LowerTheTone.com

Quite some time ago, I came across a chap called Antony Lane on twitter with the username @indywoodFILMS. Antony had set out to independently raise funds to make a feature film, “Invasion Of The Not Quite Dead”, which is a spin on the zombie movie genre. You might be saying, “Nothing new there” and would be forgiven for thinking that but when you dig deeper you realise that Antony, or should I say, AD Lane, is doing it a bit different than everyone else.

For a start, he’s really pushing the project as hard as he can. He’s not talking about it, he’s doing it. Through the power of Twitter and other social media sites, AD Lane, has managed to raise UK£16,340 (as of today) from 446 sponsors. And by sponsors, I mean regular people. That’s quite an achievement.

The concept is simple. On visiting the website, theindywoodproject.com you are given the option to take our a producer package. Their are producer packages that range from UK£10 to UK£500, each offering a number of unique perks such as signed DVD, posters, t-shirts and a chance to be a zombie on set for a day.

After following AD Lane’s progress for some time, I took out a producer package. I saw how much he wants this to work and how committed he is to it. But don’t just take my word on it, Jonathan Ross has also taken out a producer package and as you can see from the website, the project carries a number of celebrity endorsements.

So why am I only blogging about this now? Well the teaser trailer has just gone live on the web, giving a brief snapshot of what we can expect!

The teaser was shot on S16mm film on location at a small farm in Kent and stars horror veteran Leslie Simpson (Dog Soldiers, The Descent, Doomsday), Efisia Fele and Frank Jakeman. I’m looking forward to seeing how this project progresses!

Like what you see or even just a little bit curious as to what its all about?
For more information on how you can help the production of ‘INVASION OF THE NOT QUITE DEAD’ please visit: http://www.theindywoodproject.com or http://www.invasionofthedead.com

For real time updates you can add them on Twitter: @indywoodFILMS

The official facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Invasion-of-the-Not-Quite-Dead/16091146970

Contact writer/producer/director Antony Lane: adlane@indywood.co.uk

Movies AD Lane, Antony Lane, Invasion Of The Not Quite Dead, The Indywood Project

No Drama Theatres upgraded website has gone live. There is still lots of content to add but the new layout is there with links to photos etc.

You can click to the site here: www.nodramatheatre.com

No Drama Theatre Dublin Drama Group, No Drama Theatre

So I’m just recovering from our sellout run of Wanted – One Body! that we staged in the excellent Teacher’s Club on Parnell Square in Dublin. It was an awesome run. Four nights, no empty seats and an a great response from the audience!

So how did it feel to direct my first full play. It was hard work. Don’t get me wrong, its not as if none of the other people involved didnt have their work cut out for them, but I doubt they sweated as much as both myself and my co-director, Noel Murphy, did during all four performances. But it was worth it. It was sad to wrap up on the last day, a set that took 3 days to build came down in 3 hours. The friendships that were struck up, the bond between actors and crew and the banter during rehearsals and backstage, it will all be missed.

I just wanted to put my thanks to people in writing and mention everyone! Please bare with me! This thanks list is in no particular order.

Co Director
Noel Murphy

Cast
Patrick O’Callaghan
Shane Robinson
Caelinn Largey
Tracey Diamond
Sarah Moloney
Laura McGovern
Tom Murphy
Alan Rogers
Dave McGowan

Crew
Brian “Silvio” Quinn
Rose Geoghegan
Sheila Dooley
Darragh Beirne
Cat O’Sullivan
Maria “Ladyhammer” Dillon
Louise Hall
Barry O’Donovan
Lisa McSharry
Louise Hall
Paul Bonner
Dearbhla Lawler
Damien Holmes
Jonathan Hughes
Kate Feeney
Vonnie Duran
Rachel Byrne
Ruairi De Burca
Angela Carlin
Grainne O’Sullivan

Everyone else:
Teacher’s Club – Tadhg, Dave and Stephen
Dav and Darragh from boards.ie
The Live Drive Team on Dublin City FM
James Power of Stagemad Theatre
Margaret Curran
Jason Gill of Athlone Little Theatre
Gavin Byrne
Members of No Drama Theatre who have supported us all along!

A big thanks also to those who came along to see us!

No Drama Theatre No Drama Theatre, Wanted One Body

We all know how awesome Ben Dunne is here in Ireland. Everything the man touches turns to gold. A very successful business man having been head of Dunne Stores before handing the reigns over, he also owns a chain of gyms and I’m sure he has plenty of other very successful ventures. Watching him on The Apprentice would have been far more entertaining and worthwhile than Bill Cullen in my opinion. Anyway, more recently, it would be impossible not to have heard Mr. Dunne’s dulcet tones promoting his latest venture, bendunne.com, over the airwaves. In short its a site similar to buyandsell.ie for all our buying and selling needs. The cost of advertising on bendunne.com is very cheap.

Which probably explains why there have been many bizarre and funny ads on bendunne.com. Some clever clogs took note of this and set up beendunne.com which gives you the highlights of the best ones!

Enjoy! www.beendunne.com

Uncategorized

Ok so maybe this is a shameless plug but its worth it given it is most exciting! No Drama Theatre’s online shop, filled with everything from mugs to thongs, went live officially today!

You can get your fix of No Drama merchanise by visiting:

Arts, No Drama Theatre Cafe Press, No Drama Shop, No Drama Theatre

As some of you remember, No Drama Theatre staged our first ‘major’ production back in May. It comprised of two One Acts, Tales From The Fairground, and the main event, Night At The Invasion. The latter of course being the piece where I played the character, Col. Hazelby. Our esteemed director of Invasion, Barry O’Donovan, had his work cut out for him. Given he had written the play, it put him under increased pressure as it was his work being staged afterall.

We had a cast member pull out half way through production, many re-writes and an enormous amount of rehearsal time (5 months), which was due to the lack of funds available to us in the early days to put us in a position to put the play on. While the end result was something to be proud of, no one will deny the struggle we had putting the whole thing together. Directing seemed like a role best left for the foolish.

I’m some fool it seems. No Drama is staging Charles Dyer’s excellent farcical murder mystery chiller, Wanted – One Body! in January and muggins here is directing. Why I’m directing instead of acting is a long story (I did set up the group because I wanted to direct) but when I took the reigns I decided that a major battle plan was needed. Afterall the play is 2 hours long. It seems we are doing another “first major” production and stage time is less than 8 weeks away…

Fortunately the passion and committment of the No Drama members has been fantastic. I have a co-director in Noel Murphy. And I have a Stage Manager and Production Manager in Darragh Beirne and Cat O’Sullivan. Most amateur drama groups struggle organising a backstage and production team. Working with Darragh and Cat we have a team of almost 12 people. Friends in the theatre world have commented on how lucky we are to have such a large committed team. It seems its something that only the professional world has the privilege of having. And I must add, that no one is getting any form of payment to be involved in the production.

I’m very impressed by my cast of 9 people. Some of them have never graced a stage before. All of them have shown massive dedication. Everyone learnt their lines for Act 1, as requested, before the first rehearsal. In the next few days, we are starting to do full run throughs of the play. It is being staged in The Teachers Club on Parnell Square from January 20th to 23rd.

My stress levels are 90. Yes, I admit it. Despite how organised things are, it impossible not to be anxious. During some rehearsals, it has taken us 30 minutes to get a snippet of a scene of 1 minute nailed. There is so much going on in the play be it dialogue, visual or General Comedy Business (as we have kindly christianed it!)

But despite my blood pressure, I’m very excited and privileged to be doing this. I don’t see myself wanted to direct again for some time (I prefer to be performing!) but I know I benefit greatly from this experience.

Big thanks though goes to James Power of Stagemad Theatre and Jason Gill of Athlone Little Theatre. While they probably don’t realise it, they have been acting as my mentors on occasion over the past weeks. Without it, I’d be a raging alcoholic by now!

The above poster is a draft and not the final product. Wanted – One Body! was written by Charles Dyer. This amateur production is performed by arrangement with Josef Weinberg Ltd

Arts, No Drama Theatre Charles Dyer, Directing, No Drama Theatre, Teacher's Club, Wanted One Body

Just for a laugh, with no theme whatsoever, some random but entertaining clips from YouTube…. Ok ok, I admit it, they probably only entertain me!

CLinks! Chocolate Rain, Horrific Ghost Footage, The Dark Knight Kills Christmas, YouTube

Stumbled across these 2 videos sponsored by the American Tinnitus Association. Unfortunately, nothing of the sort in Ireland.

Life The Universe and Everything! American Tinnitus Association, ATA, Bill Shatner, Can you hear that?, Tinnitus, William Shatner

I think it was either David St. Hobbins or Derek Smalls, who said in a commentary in the DVD version of the movie, This Is Spinal Tap, something along the lines of, “it really helps mark the passage of time, someone dying.” I recently was taking stock of life, am I half way there, will I live that long, will I have an adequate pension and security and will the Gardai ever catch up with me for stealing that 49p Action Man figure when I was 10?

I’ve gone through a lot of change in life in recent times. Lost friends, gained friends, change in life circumstances. Big life changes seem to remind us of our mortality and the true frailty of life. Its usually at night, in the quiet and darkness that surrounds us, where our fears or hopes are realised.

We make mistakes too as human beings. Its part of life. Sometimes its difficult not to. We can do 10 things right in life but it only takes 1 thing to undo all that. Sometimes of course, we make repeated mistakes and it takes a while for us to fix the things we do wrong. That’s when the problems really start. Sometimes it can be hard to understand why people in our lives make those mistakes and even harder to understand their intentions. But there comes a point where a line is drawn. You have to decide whether you can support that person and stick by that person. Its not an easy thing to do. And you have to take stock of how you feel about it.

If you have something good, hang on to it. If it needs fixing, fix it. Don’t let go of a good thing.

And then what? Life goes on. Someone important in my life once told me, “You were always 5 Neil”. Hopefully someday I won’t be.

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Wow. Its the only word I can use to sum up the experience I had with Apple following the not-so-wow experience with O2. They returned my iPhone hassle free by the Friday. So I was effectively without my phone for only 4 days.

But the story doesn’t end there. A new issue arose with the iPhone the day after I got it back. It got stuck in ‘headphone’ mode for some reason. I contacted Apple who were most apologetic. In fact they also agree to provide the replacement courtesy phone while mine was being repaired free of charge. Turns out I was able to resolve the issue without needing to send it off again but either way, it left me a positive experience despite the fact the iPhone had a potential new fault.

Lessons to be learnt O2 Ireland…

Rant and Raves Apple Ireland, iPhone, O2 Ireland

They did it again. The O2 crowd. I had to make contact with a problem. I’m a bit of an apple fan. Not a geek mind you, but I like some of their stuff. Although I have never liked the price. I ashamedly have a genuine iPhone 3G on one of the horrendous iPhone contracts. But I made the choice myself so that’s not really the issue.

I keep my phone in immaculate condition. I didn’t take insurance out on the phone because O2 wanted €15 per month for insurance compared to the usual phone insurance of a few euro that they usually charge. Taking a gamble it may be, but I have a one year warranty anyway.

Through normal operation the Silent switch on the side of the iPhone snapped off recently. Out of nowhere. I’m quite a puny chap so its not like I used brute force to do it. A few google searches later I find that this has happened to a few people around the world and many claim problems in trying to have it fixed under warranty.

I rang O2 Customer Support and they said that the switch could only have been damaged by having dropped the phone or applying some Bruce Willis type Die Hard action to it. I explained to the at-all-times-friendly customer care person that the phone is immaculate other than that. (I have it since January might add) She went on to explain the process of having to send the iPhone to O2 who then send it to Apple, and Apple might send it back unfixed etc etc. It sounded very daunting I must admit. She told me that it was best to bring the phone to an O2 Store as opposed to any other mobile stores. (presumably Carphone Warehouse?)

I made my merry way to an O2 store in Dublin to see what they will say instore. At this point I must add that I originally purchased the phone in Carphone Warehouse. The chap in the store was very friendly. As it was a Friday he recommended coming back on the Monday as they wouldn’t be sending the phone to Apple until then anyway. He reiterated much of what was told to me on the phone by the Customer Care rep. However he added the whole receipt thing. They wouldnt do anything with a receipt. (Even though they have all the details of the phone on their system) But given the whole ‘best to come back on Monday’ advice, I didn’t want to enter a debate on the receipt necessity at that point.

I left somewhat annoyed. Although the staff were friendly, I felt that they were preparing me for the worst. They made Apple sound like tyrants, in my opinion of course.

I didn’t drop the phone into Apple on the Monday. Instead, I called Apple direct. Wow. What a difference. They customer care rep made some enquires to assess if the phone had water damage, listened to my story and advised that the issue was more than likely covered by the warranty. He also sent me an email to that effect.

UPS turned up the following day with the courier box and I will have to wait for between 5 and 7 days for my phone to return. There was even an optional courtesy iPhone while my phone was being repaired for €29. While I will miss my piece of Apple, I wont miss it so bad that I need to pay €29 for courtesy phone but the option was nice.

Right so its not an end of the world experience but I felt the need to share it anyway. Perhaps I’m becoming a crankier fart in my old age. But at least I can set my video recorder to record The Late Late Show on a Friday night. Wait, I mean DVD recorder…..

Rant and Raves Apple, Customer Care, iPhone, O2, O2 Experience, O2 Ireland

So the summer break is over a few weeks now and the committee deliberated over what the next production for No Drama would be. To cut a long story short, we had planned on annoucing our next production on August 18th. However due to the lack of a suitable script, the scramble to find an established play suitable for us, we only annouced the play last week. We have chosen Raymond Dyer’s Wanted – One Body!. We are in the process of securing the rights to perform it later this year.

The play itself is described by the author as being a farcical chiller. I would more call it a murder mystery/comedy/farce/chiller. The play goes from downright hilarious to downright creepy with many a twist throughout. It sends up many of the murder mysteries that were common at that time (the play was first performed in 1961).

The cast if made up of 9 characters and within No Drama, many people have expressed interest in auditioning.

As for directing, myself and one of No Drama’s respected members, Noel Murphy, will be leading the production. We are looking forward to bringing the magic of this play to the stage.

Once rights are secured we are hoping to perform this play in late November or early December.

The photo above was taken at a workshop in Little Theatre where a selection of No Drama Theatre were tutored by the good folk of Athlone Little Theatre.

Arts Dublin drama, Dublin Drama Group, No Drama Theatre, Raymond Dyer, Wanted One Body

So last week a gang of about 15 bikers took to the roads from Dublin and headed to Cork. What an overnight trip! The weather was good, the buzz was awesome and the anticipation for Cork poured beer was high! I drive a Honda Deauville myself which is a 650cc tourer. Its a big bike but was actually the smallest bike for the day, with most other riders on BMW’s or tuned road bikes.

We left Dublin via the N7 at 9:30. Unofficially marshalled by those good folks at Bike 2 Bike Training, we plotted a route over the back roads that took us from Dublin to Blessington via the Sally Gap, on over to Kilkenny city for lunch, then towards Tipperary, Clare, over the V to Waterford before finally arriving in Cork.

We didnt arrive in Cork in 6:30pm which goes to show how much of a challenge the route was. Many roads were windy, gravelly, badly marked but that didnt deter from the fun and the sights. We took a somewhat leisurely pace and safety was as always paramount. Taking the back roads reminds you of how beautiful the country really is and we dont often get to see it when bombing down the motorway in rush hour traffic!

The arrival to Cork was celebrated with lots of beer, a trip to the local pubs and then more beer to wash it the first lot down.

Myself and one of the other bikers, John Fair, tweeted the day’s exploits on Twitter with the tag #wobblybiker

Needless to say the trip home the next day in the rain was not as pleasant…

Life The Universe and Everything! #wobblybiker, Honda Deauville, motorbike in Ireland, Twitter

I’m excited about this weekend. Myself and a buddy, John Fair, both share a love for all things 2 wheeled with engines. (Thats a complicated way of saying we like our motorbikes) John and I are taking to the road early Saturday morning with 12 others on a long trip to Cork. By long trip, I mean Dublin to Cork via Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Lismore and Cork. Hopefully the weather keeps up.

We plan on taking lots of photos, and um, maybe washing down a beer or 2. You can follow our goings on in real time on twitter as we will be tweeting updates and photos with the hashtag search #wobblybiker

Will report back on the day’s antics next week!

Life The Universe and Everything!

Last week, before its run in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, I had the privilege of attending a performance of Lane Productions latest, “The Shawshank Redemption”. Yes that one. Directed by Peter Sheridan and written by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, the run of performances at the Gaiety was the world stage premiere of the Stephen King book.

I went along with an heir of hesitance. Lane Productions in recent years have put on productions that dont appeal to me. I, Keano etc. Im not saying they are poor, Im saying they are just arent my thing.

However my opinion changed after last week’s performance. It was excellent. Many of the actors were hardened established actors, particularly the leads, Kevin Anderson and Reg E. Cathey. (Pictured above)

The set was well thought through and the scene changes handled gracefully. It really was a strong piece of work.

If I was to find a flaw, I would struggle, but I have one, albeit a minor one. The famous scene/image from the movie, of Andy emerging from the sewer and throwing his arms out ala the crucifix does not make it in.

I always felt that the image of Andy emerging Christ like, resurrected and crucified, brought full circle the sub theme of him being a Christ like character. The scene of him winning 12 beers for his jail friends being a crucial scene. Like I said, my flaw, is a minor one. (and for the nitpickers, the scene with Bogs (Joe Hanley) with his armed outstretched under the spotlight did not make up for it!)

All in all, an excellent piece and I look forward to similar productions from Lane.

Arts Gaiety Theatre, Joe Hanley, Kevin Anderson, Lane Productions, Peter Sheridan, Reg Cathey, The Shawshank Redemption

Came across this trailer today, a bit of a departure for Scorcese? (Sorry, couldn’t resist!) Based on a book, Scorcese is leaving the mafia at home but taking Leo with him. Looking forward to this one.

Movies Martina Scorcese, Shutter Island, Shutter Island Trailer

This summer’s movie blockbusters feature alot of robots. And John Connor. But why watch 2 movies when you only need to watch one?

Movies Christian Bale, Terminator Salvation, Transformers, Transforminators

It has been an amazing Year One for the group. We set out with ambitious goals for the year and exceeded them. Between the success of the plays and also of our improv night, we have set the foundations to grow further.

But a summer break is upon us. What to do during the break?

Some of the group have set up a summer writing group to work on writing plays for our next production. Its open season in that regard really.
Others are going to hire a boat and go sailing together. Is it illegal to sail a boat under the influence of alcohol?

For me though, I have some ideas. I’m hoping to put on some more Improv nights and who knows, maybe tour Ireland or Europe with it? OK may it is just an excuse for a few beers but who’s complaining….?

The group is still open for business though. The forum will still run on boards.ie and the group members will be active. I’m sure a picnic or two will be had, weather permitting.

Arts Dublin drama, No Drama Theatre

So a short while ago No Drama Theatre put on our first major production for a 3 night run. We sold out. Granted with a combined cast and crew of about 30 people, friends and family account for most but it still left many seats to be filled by those who have heard of us through boards.ie and the minimal advertising we did.

What a rush.

It went well. There was a great buzz in the venue, La Catedral during the week. With many people having never performed before, nerves were common but spirits were high. Between the directors, Barry O’Donovan and Brian Quinn, and the dedicated crew of volunteers, they put together a set and show that surpassed all our expectations.

That’s not to say there weren’t imperfections during the week, but it was nothing that couldn’t be handled or learnt from.

We had 2 pieces on. Our main piece, Night At The Invasion and supporting piece (which was 3 short plays), Tales From The Fairground

Some photos from the performance can be found here.

Can you spot yours truly in there?

Arts Dublin Drama Group, La Catedral Studios, Night At The Invasion, No Drama Theatre, Tales From The Fairground

Ok this is just for a bit of fun. Everyone knows what a lolcat is. It has inspired many a good photo but mostly crap ones to plague internet forum. However lolcat for a brief moment spurned ninja cat on youtube. Check it out:

But as with everything on the internet. There are imitators. But this one is even better than the original for all the wrong reasons! Check out the girly man scream at the end!

CLinks!, Life The Universe and Everything! CLinks!, lolcat, Ninja Cat