Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Captain's log. 22 September 2010. 12:24 PM. It is my fourth day here at Captured Time. Several changes have occurred. My tasks have evolved. I have lost “New Guy” status to another intern. Gears are turning. A storm is brewing. Coffee is brewing. Harvey has grown a second head. Just joking on that last one. Sort of.

The third act is in motion for Dislecksia: The Movie. Earlier today, we began strategizing fund raising efforts to complete the remainder of the film, with our sights setting on Kickstarter as a possible start. For those unfamiliar, Kickstarter is an online fundraising site developed for individuals to raise money for their prospective cause. Its popularity has spread massively since its inception in 2009. We at Captured Time will soon be looking to establish our own cause for Dislecksia, and a financial goal of $15,000. You will surely hear about this in the coming weeks.

Rough editing on the film continued as well. While sifting through chapters, Paul and myself find laughs from Billy Bob Thornton as he explains his initial reason for joining drama club: escape math class because of his dyslexia—and get chicks. Harvey is quick to point out: “New Guy just laughed at that. See? That’s good stuff.” There’s rarely a dull moment here. With every session that I sit in on with Harvey and Aimee while they rough edit the film, I am continuously intrigued by the size of the dyslexic community. Actors Billy Bob Thornton and Sarah Joy Brown note that not only actors, but lawyers, doctors, and politicians are among them with regard to their learning difference—and how their learning differences allowed them to excel in their respective fields.

Continuing with what Paul wrote yesterday, Harvey and Aimee discussed planning the itinerary for the upcoming events in Indianapolis, IN, put on in conjunction with the Indiana Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, to speak about the dyslexia movement and promote the film to schools in the area. Check out information on this event at Harvey’s Facebook page.

As a part of my marketing responsibilities, I will be tracking the web-traffic from our blogs and Facebook pages to monitor our social networking ROI, so to speak. Paul and I will be working in conjunction to promote the hell out of all progress on this film. Please help us by promoting this blog and Dislecksia to your friends, family, teacher, superintendent, etc.

Change happens one hand at a time. All you need is your index finger to click. Kirk out.

Equinox

(Editor's Note: So busy celebrating the Equinox that we forgot to post this blog yesterday. Enjoy your belated reading!)

Only my second day here and I’m already sitting in on a marketing meeting, a very successful one at that. And today is the Equinox (equal parts night and day—sounds like a cooking recipe didn’t it?), the Day of Harvest if you will; could the day get any better? Harvey considered Equinox Day and this meeting as the “celebration of getting **** done.” After hours of collaborating and conversing through a phone (with such horrible static that you thought there were fifty people having a conversation, instead of five, regarding how we are going to finish financing “Dislecksia: The Movie,” I would have to agree with Harvey, there is definitely reason for celebrating. Everything has been planned accordingly, it’s all just a matter of doing from here on out.

In two weeks, Harvey and superhero side-kick, Aimee Santos, will be venturing out to Indiana and Maryland to visit IDA (International Dyslexic Association) branches to speak to schools in the area about the stigma of dyslexia. Harvey will also be speaking at public events to spread awareness by sharing his own life experiences as someone with dyslexia. You can find out more information on these events on “Dislecksia: the Movie”’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=12495081044&ref=ts). After Indiana and Maryland, it’s on to the mother ship, the IDA Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

While all of that is going on, the other infamous duo, Sir Fundraiser and Mr. Marketing (otherwise known as “The New Guys”), will be reaching out to fans and dyslexic support groups to help bring “Dislecksia: The Movie” to the masses. We will also be updating Harvey’s “Dislecksia: The MOVEMENT” journey across the country by continuing to blog, as well as add pictures and videos to Harvey’s facebook page, to track his progress on spreading awareness.

The movement is just beginning.


Paul Blood AKA Newer Guy
Production Assistant Intern

Monday, September 20, 2010

Call me the New Guy. Or as the other production intern calls me, the “newer guy.” After graduating from the University of Connecticut, I was excited to be able to start getting my hands dirty in the film business. The only question was, “where can I find a place, in Connecticut nonetheless, to start getting some hands-on experience in film production?” Fortunately, I was lucky enough to discover Captured Time Productions. I sent in my resume and a cover letter and was asked to come in.

As “New Guy 1” mentioned, Harvey is a straight shooter. When I came in for my interview, Harvey walked into the room with purpose, with his glasses on top of his head, sat down in a chair, and threw his feet up on the table. He nodded his head forward to allow his glasses to slip down into position and BAM! “Why are you here?” The interview had started.

Here I am, the new production intern at Captured Time Productions. This is my first day here and I’m already starting to soak in the ambiance that is film production. I got to sit in on a rough edit of the film that Harvey and his elves are currently working on, titled, “Dislecksia: The Movie” (Yes, Dislecksia is spelled incorrectly, that’s the point!). This film consists of interviews from dyslexia advocates, educators, and even celebrities, such as Billy Bob Thornton (Actor/Screenwriter-Sling Blade) and Joe Pantoliano (Actor-Memento) that provide insight into how people with dyslexia are motivated to not only work as hard, but even harder than people without.

Harvey’s no B.S. interviewing style closely mimics his directing style. He conceptualizes and visualizes constantly, spitting out thoughts and ideas at a rate that astounds me. He truly is a man on a mission with “Dislecksia: The Movie.” I have witnessed Harvey's passion to not only change the way dyslexics are educated today, but to also create a better learning environment for future students with dyslexia and the educators who teach them.

Not only is “Dislecksia: The Movie” a film, it is a movement. It is a movement that is taking off quickly. Just today at the office, we have been talking European and marketing strategy with foreign contacts. Harvey doesn’t have his mind simply set on changing the education system in the States, but instead, world domination. I am glad to be a part of this team and look forward to my future here at Captured Time.


Paul Blood AKA Newer Guy
Production Assistant Intern

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Call me the New Guy. Some weeks ago—never mind how long precisely, I decided that I would apply for an internship position at Captured Time Productions. I read about Harvey Hubbell V and his film “Dislecksia: The Movie.” I was interested. I applied. I came in for an interview with his coordinator, Aimee. I did not meet Harvey then. Rather, we chatted on the phone during my interview. Harvey was quick on the trigger with his questions: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years? How will you get there? What’s that special question that you have for me? Give me three ways you will market our new film—ready go.” Indeed, he was a gun slinger. Harvey made me think—and my interest had peaked.


I finally met Harvey in the afternoon of the first day at Captured Time. Until then, I felt like he was a mythical being that existed only in folklore. He poured his coffee, walked in, and said, “Hey new guy, I’m Harvey.” And so I was dubbed: New Guy. MISTER New Guy on good days. Capital letters of course, since that is my official name at the office. I believe it’s growing on me.


It is my second day here at Captured Time. After watching the rough cut of the film, I have gained a new insight into the experiences of a dyslexic—how they are different, and how their learning differences have fueled their greatest strengths. The film is comical yet it uncovers the disparities that dyslexics face in the education system. I was wowed.


After viewing the movie, I sat and watched curiously as Harvey edited a section of “Dislecksia: The Movie.” As I watch, I wonder, who is this man? What makes him tick? Why is he drinking from multiple water bottles? I watch him pace back and forth in front of me, pressing his forehead to the adjacent wall as he narrates to himself the voiceover for a clip featuring Billy Bob Thornton as it plays in the background. The man is on a mission with this film. My interest has peaked again.


I am excited to be here. Our goals for the next few months will center on securing funding to finish the remainder of the film. As a new production intern, I will be writing periodically about our progress on the film. I’m looking forward to working with the Captured Time team in the next couple of months and bringing this insightful work to the masses. It surely packs a punch.



Nick Forte AKA “New Guy”

Production Assistant Intern

Monday, November 30, 2009

Start of the Holidays at Captured Time Prod.

  After a four-day weekend filled with food, family and extreme store discounts the holiday season has begun.  The Captured Time crew is already in holiday spirit due to the growth of “Dislecksia: The Movement” this past weekend.

 As “Dislecksia: The Movie” nears completion, “Dislecksia: The Movement” is continuing to grow. We exceeded our goal of having 2,500 members in our “Dislecksia: The Movie” Facebook group by Thanksgiving with a grand total of 2,578 members! We continue to actively recruit friends so if you haven’t yet joined the group, visit http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12495081044&ref=ts to do so, and make sure you invite all your friends on Facebook as well.

 This week we will be working on our sponsorship packages, which will be available for individuals or organizations that are able to make a major donation. We hope that this opportunity will open the door to cross promotion and advertising opportunities for companies with products and learning tools for dyslexics. We can also put together a unique package to fit your specific needs. You can contact us at captime@optonline.net or 860-567-0675 to learn more.

 We also recently sent out our November newsletter to the mailing list. If you would like to join our mailing list and receive similar updates and information, please visit http://www.capturedtimeproductions.com/contact.html and fill in the required fields.

 

Thank you for your continued support! Have a very happy holiday season!

 

-Joanna C.

Production Intern 

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

My First Look at "Dislecksia: The Movie"

This weekend I was able to view “Dislecksia: The Movie” for the first time. After a week of working at the Captured Time Productions office, I had still only seen the movie in bits and pieces and was eager to see the film as a whole. For what exactly was I giving so many hours of my time away? The film certainly reaffirmed my belief that Harvey and Captured Time Productions were working towards completing an important and much-needed project.

The backbone of the documentary is Harvey’s personal journey to understand his own dyslexia and how it has shaped his life and career. Along the way, he introduces us to a gamut of characters, each of whom has a compelling story and perspective on dyslexia to share. These dyslexics, family members of dyslexics, doctors, researchers, and educational advocates are treated with respect and, in return, provide valuable anecdotal, emotional and intellectual insight into dyslexia. I laughed, cried, and learned about dyslexia in a comprehensive way. Indeed, the film manages to be informative while demonstrating genuine care and regard for the people involved.

One of the most moving moments concerned a young woman named Jovan who was graduating from a high school that serves students with reading differences. Before changing to this innovative school, Jovan had struggled. Administrators and teachers ignorant to the challenges and potential in educating dyslexics simply deemed her “stupid.” Jovan spoke of the unwavering support she had received from her mother during those hard times. Her mother had been her friend, advocate and cheerleader, and her joy at Jovan’s graduation was palpable. I was moved to tears by this story of struggle and success.

I sincerely hope that this film is made available to as large an audience as possible in order to enact the most change towards a better American educational system. With your help, this is possible. Please visit our website, www.capturedtimeproductions.com, for more information on donating or you can contact Captured Time Productions at captime@optonline.net if you have other ideas as to how you can help!

Joanna C.
Production Intern

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

First Day on the Lake for a New Intern!

Today was my first day as an intern with Captured Time Productions. Pulling into the driveway, I was sure that I had the wrong address. The office is overlooking a beautiful lake, docks jutting off its shores and trees perched along its banks. I’m not sure exactly what I had been expecting, but this was certainly not it. Much to my chagrin, I was immediately informed that we would in fact be moving to a new location in just a few weeks, taking both me and my unpaid internship away from these great views.

I then met Harvey, who introduced me and the two other newbie interns to the fast pace of the Captured Time office and to his film “Dislecksia: The Movie.” The title itself makes me chuckle and I'm very excited to be a part of the team working on this movie as it nears completion. It's an important project that sheds light on many of the complex issues facing the educational system in this country, especially with regards to learning differences like dyslexia. Perhaps it may sound like I’m sucking up to my new boss, but this isn’t just lip service!

I was certainly kept busy on my first day. My tasks included online recruiting, analyzing transcripts of the movie’s voice-overs, and researching copyright information for media appearing in the film. “Dislecksia: The Movie” has a great group of people involved with it and I look forward to getting to know everyone over the next few months and beyond. Check out our website www.capturedtimeproductions.com for pictures of our new location, to purchase some “Dislecksia: The Movie” gear, or to make a donation!

Ryan Y.
Production Intern