Earl Newton.com » News

Updated Motion Graphics Reel

Earl Newton — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:16:55 +0000

The problem with doing a lot of really great work is that it doesn’t leave much time to update your reel. Took care of that problem today.

Watch it fullsize here.

Motion Graphics Reel 2010 from Earl Newton on Vimeo.

Updates coming

Earl Newton — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:35:57 +0000

Just a quick update to let you know my recent silence has been work-related. The move to LA has precipitated a lot of work, and while that’s good, it’s forced me to go into the production submarine a bit more than I’d like to.

I have an interview yet to post, as well as several essays I’ve been fiddling with.

I’m also toying with the idea of posting finished screenplays here (released under a C.C. license) for others to examine, and possibly produce. Thoughts?

Canon T2i: A Long-Thought-Out Impulse Buy

Earl Newton — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:05:26 +0000

After news of these magical DSLRS with the powers of Movie inside them, I decided I had to find out what the fuss was about.

So yesterday, I bought this.

And yesterday, slightly later, I started shooting a short film, and it looks like this.

Will post the film when it’s done.

A Wake for the Seanachai

Earl Newton — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:51:40 +0000

In LA, you never know where the day will take you. Sometimes, for example, it takes you back to the East Coast. Today, I learned Patrick McLean (most notably the author of How to Succeed in Evil) is bringing to a close his award-winning podcast “The Seanachai.”

At 9PM Eastern on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010, Patrick McLean (with help from P.G. Holyfield) will host a live event on Stickcam.com. It’ll feature the final Seanachai story (Patrick is shot twice with one bullet) and a few special guests (including, it seems, me).

I first remember hearing Patrick McLean when he took a decidedly difficult website (TheSeanachai.com) and, with the help of his zombie friend Bob, created one of the most quietly-outstanding promos in podcasting, in my opinion.

Quietly outstanding is a good way to describe Patrick’s work. I think that’s why I like him so much. We both prefer to speak softly and carry a big idea.

So if you like Patrick, or me, or good writing in general, make plans to swing by Stickam.com/patrickemclean at 9pm next Wednesday. If I have anything to do with it, there’ll be quite a bit of drinking going on.

One Step Closer to an Interactive Future

Earl Newton — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:46:03 +0000

I’ve written before about video games as the future of entertainment. I have another post brewing in me about the difficulty of merging the active video game experience with the passive entertainment experience we’re already familiar with (primarily the printed or moving image).

I just read a preview for a new XBOX 360 game called Alan Wake. Read the preview here.

The game seems to offer a more matured story experience than what we’ve seen in the past, and that’s already a good sign as far as serious artists getting involved in the craft.

But what caught my eye are the mentions of product placement. Energizer batteries, for one, and an unnamed car company.

If this works, then I think we can expect to see a lot more of this in the future, and perhaps see much of the advertising dollars that have dwindled from television and print rush into this new medium.

Remember, no one was interested in California, new medicines, or that sticky gunk called “oil” until someone figured out how to make money from them. Right now, video games have only tapped the existing models of income used by books and movies: develop a product, and sell it to consumers.

But if the video game — a fixed form product — could tap into the advertising model that supports the constantly-renewing products like newspapers and television, the potential revenue could be staggering.

SFWA Members: I Need Your Help to win a Bradbury

Earl Newton — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:55:39 +0000

So last night — at 10 PM — I received a message saying Disconnect has been nominated for a Ray Bradbury award (given out at the Nebulas each year for “best dramatization”).

So that dropped my jaw.

Then I find out: in order to make it to the finalist’s list, I need enough nominations to make it to the top six.

So basically — I need a hand from my Science Fiction Writers of America friends.

Today is the LAST DAY for voting for the Ray Bradbury Award (as well as for the rest of the Nebulas).

If you are a member of SFWA, and haven’t yet voted (or are willing to change yours for an independent piece), consider placing a vote for “Stranger Things (Episode 5: “Disconnect”), Earl Newton (Writer/Director).” If you haven’t yet watched the episode, you can see it here for free: Disconnect (20 mins).

Click here to vote (you’ll need your SFWA username and password). LInk provided by a friendly (and supportive) SFWA member.

This is completely a last-minute discovery, but if it would actually happen, just being a finalist among films like District 9 and Avatar would open some doors here in Los Angeles.

If you do vote for it, let me know, so I can owe you huge favors in the future.

About beauty stereotypes…

Earl Newton — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:47:43 +0000

When you wonder why we see such a limited number of examples of “beauty” in mainstream culture, remember that it is not in the interest of big business to encourage niche audiences. Related posts:NY Times: “Indies Going Solo” Related posts:

NY Times: “Indies Going Solo”

Touchdown: Los Angeles

Earl Newton — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:04:51 +0000

Posting will be a little erratic for the next two weeks or so, as I get settled into a new living situation in Los Angeles. I’ve got a feature film I’m working to put together, as well as the Stranger Things DVD, so my time will be a bit sapped.

That said, expect more pieces coming soon. LA gives one a lot of food for thought.

October Update

New Category: Notable Links

Earl Newton — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:00:29 +0000

I added a new category to the site, “Notable Links.”

Should be pretty self-explanatory.

While we’re here, it’s a good time to explain some of the category structures I’m using for the site.

The Blog category contains posts that are mostly my own viewpoint.

The Creativity 101 category is for posts relating to principles of creativity or learning to creating.

The Interviews category links to interviews I’ve done, either as a guest or host.

The News category is for information of temporary importance. Site updates, notices of upcoming events.

Stranger Things refers to any news/information pertaining to my science fiction program, Stranger Things.

The Business houses posts about the business of creativity (specifically filmmaking, usually).

Videos, simply enough, lists any posts containing or linking to videos.

You can also subscribe to all the EarlNewton.com posts via the spiffy RSS icon below (also found to your left, on this page).

What I Did for Summer Vacation

Earl Newton — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:31:18 +0000

From August 11th to October 9th, I was on the road shooting Job Corps locations around the country. It was a trip of approximately 4,986 miles, during which I saw 18 states, 12 different hotel chains, three dying or dead cities, and one sexual rendezvous in an Iowa gas station bathroom.

Check below the jump for the Google Map.

I had to break the map into two pieces to fully show the entire trip. It also doesn’t show that I started in Pennsylvania, but I did. The map is divided at Charleston, WV, and picks up there for the rest of the trip.

I took photos in several states, got souvenirs from just a few, but there are definitely some towns/days I have lost completely. Most of Kentucky and Missouri is just one big swath of my life that I am never getting back.

But, it was all worth it, to be able to afford to take @gozombiego and the Zombielets somewhere nice for Christmas.

View Larger Map

A through E: Cincinatti, OH; Dayton, OH; Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; Flint, MI
F through J: Grand Rapids, MI; Chicago, IL; Joliet, IL; Laona, WI; Excelsior Springs, MO
K through O: St Louis, MO; Puxico, MO; Golcanda, IL; Morganfield, KY; Greenfield, KY
P through T: Mammoth Cave, KY; Simsponville, KY; Frenchburg, KY; Pine Knot, KY; Franklin, NC
U through Y: Bristol, TN; Coeburn, VA; Marion, VA; Prestonsburg, KY; Charleston, WV

View Larger Map

A through E: Charleston, WV; Monroe, VA; Harpers Ferry, WV; Woodstock, MD; Laurel, MD
F through I: Washington DC; Kittrell, NC; Bamberg, SC; Atlanta, GA

A Question about Stranger Things DVD

Earl Newton — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:21:58 +0000

I posted this on Twitter at on September 14, 2009, at 6:50 PM EST:

How many of you would be interested in a numbered, limited-edition Stranger Things package that would include:

A Stranger Things DVD with Episodes 1-4, and bonus content galore
A documentary about Stranger Things, especially the move from low-budget show to TV in 14 months
An e-book containing extensive notes regarding the show and the people, along with script excerpts and other materials
A graphic novel version of an unproduced episode
A gorgeous 11×17 print of a painting inspired by the series
Also, branded swag like jump drives and more
All of this, of course, will be signed.

Would you be interested in that?

The time has come to make this happen. But it’s not going to be easy, and I’m going to need your help. Here’s the Plan:

1) A Stranger Things DVD release will take time. I want to do some things that have never been done with DVD. This Christmas may be too close to have it ready, but we are going to do our damnedest to do it.

2) I will need everyone’s help. To make a DVD release happen, I need at least 500 pre-orders. That means: when the time comes, spread the word!

3) We’re not ready to take preorders yet, but I will let you know as soon as we are.

4) Until then, this is your chance to put in your ideas for the DVD: earl@strangerthings.tv. Or, just sit back and prepare to be wowed.

NY Times: “Indies Going Solo”

Earl Newton — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:47:37 +0000

The New York Times posted this article today: Independent Filmmakers Distribute on Their Own. (Thanks to Joshua Smith for the link)

More than ever, it’s the wild west out there now. Right now, studios are less and less interested in developing new material, turning back again and again to remakes and derivatives of pre-existing properties.

As a storyteller, that scares me, not because of any artistic choice, but because once any industry stops investing in the future, they start digging their own grave.

IMAGINE THIS

Right now, fewer and fewer productions are being developed in-house. Studios have decided to sit back and purchase more films after they’ve been completed, offering low purchase deals with non-existent profit-sharing, and promising to shoulder the seemingly-daunting task of advertising and promotion.

Well, somebody drew back the curtain at the turn of the century, and independent creators are starting to realize that

Marketing isn’t magic
It isn’t nearly as expensive anymore (thanks, Internet)
mainstream media was never really especially good at it; they were just louder
as an independent, it’s becoming less financially-viable to court mainstream distribution companies anymore

I’m not predicting the end of the studio system, they are too large to disappear entirely (we still have major radio broadcasters today – how much of them are doing original narrative work any more?). But unless there is a major change in policy, I think studios in future are going to find themselves falling out of the conversation.

To put it another way: right now filmmakers are seeking the independent route because they have to; what is going to happen when that becomes precedent? “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” has already made roughly a million dollars at the box office; others can do that, too.

Filmmakers don’t choose storytelling because it’s a sound financial investment. They do it to tell their stories and keep the power bill paid. When it becomes easier to cut a new path through the marketplace instead of fording through the studio system, they will do that.

Site Update

Earl Newton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:54:57 +0000

Finishing up a project for our San Franciscan Friends this week. Recent events have inspired two posts, will be putting them up shortly.

I’ve updated the site with a couple nifty items this week:

A search bar, and I’m working on adding auto-fill later.

Updated the tag system with a more visually-interesting “cloud,” versus the text block

Added a Related Posts function: I have enough posts now to warrant cross-referencing. I’m using an auto-generator plug-in, so the results may vary a bit as I fine-tune it. Let me know if it starts referencing you to anything wonky.

Some of these new additions are supposed to be a bit of a tax on the system, so if you notice any lag or delays, let me know.

Me, on a Tweet-Shirt?

Earl Newton — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:06:39 +0000

So apparently there’s a competition to get notable Tweet sayings on T-shirts.

Also apparently, @cbelier nominated a favorite Tweet of mine from July 2008.

I’m not sure what to make of this, but I’ll admit it’s kind of an ego-stroke, so I’m game to play if you are. Click the link below, and if you like what I wrote, vote on it. It’s literally one click to vote. You don’t have to register or anything.

Read What I Wrote and Vote

Adapting Prose to the Screen (interview)

Earl Newton — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:41:00 +0000

Earlier this evening I was part of the Dead Robots’ Society roundtable discussion on adapting prose to the screen. Along with me were top-tier storytellers Matt Wallace and Patrick McLean.

Questions came both from the terrific hosts (PG Holyfield, Justin Macumber, Terry Mixon, and Ryan Stevenson) as well as the audience questions I had mentioned before.

The interview ranges from lessons learned in the world of commercials and advertising, the challenges in switching from prose to screenwriting, and what it takes to preserve a good story from the page to the screen.

You get a chance to get to know the hosts in the beginning, the actual interview begins around 15:20 in. You get to hear me at my most silly, so take it while you can get it.

For the original Dead Robot Society show notes, click here.

Submit Screenwriting Questions

Earl Newton — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:22:57 +0000

TOMORROW EVENING, I will be part of a Dead Robot Society roundtable interview with Matt Wallace (Varient Frequencies) and Patrick McLean (How to Succeed in Evil).

Esteemed author P.G. Holyfield (Murder at Avedon Hill) will be hosting the interview, which I firmly believe will descend into “shindig” and then devolve swiftly into “mob rule.” You can’t get three guys like ourselves in the same podcast and expect anything else.

And to add to the chaos: the clever Mr. Holyfield is opening up the forum. Email him with your questions, and they might get asked during the roundtable.

Remember, you’ve got four of the powerhouse podcast storytellers in the same room, ready to pick apart story theory and practice for your edification. This is more than just submitting a question: you’re getting second, third, and fourth opinions from people with a Ph.d. in “mind-exploding.”

Submit your questions here.

(I feel very promo-y today – I should be writing some copy.)

JC Hutchins and Geek Cred talk Stranger Things

Earl Newton — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:33:01 +0000

Just finished a great interview with JC Hutchins for his podcast Hey Everybody (great, a very in-depth piece that will be out next week), and while I was browsing around afterward, I found out JC had already been talking about Ep05: Disconnect on Geek Cred with Steve Riekeberg.

I’m posting this in my feed because I really think JC nails a lot of the challenges and the ideas we worked with on Disconnect, and if you enjoyed the episode, this little behind-the-scenes preview will be a fun snack before JC’s interview with me drops on Thursday. The whole interview is terrific, but if you want to fast-forward to the Disconnect talk, roll forward to about 29:50.

I think of Geek Cred as the NPR of geek podcasting, and host Steve Riekeberg is definitely living up to the name. If you like this episode, check out the interviews he did with Jonathan Coulton, Leo Laporte, and Wil Wheaton, among others. I think Terry Gross is the only one who has him beat for geek media guests.

Post Your Thoughts on I Look Forward To Remembering You

Earl Newton — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:21:57 +0000

As Episode 05: Disconnect circulates through the Internet and we wrap up Singularity 2009 (Did I say Balticon?), I’m setting my sights on the next episode for Stranger Things.

I did an impromptu Twitterpoll and the audience voted overwhelmingly for Mur Lafferty’s time-travel/mystery/romance piece “I Look Forward to Remembering You.”

I originally heard the story on episode 61 of Escape Pod, and knew even then that it was something I wanted to do.

This week I’m going to download Escape Pod #61, reacquaint myself with Mur’s story, and begin the adaptation process.

I’ll be posting updates here and on Twitter as I work through the script. Post your thoughts about the story and what it means to you. I’ll be referring back to these comments as I construct the screenplay, and eventually, the movie.

Follow me on Twitter.
Listen to Escape Pod #61: “I Look Forward To Remembering You.”
Post your thoughts on the story below.

Stranger Things: Ep05

Earl Newton — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:07:38 +0000

When their prize reality star goes missing, a monolithic network enlists the aid of the entire world to find him.

Disconnect (Stranger Things episode 5) just went live on the site yesterday. Feedback is good so far. Leave your comments below or on the site itself.

Written and Directed by Earl Newton

Story by J.C. Hutchins and Earl Newton

Produced by Earl Newton and Juan A. Baez III

Starring Jonathan MacQueen, James Donadio, and Rachel White

Another Sigler/Newton Grungefest

Earl Newton — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:50:17 +0000

In what marks our third (fourth?) collaboration, Scott Sigler — excuse me, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR Scott Sigler and I team up, this time with the good folks at Mevio.com, to bring you Jigsaw’s Top 5 Cuts, a series of creepy/awesome videos promoting the upcoming Saw V DVD release on January 20.

Scott hosted the video, shot by Mevio, and post-production done by me. Special props to Kevin Capizzi for the wicked Horror House door animations, and of course, our own David W. Kanter for his excellent music supervision.

Watch the first video here. The next four will be emerging from now till Tuesday. Then go pick up a copy of Saw V, and tell ‘em Newton and Sigler sent you.

For those of you keeping score, this was identified as Secret Project #2.