December 9, 2007
Again, standard reminder. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. do not count in this feature. The idea is for me to save time by just letting loose whatever I have to, quickly - given that I don’t have the time to be Encyclopedia Full Time Blogger.
Deep Thoughts from the few days prior, here.
10:30 A.M.
“Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind”. Never saw it. It spins now in the background. Same story, but he had to invent the action, missions fictional, the drive for purpose. A dream without gasoline.
Valuable data may have been lost while cutting last night. Anxious, need to find.
Do you know what the news is today? I don’t. Yet.
10:38 P.M.
Good news - you haven’t heard from me because I’ve been working my actually quite well-shaped ass off. Bad news is I’ve got to be up most of the night to finish, board a plane at about 7 A.M, and hit the L.A. editing studio at 9:30. Once again, I don’t write this shit to complain, but if the notion of a daily blog is that it is in part to be a personal diary, than this is the shit I’ve got to write about. Cos it’s the biggest shit going on, and it’s the most important shit going on as far as the kernal theme that spawned the whole site in the first place goes.
Be respectful of others and their opinions. Inflammatory remarks and inane leftist drivel will be deleted. It ain’t about free speech, remember you’re in a private domain. My website, my prerogative.
If you can't handle using your real email address, don't bother posting a comment.
Pat, baby … Hold on. Sounds as if you’re nearing a breaking point. Get some fresh air and hang in there. We’re all here pulling for you.
December 9th, 2007 at 12:07 pmI’m fine. Just dashing off notes with the flair of a bad poet cos i is quite busy.
December 9th, 2007 at 12:46 pmTake half a Xanax with a whiskey. You’re freakin out!
Actually, only you understand the gravity of creating the best possible presentation of your work to the world. It’s gotta be stressful. Always sending much support your way!
December 9th, 2007 at 12:50 pmLook guys, it’s real simple. I’m in a very serious battle for this thing to be done right, NOT FRICKIN heartless slick shit, and there are serious deadlines, etc. What LadyA has done a quite impressive job of divining is the “freaking out” part, and there’s a very specific reason. Have shown the cuts to a few people yesterday without telling them anything about any disputes, etc, just a basic, “hey Ive done two cuts of this episode what do you think?”, and the responses are universally so heavily against the other editor’s cut, that I’d rather cut my wrists than sign off on it, and yet, I face a titanic battle about it with my partners. Which leads to very large problems which could crater the Showtime deal. The resonses to my cut run along the lines of “It was very difficult and disturbing to watch, I wanted to stop looking but just couldn’t, traumatizing but mesmerizing, since Showtime’s showing that at 10 PM I literally don’t know if I could fall asleep after seeing it, it makes me very emotional about those Marines, I have so much respect for these kids, I’ve learned more about this war in 30 minutes than in 5 years of news”. To the other cut, I get, “Yeah, it shows some sad stuff, but its kind of forgettable…very polished, though…’”
“Freaking out”, ie taking it all quite seriously, is the only sane and responsible response on my part.
December 9th, 2007 at 12:56 pmPlus I have yet to finish all the shit that needs to be done to my cut, and I’ve got a deadline…
Stick to your guns as much as possible. You know the context of your footage. I also think you have a pretty good idea of what America would feel in regards to what is shown. Sorry I can’t be more help to you. God Speed!
December 9th, 2007 at 1:31 pmPat - Here is a big ole’ Texas mama HUG for you - keep on fighting! We are behind you 100%.
December 9th, 2007 at 2:33 pmShowtime is fucked in the head if they want this cut down and glossed over to fit some hollywood viewpoint. This is not made up Dexter crap, this is the real shit and it needs to be shown as you want it.
Do they know what they have?
So what if the viewer finds it disturbing, if they do it is because so much of what we see and are told in most media is so sanitized they are detached from the reality of war.
This could do so much for Showtime, they are fools if you have to walk.
December 9th, 2007 at 2:48 pmPat,
December 9th, 2007 at 3:50 pmI have no idea what such a deadline would do to someone. but what i do know is, that this documentary could turn out to be ground shaking, i think it will be. Just letting people see the reality of what our troops are going through on our behalf. Giving them a glimpse into what our enemies are like, their ruthlessness.
Maybe the remaining dipshit crowd in this country will finally jump on board after the images sink into their self absorbed heads. finally realize its not for oil or Bush settling a score, but a struggle for life and death.
Anyways, God bless ya man and keep up the awesome work
Pat:
What ever does not make it in, there can ALWAYS be a directors cut edition.
You know, people are going to want to see it all. Even if you can’t fit it all in now. Only you can create and put our your message as you see fit.
Praying for ya!
December 9th, 2007 at 4:06 pmPat,
I don’t have ShowTime. If your show goes on and you are happy with your final work then I’ll get ShowTime just to watch YA.
I’ve seen your YouTube rough cuts and am quite impressed. Keep your head down and push forward.
December 9th, 2007 at 4:06 pmLftBhndAgn,
“Directors Cut Edition” is the biggest scam going in Hollywood.
December 9th, 2007 at 4:32 pmFuck the director’s cut. How about the only product bing the director’s cut. I FINANCED THIS - I don’t owe any mohtefucker any other cut. Why have a piece of shit with my name on it for year until a “director’s cut”/ Why not do it right the first time?
The biggest issue is that if I fire Tony and Ridley Scott, then Showtime may feel awkward obout having bad blood between them and the Scotts. But I have my plans.
And latstly, wth all due respect, I can get this bitch out and seen to a huge nationanl audience without Showtime. With all due respect, my media connections run deep and wide, I can have major, MAJOR media promoting/selling the project to a fuck of a lot more people than Showtime will put together on their own. Hell, the story of “Hollywood tries to censor Dollard’s real “Young Americans” - was it political ?” becomes a pretty damn big news story that will only help people to get it via wihatever venue I ultimately choose.
Not a day goes by lately that I fail to remember why I got out of that cesspool of fake tough-guys in the first place. Hollywood is like a bunch of gangsters who are actually entire fucking wimps but play the bad-ass because they can say yes or no to financing or disribution. i”d like to see anyone of these Prada tough guys on patrol for just ten minutes. Then the truth of their nerdy gay-ass natures would be exposed, as the armor of a fancy beverly hills address and the list of clients and financing approval power disappears. Civilian bullies who think that conning a writer or outsmarting a studio executive, or snaking credit within the system of their agency or studio is the mark of a man worthy enough to be called a man, are very deluded and pathetic inidividuals indeed.
Hollywood is a land of faux gangster faggots with no balls.
December 9th, 2007 at 4:46 pm“Hollywood is a land of gangster faggots with no balls.”
Amen. Pat.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:16 pmPat, I don’t have Showtime, but I would of course get it if I needed to in order to see YOUR production. I was wondering about your deal with Showtime — will they have control over distribution other than Showtime? I mean, I don’t know about this stuff, but other Americans other than the Showtime viewers need to see this . . . I don’t think it should be limited to Showtime consumers.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:24 pmI didn’t know. Im not a director. Im not affiliated with Hollywood. I have never even stared in a high school play.
I was just trying to help.
More power to you anyway.
December 9th, 2007 at 6:32 pm“i”d like to see anyone of these Prada tough guys on patrol for just ten minutes”.
me too, now that would be a reality show.
you earned your balls Pat… & NOT in Hollywood… in Bagdad w/ some REAL stars.
IMHO the most brilliant (& true) work comes from a painful place… you’ll get ‘er done right. hope you’ve found your missing data & some renewed strength.
best2ya
ps: a dream w/o gasoline. a perfect description of reality for some.
December 9th, 2007 at 6:46 pm“Which leads to very large problems which could crater the Showtime deal. The resonses to my cut run along the lines of “It was very difficult and disturbing to watch, I wanted to stop looking but just couldn’t, traumatizing but mesmerizing, since Showtime’s showing that at 10 PM I literally don’t know if I could fall asleep after seeing it, it makes me very emotional about those Marines, I have so much respect for these kids, I’ve learned more about this war in 30 minutes than in 5 years of news”. To the other cut, I get, “Yeah, it shows some sad stuff, but its kind of forgettable…very polished, though…’”
“Fuck the director’s cut. How about the only product bing the director’s cut. I FINANCED THIS - I don’t owe any mohtefucker any other cut. Why have a piece of shit with my name on it for year until a “director’s cut”/ Why not do it right the first time?”
They only way to do justice to the documentary and to the pain, suffering, and honor of our Marines, is to do it like that. I like that idea.
I am sure you are weighing many things right now. I just want to encourage you and show support for doing it your way and not being forced to compromise. We can wait as long as it takes. Everyone knows you want to complete this but it has to be done your way.
In the meantime, all of us are out here spreading the word about your story, your site, and how to get involved and help. Hang tough Pat.
December 9th, 2007 at 8:15 pmIts a shame Pat doesn’t ever speak his mind. Doesn’t it seem like he is always holding something back? Maybe if he would open up he would feel better! J/K Pat!
Do whats right! (keeps these updates coming, they are so fun to read)
December 9th, 2007 at 8:23 pmhttps://pat-dollard.com/2007/12/05/airing-now-drillanwrs-cuban-food-for-thought/#comments
“Never do anything that takes anything away from them.
Never do anything that keeps you from looking any of them comfortably square in the eyes afterward.
They deserve our respect simply for picking up a gun and doing difficult things most of us could never even imagine doing … and they do it even if THEY don’t respect YOU.”
“Anti-war Hollywood (and the left) like to make us believe they don’t think the troops are “expendable” … for any reason … But why is it THEY are the first ones to use the troops/military so cheaply in their finished products?”
“I am sure Pat understands that in an industry of savage vampires and willing whores.”
December 9th, 2007 at 8:27 pmKeep the faith, brother.
December 9th, 2007 at 9:35 pmPat:
If you ever need any help editing web episodes or anything of that nature, I’d be glad to help. I’m a college student majoring in film production and I’m proficient in the time-consuming world of editing (Final Cut, Premiere, After Effects, Shake, etc).
From my limited experience, I know how stressful and time-restricting the film industry can be. I wholeheartedly support what you’re doing and loving the private thoughts part of the blog. Thanks so much for what you’re doing. I’m in NROTC, aiming for the marines - let em have it. There’s gonna be a giant shitstorm in HolyWood when this comes out, but that’s just what you need to propel YA into the spotlight.
December 9th, 2007 at 9:57 pmYea Pat, but how do you really feel about Hollywierd?
I love it man!! Keepin’ real baby! That’s why the jarheads in YA respect you. Stick to your guns!
I have Premiere Pro2 here but I’m not that proficient at it yet to be able to help out much or I’d be willing to do a few 24 hours days with you to get it done right man.
Got a question about the Showtime series, how many episode’s you making for that? Hour long? Half hour episode’s? Just wondering, if it’s not to premature.
December 9th, 2007 at 10:18 pmPat - Our job is to listen - You can complain away and we are here for you . . . Makes us feel part of the project!
December 9th, 2007 at 11:06 pmBob -
8 half hour episode to fill a two month run.
December 9th, 2007 at 11:08 pmfollow your heart Pat, it runs deep. man, you have got a great bunch of supporters , c’mon baby let the show begin!
December 10th, 2007 at 1:41 amShit Pat, that’s a ton and a half of editing I bet. To decide on only 4 hours total out of all the raw footage you probably have and with a deadline to boot, no wonder you’re a bit on edge (that and the lack of cancer sticks, perhaps? lol ). I’d hate to have to decide what to leave out and what to keep, especially when it’s all probably real important stuff you’d like to have us all see. And, of course personally, I know I want to see it all. The good news is you relate well to your new conservative video editor.
Hope you didn’t lose any film footage data, and if on a hard drive, then I hope you had at least two of them. Anymore, I don’t fuck around w/hard drives, I make 2 copies of EVERYTHING I value as soon as I’m done with it and have at least 3 hard drives at all times, especially now that they’re getting so cheap these days. I got the back up religion after a brand new drive crapped out after just 1 days and I lost some data before I could copy it all over to another drive. Data recovery is very, very expensive too and I wouldn’t trust one of those software data recovery programs to get that done correctly.
Rule of thumb for hard drives:
It’s not if they will fail but WHEN.
Much, much luck with the whole thing my man!
December 10th, 2007 at 3:03 amyou’ve been through alot Pat in making this movie. to show people the real and ugly side of war. standing shoulder to shoulder with our courageous men and women in our military..you’ve been stedfast in your miission and have faced death eyeball to eyeball..stick to your guns
December 10th, 2007 at 5:15 am8 half hour episode to fill a two month run.
—————————————————
Yoy! Half hour epis? No wonder you’re having so much hair-pulling trouble! Possibly filling hour long epis would be a hell of a lot easier to deal with (Yeah, I know … 1/2 is what Showtime is calling for …) But man, I can see how you’re having a rough time with it …
December 10th, 2007 at 6:47 amPat,
The only thing I can tell you here is that EVERYTHING will work out the way it’s supposed to. You have created a wonderful thing here! If it’s meant to be seen the way YOU want it seen, then those doors will open. You might have to kick a few of them down, and you might get knocked down yourself a few times but as long as you (and I know you will) keep getting back up and fighting the good fight, you will accomplish everything you have set out to do. Just keep doing what you are doing and everything else will fall into place as it should. Remember this, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Everything you are going through right now is setting you up for the successes you are sure to enjoy in the future.
I have to, once again, tell you THANK YOU for everything you are doing and have done for me.
Long ago when my son was deployed to Ramadi, I watched the news to determine what in the hell was going on over there. I was scared to death that there would be a knock at my door telling me my son was dead. I realized (after a week on the couch in front of the t.v.) that the MSM was NOT reporting the truth about the war, much less anything else that was going on politically, I had to seek out the truth. Thank God I found Pat. THANK YOU PAT! Thank you for telling the truth, thank you for sharing the “real” stories, thank you for being strong and sticking to your guns, thank you for opening my eyes to not only the war, but to other political issues that threaten the soveriegnty of our country.
Our son is flying in this evening at 7:39 p.m. after being in Ramadi for 15 months. It will be the first time in 3 years that he will be home for Christmas and New Years! Let’s just say it’s going to be one hell of a party!
I cannot explain the emotions that are flowing through me right now. My son is a changed man . . . long gone is innocent child, completely erased to never be seen again. I have many concerns over what the ravages of war “might” have done to our son’s mental health, and I pray that we will know what to do to help him when he needs it. Although it breaks my heart that I will never see my “innocent” child again, I can’t help but be proud to the point of popping. He and others like him, sacrificed their lives, their freedom and their liberty so we could enjoy ours back home. Ramadi is much safer now because of men like my son and those in Young Americans. They have bestowed upon us the greatest honor there is . . . Freedom. Their story needs to be told, Pat’s way.
Pat, by being who you are and doing what you do, you made my son’s deployment much easier for me to handle. You see ladies and gentlemen, even though Pat was going through hell of his own with this whole project, traveling back and forth to Ramadi to get more film, he took the time out to call me during an episode we had with our son. Pat stayed in contact with me until we knew my son was safe.
Through those conversations and communications, I learned that Pat IS a man of honor, pride and integrity. Whatever he tells you, rest assured you can take it to the bank. If these dweebs in Hollywood screw with the way Pat wants this film done, then he WILL find another way to get this film completed the way what he wants and to hell with them all.
Although you guys haven’t seen the last of me, I wanted to take this time to tell you all thank you. It’s has been wonderful reading posts and communicating with people of “like mind.” I knew you were out there somewhere and am thankful to Pat for bringing us all together.
Much respect,
December 10th, 2007 at 7:48 amRobin
Robin, not sure I agree completely with :”long gone is innocent child, completely erased”
Although he has seen and done things beyond most peoples imaginations, that man coming home is still your little boy inside. He is changed and more mature but I would guess the little things you know about him, ie favorite meals, family activities, other idiosyncrasies will be there, and the unspoken love shared between parent and child and may even be stronger now with the events you both have experienced.
No need to try and go over the top with the return, just time together is the best.
So have a good meal with him and just enjoy his return to the table.
Steve
PS
December 10th, 2007 at 8:30 am@Rockin Robin;
I had to read your comment a few times cause every time I was half way, tears started to cloud my sight.
Since 3 years, this will be the first time your son will be home for Christmas. When I read this it was like a hand grabbed for my throat.
And the way you described what Pat did in those troubled times….
We all know that Pat is having a hard time right now. But your comment could become the “center of strength” every time he feels like banging his head against the wall.
@Pat;
, touch that piece of paper.
If it is possible, print Rockin Robin’s comment and put it in your pocket. Every time you think you “lose it”
Big hug from The Netherlands to Robin, Robin’s son and Pat.
(From some one who knows what “struggle” means.)
December 10th, 2007 at 1:42 pmRobin,
Have a wonderful Christmas and tell your son that he is our hero.
Hugs.
December 10th, 2007 at 2:42 pm