Trail Of Crimson - Done!

We wrapped on the short film 'Trail Of Crimson' yesterday and managed to shoot everything the director wanted. For just a 9 page film with 8 scenes we got thru over 140 slates and up to 30 shots per scene at times. I'm sure that the director has more than enough coverage and that half the shots probably wont get used.

I've managed to clock up over 70 hours over the last 7 days of shooting and I'm knackered.

The director and DOp were concerned that we wouldnt get all the shots in the 7 days, but I assured them I could get it done and I did. I'm pretty happy with that to be honest.

Just need to wait for the film to be edited and then we can see the fruits of our labour.

Mate's Rates

I cannot seem to find the time to actually write this bloody script. ive been on one film, then work, then my msuic video, then work, then flu, then work - until this sunday and monday and i had so many little jobs to do i got on witht hem. ive now taken a pass at my outline and its good enoug to write. now to find the time to do so. back in work 2moro, wed, fri and sat - i need at least 2 days to write it tho. hoping i can get wed off work and dedicate 2 days to getting a rough draft done.

hopefully this is the script that can get me work, maybe an agent and if im very lucky maybe even sell it. so it should be a bloody priority. i need to get my arse in gear.

Trail Of Crimson

I met with Vicki, the writer/director of Trail Of Crimson, on sunday in the studios. the set is coming along slowly but surely and i think tis gonna look good. vicki has a clear vision of the world she wants to create and i think it will make a great little film. we start shooting on monday for 7 days and im itching to get on set and do what i do.

It's Been A Long Few Weeks

Between the day job and filmmaking I've barely had any down time this last few weeks. Im cream crackered. But.... it will all be worth it one day - so I keep getting told. It's easy to say that when you're not the poor filmmaker in question!

I am enjoying a bit of a rest day at present before getting back to the day job for a few days then heading to London for a music festival. I've scraped together my pennies so I can have a little fun and accept that I may be eating toast for the remainder of the month.

As well as filmmaking I've also managed to talk my way into writing for another film-related website - www.obsessedwithfilm.com. I shall be writing reviews for the site as well as some original articles for my current series of articles and blog title - The frustrated Ramblings Of An Aspiring Filmmmaker. I shall be digging through my thoughts and feelings on everything film and attempting to salvage a few hundred words for my new weekly section with the site. A few hundred words a week and then a long article once a month is the thinking. I shall also continue writing an article every month for flickeringmyth.

Also - today I recieved an email from the good ol' Beeb about my interest in the new opportunities arising at BBC North due to the current wave of relocations from London. I registered my interest last week and recieved an email today inviting me to undertake an online test as they felt my curriculum vitae had some promise. The test took about an hour or so and was pretty gruelling in places. Fingers crossed I did well enough. I've been yearning to get the hell out of 'The Port' since I was 15, but always end up coming back. Perhaps relocation with a solid job can keep me away as well as allow me to build my career. Working in fiction film is fun and I love being on set and Ading, but it isn't paying the bills at present. Proper, paid work in the industry would see me opening doors and affording to live.

But first of all - I may just have a snoozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Dirty Goods -'Millionaires'

Sunday and yesterday I directed my first music video for Dirty Goods and enjoyed every minute of it. This was the band's first attempt at acting and they weren't entirely comfortable with it so I just tried to make experience as enjoyable as possible for them. The budget was absolutely zero and we used equipment borrowed from our fellow filmmakers as well as the crew and cast offering their time for free. It isn't going to be a masterpiece, but then we never intended for that anyway. Shot on a basic camera it will look a little grainy and the lighting is minimal. However, the intent of the video was for the band to experience making a narrative video, for Scratched Print and the band to work together as well as to make a video that would entertaining and a laugh for all involved. I think it will give people a chuckle and if released on youtube it will give the fans a chance to see the more comical side of the band.

It will look cheap and cheerful, but I think we will have a fun little video.

Filmmaking Update

After doing a good job of 1st Ading 'On A Knife Edge' last week I was offered the chance to 1st AD a music video on Thursday, but have agreed to work my day job that day due to the store manager and assistant manager being away leaving me to look after the shop. I'm gutted because it's pretty much the same crew I shot with last week and I enjoyed it. The band look pretty promising also.

I was also offered the chance to 1st AD another masters student film in September and I'm due to discuss the details with the director.

I am also very looking forward to shooting my first music video for Dirty Goods on Sunday. It's a narrative story with the music video over the top of it. There's a simple and funny little story running through it and I think it's going to make a great music video. Due to it's extended length though we will probably be shooting it in two parts leaving the easier to shoot interior parts for sometime next week.

I was disappointed to find out the producer of Sunday's video hasn't done anything in the build up and I had to sort the cast and crew myself yesterday, but we are still shooting and on track for a good day.

Dreamtime

The short film that I have written, based upon an original story by David Lord, and shall be directing has been put back until September.

Russell Howard's Good News

I was looking forward to watching some new comedy, but BBC2 are now running the series that was first shown on BBC Three several months ago. This doesn't make any sense as it's a topical news show where Russell discusses the major stories of the week. The week was in March. It's now August. And I've seen it before.

I'm switching over.

Shooting Stars - Last In The Series!!!!!!!

I was absolutely gutted to find out that tonight's Shooting Stars is the last episode in the series. Tonight Vic and Bob were joined by Louie Spence and Paloma Faith on Jack Dee's team plus James may and James Buckley on Ulrika Jonsson's team. They were joined, as always, by the oddly entertaining score keeper Angelos. Cue random hilarity!

Ulrika-ka-ka she's a Swedish OAP,
Ulrika-ka-ka when she laughs she has a wee.

Jack, with your face like a soft boiled fart.
Jack with your face like a new born kitten with a winning pools coupon.
Jack with your face like a two shilling hand job.

Unfortunately the show didn't end on a high and it wasn't a classic packed with jokes. However, the winner's challenge saw james may have lay underneath a topless tramp and endure having the tramp's beard rubbed in his face in oder to win a length of rope - which made me laugh.


I think I'm going to miss Shooting Stars. No, I'm definitely going to miss Shooting Stars.

That Mitchell And Webb Look

I'm not gonna bother watching next week. Absolute shite.

John Bishop's Britain

Last Saturday Bish had a unique look at work with the input of celebrities and normal people as well as aided by sketches.

I'm a massive fan of Bish and I think his new show is fantastic at times. It's had it's weak points, but overall I really like it. He began Saturday with the story of the time he sat his kids down to tell them that he had been promoted to a Sales and Marketing Director at a pharmaceutical company. Once Bish had finished his proud announcement his middle lad belted out that Billy's Dad drove a digger and the other two were well impressed. Bish continued that he sat him down with a powerpoint presentation, but still nothing. A nice story with a good little gag on the end.

The next big story that followed was Bish's story of the time he was selling Kirby cleaners in a cult like group of middle aged men who sang 'we sell Kirby cleaners' every morning. The accompanying sketch of a young Bish in 80's clothes and surrounded by the oddest selection of men I've ever seen throwing their negative energy out of their window is hilarious.

Then followers another hilarious story of Bish having an interview for a job at the Adelphi tea rooms and losing the change from his last fiver because he didn't want to pick it up and show the guy interviewing him that his borrowed suit doesn't fit. Either Bish is very very good at making up stories or he has had one absolutely hilarious life. either way I'm sure he would be awesome to have a beer with.

As with every week Bish has a selection of some of the countries oddest people to share their experiences by video. One of which likes to put a sticker on an elderly employee's back saying 'I like muff'.

I shall defo be tuning in, or Sky Plussing it, next week.

Would I Lie To You?

After working all the hours god sent last week I've finally caught up with my TV. I've just finished last week's Would I Lie To You and it wasn't bad. Rob Brydon, Lee Mack and David Mitchell were joined by Ben Fogle, Craig Revel Horwood, Kate Silverton and Hugh Dennis.

A few decent gags and lies, but not laugh out loud funny. There wasn't much to report in all honesty.

From Paris With Love

I thought I would lay back and watch a movie before I hit the sack and so I chose From Paris With Love off of Sky Box Office. This is quite possibly the worst and most pointless film I have seen since....... Taken. Another Luc Besson film. He created the story for From Paris With Love and produced both.

From Paris With Love, just like Taken, has absolutely no point or integrity to it. The story just sets up a series of pointless and ultra violent events that see the main characters, Rhys (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) and Wax (John Travolta) shoot everyone and everything that moves within their sight. So many incidents that occur just so happen to be massively coincidental and lead them to something or someone they are after. Travolta just shouts and shoots - literally that is it. It is ridiculous.

The story is chocked full of cheese from start to finish and the majority of it, even the the character development, is implausible. Really - how do these films get made? I thought Luc Besson was an integral filmmaker? Leon, The Fifth Element and Angel-A were all good films and he's been involved in some great productions in some way, shape or form, but From Paris With Love and Taken are horrific.

The ultra violence is glorified in both films yet they do not seem to come under scrutiny from the same people who scorned Micheal Winterbottom's The Killer Inside Me. I haven't seen Winterbottom's film, but from what I have read the violence is bone chilling. Winterbottom shows violence as it really is - shocking, sickening and of all things violent, but his film was received with disgust and some classed it as glorification of violence. Yet as Travolta guns through body after body with no remorse and a thumping sound track no one batters an eye lid? It doesn't seem to make sense to me.

Mr Besson has gone in my estimations.

On A Knife Edge

I am so tired it is unbelievable. Since Tuesday I've been first ADing 'On A Knife Edge' for a Masters student film from The International Film School Wales. We wrapped early today and I was home at 6pm after leaving at 7am, but Tuesday and Wedneday were 13 and 14 hour days. I've got another 7am start tomorrow and another Saturday.

The film is going quite well. I've not worked with the Red camera before and I'm quite impressed with it. Looking through the monitor it looks beautiful and I'm told that it can look even better on a higher quality screen.

As for my work - we are on schedule and getting the coverage, but we did miss a key shot yesterday. The director hasn't got a shot list to work from and so I'm having to ask how many shots we need from each scene as we shoot it and it is difficult to keep track.

I'm watching a film now and then it's early to bed.

Grandma's House

I've just finished watching Grandma's House written by and starring Simon Anstell. It's in the same mould as The Royle Family except the family is from London and middle class, instead of Northern working class. The show tries to capture the comedy of the average family, except Simon plays himself at the centre of it all.

As Simon debates whether or not to continue with his show it to look for true love his family attempt to persuade him otherwise. In this episode he also meets his Mother's new fiancé - who is extremely annoying.

The comedy feels a little staged at times and it doesn't flow as naturally as The Royle Family. There were several dynamics all going on at once between the different family members in an attempt to keep the show from getting stagnant, but I'm afraid it wasn't successful everytime and at times it felt repetitive.

I'm sure if I'll be tuning in next week.

Football Returns

The new season began this weekend and life began to make sense again. The Championship kicked off Saturday with some suprise results and Sunday followed with the Community Shield.

I began the day by heading down to watch Cardiff City play Sheffield United at the Cardiff City Stadium, which is possibly the least imaginative stadium name in football history. After Sheffield United went 1 - 0 through Ched Evans they tried to strangle the game and play it out for the 1 - 0 win. The keeper took an age to take goal kicks and they failed to do anything with any haste. The game changed when United were down to ten men after a straight red for Lowton. Cardiff dominated, but took 30 minutes to equalise through Jay Bothroyd and then failed to score a winner. Sheffield United were very bad losers and bad sportsmen from start to finish as they tried every trick they could to ruin a good game of football. However, I was entertained and it was worth a watch.

Then it was into Canton to watch Man Utd vs Chelsea in the Community Shield. The pub was rammed and I couldn't hear the commentary over the muffled sound of a hundred drunken voices, but at least I was bang in front of the TV. Dave the Rave was with me and suffering for his sins the night before as his hangover got the better of him. My sore throat and lack of voice was worsened by the shouting on the terraces of Cardiff and so we barely spoke to each other throughout the game.

The game itself was decent. Sometimes these games are dull and boring as it's only a glorified friendly with a trophy at the end. United looked sharp and played with pace form the start, but Chelsea looked a little lacking. United's new signing Javier Hernandez or Chicorito, or his shirt say, looked a good little player and I'm confident he will settle into our team. He didn't look nervous, played his usual game and seemed at ease with being thrown into life at the deep end. Valencia put United ahead assisted by Rooney before Chicorito grabbed his first United goal for 2 - 0. Chelsea pulled one back through Kalou and looked a better team, but Berbatov rounded off the game with a stunning chip over the Chelsea keeper.

A satisfying 3 - 1 for United saw them took first blood against their main rivals Chelsea and with how United were playing I'm confident this season can be successful and trophy filled.

A cracking day of football. This season promises to be tight in the Premiership and the Championship so I'm expecting some great football after a disappointing World Cup.

John Bishop's Britain - Episode 2

I wasn't fussed on the previous week's episode as I thought it was a little boring, but this week saw a return to form. Bish explored the world of sport this week and commented on everything from school sports day to professional football.

I love the way Bish uses interviews from normal people and celebrities, mixed with stand up and sketches to take a look at sport in general, but also his own experiences. I was in stitches when he told the story of the first time he took his wife to be back to his parent's house for Sunday dinner - aided by a hilarious sketch. The usual Sunday was Bish, his Dad and his Brother watching the football with his TV in front of the TV with the his sisters and his Mum sat in the kitchen. However, when his Wife to be went to his parents she got her dinner, followed the boys into the living room and sat with them to everyone's shock and awe as Bish's Dad asks him why he's brought home a lesbian. The accompanying sketch of the entire family in 80's tracksuits and with bad hair is the icing on the cake. It has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Another gem of comedy gold was Bish's story of about the time he attended the manchester 10k run
and on the advice of one of his mates he filled out his expected time as 28 minutes. When he arrived on the day he was given a different colour number to his mates and was pushed to the front next to three Kenyans. It turned out that 28 minutes is regarded as quite a time for 10k and they thought he was an elite athlete. He launched himself off the line full pelt for 100 metres and was then over taken by over 24,000 other runners and a massive chicken.

John Bishop is such a genuinely funny guy and always has a classic story to tell. I think a night on the town with Bish would be hilarious. A good return to form after last week's slip. I can't wait for next week.

Would I Lie To You

Friday's 'Would I Lie To You' was absolutely hilarious. Host Rob Brydon and team captains Lee Mack and David Mitchell were joined by Stephen Mangan, Keeley Hawkes, Professor Brian Cox OBE and Kevin Bridges.

Watching celebrities, comedians and TV personalities trying to lie, make up things or conceal the truth is always funny in my opinion, but Friday's show was phenomenal. The stand out star of the show was Kevin Bridges. He had everyone's brain totally pickled with his explanation of how he once thought he was renting a horse whilst on holiday, but had instead bought it. As David Mitchell and his team attempt to question Kevin the story gets more and more bizarre, he seems not to know what he is talking about and even his own team think he is lying. David Mitchell seems to take everything so literally and gets infuriated by the many huge wholes in Kevin's story and concludes that it was a lie. He was in fact telling the truth to everyone's amusement.

I can't wait for next week.

You Have Been Watching

On Thursday night I Sky Plussed Charlie Brooker's 'You Have Been Watching' and I think it's becoming my favourite show on TV. This week was the final episode in the series and Charlie was joined by Armando Iannucci, Josie Long and Rufus Hound for a crime special.

Charlie, with the assistance of his panel, ripped apart some of the best and worst crime shows that TV has ever seen. Possibly the worst being 'Poochinski' - a crime show about a cop who is reincarnated as a talking dog and solves crimes with his astonished former partner in between licking himself inappropriately.

'Murder She Wrote' was another show that came under scrutiny, but the peak of the comedy was clip of the show's star Angela Landsbury in her 'Positive Life' video. Watching Lansbury rub her wrinkled body with cream just before she discusses sex after menopause whilst having a sensual bath was gut wrenching and hilarious in equal measures.

Mr Brooker's dry humour is comedy gold in my opinion and I laughed out aloud constantly throughout the show. With the series drawing to an end I'm going to have raid the 4OD site and watch the first series.

Money

After a semi lazy day yesterday I decided to catch up on some of the stuff on my Sky Plus. I seem to have a load of TV shows and films clogging up the old memory and usually no time to watch it. Last night I decided to plough through Money from BBC2’s 80’s season a month or two back.

The two-part TV show has been adapted from Stephen Amis’ novel about a successful British TV commercial director who goes to New York to make his first movie. John Self, played by Nick Frost, is a lazy slob and an alcoholic with unhealthy relationships with almost everyone else around him including his Father and girlfriend, Selina Street (Emma Pierson). As he staggers drunken through the surreal world of American filmmaking lead by the unheard of producer, Fielding Goodney (Vincent Kartheiser) life becomes weirder and weirder. As Self struggles with his loneliness in the states, his lusting for an old flame – Martina Twain (Hattie Morahan), suspicions of Selina’s infidelity back home he also has to battle with ultra ego actors as well as always searching for the identity of his Mother.

As John Self struggles, searches and aspires to earn the big money to make it and set himself up Fielding convinces him he’s a genius as he woos investors, rewrites the script himself and the film gains investment quickly and smoothly. Fielding leads the way and sets everything up ensuring John that it wont be long before he gets the money he desires. Being stalked by a man who calls him regularly, but never shows his face Self seems unfazed, but as the film grows and takes flight Self finds himself laying off the booze and starting a healthy relationship with Martina. The only problem is that normality doesn’t feel comfortable for John.
When Selina comes back into his life to ruin his relationship with Martina John falls off the wagon big style. As he drowns his sorrows in a seedy bar and is told that his credit has run out he gets a call from the voice telling him to meet him in the lane. John is jumped and beaten by what looks like a woman, but turns out to be his Producer – Fielding. As it all unravels Fielding explains that every contract and agreement John signed was a cheque or expenses and he himself has been paying for everything, not a studio or investors. Fielding set up the entire charade from start to finish paying actors to play the role of investors and anything else they needed to drain John of every penny.

Self flees back home to find the successful advertising agency he built in the UK went bust when he left. He has his furniture and TV repossessed. When he turns to the one person he thinks may help, his Father turns him away telling him he isn’t his Father. A final reconciliation with his real Father sees him find the truth behind his Mothers leaving and receives the money that she had tucked away for him. John changes his surname to that of his real Father’s – People, not Self. He uses the money left him by his Mother to buy a pub with his real Father and settle into normality.

Money is a strange story of greed, excess and money. Self’s drive to earn money and his lust for the big time leads to his downfall and he loses everything he had. Not happy with what he has he always wants more – money, women, booze, and food. The more he had the more he wanted and it was only when he lost everything that

Shooting Stars

Vic and Bob bring more random comedy to their celebrity quiz show. This weeks guests were Dominic Littewood, Cheryl Fergison, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Luke Pasquilino. The show follows the exact same format every week as it always has, but the jokes differ. It should feel a bit same old same old, but it doesn't. Another week of classics jokes, with my favourite being -

True or false? Daily Mail readers believer Poland is currently empty?

Followed closely by -

True or false? The vagina monologues were originally called the minge manuals?

Angelos was on top form again with his nonsensical ramblings. He should have his own show, although I'm not sure how that would work. I'd definitely watch though.

The show finished with Jack Dee partaking in the winner's game - face pain. Jack knelt in front of a bicycle wheel with crisp packets stuck to it as Vic spun the wheel so the crisp packets bit Jack in the face. The second wheel had bacon on it and the third Ulrika's pants. Classic. Can't wait for next week.

That Mitchell And Webb Look

Is it me or is the show getting worse every week!? Mitchell and Webb are both funny guys, but maybe their sketch show has passed it's sell by date. Shame.

Greatest Cities Of The World - Hong Kong

Griff Rhys Jones' series explores some fantastic cities over the course of 24 hours and this week it was Hong Kong. What an amazing city. It's so ultra modern, yet steeped in tradition.

Until 12 years ago it was still under British rule, but it is now back in Chinese control. The small city is stacked with huge high rises and sky scrapers that glitter and shine with bright lights in the dark night sky. There are more millions per square mile than anywhere else on earth and a huge player in the worlds financial markets. Yet, even the most expensive sky scrapers designed by world renowned architects have to consult feng shui masters to ensure that the building has good energy according to the ancient Chinese practice.

Hong Kong looks such an amazing and diverse city that despite it's lack of size it looks likely could keep you busy for longer than you think. I'd jump on a plane tomorrow if the opportunity arose, but with it being one of the most expensive cities on the planet I doubt my pennies would get me far.

Brooke Knows Best

Whilst in the gym today that horrific channel Viva was on one of the tvs. On that tv was Brooke Knows Best. For those that don't know what the show is about it is a fly on the wall show following Brooke Hogan as she strikes out on her own, but is seemingly followed constantly by her father - the one and only Hulk Hogan.

Brooke isn't the brightest bulb in the box and Hulk appeRs to not let her make any of her own decisions despite her living on her with a few flatmates near beach in Florida. Hulk pops by. Constantly.

I wasn't interested enough to listen to the audio from the show as the visuals were horrific enough with lots of frowning from Hulk and wide smiles followed by sulking frowns from Brooke.

Today they were at Cape Canaveral doing summat to do with being astronauts. I didn't care why. However, what did capture my attention was the fact that Hulk Hogan, now separated from his wife, has a new girlfriend. And she looks alarmingly like his daughter Brooke. Isn't that a bit weird? A guy in his fifties going out with a lady who's a lot younger than him and a dead ringer for his late teens/early twenties daughter.

This thought perplexed me so much that I questioned why I didn't have anything more intersting to think about.

Top Gear - the final episode

Another series of Top Gear has been and gone - cue the several series DVDs a d at least one from each presenter.

The show finished last night with a nostalgic look at British sports cars and it was clear why the British car industry has gone down the pan. As Clarkson, Hammond and May willed on their British sports cars get did everything they could to keep bits from falling off them.

Last nights star in a reasonay priced car was Jeff Goldblum who is apparent tight as a ducks back passage. He was given a free mercedes in the early nineties and still uses it as his main mode of transportation despite earning a several million bucks since then. Buy a Ferrari you tight git.

The series finished with the three stooges agreeing that each of their british sports cars were as good as one and other and that was it. In my opinion it seemed a bit of anti climax to the series and it may have been better ending last week.

Insomnia

I've not had the best sleep this week with my bad neck aching and my lack of exercise to rest my neck making my back ache also. Last night I felt exhausted by about 10.30 pm, but...... Christopher Nolan's Insomnia was on the Beeb and I was determined to watch it. With Nolan's last few films being so impressive I decided to watch Insomnia for a second time and take careful note of his techniques and style.

Pacino plays, Will Dormer, an LA detective who has been sent with his partner to help out an investigation in a small town in Alaska. The thing is that this time of year the sun doesn't set and Dormer has a lot on his mind. With Dormer worrying that his partner's part in an internal affairs investigation will lead to the digging up of all Dormer's old cases he isn't pleased. When Dormer accidentally shoots his partner when chasing the murderer of a teenager through the fog things become more complicated, especially as the murderer has seen him. As Dormer and the murderer Walter Finch, played by Robin Williams, embark on a cat and mouse chase trying to get one over on each other things become more and more surreal for Dormer as he struggles to sleep in the ever sunny town.

Insomnia is a great film because it's quite simple in it's themes and morals, but the story takes several twists and turns which complicate it, but ensure it is still easy to follow. Pacino is more than convincing as Dormer who struggles to deal with his conscious and lack of sleep over the space of 6 long days and nights. Williams is eery as the murderer Finch and the two of them work nicely together on screen as complete opposite characters sharing a common worry - being found guilty of murder.

It is evident that Nolan's slick style and trickery with the camera as well as his storytelling abilities are finding their feat in Insomnia and laying the foundations for his later run outs on Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and Inception.

Insomnia is a fantastic film and well worth a watch, but try not to watch it whilst tired. As I struggled to keep my eyes open to get to the end of the film I found myself empathising with Dormer so much that when I got to bed I struggled to get to sleep.

John Bishop's Britain - Episode 2

The second installment of Bish's new Saturday comedy show wasn't quite as good as last week.

It followed the same format and this week centred around growing up. Bish typically had a few little gems of comedy to share. He commented that with him having a brother his wife being an only child she doesn't understand the importance a dead leg plays in a sibling relationship, which got some chuckles and tickled me. However, the rest of the show didn't quite have the same poignance and resonant comedy as the previous week.

Hopefully it was a one off low point in a great series. I shall be tuning in next week with fingers crossed.

Dirty Goods

Friday Dirty Goods played a secret matinee gig for Border magazine in Newport City Centre. There was a tidy little turn out for the middle of the day and they went down a treat. It was only a short four track set, but the crowd enjoyed it.

Then Friday night they played the Border Live gig in Six Feet Under, Newport. I missed all the other bands up to Town as I was skulking around the various bars of Newport. Dirty Goods weren't on until nearly 1am, but it was well worth the wait. The usual favourites of Hollywood and Honest went down a storm alongside some newer tracks.

Big things happening soon for the band. Watch this space.

Shooting Stars

Vic and Bob were back again this fine evening with regulars Ulrika Jonsson and Jack Dee with Angelos keeping score. They were joined tonight by Brendan Cole, Chris Kamara, Tulisa of N-Dubz and John Simpson.

More classic random comedy as they ask the most random questions and perform in the most ridiculous manner. Tonight's true or false questions included - when Stephen Fry gets an erection is it called a fry up? And - Do all Midgets have x-ray vision? Jack Dee's face was described as like a hard boiled bollock and Angelos' madness was hilarious as always.

The highlight for me though was dropping an edam cheese on Brendan Cole's head in order for him to win a prize, despite the pushbike he had already won catching fire. Random.

Can't wait for next week.

That Mitchell And Webb Look

I must be honest tonight's show was pants.

I'm a fan of the show and usually find that they have some great sketches and are clever writers, but not tonight. I didn't think any one of the sketches were any good tonight. They all seemed to lack that edge and bit of intelligence that are usually a staple part of their comedy.

Never mind. Hopefully next week will be better.

Piers Morgan On.... Hollywood

I'm a massive fan of travel programmes, especially if they have a celebrity presenting them. I also like Piers Morgan as I enjoy his writing and interview style. His series of travelogues broadcast on ITV earlier in the year was a hit with me, but I didn't manage to catch ever episode. When I saw that his take on Hollywood was being shown this evening I knew I had to watch.

Piers took a look around the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and spoke to several Brits that have made it big, plus one or two who haven't. The show was never going to be a gritty look at Hollywood and Piers in typical fashion concentrated on the lighter side of life. Having lunch with the Osbournes, discussing the cost of Sharon's plastic surgery and catching up with Matt Goss were spliced together with Piers driving around in a convertible Aston Martin as he discussed in a voice over the success of the British invasion.

As an aspiring filmmaker Hollywood is the Holy Grail and Piers only reinforced my desires. With vita shots of the Hollywood hills as well as wandering around multi million pound houses on the Malibu beachfront my mouth slipped open and eyes widened. That is where I want to be. Piers gives a sugar coated tour of the filmmaking capital of the Western world, but it was enough for me.

The show wasn't exactly thought provoking or ground breaking in any way shape or form, but watching Piers' ego mingling with Hollywood jet set types was a nice bit of mind numbing TV. I wonder what others I missed in the series?

A Day That Promised So Much Productivity

I must be honest I've not done a great deal today. I worked Friday through to Monday and have found myself a little lacking in motivation. I managed a walk with the dog first thing, then a production meeting Cardiff for an hour, I've done some blogging, taken my dog to the vet and then watched TV. I can't see it changing in the next few hours either. A bit more Tv for me then bed.

The UK Film Council Abolition

As an aspiring filmmaker I was very sad to learn that the UK Film Council will be abolished. In the UK we do not have a great film industry and things will now be even more difficult without the film council. They pumped £15 million per year into British films and without that money it will be even more difficult to get funding.

However, I'm not entirely sure that every penny spent was done so wisely. I've seen several UK Film Council and other smaller subsidary film council's projects that have been laughable and a complete waste of money. It may become more difficult to gain funding in future, but maybe money will only find it's ways to filmmakers who are capable and into films that are commendable.

Tough times may indeed be ahead, but thse with talent shall prevail I feel. Those filmmakers who work their arses off, are committed, driven and truly have talent shall succeed. And I'm doing my best to ensure I am one of the few.

Sherlock Holmes

The new Sherlock Holmes started on the BBC Sunday night and it had a distinct Doctor Who feel to it.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays Holmes and Martin Freeman is Watson as the legendary sleuth and his sidekick tackle crimes in contemporary London. Created by Doctor Who writers Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss it is no wonder it has a Doctor Who feel with the lead actor over playing his extremely tackative character and the stories feeling a little bit whimsical. I must state I am not a fan of Doctor Who as it feels a bit daft and overboard for me. This was very similar.
The first thing that struck me was how out of place and unnecessary Holmes seemed in the modern world. He has no apparent abilities and skills apart from the power of deduction where as the police have forensics and sciences that are far superior in detection than the human eye. Holmes continues to jabber almost endlessly throughout the episode and explains everything on the nose because the police he assists for free are seemingly retarded in their policing abilities.

Watson on the other hand does little more than frown and hobble around for the first half of the episode and then frowns and runs around the second half of the episode. With little or no character development on his part other than what Holmes jabbers about him he seems redundant at best.

Then comes the ‘bad guy’ of episode one – a taxi driver. As Holmes jabbered about who could have possibly committed the crime and picked up a person in broad daylight without suspicion I had narrowed it down to the police or a taxi driver. It wasn’t rocket science. Then towards the end of the episode when all the police officers were searching Holmes’ apartment and they tracked the GPS signal on the victim's phone to that very same building no one at any point suggested that everyone empty their pockets let alone look for it. Great policing.

When Holmes leaves with the taxi driver and not one of the several police officers sees him in the doorway not one person felt the need to follow Holmes or even continue the search for the phone. Watson alone leaves following the signal to Holmes and the taxi driver’s location. As Holmes stares across a table at the driver as he jabbers on about his plan, why, where etc blah blah blah his entire story is told through exposition. There was little or no tension or drama to their final conflict despite Watson running around looking for their room. When he then finds himself in the building opposite and able to see them through the window it appears Holmes is on his own.

Just when things got interesting and I thought Holmes was going to risk his life by taking one of the tablets offered him in a Matrix rip-off Watson shot the taxi driver and ended that. The taxi died via a bullet to the shoulder, which I found odd considereing we exposiotnally found out Watson was shot in the shoulder whislt serving in the army and he looked pretty much alive to me. Well almost seeing that his character shows about as much emotion as a cadaver. The police then mopped up the dead body and Holmes started to piece together what sort of person the possible shooter could be he realises it was Watson, but the officer he is jabbering to is seemingly blank minded despite Watson being straight ahead of him.

The whole thing seemed farcical, whimsical, and full of cheesey jabbering by Holmes that was seemingly endless. I thought that the idea of Sherlock Holmes was that he was ahead of his time and revolutionary in his methods as he solved impossible crimes. This incarnation of Holmes is not ahead of his time, is not revolutionary and he doesn’t appear to offer anything more to the police investigation than their forensics team could. Imagine all the characters of CSI Las Vegas and their technology jammed into one cocky and constantly jabbering idiot in a rain coat – you have the new Sherlock right there.

I shall not be watching next week.

Top Gear

The new searies of Top Gear rolled on with an Aryton Senna special as well as Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz being the stars in a reasonably priced car.

This week’s episode was not as laugh out loud funny as last weeks', but is wasn’t all the worse for it. This week’s touching look back over the career of Formula One great was tear jerking and awe inspiring. Racing drivers of past and present relived their memories of Senna with Martin Brundle analysing his racing style, Schumacher stating Senna was better then himself and Lewis Hamilton stating Senna was his hero and as a 9 year old boy he cried behind his trailer when hearing of his death.

I remember Senna when I was younger, but I was never his biggest fan as his main rival was the Brit Nigel Mansell. But this film showed me the side of Senna I had forget. He once stopped his car and dived out to help a fellow driver who had crashed and he helped a lot charities in his home country of Brazil. On the flip side his racing style was to stick his nose into the area of the corner his opponents were hoping to use in order to see if they would carry on or pull out. If they stopped and let him have it he had the pyschological edge on them, if they didn’t he was willing to risk the race and keep his car in your way. He was a man with two completely opposite sides that created one fantastic racing driver.

Also in the episode Lewis Hamilton got to drive Senna's Mclaren that Clarkson claimed was ‘the last of the turbo charged monsters’ and Hamilton looked like a kid on christmas morning unwrapping his first pushbike. Hamilton grinned like a chesire cat and stated that he had just achieved one of his life's ambitions.

Cruise and Diaz then tried to become the fastest star in a reasonably priced car. Diaz first was quick and full of profanities as she muscled her way to the top of the leader board. However, she was over shadowed by Cruise who took Gambon’s corner on two wheels to dethrone Diaz from top spot. Clarkson even looked humbled to be in their presence. Not a sight often seen.

I look forward to next week’s instalment.

John Bishop's Britain

I am a massive fan of Bish and was over the moon to see he had his own show on prime time TV. The show itself is a strange mix of sketches, interviews with real life people and Bish linking it all together with a bit of stand up and presenting in between. The format was a little strange at first, but the hilarity of it made sure it was easy enough to adapt to.

The first week’s subject was love and marriage with Bish's own story of splitting up with his wife, getting into comedy and through that getting his wife back. Using facts and research as well as interviews with others he discussed the topic with his typical wit and the show seemed to have a point rather than just gag after gag. With Bish discussing his own personal life quite frankly and delving into the personal lives of members of the public the show has a genuinely personal touch to it. Instead of the usual format of the comedian reeling off jokes as he ridicules all around him it was refreshing to see a different approach to comedy. The show seems like a look at the quirky side of everyday life and how surreal real life can be.

One of my favourite lines came when he talked of the night he was on stage performing when his Ex was watching. He came off stage, approached her at the bar and asked her why she was there. She told him he looked like the man she used to know, he had a spring in his step and a sparkle in his eye. She then asked what happened to that man. Bish replied ‘I married you’. Beautiful. He does state he his now back with his wife and it was comedy that brought them back together and he will always be grateful.

John bishop’s Britain is a comedy show with a gentle difference and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.

Brian Clough: The Greatest Manager England Never Had

Following BBC’s broadcasting of The Damned United a week or two ago was this documentary charting the career of Brian clough. Clough was a little before my time, but I do remember his final days at Nottingham Forest before his retirement and the public out pouring upon his death. I caught a bit of the Damned United that evening, but I have seen it before and loved it. I knew that the Clough family were not keen on the book that the film based upon and the writer admitted it was fiction based on fact. I was looking forward to the documentary to see the ‘real’ Brian Clough.

The documentary was fascinating as it followed Clough through his career as a manager. One thing that was immediately clear is that what he achieved was very specal indeed. To take Second Division strugglers Derby to winning the First Division was a great achievement. Then followed his dark 44 day reign at Leeds that eneded in disaster and may well have buried a lesser men. But not Ol’ Big ‘Ed. When he took over as Notts Forest manager they too were Second Division struggles and he took them to back to back European Cups beating the holders Liverpool in the first round in 1978/79. An achievement that even the great Sir Alex Ferguson has been unable to equal with his mutli million pound squads.

Clough's style of management was controversial to many, but so effective. He created the emphasis on team and working together as a unit. Many of his best players were not world superstars, but grafters and hard workers. He bonded them together and made them play for each other. His methods for doing so were as weird and wonderful as Clough himself. It's documented that he has at times not spoken to his players during a half time break and he gave his players booze the night before certain games to ease their nerves. In my opinion he created a new form of management that has been echoed by other managers. The way he creates the team unit and feeling of them against the world is evident in the managerial style of Jose Mourinho amongst many others. Phil Brown giving his half time team talk on the pitch was a novel idea possibly inspired my the methods of Clough. Clough knew how to create a reaction in his players and Mourinho, Brown and many others attempt to do the same.

Clough was undoubtedly phenomenal at what he did – manage. Despite the self chosen nickname of Ol’ Big ‘Ed he remained humble when stating that his achievements would not have been possible without his number two – Pete Taylor. In the documentary Clough is even moved to tears when he talks about missing Taylor shortly after his death.

What came across in the film was Ol’ Big ‘Ed’s character. Clough's confidence oozed from his every word, his dry wit and humour were never far away when he sat in front of a camera and he never held back his thoughts because he always thought he was right. He was indeed a huge personality and character, of which I think Martin Sheen captured perfectly in his role as Clough in The Damned United. One player even remarked that when he shut his eyes he thought it was Clough on the TV Sheen was that good.

It was also clear how much Clough was admired by his players, colleagues and almost anyone else in the game. Bobby Robson explains that he tried to convince the FA to give his England job to Clough during the Eighties as he thought he was the best man for the job. All the players that played for him, except the Leeds team he inherited from Don Revie, speak volumes of him and several of his players have gone on to become good managers themselves including Martin O’Neil.

I learnt a great deal about Clough through the documentary and immediately noticed his effects on the game. He may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but I don’t think anyone wanted to see Clough's career end with relegation and his life suffer difficulties though alcohol. I think Clough should, and will, be remembered for his legacy in the game, his achievements and the drama he brought to football both on and off the pitch. Football, and the world, seems a slightly less interesting place without Ol’ Big ‘Ed.

Moto GP

Laguna Seca is my favourite race circuit with the most famous and terrifying corner in motor sport - the corkscrew. Today's race wasn't the most thrilling this season and not a patch on 2008's outing, but worth the watch none the less.

Lorenzo breezed to another win and extended his title charge after his nearest rival and the race leader, Danny Pedrosa, dumped his Honda in the gravel trap.

However, it seems that no matter who wins and in whatever style they do so it's never enough to get the race headlines. Valentine Rossi steals the show again with a third place finish despite it being only 7 weeks after he suffered a compound fracture in Italy. As well as struggling with his leg he is still recovering from a shoulder injury. Rossi is just in a league of his own as always and continues to astound audiences.

Lorenzo edges closure to his first world championship with a 72 point lead as Moto GP takes a three week break before resuming in Brno.

You Have Been Watching

I'm currently led on my settee watching this weeks You Have Been Watching. Charlie Brooker's series this week looks at childrens tv with Mark Watson, Chris Addison and Holly Walsh on the panel. Brooker's approach this week is as dry and close to the bone as ever and he states in his typical wit that he wasn't taught songs as a child and now when he is happy and he knows it he doesn't know what to do. He continues by asking if someone will explain to him how a bus moves. That pretty much sets the tone of the show in no uncertain terms.

One of the shows Brooker and his panel watch is a South Korean show where a dog poo learns that if he melts into a plant he can become a part of the flower and help a flower blossom. The doo pop is also subject to racism from a cow poo. Is this really what they teach their children in Korea???

Brooker later likens Hannah Montana to Nazi architecture. The show continues in same vain as Brooker spits his comments out with his usual venom. The panel pitch in and seems that not one of them has enjoyed anything they have watched. Which makes it all the funnier.

Towards the end of the show Brooker even snogs a puppet! If nothing else this weeks show has proven that there are some unbelievably surreal childrens tv out there. And Brooker can make anything funny, even if you know it shouldn't be.

Rich Hall's - How The West Was Lost

Following on from Mr Hall's satirical look at the 'Dirty South' and it's Hollywood persona Rich last night turned his attentions to the Wild West.

Hall analyised the history of the Western from it's inception up to Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven he informed the audience as to how certain films were repesentative of US politics and society of their time. He discussed how the Western was threatened by it's own saturation of the market and how it constantly reinvented itself when it became to stale. It was interesting to hear Hall's thoughts on what made a good Western and what it represents to Americans. Since Hollywood began they have been churning out Westerns and the American cinema going public love them. Hall puts this down to the cowboy being the quintessential American - individualist and morally upstanding. Plus he shoots guns.

The show is effectively the autopsy of the Western genre in cinema as Hall tracks it's highs and lows at the box office and tries to put his finger on the point the Western died. During the show I was informed as to my ignorance towards Westerns in thinking that the films I had seen (mainly from 1970 onwards) were the best of the bunch. Hall shows little enthusiasm for the spaghetti westerns of Leone or those that followed it and cites Unforgiven as the only western worth watching since the days of John Ford or Sam Peckinpah. I shall be revisiting my own Western collection and digging out some of the films noted by Hall as I intend to one day make a contemporary Western of my own. Not an easy task I know.

Hall's typically dry humour and interesting way at looking at the world kept my chuckling and the subject of his film was informative. As a massive fan of Westerns and a filmmaker myself I found the show interesting, intruiging and thought provoking, but it's clear that you don't need aspirations of a Hollywood career in order to enjoy it. However, a fondness for Westerns will help.

Productive Tutorial On My Very Mini Holiday

I had a mini holiday yesterday. I dived in the car for a trip up the M4 to Egham, Surrey for a tutorial with Adam Ganz at Royal Holloway. It was raining when I left Wales and beautiful sunshine when I arrived in Surrey.

My tutorial was very productive and Adam has given some very interesting things to think about and I'm itching to get writing an episode of my TV serial.

Then I dived in the car and drove back leaving the sunshine behind me. When I reached the Severn Bridge and the gateway to Wales huge dark clouds loomed over the Bristol Channel. No sooner had my wheels touched the bridge the heavens opened and visability was down to zero. Don't you just love Welsh weather!

I need a holiday. Some where warm, sunny and with a nice sandy beach and cheap beer.

Last Night's TV

After a busy afternoon of pre-production I settled in for some TV before an early night. I was flicking through the channels when I came across Danielle Lineker - My New Step Family. I wasn't interested in watching it in the slightest until I came across it twenty minutes into the programme and ended up watched the rest of it. I'm not sure why.

I thought it was an interesting and informative programme about step families with Danielle trying to find her rightful place in the Lineker family, but it wasn't exactly thrilling. I thought Danielle came across as a nice enough person, but not really a personality. Gary reduced his appearance to the odd walk passed the camera, a small conversation with his wife at the end of the programme and an attempt at a BBQ. The only time he seemed to show any passion or enthusiasm to anything was when he was watching football through his patio doors. Nothing he said really added to the programme or shed any new light on the issue of step families. His son George, despite having a shed load more screen time than his father, possibly added even less. As Danielle attempted to bond with George he mumbled, looked away from the camera and occasionally smiled. Apparently they did a lot of bonding on holiday, but we didn't get to see that.

The programme wasn't a disaster as such, but I'm not sure if I would be tuning into the Linekers every week if they decided to make it a series.

I then flicked through my Sky Plus to find last night's Shooting Stars recorded and ready for watching. Again - phenomenal! Vic and Bob really are back on form and I was, for the second week running, laughing out loud alone in my living room. Every gag went down a treat and I was in stitches. The highlight of the show for me is a toss up between two things. Either - former Pussycat Doll Kimberley putting her hand through a hole in the wall to feel and try to guess the beast and being horrified by the touch of bangers and mash. Or the true or false question - Iraqi men use a black pudding as an emergency moustache?

Shooting Stars sticks to almost the exact same formula it did years ago, but some how keeps on making me laugh. I cannot wait for next week's installment.

Dreamtime - Pre Production

Today has been a mix of laziness and hard work. After walking the dog this morning I
I had planned to get a lot of work done, but instead I sat around, watched tv and then did some food shopping.

After eating lunch I then watched more tv and played on my IPhone. I thought the day had been wasted. Then I knuckled in my newly created office and started the pre production of the five min film I'm making. I bashed out the shot list and storyboards and just have to mark up the script. I'm pretty happy with my work and confident I've covered all the shots I need and have a decent blue print to shoot from.

Now for some more tv and then bed.

He Got Game

I decided on a night in with a film last night, as I was knackered from being in work all day. I’ve got a stack of borrowed DVDs I’m meant to wading through as well as The Wire Season 1. However, I decided to settle and watch my recent purchase – Spike Lee’s He Got Game. I first watched the film on Sky Movies a few years back and absolutely loved it. At the time I couldn’t find it anywhere in the UK on DVD and could only find American versions that wouldn’t play in my DVD player. When I stumbled across it on Amazon a few weeks ago I knew I had to have it. And last night I settled in to watch it.

He Got Game is a sports film a difference. Denzel Washington plays Jake Shuttlesworth – an inmate at Attica Prison, New York state. His son Jesus Shuttlesworth, played by basketball pro Ray Allen, is basketball’s number one high school prospect and everyone is talking about him. Jake is offered the chance to cut short his sentence by convincing his son to enrol at Big State – the Governor’s University. Jake is tagged and watched by two parole officers as he is given one week to return to Coney Island, Brooklyn and get Jesus to sign a letter of intent for Big State.

Jesus doesn’t welcome the return of his Father and refuses to acknowledge him, let alone forgive him for the reason he is doing time – accidentally killing Jesus’ Mother. Jake bides him time and hopes that his son will come around. Jesus is finding ‘the most important decision of his life’ becoming more difficult as everyone tries to get a piece of him. His basketball coach offers him cash for information, his girlfriend tries to get him to sign with an agent who can get him straight into the NBA and his Uncle demands money from any deal that takes place. It seems everyone has an opinion on what Jesus should do including the little sister he is raising himself, Mary.

As Jake gradually gets more and more time to talk to Jesus we see the barriers between them slowly erode, but never completely removed. In a series of flashbacks we also see how Jake pushed Jesus hard on the courts from a young age. Jake’s tough love parenting is evidently what has made Jesus the player is, but it is also the reason they are so distant. Jake’s continual pushing also led to the argument that saw him push Jesus’ Mother and her hit her head.

In one moment between the Father and son Jake tells Jesus that he wasn’t named after Jesus of the bible, but after basketball player Earl Monroe. Monroe was Jake’s favourite player of all time and they called him Jesus – because he was the truth. Jake tells Jesus how Monroe lit up the courts of North Philledalphia then the NBA before the Knicks ‘put the shackles on him’. The barriers between the two of them break down and Jake reveals his true motive and reason for being out of prison. It isn’t receive well and Jesus thinks his Father is just as bad as everyone else. Jake reminds him that everyone else isn’t his Father. As Jake hugs Jesus before he leaves Jesus shows no emotion.

As Jesus heads out of town to be courted by Tech University he sees what is on offer for a big time basketball player at these colleges – women, notoriety and even more women. The entire college loves him and his head spins as he ways up his options. Jake pushes Jesus’ girlfriend for information on what her motives are, tries to scare Jesus’ cousin Boogers into finding out where Jesus has gone and assures his parole officers that he can get the job done. However, it’s clear Jake feels things are slipping away from him.

Jake finally catches up with Jesus in the courts outside of his building and it’s his final throw of the dice. Jake offers to play Jesus and if he beats him Jesus must promise to sign the letter. Jesus is clearly the better player and although Jake gives it his all he loses. Jesus throws the letter to the floor and Jake asks him if it makes him feel a man. Jake then leaves Jesus with one last piece of advice – Jesus should look after himself and his sister and not to worry about him. He insists he needs to get the hatred out of his heart or otherwise he’s going to end up ‘just another nigger’ – like his Father.

The day to decide comes and the press gather in the school gym to find out Jesus’ intentions. A note is read on his behalf stating that he shall be enrolling at Big State University and that his family pray for his Father’s release. Jake’s release isn’t awarded to him on the technicality that he didn’t get his son to sign, but Jake is pretty accepting of this. In a letter to Jesus Jake lays his feelings out and states that he has found a pair of shoes that fit him, even though they hurt like hell.

He Got Game is an amazing story of forgiveness set against a stunning basketball background. The beauty of the game is elegant and the entire film feels like a one on one match between Jake and Jesus. Each of them playing against the other in an emotional battle. However much Jesus tries to be his own man it is clear he is his Father’s son for better and worse. The struggle between Jake and Jesus, as well as their own individual battles with themselves, is beautifully told and accompanied by a phenomenal Public Enemy soundtrack. Spike Lee’s direction is a fantastic way of telling a story with flashbacks, images intercut with exposition and the use of juxtaposition to show their similarities and differences between his tow main characters.
He Got Game is one of my favourite films and an amazing example of how a sports film can be different and break the normal formula so evident in almost every other sports film. This film has definitely got game.

Top Gear

Nothing better on a Sunday evening than a bit of grub and Top Gear. And tonight's show was a beauty. I was howling with laughter at the motor homes they built and their trip to Cornwall. If I had the choice of the three motor homes I think I would have Clarkson's. There's nothing worse than the utter lack of space when camping and so that rules out May's shoe box. The other thing that ruins a camping holiday is being wet, cold and subject to the elements - so that rules out Hammond's monstrosity. Clarkson's, although dangerous to drive, had space and an element of comfort, but i think i'd swap the hammock for a proper bed. It would probably be advantageous to tie it down too so it doesn't flip over in the wind.

The Top Gear team always know to tickle their audience even if it does feel staged at times. Top Gear is the perfect blend of informative motoring, fantasy cars and comedy capers. You learn a little, drool a little and wet yourself laughing quite a lot. It must be said that presenting Top gear looks like the perfect job. You get to drive fast cars, travel, meet celebrities, have a laugh and make a shed load of money too. I wonder if they are taking applications.

I can't wait for next week's show.

Inception

I have been waiting for weeks to see Inception. After Christopher Nolan’s stunning achievement on The Dark Knight and with the trailers looking phenomenal I knew I had to make it to the cinema. Friday night myself and Mr Stone frequented our local picture house. And I wasn't disappointed.

Leonardo Di Caprio plays Cobb, a man with a dark past who has a talent for stealing secrets from other people's dreams. In exile from the U.S.A and away from his young children his late ex-wife haunts his own dreams and compromises his latest job. When it goes wrong he is about to run when the target offers him a job and the opportunity to return home to his children. However, this isn’t any ordinary job. He’s not stealing an idea - but planting one.

Cobb assembles his team, they track their target and set in motion their plan of attack. As they board a long distance flight they slip their target into a deep sleep and enter his dreams. The job becomes instantly more difficult when they realise that their target has been trained and his subconscious is able to protect itself. As they build and navigate the dreams whilst fighting off armed guards they come across some amazing and mind blowing obstacles, but none more dangerous than Cobb's late ex-wife. As she torments Cobb and threatens not only the job, but all of their lives it looks increasingly as though they may not make it out of these dreams.

As they head deeper and deeper into dreams the world around them becomes unstable. Time, space and reality all blur as they try to convince the target that they are on his side and nudge him in the direction he needs to go to believe the idea they need to plant is his own. As they are about to achieve their goal Cobb’s ex-wife sends their target into a state of limbo and all seems lost. Cobb must go himself into limbo and face his ex-wife in order ensure the target makes it out of the dream and the mission is completed. Cobb battles with his guilty conscious after his ex-wife’s suicide and she tries to convince him to stay with her in limbo. He has to convince himself that this world isn’t real and that only by expelling these thoughts can he save himself. As he wrestles with his emotions, his ex-wife and his subconscious he struggles to gather what is real.

When the team all wake from the dream at the other end of the flight it seems the job has been a success. Cobb passes safely through customs and arrives home to see the faces of his beautiful children. However, has Cobb made it home for real? Nolan leaves us to make our own judgement on whether Cobb has made it out or if he has found a compromise in his dream world.
Inception is a complex film with such a clear and simple theme - you cannot overcome your conscious issues until you have conquered your subconscious demons. Cobb cannot get the job done unless he deals with the deepest, darkest secret in his mind - the guilt of the death of his ex-wife. It haunts him from start to finish. Di Caprio puts in another faultless performance as he pushes himself to forefront of Hollywood actors. He seems to thrive in any role he undertakes and Cobb was no different.

Inception is intriguing at it's weakest points and mind blowing at it's strongest. The film twists, turns and the plot thickens as their journey becomes stranger and more difficult, but not at one point does it feel pretentious. Some of the symbolism is fantastic. Cobb having built an elevator in his mind travels down to the deepest part of his subconscious where he has built a prison for his ex-wife as he tries to keep her locked away - just as he does his guilt. It's absolutely stunning.

The first half of the film has a lot of exposition and explains how it all works, but as the film progresses you get sucked further and further into story. At points I could feel myself on the edge of my seat, mouth open and heart beating. I empathised with Cobb has he fought his inner demons and the guilt that was tearing him apart. At times I was almost moved to tears.

An absolutely stunning piece of cinema from Christopher Nolan once again as he pushes and shoves his way to the top of the A-list directors pile. Following on from his phenomenal success of The Dark Knight this is a film that Nolan has been rumoured to have been writing for ten years. His talents seem endless and he is a true inspiration to aspiring filmmakers like myself. The one thought that niggles in the back of my mind though is that if Britain can produce this sort of talent why do filmmakers such as Nolan have to go to Hollywood? I don’t know. But, I’m glad he has as he seems to be raising the bar in an industry where good enough is often not good enough.

Mr Nolan and Mr Di Caprio – I take my hat off to you both.

Busy Day

I decided against going to work today as my neck was killing me and instead went for a physical and financial raping from my chiropractor. I think it was worth it, but after checking my bank balance I doubt I can afford the next appointment on Tuesday. Especially I'm about four weeks away from my next pay check and have to drive to Surrey on Wednesday. I have managed to work on my TV serial bible today though.

Oh the joys of being poor. I'm hoping that sometime very, very, very soon someone is going to hand me a big cheque with my name on it and end my worries.

For an address on where to send those big cheques email me at djhaza@hotmail.co.uk

Dirty Goods Video

I very productive and positive meeting with the Dirty Goods last night has gotten my creative juices flowing. Looks like Scratched Print are going to be making a video for their track 'Millionaires' and I shall be directing it. The guys loved my idea and Im about to finish the preliminary script for it.

Dragon's Den

Dragon's Den returned for a new series this evening and due to their being sod all else on I decided to have a gander. I enjoyed it. It's like Britain's Got Talent for those with a brain. You get some genuinely intelligent people with some great ideas trying to secure funding for their company and products. Like BGT it does have the odd idiot who hasn't got a clue, but rather than see a toothless dole bum who thinks he sounds like George Michael, you get a business person who has t thought their product through. The Dragons can also be as scathing as Simon Cowell and his cronies with their blunt assessment of some aspiring entrepreneurs. The main difference between the show is that you don't have look at Amanda Holden's rubber face and the Dragons have a slightly more sophisticated way of letting the wanna be's down than a large red cross.

Dragon's Den does also have the odd gem. One person was very successful this evening with her frozen dessert product and her touching back story. I admire her work ethic, drive and her product immensely. I wish her all the best. However, I couldn't help but expect Ant and Dec to come out and give her a slow motion hug whilst an inspiring Take That track plays triumphantly.

Article No. 2 - I'm Sorry, But You've Lost Me

I've finally gotten around to finishing the Lost article I was writing for flickeringmyth.com and I'm pretty happy with it. It vents my frustrations at the show, but hopefully is worth a giggle also.

One less thing on my list of things to do. Now onto the next - polishing my character profiles for my TV serial.

And - my neck is feeling a lot better today. Looks like I'll be back in work tomorrow. Boooooo!

Dreamtime

I've redrafted the bird film after feedback from those involved and I now think it's finished. Hopefully. I wait to here from the others, but I think it ticks the boxes and will be fairly easy to shoot. Hopefully we can turn it around quickly and get it done by the end of summer. I'm quite looking forward to the practice behind the camera.

Maradona by Kusturica

Late last night I sat and watched this documentary. Being football mad I like to think I know a lot about football and footballers of past and present. However, Diego Armando Maradona is a player who's infamy overshadowed his ability in my opinion. Everyone has seen the goal of the century he scored against England which was absolutely phenomenal, but personally I couldn't be a fully fledged fan of Maradona's due to his "Hand of God' goal. Until last night.

I'd never seen a great deal of Maradona playing as he was before my time and not of interest to me due to his apparent lack of morals. What came across to me last night was that whether you agree with actions or not he does have certain moral standards. Fair enough he cheated, and badly, by scoring with his hand against England in 86 and has had a very tempestuous life off the field. But... he came across like a man who knows he has done wrong and doesn't mean to. He also has a strong morally based outlook on life and this is reflected in his view on world leaders and politics. He may be a difficult individual at the best of times and has made several major mistakes, but he has also made some honorable decisions. He chose Boca Juniors over River Plate when he was younger despite the lure of big money from the opposite camp. He also understands that when he plays football he is inspiring an entire nation of people who's lives are effected by his every kick of the ball.

Argentineans are football mad and Maradona is hailed as a God. Literally! There is an actual church of Maradona where people worship the little man and have their own Lord's prayer centered around him. But is it all hype? Was he really that good?

The documentary brought to light an absolutely boat load of Maradona's goals that I had never seen before. Runs that saw him jink passed several players with the ball seemingly stuck to his foot. I have never seen anyone have total control over a football like Maradona. It really opened my eyes to how great a player he truly was. He single handedly won Argentina two world cups and Napoli, who were nobodies before his arrival, to the italian league. I have changed my view on Maradona since watching Kustrurica's documentary. Well worth a watch if you can admire the beauty of football.

Diego Armando Maradona - my apologies for doubting your abilities.

Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars is back on TV and back on form.

I used to love Shooting Stars when I was in school. I'd sit at the back of English with my mucka Gav Peters and repeat the jokes of the previous episode. When they announced that it was returning to our screens I was eager to see it, but the episode I watched of last series wasn't good at all in my opinion. I was quite disappointed. I thought that maybe I'd grown out of that random comedy. Or maybe Vic and Bob had lost it. So when I saw it on the old planner tonight I thought I'd give it a go, but wasn't convinced I'd like it.

I was wrong. It was just like the Shooting Stars I remember from my youth. Vic and Bob back on form. Random comedy. Swedish and sexist based comedy aimed at Ulrika-ka-ka-ka-ka. George Dawes has sinced been replaced by Angelos - who's interesting to say the least. The dove from above. The same old formula with a not so different team - but it worked. Some of the gags had me in stitches and I laughed out loud to myself several times.

I cannot wait for next week.

Rich Hall's The Dirty South

Oh yeah. I forgot.... now the footy has finished I was going to blog on all the TV and films I watch.

Rich Hall's typically cynical dry wit entertained as always and his unique take on the history of the Southern States of the USA was quite informative, although probably not entirely true. Hall took us through the many changes that the South has seen in it's history and referenced how those changes were reflected in Hollywood. Hall, as always, manages sound moody, look like he doesn't want to be there and rants about his chosen subject. And it's great. I enjoyed the informative nature of the show and Hall's dry delivery. He's like the miserable bloke in the pub who moans all day, but has everyone else in stitches. I learnt a few nuggets of info, that admittedly I cannot remember now, whilst tittering away and the program failed to be dull at one point. Hall is hilarious from start to finish and delivers one of the most entertaining history lessons you are likely to get. I'd imagine that it's available still on the IPlayer and well worth a butcher's.

Agony!

After pulling my neck again I decided to visit the doctors today and was told hat paracetamol, ibuprofen and a heat patch will do the job plus a trip to the chiropractor. I've been in agony all day and have spent all day on the settee. At times I can barely lift my head up. So... I've not achieved much. I've redrafted the bird script and I think I'm going to thrash an idea for a Dirty Goods music video now. But, I haven't been able to go shopping so the house is still empty of anything to eat or drink. I'm considering ordering a pizza. Again. I did have one Sunday, but it's buy one get one free on Tuesdays. Plus I doubt I'll make it out shopping.

Have You Missed Me?

Apologies. I've been out in the sticks of West Yorkshire for the last week for a Uni retreat and I don't think they've discovered broadband yet.


Anyway..... watched some footy, ripped up the second draft of my TV Serial script and started again, met a Dutchman and smoked a massive cigar, hurt my neck, got bored, had no tv, played football manager on my Iphone loads and then drove home. I did have a script feedback meeting with the head of development at Red Productions who seems to be keen on the Tv serial I am developing for Uni so fingers crossed when it's done she may want to try and take it into production.

I got home Saturday, drank too much, was ill all day Sunday, watched the World Cup FInal with a pizza. I wanted the Dutch to win, but they never. But then they didn't deserve it. They went about the game the wrong away and tried to bully their way to a win. A shame for a team with some fabulous players.

Since I;ve been back I've hurt my neck again and got an appointment at the doctors tomorrow and had four different meetings today.

I'm first Ading two Ma films and so met the directors of both, me and Matt met David about the bird film I'm writing and directing and we have decided to simplify the story again - but had some disagreements on how. Me and Matt also met the Dirty Goods manager, Grant, and discussed making some viral videos, docs and music videos for the band. Looks like there is going to be a lot of stuff happening for me over the rest of this year and hopefully big things are on the horizon.

Watch this space.

Waste Of A Day

I have not mustered an ounce of drive today and so have not even written a word before this. Not sure as to the reason why. But... today has pretty much been a waste of a day. I need to crack on with my re-write of the bird film I'm making, read my writing partner's script before I get to my week long Uni retreat 2moro afternoon and finish my Lost article.

Hopefully 2moro will be a lot more productive.

The Future's Bright, The Future's Orange

The mighty orange army have marched into the semis with a win over one of the favorites Brazil. Yet again they have stepped up tot he challenge and a great performance has put them through. I had a feeling about Holland at the start of the tournament and have a whopping fiver riding on them winning it at 9/1. Sneijder is the best player in the world right now in my opinion with his all round contribution to the team as well as his range of passing, creativity and goal scoring ability. I'm behind the Dutch all the way. Hopefully, Sneijder will win the world cup to go with his Italian treble with Inter and decide that he fancies a new challenge. He would fit absolutely perfectly into the Man Utd team and would be the catalyst for a shed load of trophies finding new homes in the Old Traffprd trophy room.

My other tip were the underdog Uruguayans. A good team that play nice and attacking football. My only concern is that they have a good first 11, but they are weak on the bench. Without Suarez upfront I think they are going to struggle for goals as Forlan can only do so much. Without the other outstanding player in the team they may just be a little light upfront.

Should be a good game between the two of them.

Dirty Goods - A Done Deal

Congratulations to the Dirty Goods who signed their first record deal last night shortly after coming off stage at Barfly in Cardiff.

The boys were spot on as usual and their new material is yet more quality. Their unique sound is a mix of Prince and Razorlight in my opinion and will appeal to a wide audience. I am supremely confident that they have the talent to build themselves a long and successful career.

I'm hoping to meet up with the band and their manager Grant when I get back to Newport after a week in Yorkshire so we can discuss a music video. I love the band and I'm absolutely desperate to make a video for them.

Again... Congratulations. It was only a matter of time.

Football Manager for the IPhone

Oops. I've only gone and paid 7 squid to download the Football Manager app. I used to be addicted to manager games, but they are all so long and complicated on the computer or PS3 nowadays. The IPhone version is pretty simple and basic, plus I can play it on the go, on the bog or the quiet. ideal for a boring meeting, a long sit on the throne or filling time in between nonsense.

I've got a feeling it's going to be very counter-productive though!

Job Offers Coming In Thick And Fast

Wow. Had a meeting last night with an MA Film student from Newport University about a 1st AD job on her final film. The idea seems really interesting and it looks like it's going to be a good production. Can't wait. The writer/director is also the DOP on another MA final film and I've been sent that script too with the view to me 1st ADing it. I was in talks with another MA Film student from Newport a few months back, but had heard that he had found another 1st AD, but now I hear it hasn't worked out. Hopefully, I'll get that as well. On top of shooting the short film about the bird for the financier and 1st ADing Matt's music video for The Calling Card it should be a productive summer.

Also - I've been sent a short film that someone wants me to look at developing into a feature. Tricky thing to do as a ten page script needs a hell of a lot of development to get it to 90 pages. But... I'll have a go.

My meeting today about the bird film went well tonight too and we I discussed some good points with the financier and I'm looking forward to giving it another look over and taking it to the next draft.

With tomorrow being my last day as a manager at the mobile phone retailer who currently abuses my time I need to start making as much money through film as I can.

A Productive Day

I've managed to get another draft of my Lost article written today and it's coming along nicely, but not quite done yet. Should be done by the end of the week and up on flickeringmyth sometime next week I'd imagine.

I've also re-written the bird script that Scratched print are developing for someone. Hopefully this time I've captured the moment better and the themes are more along the lines of what the financier wants.

Back To The Drawing Board

Okay.... so the financier who's idea I've developed isn't happy with my ideas. It works as a short film and ticks several boxes, but the theme of my idea is quite different to theme intended.

Back to the drawing board.

D.J. Haza - Handed Directors Role

I've been given the opportunity to direct a 3 minute film for Scratched Print after fellow Scratcher Nathan decided the work load was going to be too much. He had struggled to get the script done due to work commitments and admitted that it wasn't great when finished. Matt, who's taken the lead producer role on the project, asked me to have a bash at the script and it works as a nice little short we agreed. The script was passed onto the financier of the film who's original idea we have developed and are awaiting feedback. Hopefully we won't need to re-write too much and it will be ready for the pre-production process this week and I can crack on with my director's notes and provisional shot list. I'm quite looking forward to the challenge. I won't tell you what the film is about as you will have to wait and see.

The England Autopsy

Wow. What a shocker. England have not looked good at any one point during this World Cup and against Germany they were made to look pathetic. Some of these England players are regarded amongst the best in the world, but could only manage an average performance against Slovenia - who with no disrespect are not going to win it.

I don't know whether Capello's lack of English, players being played out of position or the pressure of England expecting was to blame for such average performances, but I'm sure they didn't help. those players need to go away and have a good, long and hard think about why they are professional footballers. Is it money? Fame? Celebrity? if it is they need to hang up their boots and become pop stars, film stars or TV presenters. If they became professional footballers because the thrill of having the ball at their feat and the ability to create something beautiful with that ball kept them up at night dreaming of playing for their club and country then they need to find out where that went wrong. Why they don't play with the same passion, desire and hunger that they did as children fighting to make their dreams reality. Over the last week they had the chance to make every small child, every aging fan and every footballer's dream come true for themselves and lift the World Cup. But.... instead they didn't turn up, didn't perform and didn't come close to making the dreams of a nation come true.

Was this England's last chance at winning the World Cup in this generation? Possibly. Are there enough top quality players coming through the English youth systems to fill the next plane to the World Cup? It doesn't look like it. England now need to accept that they are not one of the 'big' footballing nations. It's difficult to see where or when England's next big opportunity to win a major tournament will come. Maybe this is the end of the hopes of a massively under achieved footballing nation. Instead of thinking that maybe they can win the next tournament they should just hope to get out of the group stages and anything more is a great job well done. Not even the most positive mind can see light at the end of this long, dark and uninspiring tunnel.


RIP - England's quest for a second World Cup.
1967 - 2010

Saturday, Beach, Sunburn!

After arranging I had Saturday off thinking that England would win their group and I could make a day of it I decided to spend the day at the beach. Me and my mate Dave dived in the car and headed down to Rest Bay at Porthcawl followed later by Barney, Kershaw, Kershaw's little boy Jack, Lewis, his girlfriend Kate and their baby Alfie. What a beauty of a day! It was baking hot when we arrived at 12 and was still baking when we left at 5. The beach was rammed and I've never seen it so busy. We had a knock about with football, sunk a few beers, had a swim and chilled out with house music. This is what I miss. For the last 4 years I've worked in retail sales and as a requirement have worked most Saturdays. Now that I'm going back to part time and will only be working 3 days a week I can pick and choose my hours without any management responsibilities. That means more trips to the beach, more days in the sun and a fuller summer experience. I cannot wait. Actually.... I can wait. My shoulders are still purple with sunburn from Saturday so I'll give it a few days before I get out in the sun again. School boy error on my part not wearing sun cream I suppose, but never mind. If i keep lashing on the after sun hopefully I won't peel and I'll be a nice shiny brown colour before long. Goody gumdrops.

IPhone 4 - Finally!

FInally..... I managed to get my hands on an IPhone 4.

A trip down to O2 in Cardiff on Friday morning at 9am saw me getting the info that one of the other stores in Cardiff were having a delivery that day. I trudged across Cardiff to the St David's 2 store and got into the small queue expecting a 9.30 delivery. We were informed that the delivery was delayed and they weren't sure what time it would arrive. After peering through the shop window I noticed the store manager was a colleague I worked with in the Cwmbran O2 store a few years ago. I said hello, she gave me her number and promised to keep me up to date on the delivery. So I headed back to work.

Then lunchtime I was informed that the delivery had arrived. I shot down to the store asap and got into the queue with about 20 people ahead of me. After an hour of waiting I was in, out and back to work with my new phone.

Proud as punch I trotted back into my store and unwrapped my new prized possession. But..... I couldn't register with ITunes because the store internet is locked to certain sites only and because of how close the USB ports are on a MacBook I couldn't use my internet dongle. No problem I'll charge it and wait until I get home. But.... my old sim switched off immediately and the new micro sim went active. I wandered around the store trying to catch the signal of the router in the flat above on the airport of my MacBook. I managed to get a slow connection but it was enough. Within an hour it was up and running with all my messages, apps, music and photos from the back up of my 3GS.

So.... like a school kid on christmas morning I lifted my glorious new piece of kit and imagined all the wonderful things we could do together. I flicked through the menus. A bit swifter and slicker. I checked out the apps. They were the same as my 3GS. I fiddled with the camera. Wow it is pretty good, but I didn't have much to take photo of except my office. I checked out my photos. Some of my holiday photos from Thailand looked phenomenal on the new screen as they were taken on digital SLR camera. The screen resolution is out of this world. I can zoom into my Thailand photos and see the finest details. Great.

Then I sat and looked at it. My new IPhone 4. I had spent the best part of two days searching for one. I had queued three times in two days. I had bitched, moaned and ranted about not having one. I had dreamed of having one. So.... I put it in my pocket and went about my day.

The advertising from Apple states that 'this changes everything. Again.' And it doesn't really. I love it. After a few days of using it the new IPhone is slicker, quicker and more stylish. But, it isn't going to change my life. The 3GS changed the way I used my phone, the way I communicated and opened up a whole new world of apps, music, emails and internet on the go that I had never had before. The IPhone 4 does all the same stuff and not much new. Not revolutionary new anyway. The photos I took at the beach Saturday looking outstanding - great quality colour and so sharp. But, that won't change my life. You may ask what about facetime? Apple's new video calling system looks a great idea. However, I'd need to be using a Wifi connection, the person I'm calling needs to have an IPhone 4 also and be using a Wifi connection. it seems that if I want to take advantage of using facetime I need to arrange a time and a place to do so. Maybe I should call that person to arrange it. Okay. Say I do that. We get talking and discuss the facetime meeting, then general chit chat. Is there then any point in me calling to see them? I've already spoken to them. Do I just want to look at them? They could send me a photo, could they not?

If you've got a family and spend a lot of time away from them then facetime seems like the perfect tool. However, for me.... I'm not sure I'll be rushing to use it.


So was the IPhone 4 worth the hassle and additional cost? Of course it was! It's beautiful. It's slick. It's Apple. I love it.

IPhone 4 - Phenomenal

This should be a blog that gloats and glows full of praise for the phenomenal new iphone and all its wonderous new gadgets. But it isn’t. Not because the phone isn’t phenomenal. I wouldn’t know. I ahvent got one.

The mobile phone retailer I work for are stocking the iphone 4 and so I decided not to attempt to pre order anything from o2 because I would have the first phone off the shelf in my own store. Then Tuesday I was informed that my store wasn’t big enough and that I wouldn’t be getting stock. Fine. A good friend is the manager of a huge store in Cardiff centre so I called him. He obliged and kept one aside for me. Problem sorted. Then at 7.45 last night the powers that be in head office emailed all managers to state that due to their being a lack of stock all phones would be used for customers and were not available to employees. Balls. So I decided to get out of bed early – despite hardly any sleep due to a trapped nerve in my back – and get my ass down to o2 in Newport. When I arrived at 7.30 there were about 60 ppl ahead of me, but they assured us they had stock. I waiting until 9, after they opened at 8, and still only about 10 ppl had been served due to their systems running slow. By my calculations that would have meant I would have gotten served around 2pm. I wants standing around for that long and I had to go to work. I was late and so we opened late, and I had no IPhone 4. As I have already traded in my 3gs I am now phoneless altogether.

Thanks for looking out for the ppl who make you all ur money u c**ts.

En-ger-land!

I almost forgot to post on the England game. And now I can't really be bothered. The changes worked, they played better, scraped through. Hopefully they will build on this and the momentum will now grow.

The Germans are not invincible. they can be beaten. They topped their group, but didn't look great tonight. Should be hell of a game. England have never had a better chance of beating Germany as they keep wasting chances and their keeper is prone to the odd clanger. A win against the old enemy should see confidence saw and then they will be in full flow for the quarters and possibly a meeting with Argentina.

Finally Managed To Get Lost

This morning I finally managed to get around to starting my Lost article/rant. I watched ten minutes of the Sky One two part special - Lost: The Final Journey and decided that life was too short for two of the producers basically masturbating over their own creation as the most boring narrator on the planet summarizes the plot. I decided to check Lost fan sites and found some fairly interesting stuff, but most of it was people praising it despite it's many, many, many flaws. The most interesting and straight to the point lost summary was on a website called college humor where they flash through clips of Lost whilst a narrator asks all the questions that where left unanswered. And there were loads. I'm hoping to get the article finished and up on flickeringmyth next week.

Also - i shall soon be writing for a new film related website based in Cardiff called Radia. I'll keep you posted.

A Welcome Suprise

Last night as I joined The Calling Card's facebook group I wasadded my their drummer - Hobknob. An interesting character, but he seems a nice guy. He sent me a link to his website saying he was an animator. His website and showreel looks decent and I'm sure we can use him in the not so distant future for our own website and I may have an idea or two that requires a bit of animation over live action. Hmm - my mind is churning ideas.

New Music Video

I'm just back from a meeting with fellow Scratcher Matt and The Calling Card. The band are a poppy sort of rock band from Newport who are looking to make a name for themselves in the music industry and they want us to make their fist music video. They want a summery feel to a simple yet effective video and we will be happy to oblige. Matt will be directing it with me as 1st AD at present and we hope to shoot it in the next few weeks. They're a good bunch of boys and I hope they do well. Of course - if they do make a name for themselves we should be getting some repeat business with higher budgets. But, for now a cheap and simple video will work for them and we think we can make something good that they will be happy with.


Matt's bashing out some ideas and we are going to meet Sunday and go over them before we meet back up with the band to see if it's what they are after.

happy days.

The King Is Dead. Long Live The King.

At last - my successor has been found. Next Thursday shall be my last day as a Branch Manager. I've got two weeks of holidays then, which I shall be spending Yorkshire - my Mother lives there and I have a weeks retreat there for my Masters Degree. Then it's back to part time - unless a good offer comes up from any of the million jobs I applied for in our London head office.


Also - the IPhone 4 is released on Thursday and the first one in the shop is mine.

The Referee Had A Shocker!

How did the referee for the Brazil vs Ivory Coast game not book the Ivorians for some of their tackles, which included almost breaking Elano's leg, but he gives Kaka two yellow cards - one for Keita running into him and then holding his face?!?!?!?!

Keita should be banned for disgusting foul play and the ref banned for poor performance.

The ref did also miss two handle balls in one passage of play from Luis Fabiano when he scored his second.

Not a good game for him. He needs a shoe in!


It appears that some of the referees at the World Cup are world class and some are very poor. FIFA's rule of having referees from every competing nation seems to be a poor decision. For example - New Zealand doesn't have a professional league. So how can a NZ referee handle a game in the biggest competition on the planet with so much at stake? No idea!

I Hate Saturdays

I do indeed hate Saturdays. When everyone else is having a day off, wandering through the city centre, sat in a beer garden or heading to the beach I'm watching the world pass by through a huge window littered with mobile phone adverts. Work on a Saturday sucks. Big time! Especially is the weather is good because 1. you know you could be doing something better, and 2. nobody wants to buy a mobile phone when they can be enjoying the weather. I spent yesterday chomping at the bit and ready to sell. But, it's difficult to sell to an empty shop.

Two weeks left and then I have a fortnights holiday. After the holiday I'l be working part time and only three days a week. Thank God! I can then spend my time writing. I'll be poor, but I'll be writing. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices if we want to achieve our goals.

On a brighter note - the Dutch have won again. Germany looked good in game 1, but lost game 2. Spain lost game 1. England aren't worth mentioning. But the Dutch have back to back wins. And without one of their most deadly players in Arjen Robben. As much as I hate him, you have to admit we can terrify defences and create chances. Also - Wes Sneijder linked with Man Utd!!!! If we only buy one player this summer it has to be him. If we don't get him I think we need another attacking midfielder and a striker. Sneijder is the best midfield playmaker on the planet right now and in my opinion the only player who replace Paul Scholes. I shall follow this rumor with my fingers crossed.

Now I'm going to get some breakfast in me and get off to work. Yay. I've only got a million other things I could be doing.