Guardian Angel Studios

Our Story: The Web Series (Production Blog)

2011-12-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

I wrote a short series called "Our Story" which we started filming a while back, but due to scheduling conflicts couldn't finish. I wanted to upload a picture of some of the footage just to show you what it looked like, we'll likely resume filming this in the spring after a re-write or two. Thanks for reading as always!

-Matthias Claflin

Nice Guys Finish Last Project (6)

2011-10-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well it has been over two months, and since I moved it has been near impossible to move on with this project at this time. For updates on this project and our other projects check our projects page.

New short: Waiting For Me

2011-10-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

This is a short artistic film I created with my girlfriend this past week:

Fight Scene September 2011 (4)

2011-10-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

We are finally releasing our 40 second fight scene we created not long ago.

Here it is:

As you will find in the folder you download, you do NOT have to credit me in anyway for the use of these sound effects and they can be used for any project, comercial or private. All I ask is that you please don't sell them. If you want to give them away for free, that is fine, but don't sell them. Thanks.

Fight Scene September 2011 (3)

2011-10-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Alright, so we've uploaded the footage and created a rough cut. It took a total of four hours to come to where it is now. I've been in touch with the both the people involved in shooting and they like the way it looks so far. Tomorrow we start working on sound. We'll be recording sound effects for a couple days. After we finish recording and placing sound effects, we move on to the final cut. I'll detail more on the process when we get there. We should have it finished editing by Wednesday. Here are some screen shots. Your welcome.

SONY VEGAS Timeline:

Editing:

For more screen shots, follow this link.

As always, thanks for reading.

-Matthias Claflin

Fight Scene September 2011 (2)

2011-09-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

We shot the entire fight scene and now are just waiting to upload the footage. We used a MiniDV camera and the firewire port on the camera is broken. I borrowed a friend's camera but they didn't have a power cord so it'll be a couple days before editing begins. I'll keep you all up to speed. Thanks for reading!

-Matthias Claflin

Fight Scene September 2011 (1)

2011-09-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

We shot the first day of our fight scene for September 2011 today. Here are some pics:

Practicing/creating the choreography:

We're using a bat in this one!

Got to love home-made fake blood.

Crappy image from the camera's playback:

For more pictures from behind the scenes click here.

This particular fight scene was my older brothers idea while he was home from college. Him and my younger brother fight for no reason other than for me to practice directing a fight scene and editing a fight scene. When my older brother went to college he realized that his friends had no way of seeing what him and I were capable of so he decided we should make something worth showing off. This is what we came up with. We wrap up filming tomorrow night. Editing will begin any day between Monday and Thursday next week. I'm excited!

Thanks for reading as always!

Founder - Matthias Claflin

New Script!

2011-07-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

So I was inspired by my own test, and since I tanked NGFL I thought I'd start a new project that I'd work on this winter. After I move. That way I have plenty of time for planning. Anyway, other than the video, which doesn't give much info on it, I created this banner. What do you think?

Another test

2011-07-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a snowglobe effect test I created. Just curious as to what you think! :D

Nice Guys Finish Last Project (5)

2011-07-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Today is Tuesday which means it is time for another update on our upcoming series, "Nice Guys Finish Last". We are going to have a casting call, for one male character. We haven't decided on a date as of yet, but we should have it set by Thursday. I'll let you know as soon as I have new info on that!

The reason we are only doing the casting call for one male character is because the girl to play Amy read the script this week, (and loved it, by the way), and told me she knew the perfect guy to play Andy's life long friend, Chase. That only leaves one character slot to be filled, a male, jock, anywhere from 17-19 years old. If that sounds like you, send me an email at guardianangelstudios@yahoo.com!

In other casting related news we are officially releasing the names of the actors/actresses to play Andy and Molly. Molly will be played by Anna Bailey, and Andy will be played by Matthias Claflin.

Moving right along. Yesterday was the 4th so that got me a little backtracked as far as where I wanted to be today, but ah well. As I've said before I still need a school to film at so I sent my first choice school an email on Saturday and haven't heard back yet, if I don't hear back by Thursday, I'm going to make an appointment with the principal. We'll see.

Thanks for reading!

-Matthias Claflin

Nice Guys Finish Last Project (4)

2011-06-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today, we don't have much of an update, at least not the update I would like. We are announcing that we will be holding a casting call. The place and time are yet to be determined, but we need as many people to come out as possible, and since there is only one reader of this blog that is in the area, and she is already involved, I won't be focusing too much on that.

The script, if I haven't mentioned it already, is undergoing some minor revisions, but is complete. Some dialog is being adjusted, but other than that, as far as story, characters, and scenes go, they are set in stone. It appears that we have a total of three of the five cast members and the other two will hopefully get their places filled via the casting call. We'll see.

As always if you are interested in being involved in this in any way email us at, guardianangelstudios@yahoo.com

I'm sorry this "update" wasn't much of an update, but I had to put something out, since I promised I would.

Thanks for reading!

Hope to have more for you next week!

-Matthias Claflin

Nice Guys Finish Last Project (3)

2011-06-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone again! I'm writing because I promised to talk more about my new web series concept, "Nice Guys Finish Last", however I'm not where I wanted to be today. I originally had planned on having already asked for permission, and gotten it, from a school to film there, however due to transportation issues, this is not the case.

Instead of doing that, I've done some more research into my script in order to help the school better understand how much time I will need there, when I propose the idea to them. I thought I'd share some of what I found out about my script.

First off, there are 46 scenes in the 6 episodes, this does not include the title sequence or credits. There are 12 scenes that take place in a school, almost all of them are at major plot points, where a school setting is absolutely necessary for the mechanics of the scene to work right. A school to film at, will really decide whether this production flops or not.

As far as things that could cause this production to flop, another is casting. Right now we have a two parts cast, for sure, and one actress is still unsure of making a commitment at this time. Since casting will be a huge issue. as it has already been, Anna Bailey and I decided that a formal casting call was in order. Some time in early July we will begin advertising for a casting call that will take place in the last week of July. I've decided to make two casting calls rather than just one. The idea behind this is that if an actor can't make the first one due to any kind of inconvenience then they can come to the second one. I want everyone who wants to try out to get a chance, besides it is pivotal to production to get actors that fit the rolls.

If you are interested in being part of production, whether it is as an actor, or other crew member, and you live in the Phillipsburg/Woodland/Clearfield/Hyde/Curwensville PA area, send me an email at guardianangelstudios@yahoo.com and I'll make sure we can fit you in somehow!

Anyway, as far as production news, that is about all I have. I hope you will all keep reading these and commenting. The next blog on this subject will come on Tuesday the 28th! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

-Matthias Claflin

Nice Guys Finish Last Project (2)

2011-06-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who read the last blog, and I hope you enjoyed hearing about our new project!

Today, as far as news goes, we have a name for the project! The web series will be called; "Nice Guys Finish Last". The rest of this blog will be to tell you exactly where we are in pre-production. This project officially has all the episodes written and are in their final form. There will be 6 episodes to start off. Casting will begin in July. We plan on starting production in the middle of August.

We are looking for a cast. We need 1 actress and 2 actors. They should be between the ages of 16 and 18. If you know anyone that may be interested in the Clearfield/Woodland/Curwensville/Phillipsburg PA area, send them in my direction! Anyone who is interested in being part of this production please send me an email at Guardianangelstudios@yahoo.com .Thanks!

We have just uploaded a test video onto youtube using the camera that we will be using for our series. Take a look! There is no audio from the actual camera because we didn't have our audio rig set up at the moment. Thanks so much for your interest!

If you haven't already seen, there is a post, right before this one about a DIY Dolly we made, check out the video and leave a comment!

Any questions? Feel free to comment and I'll answer what I can! Have a wonderful day/night!

-Matthias Claflin

P.S. We'll have another blog out on Thursday, the 23rd!

DIY Dolly (2)

2011-06-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

DIY Dolly

2011-06-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

Just finished my homemade camera dolly. A test video to come! Here's some pics of it!

For more pics check out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27747982@N07/sets/72157626876897273/

Have a wonderful day/night!

-Matthias Claflin-

Nice Guys Finish Last: Project (1)

2011-06-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, since Flashlight flopped, due to production problems, I have begun another script. This one is for an untitled web series. It has been in development for about 5 or 6 weeks and thought I should release a little bit about it here.

This is the synopsis:

"All around good guy, Andy, is in his senior year of high school. Since he was young he's only wanted one thing, to go to the Homecoming Dance with none other than head cheerleader, and girl next door, Amy. With the help of his old pal, Chase, and new friend Molly, he may just achieve his long time dream!"

Please feel free to check back EVERY Tuesday for more info on the new series! We'll be releasing some more info next Tuesday, the 21st, when we should have the first couple episodes written. Thanks so much for reading, see you Tuesday!

Flashlight (Updates) (2)

2011-06-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Flashlight, I'm sorry to say, has completely flopped. I'm now moving out of town so, Anna, the actress for this particular short will not be moving as well so I've decided to scrap the project until further notice. We shot the entire thing twice, only to have technical problems. Since I can't give you guys the short, considering all the technical issues, I thought it'd only be fair to post the final script. So without further ado, here it is!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" The Flashlight

Character A has turned on a flashlight then set it on a table upside down. It is very dark and you can barely see the two characters standing next to one another.

CHARACTER B

Hey, can I use that?

Character A

You want my flashlight?

CHARACTER B

Yeah, it's kinda hard to see in here.

CHARACTER A

Why? It's just a flashlight. Don't you have your own?

CHARACTER B

Well no.. What's the big deal? Can't I just use it!?

CHARACTER A

No! It's there for a reason!

CHARACTER B

Why?

CHARACTER A

Well-

CHARACTER B

Come on, I need to see!

CHARACTER A

You don't understand!

CHARACTER B

Then explain it to me.

CHARACTER A

I, I, I'm just afraid ok! When I used to shine this thing around before, people used to pick on me! I don't want to be picked on anymore...

CHARACTER B

I'm not going to-

Character A scowls at B.

CHARACTER B

(Sighs)

Ok, well where can I get a light?

CHARACTER A

(quick mood change)

I'm so glad you asked, a man gave me this great light! He is the one who gives everyone their lights!

CHARACTER B

Where is he?

CHARACTER A

Well I hear he is coming back to get all the people with flash lights, but as of right now, I'm not sure where he is.

Character B pulls out a cell phone.

CHARACTER B

Can I get his number? I really could use a flash light...

CHARACTER A

Well I don't have it. I never actually met him, I just got my light from my teacher. He's really nice!

CHARACTER B

Well maybe I should talk to him, can you lead me outta here?

CHARACTER A

Are you kidding!? I can't see a thing, I'm staying right here!

CHARACTER B

(rolls eyes)

But you have a- awe... forget it.

FADE TO BLACK:

End Title

Title

Will you share your light?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope you enjoyed that! Feel free to use/adapt it as you want.

I really would've liked to have made this into a short skit, but oh well.

Mother's Day Project Finished

2011-06-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Alright, so Mother's Day has long past, so I thought I'd let you all know that I did indeed finish it in time, and although it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, it was still really cool! Thanks everyone who read this, and enjoy! :D

Announcement! (1)

2011-06-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well I've been involved in some pre-planning on a new project! News about that project will come out Tuesday, the 14th!

Testing Video (1)

2011-06-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

This is a test I made with my girlfriend today. What do you think?

Mother's Day Project (Day 2)

2011-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

We're filming today! So excited. We learned from the our mistakes last time. We'll definitely pay much more attention to lighting this time around. Anyway, I hope it goes awesome, but we'll see! Thanks for reading!

-Matthias Claflin-

What's next?

2011-04-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

So I'm headed off to a Fine Arts "festival" this next weekend, but before that I have a crazy Palm Sunday to be involved in. Somewhere along the line I need to film more Mother's Day stuff, film Flashlight for the third time, and cast the actors for "Slugger." This is going to be a long next week. Not to mention I have to work on School work, church related miscellaneous projects and practices, as well as make time for my girlfriend (whom I love dearly). Where will I find the time!?

Anyhow, thanks for reading! Let me know what your weekend is like in the comments! :D Thanks!

Mother's Day Project (Day 1)

2011-04-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Alright so we have a HUGE project ahead for Mother's Day and I couldn't help but post some pictures for everyone to see!

We used a green screen back drop for this, and I uploaded these pics directly out of my video editor, so this is exactly how it'll look in the video.

I hope you like it. This is a Mothers' Day Project so let me know if you think the background fits alright with the rest of it! Thanks!

EDIT: So we have some new stuff up on our flickr! So go check it out! We will post updates on here as they come. Don't want to overcrowd the blog though so I'll keep it to 1 per day ;)

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27747982@N07/sets/72157626496440802/

Green Screen Test (2)

2011-04-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Possible New Project: Slugger

2011-04-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

So I talked earlier with a writer about a script. He has given us, Guardian Angel Studios permission to turn the following script into a short. We will begin planning, casting, and budgeting for the short post haste. Thanks for reading, here's the script,

SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU DONT WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT WILL BE ABOUT DONT READ ANY FURTHER!

"INDOORS. NIGHT.

(Chris and Hannah stand in a kitchen playfully smiling.)
Chris: Come on. Punch me.
Hannah: I don’t want to punch you.
Chris: You’ve got to.
Hannah: Why?
Chris: Doesn’t have to be a why. For curiosity’s sake. I want to see how tough you are.
Hannah: Like a full on punch?
Chris: Yeah! Right to the gut.
Hannah: No. You’re crazy.
Chris: Maybe, but don’t change the subject. Punch me right now.
Hannah: I said I don’t want to.
Chris: Want has nothing to do with it. I gotta see if you can hold your own tonight. Make sure I don’t have to worry when your surrounded by douchebags. Come on. Don’t make me beg for it, Hannah.
Hannah: Just one hit?
Chris: Sure. But, make it count.
Hannah: And, you won’t get angry?
Chris: I’m asking for it aren’t I?
(She gives him a look.)
Chris: I promise I won’t get angry.
Hannah: Fine.
(She sighs heavily. She lines herself up in front of Chris.)
Hannah: I don’t like violence.
Chris: Less talking. More hitting.
(She slowly forms a fist. She pauses still for a moment then punches forward.)

(Cue title on black: SLUGGER)

INDOORS. NIGHT.
(Hannah models in front of her mirror doing over the top stances in different outfits.)
Hannah: (Mimicking a man’s voice) Hey gorgeous. Can I buy you a drink?
(She models more clothing.)
Hannah: Really? You think so? I actually forgot to put on make-up. This is just me.
(More clothing.)
Hannah: This old thing? Well, if you say so.
(More clothing. She settles on an outfit and leaves her room. She passes the kitchen where Chris is eating.)
Chris: Careful out there, slugger.
(Hannah walks out of the apartment.)

OUTDOORS. NIGHT.
(Hannah gets into the passenger seat of a car. Rich is in the driver seat smoking with his window down. He throws the butt to the ground.)
Hannah: You smoking again?
(Rich looks at Hannah unamused since the answer is obvious.)
Hannah: What are your panties in a bunch for?
Rich: I’m really not feeling this party tonight.
Hannah: Come on! You said you would go with me.
Rich: I’m not breaking any promises. I’m still here.
Hannah: Yeah, but you’re not happy about it. Be happy.
(Rich forms a really fake smile then lets it fall back to a grimace.)
Hannah: At least make an effort.
Rich: I have a bad vibe about it.
Hannah: You serious?
Rich: Kind of.
Hannah: Well, stop it, and let’s get going.
(They pull out of the parking space. The car drives away.)

OUTDOORS. MORNING.
(The car pulls back in to the driveway. Rich and Hannah have very serious looks on their faces. Without saying anything Hannah opens her door and starts to get out.)
Rich: Hey, Hannah?
(Hannah stops and turns to glance at Rich.)
Rich: I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.
(Hannah leaves the car and goes toward the apartment. She goes in.

INDOORS. MORNING.
(Chris is at the kitchen table in boxers eating cereal. He sees Hannah pass.)
Chris: What’s wrong?
(Hannah peeks around the wall to look at Chris.)
Hannah: Nothing.
Chris: Bull****. What’s wrong?
(Hannah slowly travels over to the table and sits.)
Hannah: Why are things so messed up sometimes?
Chris: I’m not a philosopher, Hannah. What happened?
Hannah: A guy at the party… tried to rape me.
Chris: Are you alright?
Hannah: I’m fine.
Chris: Who’s the d*****bag?
Hannah: I don’t know.
(Flashback to when Hannah went to punch Chris. She goes through with it, and Chris barely reacts.)
Hannah: I was lucky. You know?
Chris: Yeah.
(Hannah stares despondently at Chris’s bowl.)
Hannah: Your cereal’s getting soggy.

INDOORS. AFTERNOON.
(Hannah is in a gym. She finds a punching bag, glares at it, then begins to punch it. Flashes go up between punches of a man attacking her. It doesn’t show her escaping.)

CREDITS "

Author's blog: http://peartreejournal.tumblr.com/

Flashlight (Updates)

2011-04-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

So a couple days ago I realized that my DV Tape with "Flashlight" on it was not actually ruined. It has all the footage on it. I have to do a lot of editing to it though, which is kinda upsetting, cause I didn't plan for this much work, but it should turn out just fine. We'll see. Anyway, going to be editing that the next couple days. Hope it all works out!

Did another test yesterday!

2011-04-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Finished a test yesterday with my green screen. I'm pretty proud of how well it did, however it still wasn't a perfect key. Oh well, here it is.

A new project already!? Mothers day.

2011-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

So the pastor's wife at our church approached me the other day about working on a video project for Mother's day. I'm not allowed to say much, however I'll probably be working on this in the next couple days, before I get to produce "Flashlight" which is kinda a bummer, but maybe I'll be able to get more interest for "Flashlight" from the people at our church through this. We'll see!

Once again, thanks for reading! I'll write some more pretty soon!

Flashlight (Filming Day 2)

2011-04-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

Alright so we filmed the rest of Flashlight tonight, only to find out our film (DV Tape) was completely ruined! Not exactly sure why, or what happened, but something definitely ruined it! We should be reshooting for this in the upcoming week with a full crew, but we'll see! Thanks for reading, We'll get back to you after our next reshoot!

Flashlight (Filming Day 1)

2011-04-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

So today we started filming on our new "short" titled "Flashlight." We found out today that the place we wanted to film, has a really bad echo problem, so we will be looking for an alternative place tomorrow. Anyway, let you guys know what happens later on! Thanks for reading!

Teaser poster for my new script

2011-03-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

New Script!

2011-03-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

So I wrote a second script (and I haven’t even finished the first one!) This one is based on Luke 8:16. I hope everyone likes it! I personally love it, but there’s always room for improvement! I’ll be making this into a short skit for church that I’ll film. So we’ll see.

SCRIPT:
The Flashlight
Character A has turned on a flashlight then set it on a table upside down. It is very dark and you can barely see the two characters standing next to one another.
CHARACTER B: Hey, can I use that?
CHARACTER A: You want my flashlight?
CHARACTER B: Yeah, it’s kinda hard to see in here.
CHACACTER A: Why? It’s just a flashlight. Don’t you have your own?
CHARACTER B: Well no.. What’s the big deal? Can’t I just use it!?
CHARACTER A: No! It’s there for a reason!
CHARACTER B: Why?
CHARACTER A: Well-
CHARACTER B: Come on, I need to see!
CHARACTER A: You don’t understand!
CHARACTER B: Then explain it to me.
CHARACTER A: I, I, I’m just afraid ok! I’m not sure it’ll be good enough!
CHARACTER B: (Sighs)Ok, where can I get a light?
CHARACTER A: (quick mood change)I’m so glad you asked, a man gave me this great light! He is the one who gives everyone their lights!
CHARACTER B: Where is he?
CHARACTER A: Well I hear he is coming back to get all the people with flash lights, but as of right now, I’m not sure where he is.
Character B pulls out a cell phone.
CHARACTER B: Can I get his number? I really could use a flash light…
CHARACTER A: Well I don’t have it. I never actually met him, I just got my light from my teacher. He’s really nice!
CHARACTER B: Well maybe I should talk to him, can you lead me outta here?
CHARACTER A: Are you kidding!? I can’t see a thing, I’m staying right here!
CHARACTER B: (rolls eyes)But you have a- awe… forget it.

FADE TO BLACK

END TITLE: Will you share your light?

//END SCRIPT\\

So what’d you think? What should I change?

Script Updates! (1)

2011-02-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

This is a quick update on my script. I’m sort of at a stand still with the current scene as I am a guy and I’m trying to write a scene of dialog between two teenage girls, so my girlfriend will be coming over Sunday to give me a hand with the dialog! I’m super excited that she’s going to collaborate on this with me! Thanks Anna :D

Scene 2

2011-02-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

EXt. The rest of the story

Ben and Kate are sitting at a coffee place outside at a table with an umbrella.

BEN

And that's when the power went out... It was something else.

Kate

Oh yeah? What caused it? Do you know?

BEN

One of the kids decided it would be a good idea to plug one more thing in the kitchen, it wasn't.

KATE

Oh, I see.

Ben

The kids went nuts.

KATE

As I can imagine. Well I have to go, I have work in a couple minutes, thanks for the coffee.

BEN

No problem, see you later Kate.

fade To:

Scene 1

2011-02-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

FADE IN:

INT. YOUTH ROOM.

Youth has just finished and Ben is releasing the youth group.

Ben

Hey everyone, we have snacks at the snack bar, and plenty of drinks! Feel free to help yourselves.

Ben walks up to Zoe.

BEN

Hey Zoe! Where ya' been lately. We've missed you at youth group.

Zoe shrugs.

BEN

Well what have ya' been up to?

Zoe looks toward the back of the room and sees Samantha a couple seats back looking at them.

ZOE

(Zoe is very hesitant to talk about any of this.)

Stuff...

BEN

(Gestures at a seat as he sits down in the adjacent seat.)

Why don't you tell me about it?

ZOE

(uncomfortable)

Well it looks like I've got to go, see ya Ben.

BEN

(Noticing that something is wrong?)

Alright... Talk to you later.

SAMANTHA

Hello Ben, you wanted to speak with me?

BEN

(distracted)

Oh... Right, I was thinking about getting some help around here, and I was wondering if you would be interested in lending a hand?

SAMANTHA

That sounds appealing, what would you be having me do?

BEN

Well, I need some help with the audio-visual systems in the room. We haven't had any problems with it lately, but I find it hard to preach and try to run it all at once. What do you say?

Samantha

That sounds splendid! Do you mind if I go explore the system?

BEN

No, not at all. Enjoy.

Samantha heads to the audio-visual station.

Ben rolls eyes and walks to join the teens.

BEN

How goes it over here?

The Power suddenly shuts off and the scene freezes.

Cut TO: