Diary of a filmaker

Satellite State

2008-10-09T16:34:00.001Z

Satellite State
Originally uploaded by _Meyer_

Its been a while since I've posted here, my apologies.
I've had an idea floating around for a new {Satellite-State} video, and after various messages back and forth, its finally going ahead. Not giving too much away here, but SS is one of my fav bands, and I cant wait to get started for them.

Photography is NOT a crime

2008-08-10T20:27:00.001Z

London Underground 1
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I found this post http://thomashawk.com/2008/08/simon-blint-director-of-visitor.html
And have been reading it, and have been amazed and outraged at this guys story. If you don't want to read the linked article, then I'll sum it up for you.
The museum he visited had stopped it's 'no photography' policy, and the guy had also paid for a family membership to the museum. He was shooting from a balcony making art when the head of the museum abused his powers and had him forcibly removed from the building.
The full details are in the linked post above, but the main thing that this all screams out to me is the fact that photographers get targeted unfairly.
While on an industry visit to London in Feb of 2008, I was taking pictures of the London Underground, as there is some amazing architecture there, when this random guy taps me on the shoulder and says 'no flash photography down here mate' to which I pointed out I wasn't using a flash at all. He then decided to try and pass himself off as a police officer in normal dress, and he was going to 'nik' me unless I stopped my photography.
Not only did he insult my intelligence by assuming I was a naive tourist who would fall for his 'I'm gonna nik you' routine, but impersonating a police officer as well.
If I hadn't of been using a Fuji Finepix S6500fd (which is big and looks like a DSLR) I doubt he would have said anything to me in the first place, but some people seem to have a prejudice against photographers. Photography is NOT a crime people!

I'm a rebel

2008-06-30T12:00:00.001Z

rulebreakerbanner
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I'm breaking all the rules I learnt in film school in my latest film.
I have a work-in-progress name for it - 'under', and I really think its going to be quite innovative.
I'm going to be using all of my equipment on this project, which will require quite a bit of rehearsal.

Basically, I'm going to have audio and visual linked together at the start of the film, split them, and tell 2 versions of the same story (one via visuals, and the other via audio) then make them come back together at the end of the film

'Spider' has been finished

2008-05-21T17:35:00.001Z

Still from 'Spider'
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I handed in my final year film named 'Spider' today.
After about 2 years of development, re-writes, shooting and editing, 'Spider' is finally finished.

The total length is 15 minutes, and is too long for YouTube, but WILL be available on my website. www.filmsbynick.com as soon as I have finished the mini-site for this film.

Its been a long road developing spider, and this film has had more work gone into it than any other film I have done to date.

NIN Ghosts

2008-03-30T00:03:00.001Z

NIN Ghosts
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

NIN (Nine Inch Nails) have released an instrumental album under a Creative Commons license.
The beauty of this is the fact that filmmakers, animators, musicians, and anyone who is creative are being encouraged to use these tracks, re-mix them, or do anything they want with them.

Ever since NIN broke away from their record label, Trent Raznor has wanted to work closely with creative minds, and this is the perfect opportunity. It is also a huge help for me, as it means I could use tracks from 'Ghosts' in my film 'Spider', as long as I release the film under the same license as 'Ghosts' is released under.

For more information, go to ghosts.nin.com

'Spider' shoot almost done

2008-03-19T19:47:00.001Z

'Spider' screenshot 2
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

Just finished the third day of shooting for 'Spider'.
I've also started the post work on the rushes I've gathered, theres going to be a LOT of post work in this film, not a single scene will survive without SOMETHING being done to it, be it CGI overlays, colour correction, or a total transformation of the sequence.

As it stands now, I only have 4 scenes left to shoot (with a few pick-ups, and some ADR to be done too)

I'm getting a good feeling about his film

First day done

2008-03-17T23:19:00.001Z

On set
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

Finished shooting today at 5:30, we had arranged to meet at 9:30, and start shooting.

I got the final scene (which is also the first scene) wrapped, and also some dialog shots in a corridor, and a the scene where both main characters arrive at the BCCTU headquarters.

Looking forward to tomorrow...

Filming next week - FINALLY!

2008-03-13T13:05:00.001Z

Well after what seems like years of organising, setbacks, walls being thrown up in my face, equipment not being there when I've booked it etc... I've finally seemed to get everything together on the same 3 days!

I start shooting on Monday, filming pretty much all the scenes which I use the uni's campus for, then moving all the gear up to the countryside, where I also have a few buildings lined up for use. As before, I will be using a total equipment tally of: 1 Sony PDX10, £200 Tripod, £1,500 Lighting Rig, 20M Extension, My new invention of 'sk8cam' - I might put a picture up sometime, oh, and 2 cars to transport my actors + all the equipment.

This is going to be a big shoot, and there's a lot that could go wrong, but I'm still hoping to get a lot shot, if not all of it.

I'm back from London, baby

2008-02-23T15:06:00.001Z

Me, the photographer
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I arrived back in North Wales yesterday, after a 5 hour coach ride.
We went down to London with uni as part of an industry visit, talking to post-production houses, and other places.

I visited BBC TV Center on the Tuesday, and stood on the roof, I got an amazing skyline shot I'll be using for my 'Spider' film, I also found out that there is a hell of a lot of creative freedom when working for the BBC, it's not like 'do this, no, no, thats wrong', its more like 'we want this type of thing, but if you have an idea, go for it'.

Also visited some post companies which do a lot of work for Sky, Channel 4, BBC etc... also do a lot of TV ads too.

On the Wednesday, we were suppoed to be going to 3 Mills Studios, but they pulled out at the last minute, due to a client demanding absolute privacy, so my group went into the heart of London, armed with our cameras (most of us are in the uni's photography society).

I got some amazing shots, I tried to approach my photography not from the stereotypical touristy shots, but more from a personal point of view, how London works, and the people who live there.

Good Voice For Radio

2008-02-06T13:46:00.001Z

Sound Studio
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I've bee thinking yet again about how I could make my film stand out even more...and I think I have yet another brilliant idea.
Radio Articles!
I need to find someone who has a really good voice for a radio broadcast which I will be using in my film. I'm also going to use the radio segment in the brand new trailer/viral that I'm making for my film too.

Health + Safety - Does no-one do ANYTHING any more?

2008-01-24T10:24:00.001Z

Boiler Room
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I've been having conversations for the last few months about getting access to the Boiler room at the Regent St site of NEWI, to shoot a scene for my film, 'Spider'
Up to now, there's been no objections to going down there, especially seeing as how other students and film crews have used the same location in the past, however, the official line from the Estates department, and the head of H+S is a resounding 'NO'. - Even though no-one from the H+S dept has even bothered to get off their lazy ass, and come down to have a look. Just sitting in their cozy offices, saying 'NO'.
This is really throwing a spanner in the works, as this location is paramount to my film, I've been scouting locations all over the place, and this location has the best feel and look, not to mention being perfectly geared up for the scene.
What this whole thing says to me is this: 'Fuck you boy-o, I'm fine' - as to say, 'I'm comfy here in my office, I cant be bothered to get up off my lazy ass and walk the 5 mins it takes to go and have a look, and I'm prepared to screw around with a student's final year film'.
I was thinking that this situation reflects the state of H+S laws at the moment, as they seem to be growing out of all control, (They'll be banning thumb tacks on notice boards soon) but then I realised that this stinks of NEWI's attitude towards art students (this includes animation, film, photography etc...) It's always the creative students that get screwed around, hell, we dont even have appropriate software on the computers here.

Painting with light

2008-01-07T11:34:00.001Z

Painting with light
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I've been thinking about why I like long exposures in photography. I came to a conclusion in bed the other night. Its the fact that with a long exposure, you can capture up to 30 seconds or longer in a single image, a single frame. Its almost as if you can film something for 30 seconds or so, then compress everything into a split-second of photography.

This comes to my mind, as I am a filmaker, to which photography goes hand in hand.

I'll be doing more experimental photography with longer exposures very soon, especially in the winter with the long nights

His Infernal Majesty in Manchester Apollo

2007-12-11T14:06:00.001Z

H.I.M in Manchester Apollo #5
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I went to see HIM at the Manchester Apollo on Sunday 9th Dec, 2007. What a night it was. A friend named 'Lee', his brother and I caught a coach in Chester at 4.20PM to go up to Manchester. Arrived at Manchester Apollo at 6.00PM, and waiting in line until 7.15PM.

When we got in, we saw the setup for the supporting band 'Kill Hannah' - this was their first time playing at the Apollo, but they sound amazing. I've heard their stuff before, but the energy they put in to the live performances is amazing.

After Kill Hannah played, there was about a half hour wait until HIM came on, and oh, my, did they come on!

The building shook to its very core as soon as they came on, and what a great playlist they had, they did almost every great song right back from 'Razorblade Romance'. It was well worth the money to go and see, I'm just waiting until they play again.

Updates...

2007-12-06T19:34:00.001Z

Well, I'm sitting in the Student Guild bar, waiting for the train home, and thinking 'I haven't updated my blog in a while' so here it is.

Firstly, I've just joined a band! Technical Hitch is the name, and although I've only had one session practising with them, we sound good!

I've wanted to be in a band since I realised I could drum, and have been looking around since then.

Second, The NEWI Photographic Society. I joined the NEWIPS about 3 weeks after it started, and already we have a display up at the campus library, and are having professional judges looking at our work closer to Christmas!

Which brings me on to the Third point - My New Camera!

I bought a Fuji Finepix S6500 on Tuesday, and I love it! The best part is though, the price! £200 originally, with £50 off, and a further 20% discount, as I work in the place I bought it from. Amazing saving!

Well that pretty much sums up all I have to say in this blog post, bye for now.

Boiler Room

2007-11-29T16:16:00.001Z

Boiler Room
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I went down into the Boiler Room again today, this time with my tutor to look at lighting, camera angles, and positioning. This will be the opening shot, and the final shot of the film, so not only does it have to be good to capture the viewers attention, it has to be good as it will be the last thing the viewer sees. And they will remember the last scene in the film.

I have a good feeling about the film, especially as the news channel sequences have turned out so well.

News Reports Finished

2007-11-28T12:45:00.001Z

My gear all set up
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

As part of my 'Spider' film, I have a series of news reports. I filmed them in the Sound Studio at the Plas Coch campus of NEWI.

I also had a sound student named Ben helping me out on the day as well. We recorded the audio and the visuals separately, and linked the two up afterwards in post. Ben has also been adding some special sound effects to the last report, when the news studio gets attacked by the 'Spider' virus.

Ben sent the final audio over this morning, complete with sound effects, and I have to say... I nearly crapped myself when I watched it for the first time. The sounds and effects used really reflect the situation, and is exactly what I was after. I have a really good feeling about using Ben for the rest of the film.

Script Meeting

2007-11-12T15:58:00.001Z

Went over to the acting studios today.

Met the lead male and lead female, both are great for the parts in the film and we went over the entire script today. The most important thing is the suitability and professionalism of the actors, and I have to say that both of them are professional enough to be able to go straight into the lines which I provide.

Also worked out logistics for the 4 days of shooting as well. We had a discussion about which bits were still to be filmed, and I realised that I'm about half way there with everything I need in the film.

I'm hoping to get the shoot finished my Christmas, then I can edit over the holidays, provided I get some time off from work, that is.

News Channel Sequences

2007-11-05T13:14:00.001Z

Tracy looking at script
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I wraped the news channel sequences shooting last thursday.

Tracy (who works with me) was the top notch news presenter on the day, and she did a real good job. There were 3 main sequences to shoot, with the final report ending in chaos as the studio being used gets infected by the virus.

It took most of the afternoon of the wednesday beforehand to transport all the equipment I used over to 'The Wall' sound studio at the Plas Coch campus of NEWI (I'm based at the Reget St site, and we have no studio, even though we have all paid studio fees - but dont get me started, thats another blog post away)

A sound engineering student also helped out on the day, named 'Ben'. He took charge of the audio recording, using the very very expensive mixing desk in the gallery above the stage. - He did an ace job as well, helping me lug stuff around, too.

Some fly-on-the-wall footage will be posted on YouTube as part of my latest v-log very soon.

Audio Recorded For SAWPC Ep 4 + 5

2007-10-30T15:12:00.001Z

Well I finally dragged Tom (the guy who did the voiceover for SAWPC eps 1-3) into the sound recording room on Thursday.

I now have the voiceovers for the next (and final) two episodes of SAWPC (San Andreas Wildest Police Chases) which have been wildly popular on YouTube, with numerous requests for me to make more.

These two episodes will be the last two I make of SAWPC, as I don't want to get known as 'the guy who makes gameplay videos' - even though it has a point to it.

The main reason I made SAWPC was an exercise in Machima film making, and to test out my new video capture device. Also, seeing as how no-one had made a version of World's Wildest Police Chases using GTA footage, I thought I'd give it a go.

Since then, some people have tried to make their own versions of SAWPC, but in my opinion, they aren't as good. I must have spent about 30-odd hours in total playing the game to get just the right type of footage to use, and then there was the edit as well. Episodes 4 and 5 will be up soon, as my other projects take priority at the moment, oh, and speaking of which, I'm filming a news channel sequence this coming Thursday in the Sound Studio over at Plas Coch site.

Sound Studio

2007-10-17T10:29:00.001Z

Sound Studio
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I have been location hunting (again) and found a perfect studio for the news channel sequences I have in my film.

This studio is complete with gallery overlooking the studio stage. Again I'm not going to go too much into what the sequence is about, just that the news article 'goes wrong'.

This place needs 2 weeks notice of filming, which gives me more than enough time to script the sequence. The main site at Plas Coch really does have some good equipment, it's just a shame that the Regent Street site has little or no resources for filmakers, even though we're based there.

Film Location Hunting

2007-10-15T12:39:00.001Z

DSC00348
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I had a quick look in the boiler room today at NWSAD (North Wales School of Art and Design) and was amazed at what I saw.

It was a scene reminiscent of Half-Life. Now, the thing is, I need a room like this for my film, and this seems absolutly perfect.

I need to get permission from the estates department to film down there, but if I get permission, then I'll be super-happy indeed

Dramatic Developments

2007-10-07T22:09:00.001Z

Eye
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

Well, not really dramatic, but menaingful all the same.
I had a really useful discussion with my tutor on Thursday, and I've pretty much re-wrote the whole structure of my 'Spider' films.

Film 1 was going to be about how and why the virus was made,
Film 2 was going to be about a group or people who get trapped in a building, and try to survive the virus' attack
Film 3 was going to be about 'Spike', who used to work with 'Spider', and was going to focus on how 'Spike' saves the modern world from this unstoppable virus.

SO, in conclusion, these 3 films will be rolled into 1, with various bits chopped up and out.

Pangea Day

2007-10-03T15:02:00.001Z

Ok, I forgot to add the link to the Pangea Day website in the last post, here it is:

www.pangeaday.org

I really think this is gonna be huge, if you think you have a story to tell which can change the world, or just want to make a statement, then get rolling, and put something together, then go over to the site.

I'll be having a good hard think about what I'm going to do for this.

Pangea Day - May 10, 2008

2007-10-03T14:25:00.001Z

The world is full of division now, and its pretty hard to see that we're all part of a whole. There is so much division by borders, difference, conflict, race, and attitudes. So much division makes it hard for us to remember that we were once all part of one continent, Pangea.

Pangea is the name of the original super-continent which contained all the world's land mass before the continents started splitting apart 250 million years ago.

On May 10, 2008 -- Pangea Day -- sites in Cairo, Dharamsala, Jerusalem, Kigali, London, New York City, Ramallah and Rio de Janeiro will be linked to produce a 4-hour program of powerful films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music. The program will be broadcast live to the world through the Internet, television, digital cinemas, and mobile phones.

Ask yourself this. If you had the entire world's attention for just a few minutes, what story would you tell? Perhaps you think the world looks at you, your country and your culture... and just doesn't understand. Then do something about it. Make a film and help change the world.

Movies can't change the world. But the people who watch them can.

Maybe in my small part I can do something that makes a difference.

YouTube Project:Direct

2007-10-01T12:48:00.001Z

http://uk.youtube.com/projectdirect

YouTube has a new competition where you are challenged to make a short film, between 2 and 7 minutes.

The only criteria are: 1 - A character facing a situation above his/her maturity level, 2 - It has to include the following line: 'I Demand an explanation for these shenanigans! What do you have to say?' and 3 - The passing of a photograph has to be included in the film.

First prize is a 10-day trip to a major international film festival, and a $5000 gift card!

Photo Realistic Life

2007-09-27T10:06:00.001Z

35mm
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

Last night, in the Photocentre at the local supermarket, a manager comes up to me and asks why I was wearing a small bracelet thing on my wrist. She went toally ape shit on me.

Now, two things spring to mind,
1 - How the hell did she see it, as my shirt sleaves were down, and she must have the eyes of a hawk, oh, AND I KNOW she's got it in for me, as she seems to target me above all others to pick on, but then I guess some people are just like that, and...
2 - Does it really matter? I have lost count of how many people wear bangles, bracelets, chains, rings etc... on the shop floor and dont get stopped, even when the management can clearly see them.

In itself, this isnt a big deal, its just the fact that this woman has double-standards when it comes to me, she hasnt even made an attempt to like me since day 1. And to be quite honest, its getting to the point where I'm going to challenge her on how she talks to me.

Its not just me though, there are so many others who have had enough of how she speaks to people, making them feel right fools when she speaks to them like they are stupid.

Anywho, typing this entry has helped to get this off my chest, oh, and on the plus side, I got some good shots of 35mm films, before being sliced up.

FilmsByNick website revamped!

2007-09-26T12:07:00.001Z

Well my brand-spanking new website is up and running like a well trained runner!

I have kept the old version up, so people who want to see the old one still can, from the 'In Development' section.

I think it all looks very professional, and its very very easy to update now, thanks to using PHP and the 'include' code, linking to .html files for the navigation and footer sections makes it super-easy to add a new page, or change what adverts appear on the site (yes, I have adverts, I'm a student, I need the money)

go have a gander: www.filmsbynick.com

Oh, The Waiting...

2007-09-20T14:00:00.001Z

I'm sitting here, waiting, waiting and waiting for my friend to get his ass up here so we can go out filming.

I'd do it by myself (no jokes please) but the equipment I use is worth quite a bit, and if I'm on my own, I feel I'm more likely to get something robbed.

I think I'll give him a ring..............Hello?

Candle in the dark

2007-09-20T13:57:00.001Z

Candle in the dark
Originally uploaded by nickcummins

I took this on my cameraphone the other night, and I'm really impressed with it, turned out much better than I thought.

I sometimes look at this, and just sit and think, when I'm in a reflective mood, that is.

Halloween Props

2007-09-16T22:58:00.001Z

All the Halloween stuff went out in my supermarket last Monday, fake blood, fake scars, smoke machines etc... SO, I'm going to be stocking up on blood and scars, and maybe a few severed limbs again this year, they WILL come in useful for my upcoming films, and even if they don't get used in my main features, I'll make some cheesy Blair-Witch films or something similar.

You can get some good film props this time of year.

ASDA + Computers = Fun Times

2007-09-08T20:27:00.001Z

Yesterday, in the local supermarket in which I work to pay my rent, A discussion came up about a display model computer that had been sold to a customer. NOW, the thing is, when we set up a computer as a display model, we password protect the account, so customers don't mess up the computer.

Anywho, this guy bought it, got it home, but no-one could remember the password used to protect the computer. So I suggested reformatting the machine, he had no data on it as he couldn't get into it anyway, so it was agreed that either asda would pay for a taxi for me to go to their house and reformat etc...

Called them, left a message, 6 hours later, they called back, they didn't take all the discs with them when they bought the computer, SO I cant reformat the computer, well, I could, but they'd have no windows vista disc to use. long and short of it is that he's bringing the machine back for a refund.

I had looked forward to meddling with yet another computer in asda, as I'm the only guy who knows ANYTHING about computers in that place, and everyone knows me as the 'computer guy'

On the up side, there's a vista disc lying around the warehouse somewhere, if I can just find it though...

New Film Ideas

2007-08-19T20:25:00.001Z

Bit of a slow news week for me, just pulling some overtime at the local supermarket, getting the pennies in, along with other things you might have noticed in this blog...

I think I'll be going out shooting a video with one of my workmates at asda, named 'Lee'. I also have ideas for various films along the lines of self-discovery, observations etc... so some quite meaningful films coming soon, oh, and one about 'emo' people, and no.its not going to be attacking them like on YouTube, but actually explaining why emo people are the way they are - one to keep your eyes open for. Oh, and I now HATE Hotmail!

The next generation of Hotmail is here - Windows Live Hotmail

New look blog

2007-08-08T11:14:00.001Z

I've just upgraded to the new style of Blogger - not that much difference really, just a few tweaks here and there, but it's a lot easier to add elements, such as a bar of my images from Flickr, and YouTube videos

Photos from recent music video shoot

2007-08-02T13:11:00.001Z

Here are the photos I took from the recent music video shoot at Talacre Beach, North Wales:

Ethan Haas Was A Scam

2007-08-02T12:31:00.001Z

The website www.ethanhaaswasright.com has come to be an ARG for the release of a table-top game 'Alpha-Omega'

There has been a lot of excitement over EHWR, and the date of 1st Aug 2007 has been marked in many peoples diaries as very important, maybe the start of a whole new type of ARG in a post-apocalyptic world, but no, its been a whole ARG for a table top game, nothing more.

I have to say, I have been drawn in to this whole Ethan Haas thing, along with the rest of them. I guess it goes to show that ARGs can be well-made, and spark a lot of interest about something, very useful tool for game companies, 14M views in 2 days - that's not bad.

But at the end of the day, its all come to nothing, now I turn my attention to 1-18-08, cloverfield, whatever its name will be.

Sunburn, sunburn

2007-08-01T06:18:00.001Z

Well I've finished the shoot for the Ffron Male Voice Choir, at Talacre Beach, NW yesterday, the weather was brilliant for it, solid sunshine all day, and very warm too. The downside is that my arms, face, neck and fingers have all been burnt to a crisp, and are very sore right now. Got back to the office at 12:07 AM this morning. 4 hours sleep, then up again to film in the empty town centre for my 'Spider:Spiked' film.

Just got back in from filming the empty town centre, but it gets busy early in Wrexham. Man, I'm so tired, I don't usually take this long to type a blog entry, but my fingers are so tired, and sore. I took a load of pics which I'll be throwing up when I've caught up on some sleep.

Camaera ass on tues

2007-07-26T13:49:00.001Z

I'm going to be a camera asst on Tues. 31st Aug. Its an evening shoot, and I'll be a runner for the evening. Good money though, I'll make in an evening the equivalent of a weeks wages at the local supermarket.

But I'm not doing it for the money, I'm doing it because I love this area of work, I might take some pics and post them here

Nine Inch Nails + Spider: Spiked film = Amazing movie!

2007-07-18T12:22:00.001Z

I've been looking around the internet for good royalty free music to use in my upcoming film 'Spider: Spiked' and found a site with Nine Inch Nails music available to re-mix (all official).

So I was thinking 'hey - I'd love to have NIN music in my film' so I sent off an e-mail explaining what I'd like to do, and I got a reply - 'Can I use NIN music in one of my films please?' Answer: 'Yes'

And voila! Re-mixed music from a well-known band, all official, and totally legal! This is really a HUGE score for me, roll on editing...

Detonation Films

2007-07-16T13:56:00.001Z

I don't usually do this, but, there's a website that I've only ever dreamt of... www.detonationfilms.com - a site FULL of USEABLE SFX footage, explosions, smoke, falling debris etc...

I've been searching the net for ages looking for stuff like this, and now there is somewhere you can get it!

I don't usually plug sites that gain monetary value like this, but seeing as its the only site I know of that specialises in it, then I'm making an exception.

Ethan haas was right

2007-07-12T11:37:00.001Z

www.ethanhaaswasright.com - go check it out.

Its linked to the 1-18-08 film, by JJ Abrahams, you need to complete 5 puzzles, to gain a password to be used on the website on 1st August 2007.

You need to do this, it might be the start of an ARG

1-18-08 - New Film by JJ Abrahams

2007-07-12T10:42:00.001Z

So the buzz is hitting big time about JJ Abraham's new film, which doesn't officially have a name, it's only known as 'cloverfield' or '1-18-08'

Watch the trailer for it on apple trailers - http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/11808/

This looks bloody amazing - and the theories going round about it are amazing - is it a 'Lost' film? - This has been thought of, as the sounds in the film coming from whatever is making the huge fuss sounds like 'Smokey' (the black smoke monster from Lost), or is it the gods battling with aliens? Just what the hell is going on?

One thing is for sure, I'm going to be keeping my eyes wide open for more on this topic!

A New Computer Network Called 'Internet'

2007-07-05T14:39:00.001Z

There's a new technology emerging called 'Internet', which is booming, check out this article here: http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-75-1738-11981/science_technology/internet/clip6

I am very excited about this article, and I think this 'Internet' can really take off.

Alan Johnston Released

2007-07-04T10:53:00.000Z

I'm very glad to hear that Alan Johnston, the BBC journalist has been released in the early hours of July 4th, 2007.

This story brings home to me the fact that people like me, and others that I know, who like to go and get footage of events, news articles and such are not as free as they imagine.

The press and to a certain extent, amateur filmmakers should be allowed to report issues and stories without being in fear of their own lives being taken by those less than savoury elements in various societies.

I hope he recovers from his ordeal, and can return to what he loves doing again.

I, as a filmmaker often go out, and not look after my own safety when filming, so I can get 'that perfect shot', and this issue does make me think about issues around the press, and their freedom. I don't think that the press should be able to invade peoples privacy, but they should be able to report facts, and current events without being in fear of being taken hostage, being shot at, run down, or anything else.

OH well, back to dangling out of the back of a car at 40MPH, with another car in close pursuit.

My New Phone

2007-07-03T13:11:00.001Z

I just went and bought a Sony Ericsson K750i phone.

Oh, and I got £32 off, about half price, whoopdydoo!

The main thing is that it has a 2.0MP Camera, MP3 player, and all those standard goodies you'd expect to find in a new phone, but I have to wait until I get home to charge her, and play with her buttons and stuff.

25th August is the Summer LAN!

2007-07-03T10:18:00.001Z

On 25th August, I'm going to be going to the Summer LAN, organised by newics, the NEWI Computing Society, 40-odd people playing, 12 hours of solid gaming, sounds like my idea of fun!

God! I love working in this industry!

2007-07-02T13:18:00.001Z

I've just been working at the Frozen Moon office, and we've had someone come in to demonstrate what they'd like on a DVD, He's been using a dog puppet, and it was really quite entertaining.

A welcome break from coding custom 404 'Page Not Found' pages, and making meta tags.

Update on things

2007-06-28T14:55:00.001Z

So I'm sitting here, and just finished playing brainbattle on live messenger, and thinking, 'my god, I haven't updated my blog in a while' so here I am, updating this blog.

First things first - Websites, I have my 2 main websites up now, www.filmsbynick.com which is my main personal site,and www.video4bands.com which is the site of the project I'm currently working on with Frozen Moon Productions, we make music videos for unsigned bands, and established artists.

I have a band lined up for a video, and it seems that Mark from FM lined one up this morning as well.

I also need to finish filming 'Breaking Out' (which I'm seriously thinking about renaming to 'Spider' seeing as how the main character in 'Breaking Out' IS called 'Spider' so there's that issue as well.

I also need to get back out with a camera as well if I'm going to get those important 'everywhere's dead' shots, going to film them about 4AM in the morning, when everywheres empty, and asleep.

filmsbynick is now fully online!

2007-06-18T11:39:00.001Z

Well I've been working on my new website, www.filmsbynick.com and I've finally finished the site, and its all looking good now.

go and see: www.filmsbynick.com

Moving Frozen Moon/Website Updates

2007-06-12T14:01:00.000Z

We're moving the Frozen Moon office downstairs in the Innovation Centre, part of NEWI.

It's a bigger office, and I've already bagged a spot for my work. I'll throw up some pics when we've finished moving in.

On another note, the Videos4Bands site is up: www.myspace.com/videos4bands We make promotional videos for local unsigned bands, thus giving them more exposure.

And yet another note, I still need to update the www.myspace.com/frozenmoon site, there's not much on it at all, hasn't been since it was set up, but I'm inheriting the upkeep of that site as well as managing the videos 4 bands site.

I also need to update www.filmsbynick.com as well now. Its been a placeholder page for ages now, and I have the material to fill it out, I just need to set aside some time to actually do it. I've been editing video like there's no tomorrow, and probably will still be doing the same next week at the same frantic pace.

back to work...

New ASH Video

2007-06-11T15:01:00.000Z

Ash have just made a new video for the song 'Polaris'

All real explosions, no CGI, and quite moving, I wont tell you any more, so I dont spoil it, link is below. Oh, and check out 30 Seconds To Mars new video for 'From Yesterday' very classy.

Polaris video link: http://walking-barefoot.com/news/2007/05/27/watch-the-polaris-video/

Katch gig now online

2007-06-06T14:41:00.001Z

The Katch gig I have been working on has now made its way online, and has
been sent out into the world like a tiny little ship... Ok, enough of the
'off she goes' tearful release of your baby...

Maybe theres something in th aircon here, I dunno...

Back to topic. The Katch gig that was filmed in April 2007 has now been
finished in its full glory. We have a DVD of the whole gig, Individual
segments of the gig on youtube, and a version of the whole gig available to
download as a .mov file.

Oh, and the DVD artwork has been completed as well by the way.

Peace out -

_________________________________________________________________
Could you be the guest MSN Movies presenter? Click Here to Audition

http://www.lightscameraaudition.co.uk

Shiny New MacBook Pro

2007-05-24T13:06:00.001Z

I just had my shiny new MacBook Pro this morning, my, she's pretty. Shiny, too.

I've just finished installing FinalCut Pro HD, and I'm about to start playing with all her goodies!

Katch gig in the edit

2007-05-23T15:07:00.001Z

I've been working over at Frozen Moon again, editing the half-hour Katch gig, filmed at the end of the Wrexham Science Festival. Its going to be a half-hour program, but also be chopped up into the individual songs, and its looking good

Explosive New Films

2007-05-19T23:14:00.001Z

I've been experimenting with black and green screened explosions, courtesy of www.detonationfilms.com and have been having great fun. I've already made some drawing boards in uni explode, and my friend's head has exploded as well. You can check them out on my YouTube page: www.youtube.com/filmsbynick

Right, what's next to explode?

My New Website

2007-05-17T11:50:00.001Z

I took the plunge, and now have a brand spanking new website. There's nothing on it yet, but there will be very soon!

its at www.filmsbynick.com

Robert Murat press attention

2007-05-15T11:39:00.000Z

I saw on the news last night that Robert Murat seems to be almost declared guilty by the press regarding the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

When I turned on the TV last night, the first thing I saw was loads of people milling around, with members of the press saying how 'suspiciously' Robert has been acting. Is it not possible that this guy actually WAS trying to help out the police, and why do people get accused of something totally out of character when they try to do the right thing.

I need to point out that I do not know this man at all, but there's no need to jump all over him, especially as there is no solid proof he had anything to do with the little girls disappearance. It really does annoy me that the press over there have jumped all over this poor guy because they have nothing new to report, Don't hang the guy on a suspicion people!

I hope that girl is found safe, and lets not all jump on the bandwagon against Robert. There's every possibility that he's done nothing wrong at all. This is why I didn't want to be a journalist.

New Music Video

2007-05-08T14:46:00.001Z

I've been playing around with the idea for making a music video for 'Sleep' by MCR. I'm not giving the visuals away as of yet, but it should be good, I'll be starting work on it as soon as I have enough footage,

Later dudes....

Revised LAN date

2007-05-08T12:30:00.001Z

Ok, so the last date I had for the next LAN party was wrong, its actually on the 19th May - a Saturday, and I'll be staying over at a mates house seeing as we will probably be playing until like 3AM Sunday morning.

On a different note, I have been doing some research about the North Wales School of Art and Design building. Turns out it used to be an infirmary, and still has a basement area. I'm trying to arrange to go down there to film part of my student survival film, might be a bit creepy, but might also look good on film

Next Lan Party

2007-05-01T14:39:00.001Z

I have just been informed by one of my mates that the next LAN party is 15 May - that's a lot sooner than I originally thought, but its good that its so soon

Watched 'The Holiday' last night / Buying a MacBook Pro

2007-05-01T14:24:00.001Z

So I bought 'The Holiday' at ASDA at the weekend, and watched it last night, I knew it was a romcom, but didn't know it had one of the main characters as a movie trailer maker, another as a film scorer.

Overall, it felt a bit too long, but I did like the way that in certain points throughout the film, there was a voiceover (like the one used on movie trailers) describing one of the women's situation in the film - this I found quite refreshing.

Okay, I know as a review this totally sucks, and its not really a review as such, just my ramblings.

On a separate note, I should be getting a MacBook Pro soon, Mark from Frozen Moon wants one, so he's going to try and get a discount when he buys 2, and then I pay him the discounted price, saving me lots of money.

10,000 views on 3 episodes of SAWPC

2007-04-26T11:32:00.001Z

Well, I was planning to release the 4th episode of San Andreas Wildest Police Chases when I had reached 10,000 views together on all 3 episodes, but I've already broken that number, and have only just started to get footage for the 4th episode.

I have had a surge in views over the last week, so in the last 2 weeks, I've had like 3,500 views, which I really didn't expect.

Oh, well, at least its popular - especially the second episode!

Science Festival Edit

2007-04-26T10:48:00.001Z

I'm working on the science festival edit, and Mark has chosen to let me be in sole charge of the whole edit, SO, I'll be making the trailer for next years festival, and a short film promoting the festival in general, PLUS editing the whole Katch gig footage, This is just what I wanted to do, and it speaks volumes that Mark has enough faith in me and my skills to leave me in sole charge, and represent Frozen Moon in this way.

Oh, and there's a possibility of working on a feature length film soon - just thought I'd tease you with a titbit of information, more to follow soon

San Andreas Wildest Police Videos Episode 4?

2007-04-03T14:17:00.001Z

My 3 episodes of San Andreas Wildest Police Videos have now collectively been viewed 6,449 times, as of 15:14 on 3rd Apr, 2007.

Now, I have had some people asking for a fourth episode, and I'm considering it, I have footage I put to one side, and I'm sure I could make another one, but make it even better than all 3 put together.

I'm thinking of waiting until the 3 episodes have been viewed a total of 10,000 times, then releasing the 4th episode, which means I will have to start working on it now then... Well, after the current filming shoot I'm on.

Practice shoot for film festival final

2007-04-03T11:53:00.001Z

I'm heading over to the William Aston hall tonight, where 'Katch' are setting up their equipment and making a sound check in preparation for tomorrow.

I'm going to be taking notes on which shots to get, where to stand so I don't get in the way of the band, and just do a general practice run for tomorrow, should be good

Wrexham Science Festival Day 7 Part 2

2007-04-02T16:56:00.001Z

OK, so just after sending the last post off, I thought,'Hey, instead of talking about what I'm doing right now, I could have talked about Saturday!' so here it is...

Saturday was a good day, apart from the waiting around at the beginning, but then I guess its like that on any film shoot/event.

We started off by splitting into 2 teams, Mark and Julie filming some kind of stop-motion thing with kids, and me going off, and finding out where all the main attractions were. Turns out most of them were in the sports centre - even a Robot Wars exhibition! (which featured the real life bots called 'wheely big cheese' and some other name I cant remember now) but the point is... It was really busy.

For me, the highlight was filming the live birds that were on show, they were amazingly calm, and obviously used to being watched by loads of people. I got some really close detailed shots, and some golden shots of kids holding the birds while stroking them - golden they were!

Later on, there was a few other attractions such as a cholocatier, dino digs, and a live linkup to another building on the other side of the country, but the real fun came when we were on our way back to the main building.

On the way there, we saw that the birds that had previously been inside, had been taken outside, and were flying all around. at one point, I was aiming the camera at one of the birds, and it started to fly right towards me. I was thinking 'man, I wanna get this shot, its amazing!' but on the other hand, I was thinking 'man, I don't want to loose an eye' - the latter thought won out, and I ducked, just as the bird flew to the left of me, to a handler which was waiting there for it! If only I'd have known!

Anywhos, it was a very good day, and I got lots of good footage to use, but its not over yet, I still have tonight and tomorrow to film, and then on Wednesday, its the film festival!

Wrexham Science Festival Day 7

2007-04-02T16:42:00.001Z

I'm sitting here, waiting for my fellow camera people to turn up, I came half an hour early, as its Easter, and the main uni building I study in closes early at Easter, so I went to the chippy, hoping to get a quick bite to eat before I start filming, but that was closed as well.

SO, in the end, I just went to the vending machine, got a bar of chocolate, and bought a bottle of water while in the middle of typing this. - Not very interesting in terms of filmmaking, but this is the Dairy of a Filmmaker - I think that's the first time I've ever used that excuse for a boring post on this blog!

Shortlist available on Scifilm website

2007-03-29T15:59:00.001Z

The complete list of shortlisted films can now be found at http://www.scifilm.co.uk/films.html

My film is called 'Spider' This also means I've had a chance to scope out the competition!

'Spider' Movie Trailer Gets Shortlisted!

2007-03-29T10:25:00.001Z

I had a message from Frozen Moon last night informing me that the BBC had chosen my movie trailer as one of the final 10 shortlisted films to be screened at the Sci-film festival on 4th April.

I got the message at 9.47 pm last night, right before I crashed for the night, after filming the second night of the Wrexham Science Festival, which spans 7 days in a row.

Saturday is going to be very busy, with lots of people milling about, and lots of hands-on experiments, so I'll have to get some good kip on Friday night.

I'm amazed that my movie trailer has been shortlisted, and it WILL be shown at the final on Wednesday 4th April. I'm going to be filming the festival as well, as there's a local band named 'Katch' opening with a half-hour set, then plunging right into the films, should be a great night!

First day of Science festival done

2007-03-28T13:37:00.001Z

Last night was the first night of the Wrexham Science Festival, and it went quite well.

Frozen Moon are filming all the festival, making a compilation of the whole event, and it will be put onto DVD.

I'm now preparing for tonight - the second night

First upload to Current TV accepted!

2007-03-27T13:55:00.001Z

I uploaded my first Channel Ident to Current TV yesterday, and it's been accepted for showcasing on the website:

I hope it gets Greenlighted!

All Go for Wrexham Science Festival

2007-03-26T13:52:00.001Z

Just been in a meeting with Frozen Moon, with regards to the science festival which starts tomorrow. We will be shooting a small section of as many talks and demonstrations as possible, then editing them together to make a short video of the event, which will be on the website, and could possibly be handed out on DVD as well.

So its all go for tomorrow - exciting!

Current TV

2007-03-19T13:22:00.001Z

A new and exciting TV station, called Current, has started up in the UK, on Channel 229 on Sky, and at http://uk.current.com

It is effectively YouTube for TV, but without the crappy-shitty videos you often find on YouTube, this channel is made by the public, for the public, and at present has NO adverts, like the ones on ITV, CH4 etc... It's really a refreshing channel.

The programmes on show are in the form of 'pods' - viewer created videos, and 'VC2' pods - all on shuffle, so you don't know whets coming next, and there's unlikely to be repeats one after another, I was watching Current yesterday, and saw a comedy sketch about Apple and Bill Gates, follows by a hard-hitting documentary about the gold mines in the poorest countries in the world, followed by an inspirational video about a street artist who draws around shadows, making street art.

I'm going to start off by making a promo spot for Current, then move up to making some VC2 pods

NEWI LAN 3

2007-03-13T13:47:00.001Z

Went to a LAN Party on Saturday 10th, was pretty good, played CoD3, UT2004, GTA:VC multiplayer mod, RA2.

Must have been about 30-ish people there are one point, cant wait for the next one, oh, I hope we do a 48 hour event

Wrexham Science Festival

2007-03-06T15:08:00.000Z

The Wrexham Science Festival is coming, and will span from Tuesday 27th March to Wednesday 4th April 2007, covering numerous talk, seminars, and experiments relating to the theme of science.

My part in all of this is that I am going to be part of one of the film crews filming this event, its going to be a busy week, with lots of events taking place at the same time, but that's what I like, lots of material to film. The filmed material will be edited down by Frozen Moon Productions (www.frozenmoon.co.uk) and will be shown on Propeller TV and BBC2W.

SAWPC videos are being viewed a lot

2007-03-06T14:50:00.001Z

My San Andreas Wildest Police Videos, collectively, at 14:48 today, has had 2,692 views! that's just in the month or so since they've been uploaded!

I guess YouTube viewers have good taste!

Wrexham Science Festival

2007-03-05T15:26:00.001Z

I'm hopefully going to be working in partnership with Frozen Moon Productions to film all 8 days of the Wrexham Science Festival.

There's going to be events every day, so there will need to be a few film crews active on those days.

I'll take some pictures to capture the atmosphere, and the footage will be edited down, and will be shown on Propeller TV, and on BBC2W - yet another chance to get my work shown by the media

BBC Vox Pops

2007-03-05T13:41:00.001Z

BBC Vox Pops still available:

I know this is a new post about an old topic, but I thought I'd just remind people who are maybe new to this Blog that the Vox Pops films my team made are still online on the BBC website here: BBC Vox Pops
It can also be found by typing my name into the BBC search box.

Drama on the train home last night

2007-02-22T11:35:00.000Z

Last night on the train home from uni, I was falling asleep when I suddenly woke up to see 3 people running down the train, through into another carriage, and then the train suddenly grinding to a halt. You can image what was going through my mind, seeing as how I had been researching acts of terrorism for my next film.

The next thing I hear is that 'this woman needs to get off the train' and to 'call 999'.

After a few minutes of random chaos, the train driver runs to the back of the train as the train going the other way on the line also grinds to a halt right next to the train I'm on. I'm thinking 'WTF!' by now.

The woman then jumps from the train I'm on to the other, the doors close, and we go on our way.

Turns out that this woman had a small child with her, and the child got off the train at the last stop we passed, but the woman didn't get off in time, so the doors closed and trapped the woman on the train, leaving the small child on their own at the station. She got on the train going back to the station, but I hope the child is ok. Anything could have happened to him/her in the 5-7 mins following the train doors closing.

Hope they were reunited, and all is well. There really should be some sort check to make sure that everyone who wants to get off the train can do so in time.

New BBC2 Idents

2007-02-22T11:30:00.000Z

BBC Two has refreshed its on-screen identity with 14 new idents based on seven new themes, along with a new logo and colour palette which will work across linear and broadband.

For the new idents, which will be on air from Sunday 18 February 2007, the figure 2 has become a "window on the world", a portal through which the world is seen differently.

The seven different scenarios reflect the range and diversity of content on the channel.

In each ident the camera pulls back to reveal that you are looking at the world in an unexpected way - through the figure 2.

Viewers can also create their own versions - citizen idents - of the new BBC Two look by downloading the 2 template from the channel website - bbc.co.uk/bbctwo.

The template will be available from 28 February, when the transition to the new look website is complete, and the best ones will be posted on the site.

2007-02-21T12:02:00.000Z

Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us

This video is really quite good!

Time to make a Viral

2007-02-13T11:06:00.000Z

Channel 4 in partnership with boreme.com has started a new Viral competition, go over there and check it out!

www.channel4.com/germ

thehansofoundation.org

2007-02-07T11:48:00.000Z

Ok, this is mainly a not for myself, but the hanso site isnt really blocked.

if you go to www.thehansofoundation.org you will see a statement, and if you click on the second mention of 'humanity' you will get a message, but go to http://www.thehansofoundation.org/adkahdskja2897429834ahjkncawuye32782374/ and you can access the site as it was before it was blocked

NEW Lost ARG?

2007-02-07T11:07:00.000Z

I've been keeping my eye on www.mittelosbioscience.org , and the site looks kind of like the hanso site looked, when it was operational, I really hope this is the start of a new ARG (alternate reality game) for Lost.

I'm keeping my eye (the other one) on this site as well: http://www.thetailsection.com/lost_news/new_lost_mythos_site.php#comments

Its about the mittelos site.

I really hope its not just a fansite

Sci-Film Festival

2007-02-06T16:00:00.000Z

If you live in or near Wrexham, then you might be interested to know about the Sci-Film festival, make a short film relating to science, make it 30 secs - 10 mins, and submit it from the address on the website: www.scifilm.co.uk

I will be entering my 'Spider' movie trailer and maybe my 'San Andreas Wildest Police Chases' videos.

I'll keep posted on how I do in the festival

Youtube Channel Updated

2007-02-06T11:30:00.000Z

I've been playing around with my YouTube space, and assigned myself a director setting, if you havent been over there yet to see my stuff, then go right now! www.youtube.com/filmsbynick

I also have the background video work I made for the 'Spider' trailer on there as well, as a standalone video, it looks a bit dull, but when you think about how it all fits together, I think it can be quite interesting to see how I made it

San Andreas Wildest Police Chases

2007-02-05T13:43:00.000Z

Well, My San Andreas Wildest Police Chases video has been made into 3 eps, Each a complete programme, so check back here soon for a link!

worlds wildest police videos in san andreas

2007-01-23T13:23:00.000Z

Yes, Very long title, I know, and yes, the 3rd post today! But you see, I need to make up for lost time!

I've been spending some of my time over the last 3 weeks playing GTA: SA and capturing the footage to make my version of Worlds Wildest Police Videos, but using GTA: SA gameplay footage, and its looking pretty damn good, even being made with Windows Movie Maker!

24 Online game

2007-01-23T13:14:00.000Z

well after a few texts and a very weird phone call, seems like the 24 game was intended to last about 10 minutes.

To play the game you do have to enter your phone number, and you need the information sent to you in order to enter the prize draw

Cant help feeling like its a bit of an anti climax, just hope the Lost does a new online game soon

24 Online game?

2007-01-23T12:54:00.000Z

if you go to www.ctuagent.com and fill in your email addy, and mob number, and use the access code D9D5JJ, you will get a phone call after like 1 minute informing you about a secret contact from Jack from CTU, Is this the start of a huge online game, like the lost experience?

The IPhone is here!

2007-01-23T11:46:00.000Z

Had this sent to me from youtube:

Quite funny, that is

CCTV

2007-01-09T12:11:00.000Z

Well I counted how many CCTV cameras I get caught on while travelling into uni today, theres 22 cameras that catch me , and thats just on the one way trip, and just the cameras that arent hidden

Long time no post / Mac purchase

2007-01-08T10:50:00.000Z

Wow, been about a month since my last post, apologies for not updating you on my doings for a while.

Thinking about buying either a macbook or an imac, I just have to think about how much I want to spend on this, and what I really want from this purchase.

I want something that can be portable, but must have the power to produce professional movies, and handle what I throw at it. the macbooks are portable, but have a smaller screen, but dont have the Hard Drive capacity of an imac, and is more expensive, but being portable is what I do need, although I have a laptop right now.

I think I'm leaning towards an imac, but just when I think I've made up my mind, I lean back towards a macbook. The imac has a bigger hard drive, and bigger screen, and is not as expensive, but I cannot drag it around with me, hard one, this!

For the ladies

2006-12-13T23:28:00.000Z

Check out this video form the Tenacious D website, quite funny:

Stop Piracy

2006-12-13T16:15:00.000Z

Stop piracy!

The 'LOL' thing

2006-12-11T10:18:00.000Z

Ever typed 'LOL' in a messege? Of course you have, but have you really laughed out loud? I bet not:

Glowing comment on YouTube

2006-12-07T12:07:00.000Z

OK, so I know this post is just bigging myself up, but if I dont, who else will? - Well another YouTube user, thats who.

Posted on 6th Dec 2006:

There are just so many "music videos" on youtube that just suck, there stupid fast things and are just dumb. Like 80% of people who have a youtube account in my opinion should not have one, but then theres people like you who actually spend time and make something worth watching. So like I said good job and if you don't have anymore music videos, you should. :)

New film about the 'Big Brother' state

2006-12-07T10:51:00.000Z

I'm now planning to make a new film about my everyday journey into uni, and just how many CCTV cameras I get caught on, even while just walking past a cheapo shop.

I can understand the ones at the ATM machines, and I am thankful that they are there, but I cant help feeling like 1984 is coming up fast for us all

Halo 3 vs AvA

2006-12-06T11:05:00.000Z

Ok, so I've finally signed for to YouTube, at www.youtube.com/user/filmsbynick

anyways, I've been watching other users videos, and I've found this one: Its Halo 3 footage set to Angels and Airwaves music, its a bit long, but its still good, and it gives a bit of a spoiler to the plot of Halo 3:

Second day of shoot done

2006-12-05T12:07:00.000Z

Well my second morning of shooting for my film has finished, didn't all go to plan though, with so called 'officials' who don't even talk to the head of the building, (who I did have permission from) and claim superiority over everyone!

I did get almost everything I needed from this shoot though

The Sims Movies

2006-12-05T11:55:00.000Z

Well EA Games has started The Sims movie competition, where you make a movie using in-game footage from The Sims 2.

The website address is www.simsshorts.com and has all the information you need.

Bear in mind that the closing date is 10th December 2006, so get working!