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

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

Filmmaking in Vegas...and Living Life

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.....

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....

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

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

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

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

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....

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...

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

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

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

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:

Trying to Make a Buck....

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

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....

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:

40 Days Without a Car...and Counting

Well....I think things happen for a reason....

It's been almost 40 days since the transmission went out in my van. And I haven't had a car to drive. I'm broke. Stuck out here in the boonies. But good things are happening....

I haven't been giving the oil companies $150 a week for my gasoline like I was. I haven't been able to buy beer for 40 days, so I'm doing good in rehab out here...I don't have high-speed internet, so I'm getting other things done out here...and I'm reading books that I haven't had the time to read over the last 15 years.

And the list goes on....

Good things are happening to this poor man...who's just a filmmaker in the boonies...

An Actor's Life

I loved being an actor.

Before I was a filmmaker, I was an actor for 20 years. I starred in over 70 stage plays around the country, and appeared in major television series and major motion pictures. It was poor life, but my life was rich.

I loved being on stage...acting, performing, entertaining....it seemed like whatever city I moved to, if I would audition for a play, I'd get the lead. Whether Chicago....Los Angeles...Vegas...Dallas....Kansas City...Tampa....the list goes on.

I miss those days...they were some great times. But I made no money. I did it for the love of it. Now, I'm doing the same thing with making my movies...not making any money, but doing it for the love of it to get my messages out to the world in film. So, in a way, I'm doing the same thing...just at another level.

I love entertaining people...

One Crazy Sunday...

Well, it's Sunday out here in the sticks...and I can't believe the day I've had. Out here in the middle of nowhere.

I think this is a record day for me as a filmmaker....acceptance wise.

I got up late. This frozen shoulder bone has been killing me for months, and I haven't been able to sleep for shit. But after I got up, had my coffee, and a vanilla cigar smoke, I went to check my emails...

My new film THE OUTHOUSE got 2 acceptances today from festivals; at San Francisco's Frozen Film Festival, and Washington's Washougal Film Festival. It'll be the state premieres of THE OUTHOUSE in California and Washington. That makes 15 festivals this year for the new short so far.

Then, if that wasn't enough, I got an invitation for PHONE SEX GRANDMA to Spain's largest Gay and Lesbian Festival.

Then, on top of that, I received an update email of our Dallas screening next week of THE OUTHOUSE.

And on top of that, I have several fee waivers from festivals for my new short THE ACCEPTABLE SIN.

Things are nuts out here. I don't know how I get everything done. I feel like I'm going mad; promoting PHONE SEX GRANDMA like hell on YouTube, getting THE OUTHOUSE and PHONE SEX GRANDMA promoted on the film festival circuit, getting my new short THE ACCEPTABLE SIN submitted to festivals, getting this new project finished for Slamdance next year....keeping all my blogs and social networks going....and trying to make a buck with all of this as well. Plus, working on trying to start shooting my first narrative feature film this fall. And that doesn't even include the lists of things I need to get done that aren't even being touched.

It's a crazy life out here in the boonies....especially when you don't have anyone else working with you, and are doing everything yourself....but I love it. I have total control, and am making my films my own way.

But things are becoming so large, they're getting out of my hands and out of my control. I think that's a good thing.

John Steinbeck once said, "Ideas are like rabbits...you get one or two, learn to control them, then pretty soon, you have a dozen." How true that is.