SON OF A STRIPPER

Summer in the Boonies: From Vegas to Milford

2011-07-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'm back home in Milford.

Came back from Las Vegas the very end of May. And it's been quite a summer already. Knocking these scripts out, and trying to get some projects done back home here before heading back out west this fall. I always feel like when I'm back here at the house out here in the country, it's an artist retreat. Nothing to do except work on my art. What a life.

I'm so rich....

Stripper Stories: Episode 6 - The Ropes of Life

2011-03-08T20:36:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Opal, the Old Stripper, shares a story from her book about the ropes of life from being a stripperStarring Opal DockeryDirected by Jack TrumanA Dixie Production

Episode 5 - Guy Told Stripper "No Steaks if No Bed"

2011-03-02T18:09:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Grandma Opal, aka THE OLD STRIPPER, tells a story from her old burlesque days about a dancer who had to go to bed with a customer for a steak dinner!Starring Opal DockeryDirected by Jack Truman

Episode 4: Stage Door Johnnys - AKA Jack-Offs

2011-02-22T09:44:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Opal Dockery, aka The Old Stripper, shares a story about the customers from the burlesque theaters during her old dancing days!

Old Stripper Stories - Episode 3 - The Stripper Who Fell Asleep Having Sex

2011-02-16T07:54:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Opal, The Old Stripper, shares a short story from her burlesque days about a friend on her burlesque circuit who fell asleep while having sex!

Episode 2: The Drunken....

2011-02-10T10:12:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Opal shares her story of 'The Drunken Jack Off', from her new book 100 STORIES FROM AN OLD STRIPPER!

I Still Look Good

2011-02-05T13:50:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Opal talks about how good her body still looks as a senior citizen while eating her dinner in her recliner!

Mother's New 100 Stories Book Commercial!

2011-02-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

Watch Mother's brand new commercial book trailer for her new Amazon book 100 STORIES FROM AN OLD STRIPPER right now:

Independent Filmmaking: The End of Another Year

2010-12-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

Another year is coming to an end. And another one is about to begin. And life goes on for this independent filmmaker.

2010 has been one awesome fuckin' year. I can't believe everything I've accomplished this year. I'm the kind of guy that's always thinking about what has to get done. And never think about what has been done. Taking some time, sitting down, and just recapping the last 6-7 months of 2010 is an eye-opener for me. Not just filmmaking, but other projects and major events as well:

In the last year, as an independent filmmaker, I've got several of my award-winning short, shocking films to play in states we've never had anything play (i.e., Arizona, New Mexico, Kentucky, Oregon, New Jersey and more).

Several of our short films continue to win awards: PHONE SEX GRANDMA, Best Director in Oregon; THE OUTHOUSE, Best Innovative Filmmaker in Kentucky; and PAYDAY LOAN, Best Off the Wall Film in Atlanta, to name a few.

We made a Doritos commercial this fall. And will know very shortly if it plays in the 2011 Super Bowl.

Made a brand new documentary short film. And starting to submit it to film festivals worldwide, with the World Premiere coming up in 2011.

Finished making a new alternative experimental feature film project, about to release on a 2011 national underground screening tour.

Published 5 new books online for Opal, and setting up a book tour for her with her new books.

All of this, plus a new film I'm shooting, and another one in development.

It's rare when I get on her to write a few notes about my life. But when I start, I don't want to stop. I can't wait to see what the next year brings. I love making my art my own way. And seeing that there is an audience for my work globally. I'm living proof that you can be a well known filmmaker and be broke at the same time. Hmmm...that sounds like a good title for a book.

Until next time....

Jack

Check out the new library of alternative books from Dixie Publishing at:

http://lulu.com/dixiepublishing

Rockin' With Indie Filmmaking: Top Honors in Kentucky, Oregon...and More

2010-11-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

What a life.

Things just keep getting better and better. And I don't want it to end.

Our cult short films keep exploding on the film festival circuit. Case in point: this last weekend. PHONE SEX GRANDMA took Best Director at the Oregon Film Awards. And THE OUTHOUSE rocked Kentucky, winning Best Innovative Filmmaker Sunday night! What a weekend. And this coming Saturday, PHONE SEX GRANDMA returns to New York City, to play the Chashama Film Festival! Over 300 film festivals worldwide to date, and counting. This never gets old. Life is good.

This last weekend is like a shot in the arm. The short films, making my first feature film right now, working on a commercial, and tomorrow: Mother's 65th birthday. I'll tell you: being the Son of a Stripper has given me such a great life that no one can imagine. And now, being able to have my Mother, Opal as the creator, writer and star of these short films....it's a great feeling, and very satisfying.

I'm living proof that anyone can make a movie. I am an independent filmmaker. And make films that shock people, open their eyes, make them think and talk. And the world hasn't seen anything yet.

Check out our trailer for the upcoming feature film documentary THE OLD STRIPPER:

Today's L.A. Film Premiere, Our Books, and the Indie Filmmaking Life

2010-10-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

I love being an independent filmmaker.

It is a lonely life. But the rewards are great. To make movies that are important to you, that no one else can make....filmmaking can be very satisfying. Take it from me, the son of a stripper. My films are really out there. If there is an audience for my movies, I'm living proof that anyone can make a movie. No matter what.

A lot's going on this fall with our low-budget film company Dixie Productions:

Today is the official Los Angeles premiere of our award winning short documentary film THE ACCEPTABLE SIN! After over 30 film festival screenings worldwide, the film about the direct link between obesity and religion, finally plays L.A. today through Sunday, daily at the Blue Planet Film Festival.

Our brand new documentary short film 2 OLD WHORES is being released to the film festival circuit, scheduled to begin playing early 2011.

2 weeks ago, our hit comedy short film PHONE SEX GRANDMA rocked Atlantic City; last week, ACCEPTABLE SIN had its Colorado premiere in Pikes Peak; the L.A. premiere is this weekend; and next month, our award-winning documentary short film THE OUTHOUSE has its Kentucky premiere at the River's Edge Film Festival. To date, our short films have screened at over 300 film festivals worldwide. And continue to rock the festival world.

We are still in production for our feature film documentary THE OLD STRIPPER. After over 4 years of shooting, production continues for this upcoming mind-blowing feature film.

Other projects are currently in development as well.

And for our books.....

The book department of our business, Dixie Publishing, continues to release amazing books. Last year's inspirational autobiography THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER: A Mother's Story is available only on Amazon and Lulu. Recently, the new reference book ANIMAL CRUELTY LAW IN THE UNITED STATES, A Comparative Analysis, became available on Amazon. And our recent humor book 100 STORIES FROM AN OLD STRIPPER just became available on the internet library. You can check out all of the available books from Dixie Publishing's library HERE

One busy fall. With books and films. And with the life of an independent filmmaker - the son of a stripper.

The DIXIE PUBLISHING Library on LULU

Another Year Older....and Still Making Movies

2010-08-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Major life changes going on this summer for this independent filmmaker here in the middle of nowhere....

Life is short. And passes too quickly. I can't believe it was 5 years ago this summer that I was shooting my first film, the hit short film PHONE SEX GRANDMA, with one objective: to just make my first movie and submit it to Sundance and Slamdance. Now, 5 years later, with 7 short films under my belt, screenings at over 300 festivals worldwide, I am a filmmaker. Filmmaking is my life; it's in my blood. I just have to keep remembering that life is short; and that I need to keep on really living life.

No shortage here of that in the middle of the boonies. A lot's been going on this summer. Opal's got 3 books now on the market; over the next 5 weeks, our short films are playing in 6 different states (New Mexico, Arizona, Georgia, Colorado, Nevada and New Jersey); getting ready to submit our brand new documentary short film that's very close to my heart to Park City for 2011; and this Saturday, I turn another year older; I'll be 45.

These first 27 years of my film and stage career have been something else. I can't believe the full life I've lived; and continue to live each day. The places I've been; the things I've done; the life I've lived. And being the son of a stripper...has been a gift from above. This independent life....I have loved every minute of it. And continue to.

What will the next year bring? I can't wait.

Thank God I'm vegan. And more life changes are going on for me this summer. I cannot wait to see what direction this takes me.

I can't wait....

Read my Mother Opal's new book 100 STORIES FROM AN OLD STRIPPER at:

The Mad Filmmaking Summer Continues....

2010-07-10T09:34:00.001-07:00

Things are nutso here in farm country....

Just to prove, you can make a movie anywhere. Take it from this liberal filmmaker who lives in the boonies out of the Bible Belt....

A busy summer continues....filming this great feature documentary, about to start shooting a feature film comedy, have several editing projects lined up for the year, working on our publishing end, and the Vegas film festival this fall....

And life goes on...

One Busy Summer for True Indie Filmmaking

2010-06-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

This is one busy summer....

It's been a month or two since I've written a few lines. Things, simply put, have been nutso. It's been a month since I've got back home here in Midwest, Bible-thumpin' farm country from Las Vegas, and every day is a busy adventure.

Last weekend rocked. Had to take Mother up to Chicago for a major event that will be announced soon. More to come on that. Spending some time lining up our fall film festival in Las Vegas. Working on promoting Mother's STRIPPER book. And spending the entire summer working on our feature film documentary THE OLD STRIPPER.

It's been 10-11 months that I've taken a break from submitting our hit short films to the festival circuit. 300 plus festival screenings over 4 years for 5 short films ain't too shabby. But these last couple of weeks, we've received about 30 fee waivers for our short films to enter fests worldwide; and finally got those submissions put together and sent out this week. That was a job. It felt good; like old times. And for the invites, our first short film PHONE SEX GRANDMA is still leading the pack...

I love being a true indendent filmmaker. Screw Hollywood.

Got a lot of work to do this summer. This feature film THE OLD STRIPPER is gonna be one fuckin' awesome documentary. I've been shooting footage going on 4 years now in Missouri, Florida, Las Vegas and California; with more shooting to come. This is a story only we can tell. With me, being the son of a stripper, and Mother's life....I can't wait.

And this weekend, I get to spend Father's Day with my real father...my Mother Opal. Can't wait to share her favorite day with her on Sunday....

Investor Needed for THE OLD STRIPPER: The Feature Film

2010-05-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

A private investor is needed for our feature documentary THE OLD STRIPPER, a film about a 60-something former burlesque dancer from the 1970’s and 80’s, Opal Dockery, who takes a cross-country road trip visiting the cities on her old burlesque circuit. As Opal travels the country to discover the changes over the years, she also visits and interviews people living in those cities that remember the theater there in their town. An eye-opening film, THE OLD STRIPPER opens the public’s eyes to a lost era of adult entertainment.

$5,000 is needed to be raised to be used completely towards funding the total production expenses of the road trip for THE OLD STRIPPER. These funds will go towards all travel, lodging, transportation, food and production costs for a 2 month road trip visiting Opal's old dancing cities across the country.

For more info on the film, and to invest, email us at dixiefilms@hotmail.com or visit the Indiegogo funding page for THE OLD STRIPPER. You can fund the film directly at:

Watch the Youtube trailer for THE OLD STRIPPER at:

My First Filmmaker Blog this Month....

2010-05-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Life whizzes by....

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've written a blog with just a few lines about what's going on in my life. Life is busy; and crazy. I love being truly independent, liberal, and a free spirit....

Just got back home here in SW Missouri last weekend. Culture shock USA! From Sin City, aka Las Vegas, to Milford, aka Deadbeat County, population 52. Talk about a culture shock here in Bible thumpin', cattle country, conservative USA for this lifetime vegan. And I love it.

Seems like I'm surrounded here by half wits, retards, inbreds, and more. It's something else. People wouldn't believe there's still places like Andy Griffith's Mayberry, and Green Acres. But trust me. There are. With confederate flags flying all over the place.

Got a busy summer lined up....gonna be promoting Mother's autobiographical STRIPPER book this summer, lining up this fall's Sin City Underground Film Festival in Vegas, and have a few film projects lined up; looks like another busy summer!

Feels good to be back. Even though I'm surrounded by deadbeats, and people I would never sit and have a cup of coffee with, when I'm in my shack at Milford, it's true what Dorothy said in Oz....there's no place like home!

Look out, Deadbeat County....

The Old Stripper....My Mother

2010-04-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to start shooting footage today of Mother for our documentary THE OLD STRIPPER....

Living Life in Vegas.....

2010-04-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

It's a tough life as an independent filmmaker.

This is my first blog since New Year's Day. I can't believe 4 months have already passed by. Where have they gone?

I've been sticking to most of my new year resolutions....but it's a job.

It's hard to believe that it's a job just to find a few minutes to write a few lines. Making a living here in Las Vegas has been taking up most of my time this new year. I must be getting old; this sin city isn't like it used to be 20 years ago. And I don't crave getting out that much. Most of the time, when I'm not working, I do here what I do back home in my country shack and office; pretty much stay home, work on projects and try to get things done.

The STRIPPER documentary about Mother is chipping along....been filming footage here in Vegas these last 9 months. Hopefully, we'll be able to find a couple of days before she goes back home for the summer to shoot footage of her in L.A. and Hollywood. But it's chipping along.

There's so many projects to get done...this film, promoting Mother's STRIPPER book, getting her comedy act going, starting the film festival here in Vegas, and selling/distributing these films online. Lots to do; but it seems like there's no time to do it. The older I get, the more it seems a job just to live life.

Will write more soon....

A New Year: 2010, Resolutions and Life Changes

2010-01-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a new year....

Personally, I am so glad. So happy that 2009 is behind me, that I survived another year, that I have my health and am alive.

Now, it's time to make some major life changes.

I've been waking up this morning, drinking coffee, read the paper, lining the day out, and just filmed a New Year's filmmaker video blog for footage of our documentary feature film THE OLD STRIPPER. Got a busy day lined up...gonna leave the apartment here in a few minutes, take the city bus to meet Mother, then take her out to eat at Sweet Tomatoes for our New Year's Day vegan meal. Then get some things done this evening. Got a lot to do over the weekend.

Last night was fun. I took Mother to the Palace Station to bring in New Year's here in Vegas with her New Year's Eve bingo. We went out of the casino a little before midnite and rang the new year in by watching the fireworks display off all of the casino roofs at the Las Vegas strip from the Palace Station parking lot. That was fun.

Gotta be quick here....running out of time before having to catch the bus. But to put it simply, I'm making some major life changes beginning this new year. Here are my new year's resolutions:

1: No more drinking. Period. No liquor. That's it. Simple. No booze in 2010.

2: Focus on working a good job this year, and making money. Putting that as a priority this year over my art. I'm not getting any younger. And I don't want to be a senior citizen before I blink my eyes, wondering where my rent money's coming from next week. Primary focus on working, making money, paying off the Missouri property this year, and putting all of my art secondary as a part time hobby. Major life change here.

3: Sell Mother's new STRIPPER book worldwide and get her comedy act started here in Vegas. This will be a part time, in my spare time resolution. We got her book printed and available for sale on the internet worldwide thru Lulu. Now, this year, I have to find a way to let the world know about the book online, sell it, and tie it in with her comedy act. And start her going to open mics here in Vegas to get the local community here to know about her.

4: Make a feature film here in Las Vegas this year, have the first season of our underground Las Vegas Film Festival, start a filmmaking class here and sell our short films. These are the artistic things I want to accomplish as a filmmaker here in Las Vegas this year. But these will be part time projects, done in my spare time when I'm not working my regular job. These things will have to begin to take a back seat to my regular life I'm about to begin.

I'm looking forward to these life changes. A new year as a filmmaker, in Las Vegas, with new resolutions....life is good....

Buy Mother's new inspirational book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER: A Mother's Story only at Lulu at:

http://lulu.com/dixiepublishing

Watch the new Book Trailer for STRIPPER at:

The Lonely Life of a Filmmaker....

2009-11-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

Being a filmmaker is a lonely life.

Take it from me. I'm living proof. When you're a middle aged guy in your 40's, liberal, independent, weird in most people's eyes, and very set in your ways, it's pretty hard to be close to many people. Take it from me. It's a lonely life.

Here's an example: in my lifetime, I've had a full life. Been in the entertainment business for over 25 years. Won hundreds of awards as an artist, speaker, and entertainer. Lived all over the country. Lived my life my way, done what I want. And have entertained and taught people all over America.

And this pit stop....for now, is Las Vegas. Living life here right now, chipping away at my art, while making a living.

I love my life. But I will be honest. It's a lonely life. But to live a life like this, you have to be content with yourself, love yourself and put your goals, dreams and thoughts before everything. That isn't for everyone. I'm lucky. I'm one of the fortunate ones. I only have to worry about myself, and no one else. It may sound selfish. And when I die, there may not be many people around that even know I'm dead. But that's okay. I have to do and get done what I need to get done in this life. If if means being alone, then so be it. Sure, I'd love to meet someone I'd like to spend the rest of my life with. But I've been around for 44 years; and haven't met that kind of person yet. The older I get, the more set in my ways I get too....

It's great to have a life where you can do whatever you want; go where you want; live where you want; work where you want; film what you want; be healthy, and a vegan, liberal and independent in your way of living; but there are sacrifices. Working jobs with high turnovers. No financial security. No companion or social life. Living a life similar to a hermit. There are tradeoffs. But for me, it's worth it.

I love being independent, and living my life my way. I would'nt trade it for anything. Sure, I could have a great job and have worked it the last 25 years; be a Grandpa now, have nice material things, lived in one town my whole life, be fat and bald....but I prefer to be broke, independent, getting by, living life, doing my art, and opening people's eyes.

It makes it all worth it.

It's a lonely life....being a filmmaker....but it is a real life....really living life....

Working, Filming, and Living in Sin City.....

2009-11-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

Not much time to write these blogs....

This has been my first one in a few weeks. You'd think it wouldn't take much time to just write a few sentences here and there every few days.....but....

Times are busy and crazy here in Las Vegas; I've been working my job 6 days a week; filming footage for our new documentary film THE OLD STRIPPER quite a bit; trying to work and promote Mother's new STRIPPER book whenever I get a chance; and trying to keep a handle on all these projects.

Life is busy right now...and crazy.

And it keeps ticking along.....

The life of an independent filmmaker....

Life as a Filmmaker in Sin City...

2009-10-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well....

It's been a few weeks since I've written a blog. Simply put, I just haven't had time. You'd wonder, how hard is it to just take a few minutes here and there to write a quick blog? Well....I'm finding out, the older I get, and the more I'm trying to just get by and make a living...the less time I have to be on the internet. It's refreshing, to have a few minutes here on a Sunday night in Vegas to finally write another blog.

I'm sitting here in my living room, in my apartment just off the Las Vegas Strip. I like this little one bedroom apartment. It's nothing like my little spread back in Milford; but it's nice, having a nice little place to vegetate after a hard day's work in this city that never sleeps.

My new job is going good. Been working it here in Vegas for about 2 months now. Not much money, but enough to pay the bills out here and get by. All my time and energy these last couple of months have been put into my job. No focus on making movies and being a filmmaker at this moment. I need to find some time to get back to that. Hard to do right now, while being civilized and making a living.

Our brand new mockumentary short film PAYDAY LOAN will be starting the film festival circuit soon. Should know by Thanksgiving if it got accepted to Sundance or Slamdance in Park City. Got a good feeling that film will start out with a bang in Park City. It's mind blowing, and very relevant to the current times. Getting ready to start submitting PAYDAY LOAN to other fests too....

Our new hit short film FUCKIN' OLD BITCH is rockin'....this month, it rocked Birmingham's Sidewalk Film Festival. Just haven't had the time to focus on festivals these last couple of months....

Gotta lot to do here in Vegas over these next 6 months. Getting ready to continue production of our feature documentary THE OLD STRIPPER; planning on shooting a new short here in Vegas in the next couple of months; and this winter, shooting my first pilot here on the West Coast. Lot's going on!

Until next time.....another day as a filmmaker in Sin City, making a living and getting by....

Filmmaking in Vegas...and Living Life

2009-10-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Whew....

It's been 3 weeks since I've written a blog. Man...I can tell I'm getting old. I've been working my job hard here in Vegas this last month...and putting all my time, mind and energy in this job. By the end of the day, I'm drained; and just feel like being at the apartment here and not working on anything else. So all this online stuff, and filmmaking stuff has been on hold these last few weeks.....

In fact...to be honest...this is kind of refreshing. It feels good to be living a regualar life for change. Making a living. Working a job. Making a buck. It feels good.

I really want to get a lot done while I'm here in Vegas. Really need to start marketing Mother's new STRIPPER book. I know we're sitting on a gold mine here. I've just got to find time in the evenings to spend an hour or two each night online to promote and work the book. It's online on Lulu to sell; and if people just knew about it, we would be set financially. Gotta work it....

Trying to get the early stages set for our new film festival here in Vegas too. I know an underground film festival will go over here in town. Gotta find time to work on this...

Film wise, a lot's going on. Our new hit short film FUCKIN' OLD BITCH continues to rock the fest circuit worldwide. The film played Birmingham's Sidewalk Film Festival last week; and has played over 20 festivals worldwide this year since premiering in Orlando in March. Hopefully, it'll play Sundance or Slamdance in January!

As well, my brand new short film PAYDAY LOAN is submitted to Sundance and Slamdance. Want it to premiere at one of those fests. Should know the results by Thanksgiving. And then start submitting to festivals.

Later this year, I'll be shooting our next short film THE TRICK here in Vegas; and this winter, shoot our new tv pilot here in Vegas. Lots going on.

I just need to find time and energy outside of work to start working other things. It'll come....

I love being a filmmaker.....

Buy Mother's new STRIPPER book only at Lulu at: http://www.lulu.com/dixiepublishing

One Busy Week in Sin City.....

2009-09-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well....

My second week in Las Vegas has come and gone. And, to be honest, I'm wiped out at the end of every day.

I've been here 2 weeks. Got a new place; enough food to last me through September; a new job that I just finished my first full week; got the final great proof here this week for Mother's new STRIPPER book; filmed footage this week of Opal here in Vegas for our upcoming feature documentary THE OLD STRIPPER before she drives back to Missouri this week; and more. It's just a job trying to get by each day right now, get settled in Vegas and things started out here.

This coming week's gonna be another busy one. I'm trying to get my new job down good these next few weeks, and getting money coming in before I start focusing back on my film projects. I'm not looking forward to Mother heading back home. It'll be lonely out here without her. I know she could do well here in Vegas with her book, films and trying to get an act out here for her. But she'll be back out here soon enough. Also, this week, I'll have to start taking public transportation to get around. So that'll make things a little tougher. But I'm used to that. Been there, done that in Chicago and L.A.

Lots going on....and more to come....

I love being a filmmaker....truly independent....

One Busy, Rockin' Week as a Filmmaker....

2009-08-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, life is, simply put, just....great.

This has been one awesome week. Busy; non-stop; draining; restless; but very satisfying as an independent filmmaker, and as a free spirit.

I'm now in Las Vegas. Will be for at least the next 6-8 months. I've got 3 film projects lined up here in Sin City over the fall and winter; and have a lot more going on as well.

Opal took the drive out here with me; and will be here for the next week before she heads back to Missouri. We'll be shooting footage of her here in Vegas while she's here for our upcoming feature documentary THE OLD STRIPPER. So some good filmmaking lined up here over this next week....

Our short films are rockin' the festival circuit right now. Too much is going on. This week, our new hit comedy short film FUCKIN' OLD BITCH is playing the Atlanta Underground Film Festival; next week, our award-winning cult comedy short PHONE SEX GRANDMA has its Australia premiere at the Sydney Underground Film Festival; and this morning, I just got word that FUCKIN' OLD BITCH will have its Alabama premiere next month at Birmingham's Sidewalk Film Festival! Whew....plus, before I headed out here to Vegas last week, I got our submissions sent off for Park City 2010....sent FOB and our brand new comedy short PAYDAY LOAN to Slamdance; and submitted PAYDAY LOAN to Sundance. So we'll know by Thanksgiving (right around the corner) which ones make the Park City cut for January. I'm really crossing my fingers, and hoping that we'll have one short at each fest this time around. It would be a blast to have a film at both Sundance and Slamdance the same week! Anything's possible....

All this, plus trying to do some edits for Mother's new STRIPPER book that's available on Lulu. Over these next 6 months, there's going to be some major book expos, adult expos and conventions here in Vegas and Los Angeles. And I think it'll be a perfect opportunity to market and promote Mother's new STRIPPER book to the book and adult entertainment industry. And at the same time, we'll be able to promote our hit shorts and upcoming documentary THE OLD STRIPPER. Exciting times coming...I'm feeling really good about things.

Life is good....

The Trip Out West...and the Vegas Move

2009-08-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

Man....life is crazy.

It's been about 3 weeks since I've written a blog. Simply put, I have had no time to just sit down, relax and write online. I haven't been on the internet that much these last few weeks. But hopefully, now that some major life changes have happened, I'll get the opportunity to work on things more.

Alot is going on. Life is good.

Where do I start? Let's see....

First things first. And probably, the biggest news. I am now in Las Vegas. Yep. Who knows how long? We'll have to see how things go. Headed out from Missouri last Saturday, got here Sunday night, moved into my new place Monday, finally got things set up yesterday to start generating income very soon, and now, trying to work on getting things settled to work things here in Vegas this next year. Will be working a job to pay the bills, get by out here, and keep things paid up with the properties back home; and will be shooting 3 film projects here in Vegas over the next year. Busy times lined up for the next 12 months!

Opal made the drive out here with me. I rented a car; and figured it would be a free Vegas trip for Mother. Plus, while she's here, I'm planning on getting some footage of her here in Vegas for our OLD STRIPPER documentary. So I'll be shooting production of that film a little over the next several days...

Starting a new job this week...no details though; everything that is not film related I try to keep pretty private in my life...

And just to give a preview of what's coming up out here in Sin City for me production wise over this next year....I'll be shooting a new short film out here in Vegas later this fall, a television pilot over the winter and spring, and also shooting quite a bit for our feature documentary THE OLD STRIPPER. In addition, will also be working a lot on Mother's new STRIPPER book; got several expos and conventions we're lining up for this next year to get the book out there.

Hello, Sin City....you've now got an independent filmmaker here for the next year, at least; filmming movies, working distribution of films, publishing and production work, filmmaking, and living life....

More to come.....

A New Week: Filmmaking, Life...and Decisions

2009-08-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

This has been a rough summer.

Money wise, things are rough. Here in cattle country. Can't find a job. Not making any money. Working almost every day online applying for good jobs, bad jobs, teaching jobs, filmmaking jobs, and more....but still unemployed and broke.

Still making movies and exploding on the festival circuit....got about 20 fee waivers to festivals worldwide to mail my films out these next couple of weeks; our new hit comedy short FUCKIN' OLD BITCH screens this month in festivals at Atlanta and Seattle; trying to film footage when I can for my documentary of Mother, THE OLD STRIPPER; and trying to figure out ways to get these other film projects done, and make money with what I've already made.

Trying to sell Mother's new STRIPPER book to the world; have it online, on a website, with total control of sales; trying to get the book set up with Createspace so it's available on Amazon.com; but I'm having major issues with Createspace right now. And it doesn't seem like there's any time to really put aside to work the book hard online.

Have over 60 social networks online that I haven't had time to visit or network in months...

Working out at the house; going through years of storage, and hashing through buildings of things; trying to get my properties cleaned up.

Seriously considering moving back out west. Financially, nothing has been working for me around here for over a year; need to make a change.

All of this going on....and more.

I've got so much to do as a filmmaker and as a person living life...films to make, money to make, books to read, messages to get out, and more.

Life to live...movies to make....decisions to make....life is tough.

But it goes on....

The YouTube trailer for Jack's upcoming film THE OLD STRIPPER:

Own the award-winning hit comedy short PHONE SEX GRANDMA on DVD at:

https://www.createspace.com/255255

Own Mother's new book STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY at:

http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com

Watch the new Book Trailer for STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY:

This Week's Filmmaking - Shooting, Distribution...and the Name Change

2009-07-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

What a week.

This last week has been nutso out here in farm country. As usual, I'm busy non-stop...and my crazy life continues. This last week alone, we've been shooting on THE OLD STRIPPER, doing distribution for our films, and most importantly....officially got my name changed!

First things first....this morning, it became official. The court ruled that my name be legally officially changed to Jack Truman. Thank God. This has been a long time coming. I've been going by Jack Truman for over 10 years; I was born with my deadbeat dad's name John Kerney; but that life is now behind me. I'm born again with a new name; the name everyone has been knowing me by. Jack Truman is my identity on everything except my birth certificate; everything; license, social security, property, voting card, utilities...and more...everything; except my birth certificate. Now I can get that changed. Woo hoo! It's about time. Today is a great day, and a cause for celebration.

Film distribution: Distribution is flowing for our first films - PHONE SEX GRANDMA, THE OUTHOUSE, THE 60 YEAR OLD STRIPPER, THE ACCEPTABLE SIN and THE X-RATED GRANDMA. All are now available on DVD. And only through Amazon and Createspace. This is a job in itself; I'm trying to work one film at a time with online distribution; but I'm limited in the time I can spend online working marketing. Last week, promoted THE OUTHOUSE. Trying to pick which film to work this next week.

Film shooting: As a filmmaker, I love having control over my films. Until I start making money, I'll continue making films my own way as a filmmaker. Case in point: my current feature film THE OLD STRIPPER about my Mother Opal. We've been getting some footage shot these last few days about us talking of her old stripper days. It's great when I can get Mother in the mood to get on camera and discuss her old dancing days from the 70's and '80's. We've shot a lot over these last 3 years. And the film still has a ways to go before shooting is done. But we're chipping along, getting as much shooting done as we can right now with no money.

Yesterday, I worked a little with our online liberal church the Universal Equalitarian Church; did the first podcast, wrote a new blog, and update the church's Myspace site. Usually don't have any time to work on the church, with all my filmmaking work; yesterday was the first time in over a month. But hopefully, by the end of the summer, I'll have an online foundation for the church set up to start working from in my spare time.

Also, as a filmmaker, the film festival waivers have been flowing in this last week; for many of my beginning films - such as PHONE SEX GRANDMA, THE OUTHOUSE and THE ACCEPTABLE SIN. I don't pay waivers for festivals anymore, unless it's a huge fest that I just happen to have the money scraped together for (i.e., Sundance). But the fests keep coming along. And speaking of festivals, screenings are getting lined up for the fall already; and it's only July. August we'll have FUCKIN' OLD BITCH in Seattle and Atlanta; in September, PHONE SEX GRANDMA has its Australia premiere in Sydney; and more to come. Plus, I've got to get together next week my submissions of PAYDAY LOAN and FUCKIN' OLD BITCH together and sent off to Slamdance. Park City 2010 is just around the corner. I'm praying and crossing my fingers that next January, I'll have shorts playing across the street in Park City - at both Sundance and Slamdance.

All of this, and applying for college teaching jobs all over the country. I really should get back to teaching. These last 25 years...all I've done and accomplished...as an artist, filmmaker, director, writer, actor, teacher, speaker....I've got a lifetime of experience to help develop the next generation of artists, speakers and filmmakers. Hopefully, I'll be teaching somewhere this fall. We'll see....

Gotta go for now....wanted to just take a little time and reflect, write and update what's been going on this last week as a filmmaker out here in the boonies....

I'm living proof - anyone can make a movie....

Watch the YOUTUBE trailer of Jack's upcoming documentary THE OLD STRIPPER:

Buy Mother's new book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER at:

http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com/

Own PHONE SEX GRANDMA on DVD on Amazon & Createspace at:

https://www.createspace.com/255255

Health, Legal Issues, Filmmaking...and Life

2009-07-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

What a week....

This last week has been a life changing week for me. Simply put, a change of life has happened.

The last time I remember a change like this happening was 9 years ago, when I was sitting in my apartment in L.A., and decided to become vegan. And have not eaten an animal product since. That change has returned.

In a nutshell, this week, there have been health issues; legal issues; film projects; and a new direction with my future.

Something has been wrong with me healthwise these last couple of weeks. And I don't know what it is. The constant pain that's been deep in the middle of my stomach underneath the rib cage. With as much as I've been eating these last few months, I've been thinking it's been because of a weight change. But the more constant and deeper the pain, it's really got me worried that it could be my liver.

With the pain being right where my liver is, this has got me scared to death about my life. I don't want to die. Not yet. I have too much to get done before I leave. And I've seen too many people close to me die from their liver. I don't want to be one of those, and join that crowd. So, simply put, I need to change my life like I did 9 years ago.

5 days ago, I started on a raw food diet. Nothing but fruits and vegetables. And I'm feeling the difference. It feels like a combination of withdrawals and cleansing. I remember the last time I ate raw; 4 years ago in LA for a month, and was on a natural high like drugs, and shed pounds like crazy. I was thin as a rail after a month, and felt the best I've felt in my life. I want that feeling back. And I want to heal my body. All I've been eating is apples, garlic, carrots, celery, cabbage, olives and making a veganaise/mustard/herb mixture with red clover, flaxseed and paur'd arco as a dip for me to snack on celery with. Everything these last 5 days has been raw. And I'm starting to feel the difference.

Also, I've been drinking 3 cups of tea a day; dandelion root tea, peppermint tea, and a liver detox tea. All are good for the liver. And have also been drinking water contstantly. And pissing like crazy. Which is a good think. And also taking my shots of apple cider vinegar daily.

Along with this, 4 days ago, I started a 2 week Master Cleanse detox. For 2 weeks, I have to take these herb capsules daily for my liver, lungs, kidneys and immune system. And it's funny. When I take a capsule, within minutes I feel things going on in my body. It ranges anywhere from my stomach, to my chest, to my back, to my head....deep pains, and sometimes dizziness. Something's working inside my body. Between the raw diet, and the detox, my body is going through changes. For the better. I can tell.

In addition, another major change has happened; no liquor. I have had no liquor for 9 days now. No liquor; eating raw; doing the detox; my body is going through changes. And this is making me look at my life. Reflecting on the past; and thinking about the future.

I've been thinking this last week, hard, about my life. What I've done. Where I've been. What I've lived. And where I'm going.

I've been thinking a lot about the last 25 years of my life; my adulthood. In the last 25 years, I've lived some life; lived all over the country; been an actor, a writer, a director, a filmmaker, a teacher, worked many jobs, and more. And have had a full life. When I think about everything I've done, and everyplace I've been, I've lived at least 5 full lives in this adulthood. It's hard to remember everything. But when I reflect, and think about one thing, it amazes me, everything I can remember accomplishing at that one time. And that doesn't even include my childhood. Being the son of a stripper. Living a childhood on a burlesque circuit; and my military school life. And the high school years; and the Army years; so much has happened in this life.

These last 25 years, I've lived a life no one can dream of. And now, I've got to think about the next 25.

Some legal things have been going on this week too. I just heard from my lawyer in Kansas City, and have a court date at the end of the month for my legal name change. Hopefully, next month when I turn 44, my legal name will be what I've been going by for the last 10 years; Jack Truman. Then my birth certificate can be changed, and I won't have my deadbeat birth father, or as I like to call him, my semen donor's, name any longer. I'll have my own name, the one I've been going by this last decade, for the rest of my life.

Last week, I got new film made, and sent off to Sundance; my new short comedy film PAYDAY LOAN. I'm glad to have another film knocked out, to shock with people with. It felt good to have a new film to send off to be considered for Park City in 2010. Hopefully, the 4th time will be a charm. Every year, for 4 years, I've been sending a film to Sundance. Every year, one gets rejected. Slamdance about always shows my films. I'll be sending one to Slamdance next month. We'll see what this fall brings.

Plus, this last week has been different from the normal routine. Usually, I just work constantly on my film projects. But not this week. In fact, I haven't been working with them online at all these last 7 days. Usually, I spend at least 4 hours a day online working my social networks with my film projects. But not this week. This last week, online, all I have been doing is looking, searching and applying for college teaching jobs.

I am seriously considering returning to teaching at the college level. It's been 11 years since I've taught college classes. And have never thought much since about doing it again. But now, reflecting on my life, thinking about the things I've done, and my future, I think this is a good choice. I really think I should try to share with others, and teach others what I've learned from this life. With just these last 25 years, I've got a huge vault of life to dig into and share with the next generation of artists and speakers. And I can help them. I think this is a good thing to do.

The week before I started having these health problems around my liver, I was starting to really think deep about my future. And now, with my health, it's made me think more. And, you know, when it comes down to it, and I think about life, none of this really matters. The house. Money. A good job. Material things. None of it matters. You can't take it with you.

I need to live my life.

An Unforgettable Week....

2009-07-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

This has been, simply put, an unforgettable week.

For an independent filmmaker who's broke, poor, living in the middle of the country, in the boonies, far away from the artificial life of Hollywood or the rat race of NYC, and making movies all alone in a ghost town, it's been crazy, fast paced, and unforgettable.

2 major things have happened this week: distribution of my first documentary film on DVD, and shooting beginning for my first narrative feature film.

First things first: my first documentary film, the 9 minute hit short film THE 60 YEAR OLD STRIPPER, is now on DVD! After playing film festivals these last 2 years from California to New York, the film about my Mother Opal, an old stripper, sharing her thoughts on nudity, pornography and religion is now available on DVD only online throught Amazon and Createspace. It's a great feeling when as a filmmaker you have complete control over your film; at all levels; when you shoot it, edit it, release it, and distribute it.

And the second thing: my first feature comedy film JUNK has begun production! We started shooting this week, about 3 days ago. It feels good after so long to begin shooting a feature narrative film, here in my backyard, my own way, with no money. Fuck Hollywood. Fuck the big studios and production companies. Sure, it's a lonely life making films alone, by yourself, your own way, with no help. But when you envision something no one else can see, until it's completely done, this is the way you have to do it sometimes. It's gonna be hard making this movie; but it's going to be worth it.

These 2 projects have kept my hands full all week; I wish I could clone myself; but I'll get done what I get done.

Make your movie. No matter what. Screw the negativity. Just do it. Like Tom Hanks said in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN: "It's supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great."

It's funny how people are, when you're a filmmaker, making your movie. It's just like anything else in life. People say they want to help you, and want to be a part of what you're making or doing. But when it comes down to making it or doing it, and you have no money, you're on your own. My Grandad always said, " When you've got money, everyone's your friend. But when you're down and out, no one wants to help you". He's in his grave now; but he's right on the money.

I'm making my movies. My own way. My first 5 short films are living proof there's an audience for my art; now I've got a built in audience for my first feature when it comes out.

It's hard....but it's happening.

What an unforgettable week for this crazy liberal vegan wacko filmmaker....the son of a stripper....

Own Jack's hit documentary short film THE 60 YEAR OLD STRIPPER on DVD:

https://www.createspace.com/266988

Watch the On Location Trailer for Jack's new film JUNK:

One Busy Week with this Poor Filmmaker...

2009-06-30T13:39:00.001-07:00

Got a busy week lined up with this filmmaker....

Lots going on.

Still have a lot going on with these non-film related legal issues; starting self-distribution for our hit short film PHONE SEX GRANDMA on DVD; in pre-production for our first feature film comedy JUNK; and trying to sell Mother's STRIPPER book. A lot's going on....

Simply put, I just don't have time to do things. Most of what I have to do in online based; I can just get dial-up internet that's limited to websites out at the shacks; so I have to come here in town to a public place to work these things for a few hours. And that's not near enough time to work on these things I need to get done.

Some of these things I'm just gonna have to put on hold; I have to figure out how to take one thing at time, and get things done. I'm gonna try to just focus on distribution of the DVD version of PHONE SEX GRANDMA this week; if I can get some money generated with that, then I can get some more of these other things done.

It's a hard life, filmmaking when you're poor, broke and in the boonies; but you do get to do things your own way; just don't have any help.

And life goes on....

Our weekly Podcast:

Buy PHONE SEX GRANDMA on DVD at Createspace

PHONE SEX GRANDMA on Indiegogo:

No Filmmaking this Week: Just Legal Problems

2009-06-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Days like this really piss me off that I live in such an idiotic country.....

Sometimes, I just can't figure out why our government is so stupid.

I have been a lifetime U.S. resident. 10 years ago, I changed my name with social security and my driver's license. I have been going by my name for the last 10 years; and in those 10 years, have run for Congress, voted every election, paid taxes, worked, driven a car, made movies, and lived life as an American. Under this new name.

And now, because of idiotic terrorist-related identity laws, I cannot renew my drivers license.

Get this shit: My birth certificate says my birth name. Every other form of identity and legal material I have has my new name. And because of these federal laws the government changed in 2006, when you renew your driver's license, you HAVE to show your birth certificate, social security card, and another legal proof of identity. And they all have to match.

This makes no sense. I have been a Missouri resident for 43 years. I have had a driver's license for 25 years. And renew it every year. Now, because my birth certificate does not match all of my identity, I cannot renew my license.

This is some country we live in.

It amazes me....only in America....can a guy be an Army veteran, a former Democratic candidate for Congress, a lifetime U.S. resident, and now not be able to renew a driver's license without going to court, spend a lot of money and go through a bunch of red tape, just to renew a driver's license.

I have been having to deal with this issue all week. And nothing else.

I'm the kind of person, that when I have one pressing issue, I can't really do anything else until I get that pressing issue done.

And life continues....

Check out our new weekly PODCAST at:

Opal's new Book Trailer STRIPPER on YouTube:

THE OLD STRIPPER on Indiegogo:

Thankful to Be a Poor, Free-Thinking Filmmaker

2009-06-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you....

I have to be honest. I take living in this country of ours WAY too much for granted. Just look at what's in the news right now....violence and death in Tehran because your vote is not counted with their government corruption; those 2 girls filmming a project for Al Gore's film company in North Korea, and being sentenced there to 12 years hard labor....and the list goes on...

It's things like this; simple things; like being able to vote; being able to freely speak your mind; being able to just live and let your independent voice be heard; that make really value living in this country. Granted, people around here think I'm a nut; a freak because I'm a vegan in Bible-thumpin' cattle country; a pervert because I film truly alternative movies about my liberal, outspoken Mother, an old stripper; a bum because I'm not working a regular 9-5 job for the next 50 years; a queer because I'm in my 40's, never married, being a single independent hermit, and not already a Grandpa, married for the last 25 years...I could go on and on....

But I can't say how happy I am that I'm able to live this life, and let people make their judgments about me the way they do.

I wouldn't want it any other way. And to be honest, it truly scares me the direction our country is heading.

Look at this culture. The reality show loving, internet crazed, obese, lazy, self obsessed, fast paced nation we're living in. Everything's all 'Me, me, me'....the only time you hear from someone is when they need you for something and can use you....people would rather be fat, lazy and live a short life, instead of being healthy, vegan, environmentally active, and trying to save the planet. Those 2 girls in North Korea...over there filming about modern day slavery....they knew how that country thinks about that....should have never gone over there. I think there's enough going on in our own country that filmmakers can keep busy with getting their messages out before risking their lives globally. I think we need to start with our own country...then go from there.

That's what makes this country of ours so great. You may not agree with everyone; in fact, you may be like me; and not agree with about anyone; and be in a deep minority; but we have the right to think the way we want, and live our lives the way we want.

I'd rather be a poor, liberal, vegan, broke filmmaker in the most obese per capita area in the country, saying what I think, living how I want, and getting my messages out....

Thank God, if there is one, that I'm a poor, free-thinkin' filmmaker....

My Mother, Opal, THE X-RATED GRANDMA, talking about shit:

Get Mother's new STRIPPER book only online at:

http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com

Our new documentary film THE OLD STRIPPER:

My Current Film Projects...and Being Broke

2009-06-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you...it's tough times as a filmmaker.

I don't think I'm alone either. I see it all over the country.

To be honest, I'm broke. I don't any money coming in. Don't have a job; and can't find one here in farm country. Want to move somewhere to get some work; but can't afford to move. So for now, I'm stuck out here in the boonies, with no money.

But I am getting things done.

Thankfully, my Mother Opal is a great film subject! It's hard as hell to manage all these projects....it's maddening, really.

I've been trying like hell these last 2 months to sell Mother's new STRIPPER book online. We aren't making money yet; but at least it's getting out there to the world for them to know about it.

Trying to find a good agent for our new feature screenplay PHONE SEX GRANDMA, based off the hit short...

Working as much as is possible on production of THE OLD STRIPPER, my first feature documentary, about Mother's old stripping days....been shooting this going on 3 years....

Trying to get pre-production done for JUNK, a feature unscripted comedy that can be filmed easily out here in the boonies....plus trying to sell the pilot TV script for JUNK...a rockin' script, if I can say so myself....

Working here and there on self-distribution of THE X-RATED GRANDMA....

Finishing post for our new comedy short PAYDAY LOAN, which we'll be pushing this next year as our Oscar qualifying short....

And working my first 5 short films worldwide on the festival circuit; along with getting ready soon to making 4 of the shorts available online on DVD through self-distribution!

Busy times, huh?

Along with all of this, when I can find time, I need to start writing my upcoming book NO BUDGET FILMMAKING....who knows when that'll be!

I'll tell ya...it was so much easier when I just had my first film, the hit short PHONE SEX GRANDMA, that I was working. Now I can't seem to get about anything done. But I keep busy non-stop, with film projects, even though I am broke.

John Steinbeck was right...he said 'Ideas are like rabbits. You get 1 or 2, get to know how to handle them, then pretty soon, you have a dozen."

How true that is....

Get Mother's book STRIPPER at:

http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com

Watch the new Book Trailer for STRIPPER on YouTube at:

Find out more about our first feature film THE OLD STRIPPER at:

The Dentist, Mother's Book, and being numb.....

2009-06-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

What a day....

I've been over in Pittsburg....you talk about a dead town, in the friggin' boonies of S.E. Kansas...just got back here to Lamar....and just as dead....

Had to come over here to Pittsburg today to go to the dentist and get a tooth filled. The left side of my face is totally numb from novocaine....it'll probably be numb all day. Won't get back out to the shack until later today...and by then, probably'll need to rest off this numbness. We'll see if I can get anything done today. Doesn't look likely...

Wanted to spend today promoting Mother's new STRIPPER book online at http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com . No time today to work online! Maybe tomorrow...

Gonna try to work her book hard tomorrow. Have about 15 mailings of festival waivers for our hit shorts to put together and send out; get distribution screeners sent out for THE OUTHOUSE, ACCEPTABLE SIN and 60 YEAR OLD STRIPPER to start making distribution money online with those hit fest shorts; gotta pick an Oscar qualifier to have the premiere of our upcoming short PAYDAY LOAN; find time to shoot a little bit of THE OLD STRIPPER documentary; and get pre-production wrapped up for JUNK...

Busy times!

Get Mother's new book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER online at:

http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com

Watch the new YouTube Book Trailer for STRIPPER at:

Our new film JUNK on INDIEGOGO:

PHONE SEX GRANDMA Updates....

2009-05-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

We've got a lot going on with PHONE SEX GRANDMA!!!!!

After going on 4 years since this hit 9 minute short film premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival, PSG is still rockin' around the world!!!!

A lot continues to go on, and new things are coming! Here's the latest:

To date, PSG has played over 100 festivals worldwide, and continues to rock the festival circuit. This week, PHONE SEX GRANDMA opens San Diego's OutFest Gay Film Festival! And more fest screenings are coming up! Stay tuned...

We have the feature script written! In fact, we just submitted the feature script to Slamdance's Screenplay competition. You can find out more about the upcoming feature film on our Indiegogo page at:

http://www.indiegogo.com/phonesexgranny

Also, we are trying to make a television series of PHONE SEX GRANDMA! On cable! The pilot script for PSG is being submitted to TV series competitions. Keep posted on updates for the upcoming TV series!

And finally....

You can own the hit short on DVD! We have partnered with Createspace, and PHONE SEX GRANDMA is now available to own on DVD. With each sale, we receive a substantial amount of revenue. And all income we generate from each sale will go directly to production of the feature version!

Buy PHONE SEX GRANDMA now on Createspace at:

https://www.createspace.com/255255

If you don't know yet, Opal, aka PHONE SEX GRANDMA, has written a book! Her new book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER, an autobiographical journal of her intense thoughts as a burlesque dancer while on a 6 year dancing circuit in the 1970's, is now available online. Check out the new book at:

http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com

Lots going on with PHONE SEX GRANDMA!!!!!

Watch Opal, aka PHONE SEX GRANDMA's new Book Trailer of STRIPPER at:

Trying to Make a Buck....

2009-05-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

It's hard trying to make a buck out here as a filmmaker in the middle of nowhere...

But I'm trying.

I'm working hard every day promoting Mother's new book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER online; for hours every day. Been doing this for over a month now. And have now sold one book yet. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. But I'm trying.

I've got 5 short films that have played over 200 festivals worldwide, and continue to play. Last week, one played Pennslyvania. This week, one in Florida. Next week, one in California. Festivals are already lining up for the summer. 5 internet distributors selling our short films; and I'm trying to sell them myself. Haven't made a dollar yet with them this year.

No jobs around here....scraping by financially day to day....

But at least, if nothing else, I'm making my movies.

I've now got the new book trailer made for Opal's new STRIPPER book. Hopefully, that will start generating some sales. Just created a new YouTube site to promote the production company, and try to get work making films. Got a lot I need to try to do to make money. I don't want to have to move back to a big city right now. I'm working these things too much. I know I could do a lot of this anywhere, but if I was working a regular job, it'd take away a lot what I'm doing.

Every day is a struggle....but it's worth it.

Been shooting a lot of footage these last couple of months for the OLD STRIPPER documentary....but there's not much to film right now, until I can raise some money for the footage of the road trips...

And suddenly, there is interest in getting my narrative feature film JUNK made....so at the same time, I'm working pre-production for JUNK at my own pace...and if everything goes as planned, we will be able to make this no-budget narrative feature this summer out here in the middle of nowhere.

I'm living proof that anyone can make a movie with no money, anywhere, find an audience, and become a well-known filmmaker....

Trying to make a buck.....

Our New Book Trailer of STRIPPER:

Jack and Opal's weekly Podcast:

THE OLD STRIPPER on Indiegogo:

Tough Times as a Filmmaker in the Boonies

2009-05-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

These are really tough times....

To be honest, I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't have any money coming in. Deep in dept, living out here in these shacks....here at the library right now on wi-fi to write this....trying to figure things out.

It's amazing what you can get done with next to no money. My 5 short films are still exploding on the festival circuit worldwide; I'm coming into town every couple of days or so here at the library to update a few of our social networks online; trying to promote my Mother Opal's new STRIPPER book as much as I can on the internet; and trying to shoot footage for THE OLD STRIPPER whenever I can. When you're wanting to get things done, you can find ways to get things done. But sometimes, like now, financially, money plays too much of a part sometimes.

Until I can get some money coming in, our mass email service will have to be cancelled. We may have to cancel the dial up internet service out at the shacks. 20 bucks here and there make a difference in these times.

In fact, I don't know if I'm going to be able to stay around here. I'm seriously considering moving back to a big city. I've got to start making some money. And there's no jobs around here. If I want to work, I'm going to have to move to a big city. And just try to do and make these projects as I can.

I've got to figure out what to do....

Watch our new BOOK TRAILER of Opal's book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER at:

Click Here for Opal's new book STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY
Jack's new V-Log SON OF A STRIPPER:

Jack and Opal's new Podcast of THE OLD STRIPPER:

Jack's feature film THE OLD STRIPPER on Indiegogo:

Being the Son of a Stripper....

2009-05-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

These are some busy times....

I've got to find some time to re-structure and organize everything I'm doing right now. My hands are full. I'm trying to do the jobs of about 5-10 people here in the boonies....these last 2 weeks, I've been working hard online promoting, advertising, networking and trying to sell Mother's new book STRIPPER: A Mother's Story. We're also starting a new podcast of Mother as THE OLD STRIPPER to try to build an audience on the podcast and audio networks online; trying to find time here and there to shoot a little footage for our upcoming feature documentary of Mother called THE OLD STRIPPER; still getting all my short films out on the festival circuit; beginning to make Filmmaker Video Blogs of me as a filmmaker out here in the boonies, and sharing them with a worldwide internet audience; and this week, working hard with Mother making her new upcoming book 100 SHORT STORIES OF AN OLD STRIPPER. This is hard...but it's personal, and I love it....

It's been a little while since I've written a blog. One thing I think I need to start writing about more is about what it's like being the son of a stripper. I try to share as much as I can about my Mother, and about my filmmaking; but don't share as much with others what it's been like being the son of a stripper all my life.

I am the son of a stripper. And I have loved it. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I owe the way I am and the life I've lived to growing up around the burlesque industry. If I hadn't grown up around nudity and pornography, I wouldn't be where I am today, I wouldn't have done all the things I've done, been all the places I've been, and seen all the things I've seen.

My best memories are those of when I was a kid, traveling with Mother on the road during her burlesque circuits in the summers of the 1970's. See, I grew up around nudity and pornography. My Mother started stripping when I was 5 years old. I went to a military school the first thru fifth grade. This was in the early 70's. Burlesque and stripping then was an art form. Not like the strip clubs today. You had burlesque theaters, where the porn films would play on the big screen. And between the films, the dancers would strip on stage. They would have 20 minute burlesque shows, like the Gypsy Rose Lee days. I remember being 6, 7 years old, backstage with the other dancers while Mother was dancing onstage. I could see her onstage from a distance backstage, while I was on the floor with the other dancers. They were always nude. We'd be on the floor playing board games, like checkers and monopoly. This is what I grew up around. Nudity and pornography was nothing.

That's how I've always felt. I think that's why I am the way I am. And why I'm the kind of filmmaker I am. I'm free, independent and open minded. I don't think much about anything. Nothing really offends me. I like to speak my mind, open people's eyes, shock them, make them talk and make them think. And as a filmmaker, I want to be a philosopher through film.

I owe the way I am to being the son of a stripper....

Jack's new Video Blog SON OF A STRIPPER - Jack the Filmmaker:

Get the book STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY by Jack's Mother, Opal at:

http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com

Hear Jack and Opal's new podcast THE OLD STRIPPER at:

Mother's New Book STRIPPER: A Mother's Story

2009-04-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A STRIPPER WHO FOUND HERSELF IN THE MOST UNCONVENTIONAL WAY

Lamar, Missouri - Have you ever wondered what goes through the mind of a stripper?

In the 1970's, the Burlesque industry was thriving. Nudity and pornography was a public and political outrage. And people across the country were flocking to burlesque theaters to see Melissa St. John: The Upside Down Girl, A.K.A. Wild Star. Little did they know she was a single Mother, alone, on the road, with her two children in boarding schools in separate states. Over a 6 year period while traveling on a burlesque circuit across the country, she was searching for a way to come face to face with her true spirit. Through writing her innermost thoughts on paper, she found herself in the most unconventional way.

THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY, by Opal Dockery, is an inspirational, spiritual and autobiographical journal of a stripper's thoughts over a 6 year period in the 1970's. Her personal thoughts on single parenthood, spirituality, alternative lifestyle thinking, travel, the burlesque industry and family will inspire you, shock you and uplift you.

Asked about her book, Opal replied, "I was a stripper for approximately twenty-two years. This book contains a portion of intense thoughts I experienced during six years of this time, most of which I was on the road from 1971 to 1977. The source of my book is based on my feelings".

To promote the limited edition first printing of STRIPPER, Dixie Publishing is offering a huge discounted price to the public. Effective immediately, by purchasing the novel directly through the publisher, the buyers will receive the $39.00 novel for only $25.00 plus shipping and handling. By eliminating the middleman, readers will have access to the book before it reaches bookstores at a substantial savings, by emailing, calling or visiting the website to purchase THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER.

Opal Dockery is a writer, actress and speaker; and is presently available for speaking events. Star of the award-winning cult- following comedy short film PHONE SEX GRANDMA, Dockery is a former stripper for over 20 years, and has been a vegetarian/vegan for over 40 years. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. Dockery is currently the subject of a feature film documentary THE OLD STRIPPER, directed by her real-life son, filmmaker Jack Truman.

Title: THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY
Author: Opal Dockery
First Printing 2009, Copyright 1997
Price: 39.00
ISBN: 0-9701769-0-2
182 Pages, Illustrations and News ArticlesInspirational/Spiritual/New Age/Alternative/Parenthood/Family
Contact: Jack Truman, Dixie Productions, 417-398-2877
Email: trumanjack@hotmail.com
Book Website: http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com

Opal in the trailer for the upcoming feature film THE OLD STRIPPER:

Jack talking about his Mother's book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER: A Mother's Story:

BREAKING NEWS: STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY

2009-04-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jack Truman, Dixie Productions
417-398-2877 Midwest Office
Email: trumanjack@hotmail.com
Book Website: http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com/
http://www.myspace.com/dixiefilms

A STRIPPER WHO FOUND HERSELF IN THE MOST UNCONVENTIONAL WAY

Lamar, Missouri - Have you ever wondered what goes through the mind of a stripper?

In the 1970's, the Burlesque industry was thriving. Nudity and pornography was a public and political outrage. And people across the country were flocking to burlesque theaters to see Melissa St. John: The Upside Down Girl. Little did they know she was a single Mother, alone, on the road, with her two children in boarding schools in separate states. Over a 6 year period while traveling on a burlesque
circuit across the country, she was searching for a way to come face to face with her true spirit. Through writing her innermost thoughts on paper, she found herself in the most unconventional way.

THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY, by Opal Dockery, is an inspirational, spiritual and autobiographical journal of a stripper's thoughts over a 6 year period in the 1970's. Her personal thoughts on single parenthood, spirituality, alternative lifestyle thinking, travel, the burlesque industry and family will inspire you, shock you and uplift you.

Asked about her book, Opal replied, "I was a stripper for approximately twenty years. This book contains a portion of intense thoughts I experienced during six years of this time, most of which I was on the road from 1971 to 1977. The source of my book is based on my feelings".

Opal Dockery is a writer, actress and speaker. Star of the award-winning cult-following comedy short film PHONE SEX GRANDMA, Dockery is a former stripper for over 20 years, and has been a vegetarian for over 35 years. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. Dockery is currently the subject of a feature film documentary THE OLD STRIPPER, directed by her real-life son, filmmaker Jack Truman.

Title: THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY
Author: Opal Dockery
Copyright 1997, First Printing 2009
Price: 39.00
ISBN: 0-9701769-0-2
182 Pages, Illustrations and News Articles
Inspirational/Spiritual/New Age/Alternative/Parenthood/Family
Contact: Jack Truman, Dixie Productions, 417-398-2877
Email: trumanjack@hotmail.com
Book Website: http://thoughtsofastripper.webs.com/

My First FILMMAKER Video Blog...

2009-04-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Got one busy week planned....

I'm going to try to focus this week on promoting and working on my Mother Opal's new STRIPPER book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER: A MOTHER'S STORY. I know this can tie in and work with my films....

To start the week out, I came up with an idea at the house last night. Why not have a video blog online where I can let people people know and watch by video what I'm doing as a filmmaker, working on and thinking about? There's blogs like this that I write....I've got over 50 online social networks....and want people to know what Opal and I are working on....

Why not let people know by film?

Last night, I filmed my first video blog. I talked for a few minutes about what I'm working on...last week's World Premiere in Florida of my new comedy short FUCKIN' OLD BITCH, this last week's filming of my upcoming feature documentary THE OLD STRIPPER, and Mother's new STRIPPER book THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER. Here's the video on YouTube:

Hope you enjoy it!

I think this is a new way as a filmmaker to share with others how I try to make my movies and get my message out. I might start using video blogs as a tool to get my voice out there as an independent filmmaker....

Got to get Opal's new book out there!

Busy week coming...

One Busy Week.....Filming and Opal's Novel....

2009-04-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Man...this has been one busy week....

I'll tell you...my head has been spinning.....there has just not been time to get some things done....

April has been one busy month....ever since Opal and I have rented this car the end of March, we've been going non-stop. April 1st, we arrived in Orlando at the Florida Film Festival. And since that first day in April, these first 15 days have been crazy....between our Florida trip, driving back here to Missouri, filming THE OLD STRIPPER across the country these last 2 weeks, traveling all over with the rental car, Mother's book, and more.....whew...

Opal and I have been filming a lot of THE OLD STRIPPER this last week. We got quite a bit of footage with Melissa in Florida, then footage on the road back coming back home in Tennessee and Kentucky. The camera went out and became defective in Kentucky; so when I got back home here last weekend, I went to a major retail store (won't mention the name for legal reasons), and bought a camera. I'm going to use it for 30 days, then return it to get my money back; that way, I'll have a free camera this next month to shoot footage for our feature film THE OLD STRIPPER.

And this last week, we've been shooting a lot of footage with this camera. Went to Kansas City Tuesday and got some good filming of Opal with Sam; a little footage downtown around the Folly Theater; footage yesterday of going to the book printer to get Opal's novel THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER ready for the first printing; and quite a bit of filming around home. A lot's going on with the shoot...we've been filming this documentary for about 3 years now, and going to Florida was like a shot in the arm to get the ball rolling more....we've got to try to shoot as much as we can before we return the rental car back to Springfield next week...

Got a big project going on with Opal' stripping novel THOUGHTS OF A STRIPPER...with the meeting yesterday with the printer, things look good; and the first printing is a go....so I've got a lot to work on the same time, getting Mother's book ready to market and distribute; I think this is a a great connection. I really think her book and this feature film will work together, and will get out there together. With the film fan base we've created with these shorts, we already have a worldwide foundation base to market the book as a leadup to our upcoming feature film. I think all of this will come and work together....

Gotta go for now....and get a few things done online here at the library before heading to the auction....

The trailer for our upcoming feature THE OLD STRIPPER:

Final Florida Days...and the Road Trip Back Home..

2009-04-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

What a week....

It's been a busy time. Haven't had the time or the resources since last Saturday to write a blog....but now I've got a few minutes, and will try to do an update.

This may be a little lengthy...I've got a lot to cover....but we'll see what time allows.

Since my last blog early Saturday at the Filmmaker Tent at the Florida Film Festival, a lot's been going on. Opal and I closed out the festival Saturday night with our sold-out premiere of FUCKIN' OLD BITCH...then went down to Northport to visit my sister Melissa and shoot some footage for 2 days for our new feature documentary THE OLD STRIPPER...then made the road trip back here to Missouri Tuesday and Wednesday, while shooting footage for THE OLD STRIPPER on the road in Tennessee and Kentucky....

We just got back to the shacks in Milford last night about 2 a.m.; it's Thursday afternoon, I'm back here at the library in Lamar, catching up on some long-awaited social networking, blogging, and more....it's been over a week since I've been able to do some things.

To be honest, I don't want to be back. I loved being in Florida. I loved Orlando. I loved the weather. I loved the fest and the people; and did not want to get back to this. But I have to be here, work with the tools I have, and keeping making my movies until I get the money to make a move.

Here, in a nutshell, is a daily notetaking journal of what I've been up to since last Saturday:

Saturday: went to a great awards brunch in the morning at the Enzian. Opal and I sat with Tom and Lauri from CHRONIC TOWN, and had a good time. Then after the filmmaker tent, went to a cool screening of 500 DAYS OF SUMMMER. After that, went to the Revel Party....awesome party...from there, Opal and I went to the World Premiere of our new comedy short FUCKIN' OLD BITCH at the Regal in Winter Park. A sold-out, awesome screening of our film in the Midnight Shorts block. After a cool Q&A, stopped by Tom & Jerry's for an appearance at the after party before going and crashing at the Days Inn.

Sunday: Opal and I left the motel about 11 a.m.; headed down to the Enzian to tell everyone goodbye, but it was kinda like a ghost town at the Filmmaker Tent and the theater. After the visit, hit the road towards Tampa to see my sister Melissa and her daughter for a couple of days in Northport, south of Tampa, and to shoot footage for our new documentary THE OLD STRIPPER. My mind was blown on I-75 at Exit 260 @ 140 when I saw a huge confederate flag flying high over the interstate. Got to Melissa's around 4, then went and got a motel room checked in; after unloading the car, went back to visit Melissa and her daughter until midnight, then Opal and I went back to the motel and crashed.

Monday: Spent all day with Opal, Melissa and her daughter Alyssa. We left the motel around 7 a.m.; we couldn't keep the cat there. Got to Melissa's around 7:30, and she had to go to work at the beauty shop. While Melissa worked that morning, Opal and I spent the day with Alyssa....took her out to eat at Perkins, then took her to the beach, then got back to Melissa's around 2 p.m.; when Melissa got home, she gave me haircut, chopping off my 6 months of grown hair; then we took them out to eat at Sweet Tomatoes...love that place...when we got back to the house, spent about 3 hours later that night shooting footage for THE OLD STRIPPER...before conking out on the couch around 2 a.m.

Tuesday: This morning, before heading out from Melissa's for our road trip back home, read Slava's new Indiegogo interview in Orlando of our World Premier of FUCKIN' OLD BITCH last weekend in Orlando at http://www.indiegogo.com/blog ...it was great seeing the Indiegogo bunch there in Orlando...looking forward to working with them on THE OLD STRIPPER...Headed out from Melissa's about noon....hitting the road....stopped in Sarasota, went to the Siesta Key Beach to film some footage of Opal at the ocean for THE OLD STRIPPER....after shooting, there was no working wifi at the beach, so we headed out...tried the wifi in the parking lot while Opal went in Publix in Sarasota to buy some bread and take a piss...and after eating a great vegan ham sandwich in the Walgreens parking lot in Sarasota, hit the road for the road trip back to Missouri around 2:45 p.m.....got past Atlanta around 2 a.m....was in the room of the Motel 6 in Acworth, Georgia around 2:15...was wore out and zapped...no wifi connection....soaked in the tub then conked out...

Wednesday: Woke up in the motel room in Acworth around 8:30 a.m.; Opal went to the lobby to get us some coffee...there wasn't even enough coffee for one cup...this was about the most disappointing Motel 6 we ever stayed in...finally really woke up in the room around 10:30...after Opal's shower, we hit the road around 11 a.m....got past Chatanooga, Tennessee around noon...once we hit Tennessee, it really started bringing back the memories of military school as a child there in Baxter Springs....started shooting Tennessee footage of THE OLD STRIPPER, and got in Nashville around noon...through the day on the road trip, we shot quite a bit of footage of THE OLD STRIPPER in Tennessee and Kentucky...states where Melissa and I went to private schools while Mother was on the road dancing....after some shooting with my camera in Kentucky, my camera went out. And now it won't work. So it be some time, until I get another camera, to shoot more footage. But we got some good stuff...last night, crossed the Mississippi into the Missouri state line; got to Springfield around midnight; made a gas stop; then got to the shacks in Milford around 2 a.m.....

It's Thursday....I'm back home...after working out at the gym, came here to the library to get back to my routine after being gone for about a week and a half...I'm glad Opal and I had the chance to get away, finally go to Florida for one of our films, network, party, have fun and see Melissa and Alyssa, and shoot some footage for our feature film...I didn't want to come back....but sometimes, when you're a poor man, you have to do things you don't want to do....and make sacrifices...

Whew...that was a little lengthy...took some time...but I had to get it out there...glad I jotted down notes during the week....my memory's for shit anymore...

I'll tell you another thing....this week, not having access to wifi...not being able to spend time on the internet...with my daily routine, updating and social networks....was, simply put...frustrating, to say the least. I don't know how many people are out there, that keep up with us....but you get into your routine, and it's frustrating when you can't get things done....but I guess I have to try to learn more how to live with it...

It's good to know that there's a fan base, and audience out there for our film work....Orlando is living proof of that...one of the seeds we've planted around the world for our independent work....it's good to know that my independent voice is wanting to be heard....that makes it all worth it....

The trailer of our upcoming feature film THE OLD STRIPPER:

Day 4 at the Florida Film Festival....

2009-04-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Good times going on here in Orlando....

Opal and I are back here at the filmmaker tent at the Enzian...it's about 4:20...wanted to get on here and write something short and sweet before we start our evening things....

Yesterday and today have been busy with a lot of fun things....saw LIGHTBULB yesterday afternoon, then went to a great party at Will's on Mill, then felt too conked out for a midnight screening, so we headed back to the motel....

Lots going on today....went to a very good awards brunch here at the Enzian this morning....very cool...then stayed and watched 500 DAYS OF SUMMER....good film....Opal and I went back to the motel for lunch, had a great vegan ham sandwich lunch, then headed back here to the Enzian...

Here in about an hour going to the Revel party....then our Midnite Shorts premiere of FUCKIN' OLD BITCH....

More to come....

Day 3 at Orlando's FFF

2009-04-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

Busy week!

I'm here at the Filmmaker Tent at the Enzian, checking a couple of our social networks, and posting a couple of updates since I was online yesterday....

Lots going on....just came back to the theater after Opal and I checked into the Days Inn...went down to the local health food store and ate lunch at the cafe by the Regal....sipping on a beer here in the tent and in about 30 minutes going in the theater to see LIGHTBULB....

Since yesterday afternoon, quite a bit going on...here's a taste:

After leaving the tent yesterday, Opal and I went to see LEAVING BARSTOW...good film...Opal loved it. Then went to the VIP Party, met a few people, and got to know Chris at Cinetic....then went to at later screening at the Regal of CHRONIC TOWN...very good film. After the screening, got to know the filmmakers Tom and Lauri...very cool people. Then went back to the room before heading out for a late night, and ended up crashing.

Today's starting out good. Went to a distribution forum this morning and met some cool people: got to talk to Chris a little more, and Liz from our online distributor of PHONE SEX GRANDMA, B-Side Entertainment. Looking forward to working with them more to generate some revenue for that film. Then saw Slava with Indiegogo, and a couple other people....before heading to check in at the days inn...

Gonna wind this down for now...get ready for the screening and party tonight at Will's...and come back here to write more tomorrow....

Starting Day 2 at the Florida Film Festival...

2009-04-02T11:29:00.001-07:00

Busy times down here in Florida right now.....

Don't really have time right now to write about yesterday too much....but just wanted to take a minute and write a line or 2 to have a daily blog on our Florida trip for the World Premiere of our new 3 minute film FUCKIN' OLD BITCH here at the festival...

Orlando is nice. Haven't been here for several years. Love this weather...

Opal and I are sitting right now here at the Filmmaker Tent here at the Enzian. Sipping on a beer....with the laptop here. Didn't have time to get down here to see THE GARDEN in time....but will go to the Regal here in a couple of hours to see LEAVING BARSTOW later this afternoon before the VIP party tonight....

Opal and I got here in Orlando around 5 p.m. yesterday....checked into the Motel 6, came down here to the Enzian, met Matthew, Annalyn and Shannon, drank a couple of beers in the tent, took a tour of the Enzian, then went to the Filmmaker party. Afterwards went to an after night special filmmaker screening of a 3-D porn film...

And now Day 3 of the trip starts....

Day 1 of our Florida Road Trip

2009-04-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well...it's early morning, I'm up and awake here in a Motel 6 in Tifton, Georgia....about 90 miles north of the Florida State Line....and Opal's conked out in a bed beside me...Patches is hiding under the sheets behind the laptop here while I'm typing...and I've got to go take a shit really quick...

I'm back...that was a really good shit.

It feels really good to be back on the road. It's the first time I've had a chance to be on the road since we took the road trip last year to Park City for THE OUTHOUSE at Slamdance. Being on the road makes me want to make a move...who knows? We'll see what happens in Orlando this week....

I'm going to try to write a blog every day on this trip....whether it's short or lengthy...just at least a few lines to try to get on a writing routine online here....

Yesterday was something....over 1000 miles driven on the road trip yesterday alone. Here's a quick breakdown of what happened yesterday:

We woke up in Milford about 2:30 a.m.; brewed the coffee for the themos, and left Milford at 3:15 a.m.

My eyes were really hurting. I'm not an early morning person. Opal had to start driving.

30 miles on our way, on a country road...around 4 a.m....Patches threw up and shit in the pet cage. It was really stinking up the car. So we had to drive about 20 more miles with the shit smell, until we got to a truck stop a little before Springfield. Opal hosed out and wiped down the pet cage at the truck stop while I held Patches and wiped her down, taking the shit and vomit off of her.

When we got to Springfield, we gassed up, got a little groceries at the Wal-mart Supercenter, drove through the McDick's drive thru for some coffee for the road (the thermos was already drank by this time), and hit the road again around 5:30 a.m.

Around 7 a.m., Opal started really zapping out; so I took over. I started playing Wille's Super Hits CD to keep me company on the road.

We hit Memphis around 1 p.m.; got on 78 to Tupelo (same at Lamar Avenue)....hmmm...it seemed like we never left Lamar!

Got to Birmingham around 5 p.m.....looked pretty rough....I was zapping....so we stopped at a Pilot truck stop for Opal to take over...cops were all over that truck stop, and they were looking at us funny too...

Got through Montgomery around 7 p.m.....that town was looking pretty spooky....

Then went for about 150 miles on back country roads....

Finally got to I-75 here in Tifton, Georgia around 1 a.m. last night....Opal got the Motel 6 room....and we were beat to hell by the time we got in the room! Slept good....

A thousand miles behind us yesterday....and right now, we're about 200-300 miles from Orlando. We should be getting there by 4 or 5. I'll make notes of the drive, take some more pics of us on the way, then when we get there, we might check into the room first, then head over to the fest. We'll see.

Glad I was able to take the time to write all of this today! Will try to be back tomorrow!

Looking forward to getting to the Florida Film Festival today....

A Busy Filmmaker Week Here in the Boonies....

2009-03-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

Busy times here in the boonies!

This week has been really busy....we just got finished submitting our 3 new TV pilots JUNK, ROOMIES and PHONE SEX GRANDMA to SLAMDANCE's pilot comptetition! Crossing our fingers...

Opal's new blog came out today. You can check it out at:

http://tiny.cc/wT9r8

Our hit short THE OUTHOUSE rocked Philly's BACKSEAT FILM FESTIVAL last week!

Our hit animal rights short documentary THE ACCEPTABLE SIN had its Washington DC premiere last week at the DC Indie Film Festival!

We're busy in pre-production for the feature version of PHONE SEX GRANDMA...

And getting ready for the end of the month's WORLD PREMIERE of our new comedy short FUCKIN' OLD BITCH at Orlando's FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL!!!

These are just a few of the maddening non-stop projects we're workking on....

Stay tuned for more!

My Mother, Opal, as PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

Getting our TV Script out to Slamdance....

2009-03-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well....

Not making any money with these short films after 4 years....struggling to try to make a feature with no money...

So let's try to make a pilot!

Just got the votes in...and from our pilots that we've written, the top vote-getters are:

JUNK and ROOMIES

I'll submit both pilots to Slamdance and see what happens!

Crossing my fingers....

My Mother, Opal as PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

Times are tough...

2009-02-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know what to do...

Times are really tough. There's no money to be made out here in the boonies; I'm broke; unemployed; have no money to make a move somewhere else to start making some money....and last night, my car got totaled driving home when it hit a deer on the highway. So for now, no transportation as well...

These short films are getting out there....I've got over 20 festivals that have waived entry fees for us to submit shorts, but can't afford the postage and transportation right now to mail them...it's embarrassing and hard right now to get by....

Just released the compilation of THE X-RATED GRANDMA collection of shorts on Createspace. Hopefully, that'll generate some income. Have 5 online distributors for the hit short PHONE SEX GRANDMA; but over the last 2 years of distribution, we haven't even made $100 on the short with 5 distributors. I have to do something; and have to start making some money.

I want to start making this new feature film this Spring....but if I don't start generating some income, just to make ends meet alone, I can't see making another film anytime in the near future....

I guess we'll see what the times bring...

The New YOUTUBE Trailer of THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

Looking for Some Film Work....

2009-02-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

Man....

Times are tough here in the boonies...

No jobs available, tryiing to make ends meet, while making these films....

And I need to make some money.

If anyone knows of any film work available, let me know. I'm mobile and willing to travel.

I need to make some money!

Jack's award-winning hit comedy short PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

Help Us Make Our New Feature Film

2009-02-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

Want to help make a true underground independent film?

You can help us....we need help with our new feature film PHONE SEX GRANDMA!

PHONE SEX GRANDMA is a feature comedy about a 60-something phone sex operator who runs a junk store in a small Southern ghost town.

This film is based off our award-winning 9 minute comedy short film of the same name. The hit short premiered at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival, has played over 80 film festivals worldwide, has 4 online distributors, and has earned rave reviews, while building a cult-following worldwide fan base.

Production is scheduled to begin late Spring.

There are several areas which we need help:

You can become a sponsor for PHONE SEX GRANDMA! We have partnered with internet filmmaking fundraiser Indiegogo. $10,000 remains needed to be raised for total remaining pre-production and production costs. You can donate or invest as little as $10 or $10,000 to help us make our movie.

More details about becoming a film sponsor are available at:

http://www.indiegogo.com/phonesexgranny

You can purchase and own the hit short! We have partnered with our online distributor Createspace. Our revenue we receive on every DVD purchase of the hit short PHONE SEX GRANDMA on Createspace will go directly towards production costs of the feature film.

You can order and own the DVD, and help us make our movie at:

http://www. createspace. com/255255

We are also seeking crew and cast for several positions and roles. Crew and casting calls will be announced shortly; but if you want to get an early start, shoot me a message of your interest in helping with our feature film! Or email me directly at dixiefilms@hotmail.com

A lot's going to be going on these next few months!

The feature version of PHONE SEX GRANDMA will be a very low-budget, underground, indie film, in the filmmaking style of CLERKS / THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW.
Get ready to have your minds blown!

Want to help us make a movie?

Let me know...

Jack

Tough Times Here in Farm Country....

2009-02-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

Times are tough...

I don't know what I'm going to do.

I want to keep plugging away on my films....but it's hard when you're close to broke, unemployed, and having no revenue coming in....plus, on top of things, out here in the boonies...farm country...there's no jobs. Unemployment's nuts here....

We're in pre-production for the feature version on PHONE SEX GRANDMA....trying to figure out ways to raise production funds, while getting everything lined up for the shoot....trying to generate income by selling PHONE SEX GRANDMA online at Createspace, along with our new feature compilation THE X-RATED GRANDMA...and trying to figure out different ways to make money out here on the foundation we've built....

It's really something....I've got 5 short films exploding on the festival circuit...am an award-winning filmmaker....have a short film that over a million people have seen around the world...have fests and audiences worldwide demanding more films...but cannot make a dime with them. I must be doing something wrong. Looks like I need some help; but I don't know where to go.

And things continue....tonight, PHONE SEX GRANDMA plays another fest...this time, returning to NYC at NewFilmmakers for a special Valentine's screening....several fests already lined up this Spring for many of our shorts....

I've just got to find a way to make some money off what we've created these last 4 years....

I need help.

Attached below is info for tonight's NYC screening of PHONE SEX GRANDMA. And you can always own PSG and support our filmmaking by purchasing the short on Createspace at:

https://www.createspace.com/255255

Any ideas?

Jack

Tuesday, February 10th

NewFilmmakers Celebrates Valentine’s Day.

6:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS HOLIDAY SPECIAL SCREENING

Jolie Hales PASSING (2007, 5 Minutes, Video)
Frederic Eger WHEN RONNY MET CINDY (2007, 20 Minutes, Video)
Stephen Franciosa Jr SUPER SLICE (2007, 10 Minutes, Video)

Dusan Sekulovic PUSSYFOOT (2008, 99 Minutes, Video)
Irwin Pelkalvski, a bristly faced resident alien, and friends face their second coming of age in New York City. For Irwin, there are 'women' and then there are 'girls': women want to get married and girls just want to have fun. For the single Anny there are three types of men: married, gay and idiots. Polish polka bars, confusing self help books and a mythical hooker that never sleeps with her clients, confound their American journey.

8:25PM NEWFILMMAKERS SHORT FILM PROGRAM

Eric Cheevers Las Historias Mas Sexy Del Mundo! NUMBER 2
Jack Truman PHONE SEX GRANDMA (2006, 9 Minutes, Video)
Amy Miketic FATHER (2007, 8 Minutes, Video)

9:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS FEATURE PRESENTATION

Hilton Ariel Ruiz* ROGUES. REBELS, AND RENEGADES (2008. 60 Minutes, Video)
Art or Porn? That is the question the art world has asked ever since men first put his mask on the wall.

Jonathan Betzler* HOMECOMING (2004, 109 Minutes, Video)
Barry, a happily married video game designer, finds his life quickly spiraling out of control when he runs into an old crush from high school.

Finding Time to Work These Films....

2009-01-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

Well.....

It's been almost 3 weeks since I've written a blog. I can't believe it's been that long.

I've been working this new day job going on 3 months now. It's amazing; but when you're working a full time job, it's hard to find time to do much else. And it doesn't help that I'm getting older in years. I don't have the energy I had when I was 20. Or 30. I'm in my 40's, and before I blink my eyes, I'll be 50. I need to find time to get things done.

Wish I could have been at Slamdance and Sundance this week; we had 3 shorts playing online the entire 10 days of the festival with Slamdance; but I couldn't afford the trip. And I couldn't afford to fuck up this new job after these first few months. With times being as tough as they are, with my luck, I'd get back from Park City and not have a job; and be stuck out at the shacks, unemployed, wondering how to make ends meet. It's for the best I didn't go to Park City; but I wish I could have been there to work the town.

But life goes on: today, we announced our online distribution of THE X-RATED GRANDMA; I'm finally writing a blog; I'm visiting a couple of our online social websites; seen THE WRESTLER yesterday ( a fucking great film); getting 30 mailings together for festivals of 4 different shorts; and more. With my days off, I can't relax. It's the only time I have to work these film projects.

I'm glad I just have myself to worry about.

And another day passes as an independent filmmaker....life goes on....

See THE X-RATED GRANDMA on CREATESPACE at:

http://tiny.cc/iniVz

Help Us Make Park City

2009-01-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

Opal and I are going to be a part of the Park City madness this month with THE X-RATED GRANDMA....

And we need your help.

THE X-RATED GRANDMA is going to be part of a major online event with this month's 2009 Slamdance Film Festival. The festival is in Park City Jan. 15th-23rd. We want to make the trip, to promote the event, make major announcements in Park City, and explode our upcoming film to the world. But for us to make the trip, we need to raise some money. And we cannot do this alone.

Indiegogo, a filmmaking fundraising community, has partnered with us to help us raise money to make the trip next week. We have 10 days to raise $3500. If we reach this goal, we can make the trip to Park City.

Can you help us?

Here's the website if you would like to help with a contribution for THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

http://www.indiegogo.com/xratedgrandma

Check it out. There's a lot of details about the film, what the funds are needed for, and also, how you can become a film partner with THE X-RATED GRANDMA by making a contribution.

Any amount helps. If you can, help us make Park City with THE X-RATED GRANDMA!

Thank you,

Jack

A New Year....

2009-01-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

Here we are....

Another year.

To be honest, I'm ready for it. A lot happened last year....but now, it's a new year, time to get new things done, and begin new things.

I've got so much to do....make movies, get messages out, build my network, make a living, travel more, and even more....a lot's coming...

But it's also time for change.

I had a major change over the New Year; New Year's Eve, I found out my best friend, a college professor, passed away. Over 2 years ago. And I didn't even know. I can't explain how I feel. And it's made me come to realize that there are other important things in life than just getting my things done. I can't think of anyone I know of as a friend that I'm really close to, and keep in constant touch with. And that's pretty sad. After a 43 year life, thousands of friends spread out across the country, and no constant contact. I have to make a change.

Along with my resolutions for health, filmmaking, writing, travel and more, another big resolution is for me to build my relationships....and I have to start now.

Here comes 2009....

Holiday Season Updates....Park City '09...and more...

2008-12-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

Well....here we are....

Another year coming to a close....another year passing....another year of getting older....life being lived, films being made, ideas being shared, and more...

And here comes a new year coming this week! Believe it or not, a lot's lining up here in farm country for 2009!

IN THIS ISSUE:

PARK CITY 2009
THE X-RATED GRANDMA PROJECT
FESTIVAL UPDATES
OUR UPCOMING FIRST FEATURE FILM
PHONE SEX GRANDMA: THE INTERNET SERIES
ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORK UPDATES
OUR BLOGS
and more....

PARK CITY 2009:

Believe it or not....Opal and I are returning to Park City once again! This Mother and Son is ready to blow more minds in the snow!!!! We've got a lot lined up for Park City this time around....the Slamdance Film Festival and Indieroad have partnered with us for a major online event during Slamdance's festival, and we will be having a featured collection of shorts online during the entire festival, Jan. 15th-23rd! Along with this advanced preview for the world to see online during the fest, we'll also be promoting our new PHONE SEX GRANDMA internet series, while searching for cast and crew. If you've been to Park City, you know it's a great, unforgettable week of networking, fun, partying, great independent film, and more. Opal and I will also be promoting our first feature film that will be shot in 2009! More of that news coming up here in a few paragraphs...and every year, the two of us make the Park City trip as a road trip. Opal's afraid of planes. Nothing beats a great road trip. Fun times coming up!!!

THE X-RATED GRANDMA PROJECT:

This is major breaking news....THE X-RATED GRANDMA is our new project to be released in 2009!!! X-RATED GRANDMA is a compilation of 7 shorts of Opal over a 3 year period. With some films being documentary, some mockumentary, the audience is left to decide...which is real? Which is not? You be the judge. Nothing is as it seems...we will be self-distributing this compilation. No major studio system here. Screw Hollywood. One thing I have learned as an indie filmmaker is that sometimes, to get your true message out, you just have to do some things yourself. And with filming these short films of my Mother over a 3 year period here in farm country, I've found the best way to get these out as a collection to a worldwide audience is to distribute them ourselves online. News will be coming out very shortly on distribution details. In the meantime, it's great news that Slamdance and Indieroad will feature a selection of these shorts during the festival in January. Here's the Slamdance/Indieroad website:

http://www.indieroad.net/slamdance

Check it out. That's where films will be online during the festival for the whole world to see!

FESTIVAL UPDATES:

Our shorts are rockin' on the festival circuit! Between PHONE SEX GRANDMA, THE OUTHOUSE and THE ACCEPTABLE SIN, we've had over 60 festival screenings worldwide in 2009 alone. And more is coming. We've got a lot lined up for 2009. Our new short film JUNK just premiered at the Sundance/Project Direct short film competition. And now will begin the festival circuit as well. Plus, we've got some other new short films made that will be released in 2009....stay tuned....

OUR UPCOMING FIRST FEATURE FILM:

Here's some early breaking news....we will be making our first feature film in 2009! Speaking of our new short film JUNK....this will be our first feature film! JUNK is a film about a Mother and son who run a junk store in a small Southern ghost town. Imagine the TV series SANFORD AND SON combined with the film CLERKS; and you have a really good idea what our new feature film is going to be like. Based off our new Sundance/Project Direct short film, JUNK is scheduled to begin shooting early Spring. We're currently seeking crew, and lining up casting.

You can check out our new 3 minute short JUNK on our YouTube site at: http://www.youtube.com/dixiefilms

Stay tuned for updates on the feature film!

PHONE SEX GRANDMA: THE INTERNET SERIES

Have you seen our first film PHONE SEX GRANDMA? This little 9 minute short has taken the world by storm. Simply put, it's become a cult film. I don't know where my Mother comes up with these ideas for films. Opal is something else. Since this film premiered at Slamdance 3 years ago, it's played over 70 film festivals worldwide, is online with 4 distributors, has had over 400,000 free views on YouTube, and more. And now....we're making PHONE SEX GRANDMA an internet series!

This has been a long time in the making...but it's now a reality. We've already made a preview V-log online, and over the next few months, will have a preview series of V-logs of PHONE SEX GRANDMA. Then, after the V-logs, will come the series. Imagine THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW with a phone sex operator. That's what's coming up. You can watch the first V-log right now on our YouTube and Myspace sites. Stay tuned for more details and episodes!

ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING UPDATES:

To date, we've got over 50 online social networking sites. Along with the biggies (Myspace, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), there's a lot more out there. Opal and I have really been working hard these last 6 months trying to build an online community for my Mother, this X-RATED GRANDMA. I really want Opal to become known as the world's favorite, dirtiest Grandma; and personally, as a filmmaker, I want to become known as the next John Waters of film. That's my goal right now. And having my Mother Opal here as my subject and product, makes things very easy. This is just the beginning of what's to come. And the internet is a huge tool for the independent filmmaker to reach a worldwide audience without the big Hollywood industry machine. I've lived in Hollywood. Screw that. Screw the artificial life. It feels great to be real, making movies my own way, and getting my true independent messages out. And online, the 40-50 communities we're a part of are only a small fraction of what's out there. It's mind-boggling. Honestly, I need a staff of 6-7 people to be working these online social networks daily. But in the meantime, as a poor indie filmmaker, working the day job while making my movies, this is how it's going to have be for now. One site at a time. And building the network.

OUR BLOGS:

Speaking of our online websites and networks....

You can see the entire list of our social networking sites on our blogs. Opal and I each have a blog we try to write on as often as we can.

Opal's blog is: http://xratedgranny.blogspot.com

My filmmaking blog is: http://sonofastripper.blogspot.com

Check them out. See what we have to say, and what we're thinking. And visit our list of websites and networks there. We've got a lot we want to share!

As you can see, Opal and I have a lot going on here in farm country. Honestly, I don't know how we do it. It's maddening. It's hard to keep sane. Opal's brain is constantly working with ideas. And I'm trying to get those ideas out to the world as a filmmaker. I think we make a pretty good Mother/Son team. My job is making the movies, marketing, promoting, and distributing them to a worldwide audience. Even though right now, we're not making one dollar with these films. These first few years...are just a taste of what's to come. I can't wait to see what the new year brings.

This is proof that anyone can make a movie. Anywhere. With no money. Everyone has a story to tell. You just have to have the balls, courage and love to make your story and share it with the world. Declare your independence. Let your voice be heard. The world deserves it.

Have a great holiday season! Hope to see you in the snow in Park City!

Until next time...

BREAKING NEWS: X-RATED GRANDMA TO ROCK PARK CITY

2008-12-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

X-RATED GRANDMA TO ROCK PARK CITY

Slamdance, Indieroad Team With Truman for Online Event

Lamar, Missouri - The X-Rated Grandma is returning to Park City.

And this time, the whole world can watch.

The Slamdance Film Festival has partnered with Indieroad.net to feature an online event, highlighting a showcase collection of short films of alumni filmmaker Jack Truman as part of Slamdance's annual Park City festival Jan. 15-23, 2009. Truman's first film, the award-winning short mockumentary PHONE SEX GRANDMA premiered at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival.

THE X-RATED GRANDMA is a compilation of 7 short films of Truman's real-life Mother, Opal Dockery over a 3-year period. Through a combined Slamdance/Indieroad.net site (www.indieroad.net/slamdance), Slamdance will stream a collection of shorts from THE X-RATED GRANDMA throughout the festival period, along with a selection of official festival films. Bringing these short films through the festival online to a worldwide audience for the first time, this groundbreaking partnership will allow audiences the opportunity to see these festival films from a location of their choosing, even if they cannot physically attend.

Truman's films from THE X-RATED GRANDMA will be the only featured short films online during the fest from a Slamdance alumni.

"We're thrilled to return to Slamdance", Truman stated in press materials. "As an indie filmmaker, Slamdance is like the family you never had. And as a short filmmaker, this festival has empowered and brought my extreme alternative films to a worldwide audience. It will be exciting to be a part of this groundbreaking online event during the Park City madness".

The festival runs Jan. 15-23, 2009 in Park City, Utah.

On the Net:

Slamdance/Indieroad: http://www.indieroad.net/slamdance

Slamdance Film Festival: http://www.slamdance/com

Dixie Productions: http://www.myspace.com/dixiefilms

THE X-RATED GRANDMA:
On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dixiefilms
On Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/xratedgrandma

How Real People Are....

2008-12-14T23:17:00.000-08:00

People disgust me...

It amazes me how fake people are. Truly. When I was younger, people seemed real. And the older I have become, I have come to realize that people have nothing to do with you unless they can use you.

No matter what.

It truly amazes me. There are people I know from my college days, 20 years ago, that I think of as true friends. And I never hear back from them. There are people who became true friends 15, 20 years ago in KC, Dallas and Chicago, that I now can keep in touch with, and never hear a reply from. And then there are the industry people I have met over these last 10 or so odd years, that I consider real, true, new friends, that I never hear a response from unless they need me for something. Then once I respond, and they get what they want, I don't hear from them again until they again need something...and the vicious cycle continues...

People are not real. This is a sad fact. When I first moved to L.A., I thought it was an L.A. thing....but the older I get, the more I find and realize that all people are this way...it doesn't matter where you are, or what you do....it seems as human nature....people only use you for what they can get....

What happened to the good old days....or maybe....it's just always been this way....

That is what I think...

Another week of Life...

2008-12-12T06:30:00.001-08:00

Well...another week passing...

And another beginning....

It's something....life is good. I feel myself getting older each day. I'm not wild kid I was 15 years ago in Chicago...or 20 years ago in Dallas...it's funny how life changes....

Now, I work my day job, make my movies and promote them while I'm not working the day job, eat, sleep and watch some tv now and then. I'm becoming an old man...early...but feel very relaxed, and am doing what I love...making movies. Even though I'm not making a dollar...I'm getting my message out.

Fuck Hollywood....I've been there...and don't need it. That's another story. I'd rather be out here in the boonies, having to struggle and live a regular life making ends meet, and be real, true and honest with my films to get their messages out. Fuck all that artificial bullshit. That can stay in Hollywood.

People want to see what's real. People want to be shocked. They want their eyes to be opened. They want to think and talk.

And that is what I am trying to give them....one little short movie at a time....until I can have enough money for a feature film to really explode a message out there.

I love declaring my independence...

Gettng Ready for the Park City Madness...

2008-12-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

Well...here it is....

Another new year coming....lots of new things coming up....time to wrap some things up and get ready for new things to work and do....

And live a new season of the Park City madness.

I love this time of year coming up. It is the one time of the year I truly feel real, and my true self....being in Park City and experiencing the Slamdance/Sundance Park City madness....

Come tomorrow, all the major industry news will be out there to help get January set up....and I'll be there. A part of the annual tradition.

I feel like I should write a book or something about the experience, each of these last 3 years, and with the one coming up....on how to survive the madness, and make a hit film for Park City. Maybe I will one day. But right now, all I care about is making my movies, getting my messages out, and sharing them with the world. And there's no better place to do that in my mind other than Park City in January in below zero weather. The experience is unforgettable, amazing and addictive. Once you've experienced it, you want to keep going back each year for more.

Over this weekend, I put 2 new short films up on the internet; my shorts are playing all over the world; I'm working to get THE X-RATED GRANDMA released in 2009; shooting a feature documentary right now; and getting ready to shoot a new feature film in 2009 out here in the boonies....but all of that gets to be put on the back-burner when you get to have a celebration of true independent film and life at the Mother of indy film....

I can't wait...

My Mother, Opal as THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

Surviving the Madness...

2008-12-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Man...

I'll tell you...I've got to figure out a way to manage all this madness, have a life, get things done and live life...

Things were much easier 3 years ago, when I only had one little 9 minute film made. I was focused on getting that first film out to the work, while making a living. Then that little film called PHONE SEX GRANDMA had to go and explode out there to the world...

Still, that was cool. For another year I was able to manage things okay. Then, once the second short THE OUTHOUSE exploded in Park City....2 films became too much to manage by myself. Now, I've got my hands even more filled....all of these films to juggle, online promoting, making more movies, 12 hour days with this, working a regular job, no social life, not making a cent from these films...it would be easy to just put all these films back on a shelf and live life for years....

But I love it. I love the madness. I love having control of my art and getting my messages out to the world. And the world wanting to hear my voice through film. If that means me being a poor man in my wallet....so be it.

My goal is to be a philsopher with film...this is my beginning...

Life of the Poor Filmmaker....

2008-12-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

Well....another day to come....and life to live....

It was nice to finally take a few days and not do pretty much anything...even though I'm not one for the holidays, I have to admit, it was nice just having some time off and not do anything...

And now...back to reality...

It's early morning, I'm waking up with a strong cup of coffee, getting ready to go out the door soon to earn a few bucks, and in the meantime, am going mad trying to figure out how to manage life with all of these film projects....

All these short films playing the festival circuit....getting the compilation of Opal's shorts ready to release in 2009....getting ready for the Slamdance/Indieroad project in Park City for January....trying to edit this new comedy short with a deadline of next week....trying to shoot footage of this new feature doc here and there whenever I get a free moment....and trying to figure out and organize a way to shoot my first narrative feature in 2009....

This is madness....

Getting Ready for Park City...

2008-11-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

It's a busy time....

Even though I'm dirt poor, working these dinky jobs, we're building a worldwide audience for our crazy films....

15 fest submissions for THE ACCEPTABLE SIN today, getting ready for Slamdance in January, and more...

And life goes on....

My Mother, Opal, and her X-RATED GRANDMA Doritos Commercial:

Another Day, Another Dollar....

2008-11-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

Well....

Just finished day 3 of this temp job...we'll see how long it goes...maybe a week, maybe a year...who knows....at least it'll pay the bills while I try to get these movies out there....

Just finished eating some fried potatoes, popcorn and tortilla chips with some spaghetti sauce...and getting ready to konk out early...just chipping away....and trying to live a little life...

It feels good to have this tooth finally pulled...

A New World is Coming....

2008-11-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

I'll tell you...this last week has been amazing....

I can't stop smiling about Obama winning. The world is changing. Change is coming. And it's exciting.

This last week's been pretty busy....the election....Opal's court date...getting my tooth pulled...working online promoting these films....having shorts play this weekend in Germany and NYC...getting ready for Park City....getting ready for this new temp job to make ends meet....and more...busy times...

And things keep kickin' along...

Need to Find Time....

2008-10-27T19:25:00.001-07:00

I need to find time to get things done....

This is the first time in 3 weeks I've had a minute to get on here and write....just trying to make a living right now, while these short films play a different fest each week...

Need to start getting some more things done....

My Mother, Opal as PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

Wade Johnson Gave Me a Loan

2008-10-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

Strippers are looked down on from the rest of society. They are put in the same category as prostitutes and dope dealers. As a result, it is impossible to do some things like "regular" people such as getting a loan at the bank.

Wade Johnson worked at the bank across the street from the State Burlesk Theater in Canton, Ohio. He was a trusting person who gave a break to the underdog.

Wade would come back stage and watch the show. I became acquainted with him this way.

One time I needed some money. He was backstage; and I asked him if he would give me a loan of $1,000.00. He told me to come to the bank the next day; and he would handle it.

I went there the next day. Much to my surprise he gave me the loan with no collateral - only my signature and word. It is pretty funny; but he did not even know my real name until he took my application for the loan. All he knew me by until then was Wild Star.

To make a long story short - I paid back the loan. Later, I found out that he had taken chances on a lot of so-called low-classed people like me.

I told him I really appreciated his trust in me and that I had heard how he helped other people by just taking a chance on their word. He replied, "I haven't been burned yet. They always pay."

Opal as THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

Today as a Filmmaker....

2008-10-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

First time in a couple of weeks I've had a chance to get on the internet and write something....spending too much time trying to make a living and make ends meet, and haven't had the time and resources to do much on the internet.

Good things are a'comin'......

My Mother, Opal as THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

Trying to Get Back on Track....

2008-09-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Boy....it's tough being a poor filmmaker....

This has been the first time in over 2 weeks that I've found the time and resources to write a blog. Since my last one, I've been focusing on this telemarketing job to pay the bills, and make ends meet. I've lost focus of why I'm here and what I need to do....why I'm sacrificing just getting by to make make ends meet...it's to make my movies, and get my messages out there.

It would be easy to get a great job, and work it for 20 years until I'm a senior citizen; make a lot of money; have an easy life; but there's more I want out of life than that.

These last couple of weeks, when I get home from working this dinky job, it's been easy to pop open a beer, turn on the TV, and relax for a few hours, wind down and get some rest....but I need to remember why I'm doing all of this....and force myself to mentally get back on track.

It's hard. I'll be honest. It's really hard to keep pushing myself like this. And I'm getting older. Getting more set in my ways. That makes it harder. That's why I have to try even harder.

I keep trying to remember what Tom Hanks said in the film A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN: "It's supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great". I have to remember that. Keep focused. It's so hard. But it's supposed to be hard.

Today, I finally have had the time and resources to upload a new online episode of THE X-RATED GRANDMA. This week, I've had a short film play in Texas and Alabama. Next week, a short plays in L.A.; my films have played over 30 festivals so far this year; I'm trying to get my new feature THE X-RATED GRANDMA ready to explode in 2009. And there's more. I just have to find the time to keep working things and get going....

And life continues....

My Mother, Opal in today's new episode of THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

The Poor Man Kickin' Along....

2008-09-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well...another week's gone by....

Times are tough...I'm working this new telemarketing job to pay the bills....it's taking up most of my days....

By the time I get home, I'm pretty drained mentally...it's tought to get things going once I get in the door....

With over 50 websites, each day I try to hit some....but sometimes, I'm just beat and have to let the night go by without getting anything done...

But my Park City days are still paying off...the shorts are still rockin' the fest circuit, I'm building a fan base, editing work, and doing online social networking...trying to get my films out there....

Maybe one day soon, I'll be able to stop working these dinky phone jobs and just work on films....but for right now, I'll just have to live with my film work being seen for free around the world. I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing...and hoping the times will change....

And another week comes....

My Mother, Opal, in THE ACCEPTABLE SIN:

I Love Making My Movies....

2008-09-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is great....

Simply put, I love making movies. Whether it's a 60 second V-log episode of my Mother on the internet, a 5 minute short film for a film festival, a feature film to get out there in theaters...it doesn't matter to me. As long as I'm able to make a film, declare my independence, and get a message out, that's all I care about.

As a filmmaker, I want to open people's eyes; shock them; make them think, and talk; and expose them to truths they are afraid to see. It amazes me how scared people are to face truths.

I may be broke....working odd jobs to make ends meet, so I can get my messages out there...but I'm living life my way, making movies my way, and finding an audience...

I love my life...

My Mother, Opal, in her new episode of THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

An Unforgettable Week....

2008-09-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

Man...I'll tell you....

It's been some week, hasn't it?

It's weird....I've had a lot going on as a filmmaker....like getting ready for our NYC Times Square screening tonight of our new short THE OUTHOUSE, getting our new internet V-log episode of THE X-RATED GRANDMA ready for our Saturday release, promoting our 50 plus websites.....and more....but all of this has kind of taken a back seat for me this week, with all this RNC shit going on....

I just have to take a few moments and write my thoughts of, instead as a filmmaker, as a U.S. liberal citizen...

Everything this week has been jaw-dropping....and simply, a joke, in my opinion...let's begin:

Sarah Palin, simply put, in my opinion, is a joke, and a deliberate tactic by McCain and the RNC to distract people from the issues. They think the American people are so idiotic that they will focus on these 'popularity' tactics with the media, instead of the issues....hey...it worked the last 8 years....why change anything, right?

Last night, for example, with Guiliani and Palin's speeches at the RNC...was a perfect example of the hypocrisy, sexism, racist, demeaning, sarcastic, belittling values of the Republican party. If you watched Guilani's speech, you can probably agree with me how discusting and degrading he was.

Palin comparing herself to Obama? Give me a break...another joke. The new quotes for Palin in the media...'A Star is Born'...'The Perfect Populist Speech'...and the great star quotes go on....hmmmm...seems like there's a new, as to quote McCain, 'Celebrity' in the world....'She's the biggest new celebrity in the world....but is she ready to lead?' Sound familar?

McCain and Palin's refusal to talk about any issues, and just focus on 'character'...well...okay....let's just to the Republican thing, go against what's important to Americans, and just talk about 'character' for a moment....with Palin. Just on the beginning traits....current Alaska corruption investigaions....being involved with the Alaska Independent Party, and supporting succession from the United States....with her overworking her 'hockey mom' image, seems like she's got a pretty dysfunctional family that she has trouble managing...with her blasting out her 'family values', this whole son/grandson rumor, with a lot of Americans (especially me, for one), seems the most important issue to put to bed; because if the rumors become, what I believe, to be true, she is defrauding the government, the public, and the American people... But that's another story....

This whole 'sexist' theme.....it sickens me to the core to watch these hypocritical Republicans this week, whenever a part of the media questions any experience, character or other issues with Palin, the Republicans call it 'sexist'...but boy, last night, they were playing the 'woman' theme hard...this appears to me to really degrade women. The Republicans are really being sexist. And what about the continuous words 'hot', 'hottest' and 'babe' being thrown around by them for Palin? Sounds about as sexist as you could be to me...and coming from the RNC...

To be honest, I'll tell you....if Obama wanted, he could easily be calling the RNC and there spokespeople 'racist'. What would people think if every time a reference was made to Obama's experience, character, values, family and so on....Obama's people came back with 'that's racist'? To me, seems if the Republicans are playing this game, Obama has every right to do this. But you won't see him go there. It's not relevant to the issues, and to what's important to Americans. This seems like a major sexist/racist conspiracy theory to me right now...I could really go on about this topic...but I'll just leave this at that.

'Country First'? This is the theme for McCain/Palin? Seems to me like 'Palin First'. Having no respect for the privacy of her family, values, ethics for her state, experience to step in for McCain as Commander in Chief, let's just throw her out there the beginning of a holiday weekend, keep her in hiding for 5 days shacked up in a hotel room, let the world and media do tabloid buzz as we drill her for a worldwide speech, then present her to the world a week later for the first time, preaching a well-written speech by Bush writers to her choir, coming across with low worldwide expectations as a great speaker, and not give one interview to the media or talk to any press. Seems to me like it's pretty obvious who they're putting first.

I'll tell you...as a filmmaker, I wish I wasn't scrapping to make ends meet. If I just had the money to make my movies, I'd be traveling all over this country right now, filming a lot of things relating to this....

Well...there's my political rant....a rare thing for me to do. Now that I've done it, I'll get out of here and starting working on my film stuff...

Can't wait for the next week.

My Mother, Opal as THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

PHONE SEX GRANDMA on FACEBOOK!

2008-08-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

What a weekend....

Glad I've got 3 days to work this stuff until I start this new telemarketing job to pay the bills....at least this gives me some time to work these 50 plus websites to promote these films...

And our newest one I'm working on...is Facebook!

We've got a new Facebook page for PHONE SEX GRANDMA. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/PHONE-SEX-GRANDMA/7958687939

PSG is still exploding, with all these other projects; just got another waiver for a film festival for the short....

And the weekend continues...

My mother, Opal as THE X-RATED GRANDMA on YouTube:

Making History....

2008-08-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

What a week....

I haven't had the time this week to really work my filmmaking projects....but I'll tell you....this is one great week to be an American....

What a speech last night from Obama....MLK would be proud. I loved the convention, and loved the unity with the Clintons. I'm a big Hillary supporter, but this unity...you can't beat it. This is historic. What a speech last night.

And today....what happened? McCain picking Palin? Obama and Biden must be licking their chops right now....he just handed this election over to Obama on a silver platter. In my opinion, this lady Sarah is a joke; a beauty queen, hockey mom, who's biggest background 1 year ago was Mayor of a town with 5,000 people? Give me a break. McCain must be tapping into that hot stuff pretty well....and if you watched the announcement this morning, he looked pretty excited looking down at her ass while she was speaking...I'll bet he's getting excited thinking about who's going to be under his desk if he's in office....

Can't wait for next week....

My Mother, Opal as THE X-RATED GRANDMA:

Poor Filmmaking here in the Boonies....

2008-08-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is a tough life....

Getting older, living in poverty here in the sticks, working odd jobs to make ends meet so we can make our own films our own way, and share them with the world...sometimes, i wonder if all of this is worth it. Because as each day passes, I feel older and my age...

Then there are days like today...

Our new hit short THE OUTHOUSE is playing nationwide today in 3 cities; Atlanta, Palm Springs and Seattle...we just put our new episode of THE X-RATED GRANDMA up here on the internet this morning on YouTube, Veoh, Funny or Die, Metacafe, Flixya and ICN, to share with the world; have 4 festival screenings already lined up next month for THE OUTHOUSE in NYC, Austin, Birmingham and Canada...and getting this feature film version of THE X-RATED GRANDMA ready for Slamdance in January...

And life continues...

My Mother, Opal, and her new X-RATED GRANDMA V-log episode:

A Note from this Poor Filmmaker....

2008-08-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

Wow....

I'll tell you....

Sometimes I feel like I've lived too long. It's days like today that I feel like an old man. I look at everything I've accomplished these last 25 years...and I can honestly say, that if I died tomorrow, I'd die a rich man....

I have no regrets. None.

How many people can say that? I'm dirt poor here in the Ozarks, living in poverty, working crappy telemarketing jobs to make ends meet week to week while I make my movies....but I'm richer by far than these millionaires who slave and hoard their whole lives, and die with their pockets full, being a slave to their job for 40 years, so they can win the contest in death of 'who dies with the most in their pocket'. And these people that slave at their job all their life so they can have nice material things and keep up with the Jones's?

Fuck that!

Give me a shack in the boonies any day, with no hot water, a clothes line to dry my clothes, an electric heater to keep warm in the winter, and my cat to keep me company...and I'm a rich man....

This poor filmmaker doesn't need a bunch of cash to be alive...truly alive....

My Mother, Opal, THE OLD STRIPPER, on VEOH:

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Remembering Military School....

2008-08-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

I remember military school...

Those were some good days....when I was 6,7,8 years old back in the early 70's...spending the school year there in Tennesseee...then getting to spend the summers with Mother on the road on the burlesque circuit.

Those were the days....

My Mother, Opal, in THE ACCEPTABLE SIN:

I'm Wore Out....

2008-08-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Man....

Everything seems like a job.

Along with living, getting by....and as a filmmaker in poverty here in the boonies, trying to work all these 40 websites....man...

And it keeps going...

My Mother, Opal, in the new trailer THE OLD STRIPPER:

Friday in the Boonies....

2008-08-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Well....another week coming to an end....and things keep kickin'....

This has been a crazy week...the heat's been hell....but now the week's ending where it's back down to the 80's....and I'm starting to get some work done...

This social networking's taking up most of my time....trying to get my Mother Opal out there as the X-RATED GRANDMA....

And here comes the weekend...

My Mother, Opal, as THE X-RATED GRANDMA on Funny or Die:

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Too Much to Do....

2008-08-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

It's a busy life being the son of a stripper...and a dirt poor, independent filmmaker too....

Today has been nuts....along with it being another 105-plus degree day here in the Ozarks, been trying to work this internet socially like hell...I've created over 25 different social networks for our films so far, to try to promote and grow our audience, and build an even larger global audience for my Mother, Opal, aka THE OLD STRIPPER...

Too much to do...this is maddening....

My Mother, Opal, the X-RATED GRANDMA:

It's Hot as Hell....

2008-08-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Damn, it's hot....

It's over 100 degrees here today in the Boonies....was yesterday, too...and is supposed to be 100-110 degrees here for the next 3 days...

Most of the time, it just seems too hot to do anything.

I've got so much to do....but so little time with this fucking heat....

My Mother, Opal, aka PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

Dead Time....

2008-07-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

Time seems to be dragging right now....

It seems like I haven't been able to get anything done these past few days. It's been hot as hell; over 100 degrees daily....yesterday, Opal and I got a ride into town to look at a car to buy....that was a wasted trip, going to look at that piece of shit...and that took most of the afternoon.

I think the only thing I got done yesterday was checking a few emails out here in the country on this dial-up.

I've got so much to do....so much filmmaking shit....

I'm trying to make plans for a trip to Atlanta in August for our screening of THE OUTHOUSE....trying to work out the Short Film Market screening of OUTHOUSE for a week in August in Palm Springs....got so many things I'm trying to do....I can't think straight.

I think this heat's getting to me....

My Mother, Opal as PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

Working the Social Networks....

2008-07-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

Boy, it's a job....

This social networking is a job....especially if you have dial-up internet....it takes a long time for the screens to come up, and work these different sites....

This weekend, I've been working our channels on Youtube....Metacafe....Revver...Indiegogo...Indiewire....Tribe Hollywood...Myspace....Twitter...Blog websites....and others....it takes time. There's communities that we're members of, that I just don't have the time to visit and network. We're members of about 30 sites, and I've got the time to work about 5 or 6 different ones each week. I wish I had about 4 or 5 people working for us online social networking. It's just gonna take time to get these things done. You can only do what you can do.

Yesterday, we got our new YouTube episode of THE X-RATED GRANDMA up on our YouTube channel. And last night, our new hit documentary short film THE OUTHOUSE played in Santa Barbara at the Santa Barbara Arts Forum. Wish I could have been there!

And the weekend continues....

My Mother, Opal, aka THE OLD STRIPPER:

Being the Son of a Stripper....

2008-07-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

I love being the son of a stripper....

I've loved my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The things I've done...the places I've been...the things I've seen, people I've known....this has been one great life. If I died tomorrow, I'd have no regrets.

Every once in a while, I think about when I was a kid, growing up on the burlesque circuit in the 1970's. Man, those were fun times. I loved traveling with Mother in the summer on the road. I wish home schooling would have been legal back then.

There's so many stories to tell....of growing up, since I've been an adult...I need to start writing some more of those stories.

It really means a lot to me personally to know that the beginning films I'm making are of my Mother...an old stripper....these films of mine right now couldn't be any more personal...

My Mother, Opal, aka PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

Man, I'm Hung Over....

2008-07-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Well....this is some tough shit....

I'm hung over today. Yesterday, I had some beer. The first I've drank in a month. I've only drank twice in the 3 months I've been stuck out here. And I'm feeling it today....

I'm going crazy trying to figure out all of this social networking. I know that Mother and I have a gold mine just waiting to explode with all her stuff....the PHONE SEX GRANDMA, OLD STRIPPER and X-RATED GRANDMA stuff....films....books....blogs....Youtube V-logs....and more. I've just got to figure out a way to work all of these social networks, to let the internet world know what we've got here....

This is tough....

My Mother, Opal, as PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

Today in Milford...

2008-07-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

Things are a little better today....

My medication ended yesterday for the wisdom tooth I got pulled last week, along with the oral surgery done with drilling in the bone underneath the wisdom tooth...but it seems since I've been off the medication, I have my senses about me more...so that's good....

Mother and I was able to get a ride into town today...I was able to use the high speed internet at the Lamar Library for about 20 minutes to get a couple of things done. While I was working that, Opal went and checked our mail at the P.O. Box...and got a ride out to Wal-Mart to buy us a case of beer. It's the first liquor I've drank in over a month...and I have to be honest...it feels pretty good....

It's funny how we get depressed...things could be a lot worse...I was sitting with Mother about an hour ago talking, and told her how it would feel if I was paralyzed from the neck down; unable to do anything; just move my head around....and at that instant, it made me realize that even though I'm poor...and broke....and living off scraps....I've got my life. We don't realize how much worse life could be.

Live life....

My Mother, Opal, the X-RATED GRANDMA:

It's Hot as Hell....

2008-07-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Damn it's hot....

It's almost 100 degrees here today....my frozen shoulder bone is killing me....my mouth is in pain from the wisdom tooth oral surgery last week....what a day....

It's days like this that I get in states of depression, and can't seem to get anything done.

It's hard to remember and focus on all of the great things that have happened and are happening in my life...

I need to wake up and get out of this funk....

My Mother, the X-RATED GRANDMA:

My First Day at Military School....

2008-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to think of where to start with writing about my childhood memories of being the son of a stripper....where do I start? There's years of memories....from the 70's and 80's....so much to tell. I guess I'll start at the beginning.

My Mother started stripping on the burlesque circuit when I was 6 years old. Thinking back, that would have been in 1971 when she started dancing. She had just divorced, and was on her own raising me and my sister. I remember her agent booking her at different burlesque theaters around the country. She was just starting to dance on the burlesque circuit when she sent me to military school.

I went to military school the first 5 years of grade school. It was a boy's military school in Bloomington Springs, Tennessee. The school I went to took boys from the first to the 5th grade. I remember the first day she took me there. I did not want to go. I loved traveling on the road with Mother, and wanted to travel with her on the burlesque circuit. Now, looking back, I can see why she couldn't take me with her; home schooling was illegal back in the 1970's. And she wanted me in a safe environment.

I remember watching her drive off after taking me to the school. It was the end of summer, and I wouldn't get to see her again until Thanksgiving. I can't explain how it felt watching her drive away. Words can't explain it. That first day, I couldn't stop crying. And I cried myself to sleep that night on the bunk bed.

I ended up really loving being at military school. But I still wish I could have travelled with her on the road all those years. I did get to travel with her in the summers. But it never was enough....

My Mother, the Old Stripper, aka PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

The NYC Premiere of THE OUTHOUSE...

2008-07-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

Man....the times are busy....

And things just keep on coming....

This is some great news: tomorrow, our new hit Slamdance short THE OUTHOUSE will be having its New York City premiere! It'll be playing the Rooftop Film Festival in Brooklyn. I don't know who'll be in NYC, but if you're there tomorrow night, here's the Rooftop link for details about the screening:

http://rooftopfilms.bside.com/2008/films/ruralroute_rooftopfilms2008

OUTHOUSE will be playing NYC again in September, at the ACE Film Festival in Manhattan; but tomorrow night's Rooftop screening is the film's first screening in NYC.

I love that town....and they seem to love my films. PHONE SEX GRANDMA played there at 6 different film festivals over the last 2 years; and now THE OUTHOUSE is starting there....

Wish I could be there tomorrow night!

PHONE SEX GRANDMA on YouTube:

Memories of a Son of a Stripper....

2008-07-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

Man....I have loved my life.

This morning, I was sitting, drinking a cup of coffee, thinking about the life I've had. It's been full; unlike anyone else's. I've never met anyone else who is a son of a stripper from the 1970's and 80's.

When I think about the different times of my life, it amazes me; everything I've done; everywhere I've been.

When I just think about my childhood; if I try to remember a time in the 70's when Mother was dancing, and I was on the road with her during a summer off of military school....man....those were great times. A lot of that time seems like a blur, but when I try to focus on certain cities or events, more come to mind....

I need to start writing more about my childhood. The places Mother danced. The military school I was at. Being on the road with her in the summers. The gypsy life we had, starting when I was 6 years old. Those were the days.

I can't wait to write about them....

My Mother, aka PHONE SEX GRANDMA:

I Really Wanted a Beer Yesterday....

2008-07-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Man....

I don't know why, but yesterday, I was really craving a beer.

I don't get the cravings that much....since May 9th (67 days ago), I've only had a drink one day. This is the first time in my adult life that I've got this long of a period without drinking. I know this rehab's good for my body.

I'll be 43 next month....and for the last 25 years, I've been drinking regularly. I don't know how I lived through some of those drinking, partying years in college, living in Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City....man....those years are a blur. But I guess I'm not a true alcoholic, or I couldn't go without it. I'd find a way to be drinking.

I think it's good for my body being stuck out here in the country right now, without transportation or an income....or I'd still be getting drunk like a fish every day. I think about my rehab days I'm going through out here....and about how much money people spend to go to a rehab center. I guess when it comes down to it, I'm better financially and health wise being stuck out here.

Thank god I'm vegan....

Tomorrow I go to the dentist to get 2 teeth pulled. Mother and I will be paying my neighbor to drive us 50 miles so I can go to the free dental clinic to get these teeth pulled. I'm not looking forward to it. It'll be the first teeth I've had pulled as an adult. I don't think that's too bad for 43 years....

THE X-RATED GRANDMA aka my Mother: Talking about Shit

THE OUTHOUSE in San Francisco....

2008-07-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Well....

This has been one busy week out here in the middle of nowhere, to say the least.....

Last night was the World Premiere of our new documentary short THE ACCEPTABLE SIN in New Mexico. And tomorrow, is the West Coast premiere of our new hit short film THE OUTHOUSE!

THE OUTHOUSE will be playing San Francisco's Frozen Film Festival. I'm so glad an audience in California is going to have a chance to see this film.

And I just got word today that THE OUTHOUSE will be playing again this summer in California in Santa Barbara!

All of this....plus these other projects....it's a busy time out here in farm country....

Wish I could be in California tomorrow night!!!!

THE X-RATED GRANDMA on Indiegogo

2008-07-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Well...we now have a new website for our film project THE X-RATED GRANDMA....

INDIEGOGO!

Indiegogo has partnered with us to help us raise money to make our new feature film. It took me over 2 years, but I finally filmed the movie, and got that done...7 different short films of my Mother Opal, aka PHONE SEX GRANDMA!

We've got to raise just a little more money to get the editing done for this film, so we can start getting it out on the film festival circuit. Indiegogo is going to try to help us make this happen.

PHONE SEX GRANDMA, THE OUTHOUSE, THE 60 YEAR OLD STRIPPER, THE ACCEPTABLE SIN....these little short films I've made have played over 60 festivals worldwide....now we just need to finish editing our first feature...and we'll already have a worldwide film market for THE X-RATED GRANDMA to play!

THE OLD STRIPPER...on YouTube...

2008-07-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Here we go....

I just uploaded our new episode of Opal on YouTube...I hope people like it!

My Mother, Opal, is THE OLD STRIPPER...aka PHONE SEX GRANDMA...aka THE X-RATED GRANDMA!

The World Premiere of THE ACCEPTABLE SIN

2008-07-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well...here we go!

I just received word that our new documentary short film, THE ACCEPTABLE SIN, will have its official World Premiere next week!

THE ACCEPTABLE SIN will screen next week, July 10th, and the Animal Rights Film Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I can't wait to see the audience reaction to this film. We got great word of mouth from our advance screenings on Current TV...now this new film about Obesity, Religion and Animal Rights will begin to have a festival audience!

It's a crazy time out here in the boonies...July's going to be one busy month. Next week, is this World Premiere of THE ACCEPTABLE SIN. Next week, July 12th, THE OUTHOUSE will have its California premiere in San Francisco to close the Frozen Film Festival, and the next week, on the 18th, THE OUTHOUSE will have its NYC premiere at Rooftop! The screenings are piling up...we've already got bookings at fests in August and September, with more to come...the times are crazy!

I love it...

My Frozen Shoulder Bone...

2008-06-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well....I'll be....

I don't know if you've ever had a frozen shoulder bone. I had one with my right arm 2 years ago. It lasted about a year. It was painful and terrible.

And now, 2 years later, I have it with my left arm. I've had it about 6 months now, since January. They say it takes about a year to completely heal. I just have to live with the pain.

But...I may have found a cure for the pain....

Apple Cider Vinegar.

Yes. Apple Cider Vinegar. I was reading some of my Natural Medicine books yesterday, and also did some online research, and found that apple cider vinegar is good for inflammation, sprains, pain and joints, specifically frozen shoulder. I applied the vinegar like crazy yesterday, and my shoulder has felt better than it has all year. Seriously. All the medicine I've taken, medicated patches, oils, ice packs, heating pads....nothing felt as good as when I applied the apple cider vinegar.

I'll keep using it and see what happens.

I'm a believer of apple cider vinegar. 13 years ago, I had an ulcer, and weighed over 200 pounds. Apple cider vinegar cured my ulcer and helped me lose 50 pounds in 2 months. The ulcer never came back. I love this miracle cure.

Seems like every year I go to Park City for Slamdance and Sundance, I come back home, and have a frozen shoulder for a year. I personally believe it has something to do with the climate change.

We'll see what happens!

52 Days Without a Drink...and Counting....

2008-06-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well...I still haven't touched a drink.

It's been 52 days now since I've had a drink...and I don't crave it at all...never have....I think that's a good sign.

My brain goes crazy thinking non-stop of all the things I have to do and the projects...it's madness. My brain is always working. It never stops.

For about 50 days now, I can't sleep....I toss and turn, and maybe get about 2 hours of sleep a night....

But I'm getting a lot done....building our YouTube channel, working these projects...the list goes on.

It feels good getting things done....

George Carlin R.I.P....

2008-06-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

It's a shame about George Carlin's passing...he was classic adult humor, great perverse and obscene adult comedy.

He will be missed....

I'll tell you....mark my words...Opal, aka THE X-RATED GRANDMA, will be the next George Carlin...