My name is Michael Mandaville. I am a Filmmaker, working on the “Taken” series, directing my own films and webseries. I am a Writer, finishing my own novels, non-fiction and scripts. I am a Martial Artist who has been in Kenpo Karate for the last 35+ years. I majored in Philosophy so I think too much. Together, here, I am sharing Insights, Resources and Methods for you to become your own Creative Explorer. I believe we are all Creators of our own Destiny. And Explorers of new Paths to benefit yourself, your community and humanity.
Become your own Scholar Warrior. Join Me.
What is a Creative Explorer?
- A person who would normally be a hyphenate such as a Writer-Producer-Director-Actor but has other interest that inform their primary ambition.
- A Person keenly interested in Creativity in many forms such as artistic expression as well as business entrepreneurship.
- A Polymath – but some Creative Explorer don’t like that because they don’t like math.
Am I a Creative Explorer?
- Do you see connections between various competencies or skills?
- Do you intuitively or consciously connect the dots between two skills?
- Do you like the approach away from a Specialist and toward a stronger Generalist?
Fight Scene Details
In the films that I’ve worked on like the ”Taken” series, ”American History X”, etc., the script conveyed action in a laconic manner – and was later fleshed out in relation to the actual location and shot lists. Shane Black was masterful in writing his action moments together with strong characterization.
Film Production Insurers Regroup Amid Crippling COVID-19 Losses
http://news.ambest.com/newscontent.aspx?AltSrc=104&RefNum=230926 Best's Insurance News & Analysis - January 12, 2021 10:10 AM (EST) Bullet Points - Article (Below) •Film production claims account for about 60% of entertainment losses at Allianz •A typical $50...
Curiousity: Samurai and The Mandalorian
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE - SAMURAI I love Samurai movies because they are so unique culturally, allowing me to see inside an amazing era of Japan’s rHistory. I remember seeing the ”Lone Wolf and Cub” series at the Fox Venice theater in West Los Angeles a long time ago. ...
Values in Filmmaking: Artistic Value
What are the ‘Values’ for Indie Filmmaking? When we think of ‘Values’ and Independent Film, I have seen Values that consistently show themselves in the financing and making of a Film. The challenge is that not everybody is looking at the same cards at the...
Filmmaking: Difference between DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
The more and more you understand about camera, then the more you'll be "Thinking Like a Cameraman". This focus (pun intended) will help improve your strategic efforts in planning your project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ezKmawMEUs&feature=emb_logo
Indie No Budget Distribution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b95XIREFJwo The Filmmakers made a very good trailer. They outline their experience in securing distribution for both theatrical and worldwide VOD in this article at NoFilmSchool.com....
Coronavirus Links – Restarting Production
RESTARTING MEDIA PRODUCTION - IN A COVID19 WORLD 6/17/20 INSURANCE: Insurance remains a critical question in restarting production. Production insurance covers so many unpredictable circumstances for cast, crew, sets, etc., And now Coronavirus has added one more...
Disney Stock Will Crash BigTime! Here’s Why…
Disney (DIS) stock has been cycling up and down in this volatile climate, replete with the Coronavirus, a frozen economy, a quarantined populace and considerable uncertainty for Social Public behavior for the vast majority of American consumers - the absolute vast...
Michael is in Miami reporting for Indie Brigade at the worldwide NATPE conference. NATPE is the much required short version of ”National Association of Television Programming Executives”. While the organization started as traditional television, the group now...
Facebook No Longer a Filmmaker (or Entrepreneur’s) Friend
In this article on IndieWire, the author examines how Independent Filmmakers would use the Facebook platform to leverage themselves into an audience. Producer Dan Schoenbrun, Kickstarter’s former outreach guru for filmmakers, said Facebook has become almost useless...
MIT Professor: Disconnect Me from the Internet
In this Day, when the internet supplies all the human needs, an MIT Professor suggest disconnecting from the internet. He simply no longer trusts the internet. I would not either in a number of ways. The internet can act, in many ways, like a crutch. If you don't...
Spam Tools for an Email World Gone Mad
Useful tools you may have overlooked if you run your own website and have access to CPanel. I have been receiving far too much spam email and am now fighting back more and more. The amount of time spent on this nonsense is ridiculous. I have always said that a...
Writing – Metaphor – Creation compared to the Body
In revising my novel "Journey", I am using a Technique which I call ”Thematic Realization”. In essence, I have the theme of ”The usual world thrown into imbalance.” The Style of my Novel: I was very influenced in writing this novel by my teenage hero Albert Camus as...
China Operate Nuclear SSBN (Missile Launching Subs) to Arctic?
I wrote my "Stealing Thunder" novel series based upon the premise of a surging Chinese military, including the PLAN (People's Liberation Army Navy). My predictions have come true with increased agitation between China and Japan, the Senkaku island dispute, the...
Wattpad and my new Serial Novel “Orwell”
Wattpad is a platform which allows for serialized content delivery. Much like Charles Dickens did with his novels, my content will be printed on the internet page by page or a few pages at a time. My serialized novel, "Orwell: The End of the Beginning" is up on the...
Book: “Structuring Your Novel” Recommendation
Every writer should have a shelf of books to inform, renew and guide their writing. One of the best rhythms is: "Read, Write. Read, Write. Read, Write." This is one of my best books because of its spectrum of skill from Idea to Manuscript. Structuring Your Novel...
Chinese Military Aggression against Japan
My Three part Novel series called "Stealing Thunder" (shameless plug) deals with the increasing tensions from Communist China in the South China Sea, claiming islands with claims from many other countries i.e. Vietnam, Phillipines, etc., From the article: Japan's...
Woman Surfs the Underground Paris Catacombs!
A young woman surfed through the Paris Catacombs with their watery underground passages. Alison Teal has surfed around an erupting volcano and paddled amidst garbage in the Maldives' Trash Island, but the 30-year-old Hawaii native recently proved she was indeed the...
China Claims South China Sea – Like My Novel “Stealing Thunder”
China has pushed over the last fifteen plus years to claim the South China Sea through a series of maneuvers in this strategic area.
Film Production, COVID and Insurance
I have been reading articles, talking with insurance companies, bond companies and others about insurance industry for Indie Film Productions in the US. The challenge is that Indie Films need the required insurance to cover a film when it is funded through the Indie method of Banking-Minimum Guarantees-Equity-Distributor-Completion Bond.
Fight Scene Details
In the films that I’ve worked on like the ”Taken” series, ”American History X”, etc., the script conveyed action in a laconic manner – and was later fleshed out in relation to the actual location and shot lists. Shane Black was masterful in writing his action moments together with strong characterization.
Authenticity for Artists for a Fulfilled Life. (#1 in a Series)
Being who you are creates confidence, inspires integrity and allows one to take risks. By understanding your own unique Values and Principles, you can better convey your unique understanding of the world and feel confident doing so in your Art. As Creative Explorers,...
BOOKS BY MICHAEL MANDAVILLE
MOVIES
