard work into the film. This is their moment in the sun and I want to make sure it's special. So with that in mind, it's back to the grind. I probably won't have time to write before Saturday, so come one, come all and party with us here in Memphis, Saturday August 2nd!!!! |
| July 20, 2003 |
M. David Lee III
- Producer/Director/Writer/Editor Our latest project, "Dog Me: Potluck" is ready. Even though I am tweaking a scene here or there, we're pretty much set. Now almost all of my attention is towards working on the premier Saturday August 2nd, less than two weeks away. I really do like the film and some times filmmakers can't say that about something they've done. I really think that this film will make some noise and get into some film festivals. I also hope and think we might have a shot at a distribution deal, but as I've learned over the years, just keep your fingers crossed. It's been a rough couple of weeks because of some other things outside of the film bizz... I think they call it, "Life!" lol But you know what, you pick yourself up and just keep plugging forward and that's what I'm doing! I think you can really start to see some of the cast and crew getting really excited about the premiere and that is so fun for me, because even though I may have started this whole mess, this film belongs to us all. RuthEllen Lynch - "Aeisha Heavans" “I learned so much and worked with a group of talented people. I'm very proud of our accomplishment." |
| July 6, 2003 |
M. David Lee III
- Producer/Director/Writer/Editor It is push come to shove time with the film. We're pretty much set and now just working on getting ready for the premier August 2nd. The next major thing coming up is "Media Day" which is Saturday July 19th. That's the day we will hopefully have all of the media around to meet the filmmakers and cast. August 2nd can't get here fast enough for me. I'm ready to let the world see this film. I'm pretty darn proud of it! Suzanne Camilli- "Jessica Chandler" |
| June 22, 2003 |
M. David Lee III
- Producer/Director/Writer/Editor "Dog Me: Potluck" is almost complete. The World Premier is set for Saturday August 2nd. And right now I am feverishly working on the final, final edits on the film. A film which is really, really good! One thing you'll notice when you see it are the performances. So many did so much to make this film great. Jessica Scott- "Camille Vitalie" "The months of rehearsal time we spent in preparation for the filming were well worth it." Christa Crowe- "Claire Allen Burke" "I think this film has a cast to die for! The talent and creativity present just made the whole experience a blast." Shaun Green- "Darren Burke" "Cold drinks + Good food + Great Friends = One memorable party!" |
| June 1, 2003 |
M. David Lee III
- Producer/Director/Writer/Editor The latest project, "Dog Me: Potluck" is almost complete. It's been a very long struggle to get the project to this point, but I am very pleased with it. There is still a lot left to do and I am ready for it. Ready for where ever this journey concludes. As for other projects... there may be some interesting news coming forward concerning, "3 Days... 3 Hours... 3 Minutes... 3 Seconds..." I can't really go into it too much right now, but I am hopeful that in the next couple of weeks I'll be able to explain a little more. I'm working on finishing up, "Enamored" as well. I spoke with my co-director on that project, Johnny DePalma the other day and we've figured out how we can wrap that up with me here and him there. So if all goes well I could have two features released this year. The pressure has already begun to follow up "Dog Me: Potluck" and it's not even fully done! I know that seems odd, but the pressure comes from within. It's one of the things I really have to watch, because I can drive myself crazy if I push too hard. But I think it's important to be ready to ride the high after the release of a project with something close by. I believe I have the next project ready... but I will take the next month to make absolutely sure, then as the release of "Dog Me: Potluck" kicks into high gear, I'll be prepping the next project. |
| May 11, 2003 |
M. David Lee III
- Producer/Director/Writer/Editor It is getting to the point where the current film I am working on, "Dog Me: Potluck" is almost done, production wise. I mean there is still a lot to do and of course there is a lot on the back end in terms of marketing, but for the most part this project will be done soon. It's a very hard time to deal with as a Director/Producer. For basically a year or so, I've lived with this project, day in and day out. I've grown to love and respect those who worked on the film very much. The process of editing has gone on a lot longer than I had originally hoped. But as it gets ready to be released to the world it's a melancholy feeling left inside. It is a very hard thing to do, finish a film. Your heart and soul becomes exposed to the world. You're no longer, "making a film" you've made it and everyone gets to see it and evaluate it. I'm not so worried about what people will say when I finish, they're going to like it or not. But when I finish and it's finally out there, my heart aches. It's like losing that great love of your life. It generally takes me some alone time to deal with the end of a film and it hurts. No question it's a great accomplishment and it's a good thing to finish it, but it hurts so much to end my relationship with that project. But before I bring everyone down too much... don't worry... there will be another film, another challenge, there always is. But for the time I spent with these people, this project, I will always be affected by it. Each project changes your life forever... it's personal, it's emotional, it's what I have to do with my life... it's why I get up everyday... it's in my soul... I wouldn't and can't change the way I feel for anything in the world... anything! |
| April 20, 2003 |
M. David Lee
III - Producer/Director/Writer/Editor Normally I update the status of my various projects here, but I wanted to share something different with you... something that has touched me deeply. Last night I couldn't sleep, something that is quite normal for me, so I was watching the Sundance Channel and saw, "The Wonderful Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl." For those who don't know the film, it is about Leni Riefenstahl a woman who for the Nazi's and Hitler. She made several films, but two films during her career that are internationally known as two of the greatest documentaries ever. "Olympia" 1938 and "Triumph of the Will" 1935. In the documentary, "The Wonderful Horrible Life..." she insists that she was not involved with politics and that she was more interested in art. Both films changed filmmaking in the future and both are questionable when it comes to being called documentaries, but what stood out for me during the film about her was her lack of apology for either of them. "Triumph of The Will" is clearly a propaganda film that Hitler used to show off the Third Reich. How could this woman not know what she was doing? It was insulting to see her and listen to her explanation as to why she did the film. She's 100 years old now, still living and has never apologized for what she did. I have friends who are Jewish. I grew up in a Jewish community, dated Jewish women and was deeply hurt watching this film about her. I thought immediately about one of my best friends, Jeff Lowenstein and what he must think of her. D.W. Griffith is considered a great filmmaker because of his film, "Birth of a Nation." To African Americans, that film is disgustingand is on par with "Triumph of the Will." I own a lot of films, I will continue to own and buy films. I have seen Griffith's film and both of Riefenstahl's films, but will never own them. If you get a chance to see, "The Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl" you'll see what I am talking about. I know this... my heart hurts thinking of all of the damage all of these films did. I don't even want her to fess up now... she's lived 100 years and if she didn't get it then... she won't get it now. What she did... who she did it for... it was wrong. |
| February 9, 2003 |
M. David Lee III
- Producer/Director/Writer/Editor I know this may be a little late but better late than never... "Happy New Years!" Each year I name the year with something motivational to help me push through during those times when it's tough. This years name is: "The year of the Did!" And what that basically means is shut up and do the things you dream about and love. And for anyone who knows me, that means making films. This is going to be a big year for me and Triple Sticks Productions. Enamored is almost complete. I have one more trip back to San Jose to wrap up post production on that film. And Dog Me: Potluck is finally ready to got to edit! For more information on that, swing over to the Dog Me page and check it out. You know I am broke once again, I am tired and my home is a mess. What does that say about me? Well it says that I am giving everything I have to make my art. I don't make films because I want fame or fortune. I make films because I truly love to and need to. I hope in the future when you get a chance to see some of my work, you'll understand that passion that goes into them. It's "Did Time" here at Triple Sticks and I'm ready to go! |
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