archives
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"I think we’ve seen enough on this long brick road of ours, to know that I’m going to want to eat you in just a couple of minutes." character from ME & SIMON BAKER |
some time ago - 01-19-2013
01-19-2013: It's 2013 y'all. I'm sure you're wondering...whatever became of that zombie mood book I believed in, and dropped some hard earned cash to help come to the light of day? Admittedly, things have been slow-moving over at the 53, but like a zombie, not totally dead. A bad comparison? Perhaps. :) With renewed zest, this year will find us moving up the ladder toward completion. Stay tuned, as some recent new brainstorming on how to move forward may be revealed in the near future. This idea's too good to keep down! Also, the website continues its renovation since the move to Weebly. We're lookin' good, folks!
11-04-2012: Well, here we are. We've relocated our website, switched over hosting responsibilities and cleaned things up a bit. Stay tuned as we continue to add the details to this new site and make it more user-friendly. But we're not just fiddling around...with this new site, comes new plans as well as new drive. We're looking forward to the new year when we can move ahead full speed to bring this book to coughing, hacking life! Again, we appreciate your patience. Soon my friends, you'll have the rewards you so richly deserve and also, that special book in your grubby, rotting hands. Thanks, 53 supporters!
08-06-2012: Hello 53 supporters (although there are more of you than that--get it?). Been awhile since you've heard anything about our FANTABULOUS project. Well, here's an update for you. Our pending shoot, just a month away, is going to be pushed back--by about 5 months. Now, before you go nutzo and wish an actual zombie outbreak on the gang over here @ THE 53, allow us to explain. One of our team (and my partner--that's me, Michael here) is prepping for a semi-major surgery. The amount of time for recovery is extensive, and on top of that, I only have a limited number of vacation/sick days at my disposal. So the week needed for the shoot will have to be used toward a different role--that of nursemaid. And finally, rather than scheduling for later in the year (during the height of wackiness for the holiday season--retail, folks), we'll just move into the slower time of the post New Year. But, we shan't rest during this delay. We plan to PLAN this thing to death. We've got the time, let's streamline the shoot schedule and get ahead on other aspects of the project. Your dollars and moral support shall not go unused or unappreciated! More news as it comes up. Thank you all for your continued well wishes and now, your patience.
06-25-2012: Wow. Just WOW. What an amazing weekend. Vanessa joined my other half and myself for a weekend of fun and crazy productivity. Vanessa was kind enough to take some new headshots for myself, the other half and some couples shots (me w/ her and her w/ the other half and the other half w/ me). Got some really good ones too! But, the other reasons (THE 53 reasons) for her visit. We went on down to Dystopian Studios; just a wee bit away from downtown LA in "The World's Largest Arts Colony". Details were provided, met the owner, toured the space. Well, with such little fanfare, we've found our studio for the shoot (pending confirmation of our dates). We've also settled on our dates...for our week-long zombie mood photography shoot. September. Joining us @ the space was our makeup guru, Steve. So he got to meet Vanessa and the other half and they got to meet him. It all just seemed so easy. But I won't rest on my laurels. Lots of work is coming up. Think about it, we're only 3 tiny little months from the shoot. But these two things being cemented (dates/space) really and truly put another loud and forceful "this is for real" chant in my brain! Ha, he said "brain" and it's a zombie book! By gum, we are so gonna do this! Check out some new links on the "links" page above. You'll find our makeup guru's site, as well as another link to Dystopian Studios. Being productive sure does feel great!
06-11-2012: Production books are made up and ready to receive loads of info! Have a VERY promising lead on a space, and the folks there have already agreed to cut us a deal for our week-long shoot. Planning to scope it all out next weekend when Vanessa arrives. Also, have touched base w/ our make-up guru...he has confirmed that he is still interested. I've also put together a daily schedule for the shoot. Lots of details to iron out. Hoping once Vanessa and I meet...that by weekend's end, we'll have confirmed dates AND a space. If anything makes it "for real", it's plopping down some money! I've also had to move another document of "archives" over to that page. Just so much to talk about, we need to keep cleaning out this here home page. It's a good thing! I've also changed up the "donate" page...advising that the Indie-Go-Go campaign may have ended, but we are still open to receiving donations! Finally, when I checked my bank account this morning, there was a nice chunk of change to be found. We are OFFICIALLY funded! Nice!
06-07-2012: Plans have been made for Vanessa to pop on down to LA for a weekend in the near future. The reason? To make more plans. Already we have found a few leads on venues for the week long shoot. Originally, the plan was to shoot in Fresno, where Vanessa has access to equipment and space...for cheap or free. Well, travel and lodging would be way beyond our budget, so we've decided to do our dirty business here in La-La Land. One location near downtown seems promising, if a little too good to be true. More research is needed. In other news, the disbursement of funds from the folks of Indie-Go-Go is shortly forthcoming. Once fees are subtracted, we will net $1995 and some change. Very cool! I'm also in the process of putting together production books for both of us. The "kitchen sink" files as I've labeled them. Finally, two nights ago, via the magic of Facebook chat, Vanessa and I had a TREMENDOUS brain storm session...making for some mind-juggling possibilities. More on that later. Still pinching ourselves. This is really going to move ahead. Unreal! Why, it's as unreal as a true-to-life zombie outbreak...unless you've been keeping up on the news lately. SHEESH!
05-31-2012: And the final # is...drum roll, please...$2268.00. Simply amazing! Vanessa and I are over the moon @ these results and are genuinely and deeply grateful for the support we have received. Now, as Indie-Go-Go takes their cut (deep, but not life-threatening), we will put in our production fund, about 2k. Not too shabby! Plans are underway for a face-to-face meet up in the next weeks, to re-configure our plans (now knowing what cash we have @ our disposal), to put up a thank you video and to simply celebrate this momentous achievement! Again, it bears repeating. You have all believed in us enough to plop down money for a zombie picture book. Let me say that one more time. A zombie picture book. Faith! As we make our next round of plans, know that if you didn't have the time or the cash during our particular 60 day window, you can STILL donate to the project! You will STILL receive the same rewards as they are listed on the "DONATE" page above. For address info on where to send a check or money order, simply email to either of us in the "CONTACT" page above. I'm sure we'll continue to accept donations right up to the moment it goes to press. Once more--THANK YOU to our friends, family and the UNIVERSE for giving us such a HUGE push toward success. We are SOOOOO gonna make this happen!
05-28-2012: It's Memorial Day folks. The campaign clock has OFFICIALLY switched over the countdown from days to HOURS. That's right. We're coming to the end of the first leg of the journey. Being that it's a day to remember those who have served, I want to mention a very special person in the zombie world. You know him as Bub from Romero's film DAY OF THE DEAD. For those unfamiliar with this amazing flick (I first off shall shun you), it is revealed during the course of the film that Bub was former military--back in his living days. And is it coincidence that Bub is also the first zombie to show multiple emotions...or exhibit traits of many MOODS? Hmm. So, while I honor those real life service men and women (including members of my own family), I also salute Bub on this special day. And I think if Bub were able to express himself with a little more eloquence, I'm sure he'd go to the mat for our project here @ the 53. Only hours remain. It's time for you to donate.
05-24-2012: What's that #over @ our Indie-Go-Go page? Which one you talkin' about? Well, the first # is 6. That's the # of days remaining in our epic campaign. Then there's $1235. That's the # of bucks we have in RIGHT NOW. Then there's $200--the amount we'll be posting tomorrow (without a doubt--from checks already received in the mail). Then of course, there's 34. That's the # of pledges we've received. But take that 34 and minus it from 148 (that's the # of people who have "liked" our website) and we have 114. That's the # of people who believe in our project enough to visit the site, declare their love (or like) of the whole thing, but who have yet to donate to this worthy cause! With only 6 days, there truly is not a moment to waste! Such an incredible journey thus far, but there's a long way to go before this 6 days is up! Finally, one of our recent donations was for exactly $53. One buck for each mood. Brilliant! Now why didn't I think of that?
05-14-2012: It's just over two weeks until the bell rings to signal the end of our INDIE-GO-GO campaign and we can then count the money we've gotten from all of you good people...and begin our plans anew, accounting for that spectacular final amount. We wanted 10k. I think we may just get there. There's been some tremendous momentum over the past 2 weeks, and at the writing of this update, we have almost $1100. Now, keep in mind that our Kickstarter round got us $450 TOTAL. We're *this* close to 3 times that amount... and with 16 days to go! Amazing! Vanessa and I are never quitters, but we are also realists. We've begun to brainstorm on our next steps, taking into account that we may not make the grand $10k total. However, even with what we currently have banked, we can prep the shooting of the photos for the project. We've both been constantly emailing and posting and hoping and praying. I'm pretty sure that all of our friends (FB friends specifically) are about ready to explode with all of our correspondence, but hey, we got a real shot at making this happen. We're not done yet folks, and we can already smell the rot of the corpses as they begin their ascent to the above-ground. Keep it rollin' in! We can't express our appreciation!
04-24-2012: Indie-Go-Go Update!
04-1-2012: WE ARE GO FOR LAUNCH (or re-launch as the case may be). We were scheduled to go @ midnight (right on the dot of April Fool's Day), but neither of us were able to wait. Not a lot of action thus far @ 9:30am, but folks are still waking up--hungover from a long night of drinking--following a successful day of zombie tracking and disposal no doubt. Feels good to be @ this spot again, waiting for the world to help our cause. The link for our new campaign @ Indie-Go-Go is right here. Get us going, friends!
03-27-2012: Just a matter of days before the official re-launch. The details of the Indie-Go-Go campaign are pretty much done, as far as I can tell. I've also drafted a letter to previous Kickstarter pledges, to ask that they again make their previous donations to this new place. I'll send those out the day of the launch (this Sunday). This last weekend was a no-go for a final pow-wow w/ Vanessa in town. Apparently, the authorities weren't quite ready to lift the quarantine on her neighborhood. Not to worry, however, as we are still ready to go. I think this one more weekend get-together would have been a nice luxury, but certainly not a necessity. There are several other tasks I'd like to complete before Sunday, but they are not things which would hold up the announcement. Again, luxuries. The video has been posted to my YouTube channel, and a link has been posted to this site. The video also has found its way to our campaign page. We're so close now. Our beloved zombies and their ever-changing moods are just days away from finding their reality!
03-17-2012: There have been a few late nights over the past week as I sat down to edit and beautify our promo video. As nit-picky as I am, it tends to take some time. I was pleased as punch that Vanessa was happy w/ the pseudo-finished project (once she gave her notes and blessings, I made adt'l changes). But for now, the official INDIE-GO-GO campaign promo video for THE 53 ZOMBIES MOODS: a book for your coffee table is "complete". In other 53 news, our weekend of final prep and adt'l photo ops was not to be. Word has it that there was a small zombie outbreak in the Fresno area, and Vanessa's family was one of those areas quarantined. Not to fear, however, as Vanessa and her brood are in full recovery, and plans are being made for a venture to my area in the next weekend to finalize everything. And finally...who is ready for tomorrow night's THE WALKING DEAD season finale? Talk about varying moods as we prepare for the blankety-blank to hit the fan! Am I right! Zombies are just the best!
03-13-12: Just yesterday, Vanessa and I COMPLETED the shooting of our promo Indie-Go-Go video. After much back and forth on various software options, we finally were able to make it work. Next, the editing and sprucing up will have to find their way to the "done" pile. We're pretty happy with it...and hopefully our potential investors will be happy with it too, enough so that they plop down some real cash money (well not cash, since you can't send that through the interwebs). We're just weeks away from our re-launch. Much to do, but it's all good. The zombies have our back...and our stomach...and our arms...and our fingers..and our ears...and so on. Aren't zombies neat?
03-08-2012: EPIC FAIL! Well, not quite that bad. Vanessa and I sat down with the good folks over at Skype today (her in Fresno and me in LA). Skype and its format are big parts of the video we are using for our re-launch campaign (coming soon--have we mentioned that yet?). the problem? Finding a cheap (i.e. FREE) software which is also technically achievable...to RECORD the "conversation". Well, we tried out several options, but didn't find success. However, we did get to rehearse our piece a bit, so there's that. AND, I finally met Vanessa's hubby (well, sort of) and her two small fries were able to see me in person (well, sort of). Apparently, all the kids know of me are the zombie photos Vanessa has been working on and what they've heard of me. Obviously every conversation which contains my name, also contains "zombie" references. There have been whisperings that I may be a real zombie. We can now put the idea to rest, that when I finally see them face to face, I won't ACTUALLY EAT THEM. So, there's also that. We've got the weekend to research new options, then Monday, we give it the old college try...again.
03-05-2012: Plans have been made for Vanessa to make her way south to my abode for some adt'l brainstorming, planning and photo-taking. We are getting close to kicking this baby into high gear for a second time around. Certainly in the next few weeks, we'll be seeing some major work and of course, the ANNOUNCEMENT of our pending re-launch. Keep checkin' us out here @ The 53 for future news, updates and the ever-changing zombie mood...
02-24-2012: Have been spending some time over at Indie-Go-Go, setting up the new campaign. Vanessa and I have several things to complete before we re-launch.--among them, a video/ad which will surely help our cause (so we've been told by everyone!), as well as letters via snail mail to friends/family who aren't so interweb-inclined. We've got to reach as many folks as possible this time around. Want all of our ducks in a row before we make the new anouncement that our requests for cash have not ceased. Bottom line: We will have done EVERYTHING we could, thus just leaving our fates and those of our zombie friends in the hands of the universe. We're gearing back up!
02-21-2012: Hey there zombie fans, friends and hangers-on! Things have stalled (much like any vehicle you'd likely find in a zombie-infested urban war zone) here @ the 53, but only temporarily as we refigure our plan of attack. We're brainstorming new ways to raise the cash (and the dead) to make our book a bloody reality! In the meantime, until we relaunch our efforts, please check out our newly opened shop over at CafePress. Only a few basics are up there so far, but more will soon be joining the undead ranks of fashionable wares touting THE 53. Here's that page: www.cafepress.com/the53zombiemoods
And btw--our hope is to get another campaign up and running (or stumbling rather) by April Fool's Day!
01-18-2012: (Kickstarter Update)
12-28-2011: (Kickstarter Update)
12-10-2011: (Kickstarter Update)
12-08-2011: (Kickstarter Update)
11-24-2011: WE HAVE LIFTOFF! Final touches on the website, a bit of a rigamarole w/ Amazon Payments (to complete the KICKSTARTER campaign), and we were actually live @ about 11am yesterday, but didn't make announcements until midnight (the beginning of Turkey Day). Already we have 4 backers and we are spreading the word every chance we get (at least a FB post every hour or so!) Much more to be done while the project is funded. We're gonna do this!
11-21-2011: The domain name has been purchased. Not exactly what we wanted, but it gets the point across. Kickstarter is pretty much ready to go...we've tweaked the rewards a bit...but not quite ready to launch. The site is up, but we've yet to announce it (waiting for that big day of feasting). Every day this becomes more and more real and exciting! 3 days until the rest of the world sees what we have planned and what we've got thus far!
Met up w/ our new make-up guru for THE 53. Mr. Steve Weber. Wish Vanessa could have been here to meet him, but not to be. :(
However, my meeting w/ Mr. Weber adds another piece to the top of the "done" pile. He was very down to earth, enthusiastic and based on the photos on his site, very talented as well! Welcome aboard Steve!
11-18-2011: With a solid budget firmly in hand (via the remarkable Vanessa), we continue to receive a barrage of potential make-up artists. Yes, things over here @ THE 53 are still moving along admirably. Less than a week away!
Meeting scheduled for next week with a potential make-up artist. Super!
11-16-2011: The past couple of days have been email heavy. I received word back from the makeup school, and within hours, have gotten 4 resumes/photos from interested artists. One in particular has sparked both Vanessa and I...and his rates are super reasonable. Plus, his stuff looks pretty darn good! We've both been dropping hints on FB about the launch. Hopefully folks will not be annoyed, only intrigued! :) Still have some work left on this here website, but mostly just details. Also, adt'l quotes for publishing have come down the pipeline and that news only gets better. I believe we're both still very jazzed that this actually is moving ahead. Still so much work, but progress is being made. Each day puts more into the "done" pile. Yeah, us!
11-12-2011: Received word back from the make-up school I checked with. They said they didn't know anything about ending a sentence with a preposition. Anyway, they're open to passing along our project info to grads and current students. I've yet to do so, as I'm trying to keep the whole concept hush/hush, but still offer them enough info to tantalize. I think this may be the way...the cheap way. Vanessa forwarded a nice quote from a company who will self-publish. Based on the #s provided (only the first quote), we'll have to set aside about 4k for the publishing. That's about half of what I have anticipated needing for the entire project. More info to come. We're a mere 12 days away from launch, and it's comin' up fast. Also, LLC and tax info has also been brought to the table. As long as we can still launch the site and the campaign on Turkey Day, I'll be happy to scramble on everything else afterward. Excitement!
Just sent off the email to the makeup school with all they may need. Anxiously awaiting a reply (or replies).
11-09-2011: Sent off an email to a makeup school in the area...looking for leads/info. Sent off adt'l emails to possible leads for makeup folks and self publishing possibilities. Vanessa is further figuring out some budget numbers. The website continues to be beautified. A Craig's List ad (awaiting Vanessa's approval) is on deck. Searching for...what else? A makeup artist. 15 days to launch. I've begun work on a tentative schedule for our shooting dates. Of course, we have no solid times (other than maybe March 2012), but how we plan each day will have nothing to do w/ when it happens. March will be here before you know it. Vanessa and I had a nice long chat on FB...all good things. But the best bit? That continuing realization that we're actually making it happen and that it feels like we're moving ahead. Top priority right now? A budget. And finalizing our rewards on Kickstarter. Later y'all.
11-07-2011: I've been working on the website for many hours over the past two days. Just trying to perfect little things. Vanessa sent me several new "upgraded" shots which I've spread throughout the site.. I'm pleased with how things are looking, but I get kinda crazy on these things. Lots of options for the smallest detail. But I enjoy it, so all is well. Our launch date is fast approaching, and it's time to get out there and confirm some make-up people. We NEED some quotes. Must know how much to campaign for once Kickstarter begins. Back to work on the site. BTW, watched 4 episodes of The Walking Dead season two...sorta gets you in the mood (get it, mood?)
11-05-2011: Vanessa was down for the weekend. She took well over 200 photos...both for our sample shot (so's you can all know what we have in mind for the book), and promo shots for this here website. Very productive, very exhausting and very happy-making. Thanks to my other half for helping out w/ everything. We have made plans to launch the Kickstarter campaign and to "go live" w/ the website on Thanksgiving day. It was Vanessa's grand idea (and I LOVE it!)...a day of feasting to announce a book about zombies. Nifty! Vanessa also did the makeup for the shoot, and it looks SPECTACULAR! See for yourself! Check out the photos! We had a good time going next door to the Hollywood/Highland complex to get some of our fun shots (lots of fun double takes--and the CDC attempted to intervene). Yes, things here @ the 53 are moving along nicely!
Also in October 2011: We've both been researching possible make-up artists and self-publishing options. A bit daunting...lots-o-options out there. More on this later.
10-05-2011: Started this here website @ Wix, home of my other site, www.notmymess.com. Getting some basic structures up here, some goods that may stick around for the final site...we shall see. Of course, we have no domain name, and have paid no fees, so this is just for us as we continue to brainstorm and make final decisions regarding...well, regarding EVERYTHING. I'm sure we'll make some big announcement once the site (and our campaign @ Kickstarter) are live. Vanessa's currently searching for most of the practical things for the shoot. Makeup, makeup artists, publishing possibilities and the like.
10-05-2011: Received word from the good people of Kickstarter that our idea has been accepted. No time frame on when we need to move ahead or complete stuff...just nice to know we have the go-ahead.
10-04-2011: Presented our book idea to the folks over @ Kickstarter.
10-02-2011: Vanessa and I had a lovely breakfast over @ IHOP (braaaiiinnnsss food). We officially have settled on the 53 moods/emotions which will make an appearance in the book. Came up with a basic game plan to move ahead. Lots of work on the horizon, but this actually seems like it could really come to fruition.
Some Time Ago: Vanessa and I hooked up after not having seen one another for about a hundred years...once worked together as housekeepers in a hotel back home. I had this idea for a zombie picture book, and I found out she was a photographer. Bang, the idea was born, cemented and the partnership formed.
11-04-2012: Well, here we are. We've relocated our website, switched over hosting responsibilities and cleaned things up a bit. Stay tuned as we continue to add the details to this new site and make it more user-friendly. But we're not just fiddling around...with this new site, comes new plans as well as new drive. We're looking forward to the new year when we can move ahead full speed to bring this book to coughing, hacking life! Again, we appreciate your patience. Soon my friends, you'll have the rewards you so richly deserve and also, that special book in your grubby, rotting hands. Thanks, 53 supporters!
08-06-2012: Hello 53 supporters (although there are more of you than that--get it?). Been awhile since you've heard anything about our FANTABULOUS project. Well, here's an update for you. Our pending shoot, just a month away, is going to be pushed back--by about 5 months. Now, before you go nutzo and wish an actual zombie outbreak on the gang over here @ THE 53, allow us to explain. One of our team (and my partner--that's me, Michael here) is prepping for a semi-major surgery. The amount of time for recovery is extensive, and on top of that, I only have a limited number of vacation/sick days at my disposal. So the week needed for the shoot will have to be used toward a different role--that of nursemaid. And finally, rather than scheduling for later in the year (during the height of wackiness for the holiday season--retail, folks), we'll just move into the slower time of the post New Year. But, we shan't rest during this delay. We plan to PLAN this thing to death. We've got the time, let's streamline the shoot schedule and get ahead on other aspects of the project. Your dollars and moral support shall not go unused or unappreciated! More news as it comes up. Thank you all for your continued well wishes and now, your patience.
06-25-2012: Wow. Just WOW. What an amazing weekend. Vanessa joined my other half and myself for a weekend of fun and crazy productivity. Vanessa was kind enough to take some new headshots for myself, the other half and some couples shots (me w/ her and her w/ the other half and the other half w/ me). Got some really good ones too! But, the other reasons (THE 53 reasons) for her visit. We went on down to Dystopian Studios; just a wee bit away from downtown LA in "The World's Largest Arts Colony". Details were provided, met the owner, toured the space. Well, with such little fanfare, we've found our studio for the shoot (pending confirmation of our dates). We've also settled on our dates...for our week-long zombie mood photography shoot. September. Joining us @ the space was our makeup guru, Steve. So he got to meet Vanessa and the other half and they got to meet him. It all just seemed so easy. But I won't rest on my laurels. Lots of work is coming up. Think about it, we're only 3 tiny little months from the shoot. But these two things being cemented (dates/space) really and truly put another loud and forceful "this is for real" chant in my brain! Ha, he said "brain" and it's a zombie book! By gum, we are so gonna do this! Check out some new links on the "links" page above. You'll find our makeup guru's site, as well as another link to Dystopian Studios. Being productive sure does feel great!
06-11-2012: Production books are made up and ready to receive loads of info! Have a VERY promising lead on a space, and the folks there have already agreed to cut us a deal for our week-long shoot. Planning to scope it all out next weekend when Vanessa arrives. Also, have touched base w/ our make-up guru...he has confirmed that he is still interested. I've also put together a daily schedule for the shoot. Lots of details to iron out. Hoping once Vanessa and I meet...that by weekend's end, we'll have confirmed dates AND a space. If anything makes it "for real", it's plopping down some money! I've also had to move another document of "archives" over to that page. Just so much to talk about, we need to keep cleaning out this here home page. It's a good thing! I've also changed up the "donate" page...advising that the Indie-Go-Go campaign may have ended, but we are still open to receiving donations! Finally, when I checked my bank account this morning, there was a nice chunk of change to be found. We are OFFICIALLY funded! Nice!
06-07-2012: Plans have been made for Vanessa to pop on down to LA for a weekend in the near future. The reason? To make more plans. Already we have found a few leads on venues for the week long shoot. Originally, the plan was to shoot in Fresno, where Vanessa has access to equipment and space...for cheap or free. Well, travel and lodging would be way beyond our budget, so we've decided to do our dirty business here in La-La Land. One location near downtown seems promising, if a little too good to be true. More research is needed. In other news, the disbursement of funds from the folks of Indie-Go-Go is shortly forthcoming. Once fees are subtracted, we will net $1995 and some change. Very cool! I'm also in the process of putting together production books for both of us. The "kitchen sink" files as I've labeled them. Finally, two nights ago, via the magic of Facebook chat, Vanessa and I had a TREMENDOUS brain storm session...making for some mind-juggling possibilities. More on that later. Still pinching ourselves. This is really going to move ahead. Unreal! Why, it's as unreal as a true-to-life zombie outbreak...unless you've been keeping up on the news lately. SHEESH!
05-31-2012: And the final # is...drum roll, please...$2268.00. Simply amazing! Vanessa and I are over the moon @ these results and are genuinely and deeply grateful for the support we have received. Now, as Indie-Go-Go takes their cut (deep, but not life-threatening), we will put in our production fund, about 2k. Not too shabby! Plans are underway for a face-to-face meet up in the next weeks, to re-configure our plans (now knowing what cash we have @ our disposal), to put up a thank you video and to simply celebrate this momentous achievement! Again, it bears repeating. You have all believed in us enough to plop down money for a zombie picture book. Let me say that one more time. A zombie picture book. Faith! As we make our next round of plans, know that if you didn't have the time or the cash during our particular 60 day window, you can STILL donate to the project! You will STILL receive the same rewards as they are listed on the "DONATE" page above. For address info on where to send a check or money order, simply email to either of us in the "CONTACT" page above. I'm sure we'll continue to accept donations right up to the moment it goes to press. Once more--THANK YOU to our friends, family and the UNIVERSE for giving us such a HUGE push toward success. We are SOOOOO gonna make this happen!
05-28-2012: It's Memorial Day folks. The campaign clock has OFFICIALLY switched over the countdown from days to HOURS. That's right. We're coming to the end of the first leg of the journey. Being that it's a day to remember those who have served, I want to mention a very special person in the zombie world. You know him as Bub from Romero's film DAY OF THE DEAD. For those unfamiliar with this amazing flick (I first off shall shun you), it is revealed during the course of the film that Bub was former military--back in his living days. And is it coincidence that Bub is also the first zombie to show multiple emotions...or exhibit traits of many MOODS? Hmm. So, while I honor those real life service men and women (including members of my own family), I also salute Bub on this special day. And I think if Bub were able to express himself with a little more eloquence, I'm sure he'd go to the mat for our project here @ the 53. Only hours remain. It's time for you to donate.
05-24-2012: What's that #over @ our Indie-Go-Go page? Which one you talkin' about? Well, the first # is 6. That's the # of days remaining in our epic campaign. Then there's $1235. That's the # of bucks we have in RIGHT NOW. Then there's $200--the amount we'll be posting tomorrow (without a doubt--from checks already received in the mail). Then of course, there's 34. That's the # of pledges we've received. But take that 34 and minus it from 148 (that's the # of people who have "liked" our website) and we have 114. That's the # of people who believe in our project enough to visit the site, declare their love (or like) of the whole thing, but who have yet to donate to this worthy cause! With only 6 days, there truly is not a moment to waste! Such an incredible journey thus far, but there's a long way to go before this 6 days is up! Finally, one of our recent donations was for exactly $53. One buck for each mood. Brilliant! Now why didn't I think of that?
05-14-2012: It's just over two weeks until the bell rings to signal the end of our INDIE-GO-GO campaign and we can then count the money we've gotten from all of you good people...and begin our plans anew, accounting for that spectacular final amount. We wanted 10k. I think we may just get there. There's been some tremendous momentum over the past 2 weeks, and at the writing of this update, we have almost $1100. Now, keep in mind that our Kickstarter round got us $450 TOTAL. We're *this* close to 3 times that amount... and with 16 days to go! Amazing! Vanessa and I are never quitters, but we are also realists. We've begun to brainstorm on our next steps, taking into account that we may not make the grand $10k total. However, even with what we currently have banked, we can prep the shooting of the photos for the project. We've both been constantly emailing and posting and hoping and praying. I'm pretty sure that all of our friends (FB friends specifically) are about ready to explode with all of our correspondence, but hey, we got a real shot at making this happen. We're not done yet folks, and we can already smell the rot of the corpses as they begin their ascent to the above-ground. Keep it rollin' in! We can't express our appreciation!
04-24-2012: Indie-Go-Go Update!
04-1-2012: WE ARE GO FOR LAUNCH (or re-launch as the case may be). We were scheduled to go @ midnight (right on the dot of April Fool's Day), but neither of us were able to wait. Not a lot of action thus far @ 9:30am, but folks are still waking up--hungover from a long night of drinking--following a successful day of zombie tracking and disposal no doubt. Feels good to be @ this spot again, waiting for the world to help our cause. The link for our new campaign @ Indie-Go-Go is right here. Get us going, friends!
03-27-2012: Just a matter of days before the official re-launch. The details of the Indie-Go-Go campaign are pretty much done, as far as I can tell. I've also drafted a letter to previous Kickstarter pledges, to ask that they again make their previous donations to this new place. I'll send those out the day of the launch (this Sunday). This last weekend was a no-go for a final pow-wow w/ Vanessa in town. Apparently, the authorities weren't quite ready to lift the quarantine on her neighborhood. Not to worry, however, as we are still ready to go. I think this one more weekend get-together would have been a nice luxury, but certainly not a necessity. There are several other tasks I'd like to complete before Sunday, but they are not things which would hold up the announcement. Again, luxuries. The video has been posted to my YouTube channel, and a link has been posted to this site. The video also has found its way to our campaign page. We're so close now. Our beloved zombies and their ever-changing moods are just days away from finding their reality!
03-17-2012: There have been a few late nights over the past week as I sat down to edit and beautify our promo video. As nit-picky as I am, it tends to take some time. I was pleased as punch that Vanessa was happy w/ the pseudo-finished project (once she gave her notes and blessings, I made adt'l changes). But for now, the official INDIE-GO-GO campaign promo video for THE 53 ZOMBIES MOODS: a book for your coffee table is "complete". In other 53 news, our weekend of final prep and adt'l photo ops was not to be. Word has it that there was a small zombie outbreak in the Fresno area, and Vanessa's family was one of those areas quarantined. Not to fear, however, as Vanessa and her brood are in full recovery, and plans are being made for a venture to my area in the next weekend to finalize everything. And finally...who is ready for tomorrow night's THE WALKING DEAD season finale? Talk about varying moods as we prepare for the blankety-blank to hit the fan! Am I right! Zombies are just the best!
03-13-12: Just yesterday, Vanessa and I COMPLETED the shooting of our promo Indie-Go-Go video. After much back and forth on various software options, we finally were able to make it work. Next, the editing and sprucing up will have to find their way to the "done" pile. We're pretty happy with it...and hopefully our potential investors will be happy with it too, enough so that they plop down some real cash money (well not cash, since you can't send that through the interwebs). We're just weeks away from our re-launch. Much to do, but it's all good. The zombies have our back...and our stomach...and our arms...and our fingers..and our ears...and so on. Aren't zombies neat?
03-08-2012: EPIC FAIL! Well, not quite that bad. Vanessa and I sat down with the good folks over at Skype today (her in Fresno and me in LA). Skype and its format are big parts of the video we are using for our re-launch campaign (coming soon--have we mentioned that yet?). the problem? Finding a cheap (i.e. FREE) software which is also technically achievable...to RECORD the "conversation". Well, we tried out several options, but didn't find success. However, we did get to rehearse our piece a bit, so there's that. AND, I finally met Vanessa's hubby (well, sort of) and her two small fries were able to see me in person (well, sort of). Apparently, all the kids know of me are the zombie photos Vanessa has been working on and what they've heard of me. Obviously every conversation which contains my name, also contains "zombie" references. There have been whisperings that I may be a real zombie. We can now put the idea to rest, that when I finally see them face to face, I won't ACTUALLY EAT THEM. So, there's also that. We've got the weekend to research new options, then Monday, we give it the old college try...again.
03-05-2012: Plans have been made for Vanessa to make her way south to my abode for some adt'l brainstorming, planning and photo-taking. We are getting close to kicking this baby into high gear for a second time around. Certainly in the next few weeks, we'll be seeing some major work and of course, the ANNOUNCEMENT of our pending re-launch. Keep checkin' us out here @ The 53 for future news, updates and the ever-changing zombie mood...
02-24-2012: Have been spending some time over at Indie-Go-Go, setting up the new campaign. Vanessa and I have several things to complete before we re-launch.--among them, a video/ad which will surely help our cause (so we've been told by everyone!), as well as letters via snail mail to friends/family who aren't so interweb-inclined. We've got to reach as many folks as possible this time around. Want all of our ducks in a row before we make the new anouncement that our requests for cash have not ceased. Bottom line: We will have done EVERYTHING we could, thus just leaving our fates and those of our zombie friends in the hands of the universe. We're gearing back up!
02-21-2012: Hey there zombie fans, friends and hangers-on! Things have stalled (much like any vehicle you'd likely find in a zombie-infested urban war zone) here @ the 53, but only temporarily as we refigure our plan of attack. We're brainstorming new ways to raise the cash (and the dead) to make our book a bloody reality! In the meantime, until we relaunch our efforts, please check out our newly opened shop over at CafePress. Only a few basics are up there so far, but more will soon be joining the undead ranks of fashionable wares touting THE 53. Here's that page: www.cafepress.com/the53zombiemoods
And btw--our hope is to get another campaign up and running (or stumbling rather) by April Fool's Day!
01-18-2012: (Kickstarter Update)
12-28-2011: (Kickstarter Update)
12-10-2011: (Kickstarter Update)
12-08-2011: (Kickstarter Update)
11-24-2011: WE HAVE LIFTOFF! Final touches on the website, a bit of a rigamarole w/ Amazon Payments (to complete the KICKSTARTER campaign), and we were actually live @ about 11am yesterday, but didn't make announcements until midnight (the beginning of Turkey Day). Already we have 4 backers and we are spreading the word every chance we get (at least a FB post every hour or so!) Much more to be done while the project is funded. We're gonna do this!
11-21-2011: The domain name has been purchased. Not exactly what we wanted, but it gets the point across. Kickstarter is pretty much ready to go...we've tweaked the rewards a bit...but not quite ready to launch. The site is up, but we've yet to announce it (waiting for that big day of feasting). Every day this becomes more and more real and exciting! 3 days until the rest of the world sees what we have planned and what we've got thus far!
Met up w/ our new make-up guru for THE 53. Mr. Steve Weber. Wish Vanessa could have been here to meet him, but not to be. :(
However, my meeting w/ Mr. Weber adds another piece to the top of the "done" pile. He was very down to earth, enthusiastic and based on the photos on his site, very talented as well! Welcome aboard Steve!
11-18-2011: With a solid budget firmly in hand (via the remarkable Vanessa), we continue to receive a barrage of potential make-up artists. Yes, things over here @ THE 53 are still moving along admirably. Less than a week away!
Meeting scheduled for next week with a potential make-up artist. Super!
11-16-2011: The past couple of days have been email heavy. I received word back from the makeup school, and within hours, have gotten 4 resumes/photos from interested artists. One in particular has sparked both Vanessa and I...and his rates are super reasonable. Plus, his stuff looks pretty darn good! We've both been dropping hints on FB about the launch. Hopefully folks will not be annoyed, only intrigued! :) Still have some work left on this here website, but mostly just details. Also, adt'l quotes for publishing have come down the pipeline and that news only gets better. I believe we're both still very jazzed that this actually is moving ahead. Still so much work, but progress is being made. Each day puts more into the "done" pile. Yeah, us!
11-12-2011: Received word back from the make-up school I checked with. They said they didn't know anything about ending a sentence with a preposition. Anyway, they're open to passing along our project info to grads and current students. I've yet to do so, as I'm trying to keep the whole concept hush/hush, but still offer them enough info to tantalize. I think this may be the way...the cheap way. Vanessa forwarded a nice quote from a company who will self-publish. Based on the #s provided (only the first quote), we'll have to set aside about 4k for the publishing. That's about half of what I have anticipated needing for the entire project. More info to come. We're a mere 12 days away from launch, and it's comin' up fast. Also, LLC and tax info has also been brought to the table. As long as we can still launch the site and the campaign on Turkey Day, I'll be happy to scramble on everything else afterward. Excitement!
Just sent off the email to the makeup school with all they may need. Anxiously awaiting a reply (or replies).
11-09-2011: Sent off an email to a makeup school in the area...looking for leads/info. Sent off adt'l emails to possible leads for makeup folks and self publishing possibilities. Vanessa is further figuring out some budget numbers. The website continues to be beautified. A Craig's List ad (awaiting Vanessa's approval) is on deck. Searching for...what else? A makeup artist. 15 days to launch. I've begun work on a tentative schedule for our shooting dates. Of course, we have no solid times (other than maybe March 2012), but how we plan each day will have nothing to do w/ when it happens. March will be here before you know it. Vanessa and I had a nice long chat on FB...all good things. But the best bit? That continuing realization that we're actually making it happen and that it feels like we're moving ahead. Top priority right now? A budget. And finalizing our rewards on Kickstarter. Later y'all.
11-07-2011: I've been working on the website for many hours over the past two days. Just trying to perfect little things. Vanessa sent me several new "upgraded" shots which I've spread throughout the site.. I'm pleased with how things are looking, but I get kinda crazy on these things. Lots of options for the smallest detail. But I enjoy it, so all is well. Our launch date is fast approaching, and it's time to get out there and confirm some make-up people. We NEED some quotes. Must know how much to campaign for once Kickstarter begins. Back to work on the site. BTW, watched 4 episodes of The Walking Dead season two...sorta gets you in the mood (get it, mood?)
11-05-2011: Vanessa was down for the weekend. She took well over 200 photos...both for our sample shot (so's you can all know what we have in mind for the book), and promo shots for this here website. Very productive, very exhausting and very happy-making. Thanks to my other half for helping out w/ everything. We have made plans to launch the Kickstarter campaign and to "go live" w/ the website on Thanksgiving day. It was Vanessa's grand idea (and I LOVE it!)...a day of feasting to announce a book about zombies. Nifty! Vanessa also did the makeup for the shoot, and it looks SPECTACULAR! See for yourself! Check out the photos! We had a good time going next door to the Hollywood/Highland complex to get some of our fun shots (lots of fun double takes--and the CDC attempted to intervene). Yes, things here @ the 53 are moving along nicely!
Also in October 2011: We've both been researching possible make-up artists and self-publishing options. A bit daunting...lots-o-options out there. More on this later.
10-05-2011: Started this here website @ Wix, home of my other site, www.notmymess.com. Getting some basic structures up here, some goods that may stick around for the final site...we shall see. Of course, we have no domain name, and have paid no fees, so this is just for us as we continue to brainstorm and make final decisions regarding...well, regarding EVERYTHING. I'm sure we'll make some big announcement once the site (and our campaign @ Kickstarter) are live. Vanessa's currently searching for most of the practical things for the shoot. Makeup, makeup artists, publishing possibilities and the like.
10-05-2011: Received word from the good people of Kickstarter that our idea has been accepted. No time frame on when we need to move ahead or complete stuff...just nice to know we have the go-ahead.
10-04-2011: Presented our book idea to the folks over @ Kickstarter.
10-02-2011: Vanessa and I had a lovely breakfast over @ IHOP (braaaiiinnnsss food). We officially have settled on the 53 moods/emotions which will make an appearance in the book. Came up with a basic game plan to move ahead. Lots of work on the horizon, but this actually seems like it could really come to fruition.
Some Time Ago: Vanessa and I hooked up after not having seen one another for about a hundred years...once worked together as housekeepers in a hotel back home. I had this idea for a zombie picture book, and I found out she was a photographer. Bang, the idea was born, cemented and the partnership formed.
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