SYNOPSIS OF THE AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE SHORT FILM, “BEYOND ESSAYS”
A college writing professor, Genevive, frantically tries to finish her dissertation before the deadline tonight. When a disgruntled student, Wanda, unhappy with her grade refuses to leave her office, Genevive is forced to cross boundaries with the student in order to finish on time.
BUDGET OF THE FILM (2-DAY PRODUCTION & 3 WEEK POST-PRODUCTION):
Items to create & design the office & classroom (i.e., books, papers, pencils, trash cans...) - $200
Food & drinks to feed the Actresses & Crew of 15 people for a 2-day shoot (12-hour work-days) - $200
Wardrobe for the Actresses - $50
Makeup & Hair for the Actresses - $150
Creating a great sound design for “Beyond Essays” in Post Production - $200
Camera & Lights to create a great look for the film - $550
Extra little expenses (papers, printing, photos, office for production) - $100
Photographer for documenting this important shooting event - $100
For letting us use the locations to shoot on - $200
Everyone else is volunteering their services & equipment for free to contribute to this important film. With your help, we will be able to get all of these things!
it’s exciting to me that bigelow won. regardless of what people thought of the film (i thought it was an amazing film, although, perhaps it wasn’t quite too entertaining for the laymen out there) i still feel that it’s an excellent way for many of us to keep chugging forward with our stories to be told.
“Beyond Essays” Pitch Video—A Vlog by Jules Dameron
“beyond essays” - a short american sign language drama
Updated on Feb 23, 2010 - 01:05 PM
well, it’s time to be raising lots of money for “beyond essays.” my producer, bridgette and i agreed that it’s too special a short film to go no-budget, so we’re hoping to raise enough money to enhance the quality of the film. we are in need of your help, and if you are interested in donating, please do go to this kickstarter link: kickstarter for beyond essays.
We’ve got a ways to go, so with your help, in spreading the word and understanding what we’re trying to do, please do join us in this innovative short film in ASL!
d.w.i.f.
Updated on Feb 22, 2010 - 08:13 PM
now i feel much better about the dwif facebook fan page.
I was able to create a logo that was decent enough and I hope that it’s memorable enough for all to know. We are deaf women in film, and please spread the word. we need more members in order to support each other and create events.
we deaf women in film need each other, wholeheartedly, i know this!
a day in runyon canyon
Updated on Dec 31, 2009 - 10:56 AM
i was invited to act in something--and this is what it was! it’s actually silly. i did a bit of improvising there.
for the deaf people-- here’s what the hearing people said (thanks to dania douglas, a old friend of mine) NOTE: This is a loose translation.
Girl 1 (on right red shirt & grey sweatshirt)
Girl 2 (in center white sweatshirt)
Girl 3 (on left black jacket & red scarf)… See More
:26 “Woah” (Girl 1)
:27 “Woah” (Girl 2)
:29 “What do you think you’re doing?” (Girl 1)
:30-35 “Don’t litter; It’s a public park guys” (Girl 1) (with a chorus of woah & hey in the background)
:36 “What is this?” (Girl 1)
:37 “Hasn’t Al Gore showed you anything?”
:41-:42 “What the eff--?” (Girls 2 & 3)
:43 “Hello? We’re talking to you” (Girl 1)
:52 “Has anyone seen the movie Wally?” (Girl 3)
:53 “You have to clean up after your planet earth.” (Girl1)
:58-1:00 “Hey, hey, hey girls” (All 3 girls)
1:02-1:03 “Two words Fern Gully, the last rain forest” (Girl 3)
1:03 “Hey, hey, hey you left your trash.” (Girl 1)
1:11-1:12 Indistinct murmurs of “Oh, oh, oh...ah, okay”
1:15 “Aaah have a good day” (Girl 1)
1:17 “Sorry, carry on."(Girl 3)
1:18 “Aah..we should probably go” (Girl 1)
1:20 “Call me...ah...no...” (Girl 3)
1:25-1:26 Camera turns away so you can’t tell who is speaking, but the girls say “Well, that made me feel good...now I feel like a good person...hmm.”
for the hearing people—here’s my LOOSE translation:
1:04 - “who are they?” (lexi - black top)
1:05 - “stop talking!” (jules - pink sweatshirt)
1:06 - “oh i see… okay...” (jules - pink sweatshirt)
1:07 - “okay, obviously they’re green party environmentalists.” (lexi - black top)
1:08 - “yes, obviously.” (jules - pink sweatshirt)
1:12 - “OKAY, VERY GOOD, SEE YOU LATER!” [to the 3 speaking girls] (jules - pink sweatshirt)
(indistinct conversation as lexi & jules walks up the hill).
impromptu reality comedy
Updated on Nov 15, 2009 - 04:21 AM
had fun with lexi
Updated on Nov 15, 2009 - 04:19 AM
check it out, i was in a play “hearing the deaf” written by david kurs
turns out they posted something about the play i was in… my roles were maria gable and marilyn castaline. good roles. i had a bit of fun in it. i had the opportunity to play a deaf person and use my voice-- and even SANG. can you believe that?? i sucked as heck, too, but hey, i dismissed it as a character thing that my character was doing…
and these were based on real characters too. pretty awesome. it was so exciting to be acting in an original piece written by a deaf author, no less. his name is David Kurs, but I always call him DJ. he’s a cool guy. i’m sure anyone would agree with me about him. he’s a great screenwriter, as well!
life as a ceo
Updated on Oct 27, 2009 - 04:40 AM
working as a ceo for damname productions is pretty interestingly awesome. i’m having fun with it. it’s so amazing to be in a place where you can create an entire world (small to begin with, granted) and just be able to get what you want, what you’ve been complaining about all your life, and get all those complaints melted away at the birth of this entity, this company.
let me list my most common things that i whine about (that anyone who knows me will happily agree) --
1) women don’t get enough recognition or opportunities in the film industry.
2) deaf women don’t get enough recognition or opportunities to grow in the film industry.
3) i don’t see enough “deaf” films that are strictly as professional as your commonplace studio production, say… “Moulin Rouge” or “Knocked Up” or anything of the sort or that level.
4) i don’t see enough variety in roles for deaf people. it’s always the same thing-- deaf people who can speak, can really read lips well, and the dialogue is so horrible that it ruins the potential for their natural american sign language.
there’s a lot more that i whine about (and i try to make it happen for myself, at least) but this is the basic gist list of it.
say, did you guys watch dollhouse or fringe on hulu lately? it’s so awesome!
convo kitty
Updated on Sep 07, 2009 - 11:41 PM
check it out. i directed and wrote it. erik call shot and edited it. starring abby walla, amber zion & introducing mango, the kitty.
what an experience! I’ve never wrangled cats before for a film, and trust me, it’s so much harder than it looks! LOL!
--jules
convo kitty
Updated on Sep 07, 2009 - 10:45 PM
written & directed by jules dameron
producing night sky & damname productions
Updated on Aug 28, 2009 - 03:45 AM
it has been a fantastic turn of events for me. i had the privilege of getting to know jonathan lewis, michelle lapides & misty flowers all in a short time, and i have a great feeling that things will turn out well for each one of us and towards the deaf community.
i also have had the privilege of meeting alison o’daniel, who is the director of night sky. we’ve agreed to work together in making her film possible & to distribute it to film festivals and to have a great, quality, thought, provoking product that involves a deaf female character (Evelina Gaina). and because of alison’s positive demeanor, we will have a successful production.
and because of all these people and stuff that’s going on with me-- i’ve been promoting Damname productions and hopefully people will see how important damname is to the world-- in so many ways. we promote american sign language because it is one of the best languages out there, and it is all-accessible, and also, includes a great representation of diversity groups and opportunities for diverse individuals.
that’s what I’m truly all about. i’m a feminist who realizes the importance of collaboration, sharing, communication, and including others that are different.
love you all! - jules
glee! is on imdb! yay!!!!!
Updated on Aug 22, 2009 - 04:27 PM
ain’t that super?? there’s still more info gonna be filled in, but i’m excited about it all. i just hope people will enjoy the film as much as i did!!!
much love to you all,
jules
film festivals & whatnot….
Updated on Aug 15, 2009 - 12:45 PM
it’s a nerve-wracking time! we’ve submitted “glee!” to all the big-time film festivals, and we’re still waiting to hear what will become of “glee!”. the most important thing is that we tried, and that’s all that matters. i have to keep reminding myself of that, lol.
anyhow, i’m still working on several projects-- and i hope to get them out to you guys soon-- one is a documentary about ASL writing with Bob Arnold, and i’m truly thrilled about that because i feel it’s such a huge deal-- and it’s so important for the deaf community, and it will shake and rock our world in ways we cannot imagine. so that’s the gist of that.
and the other project i’m working on is a deaf music video, performed by Nyeshia Prince-- and it’s currently in post production, and i will be teaching myself how to use Motion so that this video will be rockin’.
oh, and not to forget, “nisha”! that’s gonna be fun for you guys to watch. it’s a short film fantasy post-apocalyptic thriller, with a mix of hearing & deaf cast & crew. i can’t wait!
growing up vegas-- a film i produced…
Updated on Aug 13, 2009 - 12:23 AM
directed & written by amber beard. had a great experience producing this film in las vegas. this is just a clip-- and it shows the opening of it. sorry it’s not subtitled for my deaf friends…
edie & pokey & kit, a film I produced!
Updated on Aug 11, 2009 - 11:21 AM
unfortunately, I can’t embed the video here-- but you can see it at this link!
M.F.A. Film Production, University of Southern California: School of Cinematic Arts, Los Angeles, CA, May 2008 B.A. Television-Cinema, University Honors, Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C., May 2003
honors & awards
Produced the “The Deaf Man”, which won Best Direction in 34th Independent Film Festival in Brussels, Belgium.
Graduated top of the class, University Honors, Magna Cum Laude at Gallaudet University.
professional experience
“NOBODY’S PERFECT”
ASL Captain
a theatrical production directed by Coy Middlebrook
Norris Theater, Palos Verdes, CA
“THE CARETAKER” (MoSDEUX)
Assistant Director
shot in Portland, ME—To be completed February 2009
90 minutes, HD, color
“GLEE!” (DAMNAME PRODUCTIONS)
Director
shot in Los Angeles, CA—Completed June 2008
10 minutes, HD, color
“VIDEO BLOGS BY LAUREN RIDLOFF” (i711.COM)
Editor
shot in New York, NY—May 2006 to Present
5 -7 minutes video blogs, mini-DV, color
“THE DEAF FAMILY” (MOSDEUX)
Assistant Director
shot in Austin, TX—Completed January 2008
90 minutes, HD, color
“365 DAYS, 365 PLAYS” BY SUZAN LORI PARKS
Director
Two Short Plays, “Behind the Veil of the Goddesses” & “Cloth Prayer”
Played at Deaf West Theatre in July 2007
“A PERMANENT GRAVE” (MOSDEUX)
Assistant Director & Co-Editor
shot in Sacramento, CA—completed May 2007
90 minutes, HD, color
“RESONARE” (MOSDEUX)
Sound Director
shot in Sacramento & Los Angeles, CA—completed December 2005
9 minutes, mini-DV, color
“DEAF PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITAL: WHAT NOW?” (GMU)
Director
shot in Munich, Germany—completed August 2005
11 minutes, mini-DV, color
“SPECTRUM 11 VIDEOS” (GMU)
Editor
shot in Munich, Germany—May 2005—August 2005
5 to 20 minutes per video, mini-DV, color
“ON OR OFF STAGE: THE BRUCE HLIBOK STORY” (DEAFVISION FILMWORKS, INC.)
Intern - as Office Production Assistant in Post Production & Pickups
shot in New York, New York—May 2002—August 2002
4 hours, mini-DV, color
SKILLS
Computers - Mac & PC Fluent
Excellent Office Skills, Adobe Photoshop Skills
Digital Video Editing - Final Cut Pro, Avid
Writing - Movie Magic Screenwriter, Final Draft
Producing - EP Budgeting, EP Scheduling
Amateur Photography (Owned a headshot business with a professional photographer)
Producing (Short Films)
Writing (Feature Screenplays, Short Screenplays)
Assistant Directing (Feature Films & Short Films)—Excellent Organizational Skills
Editing (Feature Films & Short Films)
Other Skills: Hammer Throw (won 3rd place in the Deaf Olympics in Rome, Italy in the Hammer Throw, 4th in Discus), Ice Hockey, Basketball, Fluent German Sign Language, Conversational Spanish Sign Language, Conversational Spanish & German, Fluent American Sign Language
--------------
-- As Director ---
“GLEE!”
Directed the short musical film from script to screen.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed June 2008
12 minutes, HD, color
“CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD”
Directed the short film scene from script to screen.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
completed December 2007
3 minutes, mini-DV, color
“TRANSMETROPOLITAN”
Directed the short film scene from script to screen.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed March 2006
6 minutes, mini-DV, color
“PROOF”
Directed the short film scene from script to screen.
Shot in Pasadena, CA
Completed April 2006
5 minutes, mini-DV, color
“OUR SONG”
Directed the short film from script to screen.
shot in Los Angeles, CA
completed December 2005
5 minutes, 16mm, color
“DEAF PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITAL: WHAT NOW?”
Directed the short film from script to screen. Communicated in German Sign Language.
Shot in Munich, Germany
completed August 2005
11 minutes, mini-DV, color
--- As Producer ---
“GLEE”
Produced the short film musical. Lined up cast, crew, locations, and organized budget, events, food, transportation, & permits. $18,000 budget.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed June 2008
12 minutes, HD, color.
“GROWING UP VEGAS”
Produced the short film. Lined up cast, crew, locations, and organized budget, events, food, transportation, & permits. $45,000 budget.
Shot in Las Vegas, CA.
Completed December 2007
12 minutes, 16mm, color
“THE DEAF MAN”
Produced the short film. Lined up cast, crew, locations, and organized budget, events, food, transportation, & permits. $2,000 budget.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
completed March 2007
9 minutes, mini-DV, black & white
“EDIE & POKEY & KIT”
Produced the short film musical. Lined up cast, crew, locations, and organized budget, events, food, transportation, & permits. $11,000 budget.
Shot in Pasadena & Arcadia, CA.
Completed December 2006
12 minutes, 16mm, color
“TRANSMETROPOLITAN”
Produced the short film. Lined up cast, crew, locations, and organized budget, events, food, transportation, & permits. $800 budget.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed March 2006
5 minutes, mini-DV, color
“PROOF”
Produced the short film. Lined up cast, crew, locations, and organized budget, events, food, transportation, & permits. $200 budget.
Shot in Pasadena, CA.
Completed April 2006
5 minutes, mini-DV, color
“OUR SONG”
Produced the short film musical. Lined up cast, crew, locations, and organized budget, events, food, transportation, & permits. $2,000 budget.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA.
Completed December 2005
5 minutes, 16mm, color
“GOGGLES”
Produced the short film musical. Lined up cast, crew, locations, and organized budget, events, food, transportation, & permits. $1,000 budget.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
completed December 2005
6 minutes, 16mm, color.
---As Cinematographer---
“258 NEWS EP #4”
Shot on a JVC GY HD110U.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA.
Completed March 2009
12 minutes, HD, color
“GOGGLES”
Shot on 16mm color film.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed December 2005
6 minutes, 16mm, color.
---As Editor---
“A PERMANENT GRAVE”
Co-Edited a feature film in six segments on Final Cut Pro.
Shot in Sacramento, CA
Completed May 2007
90 minutes, HD, color
“PROOF”
Edited the short film scene on Final Cut Pro.
Shot in Pasadena, CA.
Completed April 2006
5 minutes, mini-DV, color.
“TRANSMETROPOLITAN”
Edited the short film scene on Final Cut Pro.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed March 2006
5 minutes, mini-DV, color
“GOGGLES”
Edited the short film on Avid.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed December 2005
6 minutes, 16mm, color
---As Other Crew ---
“ZEKE & LUTHER”
ASL Instructor
Translated script lines into American Sign Language and coached Actors in using American Sign Language
Shot in Torrance, CA
Aired June 2009 on XD Channel
Television Series, HD, color
“The CARETAKER”
Assistant Director
Handled the schedule, and coordinated the entire set.
Shot in Portland, ME
Completed April 2009
90 minutes, HD, color
“DEAF LOVE”
Technical Consultant on Deafness
Gave advice, details, tips on Deafness and Deaf Culture and American Sign Language from the script to screen process.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed December 2008
12 minutes, 16mm, color
“MUSIC OF THE COURT”
Technical Consultant on Deafness
Gave advice, details, tips on Deafness and Deaf Culture and American Sign Language from the script to screen process.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
completed April 2008
6 minutes, 16mm, color
“THE DEAF FAMILY”
Assistant Director
Handled the schedule and coordinated the entire set.
Shot in Austin, TX
Completed January 2008
90 minutes, HD, color
“A PERMANENT GRAVE”
Assistant Director
Handled the schedule and coordinated the entire set.
Shot in Sacramento, CA
Completed May 2007
90 minutes, HD, color.
“THE DEAF MAN”
Sound Supervisor
Directed the sound & coordinated the post-sound crew.
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed March 2007
9 minutes, mini-DV, black & white
“RESONARE”
Sound Director
Designed sound and coordinated the post-sound process.
In Sacramento & Los Angeles, CA
Completed December 2005
9 minutes, mini-DV, color
“VITAL SIGNS”
Sound Director
Designed the sound and coordinated the post-sound crew.
In Sacramento, CA
Completed December 2005
4 minutes, mini-DV, color
“NIGHTFALL”
Assistant Director
Coordinated the set
Shot in Los Angeles, CA
Completed December 2005
6 minutes, 16mm, black & white
“ERIC SHAWN”
Technical Consultant on Deafness
In Los Angeles, CA
Gave advice, details, tips on Deafness and Deaf Culture and American Sign Language from the script to screen process.
Completed December 2005
6 minutes, 16mm, color
directed a film in german…
Updated on Jul 29, 2009 - 02:30 AM
i directed, wrote, shot, edited a film in german. made it in munich. wanna see?
thar you go. and i was glad to see that it’s on the ‘net. i had tried posting it once, but got burnt by them-- they had said that it wasn’t a good idea that it was just shown prematurely. i do wonder if i can show it around… might be interesting.
it was such a cool experience. i just adored the fact that i was able to direct hearing german actors by using my broken german and german sign language. ain’t that a hoot?? I wrote the script, but it was in english, so a great consultant was able to translate it into german for me, and we made it work out. they seemed to take it just fine. whew! what an experience!
online garage sale
Updated on Jul 24, 2009 - 08:21 PM
I’m trying to sell all of these items within the next TWO WEEKS, so if you are willing to buy this from me, that would be super awesome.
If you don’t live close to me, (North Hollywood, CA) that’s all right, we can just simply add shipping costs to the price, and I’ll find a good cheap deal.
I prefer to sell these to my friends, since my friends might need some of these. First come, first serve.
Here’s the list-- with the prices. These are good deals-- but if you can give me your best offer, we can negotiate.
Compaq Presario V2000 Laptop - very useful, but been used a lot. It is just simply a bit slow, but otherwise, a decent laptop and can do wireless and DVD/CD Burning. Will need a new reformat with the recent Windows platform. $125
Computer Desktop Set—HP Pavilion a867c—including wireless mouse, keyboard, Sharp 17” Monitor. Has DVD/CD burning & copying system. The PC is pretty new, and not often been used because I bought a Mac after that and never went back to it. Still perfectly a good computer, though. $250
E-Machines Desktop PC e-tower 400i—Old, been used for years-- but if anyone wants to buy this to salvage parts inside, go right ahead. $50
HP PSC 1310 All in one - Scanner/Printer/Copier—Good condition-- not often been used. $45
Nikon D50 Photo Camera with 2 1 GB SD Memory Cards, one Memory Card USB Reader, 3 Batteries, with two chargers, and two lens - 70-300mm (Nikon AF Nikkor) & 55-18mm (Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor). All in a LowePro Bag. Good condition, is perfectly usable. Only thing is that the little LCD on top of the camera is slightly cracked, but nothing is really broken inside. WHOLE CAMERA PACKAGE IS $450
Nikon SB-800 Speedlight - Brand New, never used $650
A Case Logic Protective Backpack-- used for holding sensitive equipment such as lenses, and cameras. Barely used, still pretty brand new. $75
Nice Rolling Office Chair. Originally paid $150, and it’s still in great condition. $50.
Sony PSP- Playstation Portable Device with a PSP black stretchable container with charger with an extra plastic shield LCD cover.—pretty new, but it does have design stickers on the back. Otherwise, it’s perfectly fine. $50
PSP GAMES—(Buy all PSP games & movie for $55)
The Warriors ($12)
Daxter ($5)
Secret Agent Clank ($10)
Jeanne D’Arc ($15)
Rachet & Clank: Size Matters ($7)
Silent Hill: Origins ($10)
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII ($12)
PSP MOVIE - Family Guy Episode: The Freakin’ Sweet Collection ($5)
*all PSP games & movie are pretty new, barely used.*
Ewa-Marine In-House Plastic Camera Cover for underwater shooting-- was designed for a Canon GL2-- but can fit most medium to small cameras. Has a broken ballast weight handle, but can be fixed if you know how. Comes with a yellow zip bag. $250
Will write a separate note for movie DVD’s.
Will show photo album of all the items on Facebook.
If you are interested in buying any of these, please contact me at .
glee trailer is now…. finally here.
Updated on Jun 04, 2009 - 01:16 AM
*In English subtitles.*
deaf: redefined.
Updated on May 30, 2009 - 04:36 PM
I don’t usually write notes, essays, letters, or anything. Not since undergraduate school, really. And I have lost all sense of structure as I write, so bear my randomness and rambling. So just write this off as a creative note.
Today, I felt so excited, so happy, as if all my angers of being deaf or hard of hearing or being a minority, or hearing about people throwing asl away and focusing on speaking and trying to be like others…
...simply, went, away.
So here’s the thing. After learning about the results of the Think Tank, in Washington, D.C., and chatting with a dear friend & philosopher, Bob Arnold & getting all these deaf gain values from my close friends, Ryan Commerson, Wayne Betts, Jr., Erik Call, Amber Zion, and so many others, I finally took it upon myself to do something for myself. To actually SEE for myself what the hell I could do on my part to be a deaf “gainist.”
I signed in ASL completely. In Starbuck’s. Panera. Coffee Bean. That’s three hits so far. And all were unexpected homeruns. With ABSOLUTELY NO communication issues. The people who had the handicap of hearing actually smiled, and was thrilled to participate in this new ASL bond with me. I had so much fun. It was so cool to be me, and to connect to them. They became more HUMAN to me.
Yes, you read it right. They understood my ASL with no problem at all.
“I want a latte, and a rice krispie bar.” Got it.
“A sourdough bread bowl of french onion soup, small coffee.” No problem there.
“The coffee ran out-- you have to refill it.” Yup, even this one.
“Oh, this is a latte with a little bit of ice, medium-sized, not the other one.” A smile on his face with a light in his eyes with a nod.
Wow. At this moment as I write, (you know the lump you have in your chest that you usually have when you’re depressed? Imagine the exact opposite of that.) I have this feeling of excitement and the only thing that’s holding me together is my skin. “Freedom at last, freedom at last, thank God almighty, freedom at last!”
Just think: If EVERY deaf person in the world (who knew sign language) did this exact same thing everywhere… We’d all lead better lives. Everyone would be interested in signing, and we’d form a bond of something that we all shared… an understanding of each other. Which is simply rare to get-- even with spoken communication. My god, look at this. Sign language requires eye contact and tactility and organic intuition, and that in itself just dramatically improves your relationship with the other person.
It’s not about being deaf anymore. It’s about the better language to share, to connect with others. And the time is now. During the internet era, the era of isolation. We need to CONNECT.
It’s definitely true. To sign is human.
I’m so addicted already to doing it this way.
the deaf man is still around! and about!
Updated on May 26, 2009 - 12:07 PM
yup, it’s true. “the deaf man” is now officially on imdb.com!!! be sure to put in your ratings if you’ve seen it!
“Glee!” has won best the Best Art Direction award at the Toronto International Deaf Film & Arts Festival!
Ain’t that super?
new www design has been launched on www.damname.com!
Updated on Feb 17, 2009 - 12:23 PM
we (erik, actually) has transformed the damname productions website. we figured it needed a more professional look, less like an art gallery look. so we’re really proud of it, and we added links to it.
deaf women filmmakers
Updated on Feb 01, 2009 - 03:11 PM
I decided to do something that had piqued me lately. Deaf Women Filmmakers. So now, i’m into facebook, right, so i thought i’d create a group. here’s the “press release” here.
---
We are looking for more members to join the Deaf Women Filmmakers Group in Facebook—anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing, a woman, who is involved in at least one stage of the filmmaking process-- can be directing, producing, editing, shooting, script supervising, makeup, wardrobe, production design, or anything of the sort.
This is a support group to help each other succeed in filmmaking. The purpose of this posting is to find more of you out there who are looking for opportunities and want to become better at what they do.
Sign language is not required at all, in fact, it doesn’t matter. The point is that if you have any hearing loss of any kind, it makes each member of the group equal to each other. You have much to offer to the group, and much to gain.
If you’re interested or even mildly so, just join us! If you’re a member of Facebook, do a search of “Deaf Women Filmmakers” and ask to join. Write a personal message saying what you do, how much you hear, and then the creator of the group will approve your entry.
So yeah. this would be an excellent opportunity to support each other and make more films by deaf women. we have such a different voice, and so much dedication and so many skills that the general public underestimates! so i hope for the best of the group.
if you heard rumors about a musical short being produced in los angeles deaf crew, you heard right. well… except for the deaf part. it’s half and half-- half deaf, and half hearing. but one thing we all have in common-- we’re all professional. and rockin’!
it is a little dream come true. erik call, the writer, has volunteered his time on set to be our set photographer-- so he’ll be posting pictures of what’s going on. so you know it’s gonna be delicious.
www.damname.com has updated info on this production. so go there!
up to date on times of the now…
Updated on Mar 21, 2008 - 10:16 AM
So-- it is what it is. No. It will be what i want it to be.
My thesis film is still ongoing-- as usual. It has evolved into another story, a simpler one, with a fairy tale to tell in the style of a musical. Yep, it is still on. But I’ve decided to do the wisest thing: take the time I need to develop a good story and not rush into the backward.
so, you heard it here-- “to sing or to sign” or “happiness that died with the bomb” is no longer. but i’d rather not jinx you with the name of my thesis film-- until I’m absolutely sure that this script is good enough.
moving onward to a new era.
will be graduating in the USC ceremonies on May 16th, 2008. congrats to me! yay.
It has been an interesting lifestyle thus far. Have moved to North Hollywood, and intend on living the freelance life: be one’s own boss. Quite a challenge in itself, indeed. But at the same time, very rewarding and fullfilling. Nothing like disciplining yourself with yourself; maximizing the human potential.
And I’ve been editing, writing, producing, and doing all the producing positions (assistant director, script breakdowns, you name it...) and that’s what’s paying my bills. Yep, I still remain in the film industry and am breathing.
Still have one more semester left at the infamous University of Southern California-- at the School of Cinematic Arts.
As for “To Sing or To Sign?” It has been postponed to be shot in October-- and it’s all for the best, really-- since we’re gonna improve our approach, and raise more money, that we need, as well as improve our look and design so it’ll be the topmost quality. I am thrilled that we have a great cast & crew, and everyone has been wonderfully supportive in this film. It’s gonna be the short film of the year!
Keep in touch.
more 48 hour pics
Updated on Jun 26, 2007 - 04:34 PM
Just a few to see…
everyone got sick of the brash director, so they decided to tie her up.
writing in progress… erik call & julia dameron beating up the compy tube.
you gotta love eric calbert’s energy.
our fellow production designer… david perrsion. that’s so him.
ain’t she gorgeous? amber stanton, the damsel in distress.
gotta love ty giordano!
jared allebest-- the crew’s sweetest guy. he worked his ass off for us. you can even see that in the picture.
wayne betts, jr. helping us out with digital coloration. he rocks… buried in the tech world…
all super duper fun. will keep u informed of our film’s posting!!!
48 hours is officially over!
Updated on Jun 25, 2007 - 05:15 PM
quite an amazing, unforgettable, tiresome, stressful experience with such a good crew and acting team. i coudn’t have asked for a better one!
we drew an interesting draw.
genre: superheroes.
all 48 hour movies in los angeles for this particular competition had to have these in their movie:
prop: bumper sticker
character: Frederich/Frieda Laino, Foreign Exchange Student
line of dialogue: “Hey! My Mom gave me that!”
our movie title: “motor oil”
starrring
Tyrone Giordano, Dakota Bayard, Amber Stanton, Jon Barbee, Lexi Marman & Gabriel Jarret.
directed by julia dameron
director of cinematography erik call
written by erik call
edited by eric calbert
produced by julia dameron & erik call
composed by clay stevenson
sound edited by rory oleson
boom operator art baum
production design by david perrison
associate produced by jared allebest
will be screened on friday, june 29th, at 10:30 p.m.
Place: Fine Arts Theatre, 8556 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills 90211, phone: (310) 360-0455
Notes: Tickets can be purchased at the door. Tickets will sell out, so be sure to get in line early.
we had such fun!!!
in 48 hours we start the 48 hour project.
Updated on Jun 20, 2007 - 12:59 PM
erik and i are going full-scale blast on the work behind the 48 hour film project. we’re hailing locations, creating a logo for our team coffee iv drips, gathering equipment and props, and crewing up. so far everyone’s been extremely enthusiastic and excited about joining us!
will post another blog soon with the official crew roster.
It’s an intense challenge: to create a movie from start to finish (story development, scriptwriting, rehearsal, lining up for location, shooting, editing, composing music, and sound editing) WITHIN 48 HOURS.
Beat that, you people out there!
prowler’s hunt
Updated on Jun 17, 2007 - 11:18 PM
took this today. doesn’t amber look great?
a night at the office
Updated on Jun 15, 2007 - 01:43 PM
another day of work come to pass at tummy tuck services. we take photos of cool people, download pictures, make contact sheets, adjust colors, and just plain chat over lovely independent coffeeshop lattes.
all this work and more.
we’re both co-producing a film project for 48 Hour Film. yep, it is what it sounds like; we have to make a film in 48 hours, beginning friday, June 22 at 7 p.m. and ending on Sunday, June 24th, 7 p.m. we’re on their page, as well, we’re the team so named coffee iv drips.
we’re asking eric calbert, dj kurs, gabe jarret, lexi marman, amber stanton, rory oleson, art baum, clay stevenson to join us. we are on a miniscule budget, but it’s all fun and play in a short time. to understand what the hell we’re doing just click here. this should explain mostly what we’re gonna do.
kalen feeney contact sheet
Updated on Jun 14, 2007 - 07:55 PM
just e-mail which four photos you’d like to have retouched for your print out. hope these please you! (Normally, we’d offer 2, but we like you, so we want to give you 4 photos and I know you want to work!)
jules
click link here to see your contact sheet: kalen feeney contact sheet
generally speaking…
Updated on Jun 11, 2007 - 10:51 PM
generally speaking....
i can edit, produce, & shoot as well. I’ve assistant directed on several occasions. i have an excellent sense of organization.
i own a jvc gy hd110u. let me know if you want to hire me to shoot or edit something. i’m up for grabs in terms of work.
i had the privilege of working with a deaf storyboard artist, david perrison. he’s done some great work so far for my upcoming thesis film, “glee!” check it out.
my acting resume
Updated on Jun 10, 2007 - 12:38 PM
Julia Dameron
818.395.5746 (text or voicemail)
Height: 5’9"
Weight: 165 lbs
Hair: Dirty Blonde (or whatever you’d like me to have)
Eyes: Brown
FILM
Hearing Call - Main Character - Lead - Wayne Betts, Jr. - director
You Neutral? - Amy - Supporting - Brian Milburn - director
Eric Shawn - Valerie - Supporting - Steven Wijaya - director
Jules (documentary) - As Herself - Lead - Julia Dameron - director
A Nutter of a Time - Human Zombie - Supporting - Bethe Gordon - director
Thelma & Louise (scene) - Thelma - Lead - Paula Bird - director
Sex, Lies & Videotape (scene) - Ann - Lead - Michael Swingler - director
Children of a Lesser God (scene) - Sarah - Lead - Jennifer Warren - professor
The Three Towers - Tired Woman - Co-Star - Jose Saldana - director
THEATRE
From Every Man Woman, & Child - Mother & Judgment - Gallaudet U.
Carmen - Prosper Merimee & Lillas Pastia - Supporting - El Grito, in Toledo, Spain
Snow White & The Seven Dwarves - queen - Supporting - St. Louis Park High
TRAINING
Nina Foch - Monologues/Scene Study - University of Southern Calif.
Jennifer Warren - Scene Study - University of Southern Calif.
Endre Hules - Scene Study - University of Southern Calif.
Ted Brunetti - Scene Study - University of Southern Calif.
Julia von Juni - Workshop - Munich, Germany
El Grito Group - Workshop - El Grito, Toledo, Spain
Angela Farrand - Monologues/Improv - Gallaudet University
Jeff Knoedler - Monologues/Improv - St. Louis Park Senior High
LANGUAGES
Conversational German, German Sign Language, Conversational Spanish, Spanish Sign Language, American Sign Language, International Sign Language
SPECIAL SKILLS
Basic keyboard/piano, speak with my voice, read lips, learns fast, hammer, shotput, discus, basketball, volleyball, ski, canoe, cartwheel spins, scuba dive, general athletic abilities, dancing
my little world of scripts
Updated on Jun 10, 2007 - 12:35 PM
COMPLETED WORK
Manhood(drama short)—A decent man has a one night stand with a woman, and later discovers that she’s married and the husband walks in on them, thus causing disaster. The husband finds out his inner desires when he sees the man again a year later. (5 pages)
The Cross (dramedy short)—A young devout Christian arrives in Los Angeles ready to make a mission to do good onto others, gets bombarded with unthinkable situations that go against the philosophy of her beloved bible. She begins to question her faith in the end. (6 pages)
After Hours (drama short)—A lonely employee works late at night, and meets a gorgeous young woman who works in maintenance, and they hit it off. But the pretty janitor never lets this employee know that she’s deaf. Later she discovers something about him that she would have never fathomed possible. (5 pages)
Jules (documentary short)—A study on a deaf filmmaker girl who attends USC, and deals with the difficulty of the hearing world. (5 pages)
Our Song (a musical mood piece short)—Sitting in the woods, a cellist plays a song about her memories surrounding the encounter of a deaf man. (5 pages)
The Importance of Being Clark (comedy short)—Clark Getty, a proud video store clerk works one day when a Hollywood film director shows up to take over his turf. Clark Getty, aspiring to work in the film industry, demands to be a part of the shoot taking place there. (11 pages)
Cold Hugs (drama short)—A deaf professor, Genevive, deals with an ambitious graduate deaf student, Betty, and later they discover that they have certain things in common. (15 pages, co-written with Erik Call)
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WORKS IN PROGRESS
Dimensions (science fiction feature)—A healer, Cass, from the 29th Century goes back in time with a man who violated the natural time continuum, and deals with the repercussions of overlapping time dimensions from the overuse of the time machine.
Seeds of Macon(horror feature)—No logline at this time. (Co-written with Erik Call)
Reverse Polarity(romantic comedy feature)—An aspiring deaf lesbian actress, Anne, deals with a new gay deaf roommate, Truman, that her current roommate, Eight, brought in. Anne later discovers a special friendship with Truman that later evolves into something unexpected.
Her Eyes (drama feature) —A married 40-year old woman, discovers that she’s a lesbian after dealing with her alcoholic problems and meeting new people.
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all have been copyrighted by me.
If you’re interested in reading a copy of these aforementioned scripts, just contact me. I’d be happy to share.
children of a lesser god scene-- did a quick shoot with amber stanton and gabe jarret with a scene from the randa haines transcript of “chidren of a lesser god.” enjoy.
to sing or to sign?
Updated on May 24, 2007 - 09:52 PM
so… i’ve been working on a romantic comedy musical. yep, you heard right. i do not hear so well, and yet, i’m working on a musical. what the hey. i’m in love with music. so. let’s move on.
i’m casting for the roles, and am looking for many deaf and hearing actors alike. feel free to contact me if you’re interested in acting.
This is the extended text.
my first headshot
Updated on May 24, 2007 - 09:45 PM
i’ve had my headshot taken by erik call, a good friend. it’ll be a good place to start in case i want to start acting in roles. was born to an actress for a mother, might as well utilize my dormant acting genes.
the deaf man
Updated on May 24, 2007 - 02:02 PM
"the deaf man” is being sent out to film festivals. we’ve been accepted to abilities arts festival in toronto. it’s been thrilling for us. you can see our title in that link’s list. see our information on the deaf man.
http://www.lastageblog.com/2009/10/26/hearing-the-deaf/
he’s a great screenwriter, as well!
