Boys of Summer Book - Entry #153

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

April 19, 2006 - Bob

Walnut Creek, CA

Mom and Dad took our doc to the Palm Beach Film Festival. Due to financial and job constraints, I am unable to attend. I hate not being there for it, but I can't just chase something with no money (I've done that long enough!). This "getting married" thing is happening in about five months and it's causing me to get my financial house in order. That's a good thing and it's a sacrifice -- my freedom to just come and go as I please. I feel a bit like I'm saying g'bye to Peter Pan.

April 20, 2006 - Mom

Palm Beach, FL

When we arrived we had a hard time finding anyone involved with the festival. We finally got some information then went to the opening night gala. We saw everybody involved with the festival there. We saw the screening and how everyone was handing out the cards. I was listening to everybody. I wasn’t really sure what I was supposed to be doing. 

April 22, 2006 - Mom

Palm Beach, FL

The big problem was that our movie was shown at a bad time. My heart was broken because not very many people showed up. I saw other films that were good, but they weren’t better than ours.  

I was so sad that there were like 8 people for our screening. We didn't hand out enough cards or talk to enough people. What more could I have done? I had never been to one of these -- so I didn’t know what else to do. Dad’s shy about talking to people. I really got to see the difficulty of marketing first hand and it’s very frustrating. How do you convince someone you have a good product? You can’t drag them in.

Right before our movie was a movie about India and they had TONS of family, relatives and it was a huge group. I wished we were at Seattle or somewhere where we’d have support like that. But then you had 500+ in AZ. All in all, the whole festival seemed very disorganized, poorly put together. There was no support. It was spread so wide. We went to two other screenings and there was hardly anyone in them either. 

I did get to meet Mary Ann Sprinkle at the screening. I was so happy to meet her. She’s a wonderful lady and has done so much for Bob and Dan.

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #151

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

Mar. 26, 2006 - Dan

Phoenix, AZ

Sometimes you are just to close to the process to see the whole picture. Chris LaMont, the executive director of the Phoenix Film Festival set the tone. He is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm.

The first sign was when we checked into the hotel provided by the Phoenix Film Festival, the Valley Ho in Scottsdale. On our Boys of Summer(BOS) tour we got used to camping, private homes and inexpensive motels. The Valley Ho was an extra special surprise.

The second sign was the Boys of Summer selection as the closing film of the festival. I didn't realize that that was such a special honor.

The third sign was the enthusiasm of our supporters Mike O'Leary, Linda Cooper and Rhaye Mosley.

The fourth sign was the response form the students at the physical therapy class at Arizona State University. We were invited to tell our story and the students seemed surprisingly interested.

The fifth sign was the coverage by the local TV stations which was the result of the efforts of our PR person, Erica Sico. All of the reporters seemed genuinely interested and were very through in their approach.

The sixth sign was that half the seats were sold the day before our screening. The theater holds 585 people.

The seventh sign was the news that over 400 tickets were sold ninety minutes before our screening time.

The eighth sign was that over 500 tickets were finally sold for the screening. After a very humbling introduction the screening began and before too long there were some heart stopping technical problems. The excellent technical staff was able to correct the problem.

As our story unfolded on the giant screen the audience response was the ninth sign. I was finally getting it. I should have known.

The tenth and final sign was the outpouring of appreciation from so many people for what the BOS meant to each of them. For many it was the trip itself. For some it was the relationship between Bob and myself. For some it was the individual Parkinsonians' stories and struggles. Many asked how Paulette was doing. Some loved the humor.

The film is a great one. I should have known.

 

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #149

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

Mar. 30, 2006 - Bob

The screening at Phoenix Film Festival (cont'd)

Back at the hotel, it's still early afternoon and we have some time to kick back. I read a bit, but can't really sleep. I'm feeling dead in the water an hour or so before I want to get going so I hit the gym. That was the ticket. Got the blood pumping, now I'm rolling. 

We head off to the screening. Dad drives and misses our turn. Whoops! No big deal as we're leaving (intentionally) quite early, but I'm a bit nervous about the reported awful traffic in Phoenix -- which we've hit a bit of here and there this week. Turns out to not really be a factor and we get to the theater around 6 PM -- T-Minus 90 minutes to show time. 

A Phoenix Film Festival tells us where the line is to get in for the screening of tonight's movie -- unless we're the filmmakers, of course. We smile -- we got dibbs. No line for us!

I go to grab a copy of the film on DVD for them as they don't have it yet -- odd? I don't know. Whatever. I have a few copies. I also owe them a music CD I've asked to be played in the leadup to the film. Suddenly it doesn't seem so important -- all my grand ideas about the pre-show just don't seem so important. But I go to Circuit City anyway and conduct a frantic search of the CD department before settling on Jock Itch Jams (or something) with a few good songs and a few not so good ones. It's $5.99. It'll do. So it goes.

Back to theater. We go in for the picture/sound check. It looks and sounds great. I notice a few people filtering in. I hustle outside and see the line. It's good -- not great but good. Okay. Maybe we're talking about 150 people or so. It's not what I'd been told, but that's still a pretty good number. I look around after the last person goes in and notice...what's that? Another line! 

"Is that for us?" I ask.

The festival staff member smiles and nods. 

"Cool," I say and head outside to film this mob -- easily another 150, probably more! Wow -- this is getting pretty good. I'm told we're actually at over 400 tickets sold. Oh baby. 

I get a call from Annamaria and she tells me that we have a line around the corner waiting to see the film at the Parkway. We’re killing them in two cities at once! This is too much.

Dad and I go inside and things are settling in. I'm trying to reconcile the crowd in my mind - it's tough. I never imagined a screening this large in a venue like this for our little film. For all the dreams I've had, this is a bit overwhelming. 

The festival staff introduces our film. I shoot from various angles, running around the theater to work the nervous energy as much as anything. Then the lights go down. We're on. I sit on one of the steps and watch as the Bro n 'Stine logo comes up. I start to cry. This really is too much.

The movie works from the get-go. The crowd is into it. There's laughter, palpable recognition and sweetness in the air. We've got them. I'm so excited, I can--

film glitch 

What do I mean by that? Ever had a DVD freeze up on you? It's start to pixelate and act..."funny?" It's not so funny at a film festival premiere with several hundred people. I run to find someone to get a voice up to the projection team to try another DVD -- try anything. Stop this one, at least! It goes on for about five minutes before we get to the position where we at least have the pixelated version shut down. I grab a mic and go into showman mode. I don't know what I was talking about -- I just know I was talking and getting laughs. We sung "Take me out to the ball game". After a few minutes the projectionists were ready to try it again. 

It came up...for about a minute. Same place, same problems. Damn.

I grab the mic again. Now it's part two of my variety show. A poor-taste Sonny & Cher joke I pull out of my arse grabs a healthy laugh/"ooooh" from the audience. They're still with me. Whew!

Another five minutes roll by. We're ready to go again. Let's do it. Let's roll. So we do...and it works...and it works...oh, boy...it actually works!

And so it goes. 

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #146

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 


Monday, March 27 - Bob

Scottsdale, AZ

Get up and get to the gym -- their gym here is spectacular by the way; no broom closet with a belt-driven bike by Jack LaLanne and two mismatched dumb bells -- no siree, me. 

We head off to the A's game in Tucson. 

And...then...we...hit...trrrrrrrr.....aaaaaa......ffff.....iii....cccccc.....

No joke. After about 15 minutes of it, I say to dad how 'bout we scrap it and go catch a game up in Phoenix? He's cool with it, so across the median we roll and northbound we are. I have a pee-panic moment -- you ever get that where you have to urinate INCREDIBLY BADLY and you're driving and there should be a McDonalds or a Starbucks but there isn't and...thankfully there's construction all over Phoenix and that means port-a-potties (Or KIBO's for you Iowans)? 

So anywho, we get to the game and our ol' pal from Houston, Rudy Wrabel, is here. It was a pleasure to see him and his brother, Stephen. We also met Rudy's friend Scott, with whom he'll be making his own 30-ballpark trip this summer. Very cool. 

The game is fun but ends in a 4-4 tie after the Cubbies rallied from a 4-2 defecit in the bottom of the 9th. After the big rally the umps left the field. I guess that's pretty much that. The Cubs fans declared since they scored the last runs they won. The White Sox fans begged to differ. Good stuff. 

We went up to Frasher's Steakhouse in Scottsdale after the game which was kind enough to let us pin up a couple of posters for the screening. I had an awesome veggie burger -- I know that sounds odd to you meat-eaters but it really was delicious. 

Then it was off to the film festival. They were thrilled to see us -- took pictures, got us our passes and all that. Dad and I went into an independent film from Puerto Rico. It was pretty good -- Dad's first experience in a film festival (not including Boys of Summer). 

The festival director took me into the theater we're going to screen in on Thursday -- whoa. Talk about goose pimples. 580 seats. Biggest screen in all of Arizona. We work out some party details for Thursday -- it looks great. 

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #145

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

Sunday, March 26th - Bob
Phoenix, AZ

We road trip 750 miles from Walnut Creek to Scottsdale. We were planning on flying but the prices were just too high -- started off at about $220 (each way!) a ticket and only went up. No biggee, as my dad says, "This drive ain't no hill for a couple a climbers."

We get here -- tired, but happy, and pull into our VERY cool hotel, the Valley Ho. I hand my card over to the friendly desk clerk for incidentals and it's rejected. Huh? I ask her to try it again and she says it's not taking the $2100 charge. HUH? $2100 for incidentals on a room I haven't even been into yet?! I've been in some swank joints but...

My stomach begins to churn as I think, oh no -- did I misunderstand the terms of this thing. Was it just a reservation the festival was getting for us and we’d be on the hook for the room ourselves? As a very broke filmmaker, this prospect didn’t sit well with me.

I call Chris (festival organizer) and it turns out the film festival made the reservation late so it didn't go through with their initial rooms. A quick conversation between Chris and the hotel and it was all cleared up. Whoo hoo!

The decor his is 50's hip/chic. I am digging it, daddio. We enjoy some snacks, I hop in the hot tub for a few minutes of melt down and then it's time for bed.

Tomorrow's a big day...

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #143

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

March 1, 2006 - Bob

Walnut Creek, CA

The Boys have been invited to the Phoenix Film Festival! It takes place the last week of March – also the last week of spring training for baseball (which takes place in the Phoenix area). How perfect is that?

They’re a very good festival, top 25 according to their festival director. He went on to say he was confident we’d be getting more calls and interest after our screening there.

I’m not waiting around, though. I’ll use this info to let all the festivals we’ve applied to what’s going on. Festivals seem to go one of two ways:

1) They need your premiere -- the absolute first screening OR
2) They need another festival’s (or insider source) approval of you.

So it’s not just screening, but screening successfully that makes the following festivals possible. From what I understand many festival directors to talk to one another in making their decisions.

I have several contacts in baseball and in the Phoenix area I’ll be hitting up to help with the PR. A strong showing here could lead to national attention as all eyes are turning toward baseball now anyway.

I wish we could have found a way to get to Mumbai for the screening there, but there’s just no money flowing in that direction. It’s odd to have the film screening without us. Apparently it’s playing on opening night as part of the red carpet premiere.

As it’s proud director/parent, I send it off in the mail and wish it luck!

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #142

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

Feb. 22, 2006 - Bob
Riverside, CA

The screening was at a nice theater in Riverside where they show widely released films. It’s a great environment to be seen in because it helps legitimize the film in the audiences eye. If they could be seeing Tom Cruise in the theater just next door, it ups the perceived value of the one they’re watching.

The crowd was small -- about 25 -- but very appreciative. No one from any distribution/production company introduced themselves to us. That doesn’t mean none of them were there -- they could have been there and really disliked the film or (happy thought) may have been given instruction to just bring their notes back to the office. Yeah, I like that last one.

Our host, Nancy Douglas and the staff at the festival couldn’t have been nicer. It’s a nice feeling to be on the inside of a good festival with a budget that can do things like pay for a hotel room for us. We stayed at the historic Mission Inn, by the way and it was beautiful.

On the drive back I got a call from a woman named Joyce who identified herself as a representative from Sheen/Estevez productions. My mind did a quick twirl. Ah yes! I sent them an invite as Martin has spoken glowingly about his sons numerous times. Charlie has done his baseball work in the Major League series and Eight Men Out and Emilio’s always been an actor I’ve enjoyed, plus I heard he’d been getting into writing/directing.

She asked me what my plans with the film were. I explained, saying the highest good for the film is money in the Parkinson groups hands and awareness in the public’s eyes. She asked if I had ever thought of seeing it as feature or movie of the week project. That really caught me off guard as I hadn’t. But if that was there interest...

She asked for a copy of the film. I went to a duplication house I knew in L.A., got a copy run off immediately and had it sent over.

What would be next? I know better than to sit around and wait. But it was fun getting the call.

 

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #141

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

February 1, 2006 - Bob
Walnut Creek, CA

Even though Sundance, in and of itself, was a bust for us, there are a number of positive things happening.

Mike O’Leary, our contact from Phoenix has helped us with a contact at Harkins Theaters (the local chain there). I pitched the film to them with the idea of having a week-long screening during spring training and they are considering it. As baseball zealots across the country travel to Arizona for spring training, there is an excellent built in audience at that time who could take the story of the film with them back to their home market (opening up more screenings across the country).

I’ve also sent out 100 invites to various production/distribution companies in Los Angeles. Even if we get a little bit of interest, maybe someone will send one of their unpaid interns an hour (depending on traffic) east to check out out little film.

The mo' is rolling forward!
e-mail invite:

Subject: Boys of Summer in Riverside International Film Festival

Here's the details:

Tuesday, Feb. 21 6:30 PM
Location: University Village Theater 4226 Highland Pl, Riverside, CA 92506
Cost: $8 adults, $5 students

We are an official entry, with the prize being help in doing a digital to film transfer (huge help -- big cost) -- so please invite lots of people!
Feb. 10, 2006
Further Acceptance!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Your Documentary has been accepted for the Sport Movies & TV – 1st Mumbai International FICTS Festival.

Organized in the heart of world’s biggest film Industry BOLLYWOOD (in Mumbai, INDIA) where close to 1000 films are made every year, “Sport Movies & TV – 1st Mumbai International FICTS Festival” gives an opportunity for the filmmakers to come and interact with this throbbing film Industry to network and collaborate to jointly make more films.

The high turnout expected (all shows are likely to be packed) at the Festival will have a dynamic mix of Industry professional viz. FILM FINANCIERS, PRODUCERS, DIRECTORS, FILM STARS and regular film buffs thereby providing opportunities to be seen around and mingle with the best.

At stake are Golden Ten Awards and Silver Ten Awards for BEST FILMS / SHORT FILMS / DOCUMENTARIES in each category. The winning
films / Documentaries will get a direct entry in the Milan edition of the Festival, which takes place every year in October in Milan, Italy to compete for for the Guirlande d' Honneur worth thousands of Euros.

Films are to be judged by a top Jury comprising Professionals from the world of Cinema, Advertising, Sports and Media. There will be ample opportunities for filmmaker such as you, to interact and promote your film with many stalwarts of Bollywood, ranging from the field of direction, production to distribution. Filmmakers also get a chance to mingle with the biggest Indian and International stars at the Grand Awards & Closing Ceremony Night & Party where the stars will come out to celebrate this grand event. The topline Media will be there to witness the Winners from each category.
 

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #138

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

Dec. 22, 2005 - Bob

Walnut Creek, CA

I asked Annamaria to marry me on Dec. 18th. She was surprised, but she said yes anyway. Whew! The wedding is scheduled for Sept. 7th in Maui, to coincide with a family trip we already had planned for my parents 40th wedding anniversary. Alo-HA!

Jan. 3, 2006 - Mom

Walnut Creek, CA

At Christmas I was already coming out of it. The joy of Bob and Annamaria’s engagement was a dream come true. That they had decided to get married -- that they loved each other that much. That’s all I want -- as a mom -- that Bob would find someone that loves him as much as he love her. She treasures Bob. He is such a sensitive man -- he has such a sensitive heart. And she treasures that. I’ve always been protective of Bob’s heart. He had gotten cynical for a while about love. I was afraid he’d never find someone. I believe in marriage and he didn’t for so long.

January 22, 2006 - Bob

Park City, UT

Annamaria and I drive the 750 mile, 12-hour dealio from SF to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival. Part of me is very hesitant about this trip as I’ve screened up here during Sundance (on my own -- just as we're doing now) and had a very mixed experience. I also have the memory of the rejection letter sent to me from them that expressed their disappointment in not selecting my film that had never even been sent (follow the conundrum?). The less-doubting part of me says, this is where the deals are made and, love it or hate it, you need some of these players (or “People in black” as they’re called by the Park City locals) to come in and take this baby wide. 

I’m hoping to make (what I think is) a very unique offer to distributors: as I will not be making any money off the film, they can literally purchase the film for a donation to the National Parkinson Foundation. They get the tax write-off, they get the film and they get the publicity of looking like good guys. Win-win-win, right?

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #128

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

Mar 21, 2005 - Bob
Walnut Creek, CA

Well...a rough cut was made, though yours truly was the chief architect/editor. Mike is a great guy and an excellent editor -- his time is just not available right now as he's getting married. In all fairness, doubling his rate would have left him with the same amount, so I can understand where his loyalties may be.

I sloughed through it and REALLY enjoyed what I came out with. I showed it to my mom, dad and Annamaria in the Bay Area and got some excellent feedback. There were some blank looks and questions from time to time, but that’s okay (when I say rough, I mean it; for instance there were whole five-minute long sections with no audio. In my mind, I hear the dialogue, the voiceover, the score and the background in perfect harmony. Mom, dad and Annamaria are left with my descriptions of such things).

I am now recutting and moving forward. Mike may do some work after he gets back from his honeymoon, but that's a solid month away. In the meantime, I'll be adding, subtracting and keeping an eye on upcoming festival possibilities.

We received a fee waiver from the Seattle Film Fest. It takes place in late May/Early June. They need my cut at the end of the week. They said it’s okay if it’s rough. Okay...

Next up on the docket is an A's game in Oakland (for the final scene/denouement) -- this will wrap the movie, so dad can talk about his Parkinson’s, the progression of it and the incredible need to do things when the time is available rather than the ubiquitous "tomorrow". Our wrap-up game was scheduled for April 17th vs. the despised Angels of "Los Angeles/Anaheim" (Booooooooooo...), but, because of the Beverly Hills Film Fest (which Annamaria and I are very happy to be part of with “Luckey Quarter”), we'll be down in L.A..

As a matter of fact, Annamaria and I are loading up the trucks and moving to...well, not Beverly Hills, but Mar Vista (near Venice/West L.A.) at the end of this month. We’ve both lived in L.A. previously (before we knew each other). I have found the Vegas market has simply dried up when it comes to what I’m trying to accomplish film-wise. I need the challenge and the opportunities L.A. has to offer.

As for our wrap-up game for “Boys of Summer”, we’re now looking at May first versus the Mariners. Fingers crossed that all works out. It’s a wonder I don’t have arthritis with all this finger crossing.

After that we’re hoping for a Bay Area friends and family screening at the Parkway Theatre in Oakland. They’ve screened several other films of mine and one of their programmers, Will Viharo, has always been kind to me. I know we'll pack the house.

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #118

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

January 16, 2005 - Dad

Walnut Creek, CA

Paulette had a conversation with Monica Cooke of Aptos, CA where in she relayed to Monica my exploration into alternative approaches to treating P D. Monica told Paulette about two people she knew, one with eye cancer, one with prostate cancer who had been cured by Edward Feng, Reflexologist.

January 18, 2005 - Dad

Walnut Creek, CA

I phoned Dr. Feng to ask what experience he had treating PD. He said he had treated many successfully and I should come to see him for an evaluation. He treats people 7 days a week with no appointments except for odd hour requests.

January 19, 2005 - Bob

Walnut Creek, CA

The new year is just past a fortnight and post production presses on. 

The deadline I’ve given my editor for a rough cut is mid-February so we can submit to the Seattle Film Festival (May-June). Fingers are crossed!

My dad is really struggling with his new treatment. I can’t begin to say how courageous I think he is for going forward with it. As a man who lives by and through his logic, I think he just couldn’t see continuing on the same course that offered nothing but more of the same if there was a possibility (even one filled with unknowns) that a better solution was out there. What my dad is reaching out for is something that offers hope. The other path offered to him is one of placation. Regardless of the path of hope ever bearing fruit, it gives more inspiration on a daily basis to live well, openly and at his highest good because there is a possibility that what he’s doing may have a positive effect. 

I applaud that choice with all my heart. 

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #116

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

100% proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. 

December 31, 2004 - BOB

Las Vegas, NV

Mike is making significant progress with the film. He hopes to have a two-hour cut to show me by next week. He's very hopeful and excited about his process. I am too!

The first rough cut (for the festivals consideration ONLY) should be together by mid-February. That leaves me with a main target of Seattle’s Film Festival. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this festival and we have a tremendous amount of support up there. 

There is a lot of work to do between now and then. 

January 5, 2005 - Dad

Walnut Creek, CA

I wrote Dr. Sawchuk to explain my intention (of getting off of the Parkinson’s medications I am currently on so that I can begin the Parkinson Recovery Project) and ask his advice. 

This was his response:

I have briefly reviewed the techniques proposed. I have not seen any published literature on the results of the techniques.  

Based on what is known about Parkinson's disease (and we certainly don't know everything but do know quite a bit) I do not see how these therapies have any chance of "curing" Parkinson's disease. They might make you feel better for a short while.

  

Additionally I am concerned that you might be worse off overall coming off of medication. It seems that they offer no expectation of how much or when any benefit of their treatment will occur. I am concerned that you will spend a lot of money, be worse off while you are off of the medications, and end up no different in the end. I say this without malice or smugness and wish someone could come up with a curative treatment. Hope is not always reality though.

However, to come off of medications, I would taper the Mirapex to 1 mg 3 times per day for 3-5 days, then 0.5 mg 3 times per day for 3-5 days, then discontinue it. If you only have 1.5 mg pills, I can prescribe 0.5 mg pills for the taper. Since you didn't give me your medical record number I can't check or prescribe anything.”

I had already begun cutting back on my medication and by now was at half my previous dosage. At times I felt like scenes from movies about drug addiction. I was very anxious, unable to find a position of comfort and had great difficulty sleeping.