Crackin' The Code: The Movie

What is New

2010-01-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

Well it is now 2010 and we are steadily moving toward new production opportunities. But before we can get to those, we need to get some closure with Crackin' The Code. What does that men? Well it means the availability of the film on DVD for a mass market. Very soon we will be announcing where and when you can find our film available for download and purchase.
But that isn't all. Code has been getting some attention from distributors as well. We are carefully weighing options...carefully! Another fun note is that an Italian televison station has written us asking us if they can potentially purchase the rights to show our movie in Italy! Very fun. More on this as it develops.
Locally, we may be showing the film at Portland Community College as a part of its 2010 Art Beat event. That will happen in March...agin more to come as it becomes more and more clear.

BITES for Distribution!

2009-11-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hello all. Been a while since I updated this page! I just wanted to let everyone know that we have begun to recieve inquieries about obtaining the distribution rights for our film. This is very exciting. We are already in pre-production for our next project and it is time for the Code to get out to a larger audience. More information to come as we hear more. Wish us luck!

CRACKIN THE CODE soon to be available on DVD

2009-11-16T15:15:00.001-08:00

What's that you say? How come I don't have my copy of the best Dick Flick to date? Well the wait will soon be over my friends. Harold Phillips and Steve Coker are making arrangements to make "Crackin' the Code" available online to order.
The DVD will include the un-rated director's cut of the film...Oh wait. It was never rated and it has always been this cut...okay so that's settled. It will also include the following bonus features: Behind the Scenes Footage. Alternate Takes. Director and Cast Commentary. And More!
We will keep you updated on the progress and shout out when you can order it online!
See ya soon!

Code to Upload

2009-09-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Well I have been working hard to get Crackin The Code out to the public. We are currently preparing the DVD extras for the DVD to be sold on line....as well as creating a digital download version for distribution on line. It is our hope that the movie will find it's audience through word of mouth and become a cult film...LOL Shaaaa Right!
Anyway, we will have DVDs soon for cast and crew and a web address to send people to if they would like to download a digital copy of the film for themselves.

Crackin' The Code: The Radio Show??????

2009-06-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

So beginning July 27th, 2009...Crackin' The Code becomes a weekly radio program.

What does that mean? It means that you will be able to hear the crazy antics of "The Code" cast, crew, and friends at 8pm Monday nights on KOUG Live Streaming Internet Radio.

Find them here:
http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/kougradio/

On the premier episode, look for the grand trio of John San Nicolas, Illya Torres, and Jon Ashley Hall to join Steve in the studio as they talk about things from the male perspective.

Then new co-hosts on a weekly basis...live and local music, sketches, interviews, and a Star Wars segment? Sure why the fuck not....

If you would like to join in the fun or make suggestions for guests and subject matter, please e-mail us at info@crackinthecode.com.

Music, fun, and frivolity every week!

SCREENING ANNOUNCED

2009-03-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

So I am here to announce the Screening for "Crackin' The Code"

April 18th here in Beautiful Downtown Beaverton at The Kingstad Center! www.kingstad.com

We are actually going to be holding two screenings on that day. One for friends and family, and one for Cast, Crew, Press, Supporters, and Invited VIP's. Times to be announced later...

In addition we are awaiting acceptance to the Brooklyn International Film Festival, and final confirmation on Cairo.

Chris Davis (Editor) and I have spent the last week reworking the films sound...laying in ADR and Foley...and Galvin (DP) has been color correcting...and, damn, this film is looking great and sounding better then before!

I was also informed that I will be joining the staff for this summer's Film Camp (Check it out HERE). I will be teaching Acting for Film for teenagers 13-17 here in Portland, and I am psyched to be a part of it.

Another recent development is that I have been invited to be the exclusive casting director for KPDX/FOX in-house commercial division. I am excited to be involved with this team and am looking forward to casting tons of locals in some local commercials...Ye-Ha!

More to come...stay tuned!

Updates Galore!!!

2009-03-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

ZAP, ZAP!!!!!
Ah...can it be? Another update so soon? Yep.
ADR is done, dialogue is layed in and synced out to audio tracks and now Mik...the amazing...is laying them in and mixing them down.
On the picture front...
Chris Davis is laying in "The Mercedes Rose Show" A fictitious cable access show which plays in the background of one of the scenes in the film. One has to wonder if the entire show might be featured on the DVD....maybe! It stars one of Portland's most workinest actresses and features a surprise guest. More on that later.
Galvin Collins is deep in color correction folks. making an already pretty picture gorgeous.
And me?
Well, Patricia Adkins and I are negotiating with a prominent 60/70's sci-fi writer to acquire the rights to adapt one of his novels into a film. More on that as it develops. Teee Heeee!!!!!
Keep checking back for "Crackin' The Code" screening dates and times to be announced soon.

Steve

Post Production Sound? Hells Yes!

2009-03-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

Long time no Blog...so everyone keeps asking: "When's the film gonna be done?" I have an answer!!!
We will have the film finished and ready to be seen on March 16th. As it stands now, we are finishing up the post production sound. ADR and Foley...Music it's all here!!!!
We have a deadline to make a festival in EGYPT! We are an official selection of the International Film Festival in Cairo in April, so it is a race to the finish line now...and all the actors who hopped beyond hope that we wouldn't have to do any ADR are all huddling around a mic and re-recording their lines. But check out our laurel!

Very exciting to receive this official notification. We will keep you updated as things progress....including the announcement of the when and where we will be screening here in Portland. It is almost here.

Rough Edit Viewed and Reviewed

2009-01-11T11:36:00.000-08:00

So with a huge pot of Jambalaya on the stove, coupled with some of Gea's amazing Sweet Potato Biscuits...we all sat down to watch the rough edit of the film on Saturday afternoon.
When I say rough edit I refer to the state of the sound as we have picture at 99% at this point. And we have lined up a sound designer who is excited to get things crackin'!

Overall the film worked like a charm...I was so proud of the work everyone did and I am excited by the response we got form the "Test Audience"...tons of laughs. Once we have sound locked (fixed) we will have a formidable film that I think will find an audience very easily.

I am looking forward to showing the film to a large audience soon.

New Pod Cast Available

2008-12-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

Last night my editor GB Barker sat me down for a Pod Cast session. She proceeded to interview me about the film and it's progress....We had a nice chat and some fun too. You can check it out at www.switchpod.com or on itunes...just search for "Crackin' The Code" on either site and you will be directed to it. If you haven't become a follower of it, do so. It is worth it...LOL

Crackin' The Trailer

2008-11-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

We've finished the first live action trailer! Come check it out at: www.crackinthecode.com Or you can look at it right here!

NEW VIDEO ADDED TO SITE

2008-10-05T21:14:00.001-07:00

Friday, Chris brought me the movie files so I could get to work on logging my picks for performance, and hopefully hasten the editing process by being able to share files via the internet. One tid-bit I found was a video segment shot moments after we wrapped our ninth day of Principle Photography.

I have uploaded it to our movie web site: www.crackinthecode.com.

You can find it under Media/Videos.
John San Nicolas, Jon Ashley Hall, Illya Torres-Garner, Harold Phillips, and myself can be seen commenting on the day as we pack up for the night. Come check it out....Move video to come...as well as the much anticipated live action film trailer.

Crackin' The Code: The On-Line Store

2008-09-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Announcing the most ambitious attempt at marketing ever conceived. We are actually offering movie merchandise before the movie is even finished!!! That's right! No where else will you find such a collection of non-relevant products. High-quality, yet non-relevant products...okay so they are relevant if you were in the film...or worked on the film...and they will become relevant once the film is edited and released...but that shouldn't stop you from being the first to own some of these fabulous products.

Look at Jon Ashley Hall here...he is wearing an ACME Bowling shirt and he is super happy. We have tons of products to choose from and they can all be yours at the click of a button and the clickity clack of a keyboard as you enter in your credit card information.

George Lucas had the right idea...and I want nothing more then to exploit my actors likenesses for cash and fame! Please help me become just like George Lucas...old and rich! Check out the store.
Here is the link http://www.cafepress.com/crackinthecode. Happy Shopping.

THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE IS UP AND RUNNING!!!!

2008-09-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

That's right! After several months of planning and procrastination, the official movie site is up and running...

Here is the link to the site!

www.crackinthecode.com

I hope everyone will get a chance to check it out...but know this...It is still a work in progress.

We still need to upload the BTS pictures, The Screen Shots, and work a bit on the Supporting Cast Page. I am compiling information now to have that done soon...hopefully by the weekend.

Chris and Galvin are working tirelessly (well maybe not tirelessly...they are pretty tired) to get the footage in a form suitable for editing...and we are all feeling like this thing, though huge in scale, will be finished soon and we can all view the final film and Ohhhh and Ahhhhh and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done...then on to the next phase of this thing...Marketing!
Oh my god!

WHO'S THIS "GUY"?

2008-09-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well he's back by popular demand! Once more "The Guy" makes an appearance in The Code..."The Guy", played by Michael Benson, has to be one of my favorite characters in the film...so much so I actually put him in an additional scene in the movie. I won't ruin it for you, but know that I think it is funny...and anyone who has worked with me as a stage director will tell you that I am sure that "I know funny"!

Here we see "The Guy" relaxing with a delicious PMC...Ah that cool and refreshing premium lager goes so well with a shot of Wild Turkey, doesn't it Guy? I wanted to say that I have had Michael and his lovely wife Bianca in a lot of my short films over the years and they have always come through for me and made their roles memorable. Mike and B are two of Gea's and my favorite people...I just wanted to share that and say, Thanks!

VILLAGE OF THE CODE!!!

2008-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

So Thursday night we ventured forth to film the, previously ill fated, scene 30! The car chase!! Well it isn't technically a "Car" Chase! It was Illya driving a car and Jon running full bore down the street.
It was an exciting night of shooting since we didn't have permission to film, and my Jeep was festooned with illegal light sources, and Galvin wasn't wearing his seat belt...
We decided to shoot this chase (more truthfully an homage to Ferris Bueller's Day Off) in Multnomah Village, so we packed up the Jeep and rigged it with the Coker-flex V6.0...
INGENIOUS!!!! And it worked like a charm. We got all the footage we needed in like...4 hours! It would have been quicker but, unfortunately, The Village is filled with Gawkers and Looky-Loos. Who knew the place would be so jumping at 10:45 on a weeknight? Onto the weekend...and the final shoot at The Slingshot Lounge.

THE BATTLE RAGES ON

2008-08-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

As we continue to shoot, we find that the elements have turned against us. This past Sunday our brave band of filmmakers had scheduled a sneak attack on the unsuspecting, and yet, totally deserving scene 30...aka "The Car Chase"
Unfortunately, as our heroes raced towards the predetermined destination, it began to rain...not just rain...but RAIN! And we were forced to call off the night's shoot. Bummer!!
Unfortunately for Steve, this has caused a bit of a setback in scheduling...and as a result his guard was down and the "Dark Side" of the film was able to claim him as its new Apprentice..."Oh, I'm afraid the shield generator will be quite operational when your friends arrive!!!!"

In other news..."On The Wrong Foot" premiered at the Washougal International Film Festival this past Friday.
Unfortunately this festival, though it is only its first year, was a bit of a let down.
The facilities for showing the productions were lacking in every way. They had set up screening rooms in unfinished strip-mall stores with cheesy projectors and staff who couldn't make half the DVD submissions play...they didn't even bother to black out the windows, so it was difficult to even see the films. I hope they take a bit more time to prepare next year...it would be nice for there to be such a cool event so close to home. Good point...All six people at our screening enjoyed the film...LOL Look for more later.

Lazy Eye Film at Washougal Festival This Weekend

2008-08-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

This Friday our short film, "On The Wrong Foot" is screening at The Washougal International Film Festival.

This is a short film, Gea and I created in 2006 for the 48hr Film Festival. Here is some press about the film;

"...The 48 Hour Film Project is more about the joy of the collaborative process (and no sleep) than the cinematic end result. Of this year's films, all of which were screened Aug. 16 and 17, many were poorly made, relied too heavily on potty humor and were, at times, utterly incoherent.
But a few shining jewels made the first-round screening worth watching. On this Thursday's program, keep an eye open for WW's picks, team Cinema Syndicate's mockumentary Tooth and Nail about a vampire running for state Senate and Lazy Eye Films' meticulous silent comedy, On the Wrong Foot. These films were well-produced and well-edited, and they underscore the power of what independent filmmakers with good ideas, digital technology—and a little NoDoz—can do. " -JAMES BOYDA Willamette Week, Issue 32.42

We ended up receiving the Audience Choice and Best Acting Ensemble Awards for the festival that year, but we weren't chosen to move on in the competition. With such a tight deadline, we weren't able to get the full score added at the time so we laid in the sound of a reel to reel projector, which was a tad tedious to hear for seven minutes...but after the fact we were lucky enough to have my good friend Quinton Rice write a full articulated score for the film which in my opinion makes the film work 100%. I think if we had had the music on the film at the 06 competition, we would have won for the Portland Leg.

Marcella Laasch who is also in "Crackin' The Code" was featured in the film and did an amazing job...as did the rest of the cast. The film has since been an official selection at the Barcelona International Film Festival, and now here in Washougal.

It will be showing at 1pm. I am hopeful to get out there this week and see the world's funniest seven minute poop joke! Check out the site and see what the festival has to offer.

Still Shooting....Almost There!

2008-08-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true. We are still shooting. We have had a few scheduling set backs but are still on track to have all photography wrapped up by August 30th. As you can tell from this picture it was all fun and games for the crew...I'm not sure what Galvin has up his sleeve...or possibly my sleeve from the looks of it, but it is obvious he is enjoying himself.

This past weekend we all converged on Mike and Bianca Benson's home to film the much anticipated Scene 31. A lovely scene with exciting bits and a lot of running around for Mr Jon Ashley Hall, who plays Bill our ill-fated lead.

Here we see him preparing to jump the hedge wall at the Benson's for the ump-teenth time. See how sweaty he is. Poor baby. Jon really put himself into the scene by running around the block and running in place between takes to capture the feeling of having had to run across town..."Try acting, old boy!"

And even though Illya Torres-Garner was given the wrong directions, we still were able to shoot and get out on schedule.

DP Galvin Collins and his crew (Editor Chris Davis) did an amazing job of lighting the exterior of the Benson home, despite the slight annoyance of a small amount of rain that threatened us with a dousing.

We are set to shoot this upcoming weekend as well...finally we will shoot the car chase and be one step closer to completion of this amazing undertaking. We will keep you informed.

Don't Celebrate Just Yet!!!!

2008-07-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

So we have finished a long week of filming...and it was awesome....and it was stressful.... and it was educational.... and it was fruitful.... but...we ain't out of the woods yet.

Yep most of the film is in the can...the digital can...but we still have a few scenes and odds and ends to clean up. We will be looking to do that here over the next month or so, then it is into the studio to edit and lay sound and effects..then, and only then, will we have a movie. But we will have a movie...and a damn impressive one.

As we began this process I knew I had a great cast and a tremendous crew and the heart and drive to get it done...I want to thank each of the people who have given of themselves to help realize this artistic endeavour. You all have earned my awe and respect and I will always be greatful. Thank you!

Pompadour and Stiletto Arrive!!

2008-07-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Well, at long last, the first image of Pompadour has been realized.

Pompadour and Stiletto are a comic concept that my wife, Gea, and I came up with one night after a binge...they are a crime fighting duo in an urban...futureistic...neo-noir setting. We fully intend upon developing these characters into a four volume graphic short story...and decided to tie it into Crackin' The Code, by having our main character, Bill, be the creator of the comic in the film.

Recently, I contacted Scott Roller, an amazing artist who has been working freelance with Wizards of The Cost and TSR games developing character sketches and concept art for their publications and miniatures. We had meet over drinks a few years ago at The Jolly Roger (One of our film locals). I always knew I wanted to work with Scott on a project...I had no idea it would be this one.

Scott has been hard at work realizing our vision of the vigilantes...and this image is the first one to cross my desk. I LOVE IT! It is exactly what I had in mind...I am so excited to see more...
Look for a Comic Cover in the film! It's gonna rock!

And Now The Time Is Near...

2008-07-17T08:00:00.001-07:00

"Hey everyone!! Come see how good I look"

Rock on Patti! This is Patti Adkins, Associate Producer extraordinaire! On the night this picture was taken, Patti was a grip, script supervisor, location coordinator, producer, AND cord wrangler! Good job Patti! And Thank You!

This is the kind of dedication we have been experiencing on this film. Everyone is so willing to help in any way possible...all focused on making this film a success. I am truly blessed with a fine crew and cast.

So it is Thursday...two days before we get shooting in earnest...a nine day monster schedule that will culminate into "Crackin' The Code"

Even though wee have been shooting here and there over the past couple of weeks, it still feels like we really start on Saturday. It will be a marathon for sure...but damn worth it.

So to all the cast and crew who are making this possible...thank you...now...in advance... You all rock hard tasty abs!

He Probobly Had It Comin'

2008-07-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Once again the Code Crew hits the streets to film another scene...this time in the fabled Northern Land known to so many as "The 'Couve".
We shot on a breezy, cold, summer's eve outside Crosley Lanes...the bowling alley that my friends and I frequented in my late twenties and early thirties...back then it was a rustic, charm filled mega-plex! (Or...dump!)...now it shines in day-glow splendor...a bit too shinny to be the Alley of our script...BUT the outside is still rockin' so it serves as the backdrop for our tale.
Now I apologise to John St. Nicolas for breaking his jaw, but he probably had it comin'. We continue to film this week...more updates to come.

And So It Begins....

2008-07-08T22:47:00.001-07:00

Yes...John San Nicolas...I am just as excited as you are to get going...Well, maybe not...Dude, creepin' a bit!

Tomorrow night we begin shooting again, and it is pretty damned awesome. Every time we get a new scene in the can, I feel better. And tomorrow is just the tip of the iceberg since we have three other shoots planned for this week.

One bit of weirdness happened today though, and I thought I'd share it with you all. I was at work and my cell rang...it was a woman in Nevada who worked at a hotel. Apparently she found a copy of our script in one of the hotel rooms, found my name on page 120, and called me to let me know I had left it behind. WHAT? Nevada? Who the hell was in Nevada with a copy of my script? She asked me what she should do with it, and I replied, "Read it."
If anyone has any idea what is up with this, please let me know....

MySpace Contracts "The Code"

2008-07-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yep! We've made the leap to MySpace with the new MySpace page for Crackin' The Code!
I find it hilarious that we have only been up and running on MySpace for a couple days and already there are 10 times as many friends signed on then I have in my personal MySpace account that I have been running for a couple years! OUCH! Well I am gonna chalk it up to a more interesting subject...go check it out and join our group of friends...let's get the word out...THE CODE IS COMING!!!! Check out the site at...
http://www. myspace. com/crackinthecodemovie

PROMO POSTERS DONE

2008-07-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well, after all this time the poster is finished. And yes, it may seem familiar to you! It's true I am ripping off one of the greats...John Hughes. Something about those films spoke to me when I was a teen and the themes of High School angst don't fade away but change...I wanted to reflect that in the film and in the poster...PLUS...what an eye catcher...you have to do a double take.
We also ripped off a couple other posters...check em out here... CLICK ME
Don't forget too post thoughts and stuff...

iTunes accepts Crackin The Code Pod Cast

2008-06-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

So on the first night of shooting June 15th, I broke out my Blue Snowball mic and interviewed John San Nicolas about the movie and what not intending to start a pod cast to promote the film and as an avenue for fun and creativity...since then we have recorded several episodes. They are somewhat cheeky and irreverent...as you can imagine. Once I found a site to host the pod cast, I submitted it to iTunes for consideration as I was aware that you can upload your stuff to them and they will make it available if they like it...well...they approved the show and now you can find us at this link:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=283665321

...Or by searching my name in the pod cast section of the iTunes store. If you do not have access to the iTunes (...Living under a rock much?) Then you can go to :

www.switchpod.com

...and search for "Crackin The Code" OR in a few days go to our website:

www.huntersmoonproductions.com

...and follow the "Code" links to the "Pod Cast" button.

Tell everyone! We want to create a buzz about the movie and it is through this type of networking that we can do so.

Days Of Shooting...Shot...

2008-06-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple weeks, we have been fortunate in being able to get a few scenes in the can, figuratively speaking of course. Firstly, we shot a scene with Illya and John San Nicolas. It was great...and an opportunity for the crew to work together and test out our work flow. Other than my computer being a bit slow, everything worked out well. We also had a 13 hour day last Saturday filming several scenes with Marcella and Jonathan...that shoot was amazing. We got a lot of work done and had a blast.

Brando/Wells Love Child Found

2008-06-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

So, Galvin took this picture of me and I love it. I told Galvin that I could never use it though, because if I choose to use it, I look like an arrogant ass...BUT...if someone else used it, I come off as a tortured artist!

So funny how brilliant and arrogant are separated by such a thin premise.

I would make that the subject of a new poll, but I'm afraid I already know what the outcome would be...and Unanimous I am guessing.

CRACKIN' TO GET CRACKIN EARLY

2008-05-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

So Galvin our talented DP spoke and decided it might not be a bad idea to get going sooner then later...we are looking at starting some principle photography as soon as June 7th. I think we will start with the Victoria and Bill scenes...start it off with a bang!!! I will keep you all posted.

Boys On Their Own

2008-05-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I went to meet "The Boys" at Jonathan's house...we drank some beers and ran through a scene or two and then played some croquet. I had a camera with me and we captured some rehearsal...and a couple other gems. Check them out on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/itslazyeyefilms

Share Your Code Crackin' Story...(you sneaky bastards)!

2008-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Please post comments describing how you have broken "The Code"....come on, be honest....you've broken it before haven't you? Here is your chance to come clean and save your eternal soul!

And take our Blog Poll....It's over there to the right...

Wow my first blog. So cool.

2008-05-13T22:47:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Crackin' The Code: The Movie Blog. This blog is set up as a place to catalogue and document the progress of Hunter's Moon Productions' first feature film...

CRACKIN' THE CODE

Never heard of it...I'm not too surprised....it's new. Since you are just hearing about it, let me enlighten you a bit.

Crackin' The Code is the first full length feature from writer/director Steve Coker and is labeled as "a comedy of questionable morals." Here is the log line.

Bill has never been lucky in love...until now. Suddenly a beautiful woman has thrown herself at his feet proclaiming her undying love.
Unfortunately this beauty happens to be his best friend's, soon to be, ex wife.
Now Bill must make a decision: Should he go for the girl, or uphold the unwritten male code and run the other way!

So you can imagine the hi jinx that ensue from that situation. You can check out a bit more about the film, including cast lists, audition tapes, crew listings, and even a two scene script sample on our official web site: http://www.huntersmoonproductions.com/.