Adventures And Monotony In Low Budget Filmmaking

19 Tapes in 48 Hours

2012-01-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, my friend and co-producer Michael Edwards came down to LA with his JVC GY-HD100(an expensive camera with HD capabilities) so that we could sit down and log in all ninteen tapes of footage for the 'DAD' doc. He could only come down for two days, so all the work had to be done in a marathon session, or else I'd be back to square one.

Earlier in the week, I had been feeling panicked about Mike's impending visit. I've started working at a bakery in old town Pasadena, who has been scheduling me on a day to day basis. What if I were to be scheduled on one, or worse, both days of Mike's trip? Luckily, they only scheduled me in on Tuesday, and at that only from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Unluckily, they also told me my schedule wasn't going to move beyond two days a week, four hours a day, at $8.00 an hour. I jumped on a bus with the sobering thought that I had to go job hunting again.

Michael arrived around 3:00pm, camera in hand, and we began immediately setting up, having little time to waste. My girlfriend Amy agreed to take some pictures of the process, so I could write a blog with pictures after the job was done.

During the filming of the documentary, Mike and I came to realize that his camera has a unique quirk to it; If you put a tape into the deck, the camera will automatically re-wind the tape back 30 seconds. Obviously, this is a problem for a tape that has already been rewound, as the camera would then freeze, forcing you to shut it off, and then attempt to rescue the tape before it was eaten.

A brilliant solution to this was found in a mysterious zip lock bag, which contained a pencil and a screw. The screw would be inserted into a hole located in the center of the digital tape, which has a lock that keeps that lid in an open position. Then the eraser of the pencil was used to manually fast forward the tape whatever length of time you thought was safe. I put Mike in charge of this part of the operation, being the expert and all.

With all the tapes ready to go, Mike and I embarked on what was undoubtedly going to be a long two days. Nineteen tapes of documentary footage, which would need to be logged IN FULL (no time cutting by way of logging only the 'best takes') meant no breaks, no google binges, and dinner spent in front of the computer.
I also loath looking at new footage, as I am invariably disappointed. Progress will screech to a halt as I kick myself for not pushing harder on set, and the ever present thought that I shouldn't have dropped out of college. For this reason, the first few hours of logging shots are often accompanied by a beer or two, which keeps me nice and apathetic.

However, one of the benefits of documentary shooting is that shots don't have to be exacting so much as functional, and the pressure of getting a "good performance" isn't as important as a "relevant" take. And one of the great pleasures of going through this footage was that not only were quite a lot of takes relevant, they were also funny, in the way that early John Waters movies are funny.
See, my family thrives on crude humor. Bowel movements and sex stories are dropped casually in conversation alongside mundane complaints about work or the weather. To get this all on tape has long been an ambition, going back to middle school.
While logging in one of the "Christmas Tapes", Mike and I broke out into a thirty minute laughing fit while listening to my openly gay sister and my dad bond over an affinity for hate- fucking their respective girlfriends.
Other highlights of the evening included my childhood friend John reminiscing about the magical day we helped my father move out of his apartment, in which he passed out numerous joints to us before, during and after (YOU try lifting a 100 lb. file locker while loaded up with Marijuana and pizza) and some truly harrowing tales about living on Telegraph avenue in the 1960's.

Despite my initial stance on not leaving the computer, I HAD promised to take Mike out to dinner, so around seven we all drove down to Sunset and Vine, were Mike's cousin owns a wine bar. The discounted meal of pizza, cheese, crackers, and wine was delicious, but all the while I could hear a clock ticking in my head. We got back at nine, and I worked until 3:00am, enjoying the quiet of solitude, since the boozing and food did everyone else in by one.

Up at 10:00am, I got right back to work. Mike had already left, having a friend he needed to see down in San Diego, and with no job to go to, I had all day to work at getting those 14 tapes finished.
The first few hours went by fast as I worked down my first pot of coffee and knocked out another four tapes. But as late afternoon approached, I started to loose steam, and found myself on google, looking up how much cash I could get for some of my more valuable star wars toys, should this new job not work out. However, I really didn't have the time to waste - Mike left for Berkeley tomorrow, and with each tape taking almost an hour or more to log, I needed to get back on the horse!

I've always subscribed to the theory proposed by humorist Art Buchwald that in order to effectively motivate yourself for a task, you should trick your mind into believing it's NOT work by having another project going at the same time. Maybe this just works for those with short attention spans like me. Regardless, I decided on re-painting my sideshow Universal movie monster figures as I continued to log footage. First, this is a pleasure project, serving no purpose other than nerdy fulfillment. Second, I find that painting toys and models is relatively easy, as I have it down to a few simple steps; start with a dark base layer, and gradually dry bush lighter and lighter layers, which brings out all the details in the mold. For those hard to reach places, I often cheat and use a finely sharpened color pencil.

I finally finished all the tapes by midnight, and had satisfactorily painted three movie monsters (all color accurate, by the way - I'm obsessed.) The last tape was actually an interview with me, which I found supremely irritating, but I suppose most people don't relish seeing themselves on camera.

Mike showed up the next morning, having partied in San Diego all day prior. After loading up the camera, we grabbed another cheap lunch at Phillie's Best, an accurate description of the greasy, delicious cheesesteaks served inside, and then it was off to a job interview at a pet food store, who are interested in hiring me as a supervisor - shocking, as I wasn't looking for anything other than to be a cog.

This week, I have a pressing animatic project that needs tending too, but using the Buchwald theory, I've been going in and labeling all the shots, putting them in proper bins, and selecting good screen grabs that I can upload in a later blog.

Until then,
Waylon

"It's The Little Things That Drive A Man Mad ..."

2012-01-22T09:08:00.001-08:00

Two weeks from now, I'll be logging in all the rest of the 'DAD' tapes, after an unintentional, drawn out waiting period.

I was first thwarted in Febuary/March. This period found me working 40 hours a week, packing my San Francisco apartment, and being offered a table at Wondercon, which meant putting together items to sell at my table while continuing to mail copies of 'Help Wanted' off to the film fests. All of this ate both my time and my (little) money. To make ends meet, I sold off some of my toy collection on e-bay, and offered to draw portraits of friends and family. Finding a moment to log in the shots at this juncture was simply not an option. The plan at this time, was to rent a camera or deck once I had found a day job in L.A

Within weeks of arriving in Los Angeles, I started my job hunt. Confident at first, I quickly realized how hard it has become to get a damn job, even something as menial as making sandwiches at Subway. At my lowest moment, I sheepishly asked if the Hot Dog On A Stick located in the local mall were looking for help. I can't say I was saddened to hear they were not. As the weeks turned into months, I realized I was not going to be renting a camera (or paying rent, for that matter!)any time soon.

Then, in August, I met filmmaker Bradley C. Jones and his partner in crime Christopher Gray.
Bradley, it turned out, needed some storyboards done, and was willing to work for trade (not what you think.) I mentioned the dusty tapes that needed logging, and so a deal was struck; I would crank out some storyboards for him, and he would get my footage logged in.

Problems arose again due to the technical nature of the tapes, some of which contained older footage that the 'DAD' doc had been shot over, as a money saving necessity. As my prior camera had permanently dirty heads (which is why she has since been retired)these tapes had time code problems, which dashed Bradley's only logging option, which was to batch capture. Foiled again!!

Researching cheap camera's that could be rented, I stumbled across one at a Los Angeles equipment facility for $250 a day. Still unemployed, and getting by on the odd storyboard job, I had the idea that perhaps a fundraiser could help.

Editing together the little bit of footage that had been logged in before moving, I uploaded a clip to youtube, and then sent out a mass E-mail, with a link to the clip, and an offer for a producer credit and some free swag if anyone wished to contribute to the project.

I was very surprised when I received a reply from Pauline Evena, who had played one of the dead hookers in 'Help Wanted'. She and her husband sent in $50 bucks apiece, a really wonderful gesture from somebody who had to prance about in their skivvies, covered in blood, for no money a few years back!

A hundred bucks closer to getting this thing done, I made headway again in November, when I nabbed a well paying animatic job with a fellow who has the phenomenal name of Viktor Von Drakk. He has written a truly strange script that's been thrilling to illustrate. Calculating that this money combined to make the elusive logging a reality, I called the rental company - only to be informed that the camera in question was no longer available.

I decided that the only option left was to use the money I had raised for a trip to the Bay Area. In the closet of Mike Edwards, friend and co-producer, was the camera the film had been shot on. I could stay at his apartment for a few days, log in the shots, then jump on a bus, be home and done with it. My girlfriend pointed out that the trip would have to be ridiculously short, being as I would have no money for food or cigarettes, but faced with the prospect of never getting this film done, I phoned Michael to pitch my plan.

Mike, luckily, had a much better idea; turns out he'd been planning a trip down to LA anyway, and had anticipated staying at our apartment. He'd just bring his camera down with him, and the two of us could get all the footage logged in then. With a combination of the money donated from Paulina and my own cash from the animatic, I could fully fund his trip. An arrangement was struck, and he's coming down on the 24th.

An exercise in patience, or a warning that I should never assume simplicity in life? Who knows, but I'm very pleased to be moving forward. I've also been able to land a job, so maybe I'll be able to pay some back rent this year.

Blackout!

2012-01-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

Well, this week I had planned on writing a long, detailed blog - and then I realized that the internet blackout is occurring right now, and as someone who thrives on sites that could (probably WOULD) be affected by SOPA and PIPA, I better do my part.

blackout

See you all next week.

Waylon

SIGN THIS THING!!

Beatdom #10 on sale now!

2012-01-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

As mentioned earlier, I have been doing quite a bit of cartooning this year, and one of my regular gigs is a wonderful literary magazine called 'Beatdom'.

Issue #10 of Beatdom, 'The Religion Issue', just hit the cyber stands, and I couldn't be more excited.

Beatdom, as per the website, is 'a non-profit literary journal dedicated to the study of the Beat Generation.

We are dedicated to improve the state of modern literature by publishing poetry and fiction inspired by the Beats.

Since its inception in 2007, Beatdom has been published by City of Recovery Press, and edited by David S. Wills.'

This marks the third issue to feature my work, and contains my personal favorite contributions thus far.

My artwork accompanies a short story by editor Michael Hendrick of his brief involvement with the 'Church Of Bible Understanding', whom Seinfeld fans my remember was parodied as the Vacuum Cleaner Cult.

Next, a portrait of Lenny Bruce accompanies an interview with the late great comedians daughter, Kitty Bruce, about what it was like to grow up with the comedian as her father. A real labor of love that I think payed off really well.

And what is going to be a regular feature begins here, with an original piece of art gracing the back page of the issue.

Of course, this isn't to take away from the loads of other great articles and artwork featured within, all on the subject of religion and the beats. Where's the connection? Read on to find out! www.beatdom.com

The issue is selling for $9.99, and can be purchased here: BUY

Special thanks to Michael Hendrick and David S. Willis

Back To The Blog

2011-12-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

"Editing has been going well, when I can find the time (or energy) to do it: I'm working a lot, attempting to crawl out of the debt I have found myself in."

This is from the last blog I did, back in July of 2009. I had been writing about the making of 'Help Wanted', and had enjoyed discussing some of the highs and lows of low budget film making. However, I stopped the writing when I realized there was nothing I felt like talking about in regards to editing the film; a year's worth of self doubt, financial troubles, and an existential crisis being the main culprit.

However, life has a funny way of surprising you, which is something I found needed to be genuinely experienced to grasp. The movie that ate my life premiered in October of 2010 at the 30th Berkeley Video and Film Festival, and has since gone on to play at seven more, two of which invited me. Additionally it has screened at bars, comedy shows, parties, has popped up on a few horror film themed websites, and garnered me many facebook friend requests. I was able to get a write up in Fangoria, a screening at Comic Con International Independent Film Festival, and become a subject of much discussion at the mighty Bad Lit: The Journal Of Underground Film.

Although the film hasn't gone 'viral'(and probably never will, being an 18min art statement/horror film), this period of my life has been amazing, and given me a lot of strength and courage.

So I've decided to give it another go, and throw in the occasional blog detailing the nuts and bolts of whatever project I may be working on. I personally find it interesting to read about other people's life experiences, and am particularly interested when they are attempting something as foolhardy as a career in 'the arts', such as, well ... me!

I'm currently at work on my first documentary project, the process of which I'll be detailing soon. This year has also found me doing a lot of cartooning and storyboard work, as a hopeful alternative to 40 hour a week day jobs. And while it doesn't sound as exciting to write about as film making, I've had plenty of moments worth detailing hunched over a drafting board.

Until then,
Thanks for reading!

Original Art For Sale!

2011-12-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

I'm doing an experiment this month, and putting artwork up for sale on the web page!

Currently, about half the art in the Gallery section is available to buy, for the darn low price of $20 apiece, and $15 for the smaller pieces. These are the original drawings, coffee stains and all, some of which go back a decade!

The art can be easily purchased through the handy 'buy now' button from our friends at paypal, seen when you click on a thumbnail with a price tag on it, and will be shipped to you in a plastic sleeve for safe keeping.

In the near future, I'll be adding more pieces (quite a few in glorious color), as well as the original storyboard pages for 'Help Wanted', 'Bob' and 'Poster Boy'.

The art gallery can be seen HERE

Please excuse the jagged arrangement of images - HTML hates me, and it'll be fixed this week.

May you all make it through the season sanely and safely,
Waylon Bacon

SF Underground Short Film Festival Trailer Is Up

2011-11-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

The trailer for the upcoming San Francisco Underground Short Film Festival is up. Take a look, and keep your eyes peeled for some clips from 'Help Wanted'.

The SF Underground Short Film Festival takes place in San Francisco, November 19th, at the Victoria Theater in San Francisco. SFUSFF

Clips from the new movie 'DAD'.

2011-10-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I'm very excited to announce that I have a new project in the works, the first clip of which you can view below!

The film is called 'DAD', and is a documentary on my eccentric father, Michael Bacon, who spins truly bizarre tales of his life spent as an acid dropping Navy Chief, rebel rousing Bart Police Officer, and wild man of telegraph avenue in the 1960's.

This is an important film for me in many regards. Firstly, of course, the subject matter is very close to my heart. As you might have guessed, I was a weird kid, and am quite lucky that my father was keen to indulge my interests in horror films, art, and loud rock music when most parents would have called the school councilor. He's also a fascinating story teller, and within my friend group, some of the tales of his life have passed into legend!
As well, this is my first attempt at a web series. A new clip of the film will be uploaded once a month, containing a different story, or stories. However, the arch of the piece makes it so that once the film is all uploaded, it can also be viewed as a single piece.

You can view the teaser I've put together here:

I am also on the lookout for possible investors in the project. The film was shot last winter/spring, but since my move down to Los Angeles, I have been unable to finish logging in all the footage.
Anyone who wishes to contribute to the project will receive a prominent producer credit at the end of each episode, as well as a free T-Shirt (check them out here: SWAG).
I only need to raise $250, and anything helps!
If you are interested, please contact me at: waylonbacon@yahoo.com

Thanks!

'Help Wanted' plays at SFUSFF

2011-10-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm very exited to announce that 'Help Wanted' will be returning to my Alma Mater, the San Francisco Underground Short Film Festival! The festival will be held November 19th, at The Victoria Theater in San Francisco, CA, and will be hosted by Peaches Christ, my favorite drag queen.
For more information, visit the official website:

www.peacheschrist.com

'Cinemaesque'

2011-09-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Also on the illustration front, Oakland's 'Cinesource Magazine' has tapped me to contribute a monthly cartoon on the subject of film making. The cartoon is called 'Cinemaesque', and is about amusing experiences I and film making friends of mine have had over the years. You can see the first one here! CINESOURCEMAGAZINE.COM

New art featured in 'Beatdom #9'!

2011-09-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

The ninth issue of Beatdom Literary Journal features seven new illustrations by me, not available anywhere else! This is my second contribution to the magazine, the first being February's 'Sex Issue', which featured eight color illustrations along with the short story 'Whores Who Where My Friends'.
This month the art is in Black and White, and accompanies the short stories 'Meat For Craigslist', and 'Holiday Inn'. As well, an older picture of mine graces the back page of the magazine.
The theme this month is 'Drugs', and its only $9.99! Pick up a copy here: http://www.beatdom.com

'Help Wanted' Goes International!

2011-09-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Help Wanted will be playing in the Nederlands at the B Movie Underground & Trash Film Festival (or BUT, as they like to be called) on September 7th, 2011! "Violence, gore, general grossness and perversion are, once again, near and dear to the heart of this fun fest."
-Mike Everleath, BadLit: The Journal Of Underground Film

T-SHIRTS FOR SALE NOW!

2011-07-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

As seen at this year's 'Wondercon', I'm now selling T-Shirts with images from the films, as well as original artwork.

Currently, there are two designs; the poor protagonist from 'Poster Boy', and an original cartoon with my webpage logo on the bottom.

The T-Shirts are printed by YesPress in Oakland, CA, who also do merchandise for 'The Resident's'!

All T-Shirts come in black cotton only, and are sized at Medium, Large, and Xtra Large. Perfect as conversation starters, or slightly shocking lounge wear. Help out an unemployed, starving artist and buy some swag! Only $12 plus shipping - well below the average price for T-shirts. Items ship out within 3- 5 business days.

T-Shirts can be purchased from the 'Swag' section of my webpage, found here: WWW.WAYLONBACON.COM/SWAG

Thanks for all the support, and stay tuned ... !

Waylon

Fangoria Interview Is Up!

2011-07-25T12:40:00.001-07:00

Moments like this make all the hard work worth it. I was recently interviewed for the Fangoria Blog 'Long Live The New Flesh' by David Pierce. Check it out!

Long Live the New Flesh: Mad Film Scientist Waylon Bacon

Fangoria Reviews Help Wanted!

2011-07-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

My all time favorite magazine, the magazine that used to make my mother nervous, the magazine that got me sent to the principle's office in elementary school, has just reviewed 'Help Wanted'.

This will be a two part feature, first with a review of the film, and followed up by an interview with the filmmaker.

To read part 1, written by David Pace, click HERE

The Cinematic Badlands Of Berkeley

2011-07-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

While attempting to solicit reviews for 'Help Wanted', I contacted Cinesource Magazine, who had previously written about 'My Worst Nightmare' back in 2009 ( 'Berkland Resident Wins Mastermind Grant'). It turns out the Cinesource doesn't do film reviews. However, editor Doniphan Blair wondered if maybe I could write a short piece about the film scene in Berkeley instead?

I'm not much of a journalist, but I wrote it out, Doniphan smoothed over the edges, and it's now up on their web page for all to see! As well, I contributed a few cartoons to make the piece more interesting.

Filmmakers profiled include Jeff Lunzaga, who puts on the BCM Horror Film Festival , and Kamala Appel, who was ran my first film class back in the mid-90's!

The article can be read here: cinesourcemagazine.com

Waylon Bacon Speaks from Skidrow Studios

2011-07-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

I had the extreme pleasure of sitting down in downtown L.A's 'Skidrow Studios' to talk about film, music, money, and everything in between on June 27th.

In addition to being interviewed, they also let me guest D.J - music by Stan Ridgway, The Cramps, Oingo Boingo, and more ... !

The interview can be heard here: www.skidrow.la>

The interview was conducted by the great Jeremy Hanson, radio tycoon, BBQ master and Charles Bukowski encyclopedia. Check back into Skidrow regularly as they often feature amazing guests, such as recent interviewee Mike Watt.

'Help Wanted' plays at Comic-Con!

2011-07-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

I'm very proud to announce that 'Help Wanted' will be playing at this year's Comic Con International Film Festival!

Comic Con has been running since 1970 in San Diego, and is the biggest comic book convention in the country - and quite possibly the world. It regularly attracts crowds of 130,000 and more, and features celebrity guest such as Guillermo del Toro and Lloyd Kaufman. This is the largest venue 'Help Wanted', or any of my films, has ever played at, and I'm terribly excited to see how it goes down.

As well, I will be speaking on a panel with producer and assistant director Noah Nelson of Wondertown Media for fifteen minutes prior to the screening.

The Comic Con Independent Film Festival runs at the Marriott Marquis and Marina, next door to the San Diego Convention Center.

Help Wanted screen Friday night at 9:20pm.

For more information, visit the Comic Con Independent Film Festival website at: CCI-IFF 2011

Help Wanted Returns To San Francisco!

2011-06-15T13:01:00.001-07:00

Help Wanted is screening THIS SATURDAY at the 4th Annual 'Nightmare To Remember' Horror Film Festival in San Francisco, CA.

Presented by 'The Last Doorway Show', who have featured Loyd Kaufman, Ted Raimi, and even me once, and hosted by Miss Misery, a tireless devotee of all things relating to the horror genre, this is going to be a great show, with a slew of gory amateur horror films, special genre guests, and even prizes to the first 20 guests!

'A NIGHTMARE TO REMEMBER' occurs Saturday, June 18th, at the Opera Plaza Cinema Theatre located at 601 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, CA. 7:00 - 10:00pm, $12 at the door.

www.anightmaretoremember.com

See you there!

Waylon Bacon

'Help Wanted' Availble Online Today!

2011-05-20T01:56:00.001-07:00

"Although both funny and frightening, Help Wanted doesn’t easily get classified as a horror comedy. That’s really just a genre shortcut term to best describe a film that’s actually quite difficult to describe. More accurately, the film is both a nightmare and a dare."
- Mike Everleth, Badlit.com

Six months after its premier date at the Berkeley Video and Film Festival, I'm really excited to announce that 'Help Wanted' is now available to view online! Check it out, have a laugh, and please spread it around to your friends, family, and especially your co-workers. Let's put the word out there and get this thing seen!

Cheers,

Waylon

HELP WANTED goes on-line MAY 20

2011-05-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Help Wanted is going on-line as of May 20th. It's been a long time coming, what with a lengthy editing process, and then eight months of film festival submissions. However, I don't want to sit on this thing any longer - films are made to be seen.

Winner of the Berkeley Video and Film Festivals first annual 'Tru-Blood' Award, and runner up for film of the year on 'Bad Lit.com', 'Help Wanted' is both my bleakest film, and the most well received.
Thanks to everyone who has continued to maintain an interest in this movie - I know its taken a long time, and I promise it will never happen again!
Check back in May 20th for Help Wanted's online launch.

Waylon

New Interview on 'Mister Odom's BOTTOMLESS PIT

2011-04-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of being the first guest on a new web series entitled 'Mr. Odom's Bottomless Pit'

Formerly of San Francisco's infamous Pirate Cat Radio (which I had the extreme honor to be interviewed on back in 2008-2009), Stoo Odom has taken his show and transformed it into a web series.
Featuring a mind blowing selection of great music, interesting guests, and dry wit, I would highly suggest subscribing to his page and keeping up with Stoo. As well, the series is being directed by non other than Nara Denning, the creator of the 'Neurotique' films.

Stoo and I discuss 'Help Wanted', 'Mad Magazine', and Satanic Rituals. Enjoy!

New Version of 'Poster Boy' Now Available

2011-04-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Just call me George Lucas. Here is a new, higher quality upload of 'Poster Boy', my 2006 satire on the anti-smoking movement.
Featuring remixed sound, punchy new color correction, and a tighter edit, this is a more condensed and focused version of my most popular youtube film (over 32,000 hits!). Enjoy, and pass it around!

Waylon Selling Swag At Wondercon!

2011-03-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to announce that I'll be selling my first collection of short films at this years 'Wondercon' in San Francisco, which is one of the largest comic book conventions in the country.

The DVD contains Poster Boy, Bob, and My Worst Nightmare, which have been re-color corrected, remixed, and essentially look and sound better than the versions up on the internet.

Also included are a documentary on the special effects used in the films, animated storyboards, production stills, and an alternate trailer for the new film 'Help Wanted'.

As well, I have two T-shirts for sale, one depicting the poor chain smoker from 'Poster Boy', and one with a pen and ink drawing. Both are on black cotton and look pretty cool!

I'll be sharing table space with Nara Denning, a local San Francisco filmmaker who's been developing a heavy following in the bay area. Her DVD, 'Nuerotique', is a mind bending collection of six short films about women eating men, both figuratively and literally, and must be seen to be believed.

Wondercon is happening April 1 - 3 at Moscone Center South in San Francisco. Tickets are $20 for a day, and $40 for all three days. Doors open at 12 noon, and close at 7pm.

Thanks, and I hope to see you guys there!

Waylon Bacon

MY WORST NIGHTMARE: 3 SHORT FILMS BY WAYLON BACON - $10
T- SHIRTS - $12
http://www.naradenning.com/

MY WORST NIGHTMARE: 3 SHORT FILMS BY WAYLON BACON

2011-03-13T01:46:00.001-08:00

I've just finished putting together my first collection of short films, entitled: "MY WORST NIGHTMARE: 3 SHORT FILMS BY WAYLON BACON".
Containing new transfers of these three shorts as well as cleaner audio than those available on the web, it also includes animated storyboards, behind the scenes photographs, and a short documentary on some of the cheap special effects I and make up artist Shannon Burla employed.

This won't be available for a couple of months, so stay tuned. In the meantime, here's a sample of the groovy packaging.

Waylon

'DAD" Behind The Scenes Pics

2011-02-18T10:06:00.001-08:00

I'm currently sifting through almost 60 hours of footage I've accumulated since November on the 'DAD' documentary. Here are a few screen grabs of moments I found particularly funny, as well as a few behind the scenes shots.

Bacon Illustrations Accompany Short Story In Beatdom Magazine!

2011-02-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

I recently did a series of illustrations in beatdom magazine. The results are variable. Click the link below to download the magazine and check it out - the pics start on page 39.

www.beatdom.com

New Film Project In Production

2011-01-31T02:44:00.000-08:00

I'm just a glutton for punishment.

I'm officially 'In Production' on a new film project. This is a bit different from everything else I've done - it's a documentary. On my father, Michael Bacon. An ex-navvy chief who dropped out and tuned in on telegraph avenue in the 60's, only to become a police officer in the 80's and then a social worker in the 90's, Michael Bacon is a pretty fascinating guy. Part bad ass, part story teller, and totally fascinating as a subject (and a father!), I'm pretty excited to see how this all comes together.

...stay tuned!

'Help Wanted' runner up for film of the year!

2011-01-03T01:51:00.000-08:00

'Help Wanted' was runner up for film of the year on Bad Lit.Com this month!
Click the link below to read the entire article.

2010: The Year In Bad Lit

First 'Help Wanted' Review in!

2010-11-10T13:44:00.001-08:00

The first review for 'Help Wanted' is in from badlit.com, who've been tracking this film since I first posted story boards on my old blog. Glad it was worth the wait! Thanks to Mike Everleth.

"Laughing at the grotesque is a good way to deflect our psyches from the harsh reality of the fragility of our corporeal bodies. However, the disturbingly hilarious short film Help Wanted by Waylon Bacon is an entirely different kettle of fish. A fetid kettle of rotting, decomposing fish, that is.

While Bacon’s films, in general, have a terrific sense of humor about them, that humor does not come from the easy place of most other horror comedies. Help Wanted is a physically gross film, featuring rooms literally stacked with corpses, and Bacon shows us these horrifying sights in a desperately serious, deadpan tone. Yet, the overall context in which these visions are presented is so outrageously absurd that it’s nigh impossible not to laugh at them.

James (Justin Lamb) is a clean-cut, earnest young man interviewing for his first real job as an adult. After a quick sit-down with the sweaty, thin-haired boss (Mike Fordyce), he’s given a walk through the warehouse where he’ll be working by another young, but already jaded, slacker (Joseph Banks).

Initially, it seems as though James will be performing the typically demeaning work that comes with most first serious jobs. He’s bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the prospect of working, but in due time he’ll slip into the same mindset as his slacker tour guide. And, as the tour progresses, the terrible reality of what this warehouse actually stores comes into stark, nauseating focus.

The warehouse is a processing facility for the bodies of people killed by contract killers bumping off society’s undesirables: Prostitutes, immigrants, hobos, etc. In the loading area, about a half-dozen killers drive up, haul corpses out of their car trunks and backseats, and dump them at their designated spots where the bodies can be counted before being taken inside.

In most other movies, hit men usually either take a special glee or serious business-like approach to their jobs. But, in Help Wanted, these killers are haunted by their chosen profession. Literally. The ghosts of the recently deceased prowl the premises, painful reminders that murder is a serious business.

In Bacon’s view, though, this is a source of great comedy. Stony-faced killers become bug-eyed scaredy cats popping tranquilizers to keep their consciences in check. And the decaying specters ooze pus out of their eyeballs just in case we didn’t get the point that their mere presence is supposed to be disturbing.

Then, at last, Bacon delivers the coup de grace of grossness. The corpses are separated into rooms based on what their status was in life. In the dead prostitute room, another emotionally-void worker named Dog (Alex Koll), instructs James to haul one of the bodies up and hang them by a meat hook in a tense, although uncomfortably funny, scene that recalls the meat-hook hanging scene in the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Visually, Help Wanted is a walk through a cold, emotionless, almost sterile walk through the depths of hell. Except for the corpses, the warehouse looks like any other grungy old storage facility and the camerawork, by Marcia Ong, is appropriately sterile and matter-of-fact. Rather than calling special attention to the disturbing imagery, the camera lets it all play out as if this warehouse is just like any other place of business.

Although both funny and frightening, Help Wanted doesn’t easily get classified as a horror comedy. That’s really just a genre shortcut term to best describe a film that’s actually quite difficult to describe. More accurately, the film is both a nightmare and a dare.

First, the film plays out like a real nightmare: A good mix of the mundane and ordinary with a hefty surreal and disturbing vibe slathered across its body. And, it’s a dare, because unlike most other horror comedies, which actively invite their audiences to laugh at their grotesqueness, Help Wanted shows us death and gore in all its depraved and depressing glory and dares us to laugh at it all."

-Mike Everleth

Funny Interview on 'Horror TV'

2010-11-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Funny interview done 'live' from my apartment to promote 'Help Wanted' on Berkeley's own 'Horror TV'. Enjoy!

2010-10-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

TWO MORE SCREENINGS OF 'HELP WANTED' THIS MONTH

2010-10-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Halloween, I've had two more screenings of 'Help Wanted' added this month.

The first will occur at the fourth annual BCM Horror Film Festival. This year promises to be especially fun, with two hosts right out of 'Creature Features' ( Dr. Frank N Bones and Lord Blood Rah, respectively) a costume contest, raffles, prizes, and of course, gory indie horror films! This a great chance to catch 'Help Wanted' if you missed the September Screenings and want to catch this in a theater setting. Plus you get a discount if you come in costume.

8:00pm
4TH ANNUAL BCM HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23RD
2239 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WAY
BERKELEY
$15 at the door
$10 in costume!
http://www.torridproductions.com/betv/Horror2010/home.html

We will also be having a screening on Thursday, October 28th, at a new art space in San Francisco's SOMA district called ARK221. I'm not hip to all the details yet, so stay tuned...
Hope to see you all there, and have a great Halloween!!

Waylon

2nd 'Help Wanted' Screening Added!

2010-09-23T02:30:00.000-07:00

There's been a second screening of 'Help Wanted' added, occurring Monday, September 27th in San Francisco.
'Help Wanted' will play at the Mission District's famous 'Revolution Cafe', where some of my previous shorts have already played.
The show is free, although you should support them and buy a beer or coffee. Things start at 9:00pm. See you there!

Waylon

'HELP WANTED'
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH
REVOLUTION CAFE
3248 22ND STREET
(Between Mission and Barlett Street)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
9:00PM

Help Wanted Premiers!!

2010-09-11T01:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, finally! After numerous delays, we are finally premiering my new short film 'Help Wanted' at the 30th Berkeley Video and Film Festival.
In addition to 'Help Wanted', they will be screening three of my previous other shorts: "Poster Boy (2006) "Bob" (2007) and "My Worst Nightmare" (2008),which is the first time in 30 years they've ever done a retrospective. I feel like I'm dead already.
The Berkeley Video and Film Festival happens on Sunday, September 26th, at 6:10pm at the Shattuck Cinemas, located at 2230 Shattuck Avenue in downtown Berkeley. Ticket prices have no yet been posted, but you can keep up to date by going to their web page: http://berkeleyvideofilmfest.org/Official%20Selections%202010.html.

Then, on Saturday, October 23rd, I'll be having a second screening at the Berkeley Community Media Horror Film Festival. I have almost no details about that event, so stay tuned while I wait for more info.

Thanks to everybody who worked so hard on this film, and everybody who's maintained an interest in seeing the final product. I think it came out pretty well!

Cheers,
Waylon

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th
SHATTUCK CINEMAS
2230 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
6:10pm

HELP WANTED PREMIERE

2010-09-10T12:09:00.001-07:00

2ND SCREENING OF 'HELP WANTED' MATERIAL!

2010-07-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

I'm having a second screening of some material from 'Help Wanted' this Monday, July 26th at the Revolution Cafe in San Francisco's Mission District. There's no cover charge, so spend that extra money on some beers. If you missed Saturday's show, here's a second chance!

REVOLUTION CAFE
3248 22ND STREET
(BETWEEN MISSION AND ST. BARTLETT ST.)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
JULY 26TH
9:00PM
NO COVER
'POSTER BOY' & SELECTED SCENES FROM 'HELP WANTED'

'HELP WANTED' SNEAK PEAK AT INDIECINESHACK!

2010-07-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'll be previewing two scenes from the upcoming 'Help Wanted' at the first annual INDIE*CINE*SHACK film festival next Wednesday, July 21st. Also screening will be a newly color corrected cut of the now somewhat infamous 'Poster Boy'!
There will be live music, and interviews conducted by Stoo Odom of the weekly radio show 'Mister Odom's Bottomless Pit'. Admission is a modest sliding scale of $7-10 dollars.
The festival is being held at 'The Blue Macaw', located at 2565 Mission Street in San Francisco.
Special thanks to Nara Denning, who is not only putting on the fest, but is also an amazing filmmaker. Check out her films at http://naradenning.com

HELP WANTED CLIP

2010-04-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

I've uploaded a short scene from 'Help Wanted'. Enjoy!

HELP WANTED TRAILER IS UP!

2010-04-22T11:40:00.001-07:00

'HELP WANTED' WRITEUP ON BADLIT.COM

2010-04-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's official. My trailer for 'Help Wanted' has recieved a stellar writeup in the cyper pages of 'Badlit.Com' by author Mike Everleth. To read, click the link below:

http://www.badlit.com/?p=2798

2010-04-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

BACON INTERVIEW ON "HORROR T.V"

Included below is an interview I did for this years BCM Horror Film Festival. I wasn't able to complete an actual film, so I just gave them the trailer for "Help Wanted". And they still let me do an interview! Very funny, with Berkeley's own Moby Theobald hamming it up like no one else can.

Other Fim Makers

2010-04-22T10:47:00.001-07:00

10/26/09

TWO WEBPAGES YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT!

Two of my favorite local filmmakers have started up their own webpages, which you should check out now (RIGHT NOW! CLICK THE LINKS!)

First on the list is San Francisco mistress Nara Denning, who has a visual style that will haunt your dreams. She's also quite funny. Take a look here: WWW.NARADENNING.COM

Second is Hoku Uchiyama, whose work I have raved about before. I'm a bit biased, as we grew up together, but man! Watch out for him. His beautiful page can be seen here:WWW.HOKUUCHIYAMA.COM

Experiment

2010-04-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog/news section. This will be taking the place of my old 'news' section on my webpage. I'll be linking the two of them together as soon as I find a minute.

Thanks!
Waylon