What's New at MEC Update as of May 2008
Dear Friends & Associates:
TESLA TESLA - The Poet of Electricity has undergone many years of research and writing and we believe it's the most authoritative and interesting version of Nikola Tesla's incredible life to date.
This project is now being packaged. For more information go to TESLA
ORIGINAL INTENT We are pleased to announce that the second draft script for ORIGINAL INTENT, a feature-length documentary, has been completed.
The title has been changed from ORIGINAL INTENT - What Americans May Have Forgotten About Their Constitution to ORIGINAL INTENT - How Cultural Marxism Stole American's Consitution.
As mentioned in an earlier update, ORIGINAL INTENT will cover the consequences of failing to heed the Founders' intent when they wrote the U.S. Constitution. The documentary will touch on the Federal Reserve System as well as other issues we now face as a result of "losing our way" from Constitutional money and Constitutional principles.
Presidential candidate, Ron Paul, and political analyst Pat Buchanan have so far been interviewed for ORIGINAL INTENT.
To find out more about ORIGINAL INTENT, or how you can get involved, visit www.fiatempire.com/producers.
FIAT EMPIRE FIAT EMPIRE, written and directed by James Jaeger, has now been screened by well over a million people around the world and hit number one on Google Video four times. It remains in the top 100 films to this day and garnered a Telly.
When we produced FIAT EMPIRE, we had no idea that one of our experts would become a presidential candidate, but indeed such has transpired with RON PAUL'S announcement on the Republican ticket. Since Dr. Paul's announcement, his popularity has been steadily growing. As soon as people understand his message, many feel it's a no-brainer who to vote for.
MEC has granted a free license to a volunteer network of citizens the okay produce and disseminate a special RON PAUL Volunteer Edition of FIAT EMPIRE, now available at cost in units of 100-packs and 600-packs, DVD only in a paper envelop. Go to http://www.fiatempire.com/screener to get both the Volunteer Edition and the Director's Cut, a 2-disk set which includes 120 minutes of additional interviews of Ron Paul, G. Edward Griffin, Edwin Vieira and Ted Baehr.
FIAT EMPIRE was inspired by the book, "The Creature From Jekyll Island" by well-known author and FREEDOM FORCE founder, G. EDWARD GRIFFIN and produced by attorney William L. Van Alen, Jr. FIAT EMPIRE, with a running time of about 1-hour, is a co-production between Matrixx Productions and Cornerstone Entertainment. In addition to interviews by G. Edward Griffin and Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas), FIAT EMPIRE features interviews with MOVIEGUIDE Founder, DR. TED BAEHR and constitutional attorney, EDWIN VIEIRA (4 degrees from Harvard). FIAT EMPIRE was written and directed by Hollywood filmmaker, James Jaeger, and narrated by Kris Chandler. Associate producers are Ted Pollard, author and former Commissioner of Radnor Township and James E. Ewart, well-known author of MONEY. Lastly, the music for FIAT EMPIRE was written by Jack Rooney. If you want to get this sound track, visit his site at http://home.att.net/~JackRooney and order The Eternal Upgrade at http://home.att.net/~jackrooney/store.html.
If you are a distributor, or a radio station, and wish to carry FIAT EMPIRE - Director's Cut with up to 120-minutes of unedited additional interviews, go to http://www.FiatEmpire.com/screener/index2.html and you can order on-line 24/7. Please allow 10 days for shipping.
As a public service, a free screener of FIAT EMPIRE is also up at Google Video
For more information on FIAT EMPIRE and ORIGINAL INTENT please visit http://www.FiatEmpire.com or, in the event that site is ever down, visit the mirror site at http://www.mecfilms.com/fiat.
THE PICKUP Post Digital Group, a division of Matrixx Entertainment, has re-edited THE PICKUP, a 30-minute romantic comedy (directed by James Jaeger in 1981 in Studio City, California) which some say inspired a feature entitled THE PICKUP ARTIST and the current TV series.
A model production based on one of the three productions found in The Mini Mogul Manual, THE PICKUP is a 6-Day Shoot designed to be a stepping stone onto an 18-Day Feature Shoot. The other shoots described in the Mini are the 1-Day Shoot and the 3-Day Shoot.
THE PICKUP stars Andrew Cofrin and Deborah Moore and was produced by Silverthorne-Matrixx Productions. Philip Steuer was location manager for THE PICKUP which was shot on Super 8 film and transferred to 3/4-inch where it was originally edited. Unfortunately the 3/4-inch technology of the day was so poor serious professional editing was made almost impossible. To make matters worse, Andrew Cofrin the film's financier, only saw fit to allocate the sum of $1,000 for the production with the understanding he would star in it. Then, after the principal photography was completed on time and on budget, Cofrin only allocated a bare minimum of funds to edit the film (i.e., 40 hours of editing time at $25 per hour), thus the total cash budget of THE PICKUP came to about $2,500.
Later, after THE PICKUP had screened for audiences around LA to favorable reviews, Andrew Cofrin decided to take an 8-fold larger risk and fund a feature then entitled OVER EXPOSED starring Monique Gabrielle of BATCHELOR PARTY fame and directed by James Jaeger. For this he allocated the sum of $21,000. James Jaeger, who also produced, again hired Philip Steuer, but this time to be his production manager. Philip Steuer did an incredible job making this film happen and it's no wonder he has since gone on to production-manage and produce major features, such as THE ROOKIE, THE ALAMO and THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA series. See http://www.imdb.com for Philip's full credits. It's unfortunate that Andrew Cofrin didn't realize the ultimate potential of the production teams he had assembled for THE PICKUP and OVER EXPOSED as many additional profitable features could have been produced.
When asked how he felt about this situation, James Jaeger said "I applaud Andy for having the courage to fund any new filmmaker's project at any amount. Unfortunately, my story is typical in the film industry and represents the never-ending battle filmmakers wage against investors and studio executives who are inhibited about giving "unknown quantities" a chance because of the understandable risks involved. Those that DO step up should be rewarded, at the very least respected and acknowledged, for they are often the ones who are instrumental in advancing the cinematic artform."
You can screen OVER EXPOSED, renamed SNAPSHOT BLUES, on Google Video or at http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/ssb.wmv.
You can screen THE PICKUP on Google Video or at any of the below URLs:
http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/pickup3.wmv (750K broadband) http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/pickup2.wmv (360K broadband) http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/pickup1.wmv (56K dial-up)
You can get a fuller description of the Mini Mogul Manual at http://www.mecfilms.com/moviepubs/bk0003.htm and get additional books on film production at MOVIE PUBS.
THEY ASSUMED IT WAS DEAD The trailer for THEY ASSUMED IT WAS DEAD is done. Directed by James Jaeger, the film stars Bunker Jaeger, Ted Kautz and Carol Snyder and was shot in an old farm house in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania -- right down the street from where Shorty Yeaworth shot THE BLOB. The trailer can be screened at http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/dead.wmv (RT is 3:24)
OTHER SCREENPLAY DEVELOPMENT Also re-written and completed are ECOSPHERES and GOING OUT. ECOSPHERES is a high budget space-opera, the logline of which is: Two brothers inherit an off-world gemstone from their astronaut-father and are able to transmute lead into gold, an act that upsets the powers that be -- just in the nick of time. GOING OUT is a low-budget romantic comedy which will be shot on the Main Line. The log line is: Nothing like your crass, horny friends messing up the field when all you're trying to do is get a date. James Jaeger is attached as director and local talent will be used to round out the cast and crew. Anticipated budget is $50,000 - $100,000 as a high-def feature, $200,000 - $300,000 as a 16mm feature or $500,000 as a 35mm feature. If you are interested in co-financing this, Matrixx Entertainment will put up the first $50,000. Contact us at contact@mecfilms.com.
NON-LINEAR EDIT STUDIOS Post Digital Group has for the 6th time upgraded Studio B. New additions are a state-of-the-art Quad processor; Sennheiser and Behringer condenser microphones; Alesis mixing consul for VO and looping; Canopus/Grassvalley switchers; and ADOBE's new Creative Suite 3 Production Premium. We have also upgraded to 2 terabytes of storage and the following applications:
Premiere Pro CS3
After Effects CS3 Pro
Soundbooth CS3
Flash CS3 Pro
Encore CS3
Illustrator CS3
PhotoShop CS3 Display is on 3 simultaneous monitors using two Nvidia double-head video cards with simultaneously outputs to a 52-inch high-definition TV, an NTSC monitor and 7:1 surround sound.
With Premiere you get full digital audio sweetening/mixdown and ADR capabilities on-the-fly and high definition editing. The response time and action of CS3 is every bit as good as Final Cut Pro and AVID. Studio B is located at our Main Line offices and available to clients at an introductory rate.
To book time or to look at the studios, click here.
STUDIO COMPLEX Matrixx Entertainment has drawn up a Business Plan and preliminary blueprint for a studio complex tentatively called OAK STUDIOS. Combined with better tax credits and the Internet distribution of movies, this complex could create a production environment on par with Los Angeles. Further, it could generate net export revenues for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania well in excess of revenues generated by gambling. (Would Ben Franklin condone one of the country's most important founding states in the business of gambling?)
In order to further refine the business plan for OAK STUDIOS, Matrixx Entertainment is currently seeking the sum of $250,000 to conduct an extensive feasibility study. If you are interested in reviewing the OAK STUDIOS business plan (which includes a preliminary blueprint for a more extensive set of sound stages, construction & operating budget and proforma P&Ls) and/or the MEC PRODUCTION business plan (which includes the proceeds of about fifteen years of research into the organizational structure and financial projections for a major production studio capable of producing 50 features per year), please contact James Jaeger or Mark Hamilton at 212/933-9374. We are interested in meeting with potential investors and distribution entities with a view towards funding the feasibility study and/or the business plans for the above projects. We have made available the sum of $6,083,585 in finder's fees for the OAK STUDIOS project and the sum of $13,750 for finders fees for the feasibility study. You will be asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to receiving or seeing any materials.
So far the OAK STUDIOS plan has been presented to a number of government representatives, potential financiers and entrepreneurs, among which were MERV GRIFFIN ENTERTAINMENT and Night Shyamalan's company, BLINDING EDGE PICTURES c/o Jose Rodriguez. On May 21, 2004 a letter (with a copy of the OAK STUDIOS executive summary) explaining the economic advantages of such a production complex was sent to Governor Ed Rendell with a CC to the following: Hon. John W. Fichter, Chairman on Telecommunications; Hon. Robert W. Godshall, Sponsor HB 83; Hon. Carol A. Rubley, Tredyffrin Rep.; Hon. Thomas L. Stevenson, Sponsor HB147; Hon. Robert J. Thompson, Tredyffrin Senator; Philadelphia Film Office ED, Sharon Pinkenson. At least two studio plans are now moving forward in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, both of which will be welcomed by filmmakers, business entrepreneurs and talent around the state as well as the nation. The OAK STUDIOS/MEC PRODUCTION plans will expand and complement these current activities, thus providing additional opportunities for many.
James Jaeger has been joined by Chris Tait in the development and financing of the OAK STUDIOS project. Mr. Tait is an a licensed realtor and an expert in motion picture studio construction and operations.
VIDEO WORKSHOP PRODUCTIONS RE-OPEN Originally founded by Andrew S. Cofrin, Ft. Howard Paper Company heir and producing partner of James Jaeger, we are pleased to announce the re-opening of the Video Workshop. This is made possible because of the new equipment acquired by the Company. See section entitled "New Production Equipment". If you are a local actor or technical person who would like to gain experience doing non-commercial Workshop Productions, contact us at contact@mecfilms.com and let us know you are interested and available.
To launch the re-opening of the Video WorkShop, we would like to present some oldies and a debuting short:
JUST LIKE OLD FRIENDS (1985)
This is a little 6 minute short was directed by James Jaeger for the Video Workshop Productions back in 1985. It stars Andy Cofrin, Ari Ross and Patricia Duff (who since then has married Mike Medavoy, divorced him and re-married Ron Perlman). One of Andy's brothers, Doug Cofrin, wrote the script while visiting Santa Monica from Easter Island. One of Andy's other brothers, John Cofrin, got into the movie business and financed the development of CHINA SYNDROME. Unfortunately, this project ended up in litigation after Jane Fonda got involved, through no fault of her own. John, however worked loosely with Steven Reuther for a while. Reuther was later a partner with Michael Douglas in DOUGLAS-REUTHER PRODUCTIONS and that company was together for many years. You can screen JUST LIKE OLD FRIENDS, which was shot at the offices of Matrixx Productions in Santa Monica, by going to http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/just.wmv (RT is 6:25)TESTY PILOT (1984)
Video Workshop Productions are often excerpts from famous and well-done past movies. Can you guess which one this is a "re-make" from? You can screen TESTY PILOT at http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/testy.wmv (RT is 3:48)THE ASSIGNMENT (1984)
This series stars Ari Ross, Andrew Cofrin, Stephany Dillard and Jenny Cunningham (the last of which starred in THE MOVIE HOUSE MASSACRE). Directed by James Jaeger, this short was also filmed at the offices of Matrixx Productions in Santa Monica. This 5,000 SF, 5-story house complex was owned by Andrew Cofrin, heir to the Fort Howard Paper Company fortune, who later sold the complex to SONY PICTURES for the use of Tristar President of Production, Jeff Saganski. You can screen this short at http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/assigment.wmv (RT is 17:58)PEER PRESSURE (1985)
This Workshop Production actually turned into a pilot was also shot at the offices of Matrixx Productions in Santa Monica. Bear in mind this was produced in 1985, long before any of the stuff you are now seeing everyday on the DISNEY channel targeted for this age bracket. Produced by James Jaeger, this visionary piece was written and directed by Andrew Cofrin. You can screen PEER PRESSURE at http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/peer.wmv (RT is 26:31)REVENGE OF THE MAD SCIENTIST (1964)
This short is being displayed for the first time as it was shot on regular 8mm film but only recently transferred to the digital medium. REVENGE OF THE MAD SCIENTIST was written, directed and produced by James Jaeger when he was about 14 years old. This was his third narrative dramatic short and stars Mark Lund, Doug Gough and Anson Downes. Lund and Gough aren't in the biz now, but Downes later became an actor-writer and moved to LA where he befriended John Travolta on CARRIE and works for him to this day. In a Première interview a number of years back, Travolta called him "my best friend." Anson Downes heads up Travolta's development division with Linda Flavil and gets an associate producer credit on all his pictures. Anson plays the part of the werewolf and you can screen REVENGE OF THE MAD SCIENTIST by going to http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/revenge.wmv (RT is 10:36)SHIPWRECKED & THE BARREL SCENE are two other shorts directed by James Jaeger in 1964. SHIPWRECKED stars Doug Gough and Bunker Jaeger. Bunker Jaeger occasional executive produces films with Matrixx Productions and is an active stockholder of MEC. In the cast of the BARREL SCENE is Susan Ross. The Ross family, 4 girls with an ex-army captain father, lived in a pink house across the street from where James Jaeger grew up. They lived there for about 10 years. Susan Ross and her sister, Leslie, are in the scene where they are going into the barrel and other scenes as well. The youngest sister, Lee Ross, is the little girl shooting the missile and "causing" the big explosion. There are other movies which haven't been transferred from regular 8 yet. Interestingly, Susan Ross later dated John Davis, the son of Marvin Davis. Marvin Davis was the entrepreneur from Texas that purchased TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX for some $500 million in the 1980s. John Davis is now a major producer in the Biz. Susan's sister, Leslie, lives in Beverly Hills and works in the TV industry to this day. All of these films were shot on regular 8mm as super 8 had yet to be invented. You can screen SHIPWRECKED and THE BARREL SCENE together by going to http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/revenge.wmv (RT is 5:00 and 1:00 respectively)
POD (2006)
On the new front is POD, a first effort of 10-year old Warren Jaeger who wrote and directed this short after talking to Oscar-winning filmmaker, John Longenecker, DGA. John was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to inspire him, as he has inspired and helped many other filmmakers over the years. POD is about 3 minutes long and stars Pierce Jaeger (8 years old). Keep an eye on these emerging talents! You can screen POD at http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/pod.wmv (RT is 4:45)Again, if you are a local actor or technical person who would like to gain experience doing non-commercial Workshop Productions, contact us at contact@mecfilms.com and let us know you are interested and available.
LEE GARMES INTERVIEW One of the most accomplished filmmakers in history, Lee Garmes, has 111 features to his credit (14 for producing and directing and 97 for cinematography). Although officially unaccredited, Lee Garmes photographed a considerable portion of GONE WITH THE WIND.
Mr. Garmes directed the photography on 6 films nominated for an Academy Award and won an Academy Award for SHANGHAI EXPRESS. A brilliant experimenter, Lee Garmes, made many technical contributions to the industry and received the Eastman Kodak Award twice.
In a last interview, available at http://www.mecfilms.com/mid/movies/garmes.mpa, filmmaker James Jaeger inquires about turn-of-the-century Hollywood, lighting techniques, aspect ratios, working with Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wylder, film vs. tape, the future of film education. Also on this CD is James Jaeger's commentary on what it was like to work with Lee Garmes, ASC, DGA, ISPA.
A LITTLE HISTORY Matrixx Productions was founded in 1981 in Hollywood, California. Below are the updates for the past years.
Thank you for your continued support of Matrixx Entertainment. You are greatly appreciated.
LORRAINE STERLING,
Director of Public Relations
Although the information herein is believed to be accurate and correct, anything to be added, changed or deleted should be brought to the attention of the VP Public Relations within five business days. This Update does not and cannot constitute an offer to sell any securities of Matrixx Entertainment Corporation. Any projections, if any, made herein represent a goal only and there can be no assurance of attainment thereof. This Update replaces any earlier Updates as such may pertain to the subject matter hereof. Matrixx Entertainment Corporation, including any of its subsidiaries or divisions, does not endorse any particular philosophy, religion, political ideology or reform movement(s) and any expressed, if any, is done so with the understanding such is the sole viewpoint and responsibility of the person or entity promulgating same.
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