1. Merry Fitzmas
2. Having read the script for the movie, it made absolutely no sense to me. Maybe it makes more sense to Michelle or Amanda or Laurel, but I didn't get any of it.
3. It's a bad week to be a Republican. Since I'm not, it's a good week, being as I got a job this week.
Friday, October 28, 2005
blah blah blah
Well, at least people are talking about the movie now and giving feedback on the script. Here are my brief responses:
1 - I kinda thought I was volunteering to be an assistant screenwriter, not trying to "steal" Emily's job or boss her around. Apparently that was not clear, so I'll be more explicit. Please sign me on as the assistant screenwriter, and I will be Emily's assistant. Thank you.
2 - the idea was not to use Pink Panther jokes, or the accent, or anything else, but to use the plot device, which is: someone is trying to solve a crime, bungles it all up, and ends up solving it by accident.
3 - when choosing the jokes to use, you must consider the audience. Yes, it's our "family movie" but are we the only ones to watch it? Or is it our "family movie" that we will make, and then show to other people? Pick the audience, then target the jokes to the audience. Inside jokes are fine - sparingly. Not the whole thing. That's all I was saying.
1 - I kinda thought I was volunteering to be an assistant screenwriter, not trying to "steal" Emily's job or boss her around. Apparently that was not clear, so I'll be more explicit. Please sign me on as the assistant screenwriter, and I will be Emily's assistant. Thank you.
2 - the idea was not to use Pink Panther jokes, or the accent, or anything else, but to use the plot device, which is: someone is trying to solve a crime, bungles it all up, and ends up solving it by accident.
3 - when choosing the jokes to use, you must consider the audience. Yes, it's our "family movie" but are we the only ones to watch it? Or is it our "family movie" that we will make, and then show to other people? Pick the audience, then target the jokes to the audience. Inside jokes are fine - sparingly. Not the whole thing. That's all I was saying.
movie suggestions
Tawnia and I had a discussion this morning about the script. We like it. There should be more action (especially at the end, cuz it's confusing), and we agree that everyone in the family should at least make a cameo apperance. What's the point of eliminating family jokes if the film is for the family? And I personally am not a huge fan of Pink Panther, so what's the point of putting those jokes in? Besides, kids like watching Animaniacs, and we KNOW they don't get most of those jokes (or even realize they are jokes). But it is a starting point. How much longer do we really want it though, because although we'll be spending time as a family, won't we want to be doing other things when we're together as well?
A few other things - let's have someone filming it AS we're filming it .. and do a "making of" for the DVD. We can even interview people and have a blooper reel, and make the DVD much more interactive than just the movie itself. (Tawnia comes up with some great ideas, huh?)
I was surprised that Emily didn't mention Super Funny in all the heroes, and Tawnia thought that maybe as a sub-story, we could have Skip reflecting back on his Super Funny days .. show a clip, or just have it be funny, since he's now the valet for a super hero. It would be another inside joke, but then maybe we could include the Super Funny video on the DVD too. As for that matter, we could include the Day at the Beach movie as well, just because it'd be nice to have them as a collection.
And I think that was all the we had talked about this morning, I can't remember. But we can always post again if I forgot something.
A few other things - let's have someone filming it AS we're filming it .. and do a "making of" for the DVD. We can even interview people and have a blooper reel, and make the DVD much more interactive than just the movie itself. (Tawnia comes up with some great ideas, huh?)
I was surprised that Emily didn't mention Super Funny in all the heroes, and Tawnia thought that maybe as a sub-story, we could have Skip reflecting back on his Super Funny days .. show a clip, or just have it be funny, since he's now the valet for a super hero. It would be another inside joke, but then maybe we could include the Super Funny video on the DVD too. As for that matter, we could include the Day at the Beach movie as well, just because it'd be nice to have them as a collection.
And I think that was all the we had talked about this morning, I can't remember. But we can always post again if I forgot something.
IEP
So yesterday I sat in on my first ever IEP (Individualized Education Plan). It was actually really fabulous. I even made the mom cry. (She thinks I am the most wonderful fourth grade teacher.) It is great to be loved! I got some good ideas, they got some good ideas, yeah, it was great.
That was my happiness for yesterday.
-T
That was my happiness for yesterday.
-T
The Script
I enjoyed the script so far. I think it's a good start. I understand that there are a lot of family jokes, but ummm... it's our family movie. I think we should add more humor but that doesn't mean deleteing the inside jokes. As I was discussing it with Mindy I noted that I love the show Gilmore Girls because it is funny.... yet I don't get half of their jokes because they refer to so many different obscure music groups, movies, etc. I don't get the majority of the jokes, but when I do get some they crack me up. Now, this seems to me to be the same kind of situation. No, we don't want to have to explain any inside jokes to outsiders... (that's why they are called inside jokes) and I'm not saying in-laws are outsiders. Once they have been members of the family for long enough they'll have seen some of the other movies we've made and eventually get the inside jokes. (Why ruin something that is funny to us just because someone else doesn't get it?) But we should definitely add more things that will be funny to more people (ie the extended family.)
Now, there are some things in the script that I don't get... like why does Captain Chaos get distracted by "super cute babies" at the end??? I think the basic plot is cute, but we need a bit more action and a different ending.
Those are my suggestions so far.
T
Now, there are some things in the script that I don't get... like why does Captain Chaos get distracted by "super cute babies" at the end??? I think the basic plot is cute, but we need a bit more action and a different ending.
Those are my suggestions so far.
T
Thursday, October 27, 2005
This is a title
In my defense, I did include positive comments in my email to Emily. And I have a criticism to direct towards Trina's criticism. I don't think she should wait until she gets to the east coast. If you and Adam want to jump in as assistant writers, go for it. But the rest of us are waiting on a script before we can do much of anything. She can rent movies or check them out from the library.
Michelle's suggestion was to forego the need for a script and do the whole movie as an interpretive dance. I'll send each of you a piece of music, and Laurel can design sets and costumes for us, ... what? I thought it sounded cool.
Seriously though, the best way to help is to give suggestions of what to do, not what not to do. So Trina's doing that part right. Why don't Trina and Emily email or chat back and forth for a couple of days to nail down an overall story arch, and then anyone else who wants to contribute can make suggestions. Start with the big picture -- wouldn't it be something to have a movie with an actual plot? -- and then add character details, and specific lines of dialogue or set pieces will come after that. Come on Emily, you know how to put a story together. I'm already looking forward to the second draft.
I have other things to talk about too. Brooke's pediatrician upgraded the diagnosis to asthma. She uses an inhaler twice a day, and she has to take Singulair in addition to all the other medication she's already been on.
Tuesday Michelle came to meet me at work and we both got our flu shots. They were also having Safety Day, and I won a raffle drawing. I got a new ergonomic mouse. It's vertical with the buttons on the side.
Last night was our ward Halloween party. Brooke was a fairy princess (along with about half the girls there) and Bryan was the White Rabbit. They had lots of fun. Bryan's playgroup is going to do a party tomorrow morning, and then we will have trunk-or-treat Saturday night, and we're thinking about going to the YMCA Halloween party on Monday night. Enough Halloween to last all year.
Michelle's suggestion was to forego the need for a script and do the whole movie as an interpretive dance. I'll send each of you a piece of music, and Laurel can design sets and costumes for us, ... what? I thought it sounded cool.
Seriously though, the best way to help is to give suggestions of what to do, not what not to do. So Trina's doing that part right. Why don't Trina and Emily email or chat back and forth for a couple of days to nail down an overall story arch, and then anyone else who wants to contribute can make suggestions. Start with the big picture -- wouldn't it be something to have a movie with an actual plot? -- and then add character details, and specific lines of dialogue or set pieces will come after that. Come on Emily, you know how to put a story together. I'm already looking forward to the second draft.
I have other things to talk about too. Brooke's pediatrician upgraded the diagnosis to asthma. She uses an inhaler twice a day, and she has to take Singulair in addition to all the other medication she's already been on.
Tuesday Michelle came to meet me at work and we both got our flu shots. They were also having Safety Day, and I won a raffle drawing. I got a new ergonomic mouse. It's vertical with the buttons on the side.
Last night was our ward Halloween party. Brooke was a fairy princess (along with about half the girls there) and Bryan was the White Rabbit. They had lots of fun. Bryan's playgroup is going to do a party tomorrow morning, and then we will have trunk-or-treat Saturday night, and we're thinking about going to the YMCA Halloween party on Monday night. Enough Halloween to last all year.
Positive comment
In response to Mom's comment. Research shows that it take 10 positve comments to offset just one negative one. So here goes:
1) Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere.
2)The mind grows by what it feeds on.
3)Success is loving life and daring to live it.
Success is hearing and being heard.
Success is knowing and being known as a human being.
4)Make choices today that allows you to enjoy not only today, but tomorrow."
5)Constantly develop your communication skills as they are one of the key skills in life.
6)The important thing is never to stop questioning.
7)Knowledge is gained by learning; trust by doubt; skill by practice; love by love.
8)Life is to be lived. “If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don’t do that by sitting around wondering about yourself.
9)The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.
10 From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover you have wings.
Okay that's my 10. Thank you everyone for you concern and prayers for Brooke. She has asthma, but she is fine.
Michelle
1) Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere.
2)The mind grows by what it feeds on.
3)Success is loving life and daring to live it.
Success is hearing and being heard.
Success is knowing and being known as a human being.
4)Make choices today that allows you to enjoy not only today, but tomorrow."
5)Constantly develop your communication skills as they are one of the key skills in life.
6)The important thing is never to stop questioning.
7)Knowledge is gained by learning; trust by doubt; skill by practice; love by love.
8)Life is to be lived. “If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don’t do that by sitting around wondering about yourself.
9)The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.
10 From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover you have wings.
Okay that's my 10. Thank you everyone for you concern and prayers for Brooke. She has asthma, but she is fine.
Michelle
the script
I've finally taken a look at the script Emily wrote, and I have one BIG FAT criticism of it. This was actually pointed out by Adam during the instant messenger conversation last weekend - he said then that the conversation seemed to be very funny to our family, but it wasn't funny to him. It was all little family jokes. He pointed out that inside jokes are fine if the movie will be kept to just the 10 of us original Palmers, but it won't be funny to anyone else we show it to just because they don't get it. And really - what kind of a joke is it if you have to explain it.
That said, the script is nothing BUT family inside jokes. No one else besides the 10 of us will get it, and therefore, no one else besides the 10 of us will think it's funny. So my thought is, let's use this as a VERY preliminary starting point. Adam and I will show Emily a couple of Pink Panther movies when she gets out here to DC in December so she understands what Adam was talking about with using some of those plot points. Then we can help her with the script to expand it, and Adam will be the advisor to tell us what is too much of an inside joke. I know that puts things off for a couple of months, but it's not like we have to get this finished tomorrow and it's getting into the holidays anyway when everyone is busy with other things. So does that work? Also, it gives time for everyone else to give feedback and build on the idea that Emily started with.
That said, the script is nothing BUT family inside jokes. No one else besides the 10 of us will get it, and therefore, no one else besides the 10 of us will think it's funny. So my thought is, let's use this as a VERY preliminary starting point. Adam and I will show Emily a couple of Pink Panther movies when she gets out here to DC in December so she understands what Adam was talking about with using some of those plot points. Then we can help her with the script to expand it, and Adam will be the advisor to tell us what is too much of an inside joke. I know that puts things off for a couple of months, but it's not like we have to get this finished tomorrow and it's getting into the holidays anyway when everyone is busy with other things. So does that work? Also, it gives time for everyone else to give feedback and build on the idea that Emily started with.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRINA!
Happy happy birthday Trina!
Your birthday card is done, and hopefully in the mail. Sorry it got out late. I hope you have a nice birthday with lots of presents and not too much being sick. That's great news about Adam's job. It's going to be an exciting year for all of us.
Great to hear that Tawnia is taking on the director's job. Remember Tawnia, you already have the beginnings of a team in Emily and Clarissa (your DP). I'm interested in seeing how you envision this movie and what sort of production we end up with. I'll be updating the movie page soon, including linking it to Emily's first draft of the screenplay.
I'm delivering classes every day for the next month or so (including one that starts in five minutes) and even though I'm only a few days into it, I'm already tired. Well, it'll be okay. Positive attitude and all.
Take care!
Eric
Your birthday card is done, and hopefully in the mail. Sorry it got out late. I hope you have a nice birthday with lots of presents and not too much being sick. That's great news about Adam's job. It's going to be an exciting year for all of us.
Great to hear that Tawnia is taking on the director's job. Remember Tawnia, you already have the beginnings of a team in Emily and Clarissa (your DP). I'm interested in seeing how you envision this movie and what sort of production we end up with. I'll be updating the movie page soon, including linking it to Emily's first draft of the screenplay.
I'm delivering classes every day for the next month or so (including one that starts in five minutes) and even though I'm only a few days into it, I'm already tired. Well, it'll be okay. Positive attitude and all.
Take care!
Eric
College stuff
I appreciate that everyone had a speedy response to my inquiry about your college careers. Currently I have heard from everyone except Clarissa (which I already know, so it is ok Clarissa) and Dad. So perhaps you could hook me up Pop. You are totally slacking and my chance to go to a four year university are slipping through my fingers. Come on!!! Help a son out.
Thanks everyone.
Nathan
Thanks everyone.
Nathan
happy trina day
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaapy birthday when the wind come sweeping down the plains!
I hope that you have enough appetite today to eat some cake and ice cream, or at least a yummy dessert. And blow out some candles, even though we already know that your wish has come true!
I hope that you have enough appetite today to eat some cake and ice cream, or at least a yummy dessert. And blow out some candles, even though we already know that your wish has come true!
Happy Birthday, Trina!!!
There is a girl who lives in DC,
Who on this day turns 33.
She got married last year
Now is pregnant, Oh Dear,
Now their group of two will be three.
So she needs some relaxation.
Out in the capitol of our nation.
She is feeling quite ill,
Where's that birth control pill?
I know it's not just constipation.
Trina's pregnant, that's not a bummer.
It will make her smarter, not dumber.
You'll have her some day,
In the month of May,
And don't forget to "Vote for Summer!"
Love-
Nathan
Who on this day turns 33.
She got married last year
Now is pregnant, Oh Dear,
Now their group of two will be three.
So she needs some relaxation.
Out in the capitol of our nation.
She is feeling quite ill,
Where's that birth control pill?
I know it's not just constipation.
Trina's pregnant, that's not a bummer.
It will make her smarter, not dumber.
You'll have her some day,
In the month of May,
And don't forget to "Vote for Summer!"
Love-
Nathan
muchas gracias!
Thank you, Jared and Tawnia, for the posts. Mom got through to me this morning on the phone, and Dad just now called me at EXACTLY 10:26 am (west coast time - the time I was born) and sang Happy Birthday to me. I got my presents from Adam this morning - the new Cinderella DVD as well as Legally Blond 2.
I thought about waiting for Adam to make his own announcement, but it's turned out to be kinda one of my presents ... Adam finally had his official interview at the Senate this morning and was told that he'll start on payroll as of Jan. 1. Hooray! Hooray for getting PAID! He'll make just slightly less than me and receive full benefits - that's really good for a starting position in this town, and solid anywhere for someone in their first job after undergrad. I'm VERY happy about this, because now we can start on our financial plans for the next year. We have a lot of major purchases to make - including a new car with AC (summer with no AC would NOT be good for the baby), plane tickets to the reunion, all the baby preparations, and moving expenses for next August. There's a lot to save up for.
I thought about waiting for Adam to make his own announcement, but it's turned out to be kinda one of my presents ... Adam finally had his official interview at the Senate this morning and was told that he'll start on payroll as of Jan. 1. Hooray! Hooray for getting PAID! He'll make just slightly less than me and receive full benefits - that's really good for a starting position in this town, and solid anywhere for someone in their first job after undergrad. I'm VERY happy about this, because now we can start on our financial plans for the next year. We have a lot of major purchases to make - including a new car with AC (summer with no AC would NOT be good for the baby), plane tickets to the reunion, all the baby preparations, and moving expenses for next August. There's a lot to save up for.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRINA!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRINA!!!
(If I knew how to make it all flashy and stuff I would... but I am incompetent in the skills of doing crazy things to text on computers and I'm too tired to learn how right now.... but now you know my intentions were good.)
I hope this year brings you much happiness (and a baby too!)
Love,
Tawnia
P.S. Go and do something fun and crazy... like eating food.
(If I knew how to make it all flashy and stuff I would... but I am incompetent in the skills of doing crazy things to text on computers and I'm too tired to learn how right now.... but now you know my intentions were good.)
I hope this year brings you much happiness (and a baby too!)
Love,
Tawnia
P.S. Go and do something fun and crazy... like eating food.
Director
After much thought and no persuasion... I have decided to tenatively state that I can be the director of one said family film. It helps that I have a buddy that is a film major here at the B Y of U. He has promised to help me practice my directing skills, analyze the script, choose shots and train someone to be my assistant director. Maybe Mindy will do that.
So umm... unless anyone complains about this, I guess I'll do it. As I said to my buddy... I've never taken a leadership role in my family... so this will be interesting.
Love,
Tawnia
"Director"?
So umm... unless anyone complains about this, I guess I'll do it. As I said to my buddy... I've never taken a leadership role in my family... so this will be interesting.
Love,
Tawnia
"Director"?
The Script
Attention, all members of the Writing Committee for the 2006 Palmer Family Reunion Movie. (That means everyone.)
The first draft of the script is now located on the web page of Emily Corps (because I have no idea how to change any of the other index files). I hope you enjoy reading "Pure Chaos." In case you are wondering, Captain Chaos/Frank is played by Dad; Torpedo Boy is Bryan; Havoc is Clarissa; and Skip is Skip.
Feel free to ask questions, make comments, or suggestions on the blog.
Emily
Commander-in-Chief of Emily Corps
Writer of the 2006 Palmer Family Reunion Movie: "Pure Chaos."
The first draft of the script is now located on the web page of Emily Corps (because I have no idea how to change any of the other index files). I hope you enjoy reading "Pure Chaos." In case you are wondering, Captain Chaos/Frank is played by Dad; Torpedo Boy is Bryan; Havoc is Clarissa; and Skip is Skip.
Feel free to ask questions, make comments, or suggestions on the blog.
Emily
Commander-in-Chief of Emily Corps
Writer of the 2006 Palmer Family Reunion Movie: "Pure Chaos."
music
I just posted a couple of music files to the movie page. Emily has the right software to play them. If anyone else really wants to hear them before next summer, ask me and I'll help you get it too. Eventually I'll convert them to midi files so we can use them in the movie. I'm waiting to convert them until I've got a better idea of exactly what kind of music we'll need.
A Letter
Hello, family.
Yesterday, I finally got my college acceptance letter. I didn't even need to open it to see the "Congratulations." I already knew I was going, of course, and I was very happy about that. In the letter, it said I am getting a $5,000 academic scholarship, which can be renewed each year if I maintain a 3.0 g.p.a. I am very happy about that.
Emily
Yesterday, I finally got my college acceptance letter. I didn't even need to open it to see the "Congratulations." I already knew I was going, of course, and I was very happy about that. In the letter, it said I am getting a $5,000 academic scholarship, which can be renewed each year if I maintain a 3.0 g.p.a. I am very happy about that.
Emily
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